Would you Walk a Mile to Fight Child Abuse?

Join AZ Pain Centers and Hope & A Future for the Strikeout Child Abuse Walk!

Date: Saturday, April 9, 2011

When/Where:
Check-In for the Walk starts at 3:00 p.m.
Civic Space Park
424 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Northwest corner of Van Buren and Central Avenue

Walk begins at 3:45 p.m. The Diamondbacks game begins at 5:10 p.m.

Registration Fee:  $29.11

On April 9th, Hope & A Future will be hosting its 2nd Annual Strike Out Child Abuse Walk.  The walk is designed to combat child abuse through public awareness and financial support of programs that benefit Arizona foster children.

The event kicks off with a brief 1-mile family walk through downtown Phoenix and ends at Chase Field in time for participants to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Cincinnati Reds.

Participants must register online using the link below. 

The $29.11 participation fee includes:

  • Participation in the Strike Out Child Abuse Walk
  • A ticket to the Diamondbacks game                                                                   
  • A hot dog and  a soda
  • An event T-shirt
  • A chance to get in on a raffle for items such as golf packages, spa outings, and dinner at some of the finest restaurants in Phoenix.


Shadow Walker
If you are unable to participate in the walk, you can still make a difference by registering as a shadow walker.  As a shadow walker we’ll miss you on the day of the walk, but your registration fee of $29.11 will still help combat child abuse and we’ll mail you a T-shirt from the walk.  Also, you’ll still be able to create a fundraising page to raise money to help Arizona foster children!

Game Day Tickets Only
Perhaps you just want a ticket to the game, but don’t want to participate in the walk.  By purchasing your ticket for $29.11, your proceeds will still be helping Arizona foster Children. You can purchase tickets by registering for the walk at the link below and selecting the Tickets-Only option.  We will mail your tickets to you before the date of the game.

Corporate Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities are available, enabling the business community to give hope to Arizona foster children through financial support and employee participation.

To participate as a walker, a Shadow Walker, or purchase tickets to the baseball game, click here.

If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, please visit this link.

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March 21, 2011

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Traits of a Cluster Headache

A typical cluster headache cycle, for an episodic sufferer, most commonly appears during seasonal changes. The attacks generally last 6 – 8 weeks, having anywhere from 2 – 10 intense attacks a day, each one lasting (usually) between 30 minutes and two hours.

For many, the first signal of an impending attack is the presence of Horner’s Syndrome which is a drooping of the eyelid and dilation of pupil on the affected side of the face. The pain quickly escalates from no pain to unbearable pain in 5 to 10 minutes and then subsides in the same manner it started, unbearable pain to no pain in 5 to 10 minutes. Attacks generally happen at the same time each day like clockwork. Attacks usually escalate from 0 to 6 or 7 (on the Kip scale) for the first day or two of the cycle, then 0 to 8 or 9 for the next few weeks, hitting 10 level pain directly at the peak of the cycle. The number and intensity of attacks increase steadily until the apex of the cycle is reached, bringing  the most number of attacks per day with the highest level of pain. The attacks then gradually start to diminish until the cycle is completely gone and the sufferer is in remission until the next cycle. Remission periods are completely unique to each sufferer, but generally range anywhere from six months to five years.

For chronic sufferers, however, the cyclical pattern is absent and the attacks persist throughout the year. The intensity of each attack varies randomly. Remission for chronic sufferers for longer than a 14 day period is very rare, more usually, only a few days at a time.

During a cluster attack, blood pressure elevates, heart rate increases, the body overheats, a ganglion lump on the back of the neck is quite common which becomes inflamed during an attack and diminishes when the attack subsides. Intolerance to light and sound is much more common with migraine sufferers than cluster sufferers, although some do report the same sensitivity and prefer to be in a quiet dark place to be alone, however, remaining motionless or falling asleep during a cluster attack is NOT POSSIBLE.

There is quite often nasal congestion and tearing from the eye on the side of the head that is being attacked. Attacks are usually unilateral (one-sided). Attacks normally occur on the same side of the face each cycle. Attacks very rarely “switch sides” in the middle of a cycle, but have been known to “switch sides” between cycles (right side one cycle, then left side the next cycle).

The pain is centered more on the face than on the rest of the head, specifically the eye, cheek, sinuses (which is why they are so often misdiagnosed as sinus infections). The sufferer can not function normally during an attack and quite often prefers to be left alone in order to deal with their pain. The attack commonly and regularly wakes victims from a sound sleep. The pain has been compared to amputation without anesthetic. Many mothers who are cluster sufferers describe it as a pain much worse than natural childbirth.

Quite often for a migraine sufferer, the slightest motion during an attack can be nauseating and they cannot tolerate any light or sound. It is rare that a true cluster sufferer can remain motionless during an attack because of the intensity of the pain.  Contrary to migraines, kicking, thrashing, pacing, rocking and banging the head are common during an attack. Vomiting is not a common episode for most, unless it is a side affect of medication.

Contrary to some beliefs, there has yet to be determined a stereotypical cluster sufferer. The incidence is higher in men than in women but generalities are difficult to establish. Please consult your health care provider (preferably a neurologist) to accurately diagnose your symptoms. Self diagnoses of your headaches can be very dangerous. Drug interactions and over medication from self diagnoses can be life threatening.

Health care professionals are gradually becoming more informed about cluster headaches, but please be honest about your symptoms so that your professional has a better chance of offering accurate treatment to ease your pain.

At AZ Pain Centers, our unique treatment approach has helped thousand who suffer from Cluster Headaches.  Give us a call today and schedule a complimentary consultation and get started on your way to a PAIN-FREE life.

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March 10, 2011

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What is Chronic Pain Syndrome?

Chronic pain syndrome (CPS) is a very complex and challenging condition to many healthcare providers as it can have many different reasons for its existence in an individual suffering from chronic pain syndrome.
Pain, itself, is the most common reason for individuals to see their doctor or medical professional while about 35% of individuals in the nation suffer from some type of chronic pain.
Over forty-eight million in this country alone are not able to function normally as a result of some type of debilitating form of chronic pain.
Ultimately, chronic pain syndrome is pain which lasts longer than 6 months, sometimes only a few months according to some doctors.
Chronic pain syndrome can consist of many different symptoms and can be hard for medical professionals to figure out at first due to the many different systems in the human body which could be causing the chronic pain syndrome at the same time.
The root of chronic pain syndrome could be physical as well as neurological in many cases.
After years of research, medical professionals have found that chronic pain syndrome is more commonly developed in individuals suffering from psychological syndromes such as depression, hypochondriasis, somatization disorder and more.
Individuals suffering from chronic pain syndrome usually experience more negative effects due to lack of sleep quality and depression moreso over the intensity of pain, anxiety or duration thereof.
Statistically speaking, it is more likely for women to report heightened levels of chronic pain syndrome than that of men.
According to past medical research, chronic pain syndrome and the associated symptoms are usually a direct result of a past injury or experience which cause the amplified pain and/or sense of loss, fright or negative experience within oneself which can cause the lasting elements in chronic pain syndrome such as that of chronic burning pain or RSD which is in all actuality a neurological disorder associated with chronic pain, or CPS.
It is also important to recognize that stress is oftentimes one of the leading amplifiers of chronic pain syndrome and this stress alone often will cause chronic pain syndrome to flare up in a worsened manner.
Post traumatic stress as well as other types of physical, emotional or mental stress all contribute to chronic pain syndrome in that the sense of pain will increase as a result of the actual severity of the level of stress.
In reference to stress being one of the major culprits in chronic pain syndrome and its symptoms, another problematic condition as a direct result and vice versa is depression.
The symptoms of chronic pain syndrome can be quite debilitating and as a result cause an individual to perform less daily activities and ultimately experience symptoms of depression as a result.
These symptoms, if left untreated, can cause lengthened symptoms of chronic pain syndrome and an individual experiencing these symptoms should consult with their medical professional or seek medical guidance on the matter of depression and chronic pain syndrome.
Overall, chronic pain syndrome is pain which lasts longer than it ‘normally’ takes for an injury to heal. It is usually because of an additional condition due to the experience of the traumatic event or injury which causes a longer-than-usual painful experience with chronic pain syndrome.
We recommend doing more research on what is available for you and taking advantage of these treatments along with your medical professional’s guidance.  If you would like to find out more about how thr professional’s at AZ Pain Centers can help, contact us today.

Reference – chronicpainsyndrome.net

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February 17, 2011

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Arthritis – What Causes the Pain?

It’s no secret to any person with arthritis that pain comes with the territory. But what makes arthritis so painful? Here is a list of a few contributing factors:

  • Arthritis causes painful inflammation (swelling) of the joints.
  • Arthritis — over time — damages joint tissue, causing additional pain.
  • Arthritis leads to a feeling of fatigue, which makes pain feel worse and more difficult to manage.
  • Arthritis can lead to symptoms of stress or depression, making you focus more on pain and lament not being able to do the things you once enjoyed.

Arthritis is the name for a fairly large group of conditions involving joint damage and pain. There are many different causes of arthritis but the most common are the three listed below.

Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is usually caused by trauma, although there is some evidence of a genetic factor. The most common type of arthritis and the leading cause of chronic disability in the United States, osteoarthritis can also be caused by joint infection. In addition, the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation and damage along with anemia. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not known, though it is significantly more common in women, cigarette smokers, and Native Americans. It is also linked to the inherited tissue type major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen HLA-DR4.

Gout arthritis is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints. It may be a primary syndrome or secondary to conditions including diabetes, hemolytic anemia, hypertension, leukemia, metabolic syndrome, and renal disorders. Primary gout can be caused by a diet high in protein, fat, and alcohol, or by chronic lead poisoning.

At AZ Pain Centers, we see patients everyday that suffer from the various forms of arthritis.  Our low dose steroidal treatment has relieved thousands from the pain associated with this debilitating condition. Give us a call today and let us help you.  623-889-PAIN.

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February 8, 2011

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Weight and Fibromyalgia – Is there a connection?

A new study in The Journal of Pain reports there is close association between obesity and disability in fibromyalgia patients.

Past research suggested that obesity is a common comorbidity and may be related to the severity of FM.  The purpose of this study, conducted by University of Utah researchers, was to evaluate the relationship between FM and obesity in four specific FM-related domains: hyperalgesia, symptoms, physical abilities and sleep. 

Study Design and Results

A total of 215 FM patients took part in the study – 47% were obese and an additional 30% were overweight.  Participants completed a set of self-reported inventories to assess FM-related symptoms.  They also underwent a tender point examination, physical performance testing, and a 7-day home sleep assessment. 

The results showed a significant relationship between obesity and…

  • greater pain sensitivity to tender-point palpation, particularly in the lower body areas
  • reduced physical strength and impaired flexibility in the lower-body
  • shorter sleep duration
  • greater restlessness during sleep

The researchers concluded that obesity is a prevalent comorbidity of fibromyalgia and may contribute to its severity.  They added that weight management may need to be part of FM treatment. 

If you or someone you know are experiencing the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, give AZ Pain Centers a call.  The physicians at AZ Pain Centers have treated thousands who suffer from chronic pain resulting from Fibromyalgia. 

Source: Journal of Pain 2010 Dec; 11(12):1329-37

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January 17, 2011

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AZ Pain Centers Welcomes U of A Partnership

The relationship between the AZ Pain Centers and University Medical Center’s program centers on chronic pain and the abdominal transplant program. Chronic pancreatitis is a source of nawing pain in the abdomen or stomach area and in the central back area. The pancreas is a gland that sits just behind the stomach. It has two functions. It is triggered by food that is eaten to create and empty juices called enzymes into the intestine to digest food. It also has cells called islet cells that produce insulin to control blood glucose or sugar levels. In chronic pancreatitis, juices or enzymes from the pancreas are activated before leaving the pancreas and proceed to digest the pancreas itself causing the pain. As the pancreas sits just in front of the spine the pain can be felt most severely in the back.
Eventually, with increasing destruction, the pancreas loses the ability to produce enzymes and the islet cells in the pancreas are also imagedestroyed resulting in diabetes. In the words of Dr. Kahn, Medical Director at the U of A Medical Center “While at the University of Arizona we can provide methods to diagnose and treat chronic pancreatic disease including transplantation, we rely on AZ Pain Centers for their expertise in understanding and treating pain. It is important not only to diagnose the disease process but also to understand the pain and apply appropriate treatment modalities. With their expertise we can rely on AZ Pain Centers to give us a clear idea of the nature of the pain and how it can be treated ultimately helping us to treat these patients. Sometimes the assessment by AZ Pain Centers or response to treatment can help us by considering alternative diagnosis where the situation is not clear.”

What are some of the warning signs or things that people should be aware of, such as abdominal pain. Chronic pain in the stomach or back area can be due to many different illnesses so it is important to have a thorough evaluation. On the other hand if the pain in the abdomen occurs suddenly in someone who was previously well, there are yet other potential serious disorders such as acute appendicitis and medical advice should be sought as an emergency. Diarrhea and gas are features of pancreatic failure and malabsorption after long standing chronic pancreatitis but can be features of other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Severe nausea can accompany disorders of the pancreas and may be related to dysfunction of the stomach.

“Our goal is to minimize the narcotics transplant patients are taking before and after their surgeries.  With our success of treating chronic pain, we look forward to helping these patients start to live a virtually pain-free life.  We are excited to produce a standard to treat abdonimal pain and work with such an accedible medical facility as U of A Medical Center,” says AZ Pain Centers Medical Director, Dr. Cecil Graham.

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January 11, 2011

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AZ Pain Centers Presents “Night at the Movies”

On January 27th, 2011, Hope & A Future will be partnering with Harkins Movie Theatres, AZ Pain Centers and Arizona Association of Chiropractic to host the 1st Annual “Night at the Movies” fundraiser to benefit Arizona’s foster children. Join us at 6:30pm on at the Harkins Theater at Tempe Marketplace where you will enjoy food, a silent auction and meeting special guests, including Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. At 8pm, let the movie begin!  

“We are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful evening that will help children throughout the state,” says AZ Pain Centers CEO and co-founder, Cindy Gollihar.

All funds generated by this event benefit Hope & A Future’s Teen Reach Adventure Camp and LIFE 360, a year-round life skills program for foster children, ages 16-20. Tickets are $50 each and the proceeds will provide hope to Arizona foster children throughout 2011. Take advantage of this tax deductable contribution and please help and go to

http://azhope.com/fundraising/harkins.php

 We’ll see you AT THE MOVIES!

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January 7, 2011

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