Blog Archive

Back pain — whether from a sports injury, arthritis, a muscle strain, or a herniated disc — is nothing short of exhausting. Back pain can make even everyday tasks hard, but did you know that the foods you eat can influence the level of inflammation in your body and potentially...

Sitting at a desk all day can exacerbate herniated disc pain, but there are several ways to manage discomfort without sacrificing work productivity. Below, the International Spine, Pain & Performance Center team shares five ways to manage herniated disc pain and what to do when you can’t find relief. 1....

Did you know how you sleep can either help or harm your back and neck? Certain sleeping positions can stress your spine and contribute to discomfort, stiffness, or long-term pain. The International Spine, Pain & Performance Center team is all about spine health, including spine health while you sleep. Read...

When you're passionate about sports, staying at the top of your game is a top priority — second to avoiding a sports injury. Whether you're a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or somewhere in between, sports medicine can be your greatest ally — and it's something the International Spine, Pain...

There's nothing quite as bothersome as neck pain. It can make the smallest tasks, such as getting dressed, painful and even impossible, but it's more than just a nuisance. Neck pain can also compromise your safety. For example, checking your blind spot while driving is difficult with chronic neck pain....

Pain is a complex and multifaceted experience that affects millions of people worldwide. Chronic pain affects about 50 million adults, and if you're one of those 50 million adults, you know that issues like back pain can significantly diminish your quality of life, affect your physical function, zap your emotional...

Back pain is a common issue affecting people of all ages — athletes and non-athletes alike. The World Health Organization estimates that the global burden of back pain will rise to 850 million by the year 2050, so if you're dealing with back pain, know that you're far from alone. ...

If you're tired of the constant pain shooting down your leg and disrupting your daily life, but you’re not ready for surgery, you’re probably wondering what options are left to treat your sciatica.  Good news: you have several options here at International Spine, Pain & Performance Center in Washington, D.C.,...

If you have knee pain, you probably already know that you need to make modifications to make your daily tasks easier 一, and exercise is no exception. However, you don't need to abandon your exercise altogether. With the right approach and modifications, you can adapt your workouts to accommodate knee...

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. It’s also a complex one with both psychological and biological risk factors.  Not only is neck pain complex, but it can also present in many different ways. Various conditions can cause burning sensations, sharp or stabbing pains, or even a...

Many people think of physical therapy as nothing more than stretches, but this isn't further from the truth. Physical therapy is an umbrella term that includes many treatments and therapies.  Don't let the myths and misconceptions about physical therapy keep you from getting the therapy you need.  Read on as...

Kegel exercises aren't your average workout, often recommended for pelvic floor health. There's more to the story — especially when it comes to addressing pelvic pain and conditions like vulvodynia.  Our team of providers at International Spine, Pain & Performance Center in Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia, reveal the truth...

Tendinitis happens when a tendon 一 a tissue that connects your muscles to your bones 一 becomes inflamed due to overuse, strain, or sports injury. Not only does tendinitis cause nagging pain, but it can also impact your day-to-day activities.  The good news is that you have many options for...

Vulvodynia is a type of pelvic pain; an estimated 16% of all women experience this at some point. Vulvodynia can be located in one specific area of your vulva (called localized vulvodynia) or widespread (generalized vulvodynia). In both cases, vulvodynia causes severe pain and burning, and it can make activities...

Migraines are not just severe headaches; they are complex neurological conditions that can be nothing short of debilitating for those who suffer from them. While many factors contribute to migraine development, including genetics and hormonal fluctuations, it's becoming increasingly clear that diet plays a significant role in triggering and alleviating migraine attacks.  But...

Are you tired of dealing with constant back pain at your office desk after long hours? If so, you're not alone. Back pain is one of the most common sources of chronic pain, and it's something that our team of providers diagnose and treat often here at International Spine, Pain & Performance Center in Washington, D.C.,...

As athletes, you may pride yourself on your resilience, but resilience shouldn't include pushing through pain and discomfort to achieve your goals. While resilience is beneficial in certain situations, ignoring or playing through knee pain can have serious consequences and hinder your long-term performance.  Our team of providers at International...

Chronic pain can come in many forms, but sports injuries, arthritis, back pain, and migraines are some of the most common sources of chronic pain. While our team of providers provides a plethora of pain management therapies 一 from nutritional counseling to injections to physical therapy  一 we want you...

Chronic hip pain 一 a debilitating condition that affects your daily life and overall well-being 一 can be addressed through many different treatment options, including both surgical and nonsurgical. However, many people seek natural methods as a first line of defense to manage their hip pain without relying heavily on medications...

In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, our team of providers wants to take this time to highlight this common (but often misunderstood) condition. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common form. It's a chronic condition that contributes to the breakdown of cartilage in your...

The term “sports injury” refers to an injury sustained while participating in a physical activity, whether an organized sport, an exercise routine, or a recreational activity such as biking. Sports injuries fall into two categories: acute and overuse/chronic. Acute injuries, such as fractures, concussions, or sprains, occur suddenly, often due...

Migraines are notorious for the debilitating pain they cause, and unfortunately, they’re not short-lived. Unlike other headaches, migraines can last up to 72 hours, turning your misery into a days-long event.  This can make it hard to perform well at work, enjoy social outings, or even complete daily tasks. If...

When you suffer from an acute knee injury, such as a fracture, you are likely to seek immediate medical care, but sometimes knee pain develops slowly over weeks or months. You might be tempted to ignore this type of pain. Just because you can push through slightly nagging knee pain...

Posture refers to how you carry your body when you sit, stand, and walk. Good posture means that your spine (from your cervical spine to your lumbar spine) is in proper alignment. Good posture can make you appear confident, improve your focus, and even boost your productivity. However, poor posture is more than...

Epidurals are often associated with childbirth, but the reality is that your epidural space is part of your anatomy, not a type of injection. This space contains small blood vessels and fat, and it’s located between a membrane called the dura mater and the vertebral wall. Administering anesthetic medication into...

When you think about your back pain, you might recall painful muscle spasms, sore joints, or even the sharp zinging pain of sciatica in your buttocks. Back pain has many causes 一 and many different treatment options 一 but there’s one thing that back pain probably doesn’t make you think of:...

Whether you’re dealing with back pain from a pulled muscle or a herniated disc, there’s no disputing one key fact: back pain is more than a nuisance. It can affect your sleep quality, work performance, and ability to enjoy everyday pleasures. Managing back pain is key to restoring your quality...

Arthritis, tech neck, and pulled muscles are three common causes of neck pain, but these are far from the only causes of neck pain. Knowing what’s causing your neck pain is the first step to finding relief.  We encourage you to seek medical care if your neck pain persists for...

Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide with about 80% of people expected to deal with back pain at some point in their lives. While some people may struggle with back pain for just a few days 一 perhaps as a muscle heals from being overworked at the gym 一 the...

Did you know that there are over 100 types of arthritis? They’re all characterized by joint inflammation and pain, but one of the most common types is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by natural wear and tear on your joints. Whether you’re dealing with a stiff knee or an achy hip, there’s...

While you might not think much about your sacroiliac joints, they serve a vital purpose: they support your upper body weight when you stand. You have sacroiliac joints on your right and left sides, and each one connects your pelvis with your lumbar spine. This joint contains the sacrum and the ilium (top part)...

Whether you’re a seasoned runner who’s explored every running trail in Arlington, Virginia, or getting ready to race your first 5K race in Washington D.C., all runners should stay vigilant when it comes to injury prevention.  Our team of providers knows just how frustrating it is when a sports injury...

There are many types of pelvic pain, and unfortunately, they can all reduce your quality of life. Vulvodynia is no exception. While it’s not an easy topic to discuss in company, an estimated 14 million women suffer from vulvodynia.  Below, our team of providers explains what vulvodynia is, seven signs you have it, and how...

Your tendons are thick fibrous cords that connect your muscles to bones, and unfortunately, tendons can become stretched, overused, and damaged. Tendon injuries are common sports injuries, affecting 30% of runners, 14% of volleyball players, and 12% of basketball players. If these tendons become inflamed, it can cause a painful...

From muscle strains to herniated discs, there are many reasons why your back might hurt, and identifying the underlying cause is the first step in finding relief. Wondering if your pain is related to sciatica? Sciatica is a common cause of leg and back pain, and it affects 4 out...

Migraines aren’t just your typical headache. Instead, a migraine is a neurological disease that affects nearly 40 million people in the United States. Migraines can be debilitating, and unfortunately, they can leave you miserable for up to 72 hours at a time.  Sometimes, though, you can mitigate migraine symptoms by...

When the stem cells are isolated and injected into diseased or damaged tissue, it can stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. If you’re considering stem cell therapy for a sports injury or to treat chronic pain, you might wonder exactly how that works. Stem cell therapy, along with platelet-rich plasma...

Your shoulder is an amazing part of your anatomy with an amazing range of motion. Your rotator cuff 一 a group of four muscles that cover the head of your humerus 一 helps to lift and rotate your arm.  You might not think much about your rotator cuff or its...

Interventional orthopedics 一 a highly specialized branch of medicine that focuses on regenerative care 一 promotes healing, improves function, and improves performance in those with back pain, joint issues, and wounds.  As interventional orthopedists, our team of providers here at International Spine, Pain & Performance Center prides itself on offering...

When it comes to treating back pain, you’ve got options! From medication to physical therapy to spinal cord stimulation to radiofrequency ablation, our team of providers here at International Spine, Pain & Performance Center is happy to offer a wide variety of treatments to help you get the relief you...

Spinal stenosis, sometimes called spinal narrowing, can put pressure on the nerves that travel through your spine. This narrowing can develop when one of three things occur. They include degeneration of the discs in your spine, arthritis in the spine and narrowing of the spinal foramina (bony openings). Often all...

Sometimes knee pain comes on suddenly after an accident or fall, but sometimes knee pain can develop slowly. As knee pain continues to worsen, it can severely limit your mobility and ability to complete daily activities. Regardless of what’s causing your pain, the multidisciplinary team here at International Spine, Pain...

Occasional back pain is not uncommon. Sore muscles or even overdoing them at the gym can lead to temporary pain. However, for 16 million Americans back pain isn’t temporary 一 and it profoundly impacts their day-to-day life. Because chronic and severe back pain is so debilitating, it accounts for 83...

Your hip joint is a ball and socket joint, and it’s one of your largest joints. You might not think much about the mechanics of your hip — until it starts to hurt. Hip pain can severely limit your mobility and keep you from the activities you love.  At International...

Compression fractures are a type of fracture that affects one of the vertebrae in your spine. Compression fractures, which can develop as a result of osteoporosis, can cause back pain and kyphosis. Untreated compression fractures can severely impact your quality of life as well as your mobility. At International Spine,...

Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, but your nutrition can also improve your sports performance. Consuming enough calories, carbohydrates, fluids, and protein can help you make positive gains in your chosen sport — whether you're a professional, amateur, or weekend warrior At...

Your spine is integral to the way you move throughout the day, and you might not think much about it until your back hurts. Cervical stenosis and lumbar stenosis are two spinal conditions that can cause pain and discomfort, and they can dramatically reduce your quality of life.  At International...

When you think about x-rays, you likely picture a still image. X-rays are useful in diagnosing broken bones and dislocated joints, but what if you need a continuous image? Continuous x-ray imaging, known as fluoroscopy, provides detailed moving images. In a way, fluoroscopy is like an “x-ray movie.”  Here at...

When most people think about hip pain, they think about the bones in the hip. Although the hips bones play a big role in supporting the weight of your upper body, bones aren’t the only components of your hips. Your hip is a complex joint that consists of bones, ligaments,...

Physical therapy has long been touted for its ability to help people with sports injuries – to both reduce pain and improve mobility. Sports injuries aren’t the only condition to benefit from physical therapy. The 250,000+ physical therapists (PTs) who work in America often collaborate to treat chronic disorders as...

Concussions are one of the most common sports injuries. Because anywhere from 1.6 to 3 million athletes sustain concussions each year in America, concussions have been dubbed a silent epidemic. If you think you’ve suffered a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention. Without proper treatment, concussions can cause lingering...

Sometimes back pain is short-lived. Maybe you overdid it at the gym, or maybe you pulled a muscle swinging your golf club. In many cases, a little rest, hot/cold therapy, and an inflammatory pain medication might be enough to ease your pain. Sometimes though, back pain is lasting. Back pain...

Spondylolisthesis may not be the easiest word to say, but when it’s translated from its Greek roots, it means “slipped spine.” Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which certain vertebrae in the spine slip down. When a vertebra slides out of place, it can rub on the vertebra below. It...

If your elbow or knee is red, swollen, and tender, you might assume you've overused your joint. You might even wonder if arthritis is at play.  Turns out, stiff, red, and swollen joints can be signs of bursitis. Experts estimate that one out of every 10,000 individuals experiences bursitis in the...

Whether you play golf, soccer, or participate in cross-country races, you want to play — not sit on the sidelines. When a sports injury occurs, it forces you to miss out on what you love. Unfortunately, over 8.6 million sports injuries are reported each year, and if you’re one of...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 20.4% of Americans struggle with chronic pain. If chronic pain forces you to lay in bed and rest, you’re not alone.   It may seem contradictory, but too much rest and inactivity can make your pain worse. Physical therapy...

Dealing with back pain? Unfortunately, back pain is very common. So common that the National Institutes of Health estimates that nearly 80 percent of adults experience back pain at some point in their life. Sometimes, back pain is caused by muscle strain or overuse, and sometimes it’s caused by more...

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give your spine much thought until something hurts. This remarkable column functions as your primary support structure, holding your body together and keeping you upright.  Adults have 33 vertebrae making up their spine, separated by pillowy cushions known as discs. The exterior...

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for calling in sick to work, and it accounts for more than 264 million lost work days every year — that’s two full work days for everyone in the country who works full-time. If you are one of the millions of...

About 15% of women of childbearing age suffer from chronic pelvic pain, which is pain below the belly button lasting for six months or more. Yet, the majority of women experiencing pelvic pain don’t seek treatment, and it’s not because their pain is bearable or it doesn’t interfere with their...

Whether you realize it or not, epidurals aren’t just used to ease pain for women about to give birth. These injections can also provide short-term pain relief for certain types of back pain.  If you are living with severe back pain, the expert providers at the International Spine Pain and...

Are you in the process of recovering from a serious injury? Are you just itching to jump back into sports or your workout, but want to be cautious about not injuring yourself again? Dr. Mehul Desai and his staff at the International Spine, Pain & Performance Center, located in Washington,...

More than four million people in the United States suffer from chronic migraines, making it the sixth most debilitating illness in the world.  Chronic migraines are often confused with regular headaches, but there are major differences. Headache pain is typically dull, sometimes moderate, and felt across the head. Migraines, on...

Think about your daily life. You may wake up, look down at your phone to check emails or social media, then get ready for the day. You go to work and sit at your desk for eight hours or so, hunched over and looking down at your keyboard. Then you...

You might expect aches and pains as you get older. After all, that wear and tear over the years has to result in some damage, right? The problem with back pain is that it can start at any age for many reasons, so tolerating pain because you think it’s normal...

Chronic back and leg pain can be hard to cope with on a day-to-day basis. It’s the little things like lifting the laundry out of the washer, reaching up for that top shelf item, and carrying the kids upstairs that can make the daily grind of living with chronic pain...

If you’re living with pain and inflammation or muscle weakness and tension, our team at International Spine, Pain & Performance Center might recommend Kinesio® Taping. This innovative therapeutic technique uses a special adhesive tape to treat a wide range of problems all over your body, from your head to your...

Arthritis is a group of degenerative diseases that affect your joints. More than 50 million American adults have some form of arthritis. It’s more common in women and older people and is the leading form of disability in the United States. Arthritis issues can range from mild to severe and...