Archive for the ‘Pain’ Category

Dr. Bahman Guyuron, Chair of Plastic Surgery at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine noted a decade ago that many patients who underwent forehead rejuvenation saw a disappearance in migraine symptoms after surgery. It was this astute observation which gave him the idea to use surgery as a means to alleviate the pain of migraines. By detecting superficial trigger sites on the muscles of the head and then removing or diminishing their affects on nerves, Dr. Guyuron has shown strong evidence that surgical manipulation of one or more migraine trigger sites can successfully eliminate or reduce the frequency, duration, and/or intensity of migraine headaches with lasting results. [via Science Daily]

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Stanford University researchers have found that regions with high concentrations of MRI machines also have increased rates of back surgery among patients who present with new back pain. Is there a problem with this? Well, perhaps, especially since we know that increased surgery rates doesn’t necessarily improve patient outcome. In fact, surgery has its risks and often times will not completely cure back pain. Between 2000 and 2005, the MRI availability in the U.S.  more than tripled, from 7.6 to 26.6 machines per 1 million people. Each machine costs more than $2 million and one low-back scan costs $1,500. Increased rates of scans and surgeries increase the total health care dollars spent on treatment of back pain, one of the most common reasons for physician visits today. [via Medical News Today]

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