Tag Archives: Perioperative Care

Sickle Cell Disease

Overview What is sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease, also called sickle cell anemia, is a hereditary condition (which means it runs in families). It causes a type of abnormal hemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells). Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood. Normal red blood cells are round and flexible. In people who […]

Shoulder Pain

What causes pain in my shoulder? A common cause of shoulder pain is soreness of the tendon (a cord that attaches a muscle to a bone) of the rotator cuff (the part of the shoulder that helps circular motion). Another common cause is soreness of the subacromial bursa (a sac of fluid under the highest […]

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Overview What is patellofemoral pain? Patellofemoral pain is a common knee problem. If you have this condition, you feel pain under and around your kneecap. The pain can get worse when you’re active or when you sit for a long time. You can have the pain in one or both knees. Causes What causes patellofemoral […]

Migraines

Overview What is a migraine headache? A migraine is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head or around the eyes. The headache gradually gets worse. Just about any movement, activity, bright lights or loud […]

Low Back Pain

Overview What is low back pain? Low back pain is a common problem for many people. It can be caused by many different things, but you can easily prevent it by learning how to improve your posture and lift and exercise correctly. Symptoms When is low back pain serious? Call your family doctor if: Pain […]

Headaches

Overview What are the types of headache? The most common types of headache aremigraines  and tension headaches. Other types of headaches include cluster and rebound headaches. What are tension headaches? Most people describe a tension headache as a constant, dull, achy feeling on both sides of the head, or like a band around the head. Some […]

Fibromyalgia

Overview What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia (say: fi-bro-my-al-gee-uh) is a syndrome (a set of symptoms) that causes pain on both sides of your body, as well as the upper half and lower half of your body. Areas called “tender points” may be especially painful when pressure is put on them. Common tender points are the back […]

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Overview What is complex regional pain syndrome? Complex regional pain syndrome is severe pain that may occur after an injury. It usually affects an arm or a leg, but it can occur in other areas of the body also. In rare cases, the syndrome develops after surgery, heart attack, stroke or other medical problem. Often, […]

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Overview What is chronic pelvic pain? Chronic pelvic pain is pain in your pelvic region (the area below your belly button and above your hips) that lasts for at least 6 months. The pain may be steady or it may come and go. It can feel like a dull ache, or it can be sharp. […]

Chronic Pain

Overview What is chronic pain? There are 2 types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain lets you know that your body is injured and usually doesn’t last long. It should go away as your body heals. Chronic pain lasts much longer. Chronic pain may last months or even years. Chronic pain may interfere with […]