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Continue reading →: IntroductionWelcome to the Musculoskeletal Pain Blog! As a primary care sports medicine physician (a doctor who treats bone, muscle, and joint problems without surgery), I see patients of all ages and ability levels who are troubled by pain. They want to know what they can do to feel better. They frequently ask questions…
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Continue reading →: Understanding Pain ResearchWhen people are asked what their goals are for treating musculoskeletal conditions, they often respond, “To be pain-free.” This is logical. Pain is uncomfortable. It can represent a deviation from our norm. It makes us move and behave differently, ruining previously enjoyable activities. Naturally, we want to get rid of pain. In many cases, to…
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Continue reading →: Managing Pain: Embracing Realistic Treatment GoalsMany patients report their goal for treatment is to be “pain-free.” Huge amounts of money and effort have been spent to create a painless state, and the search will continue for the therapy to end all suffering. Perhaps someday we will get there, and I fault no one for striving to…
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Continue reading →: Impact of Substance Use on Musculoskeletal HealthI believe if we love and respect our bodies, they will love and respect us back. Let’s review the biblical story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. After being taken captive into Babylon, these four Jewish boys were brought to the king’s house and offered the king’s meat (probably pork) and wine. Wanting…
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Continue reading →: Free Medicine: The Power of ExerciseThe next time you visit a pharmacy, take a moment and contemplate the vast rows of clean white bottles lining the shelves. Consider their potential benefits. Then ponder their potential complications. Think of what is said every time a new medication is advertised on TV: “If you experience bloating, lightheadedness, dizziness, constipation, chest…
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Continue reading →: Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal PainKing among non-invasive approaches for musculoskeletal pain is physical therapy (PT). Consider this option like a tune-up; if the machine is not running well, it likely needs to have some bolts tightened, rough spots smoothed out, and parts realigned. A physical therapist’s job is to perform a thorough assessment of the…
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Continue reading →: The Miracle and Messiness of AcetaminophenAcetaminophen (“paracetamol” in Europe and brand name “Tylenol”) is an omnipresent force in pain relief at almost every level of healthcare. It is inexpensive, readily available, and generally well-tolerated. It is the most widely used medication in the world, and many medical societies list it as a first-line option to relieve suffering. …
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Continue reading →: Understanding NSAIDs: Benefits and Risks ExplainedNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac (Voltaren), meloxicam (Mobic), and celecoxib (Celebrex) have been around for thousands of years and treated the pain of millions. One may consider them “origin medicines” as their predecessors are mentioned in the writings of Hippocrates and the great…
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Continue reading →: Corticosteroid Injections for Musculoskeletal PainProbably the most requested treatment in my clinic is a “cortisone shot,” and it is a testament to the power of marketing that this term is still used. Cortisone is a form of medication called a “corticosteroid,” the most injected substance for relief of pain and swelling from degenerative joint diseases. …
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Continue reading →: Hyaluronic Acid: A Strong Choice for Knee OsteoarthritisHyaluronic acid is a chemical found in many tissues of the body; you are probably familiar with its inclusion in many creams and pills touted for their beautifying qualities. It was first isolated from cow’s eyes in 1934 and given the name “hyalos” based upon the Greek word for glass. Not…
My name is
Jake Miller, MD
I have been caring for people with musculoskeletal pain for a decade. It’s time to put the knowledge of treatment options and outcomes in your hands. Let’s discover ways to feel better and have some fun doing it!
The views expressed herein do not represent those of my employer. They also should not be used as a substitute for medical care. Please meet with your healthcare provider to determine appropriate diagnosis and treatment plans.
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