Many people choose to utilize dietary supplements for a variety of reasons. While some dietary supplements can help you to get the appropriate amounts of nutrients and vitamins outside of your diet, supplements cannot (and should not) replace a healthy diet. They can work in conjunction with your diet to improve your overall health and […]
Best Exercises for Back Pain and Sciatica Everyone is likely to experience back or sciatica pain at some point throughout their life. Back pain can make it very difficult to go about life as usual and many patients ask us how they can cure their pain quickly. The majority of the time, our back pain […]
Diagnosing and Treating Coccydynia or Tailbone Pain Coccydynia, also known as persistent pain in the tailbone, is typically a localized pain that worsens when sitting or engaging in activities that involve putting additional weight or pressure on the end of the spine. Dr. DeCaria, an anesthesiologist and pain physician in Evanston, IL and Glenview, IL […]
Balance is the key element when it comes to cortisol, a hormone produced in your adrenal glands. Cortisol performs many vital functions, including: Reducing inflammation Regulating blood pressure Metabolizing glucose Assisting with circadian rhythm regulation Formulating memories Many of these tasks contribute to cortisol’s role in controlling the “flight or fight response.” When your body […]
The relationship between our gut microbiome and various neurological diseases and chronic pain has received increasing attention. The gut microbiome is a crucial modulator of certain types of pain such as visceral pain. Recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota play a critical role in many other types of chronic pain, including inflammatory pain, headache, and […]
“Sciatica pain” is the result of inflammation or irritation of a nerve that causes shooting pain down one or both legs. Often times, people refer to radicular pain, or irritation of a spinal nerve root, as sciatica even though it is not the actual sciatic nerve that is inflamed. The sciatic nerve begins in the […]
Hip pain is a common concern for many people, however it can be due to a myriad of factors. Dr. DeCaria has effectively treated hip pain from many different conditions through her unique and innovative approach that blends conventional medicine with integrative and functional medicine. The exact location of your hip pain indicates important information […]
“A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.” Irish proverb Here’s an unfortunate irony: We all need a good night of sleep more than ever to effectively cope with the challenges of these often-stressful times. However, research shows that an increasing number of people are experiencing sleep disturbances since […]
Recent years have seen a growing awareness of mental health issues, and, thankfully, more open conversations about addressing psychological challenges. However, many people remain unaware of new, exciting research on the connection between gut health and mental health. The connection between your digestive system and your brain can have a profound influence on your mental […]
Chronic headaches or migraines can make it a challenge to get through basic, everyday tasks. Often, these headaches or migraines can be indicative of an underlying condition or issue, while other times there is no clear reason. It is important to discuss all of your symptoms and experiences with Dr. DeCaria to determine the best […]
Nerve pain, or neuropathy, is a common nervous system condition which brings discomfort and many challenges for those who suffer from it. The cause of neuropathy varies by person; however, you are not alone. More than 20 million Americans have nerve pain. Neuropathic pain comes in many different forms and shoots in a nerve distribution, […]
Tension headaches are very common and often feel like there is a tight headband wrapped around your head, which is not comfortable at all! Tension headache pain can make it very challenging to go about regular activities and can cause a lot of frustration. Fortunately, there are several ways to address tension headache pain. It […]
When a muscle cannot relax, a trigger point forms. This could be due to a variety of reasons. Perhaps your body has an imbalance, or you have been spending hours in a non-ergonomic work space, or even possible you just slept in the wrong position – all of these can lead to muscle pain. Inflamed […]
‘Tis the season for joy, togetherness, and celebration – but also stress. Despite the festive, happy images we are bombarded with in the media, many people find the holidays a difficult time. Financial pressures, loneliness, shorter and darker days are just some of the factors that contribute to a rise in depression and anxiety during […]
Functional medicine and integrative medicine have been quickly gaining popularity in recent years. Both disciplines are highly regarded by world-renowned health care practitioners, such as Dr. Mark Hyman and Dean Ornish, and functional medicine has found a home in many renowned medical centers, such as Cleveland Clinic. Many believe functional and integrative medicine are the […]
Neck pain is an extremely frustrating, debilitating experience that can even lead to headache pain or shooting pain down the arm. Many patients often ask us how they can cure neck pain quickly but also how they can prevent neck pain in the future. Incorporating certain stretches and exercises into your lifestyle can take just […]
Chronic migraine headaches can make it difficult to go about your day normally. If you suffer from painful, recurring migraines, you have likely already tried to seek relief from a variety of medications and treatment options that offered little to no success. Dr. DeCaria has effectively treated migraine headaches stemming from many different conditions through […]
What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a common widespread pain condition that is more prevalent among women, although it can occur in men as well. This condition is typically marked by increased sensitivity to touch and pain, anxiety, morning stiffness, and widespread pain. Fibromyalgia is presently understood as a disorder of central sensitization, meaning that the […]
Acupuncture is a safe and effective option to manage all sorts of pain, including chronic back pain, headaches, neck pain, and much more, in an effort to improve your quality of life. Acupuncture is a practice of ancient Chinese medicine that involves gently inserting hair-thin needles into the skin in order to stimulate the muscles, […]
While most of us experience knee pain at some point throughout our lives, it should not be an added burden to live with. Unfortunately, knee pain is very common, especially as we get older, and could come from numerous underlying reasons. Dr. DeCaria, an anesthesiologist and pain physician in Evanston, IL and Glenview, IL has […]
Getting a good night’s sleep is really important to improve overall well-being in patients suffering from chronic pain. It is very important to practice proper sleep hygiene, particularly if you struggle to either fall asleep or stay asleep. The following are nine tips to improve your sleep quality. Develop a routine. Go to sleep at […]
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is one of the most challenging and debilitating conditions I treat as a chronic pain physician. There are two types (Type I and Type II) and they differ based on the absence or presence of known nerve damage. This particular pain syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning we arrive […]
So your doctor has asked you to keep a pain diary after an injection, or perhaps you’ve been asked to chronicle your pain on an initial visit to your doctor and you’re stumped.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) can be found in foods such as liver, broccoli, and spinach. It is an essential cofactor for mitochondrial metabolism that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
The etiology of back pain is often multifactorial. There are all sorts of causes: muscles, ligaments, nerve roots, discs, and these pesky little things known as facet (zygapophysial) joints.
Pilates is an exercise regimen developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It is an exercise program utilizing low-impact exercises to improve postural alignment, core strength, and balance.
Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for many patients suffering from chronic pain. Through the various poses and deep breathing, it also has substantial mind-body benefits.
People with arthritis often claim they can predict when rainy days are coming, based on the pain in their joints. But is it true or based on folklore? Studies support a variety of weather factors can causes physiologic changes in joints, particularly changes in weather.
For your safety, please check the quality of the dietary supplements and vitamins you purchase. Also remember to discuss any supplements you take with your doctor as some can interact with your other medications.
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We are available to see new and existing patients both in our office and via telemedicine. We are following strict guidelines per the CDC and other governing bodies in order to minimize risks. We are seeing patients one at a time and no longer using our waiting room. Additionally, we have implemented enhanced preventative health measures, including masks, frequent disinfecting, and cleaning to decrease the spread of Covid-19. Dr. DeCaria and her entire office staff are fully vaccinated. We look forward to seeing you soon!
