Blog
Clear information about pain
Articles built on official data and current clinical guidelines, with every figure linked to its source.
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- Ankle sprain
- Injuries
- Physical therapy
Ankle sprain: what to do in the first days and how to keep it from happening again
An ankle sprain is the most common foot and ankle injury, and it can leave lasting instability if it isn't rehabilitated well. We explain what to do, when it's urgent, and what the clinical guideline recommends.
3 min read
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- Osteoporosis
- Fractures
- Bone health
Osteoporosis: the silent disease that can cause back pain and fractures
Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. women aged 50 and older has osteoporosis. We explain why it causes no symptoms until a bone breaks, who is most at risk, and how to protect your bones.
2 min read
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- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Joints
- Autoimmune
Rheumatoid arthritis: early symptoms and why early treatment matters
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints. We explain how to tell it apart, who is most at risk, and why an early diagnosis helps prevent damage.
2 min read
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- Spinal stenosis
- Back pain
- Spine
Spinal stenosis: leg pain when you walk that eases when you sit
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine that puts pressure on the nerves. We explain its typical symptoms, its causes, and treatment options from physical therapy to surgery.
3 min read
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- Gout
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
Gout: why your big toe hurts and how it is controlled
Gout affects about 9.2 million adults in the U.S. and causes attacks of intense joint pain. We explain its causes, triggers and how guidelines say to treat it.
2 min read
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- Jaw pain
- TMJ
- Facial pain
Jaw pain (TMJ disorders): symptoms and the treatments the NIH recommends
Temporomandibular disorders cause pain in the jaw, face or neck. We explain what they are, who gets them, and why it is best to start with conservative treatments.
2 min read
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- Carpal tunnel
- Hand pain
- Nerve pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome: hand tingling, causes and treatments
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes tingling, numbness and pain in the hand, especially at night. We explain who is most at risk, what you can do, and when surgery is considered.
2 min read
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- Tennis elbow
- Tendonitis
- Arm pain
Tennis elbow: why it hurts, how long it lasts and what the evidence says about injections
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow, and it doesn't only affect athletes. We explain what causes it, how to care for it, and why steroid injections aren't always the best option.
3 min read
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- Back pain
- MRI
- Diagnosis
Do I need an MRI for my back pain? What the evidence says
An MRI doesn't always help with low back pain, and many findings also show up in people with no pain. We explain when imaging is indicated and how to read the results.
2 min read
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- Hip pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Joints
Hip pain: possible causes, home care and when it is urgent
Hip pain can come from osteoarthritis, bursitis or an injury. We explain how to get oriented, what to do at home, and which signs need immediate attention.
2 min read
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- Knee pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Joints
Knee pain: common causes, home care and warning signs
The knee is the joint most affected by osteoarthritis worldwide. We explain what may be causing your pain, what to do at home, and when you need urgent care.
3 min read
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- Plantar fasciitis
- Foot pain
- Physical therapy
Plantar fasciitis: why your heel hurts on your first steps
If your heel hurts when you get out of bed, it may be plantar fasciitis. We explain how to recognize it, what you can do at home, and which treatments the 2023 clinical guideline supports.
3 min read
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- Postsurgical pain
- Chronic pain
- Surgery
Pain after surgery that won't go away: what chronic postsurgical pain is
About 1 in 10 people who have surgery develop pain that lasts months afterward. We explain what it is, which surgeries carry the highest rates, and what the options are.
3 min read
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- Shoulder pain
- Rotator cuff
- Joints
Shoulder pain: the rotator cuff, common causes and what to do
The shoulder is the body's most movable joint, which also makes it one of the most vulnerable. We explain the most common causes of pain, how to care for it, and when to see a doctor.
3 min read
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- Neuropathy
- Diabetes
- Nerve pain
Peripheral neuropathy: when diabetes causes pain and tingling in your feet
Up to half of people with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy. We explain the symptoms, the risks to your feet, and the options for easing the pain.
2 min read
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- Sciatica
- Back pain
- Herniated disc
Sciatica: why your leg hurts, how long it lasts and when it is urgent
Sciatica causes pain that travels from the lower back down the leg. We explain its most common causes, what helps recovery, and the warning signs that need immediate care.
2 min read
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- Sleep
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
Sleep and chronic pain: how they affect each other and what science says
Poor sleep can make pain feel worse, and pain makes it hard to sleep. We review the evidence and a science-backed therapy that can help break the cycle.
2 min read
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- Neck pain
- Posture
- Cervical pain
Neck pain: common causes, home care and when to see a doctor
Neck pain affects more than 200 million people worldwide. We explain its most common causes, what you can do at home, and which signs mean you should get checked.
2 min read
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- Mental health
- Chronic pain
- Therapy
Chronic pain and mental health: why treating both makes a difference
Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults with chronic pain has symptoms of anxiety or depression. We explain how the two are linked and which therapies the evidence supports.
3 min read
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- Chronic pain
- Data
- Public health
Chronic pain in the United States: what the latest CDC numbers say
Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults lives with chronic pain. We walk through the official 2023 data by age, sex and where people live, and what it means for you.
3 min read
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- Car accidents
- Neck pain
- Whiplash
Pain after a car accident: what to know about whiplash
More than 2.4 million people are injured in U.S. traffic crashes every year. We explain what whiplash is, how it usually progresses, and why it is worth getting checked early.
3 min read
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- Back pain
- Low back pain
- Clinical guidelines
Low back pain: causes, warning signs and what the WHO recommends
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. We explain its causes, when to see a doctor, and which treatments the first WHO guideline supports.
3 min read
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- Migraine
- Headache disorders
- Headache
Migraine and headaches: types, numbers and when to get help
Headache disorders affect about 40% of the world population. We review the most common types according to the WHO and the treatment options guidelines support.
2 min read
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- Treatments
- Opioids
- Clinical guidelines
Treating chronic pain without opioids: what the CDC guideline says
The CDC's 2022 clinical guideline prefers nonopioid therapies for chronic pain. Here are the options it supports for each type of pain.
3 min read
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- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain
- Treatments
Fibromyalgia: symptoms, diagnosis and treatments that help
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue and sleep problems. Here is what the NIH says about its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and what a good treatment plan combines.
3 min read
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- Arthritis
- Joints
- Physical activity
Arthritis and joint pain: why moving is part of the treatment
More than 53 million U.S. adults have diagnosed arthritis. Here is what CDC data shows and how physical activity helps reduce pain.
2 min read
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