Blog Archive
About 2.4% of women and men suffer from peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that affects the nerves that lie outside of the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord). For people with diabetes, that number is much higher, with some data estimating nearly half will have neuropathy symptoms at some point as...
Fibromyalgia affects thousands of Americans, causing symptoms like musculoskeletal aches and pains, fatigue, poor sleep, and problems with memory. Although the specific cause isn’t known, researchers believe fibromyalgia happens when the body doesn’t process pain signals correctly. At Berkower Pain & Spine Rehabilitation in Pembroke Pines, Florida, David Berkower, DO, helps patients manage fibromyalgia with...
Nearly a quarter of American adults have arthritis that’s been diagnosed by a doctor. Symptoms often include joint pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Since arthritis affects the joints, it’s easy to understand why movement can be affected. But, what a lot of people don’t know is that arthritis...
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects nearly 40 million Americans. While most people know that diabetes affects blood sugar, many don’t understand the toll it can take on the nerves. In fact, diabetic neuropathy is very common, affecting as many as 51% of those who have diabetes. At Berkower...
Roughly 20% of Americans suffer from chronic pain, with symptoms that affect their lives daily or almost daily. While medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy can help, these options aren’t always effective in relieving pain and helping people regain their quality of life. At Berkower Pain & Spine Rehabilitation in...
Radiculopathy is a relatively common type of pain that happens when a nerve in or near the spine is compressed. Without treatment, radiculopathy can become debilitating, and it can even lead to permanent nerve damage and disability. Learning to recognize radiculopathy’s symptoms is important for making sure you get treatment...
Nearly a quarter of all adults in the United States have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, along with the painful symptoms it causes. While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is by far the most common, which is caused by wear and tear inside the joint. Not surprisingly, that...
More than 30% of Americans experience neck pain in any given year. While traumatic injuries, such as car accidents, are one cause of neck pain, many people develop neck symptoms as a result of lifestyle habits that strain and stress the neck joints and surrounding muscles. At Berkower Pain & Spine Rehabilitation in Pembroke Pines, Florida, David...
Millions of people are injured every year in auto accidents on American roadways, suffering from injuries ranging from mild to severe. Some accidents can cause long-term or lifelong disability in addition to a devastating financial burden. Being involved in an accident can be a nerve-racking event, and many people aren’t sure...
More than 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that affects the nerves outside of your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Peripheral neuropathy is especially common among people with diabetes, but there are other causes, too. At Berkower Pain & Spine Rehabilitation in Pembroke...
Low back pain is a common medical complaint, affecting as many as 65 million American adults at any given time. About 16 million Americans suffer from low back pain that’s chronic, which is pain that persists or recurs and may interfere with daily activities. David Berkower, DO, of Berkower Pain & Spine Rehabilitation in Pembroke Pines,...
Every year, millions of people suffer neck injuries, including whiplash, a relatively common injury most often associated with car accidents, falls, and sports injuries. In fact, every year in the United States, about 841,000 people seek hospital treatment for whiplash injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. Whiplash may be relatively common, but it can...
Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints in the United States, with about 16 million Americans suffering from pain that’s either continuous or recurrent. A lot of that pain is due to back strain that could have been prevented with just a little extra effort. As a leading provider of holistic,...
Your nervous system is always hard at work, helping you breathe, digest food, feel the sunshine, and even move your eyes so you can read this blog post. Yet as essential as this network of nerves is to your health and wellness, most of us don’t give it much thought...
When you’re dealing with chronic pain, it can feel like no one else knows what you’re going through. But in fact, more than 50 million American adults are right there with you, suffering from regular or recurrent pain that can take a big toll every day. Lots of issues can cause chronic...
Whiplash is a common neck injury, affecting about 2 million Americans every year. While most whiplash injuries are associated with car accidents, they can also happen because of falls, sports injuries, and other events that cause your neck and head to “snap” back and forth. In fact, it’s that “snapping” motion that gives whiplash...
Roughly 16 million American adults suffer from chronic lower back pain, with symptoms that take a toll on their lives every day. The lower back is involved in lots of activities, which is why even “mild” discomfort can have a major effect on a person’s well-being. Lots of factors can...
Nearly 60 million Americans have arthritis that’s been diagnosed by a doctor, and many more suffer from the symptoms without seeking medical care. More than 20 million American adults have some form of neuropathy, which is nerve injury or damage that causes pain, tingling, numbness, and other nerve-related problems. Both arthritis and neuropathy...
About 4 million American adults suffer from fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that can cause widespread aches and pains, fatigue, sleep issues, memory problems, and even depression. Although there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, there are ways to treat it, including making dietary changes. At Berkower Pain & Spine Rehabilitation in Pembroke...
Lots of issues can cause lower back pain. However, if your back pain is accompanied by pain that radiates into your leg or buttock, there’s a good chance you have sciatica. Sciatica is a common cause of nagging back pain, and it affects up to 40% of people at some...
Losing weight isn’t easy, but dropping extra pounds does come with a lot of health benefits, such as decreasing your risk of suffering a herniated disc. A common cause of back and neck pain, a herniated disc happens when a disc tears and the inside of the disc pushes out...
About 4 million American adults suffer from fibromyalgia, many with symptoms so severe and persistent that they make everyday activities difficult and painful. As a chronic medical condition, fibromyalgia requires ongoing medical care. The key to feeling better is learning to recognize the signs of fibromyalgia so you can begin...
Lower back pain is one of the most common medical complaints for both women and men, in part because we use our lower back for so many activities. What’s important is to know when home care is OK and when it’s time to see a doctor. At Berkower Pain &...
Roughly 3% of workers suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses every year in the United States, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s almost 3 million employees who develop some type of injury or illness as a result of their job. Considering the high cost of...
Muscle soreness is a pretty common medical complaint, typically happening after a period of extreme exercise or strenuous physical activity. And in those cases, discomfort usually resolves on its own after a day or two of rest. But not all muscle pain is caused by overexertion. If you have fibromyalgia,...
More than 2 million Americans suffer whiplash injuries each year. If you’re one of them, you might be wondering what to expect from your injury — and if it will heal on its own. The fact is, whiplash injuries can be a lot more serious than they might seem at...
If you’ve been diagnosed with sciatica, you have a lot of company. In fact, up to 40% of Americans suffer from this condition at some point. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve in your lower back becomes irritated and inflamed. This nerve divides into two branches, with one branch traveling...
Every year in the United States, about 3 million workers are injured on the job, most while simply completing the regular duties assigned to them. Getting injured at work can be a little intimidating, especially because you depend on your job — and your employer — for your income. It’s...
If you’re dealing painful arthritic joints, being more active probably seems counterintuitive. But increasing physical activity — within certain limits — could be just what you need to help slow the progression of your arthritis and reduce its painful symptoms. At Berkower Pain & Spine Rehabilitation in Pembroke Pines, Florida,...
As many as 12 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. If you’re one of them, you know the toll the condition can take on your life and health. For years, there was a lack of understanding about its causes and symptoms. In fact, until the last couple of decades, many practitioners...
Workers’ compensation insurance was designed to protect employees, ensuring they get the care and treatment they need for work-related injuries — without having to pay for it. Yet, many employees don’t know about this very important coverage. At Berkower Pain & Spine Rehabilitation in Pembroke Pines, Florida, David Berkower, DO,...
You’ve heard it since you were a kid: You are what you eat. That’s true when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding many diseases, but did you know that good nutrition can help you manage neuropathy symptoms, too? A healthy diet supports normal nerve function, so watching...
Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million American adults, yet despite its prevalence, some physicians still have trouble diagnosing the disease and helping patients manage it. In fact, fibromyalgia is a widely misunderstood chronic pain disorder, and that lack of understanding and awareness has fueled a lot of myths and misconceptions. At ...
Do you have arthritis? You have a lot of company. About a quarter million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s nearly 55 million people, and that doesn’t take into account those who have arthritis but have not seen a doctor...
Your lower back takes a lot of stress and strain throughout the day, so it’s not surprising that it’s a frequent source of pain. Lower back pain can be caused by many things, such as repetitive lifting, standing or sitting for long periods of time, or having a bad posture....
The pain from a herniated disc can sometimes go away on its own if you give it enough rest. However, if your symptoms persist longer than a few weeks, you may need more than rest to get back to normal. A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped disc, develops when...
Everyone knows that stiffness and joint pain come with age. We’ve all watched our parents groan as they stand up from the couch or hobble from the car after a long ride — and maybe you’re doing those things already. While it’s normal to lose some of your range of...
If you sustain an illness or injury on the job, you may wonder about whether you’re entitled to workers’ compensation, or workers’ comp. These insurance benefits are provided by your employer, and cover your medical expenses and lost wages due to needed time off. Workers’ comp also covers rehabilitation-related expenses....
If you’re one of the 50 million Americans who deal with chronic pain on a daily basis, you might be concerned that the pandemic will interrupt your normal pain management routine. With stores and restaurants closed, it can be easy to think that your doctors, specialists, and caregivers have closed...
Anyone who suffers from sciatica understands how this type of complex pain can significantly interfere with day-to-day life. Sciatica is not just general back pain, nor is it limited to your back. Living with sciatica can be difficult because the intense pain can limit movement and affect your ability to...
Rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia are painfully debilitating conditions that can affect your ability to live an active and enjoyable life. Having both can cause a mind-numbing cluster of symptoms that may make it hard to function at all. So, where’s the good news? With the right treatment, it’s possible to...
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) currently estimates that nearly 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy, which causes miscommunication between your peripheral nerves and brain due to damage or dysfunction in the nerves connecting them. NINDS, however, suspects that more people suffer from peripheral neuropathy than...
Fibromyalgia flare-ups can derail your life for a day, a week, or months at a time. Pain, fatigue, and other symptoms can make it hard to function, and you may find it hard to enjoy life. At Berkower Pain and Spine Rehabilitation in Pembroke Pines, Florida, David Berkower, DO,...
Do you have back pain but don’t want to see a doctor where you live because you’re heading south for the winter months? Not to worry. Whether you’re a “snow bird” or you happen to live in Pembroke Pines, FL, if you’re suffering from back pain, you can find relief...
Many patients that we provide relief for at Berkower Pain and Spine Rehabilitation suffer from herniated disks, which causes them serious pain and discomfort. We take pride in providing relief for herniated discs and instructions on how to avoid them in the future. What’s a herniated disk? The bones that...
Lower back pain is more common than you may think. In fact, approximately 80 percent of adults suffer from lumbar pain at some point in their lives. In 90 percent of cases, the pain subsides without surgery. But that's not always the case. Sometimes, in order to treat back pain, you need...
Stated bluntly, nerve pain can debilitate you if you don’t get treatment. Any number of factors can cause your pain, including: Diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cancer or other major illness Injury to the brain or spine Poor blood supply to the nerves Carpal tunnel syndrome or sciatica Tumors that press...
Are you experiencing shooting pain in one of your buttocks? Does your pain sometimes run from your lower back and down your leg or worsen after sitting or standing for long periods? If so, sciatica might be the cause. As you age, it’s normal to experience some aches and pains....
After an auto accident, you might be tempted to skip a medical evaluation if you're not in pain, especially if you've got a lot of paperwork to deal with. However, it's important to get yourself to a doctor as soon as possible. Some of the injuries you may have sustained...
Chronic pain has more than physical effects. Your pain may interfere with many activities you enjoy such as sports, dancing, or gardening. Having to limit or give up what you enjoy doing can leave you angry, frustrated, and anxious. When your body hurts, it’s not surprising that you’re also more...
According to the National Safety Council’s data, 510 workers are injured each hour, and most of those injuries are sprains, strains, tears, soreness or pain, and cuts or lacerations resulting from overexertion, contact with objects or equipment, or slips, trips, and falls. If you get injured at work, Berkower Pain...
Plenty of sports can cause pain and injury, but what about those we don’t normally think about? Though many people consider the possible injuries that can occur during sports like football and basketball, so-called low-impact sports like golf and tennis can also potentially lead to injury, especially in the area...
You may not think too much about your sleeping position, and you may not be aware of just how much it can affect your ability to get a good night’s rest. Did you know that most back pain is the result of lifestyle behaviors like improper posture, uncomfortable sleep positions,...
Sciatic nerve pain can be annoying or debilitating. It may hurt to stand for long periods, or you may find it difficult to find a comfortable sitting position during a movie. Dr. David Berkower specializes in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain management. If you’re a sciatica sufferer in the Pembroke...
It’s estimated that one worker suffers a work-related injury every seven seconds, with some experiencing injuries that are serious enough to interfere with their lives. Even the most minor injuries should be reported to your immediate supervisor right away to ensure your interests and overall health are protected. Our team...
Severe, chronic joint pain almost always interferes with your quality of life. When you need relief from pain in your joints so you can enjoy an active lifestyle, but you also want to avoid invasive surgeries, a nerve block may be an ideal solution. As an accomplished doctor of osteopathic...
According to the CDC, nearly 50 percent of people 65 and older have had arthritis diagnosed by a doctor. Many others may go years undiagnosed. While your first tendency may be to "favor" a painful joint by limiting its movement, doing so on an ongoing basis can actually have the opposite of...
A Statista survey supports the estimates of the medical community that around 29% of people in the U.S. have some form of back pain and believe that overwhelming stress is a major contributor to their pain. However, 26% blamed a lack of exercise and the same percentage blamed their type of work. As is...
One of the things that many people don’t realize when they get into an accident is that whiplash does not manifest itself right away. In fact, whiplash can take days or weeks to become obvious to the person who’s been injured. This is especially true for people who don’t know...
Chronic back pain can sneak up on you at any age. Back pain, especially lower back pain, can be the result of an injury, arthritis or even a problem with your discs. Depending on the severity, this pain can make it impossible for you to enjoy hobbies, go to work or even...
We see many patients with car accident injuries at Berkower Pain and Spine Rehabilitation, as well as workplace and other injuries that may involve insurance companies. A third-party insurance company, or even your own insurer, could dispute the severity of your injuries as part of their claims process. They may...
Considering a Nerve Block? Here’s What You Should KnowWhether it’s due to a sore throat, ankle sprain, surgical procedure, or other problem, pain is sometimes a part of life. It’s typically temporary, though. As you heal, the pain will fade. Won’t it?Not always. Sometimes pain turns chronic, and it can...
As you get older, actions and events that once had very little impact on how you feel or that would not have caused you any lasting pain or injury, could now cause your body significant damage and cause you to feel long-lasting pain. Because of this, you should treat every...
Acute back and neck pain is a common ailment for most people, no matter the age. It can come from a day of garden work or being a little too aggressive on the basketball court. Relieve the pain and tension with two easy home remedies.ICE AND HEATThere are many ways...
Living with fibromyalgia is tough, but there are things you can do to manage your pain and give you your life back. In order to reduce discomfort, improve your mood and get relief from your symptoms, here are three ways to manage your fibromyalgia pain.REDUCE STRESSStress can cause fibromyalgia symptoms...
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, sometimes simply referred to as CTS, is damage to the hands, wrists, and arms that occurs in many people, especially those who work with keyboards, musical instruments or any other handheld equipment that puts repetitive strain on the hand.WHAT IS ITThe first thing you need to know...