Expert Blog

For some, it’s not the idea of undergoing surgery that’s nerve-wracking, but what can happen after it. Undergoing surgery is without consequence for many people, however, others may develop chronic pain – and in some cases, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

We all require vitamin D; without it, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. A lack of the vitamin has been implicated in a number of conditions, including chronic pain. This connection has been the subject of much interest; if it were proven to be true, vitamin D would be a relatively safe and inexpensive treatment. It begs the question: can defenses against chronic pain be “fortified with vitamin D”? A research review conducted earlier this year took a look at the effect of vitamin D on people suffering from chronic pain conditions.

Core exercise, concentration and centering – if you practice Pilates, you’re probably familiar with these ideas. For those who aren't so familiar, Pilates is a strengthening workout that also helps with flexibility and endurance. While some forms of Pilates use an apparatus, others simply consist of mat exercises. What they have in common is a focus on the body’s core muscles – abdominals, lower back, hips and thighs (aka. The Powerhouse).

We all know the saying -- once you’ve had the chickenpox, you can never get them again. That’s because most people will develop antibodies to protect them from future outbreaks. What you might not know, is that the virus can remain inactive in our bodies for decades. For 30% of the population, there’s a risk of this virus reactivating; instead of chickenpox, however, the same virus manifests as shingles.