Specialized Care for Back Pain at Jaffe Sports Medicine: Tailored Treatments Across Four Disciplines

Written by

Back pain is a complex issue that can stem from various causes, affecting not just the spine but also related structures such as nerves, joints, and muscles. At Jaffe Sports Medicine, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating back pain, leveraging our expertise in Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Surgery, Pain Management, and Sports Medicine. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of back pain and how our specialized care can help you find relief.

1. Neuropathy-Related Back Pain

Causes:
Neuropathy occurs when nerves in the spine are damaged or compressed, often leading to symptoms like sharp pain, tingling, or numbness radiating from the back to the legs. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression due to injury or degenerative conditions.

Treatment:
At Jaffe Sports Medicine, our Pain Management specialists focus on diagnosing and treating neuropathy-related back pain using a combination of interventions. These may include nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and advanced therapies designed to reduce inflammation and relieve nerve compression. For more severe cases, our Orthopedic Surgery team may recommend surgical options to decompress the affected nerves and alleviate symptoms.

2. Joint Pain and Back Pain

Causes:
Joint pain in the spine, particularly in the facet joints, can be a significant contributor to back pain. Conditions like osteoarthritis, where the cartilage in the joints wears down, can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Treatment:
Our approach to joint-related back pain begins with Physical Therapy, aimed at improving joint function, increasing flexibility, and strengthening the muscles around the spine. For patients needing more intensive treatment, fluoroscopic guided injections are used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected joints, providing targeted relief. If conservative treatments fail, our Orthopedic Surgery team is equipped to perform procedures like spinal fusion or joint replacement to restore function and alleviate pain.

3. Musculoskeletal and Sports-Related Back Pain

Causes:
Musculoskeletal back pain is often related to injuries, strains, or overuse, particularly among athletes. This type of pain can also result from poor posture, repetitive motions, or improper lifting techniques, leading to muscle imbalances and chronic discomfort.

Treatment:
Our Sports Medicine specialists work closely with Physical Therapy to develop personalized rehabilitation programs that focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and balance. These programs are designed to prevent re-injury and promote long-term spine health. For athletes or active individuals, our team also offers performance enhancement strategies to optimize movement and prevent future injuries.

Comprehensive Care Tailored to Your Needs

At Jaffe Sports Medicine, we understand that every patient’s back pain is unique, requiring a tailored approach that considers the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle. By integrating Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Surgery, Pain Management, and Sports Medicine, we provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your back pain, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment for your specific needs.

Live Pain Free in 2023

Written by

Chronic pain is associated with reduced quality of life, increased medical expenditures, and significant economic costs. It is among the most common chronic conditions in the United States. In fact, studies show 1 in 4 Americans live with some form of chronic pain. Fortunately, interventional pain management can help relieve chronic pain. Anyone can benefit from pain management whether they are recovering from surgery, an injury or managing long-term pain from a disease or chronic condition. Do you struggle with chronic pain? At Jaffe Sports Medicine, we want to help you say goodbye to pain and live pain free in 2023.

Pain affects thousands of individuals. It can derive from injuries and diseases to disorders and chronic conditions. Common pain conditions include arthritis and muscle or joint injuries, autoimmune disorders, back injuries, chronic pain disorders, headaches, nerve damage and more. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, a comprehensive pain management program will help you feel better mentally and physically.

Pain management provides individuals with chronic pain individualized treatment plans to relieve their pain and improve quality of life. Treatments can include one or a combination of medications, procedures, exercises and therapies. Depending on the type and cause of pain, the pain specialists at Jaffe Sports Medicine will create a personalized treatment plan designed to address your needs. 

“Pain management is a branch of medicine that applies science to the reduction of pain and takes a multi-disciplinary approach to treating all kinds of pain,” said Dr. Stephen Friedman. “We recognize the complex nature of pain and approach the problem from all directions. We evaluate, rehabilitate and treat people in pain.”

Jaffe Sports Medicine understands the mental and physical toll pain can take on your life. As a practice specializing in the management and treatment of pain, Jaffe Sports Medicine providers see a wide range of pain conditions and are prepared to take your pain head on. Our board-certified and pain specialists have the necessary qualifications to recognize your type of pain and determine the best action plan to get you back to doing what you love most. If you would like to live pain free in 2023, visit jaffesportsmedicine.com/locations/ schedule an appointment.

Now is the Time to Use Your Health Insurance Benefits Before the Year is Up

Written by

As the end of the year is rapidly approaching, it is important to review your health insurance benefits to ensure you do not lose out on low-cost treatments. If you’ve already met your deductible, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for anything you have been putting off as medical costs are lower, and deductibles restart in January. At Jaffe Sports Medicine, we recommend reviewing the following items in your health insurance plan before the year is over. 

Deductibles 

Deductibles are the out-of-pocket costs determined by the insurance plan you chose. Once your deductible is met for the year, costs are either reduced or eliminated, making the cost of treatment much lower. If you’ve been thinking about an elective procedure or visiting Jaffe Sports Medicine an appointment, check to see if your deductible has been met and plan accordingly before the end of the year.

Out-of-pocket Maximums

If you have met your out-of-pocket maximum, all other costs will be met in full by your insurance. Assess your benefits to see what your out-of-pocket maximum amount is and if it has been met. It so, this is a great time to schedule any procedures or buy medications before the year is over. 

Government Savings Plans

Savings plans such as health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) help pay for medical expenses not normally covered by insurance. HSAs are tax-free savings plans that do not have to be met in a calendar year. It can help you pay for deductibles, co-insurances and co-pays as well as prescriptions. FSAs are tax-free accounts that must be used in the current year, or you will lose any remaining money. Be sure you have checked the amounts in these types of accounts so that you know what will roll over from your HSA for next year, or what you have left to spend in your FSA so that you do not lose it. 

Regardless of your plan, it is always good to be mindful of your benefits. December is a great month to “Use ‘em before you lose ‘em.” Call today to schedule doctor visits or procedures before the end of the year so they will be covered by insurance or at a lesser cost. To schedule an appointment with Jaffe Sports Medicine, visit jaffesportsmedicine.com/locations/ to make an appointment.

The Different Manifestations of Back Pain and How to Approach Them

Written by

Back pain is one of the most prevalent medical problems in the United States and is something that most people will experience during some stage in their lives. In fact, eight in ten Americans will face some type of back pain in their lifetime. Not only is back pain one of the most common reasons for missing work, it also interferes with everyday living activities.

Ranging from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain, back pain can develop from an injury or may be due to advanced age. While back pain manifests in a variety of ways, the goal of Jaffe Sports Medicine is to diagnose and treat the root cause of your back pain with a variety of interventional modalities.

In order for Jaffe Sports Medicine to fully treat and understand your pain, it is important to first understand and identify where the pain is coming from. Most back pain falls under three categories: axial, referred or radicular pain.

Axial Pain

Axial pain is often confined to a single spot or region of the body. A muscle strain is a common example of axial pain and typically responds well to rest and medication.

Referred Pain

A dull or achy pain, referred pain can move around or vary in intensity. A common example of referred pain is lower back pain which can unfortunately be trickier to treat than others. Referred pain often responds well to physical therapy, injections, strengthening muscles and decreasing inflammation.

Radicular Pain

Radicular pain feels like searing, radiating pain and is caused by compression or inflammation of the spine. The pain is typically localized to the lower back and may include pain that radiates down the legs. Physical therapy, injections and nerve-blocking techniques can help alleviate this type of pain.

The duration of the pain is also used in diagnosing and treating back pain. Pain is considered to be acute, subacute or chronic. Acute pain may last a few days to a week, while subacute lasts a little longer and chronic pain lasts longer than 12 weeks.

Jaffe Sports Medicine is here to diagnose your back pain and provide an individualized treatment plan. Treatments for back pain may include one or a combination of the following methods: physical therapy, medication, injections and radiofrequency ablation. Surgery is an option but is used as a last resort.

Physical therapy exercises increase flexibility, while also strengthening muscles and improving posture. By itself or combined with other treatments, physical therapy is a great solution to lessen back pain.

For immediate relief from back pain, cortisone injections are a great option. The injections go into the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots, helping to ease pain by decreasing inflammation. While relief only lasts for a month or two at a time, injections are successful in diminishing back pain.

Radiofrequency ablation is a technique where a needle is inserted into the area causing pain. Radio waves pass through the needle to the damaged nerves, interfering with the pain signals from the brain. The technique is often successful diminishing back pain. 

Learn more about Jaffe Sports Medicine’s approach to treating back pain by visiting jaffesportsmedicine.com/conditions/back-pain/ and schedule an appointment by visiting jaffesportsmedicine.com/locations/.

The Power of Partnership – Hurricane Ian… Coming Together in a Time of Crisis

Written by

On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida. The Category 4 Hurricane slammed the Southwest Florida corridor with winds exceeding 150 mph and an unprecedented storm surge. PartnerCare’s Corporate office in Tampa and Jaffe Sports Medicine (JSM) clinics in Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral, Florida, lay in its path of destruction.

With the storm initially expected to land near Tampa, PartnerCare’s CEO Eric Worthan and Senior Team jumped into action and decided to close the Corporate office. “Our staff and patients were the main priority. We wanted to ensure that everyone had ample time to evacuate their families and get to an area of safety,” said Eric. “Jaffe Sports Medicine became a massive concern for us as the storm path continued to shift south. We quickly realized that what we thought was coming to Tampa was going to our team in Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral.

Chris Greengrass, the Practice Administrator with Jaffe Sports Medicine, sprung into action implementing a safety plan for the staff and patients. “The JSM leadership team quickly joined forces with PartnerCare to formulate a plan of action for our staff and patients. We utilized every PartnerCare resource available from HR to Communications to IT to allow us to communicate with our team and patients,” said Chris. “Eric Worthan called me every day to check on our team.”

The support from PartnerCare did not stop with Eric Worthan. “Amanda Nelson (HR) checked on every employee to ensure they were safe and accounted for. Jennifer Starling (Marketing) ensured that communication with our employees, patients, and the community was effective and transparent.

Last but not least, Rodney Bandy and his team in IT ensured that all of our technology was up and running quickly after Ian impacted our area,” noted Chris. “We could not have responded so quickly and effectively without the support of PartnerCare. Our entire system came together in a time of crisis to help one another. It is what makes our partnership with PartnerCare, so unique. We are more than a team; we are a family.”Thanks to those combined efforts, Jaffe Sports Medicine was back open and seeing patients Monday, October 3, less than one week after Hurricane Ian hit South Florida. “We know we got lucky. Our clinics weathered the storm well,” said Chris gratefully. “Only our Cape Coral office will be closed as we assess damages. However, our other three offices are open. Our main focus continues to be serving our patients and our community.”

In the upcoming weeks, the team at PartnerCare will continue to work hand in hand with JSM to assess the needs of both employees and the community. Amanda Nelson stated, “we want to ensure that our JSM employees have everything they need as they rebuild their lives in Southwest Florida. We are making every resource we have, from employee assistance resources to community resources, available to them at this time. Our main priority is always the safety and well-being of our team members.”

While Hurricane Ian took many things from the people of Southwest Florida, the one thing it did not impact was the power of community. “During Hurricane Ian, this team came together effortlessly,” said Eric Worthan. “Compassion was evident everywhere you looked. Every team member across the country asked, ‘What do you need?’ Every team member stepped in to help and serve. It was humbling to watch that in action. It reinforced what we are building here at PartnerCare, a community of people who genuinely care about each other, our patients, and the communities we serve.”

How Interventional Pain Management Can Help You Get Back to Doing What You Love Most

Written by

While traditional pain management is effective in treating some patients’ pain, sometimes over-the-counter medication or prescription medication is not enough to adequately alleviate the pain. Interventional pain management is often an excellent alternative. Interventional pain management involves minimally invasive treatment options to relieve acute or chronic pain. These treatments work by interrupting pain signals between nerve endings and the brain.

What is Interventional Pain Management?

Jaffe Sports Medicine utilizes a myriad of interventional pain management techniques to treat the root cause of pain. Common treatments include epidural injections used to treat pain by reducing inflammation around nerve roots. These injections treat a variety of conditions affecting the spine, back, neck and upper and lower extremities. Another common treatment is radiofrequency ablation application (RFA) which uses heat to destroy a small volume of nerve tissue, eliminating pain signals to the brain. Additionally, joint injections which involve corticosteroid injections can be applied to damaged tissues which are designed to increase mobility while relieving joint pain.

“Whether a patient is struggling with chronic low back or a recent injury,” said Dr. Chaturani Ranasinghe of Jaffe Sports Medicine, “interventional pain management can reduce their pain quickly and often without the use of daily pain medication. It is our desire to improve a patient’s quality of life so they can get back to doing what they love most.”

What are the Benefits of Interventional Pain Management?

For patients who struggle with acute or chronic pain, interventional pain management is an ideal solution that often reduces a patient’s pain by as much as 70%. A common benefit of interventional pain management is immediate relief from pain that can last for an extended period of time. For example, an epidural injection can provide pain relief almost instantly and that relief can last for up to several months. Often these injections are given in a series over time, to provide long-lasting relief.

Targeted treatment is another benefit of interventional pain management. This approach targets the pain at its source, significantly relieving discomfort. Additionally, patients who receive interventional pain treatments are less likely to become addicted to or experience issues related to opioids. Finally, interventional pain management treatments are minimally or non-invasive, meaning they are not high-risk, and they relieve pain in little to no time. The comprehensive team of pain specialists at Jaffe Sports Medicine uses the latest techniques to give patients the best possible outcomes. We believe that when it comes to treating pain, surgery should be the last resort.

Who is Interventional Pain Management for?

Jaffe Sports Medicine believes interventional pain management is an ideal solution for those with acute or chronic pain seeking effective treatment for relief of pain or discomfort. It is also a great option for those who have tried traditional pain management methods with little to no success.

At Jaffe Sports Medicine, we care about treating the root cause of pain so that our patients can live, work and play pain-free. If you are interested in discussing interventional pain management as a treatment option, we would love to hear from you. Please visit https://jaffesportsmedicine.com/conditions/ to schedule an appointment.

 

The Power of Pain Management

Written by

The International Association for the Study of Pain reports one in five adults experience chronic pain each day. Persistent chronic pain can interfere with daily life and may lead to depression, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. This cycle of pain is one that is difficult to break. Interventional Pain management specialists are trained to help patients deal with their chronic pain through the use of medications, procedures, exercises or therapies. While many individuals may live with chronic pain, Jaffe Sports Medicine believes in finding individualized long-term solutions that treat the underlying cause of pain so patients can live their best lives possible.

Jaffe Sports Medicine’s approach to treating pain takes the individual into account, assessing each patient’s medical history, diagnosis and symptoms. Pain manifests differently for every patient, therefore, no two solutions look the same. At Jaffe Sports Medicine, we address pain on a case-by-case basis. 

“Pain is not a one size fits all issue and neither is our approach to treating it,” said Dr. Chaturani Ranasinghe. “Our staff is educated on the latest modalities that can be applicable in the treatment of a patient’s pain regardless of the location. We offer a full complement of treatment options that are tailored to best fit the patient’s needs, limitations and lifestyle. Ultimately, we want each patient to live their best lives possible, free of pain and its issues.” 

Rather than covering up symptoms with medication or unnecessary surgery, Jaffe Sports Medicine’s interventional approach treats the root cause of pain. The all-inclusive approach to pain management Jaffe Sports Medicine takes ensures every person is taken care 

of and their needs are addressed. Our providers use a variety of strategies to treat pain including medication, injections, blocks, lifestyle changes and therapies. Each treatment 

plan assesses the individual’s type and cause of pain, while also factoring in the patient’s age and overall health, to determine the best plan of action for each patient.

The well-rounded team of physicians and compassionate staff at Jaffe Sports Medicine use the latest therapeutics and resources to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into daily routines when combined with prescribed treatments or therapies such as physical therapy, prescription medication or injections can help reduce chronic pain. 

At Jaffe Sports Medicine finding the source of pain and treating its underlying cause is at the heart of what we do. While some patients may never be pain free, interventional pain management can drastically improve a patient’s quality of life by incorporating the latest treatments, medications and lifestyle changes, encouraging lasting healthy habits. Jaffe Sports Medicine believes patients do not have to experience a lifetime of pain. We deliver comprehensive care to help musculoskeletal and pain management patients live their best lives possible. To schedule an appointment at Jaffe Sports Medicine, visit www.jaffesportsmedicine.com/services/.

Back Pain and Migraines

Written by

Chronic headaches are defined as occurring more than 15 days a month. Up to 4% of adults worldwide have this many headaches a month. Studies show no correlation between low back pain and a specific type of headache. Both primary and secondary headaches plague the adult population ranging from tension-type headaches (TTH) to migraines. Primary headaches are independent of health conditions or sickness, while secondary headaches are caused by various conditions such as stress, sleep deprivation, alcohol, fatigue, injury or infection. Below are several common types of headaches:

Tension-type headache
A tension-type headache (TTH) is typically a dull pain or continuous pressure occurring bilaterally or across the forehead. These headaches are often associated with a tightness of the scalp or neck in response to stress or depression. The best method of treatment for a TTH is rest and relaxation. Mild, over-the-counter painkillers may also be used in moderation.

Post-traumatic headache
A post-traumatic headache is often localized to an area inflicted with injury. It can feel like a TTH or a migraine, depending on the severity of the trauma. They may occur daily following an injury and are not quickly treatable. However, rest and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used.

Sinus headache
Sinus headaches are typically caused by viral infections producing pain in the face, sinuses, eyes, ears or forehead. Symptoms can include congestion, itchy, runny nose, fever or facial swelling.

Migraine
A migraine is a throbbing pain in the face or neck, concentrated in one area. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting and distorted vision. Pain may last anywhere from several hours to several days.

Studies have shown that individuals with headaches are significantly more likely to suffer from low back pain than those without headaches. Individuals are twice as likely to have both headaches and back pain simultaneously. Doctors and researchers speculate a potential biological underpinning between the two. While there is no specific correlation to the type of headache associated with chronic back pain, chronic headaches, whether primary or secondary, are associated with low back pain.

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Low back pain affects 80% of adults at least once in their lifetime, while 20% of these individuals develop chronic low back pain.

Several factors put a person at higher risk for low back and headache pain. Females are more susceptible to chronic headaches and therefore are at a higher risk of experiencing the two pains side by side. Additional factors include smoking, obesity and low level of education. While these factors are not necessary for chronic headache and low back pain, they are strongly associated with the two.

While experts are unsure why the two co-occur, they know that a strong correlation exists. Preventative measures and treatments may help to alleviate some of the pain. Recommended treatment for headaches and back pain include:

  • Rest
  • A hot or cold compress on the head, neck, or back
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Maintain good posture
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid smoking
  • Manage high blood pressure
  • Avoid infections and wash your hands

To learn more about back pain and the resources available to you, visit https://jaffesportsmedicine.com/.

Back Pain with Radiating Pain

Written by

Back pain can manifest itself in many different ways. As the leading cause of disability worldwide, back pain ranges from a mild muscle ache to shooting, burning or stabbing pain. Most back pain can be treated without surgery, but in severe cases surgery may be required.

The expression of back pain determines the method of treatment. A common cause of back pain is muscle or ligament strain induced by a sudden movement or repeated heavy lifting. In most cases, pain is resolved with rest and mild pain medication. Arthritis is another common cause of back pain that can present itself with the wear and tear of aging. If pain persists over a period of several weeks and does not get better with rest, it may be time to see a doctor.

When back pain worsens to the point that pain radiates down your legs, this may be a sign of a spine condition. Sciatica is a common spine condition that sends pain or numbness down the side of the leg, typically concentrated to one side of the body. The pain is most often caused by a herniated disc in the spine that compresses a nerve. Mild cases of sciatica typically go away with time and rest, but more serious cases with pain lasting longer than a week may require more aggressive forms of treatment.

Disc herniations and radiculopathy (pinched nerve) are additional causes of back pain with radiating pain. Herniated discs are discs in the spine that “spill out” of their lining causing pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. The compressed nerves cause numbness, tingling, or even sharp pain to shoot down the lower back and legs. Radiculopathy is caused by irritation to a nerve root exiting the spine. Nerves are responsible for pain and sensation and when they are damaged or compressed, pain or numbness occurs.

The lower back is a common spot for pain due to the stress and impact it takes from everyday movements. The lower back is where the spine and pelvis connect, bearing the majority of weight from the upper body. This area also contains fewer vertebrae than the neck and mid-back, making it a more susceptible to pain. To prevent back pain, here are some practical steps to take:

  1. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise.
  2. Strengthen the muscles in the lower back.
  3. Maintain a healthy weight.
  4. Quit smoking.
  5. Rest from strenuous activities if they cause discomfort or pain.

Avoid motions that are painful or cause stress to the lower back. This coupled with a healthy diet and exercise will help to prevent back. If you have questions about your back pain, visit https://jaffesportsmedicine.com/.

Recovering From Multiple Orthopedic Trauma Injuries

Written by

Compassion and the effects of long-term recovery on physical and mental wellbeing.

Having multiple orthopedic injuries occur in one instance is considered trauma and requires immediate medical treatment.

There are several methods trauma can occur, and our patient care provides for a full range of treatment plans for any circumstance. However, we often see multiple traumas occur during a motor vehicle collision.

There is typically a long road to recovery associated with trauma injuries and requires the support of others, physical and mental strength, and compassion. There is fatigue associated with all three factors, but there is no set time that the fatigue will take effect.

Once the patient journeys through their trauma recovery, they always have a story of survival to share with others.

Here, we will discuss the factors of trauma and the physical and mental effects on the patient’s road to recovery.

 

Orthopedic Trauma and Common Causes

Broken bones, trauma to the organs, internal bleeding, and brain injuries are all considered traumatic injuries. However, we are explicitly discussing orthopedic issues in this article, which consist of:

• Strained muscles
• Torn or stained tissues surrounding the joints
• Broken bones
• Severe injury to the musculoskeletal system and one or more organs or tissue.

 

Multiple trauma injuries can be sustained during a number of circumstances, such as:

• Falling
• Motor Vehicle or Motorcycle Accident
• At Work and Home
• Playing Sports
• An Attack
• And more

 

Treatment Course

Patients will go through a trauma course as an in-patient at a hospital where they will receive intensive trauma care. Treatment will begin with imaging of their extremities, head, abdomen, and pelvis. The results will reveal any broken bones, affected organs, and any degenerative changes to the spine, hips, ankles, knees, and other extremities to be considered during the recovery process.

 

What is Considered Long-Term

Injuries that take an excessive amount of time to recover from are considered long-term. Chronic pain is often associated with the recovery process from any long-term injury. These injuries are severe and have a longer healing process than others. For example, breaking your ankle would take weeks, if not months, longer to recover from than spraining your ankle.

Long-term injuries acquired through trauma could even mean an impairment that lasts throughout your lifetime. Such injuries as a fractured limb that requires surgical repair with hardware implementation, like screws, metal rods, pins, and complete replacements of joints, can cause a limp or the inability to extend your arm or leg to a full range of motion.

The lasting effect of pain, stiffness, unsteady gait, and the need for prolonged use of a hand help assistive device like a cane, crutches, or walker are possible for some patients. Though these devices are required while healing, as a person ages and joint tissues, wear down, these old injuries will produce pain.

 

Compassion Fatigue

There are mental health factors to be aware of that are often associated with long-term injuries. Not only is the patient struggling to maintain a positive attitude while accepting they have severe injuries they will need to work hard to recover from, but the caregiver working alongside you may experience compassion fatigue.

The effort your caregiver has put into your recovery may result in emotional and physical exhaustion.
Unfortunately, this also means the caregiver has experienced diminished compassion toward you and your recovery. Not only are you affected, but others who are associated with the caregiver will also be affected.

 

Symptoms can include:

• Exhaustion- both physically and mentally
• A change in worldviews or spirituality
• Ruminating thoughts
• Emotional instability
• Increased depression

 

Compassion fatigue can happen with both professional caregivers and amongst family and friends. Be aware of the warning signs and work to surround yourself with those who have positive views and mindsets while you are recovering. Take care to notice if someone close to you is suffering from compassion fatigue and encourage that they take a step back while you continue to work on your progress.

 

If you are suffering from any pain, you can be confident that you can find relief with the help of Jaffe Sports Medicine. Our highly skilled staff specializes in a range of pain management techniques and welcomes patients from Naples, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and the surrounding areas of Florida. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

TEXT BY M. HIATT