Overcoming Pain

Coronavirus Disease 2019

How COVID-19 May Help Us Learn About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Mark Borigini M.D. on May 17, 2021

Long-haulers may resemble typical chronic fatigue patients, but with a little bit more for the provider to ponder.

Long-haulers may resemble typical chronic fatigue patients, but with a little bit more for the provider to ponder.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Gargling Marijuana?

Mark Borigini M.D. on May 27, 2020

Before they make grand announcements, eager scientists should wait to see if their peers agree they really have a breakthrough.

Before they make grand announcements, eager scientists should wait to see if their peers agree they really have a breakthrough.

Addiction

Kratom: Deadly Supplement or Supplementing Death?

Mark Borigini M.D. on May 15, 2019

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) contains the alkaloid mitragynine, which can produce stimulant effects in low doses and some opioid-like effects at higher doses.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) contains the alkaloid mitragynine, which can produce stimulant effects in low doses and some opioid-like effects at higher doses.

Hormones

As If Hot Flashes Were Not Enough

Mark Borigini M.D. on February 4, 2019

Sex hormones are important for more than sex drive; estrogen and testosterone also help with cell growth and maintenance of muscles and bones.

Sex hormones are important for more than sex drive; estrogen and testosterone also help with cell growth and maintenance of muscles and bones.

Chronic Pain

What We Can Glean from Glial Cells in Fibromyalgia Fatigue

Mark Borigini M.D. on December 4, 2018

Based on what researchers currently know, the fatigue is all in your head, as well as not just in your head.

Based on what researchers currently know, the fatigue is all in your head, as well as not just in your head.

Chronic Pain

Who Has Chronic Pain in the United States?

Mark Borigini M.D. on October 1, 2018

Data can inform policymakers, clinicians, and researchers focused on pain care and prevention.

Data can inform policymakers, clinicians, and researchers focused on pain care and prevention.

Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia and Tai Chi: Getting Mindful and Physical

Mark Borigini M.D. on August 31, 2018

Aerobic exercise is arguably the most commonly prescribed non-pharmacologic fibromyalgia treatment. So why aren't patients all that much better?

Aerobic exercise is arguably the most commonly prescribed non-pharmacologic fibromyalgia treatment. So why aren't patients all that much better?

Chronic Pain

Are Some People Overdosing on Vitamin D?

Mark Borigini M.D. on August 1, 2018

As always, moderation in all things. You will feel better, and your doctor won’t be calling you night and day to come in for repeat vitamin D levels.

As always, moderation in all things. You will feel better, and your doctor won’t be calling you night and day to come in for repeat vitamin D levels.

If the adolescent in your life needs something for pain, maybe suggest something besides pot?

Stress

Stressing Out Over Stress

Mark Borigini M.D. on May 31, 2018

Do individuals who know they have a chronic disease suffer a higher and more persistent burden of stress, leaving a greater impact on the body?

Do individuals who know they have a chronic disease suffer a higher and more persistent burden of stress, leaving a greater impact on the body?

Depression

Pain and Depression

Mark Borigini M.D. on April 30, 2018

A statistically significant dose-response relationship between the depression persistence and severity of pain related to OA of the knee.

A statistically significant dose-response relationship between the depression persistence and severity of pain related to OA of the knee.

Chronic Pain

A Mind-Body Approach to Chronic Pain

Mark Borigini M.D. on March 31, 2018

Fibromyalgia is a complex biopsychosocial medical condition that is associated with substantial mental health comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety. Can tai chi help?

Fibromyalgia is a complex biopsychosocial medical condition that is associated with substantial mental health comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety. Can tai chi help?

Smoking

The Heart Is a Lonely Toker

Mark Borigini M.D. on February 28, 2018

Just don’t ask that surgeon to prescribe you marijuana for pain control after your bypass surgery.

Just don’t ask that surgeon to prescribe you marijuana for pain control after your bypass surgery.

Chronic Pain

The Bariatric Battle of Chronic Pain

Mark Borigini M.D. on January 31, 2018

Better yet, exercise and eat well—and don’t be a candidate for bariatric surgery in the first place.

Better yet, exercise and eat well—and don’t be a candidate for bariatric surgery in the first place.

Health

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas—All the Time

Mark Borigini M.D. on December 31, 2017

But, honestly, will the weight gain stop after the holidays? They are not over yet. Orthodox Christmas is coming up—January 07, I believe. Super Bowl comes up after that.

But, honestly, will the weight gain stop after the holidays? They are not over yet. Orthodox Christmas is coming up—January 07, I believe. Super Bowl comes up after that.

Shyness

A Celebrity and an Unusual Condition

Mark Borigini M.D. on December 13, 2017

We should let Justin Beiber be diagnosed, and not judged on whether a shy bladder has played a role in his behavior by those qualified to make such conclusions.

We should let Justin Beiber be diagnosed, and not judged on whether a shy bladder has played a role in his behavior by those qualified to make such conclusions.

Sex

Sixteen, Going on HPV 16

Mark Borigini M.D. on November 30, 2017

HPV, oral sex, oral cancer, anal cancer, other cancer, fingers, sex toys, oh my.

HPV, oral sex, oral cancer, anal cancer, other cancer, fingers, sex toys, oh my.

Chronic Pain

Bright Lights, Big City, and Fibromyalgia

Mark Borigini M.D. on October 31, 2017

It is always interesting to find ways to improve sleep, which is known to have a positive impact on fibromyalgia symptoms, but also many other aspects of one’s life.

It is always interesting to find ways to improve sleep, which is known to have a positive impact on fibromyalgia symptoms, but also many other aspects of one’s life.

Chronic Pain

Light Therapy for Chronic Pain

Mark Borigini M.D. on October 30, 2017

In the meantime, open the shades, put your head right into that sunny morning, and wait for your body’s opioids to kick in.

In the meantime, open the shades, put your head right into that sunny morning, and wait for your body’s opioids to kick in.

Diet

Your Mother's Fatty Diet

Mark Borigini M.D. on September 30, 2017

The specter of XXL shopping sprees, clogged arteries, and a heart attack while running to catch a bus always seemed to pop into my visual field when staring at the dessert bar.

The specter of XXL shopping sprees, clogged arteries, and a heart attack while running to catch a bus always seemed to pop into my visual field when staring at the dessert bar.