DFW Interventional Pain Institute Blog
News and information about pain management from the DFW Interventional Pain Institute team.

Top 4 chronic pain conditions we see from office workers
Office work might seem harmless compared to physically demanding jobs, but spending 40+ hours per week in front of a computer creates its own set of health risks. The human body wasn't designed for prolonged sitting or repetitive motions, and over time, these factors can lead to significant pain and dysfunction. This blog post focuses on those top four conditions, what you can do about them and when you should consider seeing a pain management doctor like Dr. Lopez.

How pain management doctors approach treating muscle spasms
Whether you're reaching for your morning coffee or turning to check your blind spot while driving, the sudden tightening and cramping of muscles can disrupt your entire day. Understanding your treatment options is the first step toward finding relief and regaining control over your daily activities. This comprehensive guide explores the most effective treatments for muscle spasms, from immediate relief strategies to long-term management approaches.

What neck pain in different parts of your neck reveals
Experiencing neck pain? The location of your discomfort can reveal the cause and guide effective treatment. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Edrick Lopez specializes in diagnosing and treating various types of neck pain, from pain in the back of the neck to pain on the right or left side. Learn how understanding your neck pain can lead to relief and prevent future issues.

Top 5 common causes of chronic pain in DFW (and how to address them)
Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area brings its own unique challenges when it comes to managing pain. Between the unpredictable weather swings, long commutes on busy highways and the demands of modern work life, many DFW residents find themselves dealing with persistent discomfort that affects their daily routines. But, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can get back to enjoying everything the DFW area has to offer.

What you need to know about spinal cord stimulation
Chronic pain affects millions of Americans, disrupting sleep, limiting daily activities and diminishing overall quality of life. When conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications and injections don't provide adequate relief, many patients feel discouraged and wonder if they'll ever find a solution. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers hope for those who haven't found relief through traditional pain management approaches, and this blog post will focus on everything you need to know about SCS.

How weight loss and pain management work together
Chronic pain and excess weight often create a challenging cycle that affects millions of people. Dr. Edrick Lopez and our team at DFW Interventional Pain Institute recognize that effective pain management often includes weight management strategies. This blog post will cover how weight loss and pain management are related and how we help patients with both here at DFW Interventional Pain Institute.

Does Dallas-Fort Worth weather affect joint and muscle pain? Here’s what you should know
At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we frequently see patients who experience heightened discomfort when the weather takes a turn. With DFW’s notorious weather swings and extremes—from scorching summers to unpredictable cold snaps—even the fittest among us may find ourselves asking, “Why do I feel stiffer today?” In this blog post, we’ll break down the science, discuss how DFW’s climate plays a role and share expert strategies for managing weather-related pain.

What does it mean if you’re experiencing chronic pain in your feet
Chronic foot pain affects millions of people worldwide, yet many dismiss it as a normal part of aging or an unavoidable consequence of being on their feet all day. The truth is, persistent foot pain lasting more than a few weeks often signals underlying health issues that deserve attention and treatment. This blog post will help you understand chronic foot pain, what you can do about it and when to see a specialist like Dr. Edrick Lopez here at DFW Interventional Pain Institute.

A comprehensive guide to pain management treatments available at our Irving, TX clinic
Living with chronic pain can feel like navigating an unending maze. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute in Irving, TX, we firmly believe that living with pain is not your only option. This blog post explores the various pain management options available at our clinic, when to seek specialized care and how we tailor treatments to meet your unique needs.

When should men consider treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a topic often whispered about but rarely openly discussed. Yet, it is more common than many realize, and addressing it is crucial for overall health and well-being. If you’ve experienced difficulty maintaining an erection or noticed any changes in your sexual health, you might wonder, “Is this something I should seek treatment for?” This post will help answer that question and guide you toward proactive steps to improve your health.

How to stay active and manage pain during DFW’s hot summers
As we're starting to remember as the weather warms up, summer in Dallas-Fort Worth can be a challenge—especially when temperatures soar past 100°F. For many, staying active in such extreme heat feels nearly impossible, yet regular exercise is crucial for managing chronic pain and promoting overall well-being. But how can you safely stay active without risking your health in the sweltering summer heat?

What to do if you’re experiencing chronic migraines
Migraines are more than just severe headaches—they’re a debilitating condition. For those grappling with migraines relentlessly, finding effective relief is crucial. But where should you start? This guide dives into the symptoms and triggers of chronic migraines, explores treatment options—including innovative solutions like Botox—and highlights when it’s time to seek help from a specialist like Dr. Lopez.

When should you see a pain specialist? A guide for DFW residents
Pain specialists are medical professionals dedicated to diagnosing, managing and treating chronic pain conditions. They use a variety of advanced tools and techniques to not only relieve discomfort but also address the underlying causes of pain. If you’re a resident in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, learning when and why to visit a pain specialist may be the first step to reclaiming your life. This blog post aims to help DFW residents know when it's time to consider working with a pain specialist and how to go about finding the right doctor for their specific condition.

Everything you need to know about trigger point injections
Trigger point injections are a minimally-invasive, effective option for managing pain caused by tight areas of muscle, also known as trigger points. Whether you’re dealing with muscle-related pain, myofascial pain syndrome or chronic tension, this treatment can offer relief and help you get back to doing what you love. This blog post will guide you through what trigger point injections are, how they help and why they might be the right solution for your pain management plan.

Why physical therapy is crucial to pain management
Living with chronic pain can feel like an endless cycle of discomfort that impacts every area of your life. One of the most effective solutions out there for chronic pain management, believe it or not, is physical therapy. Backed by science and specifically tailored to each individual, it’s a tool that can genuinely change lives. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of physical therapy for managing chronic pain. From understanding why pain persists to the benefits of physical therapy and what to expect during treatment, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know.

How tight (or weak) muscles result in back pain
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, especially those who spend long hours sitting at a desk or engage in repetitive physical activities. This blog post will explore how tight muscles contribute to back pain, the specific muscles involved, practical solutions for relief and when to seek professional help from experts like Dr. Edrick Lopez here at DFW Interventional Pain Institute.

Can driving cause knee pain?
One common condition we see at our practice in Irving, TX, is knee pain from spending lots of time in the car on DFW's many highways. Known informally as "driver's knee," this discomfort can turn something as routine as driving into a daily source of frustration. Today, we’ll unpack the connection between driving and knee discomfort, explore common causes and share practical steps to find relief.

The surprising link between emotional health and pain management
If you've been living with chronic pain, you know the struggle goes far beyond physical discomfort. Pain doesn’t just linger in the body; it seeps into every corner of life, affecting your thoughts, emotions and even mood. But what if the connection isn’t one-way? Could your emotional health influence how you experience pain? The answer is a resounding yes. This blog post will explore the link between emotional health and the perception of pain, shining a light on how conditions like depression and anxiety amplify physical suffering.

Chronic pain, explained
Every once in a while we like to do an overall refresher blog post about what exactly chronic pain is. Many of our patients come to DFW Interventional Pain Institute feeling confused on what chronic pain actually means, especially as it relates to what is "normal". Understanding the definition of "chronic pain", what causes it and how it can be managed is the first step toward reclaiming control. Whether you’re struggling with persistent backaches, nerve pain or joint discomfort, this blog post will explain chronic pain, its impact, and the ways you can find relief.

3 big changes you can make to help relieve pain from poor posture
Returning from spring break here in North Texas a few weeks ago had us reminded of why many of us experience a common pain from sitting for long hours. Poor posture—a common issue among office workers and desk-bound professionals—can lead to discomfort, pain and even long-term health problems. It’s not just about slouching or leaning forward; poor posture affects your spine, muscles and joints, creating a ripple effect of tension and strain throughout your body.