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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While a primary care doctor is usually the first point of contact for managing pain symptoms, they may not always have the tools or specialization required to address complex pain conditions comprehensively. This blog post is all about the collaborative relationship between pain management physicians and primary care doctors and when it may be worth consulting a pain management physician like Dr. Edrick Lopez here at DFW Interventional Pain Institute.

If you’ve experienced the sharp, radiating pain of a pinched nerve in your back, you’re likely familiar with how it can disrupt your daily life. The search for relief often leads to questions about treatments, and one common inquiry is, “Can a muscle relaxer help a pinched nerve?” This blog post dives into the connection between muscle relaxers and pinched nerves, explaining causes, treatment options and expert recommendations to help you make informed decisions about managing your pain.

While traditional pain management often involves medications and therapies, there’s growing evidence that what you eat can play a pivotal role in managing pain. This blog post explores dietary strategies to help alleviate pain, including foods that reduce inflammation, trigger foods to avoid and practical meal planning tips. Whether you’re dealing with chronic discomfort or simply looking for ways to live your healthiest life, these insights can make a difference.

Living with chronic pain can be both physically and emotionally draining, especially when it feels like your symptoms are connected but hard to trace. For many individuals, a surprising yet perplexing connection exists between back pain and stomach pain. These two discomforts often appear intertwined, making it difficult to pinpoint their cause and, more importantly, find relief.

Osteoporosis is a common condition affecting millions of seniors worldwide. It often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, leaving many wondering how they can better manage the condition and reduce their pain. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we believe living with pain isn't your only option. This post explores how a pain management doctor can help those with osteoporosis through targeted treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and an empathetic approach to care.

Pain between the shoulder blades, also known as interscapular pain, may feel like an ache, tightness or even a stabbing sensation. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, understanding its potential causes and effective remedies is the first step toward relief. This blog post will explore the common reasons behind pain between the shoulder blades, strategies to alleviate it and when to seek professional help from a pain management physician like Dr. Edrick Lopez.

Advances in medical technology, like fluoroscopy, are continuously enhancing the precision and effectiveness of pain management treatments. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Edrick Lopez uses fluoroscopy to ensure treatment accuracy and improve patient outcomes. This blog post will explain what fluoroscopy is, how it works and how it’s applied in pain management treatments.

Joint pain isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can affect everything from your daily routine to your overall quality of life. This blog post explains six simple, effective steps you can take to reduce joint pain, including when it might be time to seek specialized care from a pain management expert like Dr. Edrick Lopez here at DFW Interventional Pain Institute.

As we near the end of the first month of 2025, many people are in the midst of starting new habits that can improve their lives. One habit that's been getting a lot of attention in recent years is sleep and its effect on overall well-being. This blog post explores the connection between sleep and pain, the science behind their relationship and practical tips for improving sleep quality to better manage your pain.

Back pain—whether it's an occasional ache or a chronic condition—has become a common complaint for many of us. Studies show that nearly 80% of adults experience back pain at some point in their lives, impacting their daily routines, productivity and even emotional well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore five of the best stretches you can start doing today to alleviate the most common types of back pain.

Living with back pain from a vertebral compression fracture (VCF) can be disabling, making even simple movements feel excruciating. For individuals suffering from this condition, Dr. Edrick Lopez often recommends kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that we've seen great results with in our patients. This blog post breaks down everything you need to know about kyphoplasty, from understanding its purpose to exploring its benefits and beyond.

If you’ve been dealing with ongoing discomfort, this blog post will explore five practical habits, rooted in the latest research, that can help reduce pain in 2025. Alongside these habits, we’ll share actionable tips to make them part of your daily routine and help you take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable life.