- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re one of the estimated 25 million women dealing with pain “down there,” embarrassment may be keeping you from getting the help you need. You’re not alone. Only an estimated 15% of women dealing with pelvic pain bring it up with their doctor. Too many women assume pelvic pain – pain that mostly or only occurs in the area below a woman’s belly button – is something that “comes with the territory” and silently live with it. But there’s good news: You don’t have to. What is Pelvic Pain? Pain is the body’s way of letting you know something’s not right. While it’s common for many women to experience mild cramping or discomfort before or during their monthly menstrual cycle, pelvic pain can involve much more, including pain in your lower stomach or back, buttocks and genital area. Pelvic pain may: Be steady or come and go Cause pressure or discomfort around the vaginal area Feel sharp and stabbing in a specific spot, or dull and spread out Make inserting a tampon or getting a gynecological exam uncomfortable Pelvic pain is chronic if it lasts more than six months and affects your normal activities like work, exercise or having sex. What Causes Pelvic Pain? Pelvic pain can be hard to diagnose because the pelvic area in women includes different systems —digestive, reproductive and urinary — along with many muscles, ligaments and nerves. There may be one source of pain or multiple causes. Some common causes include: Aging Childbirth Endometriosis Adenomyosis Fibroids Genetics Hormonal changes Injured or irritated nerves Scar tissue Urinary tract infection Weak pelvic floor muscles Pelvic pain feels different for everyone and your pain level may not relate to how severe the problem is. For instance, a tiny area of endometriosis may cause intense pain for you, while someone else could have extensive endometriosis with little to no pain. Pelvic pain isn’t something to minimize or try to live with; ignoring it comes with risks. Left untreated, pelvic pain can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, scarring and fertility problems. Emotional problems can flare too – depression, anxiety, insomnia and intimacy struggles are real. Your Doctor Wants to Help – Start Talking Finding relief starts with mustering the courage to talk openly with your doctor about what you’re experiencing. Be prepared to be as specific as possible. You’ll likely be asked questions like: Can you describe the pain you’re experiencing? Can you rate your pain on a scale from one to 10? Does it wake you at night? How frequently do you have pain? How long have you been experiencing pain? What kinds of activities trigger it? What makes it worse or better? Do you find yourself calling out of work or school due to pain? Pinpointing the cause of pelvic pain isn’t always clear-cut and can take time. You may even have more than one thing going on. After talking with you and doing a physical exam, your doctor may want tests to gather more information. Diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, laparoscopy and cystoscopy allow for a closer look. With these results, you and your doctor can talk about the treatment that’s right for you. Treating Pelvic Pain Thankfully, there are treatment solutions that don’t involve surgery, or if they do, have a minimally invasive approach. The most common treatment options include: Diet and lifestyle changes. Changes to your eating and exercise plans. Medication. Over the counter and prescription pain relievers and muscle relaxants. Physical therapy. Massage, stretching, strengthening and learning how to control pelvic floor muscles. Surgery. Minimally invasive procedures to remove adhesions, fibroids or endometriosis. Finding relief for pelvic pain may mean trying more than one approach or a combination of treatments. If you feel you are not being heard, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. It can take time, but opening up to your doctor and working together can lead to brighter days ahead. Author Jessica Ton, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She specializes in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Make an appointment by calling 443-481-3493.0
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAlma Adams loves her job as a crossing guard in Annapolis, helping young students safely navigate the intersection of Woods Drive and Tyler Avenue. “I just love kids. I’m a people person,” says Alma, 67. When she’s not working, she also keeps busy by traveling and volunteering with her church to deliver meals to the homeless. “I am constantly on the go,” she says. But several years ago, a series of health problems began to make life a lot harder. Alma was diagnosed with cancer in her skin, blood and bones. As she recovered, she began to suffer from knee pain. “I didn’t want to walk – it was so bad that I couldn’t even sleep at night,” Alma says. She visited orthopedic surgeon Paul King, MD, with Anne Arundel Medical Center Orthopedics, after hearing good things about him from family and friends. Dr. King, the medical director of AAMC’s Center for Joint Replacement, did X-rays to figure out the source of the pain. “When he didn’t really see the pain that I was talking about, that’s when he went to the hips,” Alma says. “And he saw the problems that I was having.” Dr. King said the chemotherapy medications she took led to avascular necrosis, or a death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, in her hips. “In some cases hip pain can refer to the knee, so patients with unexplained knee pain always have to be evaluated for a problem in the hip. Because diagnosis can be complex, people with these types of symptoms should always be evaluated by a physician,” Dr. King says. Dr. King performed hip replacement surgery on both of Alma’s hips, using the direct anterior approach. This method uses a special operating table to perform a muscle-sparing hip replacement with the help of X-rays. Alma admits she was reluctant to undergo the surgeries at first, fearing a long recovery time. But that wasn’t the case. She spent four weeks recovering from her first hip surgery, and six weeks recovering from her second surgery. “Recovery after hip replacement is based on patient motivation, preparation, and fitness—she was a very motivated patient,” Dr. King says. He also credits the Center for Joint Replacement’s advances in rapid recovery protocols. Seventy percent of patients who undergo hip replacements leave the hospital in a day or less. And now Alma is enjoying her life. She says she encourages anyone experiencing knee or hip pain to go to AAMC Orthopedics for treatment. “I can drop it like it’s hot,” she says. “Without this surgery, I wouldn’t have felt like myself.” Alma is featured in commercials for AAMC Orthopedics for its Your Comeback Starts Here campaign. Contributor Paul King, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMillions of us suffer from back pain. In fact, it’s one of the most common health problems in the United States. From a steady, dull throbbing to a sharp, sudden pain that radiates down your leg, there’s a wide range of ways you might experience it — and an even wider range of ways it can happen. Whether your pain developed suddenly after a fall or progressed slowly from age-related changes, the result is the same: symptoms that interfere with your daily life. That’s why it’s important to let a specialist take a closer look, so you can better understand your options and work together to build a treatment plan. Causes of back pain symptoms Almost everyone will experience back pain at some time in their life. Several factors can contribute to back pain, including your: Age Diet Family history Fitness level Job-related risk Stress level Weight When to see a doctor about your back pain symptoms Plan to see your doctor right away if you have pain that doesn’t improve after a few weeks, or if you have these symptoms: Back pain after a fall or injury Fever, which can be a sign of discitis or an epidural abscess Numbness and tingling Severe back pain that medicine doesn’t help Trouble urinating Unplanned weight loss Weakness Treatment for back pain The right treatment depends on the cause of your pain. Your doctor will do a full exam, which may include X-rays and scans, to better pinpoint what’s causing your pain and how best to treat it. An accurate diagnosis is essential as many different structural problems can give similar and often overlapping symptoms. In some cases, you can improve back pain with lifestyle changes, such as staying active to increase strength and balance. You could also work to maintain a healthy body weight to lower stress on your back. Traditional and complementary treatments Your doctor may suggest traditional treatments such as muscle relaxers or numbing injections. Your provider may also suggest complementary approaches such as acupuncture, spinal manipulation, Tai chi or yoga. When you may need surgery for back pain Conservative therapy, including physical therapy, is effective in nearly 80 percent of cases. If physical therapy and other traditional or complementary treatments are not providing relief, surgery may be an option to help alleviate your back pain. Surgical approaches range from minimally invasive procedures to more complex open operations, and an experienced surgeon can partner with you to develop a personalized treatment plan aligned with your overall health and wellness goals. In about 20 percent of cases, sacroiliac, or SI, fusion may be the most effective way to relieve back pain and restore stability. What is SI fusion? The SI joint is where the spine and pelvis meet. SI fusion makes the SI joint more stable since it, like any joint, can break down over time or because of an injury. The result is often a painful lower back. Your neurosurgeon will make a small incision and use an implant system to stabilize and fuse the SI joint to prevent ongoing pain. The procedure is designed to help you recover faster with fewer complications and better outcomes. SI fusion is a minimally invasive surgery that has a very high success rate. After surgery, patients typically recover in about three weeks using a walker or crutch. Most don’t need physical therapy during this time. Expert care for your back pain is within reach If you haven’t been able to find relief from back pain, ask your doctor if the pain could be related to your SI joints. If you are diagnosed with an SI joint condition, please contact Christopher Taleghani, MD at 443-451-4994. Authors Christopher Taleghani, MD, has performed more than 500 sacroiliac joint fusion procedures, making him one of the most experienced minimally invasive spine surgeons in the world. He is an invited lecturer, educator, and innovator in the development and advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques.0
- Orthopedics, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogInjuries and a lifetime of high-impact sports have left Doug Herman, 58, with significant knee damage and arthritis. Yet this competitive athlete maintains peak performance by varying his exercise routine and working closely with the orthopedic specialists at Anne Arundel Medical Center to help protect and preserve his knees. “I’ve been exercising my entire life. I’ve got to stay in motion,” he says. Whether you’re an older weekend warrior or a young competitive athlete, the earlier you take steps to protect your joint health, the longer you can continue to participate in the activities you love. Doug was a young surfer and water skier in the 1970s when he faced his first knee surgery to repair a torn ACL, leaving him vulnerable to arthritis. When doctors suggested that he pursue a less risky activity, he chose competitive running. But 15 years of continuous training and many marathons later, he was in trouble. “My orthopedist advised me to stop running to save my knees,” he says. That’s when Doug switched to competitive cycling, a low-impact sport that puts much less pressure on lower body joints than running. That’s also when he learned the benefits of cross-training, a strategy that alternates high- and low-impact activities. Highs and Lows High-impact exercises should be done in moderation, and include activities with sustained periods of running, jumping or lifting heavy weights. Low-impact exercises include walking, swimming, biking, light resistance work with exercise bands, some forms of dance, yoga and Pilates. Mix It Up “Regular exercise protects joints by strengthening the surrounding muscles and keeping bones strong, but sustained, high-impact exercise can place extreme impact on joints over the long term,” says Daniel Redziniak, MD, an AAMC board-certified orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine. “For example, when one leg hits the ground during a run, five times your body weight is translated across the knee joint, leading to wear.” Cross-training can protect joint health in people of all ages and all activity levels by allowing time for the joints to recover from this stress, he says. It should include low-impact activities; exercises that strengthen the “core” area, which includes abdominal and back muscles; and a regular regimen of stretching to help joint-supporting tendons, ligaments and muscles stay limber, says Dr. Redziniak. This whole-body approach can help prevent not only common knee and hip problems, but also lower back pain, rotator cuff injuries of the shoulder, and a multitude of other bone and joint injuries, he adds. “I now alternate my cycling sessions with swimming and core strengthening. And, I’m more careful with my weightlifting routine, using proper posture and limiting my time,” says Doug. “I feel stronger all the way around.” Arthritis Options Doug has also benefitted from orthopedic intervention to manage his arthritis symptoms. According to Dr. Redziniak, people with arthritis can help prolong the life of their joints and remain active by: Maintaining a healthy weight. Using ice and anti-inflammatory medication. Bracing joints for strenuous activities. Those who need additional relief may benefit from therapies, including: Cortisone shots directly into the affected joints for extended pain relief. Viscosupplementation shots, which may help lubricate the affected joint for periods of up to six months. Doug currently uses anti-inflammatory medications and viscosupplementation injections. Due to his careful arthritis management and the switch to cross-training, his doctors say he’ll likely avoid joint replacement surgery for up to a decade longer. Doug doesn’t plan to let the inevitable surgery stop him. In fact, many people with artificial knee and hip joints can continue high-performance, competitive activities as long as they protect the new joints, says Dr. Redziniak. Doug’s got an advantage: He now knows exactly how to do that. Learn more about The Joint Center at AAMC, which performs more joint replacements than any other hospital in Maryland. Read more about how to protect bones and joints at any age. Contributor Daniel Redziniak, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Uncategorized, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJust because you know your risk for a heart attack, doesn’t mean you know your risk for heart failure. Oftentimes people use the terms heart attack and cardiac arrest interchangeably, even though they are two distinct conditions. Heart Attack = Plumbing Issue You can think of a heart attack as a plumbing issue—when your pipes get clogged it’s going to cause some big problems. A blockage of the coronary arteries causes a heart attack. The blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a part of the heart muscle and, if not quickly resolved, can cause parts of the heart muscle to begin to die. With a heart attack your heart generally continues to beat, despite the blockage. Cardiac Arrest = Electrical Issue On the other hand, a cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. The electrical circuit to your heart goes out–it’s like a black out. It starts when the electrical signals that control the timing and the organization of the heartbeat become chaotic and then the heart suddenly stops pumping. Without blood pumping to the brain, loss of consciousness and death occurs. Sometimes cardiac arrest can be triggered by another traumatic event, like drowning, electrocution, drug abuse, and even a heart attack. You are at higher risk if you have coronary heart disease, weakened heart (cardiomyopathy), or if you or a family member have history of certain heart conditions like arrhythmias, cardiac genetic disorders, or thickened heart muscle. Warning Signs There are varying warning signs you may experience before a heart attack—including chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, palpitations, and nausea—but the warning signs for cardiac arrest are pretty clear: Loss of consciousness No breathing No pulse Death will occur if treatment is not provided in the first few minutes. What You Can Do So what should you do if you’re with someone who goes into cardiac arrest? First, you should dial 911 to get help on the way. You should immediately begin CPR. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is nearby, use it. These are becoming more common in public places like malls, airports and community swimming pools. Prepare yourself now by signing up to learn CPR and how to use an AED through community classes, like Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Heartsavers Class. Nearly 400,000 out-of-hospital deaths occur from cardiac arrest each year. Acting fast and knowing what to do can save lives. Learn CPR and how to use an AED at one our upcoming Heartsavers classes. Plus, find out your “heart age” and risk of heart disease by taking our quick, free heart profiler at www.AAMCYoungAtHeart.org. Author By Baran Kilical, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach his office, call 410-897–0822.0
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
Go to MyChart
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?