Pain Institute of Southern Arizona

10/30/2025

10/30/2025

“See the calm, feel the relief.”

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that uses focused mental visualization to create calming and positive images in the mind. By listening to a practitioner’s voice, an audio recording, or using self-directed imagination, patients are encouraged to picture soothing scenes, such as a peaceful beach or a quiet forest. This practice engages the senses and shifts attention away from pain, stress, or discomfort, helping the body and mind move into a state of relaxation. It is often
combined with deep breathing to deepen its calming effect.

For pain patients, guided imagery can be especially helpful because it changes how the brain perceives and processes pain signals. By redirecting focus, the mind reduces the intensity of pain and lowers muscle tension that often worsens discomfort. Over time, guided imagery may also reduce stress and anxiety linked to chronic pain, improving overall coping skills. This simple, non-invasive approach can be practiced almost anywhere, making it a valuable tool for pain management and emotional well-being.

10/29/2025

“Spinal cord stimulators: Rewriting pain signals, restoring life.”

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a medical device used to manage chronic pain by sending electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing the perception of pain in targeted areas of the body. The device consists of thin wires, called leads, which are placed near the spinal cord, and a small pulse generator implanted under the skin, usually in the abdomen or buttocks. Patients can adjust the intensity and pattern of
the stimulation using a remote control, allowing for personalized pain management.

Spinal cord stimulators are often considered for people whose chronic pain has not responded to more conservative measures. The goal of the device is not to cure the underlying condition but to improve quality of life by reducing pain and increasing the ability to perform daily activities. The sensation from the stimulator is typically described as a tingling or gentle buzzing, which can replace or mask the chronic pain. Because the therapy is adjustable and reversible, it provides a flexible option for managing complex, persistent pain in the spine, limbs, or other affected regions.

10/29/2025

The Pain Institute of Southern Arizona is thrilled to welcome our newest Interventional Pain Specialist, Dr. Lorenzo Sabido!

With compassion and innovation at the heart of everything we do, Dr. Sabido joins our team in advancing personalized, patient-centered care for those living with chronic pain.

Join us in giving Dr. Sabido a warm Southern Arizona welcome! 💙

10/29/2025

“Focused relief, one nerve at a time.”

A selective nerve block is a medical procedure used to target a specific nerve or group of nerves to interrupt pain signals traveling to the brain. By injecting an anesthetic, and sometimes other medications, near the nerve, doctors can temporarily reduce or eliminate pain in a particular area of the body. These blocks are often used to diagnose the source of pain, as well as to understand which nerves are contributing to chronic or acute discomfort. Unlike general anesthesia, which affects the entire body, a selective nerve block focuses on a precise location, allowing for targeted relief without widespread numbness.

The procedure is typically guided by imaging techniques such as X-ray, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy to ensure accurate placement of the needle and medication. Patients may experience immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement as inflammation and nerve irritation decrease. Selective nerve blocks are commonly used in conditions involving the spine, joints, or extremities, and can help clinicians map out the nerve pathways responsible for pain. This targeted approach makes them a valuable diagnostic and monitoring tool in pain management.

10/28/2025

“CRPS: When pain tells a story your body can’t ignore.”

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually affects an arm or a leg, often following an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The pain experienced is typically disproportionate to the original injury and can be severe, burning, or throbbing. CRPS is believed to involve dysfunction in both the
peripheral and central nervous systems, causing abnormal responses to pain signals. In addition to intense pain, the affected area may show changes in skin color, temperature, and texture, and may become swollen or sensitive to touch.

CRPS can also affect movement and function. The affected limb may become stiff, weak, or prone to spasms, and in some cases, the joints may begin to stiffen or deteriorate over time. The condition can fluctuate, with periods of increased symptoms followed by relative calm, and it can have a significant impact on daily activities, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Because it is complex and variable, CRPS is often challenging to understand and diagnose, requiring careful
attention to the combination of pain, sensory changes, and functional limitations.

10/23/2025

“Rebuild your backbone, regain your life.”

Kyphoplasty is a medical procedure designed to restore the shape and stability of a vertebra that has collapsed due to a compression fracture. In this procedure, a small balloon is carefully inserted into the fractured vertebra and then gently inflated. This creates space within the bone and helps lift it back toward its normal height, reducing the wedge shape caused by the fracture. Once the space is created, the balloon is removed and the cavity is filled with a special bone cement, which hardens quickly to stabilize the vertebra.

The purpose of kyphoplasty is to improve the structure of the spine and reduce the pain that often comes from vertebral collapse. By reinforcing the weakened vertebra with cement, the procedure helps restore alignment and prevents further collapse at that level. Many patients also notice improved mobility after the procedure, since stabilizing the fractured bone can make movement less painful and easier to manage.

10/22/2025

🌟Congratulations Dr. Bailey!🌟

10/22/2025

“Move safely, heal stronger.”

Physical therapy for a compression fracture is designed to help restore movement, improve strength, and prevent further injury once the spine has had some initial time to heal. Early therapy may include gentle, controlled exercises that focus on posture, core stability, and breathing techniques to reduce stress on the spine. As pain decreases, the therapist may guide the patient through safe stretching and strengthening movements that target the back and abdominal muscles, which play a key role in supporting the spine.

Beyond exercise, physical therapy often emphasizes education on body mechanics—teaching patients how to bend, lift, and move without putting extra pressure on the fractured area. Balance training and low impact activities may also be included to reduce the risk of falls and future fractures. Over time, these strategies not only improve mobility and confidence but also promote long-term spine health and resilience.

10/21/2025

"Food and Exercise That Promote Good Bone Health"

Bone health is a vital component of overall well-being, influencing mobility, strength, and quality of life. Adequate nutrition and regular exercise are the most effective lifestyle interventions for maintaining optimal bone mineral density (BMD) and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. This article reviews dietary components and types of physical activity that support skeletal health throughout the lifespan.

Bones are dynamic tissues that undergo continuous remodeling—a balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. Peak bone mass is typically achieved by the third decade of life, after which bone loss gradually accelerates, especially in postmenopausal women and older adults. Nutritional intake and physical activity are modifiable factors that significantly influence this process.

Optimal bone health is achieved through a synergistic approach involving balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other micronutrients, combined with consistent weight-bearing and resistance exercises, can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, promoting longevity and independence.

10/20/2025

“A fracture is a chapter, not the whole story.”

A compression fracture occurs when one of the bones in the spine, called a vertebra, collapses or is crushed under pressure. This usually happens in the front portion of the vertebra, which causes it to lose height and take on a wedge-like shape. Such fractures are most often the result of weakened bones, commonly due to conditions like osteoporosis, but they can also happen from significant trauma, such as a fall or accident. The change in the shape of the vertebra can alter the alignment of the spine and affect how weight is distributed across it.

People with a compression fracture may notice sudden or gradual back pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits movement. Over time, multiple fractures can cause the spine to curve forward, leading to a hunched posture known as kyphosis. These fractures don’t just affect physical structure—they can also impact mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life.

10/17/2025

🎉 Milestone Reached!
We’re thrilled to celebrate the topping-out ceremony for the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona’s new state-of-the-art facility in Oro Valley!

This milestone marks the completion of the building’s highest structural point — a major step toward opening our doors to better serve patients across Southern Arizona.

A huge thank you to our dedicated construction team, architects, and partners who made this possible. We can’t wait to welcome our community into this new space soon!