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33    <div id="root"><header style="padding:1rem;border-bottom:1px solid #ddd"><a href="/" style="font-weight:bold">Pain Clinics of America / CMS Pain &amp; Rehab</a> · <a href="/blog">Blog</a> · <a href="/our-services">Services</a></header><main style="max-width:960px;margin:auto;padding:2rem 1rem">
34  <h1>Patient articles</h1>
35  <p>Pain care information and visit preparation from our Sandy Springs clinic.</p>
36  <article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
37  <h2><a href="/blog/neurogenic-vs-vascular-claudication-what-to-track-before-a-spine-pain-visit-and-">Neurogenic vs vascular claudication: what to track before a spine pain visit and when to seek emergency care</a></h2>
38  <time datetime="2026-09-23T10:36:26.187+00:00">September 23, 2026</time>
39  <p>Walking and posture patterns can offer useful clues to neurogenic vs vascular claudication. Learn which details to track—like downhill vs uphill tolerance, standing vs walking effects, and cycling observations—and the emergency signs that require immediate evaluation before a spine‑pain visit.</p>
40</article>
41<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
42  <h2><a href="/blog/selective-nerve-root-block-diagnostic-role-safety-cues-and-visit-preparation">Selective Nerve Root Block: Diagnostic Role, Safety Cues, and Visit Preparation</a></h2>
43  <time datetime="2026-09-22T10:35:52.931+00:00">September 22, 2026</time>
44  <p>A selective nerve root block can help identify a symptomatic nerve root in some lumbar or cervical radiculopathy evaluations. Learn what the test aims to show, how to track short-term responses, and which safety and expectation topics to raise—without promising outcomes.</p>
45</article>
46<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
47  <h2><a href="/blog/preparing-for-an-opioid-taper-or-dose-change-what-to-bring-and-what-to-expect-at">Preparing for an opioid taper or dose change: what to bring and what to expect at a pain clinic in 2026</a></h2>
48  <time datetime="2026-09-21T10:35:20.236+00:00">September 21, 2026</time>
49  <p>A practical 2026 guide for preparing to discuss an opioid taper or dose change at a pain clinic. Learn what to bring, what monitoring to expect, how national safety guidance informs policies, and which questions support shared decisions.</p>
50</article>
51<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
52  <h2><a href="/blog/narcan-now-has-a-3-year-shelf-life-what-it-means-for-home-safety-plans">Narcan Now Has a 3‑Year Shelf Life: What It Means for Home Safety Plans</a></h2>
53  <time datetime="2026-09-18T10:34:41.066+00:00">September 18, 2026</time>
54  <p>The FDA extended Narcan nasal spray’s labeled shelf life to 3 years on August 6, 2026. Here’s how the change affects home overdose‑preparedness: how to check the printed expiration date, storage basics that protect quality, and thoughtful questions to bring to an opioid‑management visit.</p>
55</article>
56<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
57  <h2><a href="/blog/do-i-need-an-mri-for-knee-pain-when-x-ray-is-first-and-when-mri-may-add-value-in">Do I need an MRI for knee pain? When X‑ray is first—and when MRI may add value in a pain‑clinic workup</a></h2>
58  <time datetime="2026-09-17T10:35:40.157+00:00">September 17, 2026</time>
59  <p>For many adults with knee pain, weightbearing X‑rays come first. MRI can add value when results would change decisions, such as confirming suspected internal derangement after nondiagnostic radiographs. Learn safety cues, when urgent care is needed, and how to prepare questions for a pain‑clinic visit.</p>
60</article>
61<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
62  <h2><a href="/blog/sacroiliac-joint-pain-how-clinics-evaluate-it-what-to-track-and-emergency-warnin">Sacroiliac joint pain: how clinics evaluate it, what to track, and emergency warning signs</a></h2>
63  <time datetime="2026-09-16T10:36:24.249+00:00">September 16, 2026</time>
64  <p>Sacroiliac joint pain can overlap with low back, buttock, and posterior thigh symptoms. Learn how clinicians use history, exam provocation test cluster

64s, and selective image‑guided diagnostic anesthetic injections, what to track before your visit, and which red flags require immediate emergency care.</p>
65</article>
66<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
67  <h2><a href="/blog/your-lumbar-mri-report-what-common-terms-mean-and-how-to-prepare-clinic-question">Your Lumbar MRI Report: What Common Terms Mean and How to Prepare Clinic Questions</a></h2>
68  <time datetime="2026-09-15T10:35:19.578+00:00">September 15, 2026</time>
69  <p>Confused by a lumbar MRI report? This guide explains common terms like disc bulge, herniation, stenosis, Modic changes, annular fissure, facet arthropathy, and spondylolisthesis; why findings may not match symptoms; which red flags require emergency care; and how to prepare focused clinic questions.</p>
70</article>
71<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
72  <h2><a href="/blog/genicular-nerve-block-and-knee-rfa-what-to-ask-and-track-before-your-pain-clinic">Genicular Nerve Block and Knee RFA: What to Ask and Track Before Your Pain‑Clinic Consultation</a></h2>
73  <time datetime="2026-09-14T10:59:27.73+00:00">September 14, 2026</time>
74  <p>A genicular nerve block can help determine whether knee radiofrequency ablation is reasonable to consider. Learn how the diagnostic block is used, what to track after the test, the evidence and safety themes for different RFA techniques, and practical questions to bring to your pain‑clinic visit.</p>
75</article>
76<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
77  <h2><a href="/blog/neck-pain-with-arm-symptoms-when-cervical-mri-is-considered-and-urgent-red-flags">Neck Pain With Arm Symptoms: When Cervical MRI Is Considered—and Urgent Red Flags to Report</a></h2>
78  <time datetime="2026-09-13T10:34:52.908+00:00">September 13, 2026</time>
79  <p>Neck pain with arm symptoms can reflect irritation of a nerve root or, less commonly, pressure on the spinal cord. Learn how patterns differ, when cervical MRI may be considered (not assumed), how timing differs from low back pain, and which warning signs need immediate emergency care.</p>
80</article>
81<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
82  <h2><a href="/blog/medial-branch-block-visit-guide-purpose-safety-points-and-how-to-track-pain-resp">Medial Branch Block Visit Guide: Purpose, Safety Points, and How to Track Pain Response for Suspected Facet-Related Pain</a></h2>
83  <time datetime="2026-09-11T12:56:55.03+00:00">September 11, 2026</time>
84  <p>Learn how a diagnostic medial branch block helps evaluate suspected facet-related spine pain, what to expect at the visit, key safety points, and how to keep a pain-and-function diary that makes results more interpretable for shared planning at CMS Pain Management &amp; Rehab.</p>
85</article>
86<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
87  <h2><a href="/blog/new-otc-acetaminophen-naproxen-safety-steps-for-pain-clinic-patients">New OTC Acetaminophen + Naproxen: Safety Steps for Pain‑Clinic Patients</a></h2>
88  <time datetime="2026-09-10T10:34:57.766+00:00">September 10, 2026</time>
89  <p>

89In July 2026, the FDA approved the first OTC tablet that combines acetaminophen with naproxen sodium. This guide outlines key label steps, interaction checks, risk factors, and practical clinic questions adults can consider before using the new product.</p>
90</article>
91<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
92  <h2><a href="/blog/infinion-cx-spinal-cord-stimulator-lead-recall-what-patients-should-know-now">Infinion CX Spinal Cord Stimulator Lead Recall: What Patients Should Know Now</a></h2>
93  <time datetime="2026-09-09T10:34:00.835+00:00">September 9, 2026</time>
94  <p>On September 3, 2026, the FDA announced a Class I recall involving the Boston Scientific Infinion CX spinal cord stimulator lead. Here’s what that recall means for current users and the non‑urgent, safety‑focused questions to bring to a pain‑clinic visit for coordinated monitoring and reporting.</p>
95</article>
96<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
97  <h2><a href="/blog/preparing-for-a-lumbar-epidural-steroid-injection-consult-safety-imaging-and-red">Preparing for a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Consult: Safety, Imaging, and Red Flags</a></h2>
98  <time datetime="2026-09-08T10:38:37.914+00:00">September 8, 2026</time>
99  <p>Preparing for a lumbar epidural steroid injection consultation means organizing symptom timelines, bringing prior imaging and reports, and disclosing conditions like diabetes, infection risks, and blood thinners. This supports a safety-first discussion that includes red-flag emergencies, imaging needs, and risk checks before any procedure is considered.</p>
100</article>
101<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
102  <h2><a href="/blog/nociceptive-neuropathic-or-nociplastic-how-pain-mechanisms-guide-nonopioid-rehab">Nociceptive, Neuropathic, or Nociplastic? How Pain Mechanisms Guide Nonopioid, Rehab‑First Care at CMS</a></h2>
103  <time datetime="2026-09-07T10:34:22.757+00:00">September 7, 2026</time>
104  <p>Understanding nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain can help organize a nonopioid, rehabilitation-first plan. CMS Pain Management &amp; Rehab explains how clinicians use these mechanisms to align goals, imaging choices, and medication safety without turning labels into diagnoses.</p>
105</article>
106<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
107  <h2><a href="/blog/preparing-for-a-spinal-cord-stimulation-consult-2026-mri-and-programming-topics-">Preparing for a Spinal Cord Stimulation Consult: 2026 MRI and Programming Topics to Raise</a></h2>
108  <time datetime="2026-09-06T10:34:50.947+00:00">September 6, 2026</time>
109  <p>Planning a spinal cord stimulation consultation now includes clear MRI and programming questions. Recent FDA PMA supplements can change MRI access and note programming options. Learn what to bring, which MRI topics to raise, how trials are evaluated, and safety points to keep in mind.</p>
110</article>
111<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
112  <h2><a href="/blog/opioid-treatment-agreements-and-monitoring-what-to-expect-at-a-pain-clinic">Opioid treatment agreements and monitoring: what to expect at a pain clinic</a></h2>
113  <time datetime="2026-09-05T10:38:55.839+00:00">September 5, 2026</time>
114  <p>Considering or already using opioids for chronic pain? Learn how an opioid treatment agreement, PDMP checks, and urine drug screening fit into safety‑first pain care, what they typically include, how results are discussed, and which visit questions can align expectations with your clinician.</p>
115</article>
116<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
117  <h2><a href="/blog/medication-overuse-headache-safety-basics-red-flags-and-how-to-prepare">Medication Overuse Headache: Safety Basics, Red Flags, and How to Prepare</a></h2>
118  <time datetime="2026-09-04T20:31:10.585+00:00">September 4, 2026</time>
119  <p>Frequent use of quick-relief headache medicines can be linked with more headache days. Learn the safety basics of medication overuse headache, the red flags that need immediate emergency evaluation, and what to track so a headache-clinic visit is efficie

119nt and safe.</p>
120</article>
121<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
122  <h2><a href="/blog/prp-for-knee-osteoarthritis-what-recent-trials-mean-for-a-clinic-visit">PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis: What Recent Trials Mean for a Clinic Visit</a></h2>
123  <time datetime="2026-09-04T20:27:10.625+00:00">September 4, 2026</time>
124  <p>A 2026 look at PRP for knee osteoarthritis: how a randomized trial and network meta-analyses compare PRP with corticosteroid and NSAID injections, what PRP+HA research suggests, where placebo-controlled results remain mixed, and which questions to bring to a pain-clinic visit.</p>
125</article>
126<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
127  <h2><a href="/blog/muscle-spasm-treatment-near-me-when-to-seek-care-and-what-an-evaluation-may-incl">Muscle Spasm Treatment Near Me: When to Seek Care and What an Evaluation May Include</a></h2>
128  <time datetime="2026-09-02T17:42:26.275+00:00">September 2, 2026</time>
129  <p>Recurring or severe muscle spasms deserve a careful evaluation that screens for emergencies and contributing conditions before exploring conservative care, rehabilitation, and any medication options.</p>
130</article>
131<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
132  <h2><a href="/blog/lumbar-belts-for-nonspecific-low-back-pain-what-to-know-in-2026">Lumbar Belts for Nonspecific Low Back Pain: What to Know in 2026</a></h2>
133  <time datetime="2026-09-02T10:39:41.181+00:00">September 2, 2026</time>
134  <p>Soft lumbar belts may offer small, short-term comfort for some people with nonspecific low back pain. Learn realistic benefits, limits, fit and safety points, and how to discuss a cautious trial during a spine visit in Atlanta.</p>
135</article>
136<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
137  <h2><a href="/blog/acoustic-wave-therapy-for-ed-near-decatur-and-chamblee-what-to-verify-before-you">Acoustic Wave Therapy for ED Near Decatur and Chamblee: What to Verify Before You Book</a></h2>
138  <time datetime="2026-09-01T21:02:48.205+00:00">September 1, 2026</time>
139  <p>Comparing acoustic wave therapy near Decatur? Learn how to verify the device, evidence, costs, candidacy, expectations, and where CMS Pain &amp; Rehab schedules appointments.</p>
140</article>
141<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
142  <h2><a href="/blog/planning-a-visit-to-cms-pain-management-rehab-current-address-booking-and-forms">Planning a Visit to CMS Pain Management &amp; Rehab: Current Address, Booking, and Forms</a></h2>
143  <time datetime="2026-09-01T20:59:25.094+00:00">September 1, 2026</time>
144  <p>Confirm CMS Pain Management &amp; Rehab’s Sandy Springs address, contact options, booking approach, and forms from the clinic’s official listing before you travel.</p>
145</article>
146<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
147  <h2><a href="/blog/preparing-for-a-low-back-pain-visit-what-to-track-and-when-to-seek-emergency-car">Preparing for a Low Back Pain Visit: What to Track and When to Seek Emergency Care</a></h2>
148  <time datetime="2026-09-01T20:52:26.785+00:00">September 1, 2026</time>
149  <p>Use a focused checklist, pain diary, and functional goals to prepare for your low back pain visit—and know which red flags mean you should go to the emergency department now.</p>
150</article>
151<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
152  <h2><a href="/blog/back-and-neck-pain-when-do-you-really-need-an-mri-or-x-ray">Back and Neck Pain: When Do You Really Need an MRI or X‑ray?</a></h2>
153  <time datetime="2026-09-01T07:04:35.88+00:00">September 1, 2026</time>
154  <p>Not every back or neck pain needs immediate imaging. Learn which red flags, neurologic changes, and timelines guide when X‑ray, MRI, or CT is appropriate for spine pain.</p>
155</article>
156<article style="border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:0.75rem;padding:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem">
157  <h2><a href="/blog/hp-prp-therapy-a-natural-approach-to-pain-relief-cellular-healing-and-tissue-reg">HP-PRP Therapy: A Natural Approach to Pain Relief, Cellular Healing, and Tissue Regeneration</a></h2>
158  <time datetime="2026-06-24T03:31:57.96+00:00">June 24, 2026</time>
159  
160</article>
161</main><footer style="padding:2rem 1rem;border-top:1px solid #ddd"><p>5009 Roswell Road NE, Suite 201, Sandy Springs, GA 30342 · <a href="tel:+17707027500">770-702-7500</a></p></footer></div>
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