This month marks the return of Dr. Rami Rustum as a columnist in The Valley Patriot. We sat down with Dr. Rustum last week to talk about what does, and what makes Merrimack Valley Pain Management Associates different from other pain clinics. Dr. Rustum was born and raised in Syria where he eventually went to […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – May, 2017 It is not unusual to see these two terms confused by patients and even caregivers. Probably, because pain could be difficult or an annoying problem to deal with. First, it could be helpful to share easy definition or understanding of the pain: Pain occurs when something hurts, causing […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – Feb. 2017 “Doctor, yes I was told I have arthritis. Now you are telling me that I have Osteoarthritis?? How come?”. This question is typical one which I hear at least 2-3 times every day as many patients affected by arthritis don’t know the differences between the major two types […]
The Valley Patriot newspaper has announced the nominees for the 2017 Valley Patriot BASH Awards. Winners will be announced at The Valley Patriot BASH, held on March 24th, at the Firefighter’s Relief In, at 6pm. GET TICKETS HERE *VALLEY PATRIOT 1ST AMENDMENT PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD Each year this award is given to 2 individuals […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – January, 2016 The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a strong weight bearing joint in the pelvis that connects the sacrum and pelvis. There are two joints, one on each side of the sacrum. This joint is reinforced by strong surrounding ligaments. Both joints move together as single unit to transmit upper […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – Dec. 2016 There are numerous facet joints in the body; they are the small joints behind and between each of the vertebrae in the spine, allowing you to bend forward and backward but controlling twisting motion of the spine. Everyday wear and tear, arthritis, or a single injury can damage […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – Nov. 2016 Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) refers to a group of patients who have new or persistent pain after spinal surgery for back or leg pain. The same term applies for continuing pain in the neck or arm following neck surgery. The pain can be reduced but still present, […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – Sept. 2016 Neuropathy is the term used to describe a problem with the nerves, usually the peripheral nerves as opposed to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). When the sensory system is impacted by injury or disease, the nerves within that system cannot work to transmit sensation […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – August, 2016 Bursitis is the inflammation or irritation of the bursa. The bursa is a sac filled with lubricating fluid, located between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendons, and skin, that decreases rubbing, friction, and irritation. The most common causes of bursitis are repetitive motions or positions that irritate […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – July, 2016 Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder marked by widespread, unexplained pain in the muscles and joints. It’s not a disease. It’s a syndrome, which is a collection of symptoms that occur together. Although many people think of it as an arthritic condition due to the symptoms, it’s not […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – June, 2016 As you are working at your desk, trying to ignore the tingling or numbness you’ve had for months in your hand and wrist. Suddenly, a sharp, piercing pain shoots through the wrist and up your arm. More likely you have carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful progressive condition caused […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – May, 2016 Pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work, and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Most people have back pain at least once. Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent or relieve most back pain episodes. If prevention fails, simple […]
Dr. Rami Rustum – April-2016 It is my great pleasure to be back, communicating with the great readers of The Valley Patriot newspaper as I will be writing medical article, which will address every month different topic concerning pain and its management. I will be glad to receive your questions, comments or requests […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustum – April, 2012 Pain relief at the end of life is a top priority task for patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Failure to achieve such goal has enormous consequences with tremendous distress to patients, a sense of failure by family caregivers, and moral distress of professionals who understand that the […]
By: Dr. Rami Rustim – June, 2011 Headache is one of the reasons to visit a pain clinic which seems to be on the rise lately!!! With all the stress around us on different fronts, it seems understandable problem. Patients give different description to the problem but the common thing is experiencing “Pain in/ around […]