FAQs: Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions

If you have knee osteoarthritis (OA), you might think surgery is inevitable—but there are safe and effective non-surgical treatments that can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

🔹 Best Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee OA:
✅ Physical Therapy & Strength Training – Strengthening the quads, hamstrings, and glutes reduces knee stress.
✅ Hyaluronic Acid Injections – Provides natural joint lubrication to improve movement.
✅ Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses your own blood platelets to heal and reduce inflammation.
✅ Prolotherapy – Helps strengthen knee ligaments for long-term stability.
✅ Bracing & Orthotics – Custom knee braces offload pressure and provide support.
✅ Weight Management & Nutrition – Reducing just 10-15 lbs can significantly reduce knee strain.

💡 When Surgery Might Be Needed:

• If severe pain limits daily movement.
• If knee damage is too advanced for regenerative therapies.
• If bone-on-bone arthritis is present, and all other treatments have failed.

But for most people, knee OA can be managed safely without surgery using a combination of regenerative medicine, physical therapy, and targeted injections.

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Staying active is one of the best ways to reduce arthritis pain! The key is to focus on gentle, joint-friendly exercises that improve mobility without excessive strain.

🏋️‍♂️ Top Arthritis-Friendly Exercises:
🦵 1. Water-Based Workouts (Swimming or Water Aerobics) –

• Water reduces joint impact while allowing full range of motion.

🚶 2. Walking (or Using a Treadmill) –

• Helps keep joints mobile without excessive strain.

🧘 3. Yoga & Stretching –

• Improves joint flexibility and reduces stiffness.
• Try gentle poses like Cat-Cow, Seated Twists, or Child’s Pose.

🏋️ 4. Strength Training (With Light Weights or Resistance Bands) –

• Helps support joints by strengthening muscles.
• Focus on quads, hamstrings, and glutes for knee arthritis.

🚴 5. Cycling (Stationary or Outdoor) –

• Provides low-impact movement to lubricate joints.

💡 Bonus Tips:
✅ Start slow and listen to your body—overdoing it can increase inflammation.
✅ Stretch after exercise to prevent post-workout stiffness.
✅ Try heat therapy before exercise and ice therapy after to reduce pain.

If arthritis pain limits mobility, treatments like PRP, hyaluronic acid injections, or prolotherapy can help keep you active and pain-free.

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Cortisone shots can be helpful for short-term pain relief, but they aren’t a long-term solution and do come with potential risks.

🔹 Pros of Cortisone Injections:
✅ Reduces inflammation quickly (great for arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis).
✅ Provides temporary relief, often lasting weeks to months.
✅ Can help delay or avoid surgery if used sparingly.

🚨 Potential Downsides & Risks:

• Cartilage & Tissue Breakdown – Repeated cortisone injections can weaken cartilage and ligaments, leading to joint deterioration over time.
• Short-Term Relief – The effects wear off, and the underlying issue isn’t fixed.
• Increased Blood Sugar – For diabetics, cortisone can cause temporary spikes in blood sugar levels.
• Risk of Infection or Joint Damage – While rare, repeated injections can cause joint instability.

💡 Safer Alternatives to Cortisone:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses your own platelets to heal the joint naturally.
• Prolotherapy – Stimulates long-term tissue repair without damaging cartilage.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections – Adds joint lubrication without harmful side effects.
• Physical Therapy & Strength Training – Helps improve joint function without injections.

Cortisone isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s best used sparingly—and combined with regenerative or rehab-based treatments for lasting relief.

Yes! Many people recover from a herniated disc without surgery using a combination of natural healing, therapy, and targeted treatments.

💡 How the Body Heals a Herniated Disc Naturally:
🔹 The disc reabsorbs fluid over time, reducing pressure on nearby nerves.
🔹 Inflammation decreases, allowing pain and swelling to subside.
🔹 Strengthening the surrounding muscles helps offload pressure from the disc.

🔥 Best Non-Surgical Treatments for a Herniated Disc:
✅ Physical Therapy & Core Strengthening – Improves spinal support and posture.
✅ Interventional Spine Treatments – Epidural steroid injections can calm nerve irritation.
✅ Regenerative Medicine (PRP & Stem Cell Therapy) – Helps repair damaged discs and tissues naturally.
✅ Spinal Decompression Therapy – A gentle stretching technique that reduces disc pressure.
✅ Lifestyle Modifications – Good posture, hydration, and anti-inflammatory nutrition speed up healing.

🚨 When Surgery Might Be Necessary:

• If numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder control occurs.
• If pain does not improve after 3-6 months of conservative treatment.

But in most cases, surgery isn’t needed, and natural disc healing is possible with the right approach.

Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection therapy that helps repair damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints by stimulating the body's natural healing response.

🔬 How It Works:
1️⃣ A small amount of an irritant solution (usually dextrose or saline) is injected into the damaged joint or soft tissue.
2️⃣ This triggers a controlled inflammatory response, signaling the body to increase blood flow and stimulate tissue repair.
3️⃣ Over time, the body produces new collagen, strengthening the ligaments and stabilizing the joint.

💡 Who Can Benefit?
✅ People with chronic joint pain (knees, shoulders, hips, spine).
✅ Those suffering from arthritis or degenerative joint disease.
✅ Athletes with ligament or tendon injuries (like tennis elbow or sprains).
✅ Patients looking for a non-surgical, long-term pain relief option.

⚡ Why It’s Effective:

• Unlike painkillers, prolotherapy addresses the root cause (weak or damaged tissue) instead of just masking symptoms.
• It’s minimally invasive, has little downtime, and avoids the risks of surgery.

If chronic joint pain is holding you back, prolotherapy can help restore function and reduce pain naturally—without relying on steroids or surgery.

Recovery time depends on the severity of the tear and how well the injury is managed. In most cases, non-surgical recovery takes between 4 to 12 weeks, but full strength may take several months.

🔹 Rotator Cuff Recovery Timeline (Without Surgery):

• Mild Strain (Grade 1) – 4-6 weeks with rest, physical therapy, and gradual strengthening.
• Partial Tear (Grade 2) – 8-12 weeks with physical therapy, regenerative medicine (PRP), and targeted rehab.
• Severe Tear (Grade 3, Non-Surgical Candidate) – Several months, often requiring platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy to aid healing.

💪 Best Non-Surgical Treatments for Rotator Cuff Injuries:
✅ Physical Therapy – Restores mobility & prevents stiffness.
✅ PRP or Stem Cell Therapy – Accelerates healing naturally.
✅ Prolotherapy – Strengthens ligaments and tendon attachments.
✅ Anti-Inflammatory Injections – Cortisone or biologic injections can help reduce pain (though PRP is a better long-term option).

🏋️‍♂️ How to Speed Up Healing:

• Avoid repetitive overhead movements.
• Follow a structured strengthening program.
• Use ice & anti-inflammatory nutrition to control swelling.
• Consider regenerative treatments if healing is slow.

If pain persists beyond 3 months, an MRI or further evaluation may be needed to rule out a complete tear.

Yes! Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is one of the most advanced, drug-free treatments for chronic nerve pain—especially for conditions like:

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Sciatica & nerve compression
• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Chronic leg or arm nerve pain

⚡ How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
1️⃣ A small device is implanted near the spine (similar to a pacemaker).
2️⃣ The device sends mild electrical pulses to block pain signals before they reach the brain.
3️⃣ Instead of pain, patients often feel a gentle tingling sensation or no sensation at all.

💡 Why Is It So Effective?
✅ Reduces or eliminates the need for pain medications.
✅ Can reduce nerve pain by 50-70% in many cases.
✅ Customizable settings allow patients to adjust pain relief.
✅ Minimally invasive & reversible if needed.

If traditional treatments haven’t worked, SCS can provide long-term pain relief without the risks of opioids or major surgery.

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Diabetic neuropathy—a nerve condition caused by high blood sugar levels—can lead to burning pain, numbness, and weakness, but new treatments are helping people manage symptoms more effectively.

🔹 Latest & Most Effective Treatments for Diabetic Neuropathy:
1️⃣ Regenerative Medicine (PRP & Stem Cell Therapy) – Helps repair nerve damage and improve function without medications.

2️⃣ Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) – Blocks pain signals before they reach the brain, providing long-term relief for severe neuropathy pain.

3️⃣ IV Therapy for Neuropathy – High-dose B vitamins, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and antioxidants can help repair nerves and reduce pain.

4️⃣ Minimally Invasive Nerve Blocks – Injections that reduce nerve inflammation and relieve pain without long-term medication use.

5️⃣ Non-Opioid Medications – Duloxetine (Cymbalta), pregabalin (Lyrica), and gabapentin help stabilize nerve signals.

6️⃣ Laser & Infrared Therapy – Improves circulation and reduces nerve damage progression.

💡 What’s the Best Option?
The best treatment depends on your symptoms and severity. If traditional medications aren’t working, advanced therapies like regenerative medicine or spinal cord stimulation may be life-changing.

In Atlanta, Medici Orthopaedics & Spine offers cutting-edge neuropathy treatments tailored to your needs.

Tingling in the hands is often caused by nerve compression, circulation issues, or inflammation, and there are several natural ways to reduce it.

💆‍♂️ Best Natural Remedies for Hand Tingling:
1️⃣ Stretch & Move –

• Try wrist flexor and extensor stretches to improve circulation.
• Shake out your hands if they start to feel numb.

2️⃣ Correct Your Posture –

• If tingling happens while using a computer, ensure your wrists aren’t overextended and use an ergonomic keyboard/mouse.
• Avoid sleeping with your arms bent under your head, as this can compress nerves.

3️⃣ Support Nerve Health with Nutrition –

• Vitamin B12 (found in eggs, fish, dairy) helps prevent nerve damage.
• Magnesium & Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) support nerve function.
• Turmeric & Omega-3s reduce inflammation naturally.

4️⃣ Use Warm Compresses or Hand Massages –

• Heat can relax muscles and improve blood flow, while massage helps reduce tension on nerves.

5️⃣ Consider Acupuncture or Myofascial Release –

• Both treatments can help relieve pinched nerves and circulation issues that cause tingling.

🚨 When to Seek Medical Attention:

• If tingling is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by weakness, it could be a sign of nerve damage, carpal tunnel, or an underlying condition that needs evaluation.

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Both bulging discs and herniated discs affect the spine and can cause pain, but they aren’t the same thing. The key difference is how much the disc is damaged and how it affects surrounding nerves.

🟠 Bulging Disc:

• The outer layer of the disc remains intact, but the disc pushes outward, causing pressure on nearby nerves.
• Often develops gradually due to aging, poor posture, or repetitive stress.
• Symptoms may include mild back pain, stiffness, or occasional numbness but are often less severe than a herniated disc.

🔴 Herniated Disc:

• The outer layer of the disc is torn, allowing the soft inner material to leak out. This can directly irritate nerves and cause more intense pain.
• Often caused by a sudden injury, lifting improperly, or disc degeneration.
• Symptoms can include sharp pain, tingling, weakness, or shooting pain (sciatica) that radiates down the arms or legs.

💡 What to Do If You Have a Disc Issue?
Both conditions can often be treated without surgery using:
✅ Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and support the spine.
✅ Interventional spine treatments like epidural injections to reduce inflammation.
✅ Regenerative medicine (PRP, prolotherapy) to promote disc healing.
✅ Minimally invasive treatments if pain persists.

If you’re unsure which condition you have, an MRI or evaluation by a spine specialist can help determine the best treatment plan.

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A rotator cuff injury can cause significant shoulder pain and limit movement, but surgery isn’t always necessary. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine in Kennesaw, we specialize in non-surgical treatments that help patients recover mobility and reduce pain without downtime.

Some of the most effective non-surgical treatments for rotator cuff injuries include:
✔ Physical Therapy – Strengthening and stretching exercises can improve shoulder stability and function.
✔ Regenerative Medicine (PRP & Stem Cell Therapy) – Using your body’s natural healing abilities, these treatments promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
✔ Corticosteroid Injections – These help reduce pain and inflammation so you can move more comfortably.
✔ Myofascial Release & Sports Massage Therapy – Helps relieve muscle tension and improves mobility in the shoulder.
✔ Shockwave Therapy – A non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing and improves blood flow to the injured area.

In many cases, patients see significant improvement with a combination of physical therapy, injections, and regenerative treatments. However, if your injury is severe and non-surgical treatments aren’t providing relief, we also offer minimally invasive surgical options at our Marietta surgical center.

Schedule an appointment at our Kennesaw clinic to discuss the best treatment plan for your rotator cuff injury. Call us at (770) 545-6404 to get started on your recovery journey.

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If you’ve ever noticed that your joint pain or stiffness worsens on humid days, you’re not imagining it. Georgia’s high humidity levels can exacerbate arthritis symptoms due to changes in barometric pressure, which can cause tissues in the joints to expand, leading to discomfort and inflammation.

Common effects of humidity on arthritis include:
🔹 Increased stiffness and swelling – Moist, humid air can cause joints to feel tighter, making movement more difficult.
🔹 More inflammation and pain – Changes in atmospheric pressure can lead to increased inflammation, especially for those with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
🔹 Reduced hydration in joints – High humidity can cause the body to lose fluids through sweating, reducing the natural lubrication in the joints and increasing friction.

How to Manage Arthritis in Humid Weather:
✔ Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps keep your joints lubricated.
✔ Control indoor humidity – Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help regulate moisture levels.
✔ Stay active – Gentle movement, stretching, and physical therapy exercises can prevent stiffness.
✔ Apply cold or warm therapy – Ice packs can reduce inflammation, while heat therapy can help loosen stiff joints.

If humidity is making your arthritis worse, our specialists at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine can help with targeted treatments, including regenerative medicine, physical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures. Call us to explore your options for better arthritis management.

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Hiking is a great way to stay active, even if you have joint pain—the key is choosing trails that are gentle on the body. Georgia has several scenic options that offer smooth, well-maintained paths with minimal inclines, making them ideal for people with arthritis, knee pain, or other joint conditions.

Here are some joint-friendly hiking trails in Georgia:
✅ Sweetwater Creek State Park (Red Trail) – Located near Atlanta, this trail follows the creek with mostly flat terrain and shaded areas to keep the temperature down.
✅ Arabia Mountain PATH – A paved, multi-use trail that winds through beautiful rock formations and wildflowers. The smooth surface makes it perfect for those with joint issues.
✅ Big Creek Greenway (Alpharetta & Forsyth Sections) – This long, paved trail is excellent for a low-impact walk or hike. The boardwalk sections help reduce stress on the knees and ankles.
✅ Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Island Ford Trail) – Features scenic river views with soft dirt paths that are much easier on the joints compared to rocky terrain.
✅ Gibbs Gardens Trails – This botanical garden offers beautifully maintained walking paths that allow you to enjoy nature without the strain of rough hiking trails.

If you suffer from joint pain, it’s also important to wear proper footwear, use trekking poles for support, and take breaks as needed. Staying active with low-impact activities like these hikes can actually help improve mobility and reduce stiffness over time!

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If you're looking for expert pain management in Marietta, Medici Orthopaedics & Spine has a state-of-the-art surgical center conveniently located at 792 Church Street, Unit 101. Our pain specialists focus on minimally invasive treatments, combining advanced interventional techniques, physical therapy, and regenerative medicine to help patients manage and reduce chronic pain effectively.

We treat conditions such as:
✔ Spinal pain (neck, mid-back, and lower back issues)
✔ Arthritis and joint pain
✔ Nerve-related conditions like neuropathy and CRPS
✔ Sports injuries and occupational injuries
✔ Post-surgical pain and rehabilitation

Our goal is to provide long-lasting relief without relying on opioids or unnecessary surgery. Whether you're experiencing persistent pain from an old injury or a degenerative condition, our specialists will develop a customized plan to help restore your mobility and quality of life.

Give us a call today at (470) 795-8398 to schedule an appointment at our Marietta pain management center.

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When it comes to chronic pain, finding the right specialist is essential for long-term relief and improved mobility. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and pain management specialists use a multidisciplinary approach to treat the root cause of pain rather than just masking symptoms. Our team, including Dr. Sonny Dosanjh, Dr. Daren Newfield, and Dr. Paul King White, brings decades of experience in minimally invasive procedures, regenerative medicine, and interventional pain management to help patients regain their quality of life.

With clinics in Buckhead, Kennesaw, and Snellville, as well as a state-of-the-art surgical center in Marietta, we provide cutting-edge orthopedic and pain management care. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, back pain, sports injuries, or nerve-related conditions, our specialists are dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.

If chronic pain is affecting your daily life, schedule an appointment today to explore your treatment options.

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Yes! Seasonal allergies don’t just affect sinuses—they can trigger full-body inflammation, including joint pain.

🌼 How Allergies Contribute to Joint Pain:
1️⃣ Immune System Overreaction – Allergic reactions release histamines and inflammatory cytokines, which can aggravate joint inflammation.
2️⃣ Increased Inflammatory Response – The same immune activation that causes sneezing and congestion can also worsen arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
3️⃣ Dehydration & Histamine Buildup – Allergies can lead to increased histamine levels, which contribute to muscle stiffness and joint pain.

🦴 Who’s Most at Risk?

• People with autoimmune conditions (RA, lupus, fibromyalgia)
• Arthritis sufferers (OA, inflammatory arthritis)
• Those prone to chronic inflammation

💡 How to Reduce Allergy-Related Joint Pain:
✅ Hydrate! Drink plenty of water to flush out histamines and toxins.
✅ Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Turmeric, ginger, omega-3s, leafy greens can help counteract inflammation.
✅ Try Natural Antihistamines – Quercetin (found in apples & onions) and vitamin C can naturally reduce allergic inflammation.
✅ Use HEPA Filters – Indoor air purifiers can reduce allergens that trigger inflammation.
✅ Consider Allergy Testing – If your allergies are severe, working with an allergist can help identify triggers and manage symptoms.

If allergies are worsening your joint pain, a pain management specialist can recommend treatments like anti-inflammatory therapies, prolotherapy, or regenerative medicine to help reduce inflammation at the source.

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Sciatica—pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg—can be aggravated by long periods of sitting, making road trips uncomfortable. Here’s how to minimize sciatica pain while traveling:

🚗 Adjust Your Seat for Proper Posture –

• Sit with your back straight and hips slightly above knee level.
• Use a lumbar support pillow or rolled-up towel to support your lower back.

🔄 Change Positions & Shift Weight – Avoid sitting in one static position for too long—tilt your hips, stretch your legs, and shift your weight often.

🛑 Take Standing & Stretching Breaks – Every hour or two, stop and walk, stretch, or do gentle backbends to release nerve compression.

🦵 Use Sciatica-Friendly Seat Cushions – A wedge cushion or memory foam seat pad reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve.

⚡ Bonus Tip: If sciatica is severe, consider spinal decompression therapy, nerve blocks, or spinal cord stimulation for long-term relief.

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Spring cleaning can be tough on your lower back, shoulders, and neck if you’re not using proper movement techniques. Here’s how to protect your spine while getting your home in order:

🛑 Don’t Bend at the Waist – Instead of bending from the lower back, squat down or use a kneeling pad when cleaning lower areas.

📦 Lift with Your Legs, Not Your Back – When moving boxes or furniture, keep your back straight, bend your knees, and hold the object close to your body.

🧹 Use Long-Handled Cleaning Tools – A long duster or mop reduces excessive reaching and bending, preventing unnecessary strain.

🚶‍♀️ Take Frequent Breaks & Stretch – Every 30-45 minutes, pause for gentle stretching or a short walk to avoid stiffness.

💪 Engage Your Core – Activating your core while lifting or vacuuming provides extra spinal support.

⚡ Bonus Tip: If you have chronic back pain, massage therapy, myofascial release, or regenerative treatments can improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

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Hiking in Georgia is an amazing way to enjoy the mountains, waterfalls, and scenic trails, but steep inclines and uneven terrain can put extra stress on your knees. Here’s how to keep your knees strong and pain-free on the trails:

🥾 Wear Supportive Hiking Boots – Look for boots with good ankle support and shock absorption to reduce knee strain on rocky or uneven paths.

🦵 Strengthen Your Knees Before Hiking –

• Squats & Step-Ups to strengthen quads and glutes.
• Calf Raises to stabilize lower leg muscles.
• Balance Training to prevent missteps that strain the knee.

🩹 Use Trekking Poles – Poles help reduce impact by up to 25% on downhill descents, taking pressure off the knees.

⬇️ Go Slow on the Downhills – Steep downhill slopes are the hardest on your knees. Use a zig-zag technique instead of going straight down to minimize impact.

🧘 Stretch Before & After Hiking – Focus on stretching hamstrings, quads, and calves to keep the knee joint flexible.

If knee pain is recurring, PRP therapy, prolotherapy, or knee injections can help strengthen tissues and prevent chronic discomfort.

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If your arthritis pain flares up in the spring, you’re not imagining things. Seasonal changes—especially during springtime in Georgia—can have a big impact on joint health and inflammation.

🌡️ Temperature & Barometric Pressure Fluctuations – Spring is known for shifting weather patterns, and as barometric pressure drops (before storms or rain), joint tissues expand, leading to increased stiffness and discomfort.

🌧️ Increased Humidity – Many arthritis sufferers are sensitive to moisture levels. High humidity can increase joint swelling, making movement more painful.

🌻 Seasonal Allergies & Inflammation – Spring allergies trigger the immune system, increasing inflammatory responses throughout the body, which can worsen arthritis pain.

🏃 Increased Activity After Winter – If you’ve been less active in the colder months, suddenly increasing movement without strengthening your joints first can lead to stiffness, soreness, and flare-ups.

💡 How to Reduce Arthritis Pain in Spring:
✅ Stay hydrated to help flush out excess inflammation.
✅ Use compression sleeves for added joint support.
✅ Take anti-inflammatory supplements (turmeric, omega-3s, ginger).
✅ Try gentle stretching and mobility exercises to warm up stiff joints.
✅ If seasonal allergies make pain worse, consider an anti-inflammatory diet and allergy treatments.

If your arthritis is significantly worse this time of year, regenerative medicine, physical therapy, or targeted injections may help manage symptoms more effectively.

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