Empower Network to Release Blog Beast

New viral blogging platform expected to change blogging landscape

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With the release of Blog Beast, its new second-generation viral blogging system, Empower Network looks to revolutionize the blogging world.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130912/PH78460LOGO rel=nofollow )

Blog Beast,

in which Empower Network invested $3 million and one year to develop,
offers a multitude of features not yet seen among the current generation of blog software. Empower Network's new system allows users to maintain multiple blogs among multiple domains from one account and one login. It is faster, easier to use and a better design than the original version, as well as other blogging platforms, say company officials.

One of the highlights of Blog Beast is its mobile app, which syncs the computer and smartphone blogging systems in new ways. In the past, other blog platforms have released mobile apps that were watered down and not as feature-rich. Blog Beast will truly bring the same experience users enjoy on the Web to their mobiles.

WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr and other popular blog platforms don't offer some of the key features and benefits users find with Blog Beast.

"When you start getting into the setup, maintenance and advance features, WordPress really is a difficult pain," said President David Sharpe. "It was designed to be super user-friendly. Over time, it's become more and more complicated. Whether you agree or you don't, we've decided to make blogging easy so anyone could do it, even a grandma who's new to the Internet. Blog Beast is everything WordPress was originally meant to be."

Blog Beast

simplifies the audio/video blogging experience by allowing the user to record video or audio with the aid of a mobile app. With two simple clicks, anyone can post a podcast or video online from a smartphone or computer, making Blog Beast essentially "grandma-proof."

Sharing is also easier because Blog Beast allows users to reblog posts from other Blog Beast sites, giving the original author credit, while posting the content within their own blogs. A new proprietary commenting feature allows readers to share blogs and their blog comments on social media platforms with links back to the original blog posts.

Users can also withhold premium content with a paywall, which restricts access to such content and offers a call to action for viewers to upgrade their accounts in order to view it.

"We wanted to create an atmosphere where no matter where you are and what your idea is, you can put it on your blog when inspiration strikes," Sharpe said. "That's one of the many ways we are changing the viral blogging industry. Imagine building and managing a business from your phone."

Other features available through Blog Beast are training on blogging, marketing and leadership, as well as a customer relationship management system that allows a user to access his or her back office, view sales and transactions as well as send email blasts to customer groups.

The Blog Beast price is $25 per month, the same as the current Empower Network blogging system. Empower Network will automatically migrate all existing customers to its new platform on Oct. 7. Empower Network also offers an affiliate compensation plan to its nearly 30,000 active affiliates, and that number is expected to rise dramatically with this new system release.

A soft launch of Blog Beast is now available and for a limited time. Anyone interested in using Blog Beast before the public launch must purchase it before the Oct. 7 launch date. After that, Empower Network will disable orders until the mid-October public launch. Blog Beast orders will go live again on Oct. 14.

About Empower Network
Empower Network hosts one of the largest blogging communities and publishing platforms online in addition to providing educational and leadership training products and services to online marketers and start-up, home-based and small businesses. Empower Network offers a program through which affiliates can earn commissions off the sales of Empower Network products. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., David Wood and David Sharpe founded Empower Network in 2011 to empower small-business owners to make money online without dealing with the technical, marketing, payroll and overhead challenges that frustrate many entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Empower Network's signature product is a viral blogging system geared toward helping its 30,000 affiliates and 70,000 members use the Internet to grow their businesses online, taking them from disenfranchisement to full self-empowerment through the use of blogs, direct sales and online marketing.

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Overcoming the Fear of Criticism

Are you letting this little known fear hold you back from really hitting your goals?

Listen as Mike explains how this common fear will literally cripple people from having success online!

It has been said that the two things people fear the most are death and public speaking. Hidden deep within our core is a level of fear that can hinder us from making leaps and changes in our lives. From phobias to worse case scenarios, (fear of snakes or heights) we all have some fears that make us hesitate and take a step back. But one of the most popular fears that many may deny is fear of CRITICISM. That’s right.  “What will people think?” “What will people say?”

Now I know we say with our mouths most of the time we could care less what the “haters” and “naysayers” think or say but the truth is this very thing has kept many people from putting themselves out there and living their dreams.

But here’s the real truth, there are times when our behavior is questionable and we draw some criticism from others. It’s inevitable! You won’t be liked, friended or appealing to everyone. Heck, you may even find out that those people you call “family” and ”friends” are among the most critical you’ll ever meet. But lets face it here, in today’s world with modern day technology and social media millions of people have access to your life. And when you decide to put your dreams, hopes, goals, feelings and beliefs out there you’re unavoidably opening yourself up to critics!

So I want to offer you 3 Necessary Reasons why you must overcome THE FEAR OF CRITICISM, so you can move on and get yourself out there and enjoy your life and live the life you know you want to live.

Truth & Tip #1: Criticism is a part of the journey to a more fulfilling, successful life.

No matter what you decide to do whether you decide to stay stuck in an unhappy life OR you leap in a big way toward your vision of better living, you’re going to draw criticism. So like my Mom used to say “you’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t”. Get it out of your mind that what everyone thinks of you is gospel truth! It isn’t always truth, its often just their opinion! Even if they draw a very persuasive and somewhat accurate picture of your past and the mistakes you’ve made, it still isn’t who you are. Think of criticism as an opportunity for you to polish your confidence and walk in boldness.

Truth & Tip #2: Allowing criticism to control your emotions can cause an ugly upheaval of defensiveness.

You know I had a mentor years ago who told me if you allow others to control your emotions you’re doomed to failure. We all want to come out swinging when it seems that we’re under attack right? It’s a natural (primal) instinct to want to protect yourself. Even if you’re wrong and they are right. Take a deep breath, turn away for a moment and calm down. I know, I know. You’re thinking “but they’re going to think I’m a wimp or punking out because I didn’t follow up with my own attack.” Let’s focus on what’s really important here…you grow stronger and more powerful when you learn to let it roll off your back. If you try to “fight” every critic that comes your way while you’re working on your dreams, these distractions will wreak havoc on your character, identity, reputation and credibility. Yeah criticism doesn’t feel good and yes it burns, but you lose a lot more than a “fight” if you continue to allow it to control your reactions and emotions. Whose in charge of you? YOU ARE! So unless your dream is to become a professional boxer or UFC champion I suggest you separate yourself from the critical remark learn from it what you can and MOVE ON!

Truth & Tip #3: Analyze the critique carefully, perhaps what’s being said is constructive and helpful and at first glance may seem harsh but may help in the long run.

We live in a world where self expression and practicing your freedom of speech is celebrated. Now I’m not saying everyone has something of value to say BUT it is a freedom that even the most ignorant take advantage of. In this case though, stop and think about what’s being expressed to you. Take a good look at who the critic is and whether this person is really trying to hurt you or help you. It may be hard to practice this at first but rather than blowing up completely without thinking listen 

reservedly and respond calmly. Am I telling you to roll over and be a doormat here? UH ABSOLUTELY NOT! Realize who and whose you are {meekness isn’t weakness}. However some criticism from those we love and respect may help us to grow. Realize that everyone is not out to attack, hurt, harm, hate on or destroy you. Constructive positive criticism offers you an opportunity to do a heart and a head check. I’ve even witnessed people get out of line and completely livid in church! Yeah. All because they could not handle correction or constructive criticism.

This is a very touchy subject for a lot of us. No, not everyone is going to agree with you on every decision or move you make in life. Heck, some people who read this will have some criticism about this blog on criticism LOL> but the overarching goal here is to not allow these kinds of reactions from others (positive or negative) to control you and override your confidence.

Accept that criticism can cause conflict, don’t be a doormat for anyone to kick around or walk on, believe in yourself, hold fast to your convictions, pray about it and bring it to a close and move on. Learn from constructive criticism and take advantage of these opportunities to improve yourself and your life. Sometimes the best reaction to criticism is walking away. I’ve even said to people when I didn’t agree with them “Thank you, now I know how you feel and what you believe.” Will all exchanges be this calm….of course not. Put a Band-Aid on your ego and your pride, accept that you can’t change how people think and what they believe, remember you are more than a conqueror, pull up your boot straps, brush your shoulders off and walk on!

“Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” – Aristotle

Click this link to see our “Prosperity Formula” & Release Your Fear Of Success!

Make it a great day!

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Liz English

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Do you worry too much?

I have found one of the best ways to fail is to worry about failing!  Interesting isn’t it?

Watch this video from my buddy Mike… He goes into a little deeper

Click this link to see what our “Prosperity Team” is all about… It’s YOUR TIME NOW!

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Liz English

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GVO – auto response program so I don’t have to be tied to my computer 24/7

9/11/2001 - The Day Our Lives Changed Forever

By Meera Dolasia

 American Airlines Flight 11 crashed right into the North Tower of New York City's World Trade Center.

September 11th, Americans and people all around the world will commemorate the 2,977 innocent lives that were lost in what will go down in history, as one of the most daring and unusual terrorist attacks ever. The tragedy not only changed the lives of the people directly affected by the attacks but also that of future, yet-to-be born generations.

That fateful Tuesday morning began like any normal day for most people living in the United States. Then at 8.46 EST came the first inkling that it was anything but, when  American Airlines Flight 11 crashed right into the North Tower of New York City's World Trade Center. As the world debated about what had just happened, United Airlines Flight 175 zoomed in and this time, crashed into the South Tower of the world famous high-rise. By now it was obvious that this was no pilot error, but a daring attack upon the United States of America.

United Airlines Flight 175 zoomed in and this time, crashed into the South Tower of the world famous high-rise

American Airlines Flight 77 had just plunged into the Pentagon

However before anybody could react, there was more bad news, this time from Arlington County, Virginia, where American Airlines Flight 77 had just plunged into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States military. Shortly after, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in an empty field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It was later discovered that the flight had been hijacked and re-directed to cause similar damage to either the Capitol or White House. But the brave passengers had somehow managed to derail the plan and help save thousands of lives, while sacrificing their own. All in all, 2,977 innocent people lost their lives that day, the effects of which rippled through to thousands of families, who even after twelve years are trying to make sense of this unnecessary act of violence.

The brazen attacks planned by Osama bin Laden, the leader of a terrorist group called Al Qaeda had involved 19 terrorists who split into four groups, each with anexpert pilot and hijacked four commercial flights - United Flight 93 from New Jersey, American Flight 77 from Washington D.C., United Flight 175 and American Flight 11, both from Boston. The airplanes were selected because they were heading across the country either to Los Angeles or San Francisco and therefore, loaded with fuel.

For those who were at the scene or watched the entire chain of events unfold on live television, it is a memory that will forever be etched in their minds. However, for kids that were too young or not even born yet, it is hard to imagine what someone who was present at the scene may have experienced, which is the reason historical fiction writer Lauren Tarshis decided to write I Survived: The Attacks of September 11, 2001.

As usual, the author pens a heart-stopping tale, weaving in the salient facts of the tragic day as seen through the eyes of young protagonist - 11- year-old Lucas Calley. The son of a New York City firefighter, the young boy's morning begins with what he believes is the worst thing that could ever happen in his life - Being banned from playing football due to recurring concussions.

In a quest to get some help in convincing his parents otherwise, Lucas decides to play truant and catch the subway to Lower Manhattan to visit the only person he believes can help - His dad's best friend and fellow firefighter Uncle Benny who happens to work at Ladder 177, a firehouse that was a stone's throw away from the World Trade Center.

Sensing that Lucas is really upset, Uncle Benny excuses himself from the firehouse and takes the young boy outside for a quick chat. That's when it happens - An airplane flying so low that Lucas can even read 'AA' on its tail, zooms by. As the young boy watches hypnotized, the plane suddenly picks up speed and with one ferocious roar, slams right into the side of one of the towers - The beautiful blue skies are suddenly filled with smoke and fire, and people all around are screaming in horror. As for Uncle Benny? He has only one thing in mind - To save the people trapped inside the tower.

As he and Lucas rush back to the firehouse, the entire staff from Ladder 177 - those that had just arrived for duty and the ones that had been on the night shift - are aboard the Seagrave raring to go rescue the victims. Uncle Benny quickly picks up his gear and instructs Lucas to wait inside the firehouse for his dad, who had been informed about his whereabouts. There the young boy watches in horror as another American Airlines Flight airplane hits the second tower. Unable to get in touch with either of his parents, Lucas decides to step out of the firehouse to look for his dad and Uncle Benny.

Will Lucas find them in the chaos or will the young boy get trapped in the rubble of the twin towers? What will be the fate of his dad, Uncle Benny and the rest of the brave New York City firemen that rushed to rescue the people trapped inside the twin towers? To see how it all unfolds read Laura Tarshis's gripping tale of tragedy and heroism - I Survived: The Attacks of September 11.

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How To Live Anywhere, CREATE FREEDOM, and Join The ‘New Rich’…

I’ve been wanting to write about this for a long time…

…a few years ago, I picked up the book ‘The Four Hour Work Week‘ by Timothy Ferris, and I was fascinated by his concept of ‘The New Rich.’

What are they?

A class of people who earn ‘mobile income’ and can travel the world, doing as they please…

…with no restrictions of time or money.

I’ve personally taken the concepts in that book, and revolutionized the way that I lived, and thought about business.

I’ve used the concepts to move to Costa Rica, travel the world, and live the life of my dreams.

Living abroad is…

…well, just cool.

A lot of people WANT to live abroad, and they think that it’s not easy…  The income that you want to make, for example – before you take action and live the dream may be four or five times what you actually need.

For the last few days, I’ve been hanging out with my friend Justin Verrengia (we almost drowned in this video) and I wanted to share some of the concepts that we’ve both used to live outside of the United States, and create a ‘mobile income‘ that supports our mutual dream to travel the world…

…the best part?

It’s easier than you think.

I think that you’ll be shocked at how easy it is to create a ‘mobile lifestyle’ and see the world.

It all goes back to the Freedom Message we’ve been talking about – this is NOT just about making lots, and lots of money…

…I want you to have a life at the same time.

Check out the interview:

The formula?

1. Pick a badass place you want to live.

Here’s the cool thing – it could be ANYWHERE with an internet connection.

Most of the world has internet :)

2. Create a ‘Target Mobile-Income’ to hit, to live in your sweet new place.

The best part? Living internationally can be a LOT cheaper than living in the USA, or other First World countries. You’ll be shocked at how much it costs Justin to live in the tropics with maids…

…it’s easier than you think.

3. Break your target income into a ‘daily average’ and come up with a marketing plan :)

In the video, Justin explains how he just broke $10,000 in a month for the first time ever, cut his phone time down to a FOURTH of what it used to be, all by following a simple, proven formula…

…that he learned in THIS VIDEO.

4. Live your dream when you hit your target :)

That’s it!

Here’s the beauty:

If you’re ‘all in‘ we can show you a simple, proven formula to create your dreams, NOW – and live wherever you want in the world.

This really is…

…just badass :)

Leave me your thoughts in the comments below!

-David Wood
“Commission Hypnotist”

P.S. Ed ‘From Ohio‘ earned his first ‘phone free’ $36,497 here at Empower Network.

What does that mean?

He’s always made 50 calls a day, brow beating his way to the top.

The SHEER FORCE of his will blanketed his bank account with commissions.

Here at Empower Network?

He sent a few emails.

Check out the check we presented to him at ‘Don’t Be A Wussy’ 2012: 

* Just because Ed ‘from Ohio’ made $36,497 in Empower Network without any phone calls, doesn’t mean that you’ll make lots of money, too. We don’t promise income of any kind. See our Full Income Disclosure.

P.P.S. In San Diego, we’re releasing something that is CHANGING THE GAME.

Be there :)

(tickets should go on sale here in a couple of days – get the early bird discount, and watch out)

Leave your thoughts in the comments below - where do you want to live?

Skype:  lizenglish18
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Liz English

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GVO – auto response program so I don’t have to be tied to my computer 24/7

It Costs More To Be Poor Than It Does To Become Rich

But what I can tell you is if you really look at what you pay for on a daily basis and compare it to how much it costs to become rich… You realize this statement to be true

Watch this video right now, my buddy Mike breaks it down in detail

Click this link to use your money to become rich vs poor… It’s YOUR TIME NOW!

Make it a great day!

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Liz English

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PS: check out a few of the tools I use daily to help grow my online business…
GVO – auto response program so I don’t have to be tied to my computer 24/7

Stop Worry and Start Living

All about worrying

There are a few things that make people worry. Find out when it becomes a problem, and get pointers on what you can do if it’s affecting your life.

This can feel like…

• afraid of social situations
• doubting yourself
• afraid of failing
• always thinking about how things could go wrong
• avoiding risk

What does it mean when you worry a lot?

Most people get worried. When we’re not sure how a situation’s going to turn out, it’s easy to be afraid of what will happen. It can also be really tough to get yourself to calm down and see things clearly.For you, it might be a particular thing– like a seemingly never-ending pile of exams, coupled with pressure from people to perform at your best. It could be a relationship where you’re just not sure they feel the same way about you. Whatever it is, if you’re not sure about what’s going to happen or you doubt your abilities– bam! Worry.

When is worry a problem

Everyone worries about things and it's a completely normal experience, as long as it doesn't happen too often or last too long. Worry can become more of a concern when:

• you don't really socialise or make mates because you’re worried about what people think of you
• you don't always do stuff you want to do (surfing, acting, singing in the shower…)
• you’re holding yourself back from saying and doing things, or becoming the person you want to be
• your nerves are leaving you raw and irritable
• you’re beginning to feel down and depressed because of all your worries.

If the things you are worried about are beginning to impact on how you feel in everyday life, it's worth trying to work out what could be causing it.

What to do when you find it hard to calm down

The first thing to do when you're feeling worried, is to try and work out the cause. Sometimes the cause may be completely obvious, while at other times it may be a combination of different factors. If you can try and pinpoint what those issues are, then it makes it much easier to overcome them and reduce your need to worry.

In some circumstances, a problem which is causing you worry can actually be overcome, so it's a great idea to learn some problem solving strategies. In other situations, there may not be a straightforward solution. If that's the case, then it's a good idea to read up on self-help strategies for dealing with anxiety, and find out how tobuild better coping skills.

If your worried feelings never go away, or you worry about a lot of things all the time, there might be something more serious going on. Check out the info on anxiety disorders to figure out if your worry is out of control, and to get pointers on what you can do.

What can I do now?

• Write down what’s worrying you and note what’s in your control
• Work on meditation techniques
• Find out more about mindfulness and how it works

Next step...

Relaxation techniques for anxiety relief
Learn more about worry-busting relaxation techniques. If you’re a chronic worrier, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation can help. Since it’s impossible to be anxious and relaxed at the same time, strengthening your body’s relaxation response is a powerful worry-busting tactic. Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief

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25 Years Ago DEA’s Own Administrative Law Judge Ruled Marijuana Should Be Reclassified

Had to share this with you, more information on medical marijuana and the fact that it is safe and beneficial to use for medicinal purposes.

“Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. "

25 years ago  Judge Francis Young reclassified marijuana and it still isn't widely used for chronic back pain.  It has been appealed over and over again.  It is still being said that there are not enough clinical studies, I have to wonder if the studies will ever be concluded in my lifetime.

Just 9/3/2013 I was prescribed 15 mg of morphine to relieve my chronic back pain. Even although  just a little over a year ago I was  detoxed from morphine after 15 yrs of use.  I have been following the studies showing that morphine can cause more pain not relieve it, yet there is a natural substance available, makes me furious.

Friday, September 6, 2013 marks the 25-year anniversary of an administrative ruling which determined that cannabis possesses accepted medical utility and ought to be reclassified accordingly under federal law.

The ruling, issued in 1988 by US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Chief Administrative Law Judge Francis Young “In the Matter of Marijuana Rescheduling,” determined: “Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis marijuana can be safely used within a supervised routine of medical care.”

Young continued: “It would be unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious for DEA to continue to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of this substance in light of the evidence in this record.”

Judge Young concluded: “The administrative law judge recommends that the Administrator conclude that the marijuana plant considered as a whole has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, that there is no lack of accepted safety for use of it under medical supervision and that it may lawfully be transferred from Schedule I to Schedule II [of the federal Controlled Substances Act].”

Judge Young’s ruling was in response to an administrative petition filed in 1972 by NORML which sought to reschedule cannabis under federal law. Federal authorities initially refused to accept the petition until mandated to do so by the US Court of Appeals in 1974, and then refused to properly process it until again ordered by the Court in 1982. In 1986, 14-years after NORML filed its initial petition, the DEA finally held public hearings on the issue before Judge Young, who rendered his decision two years later.

However, then-DEA Administrator John Lawn ultimately rejected Young’s determination, and in 1994, the Court of Appeals allowed Lawn’s reversal to stand - maintaining marijuana’s present classification as a Schedule I prohibited substance with “no accepted medical use,” and a “lack of accepted safety … under medical supervision.”
In July 2011, the DEA rejected a separate marijuana rescheduling petition, initially filed in 2002. This past January, a three-judge panel for the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed the DEA’s decision,

ruling that insufficient clinical studies exist to warrant a judicial review of marijuana’ federally prohibited status.

Petitioners have appealed the ruling to the US Supreme Court, which may or may not elect to review the matter.

By Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director

 Please remember most of what I write are based on my own personal experiences. Most of all they are my opinions. I live every single day in pain, I will also do whatever is necessary to relieve the pain. I wonder knowing what I do now if I would have had surgery to begin with, once again though hindsight is 20/20. Still waiting for more of YOU to share your experiences. Are you in Pain every single day? How do you relieve the pain?

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5 ways to handle chronic pain

5 Ways to Handle Chronic Pain

By Dr. David Kloth, Special to CNN
Wed May 22, 2013

 
Editor's note: Dr. David Kloth is a practicing interventional pain management physician in southwestern Connecticut, director at large for the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and co-author of the book "Pain Wise: A Patient's Guide to Pain Management." He has been practicing pain medicine and researching pain management for more than 20 years.

(CNN) -- Chronic pain conditions now affect more than 116 million Americans, according to the Institute of Medicine, a figure that dwarfs the number of people who suffer from diabetes, coronary heart disease/stroke and cancer combined.

Unfortunately, too many patients rely on prescription drugs as an isolated therapy to treat their pain. While pain medications play an important role in the treatment of chronic pain, many pain sufferers rely on powerful prescription painkillers to mask it.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, you should also seek treatments that are designed to reduce the pain by attacking the specific cause. Many patients and even some doctors aren't aware of some of the other available therapeutic options, which are typically less invasive and/or less risky than alternatives such as surgery or medication.

Interventional pain medicine is a medical sub-specialty that is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of pain-related disorders, with an emphasis on diagnosis first.

Dr. David Kloth

Specially trained pain physicians utilize various types of injections and minimally invasive surgeries to manage and treat persistent and intractable pain. These specialists treat a wide range of chronic-pain conditions, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, extremity pain, headaches, joint pain, musculoskeletal injuries and cancer pain.

Chronic pain in your Lower Back? 7 ways to strengthen your spine

If you suffer from chronic pain and want to explore options, here are some tips:

It is important to find the right doctor if you want precise answers on the cause of your pain and to identify an appropriate treatment course. When advice from a non-specialist is sought, it often results in no diagnosis or, worse, a misdiagnosis, neither of which is helpful in treating the pain problem.

When this occurs and the pain continues, patients are often told that there is nothing that can be done, or they are directed toward more aggressive surgical approaches that may not be necessary and are typically more risky.

Many pain sufferers don't think about finding a doctor who specializes in pain when looking for answers to their problem. Instead, they often seek help from an internist or other physician.

Not all pain specialists are equal. You should look for one who is board certified in pain management.

Don't chase your pain with pills

Prescription pain medications are potentially addictive but can also be an important component of pain management. Pain medications have a greater indication and acceptance when used for acute pain rather than long-term chronic pain, where the evidence to support their benefits is lacking.

High-dose chronic pain medications are questioned by many pain physicians, and so long-term use of pain medications should be done judiciously and with expert supervision due to the risks associated with this form of treatment.

Why you can't sleep when you're in pain

In addition, pain itself is often a protective mechanism that warns you of injury. By dulling the pain response, pain medications can lead to further injury. When you don't feel the pain, you may do something to injure the area further, a serious concern in patients who perform manual or heavy labor.

This is not to say that chronic pain medications should never be used, but they should be used and monitored carefully and not relied upon in most cases as the primary and/or sole therapy. Alternative therapies that actually reduce or eliminate the pain should be tried and at least incorporated into the treatment regimen. It is better to remove the painful stimulus than to mask it with pain medications, which can also mask or dull the senses.

Do your homework

Many patients are told that there are no other treatments to manage their ongoing pain issues, when this is simply not the case. There are a number of interventional pain therapies available that can not only alleviate pain but in some cases eliminate the underlying cause of pain.

Interventional pain management has been around for more than two decades. The procedures implemented by pain management physicians reflect the standard of care for pain management today, and their efficacy has been demonstrated through extensive study and research.

Epidurals and other nerve blocks

Various injection therapies, including the use of epidurals, are among the most common interventional pain therapies used today.

Epidural steroid injections are in widespread use for a variety of chronic pain conditions but are most typically used to treat a nerve that is pinched at the spinal level. Epidurals used in interventional pain medicine are minimally invasive injections comprising a small amount of local anesthetic and steroid to reduce inflammation. When properly applied, they can help reduce the patients reliance on pain medication.

In addition to epidurals, other treatments include trigger point injections, to alleviate the pain associated with tight and restricted muscles; facet injections, often used to treat arthritis of the spine; and sacroiliac injections. The sacroiliac joint commonly causes back pain but is often overlooked by non-pain physicians.

Acupuncture works, one way or another

Manage your expectations

The goal of interventional pain management procedures should be to reduce and manage pain, with emphasis on the word "manage." Your pain physician may or may not be able to cure the entire problem (and for the record, surgery may not either), but they can help you control the pain and maximize your functional level.

Although the ideal goal is to completely resolve the pain, this is often not realistically possible. Bear in mind that this is also true for the majority of other chronic health problems; heart disease, diabetes, COPD, arthritis, etc. All require long-term management. Chronic pain may similarly require intermittent or continual treatment.

After You have read the 5 Ways to Handle Chronic Pain take a moment and watch this
video, it will help you understand why I am beginning to believe that the answer for relieving my chronic back pain has been there all along.  Just illegal.

The Economist: "If (Marijuana) were unknown, it's discovery would no doubt be hailed as a medical breakthrough. Scientists would praise it's potential for treating everything from pain to cancer and marvel at it's rich pharmacopoeia; many of whose chemicals mimic vital molecules in the human body."

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. --Helen Keller

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