Pain Institute of Southern Arizona

11/14/2025

“Better sleep, better you.”

Sleep quality plays a major role in how the body perceives and manages pain. When sleep is restful and restorative, the body releases hormones that repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and regulate stress responses— all of which are essential for controlling discomfort. Poor or fragmented sleep, on the other hand, increases sensitivity to pain by disrupting these healing processes and lowering the body’s ability to recover from daily strain. Over time, a lack of quality sleep can amplify existing pain conditions and make them more difficult to manage.

On the neurological side, good sleep helps the brain regulate how pain signals are processed and perceived. Without it, the nervous system becomes more reactive, and the threshold for pain lowers, making even minor aches feel more intense. Poor sleep also affects mood and mental health, which can further heighten the perception of pain and create a cycle of sleeplessness and discomfort. By prioritizing quality rest, individuals give both their bodies and minds a stronger foundation for reducing pain and improving overall well-being.

11/13/2025

Join us in welcoming Damon Suttle, FNP-C, to the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona! 👋🩺
Damon’s dedication and expertise will be a great addition to our team as we continue to provide compassionate, personalized pain care. We're glad to have him on board—welcome to the team, Damon! 💙

11/13/2025

“Invisible pain, but very real.”

Phantom limb pain is a condition in which a person feels pain or other uncomfortable sensations in a limb that has been amputated. Even though the limb is no longer physically present, the brain and nervous system still send and receive signals as if it were there. This happens because the nerves in the area of the amputation continue to transmit messages, and the brain’s sensory map of the body does not immediately adjust to the loss. As a result, individuals may experience burning, cramping, tingling, or sharp pain in the missing limb.

The exact cause of phantom limb pain is complex, but it is believed to involve both the nerves near the amputation site and changes in the brain’s processing of sensory information. When the brain no longer receives expected signals from the missing limb, it can create misfiring or “confused” signals that are interpreted as pain. Emotional factors, such as stress or anxiety, can also intensify the sensation. This condition shows how strongly the mind and body are connected, as the brain can continue to generate real feelings of pain from a limb that no longer exists.

11/12/2025

“Movement is medicine.”

Exercise helps reduce pain by strengthening muscles and improving joint stability, which lessens the strain on sensitive areas of the body. When muscles are stronger, they provide better support for bones and joints, decreasing the mechanical stress that can trigger discomfort. Increased circulation from physical activity also helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to tissues while removing waste products that contribute to pain. This combination supports the body’s ability to repair itself and
maintain healthier structures, which can ease both acute and chronic pain.

On a biological level, exercise promotes the release of natural chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which elevate mood and act as internal pain relievers. It also helps regulate inflammation, a key factor in many pain conditions, and encourages the nervous system to become less reactive to pain signals over time. Additionally, regular physical activity reduces stress and anxiety, both of which can intensify the perception of pain. By addressing the physical, chemical, and emotional contributors to discomfort, exercise becomes a powerful tool for long-term pain management.

11/12/2025

Honoring our incredible Nurse Practitioners during National Nurse Practitioners Week at the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona! 🌟🩺

Your expertise, kindness, and dedication inspire us all. Thank you for your vital role in helping our patients find relief and hope. Here's to celebrating you today and every day! 💙👏

11/11/2025

“Rewiring relief, one signal at a time.”

A peripheral neurostimulator is a medical device designed to manage chronic pain by sending mild electrical impulses directly to specific peripheral nerves—those outside the brain and spinal cord. These impulses interfere with pain signals, preventing them from reaching the brain and reducing the perception of pain in targeted areas. The system typically includes a small pulse generator, implanted under the skin, and thin leads positioned near the affected nerves. Patients or clinicians can adjust the intensity, frequency, or pattern of stimulation to achieve the most effective relief.

Peripheral neurostimulators are often used for localized pain that is difficult to manage with medications alone. Because the stimulation is highly targeted, it can provide relief to specific areas such as a limb, shoulder, or joint without affecting the rest of the body. While the device does not treat the underlying cause of pain, it can significantly improve quality of life by allowing greater mobility, comfort, and
participation in daily activities. Many patients also have the option to trial the device temporarily before permanent implantation to ensure it provides meaningful pain relief.

11/11/2025

🌟We had an incredible evening at Saddlebrooke last night! Over 50 residents joined us for an educational presentation with Dr. Efrain Cubillo, who shared valuable insights on the Saluda Evoke System and the MILD Procedure — two innovative approaches to managing chronic pain and improving mobility.

Our residents were highly engaged, asking great questions and showing genuine interest in learning more about these advanced treatment options.

A big thank you to Dr. Efrain Cubillo for taking the time to educate and inspire our community!

11/11/2025

🌟Today, we salute our heroes. Your sacrifice and service inspire us every day. Happy Veterans Day from all of us at the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona.

11/08/2025

“Power up relief with gentle pulses.”

A TENS unit, short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a small, battery-operated device used to deliver mild electrical impulses through the skin. These impulses travel through electrodes that are placed on or near areas of pain. The stimulation affects the way nerves send signals to the brain, often reducing the sensation of pain or making it less noticeable. The intensity and frequency of the impulses can usually be adjusted to match the user’s comfort and needs.

Many people use a TENS unit as a non-invasive option for managing pain related to muscles, joints, or nerves. The device is portable, allowing it to be worn during daily activities, making pain relief more accessible throughout the day. While it doesn’t cure underlying conditions, it can provide temporary relief and help people feel more comfortable and active. The flexibility, ease of use, and drug-free nature of a TENS unit make it a popular choice in pain management plans.

11/07/2025

“Easing nerve pain, restoring life’s rhythm.”

Treatments for peripheral neuropathy focus on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause of nerve damage. If the condition is linked to another health issue, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, controlling that root problem is an important step. Medications may be prescribed to reduce nerve-related pain, improve sleep, or calm overactive nerve signals. Some people may also benefit from topical agents or over-the-counter options that provide temporary relief from burning or tingling sensations.

Beyond medications, lifestyle approaches and supportive therapies often play a role in treatment. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and reduce the risk of falls. Occupational therapy may provide strategies to adapt daily activities for greater comfort and independence. Healthy habits such as maintaining balanced nutrition, staying physically active, and avoiding alcohol or toxins that harm nerves can also support long-term management. In some cases, medical procedures or devices may be recommended to target persistent or severe pain.

11/06/2025

“Peripheral neuropathy: mixed signals from your nerves.”

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, become damaged. These nerves are responsible for transmitting signals related to movement, sensation, and automatic functions such as digestion or circulation. When they are impaired, communication between the central nervous system and the body is disrupted, leading to a variety of symptoms depending on which nerves are affected.

People with peripheral neuropathy may experience numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or sharp pain, often starting in the hands and feet. In some cases, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, or difficulty with balance can develop. If the autonomic nerves are involved, issues such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or sweating may occur. The condition can range from mild to severe and may significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

11/05/2025