What kind of pain conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sciatica, arthritis, nerve pain and accident injuries or surgeries. Our goal is to help you get back to an active and pain-free lifestyle.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see us. We accept self-referrals and work with most insurance providers. If you are unsure, just give us a call and we will help you understand what is needed.

What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management uses targeted, invasive procedures such as injections, nerve blockages, and spine stimulation to treat the source of your pain, not just cover it up with medication.

Who is Dr. Blake Christensen?

Dr. Blake Christensen is an expert in pain management, certified by the board and founder of Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers. With extensive training and a personalized approach, he is known for helping patients find real, lasting relief.

Are your treatments surgical?

No. We specialize in non-surgical pain treatments. Most of our procedures are performed in-office and do not require hospital stays or long recovery times.

What are epidural steroid injections, and are they safe?

Epidural steroid injections help reduce inflammation around spinal nerves. They are safe, commonly used, and often bring relief from conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

How long will it take to see results?

It depends on the condition and treatment plan, but many patients experience relief within days or weeks. We will guide you through each step and adjust your care as needed.

Is pain management just about medication?

Not at all. While medication can be part of a plan, we focus on treating the root cause through injections, physical therapies, nerve treatments, and lifestyle guidance.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your ID, insurance card, a list of medications you are currently taking, and any recent imaging reports if available (X-rays, MRIs, etc.).

Where are you located, and what are your hours?

We have locations in Oklahoma City, Norman. Our clinics are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Our staff will help verify your coverage and explain any costs before your treatment.

What makes Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers different?

We treat each patient like family. With expert care led by Dr. Blake Christensen and a dedicated staff, we combine experience, compassion, and innovative treatments by the best team for the best health and quality of life.

Best Swimming Strokes for Relief of Neck and Back Pain

May 4

Written By Blake Christensen

Finding a safe and effective form of exercise is a top priority for our pain management doctor for Midwest City, as it is essential to rebuild your neck or back after an auto accident. One joint-friendly way to reduce lower back pain is swimming because it doesn’t increase lumbar lordosis, which may aggravate pain.

Water provides natural buoyancy that minimizes pressure on the spine while strengthening the supporting muscles. However, not all strokes are equally beneficial. Some can aggravate your symptoms if done incorrectly.

Backstroke: The Best Stroke for Spinal Health

The backstroke is often considered the most therapeutic stroke because it involves a body roll generated by the paraspinal and abdominal muscles, which supports efficient stroke mechanics without excessive spinal hyperextension.

It allows your body to float on the surface with minimal strain on the neck and back, leading to better:

Alignment: Keep your head aligned with your spine and your chin slightly tucked.
Movement: Use controlled and rhythmic arm movements.
Support: Use a flotation aid if needed to maintain balance.

This stroke encourages gentle spinal movement and improves posture without compressing the discs. It neutralizes the curve of the spine to provide a decompression effect that feels incredibly relieving for many patients.

Freestyle (Front Crawl): Effective With Modifications

Freestyle can help build back and core strength because these muscles are critical for spinal support. However, traditional breathing techniques can put strain on the neck due to constant rotation.

Modification: Use a swimmer’s snorkel to avoid repetitive neck movement.
Focus: Concentrate on balanced strokes and proper body alignment.
Stability: Engage your abdominal muscles to keep your body stable in the water.

Proper form is vital when performing this stroke to prevent exacerbating neck injuries. Using a snorkel eliminates the need to twist your neck, so you can reap the cardiovascular benefits without the rotational stress.

Breaststroke: Good for Some, Caution for Others

The breaststroke is a slower and more relaxed stroke that may benefit some patients with back pain. However, repeatedly lifting the head for breathing can worsen neck pain if not done carefully.

Technique: Lift your head only slightly above the water when inhaling.
Glide: Maintain a gentle glide phase to reduce stress on the neck.
Caution: Avoid overextending your neck or arching your lower back.

This stroke requires a delicate balance to ensure it helps rather than hurts. We generally recommend keeping your head lower in the water than competitive swimmers do to maintain a neutral spine alignment.

Avoid Butterfly Stroke

The butterfly stroke is not recommended for individuals with neck or back injuries. Its intense, undulating motion can put excessive stress on the spine and aggravate inflammation.

The power required for this stroke forces the spine into deep extension and flexion rapidly. This repetitive hyperextension is often too aggressive for a spine that is trying to heal from injury or degeneration.

Why Swimming Helps Auto Injury Recovery

Swimming promotes spinal healing through several unique mechanisms. It is a low-impact environment that allows for movement without the jarring impact of land-based exercises.

Spinal decompression: Water buoyancy unloads the weight from your vertebrae.
Circulation: Movement improves blood flow to reduce inflammation.
Strengthening: Water resistance builds core muscles that stabilize the spine.

Aquatic therapy may provide the joint pain relief and mobility you need to heal from an auto injury, whether you are recovering from whiplash, a herniated disc, or general musculoskeletal strain.

Safety Tips Before You Swim

You should follow these safety guidelines to ensure your aquatic therapy is effective. Always prioritize proper technique over speed or distance.

Consultation: Always consult your physician or a pain specialist before starting aquatic therapy.
Duration: Start with short sessions of 15 to 20 minutes.
Warm-up: Prepare your muscles with gentle stretches before entering the pool.
Tools: Use support tools like noodles or kickboards if needed.

Our double-board-certified specialists at Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers are here to help you recover safely. Taking these precautions ensures that your time in the pool aids your recovery instead of causing setbacks.

Finding Long-Term Relief

Swimming is a powerful tool to naturally support your spinal recovery and a valuable part of a comprehensive pain management plan. There are many more options available to treat the root cause of your spinal pain if aquatic therapy is not enough.

Contact Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers to discuss your options today if you continue to experience pain despite these modifications. We are here to help you move freely and live pain-free.

Blake Christensen