Top 7 Tips To Relieve Foot Pain
By Raymond Geok Seng Lee
The average person walks about 100,000 miles which is equivalent of four times around the Earth over the course of a lifetime. And every single step along the way exerts hundreds of pounds of pressure on the feet. Actually, for all wear and tear they endure, your feet hold up surprisingly well. Their complex construction makes them quite sturdy and flexible. Unfortunately, man people wrongly believe that foot pain is normal and part of the price that humans have to pay for walking upright. Foot pain is not necessary caused by something serious. But like any other pain, it is your body's way of telling you that something is not right and needs attention. Here are some tips that you can consider helping your feet to feel better.
1. Take A Break From Shoes
You know how much better you will feel when you slip out of your shoes at the end of the day. Your feet appreciate it too. The human foot was designed to be bare. Therefore, kick off your shoes whenever you can.
2. Try Sole Support
If your feet is constantly ache, consider wearing insoles. They are especially useful and helpful in shoes with thin soles, like deck shoes. They make your feet feel much better. You can purchase insoles in drugstores and may sporting goods stores.
3. Put Them On Ice
To reduce any swelling, apply ice to your feet for 15 to 30 minutes, three or four times a day. Use a disposable ice bag or a reusable ice unit that you freeze, like the ones for picnic coolers. Whichever you choose, be sure to wrap it in a towel to protect your skin from damage.
4. Don't Lose Your Marbles
You can try this exercise to soothe tired, aching feet. Lay 20 marbles on the floor, then pick up each one with your toes and drop it into a small plastic bowl. It is recommended to use plastic because it muffles the sound of the marbles dropping into the bowl. That way, you can do the exercise in your office, seated at your desk. Aim for at least one session a day.
5. Soak In Scented Water
When your feet ache, soaking them in water can be very refreshing. It is recommended adding 10 drops each of juniper and lavender essential oils to 2 quarts of cold water, then soaking your feet for 10 minutes. Essential oils are available in health food stores.
6. Give Them A Lift
Elevating your feet can help reduce any swelling. It is recommended raising them 6 to 8 inches above your heart, especially when you sleep. Use pillows for more comfort.
7. Try Massage
Massaging your feet stretches the tissues and increase circulation. It is recommended to adopt this simple self-massage technique. Sit in a comfortable chair and cross your left foot over your right leg. Oil your fingers, if needed, with vegetable oil or massage oil. Glide the tip of your thumb up the middle of your sole, from the back of your heel to the base of your toes. Repeat on the right side of your sole, then on the left side. Then switch feet. You should spend about 2 minutes on each foot.
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Dealing with nagging Shoulder Pain?
Top 7 Tips To Treat And Prevent Shoulder Pain
By Raymond Geok Seng Lee
You began your Saturday with 18 holes of golf, then followed up with an afternoon of trimming hedges, pulling weeds, and planting flowers. Now it is bedtime, and you can barely raise your arm to brush your hair. It has every reason to balk. After all, your shoulders work very hard over the course of a day. They are involved in numerous routine tasks, from turning doorknobs to writing notes. Among all the joints in your body, your shoulders are perhaps the most versatile. They combine with a variety of tendons and muscles to give your arms their broad range of motion. So you feel as though you have been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders literally. The good news is that you don't have to just grin and bear the burden of pain. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt for fast relief.
1. Move Your Body Right
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a serious athlete, you can avoid a repeat performance of your shoulder injury by having an expert check out your body mechanics. A qualified fitness trainer or coach can spot what you are doing incorrectly, for example, when you swing your tennis racquet, or lift a barbell and teach you proper form and technique.
2. Test Your Flexibility
You should be able to raise your arms overhead, both from the side and from the front. It is recommended practicing these movements until you can do them easily. Also practice reaching up behind your back, as if you were unhooking a bra. But don't try so hard that you strain yourself.
3. Limit Lifting
It is also a good idea to refrain from heavy lifting while your shoulder is sore. The rule of thumb is, don't hoist anything heavier than a briefcase or a gallon of milk.
4. Stretching
Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises are important to your shoulder's rehabilitation because they help to restore and improve flexibility. It is recommended to adopt this move to keep your shoulder loose and limber. Move the arm on the same side as your sore shoulder across your chest, toward the opposite shoulder. Then gently pull the arm toward you by placing the opposite hand over the elbow. You should feel the stretch in the back of your shoulder. Hold for at least 15 seconds. Repeat at least three times a day.
5. Stop What You Are Doing
If a particular activity has aggravated your shoulder, then give it up or at least cut back for the time being. Avoid any movement that can make your pain worse, mainly reaching over or behind your head.
6. Make Nice With Ice
Applying ice for the first few days that your shoulder hurts can help reduce inflammation. It is recommended using a freezable gel pack, which you can purchase in a drugstore. Wrap the pack in a thin towel and lay it on top of your shoulder, perhaps wrapping an elastic bandage around it to keep it in place. Leave it on for no more than 20 minutes and reapply it three times a day.
7. Switch To Heat
Once the inflammation subsides, you can begin treating your sore shoulder with heat. It can help loosen up your shoulder if you are stiff. Just be sure that you use moist heat, like a hot shower, rather than dry heat, like a heating pad.
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
By Raymond Geok Seng Lee
You began your Saturday with 18 holes of golf, then followed up with an afternoon of trimming hedges, pulling weeds, and planting flowers. Now it is bedtime, and you can barely raise your arm to brush your hair. It has every reason to balk. After all, your shoulders work very hard over the course of a day. They are involved in numerous routine tasks, from turning doorknobs to writing notes. Among all the joints in your body, your shoulders are perhaps the most versatile. They combine with a variety of tendons and muscles to give your arms their broad range of motion. So you feel as though you have been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders literally. The good news is that you don't have to just grin and bear the burden of pain. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt for fast relief.
1. Move Your Body Right
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a serious athlete, you can avoid a repeat performance of your shoulder injury by having an expert check out your body mechanics. A qualified fitness trainer or coach can spot what you are doing incorrectly, for example, when you swing your tennis racquet, or lift a barbell and teach you proper form and technique.
2. Test Your Flexibility
You should be able to raise your arms overhead, both from the side and from the front. It is recommended practicing these movements until you can do them easily. Also practice reaching up behind your back, as if you were unhooking a bra. But don't try so hard that you strain yourself.
3. Limit Lifting
It is also a good idea to refrain from heavy lifting while your shoulder is sore. The rule of thumb is, don't hoist anything heavier than a briefcase or a gallon of milk.
4. Stretching
Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises are important to your shoulder's rehabilitation because they help to restore and improve flexibility. It is recommended to adopt this move to keep your shoulder loose and limber. Move the arm on the same side as your sore shoulder across your chest, toward the opposite shoulder. Then gently pull the arm toward you by placing the opposite hand over the elbow. You should feel the stretch in the back of your shoulder. Hold for at least 15 seconds. Repeat at least three times a day.
5. Stop What You Are Doing
If a particular activity has aggravated your shoulder, then give it up or at least cut back for the time being. Avoid any movement that can make your pain worse, mainly reaching over or behind your head.
6. Make Nice With Ice
Applying ice for the first few days that your shoulder hurts can help reduce inflammation. It is recommended using a freezable gel pack, which you can purchase in a drugstore. Wrap the pack in a thin towel and lay it on top of your shoulder, perhaps wrapping an elastic bandage around it to keep it in place. Leave it on for no more than 20 minutes and reapply it three times a day.
7. Switch To Heat
Once the inflammation subsides, you can begin treating your sore shoulder with heat. It can help loosen up your shoulder if you are stiff. Just be sure that you use moist heat, like a hot shower, rather than dry heat, like a heating pad.
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Understanding and Living With Fibromyalgia
Understanding and Living With Fibromyalgia
By David Slade
Do you hurt all over? Are you extremely fatigued? These are some of the signs of Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The diagnosis is based on the finding of tender points in specific locations, by the physician.
Fibromyalgia is not well understood by the medical community. It is known, though, that certain people are more at risk of developing fibromyalgia than others. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can include everything from widespread pain to fatigue; menstrual pain to sleep disturbances. Because of the variety of these symptoms, there are a number of associated conditions linked to fibromyalgia.
Since most of FMS symptoms may occur in other conditions, Dr. Carla Ockley, says: "FMS is not always the first thing looked for when a patient walks through the door with pain in his joints."
Since there is no cure, treatment is aimed at the two major symptoms, which are pain and a lack of sleep. Well, then, can help be found if you think you have FMS? In her book When Muscle Pain Won't Go Away, Gayle Backstrom suggests contacting the Arthritis Foundation or a rheumatologist.
Sometimes conventional medicine is just not enough to provide you with the relief from fibromyalgia that you need. Fibromyalgia treatment often includes various types of alternative therapy many of which have been proven to be very effective. To be able to help someone cope with FMS, I feel that we first need to gain knowledge of this disease. Then we can show empathy and understanding with those who are suffering.
Written by David Slade author of Mandarin English XL at http://www.luomapinyin.com
By David Slade
Do you hurt all over? Are you extremely fatigued? These are some of the signs of Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The diagnosis is based on the finding of tender points in specific locations, by the physician.
Fibromyalgia is not well understood by the medical community. It is known, though, that certain people are more at risk of developing fibromyalgia than others. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can include everything from widespread pain to fatigue; menstrual pain to sleep disturbances. Because of the variety of these symptoms, there are a number of associated conditions linked to fibromyalgia.
Since most of FMS symptoms may occur in other conditions, Dr. Carla Ockley, says: "FMS is not always the first thing looked for when a patient walks through the door with pain in his joints."
Since there is no cure, treatment is aimed at the two major symptoms, which are pain and a lack of sleep. Well, then, can help be found if you think you have FMS? In her book When Muscle Pain Won't Go Away, Gayle Backstrom suggests contacting the Arthritis Foundation or a rheumatologist.
Sometimes conventional medicine is just not enough to provide you with the relief from fibromyalgia that you need. Fibromyalgia treatment often includes various types of alternative therapy many of which have been proven to be very effective. To be able to help someone cope with FMS, I feel that we first need to gain knowledge of this disease. Then we can show empathy and understanding with those who are suffering.
Written by David Slade author of Mandarin English XL at http://www.luomapinyin.com
Top Tips To Treat Abdominal Pain
Top Tips To Treat Abdominal Pain
By Raymond Geok Seng Lee
Abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious condition. Fortunately, minor causes for abdominal pain are much more frequent than major ones. Abdominal pain can come from the esophagus, the stomach, the bowel, the female organs, the rectum, the gallbladder, r from other organs. Appendix pain usually occurs in the right lower quarter, kidney pain involves the back. The gallbladder involves the right upper quarter, the stomach the upper abdomen, and the bladder, colon, or female organs the lower areas. Exceptions to these rules do occur. Pain from hollow organs such as bowel or gallbladder tends to be intermittent and to resemble gas pains or colic. Pain from solid organs such as kidneys, spleen, or liver tends to be more constant. There are exceptions to these rules also.
In seniors, the colon is more frequently a source of pain than earlier in life. Colon out-pouchings, called diverticula, can become inflamed just like the appendix and cause "diverticulitis." Minor obstruction of the colon is not uncommon. If pain is very severe or bleeding from the bowel occurs, you need to see a physician immediately. Pain localized to one area is more suggestive of a serious problem than generalized pain, although again there are many exceptions to this rule. Gas pains and minor viral infections usually respond to home treatment.
If the pain eventually proves to be due to a serious problem, and the stomach should be empty to allow the prompt surgery or diagnostic tests. Anticipate this possibility. Sips of water or other clear fluids may be taken, but avoid solid foods. A bowel movement, passage of gas through the rectum, or a good belch may give relief - don't hold back. If you have not had a bowel movement for several days, an enema can sometimes give relief. Be gentle. A warm bath helps some of you. The key is periodic reevaluation. Any persistent pain should be evaluated at the emergency room or the physician's office. This treatment should be reserved for mild pains that resolve within 24 hours or are clearly identifiable as viral gastroenteritis, gas pains, heartburn, or another minor problem.
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
By Raymond Geok Seng Lee
Abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious condition. Fortunately, minor causes for abdominal pain are much more frequent than major ones. Abdominal pain can come from the esophagus, the stomach, the bowel, the female organs, the rectum, the gallbladder, r from other organs. Appendix pain usually occurs in the right lower quarter, kidney pain involves the back. The gallbladder involves the right upper quarter, the stomach the upper abdomen, and the bladder, colon, or female organs the lower areas. Exceptions to these rules do occur. Pain from hollow organs such as bowel or gallbladder tends to be intermittent and to resemble gas pains or colic. Pain from solid organs such as kidneys, spleen, or liver tends to be more constant. There are exceptions to these rules also.
In seniors, the colon is more frequently a source of pain than earlier in life. Colon out-pouchings, called diverticula, can become inflamed just like the appendix and cause "diverticulitis." Minor obstruction of the colon is not uncommon. If pain is very severe or bleeding from the bowel occurs, you need to see a physician immediately. Pain localized to one area is more suggestive of a serious problem than generalized pain, although again there are many exceptions to this rule. Gas pains and minor viral infections usually respond to home treatment.
If the pain eventually proves to be due to a serious problem, and the stomach should be empty to allow the prompt surgery or diagnostic tests. Anticipate this possibility. Sips of water or other clear fluids may be taken, but avoid solid foods. A bowel movement, passage of gas through the rectum, or a good belch may give relief - don't hold back. If you have not had a bowel movement for several days, an enema can sometimes give relief. Be gentle. A warm bath helps some of you. The key is periodic reevaluation. Any persistent pain should be evaluated at the emergency room or the physician's office. This treatment should be reserved for mild pains that resolve within 24 hours or are clearly identifiable as viral gastroenteritis, gas pains, heartburn, or another minor problem.
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Car Accidents - Products to Help Manage and Relieve the Pain, and Quicken the Healing Process
Car Accidents - Products to Help Manage and Relieve the Pain, and Quicken the Healing Process
By Richard Chandler
In the blink of an eye, an otherwise normal, healthy individual can receive serious injuries with long term consequences from a car accident. Whether you suffer from an injured back, a broken limb, or simply a sore neck, recovery can be a long and painful process.
Thanks to advances in traditional pain relief and treatments as well as further exploration into alternative healing methods, the recovery process does not have to take nearly as long nor does it need to be as painful. With over six million car accidents in the United States last year alone, almost half of which resulted in injuries, the need for pain relief and faster recovery time is becoming more and more important. A wide variety of products are available to the public that provide all types of therapy in the comfort of your own home.
Pain Relief Methods Depend on the Type of Injury
Before deciding what methods of pain management and rehabilitation to use, it is important to see a doctor after a car accident if you are in pain. Different types of injuries require different methods of recovery and pain relief, so be sure to get a thorough evaluation done by a physician.
If you have ever had to visit a physical therapist or sports therapist to recover from a previous injury, you have probably heard of the terms "TENS Unit" or "Electronic Muscle Stimulator". The two devices, while very similar in appearance and function, use electronic pulses to treat pain in two different ways. A TENS Unit, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, emits an electrical signal through two or more electrodes which stimulates neurons through your skin. The resulting stimulation is used to treat pain caused by damaged nerves. An Electronic Muscle Stimulator, or "EMS Unit", uses similar electrical impulses at a low to cause specific muscle groups to contract. This type of therapy is widely used by hospitals and sports therapists to help treat muscular injuries and for re-education of paralyzed muscles. Often misconstrued as a substitution for exercise, Electronic Muscle Stimulation is also used to tone and restore muscles that have begun to atrophy.
While both TENS Units and EMS Units include self-adhesive electrode pads, some patients may begin to experience skin irritation from prolonged use. Tyco has released a Conductive TENS Unit Gel that can be used with either application and contains aloe vera to make the treatment more comfortable for your skin.
Heat Therapy vs. Cold Therapy
Heat therapy and cold therapy can be very effective in helping car accident victims deal with the pain during the recovery process. Not only do the two types of therapy take effect quicker than pain medications, but they also eliminate the risk factors associated with prescription medications such as misuse, abuse, and addiction. While some skeptics dismiss hot and cold therapy as "old-fashioned", only somewhat effective, and time consuming to apply, technological breakthroughs have made these traditional methods of recovery ideal for some of the worst types of injuries.
Heat therapy is commonly used to relieve soreness and stiffness in muscles and soft tissue. This is especially useful for patients who have started to exercise again after recovering from an injury and are using muscles that have been dormant for some time. Heat therapy is available in an assortment of products and comes in three forms: moist heat, dry heat, and infrared heat. Dry heat is commonly found in electric heating pads and hot/cold gel pads, but has a tendency to leave the skin dehydrated. It lacks the ability to fully penetrate into muscles and soft tissue like moist and infrared heat, but is preferred by some people because of how easy it is to apply.
Moist heat is found in a wide variety of products. Some electric heating pads, such as the Theratherm Digital Moist Heating Pad and the Thermophore Automatic Moist Heat Pad, combine the convenience of an electric heating pad with the therapeutic benefits of moist heat. Unlike hot towels or moist heating devices that require you to heat them up first, the Theratherm and Thermophore heating pads provide a constant temperature for longer sessions. Besides being great for those recovering from car accidents, moist heating pads are widely used by people with arthritis. Other products, such as the Bed Buddy Body Wrap, Bed Buddy Joint Wrap, or the Bed Buddy Back Wrap, provide moist heat when placed in the microwave but do not require you to add water.
Infrared heat therapy is available in a variety of forms ranging from handheld devices such as the Light Relief® Therapy product to the Far Infrared Home Sauna which can seat two to three people. Infrared rays, which are completely harmless, penetrate deep into your skin, effectively warming muscles and soft tissue. They increase circulation and help to speed up the healing process by stimulating the production of collagen, an essential building block of human tissue.
Cold Therapy, or Cold Compression Therapy, is used to relieve pain and reduce swelling in soft tissue injuries. It is especially recommended by doctors and therapists for strains, sprains, pulled muscles, and pulled ligaments as well as to reduce swelling after surgeries. Cold therapy can be as simple as wrapping a few ice cubes in a towel, but because soft tissue injuries can happen anywhere on the human body, a wide variety of products are available.
Elasto-Gel Hot and Cold Packs are available in several styles and range from traditional hot/cold packs to ergonomically designed packs that are for specific areas of the body. The hot/cold packs come in several sizes while the ergonomic wraps are designed for the wrist, the neck/cervical area, the patella/knee, the shoulder, and the lower back. The gel inside each one of the products will not leak if punctured and allows the wrap to be flexible even at -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The above-mentioned Bed Buddy products can also be put in the freezer to be used for cold therapy.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can be useful in the later stages of recovery, but visits to a therapist can be expensive and are not always covered by insurance. A wide variety of home massage therapy products allow you to reap the benefits of a relaxing or deep penetrating massage in the comfort of your own home, at a fraction of the cost. The Body Back Buddy is a versatile massage tool that enables you to effectively massage those hard-to-reach places on your back with minimal effort. The s-shaped curve allows for the application of deep pressure while the eleven therapeutic knobs provide different massages for different parts of your body. Those with limited strength and mobility will enjoy the benefits of using the Body Back Buddy long after recovering from their injury.
Acuforce Massage Products are best suited for use with a partner. Each of the products is weighted to provide the necessary downward force for a deep penetrating massage without putting strain on the wrists and hands of the person giving the massage. For a more powerful and penetrating massage, the DMS Deep Muscle Stimulator uses percussion and mechanical vibrations to reach deep into muscle tissue to stimulate proprioceptive functions. Unlike any other device on the market, the DMS increases muscle metabolism and the lactic acid cycle to relieve pain while breaking up muscle scar tissue. It constructed of 100% stainless steel and titanium, and is very effective for helping to get rid of muscle spasms.
Before Beginning Home Therapeutic Recovery Treatments
It is best to check with your doctor before beginning certain types of treatments. As certain wounds heal differently and people heal at different rates, your physician can suggest when to use certain treatments and how long to use them for. While none of the above-mentioned products should be used in place of seeing a doctor after a car accident, they will help to make your recovery process as quick and as painless as possible.
Richard Chandler researches innovative new healthcare devices, medical supplies, and pain management products for ActiveForever and specializes in writing informative articles and web content. For more information on pain relief solutions, hot and cold therapy, infrared heat therapy, and massage therapy products, please visit http://www.activeforever.com/
By Richard Chandler
In the blink of an eye, an otherwise normal, healthy individual can receive serious injuries with long term consequences from a car accident. Whether you suffer from an injured back, a broken limb, or simply a sore neck, recovery can be a long and painful process.
Thanks to advances in traditional pain relief and treatments as well as further exploration into alternative healing methods, the recovery process does not have to take nearly as long nor does it need to be as painful. With over six million car accidents in the United States last year alone, almost half of which resulted in injuries, the need for pain relief and faster recovery time is becoming more and more important. A wide variety of products are available to the public that provide all types of therapy in the comfort of your own home.
Pain Relief Methods Depend on the Type of Injury
Before deciding what methods of pain management and rehabilitation to use, it is important to see a doctor after a car accident if you are in pain. Different types of injuries require different methods of recovery and pain relief, so be sure to get a thorough evaluation done by a physician.
If you have ever had to visit a physical therapist or sports therapist to recover from a previous injury, you have probably heard of the terms "TENS Unit" or "Electronic Muscle Stimulator". The two devices, while very similar in appearance and function, use electronic pulses to treat pain in two different ways. A TENS Unit, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, emits an electrical signal through two or more electrodes which stimulates neurons through your skin. The resulting stimulation is used to treat pain caused by damaged nerves. An Electronic Muscle Stimulator, or "EMS Unit", uses similar electrical impulses at a low to cause specific muscle groups to contract. This type of therapy is widely used by hospitals and sports therapists to help treat muscular injuries and for re-education of paralyzed muscles. Often misconstrued as a substitution for exercise, Electronic Muscle Stimulation is also used to tone and restore muscles that have begun to atrophy.
While both TENS Units and EMS Units include self-adhesive electrode pads, some patients may begin to experience skin irritation from prolonged use. Tyco has released a Conductive TENS Unit Gel that can be used with either application and contains aloe vera to make the treatment more comfortable for your skin.
Heat Therapy vs. Cold Therapy
Heat therapy and cold therapy can be very effective in helping car accident victims deal with the pain during the recovery process. Not only do the two types of therapy take effect quicker than pain medications, but they also eliminate the risk factors associated with prescription medications such as misuse, abuse, and addiction. While some skeptics dismiss hot and cold therapy as "old-fashioned", only somewhat effective, and time consuming to apply, technological breakthroughs have made these traditional methods of recovery ideal for some of the worst types of injuries.
Heat therapy is commonly used to relieve soreness and stiffness in muscles and soft tissue. This is especially useful for patients who have started to exercise again after recovering from an injury and are using muscles that have been dormant for some time. Heat therapy is available in an assortment of products and comes in three forms: moist heat, dry heat, and infrared heat. Dry heat is commonly found in electric heating pads and hot/cold gel pads, but has a tendency to leave the skin dehydrated. It lacks the ability to fully penetrate into muscles and soft tissue like moist and infrared heat, but is preferred by some people because of how easy it is to apply.
Moist heat is found in a wide variety of products. Some electric heating pads, such as the Theratherm Digital Moist Heating Pad and the Thermophore Automatic Moist Heat Pad, combine the convenience of an electric heating pad with the therapeutic benefits of moist heat. Unlike hot towels or moist heating devices that require you to heat them up first, the Theratherm and Thermophore heating pads provide a constant temperature for longer sessions. Besides being great for those recovering from car accidents, moist heating pads are widely used by people with arthritis. Other products, such as the Bed Buddy Body Wrap, Bed Buddy Joint Wrap, or the Bed Buddy Back Wrap, provide moist heat when placed in the microwave but do not require you to add water.
Infrared heat therapy is available in a variety of forms ranging from handheld devices such as the Light Relief® Therapy product to the Far Infrared Home Sauna which can seat two to three people. Infrared rays, which are completely harmless, penetrate deep into your skin, effectively warming muscles and soft tissue. They increase circulation and help to speed up the healing process by stimulating the production of collagen, an essential building block of human tissue.
Cold Therapy, or Cold Compression Therapy, is used to relieve pain and reduce swelling in soft tissue injuries. It is especially recommended by doctors and therapists for strains, sprains, pulled muscles, and pulled ligaments as well as to reduce swelling after surgeries. Cold therapy can be as simple as wrapping a few ice cubes in a towel, but because soft tissue injuries can happen anywhere on the human body, a wide variety of products are available.
Elasto-Gel Hot and Cold Packs are available in several styles and range from traditional hot/cold packs to ergonomically designed packs that are for specific areas of the body. The hot/cold packs come in several sizes while the ergonomic wraps are designed for the wrist, the neck/cervical area, the patella/knee, the shoulder, and the lower back. The gel inside each one of the products will not leak if punctured and allows the wrap to be flexible even at -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The above-mentioned Bed Buddy products can also be put in the freezer to be used for cold therapy.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can be useful in the later stages of recovery, but visits to a therapist can be expensive and are not always covered by insurance. A wide variety of home massage therapy products allow you to reap the benefits of a relaxing or deep penetrating massage in the comfort of your own home, at a fraction of the cost. The Body Back Buddy is a versatile massage tool that enables you to effectively massage those hard-to-reach places on your back with minimal effort. The s-shaped curve allows for the application of deep pressure while the eleven therapeutic knobs provide different massages for different parts of your body. Those with limited strength and mobility will enjoy the benefits of using the Body Back Buddy long after recovering from their injury.
Acuforce Massage Products are best suited for use with a partner. Each of the products is weighted to provide the necessary downward force for a deep penetrating massage without putting strain on the wrists and hands of the person giving the massage. For a more powerful and penetrating massage, the DMS Deep Muscle Stimulator uses percussion and mechanical vibrations to reach deep into muscle tissue to stimulate proprioceptive functions. Unlike any other device on the market, the DMS increases muscle metabolism and the lactic acid cycle to relieve pain while breaking up muscle scar tissue. It constructed of 100% stainless steel and titanium, and is very effective for helping to get rid of muscle spasms.
Before Beginning Home Therapeutic Recovery Treatments
It is best to check with your doctor before beginning certain types of treatments. As certain wounds heal differently and people heal at different rates, your physician can suggest when to use certain treatments and how long to use them for. While none of the above-mentioned products should be used in place of seeing a doctor after a car accident, they will help to make your recovery process as quick and as painless as possible.
Richard Chandler researches innovative new healthcare devices, medical supplies, and pain management products for ActiveForever and specializes in writing informative articles and web content. For more information on pain relief solutions, hot and cold therapy, infrared heat therapy, and massage therapy products, please visit http://www.activeforever.com/
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Don't ingore your pain!
5 Reasons to Embrace Pain
By Kimyon Zari
Whatever your pain is there is a reason she exists. She is there to inform you that you have an appointment to make and to keep. Whether your pain is arrogance, fear, insecurities, or low self-esteem, consider sitting down and embracing her without delay. Only then will you be able to feel (heal) better. Below I've listed 5 reasons to embrace pain.
Pain:
1. ...is the best life makeover on the market. No one sells anything better to get us moving.
2. ...forces you to hit the wall -- hard!! Then, you realize you can recover from that TKO.
3. ...draws you into fear's arms, which encourages action and change. (Feeling pain is an indicator that you are alive and can feel like's sting)
4. ...opens your heart. It is a beginning in eliminating the lies you tell yourself and others.
5. ...allows you room to grow and then compels you to live fully alive and without apology.
What kind of story is your life telling the world? What kind of story is your business telling the world? What are you really made of and how long will you hold on to that pain? When will you begin to take control of your life? After all it totally belongs to you. Each time you decide to address and change an area in your life that is not working, you replenish your mind and body with the necessary vitamins it needs to function appropriately. Why not accept pain for what it is: A reminder that where there is pain, there lies a reason to change.
The hardest person I have ever had to face is ME. What about you?
Kimyon, LDC
A DIAMOND COACH
Published writer on Success.com, featured in Today’s Charlotte Woman, Pride Magazine, and Arrive Net Advertising and Marketing. Creator and manager of Blue Waters, a grassroots online newsletter encouraging subscribers to live fully alive and without apology. An entertainer, vocalist and theater actress having traveled the globe opening for entertainers Chaka Kahn, Mikki Howard, and jazz sensation Phil Perry. Born and raised in Springfield, MA, resides in North Carolina with her two young adults. For more info email me at adiamondcoach@gmail.com or visit my black business space.
By Kimyon Zari
Whatever your pain is there is a reason she exists. She is there to inform you that you have an appointment to make and to keep. Whether your pain is arrogance, fear, insecurities, or low self-esteem, consider sitting down and embracing her without delay. Only then will you be able to feel (heal) better. Below I've listed 5 reasons to embrace pain.
Pain:
1. ...is the best life makeover on the market. No one sells anything better to get us moving.
2. ...forces you to hit the wall -- hard!! Then, you realize you can recover from that TKO.
3. ...draws you into fear's arms, which encourages action and change. (Feeling pain is an indicator that you are alive and can feel like's sting)
4. ...opens your heart. It is a beginning in eliminating the lies you tell yourself and others.
5. ...allows you room to grow and then compels you to live fully alive and without apology.
What kind of story is your life telling the world? What kind of story is your business telling the world? What are you really made of and how long will you hold on to that pain? When will you begin to take control of your life? After all it totally belongs to you. Each time you decide to address and change an area in your life that is not working, you replenish your mind and body with the necessary vitamins it needs to function appropriately. Why not accept pain for what it is: A reminder that where there is pain, there lies a reason to change.
The hardest person I have ever had to face is ME. What about you?
Kimyon, LDC
A DIAMOND COACH
Published writer on Success.com, featured in Today’s Charlotte Woman, Pride Magazine, and Arrive Net Advertising and Marketing. Creator and manager of Blue Waters, a grassroots online newsletter encouraging subscribers to live fully alive and without apology. An entertainer, vocalist and theater actress having traveled the globe opening for entertainers Chaka Kahn, Mikki Howard, and jazz sensation Phil Perry. Born and raised in Springfield, MA, resides in North Carolina with her two young adults. For more info email me at adiamondcoach@gmail.com or visit my black business space.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Magnetic Therapy – Can it Help You?
Magnetic Therapy – Can it Help You?
By Mary Isaacs
Magnetic therapy has been around for centuries and is gaining popularity and effectiveness in today’s world. Magnetic therapy is a safe, effective, alternative source of pain relief for muscle and joint discomfort. Magnets are non-invasive ways of helping the body heal itself with out adverse side effects. This is an excellent choice for everyone.
Magnetic therapy works by helping the chemicals within the body to move to the affected area. For a body part to heal the site must be restored to its natural state. Pain and inflammation is removed from the area and oxygen and nutrients are moved into the affected area.
Magnetic therapy is safe. Complications should not occur if magnets are used properly. However, if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, insulin pump or other electro-medical implants you should not use magnets.
Magnetic jewelry can be worn daily so you get continuous therapy. Magnetic jewelry can provide pain relief in your joints. There are two ways that magnet jewelry can provide a stimulus to increase endorphins, a natural way to gain pain relief and help in circulation. This helps to flush out toxins which may be a cause of pain in the body. By using magnets as self-help health care alternative to pain relief of neck, wrist, shoulder, knee, back, elbow or ankle, one may feel relief within a few hours or a few minutes. A beneficial side effect from using magnets could be increased in energy to help carry you through your busy day(s).
Magnetic wraps, braces or supports can be used by athletes or the general population to help heal joints caused by injuries or osteoarthritis to one’s arms, legs, hands, and wrists. By increasing blood circulation to a specific joint(s) the healing time and pain relief is shortened. Magnets can help prevent muscle spasms that occur with pain associated with joint pain.
Arthritis sufferers are probably the largest portion of our population that uses magnetic therapy. Many people often wonder why they waited so long to start magnetic therapy after receiving relief in a short amount of time.
By Mary Isaacs
Magnetic therapy has been around for centuries and is gaining popularity and effectiveness in today’s world. Magnetic therapy is a safe, effective, alternative source of pain relief for muscle and joint discomfort. Magnets are non-invasive ways of helping the body heal itself with out adverse side effects. This is an excellent choice for everyone.
Magnetic therapy works by helping the chemicals within the body to move to the affected area. For a body part to heal the site must be restored to its natural state. Pain and inflammation is removed from the area and oxygen and nutrients are moved into the affected area.
Magnetic therapy is safe. Complications should not occur if magnets are used properly. However, if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, insulin pump or other electro-medical implants you should not use magnets.
Magnetic jewelry can be worn daily so you get continuous therapy. Magnetic jewelry can provide pain relief in your joints. There are two ways that magnet jewelry can provide a stimulus to increase endorphins, a natural way to gain pain relief and help in circulation. This helps to flush out toxins which may be a cause of pain in the body. By using magnets as self-help health care alternative to pain relief of neck, wrist, shoulder, knee, back, elbow or ankle, one may feel relief within a few hours or a few minutes. A beneficial side effect from using magnets could be increased in energy to help carry you through your busy day(s).
Magnetic wraps, braces or supports can be used by athletes or the general population to help heal joints caused by injuries or osteoarthritis to one’s arms, legs, hands, and wrists. By increasing blood circulation to a specific joint(s) the healing time and pain relief is shortened. Magnets can help prevent muscle spasms that occur with pain associated with joint pain.
Arthritis sufferers are probably the largest portion of our population that uses magnetic therapy. Many people often wonder why they waited so long to start magnetic therapy after receiving relief in a short amount of time.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar Tendinitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
By Juliet Cohen
Patellar Tendinitis is an extremely common malady that can plague almost anyone, from athletes to laborers. Patellar Tendinitis is also known as jumpers knee. It is common in people involved in activities that include a lot of running, jumping, stopping and starting. The patellar tendon is a structure that attaches the quadriceps muscle group to the tibia (shin bone). This tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the lower leg bone (tibia).
The patella (knee cap) is a sesamoid (floating bone) incorporated into the patellar tendon. ellar tendinitis is seen in athletes participating in sports such as volleyball, basketball, the high jump and soccer. Patellar tendinitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the patellar tendon. It occurs when you place repeated stress on your patellar tendon, often when you suddenly increase the intensity or frequency of your workouts. In extreme cases, the patellar tendon may become damaged to the point of complete rupture. Pain from patellar tendinitis is felt in the area just below the patella. There may be swelling in and around the patellar tendon and it may be sensitive to touch.
Patellar tendonitis can also happen to people who have problems with the way their hips, legs, knees, or feet are aligned. Examination techniques that detect tenderness and swelling in or around the patellar tendon are helpful in determining if someone has patellar tendinitis. The pain can become continuous both at rest and during training; unfortunately it is only at this later stage that athletes tend to seek medical advice. The patellar tendon may sometimes tear completely, or rupture, during strenuous activity. The patellar tendon becomes inflamed and tender due to overuse. Overuse injuries of the patellar tendon occur when you repeat a particular activity until there is micro-failure of the tissue that makes up the substance of the tendon. The best course of treatment for jumper's knee is to discontinue any activity that is causing the condition, until the injury is healed. A MRI is useful in patients with chronic patellar tendonitis to look for areas of degenerative tendon.
Causes of Patellar tendinitis
The common causes and risk factor's of Patellar tendinitis include the following:
Overuse of the knee tendon.
A sudden, unexpected injury like a fall.
Running in the "shoulder" of the road.
Frequent impact to the knee.
Muscle weakness or imbalance.
A sudden increase in the intensity of training.
Lack of proper stretching.
Symptoms of Patellar tendinitis
Some sign and symptoms related to Patellar tendinitis are as follows:
Pain and tenderness in the patellar tendon below the knee.
Swelling in your knee joint or swelling where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone.
Progress to be present before, during and after physical activity.
"Snapping" sensation with squat motion.
Become a constant ache that can make it difficult to sleep at night.
Pain with activities, such as jumping, running, or walking.
Treatment of Patellar tendinitis
Here is list of the methods for treating Patellar tendinitis:
Apply ice or a cold pack to the knee for 15-20 minutes, every 4 hours, for 2-3 days. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel.
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
Heat therapy prior to activity followed by increased stretching.
Rest & Immobilization.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling.
Special stretching exercises to loosen up the muscle.
Another helpful tool is to apply a strap above the knee with pressure placed just above the site of irritation (above the lateral epicondyle). This band helps dissipate the tension on the tendon.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for diseases treatment and online health tips. She also writes articles on rare skin disorders.
By Juliet Cohen
Patellar Tendinitis is an extremely common malady that can plague almost anyone, from athletes to laborers. Patellar Tendinitis is also known as jumpers knee. It is common in people involved in activities that include a lot of running, jumping, stopping and starting. The patellar tendon is a structure that attaches the quadriceps muscle group to the tibia (shin bone). This tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the lower leg bone (tibia).
The patella (knee cap) is a sesamoid (floating bone) incorporated into the patellar tendon. ellar tendinitis is seen in athletes participating in sports such as volleyball, basketball, the high jump and soccer. Patellar tendinitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the patellar tendon. It occurs when you place repeated stress on your patellar tendon, often when you suddenly increase the intensity or frequency of your workouts. In extreme cases, the patellar tendon may become damaged to the point of complete rupture. Pain from patellar tendinitis is felt in the area just below the patella. There may be swelling in and around the patellar tendon and it may be sensitive to touch.
Patellar tendonitis can also happen to people who have problems with the way their hips, legs, knees, or feet are aligned. Examination techniques that detect tenderness and swelling in or around the patellar tendon are helpful in determining if someone has patellar tendinitis. The pain can become continuous both at rest and during training; unfortunately it is only at this later stage that athletes tend to seek medical advice. The patellar tendon may sometimes tear completely, or rupture, during strenuous activity. The patellar tendon becomes inflamed and tender due to overuse. Overuse injuries of the patellar tendon occur when you repeat a particular activity until there is micro-failure of the tissue that makes up the substance of the tendon. The best course of treatment for jumper's knee is to discontinue any activity that is causing the condition, until the injury is healed. A MRI is useful in patients with chronic patellar tendonitis to look for areas of degenerative tendon.
Causes of Patellar tendinitis
The common causes and risk factor's of Patellar tendinitis include the following:
Overuse of the knee tendon.
A sudden, unexpected injury like a fall.
Running in the "shoulder" of the road.
Frequent impact to the knee.
Muscle weakness or imbalance.
A sudden increase in the intensity of training.
Lack of proper stretching.
Symptoms of Patellar tendinitis
Some sign and symptoms related to Patellar tendinitis are as follows:
Pain and tenderness in the patellar tendon below the knee.
Swelling in your knee joint or swelling where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone.
Progress to be present before, during and after physical activity.
"Snapping" sensation with squat motion.
Become a constant ache that can make it difficult to sleep at night.
Pain with activities, such as jumping, running, or walking.
Treatment of Patellar tendinitis
Here is list of the methods for treating Patellar tendinitis:
Apply ice or a cold pack to the knee for 15-20 minutes, every 4 hours, for 2-3 days. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel.
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
Heat therapy prior to activity followed by increased stretching.
Rest & Immobilization.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling.
Special stretching exercises to loosen up the muscle.
Another helpful tool is to apply a strap above the knee with pressure placed just above the site of irritation (above the lateral epicondyle). This band helps dissipate the tension on the tendon.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for diseases treatment and online health tips. She also writes articles on rare skin disorders.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Control of and Freedom From Pain
Many of our aches and pains are a direct result of our sedentary lifestyles. These conditions often begin to show themselves when we stress ourselves in new activities, become over tired or they may just come on their own.
It is becoming a common belief that these pains in our back, neck, knees, etc. are a result of our body being out of sync and telling us something is wrong. Through stress or injury, or lack of consistent stretching to keep our muscles loose and supple our bodies become out of symmetry. Muscles that don’t get stretched on a continual basis begin to pull our body out if its normal balanced stasis. This starts to put stress on the supporting structure of our skeleton and, instead of our body load being spread evenly over support structures it gets spread to one side or the other. Parts of the body that were built to share the load find themselves carrying a greater proportion of the load. These spots begin to deteriorate and send out help signals on the way of pain.
An easy example is our spine. It is designed to carry our weight in a gentle s-curve which places the load squarely across the surface of each vertebra. This curve is maintained in its proper shape by the strength of the back muscles counterbalancing the strength of the abdominal muscles. Our back muscles get a daily workout in general just keeping us upright and as in our everyday activities, we lift things, move ourselves up and down as we get out of chairs, etc. Our abdominals unfortunately don’t get this rigorous work out unless we intentionally focus on it. Our back muscles are constantly working and strengthening; they need a conscious effort to stretch them to help them relax and stay supple. Our abdominals are loose and relaxed; they need us to consciously work at strengthening them. If we don’t continually focus on these two needs:
Our back muscles strengthen and tighten pulling our spine out of its proper s-curve
Out abdominals loosen and weaken allowing the spine to slip out of its proper s-curve This results in the body mass being shifted to the edges of some of the vertebrae which causes overloads resulting in degeneration and pain. If we don’t do things to counter this lack of symmetry we are destined to a life of pain and agony.
This example of back pain is one way we put our bodies out of symmetry. We also do this by slouching in chairs as we watch TV or read books, working at a job station that causes us to do most of our effort in a one-sided fashion, receiving an injury that causes us to favour one side of our body and carry the load more with the other. Just being left-handed or right-handed causes us to do things unevenly. There are many things that we do or have happen to us that may cause us to lose the healthy symmetry of our body structure. If we allow this state to continue some part or parts of the body take more of a load then they were designed to carry. This results in pain which, if unattended become chronic pain and then a disabling condition.
At this point I’m going to tell you a short story about a good friend of mine; Phil. He is an avid skier and it was on the mountains of Alberta, B.C., and the North West States that I have shared some tremendous times with him: but enough about that.
Phil had tremendous back problems. Each morning before skiing he would literally role out of bed onto the floor and work at limbering up his back enough to be able to move about in a normal manner. We would then ski the day away. Did I tell you that he had a tremendously high pain threshold?
Phil was this way when I first met him and for several years from that time. He read a great deal about his condition and was quite an expert on everything about it except making it go away. He had been to several doctors and had undergone various treatments including acupuncture. He was at a point of desperation and was seriously considering undergoing spinal fusion as a last resort to overcoming the pain.
It was at this point of desperation that he happened upon a life-changing discovery. My friend Phil did not go through with the spinal fusion surgery. He did however, go on to control and conquer his back pain.
It wasn’t magic and it wasn’t complicated. What he came upon was a book that changed his life. His changes were so positive that the rest of us, learning of the book, investigated, and have used the information to help us as well. My wife has found help for many of the pains caused by her arthritis. The book has been so helpful to me and to many of my friends that whenever someone complains of pain form other than an recent injury or over-done workout the book title is the first thing that crosses my lips. We have all passed the book around among friends and made it known to acquaintances who have suffered from pain. In our circle it has indeed become the bible of pain control and freedom.
The Book was called “Pain Free” by Peter Egoscue. If you are interested in reading about him click here. The important thing is that he has developed the”Egoscue Method” which he has used to help the unknown to the likes of Jack Nicklaus. **His basic belief is that most of our pains are a result of our posture and the fact that our bodies have lost symmetry as a result of injury or just learned bad posture.
In his book he gives us a recipe for evaluating our body type. By body type it refers more to what degree of asymmetry one is at. He basically categorizes us unto 3 body categories. Once this is established he gives us a routine of activities specific to our particular body category. The routine is a mix of stretching and strengthening activities designed to help bring your body back to its natural symmetry. If you follow these routines it is amazing the improvement it will bring.
He, at this point, has written at least four books on the topic of being pain free, he has several clinics around the US, athletics training camps, the Egoscue Research Institute which is dedicated to providing the resources necessary for the research and education in the fields of physical health, self care and functional independence. He also operates Pain Free Radio from which you can either receive Pod Casts or download and listen to archived shows from this Site. Information about these can be found on his Web Site. These Podcasts gives you an insight into the type of person he is and the work he is doing.
From his PainFree Site you can find examples of how to evaluate the posture condition 1, 2, or 3 that your body is in and from there select a menu to use to help correct the condition. At this spot he three menus; a pain fee menu (to ease the pain) an office menu (self explanatory), and and active menu (to strengthen needed ares to maintain symmetry). NB Read the Free Menu updates overview before you start. He also has traveling clinics in the US. You can access the schedule from this spot.
Pete Egosque appears to be a man on a mission to "treat chronic musculoskeletal pain without using drugs, surgery, or manipulation, enabling people to enjoy a pain-free active life."
Of particular immediate interest to us is a Site in which he lists the areas of the body in which you might experience pain. Click on the appropriate body part and a pop-up appears with description and picture of two good exercises to help alleviate the pain. This is an excellent start if you have pain. If you are experiencing chronic pain I would recommend the book however as it gives you a much more thorough plan to eliminate the source of the pain. The book "Pain Free"; I wouldn't be without it. If you have chronic pain I truly believe it is worth your time to investigate further.
Until then . . . in pain or not . . . . . . you still . . . look . . . marvelous!
To read the rest of this article: http://myhealthandfitnessstrategies.com/2007/08/06/control-of-and-freedom-from-pain/
Bill Jensen operates http://myhealthandfitnessstrategies.com/ a blog all about fitness of mind,, body and spirit. He loves giving away free things and is now giving away free membership to his monthly newsletter. You are not going to believe what you get when you sign up and it's all free!
http://myhealthandfitnessstrategies.com/
It is becoming a common belief that these pains in our back, neck, knees, etc. are a result of our body being out of sync and telling us something is wrong. Through stress or injury, or lack of consistent stretching to keep our muscles loose and supple our bodies become out of symmetry. Muscles that don’t get stretched on a continual basis begin to pull our body out if its normal balanced stasis. This starts to put stress on the supporting structure of our skeleton and, instead of our body load being spread evenly over support structures it gets spread to one side or the other. Parts of the body that were built to share the load find themselves carrying a greater proportion of the load. These spots begin to deteriorate and send out help signals on the way of pain.
An easy example is our spine. It is designed to carry our weight in a gentle s-curve which places the load squarely across the surface of each vertebra. This curve is maintained in its proper shape by the strength of the back muscles counterbalancing the strength of the abdominal muscles. Our back muscles get a daily workout in general just keeping us upright and as in our everyday activities, we lift things, move ourselves up and down as we get out of chairs, etc. Our abdominals unfortunately don’t get this rigorous work out unless we intentionally focus on it. Our back muscles are constantly working and strengthening; they need a conscious effort to stretch them to help them relax and stay supple. Our abdominals are loose and relaxed; they need us to consciously work at strengthening them. If we don’t continually focus on these two needs:
Our back muscles strengthen and tighten pulling our spine out of its proper s-curve
Out abdominals loosen and weaken allowing the spine to slip out of its proper s-curve This results in the body mass being shifted to the edges of some of the vertebrae which causes overloads resulting in degeneration and pain. If we don’t do things to counter this lack of symmetry we are destined to a life of pain and agony.
This example of back pain is one way we put our bodies out of symmetry. We also do this by slouching in chairs as we watch TV or read books, working at a job station that causes us to do most of our effort in a one-sided fashion, receiving an injury that causes us to favour one side of our body and carry the load more with the other. Just being left-handed or right-handed causes us to do things unevenly. There are many things that we do or have happen to us that may cause us to lose the healthy symmetry of our body structure. If we allow this state to continue some part or parts of the body take more of a load then they were designed to carry. This results in pain which, if unattended become chronic pain and then a disabling condition.
At this point I’m going to tell you a short story about a good friend of mine; Phil. He is an avid skier and it was on the mountains of Alberta, B.C., and the North West States that I have shared some tremendous times with him: but enough about that.
Phil had tremendous back problems. Each morning before skiing he would literally role out of bed onto the floor and work at limbering up his back enough to be able to move about in a normal manner. We would then ski the day away. Did I tell you that he had a tremendously high pain threshold?
Phil was this way when I first met him and for several years from that time. He read a great deal about his condition and was quite an expert on everything about it except making it go away. He had been to several doctors and had undergone various treatments including acupuncture. He was at a point of desperation and was seriously considering undergoing spinal fusion as a last resort to overcoming the pain.
It was at this point of desperation that he happened upon a life-changing discovery. My friend Phil did not go through with the spinal fusion surgery. He did however, go on to control and conquer his back pain.
It wasn’t magic and it wasn’t complicated. What he came upon was a book that changed his life. His changes were so positive that the rest of us, learning of the book, investigated, and have used the information to help us as well. My wife has found help for many of the pains caused by her arthritis. The book has been so helpful to me and to many of my friends that whenever someone complains of pain form other than an recent injury or over-done workout the book title is the first thing that crosses my lips. We have all passed the book around among friends and made it known to acquaintances who have suffered from pain. In our circle it has indeed become the bible of pain control and freedom.
The Book was called “Pain Free” by Peter Egoscue. If you are interested in reading about him click here. The important thing is that he has developed the”Egoscue Method” which he has used to help the unknown to the likes of Jack Nicklaus. **His basic belief is that most of our pains are a result of our posture and the fact that our bodies have lost symmetry as a result of injury or just learned bad posture.
In his book he gives us a recipe for evaluating our body type. By body type it refers more to what degree of asymmetry one is at. He basically categorizes us unto 3 body categories. Once this is established he gives us a routine of activities specific to our particular body category. The routine is a mix of stretching and strengthening activities designed to help bring your body back to its natural symmetry. If you follow these routines it is amazing the improvement it will bring.
He, at this point, has written at least four books on the topic of being pain free, he has several clinics around the US, athletics training camps, the Egoscue Research Institute which is dedicated to providing the resources necessary for the research and education in the fields of physical health, self care and functional independence. He also operates Pain Free Radio from which you can either receive Pod Casts or download and listen to archived shows from this Site. Information about these can be found on his Web Site. These Podcasts gives you an insight into the type of person he is and the work he is doing.
From his PainFree Site you can find examples of how to evaluate the posture condition 1, 2, or 3 that your body is in and from there select a menu to use to help correct the condition. At this spot he three menus; a pain fee menu (to ease the pain) an office menu (self explanatory), and and active menu (to strengthen needed ares to maintain symmetry). NB Read the Free Menu updates overview before you start. He also has traveling clinics in the US. You can access the schedule from this spot.
Pete Egosque appears to be a man on a mission to "treat chronic musculoskeletal pain without using drugs, surgery, or manipulation, enabling people to enjoy a pain-free active life."
Of particular immediate interest to us is a Site in which he lists the areas of the body in which you might experience pain. Click on the appropriate body part and a pop-up appears with description and picture of two good exercises to help alleviate the pain. This is an excellent start if you have pain. If you are experiencing chronic pain I would recommend the book however as it gives you a much more thorough plan to eliminate the source of the pain. The book "Pain Free"; I wouldn't be without it. If you have chronic pain I truly believe it is worth your time to investigate further.
Until then . . . in pain or not . . . . . . you still . . . look . . . marvelous!
To read the rest of this article: http://myhealthandfitnessstrategies.com/2007/08/06/control-of-and-freedom-from-pain/
Bill Jensen operates http://myhealthandfitnessstrategies.com/ a blog all about fitness of mind,, body and spirit. He loves giving away free things and is now giving away free membership to his monthly newsletter. You are not going to believe what you get when you sign up and it's all free!
http://myhealthandfitnessstrategies.com/
Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, Micro-Current Stimulation, Acupressure, Relief From Arthritis Pain
Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, Micro-Current Stimulation, Acupressure, Relief From Arthritis Pain
By Jim Thomas
Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, Acupressure or micro-current stimulaton; what's the difference and does it REALLY matter?
Well, the difference may surprise you; but once understand, you may well be on the road to faster relief.
Simply stated, electroacupuncture, also known as micro-current stimulation, is a faster, easier, cheaper, safer and do-it-yourself way to experience all of the benefits of acupuncture, without the needles.
Just how did this leap from acupuncture with needles to electroacupuncture (herein also understood to mean micro-current stimulation) without needles come about?
Back in the late 1960’s Dr. Julian Kenyon, a UK surgeon and Master Acupuncturist, had a vision of putting the healing power of acupuncture into the hands of the lay person.
After twelve years of research, the result was the first micro current device or Energy Point Stimulator (also known as EPS) of its kind.
The device allowed the user to locate acupuncture points with 100% accuracy and then stimulate that point with a very minute electronic pulse. It turns out, the intentional and extremely low energy output of the device is very important.
In his research, Dr. Kenyon found that bi-polar micro currents, in the range of less than 50 micro-amps, having a square waveform and frequency of 10 hertz, When coupled with traditional acupuncture protocols, could trigger the body’s natural healing system and promote tissue regeneration. Not only were these results remarkable, they were repeatable.
Thus, Dr. Kenyon had successfully "joined" micro current stimulation with acupuncture, allowing anyone the opportunity to use acupuncture on themselves and enjoy the benefits of acupuncture, only without the use of needles and without invading the skin in any way.
Continued research and refinement, together with nutritional support has resulted in remarkable breakthroughs in dealing with very tough health issues, which will be the subject of future articles.
Look! The concept of acupuncture without needles is relatively new. Discover why more and more people are turning to this concept to successfully address over 150 health disorders for themselves and loved ones in the convenience of their own home, Right Here at: http://www.Acupuncture.Info-UnLTD.com
By Jim Thomas
Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, Acupressure or micro-current stimulaton; what's the difference and does it REALLY matter?
Well, the difference may surprise you; but once understand, you may well be on the road to faster relief.
Simply stated, electroacupuncture, also known as micro-current stimulation, is a faster, easier, cheaper, safer and do-it-yourself way to experience all of the benefits of acupuncture, without the needles.
Just how did this leap from acupuncture with needles to electroacupuncture (herein also understood to mean micro-current stimulation) without needles come about?
Back in the late 1960’s Dr. Julian Kenyon, a UK surgeon and Master Acupuncturist, had a vision of putting the healing power of acupuncture into the hands of the lay person.
After twelve years of research, the result was the first micro current device or Energy Point Stimulator (also known as EPS) of its kind.
The device allowed the user to locate acupuncture points with 100% accuracy and then stimulate that point with a very minute electronic pulse. It turns out, the intentional and extremely low energy output of the device is very important.
In his research, Dr. Kenyon found that bi-polar micro currents, in the range of less than 50 micro-amps, having a square waveform and frequency of 10 hertz, When coupled with traditional acupuncture protocols, could trigger the body’s natural healing system and promote tissue regeneration. Not only were these results remarkable, they were repeatable.
Thus, Dr. Kenyon had successfully "joined" micro current stimulation with acupuncture, allowing anyone the opportunity to use acupuncture on themselves and enjoy the benefits of acupuncture, only without the use of needles and without invading the skin in any way.
Continued research and refinement, together with nutritional support has resulted in remarkable breakthroughs in dealing with very tough health issues, which will be the subject of future articles.
Look! The concept of acupuncture without needles is relatively new. Discover why more and more people are turning to this concept to successfully address over 150 health disorders for themselves and loved ones in the convenience of their own home, Right Here at: http://www.Acupuncture.Info-UnLTD.com
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Weaning from Pain Meds - This Really Hurts
It's now the end of July and I'm weaning from my maximum "on demand" dosage of 1600mcg. per day, to zero, zip, nothing per day; bing, bang, boom. And it hurts.
Strangely, this experience is not what I expected it to be. I thought I'd be rolling violently on twisted sheets, foaming at the mouth. It's not like that. Symptoms of with-drawl in me are a marked increase in the nerve pain I feel in my feet, ankles, shins and buttocks. I hate the meds. All of them, and I don't want to be beholden to them any longer.
I'm only 48 years old, and it would be a lie if I told you that I didn't expect that daily doses of methadone and opioids would make me high. I thought they would; I thought a significant side-effect would be a pleasant dizziness or disorientation. I expected that in addition to the mitigation of my neuropathic pain, I'd also experience a reprieve from real life. It wasn't that way when I stepped-up to stronger prescribed drugs, and it sure as hell isn't that way now.
With-drawl symptoms manifest in me greater pain, and I haven't yet started reducing my daily methadone intake. As background, I've weaned from all of my meds at least once, and was shocked then at the level of pain this traitorous spine visits on my body every moment. So, why do it?
I'm taking this big step backwards now so that I can hopefully take a bigger step toward less pain and greater functionality in the future. My pain doctor believes that at some point, in some people, the opioid they ingest actually cause greater pain. He's not saying that one's body develops only a tolerance, but that in addition to a tolerance opioid can become a driver of neuropathic pain. This seems quackish; it's not.
No matter who you are, long courses of narcotic relief carry this risk. So, how do you find out? Remove the drugs. Yeah, it's just how it sounds, too. It's brutal. Electric pain fires down my legs all the way to my toes; sometimes a null feeling so that I or someone else can push pins into my feet or toes, and at other times it's exactly the opposite when the weight of the sheet on my bed feels like bricks dropping on the tips of my toes. You folks know what I mean. How about that 'shins on fire feeling' or trying to lift your own body weight in the car by grasping the handle above the window on the passenger side for hours, just counting the miles left to drive. We all know what I'm talking about so I'll stop; but we also know about those times when the med's don't work. That is a symptom of tolerance.
So it seems as if the solution would be easy, raise the med's. The problem is that you reach a point when you just can't take more, either the side effects or the dosage can kill you. Life's hard, but it's harder when your stupid...or broke...or live in an area with poor medical coverage...
This is what I going to do. Reset my body by removing all of the heavy-duty pain killers (HAH!). I'm going to a clinic in Miami, I live near NYC, that is run by a neurosurgeon who doesn't believe in opioid, and I'll give it the old college try for at least a month. This is when I'm clean of all the drugs, (Maybe it'll work!).
It will be lonely and hard, but you betcha' I'll do it. Never bet against me. Any bet that involves me and my body either holding my breath, experiencing pain, or losing weight I always win. I've never lost. Just to brag a bit, I recently lost 30 pounds in 7 weeks, from 210 lbs. to 180 lbs. and won a grand.
But this isn't just a macho, look at me, thing. The worst case is pain. The rest is all up-side: Starting meds at low levels, new methods of dealing with pain, and the opportunity to do the most important thing of all.
I believe that I am the way God wants me to be, for His reasons and His glory. And I'll pray for His strength, to do His will, which maybe just to share my experience with you. No matter the outcome, I will put myself in the backseat for a while, and let Him drive. Lord, Thy will be done...God bless us all, Colin.
I became disabled at age 46 after 2 failed spinal surgeries. I married my college sweetheart. We have four kids. I'm rebuilding my life after having been diagnosed with Arachnoiditis, an incurable, progressive syndrome causing loss of many ordinary bodily functions and characterized by grinding, incessant nerve pain, like a toothache but a lot more severe. I walk with a cane and choke down a host of pills, many of them narcotic.
I built a web-site, Chronic Pain Lifestyle that I write with 3 people who suffer the same condition. Our page is not a forum, nor is it a source of medical information. Our page is about how we're rebuilding our lives. Sometimes we're funny, other times sad. We mix nostalgia and disappointment with hope, experiences and fellowship.
Strangely, this experience is not what I expected it to be. I thought I'd be rolling violently on twisted sheets, foaming at the mouth. It's not like that. Symptoms of with-drawl in me are a marked increase in the nerve pain I feel in my feet, ankles, shins and buttocks. I hate the meds. All of them, and I don't want to be beholden to them any longer.
I'm only 48 years old, and it would be a lie if I told you that I didn't expect that daily doses of methadone and opioids would make me high. I thought they would; I thought a significant side-effect would be a pleasant dizziness or disorientation. I expected that in addition to the mitigation of my neuropathic pain, I'd also experience a reprieve from real life. It wasn't that way when I stepped-up to stronger prescribed drugs, and it sure as hell isn't that way now.
With-drawl symptoms manifest in me greater pain, and I haven't yet started reducing my daily methadone intake. As background, I've weaned from all of my meds at least once, and was shocked then at the level of pain this traitorous spine visits on my body every moment. So, why do it?
I'm taking this big step backwards now so that I can hopefully take a bigger step toward less pain and greater functionality in the future. My pain doctor believes that at some point, in some people, the opioid they ingest actually cause greater pain. He's not saying that one's body develops only a tolerance, but that in addition to a tolerance opioid can become a driver of neuropathic pain. This seems quackish; it's not.
No matter who you are, long courses of narcotic relief carry this risk. So, how do you find out? Remove the drugs. Yeah, it's just how it sounds, too. It's brutal. Electric pain fires down my legs all the way to my toes; sometimes a null feeling so that I or someone else can push pins into my feet or toes, and at other times it's exactly the opposite when the weight of the sheet on my bed feels like bricks dropping on the tips of my toes. You folks know what I mean. How about that 'shins on fire feeling' or trying to lift your own body weight in the car by grasping the handle above the window on the passenger side for hours, just counting the miles left to drive. We all know what I'm talking about so I'll stop; but we also know about those times when the med's don't work. That is a symptom of tolerance.
So it seems as if the solution would be easy, raise the med's. The problem is that you reach a point when you just can't take more, either the side effects or the dosage can kill you. Life's hard, but it's harder when your stupid...or broke...or live in an area with poor medical coverage...
This is what I going to do. Reset my body by removing all of the heavy-duty pain killers (HAH!). I'm going to a clinic in Miami, I live near NYC, that is run by a neurosurgeon who doesn't believe in opioid, and I'll give it the old college try for at least a month. This is when I'm clean of all the drugs, (Maybe it'll work!).
It will be lonely and hard, but you betcha' I'll do it. Never bet against me. Any bet that involves me and my body either holding my breath, experiencing pain, or losing weight I always win. I've never lost. Just to brag a bit, I recently lost 30 pounds in 7 weeks, from 210 lbs. to 180 lbs. and won a grand.
But this isn't just a macho, look at me, thing. The worst case is pain. The rest is all up-side: Starting meds at low levels, new methods of dealing with pain, and the opportunity to do the most important thing of all.
I believe that I am the way God wants me to be, for His reasons and His glory. And I'll pray for His strength, to do His will, which maybe just to share my experience with you. No matter the outcome, I will put myself in the backseat for a while, and let Him drive. Lord, Thy will be done...God bless us all, Colin.
I became disabled at age 46 after 2 failed spinal surgeries. I married my college sweetheart. We have four kids. I'm rebuilding my life after having been diagnosed with Arachnoiditis, an incurable, progressive syndrome causing loss of many ordinary bodily functions and characterized by grinding, incessant nerve pain, like a toothache but a lot more severe. I walk with a cane and choke down a host of pills, many of them narcotic.
I built a web-site, Chronic Pain Lifestyle that I write with 3 people who suffer the same condition. Our page is not a forum, nor is it a source of medical information. Our page is about how we're rebuilding our lives. Sometimes we're funny, other times sad. We mix nostalgia and disappointment with hope, experiences and fellowship.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Importance of Journaling to Help Deal With Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial Cystitis, or IC, is a condition in which a person experiences recurring pain or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic regions. It can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, and can have several different symptoms. The symptoms vary from person to person, and can differ from one day to the next in the same person. This is one reason it is important to keep a journal of your symptoms.
With IC, individuals can experience mild to extreme pain and tenderness. They may feel the need to urinate frequently, and may also experience a painful urgency to urinate. There also may be irritation or pain when urinating. You may even experience symptoms that aren't listed here.
Keeping a journal of your symptoms, whatever they may be, and when you experienced them can help your doctor come up with a treatment plan. Different symptoms can require different kinds of treatment. Showing a journal of symptoms to your doctor can ensure that you don't receive the same treatment as another person who has symptoms completely different from yours.
With IC, you may notice that different things you do can trigger pains or other symptoms. For example, different foods that you eat may trigger pain in the abdomen, or drinking something acidic can worsen the pain when you urinate. Having a journal of these things can help you and your doctor notice a pattern, which will help you avoid things that trigger symptoms.
Until recently, IC was considered to be a psychological problem, creating pain and confusion in all types of people. Some individuals probably started to wonder if they were imagining symptoms. Thankfully, IC is now considered a real and physical problem, and more is being done to treat patients with this condition.
The symptoms of IC can make it hard to diagnose. In fact, it is often misdiagnosed as urinary tract infection, bladder infections, or kidney problems. Some of the symptoms are the same as the symptoms of these other conditions. It can be extremely frustrating to be diagnosed with something else when you have IC, as the treatment for something else probably won't help your symptoms.
If you think you may have IC, keeping a journal of your symptoms will help your doctor to diagnose you properly, and treat you with something that will lessen or alleviate your symptoms. The wide range of symptoms will also help doctors to realize that you aren't experiencing just a type of infection, but that you may have IC.
There is no downfall in keeping a journal, and it can only help. Track your pain, bathroom visits, tenderness, frequency of urination, and triggers. In women, the symptoms with IC can be worse as it gets closer to your menstruation time. Be sure to log this into your journal as well. Doing this will help your doctor to help you, and if you have experienced the pain associated with IC, you know that you can use all the help you can get. Get started today, and get well!
If you’re currently experiencing Interstitital Cystitis or painful bladder syndrome then you are not alone. Many people, just like you, have found relief from painful interstitital cystitis symptoms and are currently living a healthier and happier lifestyle. If you want to join the revolution for better bladder health, please visit http://www.interstitial-cystitis.net today!
With IC, individuals can experience mild to extreme pain and tenderness. They may feel the need to urinate frequently, and may also experience a painful urgency to urinate. There also may be irritation or pain when urinating. You may even experience symptoms that aren't listed here.
Keeping a journal of your symptoms, whatever they may be, and when you experienced them can help your doctor come up with a treatment plan. Different symptoms can require different kinds of treatment. Showing a journal of symptoms to your doctor can ensure that you don't receive the same treatment as another person who has symptoms completely different from yours.
With IC, you may notice that different things you do can trigger pains or other symptoms. For example, different foods that you eat may trigger pain in the abdomen, or drinking something acidic can worsen the pain when you urinate. Having a journal of these things can help you and your doctor notice a pattern, which will help you avoid things that trigger symptoms.
Until recently, IC was considered to be a psychological problem, creating pain and confusion in all types of people. Some individuals probably started to wonder if they were imagining symptoms. Thankfully, IC is now considered a real and physical problem, and more is being done to treat patients with this condition.
The symptoms of IC can make it hard to diagnose. In fact, it is often misdiagnosed as urinary tract infection, bladder infections, or kidney problems. Some of the symptoms are the same as the symptoms of these other conditions. It can be extremely frustrating to be diagnosed with something else when you have IC, as the treatment for something else probably won't help your symptoms.
If you think you may have IC, keeping a journal of your symptoms will help your doctor to diagnose you properly, and treat you with something that will lessen or alleviate your symptoms. The wide range of symptoms will also help doctors to realize that you aren't experiencing just a type of infection, but that you may have IC.
There is no downfall in keeping a journal, and it can only help. Track your pain, bathroom visits, tenderness, frequency of urination, and triggers. In women, the symptoms with IC can be worse as it gets closer to your menstruation time. Be sure to log this into your journal as well. Doing this will help your doctor to help you, and if you have experienced the pain associated with IC, you know that you can use all the help you can get. Get started today, and get well!
If you’re currently experiencing Interstitital Cystitis or painful bladder syndrome then you are not alone. Many people, just like you, have found relief from painful interstitital cystitis symptoms and are currently living a healthier and happier lifestyle. If you want to join the revolution for better bladder health, please visit http://www.interstitial-cystitis.net today!
Botox Injection Treatments for Migraines
Migraines are serious medical conditions for many people and although there are a variety of treatments for migraine pain, few are considered desirable treatments by patients. Botox injections are a relatively new treatment available, and migraine sufferers are reporting positive results with less after effects than with more traditional treatments. The discovery of Botox as a headache pain reducer happened purely by accident, yet it is now one of the more promising techniques for dealing with migraines.
Migraine attacks are painful episodes where sufferers have debilitating discomfort in the head. The pain associated with migraines is very intense. Researchers have suggested that migraine conditions are associated with a predisposition to strokes. Dealing with migraines proactively rather than just living with them, as people have done in the past is very important. The quality of the migraine sufferer is often not even a consideration of many traditional therapies. They were focused on relieving the pain somehow. The patient was left to do what they could to deal with the personal consequences of these attacks which could last for long periods of time.
The source or cause of migraines isn’t understood well enough, however a variety of approaches are recommended by doctors and other health care professionals to deal with the disorder. The two main approaches to managing migraines are (a) preventive and (b) abortive. Abortive therapy for migraine attacks seeks to control the factors that lead to an attack.
Preventative treatments are used when a sufferer has few attacks. Doctors may prescribe drugs used to lower blood pressure, anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications, and anti-histamines. Here it the issue may be an inflammatory tissue problem that generates the pain.
Each individual patient may have different symptoms and underlying medical conditions that result in the migraines, so each will need a different treatment. Pain medications such as Advil, Aspirin and Tylenol are old reliables when it comes to treating headache pain, however migraines are not a typical form of headache. Many sufferers took pain medications for years only to find they wouldn’t work any longer. That’s lead to the search for new solutions and treatments for sufferers.
Some research has suggested muscle tension may be a causative factor. Certainly, as a migraine sufferer endures years of pain and is missing work and not enjoying their social and family life, they will begin to tense up. This is where blood pressure can rise and anxiety and depression can result. Muscle tension can occur in the patient’s scalp and head region.
Botox injections are treatments where a trained health professional injects small amounts of a substance called Botox into specific muscles in the individuals face and scalp areas. Botox is a trademarked substance manufactured exclusively by Allergan Inc. of Irvine California. Allergan distributes the product to a variety of doctors, clinics and qualified health care professionals for administering to patients who need them. Botox is well known as a beauty treatment, but through clinical use, it was discovered that it could be used in the treatment of headaches and even chronic sweating conditions.
Botox is made from a naturally occurring and common poison called Clostridium botulinum. In large doses it is toxic, but in small injectable doses, it can prevent muscle nerves from sending and receiving impulses. When injected into a muscle, the muscle relaxes. In beauty treatments, it causes unattractive facial wrinkles and skin folds to soften. The presence of deep lines and folds on skin gives you an idea of how prolonged muscle tension can affect bodily tissues. In the case of muscles on the scalp, the tension in them can put pressure on parts of the skull and create aches. With the inhibiting effect on neuroligical transmission, certain neurological pain transmitters are also inhibited. The collective result is the diminishment of headache.
Use of Botox injections for migraines doesn’t mean the underlying condition is resolved, however for many sufferers, relief from painful, debilitating migraines is all they want.
Pure Med Spa has trained professionals who administer Botox injections for migraines. Learn more about Botox for headaches at www.puremedspa.com.
Migraine attacks are painful episodes where sufferers have debilitating discomfort in the head. The pain associated with migraines is very intense. Researchers have suggested that migraine conditions are associated with a predisposition to strokes. Dealing with migraines proactively rather than just living with them, as people have done in the past is very important. The quality of the migraine sufferer is often not even a consideration of many traditional therapies. They were focused on relieving the pain somehow. The patient was left to do what they could to deal with the personal consequences of these attacks which could last for long periods of time.
The source or cause of migraines isn’t understood well enough, however a variety of approaches are recommended by doctors and other health care professionals to deal with the disorder. The two main approaches to managing migraines are (a) preventive and (b) abortive. Abortive therapy for migraine attacks seeks to control the factors that lead to an attack.
Preventative treatments are used when a sufferer has few attacks. Doctors may prescribe drugs used to lower blood pressure, anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications, and anti-histamines. Here it the issue may be an inflammatory tissue problem that generates the pain.
Each individual patient may have different symptoms and underlying medical conditions that result in the migraines, so each will need a different treatment. Pain medications such as Advil, Aspirin and Tylenol are old reliables when it comes to treating headache pain, however migraines are not a typical form of headache. Many sufferers took pain medications for years only to find they wouldn’t work any longer. That’s lead to the search for new solutions and treatments for sufferers.
Some research has suggested muscle tension may be a causative factor. Certainly, as a migraine sufferer endures years of pain and is missing work and not enjoying their social and family life, they will begin to tense up. This is where blood pressure can rise and anxiety and depression can result. Muscle tension can occur in the patient’s scalp and head region.
Botox injections are treatments where a trained health professional injects small amounts of a substance called Botox into specific muscles in the individuals face and scalp areas. Botox is a trademarked substance manufactured exclusively by Allergan Inc. of Irvine California. Allergan distributes the product to a variety of doctors, clinics and qualified health care professionals for administering to patients who need them. Botox is well known as a beauty treatment, but through clinical use, it was discovered that it could be used in the treatment of headaches and even chronic sweating conditions.
Botox is made from a naturally occurring and common poison called Clostridium botulinum. In large doses it is toxic, but in small injectable doses, it can prevent muscle nerves from sending and receiving impulses. When injected into a muscle, the muscle relaxes. In beauty treatments, it causes unattractive facial wrinkles and skin folds to soften. The presence of deep lines and folds on skin gives you an idea of how prolonged muscle tension can affect bodily tissues. In the case of muscles on the scalp, the tension in them can put pressure on parts of the skull and create aches. With the inhibiting effect on neuroligical transmission, certain neurological pain transmitters are also inhibited. The collective result is the diminishment of headache.
Use of Botox injections for migraines doesn’t mean the underlying condition is resolved, however for many sufferers, relief from painful, debilitating migraines is all they want.
Pure Med Spa has trained professionals who administer Botox injections for migraines. Learn more about Botox for headaches at www.puremedspa.com.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Fibromyalgia And Anatrin - Ease The Pain Of This Debilitating Condition
A debilitating syndrome, fibromyalgia is something that causes much muscle pain and fatigue in its victims. It can wreak havoc on all parts of a person’s life. This lasting and unfortunate malady is also known as fibromyositis or fibrositis. Looking into solutions for some relief, Anatrin has been found to be a good choice.
There are around 3 to 6 million people in the US who experience muscle soreness with fatigue and other symptoms. It is a sad truth that these symptoms have no specific cause named. The people who have the symptoms may look fine and healthy, but they feel awful. Most sufferers say they have some pain all the time, and say it is very exhausting. Anatrin, with its natural ingredients, has been shown effective in eliminating the major symptoms. Lending support physically, Anatrin helps by providing nutritional supplementation
Patients with fibromyalgia complain often of fatigue and sleep disturbances. Sometimes they experience restless legs syndrome. These signs, when present, denote it is fibromyalgia and not some different diagnosis, per some experts. All in all, it is vital to address the situation sooner rather than later. It is very stressful, which only increases the problem. The good thing about Anatrin is that it also targets stress in the Anatrin formula. As well, Anatrin replenishes the many lost nutrients that become common in such cases.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include headaches, dizziness and digestive problems. Some complain of having to urinate frequently because of bladder spasms. Tingling in the hands and feet, or even numbness, can be present. It’s clear that developing a definitive plan to handle this malady is necessary, and Anatrin should be part of that plan. Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Anatrin can become a very effective solution.
Exercise is very important in any routine. When your muscles are inactive, they start to lose strength. Even your bones and tendons can become weaker. So along with Anatrin, you should take part in an exercise regime for optimum handling. One big plus is that Anatrin is completely natural and safe. Anatrin contains researched herb compounds, vitamins and minerals, for excellent health.
With Anatrin, users have said that the symptoms of fibromyalgia have been put under control, and some have noticed dramatic results in as few as 30 days. Anatrin was developed specifically for muscle problems and should be included with your daily regimen of address to your problems. Anatrin can assist in controlling the fatigue and muscle soreness.
Gerry Lewis is a health and fitness fanatic who for many years has tried, tested and studied the natural health product marketplace. He provides impartial advice designed to assist potential users to make informed decisions. He runs a website dedicated to reviewing the effectiveness of Anatrin in the relief of Fibromyalgia at http://www.anatrin-review.info
There are around 3 to 6 million people in the US who experience muscle soreness with fatigue and other symptoms. It is a sad truth that these symptoms have no specific cause named. The people who have the symptoms may look fine and healthy, but they feel awful. Most sufferers say they have some pain all the time, and say it is very exhausting. Anatrin, with its natural ingredients, has been shown effective in eliminating the major symptoms. Lending support physically, Anatrin helps by providing nutritional supplementation
Patients with fibromyalgia complain often of fatigue and sleep disturbances. Sometimes they experience restless legs syndrome. These signs, when present, denote it is fibromyalgia and not some different diagnosis, per some experts. All in all, it is vital to address the situation sooner rather than later. It is very stressful, which only increases the problem. The good thing about Anatrin is that it also targets stress in the Anatrin formula. As well, Anatrin replenishes the many lost nutrients that become common in such cases.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include headaches, dizziness and digestive problems. Some complain of having to urinate frequently because of bladder spasms. Tingling in the hands and feet, or even numbness, can be present. It’s clear that developing a definitive plan to handle this malady is necessary, and Anatrin should be part of that plan. Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Anatrin can become a very effective solution.
Exercise is very important in any routine. When your muscles are inactive, they start to lose strength. Even your bones and tendons can become weaker. So along with Anatrin, you should take part in an exercise regime for optimum handling. One big plus is that Anatrin is completely natural and safe. Anatrin contains researched herb compounds, vitamins and minerals, for excellent health.
With Anatrin, users have said that the symptoms of fibromyalgia have been put under control, and some have noticed dramatic results in as few as 30 days. Anatrin was developed specifically for muscle problems and should be included with your daily regimen of address to your problems. Anatrin can assist in controlling the fatigue and muscle soreness.
Gerry Lewis is a health and fitness fanatic who for many years has tried, tested and studied the natural health product marketplace. He provides impartial advice designed to assist potential users to make informed decisions. He runs a website dedicated to reviewing the effectiveness of Anatrin in the relief of Fibromyalgia at http://www.anatrin-review.info
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Shoulder Tendonitis Surgery - Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
First let's find out what shoulder tendonitis or rotator cuff tendonitis is? There are several other names that this can be called. Some are known as tennis shoulder, pitcher's shoulder and even a shoulder impingement. These are all common names for a very similar problem.
So what is it? Shoulder tendonitis or rotator cuff tendonitis is the inflammation and can be an irritation and swelling of the tendons of the shoulder. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket type joint. The top part of the arm bone (humerus) forms a joint with the shoulder blade (scapula). The rotator cuff holds the head of the humerus into the scapula.
What is the most common cause of rotator cuff tendonitis?
A lot of the time the problem occurs with sports. Inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder muscles occur in sports using the arm being moved over the head repeatedly. Such sports are tennis, baseball (pitching mainly) swimming and even lifting weights over the head. What happens sometimes is you get the inflammation or injury and can cause the tendons of the rotator cuff to tear. Sometimes this occurs in people over 40 years of age.
Some of the symptoms
Pain when the arm is moved Arm is weak when rising over your head Pain in shoulder at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. Pain in arm when performing overhead activities
How to find out if you have shoulder tendonitis
X-ray’s or MRI. X-ray’s can show a burn spur. The MRI can show the inflammation in the rotator cuff. There could also be a tear in the rotator cuff and the MRI will show this.
Shoulder Tendonitis Surgery
Before shoulder tendonitis surgery, you should try physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff. If the pain is too great to start physical therapy a steroid injection (cortisone) may reduce pain and inflammation enough to start effective therapy.
If there is a tear in the rotator cuff or therapy has not helped and symptoms persist, shoulder surgery may be necessary. For most shoulder surgery, this can be accomplished with arthroscopic surgery. This type of surgery is effective in removing the bone spur and inflamed tissue around the shoulder.
You can also treat small tears with shoulder tendonitis surgery and arthroscopic surgery. There are even some new techniques that allow even large tears to be repaired with arthroscopic surgery. Now there are some large tears that are going to require open surgery to repair the torn tendon.
Shoulder Tendonitis Surgery Expectations
Once the shoulder tendonitis surgery is completed and the bone spur or tear has been repaired arthroscopic ally, you can expect the use of the shoulder to pre-injury levels. The activities that you performed prior to the injury should be able to perform them once again.
There are a couple of factors in determining the success of the shoulder tendonitis surgery. People with tears of their rotator cuff that have had the shoulder tendonitis surgery (arthroscopic) will do well. It will depend upon the size and the duration of the tear. The age of the patient will also have a bearing on the outcome and what the pre-injury level of function was.
So there are some things that you can do and the success of the shoulder tendonitis surgery should have a successful outcome in most cases. In another article I will discuss the rehabilitation of shoulder tendonitis surgery. Other Tendonitis topics visits: Shoulder Tendonitis Surgery
Have had many articles published on a variety of subjects. Co author of the best selling golf ebook called "Putt Lights Out". You can find this ebook at http://www.puttlightsout.com. For more information on tendonitis topics visit http://www.tendonitistypes.com
So what is it? Shoulder tendonitis or rotator cuff tendonitis is the inflammation and can be an irritation and swelling of the tendons of the shoulder. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket type joint. The top part of the arm bone (humerus) forms a joint with the shoulder blade (scapula). The rotator cuff holds the head of the humerus into the scapula.
What is the most common cause of rotator cuff tendonitis?
A lot of the time the problem occurs with sports. Inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder muscles occur in sports using the arm being moved over the head repeatedly. Such sports are tennis, baseball (pitching mainly) swimming and even lifting weights over the head. What happens sometimes is you get the inflammation or injury and can cause the tendons of the rotator cuff to tear. Sometimes this occurs in people over 40 years of age.
Some of the symptoms
Pain when the arm is moved Arm is weak when rising over your head Pain in shoulder at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. Pain in arm when performing overhead activities
How to find out if you have shoulder tendonitis
X-ray’s or MRI. X-ray’s can show a burn spur. The MRI can show the inflammation in the rotator cuff. There could also be a tear in the rotator cuff and the MRI will show this.
Shoulder Tendonitis Surgery
Before shoulder tendonitis surgery, you should try physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff. If the pain is too great to start physical therapy a steroid injection (cortisone) may reduce pain and inflammation enough to start effective therapy.
If there is a tear in the rotator cuff or therapy has not helped and symptoms persist, shoulder surgery may be necessary. For most shoulder surgery, this can be accomplished with arthroscopic surgery. This type of surgery is effective in removing the bone spur and inflamed tissue around the shoulder.
You can also treat small tears with shoulder tendonitis surgery and arthroscopic surgery. There are even some new techniques that allow even large tears to be repaired with arthroscopic surgery. Now there are some large tears that are going to require open surgery to repair the torn tendon.
Shoulder Tendonitis Surgery Expectations
Once the shoulder tendonitis surgery is completed and the bone spur or tear has been repaired arthroscopic ally, you can expect the use of the shoulder to pre-injury levels. The activities that you performed prior to the injury should be able to perform them once again.
There are a couple of factors in determining the success of the shoulder tendonitis surgery. People with tears of their rotator cuff that have had the shoulder tendonitis surgery (arthroscopic) will do well. It will depend upon the size and the duration of the tear. The age of the patient will also have a bearing on the outcome and what the pre-injury level of function was.
So there are some things that you can do and the success of the shoulder tendonitis surgery should have a successful outcome in most cases. In another article I will discuss the rehabilitation of shoulder tendonitis surgery. Other Tendonitis topics visits: Shoulder Tendonitis Surgery
Have had many articles published on a variety of subjects. Co author of the best selling golf ebook called "Putt Lights Out". You can find this ebook at http://www.puttlightsout.com. For more information on tendonitis topics visit http://www.tendonitistypes.com
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Foot Pain - Causes And Treatments For Pain In The Different Areas Of The Foot (Part 1)
Toe Pain - Part 1.
1. Corn and calluses
The most common cause of foot pain in the toe area is usually due to corns. If you think you can find corn only in fields, then chances are you are one of the fortunate ones who have never experienced the pain that comes with it.
A corn is a layer of cone-shaped, hardened dead skin, a form of callus; formed due to repeated friction, with a core that points inward. Pain is felt whenever the core touches or puts pressure on a nerve. Corn can develop on the top or in between the toes and is by far the most common cause of foot pain.
What causes corns to develop? Believe it or not, the main culprit is ill-fitting shoes resulting in friction from the toes rubbing together against the shoes. We might be inclined to think that shoes that are too loose largely ( no pun intended) contribute to this problem, but shoes, socks and stockings that fit too tightly around the toes are as much to blame. Other than ill-fitting shoes, it is thought that pressure on the toes from high-heeled shoes as well as deformed and crooked toes can also cause corns to develop.
To prevent or treat corns and calluses:
1. Wear shoes that are not neither too tight nor too loose, preferably well-padded
ones with either open toes or a wide toe box
2. Wear thick socks to absorb pressure but make sure they are not tight
3. Use corn caps or rings which you can find in most drugstores, to provide padding
over problem areas
4. soften corns and calluses by applying petroleum jelly or lanolin hand cream
5. If corns occur between the toes, place cotton, lamb's wool or mole skin in
these areas for cushioning.
Although there are medicated solutions and pads available to aid removal of corns and calluses, repeated treatments are required and most of the time offer only temporary relief. In addition to that, these solutions commonly contain salicylic acid and should therefore be used with caution by diabetics and those with circulation or neurological problems.
2. Ingrown toenails
Another common occurrence in the toe area is ingrown toenails. They can occur on any toe but are usually found on the big toes. They are thought to be caused by the excessive pressure put on the toe nails by tight fitting or narrow shoes that force the nail to grow into the flesh of the toe. Other causes include incorrect toenail trimming, fungal infections, injuries, repeated impact on the toenail from high- impact aerobic exercise and abnormalities in the structure of the foot.
Pain caused by ingrown toenails can be relieved somewhat by soaking the toe twice daily in a warm water and antiseptic solution. Wearing sandals or open-toed shoes also helps.
Severe cases of ingrown toenails are usually treated surgically. Non-surgical methods usually involve chemicals, cauterization (heating) or lasers to remove the affected tissue and skin although infections are reportedly common after a chemical procedure.
Azlin Shereen is a self-taught webmaster on a quest to find the most comfortable pair of shoes for her tired feet. Find useful foot pain and foot care facts on her website at http://fashionableorthopedicshoes.com
1. Corn and calluses
The most common cause of foot pain in the toe area is usually due to corns. If you think you can find corn only in fields, then chances are you are one of the fortunate ones who have never experienced the pain that comes with it.
A corn is a layer of cone-shaped, hardened dead skin, a form of callus; formed due to repeated friction, with a core that points inward. Pain is felt whenever the core touches or puts pressure on a nerve. Corn can develop on the top or in between the toes and is by far the most common cause of foot pain.
What causes corns to develop? Believe it or not, the main culprit is ill-fitting shoes resulting in friction from the toes rubbing together against the shoes. We might be inclined to think that shoes that are too loose largely ( no pun intended) contribute to this problem, but shoes, socks and stockings that fit too tightly around the toes are as much to blame. Other than ill-fitting shoes, it is thought that pressure on the toes from high-heeled shoes as well as deformed and crooked toes can also cause corns to develop.
To prevent or treat corns and calluses:
1. Wear shoes that are not neither too tight nor too loose, preferably well-padded
ones with either open toes or a wide toe box
2. Wear thick socks to absorb pressure but make sure they are not tight
3. Use corn caps or rings which you can find in most drugstores, to provide padding
over problem areas
4. soften corns and calluses by applying petroleum jelly or lanolin hand cream
5. If corns occur between the toes, place cotton, lamb's wool or mole skin in
these areas for cushioning.
Although there are medicated solutions and pads available to aid removal of corns and calluses, repeated treatments are required and most of the time offer only temporary relief. In addition to that, these solutions commonly contain salicylic acid and should therefore be used with caution by diabetics and those with circulation or neurological problems.
2. Ingrown toenails
Another common occurrence in the toe area is ingrown toenails. They can occur on any toe but are usually found on the big toes. They are thought to be caused by the excessive pressure put on the toe nails by tight fitting or narrow shoes that force the nail to grow into the flesh of the toe. Other causes include incorrect toenail trimming, fungal infections, injuries, repeated impact on the toenail from high- impact aerobic exercise and abnormalities in the structure of the foot.
Pain caused by ingrown toenails can be relieved somewhat by soaking the toe twice daily in a warm water and antiseptic solution. Wearing sandals or open-toed shoes also helps.
Severe cases of ingrown toenails are usually treated surgically. Non-surgical methods usually involve chemicals, cauterization (heating) or lasers to remove the affected tissue and skin although infections are reportedly common after a chemical procedure.
Azlin Shereen is a self-taught webmaster on a quest to find the most comfortable pair of shoes for her tired feet. Find useful foot pain and foot care facts on her website at http://fashionableorthopedicshoes.com
Monday, June 18, 2007
Office Chair Back Support Provides Proper Support To Your Back
Are you suffering from back ache? Well, the reason for this may be due to improper sitting posture that you have. Now, the first thing that you need to do for this is to visit a doctor and get treatments for this. On the doctors advice you must take proper rest so that you can recover really soon. Now, you must be thinking that what went wrong and why are you suffering from backache? It is due to the incorrect sitting posture that you are suffering from this. Office chair back support is the perfect solution of this because such chair is properly cushioned to give you a comfortable sitting position. Backache can happen due to the fact that you have been sitting for long hours while you are working in office. It is rightly said that “prevention is better than cure” and obviously no one would like to suffer from any problems health wise or otherwise.
Today, people are constantly looking out for means to prove their capabilities to become successful in their sphere of expertise. Consequently, they are neglecting their health and due to this many times the body may have to endure certain painful conditions. One must take proper care of this thing. Office Chair Back support provides the cushion to the back when someone has to sit for long hours at work. Our body parts are made on highly complex system and one such part is our backbone. The back portion of our body is truly a complex system and if you suffer from back ache, this can become chronic with time. The office chairs need to have proper cushion so that you can be comfortable while sitting in your office chair.
A healthy life keeps you away from many types of ailments and health disorders. A proper sitting posture is one of the good habits that you can cultivate in order to avoid certain conditions. Many people are careless and ignore to follow the proper sitting posture and this is one of the major causes of backache. If you have office chair back support then you can relax as you can sit for long hours in your office chair and continue your work without any worries. Most of us do have a misconception that doing exercises while we are suffering from back ache can make the condition severe. But it is not so, in fact exercising can keep you fit and healthy. Regular exercising can help you stay away from any problem and even help you out if you have back ache.
Sitting in an incorrect posture can lead to many problems and office chair back support is the best means to give you relief from backache. Human body is highly sophisticated and so sitting in an erect posture can help you to stay away from problems. If you do not have office chair back support in your chair then get it replaced at the earliest. Today, you can easily find office chair back support in the market, cushioned just perfectly to give proper support to your back.
Matt Hudson works towards helping out people in adopting a healthy sitting posture. He knows that having a good sitting arrangement with proper back support can go a long way in treating back pain and many other conditions. To know more about Office chair back support,Posture back support,Office chair back support visit www.trucomfort.com
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Provides articles and resources pertaining to prostate conditions in men. The wealth of information includes the causes of prostate problems, signs and symptoms, and available treatments of prostate cancer.
Stomach And Back Pain
Your source for the latest articles and resources concerning back pain. Our wealth of information includes the potential causes, signs and symptoms, and best treatments for back pain problems.
Adult Asthma
Provides articles and resources pertaining to asthma and asthmatic attacks. The wealth of information includes the causes, signs and symptoms, and available treatments of the chronic condition.
Toddler Curriculum
Your source for the latest facts and resources concerning toddlers. Our wealth of information includes the proper health care for toddlers, early signs of potential problems with your toddler, and how to handle problems that may occur.
Post Stress Trauma
Provides articles and resources pertaining to various types of trauma. The wealth of information includes the possible causes of trauma, early warning signs and symptoms, and available treatments of various trauma conditions.
Today, people are constantly looking out for means to prove their capabilities to become successful in their sphere of expertise. Consequently, they are neglecting their health and due to this many times the body may have to endure certain painful conditions. One must take proper care of this thing. Office Chair Back support provides the cushion to the back when someone has to sit for long hours at work. Our body parts are made on highly complex system and one such part is our backbone. The back portion of our body is truly a complex system and if you suffer from back ache, this can become chronic with time. The office chairs need to have proper cushion so that you can be comfortable while sitting in your office chair.
A healthy life keeps you away from many types of ailments and health disorders. A proper sitting posture is one of the good habits that you can cultivate in order to avoid certain conditions. Many people are careless and ignore to follow the proper sitting posture and this is one of the major causes of backache. If you have office chair back support then you can relax as you can sit for long hours in your office chair and continue your work without any worries. Most of us do have a misconception that doing exercises while we are suffering from back ache can make the condition severe. But it is not so, in fact exercising can keep you fit and healthy. Regular exercising can help you stay away from any problem and even help you out if you have back ache.
Sitting in an incorrect posture can lead to many problems and office chair back support is the best means to give you relief from backache. Human body is highly sophisticated and so sitting in an erect posture can help you to stay away from problems. If you do not have office chair back support in your chair then get it replaced at the earliest. Today, you can easily find office chair back support in the market, cushioned just perfectly to give proper support to your back.
Matt Hudson works towards helping out people in adopting a healthy sitting posture. He knows that having a good sitting arrangement with proper back support can go a long way in treating back pain and many other conditions. To know more about Office chair back support,Posture back support,Office chair back support visit www.trucomfort.com
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Provides articles and resources pertaining to prostate conditions in men. The wealth of information includes the causes of prostate problems, signs and symptoms, and available treatments of prostate cancer.
Stomach And Back Pain
Your source for the latest articles and resources concerning back pain. Our wealth of information includes the potential causes, signs and symptoms, and best treatments for back pain problems.
Adult Asthma
Provides articles and resources pertaining to asthma and asthmatic attacks. The wealth of information includes the causes, signs and symptoms, and available treatments of the chronic condition.
Toddler Curriculum
Your source for the latest facts and resources concerning toddlers. Our wealth of information includes the proper health care for toddlers, early signs of potential problems with your toddler, and how to handle problems that may occur.
Post Stress Trauma
Provides articles and resources pertaining to various types of trauma. The wealth of information includes the possible causes of trauma, early warning signs and symptoms, and available treatments of various trauma conditions.
The Truth Behind Back Pain Treatment
Most everyone has had some type of experience with back pain to some degree. Maybe you just hurt for moments or maybe it was just hours, but the majority of people have had some type of sensation of pain in their back at some point. Back pain treatment is important in the recovering stage from back pain. Sometimes it will heal on its own, but often the pain requires some type of help for just enduring it. There are many different options for back pain treatment and this article will explore the truth behind back pain treatment and how or if they help.
Back pain treatment doesn't always require going to the doctor. You can often use a heating pad to get the relief you need on a less permanent injury. Muscle strains and spasms can benefit from heat as the heat will tend to relax the muscle and give pain relief as it relaxes. It doesn't matter whether the pain is permanent or not, pain is pain and it hurts so just knowing that heat can help will opt you to explore some of the newer type heating pads. Warm water therapy is very helpful and that is why many people own a hot tub. This type of back pain treatment is good for the entire body.
One of the most obvious types of back pain treatment is the use of drugs of some type. If we are talking about an inflammation that has occurred, then just the use of an anti-inflammatory will help. The swelling causes pain and once you can relieve that, usually the pain will disappear. If it doesn't there are always more drastic measures such as pain pills, but the problem with pain pills is that they can become very addictive and you may tend to get hooked on them. Back pain treatment needs more than just pills.
An important form of back pain treatment is exercise. Exercising is very important not just to your overall health, but when you have an injury, it is important to keep the muscles in the back stretched instead of shrinking so healing can take place. It may hurt like the dickens, but if you want to try and prevent permanent pain you must make yourself exercise in spite of the pain. Back pain treatment may require a little pain if you are going to heal.
If you need more Back Pain answers then quickly head over to http://the-health-information-network.com where you will find helpful back pain tips, advice and resources including information on chronic back pain, lower back pain, and Back Pain Treatment information.
love spells
spells and tarot reading
Natural Skin Care Recipe
Provides articles and resources pertaining to proper skin care. The wealth of information includes potential skin problems, preventing damage to your skin, and available treatments for various skin conditions.
Goji Seed
Your source for the latest facts and resources concerning goji juice. Our wealth of information includes what goji juice is, how you can best benefit from it, and proper dieting techniques.
Peak Pilates
Provides articles and resources pertaining to the pilates workout method. The wealth of information includes the methodology, types of pilates workouts, tips, and the gear and clothing that may be required.
Back pain treatment doesn't always require going to the doctor. You can often use a heating pad to get the relief you need on a less permanent injury. Muscle strains and spasms can benefit from heat as the heat will tend to relax the muscle and give pain relief as it relaxes. It doesn't matter whether the pain is permanent or not, pain is pain and it hurts so just knowing that heat can help will opt you to explore some of the newer type heating pads. Warm water therapy is very helpful and that is why many people own a hot tub. This type of back pain treatment is good for the entire body.
One of the most obvious types of back pain treatment is the use of drugs of some type. If we are talking about an inflammation that has occurred, then just the use of an anti-inflammatory will help. The swelling causes pain and once you can relieve that, usually the pain will disappear. If it doesn't there are always more drastic measures such as pain pills, but the problem with pain pills is that they can become very addictive and you may tend to get hooked on them. Back pain treatment needs more than just pills.
An important form of back pain treatment is exercise. Exercising is very important not just to your overall health, but when you have an injury, it is important to keep the muscles in the back stretched instead of shrinking so healing can take place. It may hurt like the dickens, but if you want to try and prevent permanent pain you must make yourself exercise in spite of the pain. Back pain treatment may require a little pain if you are going to heal.
If you need more Back Pain answers then quickly head over to http://the-health-information-network.com where you will find helpful back pain tips, advice and resources including information on chronic back pain, lower back pain, and Back Pain Treatment information.
love spells
spells and tarot reading
Natural Skin Care Recipe
Provides articles and resources pertaining to proper skin care. The wealth of information includes potential skin problems, preventing damage to your skin, and available treatments for various skin conditions.
Goji Seed
Your source for the latest facts and resources concerning goji juice. Our wealth of information includes what goji juice is, how you can best benefit from it, and proper dieting techniques.
Peak Pilates
Provides articles and resources pertaining to the pilates workout method. The wealth of information includes the methodology, types of pilates workouts, tips, and the gear and clothing that may be required.
The Use of Muscle Relaxants for Lower Back Pain
The muscle relaxing properties of "muscle relaxants" arise not from direct activity at the muscular or neuromuscular junction level but rather from an inhibition of more central polysynaptic neuronal (nerve cells that end in synapses) events. These agents have also been shown in some studies to demonstrate superior analgesia to either acetaminophen or aspirin. Muscle relaxants are often prescribed in the treatment of acute low back pain in an attempt to improve the initial limitations in range of motion from muscle spasm and to interrupt the pain-spasm-pain cycle. Limiting the muscle spasm and improving the range of motion will prepare the patient for a therapeutic exercise.
Soma is a muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain and stiffness of muscle spasms and discomfort due to strain and sprain. It blocks signals between nerves in the brain and the spinal cord. However, its action is not completely understood--- Soma does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles and its action may be related to its sedative properties instead. So for many patients, the reduction of muscle spasm associated with lower back pain brings considerable relief. The outcome is favorable such as pain is being reduced, the body relaxes and their ability function normally is enhanced.
Soma comes in a 350 mg round white tablet. Its onset of action is rapid, and its effects last for 4-6 hours. The usual dose for one 350 mg tablet is 3 times a day. It is also important to be aware of the side effects of Soma; moreover, this is to ensure about safety and to avoid any adverse reactions.
Soma is a sedative and it can cause: drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, agitation, irritability, headache and insomnia. Occasional allergic reactions are known to occur, including a skin rash and itching. Like all medications, there can be rare idiosyncratic reactions as well. A word of precaution---avoid taking Soma when drinking alcohol for it will increase the sedative effect of the medication, when driving or operating machinery.
Lower back pain tends to resolve on its own. Most patients feel significantly better one week after the first onset of pain. About 4-6 weeks, the pain will be completely resolved. As this drug is proven to be beneficial, many patients now prefer to order this medication from the online pharmacies.
If you would like further detailed information regarding muscle relaxants, please feel free to visit our website at http://www.drugstoretm.com
DrugStoreTM.com Online Drug Store is a leading online drugstore and information site for health, wellness, and pharmacy solutions.
Soma is a muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain and stiffness of muscle spasms and discomfort due to strain and sprain. It blocks signals between nerves in the brain and the spinal cord. However, its action is not completely understood--- Soma does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles and its action may be related to its sedative properties instead. So for many patients, the reduction of muscle spasm associated with lower back pain brings considerable relief. The outcome is favorable such as pain is being reduced, the body relaxes and their ability function normally is enhanced.
Soma comes in a 350 mg round white tablet. Its onset of action is rapid, and its effects last for 4-6 hours. The usual dose for one 350 mg tablet is 3 times a day. It is also important to be aware of the side effects of Soma; moreover, this is to ensure about safety and to avoid any adverse reactions.
Soma is a sedative and it can cause: drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, agitation, irritability, headache and insomnia. Occasional allergic reactions are known to occur, including a skin rash and itching. Like all medications, there can be rare idiosyncratic reactions as well. A word of precaution---avoid taking Soma when drinking alcohol for it will increase the sedative effect of the medication, when driving or operating machinery.
Lower back pain tends to resolve on its own. Most patients feel significantly better one week after the first onset of pain. About 4-6 weeks, the pain will be completely resolved. As this drug is proven to be beneficial, many patients now prefer to order this medication from the online pharmacies.
If you would like further detailed information regarding muscle relaxants, please feel free to visit our website at http://www.drugstoretm.com
DrugStoreTM.com Online Drug Store is a leading online drugstore and information site for health, wellness, and pharmacy solutions.
Reaping the Benefits of Exercise for Hypertension
The benefits of exercise for hypertension are numerous. Not only does it have a huge impact in reversing the direction of that downward spiral your health has taken, it perks you up, improves your social life, saves your pocket and transforms you into a Super Model.
Now if you have a tendency to shy away from it, try reflecting a bit more on these positive effects that the following kinds of exercise for hypertension will have on you. If it sounds too much effort, then nothing I write about here will sway your decision to go and look for the miracle pill.
Gentle on the Joints
One of the benefits of exercise for hypertension is the choice you have of two or three different exercises depending on your physic. You need to think about what impact each exercise will have on your joints.
If weight is a problem, swimming for exercise is a good choice. It tops them all provided you can swim! The buoyancy of your body in the water will take all weight off your joints and give you a fighting chance without inflicting any more damage to your system.
If you can`t swim, don`t despair. Cycling is another choice. Again the weight is taken of the legs allowing you to use the muscles for pushing. If you can`t ride a bike, there are other exercises you can think of that are easy on the joints. One example is Nordic walking, because the walking poles help lessens the impact to the joints and rowing is another, although not discussed in this article.
Aerobics are Calorie Burners
Adding to the health benefits of exercise for hypertension is that most of them are aerobic depending on the intensity.
Swimming, cycling or walking as exercise at a moderate pace, will improve the way your body uses oxygen, without overworking the heart. With this steady, increased supply of oxygen, more calories are burned. More calories burned, reduces weight, which reduces pressure to the vein and artery walls. What is strange too is that if your speed is causing you to hyperventilate, you will soon tire out and won`t loose as many calories as you would at a steady pace, because the heart cannot keep up with supplying the muscles with the oxygen they need. At least, not until your fitness level increases. For example, the calories burned cycling at 5.5mph will almost amount to 225 calories in a 30 minute ride and Nordic walking will burn almost twice the calories as normal walking. So build at a steady pace. Try gauging it by still being able to hold a conversation without getting out of breath. Of course before taking up any exercise and hypertension therapy, consult your doctor.
Strengthening Arteries and Veins
The unseen benefits of exercise for hypertension are excellent too! Our cardiovascular system is toned up. The varicose veins improve and the compound nitric oxide has been shown to increase while we exercise, helping to open and keep the blood vessels clear. That would certainly help our hearts to pump the larger volume of oxygenated blood to the muscles. Sorry if I am getting a bit medical here, but it`s all interesting and encouraging stuff. So just one more point on the goings on of our insides. When we engage in these exercises a chemicals called endorphins are released in the brain that enhance our mood, reduce our stress and anxiety, which in turn, leaves us invigorated and wanting more.
The Social Side of the Matter
If you are a social animal, then you will jump at the chance to be around other people, another one of the benefits of exercise for hypertension. Are you interested in Nordic walking? Why not start up Meet-up Group. It`s a great and novel idea that people will take an interest in and not only will your health benefit but there are safety in crowds and you get the opportunity to meet new friends.
If you like going to the gym, perhaps linking up with someone will help you to keep it up the momentum. Don`t forget to included the family. Cycling trips on scenic routes is a great day out. Then there`s dancing for those a bit lighter on their feet. There`s just one faithful friend you have left out. Yes Rover! They say a man`s best friend is their dog, and that is so true. They are always faithful and they are only too willing to get out every day to exercise.
Look! - The Body Beautiful, and at a Fraction of the Price
Now with all this energy and physical activity, guess what? You won`t recognise yourself in the mirror! Yes a new you! All toned up to the hilt. Well it`s good to dream but you can make that dream a reality! Remember some rules as you go that will help tone you up. When walking, keep relaxed and positive. Slightly tuck in your tummy to support the back muscles, hold your shoulders back and swing your arms.
Regular swimming is excellent for toning all the muscles in the body and cycling will take care of the legs, thighs and tummy. If you can do all 3 then you have an advantage. You will also help keep the budget down by walking whenever you can instead of using transport, invest in cycling fitness software, exercise cds, and videos and do workouts at home with family or friends. If you live by the sea it "could be" healthier than the swimming pool and it`s free. Yes there are many benefits of exercise for hypertension. Good health to you!
Disclaimer - This article is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness or disease, but is intended for informational purposes only. A doctor should be consulted before embarking on using any of the information therein.
Copyright 2007
http://www.highbloodpressureinfo.org
Now if you have a tendency to shy away from it, try reflecting a bit more on these positive effects that the following kinds of exercise for hypertension will have on you. If it sounds too much effort, then nothing I write about here will sway your decision to go and look for the miracle pill.
Gentle on the Joints
One of the benefits of exercise for hypertension is the choice you have of two or three different exercises depending on your physic. You need to think about what impact each exercise will have on your joints.
If weight is a problem, swimming for exercise is a good choice. It tops them all provided you can swim! The buoyancy of your body in the water will take all weight off your joints and give you a fighting chance without inflicting any more damage to your system.
If you can`t swim, don`t despair. Cycling is another choice. Again the weight is taken of the legs allowing you to use the muscles for pushing. If you can`t ride a bike, there are other exercises you can think of that are easy on the joints. One example is Nordic walking, because the walking poles help lessens the impact to the joints and rowing is another, although not discussed in this article.
Aerobics are Calorie Burners
Adding to the health benefits of exercise for hypertension is that most of them are aerobic depending on the intensity.
Swimming, cycling or walking as exercise at a moderate pace, will improve the way your body uses oxygen, without overworking the heart. With this steady, increased supply of oxygen, more calories are burned. More calories burned, reduces weight, which reduces pressure to the vein and artery walls. What is strange too is that if your speed is causing you to hyperventilate, you will soon tire out and won`t loose as many calories as you would at a steady pace, because the heart cannot keep up with supplying the muscles with the oxygen they need. At least, not until your fitness level increases. For example, the calories burned cycling at 5.5mph will almost amount to 225 calories in a 30 minute ride and Nordic walking will burn almost twice the calories as normal walking. So build at a steady pace. Try gauging it by still being able to hold a conversation without getting out of breath. Of course before taking up any exercise and hypertension therapy, consult your doctor.
Strengthening Arteries and Veins
The unseen benefits of exercise for hypertension are excellent too! Our cardiovascular system is toned up. The varicose veins improve and the compound nitric oxide has been shown to increase while we exercise, helping to open and keep the blood vessels clear. That would certainly help our hearts to pump the larger volume of oxygenated blood to the muscles. Sorry if I am getting a bit medical here, but it`s all interesting and encouraging stuff. So just one more point on the goings on of our insides. When we engage in these exercises a chemicals called endorphins are released in the brain that enhance our mood, reduce our stress and anxiety, which in turn, leaves us invigorated and wanting more.
The Social Side of the Matter
If you are a social animal, then you will jump at the chance to be around other people, another one of the benefits of exercise for hypertension. Are you interested in Nordic walking? Why not start up Meet-up Group. It`s a great and novel idea that people will take an interest in and not only will your health benefit but there are safety in crowds and you get the opportunity to meet new friends.
If you like going to the gym, perhaps linking up with someone will help you to keep it up the momentum. Don`t forget to included the family. Cycling trips on scenic routes is a great day out. Then there`s dancing for those a bit lighter on their feet. There`s just one faithful friend you have left out. Yes Rover! They say a man`s best friend is their dog, and that is so true. They are always faithful and they are only too willing to get out every day to exercise.
Look! - The Body Beautiful, and at a Fraction of the Price
Now with all this energy and physical activity, guess what? You won`t recognise yourself in the mirror! Yes a new you! All toned up to the hilt. Well it`s good to dream but you can make that dream a reality! Remember some rules as you go that will help tone you up. When walking, keep relaxed and positive. Slightly tuck in your tummy to support the back muscles, hold your shoulders back and swing your arms.
Regular swimming is excellent for toning all the muscles in the body and cycling will take care of the legs, thighs and tummy. If you can do all 3 then you have an advantage. You will also help keep the budget down by walking whenever you can instead of using transport, invest in cycling fitness software, exercise cds, and videos and do workouts at home with family or friends. If you live by the sea it "could be" healthier than the swimming pool and it`s free. Yes there are many benefits of exercise for hypertension. Good health to you!
Disclaimer - This article is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness or disease, but is intended for informational purposes only. A doctor should be consulted before embarking on using any of the information therein.
Copyright 2007
http://www.highbloodpressureinfo.org
Piriformis Syndrome and Massage Therapy
In my San Antonio, Texas based Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat pain from various syndromes including Piriformis Syndrome. Like many painful conditions Piriformis Syndrome responds quite well to massage therapy and bodywork.
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis Syndrome is the name of a painful nerve entrapment condition in which the sciatic nerve is placed under abnormal pressure by the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle attaches to the sacrum bone of the low back to the top of greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone) and lies on top of the sciatic nerve. When the piriformis muscle becomes tight and enlarged, pain results from myofascial trigger points (knots) in the muscle, pressure on the sciatic nerve, and sometimes from the S-I Joint in the low back. Pain from Piriformis Syndrome is usually found in the extreme low back, buttocks, hip, and often the back of the thigh. Most of the time the symptoms are on one side, but may affect both sides in some cases. Additionally, people with Piriformis Syndrome often have trouble sitting for long periods and the pain may worsen when walking or squatting.
What is the cause of Piriformis Syndrome?
There are a number of causes for Piriformis Syndrome including direct blunt trauma to the buttocks, prolonged sitting while working or driving, Morton's foot, or S-I Joint instability. Frequent or prolonged running on canted surfaces and participation in sports requiring quick lateral movement such as tennis, skiing, and basketball may also overstress the piriformis muscle and lead to Piriformis Syndrome.
Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Piriformis Syndrome
There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Piriformis Syndrome. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the piriformis muscle. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release adhesions between the piriformis muscle and surrounding tissues while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the piriformis muscle. Piriformis Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area. In addition to working on the piriformis muscle it may be necessary to provide therapy for other muscles near piriformis and even to muscles opposing piriformis to improve muscular balance. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Piriformis Syndrome.
Other Treatments for Piriformis Syndrome
While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Piriformis Syndrome there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:
1) Anti-inflammatory medications;
2) Anesthetic and Steroid Injections;
3) Surgery
Other Names for Piriformis Syndrome
1) Pseudosciatica;
2) Back Pocket Sciatica;
3) Deep Gluteal Syndrome;
4) Hip Socket Neuropathy
The information on this page has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Piriformis Syndrome. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of more serious conditions that resemble Piriformis Syndrome that could require immediate medical attention.
If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of Piriformis Syndrome with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice or contact a Massage Therapist near you.
Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. His practice is dedicated to relieving pain through the use of several massage and bodywork techniques. See his site MassageByBen.com or his blog.
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis Syndrome is the name of a painful nerve entrapment condition in which the sciatic nerve is placed under abnormal pressure by the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle attaches to the sacrum bone of the low back to the top of greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone) and lies on top of the sciatic nerve. When the piriformis muscle becomes tight and enlarged, pain results from myofascial trigger points (knots) in the muscle, pressure on the sciatic nerve, and sometimes from the S-I Joint in the low back. Pain from Piriformis Syndrome is usually found in the extreme low back, buttocks, hip, and often the back of the thigh. Most of the time the symptoms are on one side, but may affect both sides in some cases. Additionally, people with Piriformis Syndrome often have trouble sitting for long periods and the pain may worsen when walking or squatting.
What is the cause of Piriformis Syndrome?
There are a number of causes for Piriformis Syndrome including direct blunt trauma to the buttocks, prolonged sitting while working or driving, Morton's foot, or S-I Joint instability. Frequent or prolonged running on canted surfaces and participation in sports requiring quick lateral movement such as tennis, skiing, and basketball may also overstress the piriformis muscle and lead to Piriformis Syndrome.
Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Piriformis Syndrome
There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Piriformis Syndrome. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the piriformis muscle. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release adhesions between the piriformis muscle and surrounding tissues while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the piriformis muscle. Piriformis Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area. In addition to working on the piriformis muscle it may be necessary to provide therapy for other muscles near piriformis and even to muscles opposing piriformis to improve muscular balance. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Piriformis Syndrome.
Other Treatments for Piriformis Syndrome
While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Piriformis Syndrome there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:
1) Anti-inflammatory medications;
2) Anesthetic and Steroid Injections;
3) Surgery
Other Names for Piriformis Syndrome
1) Pseudosciatica;
2) Back Pocket Sciatica;
3) Deep Gluteal Syndrome;
4) Hip Socket Neuropathy
The information on this page has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Piriformis Syndrome. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of more serious conditions that resemble Piriformis Syndrome that could require immediate medical attention.
If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of Piriformis Syndrome with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice or contact a Massage Therapist near you.
Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. His practice is dedicated to relieving pain through the use of several massage and bodywork techniques. See his site MassageByBen.com or his blog.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Pain, Pain Go Away - Texas Seeks A Choice Of Treatments For Chronic Pain Sufferers
Chronic pain affects between 75 and 90 million Americans every year, and will disable more people than cancer and heart disease combined. Texas is certainly no exception to this. Prospering pain management clinics in every major city in the state, from Houston, to Austin, to Dallas reflect this reality. Though chronic pain can be induced by a variety of situations, the majority of sufferers have back, hip and/or shoulder pain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, work-related injuries, neurological disorders, joint disease, migraines, and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are just a few examples of conditions causing chronic pain. Particularly with the proper health insurance coverage, most painful conditions can be effectively treated and, if not cured, at least managed.
Pain is not always a negative experience. In fact, in many instances, it keeps us alive, or at least prevents us from injuring ourselves further. Think of the pain experienced when spraining an ankle, for instance -- that pain notifies the wounded person to stop what he or she is doing before further injury is sustained.
But acute pain is quite different from chronic pain. Acute pain occurs on a temporary basis, such as when spraining an ankle, or even when breaking a bone. Pain is considered chronic when it has occurred either continually, or intermittently, over a period longer than six months. Conditions of chronic pain can lead to anxiety, fear, depression, lack of activity, and unemployment. The management of chronic pain, then, is one of the most pressing health issues today throughout Texas and the rest of the United States.
While treating the psychological aspects of this condition is certainly just as important, and may, in fact contribute to, or cause pain, the following will focus on the more common physical treatments for the most widespread chronic pain -- that associated with the back, hip, and shoulders. In many instances, health insurance policies will cover certain treatments. Much of the information has been adapted from Prescriptions for Natural Healing by James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C. As always, consult a qualified health practitioner before undergoing any treatment.
(1) Chiropractic Care
Spinal manipulation is considered a "proven treatment" for lower back pain by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Though chiropractic care is effective for many conditions, treating disorders of the back and spine is, by far, the most common reason for seeking out such a practitioner.
Chiropractors focus on the spinal cord itself, believing that, if the spinal cord is able to relay unadulterated signals to the brain and other organs, then healthy function can be maintained throughout the body. Through careful adjustment of misplaced vertebrae, the spinal cord can regain its usual impulse signaling. This enables the body to restore normal nerve function -- reducing or eliminating pain, and heal itself of other ailments.
(2) Exercise
While obviously not appropriate for all chronic pain patients, exercise can be a critical part of treating painful conditions. By flexing, strengthening, and otherwise just moving the affected area, circulation increases, muscles are strengthened, and joints are made more limber. Exercise is also known to increase the immune system and reduce anxiety and stress -- unhealthy levels of which often contribute to the pain itself. Specific exercises may be prescribed, much like, or as a part of, physical therapy.
(3) Medications
The most common form of medication prescribed for chronic pain patients is morphine. This may be taken orally, or certain forms of morphine-like medicines may be injected at the site. Steroid shots, too, may be used with limited results, though possible long- term damage associated with repeated treatments raises questions over safety.
Several over-the-counter medications are available, including acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), acetaminophen (more commonly known as Tylenol), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), ibuprofen being the most common. Aspirin and NSAIDs act as anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, and acetaminophen acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer. They do not manage the same levels of pain as morphine, however.
(4) Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be either active or passive, and utilizes a series of specialized exercises and/or body work techniques designed to help the body recover and regain function after some sort of trauma. While it may certainly provide at least some relief in later stages, all forms of physical therapy tend to be most effective in the first twelve weeks after sustaining an injury. While, at such an early stage, it is still unknown whether pain will develop into a chronic situation, proper recover is critical in determining the final outcome of any type of damage sustained by the body.
Physical therapists undergo years of specialized training, including intensive course work in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. The discipline has experienced many advances over the last few decades, and treatments are tailored to each individual, depending on the type of trauma sustained, level of current functioning, desired level of functioning, and physical limitations, among others. Massage therapy is also considered a form of physical therapy.
(5) Surgery
In severe cases, and when everything else has been tried, surgery may be necessary. While frightening for many, surgery can provide much-needed relief, particularly for those with herniated discs or pinched nerves. A physician can run specific tests to see if surgery is an option.
If considering surgery, make sure to do as much research as possible on your condition, ask as many questions as you need to, and choose your physician carefully. Surgery on, or near, the spinal cord is a delicate operation, and should be performed by those with years of experience and strong expertise.
Chronic pain is a health issue warranting considerable attention in the United States. Millions suffer from it every year, countless hours are missed from work nationwide, and the psychological repercussions are almost immeasurable. The majority of cases are due to back, hip, and/or shoulder pain. Through proper treatment, however, these conditions can be managed and, in some cases, even cured. The key is in careful research, and conscious decision-making.
How you treat your body, and what conditions you effectively treat, will certainly affect your health as you age, and eventually your wallet as well. If you’re a young individual who tries to keep informed and maintain a healthy condition and lifestyle, you should take a look at the revolutionary, comprehensive and highly-affordable individual health insurance solutions created by Precedent specifically for you. Visit our website, www.precedent.com, for more information. We offer a unique and innovative suite of individual health insurance solutions, including highly-competitive HSA-qualified plans, and an unparalleled "real time" application and acceptance process.
Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at http://www.precedent.com.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, work-related injuries, neurological disorders, joint disease, migraines, and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are just a few examples of conditions causing chronic pain. Particularly with the proper health insurance coverage, most painful conditions can be effectively treated and, if not cured, at least managed.
Pain is not always a negative experience. In fact, in many instances, it keeps us alive, or at least prevents us from injuring ourselves further. Think of the pain experienced when spraining an ankle, for instance -- that pain notifies the wounded person to stop what he or she is doing before further injury is sustained.
But acute pain is quite different from chronic pain. Acute pain occurs on a temporary basis, such as when spraining an ankle, or even when breaking a bone. Pain is considered chronic when it has occurred either continually, or intermittently, over a period longer than six months. Conditions of chronic pain can lead to anxiety, fear, depression, lack of activity, and unemployment. The management of chronic pain, then, is one of the most pressing health issues today throughout Texas and the rest of the United States.
While treating the psychological aspects of this condition is certainly just as important, and may, in fact contribute to, or cause pain, the following will focus on the more common physical treatments for the most widespread chronic pain -- that associated with the back, hip, and shoulders. In many instances, health insurance policies will cover certain treatments. Much of the information has been adapted from Prescriptions for Natural Healing by James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C. As always, consult a qualified health practitioner before undergoing any treatment.
(1) Chiropractic Care
Spinal manipulation is considered a "proven treatment" for lower back pain by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Though chiropractic care is effective for many conditions, treating disorders of the back and spine is, by far, the most common reason for seeking out such a practitioner.
Chiropractors focus on the spinal cord itself, believing that, if the spinal cord is able to relay unadulterated signals to the brain and other organs, then healthy function can be maintained throughout the body. Through careful adjustment of misplaced vertebrae, the spinal cord can regain its usual impulse signaling. This enables the body to restore normal nerve function -- reducing or eliminating pain, and heal itself of other ailments.
(2) Exercise
While obviously not appropriate for all chronic pain patients, exercise can be a critical part of treating painful conditions. By flexing, strengthening, and otherwise just moving the affected area, circulation increases, muscles are strengthened, and joints are made more limber. Exercise is also known to increase the immune system and reduce anxiety and stress -- unhealthy levels of which often contribute to the pain itself. Specific exercises may be prescribed, much like, or as a part of, physical therapy.
(3) Medications
The most common form of medication prescribed for chronic pain patients is morphine. This may be taken orally, or certain forms of morphine-like medicines may be injected at the site. Steroid shots, too, may be used with limited results, though possible long- term damage associated with repeated treatments raises questions over safety.
Several over-the-counter medications are available, including acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), acetaminophen (more commonly known as Tylenol), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), ibuprofen being the most common. Aspirin and NSAIDs act as anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, and acetaminophen acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer. They do not manage the same levels of pain as morphine, however.
(4) Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be either active or passive, and utilizes a series of specialized exercises and/or body work techniques designed to help the body recover and regain function after some sort of trauma. While it may certainly provide at least some relief in later stages, all forms of physical therapy tend to be most effective in the first twelve weeks after sustaining an injury. While, at such an early stage, it is still unknown whether pain will develop into a chronic situation, proper recover is critical in determining the final outcome of any type of damage sustained by the body.
Physical therapists undergo years of specialized training, including intensive course work in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. The discipline has experienced many advances over the last few decades, and treatments are tailored to each individual, depending on the type of trauma sustained, level of current functioning, desired level of functioning, and physical limitations, among others. Massage therapy is also considered a form of physical therapy.
(5) Surgery
In severe cases, and when everything else has been tried, surgery may be necessary. While frightening for many, surgery can provide much-needed relief, particularly for those with herniated discs or pinched nerves. A physician can run specific tests to see if surgery is an option.
If considering surgery, make sure to do as much research as possible on your condition, ask as many questions as you need to, and choose your physician carefully. Surgery on, or near, the spinal cord is a delicate operation, and should be performed by those with years of experience and strong expertise.
Chronic pain is a health issue warranting considerable attention in the United States. Millions suffer from it every year, countless hours are missed from work nationwide, and the psychological repercussions are almost immeasurable. The majority of cases are due to back, hip, and/or shoulder pain. Through proper treatment, however, these conditions can be managed and, in some cases, even cured. The key is in careful research, and conscious decision-making.
How you treat your body, and what conditions you effectively treat, will certainly affect your health as you age, and eventually your wallet as well. If you’re a young individual who tries to keep informed and maintain a healthy condition and lifestyle, you should take a look at the revolutionary, comprehensive and highly-affordable individual health insurance solutions created by Precedent specifically for you. Visit our website, www.precedent.com, for more information. We offer a unique and innovative suite of individual health insurance solutions, including highly-competitive HSA-qualified plans, and an unparalleled "real time" application and acceptance process.
Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at http://www.precedent.com.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Healing From Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common ailments that prompt visits to the doctor. Often we think surgery may be the only option, but the truth is there are many conservative treatments you can take advantage of to become back pain free. Learn how you can combat back pain without the dangers of invasive back surgery.
If you are suffering from back pain and are not physically active, now is the time to develop a physical fitness routine. Exercise will increase blood flow throughout the body and help in the healing of joints and muscles while increasing flexibility. In fact, you are less likely to suffer from back pain in the first place if physically active. Aerobic exercise is especially good for promoting a healthy back. If you already have an exercise routine, you may need to tailor it to help prevent further injury and promote healing.
When exercising, be sure to stretch adequately each time to prevent activity related back injuries and unnecessary muscle soreness. Stretching will also help increase flexibility and range of motion to help aid in the healing process. Remember to consult your doctor before starting any new fitness routine. They can offer appropriate advice in creating the optimal routine for you, as you do not want perform physical activity that will create further back problems. There are also many specific exercises your doctor can offer you to strengthen your back muscles, protect you from further joint injury, and promote the healing process.
Combine stretching and exercise with physical therapy. A physical therapist can aid you in healing to further increase flexibility, blood flow, and the range of motion beyond what general exercise and stretching can do for you. Therapists are specially trained at creating a physical therapy regimen that takes into account your specific injuries and pain areas with a focus on healing. They will develop an individualized program unique to you to relieve pain and create a healthier back so as to prevent future pain and injury as well.
Physical therapy includes visits to the office at regular intervals. The therapist will work with you personally and most often will teach you activities you will be required to do at home. At first physical therapy in itself may be painful and seem to create more soreness. However, you need to follow the therapies and advice given if you want to heal from back pain. If you complete your physical therapy to the finish, you will be well on your way to a healthier back and can become back pain free.
Sometimes it is possible to heal from back pain without the aid of drug treatments, but drug therapy may become necessary. Many pharmaceuticals available for treating back pain focus mainly on pain relief, so it isn’t suggested to rely on such drug therapies alone, but they can be helpful in combination with the other techniques of exercise, stretching, and physical therapy. There are also many anti-inflammatory medications that can be taken orally or by injection that will offer physical benefits, such as the reduction of swelling, as you embark on your journey to healing your back and becoming pain free. Heat therapy has also been shown to be very effective, especially when used in combination with other conservative therapies.
For the best results, use a combination of conservative treatments developed by your doctor for the optimal treatment program for you. Though sometimes surgery may be unavoidable, you can often heal from back pain without it by creating a healthier back and in the process a healthier you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Visit Tricori.com: online pharmacy, health products
If you are suffering from back pain and are not physically active, now is the time to develop a physical fitness routine. Exercise will increase blood flow throughout the body and help in the healing of joints and muscles while increasing flexibility. In fact, you are less likely to suffer from back pain in the first place if physically active. Aerobic exercise is especially good for promoting a healthy back. If you already have an exercise routine, you may need to tailor it to help prevent further injury and promote healing.
When exercising, be sure to stretch adequately each time to prevent activity related back injuries and unnecessary muscle soreness. Stretching will also help increase flexibility and range of motion to help aid in the healing process. Remember to consult your doctor before starting any new fitness routine. They can offer appropriate advice in creating the optimal routine for you, as you do not want perform physical activity that will create further back problems. There are also many specific exercises your doctor can offer you to strengthen your back muscles, protect you from further joint injury, and promote the healing process.
Combine stretching and exercise with physical therapy. A physical therapist can aid you in healing to further increase flexibility, blood flow, and the range of motion beyond what general exercise and stretching can do for you. Therapists are specially trained at creating a physical therapy regimen that takes into account your specific injuries and pain areas with a focus on healing. They will develop an individualized program unique to you to relieve pain and create a healthier back so as to prevent future pain and injury as well.
Physical therapy includes visits to the office at regular intervals. The therapist will work with you personally and most often will teach you activities you will be required to do at home. At first physical therapy in itself may be painful and seem to create more soreness. However, you need to follow the therapies and advice given if you want to heal from back pain. If you complete your physical therapy to the finish, you will be well on your way to a healthier back and can become back pain free.
Sometimes it is possible to heal from back pain without the aid of drug treatments, but drug therapy may become necessary. Many pharmaceuticals available for treating back pain focus mainly on pain relief, so it isn’t suggested to rely on such drug therapies alone, but they can be helpful in combination with the other techniques of exercise, stretching, and physical therapy. There are also many anti-inflammatory medications that can be taken orally or by injection that will offer physical benefits, such as the reduction of swelling, as you embark on your journey to healing your back and becoming pain free. Heat therapy has also been shown to be very effective, especially when used in combination with other conservative therapies.
For the best results, use a combination of conservative treatments developed by your doctor for the optimal treatment program for you. Though sometimes surgery may be unavoidable, you can often heal from back pain without it by creating a healthier back and in the process a healthier you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Visit Tricori.com: online pharmacy, health products
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Neuromuscular Therapy - What Is It And What Does It Do
Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years to help relax and calm people as well as offer physical healing. Neuromuscular therapy is used to relieve pain and specific problems a patient is experiencing. It is used to focus pressure on certain areas of skeletal muscle and can reduce pain and tension, but also help balance your posture and lengthen as well as strengthen tissues. These areas are often myofacial trigger points.
Myofacial trigger points are hyper irritable spots located within skeletal muscle. These spots are associated with nodules of bands of muscle fibers. These nodules become small contractual knots and therefore cause pain to the patient. By focusing on these points with neuromuscular therapy, a massage therapist with the right training can help decrease the contractions and this help relieve the pain. It is a great therapy to assess, treat, and help prevent soft tissue injuries and thus relieve chronic pain. Neuromuscular therapy is often used by occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, chiropractors, and those that practice osteopathic and physical medicine.
The technique of neuromuscular therapy (sometimes referred to as NMT) was developed by Dr. Stanley Leif and Boris Chaitow. Both were trained in chiropractics and naturopathy, which is a philosophy that seeks to improve health by focusing on the body’s innate ability to recover. They worked with Dewanchand Varma and Bernard MacFadden to help develop neuromuscular therapy in order to help patients suffering from soft tissue dysfunction. One part of neuromuscular therapy focuses on the fact that the body can heal itself. Stimulation from neuromuscular therapy can help hasten the natural healing process.
A neuromuscular therapist takes into account many aspects of the patient before beginning therapy. Things like age, stress, prior therapy, family history, diet, and nutrition will be looked at. By looking at the patient’s history and health, they can ascertain what type or how much therapy is needed. They may work with the patient’s primary physician if certain conditions exist. For example, if an elderly woman with a calcium deficient diet had hip or lower back pain; the therapist will need to watch for possible osteoporosis or hip fractures. They may need to alter their procedures to accommodate such patients. They will also look at posture distortion to see what other pains that can be causing.
The therapist will use their thumbs, fingers, and elbows as well as pressure bars during the massage. The pressure bars help release the muscular contractions. One good thing about neuromuscular therapy is it concentrates on placement much more than degree of pressure, so a good deal of pressure is not normally necessary.
Who can be helped by neuromuscular therapy? Anyone that suffers from chronic pain can be helped by neuromuscular massage. Whether you have chronic pain due to an occupational injury, a sports injury, or an automobile injury, if you suffer from chronic pain, you may want to give neuromuscular therapy a try. Others that respond well to neuromuscular therapy are those that suffer from sciatica, rotator cuff dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and even migraine headaches.
Annalisa Zisman, a proficient author and tutor, she is a leading practitioner for many massage courses
Annalisa specializes in Indian Head Massage
Thai Foot and Thai Herbal Compress Massage techniques.
Myofacial trigger points are hyper irritable spots located within skeletal muscle. These spots are associated with nodules of bands of muscle fibers. These nodules become small contractual knots and therefore cause pain to the patient. By focusing on these points with neuromuscular therapy, a massage therapist with the right training can help decrease the contractions and this help relieve the pain. It is a great therapy to assess, treat, and help prevent soft tissue injuries and thus relieve chronic pain. Neuromuscular therapy is often used by occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, chiropractors, and those that practice osteopathic and physical medicine.
The technique of neuromuscular therapy (sometimes referred to as NMT) was developed by Dr. Stanley Leif and Boris Chaitow. Both were trained in chiropractics and naturopathy, which is a philosophy that seeks to improve health by focusing on the body’s innate ability to recover. They worked with Dewanchand Varma and Bernard MacFadden to help develop neuromuscular therapy in order to help patients suffering from soft tissue dysfunction. One part of neuromuscular therapy focuses on the fact that the body can heal itself. Stimulation from neuromuscular therapy can help hasten the natural healing process.
A neuromuscular therapist takes into account many aspects of the patient before beginning therapy. Things like age, stress, prior therapy, family history, diet, and nutrition will be looked at. By looking at the patient’s history and health, they can ascertain what type or how much therapy is needed. They may work with the patient’s primary physician if certain conditions exist. For example, if an elderly woman with a calcium deficient diet had hip or lower back pain; the therapist will need to watch for possible osteoporosis or hip fractures. They may need to alter their procedures to accommodate such patients. They will also look at posture distortion to see what other pains that can be causing.
The therapist will use their thumbs, fingers, and elbows as well as pressure bars during the massage. The pressure bars help release the muscular contractions. One good thing about neuromuscular therapy is it concentrates on placement much more than degree of pressure, so a good deal of pressure is not normally necessary.
Who can be helped by neuromuscular therapy? Anyone that suffers from chronic pain can be helped by neuromuscular massage. Whether you have chronic pain due to an occupational injury, a sports injury, or an automobile injury, if you suffer from chronic pain, you may want to give neuromuscular therapy a try. Others that respond well to neuromuscular therapy are those that suffer from sciatica, rotator cuff dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and even migraine headaches.
Annalisa Zisman, a proficient author and tutor, she is a leading practitioner for many massage courses
Annalisa specializes in Indian Head Massage
Thai Foot and Thai Herbal Compress Massage techniques.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The Truth about Over the Counter Medicines for Headaches
Almost everyone has used over the counter medications at one time or another in their lives to treat headaches. Lets face it, when your head starts throbbing, the fasting thing you can to alleviate the pain is grab some over the counter ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen. These types of medications have become a way of life for many people.
Over the counter pain relievers such as these are made to obstruct the production of prostaglandins in your body. Prostaglandins are the source of pain in the body. They are a made up of a substance much like hormones. Prostaglandins play very important roles in the body and most people are not aware of exactly what those roles are. By blocking the production of prostaglandins, you can effect other parts of your body’s regular functions.
Prostaglandins help to keep your blood pressure regulated as well as helping your kidneys functions properly and the also with the gastric acid secretions. By using over the counter medications to treat your headaches, you are really in a no win situation. On one hand your headache is gone but on the other hand you can be risking complications with your blood pressure as well as your kidneys or possibly even your liver.
With repeated use of such over the counter medications you can run the risk of even greater problems including such side effects as: nervous behavior, breathing problems, high blood pressure, cramping, nausea, diarrhea and indigestion, tension, constipation and even more headaches. Many people overlook such side effects as they are only focused on getting rid of the pain.
Before choosing an over the counter pain management for your headache, be sure you know the side effects of the medications. You want to make an educated choice and weigh your options carefully. If you are looking for short term relief, such medications as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be a good choice. If you suffer with headaches on a regular basis then you will want to talk with your doctor to find a better pain management plan.
It is better to find the cause of the headache and treat it rather then to just treat the headache symptoms. Once you and your doctor know why you are getting the headaches, you can begin to fix the real problem not just the symptoms. Perhaps it is stress that is causing the headaches, therefore if you help to alleviate the stress the headaches won’t be a problem. Some people can even suffer headaches from certain foods, so avoidance of those foods that trigger the headaches will keep the pains at bay.
Don’t live with frequent headaches any longer! Learn about more treatment options for curing frequent headaches at http://www.frequent-headaches.com .
Over the counter pain relievers such as these are made to obstruct the production of prostaglandins in your body. Prostaglandins are the source of pain in the body. They are a made up of a substance much like hormones. Prostaglandins play very important roles in the body and most people are not aware of exactly what those roles are. By blocking the production of prostaglandins, you can effect other parts of your body’s regular functions.
Prostaglandins help to keep your blood pressure regulated as well as helping your kidneys functions properly and the also with the gastric acid secretions. By using over the counter medications to treat your headaches, you are really in a no win situation. On one hand your headache is gone but on the other hand you can be risking complications with your blood pressure as well as your kidneys or possibly even your liver.
With repeated use of such over the counter medications you can run the risk of even greater problems including such side effects as: nervous behavior, breathing problems, high blood pressure, cramping, nausea, diarrhea and indigestion, tension, constipation and even more headaches. Many people overlook such side effects as they are only focused on getting rid of the pain.
Before choosing an over the counter pain management for your headache, be sure you know the side effects of the medications. You want to make an educated choice and weigh your options carefully. If you are looking for short term relief, such medications as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be a good choice. If you suffer with headaches on a regular basis then you will want to talk with your doctor to find a better pain management plan.
It is better to find the cause of the headache and treat it rather then to just treat the headache symptoms. Once you and your doctor know why you are getting the headaches, you can begin to fix the real problem not just the symptoms. Perhaps it is stress that is causing the headaches, therefore if you help to alleviate the stress the headaches won’t be a problem. Some people can even suffer headaches from certain foods, so avoidance of those foods that trigger the headaches will keep the pains at bay.
Don’t live with frequent headaches any longer! Learn about more treatment options for curing frequent headaches at http://www.frequent-headaches.com .
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