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Archive for July, 2009

Neck Arthritis – Its Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

06 Jul



Medicine has many names for neck arthritis. Doctors refer to this condition as cervical spondylosis or degenerative disk disease. But whichever name they have for it, it is very important that the nature of this disease is made known so that the proper way of treating it may be carried out.

Neck arthritis has a lot of causes. Although it is very hard for doctors to tell a patient exactly what made them acquire the disease, they can certainly instruct them what to do whenever the diseases strikes.

The Symptoms of Neck Arthritis

You probably have neck arthritis if you are suffering from severe neck and shoulder pains, as these are the body parts that neck arthritis commonly targets. Although such pains are concentrated in and around these areas, it is not impossible that you are going to suffer from episodes of headaches as well.

Aside from such unbearable pains, it is also common that neck arthritis patients experience a certain level of stiffness around their necks as well. This stiffness is characterized by the person’s inability to bend or turn their necks and heads from one side to another.

Since neck arthritis affects the shoulders, the pain may possibly shoot down from the tips of the shoulder down in to a certain part of the arm. Along with that pain, there would also be weakness and numbness in the arm area. These two sensations are caused by neck arthritis. It is not a different type of problem altogether, although the arms are far from the neck. There are also instances that the symptoms are felt on both arms and cause the hands to be clumsy.

Unfortunately, the pain doesn’t always end in the arms alone. More often than not, it also goes down into the legs as well. The same type of pain is felt. A decreased level of sensation and vibration will also be experienced around the leg and foot area, whenever neck arthritis attacks.

Another noticeable symptom of neck arthritis would be problems with urination. There are instances that the patients of this disease urinate a little too often than they used to. Some, on the other hand, have the need to urinate immediately. This is the reason why urinary incontinence in patients with neck arthritis is a little too common.

The Causes of Neck Arthritis

Neck arthritis is commonly caused by the changes in a person’s cervical spine. A person’s body changes as he ages. And this is the main reason why the instances of neck arthritis are rather common to elderly people. Following the same principle, calcium build ups and bony growths can also be the cause of this disease.

When a person’s body changes, more particularly in these areas, certain nerves are affected. Some of them are inflamed, compressed, or pinched. These are the main reasons why the symptoms of neck arthritis show. Blood flow may also be affected due to this disease.

Treating Neck Arthritis

The primary treatment for neck arthritis is to restrict the movement of the neck. To do this, a cervical collar may be used. In certain cases that a collar is not sufficient to do the job, a brace has to be fitted around the neck. These devices become necessary to treat the disease.

But if mere treatment is not enough, there might be a need to perform a surgery. Usually, surgery becomes an option to the patients that complain of severe and unbearable pains. And if there are notable neurological deficits, surgery is very likely to be suggested by the doctor as well. Neurological deficits are characterized by difficulty in walking, total weakness of the hands, and problems in the bladder area. Any determined compression in the spinal cord is also enough reason to go for surgery.

These are the basic facts associated with arthritis in the neck. Knowing all of these would cause people to understand the disease better and act accordingly. Neck arthritis really is a very serious disease. Therefore, it has to be addressed the moment it is diagnosed.

 
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Symptoms of Wheat Allergies

06 Jul



Wheat allergies affect one in seven people in North America. Wheat allergies are actually quite rare, and exist in less than

 
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3 Important Tips on Allergy Asthma Treatments – You Must Take Note

04 Jul



Allergy is closely linked to asthma. In fact, if any of the members of your family has allergies that increase the risk of developing asthma. In this case, allergy triggers an asthma attack. This type of asthma is commonly called allergy asthma.

If you are diagnosed with allergy asthma, here are important tips regarding its proper and effective treatment.

1. Know your allergy triggers. There are different triggers for different types of asthma. In some cases, the trigger can be a viral infection, bacterial infection, cold air, exercise, or stress. And when you allergy asthma, there are also different triggers for that type of asthma. You can be allergic to animal dander, dust, cockroach, pollen, food, and others. For effective asthma treatment in allergy, it is vital to identify the specific trigger which you are sensitive to. You can help your doctor identify the allergy trigger by observing the time and pattern of your symptoms. Do you experience asthma symptoms after playing with your cat? Do you start getting the symptoms after eating a specific type of food?

2. Avoid your asthma triggers. Once you know what your trigger is, avoiding exposure to this specific trigger is part of the asthma treatment program. For better asthma control, make sure that you avoid exposure to the allergy asthma trigger. When you avoid exposure to the trigger, you are already reducing the incidence of an attack. For example, if animal dander is your trigger, you must stay away from animals especially those who shed a lot. If cockroach is your trigger, you must make sure that the entire house is always clean and regular pest control against cockroaches must be done. If you are allergic to pollen, you must be more cautious during high pollen season. You must make the extra effort to avoid your triggers to help in making your asthma treatment program successful.

3. Always take your prescribed medication. Doctors prescribe two types of medications for allergy asthma treatment. One is long-term medication and the other is rescue or quick relief medication. Long-term medications are taken regularly and these aim to increase asthma control. The effects of these medications, as the name implies, are for long-term. On the other hand, if you suddenly feel an allergy asthma attack or an exacerbation of the attack, you must immediately take your rescue medications. These medications act faster in relieving the asthma symptoms but their effects are short-term. For better asthma control, you must follow doctor’s orders when it comes to medications. If you want to try a different one, you must always consult your doctor. Never self-medicate as this can cause more problems than you think.

These are three important tips on allergy asthma treatment. Follow these tips for better asthma control.

 
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How to Pick Out a Sink Water Filter

02 Jul



If a person is concerned about the possibility of contaminants being in his or her drinking water, then it may be a good idea to invest in a sink water filter. Even if the water in his or her neighborhood is treated, it may be contaminated or have an off taste. There are a couple of steps involved with purchasing a sink filtration system, and they include deciding why the system is needed in the first place; checking to see if his or her supply is definitely contaminated; researching the different kinds of filtration systems available; and making sure that the system purchased is certified by certain agencies.

To begin, one needs to decide why he or she needs a filtration system in the first place. There are typically two reasons given for this, namely that drinking water tastes bad or that people suspect that it is contaminated even if it tastes good.

If a person has a strong suspicion that his or her water is contaminated, it would be best to have it tested just to make sure. This can be done in one of two ways. The first way is by checking with his or her local water supplier. The supplier would be able to indicate how well the supply being questioned stacks up against EPA standards. The other way is by hiring someone to get it tested. Certified testing labs can be located through each state’s certification office.

Next, once the decision is made to purchase a sink filtration system, a person has to choose the type that he or she would like. There are systems that are faucet-mounted. These directly connect to the water faucet, and they can be used right away. Under sink filters, on the other hand, are very similar to the faucet ones. The only core difference is that they stay out of sight. Upkeep, cost, and maintenance will all factor into the system that a person ultimately decides to purchase.

Last but not least, it is absolutely critical that the system purchased is certified by one of three organizations. They are the National Sanitation Foundation (or NSF), Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (or UL), and the Water Quality Association. If a system is not endorsed by any of these agencies, then it is best to not even consider it.

In conclusion, there a couple of steps involved with picking out a sink water filter. They include deciding why the system is needed in the first place; checking to see if his or her water is definitely contaminated; researching the different kinds of filtration systems available; and making sure that the system purchased is certified by certain agencies.

 
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Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies – Picking an Allergy Treatment That Works

02 Jul



Spring has sprung with a vengeance here in my household. There’s a lot of sniffling and nose-blowing going on, let me tell you! But the remedies I use have made it possible to function. This article is designed to help you and your family do the same.

Over 22 million Americans start sniffling with the advent of spring and don’t stop until late summer or early fall, if then.

“Allergy is the result of your immune system’s over-reaction to pollens, grass, airborne fungi and even certain foods and cosmetics…. When an allergen is introduced, the body fights back by producing an excess of inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine, from mast cells. This attempt to seek-and-destroy the allergen brings on the familiar symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.”-Karyn Seigel-Mayer, HerbalMusings.com

Supermarkets and drugstores line their shelves with antihistamines and decongestants and there are so many choices, it can be hard to choose which one to use. And what if you want to use a natural remedy? If you are hoping to find some natural alternatives, here are my recommendations…

Natural Strategies for Seasonal Allergies

Nettles

Stinging Nettles is an herbal remedy that functions as a natural antihistamine. The freeze-dried kind seems to work best and can relieve some of the seasonal allergy symptoms for hours at a time.

Other Supplements

Vitamin C also can have an antihistamine effect, but its best work is as an immune system booster. For other natural help with immune system functioning, try echinacea and goldenseal. Best advice is to find a health food store or company that offers supplement blends that have all of these ingredients and more.

Aromatherapy

There are essential oils that can help, too. You can create your own blend, or use them individually. If you do make a blend, you can diffuse it, inhale it, put it on the bottom of your feet or use it topically after diluting it with a carrier oil.

Best oils to use: eucalyptus, lavender, german chamomile and bergamot for children. Adults can use peppermint, blended with eucalyptus, lemon and lavender.

Children: 10 drops each for blend and then, use with bath oil in bath or in a pot of steaming water. You also can dilute it with an all-natural carrier oil or lotion and rub it on their chests or throat or temples.

Adults: can do all of the above but also could put a few drops in your hands and breathe it in that way, or put it on the bottom of your feet.

 
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Back Pain & Rheumatoid Arthritis

01 Jul



This form of arthritis can cause back pain. Your doctor will talk about it, but it may be obvious if you have R.A. This disease is a systemic one which causes joint inflammation. It is linked to autoimmune diseases or genetics. Inflammation of ligaments, bones and cartilage can cause destruction or reduced capability. Calcification occurs. This is abnormal hardening and it can cause swelling and joint stiffness. Your doctor considers symptoms first, then can offer a diagnosis.

If a person has R.A., they may have an eating disorder such as anorexia, experience malaise, fatigue, subcutaneous modules (i.e. under the skin), a limited range of motion, pain and swollen joints, and rises in body temperature. Stiffness may occur while a person is awake. People with R.A. may show signs of crepitus, inflamed lymph nodes, pericarditis, leukopenia and splenomegaly. Pericarditis is the condition that causes swelling. With swelling, your back is usually affected. R.A. in itself causes stiffness of the joints and muscles and this can cause a lot of pain. Other sources can be from injury or infections.

Doctors conduct tests to see if a person has R.A. These may include latex fixation, x-rays, gamma globulin, hematology (blood) and synovial fluid analysis test. If some of these tests show spacing between narrow joints, platelet or WBC or ESR increases, erosion of bones, increases in IgM and IgG and decrease of opaqueness and viscosity, then R.A. may be indicated. Management, interventions, stress reduction and many other treatments may be put into place. Heat and cold together with gold therapy can be used. Gold therapy is used to prevent in infections from reaching the inner central muscle layers and therefore, the walls of the heart.

Skin and emotional care are also often prescribed. An arthritis foundation will provide a lot more information to help you to cope. Stress-reduction therapy may be prescribed by your doctor. Patients will also be taught to try and avoid infections, colds and fake remedies for R.A. The environment also plays a big part in R.A. You can reduce swelling, redness and pain by performing motion exercises and trying warm compresses or heat therapy. Start stretching exercises and avoid people who get your emotions up too far. Seek emotional and mental support if you have R.A. Try not to suppress your emotions too much as this leads to chemical imbalance and stress.

Perhaps the practice of yoga will lead to a calmer environment. A few basic moves are easy to learn. Take care of your feet and skin. If you can control your R.A. then surgery may not be needed. R.A. can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and we all need to use our hands so controlling that is critical. Pain may spread out from the carpal tunnel syndrome affected area to other parts of your body. Besides R.A., gouty arthritis can also cause back pain. Any form of arthritis limits movement, and this leads to damage in joints, cartilage, connective tissue, bones, muscles, etc. Back pain can soon follow.

 
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Dealing with Arthritis Pain and Symptoms

01 Jul



Arthritis, or joint inflammation, affects millions of people. Arthritis pain typically is a result of the actual inflammation of the joint or joints and the synovial tissue layer. The synovial tissue is the soft tissue that lines the joints of the body. Arthritis can cause strain on the ligaments, sinews, organs and muscles as well as contributing to fatigue. One or more of these symptoms can worsen the arthritic pain that is already present.

Arthritis pain can inhibit normal daily activity and impair a person’s life making even the simplest activities uncomfortable or painful. There are many types of arthritis and all of them vary in severity. Acute arthritis pain is usually temporary and sporadic. Chronic arthritis pain is the occurrence of pain for a regular and extended period of time ranging from days to months to even years. In fact, some chronic arthritis pain can made it very difficult for some people to maintain a regular job.

Every arthritis patient experiences the pain associated with the disease differently. Sometimes the pain is aggravated and evident with redness, or a feeling of heat, in the joint areas. Other times there is swelling in the joint area, or just a constant pain that results from arthritic damage. Every patient’s pain threshold is different and thus may cause them to seek help with the pain at different stage of the disease.

The activities that an arthritis patient performs could contribute to the pain, or could help alleviate the occurrence of pain. Many patients complain that once they get out of bed, they experience arthritis pain. Others complain that they experience the pain only after a series of activities that wear the joints affected by the disease. Depending on how much the pain bothers a patient and when, the patient and his or her doctor will discuss and come up with a personalized pain treatment plan.

There are several main ways of treating arthritic pain. Many patients benefit from just one form of treatment while others must undergo a series of treatments or a combination of treatments. It is very common for a patient to try one treatment before going on to the next.

Most often, arthritis is treated with medications – usually non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These drugs are typically used for short-term relief and can easily alleviate the discomfort associated with inflammation. NSAIDs are the most common medications used for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Aside from medications, exercise is a very effective form of arthritis treatment. Regular exercise can help reduce the amount of joint pain and stiffness. While a person exercises, he or she promotes stretching, which is ideal for arthritis symptoms. Before engaging in an exercise plan, it is best to discuss it with a doctor.

A more extreme form of arthritis treatment is surgery. Usually, surgery is reserved for those patients with the most severe and extreme cases of arthritis. During surgery for arthritis treatment, the synovial tissue is removed, the affected joints repaired or – in the more severe cases – the entire joint replaced with an artificial one.

 
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