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Showing posts from November, 2016

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms

Degenerative disc diseas e is one of the most common causes of low back pain, typically affecting active, healthy people in their 30s and 40s. However, since spinal disc degeneration is a natural part of the aging process, this condition also tends to affect the elderly. What is Degenerative Disc Disease? Degenerative disc disease is, in fact, not really a disease. It is actually a chronic, gradual deterioration of the soft, spongy discs that separate and cushion spinal vertebrae. Over time, intervertebral discs break down, naturally losing their flexibility, elasticity and shock absorbing qualities. Ligaments surrounding discs (annulus fibrosis) become brittle and more likely to tear, causing bulges or ruptures. Also, the gel-like center of discs (nucleus pulposus) begins to dry out and shrink, making them thinner and narrowing the distance between vertebrae. As a result, painful conditions such as spinal stenosis and herniated, bulging and protruding discs may develop by exert

Migraine Headache Remedies That Bring Pain Relief

When a migraine headache strikes, sometimes lying down in a dark room with a cool cloth across the forehead offers some relief. But usually more help is needed in order to bring migraine headache relief. Taking Medication to Relieve the Migraine Headache Symptoms For some migraine sufferers, over-the-counter medications offer relief in fighting the migraine pain. These medications usually contain ingredients like ibuprofen, ASPIRIN®, acetaminophen, naproxen, and caffeine. A migraine sufferer should be careful about using these medications too frequently because overuse can cause rebound headaches or a dependency problem. The Cleveland Clinic website recommends that anyone needing to use over-the-counter pain medicines more than three times a week should see a health care provider to talk about other options for treating the migraine attacks. Where over-the-counter medications are not sufficient to provide migraine headache relief, there are prescription medicines available. Thes

Natural Constipation Relief for Adults

Every individual will experience constipation during some point in their lives, but those who are pregnant and the elderly may experience this condition with increased frequency. The National Institute of Health (NIH) in conjunction with the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) have determined over 4 million adults experience constipation frequently, and use over-the-counter (OTC) remedies as treatment in a majority of cases. Most individuals perceive this condition as a medical problem when it is only a temporary condition, but it can be a symptom of the body not functioning properly and can potentially be the result of a medical condition. About Constipation The average person believes if a bowel movement does not occur once a day, the body is experiencing constipation. However, this condition is only present when a movement occurs less than three times a week. Other symptoms may include, but are not limited to: Straining during bowel movements Bloa

Medical X-rays – Radiological Imaging From Film to Digital X-rays

X-ray pictures were the earliest medical imaging technique. The first X-ray film of the human body was taken in 1895 by the discoverer of X-rays Wilhelm Röntgen, showing his wife’s left hand with her wedding ring. Despite the development of newer technologies such computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography, X-rays remain important for the diagnosis of many disorders. Radiography Equipment X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light but with a wavelength shorter than can be seen with the human eye. In nature, X-rays are generated by violent events such as an exploding star. Medical X-rays, in contrast, are produced by passing a very large electrical voltage across a device called a vacuum or X-ray tube. When the current strikes a metal target inside the vacuum tube, X-rays are emitted, travelling with such high energy that they are able to pass through opaque objects placed in their path, in the same way that light pass

Non-surgical Treatment Options for Lumbar DDD

Most people suffering from lumbar degenerative disc disease can be successfully treated through a course of conservative, non-surgical care. Heat and Ice Treatments Localized applications of heat helps to increase blood flow, which aids in the healing process. Many patients use heat on stiff muscles and joints to increase flexibility and range of motion. Applications of ice are used to decrease localized swelling, inflammation and pain associated with many different types of injuries. Medications for DDD Pain Relief A variety of medications may be prescribed to manage pain associated with degenerative disc disease. Mild pain can be relieved through the use of drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors are used not only to manage pain, but to reduce swelling in the body as well. Intense episodes of pain are typically managed with oral steroids, muscle relaxants or narcotics. Patient

Night Blindness: Causes and Treatment of Decreased Night Vision

Decreased night vision is a common concern for adults over 50. Although some middle-aged adults may realize that their night vision is not as clear as it once was, others may try to deny there is a problem. Decreased night vision among older adults is especially concerning because it may affect their ability to drive after dark. Causes of Night Vision Problems Difficulty seeing in dim light is known as night blindness. Night blindness isn’t actually a disorder – it’s a symptom of other underlying problems. One common cause of night blindness is untreated nearsightedness or myopia. Night blindness can also have a variety of other causes, including vitamin A or zinc deficiency and exposure to the sun. Night vision problems can be caused by chronic diseases, such as diabetes. People with diabetes often experience nerve damage, which can affect the retina and lead to night blindness. Problems specific to the eye can also cause night vision problems. For example, the first sign of

Nosebleed Causes, Prevention and Treatment

It is very common, especially in children, to suffer from an occasional bloody nose. Nosebleeds are usually easy to treat and are not a cause for concern. However, frequent recurring nosebleeds may indicate a serious condition that requires medical attention. Causes of Nosebleeds Nosebleeds may be triggered by numerous factors; here are some of the most common: Dry air: The mucosal lining of the nose is very thin, and when the air is dry, such as in the winter when indoor rooms are heated or in the summer in dry climates, the nasal mucosa can become dry and cracked. Trauma: Trauma to the nose from the outside as by a blow, or from the inside by picking the nose or vigorous nose-blowing can break small vessels. Decongestants: Decongestants, corticosteroids, and other allergy or cold medications can dry out nasal passages. Allergies and infections: Allergies and acute or chronic sinus infections can cause inflammation of the nasal passages, which can lead to irritation. Frequ

Over-Sanitization and Its Impact on Health & the Environment

When the H1N1 pandemic struck, health authorities encouraged the use of hand sanitizers and disinfectant spray in an attempt to stem the outbreak. But while there is nothing wrong with the use of sanitizing products per se, too many people might have taken the way advice too far. Prevalence of Triclosan and Triclocarban in the Environment Triclosan and triclocarban are two chemicals commonly used in many household cleaning products and in disinfectants – otherwise known as antimicrobials . In sufficient amounts, these two chemicals are known to cause among other things skin irritation, allergy susceptibility, bacterial and endocrine disruption. These chemicals do not break down easily once it is washed down the drain. Traces of triclosan have been found in many of the waterways in the United States and even downstream from water treatment plants. This resilience to treatment is cause for great concern because once exposed to sunlight and water, triclosan could change into a toxi