Intercostal neuralgia - causes, symptoms, treatment

Intercostal neuralgia – causes, symptoms, treatment

Intercostal neuralgia is a rare painful medical condition that involves the intercostal nerves that feed the muscles between the ribs. Patients with intercostal neuralgia experience chest pain.

The pain is usually intermittent and spasmodic. The intensity can vary depending on different factors. The condition is treated by a neurologist.

Intercostal neuralgia is frequently confused by the patient with chest pain of cardiac etiology (heart pain) or painful abdominal discomfort associated with digestive and biliary disorders. Chest pain is the main reason for presentation to the emergency medical service in approximately half of the cases, while abdominal pain is attributed to another 30% of the total number of evaluations.

CONTENT:

  1. Causes
  2. Symptoms
  3. Treatment

 

Causes

It can be caused by a variety of different diseases and conditions. These can include infections, inflammation, trauma, malignancies, but also any other abnormal processes. A common cause of intercostal neuralgia is surgery involving the chest.

This type of surgery can often damage the intercostal nerves. The main causes of this disease are:

  • damage to the ribs or chest
  • blockage or degeneration of the intercostal nerve
    neuritis
  • pregnancy – which can cause the ribs to expand to make way for the fetus
  • straining or straining a muscle in the chest wall, shoulders, back or arm
  • rib infection
  • shingles
  • surgery of organs, bones and tissues in the thoracic cavity
  • tumors in the chest and abdomen that can press on the intercostal muscles

 

Symptoms

The main symptom of intercostal neuralgia is pain in the chest area; this is often described as a stab, sting, spasm, or sensitive area. Furthermore, the pain may be located along the chest or may radiate from the back to the front of the chest along the ribs.

Moreover, the disease can occur as sporadic episodes of acute pain or can be boring and constant. Additionally, pain caused by intercostal neuralgia may intensify with exertion, such as lifting heavy objects, twisting or bending the torso, coughing, sneezing, or shaving. Notably, intercostal neuralgia may involve other manifestations, including:

  • abdominal pain
  • fever
  • itching
  • numbness
  • pain in the arm, shoulder or back
  • reduced mobility of the shoulders or back
  • tingling.

 

Treatment

Treatments for the disease are similar to those for sciatica. The most common treatments include analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, and weight loss. Additionally, informing the patient about the prevention of intercostal neuralgia is crucial.

Additionally, only the doctor will administer the local injection of an anesthetic. In some cases, it may be necessary to destroy the nerve causing the pain. Furthermore, if scar tissue is involved, surgeons must excise it to release the nerve and relieve the pressure on it.

Invasive procedures and strong medications are part of the standard treatment for treating intercostal neuralgia pain. However, many patients have also explored alternative therapies and natural ways to alleviate symptoms.

Ice, acupuncture and acupressure applications have had promising results. However, there have been no long-term studies to show that they can help relieve the pain associated with intercostal neuralgia.

Localized pain in the leg

Localized pain in the leg

Localized pain in the leg includes any type of pain or discomfort from the hips to the heels. Most people suffer from foot pain quite often.

A person’s legs are made up of joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. In any case, injuries, infections, or other conditions may occur that may cause leg pain.

Lower limb pain can be short-lived or constant and can affect the entire leg or just a certain area. The sensation of pain is most often described as a sting, numbness or burning sensation – paresthesia. Foot pain can be simply irritating and uncomfortable or can restrict a person’s ability to move (it will be difficult to let the weight of the body rest on the affected foot).

 

CONTENT:

  1. Causes of pain in the leg
  2. Symptoms of pain in the leg
  3. Complications

 

Causes of pain in the leg

The causes of lower limb pain can range from accidental trauma to nerve damage. In the absence of injury or other symptoms, leg pain may be the result of muscle cramps, and when accompanied by other symptoms, such as back pain, may be the result of spinal disorders.

Leg pain can also be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis, which is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. Blood clots can come off and trigger a pulmonary embolism, a heart attack or even a stroke.

Consult a doctor urgently if you experience leg pain after exercise or low intensity exercise, if there are swelling, redness and a feeling of warmth in the calf.

The pain in the leg that comes from the lumbar area and goes down to the buttocks, accompanied by loss of control over the bladder or the act of defecation, are characteristic manifestations of nerve damage.

This rather serious situation should be evaluated as soon as possible by a specialist. Regardless of the situation, if your foot pain persists or worries you, you should contact your doctor.

Infectious diseases, circulatory problems and various neurological diseases can affect the foot. However, most of the time, the foot hurts due to excessive stress, various types of damage and aging. Usually, most ailments are not serious and can be prevented, as long as self-care and lifestyle changes are taken.

For example, there will be breaks between periods of effort and no extreme sports without proper protection.

 

Symptoms of pain in the leg

The symptoms that can accompany foot pain differ, depending on the type of disease or condition that triggers it. If a person has a fever, foot pain could be the cause of an infection or inflammation. If the foot pain is caused by arthritis, stiffness may occur and a person’s ability to make certain movements will be quite low.

Pain in the lower limbs may be associated with other symptoms, including:

  • fatigue;
  • fever;
  • joint pain;
  • restricting fairly simple movements;
  • swelling of the skin;
  • Varicose veins.

In some cases, foot pain may indicate a serious illness. An emergency medical consultation will be requested in any of the following situations:

  • cold and pale skin of the foot;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • high fever (over 39 degrees Celsius);
  • inability to walk or lose body weight;
  • pain on exertion or easy walking;
  • pale or blue skin (cyanosis);
  • cracking at the moment of the foot injury;
  • progressive state of weakness and numbness of the foot accompanied by loss of control of the bladder and defecation;
  • red stripes;
  • the legs are warm, red and inflamed;
  • Inflammation and pain when touching the feet and toes, and local injuries are difficult to heal.

 

Complications

Complications depend on the type of disease or condition underlying the foot pain. In case of excessive use, it is necessary to rest, apply ice and inflammatory drugs released without a prescription.

Untreated pain due to more serious conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis or peripheral artery disease, can lead to permanent damage and can have secondary complications that could endanger a person’s life.

One of the most serious consequences of leg pain due to deep vein thrombosis, peripheral artery disease and spinal stenosis include:

  • loss of part of the leg (amputation);
  • permanent damage to some nerves;
  • pulmonary embolism;
  • stroke.
Cervical cancer - symptoms, causes and treatment

Cervical cancer – symptoms, causes and treatment

Cervical cancer is characterized by the appearance of atypical cells, which multiply uncontrollably in the cervix (cervix, the first part of the uterus that opens into the vagina).

Fortunately, if it is discovered at an early stage, cervical cancer is curable in most cases. The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is to have a regular Pap test, which can detect abnormal cervical cells before tumor cells appear, the stage at which treatment is most effective.

There are two types of cervical cancer:

  • cervical cancer with foam cells (epidermoid)
  • cervical adenocarcinoma

 

CONTENT:

  1. Symptoms
  2. Causes
  3. Treatment

 

Symptoms

 

Cellular changes in the cervix are usually asymptomatic, at this early stage the diagnosis is made based on the results of the Pap test. With the development of the cancer process, symptoms appear, which include:

  • abnormal vaginal bleeding or significant changes in the menstrual cycle (menometrorrhagia);
  • bleeding of the cervix during sexual intercourse or at the time of insertion of the diaphragm;
  • pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia);
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge, present in large quantities and sometimes mixed with fine strands of blood.

 

Advanced (complicated) cervical cancer has the following symptoms:

  • anemia due to abnormal blood loss;
  • pelvic pain (lower abdomen), lower limb pain or low back pain (back);
  • vaginal fistula (abnormal communication between vagina and rectum, respectively bladder, so that feces and urine are eliminated through the vagina). Fistula occurs due to the extension of the cancerous process to the surrounding tissues).
  • weight loss (several kilograms in a few weeks, months).

 

Causes

Cervical cancer is caused by cellular abnormalities in the cervix. Most precancerous cells occur in the cervix, an area that constantly undergoes cyclical changes (depending on the menstrual cycle).

During this physiological process, the cervical cells may undergo various mutations, favoring the appearance of abnormal cells, especially in the case of infection with human papilloma virus (sexually transmitted virus that causes lesions in the cervix and thus is an increased risk for cervical cancer).

Other risk factors for cervical cancer are:

  • smoking, especially women with a long history of cigarette use;
  • compromised immune system, especially women with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS);
  • use of oral contraceptives for more than 5 years, probably in connection with HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.

 

Regular Pap smears are the safest method to identify early cellular changes before the actual cancerous process occurs.

 

Treatment

Cervical cancer diagnosed at an early stage can be completely treated. The types of treatment used in cervical cancer are:

  • surgical therapy, which removes the tumor
  • radiotherapy, used in the treatment of other organs affected by the tumor
  • chemotherapy, used in the treatment of metastases

 

The choice of treatment has a major impact on quality of life. Therefore, it is important for the patient to discuss with the treating physician all treatment options and treatment recommendations.

The prognosis of cervical cancer depends on its type and stage. In order to choose the right treatment, the age, the general state of health, the quality of life, as well as the desire to have children in the future are also taken into account.

Cervical cancer treatment may be unique or it may be a combination of several methods, such as:

  • therapeutic condition, for tumor removal (in case of small tumors)
  • simple, partial hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and cervix
  • total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and appendages), as well as removal of the lymph nodes affected by the tumor process
  • radiotherapy, which uses fractional doses of high-intensity X-rays, or the introduction of intravaginal implants (radioisotopes) capable of destroying malignant cells
  • chemotherapy, which uses certain substances capable of destroying tumor cells
  • chemotherapy can be given at the same time as radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy), this method improving the survival rate in stages IIB, IIIA, IIIB and IVA, without significant side effects.

 

Chemoradiation may also improve the survival rate in stages IB and IIA in patients with large tumors.

Microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma (stage IA 1), with minimal invasion of the deep layers of the cervix, is the tumor type with the highest success rate. At this stage, treatment with the technique of conization or resection with diathermic loop is recommended and subtotal (partial) hysterectomy can also be performed. The 5-year survival rate in this case is 100%.

Most treatments for cervical cancer have different side effects. These differ from patient to patient depending on the type of treatment used, age and general health. The doctor can provide the patient with all the necessary information about possible side effects.

Improper posture can lead to serious illness

Improper posture can lead to serious illness

Whether it’s the result of sitting at the office all day, constantly using your smartphone, or relaxing on the couch, the improper posture is something we find in people of all ages.

This postural dysfunction represents the unnatural position of the spine, a position in which the natural curves are modified. The long-term result is constant pressure and stress on the joints, muscles and vertebrae.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Signs and symptoms of an incorrect position
  2. What does the wrong position look like?
  3. Factors contributing to improper posture
  4. Risks and complications
  5. Recommendation

 

 

Signs and symptoms of an incorrect position

The main symptoms, felt by the person in question daily or once in a while, are painful in nature. Thus, he will feel pain in his upper back (neck) and lower back (lower back), sore throat, pain in his shoulders or upper limbs. Arm pain can often go as far as the wrist and palm. Lower limb pain includes thighs and hips, knees and ankles.

Other symptoms include fatigue and a feeling of “muscle fever”, but also more and more frequent headaches, which we do not usually attribute to incorrect posture.

 

What does the wrong position look like?

  • Incorrect position: Bent over, back bent, shoulders turned forward, neck and head stretched forward, knees bent.
  • Incorrect position: Shoulders arched at the back, with the lumbar area much stretched backwards, abdomen protruding in front, shoulders rotated externally, tense.
  • Correct position: Back straight and neutral, balanced, forming a straight vertical line from the shoulders to the hips, the neck being aligned with the rest of the body.

 

Factors contributing to improper posture

  • Lack of correct information and awareness of the correct / incorrect position
  • Sedentarism
  • Some occupational duties
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Low stability, balance problems
  • Stressful lifestyle
  • Inadequate working environment

 

Risks and complications

Although many of us do not realize, maintaining an incorrect position in our daily lives, when we work or relax, can have serious consequences for our health. The worst of these are:

 

  • Permanent bone damage

When the bones are not in their natural position for too long, their abnormal compression and mobilization can occur in the joints. The most serious situation is the vertebral compression, when two neighboring vertebrae overlap unnaturally, hitting each other.

 

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

The nerve fibers that originate at the cervical and thoracic level (upper back) are the same fibers that reach the wrist, where the carpal tunnel is located. Nerves can be affected, compressed, by the unnatural position of the neck and back, leading to this syndrome characterized by pain, tingling, numbness.

 

  • Hypertension

Improper positioning with constant pressure on the joints contributes to high blood pressure, as there are pressure receptors on the neck.

 

  • Urinary incontinence

The incorrect position promotes partial urinary incontinence, defined by urination when the person laughs, coughs or sneezes. When we are not standing, the abdominal pressure increases, pressing on the bladder. The wrong position also weakens the pelvic floor muscles, which can no longer resist the urinary reflex.

 

  • Constipation

This is due to the wrong position when using the toilet, but also to the weakening of the pelvic muscles.

 

  • Heartburn and digestive problems

Heartburn is the burning sensation, retrosternal pain, that characterizes gastroesophageal reflux. Adopting an incorrect position after a meal (lying on your back) can cause reflux accompanied by heartburn, nausea, even vomiting.

The explanation lies in the fact that when we lie on our backs, the gastric acid released for digestion from the stomach will take the wrong direction, reversing, returning to the esophagus.

 

Recommendation

If you have been lying on your back at least once while reading this article, try the following recommendations to correct your position right now:

  • Relax your shoulders, pulling them down and gently back
  • Lift your head up, looking straight ahead
  • Use your torso muscles: abdominal and pelvic muscles
  • Use a special corset to correct posture, if necessary, taking care not to put even more pressure on the torso
  • When sitting at the desk, place a small pillow on your lower back; it will help you stay upright
  •  Change your position every 30-60 minutes
  • Do not lie down on the couch immediately after eating
Joint health with natural remedies

Joint health with natural remedies

A joint is the connection between two bones. Their joints and surrounding structures allow the elbows and knees to bend, the hips to move, the back and head to bend, and the fingers to move.

Did you know that the human body has more than 200 bones and more than 200 joints that connect these bones? Few of us are aware of how all these components work together to allow us to walk, run, jump, climb, dance and swim.

Cartilage cushions the joints and helps them move easily and smoothly. It contains cells that continuously renew the substances that make it up, chondrocytes. A membrane called the synovium produces a thick fluid that helps maintain cartilage health.

The synovium can become inflamed and thicken as cartilage wear occurs. This can lead to inflammation, which causes excess fluid in the joint, resulting in swelling and possibly the development of osteoarthritis.

As the cartilage deteriorates further, the adjacent bones do not have enough lubrication from the synovial fluid and cushioning from the cartilage. When the bone surfaces come into direct contact with each other, pain and inflammation result in the surrounding tissues, and over time they can develop bony spurs.

 

CONTENT:

  1. The most common joint ailments
  2. Top natural remedies for joint health

 

The most common joint ailments

Arthritis is without a doubt the most common joint disease, but there are many more. Joint diseases can be short-lived or extremely chronic, painful, agonizing or just painful and uncomfortable; they can be limited to a single joint or they can affect many parts of the body. Non-inflammatory joint pain is called arthralgia, while inflammatory pain is classified as arthritis.

Osteoarthritis – occurs when the cartilage between two joints wears out, so that the bones rub against each other, resulting in swelling and stiffness. Symptoms usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has some symptoms up to the age of 70. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, or slight stiffness.

Gout – It is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone, caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly in the thumb. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often in the joint at the base of the thumb.

Rheumatoid arthritis – It is a long-term autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can occur at any age, but is more common in middle age. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, certain factors seem to play a role in increasing the risk of developing or triggering it: sex (women are more prone to developing arthritis), genes (history of a family member with this condition), smoking, obesity.

 

Top natural remedies for joint health

Curcuma longa 

  • Research has shown that this extract is very effective in combating rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties. With the help of curcumin, the treatment is more effective and without side effects, which recommends supplements based on Curcuma longa extract as a healthy and effective alternative to synthetic antirheumatic drugs.

 

Incense tree

  • Also called Boswellia, it is a tree found in India, North Africa, but also in the Middle East. Boswellia extract is beneficial for cartilage and joints, restoring their mobility and reducing painful sensitivity. The chemicals in this extract called boswellic acids have anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical studies have shown that Boswellia extract improves pain symptoms in people with osteoarthritis.

 

Devil’s Claw

  • Devil’s Claw Extract is known for its powerful action of reducing pain in the bones and joints through a specific response to mobilizing the body’s natural resources. This extract contains a chemical called harpogoside which has anti-inflammatory effects.

 

Shark cartilage

Shark cartilage, due to its composition (cells, water, matrix), is one of the most effective adjuvants for reducing joint pain and restoring mobility.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta - Brittle Bone Disease

Osteogenesis Imperfecta – Brittle Bone Disease

Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also called brittle bone disease, is a disease that causes an abnormality in the production of a protein called collagen.

Collagen is an important protein that supports the body, specifically the skeleton on which the body is built. There are several types of collagen, the one that is found in the largest amount in the body is called type I collagen.

Type I collagen is found in bones, ocular sclera, ligaments and teeth. Imperfect osteogenesis occurs when there is a deficiency in the production of type I collagen.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Symptoms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  2. Causes of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  3. Treatment for Osteogenesis Imperfecta

 

Symptoms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Because collagen is a fibrous protein found in bones, cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissues, most of the symptoms of fragile bone disease are manifested in the bones and joints.

 

Fractures

Bones are complex structures made up of proteins, minerals and living cells. The skeleton is made up of collagen proteins bound together to form strong, fibrous stems. Minerals are then deposited on this strong foundation. In the case of patients with imperfect osteogenesis, either not enough collagen is produced or what is produced is abnormal.

As a result, the collagen stems are weak and deformed. The bones that contain them break easily, especially in children whose bones are growing rapidly.

 

Joint Laxity

Laxity is characterized by the instability of the joints that connect two bones. The joints are made up of two bones that are covered by cartilage, tendons and ligaments, which support the bones together and are made up of collagen.

Abnormal collagen present in patients with osteogenesis causes improper functioning of the ligaments, cartilage and tendons, resulting in laxity of the joints.

 

Blue eye sclera

The eye sclera is a fibrous membrane that covers the eyes and cornea and provides protection. The part of the sclera, which is easy to see, is called the sclera of the eye or the whites of the eye. It contains collagen.

Due to the dysfunction caused by collagen, those diagnosed with fragile type I bone disease have a thinner sclera than normal. This allows the veins in the eye to be seen, which gives the skin a blue color.

 

Causes of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

A defect in the structure of collagen molecules causes a mutation in the DNA of genes that create collagen. The mutation produces deformed collagen and abnormal collagen fibers. Bones will not be solid because abnormal collagen fibers affect and consume any healthy collagen fiber.

The process is cyclical in a growing child and prevents the formation of new and healthy bones. The result is an increased risk of fractures and ruptures during youth. However, this process will improve towards puberty, when the process of bone growth slows down.

 

Genetics

Specialists believe that most types of imperfect osteogenesis result from an inherited dominant autosomal pattern. This means that if a child is born to a mother with a dominant mutation, it is 50% likely to be transmitted to the baby. However, it appears that about 15% of children inherited imperfect osteogenesis as a result of the recessive mutation.

In essence, the recessive mutation occurs when both parents are carriers of the recessive gene of the disease, but do not manifest the disorder. The probability of being the carrier of the recessive gene and passing it on to the heirs is 100%, but this does not mean that the disorder will manifest in future generations.

 

Other factors

An important cause of fragile bone disease is osteoblasts affected by bad collagen molecules. Ossetoblasts are the cells responsible for bone formation. Due to the poor quality of collagen fibers that negatively impact osteoblasts, new bone cells cannot form and divide properly.

 

Treatment for Osteogenesis Imperfecta

There is currently no known treatment for imperfect osteogenesis. The main goal of treatment should be to prevent accidents and maintain healthy bones.

Children with imperfect osteogenesis should be provided with a high-nutrient diet. They need to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Often children with imperfect osteogenesis will need splints, a wheelchair, or outpatient care.

Surgical treatment of imperfect osteogenesis depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s age. In very young children, most fractures are treated as if the child has no underlying condition. However, surgical stabilization of fractures is quite common, even at an early age.

Fractures of children with imperfect osteogenesis are often treated with surgery to stabilize the bones and prevent deformities. One of the procedures used is to insert a metal rod into the center of the hollow bone, to support the fragile bones and to prevent bone deformation.

What diseases can affect your bone health

What diseases can affect your bone health

Bone health deteriorates with age, but this process can be accelerated by many diseases with negative effects on the bone system.

Whether it’s the condition itself or the drugs with dangerous side effects, it’s important to know how you can protect your bones and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Conditions that can cause bone disease
  2. Other medical conditions that are dangerous to bone health
  3. Factors influencing bone health

 

Conditions that can cause bone disease

Thyroid disorders, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are among the main conditions that significantly increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, a systemic disease characterized by damage to the architecture of the skeletal system, which can lead to increased bone fragility and the risk of fractures.

 

Endocrine diseases

Diabetes is currently associated with an increased risk of hip fractures, which is why scientists and endocrinologists recommend that diabetics, in addition to keeping their blood sugar levels under control, be concerned with preventing falls and other physical trauma.

Other endocrine disorders associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis are

  • Hyperthyroidism. There is an excessive level of thyroid hormones in the body, either due to the fact that the thyroid gland is hyperactive or due to the misuse of medication to treat thyroid disorders.
  • Hyperparathyroidism. There is too high a level of parathyroid hormone in the body, accelerating the process of reducing bone mass.
  • Drug abuse that blocks the production of sex hormones.
  • Long-term use of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive injection.
  • Hormonal disorders. Irregular menstrual cycle that affects estrogen levels in the body, late onset of menstruation, early onset of menopause, etc.

 

Gastrointestinal disorders

Proper absorption of calcium and other nutrients in the body is essential for bone health, so all gastrointestinal disorders that prevent this process are possible causes of osteoporosis.

 

Hematological disorders

Blood and bone marrow disorders can result in bone fragility. An eloquent example in this case is multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside the bones where blood cells grow.

 

Rheumatic diseases

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and long-term treatment with glucocorticoids (cortisone, prednisone, etc.) are more likely to develop osteoporosis.

 

Asthma

Because glucocorticoid therapy is often used to control the inflammation that people with asthma suffer from, this respiratory disease is also on the list of conditions that can increase the predisposition to reduce bone density.

 

Other medical conditions that are dangerous to bone health

  • Anorexia nervosa. This condition deprives the body of essential nutrients and can temporarily stop menstruation.
  • Bed rest. Exercise is important for bone health, so any disease involving immobility can be a risk factor for osteoporosis.
  • Oncological treatment. Some oncological drugs, such as tamoxifen, can affect the structure and density of the bone system.
  • Organ transplantation. Some medications that prevent the patient’s body from rejecting a transplanted organ have been shown to be harmful to bone strength.

 

Factors influencing bone health

The skeletal system undergoes continuous changes, the old bone tissues being permanently replaced with new ones. In the first years of life, this regeneration is accelerated, the bone mass being in a constant process of growth, until the age of 30 years.

This is followed by a progressive loss of bone density, so the risk of developing osteoporosis varies depending on how quickly the bone mass decreases. The factors that influence bone health throughout life are as follows.

  • Lifestyle. While genetic factors play an important role in determining bone density, diet and physical activity make the difference between a strong and a fragile bone system.
  • Daily calcium intake. An insufficient daily dose of this essential mineral leads to bone damage over time.
  • Daily intake of vitamin D. Bone health depends on the amount of vitamin D in the body, as it helps the absorption and use of calcium.
  • The movement. Physical activity helps to increase and maintain bone density.
  • Body weight. Underweight increases the risk of fractures and bone loss. Excessive weight loss is accompanied by a reduction in bone density, especially in a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Reproductive problems. Pregnancy and lactation do not normally affect the bone system of a healthy woman. Amenorrhea (cessation of menstrual cycles) after the onset of puberty and before menopause is a major threat to bone health if left untreated.
  • Diseases and medications. There are many conditions and medications that can directly affect bone health.
  • The vices. Smoking reduces bone mass and increases the risk of fractures. Alcohol abuse has also been associated, according to specialized studies, with decreased bone density and susceptibility to fractures.
  • Hormone levels in the body. Excess thyroid hormones cause bone loss. Menopausal women are at higher risk for osteoporosis, as estrogen levels drop significantly. In men, testosterone deficiency can lead to bone disease.
Rheumatic diseases and the cold season

Rheumatic diseases and the cold season

Rheumatic diseases are characterized by inflammation of the connecting and supporting structures of the body. The most affected structures are the joints, but sometimes the tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles can also be affected.

Some rheumatic diseases can affect the organs, eventually leading to loss of function of the affected organ.

These diseases include arthritis, which literally means joint inflammation, but can include over 100 different rheumatic disorders. These mainly affect the spine are considered spondyloarthropathies.

 

CONTENT:

  1. The most common rheumatic diseases
  2. Causes of Rheumatic Diseases and Risk Factors
  3. Cold season

 

 

The most common rheumatic diseases

Osteoarthritis – the most common type of arthritis, which affects and destroys primarily the cartilage, which means the soft tissue that covers and protects the ends of the bones in the joints;

Rheumatoid arthritis – is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system erroneously attacks the soft tissue in the joints;

Fibromyalgia – is a chronic condition characterized by areas triggering symptoms and localized pain in the musculoskeletal system;

Lupus erythematosus – an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, lungs, heart and brain;

Gout – is a type of arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the joints. It most commonly affects the joints of the fingers;

Idiopathic juvenile arthritis – is the most common form of arthritis in children, and may be accompanied by fever and rash;

Infectious arthritis – can be caused by Lyme disease and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Psoriatic arthritis – a type of arthritis that affects the fingers and toes and is associated with psoriasis;

Ankylosing spondylitis – the most common spondyloarthropathy, which can affect the hips, shoulders and knees, in addition to the spine.

Rheumatic polymyalgia – a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the tendons, muscles, ligaments and tissues of the joints.

 

Causes of Rheumatic Diseases and Risk Factors

Experts believe that rheumatic diseases are caused by a combination of genes and environmental factors. In general, with certain gene variants, the risk of rheumatic diseases can increase considerably, and environmental factors, such as cold, can trigger the onset of the disease.

Various factors can be blamed for increasing the risk of these diseases:

• Osteoarthritis is more common in the elderly than in children;

• Osteoarthritis may occur more frequently in people who exert constant stress on the joints;

• Rheumatoid arthritis can occur as a result of a triggering event, such as hormonal changes, bacterial or viral infections, and obesity;

• The female sex is much more exposed to the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and lupus erythematosus;

• Gout and spondyloarthropathy are more common in men;

• Lupus erythematosus often affects African Americans and Hispanics;

• Obesity and smoking increase the risk of rheumatic diseases.

 

Cold season

Very low temperatures can aggravate rheumatic diseases, and the symptoms of rheumatic diseases can be more difficult to control during the winter, especially when the weather becomes cold and humid.

 

  • The cold

Many patients feel that the cold weather aggravates their symptoms, especially the pain. However, the prediction of cold weather based on pain is not based on scientific evidence.

However, one possible reason may be muscle spasms that increase as temperatures drop.

This leads to pain and stiffness in the joints. The cold can also reduce blood flow to the fingers and toes, increasing the level of pain in these areas.

It is recommended to dress in clothes suitable for the weather outside, including thick gloves and socks, to protect your hands and feet from moisture and cold.

Hot baths are also recommended to reduce symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may recommend additional medications to manage your symptoms.

 

  • Flu

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. In this case, the winter can be much worse, because the immune system is weaker and the body is more prone to colds and flu.

In addition, drugs for this disease interfere with the immune system, exposing the body to infections. As a result, patients need to take extra precautions against seasonal illnesses, including the flu and its complications, such as pneumonia.

Influenza vaccines can be of real use in these cases. Sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces, but also avoiding contact with sick people are other methods that can be used for protection.

 

  • Exercise

In winter it is much more difficult for a person to stay active. Exercise is usually an important part of the treatment of rheumatic diseases, improving the joints by reducing stiffness and muscle weakness.

Also, people with rheumatic diseases have a higher risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, and sports can help prevent these conditions.

In winter, physical activities should be promoted indoors, in the heat. Gyms are very good alternative methods, but exercising at home can be helpful.

 

  • Sunlight

Winter comes with a reduction in the length of the day and, implicitly, in the sunlight. Exposure to less sunlight can reduce vitamin D levels.

In people with rheumatic diseases, vitamin D deficiency is associated with metabolic syndrome and the accumulation of abnormal fats in the blood, these conditions being two risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Tips for spine protection

Tips for spine protection

Spine pain in children is much rarer, but has a much more serious significance, suggesting an infectious disease, an inflammatory disease or cancer.

Back pain can be caused by both spine disorders and other organs and organs.

Diseases that could cause back pain can be respiratory (pneumonia, lung cancer), cardiovascular (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction), digestive tract (gastric ulcer, chronic pancreatitis), kidney (pyelonephritis, kidney stones) , genital (pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine retroversion).

Spinal pain is extremely common in medical practice and can be caused by:

  • congenital factors: as it happens in the spina bifida and vertebral epiphysitis;
  • of traumatic factors, as it happens in the fractures of the vertebral bodies and the herniated discs;
  • inflammatory factors, such as ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter’s syndrome;
  • of tumor factors, as it happens in benign and malignant tumors of the spine;
  • metabolic factors, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia and Paget’s disease;
  • degenerative factors, as in spondylosis, dysarthrosis;
  • infectious factors, such as Pott’s disease or brucellosis.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Characteristics of spine pain
  2. Tips for protecting your spine
  3. General principles for the treatment of back pain

 

Characteristics of spine pain

How does it appear?
Spinal pain can occur suddenly in the case of trauma and herniated disc, or it can occur gradually in degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the spine (spondylosis, spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis).

When it occurs?
In inflammatory vertebral diseases, the pain appears at rest. In the case of a herniated disc, the pain appears after lifting a weight, after a physical effort or after a sudden movement. In acute lumbago the pain occurs after exposure to cold and moisture.

How intense is it?
Spinal pain can be deaf in degenerative diseases (spondylosis, dysarthrosis, herniated disc) or live in lumbosciatica.

Where is it located?
Spinal pain may affect the entire spine (in inflammatory diseases of the spine) or may be localized to certain segments of the spine (cervical spondylosis, herniated disc).

Where does it radiate?
Spinal pain:

  • may remain where it appeared (in lumbago);
  • may radiate along a rib – intercostal neuralgia;
  • may radiate to the upper limb – cervicobrachial neuralgia;
  • may radiate to the lower limb, as in lumbosciatica.

 

Tips for protecting your spine

A. Sit and walk with your back straight, your abdomen pulled back and your chest pushed forward! When standing for a longer period of time, rest your spine by supporting your body with something or placing your weight on one leg at a time, alternately!

 

B. Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet on the floor or pedestal and place a pillow behind your hips. Change your position from time to time! Both the chair and the desk should be the right height, and your hands and elbows should be supported on the desk.

When you get up from your chair, first pull your hips to the edge of the chair, then stand up with your hands on your back and avoid bending your spine.

 

C. In the supine position, the bed should be elastic, but firm. If you have low back pain, put a pillow under your neck and under your knees, with your body lying on your back.

The spine must be straight and lying down! In a supine position, in order to straighten the spine, a pillow should be placed under the abdomen and one under the ankles. In a supine position, place a pillow under your neck and one between your knees and knees slightly bent.

Lifting from the bed is done as follows: first sit on your side, then raise and lower your legs at the edge of the bed, then, leaning on your hands, stand up.

 

D. Heavy objects are lifted with the back straight, from the squat position (legs slightly apart, knees bent, back straight), with the object raised close to the torso. It is forbidden to turn the torso to the side when lifting a weight. Heavy objects should be evenly distributed on both arms.

 

E. While working, the spine must be straight, not bent! If necessary, stay on your knees or with your legs bent!

 

F. The correct position at the wheel is with the knees at the same level or slightly above the hips, the back supported by the backrest, with the seat close enough to be able to bend the knees and reach the pedals.

 

G. Strengthening the muscles of the spine can be achieved by practicing a sport: swimming, athletics, gymnastics.

 

General principles for the treatment of back pain

  • Bed rest is recommended for severe pain, acute lumbago, lumbosciatica, osteoporosis.
  • Physiotherapy is indicated in cervical spondylosis, lumbosciatica.
  • Local heat is applied in acute lumbago and lumbosciatica.
  • The administration of antibiotics is done in case of infectious spine diseases.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and muscle relaxants are indicated in inflammatory and degenerative diseases, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis.
  • Drugs that inhibit bone resorption and drugs that stimulate bone synthesis are indicated in osteoporosis.
  • Medical gymnastics is done under the specialized guidance of a physiotherapist and is indicated in case of spinal deformities such as kyphosis, scoliosis and fibromyalgia.

 

Why do so many people suffer from back pain

Why do so many people suffer from back pain?

Worldwide, more than 25 million people suffer from chronic back pain, according to the American Academy of Neurosurgery and Orthopedics.

Back pain can occur at any level of the back, but the most common location is in the lower back, which does not surprise us, given that it supports much of the body weight.

However, back pain can also occur in the middle part of the back or even in the upper part, but it can also originate in other areas, such as the groin, which suggests problems with the testicles or ovaries.

Back pain is defined as acute when it lasts for less than a month, while pain that persists for more than 3 months is considered chronic pain.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Back pain is one of the most common forms of pain
  2. Causes of back pain
  3. Prevention is better than cure

 

Back pain is one of the most common forms of pain

Back pain is one of the most common forms of pain described because, unlike other conditions such as high blood pressure, it is a symptom that can have multiple causes.

Although there are some differences between ethnic groups in the prevalence of back pain, the main differences are age and gender.

 

Causes of back pain

When we think of all the possible causes of back pain, it is no surprise that it affects so many people.

Muscle and ligament strains are responsible for most problems with the lower back. Also, structural problems such as disc conditions, arthritis, osteoporosis and spinal disorders can cause back pain.

There are other risk factors that increase the chances of developing back pain, such as: stressful jobs, strenuous physical activity, inactive jobs, smoking, obesity, anxiety or depression.

In addition to all these things, there are some factors over which we have little or no control: women are more prone to have back pain, especially during pregnancy, with back pain being more common as they get older.

Men, on the other hand, have a lower prevalence of back pain, but it is more severe, they have more back pain related to physical activity.

As we age, there is a tendency to suffer from back pain related to degenerative diseases: the destruction of structures in the spine, such as vertebrae or discs that act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, while in the young population there is a predominance of back pain. back caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Prevention is better than cure

There are a variety of treatments for back pain, but there are also a number of things that anyone can apply to prevent it. Good fitness, regular exercise and maintaining a normal body weight help maintain the health of the spine and osteo-articular system.

Also, the more we learn how to stand up, sit up and lift weights as correctly as possible in terms of spine health, the sooner we will see improvements in back pain.

Another positive aspect is that people with back pain rarely require surgery, and in most cases can be treated with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, accompanied by a few days of rest, followed by moderate exercise. Treatment for more serious back pain ranges from alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, to medication and, in the most severe cases, even surgery.

What we can do to avoid back pain is to exercise (walk, swim, moderate intensity aerobic activities), strengthen our muscle strength and flexibility, maintain a normal body weight, and among the most It is important to stop smoking (smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which prevents nutrients from reaching the intervertebral discs in this region).