Conditions Archives

Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Treatment for focuses Fibromyalgia on minimizing symptoms and improving overall health. No treatment works for all symptoms, and the treatment schedule is customized for each patient.

Even if there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a wide range of treatments can help control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation methods and stress reduction can also relieve symptoms.

Common painkillers are used as a treatment for fibromyalgia, which can be given without a prescription.

Antidepressants are helpful and can help relieve the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. In addition, they relax and have benefits in regulating sleep.

There are also medications used to treat epilepsy, which are often helpful in reducing certain painful manifestations associated with fibromyalgia.

CONTENT:

Therapies
Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine

Therapies

Physiotherapy – The physiotherapist can teach you a variety of exercises that improve strength, flexibility and endurance. Hydrokinetic therapy can help in certain situations;
Occupational therapy – The occupational therapist can help you adjust the space in which you carry out your activity or the way in which you perform certain tasks, so that the stress on the body is as small as possible;
Psychological counseling – the psychologist can help you strengthen your confidence in your own abilities and can teach you strategies to deal with stressful situations.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Personal care is very important in the treatment for fibromyalgia.

Stress Management – Create a plan to avoid overwork and emotional stress. Take time to relax daily. This can also mean learning to say “no” to certain proposals, without feeling guilty. At the same time, it is important not to completely change your daily routine. People who avoid work or quit work that day tend to become unproductive. Try stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises or meditation.
Sleep Hygiene – Because chronic fatigue is one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, good sleep quality is essential. In addition to allocating enough time to sleep, it is good to try to fall asleep and wake up at the same time, thus giving up sleep during the day.
Exercise – At first, they can exacerbate the pain, but done regularly, it relieves symptoms. Running, swimming, cycling or water aerobics can be included in the exercise program. A physiotherapist can help you develop an exercise program to follow at home. Stretching and breathing exercises are very good.
Be consistent – keep the activity at a constant level. If you work harder on days when you feel better, you may then experience longer periods of pain. This does not mean doing less or limiting the activity on the days when the symptoms start. Moderation is important.
Choose a healthy diet – quit smoking and limit your caffeine intake.

Alternative medicine

Complementary therapies for stress and pain management are not new. Some, like meditation and yoga, have been practiced for thousands of years, but recently, they have become very popular among those suffering from chronic diseases, such as fibromyalgia.

Many of these treatments relieve pain and reduce stress, some of which are accepted in conventional medicine.

Acupuncture – is a traditional Chinese therapy that is based on restoring the balance of life by inserting fine needles into the skin at different depths. According to Western theories about acupuncture, those introduced into the skin cause changes in blood flow and neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord.
Massage – is one of the oldest methods of care that is still practiced. It involves various manipulation techniques that move muscles and soft tissues. The massage relieves the pulse, relaxes the muscles, improves the range of motion of the joints and can accelerate the production of endorphins.
Yoga and Tai Chi – these techniques combine meditation, slow movements, breathing and relaxation exercises. Both have been shown to help relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Conditions , Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis)

Treatment for Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis)

Depending on which part of the spine is affected, treatment for spondylosis may differ in effectiveness and simplicity. For example, cervical spondylosis can be effectively treated with exercise and the application of a cervical collar. Patients with lumbar spondylosis may need transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, heat application, exercise and painkillers to get rid of symptoms.

In rare cases, patients may undergo some surgery to get complete relief from the symptoms of spondylosis.
In most cases, uncomplicated cases of thoracic spondylosis can be successfully managed using conservative therapy or non-surgical options.

CONTENT:

Acupuncture
Rest
Medications
Physical therapy
Use of prostheses
Physical therapy
Hydrotherapy
Tape application
Therapeutic massage
Therapeutic laser procedures

Acupuncture

Your doctor may recommend that you try acupuncture to reduce pain. Acupuncture is best performed by an acupuncture specialist.

Rest

The patient should have adequate rest and avoid strenuous exercise until symptoms subside.

Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. If nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not provide relief, epidural steroid injections can be given into the spine to reduce pain, numbness and tingling in the legs.

Physical therapy

An exercise program helps strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, improves flexibility and increases the range of motion of the lower back.

Use of prostheses

In severe cases of spondylolysis, a brace or support can be used to stabilize the lower back.

Physical therapy

If this condition has already occurred, and has been medically identified, your doctor may recommend a period of physical therapy. The progression and severity of symptoms will determine whether it is necessary to be hospitalized in a clinic or hospital, or in an outpatient clinic where you can come and go daily.

The goals of physical therapy in spondylosis are to rebuild muscle mass and increase muscle endurance, help the patient adjust to effort, maintain and increase joint mobility, improve muscle degeneration, coordination, control and balance, and correct posture and body alignment.

Hydrotherapy

Using the effects of water to relieve pressure and pain is a beneficial treatment for spondylosis. Hydrotherapy can treat a variety of disorders related to bone and joint pain. This differs from swimming in that it involves exercises that you do in hot water, usually at a temperature between 32 C and 36 C. A trained physiotherapist usually demonstrates how to do the exercises in water, making necessary adjustments for patients. individual.

Tape application

This is a technique used to prevent or rehabilitate injury. Physiotherapists are specially trained to effectively apply the tape to the skin to keep specific muscles or bones stable.

Therapeutic massage

A therapist can use a gentle massage to gradually relax the muscles. It can use circulatory massage, transverse and longitudinal friction, trigger points and other light to medium pressure techniques to relax your muscles and increase your range of motion in all directions. The goal of this treatment for spondylosis is to minimize the progression of it and to control the pain. Massage is effective because it can balance and relax the muscles that support the spine.

Therapeutic laser procedures

The concept that light energy from a laser can reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate the healing of damaged tissues, relax muscles and stimulate nerve regeneration seems to be a myth. Science, however, tells us that these effects occur, and helps patients suffering from spondylosis and beyond.

Wavelength and power determine the ability of the laser to penetrate the body. Once in the infrared spectrum, the laser energy penetrates like x-rays, but to get the required depth you need significant power or energy.

Conditions , Scoliosis

Treatment for Scoliosis

The treatment for Scoliosis is established depending on the type of scoliosis and the stage of the disease. So, for curves lower than 30 degrees, physiotherapy is recommended. For curves between 30 and 50 degrees, physiotherapy and orthotic treatment (wearing a corset) are indicated. For curves greater than 50 degrees, surgery is also recommended.

Scoliosis is observed during a regular consultation with a pediatrician, at a routine examination at school or if a parent or teacher notices a lateral curvature of the spine.

The diagnosis of the specialist helps to establish a treatment for the type and stage of scoliosis, as well as to exclude other possible causes of spinal deformity, such as Scheuermann’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis or juvenile disc disorder.

CONTENT:

Kinetic Therapeutic Treatment
Hygienic-dietary treatment
Surgical treatment
Orthotic treatment

Kinetic Therapeutic Treatment

The most effective form of treatment for mild to moderate scoliosis is physical therapy. The benefits of the treatment are the following:

The position of the column is improved;
Increases column flexibility;
Increases muscle, abdominal and paravertebral strength;
It improves breathing.

To achieve the above objectives, physical therapy uses:

Exercises to correct posture;
Fixed posts;
Exercises for toning the abdominal muscles;
Exercises for toning the gluteal muscles;
Exercises for toning and rebalancing the muscles in the back area;
Exercises to improve breathing;
Exercises to increase respiratory muscle strength

On a case-by-case basis, physiotherapy may include:

Skin massage and stretching;
Education for a correct posture;
Static exercises to increase muscle tone;
Guided breathing exercises to change the wrong breathing pattern.

It is recommended that the physiotherapy treatment be performed only by specialists. If the doctor deems it necessary, wearing a corset may also be indicated. Also, physiotherapy can be recommended postoperatively, to help in the recovery process.

Hygienic-dietary treatment

Doctors recommend that patients with scoliosis have a normal body weight for their height, age and lifestyle. This aspect is necessary, because the excess weight can accentuate the deviations of the spine.

A healthy and balanced diet is recommended, as well as the reduction or elimination of processed foods, very sweet or containing saturated fats. The diet of a person with scoliosis should include:

High fiber foods – especially whole grains, nuts and seeds;
Fresh vegetables – ideally, you should consume at least 4-5 servings a day;
Fresh fruits – 3-4 servings of whole fruits a day;
Foods with a probiotic content – help reduce inflammation. These include yogurt, kefir and pickles;
Eggs and lean meat;
Fish – contains Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, protein, zinc, iron, selenium and vitamin B complex;
Meat soups and broths – contain collagen and help maintain healthy bones and joints.

It is also recommended to reduce foods that cause inflammation:

Refined oils – for example, corn or rapeseed oil;
Pasteurized milk or meat products;
Refined carbohydrates and products with a high sugar content. This category includes white bread, some preserves, sweet cereals, packaged snacks, especially wafers, snacks and other processed sweets;
Saturated and trans fats – found in most fried products.

In addition to adjusting the diet, it is important that the body receives nutrients, antioxidants and compounds with anti-inflammatory role. These include vitamin D, which helps increase, develop and maintain bone density, and magnesium – many patients with scoliosis have magnesium deficiency.

It is important for the development of muscles, bones and spinal cord.

Surgical treatment

If the angle of curvature of the spine is 45-50 degrees, the doctor may recommend surgery. The operation to correct scoliosis is not simple, but requires a high degree of difficulty. Its objective is to achieve a good vertebral osteoarthritis, by associating metal instruments with perpendicular screws. If the intervention takes place early, the chances of complete healing increase.

Recovery after surgery varies from person to person. After surgery, your doctor may recommend painkillers to keep your pain under control. Physical therapy is also indicated to help the patient be able to walk again. As the person recovers, it is important to rebuild muscle strength. This aspect is taken care of by a physiotherapist. Generally, recovery lasts up to six weeks, and return to normal activities can take place in no more than six months.

Like any form of surgery, it poses a number of risks. The level of risk depends on the patient’s age, the degree of curvature, the cause of the curvature and the measures taken to correct it (by wearing a corset, physical therapy, massage, etc.).

During the operation, the surgeon monitors the functions of the spinal cord and those of the nervous structures. If there is a risk of damage, the surgeon may adjust the procedure to reduce this risk.

There is also a fairly low risk of infection, so antibiotics are recommended. Other possible risks include nerve damage, bleeding and damage to blood vessels, progression of curvature even after surgery, rupture of rods or screws, and the need for new surgery, but these are rare.

Orthotic treatment

In addition to physiotherapy and especially in cases of moderate to severe scoliosis, orthotic treatment is also indicated. Its most common form is wearing a corset. It can prevent the worsening of the scoliotic curve, but it cannot correct it. Scoliosis below 30 degrees does not require orthotic treatment, as they may be non-evolving.

The specialist may recommend wearing the corset for 8-12 hours a day or even longer (20-22 hours), depending on the type of curvature, the aggressiveness of the disease and the age of the patient. Sometimes, wearing a corset alternates with physical therapy.

In general, the corset is recommended especially for children who are still growing. The most common types of corsets are made of plastic and adapt to body shape. Often, they are invisible under clothes, and their efficiency increases with the number of hours worn. Usually, children who wear them can participate in most activities, with few restrictions.

The bodice is removed after the bones stop growing. This happens in girls, two years after the onset of menstruation, and in boys, when it is necessary to shave or when there are no changes in height.

Conditions , Degenerative Disc Disease

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

If you develop health problems, such as osteoarthritis, a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis, you may need other treatments. The treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease include physiotherapy, back strengthening and stretching exercises.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended. Surgery usually involves removing the damaged disc. In some cases, the bone is then permanently joined to protect the spinal cord. In rare cases, an artificial disc can be used to replace the disc that is being removed.

All doctors agree that keeping back pain under control – regardless of the source – requires exercise to increase the strength and flexibility of the muscles that surround and support the spine. Exercise increases back blood flow, which nourishes joints and muscles with oxygen and nutrients, while cleansing destructive inflammatory waste products.

CONTENT:

Surgery
Exercises for Degenerative Disc Disease
Stem cell therapy
Other remedies

Surgery

Patients who do not respond to conservative therapies in about 3 months may consider surgery. This can be an option if there are:

back or leg pain that prevents the patient from performing regular activities
numbness or weakness in the legs
difficulty standing or walking

Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may recommend either a replacement of the disc with an artificial one or a fusion of the spine. You may need surgery if the pain does not subside or worsen after 6 months.

Artificial disc replacement involves replacing the affected disc with a new plastic and metal one. Vertebral fusion, on the other hand, binds the affected vertebrae together as a strengthening system.

Stabilization surgery or fusion of the spine involved the fusion of two vertebrae that ensure the stability of the spine. This can be done anywhere in the spine, but is more common in the lower back and neck area. These are the most mobile parts of the spine.

This can relieve extreme pain in patients whose spine can no longer support the weight, but can also accelerate the degeneration of the discs near the fused vertebrae.

Decompression surgery involves various options to remove part of the disc joint that can reduce the pressure on the nerves. A patient who develops osteoarthritis, herniated disc or spinal stenosis may need other types of treatment.

Exercises for Degenerative Disc Disease

Physical therapy and spine-strengthening exercises, such as yoga or Pilates, can help manage degenerative disc disease. Exercises can help strengthen and stabilize the area around the affected discs and increase mobility. Exercises that build the back and stomach muscles include walking, cycling and swimming, as well as basic training programs such as yoga and Pilates.

Exercise can help supplement other treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease by strengthening the muscles surrounding the damaged discs. They can also increase blood flow to help reduce painful swelling, while increasing the level of nutrients and oxygen in the affected area.

Stretching is the first form of exercise that can help in case of Degenerative Disc Disease. Doing so will help you train your back slightly, so it can be helpful to do light stretches before and after. It is also important to lie down before doing any type of workout. Yoga is useful in treating back pain and has additional benefits on flexibility and endurance through regular practice.

Stem cell therapy

This is an approach based on tissue engineering using stem cells. The goal is to encourage functional cartilage to be generated using an injectable hydrogel system. The researchers concluded that stem cell therapy may be useful for regenerating the intervertebral disc. But many more studies are needed to prove that this treatment is safe and effective.

Other remedies

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease used in conjunction with physical activity and exercise to increase back endurance include:

physiotherapy
drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen sodium), sedatives (acetaminophen)
heat therapy
mobilization of the spine

Conditions , Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Treatment for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

The doctor who is specializes in pediatric rheumatology is the one who will recommend a treatment for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. This treatment aims to reduce swelling, maintain good movement in the affected joints, reduce pain, treat and prevent complications.

The fundamental measures of the treatment for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis include: the hygienic-dietary regime, the drug therapy, non-pharmacological means, the musculoskeletal recovery and the growth, the psycho-social integration.

CONTENT:

Drugs
Intra-articular cortisone injections
Orthopedic surgery
Rehabilitation
Hygienic-dietary measures
Daily exercise schedule
Alternative medicine
Physiotherapy

Drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen and other prescription drugs, are often the first type of medication used. Most doctors do not treat children with aspirin because it could cause bleeding problems, stomach upset, liver problems or Reye’s syndrome.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often used if nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not provide enough benefits.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can help severely ill children. These medications can reduce severe symptoms, such as pericarditis.
Biological drugs, which are genetically engineered, can be used in children if other drugs do not work. Injectable forms include adalimumab, abatacept, tocilizumab, etanercept and canakinumab. They suppress the hyperactive immune system, targeting proteins that trigger inflammation.

Intra-articular cortisone injections

They are used when few joints are involved and when there is a risk of long-term damage. The injected drug is a long-acting cortisone preparation. Triamcinolone hexacetonide is preferred for its prolonged effect (often several months).

Orthopedic surgery

The main procedures are joint prostheses (replacement in case of joint destruction) and surgical release of soft tissues (in case of permanent contractures).

Rehabilitation

This is an essential component of treatment. It includes proper exercise and, where necessary, wearing splints to correct posture.

Rehabilitation therapy should be started early and should be performed throughout the disease to maintain joint mobility, trophicity and muscle strength as well as to prevent, limit or correct deformities.

Hygienic-dietary measures

Bed rest is imposed only by acute manifestations, disabling polyarticular forms and extraarticular complications. Otherwise, the child will be hospitalized as soon as possible and will lead a life as normal as possible.

It is necessary to analyze the nutritional intake and vitamin supplementation, in particular attention should be paid to improving or preventing bone loss through adequate intake of dairy, calcium-containing vegetables, mobilization, exercise and suppression of inflammation.

Daily exercise schedule

It is important to maintain a regular exercise program. Muscles must be kept strong and healthy in order to help support and protect the joints. Regular physical activity also helps maintain range of motion.

At home and at school, the little one should have regular exercise programs. Safe activities include walking, swimming and cycling. Make sure the little one does warm-up moves before making an effort.

Alternative medicine

Some alternative or complementary approaches, such as acupuncture, can help a child manage the stress of living with an ongoing illness. It can reduce the need for sedatives and can stimulate the flexibility of the affected joints, but it does not prevent damage.

Physiotherapy

An adequate physical therapy program is essential for the management of any type of arthritis. A physiotherapist will explain the importance of certain activities and will recommend exercises appropriate to the specific condition. The therapist may recommend movement exercises to restore flexibility in stiff, painful joints and other exercises to help develop strength and endurance.

Conditions , Spondylolisthesis

Treatment for Spondylolisthesis

In this article we will analyze the full range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for spondylolisthesis.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is relatively rare in other segments of the spine, but can occur in two or even three segments simultaneously.

Each segment of the spine consists of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and joint facets. The intervertebral disc acts as a shock absorber between the vertebrae, while the paired articular facets restrict movement. They allow the spine to bend forward (flexion) and backward (extension), but do not allow a rotational movement.

As you age, joint facets can become incompetent and allow for too much flexion, allowing one vertebral body to slide on the other.

CONTENT:

Changing daily activities
Chiropractic therapy
Epidural injections

Changing daily activities

Patients can change their activities so that they spend more time sitting in a chair and less time standing or walking.

The change in activities generally includes:

A short period of rest (for example, one to two days of rest or relaxation in a folding chair);
Avoiding standing;
Avoiding walking for long periods of time;
Avoiding dangerous physical exercises;
Avoid activities that require column extension.

If changing activities substantially reduces the patient’s pain and symptoms, this is an acceptable way to manage the condition in the long run.

Applying cold compresses, applying heat or pain medications can help with this approach, especially after walking or any strenuous activity, but it does not solve the problem of long-term pain 100%. For patients who want to be more active, the fixed bike in the gyms is a reasonable option, because it is an activity performed in a sitting position and should be tolerated.

Another option is aqua gym – gymnastics performed in the swimming pool with warm water – because the water provides support and buoyancy, and the patient is comfortable to perform flexion-extension movements to strengthen the lumbar muscles.

Many patients benefit from a physical therapy program in which certain exercises are performed gradually and controlled, which have the role of strengthening the lumbar muscles in order to maintain and / or increase the degree of mobility and flexibility, which, in turn, tends to to alleviate pain as well as to help the patient maintain his ability to function actively every day.

Chiropractic therapy

Chiropractic therapy helps you to reduce pain by mobilizing painful joint dysfunction. The first symptom identified by the chiropractor in case of spondylolisthesis is pain in the affected region. It improves in flexion, and is accentuated in extension, this posture favoring the degree of sliding.

The contracture of the paravertebral muscles is present, to which the contracture of the gluteal muscles can be associated, respectively the contracture of the thigh muscles. Slipping can also lead to compression of the roots of the spinal nerves, in which case symptoms such as numbness, tingling, loss of reflexes, even muscle atrophy along the path of the affected nerves may occur.

The treatment of spondylolisthesis aims to align the slippery vertebrae, which will remove pain and muscle contractions, and stop the negative effects on the limbs through which the pressed nerve passes (numbness, tingling, muscle atrophy), thus ensuring the patient’s return to daily activities.

These results can be obtained by chiropractic, a method successfully used in the treatment of spondylolisthesis, which consists of various manipulations performed on the spine by elongation, torsion and cracking.

Through these manipulations, after several sessions, the slipped vertebra is progressively repositioned, resulting in the disappearance of the mentioned symptoms in a relatively short time, acting directly because of these symptoms.

Epidural injections

Injections are effective in reducing a patient’s pain in up to 50% of cases.
An epidural injection of steroids works to relieve the patient’s pain and can be done a maximum of three times a year. The length of time the lumbar epidural injection can be effective is variable, as pain relief can take a week or a year.

Conditions , Sciatica

Remedies for sciatica

There are many remedies for sciatica that can help reduce pain or prevent illness in time. These are easy to administer, some even in the comfort of your own home.

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that starts from the lumbar area, buttocks and includes the thighs to the knees, being accompanied by a burning sensation. pain or burning can set in even in that area.

The pain can be mild, in the first phase in the form of tingling, and then eventually turn into unbearable pain, sometimes even paralyzing.

CONTENT:

Anti-inflammatory patches
Practice yoga
Practice physiotherapy
Use compresses
Use acupuncture
Practice Pilates

Anti-inflammatory patches

Like hyperthermic patches, these patches can be purchased from the pharmacy and consist of microfilms containing ibuprofen, with high local absorption, which can work wonders in some cases. It can be kept for a few hours, according to the instructions.

Practice yoga

One study found that yoga reduces back pain by 64%. Yoga strengthens muscles and improves flexibility so those who are known to suffer from sciatica have to gain from this practice of Hindu origin when after the pain subsides they adopt such a program in a sustained manner.

Practice physiotherapy

Even if exercise is your last concern when you have pain caused by the sciatic nerve, medical gymnastics, which is also called physical therapy, is more useful than you think. Exercise stimulates blood circulation and alleviates pain.

If the pain is so strong that you can’t exercise, try swimming or aerobics in the water because this type of movement does not put much pressure on your back.

Use compresses

Hot or cold compresses can be helpful when trying to get rid of sciatica pain. Use hot or cold compresses applied for 15 minutes and observe how the body reacts.

If you notice that the pain reacts better to the cold, use only cold compresses, but if you notice an improvement when using hot compresses, rely on them, the pain being rather generated by a contracture associated with nerve damage.

Use acupuncture

Specific to Chinese medicine, acupuncture is effective in treating many ailments, including pain caused by the sciatic nerve. Studies in the field have shown that acupuncture with heated needles is effective in relieving sciatica.

There are a number of practices where practitioners are physicians specializing in alternative medicine and acupuncture, as well as institutes of alternative medicine homeopathy and acupuncture.

Practice Pilates

If you are a sports junkie and you are used to doing jumping, weightlifting, sprint running, extreme sports (wake board, snow board, etc.) find out that unfortunately these harder movements force the elasticity of the spine and at any time the painful sciatic nerve crisis can reappear.

It is necessary to reorient yourself, especially after a painful episode, to another type of sustained sport and Pilates can help you by strengthening the paravertebral, abdominal and pelvic muscles.

These are some remedies for sciatica that can help keep the disease under control and reduce pain. However, you must be careful and seek medical advice before following such a remedy.

Conditions , Osteoporosis

Natural remedies for osteoporosis

In addition to medical treatments and surgeries, there are also natural remedies for osteoporosis. These natural treatments can help you to reduce the pain and negative effects of the disease.

It is well known that Osteoporosis has no symptoms and does not hurt. This represents only an increased risk of fracture. Problems arise from the moment a fracture occurs.

These are just a few natural remedies for osteoporosis that you can try at home.

CONTENT:

Reduce your salt intake
Do not smoke
Reduce alcohol consumption
Consume caffeine in moderate amounts
Be careful with sour juices
Organic silicon
Vitamin D
Vitamin K
Natural sources of copper
Rich sources of manganese

Reduce your salt intake

The impact of salt on osteoporosis is uncertain, but there appears to be a relationship between high sodium intake and bone loss, especially in people with high blood pressure. In general, salt increases the amount of calcium excreted in urine and sweat, which can lead to further bone loss in people with calcium deficiency.

Do not smoke

Smoking prevents the healing of fractures and reduces the body’s ability to generate bone. When you quit smoking, you instantly increase your bone strength and ability to recover from an accident.

Reduce alcohol consumption

Drinking up to two glasses a day for men and one for women can even help prevent fractures. Exceeding this amount every day on the one hand reduces the absorption of calcium, on the other hand depletes existing reserves and, in addition, reduces the level of hormones such as estrogen, important for bone generation.

Consume caffeine in moderate amounts

It is well known that this substance, whether it comes from tea, coffee, chocolate, etc., interferes with calcium absorption. Moderation is the most appropriate. For those who have a good level of calcium in their body, 300 milligrams of caffeine a day (which is a cup of coffee or two cups of tea) should not cause them problems.

Be careful with sour juices

A high intake of cola, whether decaffeinated, dietary or normal, has been linked to an increased risk of bone thinning, according to a major 2006 study. However, it is unclear, however, whether the juice actually causes bone loss. Some experts attribute the fact that people who drink a lot of sour juice tend to consume less milk.

Organic silicon

It is an excellent support for bones and connective tissue, the degradation of the latter causing the loss of skin elasticity. All the elastic tissues that make up the bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels are made of a real matrix of silicon, to which the other elements are then fixed.

Vitamin D

It helps your body to absorb, retain and use calcium. The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, and in terms of food, it is found in milk, orange juice, cereals, etc.

Vitamin K

It slows down bone aging and accelerates the healing of bone lesions. Moreover, it is an essential nutrient that helps you to prevent bleeding, skin conditions, reduces the risk of heart attack and helps you to restore the epidermis after surgery. The richest sources of vitamin K are: parsley, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, wheat germ, olive oil, green tea, etc.

Natural sources of copper

These are found in: seafood, nuts, cereals, mushrooms.

Rich sources of manganese

You can find them in foods such as: almonds, pineapple, spinach, sweet potatoes.

Conditions , Sprains and Strains

Sprains and Strains: causes, symptoms, treatment

Sprains and strains are common injuries that affect muscles and ligaments. Most can be treated at home without seeing a primary care physician.

What is the difference between sprain and strain? The ligaments, muscles, or tendons that line the bones and wrists can be affected if the movements we make are not correct (sudden or violent movements of the bones).

Sprain
It consists in the violent stretching of the articular ligaments, but without a rupture or tearing. Sprain occurs in the ankle, knee or wrist.

We recognize a sprain after painful swelling, the movements can be done, but they are not natural and even bruises can occur.

Until he arrives at the hospital, the wounded man can be given ice packs or we can immobilize his area by wrapping it with an elastic bandage or bandage. At the hospital he will be consulted by a specialist doctor and an X-ray will be taken.

The treatment of the sprained ankle consists in putting a bandage or a splint for a period of 2 weeks or in the most painful case it is put in plaster.

Strain
It means moving a bone in the joint. The dislocation receives the name of the region in which it occurred: shoulder, foot, elbow.

Strain occurs by falling on the shoulder, elbow, foot (by landing from the jump on the outer edge of the foot). It is more common in athletes (sports injuries) and tourists.

First aid in case of strain of the foot is done by pulling the foot as it is done when removing the boot, the knee must be in flexion to allow relaxation of the Achilles tendon. Arriving at the hospital, he was received by a medical specialist.

CONTENT:

Causes
Symptoms
Treatment

Causes of Sprains and Strains

The movements of the ankle and knee joints, performed suddenly and forcing the physiological limits of the body, can cause a minor trauma, by stretching the ligaments that connect the bones of the foot and those of the leg. In critical cases, the inversion, the most common cause of sprain, is generated by rotating the ankle inward, simultaneously with bringing the sole of the foot inward.

An even more painful form of a sprain is caused by twisting the upper ligaments and those outside the calf. External rotation and abduction of the ankle lead to sprain by eversion, a form of trauma that may require surgery. Most often, you can have the unpleasant experience of a sprain on a walk in the mountains, due to choosing the wrong pair of shoes, or on the football field, during a man-to-man dribble.

Symptoms of Sprains and Strains

The intensity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the lesions. The first symptom of a sprain is pain, although the painful sensation may occur with some delay after the injury, because the inflammatory process takes time. It is not excluded that the moment of ligament overload is not aware.

Local pain and tenderness, but also exacerbation of painful sensations when mobilizing the joint are specific symptoms of sprains. Swelling of the affected area is sometimes associated with bleeding in the ligaments. Deep bleeding is associated with bruising of the skin, but it can take up to 24 hours for it to become apparent.

The combination of pain and swelling of the joint causes the body to protect the injured area, which leads to functional difficulties through self-preservation. Sprains located at the ankle or knee are associated with a limited ability to move the joint, its mobilization being associated with intense pain.

In some situations, all these symptoms may be associated with a numbness, and in the case of severe sprains, at the time of occurrence, it is possible to hear or feel, when mobilizing lightly, a joint click (a crack).

Treatment of Sprains and Strains

Simple forms of sprain can be treated at home. In their case, it is necessary to immobilize the injured area and avoid forcing it. It is sometimes necessary to rest for a few days and limit the usual activities, which put pressure on the affected joint.

Ice packs are useful. They are kept on the joint for about 10-15 minutes, four to eight times a day. It is also useful to massage with an ice cube on the joint, through circular movements.

Compression of the joint is useful in reducing inflammation. Elastic bandages can be used on the affected area and on the extremities to prevent distal inflammation. The compressive bandage soothes pain, but should not be excessively tight, uncomfortable or disrupt blood circulation. Also to reduce the inflammation of the limb with the affected joint, it must be kept high, at a height above the patient’s heart.

In more severe cases, in which the ligaments have been partially torn, it is necessary to immobilize the ankle with a cast of plaster or orthosis. The time required for healing is set by the orthopedist. For very severe sprains, with torn ligaments, associated with bleeding, surgery is required.

Therapy should not be limited to reducing pain, reducing edema and eliminating bruising, but should be continued after the acute phase is over, with medical gymnastics and physiotherapy, so that the affected joint is restored to normal parameters or as close as possible to the condition before injury.

The recovery protocol is necessary to reduce the sensitivity of the joint, but also in order to prevent recurrence, whose risk is relatively high, which can lead to motor deficit or a compensatory position that causes, over time, other postural disorders. It is important to know that the pain passes before the affected joint is completely restored, and medical gymnastics is essential for complete healing.

Manual therapy is recommended especially in case of severe sprains and recurrences or after periods of immobilization. It is important to say that these joint injuries, especially in the knee, are considered favorable factors for osteoarthritis.

Regardless of the severity of the sprain, it is recommended to consult a specialist, in order to benefit from a correct evaluation and personalized therapeutic indications.

The duration of recovery depends on the severity of the sprain. In mild cases, it can last one to two weeks, while in more severe cases, it can reach 10-12 weeks. Surgical repairs, necessary for completely torn ligaments, have the longest recovery period and are followed by postoperative therapy.

The presentation to the doctor is absolutely necessary, if the symptoms worsen after the application of cold compresses and compression of the joint, with elastic band, the second or third day after the trauma.

Conditions , Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis)

Spondylosis: causes, symptoms, treatment

Spondylosis is also known as spinal osteoarthritis – a fairly common condition, but it is usually not serious, although it can be quite painful. As with many other terms for describing spinal problems, spondylosis is more of a descriptive term than a clinical diagnosis. Literally, it can be translated to mean both pain and degeneration of the spine, regardless of what causes the pain or where the degeneration occurs.

Spondylosis is becoming more common. Over 80% of people over the age of 40 have spondylosis in radiographic studies.

CONTENT:

Causes
Symptoms
Treatment

Causes of Spondylosis

The bones and cartilage in the cervical spine are more prone to damage due to various causes. These include:

Bone spurs – are some bone growths that occur when the body develops excess bones to make the spine stronger.

However, these bones can put pressure on delicate areas of the spine, such as the spinal cord and nerves, which is why the pain occurs.

Dehydrated spinal discs – the bones of the spine have discs between them, which are similar to thick pillows, which absorb the shock of lifting, twisting and other activities. The gel material in these discs can dry over time. This causes the bones (vertebrae of the spine) to rub more, which can be painful.

This process can begin at the age of 30.

Disc herniation – the vertebral discs may develop cracks, allowing internal cushioning material to drain. It can press on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness of the arm and pain radiating down one of the arms.
Injury – a trauma to the neck (due to a fall or a car accident, for example) can speed up the aging process.
Ligament stiffness – the hard cords that connect the bones of the spine can become even harder over time, which affects the movement of the neck.
Overload – some activities or hobbies involve repetitive movements or difficult efforts that can put pressure on the spine, resulting in its early wear.

Symptoms of Spondylosis

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can become chronic. These may include:

Neck (cervical area)

The pain that appears and disappears
Pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms, hands or fingers
Stiffness in the morning in the neck or shoulder, or a limited range of motion
Numbness of the neck or shoulder
Weakness or tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands or fingers
Headache felt in the nape of the neck
Loss of balance
Difficulty swallowing (This is rare, but may occur if the spinal cord is compressed.)

Chest area

Bending and enlarging the body triggers pain
Stiffness in the back when getting out of bed in the morning

Lower back

Pain that appears and disappears
Stiffness in the back in the morning
Pain that decreases after rest or exercise
Weakness or numbness in the lower back
Sciatica (mild to severe pain in the foot)
Weakness, numbness or tingling in the back, legs or soles
Difficulty walking
Intestinal or bladder disorders (this is rare, but may occur)

Treatment of Spondylosis

Often, methods that do not involve surgery are very effective.

A physiotherapist is usually helpful for people with cervical spondylosis. Physical therapy helps to stretch the muscles of the neck and shoulders, which, in the end, will lead to pain relief.

Therapeutic massage is often indicated before physiotherapy sessions, to calm and relax the area, combat painful muscle contractions, stimulate blood circulation and muscle toning.

Your doctor may recommend medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotics, antiepileptics, steroid injections or topically applied gels.

If the patient’s condition is severe and he does not respond to other forms of treatment, surgery may be needed. This may involve removing the bone spurs, parts of the neck bones or herniated discs to give more space to the spinal cord and nerves.

Surgery is rarely necessary for cervical spondylosis. However, the doctor recommends this method if the pain is severe and if the patient’s ability to move his arms is affected.

Natural remedies
There are several natural remedies that may help those suffering from cervical spondylosis. These include:

Ginger tea;
Devil’s claw supplements;
White willow bark extract supplements.

Although they can help reduce pain and inflammation, they should be taken with your doctor’s consent. Even if it is an herbal tea, it can have unwanted effects if it interacts with another commonly used medicine prescribed by your doctor.