Conditions Archives

Fibromyalgia depression: How to deal with it?

Fibromyalgia depression is a complex and often difficult reality to manage. For those living with this chronic condition characterized by diffuse muscle pain and intense fatigue, the mental state can become as important as the physical manifestations of the disease. Scientific findings and patient experiences are increasingly highlighting the close connection between fibromyalgia and depression, giving us more insight into how these two entities interact and how we can manage our mental health in the context of this dual medical challenge.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by diffuse muscle pain, intense fatigue and tender points in various areas of the body. This disease affects not only the body, but also the mental state of those living with it, which can lead to depression. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between fibromyalgia and depression, and how we can manage and improve our mental health in the face of this dual diagnosis.

CONTENT:

Understanding the link between fibromyalgia and depression
How depression manifests itself in the context of fibromyalgia
Strategies for managing fibromyalgia depression

Understanding the link between fibromyalgia and depression

Fibromyalgia and depression intersect in a complex way, forming a connection that can profoundly affect patients’ quality of life. In light of recent research, it is increasingly evident that this association is not coincidental, but rather reflects a profound interaction between the physical and psychological aspects of this condition.

1. The Combined Impact of Chronic Pain and Mental Health

Fibromyalgia, characterized by diffuse muscle pain and tender points, creates a persistent physical burden. When this is associated with depression, the result can be an exacerbation of suffering. Chronic pain can negatively influence mood and contribute to a vicious cycle between physical discomfort and mental disorders.

2. Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in Fibromyalgia

Studies show that between 30% and 40% of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia also develop symptoms of depression. This co-prevalence indicates that these two conditions may mutually influence their occurrence and evolution. Understanding this aspect becomes crucial for the holistic management of fibromyalgia patients.

3. Physical and Psychological Factors Involved

Sleep Disorders: People with fibromyalgia often experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia or restless sleep. They can contribute to the onset and exacerbation of depressive symptoms, having a significant impact on quality of life.
Chronic Stress: The constant pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia can induce chronic stress. Stress, in turn, can worsen depressive symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.
Chemical Changes in the Brain: Some studies suggest that fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, the same chemicals involved in mood regulation. This chemical connection adds a complex dimension to understanding the link between fibromyalgia and depression.

Overall, it is evident that depression in the context of fibromyalgia is not just a simple coexistence, but an intricate interaction between the physical and psychological aspects of this condition. Adequately addressing this complex relationship requires a deep understanding of the factors involved and a holistic approach to effectively manage both the physical and psychological symptoms of fibromyalgia patients.

How depression manifests itself in the context of fibromyalgia

Depression associated with fibromyalgia brings with it a number of symptoms that can significantly influence the quality of life of patients. Recognizing and understanding these signs are crucial steps in fully addressing the complex impact of this dual diagnosis.

1. Persistent Sadness

Deep and persistent sadness is one of the core symptoms of depression in fibromyalgia. Patients may experience a general state of melancholy that is not directly related to difficult times, but becomes a constant presence in everyday life.

2. Loss of Pleasure in Usual Activities

Another defining aspect of depression associated with fibromyalgia is the loss of pleasure in activities that the patient normally enjoys. Activities that once brought joy and satisfaction may now become uninteresting and no longer generate the same pleasure.

3. Changes in Weight or Appetite

Depression can affect appetite and body weight. Patients may experience either increased or decreased appetite, leading to weight fluctuations. These changes can have a negative impact on your overall health and self-esteem.

4. Difficulty concentrating

Managing the chronic pain and physical symptoms of fibromyalgia can affect your ability to focus and pay attention. Depression exacerbates these difficulties, making daily and professional tasks more demanding and contributing to a sense of ineffectiveness.

5. Feelings of Hopelessness

Depression in fibromyalgia can bring with it strong feelings of despair and hopelessness. Patients may have difficulty anticipating improvement and may experience a general lack of perspective about their future.

Strategies for managing fibromyalgia depression

Medical treatment and therapy: Consultation with a mental health specialist and a rheumatologist may be essential. Cognitive-behavioral therapies and antidepressant medications can provide support in managing symptoms.
Regular physical exercise: Moderate physical activity can have a positive impact on fibromyalgia pain and improve mood. Consult a medical professional to choose appropriate exercises.
Stress management and relaxation: Techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to improved mental health.
Social support: Building a support system of friends, family, or support groups can provide an avenue for sharing experiences and finding solutions together.

Fibromyalgia depression can be a significant challenge, but approached with a well-structured plan and appropriate support, it can be managed. Each individual is unique, and personalized approaches will be most effective in managing the dual impact of this condition. Consulting with health professionals and implementing a holistic management plan can make significant improvements in the quality of life for affected individuals.

Ankylosing Spondylitis , Conditions

Tests for Ankylosing Spondylitis: How to Detect It

Tests for Ankylosing Spondylitis are an essential pillar, providing valuable information for the early identification of the disease.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, with insidious symptoms. In this context, the exploration of various tests and their role in the detection of ankylosing spondylitis becomes crucial. It is also important for the complete understanding of the process of diagnosis and management of this condition.

Through such investigations, specialists establish a personalized approach, providing patients a significant chance in battling this chronic disease.

CONTENT:

Are there specific symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
What are the tests for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is there a test to confirm ankylosing spondylitis?

Are there specific symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Yes, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has specific symptoms. Recognizing them is essential for early diagnosis and effective management of the condition. Characteristic symptoms include:

Pain and stiffness: Persistent lower back pain is one of the main symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. This pain may start gradually and become more intense over time. Spinal stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity, is also common.
Reduced mobility: Patients with AS may experience a progressive loss of spinal flexibility. This can affect the ability to make large movements, such as bending or turning the body.
Fatigue: Many patients with ankylosing spondylitis report chronic fatigue and loss of energy. This fatigue does not always correlate with physical activity and may persist even after adequate rest.
Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints: Ankylosing spondylitis often affects the sacroiliac joints. Those are located at the bottom of the spine. Inflammation in this area can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks.
Extra-articular symptoms: In some cases, ankylosing spondylitis can also affect other joints in the body, as well as other organs, such as the eyes or lungs. These extra-articular symptoms may include eye inflammation (uveitis) or breathing difficulties.
Presence of the HLA-B27 genetic marker: While not a symptom itself, ankylosing spondylitis is often associated with the HLA-B27 genetic marker, which can strengthen the diagnosis in combination with clinical symptoms.

What are the tests for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis involves a series of tests and investigations, which may include blood tests, medical imaging, and clinical evaluation. Here are some of the common tests and procedures used to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis:

1. Blood Tests

HLA-B27:Doctors commonly use a blood test to detect the HLA-B27 genetic marker in diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis. However, the presence of this marker does not necessarily confirm the diagnosis and may also be present in other conditions.
C-reactive protein (CRP) and ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Measuring these markers provides information about the elevated inflammation often seen in ankylosing spondylitis.
Antibody level: Other tests may include measuring specific antibodies, such as anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies, which may be present in other rheumatologic diseases but are not specific for ankylosing spondylitis.

2. Medical Imaging

X-rays: X-rays of the spine and sacroiliac joints may show characteristic changes such as bone erosions and the formation of new bone tissue (osteoproliferation).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): is very useful for detailed visualization of the spine and sacroiliac joints, highlighting inflammation and soft tissue damage.
Computed Tomography (CT): can be used to obtain detailed images of joints and bones, especially to assess bone changes.

3. Differential diagnosis

The doctor can use information from blood tests and medical imaging to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis or other types of spondyloarthropathies.

4. Clinical Evaluation

Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will consider the patient’s medical history, including reported symptoms, and perform a physical exam to identify signs specific to ankylosing spondylitis, such as limited spinal mobility.
Functional imaging: Techniques such as bone scintigraphy or X-ray imaging may be used to assess joint function and identify areas of inflammation or increased bone activity.

It is important to emphasize that an accurate diagnosis is made by combining the information obtained from these tests and procedures, as well as by consulting a specialist, usually a rheumatologist. If you have symptoms suggestive of ankylosing spondylitis, it is crucial to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and accurate diagnosis.

Is there a test to confirm ankylosing spondylitis?

There is no single test that can definitively confirm ankylosing spondylitis. The diagnosis of this rheumatologic condition is based on a combination of blood tests, medical imaging, medical history, physical examination, and clinical evaluation performed by a medical specialist, usually a rheumatologist.

However, there are specific tests and markers that can support the diagnosis and help guide the doctor in the evaluation process.

Conditions , Herniated Disc

Laser therapy in cervical disc herniation

In recent decades, laser therapy has become an increasingly common and effective option in treating cervical herniated discs. This non-invasive method has captured the attention of the medical community due to its ability to reduce pain, speed up the healing process and restore normal function of the cervical spine without requiring invasive surgery.

Cervical herniated disc is a painful and debilitating medical condition that affects the upper spine. This condition occurs when the gelatinous core of an intervertebral disc herniates or moves out of its normal position, putting pressure on the nerves or spinal cord in the neck area. Pain, tingling, muscle weakness, and other symptoms associated with cervical herniated discs can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.

CONTENT:

How does laser therapy work in cervical herniated disc?
Does laser therapy work for a pinched nerve in the neck?
Benefits of laser therapy in cervical disc herniation
Conclusion

How does laser therapy work in cervical herniated disc?

Laser treatment for the cervical spine is a form of non-invasive therapy that uses laser light to treat various conditions of the cervical spine. This therapy targets pain, inflammation, and promotes healing in herniated cervical discs, spondylosis, neck muscle or ligament injuries, arthritis, and similar neck-related conditions.

The laser treatment procedure for the cervical spine involves the use of a concentrated and focused laser light that can be applied directly to the affected area of the cervical spine. There are two main types of laser therapy used in the treatment of the cervical spine:

1. Low-energy laser (LLLT)

This type of laser therapy uses laser light at low intensities to influence healing processes and reduce inflammation and pain associated with cervical herniated discs. LLLT is non-invasive and is performed by applying a match-strength laser light to the affected area. It does not cause pain or discomfort to the patient and can stimulate the healing of damaged tissues by releasing chemicals in the body that promote healing processes.

2. High Intensity Laser (HILT)

Unlike LLLT, HILT uses the laser at higher intensities to penetrate deeper into the affected tissues. this allows the stimulation of healing processes at the cellular level. The high-intensity laser reaches deeper tissue layers and precisely targets the affected area, reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and alleviating pain linked with cervical herniated discs.

Both types of cervical herniated disc laser therapy have the main goal of stimulating healing and reducing symptoms such as pain, tingling or numbness, and muscle weakness associated with nerve compression in the cervical spine.

These techniques are frequently used as part of a complex treatment plan, which may include other medical interventions depending on the severity and particularity of a case. Moreover, it is important to emphasize that laser therapy for cervical herniation must be administered under the supervision and guidance of a medical specialist to ensure that it is applied correctly and safely, adapting to the specific needs of the patient.

Does laser therapy work for a pinched nerve in the neck?

Laser therapy can be beneficial for relieving symptoms associated with a pinched nerve in the neck area. Additionally, a neck pinched nerve can cause intense pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, shoulders, and neck.

Laser therapy, including Low Energy Laser (LLLT) and High Intensity Laser (HILT), reduces inflammation, eases pain, and enhances healing around the affected nerve. This non-invasive treatment applies concentrated laser light to the affected area, expediting healing and reducing discomfort.

Low energy laser (LLLT) low intensities of laser light to stimulate healing processes in affected tissues. It can be helpful in reducing inflammation and pain without causing pain or discomfort.

High Intensity Laser (HILT) penetrates deeper tissues, stimulating cellular-level healing. Also, this laser therapy effectively reduces inflammation and neck nerve pain.

Benefits of laser therapy in cervical disc herniation

This therapy for cervical disc herniation offers notable benefits by alleviating symptoms, accelerating healing, and enhancing cervical spine function. Here is a more detailed development of the benefits of laser therapy in cervical disc herniation:

Pain reduction

One of the most notable and desirable benefits of this therapy is its ability to reduce the pain. Moreover, laser therapy triggers endorphin release, easing pain in the treated area.

Reducing inflammation

The laser with concentrated energy can direct to the affected area, aiding in the reduction of inflammation. This is crucial in treating cervical herniated discs, as excessive inflammation can worsen nerve compression and intensify pain. Reducing inflammation facilitates healing and can lessen the unpleasant symptoms associated with a herniated disc.

Improving blood circulation

Laser therapy can improve blood circulation in the affected area of the cervical spine. Also, enhanced blood flow crucially aids healing by efficiently transporting nutrients and oxygen to affected tissues. This can speed up the recovery process and stimulate the regeneration of tissues affected by cervical disc herniation.

Faster recovery

Laser therapy boosts natural healing, expediting recovery and reinstating cervical spine function. However, the laser can influence tissue regeneration mechanisms and support the body in its natural recovery and repair process.

Conclusion

This therapy in cervical disc herniation is a promising therapeutic option for those affected by this condition. However, qualified medical professionals must administer it and integrate it into a comprehensive treatment plan. Prioritize consulting a doctor or specialist before commencing any cervical herniated disc therapy for tailored and effective treatment.

Conditions , Fibromyalgia

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.