Elliptical Trainer Sleepy Foot Syndrome

Have you ever been striding away on your elliptical trainer, getting into a great workout, and then realize that one of your feet has gone numb all of a sudden? It's no fun and is a great way to break your concentration and ruin what was otherwise a terrific workout. Sometimes your foot throbs so much you need to cut your elliptical trainer workout short to walk off the numbness. This article will reveal why this happens and give you some tips for dealing with it.

It does seem unusual that your foot would fall asleep while you're standing upright. This usually happens while either lying or sitting, but have you ever stood in the same position in a line that isn't moving? This is the perfect condition for getting numb feet. It's all about circulation. The simple act of wiggling your toes or flexing your foot will usually be enough to relieve the tingling and numbness.

Using an elliptical trainer is very similar to standing motionless in one place. Well, at least with respect to your feet. The low impact nature of an elliptical trainer is the result of your feet never leaving the foot pedals. While great for your knees and other joints, it's what can cause your feet to lose sensation.

It's important to wear well-cushioned athletic footwear when exercising on an elliptical trainer, but this usually doesn't do much to prevent numbness in your feet. The root cause of the problem is the constant pressure of your body weight on your feet and the restricted circulation that results.

The remedy is twofold:

1. Promote circulation -- remember to wiggle your toes every so often during your workout. Another technique is heel-to-toe flexion of your foot. Simply rock your foot from heel to toe on the foot pedal of the elliptical trainer as you exercise. Most people usually experience numbness in one of their feet, but if you're having numbness with both, then perform these movements with both feet. Also try to remember to do these movements throughout your workout, before numbness sets in.

2. Avoid excessively long workouts -- the optimal range for fat burning and moderate cardio conditioning on an elliptical trainer is between 30 to 45 minutes. Longer than 45 minutes may be longer than most people need. It's usually more productive to do two 30-minute workouts on an elliptical trainer spread out during the day than one extended workout for an hour.

The longer you stay on an elliptical trainer, the greater the chance that your feet may go numb from lack of circulation.

Though annoying, you can shake off the effects of Elliptical Trainer Sleepy Foot Syndrome and in many cases avoid it altogether with these simple techniques.

Tips For Recovering From Total Hip Replacement

After your total hip replacement surgery using the anterior approach, expect to stay in the hospital for at least 2 to 3 days. You will likely be in moderate pain for about a couple of weeks when walking after the surgery but you will receive medication if you need it. You can shower with your stitches because they have a protective film on it. They will eventually get absorbed into the skin tissue. Using a v-shaped pillow while you're lying down will help keep the new hip aligned and reduce strain. Walking and light mobility are very important to your continued recovery and will begin either the day of or the day after your surgery. With the anterior approach you won't need to do any physical therapy. You won't have any restrictions on movements either.

Complications and Warning Signs

Serious complications following hip replacement surgery are very low. About 2 percent of patients suffer from complications such as joint infections, heart attack or stroke caused by blood clots after major surgery. Any chronic illness would, of course, increase the potential for more complications and increase recovery time. Mobility and physical therapy help decrease the chances of blood clots and other clotting disorders that may lead to heart attack, stroke or painful blood clots.

Other rare complications may include dislocation, bleeding, stiffness, fracture or damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Lingering pain that is not eased by pain medications should be reported to your doctor. Over time the artificial joints, just like real joints, will show signs of wear and tear. Breakthroughs in prosthetics over the last few years have reduced the possibility of artificial joints wearing out, but it's still a very small possibility.

Recovering from Total Hip Replacement

The first few weeks after your surgery are the most important weeks. They will have the greatest impact on the success of your full and timely recovery.

Loss of appetite is a very common post-surgery occurrence. Don't let it worry you overly-much. Eat a well-balanced diet and supplement with vitamins if you aren't getting the recommended nutrients. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and promote proper healing. Fluids are very important to both skin and muscle health. During the first several weeks, it is very important to keep up your strength, maintain hydration and exercise your new hip joint.

Normal physical activity should be resumed right away with no restriction in the movements. Your doctor will give you a list of exercises and stretches that will gradually get you back into your normal daily routine. Specific exercises performed several times per day will help restore movement and strength.

Pain in Jaw Joint - Exercises to Relieve Pain

It hurts when you chew, it hurts when you open your mouth... actually when doesn't it hurt? Having pain in your jaw joint is excruciating and annoying. But do you know why it's happening? Most likely your suffering from TMJ, it's a condition that is experienced by approximately 30% of the population.

So How Do We Fix It?

There are many ways to go about treating pain in the jaw joint, some dentists recommend mouth guards and splints, coupled with muscle relaxants and pain relief drugs. This is of course what most people do, but they are usually disappointed with the results.

Mouth Guards and Splints For Jaw Pain?

Mouth guards will only prevent teeth grinding and they will only prevent that during your sleep. Most people who suffer from TMJ find that they will end up grinding through the mouth guard anyway.

In some cases the mouth guard is fitted well enough to slowly move the jaw back to it's proper position. But you need someone who is very experienced and skilled to make something like this. Even if they get it right, it can still be hit and miss.

That's why many people are now finding relief through TMJ exercises. These exercises realign your jaw by strengthening, stretching and massaging certain muscles in your body to release tension in your muscles and tendons in your jaw. The techniques are proving to be incredibly powerful, with some people reporting permanent relief in as little as three days. This is not the norm however and these exercises aren't to be mistaken for some miracle cure. They require you to complete them every day for about 10 minutes during a 10 - 14 day period and sometimes longer. But they do work.

What Is the Significant Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two widely different forms of arthritis, which is a general term that features over 100 rheumatoid disorders.

Although the two forms can produce a lot of pain like upper knee pain, the biggest difference between them is the fact that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease whereas osteoarthritis is an organic results of aging. Osteoarthritis (OA) is often known as degenerative arthritis while rheumatoid arthritis is also degenerative.

An additional way to characterize the visible difference connecting RA and OA is that, rheumatoid arthritis is about inflammation of the tissue around the joints while osteoarthritis concerns degeneration of the cartilage involving the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is thrice prevalent in women than in men and exists in about 1% of the total population in the United States. Generally impacts the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, feet and generally takes place concurrently on both sides of the body. It is an inflammatory ailment that affects the synovial membrane surrounding joints, therefore thickening the membrane and consequently causing the joints to lose their normal capability to function.

This ailment can happen in children as well as older people, even though during periods of remission, there is no pain present like Knee Pain.

There is swollen knee pain indicating joint inflammation and may even be warm to touch, systemic symptoms which includes fever, general fatigue or body stiffness enduring more than one hour. Joints are affected on both sides. A positive blood test for RA auto-antibodies. The lungs, heart and kidney may also be affected.

Osteoarthritis is way more common and less incapacitating when compared with rheumatoid arthritis. It is regarded as a disease of aging and while it is common in people over 60 years of age, younger individuals are affected from it since bodies aged at a different rate.

The chief force behind OA is wear on joint cartilage, which work as shock absorbers that prevent bones from rubbing together. When cartilage is impaired caused by excessive use or injury, it results in OA, leading to joint inflammation and swelling in the joints. Whenever bones begin rubbing against each other, Knee Pain develops.

Avoid Foods That Create Inflammation and End Joint Pain

If you have swollen, inflamed joints you may have realized certain foods create inflammation. If you avoid them, you may be able to reduce your pain without harsh medications.

Now, there can be a lot of reasons for aching joints.

In the case of osteoarthritis, the degeneration of cartilage at the joints is the main culprit. Bursitis is another condition that causes joint pain, in which the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones at the joints become inflamed. There are also autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint areas.

In autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system fails to tell the difference between healthy tissues and harmful substances in the body. This results to a hypersensitivity reaction that destroys even healthy body tissues.

One of the body's first responses to irritations of this sort is inflammation. This accounts for the swelling, redness, and pain in the joints felt by persons who suffer from autoimmune diseases. However, research has recently shown that swelling can be aggravated by foods that create inflammation.

Foods high in linoleic acid, a kind of omega-6 essential fatty acid, are known to increase have inflammatory effects. Examples of these are corn, peanut, and soy.

On the other hand, foods that are rich in omega-3 such as tuna and other coldwater fish, have a soothing effect on joint pains. Roughly 100 years ago, most Westerners had a well-balanced diet rich in both omega-6 and omega-3 food sources. However, now nutritionists agree that omega-6-rich foods that cause inflammation far outweigh omega-3 foods in the high-carbohydrates and low-protein diet that most Americans eat today.

Here is a list of some of the foods that can create inflammation and joint pains:

• Dairy products such as cow's milk and cheese contain lactose, a substance that can cause allergic reactions, which may trigger swelling of the bone junctions in the body.

• Refined sugars like white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, and confectioner's sugar are also best avoided if you suffer from joint pains. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey instead.

• Grains with gluten like wheat, oats and rye can quickly trigger an inflammatory reaction.

• Polyunsaturated oils like sunflower, corn, soy, safflower and peanut oils are high in linoleic acid, which can have an inflammatory effect on the body.

• Caffeine, which is present in coffee, soda, or tea, is known to increase inflammation in cases of people who suffer from joint pains.

• Red meat such as beef, lamb and pork too can increase aches and pains in your joints. If you eat more chicken and fish you may notice less pain.

There are surely many foods that can create inflammation and result to joint pains. However, this doesn't mean that you have to eliminate these foods entirely from your diet.

You can experiment by avoiding them all at once, then slowly reintroducing each one back into your diet, just to see which foods would really trigger the inflammation and joint pain reactions in your body. Or, you can cut back gradually. Doctors say adding omega-3 fish oil supplements to your diet can help balance your fatty acids and relieve inflammation too.

If you're interested in learning more about the role omega 3's play in foods that reduce inflammation, please visit my website, where I share what products I have personally been using daily for several years.

Living With Osteoartihritis

Osteoarthritis is a long-term disease that usually affects several different joints in the body. While any joint can be affected, the the knees, hips, hands and the upper and lower back are common sites. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in older people. It is sometimes known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) (or, in the back, degenerative disc disease (DDD). Arthritis patients often experience joint stiffness, swelling, discomfort and pain.

Osteoarthritis is caused by friction acting on joints over time. Prior injuries, a history of heavy physical labor or contact sports, and genetic factors all seem to contribute to the development of the disease. Osteoarthritis is the most frequent cause of disability in older adults. Osteoarthritis is not an auto-immune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. Redness and heat generally don't accompany the joint pain and swelling.

Arthritis treatment is aimed at increasing comfort and flexibility. Low impact exercise programs keep joints flexible. Exercise needs to be done in moderation and with the advice of a physician. Exercise can also elevate mood, decrease pain (over time) and improve memory. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, and being overweight puts extra strain on arthritic joints. Flexibility exercises such as Tai chi and yoga can also be helpful in treating osteoarthritis.

Moist heat can relieve joint pain, but in some cases cold packs are preferred. Heat increases blood flow to the area, while cold decreases the blood flow to the area. Patients often try both approaches to see what works best for them. In some cases night time splinting is used to allow the joints and muscles to rest in a normal position while sleeping to help decrease the risk of the joint stiffening into a position that won't move.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to reduce pain and decrease swelling. NSAIDs include the over the counter drugs naproxen and ibuprofen and other drugs prescribed by a doctor. Some patients report that glucosamine and chondroitin (or MSM) (available over the counter) helps decrease pain and improve joint functioning over time. Some research supports this assertion.

Doctors may inject corticosteroids into joints to give several months of improved mobility and pain relief. These medications can have side effects, and cortisone injections are usually not recommended more frequently than once every few months.

Holistic treatments such as acupuncture and massage give relief to some. Acupuncture is thought by Eastern thinkers to unblock the flow of "chi" (energy) in the body. Western scientists have a different theory, but studies show that it can be effective in relieving pain. Massage has also been shown to relieve the pain of arthritis. Physical therapists have other treatment modalities that benefit some patients.

Joint replacement surgery is sometimes used when the joints have deteriorated to the point that the person has difficulty walking. The goal of surgery is to improve the patient's mobility and decrease pain. Less radical surgery is sometimes used to correct problems in arthritic joints.

Stronger pain medications, such as opiates, are sometimes used when there is severe pain accompanying the arthritis. Other pain management approaches can also be helpful, including relaxation, biofeedback, and hypnosis. As we get older most of us will develop some osteoarthritis. A patient with osteoarthritis will likely have some pain for the rest of his or her life. The goal is usually to help them have a good life even though they always have some pain.

Your Thyroid Can Make Your Ears Ring!

Tinnitus is a medical expression for "ringing in the ears" though a few hear other sounds. This kind of noise could be heard in one ear, both ears, the middle of the head or can just be difficult to pinpoint. The noise can be low, medium or high-pitched and it can be continuous or it may come and go. Tinnitus is common throughout all age groups, particularly after exposure to loud noise, however it is uncommon as a major issue except if it gets to be chronic.

There isn't any one cause of tinnitus. It's a symptom associated with an underlying condition. That condition could be age-related hearing loss, an injury to the ear or even trouble with your circulatory system. Some other conditions are Meniere's Disease, TMJ, high blood pressure, sinusitis, thyroid dysfunction and so on.

Tinnitus is actually a common effect of thyroid dysfunction. A lot of people with this condition get a ringing in their ears. Dysfunction of the thyroid causes various other issues which include lowered energy levels, increased sensitivity to pain, weight gain, and depression.

The thyroid is a small gland, shaped just like a butterfly, positioned in the lower part of your neck. It's among the major endocrine glands in the body. The thyroid controls how fast the body expends energy, creates proteins and just how sensitive the body would be to other hormones. The two most typical conditions with thyroid dysfunction are hormone overproduction (hyperthyroidism) and hormone underproduction (hypothyroidism).

Hyperthyroidism only affects 1% of people. It causes an increase to your metabolism. The symptoms consist of nervousness, irritability, weight loss, shaky hands, panic disorder, racing heart and tinnitus. The tinnitus brought on by hyperthyroidism is normally linked to heart rate and is pulsatile in nature.

Hypothyroidism is somewhat more common. It affects about 1% to 2% of women and less than one half of a % of men and happens more frequently as we grow old. It causes a decrease to the metabolism. The symptoms are fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation as well as enlargement of the thyroid gland. Further conditions can include hearing impairment and tinnitus. With hypothyroidism tinnitus is usually present as a constant sound.

Tinnitus will most likely lessen or resolve as soon as the underlying condition is resolved. The use of supplements has proven to strengthen your thyroid health. They include things like:

Iodine - Iodine deficiency, which is a major cause of thyroid dysfunction, can be increased with diet and kelp supplementation. Foods that have iodine are yogurt, eggs, meat, fish and other seafood, radish, parsley, potatoes, oatmeal and bananas.

Selenium - Most people diagnosed with hypothyroidism had been selenium deficient. Selenium deficiency can lower the activity of the thyroid hormones.

Tyrosine - Tyrosine is an amino acid needed by the body to manufacture thyroid hormones from iodine.

Thyroid Glandular - Thyroid glandular supplements have been used since the beginning of thyroid treatment and remain effective.

Bladderwrack - Bladderwrack is seaweed that is a rich source of iodine. Traditionally it has been used for weight loss and hypothyroidism. It also contains the minerals potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, etc.

Coconut Oil - Aside from benefiting the thyroid it also helps you lose weight.

Joint Pains Not Inevitable Due to Aging- Arthritis Care Advice for Indians

Creaky, achy joints, a twinge in the knee, a sharp shooting pain from the shoulder to the elbow, No big deal, right?

Wrong. All too often, we assume joint pain is a normal part of aging that we just have to learn to live with. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Many people in India know very little about joint pain," Contrary to what many may think, joint pain is not an inevitable part of aging. Unless someone has suffered an injury such as breaking a leg, joint pain in the 50-plus age group usually means osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease in which the joints' natural shock absorber -- Cartilage -- begins to break down. Without their protective layer, bones begin to scrape against one other, causing joint pain and thwarting movement.

But never make a diagnosis by yourself. "The average person may not be able tell if it's the joint, a torn tendon or ligament, or pain in the area of the joint. An orthopaedic surgeon needs to evaluate you to make sure you do in fact have joint pain and why."

X-rays can sometimes show changes that indicate cartilage breakdown, but often, the images are inconclusive. "Physical exam, MRI, and bone scans can all be helpful in establishing a diagnosis that is not evident on X-ray."

While there is no conservative cure for joint pain, you can find relief. Treatments range from lifestyle changes to medications to surgery -- and should usually be tried in that order.

Lifestyle Changes

If you are overweight, the first step is to loose weight. A recent study shows that losing as little as 11 pounds (5 kilos) can decrease the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%. The next step is to work with a physical therapist to develop an exercise program that's right for you. Walking, and other low-impact exercises that don't put pounding pressure on the joints are helpful but high impact exercises such as jogging should usually be avoided. "Exercise is a lifetime commitment," I recommend that patients work out for 40 minutes at a time, three or four days a week. Wearing the correct footwear is also important. A regular and brisk morning walk for one hour (recent recommendation) will usher in a feeling of well being and is excellent all-round exercise. Putting all your joints through a full range of movement will go a long way in preventing stiffness.

Medications

If lifestyle changes don't ease your pain, medication is often prescribed. For mild pain, a simple painkiller can often help. Heat or cold therapy can often provide temporary pain relief. For more prolonged pain which is not amenable to simple drugs, your orthopedician in India will write you up for an anti- inflammatory drug. Although this latest generation of drugs has come under fire recently in the US, their capacity to alleviate pain in the elderly for short durations is welcome. If Knee pain is due to osteoarthritis, Glucosamine could be useful in the early stages. An orthopedic surgeon may choose to supplement the fluid in your knee with a synthetic substance which improves the viscosity of the joint fluid and ameliorates pain.

Surgery including Joint Replacement-

Joint replacements are advised for the elderly person with severe knee or other joint pain. For the young person, I perform some form of cartilage surgery in which the focal damaged areas of cartilage are repaired by surgery. This is an alternative available for young patients as they need not wait to attain the senior citizen's age (> 70) to get a joint replacement. Meniscal suture and Ligament reconstruction in the knee help to restore the mechanical stability for those sportspersons with knee injuries. These will postpone the advent of osteoarthritis. In those unlucky to have had a complete Menisectomy (complete removal of the semi- lunar cartilage) of the knee, Meniscal transplant will be available in Chennai soon. At present this surgery is confined to a few centres in the US and Europe.

For senior citizens if all else fails to relieve your pain and disability, your doctor may recommend surgery in which an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called prosthesis.

The artificial joints, fashioned out of metal and plastic, can be as good as the real thing, restoring movement and function.
"Joint replacement is extremely successful, lasting over 20 years for more than 90% of patients," The procedure is becoming increasingly safer and less invasive.

In summary, prompt consultation with your orthopedic surgeon will lead to earlier diagnosis and effective treatment of joint pain and improve the quality of many lives affected by this common malady.

Understanding Arthritis in Dogs

One of the worst sicknesses that a dog can have in his years is dog arthritis, which is a degenerative disease that involves damage to the joints and cartilage and result in pain and having a hard time walking or running. This can strike on any dog, whether small or large, whatever the age and condition. As pet owners, you must have knowledge of the different types of dog arthritis so you can take care of your dog more:

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of dog arthritis where it is caused by a trauma to the joint, infection or age. It is a degenerative joint disease that is progressive and the cartilage breaks down. This results to the bones rubbing against each other, thus resulting to the joints being painful and stiff.

Another type is the hip dysplasia, which is a genetic joint disease. This is where hip sockets are deformed and there is inflammation of the joint and the tissues surrounding the area will begin to deteriorate and have a breakdown. Elbow Dysplasia is a degenerative hereditary disease where bones do not form well and chip. This is the common cause of lameness of the front legs and is usually seen on large breeds of dogs. There is also the knee dysplasia, which is the malformation of the leg bones and results the loosening of the kneecap bone.

Other types of dog arthritis are: hypertrophic dog arthritis where there is excessive bone growth and spurs in the joint; osteochondrosis, which is caused by poor diet and cartilage deterioration; and degeneration of the shoulders where a trauma or an unstable joint causes the breakdown of shoulder cartilage. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to watch out for the signs and symptoms of dog arthritis so you can prevent it from happening. Some of the symptoms are: loss of appetite has a hard time walking and running, sleeps more/inactivity, stiffness and limping, usual urinating in the house, always irritable, and depressed or withdrawn. If more than two of these symptoms, it's time to bring your dog to your trusted veterinarian. You need to know what kind of treatment is best for your dog so as you can help in relieving their pain. One of the common treatments is physical therapy where exercise is encouraged. This preserves join flexibility and maintains the dog's muscles. One exercise that improves the muscles without making it tired is swimming.

Then there are medications that can relive the dog's pain, and one recommended is Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammation Drugs or NSAIDS. This medicine will not repair the whole dog arthritis, but instead relieve the pain to, at least, make your dog's everyday life normal. It will actually depend on the vet what medicines he or she will give base on the tests done on your dog. Last, but not the least treatment is supplements that contain glucosamine. Glucosamine promotes new cartilage growth and relieves pain, since this ingredient is always present on animal bones. It also improves mobility of the joint and can be used a dietary supplement.

A pet owner will always be responsible for his or her pet and taking care of dog arthritis is a number one priority. One of the things you can do is prevent dog arthritis by giving your dog exercise and proper diet. Watch their diet and give them food that are rich in vitamins and minerals, plus exercise for their bones to be strong and healthy.

Bone and Joint Problems - Signs, Symptoms, Causes

Bone and joint problems were at one time thought to be a fact of life, things that simply accompanied the aging process. Now we know a little more about the problems. Here you will learn what we know about the symptoms and causes of bone and joint problems.

The early symptoms of bone and joint problems are aches, pains and stiffness. The later symptoms may include any of the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Frequent bone fractures
• Osteomalacia

Bone fractures in the elderly can be deadly. Complications can arise from surgery. The fracture may fail to heal properly leading to permanent disability.

There are risk factors and causes of weak bones and joints. Age is one of the risk factors, but as mentioned above, the problems are not caused by normal aging. Something else is going on.

Other than frequent fractures, the most common symptom of osteoporosis is a hunched appearance. The spine starts to curve in as though the head is too heavy to be held up any longer. People may also seem to shrink as this curvature occurs and for other reasons associated with unhealthy bones and joints.

Osteomalacia is a painful condition that is often mistaken for arthritis, especially when it affects the elderly. Not only is there pain in the bones and joints, there is also pain in the muscles.

Who's At Risk?

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disorder among post-menopausal women. It has been estimated that fractures occur due to osteoporosis every three minutes in the United Kingdom.

Men are not immune to the risks of osteoporosis. Current figures show that 1 in every 8 men over the age of 50 will have a fracture related to osteoporosis at some point in his lifetime. Even more men have osteoporosis, but are lucky enough to avoid a fracture.

What are the Causes?

The underlying cause of osteoporosis and osteomalacia is reduced bone density. Fractures occur because the bones are thinner and more brittle. In the case of arthritis, the underlying cause is loss of protective cartilage between the joints.

What Causes Reduced Bone Density?

Researchers have learned that many things can interfere with the production of new bone, which is an ongoing process throughout a person's life. The process may be slower with age, as most bodily processes are, but it should not stop completely.

One thing not only interferes with the production of new bone. It actually causes the breakdown of bones to get at the calcium stored within them. As you might suspect, lack of calcium in the diet will cause the body to break down bone to direct the mineral to other bodily function. But, there are many minerals stored in bones. So any mineral deficiency can lead to bone loss.

Lack of vitamin D will also cause unhealthy bones. Osteomalacia is actually the adult equivalent of rickets, caused by inadequate vitamin D intake.

Other causes of reduced bone density include physical inactivity, smoking cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption and diseases that interfere with nutrient absorption. Endocrine and rheumatic diseases are examples.

How to Protect Your Bones

Now that you know more about the risk factors and causes, you would probably like to know what you can do to protect your bones. That is the subject of my next article. Please click the Bones and Joint Problems link below in the resource author box.

The Effects of Long Distance Running on the Knees

Twenty-six miles is a long way to drive, let alone run! For the long-distance and marathon runner, those twenty-six (or more) miles equate to hundreds of miles of running, thanks to extensive training and preparation. All that preparation means hour after hour of pounding on sensitive joints, particularly the knees. Indeed all runners inevitably must accept that joint pain is part of the deal.

Where does the joint pain originate? For some, it is purely genetic. Millions of people suffer from arthritis in the United States - whether they are professional athletes or stay-at-home mothers. While many forms of arthritis are genetic, some forms - such as osteoarthritis - can be brought on by injury or repeated use of a joint.

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease that is degenerative - it continues to get worse over time. About one in every 12 Americans suffer from osteoarthritis and the risk for developing it increases with age and lifestyle. Like all other forms of arthritis, there is no cure.

Osteoarthritis is nothing more than the break down of joint cartilage. Unfortunately, this simple-to-explain disease can involve debilitating pain as the break down of cartilage leads to a narrowing of the space between the bones meeting in a joint. When the cartilage "cushion" wears away, and the space in the joint narrows, bone rubs against bone.

Elite athletes, such as long-distance runners, are particularly susceptible to osteoarthritis due to repeated stress on the weight-bearing joints of the lower body. The constant pounding on the knees and ankles of runners, coupled with the tendency to "push through" pain serves only to exacerbate the problem. Even one injury - one sprained ankle, one fall on the knee - can trigger a lifetime of pain.

What can you do? Research strongly suggests that regular supplementation with high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin is particularly effective in not only decreasing inflammation, but also in building new cartilage and lessening future pain. This is in sharp contrast to traditional prescription treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which only mask pain by temporarily decreasing joint inflammation but never affecting a positive result in the joint.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two natural molecules that serve as the building blocks for healthy cartilage. In an arthritic joint, those molecules are not readily available to the body, thus deteriorating cartilage cannot be replaced. In essence, the cartilage is "behind the power curve." Supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin gives the damaged joint the boost it needs to recover.

Tinnitus Relief - Can the Ear Ringing Be Stopped?

There are so many difficult aspects of dealing with tinnitus that sometimes sufferers who have this incessant ear ringing in their head just want to give up in defeat. Some of the difficulties include:

1.) Difficulty describing the sounds to your doctor - Is it ear ringing, whizzing, whooshing, whirring, a high-pitched wine? This is exacerbated by the fact that often you are the only one who can hear it. Frequently, even your doctor's diagnostic instruments can't pick up the sounds, which can often lead you to feel like you are going just a little bit nuts.

2.) Determining the cause of your tinnitus - Have you suffered hearing loss or is it completely unrelated to how well you hear? Is it caused by TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) in your jaw? Is it a reaction to aspirin? Or do you have low serotonin? How about an ear injury or infection? There are so many different things that can cause tinnitus that it can be difficult getting an accurate diagnosis.

3.) Lack of a cure -- there are a variety of treatments for tinnitus that may reduce the ear ringing and it could simply go away entirely, but there's no actual known medical cure for the condition. You can't just take a pill or get surgery and make it go away.

Despite all these difficulties though, there are some ways of dealing with tinnitus that will help you manage your experience and perception of the ear ringing. After all, most of the ways in which it seriously harms your life are psychological effects due to its nuisance effect that grows over time as the sound either never stops or always starts just when you don't need it to, like when you are trying to sleep! This where some alternative therapies excel over traditional medicine. So if you want to get some tinnitus relief, then it might be time to take a look at sound therapy, biofeedback, homeopathy and herbal treatments, as well as some relaxation therapies that can help reduce the stress of the experience.

How Can Hip Braces Help Relieve Your Pain?

Hip pain can be caused by a number of different types of injuries and conditions. Your pain may be the result of: arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, strains and fractures.

Pain may also be caused by a condition called osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis occurs when the blood flow to the hip bone is restricted.

This lack of blood flow can cause major problems in the hip joint. These different conditions can cause pain, aching and inflammation in the hip. This pain can make everyday activities such as walking or running very difficult.

How Can Hip Braces Help Relieve Your Hip Pain? Hip braces can help decrease your pain. Braces can also help with the healing process. The following are some examples of how braces do this.

A hip stabilizing brace is useful if you have had a dislocated hip, a hip replacement, or a hip fracture. A stabilizing brace will help you to keep your hip in the correct position while it heals. It also helps keep it still which helps the it to heal.

Hip braces can help you protect your hip from injury. They can also prevent swelling and pain by compressing the hip area.

Hip splints are ideal for those that have undergone some kind of surgery. Hip splints keep the hips from moving so they are stable. This stability can help the hip to heal more quickly.

Compression hip braces can help relieve pain in your upper leg. These types of braces can be used for the pain resulting from hamstring pulls, varicose veins, or Iliotibial band syndrome (also known as ITB).

Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when the tissue running from the hip to just below the knee becomes inflamed. This injury is typically associated with athletic activities such as running, cycling, hiking, or weightlifting.

When you need to keep your hip stable but you still need to be able to move it, compression braces may be the best choice.

The type of brace you use will depend on the type of your injury you have. Braces come in many different styles and are made of many types of materials. So finding one for your needs shouldn't be difficult.

Hip braces can be used for various types of hip pain. These braces are comfortable to wear, and they are easy to use. Brace settings can be easily adjusted to meet your individual needs.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery

If you're considering hip surgery, you can reduce recovery time and pain with minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The surgery involves an anterior approach to the hip. Traditional hip replacements performed in the U.S. use the posterior or lateral/posterior approach. Over the years, a smaller incision with the traditional approach has been used and is less invasive, but it still requires following strict hip restrictions.

The Minimally Invasive Anterior Approach

The anterior approach to hip replacement has been quite successful with the vast majority of total hip replacement patients, including hip fractures. After the surgery, the patient is free to move his hip without restrictions, and, in most cases, is up and walking later that same day. A patient's hospital stay is also shortened to 2-5 days.

After traditional hip replacement, patients must strictly follow their hip precautions.

Minimally invasive hip replacement is performed while the patient is lying flat on his back. A small incision (about 4 inches) is made at the front of the hip joint, as opposed to the traditional lateral or posterior incision. During the anterior approach, the hip is replaced without detachment of muscle from the femur or pelvis. The hip is reached through a natural opening between the muscles. This results in a quicker rehab and a shortened hospital stay.

Traditional hip replacement requires a large incision through the gluteal muscles, which are the most important muscles for hip function. This places restrictions on hip movement for a period of time after surgery. Restrictions (referred to as hip precautions) include no internal rotation, no leg crossing, and no bending of the hip beyond 90 degrees. Often times there are also limitations on the amount of weight a patient is allowed to place on his leg while walking. These restrictions are in place to prevent dislocation of the new hip.

Minimally invasive hip replacement (anterior approach) eliminates restrictions because muscles and tissue are left intact in the lateral and posterior areas. This provides stability for the hip and greatly reduces the chance of dislocation.

Minimally invasive surgery doesn't necessarily refer to the size of the incision. It has more to do with the minimal amount of tissue damage during surgery. The incision can't be made too small or else the incision area becomes too stretched in an attempt to reach the hip joint.

ProFX Operating Table

The ProFX is a special operating table that positions the patient's leg for the anterior approach. Not all hospitals have this table. Without it, the anterior approach isn't performed. For instance, in California there are less than 10 hospitals that perform this minimally invasive procedure. Another reason for the scarcity of this approach lies with surgeons. Most orthopedic surgeons have been trained in the lateral and/or posterior methods only.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement (anterior approach)

• No limitations on hip motion


• No weight bearing restrictions


• Decreased chance of hip dislocation


• Reduced hospital stay


• Shorter rehab time


• Quicker return to functional mobility


• Quicker return to driving your vehicle


• Much less pain from surgery


• Reduces chance of leg length discrepancy

Disadvantages/Complications

Complications are rare but are similar to complications from traditional lateral and posterior approaches. These include infection, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), nerve damage, femur fracture, and revision surgery. Dislocation is a complication, but is much less likely to occur.

TMJ - Causes and Treatment

Temporomandibular joint disorder, often referred to as TMD or TMJ, is a disorder of the jaw, jaw joint and connecting muscles and tissues. The syndrome affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint on either side of the head that connects the lower jaw to the skull, which is vitally important for everyday activities like chewing, speaking, yawning, and more.

Symptoms of TMJ
The TMJ joint is very complex. In addition to muscles in the jaw, face, and neck, it also involves the bones and cartilage of the joint, as well as numerous blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments. As a result, sufferers of TMD can experience vastly different symptoms, some of which can be confused with earache, neck injury, or other kinds of body strain.

People suffering from TMD may experience:
Headache or migraines
Stiffness or popping in the TMJ joint
A clicking or grinding noise in the TMJ joint when the jaw is moved
Limited mobility in the joint, causing difficulty opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty biting or chewing
Wear or damage to teeth
Pain in the facial muscles, shoulders, and neck
Earache, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss
Pain or tenderness in and around the jaw itself

If problems continue without appropriate TMJ treatment, these symptoms can progress to include chronic headaches and face pain.

Causes of TMD
There are several common triggers for the TMJ disorder, including:
Misalignment in the bite
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces
Stress and emotional tension
Gum chewing or nail biting
Chewing on objects like pens or pencils
Fractures, dislocations, or other injuries
Teeth grinding or clenching the jaw
Systemic diseases; gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia
Sleep disturbances like sleep apnea
Extensive dental procedures causing stress on the joints
Arthritis

Although any of these issues can cause TMJ problems, there isn't always a direct correlation. Some people can have a misalignment of their bite or have high stress levels for years without developing TMJ syndrome, while others suffer from it without dramatic correlation of these triggers.

TMJ Treatment
Depending on the cause of the problem, there are a number of TMJ treatment options available, ranging from lifestyle changes that can prevent the disorder to specific dental therapies. For very extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.

Relaxation and physical exercise: The first and most common TMJ treatment is relaxation and physical exercise, which can help people deal with stress more effectively. This often lessens the frequency and impact of clenching and grinding of the teeth that contributes to a majority of TMJ cases. Eating soft foods, using anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and treating the area with heating pads or warm compresses can also be a helpful temporary solution.

Correcting tooth and bite alignment: If symptoms persist, a specifically designed bite splint, or bite leveling orthotic, is often the best initial therapy to improve jaw function and decrease symptoms. Adjustment to the teeth or the bite alignment is sometimes required to correct the problem that initially contributed to the TMJ disorder. Repair to the teeth may also be necessary if there has been wear or grinding on the chewing surfaces. Examples can include the use of dental crowns or veneers to correct the levelness of the bite and restore worn-down teeth.

Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be required to repair a deteriorating jaw bone (when the cause is osteoarthritis) or correct trauma from an accident that might have misaligned the jaw or injured the facial muscles. Less than five percent of patients need surgery to correct their TMJ disorder.

To find the best treatment approach for TMJ, it's a good idea to see a reputable TMJ dentist who has extensive training and experience in treating TMJ disorders. A highly qualified dentist can help to identify the root of the problem and choose a treatment plan that's conducive to your lifestyle, budget, and desired results. Make sure the dentist you select takes the time to listen to you about your lifestyle and symptoms. Collaboration with your dentist is necessary to diagnose and implement a plan for an ideal treatment outcome.

Finding Arthritis Pain Relief

Knowing what exactly arthritis is first...

In the search of expert's advice on arthritis pain relief, I was surprised to find out that there are more than a hundred forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Now let's first take a look at what arthritis exactly is learn about the four most common types -- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia.

Arthritis, or "joint inflammation" is one of the most common ailments today that can cause excruciating pain in the body. It affects the muscles and specifically the place where two or more bones meet, ie the joint, such as the hip or knee. Arthritis signs and symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, deformities, inflammation, and limited movement of joints, which can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing steps, opening bottles, or brushing your teeth.

Fibromyalgia, or "soft tissue rheumatism" refers to pain in the soft fibrous tissues in the body - muscles, ligaments, and tendons. (Ligaments and tendons connect muscles to bones.) People with fibromyalgia may have other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, and headaches, poor memory and concentration. Women are at least four times more likely than men to develop fibromyalgia. And fibromyalgia usually occurs in people over age 50.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage wears away, causing the bones begin to rub against each other and making movements painful. Cartilage, a slippery and spongy substance, covers and cushions the bones such that it allows a smooth movement of the joints. Osteoarthritis often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and facet joints (in the spine) and occurs as the cartilage degenerates with age. Hence, it is the most common form of arthritis pain amongst the aged.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects commonly the hands, wrists, and knees. The immune system mistakenly attacks itself and causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues, and can eventually damage cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid arthritis does not just affect the joints. Tendons are like ropes which run inside lubricated tubes. The lubricating system is very similar to that in the joints themselves, so it is not surprising that tendons can also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. In a few people, other parts of the body such as the lungs and the blood vessels may become inflamed Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty carrying out normal activities of daily living, such as standing, walking, dressing, washing, and using the toilet.

Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. To reduce the risk of urate crystallizing in the joints it is important to drink plenty of water - if possible as much as 3.5 litres a day. According to recent scientific evidence, drinking a glass of skimmed milk every day may be helpful in getting gout arthritis pain relief. But beer or other alcoholic drinks should be avoided as they could make gout worse.

Arthritis Treatment

Some of the factors that are linked to the development of arthritis pain are injury (e.g from sports) and complications from other conditions (such as diabetes), heredity and lack of physical activity. Many studies have also identified a link between obesity and arthritis. Excessive body weight puts an extra stress on the weight-bearing joints (back, hips, knees, ankles and feet). Because of the way joints work, the pressure in your knee joints is many times your body weight when you walk. Even a small weight loss can make a big difference to your joints. Too much body fat may also increase inflammation in the body, making your joints more painful. Joints also naturally degenerate overtime with age; hence arthritis is often associated with older people.

However, it is also known that children, though relatively rare, can also develop a condition called juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This involves an inflammatory disorder of the connective tissues, characterized by joint swelling and pain or tenderness. It can also affect organs as the skin, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and eyes. Generally, arthritis pain relief can be found in a combination of medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, diet and nutrition. From blood tests and X-rays, you doctor would be able to diagnose which type of arthritis you have and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. Manuka honey which has been known to have higher antibacterial activity than other types honey is also gaining popularity in treating arthritis pain due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties and healing power. It reduces joint inflammation and provides a natural form of pain relief. To prepare, mix 2 tablespoons Manuka Honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder into 1 cup of warm green tea, consume this honey cinnamon drink daily in the morning and evening.

The combination of honey and cider vinegar is also an extremely well known home remedy for arthritis. All over the world, people have so passionately testified about how this cleansing drink has helped them find relief in joint pains. Many nutritionists believe that in this cleansing drink you can find minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, natural silicon, pectin, and tartaric acids that are effective in fighting body toxins, inhibiting bacteria and helping the body to maintain its vital acid-alkaline balance. To prepare this health tonic, mix two teaspoons of vinegar and two teaspoons of raw honey into a glass of warm water, and drink this three times a day. It may take several weeks to see the effects. Dr. D.C. Jarvis in his book

Arthritis and Folk Medicine (Galahad Books,1997) also offered the same folk medicine prescription for arthritis pain. He believes that treatment of arthritis, and many other health problems, must begin in the stomach. Jarvis found that when an apple cider vinegar cocktail is taken daily, calcium deposits are released back into solution in the bloodstream to be re-circulated to the bones, thus obtaining arthritis pain relief and preventing osteoporosis.

Alternatively, some people also recommend soaking arthritic joints in hot apple cider vinegar. To administer, use a quarter cup of vinegar mixed with one and a half cups of water. One can also soak a cloth in this mixture, put it on the affected area, and wrap a towel over the soaked cloth to keep in the heat. Keep the hot mixture on for only ten minutes at a time, and repeat it after the joint cools for another ten minutes.

Source: http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/arthritis-pain.html

What Relieves Joint Pain and Arthritis? Flaxseed Oil - An Arthritis Treatment

To relieve joint pain, or arthritis your body requires multiple nutrients derived from various sources. The main minerals for joint pain relief are Marine oils, CoQ10, Vitamin E, Organic Flaxseed Oil, Olive oil, borage oil, combined with a daily intake of 12 fruits and 12 vegetables. The vegetables include, parsley, kale, spinach, wheat grass, brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, carrots, and garlic. The fruits included a person's daily diet are plums, cranberry, blueberry, strawberries, blackberries, bilberries, cherries, apricot, papaya, oranges, grapes, and pineapple.

I will now review a product that contains all of these ingredients, so you can determine what is best. A company by the name of Xango discovered this whole food nutritional blend to not only help relief joint pain, but help cardiovascular health, immune health, cognitive health, skin health, prostate health (men), bone and joint health (women), healthy energy levels, healthy stress management, and cell protection. The product is Xango 3Sixty5, it basically contains everything mentioned in the above paragraph. It is easier for the body to absorb these nutrients, because the formula contains the mangosteen rind in a concentrated form, with the 12 fruits, 12 vegetables, and the wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

It is found that some supplements are never absorbed in the body at all, passing through the entire digestive tract. Xango 3Sixty5 is known for its absorption, because of the chelated minerals that increase the body's ability to absorb the ingredients. Chelated minerals have been shown to have better absorption properties than non-chelated minerals, providing you with a better supplement. Taking the capsules with the Xango juice is said to increase absorption. Normally Xango 3Sixty5 is taken every morning, and evening with 1-3oz of Xango Juice, and with 8oz glass of water.

The Marine oils EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids that help with joint pain. These minerals are only made available for the body through consumption of various items such as cold water fish, flaxseed oil, or supplementation. The brain and retina require high levels of DHA, but DHA is normally consumed in very small quantities. However, regardless of consumption patterns, marine oil is very beneficial for support of cardiovascular health, cognitive health, immune, and structural health.

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that produces cellular energy throughout the body. It provides the cells in our bodies to do the basic functions to remain healthy. According to the Mayo Clinic, CoQ10 levels decrease with age, and people with poor health have a low amount of CoQ10.

The Organic Flaxseed Oil helps maintain heart health. It has several other ingredients including omega-3, 6, 9, fatty acids, B-vitamins, fiber, protein, and zinc. The flaxseed helps promote a healthy cardiovascular system, immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and skeletal system.

Lastly, the healthy oils contained in Xango 3Sixty5, such as olive oil, which is a strong antioxidant that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The borage oil contains gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), which maintains structural, respiratory, and skin health.

The Harvard School of Public Health did a study for the longest, where a research program included 110,000 men and women. Their health and dietary habits were followed for 14 years. The study found that the more fruits and vegetables you eat daily, the better your chances for maintaining healthy circulatory system, digestive system, and good vision.

Back Pain from Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation

Solihull Back Pain Clinic Osteopath reviews sacroiliac joint inflammation and its role in low back pain

Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation

The Sacroiliac joint is a common cause of low back pain and often mistaken for problems in the low back such as sciatica, disc bulges or slipped discs. Radiating pain can travel into the buttock and upper thigh and even affect the testicles on males.

The sacroiliac joint is a pelvic, not low back problem and will appear to affect the lower back. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and will affect mobility.

What is a Sacroiliac Joint?

The sacroiliac joints are located at the bottom of the back. You have one either side of the spine. The sacroiliac joints help make up the rear part of the pelvic girdle and sit between the sacrum, which is the wedge shaped bone at the bottom of your spine and the pelvic ilium bones.

There are torsional or twisting forces applied to the pelvic girdle when the lower limbs are moved.

These limbs act like long levers and without the sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis (at the front of the pelvis) which act like expansion joints and allow movement, the pelvis would be very likely be subject to a fracture.

These joints can often get stuck, or in some cases one half of the pelvis may glide forwards or backwards, which is often described as a twisted pelvis. When this occurs it often irritates the iliolumbar ligament which results in inflammation and pain. This is usually indicated by tenderness around the bony lumps which you can feel if you place your thumbs either side of your lower back.

Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and associated ligaments are very common, especially following pregnancy where the hormone Relaxin is released resulting in a relaxation of ligaments in preparation for childbirth. In most cases the causes of sacroiliitis are mechanical, however there may be other medical inflammatory conditions present such as Ankylosing Spondylitis which will need attention.

Symptoms Include

Pain usually one sided, located either to the left or right of your low back. The pain may range from an ache to a sharp pain which can restrict movement.

The pain may radiate out into your buttocks and low back and will often radiate into the front of your groin. Occasionally it is responsible for testicular pain in males.

Occasionally there may be referred pain into the lower limb which can be mistaken for sciatica.

Classic symptoms include, difficulty turning over in bed and often this movement wakes you from sleep. Struggling to put on your socks and shoes and throwing your legs in and out of a vehicle when moving in and out of the car.

Stiffness in the low back when standing from sitting or getting out of bed in the morning.

Aching in low back when driving long distances

Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation

Ice the area over the sacroiliac joint to reduce pain and inflammation. Use an ice pack wrapped in a damp teatowel and apply for 10 minutes on, 20 minutes off and then a further 10 minutes on. Do this 3 times daily.

Sleep with a pillow between your knees to ease the stress on the pelvis and sleep on your side.

Seek help from someone who understands the sacroiliac joint well. At Solihull Back Pain Clinic we see approximately 5 patients every day with this condition and have experience in diagnosing the causes, which can be many and varied. In order to resolve the complaint it is important to accurately diagnose the problem and have the correct treatment plan available.

Most cases are resolved within 6 treatments at Solihull Back Pain Clinic by our Osteopaths and Physiotherapists

Clinic Director John Alan Williams and his team are available for help and advice by contacting them on http://www.atlaspainrelief.com

By: John Alan Williams http://www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk

Solihull Back Pain Clinic Osteopaths are committed to helping and treating low back pain sufferers via informative articles and providing treatments for Solihull and Birmingham back pain patients. This article is simplified and written in terms designed to be understood by the general public. further details can be obtained by viewing our website www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk

Legg-Calve-Perthes Explained

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, also known as ischemic avascular necrosis, is a condition that results in transient loss of blood supply to the hip joint. It is usually seen during childhood and is more prevalent in boys. The disease can disrupt normal blood flow to the bones in the hip joint, particularly to the head of the femur. This can lead to deterioration of the hip joint causing it to heal poorly or possibly break.

The indicating signs and symptoms to look out for include limping, decreased mobility in the hips, stiffness and pain in around the hip, thigh, groin and knee. Some children may even have a short leg on the affected side. Presently, the cause of Legg-Calve-Perthes remains unclear. What doctors do know is that boys are five times more likely to have this condition compared to girls. Also, this disease is more commonly seen among Caucasian males.

A physical exam as well as diagnostic studies such as x-rays, MRI and bone scans can help to properly diagnose this condition. If Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is detected at an early age, the chances of correcting the condition are favorable. However, if left untreated, it may cause permanent hip deformity due to the deterioration of the hip joint. In addition, leaving Legg-Calve-Perthes disease untreated may increase the chances of developing osteoarthritis as an adult.

This condition is usually addressed through a medical specialist such as a pediatric orthopedist. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor may recommend treatment that includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, braces, crutches or a cast. The goal of therapy is to prevent any damage or stress to the hip joint. If conservative treatment does not help, your doctor may suggest surgery to correct the condition. Unfortunately, doctors cannot prevent Legg-Calve-Perthes from occurring since the cause is still unknown. However, with time and patience, doctors can treat the condition and get children back to their normal daily activities.

What You Should Know About A Dog's Kidney Disease

Both older dogs and puppies can get canine kidney disease. However, it is most common - and sometimes unavoidable - for older dogs. The bad news is that most of this diseases do not have any noticeable symptoms. This makes it very hard for pet owners to recognize. Usually, when kidney failure does get noticed, the damage has already been done. Symptoms only become noticeable when the case has turned severe.

Kidney disease in dogs can be caused by a lot of things. However, dogs are most likely to get it because of age more than anything. It is the kidney's function to screen out any toxins in the dog's bodies. As time goes by, the organ wears down. The same amount of toxins the dog usually ingests may be too much for the old kidney. It is not able to function as well. Underlying diseases may also bring on dog's kidney disease. Cancer, for example, will lower your dog's resistance to toxins, making him prone to kidney diseases. Cancer-related medicine will also affect your dog's system. Some autoimmune disorders can cause kidney disease. Fungal infections, viruses and parasites can also cause kidney problems. Furthermore, if your dog has any genetic predispositions to the disease, he will be more likely to develop it.

Knowing your dog's behavioral patterns is the best way to diagnose this disease early on. This way, you'll notice when there is a break in the regular routine. Keep a close eye on your dog, especially if he has been around for quite some time. If your dog becomes abnormally thirsty, while he doesn't urinate frequently, it might be time to visit a vet. Other indicators that he might have this disease include: uncontrollable bladder, sudden weight loss, and vomiting. Dogs with kidney disease also aren't very energetic.

Treatment for kidney disease in dogs can vary, depending on how severe your dog's case might be. Fluid therapy is often prescribed to dogs with the disease. This allows him to flush out the toxins in his system that may be causing the disease. Furthermore, it replenishes the hydration in his body. A strict diet is also recommended for the dog. If your dog has chronic kidney disease, he may need maintenance. When kidney disease stays untreated, it could lead to hazardous and lethal results. Kidney failure can cause the dog's whole body to go into shock, shutting down his other major organs.

Kidney problems in dogs can certainly prevent, it is the owner's responsibility to keep their dogs safe from the disease. Instead of feeding your dog large meals, try breaking them up into smaller, more frequent meals. Cottage cheese, eggs and yoghurt are all great for a dog's kidneys. Also, if he is not eating, you might want to give him some appetite stimulant so that he does not lose nourishment. Prevention is always the best weapon against kidney problems in dogs. Regular check-ups with the vet are recommended, so kidney disease can be diagnosed early on.

Osteoarthritis - Definition, Signs, and Symptoms

Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases and mechanical abnormalities that involve degradation of the joints. Sometimes, the degradation can include articular cartilage as well as the subchondral bone that is next to the joint. This condition is the most common form of arthritis and it is also referred to as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. This disease normally affects the hands, the feet and the spine. It also affects the large bearing joints such as the knees and the hips.

Clinical symptoms of this condition include pain, sharp ache or a burning sensation in the affected muscles and tendons. Other symptoms are stiffness, inflammation and a creaking or a crackling noise when you move or touch the affected joint. You may also experience muscle spasm as well as contractions in the tendons.

Osteoarthritis can lead to loss of cartilage; a protein matrix that lubricates and cushions the joints. When the bone surfaces are less protected as a result of loss of cartilage, the subchondral bone may be exposed and damaged. The re-growths may lead to a proliferation of ivory-like dense reactive bone in the central areas of the cartilage loss. This process is referred to as eburnation.

Although this condition is as a result of trauma, heredity has also been linked as another cause. This disease often affects several members of the same family. Recent studies show high prevalence of the disease among siblings especially identical twins. Sixty percent of osteoarthritis is said to be as a result of genetic factors. Available treatments for this condition include manual therapy, exercise and medications.

Top 5 Facts About Arthritis

Arthritis is usually associated with cracking joints; many people believe that the habit of cracking knuckles will lead to arthritis. However, until today, no scientific evidence has been found to support this folk belief. When two or more bones meet in the human body, a joint can be found which is surrounded by joint fluid. This fluid plays an important role because it protects the bones from rubbing against each other. What happens when a joint is making a cracking sound is actually the fluid being pushed out and it is the high pressure of the fluid which produces the sound. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the loss of fluid in the joints which damages the lining of the joint itself. Usually people who have passed the age of 65 will suffer from arthritis and it is the leading cause of disability in the elderly.

There are many types of arthritis which are caused by different factors. When the body attacks itself, or what is known as autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis will be suffered. However, the most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is also known as degenerative joint disease. It can be caused by simply aging, but also by trauma to the joint after an infection of the joint. There is more scientific evidence accumulated recently which seems to indicate that abnormal anatomy many be leading to early development of osteoarthritis. Septic arthritis, in turn, is caused by joint infection. Inflammation of the joints is a sign of goutry arthritis which is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.

Pain is the most felt symptom of arthritis. Pain which can be severe is usually felt at night, but rheumatoid arthritis is most painful in the morning. Patients suffering from arthritis in the early stages, do not notice any symptoms before their morning shower. Although pain may not be the main feature of people suffering from arthritis; elder people may simply move less, while children may refuse to use the affected limb. The diagnosis of arthritis is based on the history of the pain which includes onset, number and types of joints involved, aggravating factors, and relieving factors. The positive diagnosis of arthritis is usually confirmed after physical examination by the physician. The next step is usually radiographs which is necessary to follow progression. It is also a method to get quantitative results which reflect severity. In addition, X-rays and blood tests of the affected joints are made to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests will show whether the following factors are present: rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor, extractable nuclear antigen, and other specific antibodies.

The treatment arthritis has a long history. Willow bark was a popular treatment in 500 BC because it helped relieved the aches and pains of arthritis. In the early 1820s, the chemical compound in the willow bark was scientifically studied by European scientists who found the compound salicin. This compound was very noxious for the stomach and in 1897 Felix Hoffman isolated the compound and made it less irritating for the stomach. This compound was trademarked by Bayer Company under the name "Aspirin" in 1899. Nowadays, arthritis is also treated with physical and occupational therapy, medications, and arthroplasty or prosthetic joint replacement which can be seen as a last resort. Despite the fact that arthroplasty can be seen as a last resort, more than 90% of the patients who has undergone this treatment are very satisfied.

In 2006, nearly one in five adults in the US suffer from arthritis. This translates into 46 million people which means that arthritis is the most prevalent health problem in the US. Arthritis can be identified as the leading cause of disability among Americans over the age 15. Although mostly called the 'old age' disease, arthritis also affects nearly 300,000 children. Half of the Americans with arthritis thinks that nothing can be done for them. Arthritis strikes women more often than men. Arthritis costs the US economy a total $128 billion every year and this figure is rising every year.

Source: http://en.articlesgratuits.com/top-5-facts-about-arthritis-id1505.php

Knee Pain When Bending - Top 5 Major Causes

Any type of pain is hard to deal with. Whether you are experiencing headache, stomach ache, or knee pain when bending, you will find it difficult to move around like you used to. If you are dealing with knee pain, for example, it causes a lot of discomfort. The knee is a vital part of the body for it acts as a weight-bearing joint - the most important one for that matter.

Joint pain when bending restrains your movements a lot. What used to be small chores become heavy-duty tasks because of the discomfort you feel. As a matter of fact, data shows that every year more than 30 percent of visits to doctors are attributed to this condition. It affects mostly athletes, but even common individuals are severely affected by this.

Top Causes of Knee Pain

There are various causes of knee pain while bending. Some of them include the following:

1. Sudden movements- Sudden and jerky movements, especially while playing sports, contribute a lot to the development of this. The knee is a joint. It is vulnerable to pain since sudden movements may cause an impact on the knee that may lead to severe pain.

2. Injury- Injury is the top cause. Falls, awkward landings, trips, and accidents can damage your knee. Athletes are very prone to knee injuries since they are always on the move. For example, basketball players are very at risk for ACL. Otherwise referred to as anterior cruciate ligament, ACL happens when there is damage in the ligaments located in your thighbone and shinbone.

3. Repetitive activities- If you are engaged in strenuous and repetitive activities like doing jumping jacks without resting, this can strain your knee.

4. Tendon inflammation- Another factor that causes severe pain is tendon inflammation. Once the tendons are overused, they are susceptible to infection.

5. Osteoarthritis- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition commonly seen in people aged 50 and above. This type of disorder is natural and happens because of deterioration of the cartilage because of constant use.

How to Address Knee Pain?

Knee pain can be treated with the help of exercises. Aside from that, you need to rest your knee as often as you can. Do not stress your knee out because doing so might worsen your condition. If you can, visit a physician. Follow your doctor's orders. If he or she recommends that you undergo several tests and even rehabilitation medicine, then go for it.

Every individual experiencing pain while bending should look for methods to address this condition. It should not be ignored. With all the number of treatment options available, there is no need for you to suffer anymore.

Is It True That Nothing Can Be Done For Pain Caused By Arthritis?

Many people around the world suffer from the pain of arthritis. Arthritis is the gradual breakdown or deterioration of the joint spaces in a person's musculoskeletal system. According to recent research, experts say that about 8 out of 10 Americans over the age of 55 experience the pain of arthritis in some form. For some people, arthritis pain can become so debilitating that they're unable to perform even the simplest daily tasks such as holding a pen or opening a jar.

What Does Arthritis Pain Feel Like? Obviously, arthritis has different effects on different people. For some, the pain and stiffness is located in the hands making computer work and other office tasks almost impossible. Other people have issues with their wrists, knees, shoulders and even joints in the spine itself. As debris and fluid fills the joint spaces, the level of pain often increases.

Arthritis doesn't just have one main cause. Instead, there are a mixture of issues that create arthritis in most people. Age is one primary factor as well as a suppressed or weakened immune system. Sometimes, the injury is also a precipitating factor in the development of arthritis. Finally, some people have a hereditary form of arthritis.

The body's response to the development of arthritis is to make extra bone. It's trying to protect and strengthen the degenerating joint. This extra bone then turns into an osteophyte or bone spur.

By far, the pain of arthritis is what most people fear. When you have arthritis, you may experience inflammation, joint pain, burning, cramping, numbness, stabbing pain, muscle spasms and even a loss of muscle control. There are two major types of arthritis called osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The elderly are at risk for arthritis. Most of the time, the degenerative form of arthritis affects the elderly. This is called osteoarthritis and can make it extremely painful for people to twist or bend. This is because osteoarthritis causes cartilage to break down and pull away from the joints stripping them of their protective material. Then the joints start rubbing together which causes pain and problems with movement. All of this irritates the nerves surrounding the area.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a different kind of arthritis in that it causes additional problems including a low red blood cell count, possible loss of appetite, joint tissue inflammation, pain and weakness.

Arthritis pain can be treated. The good news for arthritis patients is that they don't have to live with arthritis pain for the rest of their lives. In fact, pain specialists are able to assist by offering specific kinds of physical therapy. This kind of physical therapy has been proven to help increase function and strength while also reducing pain and bringing back mobility. Pain specialists can also teach patients how to manage their pain themselves giving people hope for the future and confidence in their ability to live a good life.

Pain specialists are able to do extensive, high-tech testing on the patient to find out the extent of the arthritis and come up with a care plan. The patient will likely do exercises at home such as walking in order to continue improving their strength and moving the affected joints.

Ignoring the pain of arthritis is definitely a bad idea as it can worsen the condition. Keeping joints moving is a critical part of the treatment process since joints are designed to move. Pain specialists may also recommend joint injections as a way of providing relief for pain issues as they have been proven to be very effective in some cases.

TMJ Pain Relief - 2 Tips to Immediately Manage Your TMJ

TMJ (or temporomandibular joint disorder). TMJ can cause intense pain as the cartilage in the lower jaw becomes displaced and leads to intense pressure on the nerves. For some, TMJ can become so debilitating, only baby food can be tolerated. For others, who have found TMJ pain relief, the symptoms of the disease are almost non-existent. So how can you find TMJ pain relief? Below are 2 tips to help.

One aspect in finding TMJ pain relief, is changing your diet. One thing you can try is to add more magnesium to your diet. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to TMJ as well as a host of other diseases, including fibromyalgia and insomnia. If you're looking for TMJ pain relief this could be one of the first things you try. While magnesium is one root cause there are at least 50 well known foods which could lead to immediate TMJ pain relief.

Another method of TMJ relief is to manage the spasms you get. When you feel a spasm coming on, immediately place a warm wash cloth on the point of pain. While this is not a cure for TMJ, you will find immediate relief from the TMJ pain.

If you know where to look, there are plenty of other tips out there to find out the foods you should never eat, foods you could eat to immediately soothe your pain as well as exercises which could help you cure your TMJ over time. TMJ does not have to be debilitating. It can be managed and you can live a normal life.

Are There Remedies That Can Alleviate Degenerative Osteoarthritis Symptoms?

Degenerative osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis. Here we have accumulated osteoarthritis statistics compiled by various health agencies to help provide a better understanding of how disabling the condition can become and of the importance of early intervention through the use of nutritional supplementation, weight maintenance and regular exercise.

According to the osteoarthritis statistics compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 million Americans report being told that they have degenerative osteoarthritis or other conditions affecting the health of the joints. Nearly 19 million adults are disabled because of degenerative osteoarthritis and more than half of all people over the age of 55 have it to some degree. Many think of it as an inevitable part of aging.

Degenerative osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. The American Arthritis foundation reports that 21 million Americans suffer from degenerative osteoarthritis. Higher figures compiled by the CDC include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia and other joint disorders.

In addition to osteoarthritis statistics, other figures are relevant. 15.4 million American adults are unable or find it very difficult to walk a quarter of a mile. This number is fairly close to the number of people who are disabled by degenerative osteoarthritis.

At one time, it was common for people to reduce their physical activity because of pain in the weight bearing joints (knees and hips), but most health care professionals now recommend that regular physical activity can reduce stiffness and pain. Avoiding high impact sports that put additional stress on the joints is still recommended.

64.7 million American adults are obese, according to figures compiled by the US Department of Health and Human Services. That's nearly one-third of the total population. Another 72 million are overweight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many chronic diseases, including degenerative osteoarthritis. Experts maintain that even a modest weight loss can reduce the pain and improve mobility, particularly in the knees and hips.

Researchers have compiled estimates concerning future rheumatoid and osteoarthritis statistics. The number of American adults who suffer from the all forms of degenerative osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions involving the joints is expected to increase to 67 million by the year 2030, because adults are living longer and the number of people in older age groups is growing.

Other osteoarthritis statistics concern cost of treatment, which is approximately $128 billion per year. This figure too may increase, if Americans do not begin to follow recommendations from the CDC and other health agencies. Lose weight, eat right and get regular exercise. In addition, increased intake of omega 3 fatty acids may prevent or reduce the degradation of the cartilage cushions found in degenerative osteoarthritis.

Research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatories and appear to block the processes that lead to thinning cartilage. If the research is correct, then maybe the osteoarthritis statistics will not increase after all. It may be possible that developing age-related degenerative osteoarthritis is not inevitable after all.

According to the University of Maryland's Medical website:

"Based on laboratory studies....many researchers suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (and low in omega-6 fatty acids) may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, including OA [Osteoarthritis]. In fact, several laboratory studies of cartilage-containing cells have found that omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of enzymes that break down cartilage. Patients also showed increased improvement when fish oil supplements were used...."

The website goes on to state:

"....New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

So if you suffer from degenerative osteoarthritis, you may want to start including a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids like fish oil and New Zealand green lipped mussel.

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief - How You Choose One?

Today, there are many choices of osteoarthritis pain relief. Many of them may only give you temporary pain relief. Ideally, when you're looking for osteoarthritis pain relief, choose the one that not just relieves, but can eliminate the pain, and also rebuild the soft tissue around the effected joint. Is that really possible? In this article, I will try to evaluate the possible one.

What is osteoarthritis? Basically, any type of arthritis involve the fibrous tissue infiltration that give you stiffness, limit your joint movement, build up your cellular debris and cause the inflammation that lead to the pain.

Osteoarthritis is actually known as chronic degenerative joint disease or a wear & tear condition. It usually happens to elderly people or because of the injury. It's usually founded in one or several overused large joints or weight bearing joints such as the spine, hips, and knees.

Although you can diagnose yourself, it's better if you consult with a professional, like your family doctor or a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in this kind of disease, so you will know whether you suffer from osteoarthritis conditions or other disease.

You may know some people have been used enzyme supplement as osteoarthritis pain relief for quite a while. Perhaps you remember that arthritis is classified as inflammation conditions that occur in joint. One of the enzyme supplements that helps the body to eliminate the pain and inflammation is systemic enzyme. Actually, there're clinical studies conducted by Dr. Bannock that show the potency of it. This enzyme supplement also helps our body to regain the soft tissue and the joint changes caused by this disease.

According to the enzymes practitioners, doing systemic enzymes supplementation along with some particular exercising and healthy diets can give you much better approach for this disease or your general health and wellness. Whether you choose the short or long term pain relief, I think now you know how to choose osteoarthritis pain relief.

Dealing With Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis refers to a specific kind of degenerative joint disease in which uric acid builds up in certain areas. This involves particle crystallization in certain key joints, which ultimately causes inflammation and pain. Though it is most commonly associated with bones, it can also affect tendons and other tissues that are closely related. Medical specialists indicate that the big toe is most often affected, though all joints can potentially face problems. Uric acid itself has specific properties that irritate tissue and lead to redness and swelling.

There are a number of things that people can do in order to decrease their risk of developing chronic gout. Because excessive uric acid is linked to obesity, losing weight can be an excellent way to deal with the problem. If rheumatoid arthritis is a prominent part of the family history, then people would do well to take up healthy living habits. Men and women who have already had at least one gout attack should talk with their doctors to see what kind of exercise plan they can embark on. Weight should not be lost all at once. Rather, individuals should strive for a slow, gradual process.

Most specialists will diagnosis gouty arthritis by examining joint fluid under a powerful microscope. If crystals are present within the fluid, then the diagnosis can be made. Most patients may also notice that several joints are affected at once. If attacks often occur at night, people should try to stay hydrated as much as possible. By drinking a certain amount of water each day, men and women can keep their tissues in optimal shape. This will help just a bit in avoiding overly long episodes of gout.

Patients may also want to sit down with a team of specialists so that they understand the role of genetics in all types of arthritis. If they have had a family member deal with the disease in the recent past, then they will have some idea of what to expect. Proper nutrition, adequate exercise, and pain medication can all help with the worst of the symptoms.

In the end, men and women should rely on their doctors for a properly devised treatment plan. Once the uric acid reaches certain levels within the body, it will be hard to ignore. Physicians will likely recommend that individuals overhaul their lifestyles so that they can better deal with the condition. If they can work to keep the acid levels as low as possible, they should gain some relief as they continue on through life in the years ahead.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

Gout Pain Relief - Alarming Side Effects Of Pain Relief Drugs For Gout

Millions of people are on the lookout for gout pain relief and for good reasons, too. Since you are reading this article, we can assume that you have suffered from the severe attacks of pain as well as tenderness in the joints that characterize gout.

It is a pain so severe that crawling on your hands and knees when gout strikes is a part of life. It is a pain so extreme that even the weight of the sheets on your skin can seem like a million tons.

We can understand. Gout affects men and women usually beginning at age 35, although men are more predisposed to it than women. But women will have the same vulnerability as men once the menopause years come prancing by.

Fortunately, gout pain relief is possible and we are talking about natural ways, too. Yes, your doctor can prescribe oral medications to lessen the pain but these drugs have side effects that can aggravate your suffering.

Let's consider the more popular form of pain relief - the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs control the joint pain and inflammation but can cause serious side effects like stomach pain, ulcers and bleeding, not to mention that these can only manage a certain amount of pain. You probably know NSAIDs as ibuprofen, naproxen and indomethacin.

And then there is colchicine. It is effective, yes, but only when given at the start of the symptoms. You will also suffer from intolerable side effects like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

Last, corticosteroids are the last resort for people who cannot take the NSAIDs and colchicine. These are effective for gout pain relief but you will not like its side effects of lessened ability to fight infection, slower wound healing and progressively thinner bones.

What Can I Do About Tinnitus, The Non-Stop Ringing In My Ears?

Tinnitus is a common problem, which affects 50 million Americans, according to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA). For one third of those who suffer from tinnitus, the problem is "significantly annoying", for 1 percent of tinnitus sufferers this condition is debilitating and it interferes with sleep and their ability to lead a normal life. The "ringing in the ears" is described as static, screeching, ringing, hissing, crickets, whooshing, roaring, pulsing, ocean waves, buzzing, or dial tones, as stated by By Janice Howard, MA, CCC-A, member of the Tinnitus Practitioner's Association, in her article Tinnitus Treatment Saves a Marriage. Some people report hearing music and even voices. Hearing voices falls in the auditory hallucination realm, while hearing music is somewhere in between tinnitus and auditory hallucinations and is beyond the scope of this article.

Many tinnitus sufferers believe they have a terrible disease which is causing the ringing in their ears. When they seek medical help and their medical providers tell them they can't find anything wrong and to "learn to live with it", despair and isolation increases, which in turn might make tinnitus worse. Tinnitus is not a disease, it's a symptom. Several medical conditions may cause tinnitus, therefore it is important to have a complete medical evaluation if you experience tinnitus, which should begin with a visit to an audiologist, preferably one familiar with tinnitus. The audiologist can then make a referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT) or family practice physician if needed. Once you've been medically cleared, that is, if your doctor can't find any medical reason for the tinnitus, you should seek the help of a professional who specializes in tinnitus management. Good places to start are the Tinnitus Practitioner's Association and the American Tinnitus Association.

Some conditions that may cause tinnitus are:

Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)

Noise exposure with or without hearing loss

Earwax

Otosclerosis (arthritis of the middle ear bones)

Stress and depression

TMJ disorders (problems with the temporomandibular joint)

Head or neck injuries

Tumors

Blood vessel disorders

Atherosclerosis

High blood pressure

Some medications

However, for many people the cause of ringing in the ears is not known.

People react differently to tinnitus. Some find it a little annoying and others find it debilitating. Unlike what most people think, the actual "volume" of the ringing is not very different between the groups, that is, it's not that tinnitus is softer in those who feel mildly annoyed, rather, it's the person's reaction to the noise that makes it either annoying or unbearable. There are several treatments that can help people cope with their tinnitus, including:

Counseling

Hearing aids

Medications

Psychological therapy

Sound therapy

It is important to know that as of this writing there is no cure for tinnitus, however, this doesn't mean there is no help for dealing with it. Many tinnitus sufferers have gotten their lives back by seeking help.

I will explore the "why" and "how" tinnitus therapy works on my next article.

Forward Head Posture Correction

Forward head posture is a pathological structural abnormality in which the head is translated anterior in relation to the rest of the body. The normal static upright posture for the skull is where the center of mass of the skull [generally at the external auditory meatus] is aligned over the center of mass of the thorax [generally the midpoint of the shoulder].

There are many reasons why people develop forward head posture. The incidence of this problem has grown exponentially with the advent of the personal computer and video games. There is also a direct correlation between whiplash injuries (due to acceleration-deceleration trauma in an auto accident), and the incidence of forward head posture. There is no data to support whether it is more prevalent in males or females, or what age brackets are most affected.

Because of gravitational stress, it is important that there is normal alignment with regard to the skull on the thorax and the thorax on the pelvis. Research has shown for every one inch of anterior head translation, there is a doubling of gravitational compressive loading exerted on the muscles and joints of the cervical and thoracic spine. For example, if the head weighs 10 pounds, if there is a one inch anterior translation, the result is 20 pounds of gravitational stress being exerted on the body; two inches of anterior head posture = 30 pounds of gravitational stress. This accounts for why people who have forward head posture have chronic suboccipital pain, as well as pain in the traps, rhomboids, and other muscles which help to maintain the posture. These muscles are fatigued and end up developing spasms and trigger points. Additionally research has shown forward head posture is damaging to the joints (resulting in arthritis, degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease).

The normal anatomical configuration for the lateral (saggital) cervical spine is a lordosis (or forward curve). The ideal-normal curve is 42 degrees of a circle (as measured between C2 and C7). There is a strong relationship between forward head posture and the loss of a normal cervical curve (and/or a reversal of the normal cervical curve). In the most severe instances, there is a multiple harmonic configuration (where within the span of C2 to C7, there are multiple curves). This is pathological and unstable.

There is a legitimate and scientifically founded reason to rehabilitate the cervico-thoracic spine to correct structural abnormalities (such as forward head posture) even going beyond the resolution of pain. This runs contrary to the current medical model which is symptom specific only (in other words - you stop treating once the patient is asymptomatic). Structural correction of the spine is more akin to orthodontics for the teeth. The clinical goal is not the simple amelioration of pain, but rather the correction of abnormal and pathological posture (which will result in chronic and permanent damage to soft and hard spinal tissues).

People suffering with forward head posture have sought a variety of treatments including medicine, chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy and acupuncture. I have found the most effective treatment plan must involve a combination of modalities which serve to restore motion, alignment and strength. The first issue that needs handled is the restoration of motion (to the joints and the muscles). The most effective way to accomplish this is via chiropractic adjustments, stretching (active assisted and proprioceptive neurofascilitation or "PNF" stretching). Additionally, a variety of muscle and soft tissue therapies (such as Nimmo Ischemic Compression, Active Release Technique, Graston and Kinesiotaping) all have proven to be useful for the restoration of normal motion.

Once the patient's full, pain-free range of motion has been restored, the alignment may be addressed. The most effective way of correcting the forward displacement is via two-way extension-compression traction. The two way traction exerts forces on the patient in two different vectors. One part exerts force on the patient's forehead, gently pulling the head posterior (backward). It moves the skull back over the center of mass of the shoulder. The second force is applied to the back of the patient's neck, gently pulling it anterior (forward) to restore the curve in the neck). Research has shown the most effective results occur when this traction is done for a minimum of seven minutes to a maximum of twenty minutes. After twenty minutes, no further clinical benefits are obtained. The traction can be thought of as a long-slow adjustment. The purpose of it is to structurally deform the ligaments which are responsible for maintaining the saggital (lateral) shape of the spine (most notably the anterior longitudinal ligament). It takes time to overcome the hysteresis and creep properties of the elastic cartilage. The patient is to traction their own neck at home every day (seven days per week, and doing multiple sessions per day).

While the alignment is being addressed via traction, there must also be restoration of the strength and stability of the cerviothoracic spine. This is accomplished via a variety of specific exercises. The exercises are designed to build endurance and strength in all planes of movement. The patient is to start the exercise campaign doing isometric contractions followed by gentle proprioceptive exercises (which stimulate the joint mechanoreceptors and assist in building stability). Stability and endurance must be developed before strength. After this, the patient needs to build strength through isokinetic exercises. The areas to be addressed include the neck, upper back, chest and shoulders. The patient needs to be evaluated for asymmetrical contractions, cross body patterns and abnormal firing patterns.

When the patient has full, pain-free range of motion, no anterior translation of the skull on the thorax, a 42 degree cervical lordosis and has excellent strength & stability they are then "normal" and to be discharged from care. Intermittent follow up examinations (wellness checkups) are advised to make sure there hasn't been any regression.