Joint Pain - What Causes Painful Joints?

If pain wasn't bad enough, to have it in the joints is the worst. Causing distraction, and inability to do certain things, painful joints affect your job, home, and personal life all at the same time. Realizing that the pain is really only the symptom for a more serious cause is the first step to getting rid of it. If you don't know what causes painful joints you can't very well treat it.

The tenderness and swelling associated with joint pain can be bothersome. It can also be described as feeling bruised or a restriction of movement in the joint. Inflammation and redness can also be seen in some conditions. These symptoms are all pointers to what the real cause may be. Don't assume that because you are 50+ in age that it is arthritis.

However, arthritis in the joints, or Rheumatism is the most common diagnosis. Inflammation caused by the degeneration of cartilage, and the wearing down of bone in the joints is called Osteoarthritis. These types of arthritis, including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Septic Arthritis are generally the cause of pain in older people, but it doesn't rule out the possibilities of other causes. Make sure your doctor is aware of any other reason that may be the cause for your pain.

An injury to a ligament, cartilage or bone in the joint area, caused by an accident, sport or outdoor activity, is the next largest reason for painful joints. If pain, swelling and redness occur after an injury it is important to put ice on the affected area. Contact a medical professional to find out how bad the injury is and how best to treat it.

Other causes can be infectious diseases that affect the area around the joints. These include, but are not limited to, Lupus or SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), rheumatic fever, chicken pox, mumps, hepatitis and the common flu. If any of these are left untreated it could cause more severe problems to occur. It could be Lyme disease if a headache, rash and tiredness accompany the pain.

Sharp pains in the toes, feet and ankles could be diagnosed as Gout, a temporary condition that can be treated by changing the diet. Overweight individuals also tend to have joint, and muscle pain, caused by the additional pressure on the joints and surrounding muscles. Increased fruits and vegetables, and at least 8 glasses of water per day, along with a good exercise program will help both of these conditions.

Doctors will use several methods to determine the cause of your pain. Usually a physical exam, including your clinical history, along with possible X-rays, MRI, bone scans and urine tests, will be used to help in the diagnosis. This is the most important step, so make sure you discuss all possibilities, as well as the resulting diagnosis, with your physician for the best treatment options to be determined.

Pain relief is important, but understanding and treating the cause should be your number one goal. Of course, if any of the above symptoms are combined with fever or chills, severe headache, or upset stomach please consult your doctor, as this could be a more serious condition. Correct diagnosis is the key to treating the pain.

Cure TMD-TMJ Syndrome Naturally - Common Methods of Treatment

Common Methods of Treatment

• mouth guards / appliances / splints


• neuromuscular dentistry


• reshaping teeth

Mouth Guards / Appliances / Splints

Mouth Guards Don't Cure. The principle and hope of these kinds of devices is that by separating the teeth, they are prevented from grinding each other. However, from the very name, "mouth guard," we infer that this kind of device doesn't solve the problem, but only hopes to prevent tooth damage. It's obvious -- what the mouth is being guarded from is... the mouth! "Appliance" and "splint" are other names for "mouth guard".

Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry takes a more sophisticated technological approach to the use of dental appliances. By measuring electrical activity of the muscles of biting and chewing, practitioners of this approach identify patterns of movement, of position, and of dental stress and then prepare an appliance to retrain the nervous system's control of those muscles. The desired outcome common comes in a few months; cost ranges from $5,000 to $25,000.

Re-shaping Teeth

Dentists have found that by changing the fit of upper and lower teeth, they can alter neuromuscular control of the muscles of biting and chewing and thereby alleviate TMJ Syndrome. This approach posits that the cause of excessive jaw tension is poor fit between upper and lower teeth. Its method is to reshape tooth surfaces by a polishing process to improve the fit. This method does get results. By changing the fit between teeth (by removing contours that prevent uniform contact among teeth), the process changes ones experience of biting and chewing.

This change introduces such a new experience of biting and chewing that habitual patterns of muscular control are interrupted, allowing new movement patterns to form. However, it's an indirect approach involving ongoing dental surgery in a series of steps to a good fit. While its effects may be beneficial, it is costly and is invasive.

A NEW TECHNIQUE

Clinical Somatic Education

Understanding that we are dealing with conditioned postural reflexes that govern muscular tension, one way to cure TMD naturally would be to retrain those conditioned postural reflexes -- in effect, to eliminate residual trauma reflex and to ease dental stress.

A simplified description of clinical somatic education technique:

1. With teeth slightly apart, grasp the chin with both hands, thumbs hooked underneath the chin.


2. Gently bite, but prevent the teeth from meeting by your handhold.


3. Feel the muscles of biting. Remember the feeling of chewing.


4. Slowly and simultaneously do two things: (1) Relax the bite action. (2) Tip your head back (rather than drop the jaw open). Your hands maintain position exactly where they were.


5. At your first easy limit to opening further, bite again, but prevent the jaws from closing by your handhold.


6. Feel the muscles of biting. Remember the feeling of chewing.


7. Relax the bite as you tip your head back a bit further to your easy limit.

Continue to your limit (without forcing).

REPEAT.

This new technique, using natural biting/relaxation actions in an unusual way, rapidly (nearly instantaneously) retrains the muscles of biting and chewing, with lasting results that increase with practice. Though it seems innocuous, it is highly effective (and should be tested by the reader before forming an opinion).

By applying this basic technique to the various directions of jaw movement -- opening-closing, side-to-side grinding movements, and forward-backward jaw movements -- the various symptoms of TMD/TMJ Syndrome -- headaches, earaches, bruxism, poor bite, tinnitis, postural changes, limited ability to open or close the jaws -- resolve into normal function.

What Is Temporary Manipular Joint Pain?

If you have been experiencing neck pains, facial pains, and even headaches for some time, then you should go to your doctor to have yourself checked. If these pains include ringing in the ears, buzzing, clicking or sometimes locking of your jaw, then you may have signs of an acute condition. If these symptoms are present, then you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ, or simply known as jaw pain.

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, starts from the muscles that move your lower jaw. You would likely feel that your jaw is being grabbed, and this is all because of the temporalis, the muscle that spreads like a fan inside. It's good advice to seek a qualified physician, as some physicians only have minor training in the uses and conditions relating to the temporalis muscle. Sometime, they make the common mistake of simply diagnosing the conditions as a migraine. If it is continuously hurting you, there is probably something more and you should have it checked once more.

TMJ typically occurs is when you have not visited your dentist in a long time. This essentially means that your teeth and jaw are not maintained well. TMJ can also start with an accident, and so you must always be careful. There are two types of TMJ that you need to be aware of. The first is the Acute TMJ, where you feel the onset of pain suddenly. The other one is the Chronic TMJ, where the pain does not just go away easily and so it keeps you bothered until you have it checked. In most cases acute conditions refer to pain that lasts under three months, with chronic pain being classed as pain that is continuous for three months or more.

Other causes of TMJ include a deficiency in nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and so on. So make sure you have plenty of fruits and vegetables.

And if you already have TMJ disorder, one thing you can do is to massage the area of your jaw, gently so you can get some pain relief and relax the surrounding muscles. Another thing is when you would take over-the-counter analgesics, such as the Nuprin and Motrin. The only thing is that, it would not fully recover you from the disorder; it would just prevent the pain every now and then. To get long-term relief for you pain, you will need to consult a qualified health professional such as an osteopath or physiotherapist.

What Causes a Sore Jaw When You Wake in the Morning?

Stress can be caused by many different internal and external influences. Money, job and family are all potential areas that can cause stress in your daily life. Unfortunately, it can cause sleep issues and ongoing jaw joint pain as well. Some people wake up with headaches and jaw pain and have no real explanation.

Bruxism is a condition that involves the clenching and grinding of teeth. Just like snoring, the offending person usually is unaware, but can be very disturbing to their partner or spouse. The grinding of teeth can annoyingly loud or in some cases silent with no trace of "Bruxing". In these cases, the dentist may be the only one that can tell you are grinding your teeth which in turn causes your jaw pain.

Jaw issues from teeth grinding can occur at any age. Because of the constant pressure, this can lead to more serious issues with the jaw, mouth and teeth. If it goes unchecked, the result could lead to TMJ or Temporomandibular joint (the joint that connects your jaw to the skull) issues.

If you are suffering from constant earaches, toothaches or jaw pain, it could very well be due to teeth grinding during the night. There are mouth guards that can be worn to separate the teeth to protect them from damage.

If stress is a factor, a good diet and exercise regimen is typically where people need to start to focus. In times of deadlines and commitments, the diet and time taken to follow a basic exercise program is difficult to maintain but can be done if there is a commitment to health and wellness.

Meditation can be another option in stress relief. It is all about aligning your mind, body and soul together to become more relaxed and at peace with your surroundings. Finding a few minutes out of each day will help your mind become more at ease and stress-free. Signing up for a Yoga class is a great program to start with in learning to meditate and relax.

Each day, find a place that has minimal distractions and noise, like a separate conference room, a park or even your car may offer the desired environment to allow your senses to become less stimulated. Allow 5-10 minutes for each session. As you progress, the cycles may last a bit longer, but you will find that the more your sessions develop, the more refreshed and focused you will become.

In summary, jaw joint pain can be more serious if you do not pay attention to the signs and deal with the underlying stress issues. If you believe you grind your teeth, your dentist can provide more insight and recommend a course of treatment.

Sacroiliac Dysfunction

Roughly 85 percent of the patients we see in our chiropractic office have some form of sacroiliac dysfunction. The sacroiliac joint (SI for short) is a large series of ligaments between the triangular sacrum at the base of our spine and the ilium or pelvis. This joint is made of the sacrotuberous ligament, the sacrospinous ligament, the anterior sacroiliac ligament, the posterior sacroiliac ligament, and the interosseous sacroiliac ligament. Dysfunction or inflammation in this joint can manifest as low back pain, hip pain, groin pain, restricted motion, referral pain down the leg and can even cause pain and dysfunction in distal parts of the body such as the knee, ankle, foot and even the neck and shoulders.

The sacroiliac joint plays a major role in the stability and function of our gait cycle. It provides a measure of shock absorption and also alternately locks to provide stability in the toe off phase of gait. Bottom line, if you're walking, the SI joint is working. The SI joint is supported by all the muscles of the core and lower extremity such as psoas, the gluts, piriformis, the transverse rectus abdominus, the obliques, the lumbar erectors, the quadratus lumborum, the hamstrings, and the quads, just to name a few. To that end dysfunction in the SI can create issues with any of the a-fore mentioned tissues, and vice versa. SI pathology can occur due to trauma, repetitive stress injury, or even simply due to postural dysfunction.

When the SI joint is restricted we commonly see the ilium rotated anteriorly on one side and posteriorly on the other. Should the pelvis be rotated backwards on the right commonly we will see contralateral hip flexor or psoas tightness, ipsilateral quadratus lumborum tightness, and ipsilateral piriformis or glut weakness. Ipsilateral refers to the same side as the restriction, while contralateral refers to the opposite side. These are not absolute rules, but common presentations seen with in the chiropractic office environment.

SI dysfunction is well suited to chiropractic care. Chiropractors may utilize a variety of treatment modalities to address issues with the sacroiliac joint. Electric stimulation, heat and ice, active release, myofascial release, manual manipulation, foot orthotics, gait analysis, and active rehab can all be effective in the treatment of SI dysfunction.

Proper evaluation is fundamental when designing an appropriate treatment plan. Careful analysis, including history, inspection, orthopedic testing, neurological testing, gait analysis and so forth plays a vital role in diagnosing SI problems. In some cases gait analysis may indicate the need for a custom-made orthotic. Should this be the case your chiropractor will be able to do a custom scan of your foot to select the orthotic that is appropriate for you.

When treating the SI, the first step is to release any surrounding muscle tissue that may be restricting the normal function or motion of the joint. Active release, or even just simple old massage is a great way to treat tight or hypertonic muscle tissue. Once the surrounding tissue has been released a manual manipulation may be applied. The actual technique will be dependent upon the treating physician. Regardless of technique system, the manipulation will target the specific adhesion or restriction with-in the joint. Soft tissue work and manipulation may be followed by rehab or strengthening of particular tissue segments, with the goal of increasing stability. If you have more questions about SI dysfunction or suspect you may have this problem, simply consult your local chiropractor.

Still More Arthritis Myths and Facts

Everyone experiences aches and pains from time to time. But if they persist and bother you a lot, chances are you have arthritis - a painful and disabling disease that affects 40 million Americans and about 50 percent of people over age 60.

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints and is the most common chronic health problem in the United States. It affects one in three adults in developing nations and can make the "golden years" of your life miserable.

Symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and redness in the joints. The pain is greatest in the morning and subsides as the day progresses.

Sadly, there are many myths about the disease that can interfere with treatment and make matters worse. To get things straight, here are some myths and the truths behind them care of Flexcerin, a powerful formula that rebuilds worn joints, lubricates stiff joints, and soothes inflamed joints to increase your flexibility and mobility. Visit http://www.flexcerin.com for more details.

Arthritis is a normal part of aging. False. While most victims of arthritis are senior citizens, the disease can strike at any age. The most common type, osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, can occur in young people as a result of joint injury or overuse. Another type, rheumatoid arthritis, is a chronic disease that can affect children.

Arthritis is one disease. False. The term "arthritis" actually covers more than 100 diseases that inflame the joints and make movement painful. The most frequent forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis but other types exist like gout, lupus, and bursitis.

Most pain relievers are effective and safe for arthritis. False. If you have arthritis, your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve the pain and swelling. More than 20 million people worldwide take these drugs for relief.

Unfortunately, prolonged use of NSAIDs even in moderate doses can cause stomachache, bleeding, ulcers, and hypertension. Kidney failure can occur with large doses.

Arthritis can be cured. False. Many people turn to unconventional remedies like copper bracelets, Chinese herbal remedies, large doses of vitamins, and snake or bee venom to end their arthritis. Unfortunately, none of these work. Because the symptoms of arthritis come and go periodically, individuals who try these unproven remedies may associate the remedy with the sudden disappearance of the disease. In truth, there is no cure for arthritis but treatments can help reduce pain and maintain joint movement.

Herbal Pain Relief For Arthritis - 3 Herbs That Work Great and Naturally

If you are looking for herbal pain relief for arthritis, you may end up settling for traditional pain medications because herbal remedies can be confusing to use. You hear people all the time saying that herbs is the way to go if you want to get to the root cause of your problem. This may be well and good but with so many natural remedies for pain relief on the market, how can you decide what is really effective for arthritis pain.

First of all you must know that herbs do not work like traditional medications. Most prescription and over- the-counter medications mask illnesses. They never get to the root cause of any illness except for antibiotics which is another subject and I don't have time to get into it here.

Herbs on the other hand, in the right combination, will get to the root cause of the problem and work to heal you from the inside out. However, it does take awhile for herbs to work and most don't work immediately. If you are really suffering from arthritis pain, you really need to take this into consideration because you may not get quick pain relief.

So what are some of the herbal pain relievers that really work for arthritis. One herb, white willow bark, is a natural pain reliever. It is actually what inspired the making of aspirin a synthetic version of white willow bark. Unlike aspirin, white willow bark does not have the gastric side effects that are common with taking aspirin. This herb is also good for reducing inflammation in the joints.

Turmeric is another herb that can provide herbal pain relief for arthritis. There are literally thousands of testimonial about the benefits of turmeric in relieving joint pain. This herb is commonly used as a spice in east Asia and Hungarian dishes. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is best to buy it in bulk and start out with 1/8 tsp daily and then gradually work you way up to 1 tsp in a month or two to help relieve arthritis pain.

Finally, cayenne pepper with its active ingredient capsaicin is effective for easing pain caused by arthritis. Capsaicin can be used topically as a cream, ointment or ingested as a capsule. It also reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and lowers blood sugars. The recommended dose to relief arthritis pain is to take two capsules three to four times a day.

They are many others herbal remedies that are recommended for arthritis like glucosamine that help rebuild cartilage so you can use glucosamine in conjunction with tumeric, white willow bark, or cayenne pepper. Herbal pain relief for arthritis may not happen overnight but these three herbs work if you are consistent in their use.

Causes and Treatment of Bruxism Disorders

According to the experts, the causes and treatments of bruxism disorders are varied. Many people have a mild form of the condition and may not ever require treatment for it. Others people have more sever forms of it and really have a problem dealing with the results of it. This symptom is the grinding and clenching for the teeth and jaw at night while sleeping. Some cases can lead to jaw disorders and severely damaged teeth along with headaches and other problems.

Causes and treatment of bruxism are many. The causes are thought to be too much stress in your life and too much anger or tension from every day problems or anxiety. Other causes can be an over zealous personality type that is prone to excessive competition. Dental problems known as malocclusions can lead to jaw disorders too. It is thought that well known health conditions can lead to bruxism disorder, like complications of Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Some medications can have side effects that can be responsible for this disorders too. Such medications can include psychiatric drugs or anti-depressants or others.

If you have just been diagnosed with Bruxism disorder, you may be asking what are the causes and treatment of this symptom. The treatments of Teeth Grinding are as varied as the causes are. If you go to a dentist to find out the treatment for it, you will more than likely be told that you should purchase a mouth guard and use it to protect your teeth. This is a treatment but not a cure. Other treatments can be holistic type treatments such as hypnosis or acupuncture. Nutritionists will tell you to try to eat certain foods and take certain vitamins and minerals. Herbalists will tell you to take certain herbs. If you are grinding your teeth and are looking for the causes and treatment of bruxism disorders, don't give up. There may be a natural cure or treatment out there for you.

What You Should Know About Lift Chair Recliners

Lift chair recliners, also known as rise chair recliners, are a form of mobility equipment. These chairs were designed for the sole purpose of assisting the weak and disabled who find it difficult to sit in a chair and get up out of it.

There are three settings in it. The user can be assisted into a seated position, an upright position or a fully reclined position. Lift chairs have the same appearance as any other ordinary chair; only, they have a few additional components.

When a person wants to get up out of the chair, a button is pressed which uses the motor to tilt the chair in an upright position. When attempting to sit down, the weight of the body causes the motor to lower the chair. A motor can also activate the foot rest to elevate and place the person in a reclined position. Reclining lift chairs are plugged into an outlet but also have a battery in cases where the electricity goes out.

When people have a hard time getting into a chair or re-assuming a standing from seated position, they tend to become inactive. Inactivity or immobilization promotes further weakness and other secondary complications. Many different population groups can benefit from using lift chair recliners. People who suffer from arthritis will present with increased pain and stiffness when getting up from a chair, especially in the morning. Those with neck and back ailments are also advised to use less taxing ways of getting around. Much of the stress of bearing the body's weight can be reduced in people who underwent hip or knee surgery or have degenerative joint disease.

Lift chair recliners not only benefit the disabled person; it can even help the health care professionals treating the patient. Health care workers such as caregivers and private nurses can use chairs that lift the patient automatically. Even when these professionals are trained to use proper body mechanics when lifting, the labor-intensive task can still cause back pain. Using lift chairs does not cause strain and it also saves time for the health care provider, allowing more time to be spent on other treatments.

It can be ordered in different colors, shapes and sizes. Most sizes range from Small to Extra-extra-large. The largest size can be ordered to accommodate obese individuals. When purchasing a lift chair, it is important to know both the weight and the height of the user. The small size can comfortably fit a person who is less than 5' 4'' in height.

The chairs may also come with additional features like a heat and massage setting for added comfort. Cup holders and areas for storage are available. Some models have hand controls for more convenience. When arranging lift chair recliners in a room, it is important to remember that an appropriate amount of space be provided. The lift chair should be able to operate in all positions without coming in contact with other pieces of furniture.

Do Kneeling Chairs Work?

"But it has no back!" you exclaim the first time you see a kneeling chair.

Kneeling chairs have been the source of much controversy in the world of ergonomics. Are they some Japanese thing? Are they a gimmick? How do you even sit in the thing? Some organizations have classified them as orthotic devices. Some ergonomists have written them off entirely. Yet we are still left wondering, do kneeling chairs work?

The key to answering this question is first to ask, "how does the body work?" Fortunately, we only need to understand how one important set of joints affects the rest of the body--the hips.

Biomechanical studies have revealed that the the thigh bone is only capable of rotating up about 60 degrees in the hip joint. After the math, this leaves us with another 30 degrees we still need to raise our legs in order to fit into an ordinary 90 degree, right-angled chair. Obviously we sit in chairs every day, so how do we do it? After the hip joint maxes out, we rotate our pelvis backwards in order to get the extra contraction we need to fit into a chair.

Therein lies the problem with a standard chair. It's impossible to sit truly upright with your pelvis tilted backwards. Rotating your pelvis backwards points the natural head spine line behind your chair back. However, the chair back prevents you from leaning backwards into the natural head-spine line, and forces your spine upwards in a way that stretches and pulls on the lower back. This leads to the "flat lower back" that causes low back pain and ruptured discs. Ouch! Standard ergonomic chairs try to fix the problem by restoring the curve in the lower back with lumbar support. But lumbar support can't fix our postural woes, because the problem is not the lower back! The problem is that our pelvis is tilted backwards.

Enter the kneeling chair. Most kneeling chairs are built at a fixed angle that only raises the thighs 60 degrees--as far as the hip joint naturally allows. This allows your hips to stay in their neutral, upright position. Without the pressure of your pelvis and chair back fighting each other, sitting upright becomes very easy. So easy, that you don't need the added force of a chair back to keep you upright.

Many people (including myself) have even adopted kneeling chairs as office chair replacements for our regular 8-10 hour days of office sitting without missing the back at all. The only caveat for a new user is that your lower back has been weakened by years of using a regular chair, and there will be an adjustment period while your lower back muscles come back into balance with your abdominal muscles. Alternate sitting in your regular chair and your kneeling chair for the first week or two while you are getting used to the new chair. Don't just switch cold turkey.

So the final decision, do kneeling chairs really work? Once you get past that they "look weird" and don't have a back, the answer is an enthusiastic "YES!" They are both scientifically and experimentally proven to be among the best ergonomic chairs because they fix the real ergonomic problem with chairs--hip angle. Replacing your regular chair with a kneeling chair is likely to boost your energy, reduce daily pains and fatigue, and provide the added postural benefit of walking taller and prouder than you ever have before.

Suffering From Hip Pain? Use The Leg Wedge Pillow And Feel The Change

Hip pain is a common discomfort people have, it does not let you feel comfortably either when you are awake or when it is time to sleep. But in order to understand this pain, why it happens and how we can obtain hip pain relief, we have to know how the hips work. A joint is formed by the ends of at least two bones that are connected by ligaments. The hip consists of two parts: a ball or femoral head at the top of the femur, and a rounded socket or acetabulum in the pelvis. The surfaces of the ball and socket are covered by a material called articular cartilage, which cushions the bones and allows them move easily.

So what causes hip joint pain? Arthritis is one of the most usual causes, and more precisely osteoarthritis, which involves a breakdown of cartilage in the joints, and when cartilage wears away the bones rub against each other causing this pain. It is more frequent in people older than fifty years old. Another cause is the avascular necrosis, which happens when there is not enough blood supply to the bone, like when someone has been through organ transplantation.

Treating hip pain

In most cases that are not as extreme as the ones which require hip surgery or hip replacement, doctors recommend medication, physical therapy like hip exercise and changing your sleeping position and getting an ergonomic pillow to accommodate your legs in the right position. This is where the Leg Wedge Pillow proves to be right what people who suffer from hip pain need. This orthopedic pillow keeps pelvis correctly aligned and relieves pressure on the hips as well as in all joints. People will feel a great difference in how their hips, lower back and the rest of the body feels after sleeping comfortably without feeling pain.

But there is more. Most people are side sleepers, which mean they prefer to sleep on their sides. However, people who like this sleeping position know that the most common set of discomforts are hip and lower back pain. And here is another cause for hip pain: sleeping in this position the natural shape of the body causes that the leg that is furthest from the sleep surface to be misaligned and it is pulled straight down by gravity, creating pressure and tension on the hips causing more pain. The Leg Wedge Pillow, when used as a leg spacer pillow, helps people to stay on their side without feeling any discomfort. People can feel the pressure and tension release as your spine and your hip are properly aligned right after they place the Leg Wedge Pillow between their legs, which allows them to sleep comfortably and quietly and forget about hip pains.

How Much EPA and DHA Should You Take? Here Are Some Simple Guidelines

How much EPA and DHA should you take to prevent age-related diseases or to improve your current health and well-being?

This article looks at those questions in some detail. But, first, let's look at some of the things that it may be suggested for.

All dietary supplements are associated with some health benefits. It is safe to say that omega-3 dietary supplements are associated with more benefits than any other.

Just a few of the benefits include:

o Reduced risk of heart disease and factors that lead to it

o Improvement in depression, attention deficit disorder, difficulty concentrating, anxiety and stress-related symptoms

o Improved vision and reduced risk of age-related eye diseases, like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration

o Reduced joint pain, fatigue and stiffness in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis

o Beneficial for male infertility; improvement in sperm count and motility

o Beneficial for skin problems, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and sagging

So, let's start with this question.

How much EPA and DHA should you take for brain health?

Depression and related conditions have been attributed to low levels of DHA in the bloodstream, but the biggest benefits have been seen with supplements that contain both of the fatty acids.

However, the exact amount, the ideal daily intake, is still a subject of clinical research. Doctors that are knowledgeable in the subject recommend 2000-3000mg of fish oil every day, but the amount of omega-3s that will provide varies from one brand to the next. In the better brands, at least 50% of the total fats are omega-3s.

So, with 2000-3000mg of fish oil, you would be getting 1000-1500mg of total omega-3s. Positive results have been seen with similar amounts in some of the studies that have been completed, to date.

So, how much EPA and DHA should you take to reduce inflammation? The benefits seen in the areas of joint pain, skin problems and the reduced risk of heart disease have primarily to do with a reduction of inflammation. As with the omega-3 content, the anti-inflammatory activity of the supplements on the market varies greatly, but not solely because of the omega-3 content.

Recent studies have shown that a combination of the natural triglycerides and the concentrated esters have twice the anti-inflammatory activity of the standard supplements. So, logically, you would need to take half as much to see the same benefit.

If you are wondering how much EPA and DHA should you take for infertility issues, the standard recommended dosage of 2-3 capsules, 2000-3000mg per day, should be sufficient.

But, it is always wise to consult a doctor that is up-to-date with the research. As new research becomes available, recommendations may change.

Basically, the answer to the question is the same, regardless of why you are asking. As long as the omega-3 content is high, 2-3 fish oil capsule per day should be sufficient.

How much EPA and DHA should you take every day?

Take at least 1000mg of total omega-3s per day and you should see results, soon.

Cat Arthritis - Know How to Care For Them

Elderly cats are commonly known to catch arthritis, which is the wear and tear of joints in parts of the body. Its main causes include high age, due to which a time comes when unfit bodies exhibit joint degeneration and high pain due to tendon tissue damage. Arthritis is just as common in cats as it is in people and identical to their reasons in humans, they are caused due to high age, obesity, weak bones, genetic issues, Lyme disease, high level of activity and the stress factor. The chief cause of cat arthritis is high age, yet younger cats can also catch arthritis due to genetic and other stress problems.

Most of the cat owners find it difficult to spot any pain caused by arthritis due to the fact that they are already slow on account of their old age. But they might not be that lively and energetic due to arthritis. Cats cannot share their pain with their owners and for that reason they often hide or deal with the pain caused, which is why arthritis is pretty difficult to be spotted in them and the pain, equaled with the stress, results in early feline death in many cases.

However due to the innovation in technology, other symptoms in cat arthritis are described as follows. Cats often show signs of stress and depression, unwilling to play or jump, maintain a low level of activity, sleep more frequently, may appear bony than usual due to the excessive muscle waste and may signal pain and stiffness when standing or walking. Changes in mental attitude are also common which will result in changes in behavior such as less interaction and increased anger.

The diagnostic procedure of probable cat arthritis would include a detailed analysis of your cat's physical strength and a history of the disease would be taken. In addition to those, blood tests, X-rays and ultrasound etc of the aching joints could also be performed to get a clear diagnosis. Feline arthritis mostly includes Osteoarthritis and Traumatic arthritis where there is damage to the joints in both cases but Osteoarthritis can become serious in some cases depending on the nature of the cause, the damage done and the physical status of the cat; the condition may become untreatable a few times, but you can at least try to present comfort to the cat in the small life it has left.

Treatment to cat arthritis can be done through various ways. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are one of the most common cures adopted mostly by vets. Glucosamine is a significant element of the cartilage and joint fluid and Chondroitin improves the arrangement of the ligaments and restrains the joint-breaking enzymes inside. Regular and long-term vet-prescribed dosage can make a big difference to your cat suffering from arthritis and may enable her to recover in a month.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain-relievers such as Tramadol and Vitamin C and Corticosteroids such as Prednisone can alleviate any immediate pain but their consumption is lessened nowadays due to their high side effects. Alongside physical exercise and weight control are not only natural remedies to the current arthritis level, but they also keep the feline body fit, energetic and should prevent a large number of diseases in the future too, allowing your cat to spend a long and happy life.

Total Hip Replacement Surgery

The goals of total hip replacement (arthroplasty) are to provide relief of pain and discomfort, improve function and enhance stability in patients suffering from arthritis or any disabling orthopedic hip problem. This goal was originally met in the late 1960's and has been improved over the past several decades.

In India Total hip replacement is a common surgical procedure with a high success rate. In an arthritic hip, the damaged ball (the upper end of the femur) is replaced by a metal or ceramic ball attached to a metal stem fitted into the femur (with or without cement), and a plastic or ceramic socket (fitted into a metal socket) that is implanted into the pelvis, replacing the damaged socket.
Using a combination of metal and plastic, the joint implant surgeon creates a new ball and socket joint, which will glide smoothly and painlessly. During the past two decades, multiple advances in hip arthroplasty have been accomplished and many types of prosthesis are available and currently used. The metals used are chrome cobalt alloy and/or titanium alloy. These are super metals initially developed for the aerospace industry and now adapted for the orthopedic industry. The plastic is a high-density plastic polymer called polyethylene. In younger patients a ceramic ball is used with a polyethylene or ceramic socket.

Methods of total hip replacement surgery:

Modern Total Hiip replacement surgery is divided in two different methods. With elderly people it is often more reasonable to put in and fix the total hip in a softer bone by using bone cement. The advantage of this method is that the prosthesis holds from the very first day and will not loosen itself in the relatively soft bone of an elderly person. This represents a very stable and reasonable construction. Today, a stainless steel prosthesis is inserted into the bone of the upper leg by using a little amount of bone cement and is immediately stable.

The inverse of the hip bone will be shaped and a piece of synthetic material will be fixed with bone cement. The connection is immediately stable. This method has been approved worldwide for over 40 years and is still recommended. The life expectancy of a prosthesis of this kind is a minimum of 10 years, normally 15 years and very often 20 years.

A well established second method is a system of joint replacement without bone cement. In this case titanium trunks are fitted into the upper leg bone (femur) and are fixed by exact insertion into the femur. This method of the cementless prosthesis normally takes a couple of weeks until it is fixed to the upper leg bone. We recommend the use of crutches for 6-8 weeks.
In Rheinfelden a titanic cup which is screwed into the bone and also not fixed by bone cement has proved true. In this type of titanic cup either plastic or ceramic inlay is fitted in exactely.
The slide bearing (so called ,,Gleitpaarung") means that materials for bonehead and inlay of the cup can be different. In most cases the slide bearing plastic and metal has proved to be good. The stay in the clinic in case of a hip replacement usually is 2 weeks.

Alternatives to Total Hip Replacement Surgery.

Conservative treatment

One alternative is not to have an operation. If your pain can be controlled with medication (pain killers: such as paracetamol, or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; or disease management medication: like glucosamine-sulfate), physiotherapy, and adapting your physical activities, so that you are sufficiently comfortable and you are content with your present activity level and motion in your hip, then you may decide to wait (AKA watchful waiting).
Femoral/acetabular osteotomy

For patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), cutting the thigh bone (femoral astronomy) or pelvis (Ganz, Berne or Bernice osteotomy) in order to realign the hip may be indicated if the hip weight-bearing area can be broadened or made more congruent. This is often useful in young patients. Recovery following osteotomy may be longer than with joint replacement, implicating no weight bearing for 6 weeks up to 3 months!

Arthrodesis

Arthrodesis is rarely performed, but is an especially effective procedure for younger patients, particularly those who are of short stature and who are otherwise healthy. "Arthrodesis" relieves pain by fusing the femoral head to the acetabulum. It has none of the limitations that a joint replacement or other procedure has in terms of restrictions in activity level. If the patient's back is mobile and without symptoms, it is a very worthwhile procedure. The procedure generally requires internal fixation with plate and screws and occasionally cast immobilization while healing takes place. An arthrodesis can be converted to a total hip replacement at a later date, usually 15 years on average after the operation.

Why go to India for total hip replacement surgery?

Orthopedic surgery in Western countries cost 5 to 6 times as much as in India. Over the years, India has become a global centre of excellence in orthopedics surgery including the total hip replacement surgery by promoting the notion that medical services in India can be bought off the shelf from the lowest priced provider anywhere in the globe, care. The concept has broad appeal, as Indian private facilities offer advanced technology and high-quality procedures on par with hospitals in the major industrialized countries at a fraction of the cost It is a deepening of the whole notion of health care that is being pushed today which emphasizes on technology and private enterprise. More and more western patients seeking surgery are looking towards eastern destinations such as India, for their medical needs, including orthopedic procedures like the hip replacement surgery. Once in India you can be rest assured about your proper diagnosis and medication. Furthermore, if situation demands, surgery packages are also within your reach. Medical Treatment in India is amid the best in the world, facilitated by the most skilled doctors and up to the minute super sphere hospitals of India.

Costs for Bilateral Hip replacement surgery:

The total cost of the Hip Replacement Surgery in India is very less as compared to USA or UK. The patient can go back to his country by the 12th day in case of single hip joint replacement and by 20th day after a bilateral hip replacement. The stay is shorter after double hip replacement surgery as the intervening period between sequential knee replacements is avoided.

Unexplained Joint Pain

At some point in our lives, we get to experience many kinds of pains due to very many reasons. Joint pain is one of those pains and, at some point there is no reason why it affects us in the first place. This kind of pain is usually said to be unexplained joint pain. At first, we are not alarmed by unexplained joint pain and, most of the times, the pain goes away even without the need for medication.

When you suffer from this kind of pain, you will rule out the diseases that cause the condition like arthritis. This is when you do not have the condition. The only way to rule out other diseases is to visit your health provider. Some people rule out these diseases without any tangible evidence. Make sure you visit a doctor to undertake thorough check up. Another cause of joint pain can be a disease like rheumatism.

If you have not suffered from any accident or physical trauma then you find you have joint pains, your condition will be branded as unexplained joint pain when you have no diseases as mentioned earlier. The first thing you do when you have unexplained joint pain is to have a doctor examine you thoroughly. You will give an account of what you have been up to so that the cause can be known. Total recovery will come after there is some known cause of the problem.

Usually, when a doctor digs deeper into the tests, there are all sorts of causes that come up and they include conditions like influenza and even the auto immune diseases like lupus. You are advised to never treat any symptom you do not understand. It does not matter whether you will use anti inflammatory drugs. They may play the role of hiding the real cause and this will continue to devastate you.

Another condition that is bound to surprise you is an incipient form of arthritis. The doctor will put you on medication to avoid damage of cartilage. If the cartridges are harmed, your condition will be pretty hard to salvage with drugs. You might be forced to go for surgery in the end and there are no guarantees.

Never combine medications unless the doctor has stated so this is because you will be making a recipe for disaster if the drugs are not compatible with each other. For example, never use diuretics and certain analgesic drugs.

Arthritis Symptoms - Signs You Need To Keep Tabs On

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases people across the globe suffer from. Although this disease is common in old age, you can even see a lot of youngsters and middle aged people suffering from this problem, these days.

Once this problem arises, you cannot do anything about it except eating medicines for pain relief or applying topical creams or oil. However, some of the medical experts these days even claim to have found out various effective methods to treat this disease.

Most experts in medical field feel that early diagnose of this disease is really important in order to control the disease and getting relief from pain. In order to diagnose the disease at its early stages, you must look out for potential symptoms of this disease. This will help you a lot to combat pain this disease comes with.

Here are some of the most common arthritis symptoms you should watch out for in order to diagnose this disease on time.

The symptom mentioned here is divided in to many groups as arthritis itself is divided into several categories:

A) Common symptoms

- Weakness in muscle

- Weight loss

- Fatigue

- Excess perspiration at night

- Hair loss

- Dryness in eyes and mouth

- Symptoms of inflammation or infection such as rash, swollen lymph nodes or fever

- Chest pain

- Small ulcers of mouth and nose

- Sensibility of the hands to cold

B) Severe symptoms

a) Joint pain

Arthritis usually starts with joint pain and stiffness. It is also not abnormal to notice certain abnormalities such as swelling, tenderness and restricted movement of one or more joints when you undergo a physical examination.

b) Stiffness

Stiffness after resting for a while is common in the cases of inflammatory arthritis. This is usually experienced in the morning.

c) Excess pain

The pain suffered due to arthritis is aggravated when moving or picking up weight. This is soon relieved by rest. The effect is seen in one or both sides of the body.

d) Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The disease is also known as Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. This is a condition where inflammation of low-grade in joints. The disease usually results in wearing of the cartilage covering and acting as a cushion inside joints.

e) Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

This type of Arthritis is considered to be a chronic condition by medical experts. It results in an extremely painful condition that ultimately results in loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.

f) Symptoms of Gout Arthritis

This type of arthritis usually results in sudden as well as severe attacks in the big toe. However, any of the joint can be affected.

g) Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis Arthritis

It is also a chronic inflammatory disease of the spine and often so mild that it cannot be detected.

h) Symptoms of Juvenile arthritis

This is a condition common in adults and children. The disease can be characterized by severe pain in the joints.

i) Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

Here the Bone and joint tissues get inflamed. It can also affect the whole body.

Watch out for any of the symptoms mentioned above and rush for medical help.

Arthritis is a Nutritional Deficiency Disease & Can be Reversed Using Arthritis Herbal Treatments

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a devastating, painful and degenerative disease of the joints that affects over 75% of all people over the age of 65. In the U.S. alone it is estimated that there are between 37 to 50 million people who suffer with some degree of arthritis.

The vast majority of arthritis sufferers have osteoarthritis which is a chronic, aggressive joint disease. This disease causes cartilage and other joint tissue to deteriorate. Cartilage begins to wear down, and slowly deteriorates to the point to which the surrounding bones begin to rub against each other making a cracking or grating noise. Severe pain and swelling often result, as well as limited movement of the joint.

When compared to arthritis herbal treatments and natural supplements, many doctors prescribe medication to ease the pain and this only serves to make the disease even worse. In fact cortisone (and other steroids) can actually speed up the rate of loss of cartilage. It gets worse - temporary pain relief without rebuilding the joint allows you to move the joint which in turn causes more pain and damage - a lose, lose situation!

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and each has its own characteristic symptoms and its own course. Depending on the specific condition and how severe it is, arthritis can interfere with even the most ordinary activities, such as walking, dressing or bathing.

Most medical doctors will tell you that the causes are multiple and unknown, however the truth is that it is caused by a complex of nutritional deficiencies - which can of course be reversed in many cases.

Note - in the case of Rheumatoid arthritis the cause is most likely to be an infection by a bacteria and in addition to the natural and herbal arthritis treatments listed here, a simple antibiotic treatment such as minocycline prescribed by your doctor will help.

At the same time, bone spurs begin to appear at the same joints - all signs of a calcium deficiency and also an early warning signal of osteoporosis.

Prevention - A Natural Remedy for Arthritis

In addition to arthritis herbal treatments and supplements, a healthy lifestyle is essential as a natural remedy and for the prevention of arthritis. Following a few basic steps is an important part of providing a natural remedy. Here's what you can do right NOW:

o Make sure you have a well balanced diet with plenty of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, eggs and dairy products - these contain minerals, vitamins and amino acids essential for health.

o Exercise - particularly 'weight-bearing exercises' - many studies all agree that a small amount of regular weight bearing exercise can assist.

o Reduce the amount of meat, processed foods and carbonated drinks in your diet - these are all high in phosphorous and this causes calcium to be lost.

o Stop smoking and reduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine and sugar - they limit your absorption of nutrients.

o Supplement - you need to supplement with a good source of calcium and other minerals along with vitamins and essential fatty acids.
You will make progress by supplementing with all 90 Essential Nutrients and an additional liquid calcium/magnesium supplement.

o Arthritis herbal treatments and cartilage supplements like glucosamine & chondroitin are required to assist with repair and rebuilding of the cartilage.

Arthritis Herbal Treatments & Supplements

To treat and reverse arthritis you need to follow the prevention guidelines and use arthritis herbal treatments and supplements.

You cannot expect natural cures for arthritis to take a few days. The disease is progressive and degenerative and has been present for quite some time - however the good news is that these treatments work. The process will take from between two weeks to three months (2 to 3 months if you are older and/or suffer any problems with absorption)or don't take these nutrients in adequate amounts.

Arthritis Health Supplements:

o Minerals - supplement with a good source of calcium and minerals. Liquid is always best and only in a form which is organic and highly absorbable (plant derived colloidal minerals); minerals required include copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc and many trace minerals such as manganese and boron - plant derived colloidal minerals are the best source

o Highly Absorbable Multi-Vitamins - Vitamins B6, D and E are required to build strong bones and vitamins C and E are required to build bone matrix and joints.

o Essential fatty acids from fish oil are also important for reducing the inflammation and rebuilding the fluid used to cushion the joints.

o Amino acids are involved in the construction of collagen and cartilage and you can find them in the multi-vitamin supplements we recommend.

o Liquid calcium/magnesium supplements are required for the support of healthy bones and joints - liquids are always more absorbable than tablets.

o For pain relief, Cetyl Myristoleate Cream - a natural cream produced from essential fatty acids has been clinically proven to relieve pain and improve mobility.

Natural Pain Relief and Repair of Damaged Cartilage

o Two other arthritis supplements involved in rebuilding cartilage are glucosamine and chondroitin.

Clinical studies around the world have shown that supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin provide a natural remedy for arthritis and help the body build and repair damaged or eroded cartilage as well as reduce pain and inflammation. Gelatin is a natural form of collagen and when combined with glucosamine will be much more effective than glucosamine on its own.

o MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) & CM (Cetyl Myristoleate) - these two arthritis herbal treatments have shown in clinical and scientific trials to promote the repair of cartilage, relief of joint pain and related discomfort and significantly improve the mobility people suffering arthritis.

Pain relief and freedom of movement is a fundamental part of the natural remedy and cure for arthritis. Ease of movement is essential to keep the joint healthy and in time, the vitamin, mineral and cartilage arthritis herbal treatments and supplements will actually rebuild and repair the damage. A Win-Win situation!

Myofascial Release and Pain Relief

Myofascial Release is a therapy aimed at releasing restrictions in the fascia. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds the muscles and muscle fibers. It is both superficial, running just below the skin, surrounding the entire muscle, as well as deep, surrounding each individual muscle fiber.

It is made up of three components, which give it a combination of elasticity and strength, as well as shock absorption. It helps support the muscles, as well as serving as a conduit for the nerves and blood vessels. Meaning, the nerves and blood vessels are located within this connective tissue.

As a result of injury, trauma, poor posture, and inflammation, the fascia can become bound up, placing too much pressure on the muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. Pressure which can cause pain. Myofascial Release seeks to relieve this pain or tension by releasing restrictions in the fascia.

Because the fascia is 3-dimensional, located all throughout the body, a restriction in one area could cause a problem in another area. If one area of the body is restricted in its movement, then the muscles above or below that point, or on the other side may take up the slack - working harder than they were meant to.

I have worked on more than one person with one-sided hip or back pain that had as much or more tension on the other side. This is because the side that is now hurting has been compensating for lack of movement on the other side. And over time the muscles that were compensating became overused, creating additional pain or dysfunction.

The release takes form through a low-force, long-duration stretch. Very light pressure is used in combination with a stretch that lasts from 90 seconds to about 3 minutes or more. The theory is that this low-force, long-duration stretch will cause the restrictions to gradually unwind, restoring this connective tissue to its normal length.

So one of the advantages to this work is the lack of pain involved. Deep tissue massage and ART can be quite painful at times. With chronic injuries, some form of deep tissue work is usually done prior to this stretch, to help break down adhesions in the elastic fibers and/or release tension in the body's nervous system.

The theory is that the restrictions are too strong to be broken up completely with the deep tissue work and need this prolonged stretch to fully change the fascia. One of the primary developers of this technique is physical therapist John Barnes, who has been working with this technique for more than 30 years.

I have used this technique with people in clinical settings and have used it elsewhere with good results. Using it with those suffering headaches, I have had very good success. As most headaches are a result of too much tension in the neck and shoulders, using it after massage to relax the muscles, usually gets the job done.

For those currently suffering a major headache, such as an 8 or 9 on a 1-10 pain scale, it might not work. For most others, the headache is gone or significantly reduced within 5-10 minutes. It also works on other areas of the body.

Used by some physical therapists and massage therapists, it also works well with a chiropractic adjustment. At one chiropractic clinic I worked at, I worked with a man whose neck was turned to one side and very stiff, with some uncontrolled shaking. He went to one regional hospital and a nationally known clinic, who both tried different things with little result.

The first time I worked on him, his neck felt like a brick, without the soft tissue feel that a normal person would have. By combining deep tissue work with myofascial release and the adjustments, he gradually made changes with his neck. This took some time and further exercise to get him functioning better. Not perfect, but definitely better than before.

So if you have a high pain tolerance and not much patience, you can try active release (ART) or go with myofascial release, which may take just a bit longer, but is also very effective. Myofascial release can be done with acute injuries (ones that have occurred recently) as well as with the elderly, by using less pressure. Active release is meant for chronic injuries.

It is not to be used with those with an aneurysm, acute rheumatoid arthritis, uncontrolled diabetes, open wounds, or broken bones.

It is meant to be used with exercise and other forms of therapy for optimal results. A very nice complement is joint mobility training.

Back Pain and Sciatica - Evaluating Your Options

You've been hurting for months. You can't stay on your feet for more than a few minutes. It hurts to sit for too long. Recently you can't get a good night's sleep because you just can't get comfortable. The painkillers aren't working, and you're starting to think seriously about back surgery. But after all the expense, rehabilitation and risk, will you bet better off? There are alternatives to surgery, and they just might work for you.

Back pain that leads to surgery is often associated with a damaged intervertebral disc or spinal stenosis. The discs are the tough, flat cushions between the vertebrae. Imagine a disc as the warm toasted marshmallow sandwiched between two graham crackers in a s'more. If the crackers are pressed together evenly, the marshmallow will spread out evenly as well. If you squeeze just one side of the sandwich together, the marshmallow (or disc) will ooze out to the opposite side. That's what happens with a "slipped" disc. The protruding part can irritate a nearby nerve. If it ruptures, there can be chemical irritation of the nerve as well. The discs also tend to degenerate, flatten and become less resilient over the years, so there is less space for the nerves where they come out of the spinal column.

Siatica (Sciatica) is an irritation of the siatic/sciatic nerve. It can cause radiating pain, burning sensations or cramping in the buttocks and down the leg. This may be caused by a nerve root problem in the lower part of the spine, but it can also be caused by impingement further down in the area of the buttocks. The piriformis muscle runs across the back of each hip joint, deep in the buttock, where it crosses paths with the sciatic nerve. Pressure from an overly tight piriformis muscle is believed to irritate the sciatic nerve causing buttock and/or radiating leg pain. This is known as piriformis syndrome. It can be addressed by releasing excess tension and any "trigger points" (knotted areas) in the piriformis and associated muscle groups.

Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that leads to compression of the enclosed spinal cord and nerves. Fractures of the spine can also result in unstable vertebral joints and irritation to the spinal nerves.

Treatment Options

Common surgical procedures for these conditions include discectomy, laminectomy, and fusion. In a discectomy, the part of the disc that is stressing the spinal cord or a nerve is removed. Removing or trimming part of the bony structure around the spinal cord (the lamina) is called a laminectomy. This may be done to widen the spinal canal when it has been restricted by stenosis, or to provide access for a discectomy. Spinal fusion fixes vertebrae together using bone grafts and screws or other hardware to prevent any movement between them.

Determining when surgery is appropriate is not always easy. Most incidents of back pain resolve themselves over several weeks. Even cases of severe chronic back pain or sciatica may respond very well to more conservative treatments. Individuals with substantial disc degeneration and/or stenosis can return to an active pain-free life without surgery. Surgeons may have a skewed perspective because their patients who are diagnosed as needing surgery, but who go on to rehabilitate themselves through non-surgical means, are unlikely to report back to the surgeon.

Even when there is clear disc impingement upon a nerve, non-surgical remedies are possible. Experiments have shown that a healthy nerve root (where the nerve exits the spinal cord) can withstand substantial pressure without pain or paresthesia (tingling or burning). When a nerve root is injured, pressure on it can cause loss of feeling, reduced reflexes and eventually reduced strength and motor reflex. However, when a nerve root has a poor blood supply (ischemia), it becomes very sensitive to pressure. So, a healthy nerve root with a good blood supply can tolerate a fair amount of mechanical abuse. But once it has become irritated, swollen, inflamed or otherwise suffered decreased blood flow, it will be much more easily irritated. Therapy should therefore be aimed at reducing mechanical irritation, reducing inflammation, and improving blood perfusion.

"Conservative treatment" is a term that can be applied to anything from pain pills and bed rest to much more aggressive therapy that involves substantial patient participation. The latter requires more commitment but is likely to give better results. The patient can also learn some useful self-care techniques during treatment. Analgesics, muscle-relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs (or herbal formulas) may also have their place in the therapy.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

The muscular, skeletal, neural, vascular and lymph systems of the body all affect one another. A good treatment plan works toward optimizing all of them. When there is pain, as from nerve impingement, a common protective reaction of the body is to tighten up and stabilize the area. Unfortunately, this tightening can exacerbate the problem by putting more pressure on the damaged structures. Also, chronic spasm of the muscles leads to decreased blood infusion (ischemia) and poor lymph movement. The muscles become poorly nourished, and the tissues are not properly cleansed of cellular waste products. A large component of patient's pain can be from this muscular dysfunction, rather than from the direct nerve impingement itself.

Tight muscles, especially when their forces are not well balanced, are intimately involved with skeletal joint dysfunction. The skeletal system, after all, is aligned and controlled by the soft tissues around it (with limits set by the bony structures themselves and by the ligaments that surround the joints). When muscular action on one side of the spine is stronger and tighter than the other, it can significantly change the alignment between the vertebrae, and inhibit the natural smooth gliding at the joint surfaces. Besides nerve irritation (remember that squeezed marshmallow), this can accelerate arthritic changes in the joints.

Nerves are responsible not only for sending pain signals back to the brain, but also for sending motor control signals out to the muscles. Therapy should address the neural components of the problem. Neuromuscular reeducation refers to therapy that aims at normalizing the interaction between muscles and their nerve signals.

Many types of non-surgical therapies are available, and each has its strengths. Chiropractic adjustments can restore normal joint function, and thus release tension and inflammation in surrounding soft tissues. Unfortunately, some people do not respond well to this high-velocity approach, and normal muscular function often does not follow. Skilled massage, physical therapy, yoga, stretching, strengthening and other manual therapies can address the muscular components. Functional and postural habits that exacerbate the condition may need to be relearned. Acupuncture works via several pathways: it can release and balance muscle tensions, moderate nerve signals, decrease inflammation and increase local blood flow to the tissues.

The Benefits of Avoiding Surgery

Results from conservative therapy can be dramatic, but it typically takes weeks or months to effect lasting changes, and a combination of techniques may be needed. The reward for this effort is a reduction or elimination of pain, a better functioning body and more information about how to keep it that way, not to mention the avoidance of surgery, anesthesia, and post-surgical rehabilitation. This can save tens of thousands of dollars, and greatly decreases one's exposure to pharmaceuticals. Even with a course of anti-inflammatory drugs, a patient will be subjected to a much lower pharmaceutical load that when undergoing surgery.

Besides, surgery often fails. The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states that "Patients considering lumbar spine surgery should be informed that the likelihood of having another spine operation later is substantial." A study of 24,882 adults who had low back surgery for degenerative spinal problems in the early 1990's found that about one out of five had another back surgery within 11 years. That's about double the rate for hip or knee replacement. And one should not assume that the rest were living pain free.

Is Good Medicine Driving High Back Surgery Rates?

A study by the University of Washington's Center for Cost and Outcomes Research looked at spinal surgeries in the U.S. and confirmed some disturbing trends. In 2001, approximately 122,000 lumbar fusions were performed, representing a 220% increase from 1990. Were those surgeries more successful than in the past? It seems not. Reoperation rates actually increased during the 1990's, with a cumulative rate of about 12% just three years after the initial surgery.

The Department of Health Services at the University of Washington has noted that there are large variations in back surgery rates across different parts of the country. The Department also found that "The rate of back surgery in the United States was at least 40% higher than in any other country and was more than five times those in England and Scotland. Back surgery rates increased almost linearly with the per capita supply of orthopaedic and neurosurgeons in the country." That sounds more like supply-side economics than evidence-based medicine.

Meanwhile, the New England Journal of Medicine has published a new study of 283 patients with severe sciatica. The participants were randomly selected to have surgery early on, or to have extended conservative treatment and undergo surgery at a later time, if needed. Only 39% of this second group actually ended up having surgery. After one year, the outcomes were similar for those with early surgery and the conservatively treated group, although those receiving early surgery had somewhat faster pain relief and self-perceived recovery rates.

The decision to have surgery for back pain or sciatica due to degenerative conditions will usually be left to the patient. Trauma resulting in fractures, cancer, and other conditions causing back pain may permit fewer options. But for patients who are willing to participate in their own recovery, conservative treatment holds a lot of promise with very low risk. Surgery, after all, will remain an option. They may need to be more proactive in seeking out treatment. Learning stretches and other exercises from a skilled therapist will give them some control over their recovery. A willingness to try appropriate therapies and actively engage in the treatment process can lead to much greater success than simpler treatments involving only rest and drugs. Those who choose such a treatment plan may well be rewarded with a strong, pain-free body, and new knowledge that can help keep it that way.

15 Effective Arthritis Joint Pain Remedies That Work

Arthritis and joint pain are the two major culprits that greatly affect the life of old aged people. Below are some effective arthritis joint pain herbal remedies that work.

1. Essential oils are pure in form and can be very helpful in treating inflamed joints. They penetrate the cells easily; repair quickly the damaged tissues and cells by supplying oxygen and nutrients to the stiff muscles and damaged tissues. The essentials oils, in other words, have the power to rebuild joints and restore flexibility and mobility. Oils extracted from cypress, juniper, basil, peppermint, birch, eucalyptus, rosemary, ginger, nutmeg, pine, fir, spruce, marjoram, wintergreen are some important essential oils highly beneficial for ailing joints. These oils can be applied directly on swollen joints and used as an effective rub. One can apply any one of these oils, or several oils in combination. Also any one of these oils may be used in combination with virgin olive oil for massaging joints. The aromatic property of essential oils is an additional advantage. The sweet fragrance relaxes the mind.

2. Compressing affected joints with powdered ginger can give much relief.

3. Epsom salt may be added to the water used for bathing. It reduces joint stiffness.

4. Sesame seed soaked in water overnight may be taken along with the water every morning to get relief from frequent pain attacks.

5. Alfalfa tea made from alfalfa seeds is a good herbal remedy for arthritis.

6. Half teaspoon cinnamon powder mixed with one tablespoon honey may be taken every morning to get relief from inflexible joints.

7. Rubbing painful joints with the sesame oil in which few red chilies and ginger slices have been boiled can be very useful.

8. The herb guggulu is very good for curing arthritis. It may be consumed daily.

9. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and may be used as poultice.

10. Fish oils rich in Omega3 fatty acids have pain lessening properties. It is very good for treating rheumatoid arthritis. The main ingredients in fish oil are DHA or docosahexaenoic and EPA or eicosapentaenoic which stop the inflammatory agents from attacking the joint in case of rheumatoid arthritis.

11. Heated mustard oil mixed with camphor powder is good for massaging painful joints.

12. Almond oil, grape seed oil, olive oil can function as effective carrier oil for massage.

13. Rumatone Gold oil available in market is specially prepared herbal oil that can penetrate skin and soothe the stiff muscles, thereby making them flexible.

14. Rumatone Gold Capsule is also effective herbal pain relief supplement.

15. Castor oil can function as an effective pain relief rub. It is also effective in arthritis pain relief. The method of using the oil for pain relief is as follows: One has to soak cotton in castor oil, and place it over a swollen joint. Then one has to cover the soaked cotton pack with a plastic wrap and place a hot water bag over it. The treatment is to be continued for at least 30 minutes every day to get relief from pain. Massing the area directly with heated castor oil also helps. The massaging should be done following up and down strokes.

Common Causes of Chronic Joint Pain

Chronic pain in the joints is a common problem for many people. In fact, it's been estimated that at least one out of every three American adults suffers from some sort of chronic pain in their joints.

Joint pain is generally caused by an inflammation of some kind. Arthritis is possibly the most known about. There are a couple of different types of Arthritis though:

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused from something being wrong with the body's immune system, which causes an inflammation in the joint lining. Osteoarthritis is often caused by working out or weight build too strenuously or incorrectly. With Osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering the ends of your bones deteriorates, and pain is caused from one bone moving against another.

Other medical conditions which cause chronic join pain include Gout, Juvenile arthritis, Spinal arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Bursitis, and Tendonitis.

Since most joint pain problems are caused due to an inflammation of some kind, a common treatment for the pain is to take anti-inflammatory and pain medications such as Motrin, Ibuprofen, or prescription COX 2 inhibitors and NSAIDS. An herbal anti-inflammatory option is White Willow Bark. Keep in mind that these medications treat the symptoms however, not the actual cause of your chronic joint pain problems.

There are several ways you can help reduce the causes of your chronic joint pain however, and if addressed early enough, it might be preventable or eliminated completely.

First you'll need to take a close look at your lifestyle choices. A very common cause of joint pain in the knees for instance, is due to obesity. Carrying a lot of extra body weight will put more strain on your joints and cause chronic pain. So losing even a little bit of weight can help to reduce the joint pain you experience.

If you're on the opposite end of the spectrum and you work out hard and often, this too could be some of the cause for your join pain problems. Many bodybuilders and weight lifters for instance, don't stretch or warm up properly before working out. And many of them don't allow their body time to recuperate, repair and rebuild before their next workout.

Heavy impact style exercising can also cause severe strain on your joints. Step aerobics for instance, or kick boxing, has a jarring effect on your bones and joints which will cause pain. Simply changing to a lower impact style of exercise can help tremendously. Water based exercises are excellent low impact workouts, as is Yoga.

Another simple way to reduce chronic joint pain is to look at other parts of your life. If you're a lady who always wears high heeled shoes, this can cause severe strain on your joints. If you sit at a desk all day and are not using ergonomic solutions for computer use, you'll find yourself with one or more joints constantly hurting. Even sitting in the same position all day, or standing all day can cause chronic joint pain, and these issues can be relieved at least some by simply moving around and changing positions throughout the day.

Last but not least, you need to make sure you're getting the proper amount of vitamins, minerals and supplements each day. Calcium is extremely important for strong bones, and strong bones will help your joints to be strong as well. Omega 3 fatty acids such as those gotten from fish or flax seeds can help your body address and conquer inflammation issues, and glucosamine helps improve joint flexibility, as well as helping to build strong joint cartilage.

TMJ Disorder and Alcohol

At the risk of raining on anyone's parade or being a party-pooper, I have to raise the fact that, if you are a drinker - even a light drinker, there is a strong possibility that your TMJ problems may stem from, or be increased by, alcohol use. And not just alcohol use, even caffeine and nicotine can exacerbate your grinding and clenching problems.

Alcohol's Effect on TMJ Disorder

There is a great deal of speculation that alcohol affects one's tendency to grind and clench because, in general, alcohol interferes with one's sleep patterns. Regardless of how deeply you think you are sleeping after imbibing, studies indicate that alcohol only acts as a sedative in the early hours of sleep. Later, in the sleep cycle, sleep can be disturbed.

Anyone who has tippled before bed knows that they often feel fatigued upon awakening, despite how many hours they may have "slept." This is because the deep cycles of sleep are shortened - or missed altogether - when one drinks in the hours before bed.

Numerous studies indicate that grinding intensifies and that people clench more after alcohol consumption.

Nicotine and Caffeine

Smokers, soda drinkers and coffee drinkers also have a tendency to clench and grind more than their non-smoking, drinking counterparts. Nicotine and caffeine act as stimulants to the nervous system. Over stimulation during the day may give one a sense of energy and alertness, sometimes even anxiety. Indeed, often one's blood pressure surges with even these mild stimulants. When one is sleeping, however, this excess nervous energy may be released in undesirable ways...such as clenching and grinding. Sleep itself may be disturbed and agitated, with deep cycles being shortened. This in turn contributes to clenching and grinding.

Other Drug Effects

Drugs, prescription and otherwise, can affect people in unanticipated ways. For example, prescription drugs for depression can cause clenching/grinding, as can over-the-counter products that treat cold symptoms. Read labels carefully. If the product raises blood pressure, causes dizziness, nervousness, sleeplessness etc. as a side effect, it may well contribute to nocturnal clenching and grinding.

Be kind to yourself. Skip the vino and after dinner coffee and cigarette and instead take a walk, focus on your breathing while walking and have a small glass of (ice) water when finished.

Arthritis Symptoms Information That You Ought to Know

Arthritis is related with the pain which affects the joints of the body. Arthritis affects the members of both the sex but especially of older age. Different types of arthritis are there which affects different people in different way.

There are different causes of arthritis like hormonal imbalance, emotional stress, hereditary factors, physical exertion, infection, structural changes in the articular cartilage of joints, injury, shock, obesity, ageing, previous physical injuries, high level sports, severe fright and occupational sports.

Though there are more 100 different kinds of arthritis, but some of them are very common and their symptoms -

1. Osteoarthritis Symptoms: It is also known as degenerative arthritis, arthrosis, degenerative joint disease or ''wear and tear''. This condition is related with low grade inflammation and results in pain in the joints. In this condition the patient experiences pain during walking and standing. It is the most common form of arthritis.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: This condition is said to be a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder. It is related with the painful inflammatory condition and it affects the joints. Sometimes it may lead to substantial loss of mobility. Approximately 60% of the patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are unable to work after 10 years of the onset of their disease.

3. Gout Arthritis Symptoms: Especially it attacks the patient in their big toe suddenly and in severe form, but it may affect any joint of the body. This problem can be controlled with the help of diet and drug. Usually it attacks the person starting between 40 and 50 years of age. It affects maximum people between this age group.

4. Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms: It is related with the inflammation in the bone and other joint tissue like rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes the whole body may be affected by this problem. 5% of the people suffering from psoriasis, a skin disease are affected by this problem. It is a chronic disease. For some people it is mild but for some people it can be quite severe.

5. Septic arthritis: Usually this condition occurs by the invasion of the joint space due to some infectious agent. Usually this problem is bacterial but sometimes it may be viral, microbacterial and fungal arthritis.

6. Ankylosing Spondylitis Arthritis Symptoms: This condition is related with the chronic inflammatory disease of the spine and it result in fused vertebrae and rigid spine. Usually it affects the men between the ages of 16 and 35 years. It is very harder and milder to diagnose in the women.

Navicular Disease Explained

Introduction to Navicular Disease
While most refer to this equine problem as navicular disease it is actually better understood as a syndrome instead. A broad explanation of the syndrome would be that it affects the navicular bone and the surrounding tissues. More often than not it is present in the front feet of horses and can lead to both debilitating and disabling lameness.

Where and what is the Navicular Bone?
Having a good understanding of the forearm of a horse will help to make understanding this syndrome easier. For one thing, the navicular bone is also known as the Distal Sesamoid. You will find it at the back of the coffin bone and beneath the pastern bone. It is here where you find the deep digital flexor tendon, or DDF. This tendon lies behind the cannon and tissue and passes under the navicular bone as well. Its main purpose is to flex the joint. The navicular bone's function is that of fulcrum (i.e. A support) over which the tendon passes.

There is no known single cause for navicular syndrome or disease. There is no shortage of opinions and theories surrounding the problem however. Generally speaking, navicular disease can be explained in two main points, namely:

1. Compression Of The Navicular Bone
Along with the compression of the navicular bone, the deep digital flexor tendon is also compressed. This results in degeneration of the cartilage as well. Over time the cartilage becomes flatter and less effective at absorbing shocks. Also, along with this degeneration comes erosion of the cartilage as well.

Degeneration of the cartilage is common in navicular horses. An equine vet will tell you that there is a similarity between the syndrome and osteoarthritis. Because of the similarities treatment is generally very similar as well.

Because the cartilage is reduced and eroded with time, the bone underneath it can become exposed. When there is no more cartilage covering the navicular bursa and the deep digital flexor tendon, damage is sustained, which is caused because of the friction with the navicular bone. As a result swelling of the bursa (called navicular bursitis) is known to occur.

2. Tension On Supporting Ligaments
Some in equine vet circles have discovered through research that the degeneration process starts with excessive tension being placed on the ligaments. Because of the tension strain and swelling result, and this in turn results in a decrease of blood flow both to and from the navicular bone. If strain is consistent and results over a prolonged period of time, the ligament can become thicker and the blood flow will be permanently affected in this way.

You can generally spot a horse with navicular disease/syndrome. Those that are prone to it will experience both severe pain and even lameness. The lameness might be mild and intermittent, or it might be much more severe and debilitating. It is generally believed among researchers that the lameness actually results because of the swelling and the strain on the ligaments that support the navicular bone. Decreased blood supply, plus greater pressure in the hoof, leads to navicular bone damage as well as damage to the deep digital flexor tendon.

You can spot an affected horse by the characteristic tiptoe gait. This is in a bid to ease the pain in the heel. Affected horses are known to stumble quite a lot, with lameness alternating between the legs. More often than not the lameness tends to occur in both front feet, although one might cause more discomfort to the horse than the other.

Navicular horses experience mild lameness that is worsened if they are worked on hard or steep surfaces. As time passes one will notice that the feet actually change shape, with the one that has been the most affected showing the most amount of change.

Natural Gout Remedies - Part 2

In Part 1 of this article, we looked at some natural gout remedies. Now, in part 2, I'll share some common gout treatments that may be growing in your own front yard!

Dandelions

The two main functions of using dandelion medicinally are to promote the formation of bile and to remove excess water from the body. It is also considered to improve inflammatory and rheumatic conditions. Fresh, young dandelion leaves have high vitamin A and C content. When eaten raw in salads, they help turn the body repair damaged tissue. Dandelion wine is also considered to have therapeutic benefits for gout. If making dandelion wine sounds like a chore, a simple recipe is to mash one cup of flowers and add it to four cups of white wine. Let it sit for a month then strain and sweeten to taste if necessary.

Devil's Claw

This edible herb (found in health food stores in dried, powder, or tablet form) provides pain relief similar to cortisone as the root acts mainly as an anti-inflammatory. Clinical research indicates that devil's claw may be of benefit in the prevention of gout - in addition to relieving joint pain, it also reduces serum cholesterol and uric acid levels.

Gravel root

Gravel root stimulates the elimination of uric acid. It is primarily used for kidney stones, urinary infections, rheumatism, and gout. To prepare the gravel root, add one teaspoon of the herb into a cup of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for ten minutes. It is recommended that you drink this three times a day for effectiveness.

Juniper berry

Juniper Berry is also known by the names juniper bush and juniper bark. It is a diuretic herb that helps reduce uric acid. The anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for relieving pain and inflammation related to arthritis. It comes in capsules or as a tea.

Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. I medieval Europe it was used in diuretics and remedies for joint pain. It has also been used in some cultures in a whipping fashion to stimulate the organs and relieve the pain of sore muscles.

The nettle's stinging hairs contain the chemicals histamine and formic acid, which irritate the skin on contact. But if the nettles contact an area already in pain, the chemicals can decrease it. In this process the nettle is a counter-irritant.

Some German researchers have shown that nettle can relieve the pain of gout. The study concluded that nettle may facilitate the movement of uric acid from the joints and help elimination through the kidneys. Nettle root is also considered beneficial for gout and is available at most health food stores.

Turmeric

Turmeric, an essential ingredient in curry powder, is a close relative of ginger. Because of its powerful anti-inflammatory action it is used medicinally for inflammatory conditions like gout. As one teaspoon or more of the powdered spice, three times a day, would be needed to reap the health benefits, most people opt for capsules or liquid extracts.

Conclusion

Some people swear by natural remedies and others believe they are of little or no value. Experimenting yourself after discussing any potential side effects with your doctor will be the best way to determine what works for you.

And remember, most cases of gout can be prevented completely by switching to a predominantly whole-foods, plant-based diet.

Hip Dysplasia - What You Can Do to Prevent Or Treat It

Any size dog can develop hip dysplasia. It was often thought that only the larger breed of dogs are susceptible to hip dysplasia, but that's not true. Large breeds are more prone to getting hip dysplasia, but many of the small breeds can also be affected.

Breeds susceptible to hip dysplasia

Listed below are just some of the breeds that are more susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Dalmatians
Golden Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers
Doberman Pinchers
Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Standard Poodles
German Shepherds
Siberian Huskies
Pugs
Beagles

Some of the signs of hip dysplasia

Difficulty getting up when lying down
Decrease in their activity
Not wanting to climb stairs
Not wanting to jump up
Limping or starting to drag a rear leg
Swaggering gait - loss of rear balance
"Bunny hopping"
Pain from manipulating of the joint

Slowing down the process and/or trying to prevent hip dysplasia

Veterinarians have treated hip dysplasia with drugs and even surgery. If you have a breed that is susceptible to hip dysplasia, there are several things you can do to try to prevent it, or at least slow down the process.

1. While she is still a pup, feed the fast growing puppy well, but don't over do it. A leaner pup is better because she doesn't have to carry around the extra weight that puts stress and strain on her hips.
2. A low-mineral diet would be the better choice for young dogs that are at risk for hip dysplasia. This is because it contains less calcium and in most cases, has a better balance of electrolytes than usual. There are several diets available by prescription, just ask your Veterinarian.
3. Do not give calcium supplements. Yes, pups do need calcium, but not calcium supplements. Puppy foods already contain lots of calcium. Calcium supplements can actually interfere with the normal development of cartilage and bones in large dogs.
4. Exercise is good as long as it's not over-done. Swimming is a great way to exercise your dog because it helps reduce the wear and tear on the joints. Take the dog for a long walk as part of her daily exercise.

Showing signs of hip dysplasia

If your dog has already developed signs of hip dysplasia, there are still some things you can do to help relieve the pain.

1. Again, keep the weight down and keep her moving. Once or twice a day let her outside with you while you do yard work, or take her on a walk around the block for 10-20 minutes. Rest is important too; as it can help the hips feel better if she is hurting too much that day.
2. Ask your Veterinarian to recommend some over-the-counter drugs that would be good for her pain. When or if the pain worsens, she will probably have to be put on stronger prescription drugs.
3. Make sure she has a warm, dry place to sleep. Place extra rugs or blankets for her to sleep on. My old guy sleeps on the bed or on the extra blankets I've placed on the floor at the foot of the bed.
4. Give your older dog a gentle massage around the hip joints to help ease the stiff and sore joints.

To help you make the right decision

A while back I read an article about hip dysplasia that said if you are looking for a puppy, you should check out what breed of dogs are more acceptable to hip dysplasia before making your decision, and check to make sure the pups comes from a "family" with no history of hip dysplasia for at least 3 generations back.

Although that is good advice, there are no guarantees. If one of the parents had hip dysplasia in the past, she may have had puppies that were free from hip dysplasia, but these pups could be "carriers" of this disease and may show up in their offspring in later generations - but in my opinion, breeding 2 dogs together with good hips is the most logical and ethical thing to do. Through selective breeding, we can greatly reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia.

Cosmetic Procedures To Whiten Stained Teeth

The quest to find that brighter and gleaming smile hasn't been easy at all over the past years. Ammonia and chlorine were used to whiten people's teeth back in the eighteenth century. It became harsher in the 1950s as the dentists used highly concentration solutions of hydrogen peroxide and baked the teeth under a heat lamp.

Such outdated methods were quite physically torturing, not to mention too expensive, to get much popularity. Today, that has become more subtle and for the Americans, teeth whitening have never been easier than it is now. Last year, the Americans spent over $250 million on bleach, cap, zap and other whitening products. That's still expected to grow steadily.

For both dentists and patients, this seems like a win-win situation. This is very similar to most home treatments, in which the patient is required to wear a specially made mouth guard that has a layer of peroxide gel pressed against the teeth, for two weeks. The most widely used and popular whitener used presently is the simple peroxide bleaching. However, the price for teeth whitening treatment using peroxide still amounts from $200 to $500.

It is less common, but more effective to use lasers to activate the peroxide based gel, and make it react considerably faster. The laser's benefit is speed. A laser treatment offers the same exact results that you can get from wearing a mouth guard with peroxide solution for several weeks, provided that you find yourself a good dentist.

Even though this is still quite expensive, about $100 or more per tooth, it's gaining quite the popularity since it is faster and easier. The stains may eventually return after bleaching, so ceramic veneers are a better alternative to caps. In this process, which costs $500 to $800 per tooth, a thin ceramic cover is essentially glued to the surface of the tooth, providing a more appealing color, and in some cases correcting irregularities in the shape of the underlying tooth.

Besides when your tooth is accidentally chipped or damaged, and you have to use veneers, teeth whitening procedures are not covered under your dental insurance. Though disappointing to patients, dentists sure like it. This is a good motivation for dentists to continue expanding their practice in managed care, such as teeth whitening. To summarize all of that, since managed care has taken hold of dentistry, dentists were able to put even brighter smile on their faces, metaphorically, for all the benefits they acquired.

The quest to find that brighter and gleaming smile hasn't been easy at all over the past years. In the eighteenth century, people used ammonia and chlorine to achieve the same whitening effect on the teeth. Dentists would use hydrogen peroxide before baking teeth under a heat lamp, as recently as the 1950s.

These outdated methods didn't really get that much popularity, as they are expensive and physically discomforting. As of late, the teeth whitening procedures have become more subtle and affordable, making the American's quest an easy route. Americans last year spent more than $250 million to bleach, zap, cap or otherwise whiten their smiles, and the amount is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

New Diagnostic Joint Disease and Pain Tools Could Put Spring Back Into Feline Steps

Cats are known for their crazy antics and acrobatics, but take a look at an older cat and you quickly realize the difficulty these geriatric pets have in performing even the simple tasks they used to do every day-jumping onto a favorite couch or pouncing at a toy mouse. Many of these feline friends suffer more than just the aches and pains of old age. They have a condition called osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that progresses with age and affects about 75 percent of senior cats.

With Morris Animal Foundation pilot-study funding, researchers at the University of Montreal are studying osteoarthritis in a new way, by looking at both the behavior and anatomy of cats with the disease. The scientists are using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to look at joint damage in the hip lumbar region, elbows and knees of a dozen felines. In animals with the disease, the normal cartilage cushion in the joint breaks down, and the bones rub against each other, often causing bone spurs. Unfortunately, evidence of joint disease doesn't always show up on traditional X-rays, and it can be difficult for even an experienced veterinarian to make the correct diagnosis.

"Underdiagnosis of the disease is leading to undermanagement of osteoarthritis in cats, and also underdevelopment of products dedicated to managing feline osteoarthritis," says Dr. Eric Troncy, professor at the University of Montreal. He says MRI is much more sensitive in showing structural changes in the limbs of cats, which can help veterinarians identify joint disease.

Cats with osteoarthritis often have an altered gait and put more weight on their unaffected limbs. So, researchers are also developing a pain scale and a quality-of-life scale, using quantitative gait analysis and telemetered locomotor activity monitors to record how the disease affects the animal's function levels.

This is the first study aimed at validating both the objective and subjective pain of osteoarthritis, and Dr. Troncy hopes the results will help his team develop an effective treatment for this painful condition. Currently, there is no approved method for alleviating the long-term pain of joint disease in cats, but the results of the study may allow researchers to look at drugs or nonconventional painkillers to help manage the disease.

"This would represent a huge change for cat osteoarthritis management and welfare," says Dr. Troncy. With proper disease management, older cats may find themselves with a bit more spring in their steps.