Carpal Tunnel vs. Cervical Radiculopathy

The carpal tunnel is a structure in the wrist that contains the tendons that control the fingers and then median nerve, which innervates the thumb and first two fingers. When the carpal tunnel is too small and/or inflammation occurs in the tendons that run through it, the median nerve becomes compressed, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist, hand, and fingers. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include, but are not limited to, the following: Tingling and numbness in palm, thumb, or first two fingers, especially during the night or in the…
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How Does RA Affect the Body

People feel the primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in their joints. However, this condition can also affect many other parts of the body, including the eyes, lungs, and heart.Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes a person's immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue. When left untreated, RA can have wide-ranging effects. Along with the joints, RA can affect many of the body's organs, including the heart, eyes, and brain, as well as the skeleton. Medication for RA can also cause side effects across the body. In this article, we look at RA's diverse range of impacts. We also discuss the long-term effects of…
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SI Joint Treatment Options

Treatments for sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SI joint pain) typically focus on alleviating pain and restoring normal motion in the joint. Most cases of SI joint pain are effectively managed using non-surgical treatments. Initial treatments for sacroiliac joint pain typically include: Brief rest period. A rest period of 1 to 2 days may be advised. Resting for longer than a couple days is not recommended, as doing so may worsen stiffness and cause increased pain and generalized deconditioning. Applying ice or heat. Ice applied to the low back and pelvis can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain and discomfort. Heat applied around the joint…
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Coping With Chronic Pain and Depression

Depression plays a significant role in chronic pain—taking just a few steps to get ahead of it can help patients appreciably by giving them more control over their personal situation. For some people, the stress and depression resulting from chronic pain can become consuming, and have the potential to significantly worsen and prolong the pain. Increased pain can, in turn, lead to increased stress and depression, creating a cycle of depression and pain that can be difficult to break. Chronic Pain is Unique Chronic pain is generally defined as any pain that continues more than 3 to 6 months. Please…
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Plantar Fasciitis Remedies and Exercises

Plantar fasciitis is a very common and uncomfortable condition of the foot, but there are plantar fasciitis home remedies that can help ease symptoms, including specific plantar fasciitis exercises. The condition is associated with repetitive strain from running, hiking, and sports like soccer. For some people, this type of injury is linked to occupation. For instance, if a person must stand for a long period of time on a hard surface, it could lead to plantar fasciitis. Dancers are also prone to this strain injury. Research shows that people who have flat feet or high arches are more likely to…
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World Arthritis Day 6 Best Ways to Manage Arthritis

Though you may already know that arthritis is a common condition, it may surprise you to know that arthritis impacts more than 50 million Americans, making it the number one cause of disability in the country, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis symptoms may come and go and can be mild, moderate or severe. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with arthritis or have been coping with the condition for years, here are a few tips to help you manage the pain of arthritis. Weight Management Maintaining a healthy weight is good for your general health and wellness and it also can improve your…
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Turmeric and Curcumin for Arthritis

Research suggests turmeric and its components can potentially alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain. Most people know turmeric as a powdered spice used to give foods flavor and color—it gives many curries their deep golden color. Derived from a plant in the ginger family, turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains a natural chemical compound called curcumin. Scientists have found curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies suggest curcumin may provide relief for some people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory arthritic conditions. Curcumin Supplements Analysts estimate curcumin accounts for only about 3 to 5% of turmeric. Arthritis pain relief may require ingesting more curcumin than…
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L4-L5 Spinal Segment

The lumbar spine (lower back) is a remarkably complex structure. The L4-L5 are the two lowest vertebrae in the lumbar spine, and together with the attached disc, joints, nerves and soft tissues, it provides a variety of functions, including supporting the upper body and allowing motion in multiple directions. However, with its heavy load and range of flexibility, the L4-L5 segment is also prone to developing pain from injury and/or from degenerative changes, such as: The L4 vertebra can slip forward over the L5 vertebra, impinging the nerve root and causing lower back and/or leg pain (sciatica) The L4-L5 disc,…
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6 Back Care Reminders

As busy as we are, we often forget the fundamentals of taking good care of our backs. Get back to the basics of spine health with these 6 simple tips: Stay hydrated and practice good nutrition. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying well -hydrated will optimize blood flow and nutrition to your organs, joints, and spine. Blood transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and it eliminates cellular waste. The discs in our backs are made mostly of water, so staying well hydrated will keep them healthier and more pliable. Ideally, try to drink 8 large glasses of water every day.…
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Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

Muscle loss can contribute to the loss of independence as we age. Similar to what osteoporosis, sarcopenia is the decline of skeletal muscle in older adults. Sarcopenia is one of the leading causes of functional decline in older adults and is associated with a number of chronic illnesses. By continuing to keep active older adults can help slow and even prevent worsening muscle loss as they age. Sarcopenia, a decline in skeletal muscle in older people, contributes to loss of independence. “Use it or lose it.” I’m sure you’re familiar with this advice. And I hope you’ve been following it.…
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