SCIATICA

 

SCIATICA

Throbbing or shooting pain that radiates down one leg or both legs is the hallmark of sciatica. The sciatic nerves, which begin at the base of the spinal cord and end in the feet, are the largest nerves in the body. Pressure on a disk in the lower back or a ruptured disk can produce sciatica, which is sometimes accompanied by numbness and weakness. Other causes include osteoarthritis and tumors.

ORTHODOX MEDICINE:

Painkillers, muscle relaxants, and anti- inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.

Bed rest for two or three days is recommended for acute sciatic pain, which often subsides within six weeks. Physiotherapy is often prescribed.

COMMONSENSE CARE:

To reduce pain, ice the affected area several times daily for two or three day. Afterward, a heating pad or hot water bottle may bring relief. Certain exercises can ease the sciatic pain;walking and swimming are commonly recommended. |Prolonged periods of sitting, especially in chairs that lack adequate back support, can add to your discomfort. Rocking chairs and those with adjustable backs and arm supports are best. Make sure that your posture is correct; slouching can strain the lower back. Practice relaxation techniques if you are under a lot of stress.

NATURAL MEDICINE THERAPIES:

- ACUPUNCTURE: Points along the urinary bladder, gallbladder, governing vessel, and large intestine meridians may be stimulated to relieve pain.

- CHIROPRACTIC:  A practitioner  may ease pain with spinal manipulation and prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises for preventing recurrences. 

- HOMEOPATHY: Colocynth is recommended for pain that gets worse in cold, damp weather sciatic pain extends to the knee or heel. Aconite may be prescribed when the pain is excruciating and the condition prompts fear and anxiety. Magnesia phosphorica may be suggested for intermittent spasms and overall weakness.

- HYDROTHERAPY: A hot - water pack on the lower back may relieve pain. Alternating heat treatment with ice packs may help. Swimming and other water exercises in a warm pool are often suggested.

- MASSAGE: A therapist may treat the entire back, then apply a variety of massage techniques to the lower back, buttocks, thighs and back of the knee. Massage techniques can help muscles, thus alleviating pain.

- REFLEXOLOGY: Stimulating points for the hip and sciatic area, lymphatic groin area, and lower back may relieve pain.

- SHIATSU; Pressing on the bladder meridian and at several points on the outside and back of the leg can bring relief.

- VITAMIN THERAPY: Supplements of vitamin B complex may be recommended for nervous system functioning, as well as thiamin.Inadequate thiamin may erode the sheaths that cover nerve ending, exacerbating sciatic pain.

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OSTEOPOROSIS

OSTEOPOROSIS

The onset of menopause hastens the normal bone thinning process of aging because the ovaries stop producing the female hormone estrogen, which helps to retain bone mass. Bone brittleness and weakness make you especially prone to fractures of the spine, hip, wrist, and other bones.

Underweight Caucasian women over 50 who smoke and exercise seldom or not at all face the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis. If you have a diet lacking in calcium for a period of years, your chances of developing this disease increase.

ORTHODOX MEDICINE

 Physician commonly recommend calcium supplements. Estrogen - replacement therapy is often prescribed for post- menopausal women. Some physicians and nutritionists suggest a high calcium diet that omits alcohol.

COMMONSENSE CARE

To prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression, you should pay attention to what you eat and exercise regularly. Make sure that your diet includes plenty of dairy products, green leafy vegetables, shellfish, and other calcium sources. Do not eat excessive amounts of chard and spinach, however. They are high in oxalic acid, a substance that hinders calcium absorption.

Weight -bearing exercise such as running, brisk walking, and rope jumping can help counteract the loss of bone mass if you exercise at least three times weekly. Try to get out in the sun regularly; your skin absorbs the sun's ultraviolet rays,  which the body can convert to vitamin D, an important catalyst in the absorption of calcium. Stop smoking., if you have not already stopped; smoking may reduce estrogen levels. Anyone who develops osteoporosis should take extra care to avoid falls, which can cause already weakened, brittle bones to fracture or break relatively easily. This may mean covering wood floors with carpeting, providing adequate lighting in halls and at staircases, and handrails to bathtubs and shower stalls. 

NATURAL MEDICINE

- NATUROPATHY: A low- protein diet, with an emphasis on foods high in calcium, phosphorus , magnesium and vitamin A, and D. A practitioner can suggest a series of weight - bearing exercises.

- VITAMIN AND MINERAL THERAPY: Calcium and vitamin D  tablets are often recommended.  Folic acid, vitamin K, and manganese, silicon, boron, and magnesium may contribute to maintaining bone mass, and supplements may be suggested for postmenopausal women.

- YOGA: Some practitioners believe that more efficient breathing can provide relief for those with osteoporosis. Diaphragmatic breathing may aid the body as it copes with changing bone structure. Relaxation techniques may also prove useful.

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ARTHRITIS

 

ARTHRITIS

An umbrella term for more than 100 joint disorders, arthritis is generally an inflammation of one or more joints. It van affect virtually any joint, and symptoms range from mild aches and stiffness to severe pain and crippling deformity. 

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common arthritic disorder. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most debilitating forms of the disease. It is a systemic disorder that affects only surrounding tissue, mostly in the hands, feet, and arms.

Gout, a metabolic disorder that may cause pain in hand, knee, and toe joints, often produces arthritis as its primary symptom.

ORTHODOX MEDICINE

Exercise often gets the highest priority. Other approaches include heat, weight loss for the obese, and such forms of joint protection as canes, walkers, and splints on weakened joints.

Aspirin or another member of NSAIDs may be suggested. For severe RA, immunosuppressive surgery may be performed. Procedures include fusing or replacing diseased joints with prosthetic devices. Hip replacement is typically the most successful joint - replacement surgery.

COMMONSENSE CARE

A regular exercise program can contributes substantially to joint mobility and pain reduction.

the combination of exercise and physiotherapy can help slow the rate of joint deterioration. For severe attacks, curtailing some daily activities or remaining in bed for a day or two may diminish the pain.Soaking in a warm bath  may provide relief. Applying cold compress or hot packs to the affected area can also help.

NATURAL MEDICINE THERAPIES

- ACUPUNCTURE: The acupuncturist will stimulate various meridians, depending on where arthritis symptoms appear. When therapy is most successful, it can reduce pain and restore mobility to a affected joints.

- ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE:

For arthritis sufferers, it is important to learn how to sit down and stand up, and how to lift, and carry objects in ways that will protect the joints. Sessions with an experienced practitioner can help relieve pain.

- HOMEOTHERAPY: 

A homeopath will recommend remedies appropriate to the symptoms, including ruta, rhus tox, bryonia and pulsatilla.

- HYDROTHERAPY:

Swimming can take the weight off joints and help increase flexibility and reduce pain. Ocean swimming is especially good for most arthritics, although swimming in salt water can occasionally pose problems, so it helps to consult a physician,. Taking a shower or soaking in a warm bath may alleviate pain by relaxing muscles and joints that have become stiff.

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PSORIASIS

PSORIASIS

A skin disorder recognized by its dry, silver, scaly patches, psoriasis involves the rapidly accelerated growth of new skin layers at a rate too fast for old skin to be shed. The scalp, hands, armpits, elbows, knees, lower back, buttocks, and other areas may be affected.

The genetic tendency may exist for psoriasis, which often appears initially in early adulthood and tends to recur.

In general, it produces little physical discomfort besides itching. The most serious complications are secondary bacterial infections and the development of a form of arthritis.

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ATHLETE'S FOOT

ATHLETE'S FOOT

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A minor but uncomfortable skin condition, athlete's foot is usually caused by a fungal infection. Cracked peeling skin between the toes and over the sole, especially the instep, is common. The skin itches and feels sore. Blisters may develop.

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ALLERGIES

ALLERGIES 

Exaggerated immune reactions to common substances that are swallowed, injected, or inhaled, or that touch the skin or the eyes, allergies can make an otherwise healthy person feel miserable.

The most common environmental allergens are grass and tree pollens, mold spores, dust mites and animal dander. Eating certain foods and food additives, and being stung by insects can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Children can inherit a tendency to develop  allergies.

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WOUND

WOUND HEALING

The longer a wound has been in existence, the longer it will take to 32 heal. In other words, wounds  existing for a relatively short period of time (say around 2 months or less) have a greater chance of a successful outcome than those with a longer history. In addition to wound size and depth, which would be expected to affect the rate of healing, wound shape also plays an important role. Linear wounds are generally the fastest to heal, followed by square or rectangular wounds, with circular wounds requiring the greatest time.

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