A set of cartilage discs present between the vertebrae, ensures that the spinal column can withstand the weight of the upper body. If these discs tear or get injured, the condition is commonly known as slipped disc. In medical terms the same condition is known as prolapsed intervertebral disc. Here is a look at the causes, symptoms and treatment for this painful condition.

Causes for Prolapsed Disc
Intervertebral cartilage discs undergo normal wear and tear with age. However, there are other underlying causes for a slipped disc.

Sitting for prolonged period of time may lead to the disorder
Repeatedly lifting weight in such a manner that all the pressure is exerted on the vertebrae may also lead to a prolapsed intervertebral disc. Example   Exercising with incorrect posture
Alcohol consumption and smoking
Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
Accidental trauma to the spinal region
Diet not consisting of all the essential nutrition
Family history of the same condition
Tweaking one s lifestyle is generally enough to ensure that people are not affected by the condition.

Symptoms of prolapsed intervertebral disc

Patients claim to feel pain radiating from their spinal region to the calves of their feet. This sciatic nerve may get compressed due to the disorder, leading to such a pain.
Tingling sensation in the lower and upper back regions. This sensation may also spread to the arms and legs.
Patients complain of a weakness or numbness in the buttock area, feet and legs.
Treatment for prolapsed intervertebral disc

Limited activity is advised after diagnosis, but complete bed rest is not recommended.
Ice packs should be applied at first. After the pain resides, heat should be applied on the region.
Physical therapy and certain exercises are prescribed by the physician
Anti inflammatory drugs can help control the condition and relieve some of the pain.
Surgery is considered only if the condition does not subside after 4-6 weeks. However, such a surgery is risky and may cause permanent nerve damage.
If you feel that you are at risk of prolapsed intervertebral disc, consult a physician immediately. Follow the recommendations of the doctor, so that you do not have to go through the pain associated with the condition.

Prolapsed Disc - What Causes It?

Our bones are composed of calcium deposits, and with age, the amount of deposits gradually reduce, leading to porous bones called in medical terms as osteoporosis - osteo for bone and porosis for porous. As the bones grow porous, they are more brittle and prone for fracture. In severe conditions, a person's limb length can also be altered, leading to stooped and shortened stature.

Osteoporosis is more common in females, especially after menopause, as there is a strong hormonal connection to osteoporosis. An advice for females post 40 is to include calcium and vitamin d supplements, thereby delaying the onset and reducing the severity of this condition.

Once it does set in, there are various medications available; however, as with most allopathic medications, there are side-effects. Well-known as it is, homeopathy treats the individual and not just the disease. Listed below are some common treatments, which improve calcium and phosphorus metabolism, reduce bone loss, and improve bone mass.

Calcarea carbonica - This works well in patients who have issues with calcium absorption, get tired easily, are anxious and stressed out easily. Cold often worsens the pain and there could be swelling of joints and neck and back pain. There is also a strong craving for sweets in these people.

Calcarea phosphorica - This works very well in cases where the spine has been affected. Patients with softened spine and curved body benefit very well from this. This also can be used where there is associated anemia and increased bone pain due to cold weather. At an emotional level, people with general dissatisfaction and a strong desire to travel and wanting a change of situations can also benefit from this.

Calcaria iod - In addition to bone loss, where there is muscular and fat deficiency, this supplement has been proven to work well.

Silicea (silica) - Delicate people who are often very nervous and get tired easily and have a low resistance to infection get benefited from this medication. The spine is the most affected, and there might even be fractures and pus or fistula formation. It helps in healing broken bones and removing bone splinters. This works well in cases where calcium assimilation is affected by improving calcium assimilation.

Symphytum - Popularly known as 'knit bone,' this medicine is believed to help unite fractured bones very effectively by promoting strong callous formation. Not just new fractures, this also helps in patients who have pain in old healed or partially healed fractures.

To conclude, there are many remedies that can help treat osteoporosis and its consequences, the above being the few popular ones.

Homeopathy For Prevention And Treatment Of Osteoporosis

Care for shoulder pain and related problems

Shoulder problems usually happen because of internal problems or external trauma. People who are into any form of manual labour, pick up a lot of heavy things regularly or play sports experience shoulder pain at some point of time or other. Shoulder pain can be detected by physical examination, mri, x-ray, ultrasound and medical history.

The most common types of shoulder problems are arthritis, fracture, dislocation, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tear, and rotator cuff disease. Cures for the different shoulder pains are different. Follow these simple ways to help you manage the pain.

1. Rest the hurtful shoulder: you need to take ample rest. Using the arm which is affected is not a good idea and needs to be avoided. If your job involves manual labour, it is advised that you stay at home to rest.

2. Ice pack healing: applying ice pack on the wound is also advised around 3-4 times in a day. This varies as per the kind of shoulder pain, so doctor's advice must be followed.

3. Be consistent with exercise: depending upon the source of pain, physiotherapist will advise certain sets of shoulder exercises. It is very important that they should be performed diligently for fast recovery.

4. Support it well: wearing a sling is extremely important and should not be taken lightly at any point of time. A good support will ensure there is no mislocation and faster recovery.

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Shoulder Pain Care - 4 things you must not ignore!

Pain in the joint is an eventuality that only few can escape. It is an ailment that comes with age and promises to stay despite continued attempts at eradicating it. Being a problem that many are battling, it has provoked attempts at treating it. Various disciplines of medicines have tried in their own ways in dealing with this problem, but ayurveda with its strict reliance on natural products and aversion to chemicals has been most preferred. The various ways by which ayurveda treats joint pains are:
1. Massage: ayurveda focuses on massages as a remedial measure. Using few herbal oils and using them to massage regularly on the affected joints has been an accepted remedy for joint pains. A massage promotes blood circulation and creates a calming effect.

2. Hot and cold compresses: the effectiveness of this form of treatment has remained prevalent through generations. Extremely convenient and easy to use, you can use hot and cold compresses alternatively to ease the pain.

3. Fenugreek: fenugreek seeds have a long standing reputation of relieving you of pain. Boasting of antioxidant properties and the ability to reduce swelling, they must be finely grounded and swallowed with lukewarm water to enjoy best results.

4. Turmeric: in the hierarchy of ayurvedic medications, turmeric probably ranks the highest. It is packed with multiple benefits. Not only does it take care of the skin, it also helps in reducing joint pains. The most common way of having it is by mixing turmeric in a glass of warm milk and honey.

5. Apple cider vinegar: apple cider vinegar reduces joint pains by effectively eliminating the accumulated toxins. It is rich in magnesium and phosphorus and owing to its alkalizing effect, it has the ability to cure rheumatism.

Ayurveda and Joint Pain Remedies

People with spine problems face tough choices when considering treatment. Depending on the severity and scale of the disorder, you will have to decide which treatment works the best for you, and keep an eye out for its long-term impact. Owing to the numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding spine surgery, many patients are unreasonably reluctant to consider this as a treatment option.
Before you make your mind, learn the truth behind these myths about spine surgery. 

  Myth: Spine surgery invariably leads to paralysis

Fact: With the introduction of modern technology in the field of medical science, the efficacy and success rates of spine surgery has improved significantly. The chances of paralysis following surgery are less than 1%. Latest advancements in operating techniques have made the procedure safer and more effective than before.

  Myth: You might require multiple surgeries following spine surgery in the future

Fact: In over 90% of all cases, one successful spine surgery at the right time is all you need to treat the disorder. Majority of patients can do without a second surgery. However, it is essential that patients follow all the instructions and preventive measures to make the surgery successful. The post-treatment guidelines include simple things, such as   eating healthy, reducing and maintaining body weight, exercising regularly, quitting tobacco etc. In rare cases, failing to keep up with these instructions may lead to the need for a second surgery.

  Myth: Spine surgeries are painful

Fact: This was once true when open spine surgeries requiring long incisions were performed   but not anymore. Spine surgeries are now relatively painless as compared to earlier times   all thanks to technological advancements. The modern-day minimally invasive procedure has made spine surgery less painful with no or minimal complications, as you need not go under the knife, literally. In fact, patients do not require anaesthesia before opting for the procedure.

  Myth: You will be bed-ridden for life after the surgery

Fact: The common belief among people is that they will never be able to walk again after spine surgery. But that is not true. With minimally invasive techniques and keyhole surgery, the patient is able to walk the very same day of the surgery. In most cases, they are discharged in a few hours following the procedure. Moreover, pain management techniques and physiotherapy have made it easier for patients to move about without much difficulty.

  Myth: The complication rates are very high in the case of surgery

Fact: With advancements in technology, the overall rates of complications have reduced drastically   less than 3% precisely. The state-of-the-art neuro-monitoring system monitors every nerve during the surgery and allows no scope for error. Surgeons have reportedly been able to avoid all nerve-related complications and offer a 100% success rate using this technique.
The decision to undergo spine surgery can be difficult and the misconceptions floating around do not make it easier. Nevertheless, distinguishing the facts from myths is important. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your physician. They can clear your doubts and help you find out if surgery is the appropriate approach to treat your condition.

Myths About Spine Surgery - Debunked!

If you are experiencing joint stiffness in your hip along with pain and tenderness, you could be suffering from hip arthritis or osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis accounts for being the most common form of arthritis. It is referred to as degenerative joint disease and old-age arthritis and usually, occurs because of age-related issues. The condition occurs when injury and inflammation of a joint lead to the breakdown of the cartilage tissue, causing pain, swelling, and deformity.

How hip arthritis affects the hip joint?
People who are affected by osteoarthritis of the hip may have difficulty in walking properly. Diagnosis in the early stage is difficult as pain may occur in various locations such as the thigh, groin, knee or buttocks.

The underlying causes
The factors responsible for osteoarthritis include increasing age, joint injury and excess body weight. Some other factors may also be responsible. They are as follows:

When the joints have formed improperly.
In case of inherited defects in the cartilage.
When a person puts excess stress on the hip joint because of being overweight or due to certain activities and motions.
How it can be detected?
The different symptoms of hip arthritis or osteoarthritis are as follows:

Joint stiffness, especially after waking up in the morning.
Joint stiffness after sitting for a long period.
Swelling, pain, and tenderness in the hip joint.
A crunching feeling or sound of bones rubbing against one another.
The inability to move the hip for carrying out daily activities.
Treatment
The aim of osteoarthritis treatment is to improve the patient s ability to move about so that his regular life is less affected. The function of the hip and pain management are other targets of treatment for this condition. The different treatment plans are as follows:

Proper joint care and rest
Using a cane while walking for taking weight off your hip
Losing excessive weight
Non-drug pain relief measures for controlling pain
Regular exercise
Several medicines, including NSAIDS and other prescribed pain medication
Surgery
Alternative therapies
Hip replacement surgery
This is a surgical procedure used for osteoarthritis treatment when all other treatment plans fail. The damaged ball of the hip joint is replaced with a metal ball in this surgical procedure. The hip socket is resurfaced by using a plastic liner and metal shell. Apart from the mentioned treatment procedures, hip resurfacing is another surgical option for osteoarthritis treatment, which helps in giving relief when a hip replacement surgery is delayed. In this procedure, the affected hip joint surfaces are surgically removed and are replaced with metal.

Arthritis - How it Impacts Your Hip Bone?

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