Strains Tips

With everything requiring a computer to execute, more and more people end up looking at the computer screen for hours on end. This could range anywhere from a couple of hours to really long hours like 16 to 18. The effect of is a group of symptoms, which are collectively known as computer vision syndrome or CVS (syndrome means a collection of symptoms). The cause of this is the strain and pain resulting from constant staring at the monitor.

It is a type of repetitive stress injury, where a particular organ, the eye here, is subjected to repeated action (staring at a monitor) resulting in a group of symptoms. This is also compounded by age, where the flexibility to adjust to near and far vision is gradually reduced.

Symptoms of CVS:

There is no damage per se, but a constant strain on the eyes leads to:

1. Blurred vision
2. Double vision
3. Dryness of the eyes
4. Redness of the eyes
5. Irritation of the eyes
6. Headaches and neck/back aches

This could be a progressive condition, where the symptoms get worse with time. Treatment is definitely an option once the problem sets in, but this is a condition which can be definitely prevented with some simple, effective steps.

1. Desk arrangement: Make sure the desk or monitor is slightly below eye level, about 30 inches away from the face. If you are straining the neck or the back to look at the monitor, it requires a change. The chair also can be changed in height to suit the seating. Also, prints can be pinned to the workstation when something is being typed, so constantly looking up and down while typing is avoided.
2. Screen type: Move away from the older tube-style monitor with an LCD screen, which is easier on the eye. Check the computer settings so that brightness, contrast, and font size and shape and contrast are altered to suit your convenience. Ensure you are not requiring to strain to read.
3. Alter the lighting: Look around you, and ensure there is adequate lighting with no glares on the monitor from surrounding windows or bright lights. A glare filter on the monitor is an effective way to manage this.
4. Rest your eyes: Follow the 20-20-20 rule, with a 20-second break every 20 minutes where you look at something 20 feet away.
5. Keep them moist: Blink your eyes constantly to ensure there is enough moisture. Eye drops can be used if required additionally.
6. Frequent breaks: Not just your eyes, this also reduces strain on the neck and the back.
7. Regular eye checkups: An annual visit, especially after 40, is a must for optimal eye health.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) refers to a spectrum of eye-related problems caused due to continuous excessive use of computers and LED screens. Staring at a computer screen has become a daily routine for many of us. Work and pleasure both include using a computer or a tablet. Working on computers for long periods leads to pain in the eyes, strain and headache.

Why does CVS occur?

The mechanism of focus on a computer screen is far different from that of books. Books have to be focused a single time for reading. But the image on computer screen is being refreshed rapidly (40 – 60 times per second). So the eyes have to focus and defocus every time to see a new image clearly leading to strain. Apart from this main factor, other factors contributing to CVS are:

• Uncorrected spectacle power

• Inappropriate glasses

• Reduced blinking rate

• Wrong work posture

• Dry eyes

• Job stress

• Age (after forties, the focusing power of eyes decrease)

What are the symptoms of CVS?

Common symptoms of CVS include eye pain, strain, headache, blurred vision (especially when changing focus from near to distance), tired eyes, redness and discomfort.

How to prevent CVS?

Following measures are advised for prevention of CVS:

Workstation ergonomics

• The top level of screen should be at eye level to prevent undue stress on neck

• Dark background behind the computer screen

• Avoid placing any light source immediately behind the computer screen

• Workstation should be placed in such a way that the user is not facing an air conditioner or cooler

• Footrest on floor

• Maintaining proper posture during work

Tips for user

• Follow the simple rule of 20:20:20, i.e., after every 20 mins of computer work, look at distant target and blink 20 times in 20 seconds

• Regular small breaks after every 45 minutes to one hour of work if working for long hours

• Regular eye examination by ophthalmologist

How to detect CVS?

Detection of CVS requires detailed eye examination by an ophthalmologist with the following tests:

• Refractive error

• Dry eye status

• Convergence power

• Evaluation of arrangement of computer workstation

How to manage CVS?

CVS is managed as per its cause.

• Prescription and use of correct refraction

• Using anti-glare/ blue cut glasses

• Dry eye management

• Orthoptic exercises for convergence insufficiency

Take home message CVS is a common eye problem among computer users and warrants proper evaluation and treatment by an eye specialist.

Myopia -

--> A condition in which close objects appear clearly, but far ones don't.

--> People with myopia can have difficulty clearly seeing a movie or tv screen or the whiteboard in school.

Myopia symptoms and signs:-

If you are nearsighted, you typically will have difficulty reading road signs and seeing distant objects clearly, but will be able to see well for close-up tasks such as reading and computer use.
Other signs and symptoms of myopia include squinting, eye strain and headaches. Feeling fatigued when driving or playing sports also can be a symptom of uncorrected nearsightedness.
If you experience these signs or symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, schedule a comprehensive eye examination with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to see if you need a stronger prescription.

What causes myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens of the eye. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface.
Nearsightedness also can be caused by the cornea and/or lens being too curved for the length of the eyeball. In some cases, myopia is due to a combination of these factors.
Myopia typically begins in childhood and you may have a higher risk if your parents are nearsighted. In most cases, nearsightedness stabilizes in early adulthood but sometimes it continues to progress with age.

Myopia treatment:-

Nearsightedness can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. Depending on the degree of your myopia, you may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses all the time or only when you need very clear distance vision, like when driving, seeing a chalkboard or watching a movie.

Good choices for eyeglass lenses for nearsightedness include high-index lenses (for thinner, lighter glasses) and anti-reflective coating. Also, consider photochromic lenses to protect your eyes from UV and high-energy blue light and to reduce your need for a separate pair of prescription sunglasses outdoors.

If you're nearsighted, the first number (" sphere") on your eyeglasses prescription or contact lens prescription will be preceded by a minus sign (–). The higher the number, the more nearsighted you are.

The advantage of homeopathic treatment:-
Homeopathy is a wonderful science of treatment with medicines made from natural substances. These medicines are safe from toxic side-effects and make a dynamic impact at the root level to heal the condition and restore good health. A major advantage of the homeopathic mode of treatment in myopia is that it stops further progression of the condition. Homeopathic medicines can thus provide supportive treatment in myopia. They are equally effective in persons of all age groups.

Homeopathic medicines for myopia:-
Top grade homeopathic medicines for myopia are pysostigma, Ruta, Viola odorata, oleum animale, and phosphorus.

• Pysostigma - Pysostigma is well indicated for nearsightedness which is progressing rapidly, accompanied by pain in the orbits. The person experiences photophobia along with blurred vision. Spasm of the ciliary muscle, irritability of the eyes and dim vision are treated best with pysostigma.
• Ruta - Ruta is one the most suitable homeopathic medicines for myopia with a severe headache. The person experiences pain while reading, sewing and performing other near-sighted activities. The weakness of the ciliary muscles and blurred vision are the signs to look out for prescription of Ruta. Ruta acts very well for eyestrain occurring from overuse of eyes.
• Viola Odorata - Another of the useful homeopathic medicines for myopia is viola odorata. Myopia, where it is accompanied by severe pain in the eyes, is treated most effectively with homeopathic medicine viola odorata. In such cases, the person complains of severe pain in the eyes which radiates to the top of the head (vertex). The heaviness of the eyelids, flames before the eyes and nearsightedness are other symptoms that merit use of Viola odorata
• Oleum Animale - Oleum animale is one of the most wonderful homeopathic medicines for myopia where the symptoms include blurred vision with smarting in the eyes. The person often sees glistening bodies before his eyes and complains of dim vision. Nearsightedness accompanied by twitching of the eyelids is also treated well with homeopathic medicine oleum animale.
• Phosphorus - Phosphorus is one of the most highly recommended homeopathic medicines for myopia. Fatigue of the eyes and head even when the eyes are not being overused is a key symptom for prescription of phosphorus. It is one of the best indicated homeopathic medicines for myopia with weak eyesight and an aversion to light. A feeling of having sand in the eyes which gets better by rubbing may also be present. Frequent itching in the eyes with profuse lachrymation is also present. Nearsightedness with atrophy of optic nerve is treated well with homeopathic medicine phosphorus as well.

Today ‘working’ usually implies sitting at a desk from morning to evening. While this may seem more comfortable than working in the fields, sitting at a desk can trigger a host of back problems. This is because sitting in the same position all day makes the spine bend forward and lowers the efficiency of the back muscles. Working at a desk not only strains your back, but also restricts your movements to typing on a keyboard and moving a mouse.

Once a back problem begins, it usually lasts a lifetime hence; here are a few tips to save your back.

1. Get yourself a good chair: Your chair is crucial to your back’s health. Avoid the hard backed plastic chairs and pick a more flexible mesh backed office chair if you sit at the table for a long span of time. Ergonomic chairs may seem expensive, but are worth the expense in the long run.
2. Stretch your muscles: Sitting in the same position all day, puts the muscles under stress and with time can constrict the muscles. Make it appoint to stand up every 30 minutes and stretch your back and sides. Also try rotating your hips and shoulders form time to time.
3. Take a break: No matter how much work you have in front of you, take a break at the end of each hour. Taking even 2 minutes off out of 60 every hour can have a huge impact on your health. If you still feel guilty skip using the phone to connect with your colleague and walk over to their desks instead.
4. Get a pedometer: Keeping a pedometer will help you track the number of steps taken in a day. Ideally, a person should take 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy. If you sit at a desk for majority of the day, take every opportunity you can to up the count on your pedometer. Go for a walk around your office after lunch or park your car a little way off from the office to create opportunities to walk.
5. Take the stairs: As far as possible avoid escalators and elevators. Instead climb stairs for a quick workout. If your office is on the 20th floor, walking up may not be feasible, but you could get off the elevator on the 18th floor and walk up the remaining two floors.
6. Eat healthy: Lastly, pay attention to what you eat. Avoid eating at the office canteen or picking up a bite at the coffee shop and carry lunch from home. This ensures that you eat a balanced meal.

Hair Extensions, also known as hair weaves, is a process of adding length to the human hair. Hair extensions usually tend to be clipped, glued or sewed on to other hair by getting additional human or synthetic hair incorporated into it.

Some of the methods of hair extensions include, clip in extension, fusion method and weaving method.

Before discussing about some of the methods, let us take a closer look at what exactly hair extension is all about:

Details

Hair weaving is utilization of human or artificial hair for getting them integrated with a person’s natural hair. Weaves can assist in changing a person’s appearance for short or long periods of time by having additional hair put to a person’s natural hair or by getting the natural hair covered altogether with either human or synthetic hairpieces.

Weaving of additional human or synthetic pieces of hair can enhance a person’s hair by giving it the required volume, length as well as add colour without getting the chemicals damaged or adopt a totally different hair texture than that of their own.

Methods

Tape-In Hair Extensions:

During Tape-In Hair Extensions, the extensions are pre-taped and then they are glued together on both the sides of one’s own hair. In a typical manner, any hairdresser would put in tape-ins for a people as they need to put them in line to the roots and they get applied with a heated tool, which tends to heat the glue up. In addition to it, one needs to remove them and get once again have them reinstalled. In a natural manner, when heat is applied to the roots and followed by application of any adhesive product like tape or glue, hair gets damaged.

Sew-In Hair Weaves or Extensions:

Weave hair gets applied by getting the natural hair braided into a corn row initially and then the extensions have to be attached through the use of a needle and thread and then get threaded through the corn row. Weave hair extensions are mostly used for all those people who have thicker hair purely because of the manner in which they are applied. The weave application is a very lengthy process and is tightly applied that often tends to put a strain on the scalp and hence feel very heavy and uncomfortable.

Fusion Extension:

Fusion hair extensions usually form a bond with the natural hair by the use of different kinds of adhesives like glue. Application of fusion hair extension takes maximum 3-4 hours, which can be applied by hairdressers. This fusion extension is not suitable for all kinds of clients as this process is harmful for the natural hair.

The deltoid muscle is situated around the shoulder joint that makes up the shoulder. It is classified into three parts - front, side and rear deltoids. It is one of the most frequently used muscles in the body, its major functions are abduction and forward elevation of the arm.

Causes
A deltoid strain is a condition where you experience pain and tenderness in the shoulder area due to various causes like overuse of the deltoid muscle. It is very common in weightlifting and various sports such as cricket. It may even lead to partial loss of function in the deltoid muscle. Deltoid strain may be caused due to overworking of the muscle without adequate rest. It may also be caused due to lengthening of the deltoid muscle under stress or direct trauma to the muscle.

There are three types of deltoid strains

• Grade 1 deltoid strain: It is characterized by tight muscles with some possible swelling. There may be mild pain when you use your shoulders for any activity.
• Grade 2 deltoid strain: This strain is a result of a major injury to the deltoid muscle; there may be visible swelling and pain while carrying out activities that require movement of the shoulder. Lifting your arm to the front or the sides becomes difficult and painful.
• Grade 3 deltoid strain: This form of deltoid strain is the most severe of the three; it may cause the shoulders to become immobile. You usually will experience excessive pain and severe swelling. You might not be able to move your arm and carry out any activity that requires the shoulders.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a deltoid strain starts with a physical exam where the doctor will understand the symptoms of the deltoid strain. Various imaging tests such as x-rays may be required for the diagnosis. The basic treatment for shoulder strain comprises of the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation) which is used to treat grade 1 and grade 2 strains. Grade 3 strains may require surgery in addition to the above treatment methods. In case of excess pain, the doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the pain.

There are two main categories into which soft tissue injuries fall into first is overuse and the second is acute.

• Acute injuries: These are brought on by unexpected trauma such as a twist, fall or a heavy blow. Strains, contusions and sprains are examples of acute injury.
• Overuse injuries: They happen gradually with time. Athletics experience this as they use specific areas of their bodies repeatedly, without giving them time to heal. Examples of soft tissue injuries due to overuse are bursitis and tendinitis.

Types of Overuse injuries

1. Tendinitis: It is an irritation or inflammation of the tendon coverings (also known as a sheath). Repeated small stresses that agitate the tendon may cause it. Pain and swelling are typical symptoms that may worsen with overuse. Professional swimmers, baseball players, golfers and tennis players are more prone to their arms and shoulders being affected by tendinitis. Stress elimination, steroid injections, anti-inflammatory drugs and splinting can all be used in the treatment of tendinitis. The tendons might get significantly damaged due to persisting inflammation and corrective surgery may be required.
2. Bursitis: Small sacs resembling jelly which are spread throughout the whole body are called bursa. These areas include the knees, the hip, heels, the elbow and the areas adjacent to the shoulders. They are located between soft tissues and bones and have small amounts of fluid to assist in reducing friction. An inflammation of the bursa is called bursitis. Tendinitis and bursitis are many –a- times experienced together.

Types of Acute injuries 

1. Contusion: Multiple blows or a direct one can cause a contusion. It is a bruise in which the underlying connective tissues and muscle fibres get crushed without a break in the skin. It may result from the body hitting a tough surface or from falling. The pooling of blood around the site of injury can cause a discoloration in the skin.
2. Strain: An injury to the muscles or tendons leads to strain. Fibrous tissues that hold the bone and muscles together are called the tendons. They generally happen in the back, the feet or legs. It may be just a stretch in the tendons and muscles, or it might be a complete or partial tear in the tendon and muscle junction. Pain, muscle weakness, muscle spasm, cramping, inflammation and swelling are typical strain symptoms.
3. Sprain: A tear or stretch in the ligament is called a sprain. Ligaments join the ends of bones together. They support and stabilize the joints of the body. For example, the knee ligaments connect the shinbone to the thighbone and this in turn facilitates running in athletes. The knees, wrists and ankles are the most susceptible to sprains.

Muscle strain or muscle pull is a condition, which is characterized by damage to the muscles or its adjoining tendons. Undue pressure can be exerted on the muscle when you are carrying out routine activities such as sudden lifting of heavy things or playing contact sports. The damage to the muscle is usually in the form of partial or complete tearing of the tendons and fibres attached to the muscles. The small blood vessels in the muscles can also be damaged by the tearing of the muscles, leading to local bleeding and bruising.

The symptoms of muscle pain are:
1. You will experience pain even while resting
2. There will be bruising, swelling and redness around the affected area
3. You will experience weakness of the muscles and tendons
4. The movement and mobility of the muscle will be impaired
5. You will experience pain when you use the affected muscles

The causes of a muscle strain are:
1. Playing contact sports can lead to injuries
2. Lifting heavy things
3. Exercising without a proper warm up routine
4. Lifting extremely heavy weights during exercise without proper acclimatization
5. Sleeping on one side only for a long period of time
6. Not stretching properly
7. Falling from a height

The treatments for muscle strains are:
1. Pain medications: You can opt for pain relieving medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to help combat the associated pain of a muscle strain.
2. Rice: Rice stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. This treatment is usually the first step after suffering a strain, before opting for medications. This treatment prevents further aggravation of the problem.
3. Compress: You can alternate between hot and cold compress to reduce the swelling and pain.
4. Stretches: Once the affected area has healed, it is important for you stretch the muscles to improve their mobility and strength.

Exercising should not a dreaded but enjoyed. Exercising in the water can be as challenging and intense as any other form of exercise but without the sweating. Aquatic exercises are ideal for every age and especially beneficial to those with injuries and joint limitations like arthritis. Exercising in water also helps with weight loss and stress management. If you want a reason to start exercising in water, here are three: 

1. Increases flexibility
Water is unpredictable in its movements. When exercising in water, the body has to push against water and faces water resistance. This resistance can be up to 42 times more than the resistance you would encounter when exercising on land. Thus while adjusting to the push and pull of water, the body is forced to move in various directions. This helps increase the range of motions in all the joints. The upward thrust of water or buoyancy also negates the effect of gravity and cushions the body. This reduces strain on weight bearing joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. As a result, the body becomes more flexible. 

2. Low impact
One of the biggest differences between exercising on land and exercising in water is the impact of the exercise on joints. For example, running on land puts a lot of stress on your knees. However, if you were to run in water, your knees would not make you cry in pain. This is because of the buoyancy of water. By cushioning your body, it supports half your body weight and thus makes you bear only half your body weight. This reduces the impact on your joints and makes exercising in water appealing to those with joint problems or those undergoing physical rehabilitation after an injury. 

3. Makes the heart work efficiently
Water has a unique property that makes it makes the heart work more efficiently. By pushing against he entire body surface, the hydrostatic pressure aids in the flow of blood from the all parts of the body to the heart and thus improves blood circulation. This puts less stress on your heart muscles. Thus by exercising in water, you can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. 
Apart from these benefits, exercising in water also helps build endurance and increases muscle strength.  It is also one of the most cooling and enjoyable ways to burn calories. It would be rare for you to be in a pool all by yourself and hence exercising in water is also a social exercise. So when are you stepping into the pool?

Abdominal Strain

Treatment of Abdominal Strain
Homeopathic Treatment of Abdominal Strain
Acupuncture & Acupressure Treatment of Abdominal Strain
Psychotherapy Treatment of Abdominal Strain
Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Abdominal Strain
Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Strain
Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Abdominal Strain
Other Treatment of Abdominal Strain
What is Abdominal Strain
Symptoms of Abdominal Strain
Causes of Abdominal Strain
Risk factors of Abdominal Strain
Complications of Abdominal Strain
Lab Investigations and Diagnosis of Abdominal Strain
Precautions & Prevention of Abdominal Strain
 

Treatment of Abdominal Strain 

Homeopathic Treatment of Abdominal Strain

Homeopathy gives instant relief in pain and inflammation. It treats the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. It balances the energy system, improves immunity and body functions. It naturally cures the root cause of disorder. Some common homeopathic medicines used for abdominal strain are:

Belladona
Bryonia
Ran B
Rhus Tox
Mag M 

Acupuncture & Acupressure Treatment of Abdominal Strain

Acupuncture proves beneficial in the treatment of strained abdominal muscles. Doctors may also recommend physical therapy for treatment of pain in the abdominal wall Acupuncture and Dry Needling are useful modalities to provide pain relief and assist injury rehabilitation. According to acupuncture theory, chi circulates in the body along twelve major pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems.

Psychotherapy Treatment of Abdominal Strain

Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that has been studied in terms of its effectiveness in helping people with abdominal strain. In this treatment, patient is taught healthy ways of thinking and coping behaviors to help reduce suffering. A therapist will teach relaxation and other pain management skills.

Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Abdominal Strain

Allopathic treatment helps to address symptoms of abdominal pain. Conventional Allopathic treatment modalities may help to provide momentary relief from the symptoms.

Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Strain

In some cases of abdominal strain such as appendicitis and a hernia, surgery is necessary.

Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Abdominal Strain

Matricaria recutita is a medicinal herb, used for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic. It is an extremely effective treatment for abdominal pain.

Other Treatment of Abdominal Strain

The Ice Packs relieve pain and reduce bleeding in the damaged tissue.

What is Abdominal Strain?

Abdominal strain is damage to the abdominal muscle due to over-stretching of the muscle tissue. It is an injury to one of the muscles of the abdominal wall. The damage involves tearing the muscle tissue.

Symptoms of Abdominal Strain 

Swelling and bruising
Muscle pain
Muscle spams
Stiffness
Inflammation
Redness

Causes of Abdominal Strain

Accident or injury
Exercising excessively
Improperly performing exercises or sports activities
Lifting heavy objects
Sharply twisting the body

Risk factors of Abdominal Strain

Overexerting muscles
Exercising in cold weather
Performing exercises incorrectly
Having weak back muscles
Being tired
Participating in forceful activity

Complications of Abdominal Strain

Herniation of the intestines 

Diagnosis of Abdominal Strain

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Physical exam includes Tenderness, swelling, pain and some loss of strength may be present.

Tests include:

X-rays
Ultrasound
MRI

Precautions &Prevention of Abdominal Strain 

Maintain good muscle strength
If you are tired, stop exercising
Get proper training exercises
Do not overexert