Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Natural Pain Relief Methods

Everyday in our life, we experience different kinds of pain in our physical body. Pain management information is something that we need to know and do in order to help us resume our normal functions in our daily life. There are several kinds of pain relief treatments available over the counter, however it is sometimes difficult to match the right medication for us. We must remember and know that pain reliever has its own effectiveness and side effects.

Mostly, Pain could be treated with different kinds of pain relief pills over the counter. However, aside from the pupular use of pharmaceutical remedies there are other alternative choices that involve with the use of special methods or equipment in treating pain.

* Chiropractic

Popularly used for relieving back and neck pain, musculoskeletal conditions, and headaches; chiropractic is a manual therapy intended for adjusting the connection between the body's structure and its respective functions. This spinal manipulation method also involves the adjustment and/or manipulation of the joints and nearby tissues.

* COX-2 Inhibitors

COX-2 Inhibitors is a newly developed method that works by blocking the cyclooxygenase-2, enzymes that increase the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation, fever, and pain. This particular method does not have the same gastrointestinal side effects generated by NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).

* Low-Power Lasers

Occasionally, some physical therapists use low-power lasers in treating pain. However, like other uncommon methods, it is considered to be a bit controversial.

* Magnets

Using magnets is a painkilling method that has gained popularity among athletes who have proven its efficiency in easing a variety of sports-related pain conditions. An ancient method dating back to the Egyptians and Greeks of olden times, this involves the use of magnets typically worn as a wristwatch or collar. Although skeptics consider this method to be bogus, the theory behind it is that magnets could generate some changes in our body's cells or chemistry, which relieves pain.

* Acupuncture

First used in China 2,500 years ago, acupuncture involves puncturing specific nerve points with needles in order to inhibit pain. Classified as one of the most popular methods of Chinese or Oriental medicine, continuous research is being conducted to validate its efficiency.

* Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a method that makes use of a customized electronic machine. Commonly utilized for typical pain problems, it is said to be most effective in treating back pain and headaches. This method is often used in conjunction with other techniques and has no known side effects to the patients.

* Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the chemical that is responsible for giving chili peppers its hot taste. Is is used as a basic ingredient for most pain-relieving creams.

* Chemonucleolysis

Chemonucleolysis is a unique treatment method because it is the only one that makes use of chymopapain, a kind of enzyme. Its process involves directly injecting the latter into the herniated lumbar disc, which is intended to dissolve the surrounding materials to decrease pain and pressure. However, the use of this method is restricted because some patients may have lethal allergic reactions to the chymopapain enzyme.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Back Pain Structure In Nature

Some of us experiencing back pain and don't know what are the best treatment for it. It is important to know the different types of back pain structure in nature before we will do the treatment.

* Arthritis

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and the lower back. There are certain cases, however, wherein the spine around the the spinal cord becomes narrow due to arthritis in our spine, a condition referred to as spinal stenosis.

*Sciatica

Sciatica, a sharp pain that strikes from our buttocks down to the back of our legs, can be caused by a protruding disk pressing down on the primary nerve that extends to our leg.

*Ruptured or Protruding Disks

When the soft material in our disk protrudes or ruptures, it tends to apply pressure on a nerve. This can lead to back pain; however, most individuals who experience this do not experience the latter.

* Skeletal Abnormalities

Back pain strikes when our spine is abnormally curved. The same thing holds true for those among us riddled with scoliosis, a condition wherein the spine is curved sidewards.

* Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes are bones to become brittle and porous. When this happens, our spine's vertebrae are likely to have fractures because of compression, resulting to back pain.

Despite the commonness of back pain, there are certain cases in which they indicate serious problems such as:

* Spinal Infection

A spinal infection is indicated if back pain is accompanied by fever and a certain warmth and tenderness characterizing a specific portion of our back.

* Cancer in the Spine

Back pain results when tumors in the spine presses down on a nerve.

* Caudia Equinoa Syndrome

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Migraine And Headaches: How to Handle?

Do you feel migraine all the time? Sometimes migraine is a barrier to work properly. If you feel that migraine is negatively impacting your work, here are some tips on managing it in the workplace:

1. Inform the office know about your migraine condition. It won't do to keep your migraine a secret from your boss, your colleagues, and the company doctor. Aside from it being a necessity when you apply for company-sponsored health insurance, informing them that you suffer from migraine lets you form a support network that can attend to you in case a migraine attack at work becomes an emergency. You also create understanding and awareness of the disorder which can help the company implement precautionary measures that can help prevent developing migraine in other employees.

2. Be proactive.Being proactive is necessary in having a rewarding career but it is also important if you want to manage your migraine. Instead of seeking medical attention only when migraines attack, make it a point to talk to your doctor about the condition in general. You can ask your doctor for tips on managing migraines, about available new treatments for the disorder, and other measures you can take to keep the pain at bay especially at work. You have a better chance of managing your condition by taking a more active approach in its treatment.

3. Make your working environment as migraine-proof as possible. Flickering bright office lights can trigger migraine in some people as do loud noises. Identify migraine triggers in the workplace and make your workstation as migraine-proof as possible. For example, if noises trigger your migraine, you can wear headphones that play nature sounds or soothing music while at work. If this is not permitted, you can ask your boss if you can be stationed far from the office lunchroom or the copier machine. If lights are the problem, talk to your boss about taking the lights out of your workstation and using a subdued lamp instead. You can also keep some anti-stress objects in your cube such as a mini Zen fountain or aromatherapy oils.

4.Come to work armed with your pain medications. If your doctor has prescribed an anti-migraine or pain medication for you, keep some inside your desk drawer at work so you can be ready when you feel a migraine attack coming. Costs of double stocking shouldn't be a problem since there are many reputable online pharmacies that sell low cost pain relief drugs on the Net. A nasal spray or an orally disintegrating tablet that melts in the mouth might be a more suitable option at the office as they can be taken discreetly and without fluids.

5. Practice a healthy lifestyle. Exercising regularly and observing a balanced diet can help keep migraines at bay. A healthy lifestyle is also key in treating migraine as some of its most common triggers include lack of sleep or rest, fatigue, sugars, carbohydrates, excessive caffeine, and nicotine. Avoiding or minimizing your exposure to these triggers can help treat and prevent migraine attacks.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Herbal Allies Pain Relief

There are many natural therapies that can be very helpful to relief for pain. Some of pain relieving herbal allies include skullcap, cannabis, valerian, turmeric,poppy, willow bark, St. John's wort, angelica, motherwort, black cohosh, wild yam, lavender, cayenne, kava kava, and rose. Essential oils of pine, lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, rose, clove, frankincense, rosemary, ginger, juniper, and birch also are used traditionally as pain relievers and are well-documented analgesic agents.

If some of you suffer from chronic pain, There are many methods to try such as drinking four to six cups of skullcap infusions daily, or take 10-15 drops of skullcap tincture four to six times daily. Use skullcap as needed, as often as every few minutes, in acute situations. Skullcap quiets the nervous system, and so will be a valuable ally if you suffer from chronic pain. A combination of equal parts skullcap, St. John's wort, and oatstraw is particularly effective for calming the nervous system, and thus easing pain.