Treating chronic pain - Natures Therapy

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Treating chronic pain - Natures Therapy

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Super Stretches…for the Neck, Shoulders & Upper Back

January 10th 2012 19:08

Neck, shoulder and upper back stiffness are one of the most common complaints heard by health care professionals on a daily basis.

People want to know how they can reduce upper back, neck and shoulder pain from exercise, poor posture, repetitive motion, and stress.

The best way to reduce this pain is to stretch those areas before working out, between each repetition, and after completing a full day’s workout session.

Stretching lengthens the muscles and helps to fight against muscle tightness associated with each of the following:

• working out
• aging
• inactivity

However, it is important to only stretch when the muscles are warm, due to risk of tearing the fibers. A good way to warm the muscles before stretching is by getting into a sauna or steam room first, or simply roll up a heat pad (as you would a towel) and applying the heat roll to the back of your neck. Be sure to allow contact to the shoulders and upper back as well.

Stretching Rules to Remember:

• Repeat each stretch 2-3 times, holding them for 10-30 seconds per stretch.
• Do not stretch to the point of pain.
• Breathe freely while stretching.
• Do not bounce.
• Stretch both sides of the body equally.

Illustration of Super Stretches
According to Really Long Link some of the most effective self-stretches for the upper neck, back, and shoulders are listed below.

1. Neck Side Flexion- lower ear towards the shoulder while facing forward. You should feel the stretch on the opposite side of your neck; return upright then repeat on the other side. For a deeper stretch, lengthen the opposite hand like you are touching the floor with it.

2. Triceps (back of upper arm) Stretch- lift your right arm above you head and gently bend your elbow so your forearm is behind your head, but not resting on it. Gently grasp your right elbow with your left hand. Let your right hand drop to the middle of your shoulder blades. Slightly pull your right elbow towards your left shoulder to deepen the stretch. Repeat on left side.

3. Shoulder (internal rotator) Stretch- Hold a towel between both hands as shown; gently pull the towel upwards with your left hand; feel the stretch in the shoulder of your right arm as this arm is gently pulled further up your back. Repeat for the opposite shoulder.

4. Supraspinatus (top of shoulder blade) Stretch- Cross your right arm in front of your chest, placing your right hand over your left shoulder and keeping your right arm parallel to the ground; use your left hand to push your right elbow gently towards your left shoulder; feel the stretch in the muscle across the top of your right shoulder blade. Repeat for the opposite shoulder.

5. Pectoral (chest stretch)- Place your right hand on a doorway at shoulder height with your elbow straight; move your feet so that you turn your chest and body gently away from your arm; feel the stretch on the right-hand side of your chest and along the inside of your right upper arm. Repeat for the opposite side. (You can also do the stretch with your arm slightly elevated, as shown.)

6. Biceps (front of upper arm) Stretch- Sit on a floor mat with your feet flat on the floor in front of you and knees bent; place your hands flat on the mat behind you, fairly close together, with your fingers pointing away from you. Walk your hands away from your bottom to feel the stretch in the muscles at the front of your upper arms.

7. Upper Back Extension- Sit on a floor mat with your feet flat on the floor in front of you and knees bent; place your hands flat on the mat behind you, fairly close together, with your fingers pointing away from you. Walk your hands away from your bottom to feel the stretch in the muscles at the front of your upper arms.

8. Side Stretch- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your upper body to the right while continuing to face the front and not allowing your hips to rotate; at the same time use your right hand to push your right hip gently in the opposite direction; feel the stretch along the left-hand side of your torso. Repeat for the opposite side.

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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Rare Cancer Linked To Saline & Silicone Breast Implants

October 11th 2011 17:22

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, both saline and silicone gel-filled breast implants may be linked to nearly 60 reports of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

ALCL is a rare yet aggressive type of cancer that makes up only 3 percent of lymphoma cases in adults, according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

In 2010, there were 60 reports of ALCL in 5-10 million people worldwide. However, only 34 of these cases were discovered in the U.S.

It is important for people to understand that ALCL is not the same as breast cancer, but is a form of lymphoma.

Breast implant recipients have reported symptoms of ALCL years, sometimes decades, after implant surgery.

Symptoms of ALCL include:
• Swelling
• Puffiness
• Pain and soreness
• Lumps
• Asymmetry of the breast

This rare cancer almost always shows up in fluid and scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant sack.

In some cases simply removing the implant and scar tissue gets rid of the disease, but some women might need chemotherapy and radiation, said Dr. William Maisel, the chief scientist and deputy director for science in the drug agency’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Since reported cases of ALCL are so minimal, women with no symptoms are simply advised to get their regular annual check-ups; and make sure to inform their general physicians about their implants.

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

July 19th 2011 02:42

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the number one hormonal disorder for women typically between the ages of 15-44.

In the United States, as many as 5 million women in their reproductive years may be affected.

Although PCOS is hard to diagnose because their is no individual test used to detect the disorder; 3 main dysfunctions typically exists.

1. High levels of androgens (male hormones) are presence in the body.
2. Irregular of missed periods.
3. Many small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in their ovaries

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome usually have a sister or mother with it as well.

In addition to making too much androgen, women with PCOS usually have higher than normal levels of insulin.

Insulin breaks down sugar, starches, and other foods and converts them into energy for the body to use or store.

According to womenshealth.gov, many women with PCOS have too much insulin in their bodies because they have problems using it. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen.

And, high levels of androgen (as those known in PCOS cases) can lead to:

1. Acne
2. Excessive hair growth
3. Weight gain
4. Problems with ovulation

Symptoms of PCOS:

* Infertility and difficulty ovulating
* Infrequent, absent, and/or irregular menstrual cycles
* Cysts on ovaries
* Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
* Weight gain or obesity, usually with extra weight around the waist
* Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
* Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness
* Patches of skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs that are thick and dark brown or black

Diagnosis Process:

1. Medical History Evaluation- the doctor will ask you about your menstrual cycles, weight gain/loss, family history, and other related questions.
2. Physical Exam- the doctor will measure your blood pressure, weight and waist size. As well as check for excessive hair growth. It is advised not to shave a few days prior to the exam.
3. Pelvic Exam- the doctor will check to see if the ovaries are swollen or enlarged.
4. Blood Test- the doctor will check for the androgen hormone and blood sugar levels.
5. Vaginal Ultrasound (sonogram)- the doctor will take pictures of the pelvic region.

Treatment for PCOS:

PCOS has to be managed to treat the symptoms, because there is no cure for the disorder itself. Some women need a combination of treatments to meet their individual needs.

SOME TREATMENTS FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME ARE:

1. Diet and exercise- Limit processed and sugary foods, and add more whole-grain products, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to your diet. Also, exercise at least 30-minutes daily.
2. Birth Control Pill- Birth control helps to reduce male hormone levels, control menstrual cycles, and helps to clear acne.
3. Diabetes medications- Metformin, used to treat type 2 diabetes, helps with PCOS symptoms by controlling the way insulin controls sugar levels, and by lowering testosterone production. Metformin also slows the abnormal hair growth, and in some cases it helps to regulate ovulation. Other positive effects of Metformin have been noted, such as decreased body mass and lower cholesterol levels. Flutamide is another drug that exhibits similar symptoms as Metformin.
4. Fertility medications- Fertility drugs that stimulate ovulation help women with PCOS to become pregnant.
5. Surgery- Ovarian laparoscopy (drilling) can sometimes increase the chances of ovulation.
6. Medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones- Spironolactone and Finasteride help to reduce extra male hormones and hair growth in women.

For more information on treatments for PCOS symptoms contact Cosmetic and Laser Specialists at: http://morebeautifulthanever.com/.

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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The Best Home Remedies for Sunburn Relief

May 23rd 2011 00:14

Summer is finally here and it is time for poolside parties, beach vacations and lots of fun in the sun. But we must be careful. As the Ozone layers are slowly fading away overtime; rays from the sun are becoming more and more intensely hazardous to our skin.

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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Natural Cures for Seasonal Allergies

March 23rd 2011 21:57

Springtime is here along with seasonal allergies resulting from pollen and mold blooms blowing throughout those calming early summer winds.

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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What is Medical Massage Therapy?

February 8th 2011 04:01

Many people ask the question...What is Medical Massage Therapy?

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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Top 10 Holiday Gifts That Save Lives --1. Therapeutic Gift Certificates

December 9th 2010 19:22

The massage therapy session just ended and you are slowly focusing in on the objects surrounding you. Your ears tune in to every rippling wave as the transcending melody of nature peacefully moves throughout your body, bringing you back into the present dimension.

You feel your arms and legs tingle as blood flow radiates inward to your muscles, and throughout your organs

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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3-Step Treatment for Strained Muscles

November 8th 2010 00:30

A strained muscle, also known as a pulled muscle, is one of the most common sports injuries. Stretching a muscle beyond its comfortable limits, poor body mechanics when working out, and too much impact during cardio exercise or lifting an object that is too heavy can cause small tears to occur within the muscle fibers.

Symptoms of a strained muscle are

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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Theraputic Benefits of Cupping

September 27th 2010 23:22

Cupping Therapy

Cupping started in China, dating back 3500 years, as a therapeutic method to increase circulation in specific areas of the body

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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Medical Massage…How New Health Care Reform Laws Enforce Insurance Coverage

August 8th 2010 06:20

Medical Massage Therapy

Medical Massage is the therapeutic application of specific massage therapy protocols for particular conditions evaluated and diagnosed by a physician. Between the years of 1998 and 1999, the American Medical Massage Association and the United States Medical Massage Association were established to bridge the gap between the standard medical community and professional massage therapists.

Currently, more skilled massage therapists are raising their credentials by increasing their education levels (approximately 42 hours) to acquire a Medical Massage National Certification. A licensed massage therapist can bill insurance for a massage, as long as they have a doctor’s referral and can show some improvement in a patient’s condition as a result of massage therapy services

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Posted By: Tonya Lachey - Category: Treating chronic pain

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Treating chronic pain...Herbal Medicine

October 23rd 2006 11:24

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is a system of medicine that uses plants to cure and prevent disease.

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Posted By: Naomi - Category: Treating chronic pain

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Treating chronic pain...Rolfing

October 17th 2006 00:03

Rolfing

Not ot be confused with vomiting or acts of coitus; Rolfing is a manipulative technique that is more accurately known as structural integration.

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Treating chronic pain...Radiesthesia

October 9th 2006 09:52

www.dreamstime.com

Radiesthesia is a very ancient technique used by Egyptians and maybe even other races much earlier then that. It is used as a method to diagnose disease and select the appropriate remedy to treat it with. At the time it was considered magical - a manifestation of God, the devil and other spirits.
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Treating chronic pain...Colour Therapy

October 2nd 2006 07:34

Colour therapy is best described as the use of colour to produce healing and beneficial effects.

It was used in ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt. Its theories have also been embraced by the Indian's and Chinese for thousands of years.
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