By Kathryn Lively
Anticipating the birth of a child is one of the many wonderful moments in a parent's life that should be savored. As a woman grows with child, there is opportunity to silently bond and contemplate life with a new addition. Unfortunately, for many women the preparation for birth does not happen without some necessary growing pains. Back pain is an inevitable, yet ultimately preventable, side effect of pregnancy. With proper care, however, it can be minimized so that the mother-to-be can enjoy these nine months of changes and wonder.
What causes back pain during pregnancy?
As woman advance in pregnancy, so advances the opportunity for back pain and discomfort. So many changes occur in a woman's body to prepare it for birth. In particular, ligaments become softer and stretch, and as the baby grows, the hollow in the mother's back may increase. This may cause discomfort.
As the mother gains weight, the back works harder to support the gain balance, resulting in increased lower back pain. Depending upon the size of the mother and the growth of the child, some women may find it very difficult to move in the third trimester. It is not uncommon for some women to be confined to bedrest during the final month of pregnancy. For others able to move around, though, it may be necessary to perform various tasks.
What helps alleviate back pain in pregnant women?
Exercise is often recommended to pregnant women suffering back pain as their bodies grow. It is important to keep the blood flowing as much as possible, as it's necessary for the baby, too. Pregnant women, regardless of the stage of pregnancy, should consult with their obstetricians before taking on any exercise program. While there are specific techniques on the market, including aerobics and yoga for pregnancy, not all may be recommended for all woman. It is always best to check first.
When it's impossible to move around, however, the best solution to easing discomfort is maintaining good posture. When sitting, take every opportunity to sit as straight in a position that allows for the highest level of blood flow to the lower part of the body. Some women may find it comfortable to sit with the feet elevated, while others may use a cushion to help regulate blood flow.
Constant circulation to the lower back, whether through exercise or ergonomics, can help alleviate back discomfort in pregnant women. Don't let simple aches and pains prevent what is otherwise a joyful experience.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance health and travel writer. She writes for FlowCushion, an alternating air pressure seat cushion for driving and sitting, and for CINIVA Systems, Virginia Beach website design.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Is Chronic Pain Part of Your Life?
By John W. Johnson
Almost one in every five Americans suffers from chronic pain, according to a poll from ABC News and Stanford Medical Center. This means that as many as 40 million people are living life in a near constant state of discomfort - that’s twice as many people as those with diabetes!
There are only 1,700 doctors who are certified as pain specialists by the American Board of Pain Medicine. This means that there is only one doctor for every 23,500 people who need care. It’s no wonder that only 30% of those polled reported receiving a “great deal” of relief from their symptoms.
This epidemic results in an estimated $100 billion loss in worker productivity each year. More importantly, chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and, in extreme cases, thoughts of suicide.
According to the survey, the top sources of pain were:
Back - 25%
Knee - 12%
Headache/Migraine - 9%
Shoulder - 7%
Legs - 7%
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with chronic pain. There are many effective tools and supplements that can help to turn around the “downward spiral” of chronic pain and fatigue. Massage, chi machines, nutrition and supplements are just a few of the ways you can improve your well-being. Trigger Point Therapy is also a highly effective treatment for breaking up these spots, thus ending the cycle of pain. You can learn to locate these points and release them yourself. Books, such as “The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook”, will teach you how to use short, repetitive massage strokes to release points of tension and restore proper blood flow. Remember - it’s never too late to begin feeling healthy!
John is a nationally certified massage therapist, health researcher, and psychotherapist. He worked on the US Olympic sports massage team during the 2002 Winter Olympics, and has most recently volunteered his time and expertise by giving massages to victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Red Cross personnel who have assisted them. For more information about this subject and his products go to AllAboutChi.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_W._Johnson
Almost one in every five Americans suffers from chronic pain, according to a poll from ABC News and Stanford Medical Center. This means that as many as 40 million people are living life in a near constant state of discomfort - that’s twice as many people as those with diabetes!
There are only 1,700 doctors who are certified as pain specialists by the American Board of Pain Medicine. This means that there is only one doctor for every 23,500 people who need care. It’s no wonder that only 30% of those polled reported receiving a “great deal” of relief from their symptoms.
This epidemic results in an estimated $100 billion loss in worker productivity each year. More importantly, chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and, in extreme cases, thoughts of suicide.
According to the survey, the top sources of pain were:
Back - 25%
Knee - 12%
Headache/Migraine - 9%
Shoulder - 7%
Legs - 7%
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with chronic pain. There are many effective tools and supplements that can help to turn around the “downward spiral” of chronic pain and fatigue. Massage, chi machines, nutrition and supplements are just a few of the ways you can improve your well-being. Trigger Point Therapy is also a highly effective treatment for breaking up these spots, thus ending the cycle of pain. You can learn to locate these points and release them yourself. Books, such as “The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook”, will teach you how to use short, repetitive massage strokes to release points of tension and restore proper blood flow. Remember - it’s never too late to begin feeling healthy!
John is a nationally certified massage therapist, health researcher, and psychotherapist. He worked on the US Olympic sports massage team during the 2002 Winter Olympics, and has most recently volunteered his time and expertise by giving massages to victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Red Cross personnel who have assisted them. For more information about this subject and his products go to AllAboutChi.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_W._Johnson
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Discover a Fibromyalgia Cure
By Tamara Baruhovich
Fibromyalgia or FMS is a chronic musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by pain, tenderness, achiness and stiffness in the muscle tissue, the ligaments, and the tendons. It is like a type of rheumatism but it does not affect joints. Some people report that having fibromyalgia is like living in a permanent state of having the flu.
FMS is a relatively new diagnosis. The very first diagnosis of “Fibromyalgia Syndrome” as such took place in the early 1980’s. Many have claimed a fibromyalgia cure; still most remain in pain without knowing how to help themselves. However, the visibility of fibromyalgia is no doubt attracting more attention amongst medical professionals giving fibromyalgia sufferers hope for a fibromyalgia cure in the near future.
There are about 5 million people affected with FMS in the United States alone. Most affected are women of childbearing age. It can also affect men, children and the elderly but it is less common.
Causes
The exact causes of this complex and perplexing condition are not yet fully understood. There are many theories, but none have been proved conclusively. It is very likely that there are a number of factors involved.
The condition usually appears after an injury, surgery or long illness; nevertheless, no specific illness causes fibromyalgia. It is also thought to be brought on by emotional, psychological, or physical drastic changes or trauma. Prolonged periods of stress have also been considered as a possible cause. It is also suspected that there are underlying biochemical causes -alterations in certain body chemicals produced in excess- even though there is no known anatomical reason for the syndrome.
Another aspect of fibromyalgia is its close association with hypoglycemia, although it is not known if fibromyalgia causes hypoglycemia or the other way around. There may also seem to be a direct relationship with people affected with Candidiasis. Vitamin deficiency has also been linked to FMS.
Yet, some researchers believe that fibromyalgia is caused by an imbalance of the brain’s chemistry, which could be a direct result of mercury toxicity, while others believe its directly related to diet.
Diagnosis
As we mentioned earlier, the cause of fibromyalgia is not known yet. Subsequently, it is often misdiagnosed as anything from arthritis to psychological problems. A true diagnosis takes place only after other diseases with similar symptoms have been ruled out such as Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Arthritis and Rheumatism amongst others. Usually, lab tests show no abnormalities of any kind. This is why up until recently FMS was believed to be a “just in your imagination” condition. Nevertheless, FMS is a very real condition.
After learning these facts the question remains… is there hope for fibromyalgia sufferers? Is there a fibromyalgia cure? Let’s find out…
Treatment
The initial treatment for fibromyalgia is a trial and error process, as the variety and severity of symptoms caused by this condition vary from person to person. Therefore, treatment programs must be individualized.
Several drugs have been prescribed for the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Two of the most common ones are Guaifenesin and Amitriptyline (Elavil). Antidepressants have also been used to treat certain symptoms of fibromyalgia, and cyclobenzaprine has been prescribed to treat the pain, stiffness, and sleep problems associated with FMS. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has also proven effective to ease the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia.
On a more holistic note, adding a soy supplement to the diet has helped alleviate pain and improve the quality of life. Some patients have stated that massage therapy, relaxation therapy, and hydrotherapy have helped alleviate their symptoms. Chinese herbal medicine, biofeedback and psycho-therapy have also been helpful in the treatment of FMS. According to a Mayo Clinic study, acupuncture significantly improved symptoms in fibromyalgia patients.
These types of practices can help control pain, increase energy and improve sleep and other symptoms. Taking extra magnesium, calcium and potassium are also recommended.
The good news
Yes, there is good news! First of all, fibromyalgia is NOT a life threatening condition. Fibromyalgia is diagnosable, is treatable and can be reversed. Numerous individuals claim that their symptoms have disappeared for long periods of time. Others claim total remission.
Every time one patient claims a fibromyalgia cure, there is hope for the rest of fibromyalgia sufferers! One thing you can start with to achieve your fibromyalgia cure is making an effort to become more aware of your day to day routine. What do you do? Where do you go? Learn what factors aggravate your symptoms and avoid them, if possible. Symptoms of fibromyalgia may come and go at first. You need to watch what triggers them. Also, watch your diet. Certain dietary and lifestyle changes may help ease the symptoms.
Also, remember that stress can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. For women, hormonal changes throughout the month can play an important role. And overworking at home and work can bring on symptoms of fibromyalgia too.
FMS is not an imaginary condition. It is REAL. Many of its underlying causes can be treated and possibly 100% eliminated. Seek medical attention. Get help. You will feel better!
Tamara Baruhovich is a Health Educator, Parent Educator, and Online Counselor. Tamara has dedicated 20 years of her life to the health field, informing, teaching, counseling and writing about common health topics and family life concerns. If this article was helpful or if you have questions, send me an e-mail at Be_healthy101@yahoo.com I'll share with you a couple of resource that have helped many FMS sufferers.
Fibromyalgia or FMS is a chronic musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by pain, tenderness, achiness and stiffness in the muscle tissue, the ligaments, and the tendons. It is like a type of rheumatism but it does not affect joints. Some people report that having fibromyalgia is like living in a permanent state of having the flu.
FMS is a relatively new diagnosis. The very first diagnosis of “Fibromyalgia Syndrome” as such took place in the early 1980’s. Many have claimed a fibromyalgia cure; still most remain in pain without knowing how to help themselves. However, the visibility of fibromyalgia is no doubt attracting more attention amongst medical professionals giving fibromyalgia sufferers hope for a fibromyalgia cure in the near future.
There are about 5 million people affected with FMS in the United States alone. Most affected are women of childbearing age. It can also affect men, children and the elderly but it is less common.
Causes
The exact causes of this complex and perplexing condition are not yet fully understood. There are many theories, but none have been proved conclusively. It is very likely that there are a number of factors involved.
The condition usually appears after an injury, surgery or long illness; nevertheless, no specific illness causes fibromyalgia. It is also thought to be brought on by emotional, psychological, or physical drastic changes or trauma. Prolonged periods of stress have also been considered as a possible cause. It is also suspected that there are underlying biochemical causes -alterations in certain body chemicals produced in excess- even though there is no known anatomical reason for the syndrome.
Another aspect of fibromyalgia is its close association with hypoglycemia, although it is not known if fibromyalgia causes hypoglycemia or the other way around. There may also seem to be a direct relationship with people affected with Candidiasis. Vitamin deficiency has also been linked to FMS.
Yet, some researchers believe that fibromyalgia is caused by an imbalance of the brain’s chemistry, which could be a direct result of mercury toxicity, while others believe its directly related to diet.
Diagnosis
As we mentioned earlier, the cause of fibromyalgia is not known yet. Subsequently, it is often misdiagnosed as anything from arthritis to psychological problems. A true diagnosis takes place only after other diseases with similar symptoms have been ruled out such as Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Arthritis and Rheumatism amongst others. Usually, lab tests show no abnormalities of any kind. This is why up until recently FMS was believed to be a “just in your imagination” condition. Nevertheless, FMS is a very real condition.
After learning these facts the question remains… is there hope for fibromyalgia sufferers? Is there a fibromyalgia cure? Let’s find out…
Treatment
The initial treatment for fibromyalgia is a trial and error process, as the variety and severity of symptoms caused by this condition vary from person to person. Therefore, treatment programs must be individualized.
Several drugs have been prescribed for the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Two of the most common ones are Guaifenesin and Amitriptyline (Elavil). Antidepressants have also been used to treat certain symptoms of fibromyalgia, and cyclobenzaprine has been prescribed to treat the pain, stiffness, and sleep problems associated with FMS. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has also proven effective to ease the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia.
On a more holistic note, adding a soy supplement to the diet has helped alleviate pain and improve the quality of life. Some patients have stated that massage therapy, relaxation therapy, and hydrotherapy have helped alleviate their symptoms. Chinese herbal medicine, biofeedback and psycho-therapy have also been helpful in the treatment of FMS. According to a Mayo Clinic study, acupuncture significantly improved symptoms in fibromyalgia patients.
These types of practices can help control pain, increase energy and improve sleep and other symptoms. Taking extra magnesium, calcium and potassium are also recommended.
The good news
Yes, there is good news! First of all, fibromyalgia is NOT a life threatening condition. Fibromyalgia is diagnosable, is treatable and can be reversed. Numerous individuals claim that their symptoms have disappeared for long periods of time. Others claim total remission.
Every time one patient claims a fibromyalgia cure, there is hope for the rest of fibromyalgia sufferers! One thing you can start with to achieve your fibromyalgia cure is making an effort to become more aware of your day to day routine. What do you do? Where do you go? Learn what factors aggravate your symptoms and avoid them, if possible. Symptoms of fibromyalgia may come and go at first. You need to watch what triggers them. Also, watch your diet. Certain dietary and lifestyle changes may help ease the symptoms.
Also, remember that stress can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. For women, hormonal changes throughout the month can play an important role. And overworking at home and work can bring on symptoms of fibromyalgia too.
FMS is not an imaginary condition. It is REAL. Many of its underlying causes can be treated and possibly 100% eliminated. Seek medical attention. Get help. You will feel better!
Tamara Baruhovich is a Health Educator, Parent Educator, and Online Counselor. Tamara has dedicated 20 years of her life to the health field, informing, teaching, counseling and writing about common health topics and family life concerns. If this article was helpful or if you have questions, send me an e-mail at Be_healthy101@yahoo.com I'll share with you a couple of resource that have helped many FMS sufferers.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
How To Relieve Chronic Pain Without Prescribed Drugs
By Richard Tolar
Taking over the counter drugs (OTC) is usually the first step in trying to get rid of those little nagging aches and pains we all suffer from during the normal course of our daily life. Most of the time these non-prescribed drugs work just fine. However, it’s when the little aches and pains become a persistent chronic pain that we run into problems.
That nagging, chronic backache can become a debilitating problem. Those Irritating little headaches that keep you in a constant bad mood can take on monumental proportion and make your life an absolute hell. The search for headache pain relief can be all consuming. This is when the cheap OTC drugs you buy at the discount stores become ineffective.
Hopefully, you are smart enough to realize that doubling up the dosage is not a good idea. Your first step should be is to consult your doctor if the OTC drugs are not doing the job. A chronic headache or chronic back pain is something you can’t ignore.
You should not delay about seeing your doctor if your problem is persistent headaches. Ask about getting an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) procedure done on your head. It’s painless and a very good way to spot a growing cerebral aneurysm forming in your head. This is a fairly new technique for spotting this sort of problem and is gaining popularity with the doctors.
The MRI is also a great tool being used to spot a ruptured, or herniated disc in the spine. The MRI is a non-invasive way to look inside of you to see what is going on. If you have any luck at all your test will come back negative.
Usually, the first thing a doctor will try, after passing the MRI test, is physical therapy, and/or some mild prescription drugs. The cause of your chronic pain can be anything from a pinched nerve to a strained muscle. The physical therapy, while expensive, may just be the cure you’re looking for to get rid of your problems.
However, you may have to start taking a regime of prescribed drugs if the workouts do not take care of your never-ending pain. This is where the dangers start to pile up. Every prescribed drug has an adverse drug reaction. These reactions can affect your liver, stomach, kidneys, and even your heart. You must discuss the possibilities of this problem with your doctor.
An alternative to the prescribed drugs is herbal, or natural pain relief medications. These are pills, ointments, and spray-ons that are manufactured from plants and other natural elements of the earth. Although new, they don’t have the adverse side effects as conventional medicine and appear to be moving up into first place as the preferred way to get pain relief.
The down side to prescribed drugs is the adverse side effects they can produce. On the other hand, herbal, or natural medication, may give you the relief you need without the dangers of side effects.
Richard Tolar is the survivor of ruptured back discs and a ruptured cerebral aneurysm that led to chronic pain problems. Here is how he is handling the pain problems associated with them. http://www.discovermorenow.com/painfree/
Taking over the counter drugs (OTC) is usually the first step in trying to get rid of those little nagging aches and pains we all suffer from during the normal course of our daily life. Most of the time these non-prescribed drugs work just fine. However, it’s when the little aches and pains become a persistent chronic pain that we run into problems.
That nagging, chronic backache can become a debilitating problem. Those Irritating little headaches that keep you in a constant bad mood can take on monumental proportion and make your life an absolute hell. The search for headache pain relief can be all consuming. This is when the cheap OTC drugs you buy at the discount stores become ineffective.
Hopefully, you are smart enough to realize that doubling up the dosage is not a good idea. Your first step should be is to consult your doctor if the OTC drugs are not doing the job. A chronic headache or chronic back pain is something you can’t ignore.
You should not delay about seeing your doctor if your problem is persistent headaches. Ask about getting an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) procedure done on your head. It’s painless and a very good way to spot a growing cerebral aneurysm forming in your head. This is a fairly new technique for spotting this sort of problem and is gaining popularity with the doctors.
The MRI is also a great tool being used to spot a ruptured, or herniated disc in the spine. The MRI is a non-invasive way to look inside of you to see what is going on. If you have any luck at all your test will come back negative.
Usually, the first thing a doctor will try, after passing the MRI test, is physical therapy, and/or some mild prescription drugs. The cause of your chronic pain can be anything from a pinched nerve to a strained muscle. The physical therapy, while expensive, may just be the cure you’re looking for to get rid of your problems.
However, you may have to start taking a regime of prescribed drugs if the workouts do not take care of your never-ending pain. This is where the dangers start to pile up. Every prescribed drug has an adverse drug reaction. These reactions can affect your liver, stomach, kidneys, and even your heart. You must discuss the possibilities of this problem with your doctor.
An alternative to the prescribed drugs is herbal, or natural pain relief medications. These are pills, ointments, and spray-ons that are manufactured from plants and other natural elements of the earth. Although new, they don’t have the adverse side effects as conventional medicine and appear to be moving up into first place as the preferred way to get pain relief.
The down side to prescribed drugs is the adverse side effects they can produce. On the other hand, herbal, or natural medication, may give you the relief you need without the dangers of side effects.
Richard Tolar is the survivor of ruptured back discs and a ruptured cerebral aneurysm that led to chronic pain problems. Here is how he is handling the pain problems associated with them. http://www.discovermorenow.com/painfree/
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