Rheumatism And Herbal Products?

How To Treat Rheumatism Naturally With Herbal Products?

Rheumatism is a medical term that indicates problem in joints, bones, tendons, and muscles. It commonly affects middle-aged or elderly people.

 

Rheumatism is a medical term that indicates some problem in joints, bones, tendons, and muscles. It commonly affects middle-aged people or elderly. It is a medical problem that may affect heart, skin, kidneys, and lungs of the affected individual but, in rare cases only. There are several different types of rheumatism. And, the most common types are, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, spondylitis, osteo-arthritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, fibrositis, and cervical spondylitis.  This medical problem usually affects the joints of an individual, due which he may feel pain in any or many affected joints.

Although, the exact causes of rheumatism are still unknown, but some of the most common conditions that can lead an individual towards arthritis are mentioned ahead. Firstly, people with acidic digestive system are prone to suffer from this medical problem. Excess-acid formation in the digestive system can inflame several joints of the body. Secondly, this medical problem may occur due to genetics related factors. An individual might suffer from this medical problem, if his family had suffered from it. Thirdly, appropriate balance of hormone levels is of utmost importance. Hormonal imbalance can lead to several problems, including rheumatism. Fourthly, presence of toxins in the blood is another cause of this medical problem. Improper lifestyle and eating habits can prevent body from eliminating toxic products from the body, due to which one has to suffer from several health problems.

Others include regular intake of meat or de-mineralized starch, excess refined-sugar intake, teeth infections, gall-bladder problems, tonsils, habit of eating junk foods, habit of excessive smoking, and drinking alcoholic beverages can also lead an individual to this medical problem.

There are several symptoms of rheumatism. And, some of the many symptoms that may help in diagnosing this medical problem are mentioned below.

1. An individual might suffer from mild fever.
 2. Intense soreness in the joints.
3. Swelling of the joints.
 4. Affected muscle would become stiff.
 5. Body pain.
6. Trouble sleeping.
7. Improper urination.
 8. Pain in the affected joint.
9. Pain in eyes.

An expert doctor can easily diagnose rheumatism with the help of symptoms mentioned above. Experts recommend to treat this medical problem as soon as problem to prevent further damage to the joints. Herbal products to treat this medical problem can effectually alleviate pain and discomfort associated with rheumatism. Rumatone Gold capsule and massage oil are two such herbal products which are designed by expert herbalist for the treatment of joint and muscle related problems. These two herbal products are used in combination for quick and best results.

Several users of Rumatone Gold capsule and massage oil consider these two products as an excellent remedy for rheumatism. These two herbal products are designed without using any harmful chemical in the formula, due which they are 100 percent natural products that never induces any severe side effects on the body. Several potent herbs used in the formula of Rumatone Gold capsule and massage oil are used since ancient times to relieve joint pain as well as muscular pain. 

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Corticosteroid Injections In Back Pain

 Corticosteroid injections may be ineffective for low back pain

 

 

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In the US, around half of all workers admit to experiencing symptoms of back pain each year, and approximately 80% of us will suffer a back problem at some point in our lives.

Primary treatment for low back pain involves nonsurgical options, such as narcotic pain medication and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other nonsurgical treatments include epidural corticosteroid injections, administered directly to the epidural space in the spine.

Epidural corticosteroid injections work by reducing inflammation and, in turn, relieving pain. According to Dr. Chou and colleagues, the injections are commonly used for radiculopathy (inflammation of a spinal nerve) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) - two conditions that cause radiating low back pain.

Use of epidural corticosteroid injections for these conditions is increasing, despite the fact that numerous studies have questioned their effectiveness for low back pain.

Epidural corticosteroid injections 'perceived as more effective than they actually are'

 For their study, the team reviewed 30 trials assessing the short- and long-term effects of epidural corticosteroid injections for individuals with radiculopathy or spinal stenosis, comparing them with a placebo.

Specifically, the researchers looked at how epidural corticosteroid injections impacted patients' pain, function and risk for surgery.



While the injections provided greater immediate pain relief for radiculopathy than a placebo, the team found that this effect was small and short term. What is more, the treatment did not prevent patients' need for surgery in the long term.

For spinal stenosis, the researchers found epidural corticosteroid injections offered patients no significant pain relief compared with placebo.

These findings remained regardless of what injection techniques and corticosteroids were used, according to the authors.

While severe side effects from corticosteroid injections were rare, some minor side effects were identified, which included bleeding, blood clots and nerve root irritation.

Talking to Reuters, Dr. Chou said epidural corticosteroid injections are being perceived as much more effective for low back pain than they actually are.

"Unfortunately, there are not a lot of great treatments for these conditions besides surgery, so the options for treatment are limited," he added. "I do let patients know that the natural history for both of these conditions is for improvement over time."

However, the results of this study have been met with some criticism. Dr. Zack McCormick, of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL, told Reuters that the trials analyzed in this research were of low quality, so the findings "cannot be applied to the realistic day-to-day practice of spine medicine."

He noted, however, that the aim of epidural corticosteroid injections is to improve short-term symptoms and quality of life for the patient, not to provide a long-term cure. As such, he says the treatment should "not be used as an isolated therapy."

See More : http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/298566.php

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Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem that affects most people at some point in their life.

It may be triggered by bad posture while sitting or standing, bending awkwardly, or lifting incorrectly. It’s not generally caused by a serious condition. Find out more about the causes of back pain.

In most cases, back pain will improve in a few weeks or months, although some people experience long-term pain or pain that keeps coming back.

Types of back pain

Backache is most common in the lower back ('lumbago'), although it can be felt anywhere along your spine, from your neck down to your hips. Read information on neck pain and shoulder pain, which are covered separately.

Sometimes, back pain can be caused by an injury or disease, such as:

•     a slipped disc – when one of the discs in the spine is damaged and presses on the nerves

•     sciatica – irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which causes pain, numbness and tingling that travels down one leg

•     whiplash – neck injury caused by a sudden impact

•     frozen shoulder – inflammation around the shoulder that causes pain and stiffness

•     ankylosing spondylitis – a long-term condition that causes pain and stiffness where the spine meets the pelvis

The rest of this information will focus on back pain that doesn’t have an obvious cause. Doctors call this “non-specific back pain”.
What to do

Most cases of back pain get better on their own and you may not need to see a doctor.

If you’ve only had back pain for a few days or weeks, the following advice may help relieve your symptoms and speed up your recovery:

•     remain as active as possible and try to continue with your daily activities

•     take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel you need to

•     use hot or cold compression packs – you can buy these from your local pharmacy, or a bag of frozen vegetables and a hot water bottle will work just as well

Although it can be difficult to be cheerful or optimistic if you are in pain, it’s important to stay positive because this can help you recover faster.

Treatments for long-term back pain

If you’re worried about your back or your pain hasn’t improved by around six weeks, it’s a good idea to visit your GP, who can advise you about the treatments available.

These include:

•     stronger painkillers

•     exercise classes – where you are taught specific exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture

•     manual therapy, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic or osteopathy

•     acupuncture

•     counselling, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

•     support and advice at a specialist pain clinic

Some people choose to see a therapist for manual therapy or acupuncture without seeing their GP first. If you want to do this you will usually need to pay for private treatment, which is likely to cost around £30-50 for each appointment.

Spinal surgery is usually only recommended when all else has failed.


Source : http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Back-pain/Pages/Introduction.aspx

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Neck Pain

10 Tips to Prevent Neck Pain

Neck pain is usually caused by injuries and sprains associated with the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the cervical spine (upper part of the spine, or the neck), but it can also be caused by a cervical herniated disc or cervical stenosis.

Follow these 10 tips to protect your neck from injury:

    1.Sleep with a cervical pillow.

    Cervical pillows, or orthopedic pillows, are contoured to support the spaces under the head and neck with deeper depressions where the head lies and extra support under the neck. They help keep the neck in alignment with the spine.
     
   2. Sleep on your back.

    Sleeping on your back is the best position to let your entire spine rest comfortably. If you prefer to sleep on your side or on your stomach, make sure your pillow is not too high-around 4 to 6 inches thick. This will prevent your head and neck from turning unnaturally to either side.

3.Position your computer screen at eye level.

Sit comfortably in your office chair in front of your computer and close your eyes. When you open them, your gaze should be directly in the middle of your computer screen. If it is not, use books or other items to adjust the screen height.

Do not allow your head to drift forward over your shoulders. And don't forget to take frequent breaks—get up and move around at least every 30 minutes.

4.Use a telephone headset. 

Be careful not to hold your phone between your ear and shoulder. A hands-free device is a great way to talk on the phone without being tempted to hold your phone incorrectly.

5.Exercise your neck muscles. 

Keep your neck muscles strong by doing strengthening and stretching exercises frequently throughout the day. One of the simplest exercises to do often is the chin tuck exercise.

This exercise helps strengthen the muscles that pull the head into alignment over the shoulders. It also stretches the scalene and suboccipital muscles.

6.Stay hydrated. 

The discs between the vertebrae in the spine are made mostly of water.

Sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated, keeping the discs pliable and healthy. Ideally, try to drink 8 large glasses of water a day.

7.Carry weight evenly. 

A common mistake people make is carrying a heavy purse or a brief case on one side of their body. This causes the shoulders to become uneven, straining the muscles and causing pain.

Take only your essentials in your purse or briefcase, and make an effort to keep your shoulders level at all times when you carry it. Consider using a backpack that distributes weight evenly across the shoulders.

8.Maintain proper posture. 

Poor posture can cause neck pain by straining muscles and ligaments that support the neck, resulting in injury over time.

The head-and-shoulders-forward posture is the most common example of poor posture that contributes to neck pain. This occurs when the neck slants forward, placing the head in front of the shoulders.

This posture causes the upper back to slump forward as well, placing a strain on the entire spine.

9.Relieve trigger-point pain. 

Irritation to the facet joints of the lower cervical vertebrae can result in muscle trigger point pains. Trigger points are small knots in the muscle or fascia that can lead to pain. There are certain massages you can do yourself to work these trigger points and lessen the pain. See Trigger Point Exercises for Neck Pain for a description of these exercises.

10.Prevent whiplash. 

Whiplash occurs when people are rear-ended in their vehicles. The best way to protect yourself from a whiplash injury is to drive a car with a highly rated head restraint. Adjust the head restraint by following the owner’s manual.

Always practice defensive driving: When stopped in traffic, check your rear-view mirror to make sure no one is speeding up behind you. Have an escape route planned (usually the shoulder of the road) so you know where you will go if you do notice someone speeding up behind you.

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Stay Safe From Arthritis Pain

Stay Safe With These Fall-prevention Guidelines

The American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatric Society have issued updated guidelines for preventing falls in older people. It is the first such update in over 10 years.

“There is always evidence that is coming out and in area like falling, we are learning more about it every day,” says Mary Tinetti, MD, a professor of medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, New Have, Ct., and a co-chair of the panel that came up with the guidelines. “We want to make sure the guidelines are as timely and accurate as possible.”

While the guidelines, which appear in the January 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, target older patients, they apply to patients of any age with rheumatic disease involving gait.

“It relates to all of our patients who have lower extremity disorders,” says Nortin M. Hadler, MD, attending rheumatologist at UNC Hospitals and professor of medicine and microbiology/immunology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“Gait is quite remarkable. It’s a highly integrated biological function that requires heel strike and push off of toes, knees that are supple and hips with reasonable range of motion,” says Dr. Hadler. “All of these things we take for granted, but if anyone has any impairment, they don’t take it for granted.” Dr. Hadler notes that patients with rheumatic disease also fall “less well” because they are less able to brace themselves when they do fall.

The new guidelines call for a complete risk assessment for patients who simply report difficulties with gait or balance in addition to those who have a history of falling. The assessment should include evaluation for muscle weakness, balance problems, orthostatic hypotension (a fall in blood pressure when a person stands up from a sitting or lying down position), as well as an examination of the feet and footwear, and an evaluation of both daily living skills and the use of adaptive equipment and mobility aids. Health care professionals should also ask patients about the fear of falling.

“Falls are a very serious problem and they often have a complex set of causes that can be a challenge to sort out. One of those things is that we are fearful,” says Sharon Brangman, MD, president of the American Geriatric Society. “Patients can be so fearful that it limits mobility, which sets up a vicious cycle: We are fearful, so we restrict our activities, and our muscles get weaker and so we are more likely to fall.” 

The guidelines were developed by a panel including members from previous panels, as well as experts in areas such as geriatrics, physical therapy, orthopedics, emergency medicine, occupational therapy, nursing and pharmacy. To come up with the new guidelines panelists reviewed the medical literature on fall prevention published between May 2001 and July 2009.

“The main thing is that these guidelines were developed by a panel of experts who scoured the literature and scientific information to find guidelines based in science,” says Dr. Brangman. “We knew things anecdotally, but these guidelines have evidence behind them.”

Within the new guidelines are recommendations for intervention that include:

•     an exercise component that combines balance and strength training, such as tai chi or physical therapy.

•     cataract surgery when needed (but only in conjunction with other interventions).

•     medication reduction or withdrawal, especially drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as sleep medications and antidepressants.

•     appropriate management of heart rate and rhythm abnormalities, and orthostatic hypotension.

•     a daily 800 IU vitamin D supplement.

“The new guidelines are not all doctor-oriented,” says Dr. Brangman. “They have practical pieces that people can carry out on own: finding safer shoes, removing clutter in your home, clearing off stairs and installing handrails in bathrooms and on steps.”

But the interventions must be followed. “It really made a difference in how carefully all the interventions were carried out,” says Dr. Tinetti. “It’s important not just to say that something needed to be done, but to do it.”

More Information : http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/joint-protection/fall-prevention-guidelines.php

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Massage and Arthritis

Massage and Arthritis

Regular massage of muscles and joints, whether by a licensed therapist at a spa or by self-massage at home, can lead to a significant reduction in pain for people with arthritis, according to Tiffany Field, PhD, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, who’s conducted a number of studies on the benefits of massage, including on people with arthritis. In Field’s research and other recent studies on the effects of massage for arthritis symptoms, regular use of the simple therapy led to improvements in pain, stiffness, range of motion, hand grip strength and overall function of the joints.

While most research on massage examines its effects on the general population, not specifically people with arthritis, recently more studies are underway to study the effectiveness of massage for people with arthritis. For example, one 2006 study conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey examined 68 adults with knee osteoarthritis receiving two Swedish massages per week for eight weeks, compared to a group who received no massage. The massage group reported significant improvements in knee pain, stiffness, function, range of motion and walking, the researchers found.

Best Types of Massage for Arthritis

If you’re interested in trying one of the many types of massage as a way to ease your arthritis symptoms, it’s important to consult your rheumatologist or primary-care physician first to ensure that massage is safe for you. Some techniques may involve strong pressure to sensitive tissues and joints, or moving limbs into various positions that may be difficult for someone with damaged joints from a disease like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

Use caution when considering massage if you have:

    Damaged or eroded joints from arthritis
    Flare of inflammation, fever or a skin rash
    Severe osteoporosis (brittle bones)
    High blood pressure
    Varicose veins

“It’s always a good idea to get the thumbs up or down from a doctor if you are having even the slightest worry about using massage for your condition,” says Chunco. “It’s also very important to tell the therapist if you are experiencing pain or if you are uncomfortable with the work that she is doing. A good therapist will want feedback on what you are feeling during the session.”

Be sure to have a conversation with your massage therapist beforehand about your arthritis, and what parts of your body are most affected by the disease, advises Field.

“Therapists should be very cognizant and careful, as they all have a list of contraindications for massage in their brains already,” she says. “They can usually tell if you have an area of inflammation” but it’s wise to discuss it first, she says. In addition, if you have any concerns about the therapist using scented oils or lotions that might cause a rash, speak up – these lubricants are commonly used but are probably not necessary.

Your goals for massage may vary. You may be interested in relieving anxiety and stress caused by dealing with arthritis, or you may be seeking relief for pain and stiffness in a specific area of your body. Talk openly with your massage therapist about your goals for the session so she can adjust the technique accordingly. There is no set way to perform a massage; she should be flexible to your needs.

Most importantly, massage should make your arthritis pain and stiffness feel better, not worse, says Veena Ranganath, MD, a rheumatologist at the University of California, Los Angeles Department of Medicine. “I do tell my patients that if it hurts, don’t do it,” says Dr. Ranganath. Your doctor also can refer you to a massage therapist, which may not only lead you to a qualified professional, but also help you qualify for reimbursement if your insurance policy covers massage treatments.

Massage is not medicine. It’s a complement to your doctor-prescribed arthritis treatment. You should enjoy experiencing a massage, and it should not increase your pain or anxiety. Communication with your doctor and massage therapist beforehand can ensure that massage is right for you and help you achieve beneficial results.

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Arthritis Mistakes

6 Rheumatoid Arthritis Mistakes to Avoid

 

 

You do your best to live a full, active life with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). But do you recognize any of these common missteps? If they sound familiar, it’s not too late to get back on track.

1. Not Seeing a Rheumatologist

Your regular doctor may have diagnosed your RA. It’s still a good idea to see a specialist, too.

Rheumatologists are doctors who are experts in treating RA and other types of arthritis. A rheumatologist will have the most training in the medicines that treat RA and in finding the right ones for you. If you don’t have one, ask your primary care doctor for a referral.

2. Too Much Couch Time

You need rest, just not too much.

When you have joint pain and fatigue, it's hard to get up and get moving. But regular exercise is key for your health. Too much idle time makes pain, fatigue, and stiffness worse.

When your RA flares, slow down but don’t stop. Do gentle flexibility exercises, like yoga and tai chi. You may also be able to do some exercises in a warm pool, but take it easy.

When you feel better, step up your activity. Add strength training (you can use weight machines at a gym, handheld weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight) to strengthen the muscles around your joints. You should also do cardio for your heart, bones, and mood.

Talk to your rheumatologist, or a physical or occupational therapist, about the best exercises for you. Walking can be a good exercise for people with RA. It’s low-impact, and you can do it anywhere for free. Swimming and water aerobics are also good choices.

3. Canceling Doctor Appointments

When you feel good, do you stop seeing your doctor? You need those regular checkups to keep feeling good and to keep your treatment on track.

During regular visits, your rheumatologist will check on how you’re doing, how well your treatment is going, whether you have any side effects, and tweak your treatment, if needed.

In addition to seeing your doctor, you also may need lab tests or X-rays now and then. Make sure you keep those appointments, too.

4. Not Taking All Your Medications

If your doctor prescribed more than one RA medicine, there’s a good reason for that. One of those drugs may ease your pain, and the other helps to stop joint damage.

If you’re not sure what your drugs do or why you need them, ask your doctor. Also tell her if side effects or costs are problems. She can help you look for solutions, whether it’s another drug or help with costs, so you can keep up with your treatment.

5. Skipping Medication When You Feel Good

You may be tempted to skip your medications on days when you’re feeling better. Don’t do that.

Missing a dose could cause the pain to return, and it may be harder to get relief later. Your RA could also worsen.

Some drugs need to stay in your bloodstream at specific levels in order to be effective. If you skip them too often, blood levels of the medication will drop and you could end up with a flare of your RA. You might forget a dose once in a while, and that's OK. Just take it as soon as you remember (but don't take a double dose).

6. Overlooking Your Mood

RA can be painful and challenging. It’s normal to feel sad about that at times. But if you start to feel depressed -- for instance, your blue feelings don’t lift, and you don’t enjoy the things you used to like -- tell your doctor so you can get treated and feel better.

Your doctor can refer you to a counselor for “talk therapy” and prescribe antidepressants if needed. You may also want to join a support group for people with RA, such as those offered by the Arthritis Foundation. Ask your doctor for more information.


Source : http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/biologics-15/mistakes-with-ra

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