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Pain

The Most Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and Shoulder Problems

by allurewellness February 26, 2020

written by allurewellness

The shoulder is made up of several joints combined with the muscles and tendons. They help the shoulder perform a vast range of motions in the arm—from throwing the perfect pitch to scratching the back. However, mobility has a price. In some cases, it can lead to instability issues and impingement of the bony structures or soft tissue in the shoulder.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder is composed of 3 bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). The upper bone’s head fits into the shoulder blade’s rounded socket. The socket is known as the glenoid.

A combination of tendons and muscles keeps the arm bone centered in the shoulder socket. The tissues are known as rotator cuff. The rotator cuff covers the head of the upper arm bone and attaches it to the shoulder blade.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain treatment that will be recommended by the doctor will depend on the cause of the condition. That means frozen shoulder treatment recommended will be different from recommended treatment options for shoulder issues caused by arthritis or fracture.

Most problems with the shoulder are classified into 4 categories:

Tendon inflammation or tendon tear (tendinitis or bursitis)
Arthritis
Instability
Broken bone (fracture)

Tendinitis

The cord that connects the muscle to the bone is called the tendon. Tendinitis is often the result of tendon inflammation. There are two types of tendinitis:

Acute – Excessive ball throwing as well as other overhead activities can lead to acute tendinitis.
Chronic – Degenerative diseases like repetitive wear and tear as well as arthritis can lead to chronic tendinitis.

Bursitis

The small fluid-filled sacs that are found in the joints throughout the body (including the shoulder) is called bursae. They also function as cushions between the overlying soft tissues and the bones. They also work by ensuring there is minimal friction between the bone and the gliding muscles.

In some instances, excessive shoulder use can result in swelling and inflammation of the bursa situated between the acromion and the rotator cuff. This condition is referred to as subacromial bursitis.

Impingement

When the acromion puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues, a shoulder impingement can occur. As the arm is lifted, the acromion can impinge on the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. This scenario can result in tendinitis and bursitis which causes pain as well as limited movement.

Arthritis

Shoulder pain can also be attributed to arthritis. While there are many different types of arthritis, the most common type that develops in the shoulder is osteoarthritis. This condition is also commonly referred to as wear and tear arthritis.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness, swelling, and pain. This condition often affects middle-aged individuals. While osteoarthritis can develop gradually, the pain it causes can worsen with time.

Osteoarthritis can be caused by work or sports injuries as well as chronic wear and tear. Other types of osteoarthritis are linked to infection, rotator cuff tears, and joint lining inflammation.

Tendon Tears

The tearing and splitting of tendons can be the result of degenerative changes or acute injury. The tears can be partial or at times, severe enough to completely separate the tendon from the bone. Biceps tendon injuries as well as rotator cuff injuries are considered among the most common.

Instability

Shoulder instability happens when the upper arm bone’s head is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can occur as a result of overuse or sudden injury. Shoulder dislocations can be partial. This condition is called subluxation.

Once the tendons, muscles, or ligaments around the shoulder have become torn or loose, dislocations can happen repeatedly. Recurring dislocations will not only cause pain, it can also result in unsteadiness when the arm is raised or moved away from the body.

February 26, 2020 0 comments

Body

What Are Common Causes of Neck Pain?

by allurewellness February 17, 2020

written by allurewellness

The neck is made up of vertebrae that extends from the skull down to the upper torso. It also has cervical discs that are designed to absorb the shock between the bones. The ligaments, muscles, and bones found in the neck support the head and allow it to move. Any injury, inflammation, or abnormalities may result in neck stiffness or pain.

Many people experience occasional neck pain or stiffness. In most cases, it can be attributed to overuse or poor posture. Other times, neck pain can also be caused by whiplash, contact sports, or injury from a fall.

Oftentimes, neck pain is not serious and won’t warrant neck pain treatment. However, if neck pain is severe, lingers for more than a week, and is accompanied by other symptoms, seeking medical attention right away is recommended.

There are different options to treat neck pain. However, the cause needs to be determined first before the best treatment can be provided. Fortunately, mild cases of neck pain will respond well to conservative treatments like exercise, pain medications, and massage. Many people who visit their chiropractors also report relief from neck pain.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck stiffness or pain can be attributed to a lot of causes. Some of the most prevalent causes of neck pain include:

Muscle strain and tension

Muscle strain and tension can be due to the following behaviours and activities:

Working in the same position for too long
Sleeping with the neck in a bad position
Poor posture
Jerking the neck during exercise

Heart attack

Neck pain can also be one of the symptoms of a heart attack. However, oftentimes, it manifests together with other symptoms such as:

Vomiting
Nausea
Jaw or arm pain
Sweating
Shortness of breath
Injury

The neck can be very vulnerable to injury especially when playing sports, or during falls, and car accidents. In the aforementioned scenarios, the neck’s ligaments and muscles are forced to move outside of its normal range. If the cervical vertebrae (neck bones) are fractured, the spinal cord can also get damaged. Neck injury that occurs due to sudden jerking of the head is called whiplash.

Other causes

Other likely causes of neck pain include:

Osteoporosis. In people with the condition, the bone can weaken and can result in small fractures. While this condition often manifests in the knees and hands, it can also occur in the neck.

Spinal stenosis. This condition develops when the spinal column narrows down and causes pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord as it exits the vertebrae. This condition can also develop due to long-term inflammation caused by arthritis and other conditions.

Rheumatoid arthritis. This condition causes joint swelling, pain, and bone spurs. When this develops in the neck area, neck pain can occur.

Fibromyalgia. This condition causes muscle pain throughout the body especially in the shoulder and neck region.

Spondylosis. When the cervical discs degenerate, spondylosis can occur. This condition is also known as osteoarthritis of the neck. When spondylosis is present, the space between the vertebrae can narrow down. The condition can also add stress to the joints.

Herniated cervical disk. Also known as slipped or ruptured disk, this condition occurs when a disk protrudes due to injury or trauma and puts pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord.

In very rare instances, neck pain and stiffness can be secondary to:

Infections
Tumors
Abscesses
Congenital abnormalities
Spine cancer

When to See Your Doctor

If the neck stiffness or pain lasts for more than a week, a visit to the doctor is recommended. You should also check with your doctor right away if the neck pain is accompanied by:

Fever
Headache
Nausea
Swollen glands
Vomiting
Tingling
Numbness
Weakness
Lumps in the neck
Pain that travels down the legs or arms
Bowel or bladder dysfunction

February 17, 2020 0 comments

Body health

Shoulder Pain: What are the Possible Causes?

by allurewellness January 24, 2020

written by allurewellness

The shoulder has a vast and versatile range of motion. That being said, when you have problems with your shoulder like frozen shoulder, your ability to move freely can be hampered. Not only that, you are also likely to experience a great deal of discomfort and pain.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and it has 3 main components: the long arm bone (humerus), collar bone (clavicle), and the shoulder blade (scapula). The bones are cushioned by a layer of cartilage. The rotator cuff provides the shoulder its range of motion.

Four tendons make up the rotator cuff. If the tendons or bones around the rotator cuff are swollen or damaged, it can become difficult and painful to lift the arm over the head. The shoulder can get injured when playing sports, doing repetitive movements, or performing manual labor.

Certain conditions may also cause severe pain that will cause you to seek shoulder pain treatment. Diseases of the heart, liver, and cervical spine may also cause shoulder pain. However, in similar scenarios, the underlying condition needs to be treated, otherwise the shoulder pain will just continue.

What are some of the common causes of shoulder pain?

Several conditions and factors can cause shoulder pain. The most common cause of shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendinitis. This condition is characterised by the swelling of the tendons.

Yet another cause of shoulder pain is impingement syndrome. This occurs when the rotator cuff gets caught between the humeral head and the acromium.

In some cases, shoulder pain can sometimes occur as a result of an injury sustained in another part of the body, usually the biceps or neck. This is what is commonly known as referred pain. Generally, referred pain does not get worse when the shoulder is moved.

Shoulder pain can also be attributed to other causes including:

Torn cartilage
Arthritis
Pinched nerve (in the shoulder or neck)
Torn rotator cuff
Swollen tendons or bursa sacs
Dislocated shoulder
Spinal cord injury
Heart attack
Injury secondary to repetitive use or overuse
Bone spurs
Broken arm bone or shoulder

How is the cause of shoulder pain diagnosed?

In order to provide the best treatment option for your case, your doctor will need to find the cause of your shoulder pain. In line with this, they’ll look into your medical history. They will also perform a physical exam.

During the physical examination, they will look for swelling and tenderness. They will also carefully assess your joint stability and range of motion. To help with the diagnosis, imaging tests like MRI and X-ray may also be requested.

To help them accurately determine the cause, doctors may also ask the following questions:

Is the pain felt in just one shoulder or in both?
Does the pain travel to other parts of the body?
Was the onset of the pain sudden? If so, what were you doing prior?
Does it hurt when you don’t move?
Does it hurt when you move a specific way?
Is the pain dull or sharp?
Is the painful area swollen, hot, or red?
Does the pain keep you up at night?
What makes the pain worse?
What makes the pain better?

When is seeking medical help recommended?

If the shoulder pain is accompanied by fever, lasting bruising, tenderness or heat around the joint, and inability to move the shoulder, getting medical help is advised.

If the shoulder pain is sudden and not secondary to any injury, seeking immediate medical help is recommended as the pain can be a sign of a heart attack.

A visit to the emergency room is also required if you injured your shoulder and it is swelling or bleeding and you can see exposed tissue.

January 24, 2020 0 comments

Body surgery

Chiropractic Treatment: Relieving Knee Pain Without Surgery

by allurewellness December 9, 2019

written by allurewellness

For those who are experiencing knee pain, even the most basic of activities like climbing the stairs, walking to and from the car, picking up the grocery bags, or even getting out of bed can become painful and challenging. Undeniably, knee pain can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function optimally.

Knee pain can affect people of all ages. It can be the result of an injury (i.e. torn cartilage or a ruptured ligament) or a medical condition such as gout, arthritis, or infection. Minor types of knee pain will often respond well to self-care measures. Other cases however may require chiropractic care and rehabilitation therapy. Severe cases may require surgical repair.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

The location as well as severity of knee pain can vary from one patient to another, depending on the cause of the problem. Some of the most common signs and symptoms that accompany knee pain include:

Instability or weakness
Crunching or popping noises
Stiffness and swelling
Redness and warmth to the touch
Inability to straighten the knee fully

Possible Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can be the result of mechanical problems, injuries, certain types of arthritis, foot and ankle issues, and even nerve or muscle irritation from posture or movement abnormalities.

Injuries

A knee injury can affect any of the bursae, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that surround the knee joint. Some of the most prevalent knee injuries include:

Muscle imbalances
ACL injury
Fractures
Knee bursitis
Patellar tendinitis
Torn meniscus

Mechanical Problems

A few examples of mechanical problems that can result to knee pain include:

Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome
Loose body
Hip or foot dysfunction
Dislocated or misaligned kneecap

Different Types of Arthritis

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the varieties that can affect the knee and cause knee pain include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Pseudogout
Gout
Septic arthritis

Chiropractic Care and Knee Pain

Nowadays, a growing number of people have undergone knee replacement injury. While the surgical technique has helped many people, it is still considered a costly and invasive procedure. Fortunately, there is a treatment option that can relieve knee pain without surgery for many patients before they reach the point of needing surgery—chiropractic care and rehabilitation.

Recent studies have shown chiropractic adjustments have been beneficial for patients with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. In another study, patients who have had chiropractic knee adjustments reported substantial drops in pain intensity. Fewer clicking and grinding sensations in the knee were also noticed.

In addition, patients were also able to experience increased mobility and were able to get back to doing daily activities after chiropractic treatment. Not only that, patients who received chiropractic care also reported no adverse effects associated with the treatment.

Licensed chiropractors address underlying issues that are causing knee pain and use a combination of techniques to effectively alleviate pain. Chiropractors have also helped patients with knee pain by improving gait, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal alignment and motion of the joints.

Chiropractors often may use mobilisation techniques and chiropractic manipulation in the areas of restricted movement. In addition, modern technologies like radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) and/or cold laser therapy may be used to address damaged tissues and speed up the healing process.

The combination of chiropractic and rehabilitative methods used have not only been proven effective in reducing knee pain, but by increasing motion and restoring the proper mechanics of the joints and surrounding tissues, can decrease the chances of future wear and tear!

December 9, 2019 0 comments

Body health

The Functional Correction Method (FCM): Your Solution for Headaches and Migraines

by allurewellness November 10, 2019

written by allurewellness

People who suffer from migraines and headaches can attest to how inconvenient and disruptive these can be to daily life. Headaches and migraines can be attributed to several causes. Accurately identifying the cause(s) of the condition can help guarantee that the best headache treatment can be provided.

Headache and Migraine Research

Over the years, researchers have constantly added to their list of possible headache sources. To date, there are thought to be over 300 causes of migraines and headaches. However, it is likely that data will continue to change as healthcare experts and researchers enhance their categorisation and diagnostic criteria.

Primary and Secondary Headaches

The International Headache society classifies headaches as primary or secondary. Primary headaches are thought to be unrelated to other problems and can include cluster and tension type headaches as well as migraines.

Secondary headaches, on the other hand can be attributed to an underlying issue like cervical spine induced (cervicogenic headaches), post-whiplash headaches, and drug withdrawal headaches. In other words, secondary headaches are symptoms of other health issues and not the cause itself.

Multi-Source Headaches

It is also important to note that many who suffer from headaches may suffer multi-source ones. For instance, if you suffer from migraine, it is also possible that you’ll also experience neck and tension-type headaches. Understandably, treatment will vary and will depend upon key factors like the headache source as well as the specific symptoms.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care, which often involves a combination of treatments like specific muscle therapy, active and passive exercises, and spinal manipulation is considered effective for headache management and prevention.

For those who suffer from migraines or headaches, the following may be performed by chiropractors to treat the condition:

Trigger point therapy as part of the Functional Correction Method (FCM) to address muscles, tendons and ligaments as well as the spine.
Joint mobilisation – Precise therapy where the joints are moved passively for the purpose of minimising pain or enhancing movement. This type of treatment is targeted primarily at the cervical spine when done to treat headaches.
Deep neck flexion exercises – These exercises involve the active movement of the muscles and joints under the guidance of a chiropractor. Primarily, the goal is to stretch the deep neck flexor muscles, which plays a key role in supporting the neck.
Neuromuscular massage – This type of massage focuses on the trigger points within the shoulder, neck, back, and head to ease the pain and symptoms.
Multidisciplinary care intervention – This chiropractic approach involves a combination of relaxation techniques, dietary and lifestyle counseling, stress management techniques, and physical therapy exercises which have been found effective in reducing the frequency and duration of headaches and migraines.

November 10, 2019 0 comments

Body health

How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help with Knee Pain

by allurewellness November 10, 2019

written by allurewellness

Even the most basic daily activities like climbing the stairs, getting out of bed, and walking to your car can become painful and difficult when you’re dealing with knee pain. Undoubtedly, knee pain can be debilitating and can have a huge impact on your ability to perform your day to day functions.

The good thing is that patients with knee pain don’t have options available which don’t include taking harmful medications, or severely limiting their activity level. Many patients with knee pain are unaware that chiropractic care can be very helpful at eliminating their pains. Seeking chiropractic care for knee pain can help patients regain mobility and carry out daily tasks that are otherwise difficult with painful knees.

Licensed chiropractors can address not only the knees themselves, but often underlying issues that are causing or making the knee pain worse. A combination of techniques and several angles of approach are considered when treating knee pain through chiropractic care. It is best to seek a proper evaluation to determine what are the major factors contributing to your knee pain and how to correct them.

Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can be attributed to several causes including:

Arthritis
Soft tissue damage or inflammation
Poor bio-mechanics of the foot/ankle or hips and lower back
Referred pain or tension from lumbar (lower back) nerves
Bursitis
Obesity

Knowing the cause(s) of knee pain is one of the first steps to seeking a cure. Your chiropractor can help you to properly diagnose the pain and identify the best treatment options for your case.

Chiropractic Techniques that Can Help

There are several techniques that your doctor of chiropractic may utilise that can help with knee pain including:

Trigger point therapy / IASTM. These techniques involve using the hands or specially designed tools to apply pressure and movement to specific points on the body. Precisely applied techniques allow tight or spasmed muscles to relax and help to break down the build up of scar tissue in damaged areas.

Spinal adjustments and posture correction. Poor posture and improper mobility of the spine and body can create an imbalance that can put unwanted pressure on the body’s joints, including the knees. Specific spine and joint adjustments can also help restore balance and alignment to immobile areas. This will also help reduce inflammation and pain, restore knee functionality, and limit wear and tear on the body.

Low-level laser therapy. Also known as cold laser therapy, low-level laser therapy works by stimulating the body’s muscles and soft tissues. Low-level laser therapy helps to reduce inflammation and pain, stimulate the blood flow, and speed up the healing process.

Shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy utilises a specially designed instrument to apply rapid percussion waves to designated tissues. This aids in pain relief, reduction of scar tissue from old injuries, and neovascularization (growth of new blood vessels into an area).

Lifestyle advice. Some people experience knee pain because of detrimental habits and behaviours. Chiropractors can help patients by giving them advice on the daily habits and exercises they need to make to reduce pain and prevent injuries.

Customised orthotics. In some cases, knee pain may result from poor support or movement of the foot and ankle. Customised supportive insoles may benefit those patients suffering from knee pains due to these reasons.

Nutrition counselling. Chiropractors can also provide nutrition counselling to help patients ensure they are receiving proper nutrients that may aid in their recovery. In some cases, they may also suggest programmes or diets to help patients lose the extra weight and help take excess pressure off the knees and other joints of the body.

Knee pain is not something you have to live with. It is reassuring to know that with the right combination of care under a well-trained doctor of chiropractic, knee issues can be corrected so that you can live pain-free.

November 10, 2019 0 comments

Body injury

Joint Pain: What are Some of the Pain Relief Options?

by allurewellness February 3, 2017

written by allurewellness

Discomfort, inflammation, and pain from any joint part (tendons, bone, cartilage, and muscles) is generally referred to as joint pain.

In most cases however, joint pain refers to arthritis or arthralgia—a condition characterized by inflammation or pain within the joint itself.

Joint pain can also be attributed to other underlying medical conditions like osteoarthritis, gout, bursitis, sprains, strains, and other injuries.

While it has been known to affect any part of the body, the knee is considered the most common area affected, followed by the shoulder and the hips.

In most cases, joint pain becomes more prevalent as one ages.

Joint pain can range from irritating to debilitating.

It can also disappear in a few weeks (acute) or it can last for several weeks to several months (chronic).

However, it is unfortunate to note that even short-term pain and swelling can already significantly affect the patient’s quality of life.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, patients who are suffering from joint pain have plenty of treatment options that can ease joint inflammation and pain available at their disposal.

Some of these options are:

Topical agents

A substance called capsaicin (can also be found in chili peppers) have been known to effectively relieve joint pains.

The substance works by blocking substance P (transmits pain signals). It also triggers endorphin release, a chemical that helps block pain).

Topical creams with methyl salicylate (Ben Gay) can also provide relief for pain in the joint.

Medications

When joint pain is moderate to severe, prescription or OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen sodium (Aleve), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are often prescribed.

For mild pain sans swelling, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended.

For those suffering from severe joint pain, a strong opioid medication might be given.

Other medications know to alleviate joint pain include:

Antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs – works by interfering with pain signals.

Muscle relaxants – works by combating muscle spasms and often used with NSAIDs to provide maximum pain relief.

Injections

If the joint pain does not respond to topical or oral remedies, steroid medications will be recommended.

Every 3 to 4 months, the steroid medication will be injected directly into the joint to provide much needed relief.

This treatment alternative is often considered ideal for those who are suffering from joint diseases, arthritis, and tendinitis.

Alternative treatments

Certain studies indicate that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements will not only help alleviate joint pain but will also significantly improve function.

These supplements can come in the form of a capsule, liquid, powder, or tablet.

While not all who suffer from joint pain find relief from this alternative form of treatment, many are willing to give it a try as it has no known side effects.

Physical therapy

Physical therapists help patients suffering from joint pain by strengthening the muscles, enhancing the motion range, and stabilizing the joint.

Techniques used often include ultrasound, heat and cold therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation, among others.

Patients who are overweight will also be advised to lose the extra pounds as it can help take strain and stress off the joint.

While exercise would be an effective way to get rid of the excess weight, sticking to low-impact exercises is considered ideal. This is necessary so irritating the joint further is avoided.

Home remedies

Short-term joint pain will often respond to the following home care remedies:

Protecting the affected joint using a brace or a wrap.
Resting the joint and not doing activities that might trigger or cause pain.
Icing the affected area for at least 15 minutes, several times each day.
Compressing the joint using an elastic wrap.

While some cases of joint pain are harmless, others can be the result of some underlying condition. To play safe, visit www.bjios.sg right away.

February 3, 2017 0 comments

Body injury

Back Pain: Interesting Facts

by allurewellness February 3, 2017

written by allurewellness

While almost everyone experiences back pain at one point in their lives or another, others experience back pain their whole lives.

When the condition becomes troublesome and debilitating, checking with a back pain specialist should be considered a priority.

What are some of the common causes of back pain?

Unknown to many, the back is a very intricate and complicated structure.

It is comprised of muscles, bones, ligaments, and joints.

In most cases, pain in the back occurs when there is stress, strain, or injury on any of the muscles, nerves, or ligaments found in the back.

If the pain is chronic, a visit to a back pain specialist should be in order so proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment can be conducted.

Below are some of the most interesting facts about back pain not many people know about:

A staggering 80 percent of the population experiences back pain and other back-related issues at one point or another.
Back pain is considered one of the leading causes of disabilities the world over. It is also one of the most common reasons people miss work.
It is the third most common reason for surgery.
Almost half of back pains are classified as mechanical or non-organic. In other words, it is not attributed to anything serious like fracture, infection, arthritis, or cancer.
Back pains that are caused by muscle-related injuries are more prominent in the mornings. Fortunately, it can easily improve with stretching.
Back pains that are mechanical can be attributed to ligament or muscle strains.
People who experience back pain are more likely to also develop psychological distress like anger and depression.

How are back pains prevented?

Facts Regarding Back Pain

Some people might think that back pains are inevitable at one point or another.

For the most part, this is true.

In essence, back pain is highly prevalent because of the nature of activities people perform on a routine basis.

Chronic back pain however can be prevented.

Below are some of the ways you can prevent chronic back pain:

Ensure you eat right and maintain a healthy weight.
Make sure to incorporate exercise in your day-to-day activities.
Always wear comfortable shoes and refrain from wearing high heels too frequently.
Opt for a mattress that complements your spine’s natural curvature.
Be sure to always stretch and warm up prior to engaging in any rigorous sports or activities.
Don’t smoke or quit smoking.
Visit a back pain specialist when you experience troublesome back pain so proper assessment and treatment will be made.

For severe back pains that are persistent and bothersome, seeing the specialists at www.bjios.sg is recommended so the condition is given the best and the most apt treatment.

February 3, 2017 0 comments

Body injury

Joint Pain: What are the Common Symptoms?

by allurewellness February 3, 2017

written by allurewellness

In general, any discomfort, pain, or inflammation from any part of the joint (ligaments, tendons, bone, and muscles) is referred to as joint pain.

In most cases however, joint pain is the term used for arthritis or arthralgia—the condition characterized by inflammation or pain within the joint itself.

While in most cases pain caused by the condition is mild (where soreness is only often noticeable after an activity), in other instances, it can be severe.

When pain is severe, even the most limited of movement (i.e. bearing weight) can become very painful.

What are other likely causes of joint pain?

Joint pain can be attributed to a lot of other conditions including but are not limited to the following:

Dislocation
Hypothyroidism
Ankylosing spondylitis
Meralgia paresthetica
Bone cancer
Gout
Broken bone
Leukemia
Bursitis
Rickets
Osteoarthritis
Lupus
Strains and sprains
Paget’s disease of the bone
Septic arthritis
Tendinitis
Reactive arthritis
Sarcoidosis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Polymyalgia rheumatic
Complex regional pain syndrome

What are some of the common symptoms of joint pain?

In majority of the cases, pain in the joint is relatively harmless and will often respond well to home remedies.

However, seeing the doctor is necessary if the following symptoms are observed:

Swelling
Redness
Tenderness

A visit to the doctor should also be a priority if the joint pain resulted from injury and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Severe pain
Sudden swelling
Inability to use the joint
Joint deformity

Joint pain is an inconvenience for many individuals

What are the treatment options for joint pain?

While there are various ways to prevent and relieve joint pain, in severe cases, accurate diagnosis has to be made before deciding on the appropriate course of treatment.

Whatever the treatment route may be, the goals are one and the same—alleviate the pain, reduce the inflammation, and preserve the joint’s function.

Some of the likely treatments for joint pain includes:

Injections

If there is no pain relief from joint pain using oral or topical medications, a steroid medication may be prescribed.

Together with a local anesthetic, the medication is directly injected into the joint. This is done every 3 to 4 months.

This treatment option is often the likely alternative for those patients who are suffering from tendinitis, arthritis, and other joint diseases.

Medications

For joint pain that is moderate to severe (with noticeable swelling), over the counter painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are given.

For those with mild joint pains without swelling, acetaminophen (Tylenol) will be recommended.

However, taking acetaminophen should be done with caution especially if you ingest alcoholic drinks on a regular basis as it might result to liver damage.

If the joint pain is severe and NSAIDs won’t provide any relief, a strong opioid medication might be recommended.

But since opioid drugs may cause drowsiness, it should only be taken upon the doctor’s recommendation.

Constipation is another possible effect of taking opioids but it can be easily remedied with laxatives.

Other medications that can help ease the pain include:

Antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs – these types of medications work by interfering with the pain signals.

Muscle relaxants – aside from combating muscle spasms, relaxants are used together with NSAIDs to maximize pain relief.

Physical therapy

Seeing a physical therapist is also a recommended option for patients suffering from pain in the joint.

The physical therapist will use different techniques like manipulation, ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, heat or cold therapy, etc. to strengthen the muscles, stabilize the joint, and significantly improve the patient’s motion range.

Getting rid of any excess weight is also recommended for patients who are obese. Losing the extra pounds can help relieve both the pressure and strain on the joints. However, it is advisable to stick only to exercises that are low-impact (i.e. bicycling and swimming) to prevent irritating the joint further.

When joint pain starts to affect the quality of your life and becomes bothersome, checking with the experts at www.bjios.sg is recommended.

February 3, 2017 0 comments

Body injury surgery

Different Ways to Prevent and Relieve Joint Pain

by allurewellness February 1, 2017

written by allurewellness

The significance of our joints cannot be overstated.

Aside from helping us move and providing us with the much needed support, the joints also form the connections between the bones of the body.

Joint pain brought about by injury or disease will not only result to a lot of pain but will most likely also impede your movements.

Joint pain can be a result of a lot of conditions—gout, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, osteoarthritis, and strains to name a few.

Joint pain can also be debilitating or just mildly irritating.

Acute joint pains usually disappear after a few weeks.

Chronic joint pains on the other hand can linger for several months.

Whatever the case may be, what is certain is that joint pain can definitely impact your quality of life.

Prevention

Spare yourself from the inconvenience and aches joint pain can bring by taking to heart the following tips:

Get rid of the excess pounds

You may not be aware of it but the more obese or overweight you are, the more strain you are likely to put on your hips, knees, and back.

If you have been finding it hard to keep the excess pounds off, you might want to consider getting professional help.

Your doctor will be able to provide guidance and recommend programs you can try to safely and effectively get rid of the extra pounds.

If anything, find motivation in the fact that losing even just a pound can take as much as four pounds of pressure from your knees.

That should get you off to a good start if you want to get rid of joint pain once and for all.

Exercise and stay active

exercising is a great way to prevent joint pain

This golden rule will do you a whole lot of good especially if you want to keep joint pain at bay.

The more you exercise and stay active, the lesser you’ll experience stiffness and joint pain.

Also, show your joints some love by changing positions every now and then while you are reading, working, or watching your favorite shows on TV.

Ensure you also leave your desk every once in a while so you’d be able to move and effectively keep stiffness at bay.

Do only low-impact exercises

If you want to stay fit but you want to take good care of your joints at the same time, opting for low-impact exercises is the best way to go.

Thankfully, there’s no limit to the number of low-impact exercises available at your disposal.

Joint friendly exercises you can consider include bicycling, walking, strength training, and swimming.

Treatment

For those who are already suffering from joint pain, it is reassuring to know that there are plenty of effective treatment options available at their disposal.

Some of the treatment options include:

Medications

If you have joint pain that ranges from moderate to severe (coupled with swelling), over-the-counter or prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the likely option.

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are some of the likely medications that will be prescribed.

However, if you experience mild pain sans swelling, acetaminophen would be given.

If your joint pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe a strong opioid medication.

However, since opioids can cause drowsiness, it should only be taken upon the doctor’s recommendation.

Topical Agents

When it comes to relieving joint pain brought about by arthritis (or other conditions), capsaicin has been proven effective.

While it can sometimes cause burning or stinging, it has no other known side effect.

Injections

If oral and topical medications won’t provide the much needed relief, a steroid medication injected directly in the joints might be recommended.

The injection is administered every three to four months.

Steroid injections are often the treatment recourse for patients suffering from arthritis, tendinitis, and other joint diseases.

Physical Therapy

Your physical therapist can help effectively strengthen your muscles, stabilize your joint, and improve your motion range.

They also make use of various techniques like ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, and cold or heat therapy to provide the much needed relief.

Joint pain keeping you down and hindering you from enjoying a pain-free existence? Let the experts at www.bjios.sg help you out.

February 1, 2017 0 comments

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