musculoskeletal system http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for musculoskeletal system Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:54:51 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/musculoskeletal+system Neuromuscular Therapy http://www.artwoo.com/article/neuromuscular-therapy http://www.artwoo.com/article/neuromuscular-therapy#comments Sun, 24 Sep 2006 06:27:09 +0000 neuromuscular therapymusculoskeletal systemendorphinschronic myofascial painmuscle spasmnervous systemsoft tissue massage http://www.artwoo.com/article/neuromuscular-therapy Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy is a system of techniques that were developed in the 1930's by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. Neuromuscular therapy aims to balance the central with the correct any disorders brought about as a result of any imbalances between the two. Neuromuscular therapy enhances the function of joints and muscles, and speeds healing by facilitating the release .

How does Neuromuscular Therapy work

Neuromuscular therapy was developed after an intensive study of the nervous system and its interaction with the musculoskeletal system. When the relationship between the two systems is not in a state of homoeostatic balance, or dysfunction can occur. Neuromuscular therapy aims to restore homoeostasis between the two systems.

Neuromuscular therapy has a holistic approach towards healing in that emphasis is laid on stimulating the body to heal itself. Once this healing has begun, neuromuscular therapy techniques are used to stimulate soft-tissue repair in the affected areas. During a typical session of neuromuscular therapy, the therapist will first examine the patient and his or her medical history in attempt to accurately gauge all the factors that are creating and prolonging pain. Once the problem areas have been identified, alternating levels of concentrated pressure are applied on the areas of with the fingers, knuckles or elbow.

Neuromuscular therapy works by addressing the following six physiological factors which can intensify pain patterns. They are:

Trigger points -- trigger points are highly irritable points in the nervous system.

Nerve entrapment/compression -- when a nerve gets pressed constantly between the surrounding structures, it can lead to an acute kind of chronic pain.

Postural distortions - Postural distortions result in underdevelopment of the supporting muscles and thereby lead to their weakening.

Nutrition - Lack of adequate nutrition to the cells leads to an over all weakening of the entire system.

Ischemia -- In a condition such as Ischemia, the cells and tissues get a reduced blood supply and as a result are under-nourished.

Stress -- Stress plays havoc with the functioning of the nervous and musculoskeletal system.

Benefits of Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy is used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, sciatica, rotator cuff dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and migraines. It is also used in the treatment of some physical and sexual abuse-related traumas. Neuromuscular therapy is also the most effective type of massage therapy for lower back pain.

Neuromuscular therapy is also used to locate and release spasms and hyper contractions in the tissue. It aids the healing process for injured tissue, assists in venous and lymphatic flow, restores postural alignment, and imparts flexibility to the tissues. Sharon Hopkins authors web content for http://www.massagehealththerapy.com, which provides a relaxing experience by artistic hand strokes on the body to rejuvenate and revitalize you. She also writes for Yoga, Hair-n-Skin Care, Aromatherapy and other health websites. ]]> Doctor, When Should Muscle Relaxants be Used For Arthritis? http://www.artwoo.com/article/doctor-when-should-muscle-relaxants-be-used-for-arthritis http://www.artwoo.com/article/doctor-when-should-muscle-relaxants-be-used-for-arthritis#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:08:26 +0000 skeletal muscle relaxantslow back painmusculoskeletal conditionsmetaxalonereport successantispasmodicmethocarbamol http://www.artwoo.com/article/doctor-when-should-muscle-relaxants-be-used-for-arthritis musculoskeletal conditions"?

Patients will sometimes ask about them and physicians who see these patients sometimes wonder if these drugs should be considered.

are the most widely prescribed drug class in the United States for non-specific .

In addition, this class of drugs is used for neck pain, muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain.

Goals for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions include relief of muscle pain and improvement in function and therefore, a return to normal activities of daily living.

The two primary categories of skeletal muscle relaxants are anti-spastic agents (eg, baclofen [Kemstro and Lioresal] or dantrolene [Dantrium]) for diseases like cerebral palsy, spastic torticollis, and multiple sclerosis and anti-spasmodic agents for muscle-related conditions.

Anti-spastic agents are rarely used for musculoskeletal conditions; however, some rheumatologists in treating fibromyalgia using baclofen. Since this is an "off-label" use, caution should be exerted and the lowest possible doses should be prescribed... and then only by specialists who have much experience. Patients should be informed as to the potential side effects.

agents are much more widely used for musculoskeletal conditions.

The most often prescribed antispasmodic agents are carisoprodol [Soma}, cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), (Skelaxin), and (Robaxin). In terms of effectiveness, there appears to be no one muscle relaxant that is superior to another. Often, physicians will prescribe the muscle relaxant they are most familiar with. Another reason one is selected over another is that a physician may have samples in his closet that he can give to a patient to try before giving the patient a prescription.

The most widely studied and used agent is cyclobenzaprine. This has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions but causes drowsiness, as does tizanidine [Zanaflex]. As a result, patients with insomnia caused by muscle spasms, may find tizanidine or cyclobenzaprine to be useful. Cyclobenzaprine is particularly helpful for many patients with fibromyalgia.

All skeletal muscle relaxants have adverse effects which include most commonly dizziness, drowsiness, and dryness of the mouth.

Methocarbamol and metaxalone may be are less sedating than tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine. However, they may also be more habituating in some cases.

Skeletal muscle relaxants are generally not considered first-line therapy for musculoskeletal conditions. Most physicians will start with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) first. Many clinical trials have supported the notion that NSAIDS are superior to muscle relaxants in patients suffering from acute low back pain. However, it is also known from the data that muscle relaxants are superior to placebo.

For acute low back pain syndromes, skeletal muscle relaxants may be used as additional therapy to NSAIDS.

For acute low back pain, muscle relaxants should be used short term (2 weeks). Some patients with chronic back conditions as well as patients with fibromyalgia may require chronic long-term use of muscle relaxants.

Muscle relaxants should be avoided in frail elderly patients because of the danger related to sedation and falling.Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a nationally known board-certified rheumatologist.For more info: Arthritis Treatment and Tendonitis Treatment Tips]]> Osteopathy Is Different To Chiropractic Healing http://www.artwoo.com/article/osteopathy-is-different-to-chiropractic-healing http://www.artwoo.com/article/osteopathy-is-different-to-chiropractic-healing#comments Fri, 11 Aug 2006 22:27:13 +0000 osteopathyorthodox medicinemusculoskeletal systembonesmodern medicineosteopathic doctorsabnormalities http://www.artwoo.com/article/osteopathy-is-different-to-chiropractic-healing Osteopathy is a system of healthcare based on the belief that disease is the direct result of the relationship between physiological function and anatomical structure. In osteopathy, function and structure are interdependent. A healthy plays a pivotal role in recovery and disease prevention. 'Structure governs function' -- this is the tenet of osteopathy. By structure, this means muscles, ligaments, , organs and fascia.

The credit for initiating this system of healing is given to Andrew Taylor Still, who started this treatment at the end of the American Civil War. According to Still, disease happens when the bones are out of place thus disrupting the flow of the blood or hampering the flow of nervous impulses. He therefore concluded that diseases can be cured by manipulating the bones, which in turn, helps to restore the flow.

This system has much in common with Chiropractic techniques where the correct alignment of bones is given the utmost emphasis. Originally Osteopathy used strictly manipulative techniques for correcting . However, over the past years, Osteopathy has embraced all aspects of including drugs and corrective surgery.

Doctors who practice Osteopathy know how important it is to have a proper and correct understanding of the exact position and correct function of each of the structure in the body. Those who practice Osteopathy look for abnormalities in the working relationship within and between the various structures. According to these physicians, the physical integrity of the entire musculoskeletal system is one of the most important factors that contribute to good health.

Osteopathy has a lot in common with as well. However, are not merely bone-specialists. Instead, they are grandmasters in the 'biomechanics of the human machine'. The way in which they approach disease and carry out treatment is therefore completely different from orthodox medicine.

The holistic approach to healing aims to take advantage of the body's ability to heal itself. Osteopaths believe that health, not disease, is the natural heritage of every living thing. They focus all their attention on tracing any changes in function that have taken place within the structures. Within certain limits, the human body, like every other organism, has the ability to repair and correct itself. If given enough 'support', it can create its own remedies. The 'support' to be given includes:

- A balanced diet - Good circulation - Positive attitude - A pollution free environment.

This self-healing is the backbone and sustaining principle behind all the applications of Osteopathy. According to these doctors, disease basically originates from within the individual himself. So, their main focus is the patient and not the micro-organism that invades his body. If the disease has reached a stage where the micro-organism has changed the structure beyond the point of no-return, Osteopathy tries to help the person function as best as he can.

Osteopathy differs to chiropractors in that the therapist uses massage during a treatment session to help the muscles retain the memory of the manipulation done to the bones and hence restore the flow of nerve impulses through the body to promote healing.

Osteopathy relies on various techniques that are combined with postural, dietary and occupational advice. Counseling patients who are recovering from illness and injury and those who are under excruciating pain is also a very useful part of this healing technique. Osteopathy also allows the use of invasive therapies when all else fails. http://www.methodsofhealing.com ]]> The Four Faces Of Chiropractic http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-four-faces-of-chiropractic http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-four-faces-of-chiropractic#comments Thu, 14 Dec 2006 20:27:08 +0000 chiropractic chiropractorspalmer college of chiropracticnational college of chiropracticchiropractors associationinternational chiropractorsamerican chiropractic associationvertebral subluxations http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-four-faces-of-chiropractic
1. Traditional straights: This is the old classic approach to chiropractic. Chiropractors use the principles that DD and BJ Palmer laid out in their original concept of chiropractic. This is based on the principle that is the root cause of most diseases. They feel that vertebral subluxation interferes with the human nervous system to cause dysfunctions in the human body. Because of this they do not diagnose the patient for particular diseases but merely look for "red flags" to indicate serious diseases. Treatment will be carried out according to the chiropractor's methods of treatment. The International (ICA) endorses the traditional straights concept.

2. Mixers: These chiropractors expanded on the early teaching of the Palmers (.) and included more diagnostic and treatment approaches. They formed different schools like the . They feel that vertebral subluxations are a form of joint dysfunction. They eliminate all other possibilities for known disorders and take note of any spine mechanical dysfunctions. They will base their treatments on these factors. Organizations endorsing the Mixer concept are the European Chiropractors Union and .

3. Objective straights: are a minority group of chiropractors. They are a recently formed group. They concentrate on the correction of vertebral subluxations, without diagnosing the patient. Typically they do not refer patients to other physicians but do encourage them to see medical doctors for diagnosis of their symptoms. Their treatments are mainly limited to spinal adjustments. Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO) and the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) endorse this concept.

4. Reform: these chiropractors believe in manipulation as a valid treatment for musculoskeletal problems. They use palpation and manipulation as a means for diagnosing and treating painful join conditions. They have a similar concept to Mixers but do not use other alternative medicine treatments. There is still a lot of controversy about chiropractic methods as many chiropractors do not rely on the conventional forms of diagnosis. The medical profession feels that it may not be effective as it is not based on actual diagnosis. However many people claim that chiropractic has helped them with their problems. Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Representative. His clients range from actresses to pro athletes. You can get a free Glyconutrients consultation by visiting http://www.myglyconutrientstore.com Clinical studies have shown that glyconutrients can strengthen the immune system. ]]> Youth Workers and Ergonomics http://www.artwoo.com/article/youth-workers-ergonomics http://www.artwoo.com/article/youth-workers-ergonomics#comments Fri, 15 Dec 2006 10:27:11 +0000 musculoskeletal systemawkwardmusculoskeletal injuryjobergonomicshealth and safety trainingburden http://www.artwoo.com/article/youth-workers-ergonomics burden of falls into the lap of the workers themselves. This burden is particularly acute with the younger workers. Some would argue that they accidents occur with younger workers as opposed to older workers because they are acting in an immature manner or fooling around on the . Often, however, these injuries occur because the workers in question lack the experience necessary to protect themselves from commonplace hazards often associated with the workplace.

Anyone new to a job has a higher likelihood of injury, regardless of whether they are considered a "young worker" or are older in age. Younger workers or even workers new to a job need to have the that passes for common sense among those who are more used to the job and have been there longer. If young workers understand the risks inherent in their environment they will be more likely to try to protect themselves.

Younger workers are particularly susceptible to because their is not yet fully formed and takes the stress in more readily than their older counterparts when they are involved in activities requiring repetitive movement with limb positioning. In fact, most risks that are present for younger workers but not present for older workers come from the fact that the bodies of the younger employees have not yet developed fully and may not be as strong, limber and resilient as that of the fully mature adults who may serve as their colleagues or even do the same job. Furthermore, protective equipment is often designed for the adult frame and may not fit the younger worker adequately therefore causing more harm than good.

The European Agency for Health and Safety at Work has started a program called "Safe Start", the launch of which will usher in a more dynamic and complete dedication to the safety of young people in the workplace. There will be periods of promotion once a year and the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work has guides and fact-sheets available should workplaces need further information regarding how to keep their young workers out of harm's way. Leon Groom writes about http://www.ergo-items.com/armrests/ergorest/ergorest.htm, http://www.ergo-items.com/cursor/penmouse/mouse_pen.htm and http://www.ergo-items.com ]]> The Most Popular Types Of Asian Massage http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-popular-types-of-asian-massage http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-popular-types-of-asian-massage#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:35:01 +0000 dr shivagochinese herbalismenergy meridiansmassage areaboosting the immune systemthumb pressuremassage benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-popular-types-of-asian-massage
The Thai Massage

The Thai massage originated in India. This type of massage combines guided stretching and Meridian pressure techniques with Pranayama breathing. Dr. Shivago K. introduced it to Thailand back in Buddah's time, dating back about 2500 years ago. The Pranayama breathing technique is meant for cleansing the body and strengthening the nervous system. Pranayama Raising also helps in , concentration, and focusing as well as more efficient oxidation of the blood. The it is either on a mat or a firm mattress on the floor. The person is made to practice yoga like positions during the course of the massage. After the session, most people find that the Thai massage has helped them feel both relaxed and refreshed.

The Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu hails from the Japanese words shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure. This is in other type of Asian massage that was developed in the Far East, originating in Japan. It's a very popular form of massage that uses , fingers and palms. It works along the in the body, similar to that as acupressure. There are tremendous health benefits derived from the Shiatsu massage; benefits such as rebalancing of bone system, enhance balance of the nervous system, improvement in circulatory function and greater flexibility of skin and muscle.

The Chinese Tui Na Massage

Tui Na is a form of Chinese manipulative therapy developed over 5000 years ago. This type of massage is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, another health related therapies. The essence of this massage lies in the applying of pressure to the body at certain key points. It employs a series of tapping, pressing and kneading with the therapist's palms, knuckles, fingertips or certain implements that will help remove blockages along the meridians of the body.

The end result is the stimulation of the flow of qi (natural respiration of the body) and blood to promote healing. Tui Na Massage is used as a treatment for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as certain non-musculoskeletal conditions. This type of treatment has far fewer negative side effects that many of the modern drug-based and chemical-based treatments use today in our western culture.

The Javanese Massage

The Javanese massage originated from Indonesia. It is another significant type of Asian massage. This uses all parts of the therapist's hand, which includes the knuckles, fingers and palms to knead and massage the muscles. This treatment is a facilitated by using massage oil. The Javanese massage helps release tension, alleviates back pain and helps in the healing of fractures. This is probably the most robust (and even painful) type of Asian massage there is. However, it has tremendous benefits for your overall health and well-being. Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Massage Info Blog. For more great helpful information about massages visit http://www.massageinfoblog.com ]]> Strain - Counter Strain http://www.artwoo.com/article/strain-counter-strain http://www.artwoo.com/article/strain-counter-strain#comments Fri, 20 Oct 2006 10:27:05 +0000 tender pointsosteopathic doctorconcrete junglesjointsjoint painmassage techniquetender spots http://www.artwoo.com/article/strain-counter-strain
Strain - Counter Strain is a manual for relieving musculoskeletal spasms and pain. It is also known as Positional Release. This technique was developed by Dr. Lawrence Jones, an in 1981. It is a gentle and safe technique that relieves spinal or other by passively shortening the affected muscle areas.

How does Strain - Counter Strain work

Our bodies are not designed to function optimally in the that we live in these days. Years of living in these conditions puts a lot of strain on our body parts due to unnatural movements and incorrect postures. This strain on our leads to the development of painful . Strain / Counter Strain identifies these and helps to alleviate the pain that they cause.

During a session of therapy, the practitioner uses palpation to identify the tender points on the patient's body. Once the practitioner has identified these tender points he or she corrects the dysfunction by using the appropriate strain/counter strain technique. The practitioner achieves this by gently holding the affected muscle in a passively shortened position for about ninety seconds. When the muscle is held in this position, it is gradually returned to its original resting position and length. In this condition, the muscle is stronger and less tender. The proprioceptor nerves register this change in the position of the muscle and enable it to remain at this neutral position even when the force applied by the practitioner has been removed. This system of strain / counter strain is continued until the affected area is in harmony with the rest of the body and the pain associated with this imbalance is gone.

Benefits of Strain - Counter Strain

Strain / Counter Strain techniques help to alleviate pain and discomfort in muscles and joints and help to restore full range of movement to these affected areas. They have been effectively used to treat post-injury pain and speed up the recovery process for professional sportspersons. Strain / Counter strain is also very useful for treating people with whiplash injuries. Due to its gentle and safe nature strain / counter strain has also been used to treat children and the elderly. It has proved to be very successful when used in conjunction with more traditional forms of medicine to speed up the long-drawn process of post-physical trauma rehabilitation and recovery. It is also widely used to treat conditions such as chronic back pain, neck pain, musculoskeletal pain, and fibromyalgia. Sharon Hopkins features articles in http://www.massagehealththerapy.com, your online massage guide to rejuvenate and revitalize your mind and body. She also writes for other sites on Yoga, Hair-n-Skin-Care, Massage Therapy among others. ]]> Tui Na Massage http://www.artwoo.com/article/tui-na-massage http://www.artwoo.com/article/tui-na-massage#comments Sat, 21 Oct 2006 04:27:09 +0000 chinese massage therapymassage workacupressure pointstuishang dynastymusculoskeletal systemmanipulation techniques http://www.artwoo.com/article/tui-na-massage Tui Na Massage

Tui Na massage therapy is an ancient form of that has its origins in the of China in 1700 BC. It is still taught in Chinese Medical Colleges as a traditional therapy.

Tui Na is based on the traditional Chinese medical principle of the flow of Qi, or the 'life force' through the energy meridians of the body. It seeks to promote a more effective flow of Qi throughout the body by using massage and . Tui Na involves the use of hands to massage soft tissue and apply pressure on the pressure points. It also involves some manipulation techniques to realign the . These techniques may be supplemented by the use of herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves.

How does Tui Na

A typical session of Tui Na massage could last from anywhere between ten minutes to an hour. There may be more than one session of massage therapy depending on the severity of the ailment. This massage therapy is performed with the patient lying down on a table or floor mat. The patient is required to wear loose clothing and remain barefoot to facilitate the massage process. The therapist will initially examine the area to be treated and make some enquiries into the patient's general health, history of allergies and other existing conditions. After this the practitioner will decide on the appropriate method of treatment to be followed.

The treatment is carried out by the manipulation and massage of , energy trigger points, muscles and joints surrounding the affected area. Most of the treatment is carried out by hand and may include techniques such as pressing, tapping, and kneading with palms, fingertips, knuckles or implements designed for this purpose. Chinese herbs may also be applied to facilitate faster healing.

Benefits of Tui Na Massage

Tui Na massage therapy concentrates on the freeing the blocked energy meridians in the affected areas of the body to bring about prompt relief from pain and to allow the body to heal itself. It is used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. It is very useful in treating chronic problems such as shoulder pain, joint pain, back pain, and disorders in the lower leg and ankle.

Tui Na is an intensive form of massage therapy and focuses on curing specific ailments and is not suitable as form of general body massage therapy for aiding in relaxation. It should not be used in conditions involving fractures, phlebitis, infections, open wounds, and lesions. It should also be avoided during pregnancy and menstruation. Sharon Hopkins features articles in http://www.massagehealththerapy.com, your online guide to rejuvenate the mind, body and eliminate stress scientifically by using artistic hand strokes. She also writes for other sites on Yoga, Hair-n-Skin-Care, Massage Therapy among others. ]]> Best Natural Treatments of Sciatica http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-natural-treatments-of-sciatica http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-natural-treatments-of-sciatica#comments Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:36:26 +0000 capra mineral wheysciatica treatmentsciatica symptomsanti inflammatory drugslumbar nervessacral nervesnon steroidal anti inflammatory drugs http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-natural-treatments-of-sciatica lumbar nerves L4 or L5 or S1, S2 or S3, or rarely, compression of the sciatic nerve creates sciatica.

At times, pain in the lower back and gluteal region suggests sciatica and it does not suggest the root of the pain but just denotes a group of symptoms. Tiredness increases sciatica and it becomes terrible in the evening but improves in the morning. Sciatica can give birth to numbness in the affected parts of the body and it can also create problems with controlling the leg.

Non-surgical natural must lessen your pain and protect you from . It has many forms like over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warm and chilly packs, spinal injections, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and natural remedy supplements.

Nutrition, a health care, plays a vital role in the natural treatments of sciatica mentioned below. These have enzymes and other naturally occurring phyto-nutrients that can boost immune and hormonal systems protecting you from diseases.

is very effective and it is entirely natural, mineral-rich, goat's milk whey powder. Many people drink goat's milk and it resembles human milk in composition. Pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, or growth hormones are kept aloof from such goats. It possesses over 20 natural minerals helpful for weak and painful joints. It also relieves and cures the digestive and intestinal tract and boosts natural immune system.

Boron can do wonders in 95% or more of the relief of arthritis. This also endows your cartilage and bone with calcium and can be helpful for sciatica if blended with Capra milk.

Serrapeptase can be effective natural treatment for any pain even sciatica and can be a substitution for salicylates, ibuprophen, and even powerful NSAIDS. Actually, being a naturally formed physiologic agent, it can digest any inflammation.

Zell-Oxygen aids cellular communication making the balance of the immune system better. The Beta-Glucans of this product boost the immune system removing infection, which is an integral substance of any regenerative program. Zell-Oxygen has been widely used.

You might have a familiarity with terms like chiropractic or osteopathy if you face anything like pain or sciatica problem.

Chiropractic is something that throws light on problems related to musculoskeletal system and nervous system and on its impact on the overall health condition. This aspect of health care interestingly denotes the inherent recuperative power of the body curing itself being devoid of any help of drugs or surgery. This natural treatment assumes the fact that if natural intelligence can develop one cell into a complex human being having billions of cells, it is also capable of curing the body provided it is devoid of any disorder in the nervous system.

Despite an air of controversy revolving around this system, the United States and many other countries have announced it as legal. This traditional, holistic and inexpensive therapy throws immense light on the structure of the body. This can be effective for all patients because it focuses on spinal mechanics, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular and nutritional relationships.For effective result do some simple and best exercises to relieve sciatic nerve pain. Search for cause of Mid Back Pain and tips to cure.]]> Integrative Manual Therapy http://www.artwoo.com/article/integrative-manual-therapy http://www.artwoo.com/article/integrative-manual-therapy#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2006 12:27:14 +0000 health care practicesmusculoskeletal systemimtmusculoskeletal structurefunctional rehabilitationinnate intelligencemanual therapy http://www.artwoo.com/article/integrative-manual-therapy
One of the body's most amazing attributes is its ability to heal itself. Most health problems occur due to blockages and other dysfunctions that slow down or reduce the body's healing properties. Integrative is a unique set of techniques and methodologies that address pain, dysfunction, disease and disability by locating the causes of these dysfunctions or blockages and reopening the body's natural lines of communication. Once this inherent flow is re-established, the body's healing abilities also take over and right the imbalances present. Integrative Manual Therapy was developed by Dr. Sharon Weiselfish-Giammatteo in the 1970's.

How does it work?

Integrative Manual Therapy, or as it is called, is a health care process that encompasses a wide range of . It achieves health and healing by taking into account the diverse systems of the human body and addressing dysfunction at the cellular level. The therapy consists of a combination of functional and structural forms of rehabilitation that stem directly from the treatment of the .

The basic concept behind integrative manual therapy is that no part of the body functions independently, without being affected by its other parts. Therefore, integrative manual therapy treats the entire body as a whole and not just the area of pain and discomfort. Using this interconnectedness of multiple body systems, IMT therapists assist the body's own to take corrective action.

During a typical IMT session, the therapist will first will locate any problems in your , organs or organ-systems by using a series of gentle tapping motions with his or her hands along your body. Once the problem areas have been identified, the therapist uses gentle, non-invasive strokes to the body in order to encourage the healing process.

IMT addresses rehabilitation in two categories - Structural rehabilitation and . Structural rehabilitation improves structural integrity of the body. It addresses joint mobility, muscle tone, soft tissue flexibility, range of motion, and muscle control. Functional rehabilitation addresses balance, coordination, strength, endurance, hearing, vision, speech, smell, learning, and behavior.

What are its benefits?

During the course of integrative therapy, the therapist is able to address the imbalances in the body in a non invasive way. This results in long lasting stabilizations within the body. It also allows the body to tap into its own self-healing capacity. Some of the common ailments that can greatly benefit from integrated manual therapy are back pain, neck pain, stiffness in joints, menstrual cramps, incontinence, acid reflux and other digestive problems, tendonitis, headaches and sleep apnea. Sharon Hopkins authors web content for http://www.massagehealththerapy.com, which explains various massage techniques and therapies. This article introduces you to Integrative Manual Therapy, a type of massage technique. She also writes for Yoga, Hair-n-Skin-Care and Aromatherapies sites. ]]> Your Body Needs Alignment - How To Choose A Chiropractor http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-body-needs-alignment-how-to-choose-a-chiropractor http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-body-needs-alignment-how-to-choose-a-chiropractor#comments Wed, 22 Nov 2006 18:27:15 +0000 chiropractormedical professiondoctorsyellow pagesscare tacticscommunication skillsemg http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-body-needs-alignment-how-to-choose-a-chiropractor chiropractor. Generally, when we are looking for a doctor, we just open up the and let our fingers do the walking. Sometimes, we may ask our friends, family or co-workers for a recommendation, but face it, what works for them may not work for you. Finding a good chiropractor can be a very difficult decision, because this is a profession with an unusually wide variety of techniques and philosophies. Here are some tips on how to find a competent chiropractor best suited for you as an individual.

Do a phone interview. Take time out to interview your prospective chiropractor. If the doctor is not available when you call, then arrange a time when you can speak to the doctor. Take note of the , he should be comfortable to speak with and eager to answer your questions. You may want to ask:

What the doctor's feelings are about how chiropractics differ from other health professions?

What does the doctor see as his responsibility when performing a competent diagnosis?

How does the doctor feel about referring patients to other specialists?

What kind of techniques does this doctor offer?

What kind of experiences has he had with other patients with similar conditions to you?

What are the doctor's fees or does the doctor take your insurance, or in case you have an HMO, do you need a referral?

What is doctor's location and what are his hours of operation?

Avoid a chiropractor who:

Considers his profession as being opposed to the .

Denies responsibility to diagnose and refer patients in a good manner.

Tries to sell you on his "miracle cures" or any other technique that only he knows how to do or has learned in some "school of thought."

Insists you have x-rays done as a routine or requirement, or insist on having an scan or other expensive test that is often not necessary.

Uses or if he sounds like he's making a sales pitch on you.

Has a dirty, littered or foul smell in his office.

Cold calls you to announce their presence in your area and tries to make you a free appointment.

All depending on the seriousness or extremity of your condition, you may need to see the chiropractor several times before your condition can be relieved. This is a good reason to choose a chiropractor that works within a reasonable driving distance with hours that suit your schedule. It's important to have a chiropractor that you can rely on to get into fairly quickly without having to wait a month or so to get in.

On your first visit to the office, what is your general impression? Any doctor's office should have a clean and professional appearance. The office staff should be able to treat you with the courtesy, respect and professionalism that are expected of a medical establishment. Many offices require you to fill out forms about your general medical history and the problem that brought you to them for the doctor to review with you during a private interview. You should be able to discuss your problem in detail, followed by having vital signs taken, and a number of other neurological and orthopedic tests. You should also have an analysis of your musculoskeletal system functions and structure, to determine if your problem is within the scope of chiropractics. If the doctor insists that other laboratory tests are necessary, ask why. He should be able to provide a clear and concise explanation that makes sense and that is easy for you to understand. The doctor should be able to explain your problem, treatment options and customize a treatment plan that you are able to understand. If he is unable to do this, then he is not the right doctor for you.

The length of treatment varies with each individual. Although your condition may resemble your best friends, it does not mean you will heal as quickly as she did. Everyone's musculoskeletal system is different and responds differently to treatment. This is why it's important to do your own research and interviews before settling with a chiropractor. Never let anyone pressure you into seeing a particular doctor. Are Allergies and Asthma Taking the FUN OUT OF LIFE? Who Else Wants To Learn One Simple Way To Totally Eliminate Asthma And Allergy Attacks, ALL Without Using Drugs And Inhalers Now... Visit http://www.allergyasthmaattacks.com ]]> Have You Suffered Orthopaedics Medical Negligence? http://www.artwoo.com/article/have-you-suffered-orthopaedics-medical-negligence http://www.artwoo.com/article/have-you-suffered-orthopaedics-medical-negligence#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:02:02 +0000 medical negligence claimligament surgeryjoint reconstructionelbow surgeryspine surgerybone fracturesdiagnosing your condition http://www.artwoo.com/article/have-you-suffered-orthopaedics-medical-negligence bone fractures or need joint replacement or .

Every year in the UK thousands of people are treated successfully for Orthopaedic health problems; however some of the people treated do suffer mistakes at the hands of the people who are there to help them. These mistakes are common and this type of medical negligence is now two or three times more likely to happen than any other .

The orthopaedics branch of medicine involves the preservation and restoration of the musculoskeletal system and the surgeons involved in this aspect of medicine have the job of and treating it using the appropriate method, which could be medicine, exercise or surgery. Finally a surgeon in the orthopaedics branch of medicine will perform rehabilitation on a patient by recommending exercise or physical therapy to restore movement. An orthopaedic surgeon will also inform you of how to prevent further injury by providing information and treatment plans.

Orthopaedic treatment can cover a huge range of personal injuries such as diagnosing a broken arm to performing a hip replacement operation. The main areas in which an orthopaedic surgeon will specialise include: the hand, shoulder and , , paediatric orthopaedics, foot and ankle surgery, , musculoskeletal oncology, surgical sports medicine, and orthopaedic trauma.

Within medicine accidents and mistakes do happen and in most cases they are harmless. Medical professionals are merely just human and human error is often unavoidable but in cases where an error should have been avoided and there is no valid reason why it wasn't, someone should be held accountable. These errors can occur during the diagnosis, treatment or prognosis of an illness as well as being a combination of all three of these.

If you feel that you have been mistreated and it has lead to you suffering as a result then you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Some of the most common reasons for an orthopedic medical negligence claim are as follows:

• Inaccurate or late diagnosis

• Failure to take tests or misinterpretation of test results

• Poor treatment of fractures

• Poor operative technique

• Damage to nerves or circulation during medical procedures

• Inadequate cleaning and dressing of wounds or infection

If you have suffered due to Orthopedic medical negligence in the last three years then you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. In order to be successful in a medical negligence claim you need to be able to prove that the injury you are or were suffering from was caused due to a lapse in the medical care that you received. To prove this you would need to obtain statements from any relevant family members or friends. Your medical records would need to be obtained and this normally comes with a fee, which brings me to my next point, any fees and cost encountered along the way will get paid back on top of damages in a successful compensation claim.

If you are hoping to make a claim for compensation then contact a legal team today, who will be able to examine your case and explain where you stand legally.Helen is the web master of Accident Consult, specialists in helping you claim the compensation that you deserve after a Medical Negligence mistake that was caused through no fault of your own.]]> Ergonomics: Computer And Keyboard -- General Overview http://www.artwoo.com/article/ergonomics-computer-and-keyboard-general-overview http://www.artwoo.com/article/ergonomics-computer-and-keyboard-general-overview#comments Sun, 27 Aug 2006 12:27:05 +0000 merriam webster dictionarykeyboardmusculoskeletal disordersproper postureleadcomputer related workergonomics http://www.artwoo.com/article/ergonomics-computer-and-keyboard-general-overview keyboard may seem like a safe activity but it often s to arm, eye and hand strain. is "an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely." (). Ergonomics can help those who are chained to their computers avoid chronic pain and injuries.

Repetitive tasks such as sitting and typing can cause a myriad of back, neck, arm, and hand pains that can lead to serious injuries or , including carpal tunnel. If these conditions continue, you may need surgery to correct them. You can avoid all of this through , the right placement of the keyboard, and screen.

There is no one cause of musculoskeletal disorders. In , injuries are caused by uncomfortable placements of screens, keyboard, and the chair. According to OSHA--US Department of Labor, a keyboard set too low or too high can lead to uncomfortable posture which overtime could lead to injuries. Adjust your keyboard so it is comfortable for you, usually that's between 24 to 27 inches off the floor. Having your keyboard adjusted properly makes typing easier and less stressful on your hands and arms.

The next step would be to adjust your chair so your feet are touching the floor or on a solid surface. You should be in a natural sitting position where your head is level to the screen. Make sure that you do not sit too close to the computer monitor. Your arms and hands should be relaxed in relation to the keyboard. Your sitting position should feel natural and comfortable. Your keyboard should be at a vertical position. The monitor should be at around 28" deep.

You might have to do several adjustments in order to find what is most comfortable for you. Use chairs and tables that are adjustable.

Using the Ergonomically Correct Equipment:

* Flat screens are easier on your eyes. * There are keyboards that claim to be ergonomic; some have split up the keyboard in order to make resting your arm easier and more comfortable. Others are slopped so your hands aren't always in the same repetitive place. It's best to try out a number of keyboards first, perhaps if you can, taking them home for a trial run before purchasing.

* Adjustable chair. The chair should also give your back support and have armrests. * Specially made computer tables. Use a table with an adjustable monitor stand and sufficient leg space. Leon Groom writes about http://www.ergo-items.com/ergonav.htm, http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards/split/ergosplit.htm and http://www.ErgoLance.com ]]> Controlling Pain So It Doesn't Control You http://www.artwoo.com/article/controlling-pain-so-it-doesnt-control-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/controlling-pain-so-it-doesnt-control-you#comments Fri, 14 Jul 2006 12:27:11 +0000 hydromorphone dilaudidtramadol ultramhydrocodone vicodinactiqalevemusculoskeletal disordersanti inflammatory drugs http://www.artwoo.com/article/controlling-pain-so-it-doesnt-control-you
What type of people must deal with pain?

* 80% of hospitalized patients * 37% of cancer patients in long term care facilities * 55% of home health patients * Heart attack sufferers: 1.2 million * Those with headaches: 5 million * People with acute lung diseases: 4 million * Dental problems: 3 million * Digestive problems: 10 million * : 6 million * 26 million people between 20 and 64 years of age that suffer from back pain * 80% of people over 65 are affected by arthritis and musculoskeletal pain * 1 American in 6 has painful arthritis

In some instances pain is a natural part of life that you can control with over-the-counter painkillers, meditation, or other methods. For others, such as those suffering from arthritis, pain is an everyday occurrence, and can be quite severe and more difficult to manage.

There are three main types of pain:

Somatic pain: Occurs in the skin, muscle or bone. Ever felt an aching, throbbing or feeling of pressure? Then you have probably experienced this type of pain.

Visceral pain: Affects the body's internal organs and cavities. This is a pain that creates a gnawing, cramping or sharp sensation.

Neuropathic pain: Results from damage to the nervous system. Can be experienced as a burning, shooting, or pins-and-needles feeling.

Pain can be characterized as mild, moderate, or severe. Pain categories are used to help physicians select the most effective pain medication.

Mild (BPI rating of 1-4): aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and .)

Moderate (BPI rating of 4-6): tramadol (Ultram), codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), or oxycodone (OxyContin)

Severe (BPI rating of 7 or above): morphine, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), or fentanyl ().

Pain management is important if you want to live each day to its fullest without unnecessary suffering. Pain can negatively affect all aspects of your life and inhibit your ability to carry out simple tasks, such as eating regular meals. It can impact your sleeping patterns, drain your energy, alter your mood and make it difficult or impossible to accomplish daily chores and responsibilities.

Pain management, if done right, makes it possible to lessen or eliminate pain and suffering. The best way to achieve this is to treat the cause of the pain, through the proper use of pain medication. Other pain relief techniques, such as relaxation, can be used in conjunction with medicine to achieve the best results.

Often, doctors prescribe more than one medication to achieve adequate pain relief. Combining two different pain medications is an effective control method because you can give the patient a good dose of medicine, thus providing optimum relief, without administering too much of one drug. Just remember: it's always best to deal with pain as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to control, so make sure you communicate well with your physician and/or caregiver to attain the best results.

How you handle pain and medication depends on your personal physiology, so caregivers are never 100% certain what method of pain control will work for you. Medication may not be able to rid your body of pain entirely, but if it significantly alleviates the amount of pain you experience, enough to allow you to eat, move, and breathe easily, that is considered successful pain management. By Pat Stevens sponsored by http://www.bestpillprice.com/ . BestPillPrice is a free service that scans the web for the lowest prices and information and suggests the lowest possible price for prescription drugs: http://www.bestpillprice.com/ . Article reproductions must link to this website. ]]> Fibromyalgia, CFS, Musculoskeletal Balance And The Alexander Technique: Part 1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/fibromyalgia-cfs-musculoskeletal-balance-and-the-alexander-technique-part-1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/fibromyalgia-cfs-musculoskeletal-balance-and-the-alexander-technique-part-1#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:40:01 +0000 chronic fatigue syndrome symptomsalexander techniquechronic fatigue syndromecfs symptomsfibromyalgiaexcess tensionfm alexander http://www.artwoo.com/article/fibromyalgia-cfs-musculoskeletal-balance-and-the-alexander-technique-part-1 Alexander Technique can be used as part of an adjunctive strategy along with other techniques, with the objective of alleviating your and symptoms.

In this article I do not want to repeat all the information available on the internet about the history of and how he developed his techniques.

All the techniques I detail have a way of dove-tailing into each other and symbiotically deepening the effects of each other.

Basically, my angle on the Alexander Technique is that I want to take what I need from the techniques and apply them directly to assist with the musculoskeletal problems that are maintaining patients Fibromyalgia and .

Bottom line: There is a way of moving that your body likes and a way that it doesn't.

When you have an injury or imbalance there is a way of moving that helps the body heal and a way that prevents it from healing.

All musculoskeletal conditions have varying symptoms and present in different ways, but all have one thing in common, they can all be made better or worse by the way you align your head, neck and trunk as you go through the movements and postures of your every day life.

The muscles which support your skeleton are usually asked to work far too hard for the task or tasks that they are being employed, and over time this can lead to them becoming "stuck" in this state of aka Trigger points. These may gradually worsen over a period of years.

When you are then attacked by the initial trigger for what you consider to be the "recognized" start of your life with Fibromyalgia/ CFS, then if your muscles were already habitually in this state of excess tension, then post infection, one of your main symptoms will then be this muscular pain.

When you go on to present at your chosen healthcare provider, you will more likely be labeled "Fibromyalgia" as oppose to "CFS" and you will be tested via the trigger point methodology.

Let me make one point clear that is an over-riding theme through all the therapy that I outline: Your body has an innate capacity to heal itself, but as human beings in Western Society we are hell bent on destroying everything that nature has taught us, thereby switching to unnatural modes of action simply because its fashionable or that is the way everyone else does it, or that's the way things are made and manufactured etc.

Look at toddlers when they first sit up and stand, look at the perfect alignment of the head, neck and torso, and look at the ease and grace with which they move.

All humans are born with this grace and poise and we "choose" to unlearn it as soon as possible by copying moody, slouching, ill postured teenagers and adults.

Take the simple act of sitting in a comfy chair that maybe 200 million Americans are doing right now as you read this. The reality is that that chair is NOT COMFY just because it says so on the manufacturer's label!

The typical slouching position that people are forced to assume on a daily basis is absolutely against all the natural laws of correct posture and alignment of the spinal column, and results in many millions of people holding their body in a state of excess tension for hour after hour, while they actually believe they are "relaxing".

In third world countries where natural posture is enforced in daily lives due to the unavailability of "comfy" sofas, "bad backs" are relatively uncommon and unsurprisingly so is Fibromyalgia and CFS as defined by Western Society.

Fibromyalgia and CFS are largely diseases of modern "civilized" society. We have evolved through the industrial age in a few hundred years. But by comparison, it took millions of years of evolution just for our bodies to become bipedal.

Take the "comfy" sofa example again. What are manufacturer's criteria in designing and building this item? The real design specifications are that it is more fashionable than the competition; it can be made more cheaply than the competition so the mark-up and profit can be higher from each sale.

Do not for one minute believe they are sitting round their brain-storming coffee mornings saying "lets design a sofa so our buyers can relax in a natural position, realign their faulty posture and avoid muscular tension."

If this was the case the comfy chair would not exist in its current form.

Another example of the misuse of our body forced upon us by tradition and the manufacturers design specification is the W.C.

In terms of passing a motion comfortably this piece of furniture is absolutely inept and causes a requirement for a huge amount of pressure to be applied through the lumbar spine in order to expel a motion.

In a later article I will be diagramming the changes I recommend for sitting posture and using the W.C.

You may not initially be overwhelmed by what I recommend, but your body will.

I am not a qualified Alexander therapist; To gain this qualification takes four years of training and so I recommend that you seek a trained therapist in your area, but not until 6 months after you have begun the core therapy.

What I recommend is that you employ the simple strategies I outline in my next article which will present quick wins in terms of your overall musculoskeletal anomalies.

I have talked about the musculoskeletal anomalies inherent in Fibromyalgia and CFS sufferers and how they are responsible for maintaining your illness.

You may be suffering from recurring musculoskeletal pain but do not know exactly what brings on the attacks. Often it is years of poor postural habits which are causing your musculoskeletal imbalance, and we need to address how to change these habits.

Examine the facts:

- Arthritic symptom severity can be reduced by postural habits, keeping the joints moving.

- Spinal surgery or a disc problem can be helped by learning to use the abdominal and back muscles correctly.

- General Back pain can be helped by correct movement as oppose to just bed rest

- Pinched nerves in the neck or lower back are usually the result of compression due to faulty postural habits.

The first thing we need to learn is to reduce overall spinal compression as this will reduce the flare-ups of musculoskeletal pain which are contributing to your overall experience of Fibromyalgia.

As you are no doubt aware, when you are in more pain, your sleep is affected and therefore so are your fatigue CFS symptoms.

Using your body correctly results in less pain, improved healing, better sleep, less tension and therefore less fatigue. Sound good?

If you doubt the effectiveness of the Alexander Technique look at it from this angle.

Modern medicine and modern science are in no doubt about the following sequence of events.

Stress causes anxiety. The emotion "anxiety" produces an excess of the chemicals cortisol and adrenaline which are a known cause of ulcers, high blood pressure and tension headaches and that's just in the short term.

Nobody doubts that the conscious mind can be utilized to interfere with these thought processes, and similarly with skeletal muscles, the mind can attain precise conscious control over the way they are used to restore and improve overall health

That is all we are going to focus on by using the Alexander Technique.

Alexander's approach to musculoskeletal pain:

- Alexander's approach tries to address the totality of a body; This means that in solving a specific problem, i.e. to solve a problem that may present in one area of the back, this problem cannot be healed unless the entire back is used in a well integrated way.

- Being aware of, and able to control our supporting musculature; Alexander understood this and taught how to control gravity and work with it rather than against it. This is essential for people with recurring back pain

- Learning to do less with the body overall; This is an important feature of Alexander's work with respect to back problems. This doesn't mean just being lazier, but rather eliminating unnecessary muscle tension and bad postural habits at the root of back pain

I cannot express the importance of this to Fibromyalgia sufferers; in so many Fibromyalgia patients the tension cycle is what exacerbates their trigger points.

Pain causes more tension which in turn causes more pain and so on. By learning to short circuit the pain cycle they can prevent a flare-up of fibromyalgia without having to resort to muscle relaxants and painkillers, also they don't waste the little energy they have on unnecessary muscle tension.

In the next article I will focus on Alexander's concepts of "good use" and then the specifics of how they can be applied in everyday life to help Fibromyalgia and CFS patients reduce their musculoskeletal pains. Mark J Shaw. Mark is the author of a new digital eBook and training manual "Beat Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" http://www.BeatFibroAndFatigue.com ]]> Stick It To Me! Here's 10 Great Reasons To Try Acupuncture http://www.artwoo.com/article/stick-it-to-me-heres-10-great-reasons-to-try-acupuncture http://www.artwoo.com/article/stick-it-to-me-heres-10-great-reasons-to-try-acupuncture#comments Thu, 30 Nov 2006 08:27:05 +0000 acupuncture pointsacupuncture treatmentjim mcmahongamma globulinsmusculoskeletal disordersconnective tissuesendorphins http://www.artwoo.com/article/stick-it-to-me-heres-10-great-reasons-to-try-acupuncture
Pain Relief

Acupuncture can aid in relieving pain. This is, in part, due to the fact that acupuncture increases the body's level of , which are often referred to as "feel good" chemicals. Acupuncture also helps normalize nerve impulses because and the central nervous system are connected.

The Immune System

Evidence has indicated that acupuncture strengthens the body's immune system and natural resistance. It has been shown that there is an increase in white blood cells, as well as in the level of Alpha, Beta, and after an . Alpha and Beta Globulins are thought to help white bloods cells better fight infection, while Gamma Globulins assist in the production of immune antibodies.

Drug Recovery

Acupuncture assists in the recovery of drug and alcohol addiction. It does this by helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms, decreasing cravings, relieving tension, and helping people relax. In fact, acupuncture is so successful in drug treatment recovery that many clinics throughout the United States use acupuncture as an integral component of their programs.



Acupuncture has the ability to release muscle tension, as well as tension in the . This allows the lymphatic, nervous, and circulatory systems to function more efficiently. For these reasons, acupuncture is helpful in both prevention and treating musculoskeletal disorders. In fact, sports figures such as Carl Lewis, Charles Barkley, and are known to use acupuncture in order to improve training and performance, as well as to speed up healing and to manage pain.

Allergies

Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to substances that are harmless to most people. Environmental factors, such as pollen, dust and chemicals are common causes of allergies. Similar, foods such as milk, wheat, and selfish can cause allergic reactions. Allergies can cause watery eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing. They can also cause more serious problems, such as joint pain, diabetes, glaucoma, kidney problems, depression, heart palpitations and learning disorders. Through acupuncture, the body can be detoxified and the immune system can be strengthened, thereby causing the body to cease having allergic reactions.

Stress

Stress can lead to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and respiratory problems. According to Chinese medicine, stress causes these problems when the liver energy is out of balance. Therefore, acupuncture helps but this energy back into balance, which relaxes the muscles and brings about peace of mind.

Diseases and Disorder

Acupuncture can help with more than 50 different internal medical problems. Some diseases that have been effectively treated with acupuncture include: bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, ulcers, and hypertension. The exact acupuncture treatment varies depending on the medical condition and may be used in conjunction with other natural therapies, such as herbs and massage.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often brought on my depression, stress, or an infection. No matter the direct cause, patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have immune system deficiencies and most have a weakness in their internal organs. Acupuncture can be used to improve the body's immunity and, therefore, eliminate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Menopause

Typical symptoms associated with menopause include night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and heart palpitations. In Chinese medicine, these symptoms occur when the Yin is out of balance. Yet other symptoms of menopause can include weight gain, hypertension, indigestion, and water retention, these are caused by an imbalance in the Yang. If these are left untreated, it results in a Qi deficiency, which causes feelings of fatigue, a dry vagina, decreases sex drive, lower back pain, cold extremities, and incontinence. Acupuncture therapy has been shown to help get the Yin and the Yang back into balance, thereby reducing the symptoms of menopause.

PMS and Menstruation

Many women experience both emotional and physical pain and discomfort before and after menstruation. Emotional difficulties can include sadness, anger outbursts, depression, and irritability. Physical pains can include pain in the lower back and the lower abdomen. Acupuncture can help bring the body back into balance and eliminate or lesson physical and social pain associated with menstruation.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is quickly gaining acceptance in Western culture for its proven ability to treat emotional and physical problems without the side effects associated with other forms of medication. Are Allergies and Asthma Taking the FUN OUT OF LIFE? Who Else Wants To Learn One Simple Way To Totally Eliminate Asthma And Allergy Attacks, ALL Without Using Drugs And Inhalers Now... Visit http://www.allergyasthmaattacks.com ]]> Rash, A Sign Of The Autoimmune Character Of Lupus http://www.artwoo.com/article/rash-a-sign-of-the-autoimmune-character-of-lupus http://www.artwoo.com/article/rash-a-sign-of-the-autoimmune-character-of-lupus#comments Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:27:06 +0000 lupus symptomsdiscoid lupussymptoms of lupussystemic lupus erythematosusantinuclear antibodiesdna antibodiesskin exfoliation http://www.artwoo.com/article/rash-a-sign-of-the-autoimmune-character-of-lupus symptoms of lupus and its intensity are different from one case to another. It is an autoimmune disease, which occurs when the immune system abnormally releases its and directs their attack against the organism's own healthy tissues including, in some cases, even the DNA. The genetic material is thus altered itself by the aggressive action of the anti -- . This organic chaos generates extremely damaging actions on the organs, causing kidney, heart or lung diseases, conditions of the nervous system -- such as brain disease, skin affection like lupus rash, erythematous lesions, or musculoskeletal system problems (osteoporosis, arthritis).

Different patients usually experience different . But the one that is constantly present in many cases is rash, in one of its two existing forms: systemic and discoid. It is the first sign of lupus and also the most persistent, unlike the others that appear and disappear over and over again.

This symptom affects the areas with increased exposure to the sunlight -- the most dangerous enemy of a person with lupus -- such as face, neck, shoulders and scalp. It is also possible for it to affect the chest, feet, palms and back and it usually comes with lesions of the skin. On the face, lupus generates the aspect of a red, burned skin and may also extend over the tissues that surround the nose and the mouth.

The can be improved by the proper treatment. It doesn't scar the skin, unless it is exposed to sunlight for large intervals.

The second form, the produces extended lesions in more than one body part. This form leads to the , hyper -- pigmentation and generates crusts. It usually leaves scars because its damaging actions get deeper in the skin layers. Serious scaring will remain on the skin in case the rush also involves papules, crust and intense scaling. Once it attacks the scalp, alopecia occurs (the loss of hair that may be temporary or permanent).

Another type of lupus rash is the subacute cutaneous form, which can be encountered in both systemic and discoid lupus. It affects the parts with the highest degree of solar exposure and takes the form of circular, scaly patches that have increasing surfaces of extension. It doesn't completely disappear but it enters remission. The healing process involves hypo -- pigmentation, without scarring. This type of rash can be successfully kept under control by the adequate medicines.

Solar exposure should be absolutely avoided in any type of lupus rash because it will seriously worsen the condition. For more information visit http://www.informationonlupus.com ]]> Rash, A Sign Of The Autoimmune Character Of Lupus http://www.artwoo.com/article/rash-a-sign-of-the-autoimmune-character-of-lupus http://www.artwoo.com/article/rash-a-sign-of-the-autoimmune-character-of-lupus#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:25:01 +0000 discoid lupuslupus symptomssymptoms of lupussystemic lupus erythematosusantinuclear antibodiesdna antibodieswhich occurs when http://www.artwoo.com/article/rash-a-sign-of-the-autoimmune-character-of-lupus symptoms of lupus and its intensity are different from one case to another. It is an autoimmune disease, the immune system abnormally releases its and directs their attack against the organism's own healthy tissues including, in some cases, even the DNA. The genetic material is thus altered itself by the aggressive action of the anti =96 . This organic chaos generates extremely damaging actions on the organs, causing kidney, heart or lung diseases, conditions of the nervous system =96 such as brain disease, skin affection like lupus rash, erythematous lesions, or musculoskeletal system problems (osteoporosis, arthritis).

Different patients usually experience different . But the one that is constantly present in many cases is rash, in one of its two existing forms: systemic and discoid. It is the first sign of lupus and also the most persistent, unlike the others that appear and disappear over and over again.

This symptom affects the areas with increased exposure to the sunlight =96 the most dangerous enemy of a person with lupus =96 such as face, neck, shoulders and scalp. It is also possible for it to affect the chest, feet, palms and back and it usually comes with lesions of the skin. On the face, lupus generates the aspect of a red, burned skin and may also extend over the tissues that surround the nose and the mouth.

The can be improved by the proper treatment. It doesn't scar the skin, unless it is exposed to sunlight for large intervals.

The second form, the produces extended lesions in more than one body part. This form leads to the skin exfoliation, hyper =96 pigmentation and generates crusts. It usually leaves scars because its damaging actions get deeper in the skin layers. Serious scaring will remain on the skin in case the rush also involves papules, crust and intense scaling. Once it attacks the scalp, alopecia occurs (the loss of hair that may be temporary or permanent).

Another type of lupus rash is the subacute cutaneous form, which can be encountered in both systemic and discoid lupus. It affects the parts with the highest degree of solar exposure and takes the form of circular, scaly patches that have increasing surfaces of extension. It doesn't completely disappear but it enters remission. The healing process involves hypo =96 pigmentation, without scarring. This type of rash can be successfully kept under control by the adequate medicines.

Solar exposure should be absolutely avoided in any type of lupus rash because it will seriously worsen the condition. For more information visit http://www.informationonlupus.com ]]> Successful Habits: Occupational Safety http://www.artwoo.com/article/successful-habits-occupational-safety http://www.artwoo.com/article/successful-habits-occupational-safety#comments Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:27:12 +0000 national advisory committeeretail grocery industrymusculoskeletal disorderswork environmentsoccupational safety and health administrationoccupational safety and healthergonomics http://www.artwoo.com/article/successful-habits-occupational-safety Administration is a U.S. Department of Labor organization devoted to the health and safety of American workers. They offer various tactics to reduce MSD's () in the workplace. Their Outreach and Assistance program, designed to interface with workers directly, is one of four in their "four-pronged" approach to aiding the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. The other aspects of the "four-pronged" approach are: Guidelines, Enforcement and the .

is the science of designing and maintaining products, machines and that cause the least stress upon the human body and result in the fewest instances of injury and discomfort. The four prongs of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's approach to ergonomic safety have different areas of focus. The Enforcement branch has to do with the inspections carried out by this and other organizations to assure that work environments are as safe as they can be. When they find organizations that violate standards of ergonomic safety they alert authorities and attempt to alter the situation. The National Advisory Committee branch controls the applications of research related to the study of ergonomics. The Guidelines branch develops industry specific guidelines based on statistics related to ergonomic industries in the workplace. Finally, the Outreach and Assistance branch helps businesses, small and large alike, identify and apply good practices in ergonomics to their workplaces to increase the safety and comfort of their employees.

OSHA releases studies on specific industries to help those industries create a more ergonomically satisfying environment for their employees. One such industry is the . They first identified some of the risks particularly associated with employment in the Retail Grocery industry, specifically, force, repetition, awkward posture and static postures. OSHA maintains that these factors dramatically increase the chances of the Retail Grocery employee of serious injuries and illnesses such as, muscle strains and back injuries, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, Epicondylitis and trigger finger. OSHA identifies certain activities, such as stacking shelves, that place employee's bodies in awkward positions that they must maintain for a period of time. Some of their solutions are as simple as the following, related to icing produce. They recommend a better ice machine that takes the stress of scooping and loading ice away from the worker by letting gravity and the ice machine pour ice into buckets on a cart below the machine. In this way, the ice is ready to be transported when the worker approaches the machine, cutting any bending, scooping and lifting the employee might otherwise have had to perform and making the overall experience more physically pleasant. Leon Groom writes about http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards.htm, http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards/split/ergosplit.htm and http://www.ErgoLance.com ]]> How The Treatment For Lupus Works http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-the-treatment-for-lupus-works http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-the-treatment-for-lupus-works#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2007 01:52:03 +0000 systemic lupus erythematosusauto immune diseasesslemusculoskeletal disordersremissionimmune systemdiagnosis http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-the-treatment-for-lupus-works auto immune diseases, the body's cells, which are healthy, are attacked by the 's antibodies. This is also the case of , a disease that also exposes the affected people to other severe health problems generated by the malfunction of the immune system. , like arthritis or osteoporosis; heart, liver, kidney and lung conditions; affections of the nervous system and those of the skin, such as lupus rash, are much more severe and dangerous for patients with lupus than for healthy people.

Systemic lupus erythematosus has a chameleonic nature, and its gallery of possible symptoms is enormous and difficult to identify, because most of them are not specific. This is what makes this disease so hard to diagnose. The symptoms themselves generate possible errors of and the correct one cannot be achieved only by means of the patient's declarations. It takes more than that and the response leads to the results of laboratory analyses. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the adequate treatment will be immediately prescribed, according to the patient's particular case.

It is necessary for the treatment to cover the unpredictable nature of the disease. is a continuous alternation of relapsing and periods, and the treatment's goal is to make the remission periods last for as long as possible. The next step is the improvement of the SLE's symptoms. This disease doesn't go away but it may be prevented from causing more damage to the person it affects and this can only be achieved with proper treatment. The fact that lupus is a strongly chronic disorder implies that the medication must be permanently administered.

The early phases of SLE, in which the patients don't experience severe symptoms, determine the treatment to direct its power to the prevention of the complications that come with this disease. In case of a violent form of lupus, the treatment's attention turns to the blockage of the immune system's attacks on the organism.

The usually prescribed treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus are corticosteroids, antimalarials, NSAIDs and cytotoxic medicines. When the blockage of malign antibodies production is necessary, biologic medications are used. Very frequently used are also analgesics and sedatives. In the particularly severe cases, the treatment for lupus may also involve powerful antibiotics.

Antimalarials are used in order to diminish the inflammations and the lesions on the skin generated by the disease and have good results for systemic lupus erythematosus as well as for discoid lupus erythematosus.

Corticosteroids are frequently used to control lupus by controlling the activity of the immune system in order to minimize the damages produced by its malfunction. They are extremely powerful drugs.

Cytotoxic medicines have strong effects and are only given in severe lupus commonly in association with corticosteroids. They are used to block the formation of the nocive antibodies.

NSAIDs have as main goal to decrease the inflammation and the rigidity of the articulations and to relieve the muscular pain. For more information visit http://www.informationonlupus.com ]]>