nerve damage http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for nerve damage Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:42:37 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/nerve+damage Back Pain Nerve http://www.artwoo.com/article/back-pain-nerve http://www.artwoo.com/article/back-pain-nerve#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2007 09:15:01 +0000 arthritis pain reliefnerve paincentral nervous systemback painosteoporosissymptoms of nerve damagespinal cord http://www.artwoo.com/article/back-pain-nerve spinal cord is the main part of the body's .It conveys signals from the brain to the nerves throughout the body. Spine is one of the strongest parts in our body. It is made of solid bony blocks joined by discs to give it strength and flexibility. It is reinforced by strong ligaments and surrounded by large powerful muscles to protect.Simple back strains do not cause any lasting damage.

Your back could be the result of a back or neck injury, so it is necessary to take care of spinal cord. It is the spine that keep us up right and give us support to get through our daily activities .



Most of us experience sometime or another and the most back nerve pain will go away in a few weeks with some basic self-care. However repeated chances of getting back pain is still there. If the pain is severe or lasts a long time better to consult a doctor.

Back nerve pain is usually caused by overuse, strain, or injury. For example, people often hurt their backs while playing sports, working in the yard, from being jolted in a car accident or lifting something too heavy.

For some people, back nerve pain is the result of arthritis, , illness, or it is hereditary. Only a few people may need back surgery.If you have a slipped disc, or back pain with (such as numbness in your legs), even in these cases, most people can improve without surgery. Surgery does not always guarantee that the pain will disappear. so it is better to get a second opinion before deciding about surgery.



If you do decide to have surgery, events in your life will change drastically even after your back nerve pain surgery. Adopting new lifestyle changes to accommodate your back issues isn't easy, but with patience and motivation,you will get your life back.

For more Information check http://www.arthritisreliefhelp.info Roger Thompson writes articles on arthritis and pain relief for http://arthritisrelief.info ]]> Back Pain Symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/back-pain-symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/back-pain-symptoms#comments Mon, 20 Aug 2007 10:10:00 +0000 low back painnerve damageturn a blind eyebowel movementlocal drug storetrue causefirst experience http://www.artwoo.com/article/back-pain-symptoms Nerve Damage Or Other Problems

When you experience back pain symptoms,never towards them. Many people don't know that is the leading cause of disability in people under the age of 45. However, whether it's low back pain, or any other pain associated with the back, consult a specialist and examine immediately.Since the pain may be an indicator of worse things to come.

Experts suggest to consult a doctor immediately if you experience the following back pain symptoms.

.. If the back pain gets worse when you cough or sneeze

.. Experiencing numbness down either or both legs

.. If back pain symptoms keep you from getting a good night's sleep

.. If your back pain causes you to urinate or make a

You should consult a specialist right away as these are not symptoms of normal back pain.

If you are experiencing one or more of the above listed symptoms, this could indicate that you are experiencing nerve damage. However, if you are experiencing nerve damage, only a doctor or back specialist will be able to determine the . If you are diagnosed with nerve damage, you may be eligible for surgery or some other procedure, but that, too, will only be determined by a back specialist.

When you back pain, think back what you may have done to cause it. If you recently worked out, for instance, you may have just pulled a muscle that will go away in a couple of days. If you recently moved furniture, or exerted your body in any way, your back pain symptoms may be normal. Wait to see if it goes away in a few days or try a muscle cream such as those sold in your . If the pain lasts longer than a week or more, then it's time to make an appointment with your doctor.

Back pain symptoms can make any movement or activity almost impossible. For this reason, you want to be especially perceptive to any back pain. If you recently did something that pulled a muscle, it might be nothing to worry about. Chronic back pain and back pain symptoms that can seriously hinder day today acvities.

For more Information check http://www.arthritisreliefhelp.info Roger Thompson writes articles on arthritis and pain relief for http://arthritisrelief.info ]]> Remedies For Agitated Nerve Pain | Pain Relief http://www.artwoo.com/article/remedies-for-agitated-nerve-pain-pain-relief http://www.artwoo.com/article/remedies-for-agitated-nerve-pain-pain-relief#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:43:18 +0000 electrical stimulation devicesligaments and tendonsdiabetes neuropathyamerican medical associationpost herpetic neuralgiafibromyalgia painkidney diseases http://www.artwoo.com/article/remedies-for-agitated-nerve-pain-pain-relief
Causes of nerve pain are numerous but the main ones include:

> Damaged and/or compressed nerves due to a traumatic event such as a fall,
> Nerve damage following surgery,
> Sciatica,
> Plantar fasciitis or foot pain in general,
> Fibromyalgia, pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons,
> Nerve damage caused by drug abuse,
> Post-herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), the onset pain from the Shingles Rash,
> Diabetes, neuropathy and neuropathic pain.

To get pain relief, you have several options, but none of them work all the time, and most are not without risk to your body one way or the other.

The body has the unique ability to adjust to most medications, in that, over time given sustained use; it requires more and more of the same pain relief medicine to achieve the same level of pain relief.

* The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and reports that over the counter NSAIDS such as aspirin, ibuprofen and the like may temporarily ease your pain but their use is not without risk to other areas of your body.

* Any product with capsaicin as an ingredient may offer temporary pain relief.

* Certain depressants such as amitriptyline, imipramine, or nortriptyline are sometimes effective.

* Clinical trials indicate that Mexiletine is effective in treating pain.

* Codeine can be used for a short time to relieve pain, but it can be very addictive.

* Homeopathic Drugs and Applications can be very effective.

* Alternative medicines such as Menastil, EZ Pain Relief and Heartland are topically applied.

* Other pain treatments...

* Acupuncture

* (TENS)

* Hypnosis

* Biofeedback

Special Note: The does not accept homeopathy, but it doesn't reject it either. "The AMA encourages doctors to become aware of alternative therapies and use them when and where appropriate," says AMA spokesman Jim Fox. "Even professionals who practice homeopathy warn that nothing in medicine--either conventional or alternative--is absolute", states Mr. Fox.

The key to dealing with your pain is understanding the root cause of pain. ALL pain, is due to nerve damage agitation, no exceptions. The level of nerve agitation and resultant pain is directly related to the inflammation present in the painful area which reduces the level of blood and oxygen flow into the infected area.

The most effective pain relief medications, cause the nerve ends to relax and allow the blood and oxygen to flow back into the infected area to effectively cut-off the signals to the spinal cord and therefore to the brain resulting in pain relief. You still have the problem, you just do not feel it as much.

Non-narcotic, non-addictive, all natural pain relief medications are available from The Centre for Pain Relief. Check out their website to determine if one of their products can help you with your painful condition.The Centre for Pain Relief Products are available at Click Here for Pain Relief and to review in-depth information on pain, go to Click Here for Pain Relief Information Ray Attebery Pain Relief Research 506 Lindsley Ct. Burlington, NJ 08016]]> Nerve Entrapment Syndromes And Massage Therapy http://www.artwoo.com/article/nerve-entrapment-syndromes-and-massage-therapy http://www.artwoo.com/article/nerve-entrapment-syndromes-and-massage-therapy#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:30:00 +0000 massage therapy and bodyworknerve entrapmenttarsal tunnel syndromecarpal tunnel syndromecubital tunnel syndromesyndromesmeralgia paresthetica http://www.artwoo.com/article/nerve-entrapment-syndromes-and-massage-therapy Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat men and women who are experiencing pain from various . Like many painful conditions involving the body's soft tissues, nerve entrapment syndromes respond quite well to massage therapy and bodywork.

What Are Nerve Entrapment Syndromes?

Nerve Entrapment Syndromes are nerve impingement conditions in which nerves or nerve roots are placed under abnormal pressure by soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, or fascia. The abnormal pressure on the nerves or nerve roots creates pain locally or radiating outward, numbness or tingling in the area supplied by the nerve and possibly weakness or twitching of affected muscles. Nerve entrapment syndromes are fairly common and you may have heard of some of them like , Piriformis Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, , , and .

What Are The Causes Of Nerve Entrapment Syndromes?

There are a number of causes for Nerve Entrapment Syndromes. Direct trauma to the muscles or tendons are a common cause and this includes injuries which quickly overstretch and damage soft tissues like whiplash does. Overworking muscles and tendons through excessive exercise, or through incorrect repetitive motions (Repetitive Stress Injuries) including typing and assembly line work can cause several Nerve Entrapment Syndromes. Additionally, postural distortions such as Forward Head Posture, Leg Length Discrepancy, or Lower Crossed Syndrome often lead to entrapment conditions. In rare cases certain genetic factors can lead to Nerve Entrapment Syndromes.

Massage Therapy And Bodywork For Nerve Entrapment Syndromes

There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Nerve Entrapment Syndromes. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve these conditions. For example the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the muscles entrapping the affected nerve. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release adhesions between the muscles and surrounding ligamentous and fascial tissues while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the affected muscles. Nerve Entrapment Syndromes also respond well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area. In addition to working on the muscles entrapping a nerve or nerve root it may be necessary to provide therapy for other muscles and soft tissues nearby and even to opposing muscles to improve muscular balance. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Nerve Entrapment Syndromes.

Other Treatments For Nerve Entrapment Syndromes

While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Nerve Entrapment Syndromes, the serious nature of these conditions means that there are other additional treatments you should discuss with your physician:

Anti-inflammatory medications Muscle Relaxer medications Anesthetic and Steroid Injections Splints Surgery

Other Names For Nerve Entrapment Syndromes

Pinched Nerve Nerve Entrapment Neuropathy

The information in this article has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Nerve Entrapment Syndromes. If you feel that you have the symptoms of a Nerve Entrapment Syndrome please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of more serious conditions that resemble Nerve Entrapment Syndromes that could require immediate medical attention.

If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of your particular Nerve Entrapment Syndrome with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice or contact a Massage Therapist near you. Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage Instructor, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. See his site at http://www.massagebyben.com or find Massage Therapists worldwide at http://www.massagesoup.com ]]> Do Electronic Muscle Stimulators Work For Weight Loss, Body Building Or Physical Therapy? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-electronic-muscle-stimulators-work-for-weight-loss-body-building-or-physical-therapy http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-electronic-muscle-stimulators-work-for-weight-loss-body-building-or-physical-therapy#comments Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:55:01 +0000 electronic muscle stimulatorselectronic muscle stimulatorweight training exercisessore musclesshoulder musclesexercise workoutssimple exercise http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-electronic-muscle-stimulators-work-for-weight-loss-body-building-or-physical-therapy s for body building provides nerve and flexor training for the muscles and seems to allow the muscle tissue to grow at a rate comparable to . However, with the stimulators the body goes without the after-pain associated with strenuous . In this way the electronic muscle stimulators can help the body building enthusiast to better control the level of pain that is felt after a workout. Some people with problem areas such as sore can use the stimulators to help alleviate the pain before the next session of exercising.

The same applies to anyone looking to lose weight with electronic muscle stimulator use. While the stimulator may help to alleviate the pain sometimes associated with weight loss exercising, the unit itself will most likely have very little to do with actual weight loss. However, by helping the person control any pain associated with the exercising, the stimulator may, in fact, help these people to exercise more. They will then have a better chance at losing more weight.

Electronic muscle stimulators have been thoroughly proven to help with physical therapy where nerve and muscle damage has occurred. Many therapists highly recommend the use of these units when their patients routinely complain of during and after , or have some form of nerve damage that prevents them from getting the most out of life.

The effective use of these electronic muscle stimulators depends a lot on the type of patient and the nerve or muscle damage they may be suffering from. In general use, the stimulator units can be used easily by the patients themselves after only a few minutes of training. In this way, the patients control the amount of voltage used and the rhythm cycle that controls the rate of muscle contractions. Many health spas and gyms have electronic muscle stimulators on hand to help alleviate any sudden pain or muscle spasms that their customers may have while exercising. It's fairly easy to become adept at using these units and many people swear by the relief that these units give them from their muscle and nerve pain.

Many manufacturers of these electronic muscle stimulators are quick to point out the safety and value of their products when it comes to weight loss or muscle building. How would a company stay in business if it didn't promote its own products? Many federal departments have done exhaustive tests on these electronic muscle stimulators and have found that very few of them do anything at all in the way of weight loss. The results from using one of these units for weight loss is comparable to not using one at all, proving that the units are ineffective at best. In fact, they may end up being harmful if overused to stimulate out-of-shape muscle and fat tissue. Because the stimulators contract the muscles, many people believe that this motion causes the body to lose weight, but it is simply not true. http://Toneamatic.com manufacturers and distributes superior top quality electronic muscle stimulators, unit for home use. Our systems are used by Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Spinal Injury Specialists, and by doctors working on the treatment of degenerative muscle disorders. http://www.toneamatic.com ]]> Stomach And Back Pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/stomach-and-back-pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/stomach-and-back-pain#comments Sun, 29 Jul 2007 01:24:59 +0000 stomach and back painarthritis pain reliefstomach painacid refluxexacerbatehesitatedigestion problems http://www.artwoo.com/article/stomach-and-back-pain
However, pain is useful.It alerts you about the problem in your body.You should never ignore pain, especially .The pain may be an indicator of something more serious.

When you encounter , it normally means you ate something you shouldn't have. However, when stomach and back pain are combined, never ignore the symptoms. When stomach and back pain occur together, it could mean a number of things.It may be due to , , or nerve damage. If you do encounter both together, don't to see a doctor immediately.

When you see your doctor, he or she will want to know about the pain you're experiencing. Explain the pain exactly as you feel it. Is it a sharp pain, as if someone were jabbing you with a sharp stick, or is it a dull, recurring pain? Does the pain get worse when you sneeze or cough, does it keep you from sleeping, or does your stomach and back pain go away and come back with any kind of regularity? These are just a few of the questions your doctor will ask before examining you. The doctor will determine if the problem is minor, such as digestion problems or more serious, such as nerve damage, which could require surgery.

Stomach and back pain, especially when they occur together, should not be ignored. When you feel pain such as this, it usually means there's something going on inside and the pain is the only way to alert you about the problem. Your doctor is the one who should make the diagnosis, however, so it's important not to try any alternate treatment.Let your doctor examine your stomach and back pain as soon as it occurs, for you don't want to it by waiting too long.

For more Information check http://www.arthritisreliefhelp.info Roger Thompson writes articles on arthritis and pain relief for http://arthritisrelief.info ]]> Hearing Aids: Points To Consider http://www.artwoo.com/article/hearing-aids-points-to-consider http://www.artwoo.com/article/hearing-aids-points-to-consider#comments Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:15:01 +0000 punctured eardruminner earshearing aidsaid hearingouter earloss of hearingquality of sound http://www.artwoo.com/article/hearing-aids-points-to-consider Hearing aids are devices designed to improve the hearing capabilities of those who have suffered a through damage to the inner ear. Hearing aids do not allow the totally deaf to hear but are designed for those whose hearing has deteriorated, they actually amplify the sounds surrounding the listener so that they can hear the sounds that were once common to them but have been lost or rather dulled owing to the damage of the .

They come in many different sizes and are very compact, some are even able to fit into frames of your eyeglasses. Hearing aids are by and large very helpful as they improve the and make them louder though they cannot restore a person's hearing, and are only meant to make relatively inaudible sounds more audible.

What makes up a Hearing Aid?

There are over one thousand different hearing aids'. Each having a microphone that receives sound, which is amplified using an amplifier and finally there is a speaker or receiver which sends the sounds to the user's ears, and most hearing aids use battery power to work.

In addition, there are other different kinds of hearing aids including digital, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, behind-the-ear as well as those that are placed on the body, and they can even be found in mono form or binaural form with the former being used for one ear while the latter sends the sound to both ears, the binaural is the first choice of more than half of those that use such aids.

Hearing loss can be conductive in which the , or in some cases, the middle ear produces only dull sounds. This may affect how a person hears other sounds and this form of hearing loss makes it difficult for a person to hear sounds such as vowels that are known to have lower frequencies.

Such a type of hearing loss may be caused by the presence of wax that obstructs the ear canal, infection in the middle ear, or even a , such a type of hearing loss may require having surgery performed, or other medical treatment.

The other common hearing loss problem is known as nerve deafness. This comes about because of damage to nerve cells or even to nerve fibers inside the inner ear. This damage results in distorted sound along with a reduction in volume, which makes it hard for the affected person to comprehend what is being said; more so, when there is a lot of noise about. Sufferers of such hearing loss are usually unable to distinguish different consonant sounds, or sounds with high frequencies.

As you can see there are a number of different factors that need to be considered before acquiring a hearing aid, it is highly recommended that you visit a specialist who will help you to diagnose what is the cause of your loss of hearing. Once this is known an audiologist will be able to assist you in deciding which type of hearing aid is best suited to your needs.

This is an important acquisition and the wrong choice can be very expensive and can in fact do you damage.. It is unusual for hearing aids to be cover under your health care insurance policy.Yet another reason to proceed with caution. Paul Courtney contributes articles to various publications pertaining to alternate Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Organics and is the main contributor to http://www.hearingaidsadvisory.com ]]> Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Pain Relief http://www.artwoo.com/article/post-herpetic-neuralgia-phn-pain-relief http://www.artwoo.com/article/post-herpetic-neuralgia-phn-pain-relief#comments Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:01:24 +0000 post herpetic neuralgiaapple cider vinegarvaricella zoster virusnerve fibersshingles diseaseelectrical nerve stimulationperipheral nerve http://www.artwoo.com/article/post-herpetic-neuralgia-phn-pain-relief shingles disease. PHN affects the in the skin. It is the most common complication of shingles and results from damage to nerve fibers. The rash and pain from shingles usually lasts about a month. But people with PHN may have pain from that will last for months, and sometimes years, after the shingles rash has healed. This article explores the various pain relief treatments for Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN).

People who continue to feel pain long after the rash and blisters heal are experiencing a pain called postherpetic neuralgia which basically is damage to their nerve fibers caused by a reactivation of the . Nerve fibers essentially send messages from the skin to the brain. Damaged Nerve fibers due to shingles are not able to send messages to the spinal cord as they normally do and it is believed that the body may perceive these "mixed messages" as pain signals.

Age and PHN are related. Older people are more susceptible to PHN. PHN usually does not develop in people under age 50. Over 40% of patients with shingles age 60 or older develop PHN. After the shingles rash has healed, 75% of people over age 70 have pain at 1 month, and 50% still have pain after 1 year.

Treatments for postherpetic neuralgia depends on the type of phn pain you experience. Generally for~ these include:

> Antidepressants

> Drugs that inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin

> Certain anticonvulsants

> Injected steroids

> Painkillers

> Transcutaneous (TENS)

> Spinal cord or stimulation.

> Lidocaine skin patches

There are even some alternate remedies that have been tried by those suffering from PHN such as hypnosis, acupuncture, diluted , colustrum and vitamin B5.

Two highly effective alternative medicine treatments for PHN pain are Menastil and EZ Pain Relief. Both are non-narcotic, non-addictive topical solutions that effectively penetrate the skin to reach the inflamed area to cause the nerve ends to relax and allow the blood and oxygen to flow back into the painful area to effectively cutoff the pain signal to the spinal cord and therefore to the brain. You still have the PHN condition, since these products are not cures, but you will not feel substantially less pain with the use of either of these products.

Multiple pain relief treatment regimens as notated above for postherpetic neuralgia generally brings complete pain relief. But most people still experience some pain no matter what the treatment, and a few don't get any relief at all. Although some people will live with postherpetic neuralgia the rest of their lives, most people can expect the condition to gradually disappear during the first three months. For about 10 percent to 20 percent of people with postherpetic neuralgia, the pain may persist for a year or more.

The key to solving PHN pain is to experiment with a number of regimens to find which treatments work for you. Whatever you decide, choose products that are nonaddictive and nonhabit forming such as the products on The Centre for Pain Relief website.The Centre for Pain Relief has nonnarcotic, nonadditive topical and oral solutions for PHN pain, click on PHN Pain Relief to review PHN pain relief products. Review pain relief information and products on the Centre for Pain Relief website at The Centre for Pain Relief]]> Complications Associated With Diabetes http://www.artwoo.com/article/complications-associated-with-diabetes http://www.artwoo.com/article/complications-associated-with-diabetes#comments Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:08:30 +0000 cause of kidney failureblood sugar levelsautonomic nerveskidney diseasesswelling of anklessensory nerveshigh blood sugar levels http://www.artwoo.com/article/complications-associated-with-diabetes
In comparison with the non-diabetic population, diabetics are more likely to develop , become blind, have a heart attack or have a stroke.

Six out of every ten diabetics are vulnerable to nerve damage often referred to as diabetic neuropathy. While there are many types of nerve damage such as damage to nerves that control walking, damage to and damage to , diabetes usually damages sensory nerves.

This nerve damage most often occurs in the legs and feet although sometimes it is felt in the arms. When it happens, the person feels a tingling sensation, pain or numbness or perhaps all three. With less feeling in the limbs, it is easy to injure a foot without being aware of it. Sometimes the nerve damage in the foot causes an ulcer and the foot has to be amputated.

Nephropathy or kidney damage is another complication arising from diabetes. Your kidneys contain blood vessels that filter waste from your blood and excrete it in your urine. By the time any symptoms arise, the disease is usually in an advanced stage. Symptoms are: , feet, and hands; dry, itchy skin; high blood pressure; fatigue; nausea and vomiting; poor appetite, shortness of breath and fatigue. Since these are also symptoms of other diseases, screening is necessary to identify the presence of kidney disease. Lack of treatment can lead to kidney failure and diabetes is the leading in the United States.

Diabetes can also cause eye injury or retinopathy.

The blood vessels in the retina are easily damaged by high . Retinopathy is quite common in patients who have had diabetes for more than twenty years. It is important to have regular eye examinations to identify problems before they become serious. There are various treatments that can improve vision especially in the early stages. However, in some cases this may not happen. Amongst American adults, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness.

Diabetics are at a much higher risk for developing heart problems than the rest of the population. They are particularly vulnerable to asymptomatic heart attacks or heart attacks that occur suddenly without warning. Diabetics can reduce their chances of heart problems by keeping a healthy weight, following a proper diet, and exercising regularly.

Diabetes also interferes with the function of your immune system. It lowers the ability of your immune cells to fight off invaders which increase your risk of developing various infections.

In the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, long-term studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between blood sugar levels and the danger of complications. These studies all concluded that those people who did the best job of managing their blood sugar levels had the least problems with complications. So the key factor is the patient. Those diabetics who take the most active role in tightly controlling their blood sugar levels are most likely to either avoid or reduce the severity of complications.Drug Addiction Alcohol Rehab]]> The Whole Tinnitus Story http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-whole-tinnitus-story http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-whole-tinnitus-story#comments Wed, 06 Dec 2006 14:27:10 +0000 cause tinnitusnerve cellsauditory nerveringing in the earscholesterol levelsburst eardrumnerve endings http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-whole-tinnitus-story ringing in the ears is tinnitus which can be pronounced either as tin-night-is or tin-nit-is. Tinnitus is also called andquot;ear ringing,andquot; others will describe it as soft buzzing sounds, humming bird noises, rushing noises like water, hissing, and or tapping like sounds. Not all people will describe their tinnitus noises equally - some hear screaming jet engines and others a gentle purr.

Tinnitus is a condition, not a disease. Tinnitus is a manifestation caused from medical conditions that can include (but is not limited to) such conditions as a build up of fuid, middle ear infection, a ; or conditions and diseases like meniere's disease. Many over the counter drugs and medications can .

Tinnitus can occur in any of the four sections of the ear: the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, and the brain. In addition to the noises associated with tinnitus, people often have a feeling of fullness in the ears.

Experts agree that damage to the delicate microscopic inner ear is responsible for the majority of all tinnitus cases. We have literally millions of these auditory in the inner ear that are charged electrically. Minute hairs cover the surface of each cell. As sound waves reach these hairs they move much like a field of wheat moves in the wind. It is this movement that triggers elecrical impulses through the auditory nerve cells. The electrical discharge is then interpreted as sound by your brain.

When the cilia (those tiny hairs) become damaged or bent, they cannot operate properly and random movement occurs. Random electric impulses are sent off to the brain, which your brain figures out to be a sound.

While advanced age is a factor for a certain amount of hearing nerve impairment most people get tinnitus as a result of noise exposure. If you suffer from raised or those of us who are consistently exposed to noisy surroundings are at greater risk for developing tinnitus.

Tinnitus sufferers report different sound types, a tonal and a pulsatile sound. Tonal tinnitus is the andquot;ringing in the earsandquot; type and produces a continuous sound, like a single note playing over and over. Pulsatile tinnitus is associated with high cholesterol and the head noises pulsate in time to the beating of the heart.

While tinnitus is typically not a serious condition, hearing loss is and is permanent. It is a little known fact that better than 90% of all people who have tinnitus also have hearing loss from cochlear damage. Therefore, hearing tests are essential before a proper diagnosis of tinnitus may be determined. People who have tinnitus are afraid that they will become deaf, but tinnitus does not cause people to become deaf. John and Ellen Currie have been advising tinnitus sufferers via their http://www.t-gone.com website since 1999. ]]> Cold Sores - Latest Facts About Your Cold Sore http://www.artwoo.com/article/cold-sores-latest-facts-about-your-cold-sore http://www.artwoo.com/article/cold-sores-latest-facts-about-your-cold-sore#comments Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:50:25 +0000 cold sores fever blistersherpes simplex virusherpes virusnerve cellsoral herpesvirus particlesnerve fiber http://www.artwoo.com/article/cold-sores-latest-facts-about-your-cold-sore
Cold sores interrupt your life and usually appear at the worst possible times. They are quite unsightly and uncomfortable.

Cold sores, fever blisters or are three names for the same thing. They commonly appear on the border of the lip or nose but can form anywhere on your body where the can get through the skin.

The herpes simplex virus is the root cause of all cold sores (fever blisters, oral herpes). The creates the sores as a side effect of creating new .

When the virus first invades your body, it will claim a near the entry area and reside in that fiber for life. All cold sores created by this virus family will appear at the surface end of that nerve fiber.

WHAT CAUSES COLD SORES?

When dormant, the herpes simplex virus hides in the root cells of that nerve. If and when it becomes active, it will squirm along the nerve to the surface and drill into the there.

The herpes virus cannot create its own offspring. It needs the nerve cells to do so. When the virus enters a cell, it takes control and forces it to produce new virus clones. The herpes simplex virus is truly a parasite.

You will notice swelling of the target area as the cells fill up. Once the cells reach maximum capacity, the controlling virus destroys the victim cells and all the new virus spills out.

The open cold sore ulcer is the result of this massive cell destruction. These cold sores are exceedingly painful because you now have exposed nerve endings.

ARE COLD SORES CONTAGIOUS?

The herpes simplex is a very small sub-microscopic particle. It is aggressively contagious and can enter the body through even the tiniest crack in the skin. You are contagious from the first sign until the final healing redness disappears.

Please use every caution with your cold sores. Kissing passes on most cold sores. Contaminated fingers also spread cold sores. Most children catch the herpes virus before they are 12.

You can easily spread cold sores to just about anywhere on your body. Sores on finger tips, arms and cheeks are not uncommon. Folks that get these claim they are a lot more painful than the normal lip cold sore.

Getting a cold sore in your eye can cause serious vision damage.

The herpes simplex virus is so contagious and tough that about 90% of the people on earth over 12 carry it. Around 65% of these folks will get one or more cold sores per year.

This virus does its damage only on the surface where you can easily cleanse and apply a cold sore treatment of your choice. The herpes virus, as far as we know presently, does not travel or create damage internally.

HOW DO I GET RID OF COLD SORES?

Stress is the primary trigger that activates the herpes simplex virus. When you encounter stress, your body gears up for battle, your hormones change and your pH balance drops into the acid zone. The herpes virus loves an acid environment.

Your body will heal your cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes outbreaks without any help from you. But it often takes three to four weeks. With a good cold sore treatment plan, you can cut this time in half.

Your best choices for cold sore treatment are still the natural home remedies. They still work better than anything the drug companies have come up with so far.

Some of the most proven cold sore treatment remedies are lysine, zinc and garlic. These can and should be used both internally (supplements) and as topical treatments. Continual cleansing of the area with alcohol or peroxide is very important also.

Cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes really hurt your social life. And they are tough to deal with. But with what you have just learned, you now have a great advantage in the cold sore battle.

With a little experimenting, you will develop your own cold sore treatment plan and enjoy much more freedom in your life.Cold sore questions? Go to Denny Bodoh's popular ANSWER site loaded with FREE information about Cold Sores and some great Cold Sore Treatment tips you can use right this minute.]]> Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - A Secondary Effect http://www.artwoo.com/article/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-a-secondary-effect http://www.artwoo.com/article/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-a-secondary-effect#comments Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:06:26 +0000 carpal tunnel syndromemedian nerveflexor tendonsflexor musclesdaily basiscarpal bonesextensor muscles http://www.artwoo.com/article/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-a-secondary-effect carpal tunnel syndrome to develop? Although there are many professional opinions out there regarding the subject, most do not provide an accurate description of how carpal tunnel syndrome actually occurs.

What is agreed upon is the fact that the and are operating in a much smaller space than they were prior to the onset of symptoms. Many professionals state that it is the swelling of the involved tissues that is diminishing the space and others say that is caused by a muscle imbalance between the flexor and that is causing the to shift into the carpal tunnel, making the carpal tunnel much smaller.

After much research, my opinion is that the swelling is a "secondary effect" of the nine flexor tendons and median nerve having to glide through the carpal tunnel which has decreased in size due to a muscle imbalance*.

How does the carpal tunnel decrease in size? The carpal tunnel decreases in size because the that 'close' the hands are exercised on a with virtually every activity we perform, and they become stronger, shorter and tighter than the extensor muscles that 'open' the hands, thus causing the carpal bones to shift inward, collapsing the carpal tunnel and making it smaller. As the tendons and median nerve slide back and forth in the much smaller space, friction between the tissues occurs.

What does friction in the carpal tunnel cause? Friction between flexor tendons and median nerve within the carpal tunnel causes inflammation and swelling, which puts pressure on the median nerve, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. This is the reason that surgeons sever the carpal ligament, making more room for the flexor tendons and median nerve to move around in. If the carpal tunnel is returned back to its original size, prior to the onset of symptoms, the friction and swelling is eliminated and the symptoms disappear.

Continually performing repetitive wrist and finger flexion while symptoms are already present will ultimately aggravate the existing condition even more and lead to possible irreversible damage of the flexor tendons, blood vessels and median nerve within the carpal tunnel.

How can the carpal tunnel syndrome be eliminated? By stretching and lengthening the overly restrictive flexor muscles that 'close' the hands and strengthening and shortening the extensor muscles that 'open' the hands, the carpal tunnel can return to its normal size, decreasing impingement of the tendons and median nerve, which also eliminates friction and causes the carpal tunnel symptoms to disappear.

Now is the time to take the steps to prevent and/or eliminate carpal tunnel syndrome by starting a stretch / exercise program for your hands. Speak with your doctor or contact a certified therapist today to implement a good stretch and exercise program to keep you strong, healthy and injury-free! About The Author: Jeff P. Anliker is a Therapist and Inventor of Flextend and other therapeutic products that are utilized by Corporations, Consumers and Medical Facilities around the world for prevention, rehabilitation and performance enhancement. http://repetitive-strain.com ]]> Diabetes and Neuropathy http://www.artwoo.com/article/diabetes-and-neuropathy http://www.artwoo.com/article/diabetes-and-neuropathy#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:58:35 +0000 blood glucose levelshigh glucose levelsadequate blood flowblood glucose controlaaron viniknational institutes of health nihnerve coverings http://www.artwoo.com/article/diabetes-and-neuropathy high glucose levels in the blood stream is now a well know fact. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 2/3 rd's of those with diabetes have some form of this complication.

Generally, diabetic neuropathy doesn't produce obvious symptoms in its beginning stages, that's what makes it so dangerous. Once you begin to experience numbness, tingling or pain in your feet, it could very well be the beginning of neuropathy.

Other symptoms include:

* Numbness in any part of you arms, legs, or feet to include weak muscles in the feet and/or hands.
* Indigestion, diarrhea or constipation for no apparent reason
* Sexual dysfunction
* Problems urinating

The cause? High blood sugar levels are causing damage to and blood vessels that is essential to bringing essential oxygen to the nerves. Without and oxygen, discomfort or even severe pain may result. This damage causes the nerves to send messages to the spinal cord and eventually to the brain, too slowly or at the wrong times, or simply send no message at all.

When neuropathy becomes more severe, chronic pain, loss of motion, and injuries occur that can lead to amputation.

Progress is being made against the challenge of nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy.

A major study conducted by the NIH, "The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial" found that people who kept their close to normal can lower the risk of nerve damage by as much as 60%.

The process of testing glucose levels 4X a day; 4X metformin or glucophage tablets (Type II) or 3X-4X daily injections of insulin (Type I); adjustments of both according to food intake and exercise; and monthly visits to a doctor and health-care team have proven effective toward .

Dr. , M.D., Ph.D., director of research at the Strelitz Diabetes Institutes states that "Blood glucose control is the single most important issue for people with diabetes, and with good education about diabetes and the use of new treatments as they become available, people with diabetes may be able to reduce their risk of nerve damage and even partially restore nerve function."

Things you can do to help your situation:

* Keep you blood sugar level as close to normal as possible
* Limit how much alcohol you drink to no more than one a day
* Take good care of your feet and have them checked regularly
* Let you doctor know if you are having any problems with your feet, legs, stomach, bowels or bladder.
* Frequent sexual dysfunction, discuss with your doctor
* Feel dizzy when going from lying down to standing up, consult your doctor

If you have pain, pain relief from diabetic neuropathy complications can be dealt with through homeopathic, non-addictive drugs such as Menastil, available from The Centre for Pain Relief in Burlington, New Jersey.

Neuropathy can not always be prevented but if you work closely with your doctor and medical team, you can lower the complication risk quite dramatically.

Then there is the issue of self-denial. When you have the above symptoms, and chose to ignore the signals to the point of not discussing any or all of them with your doctor, you are taking the risk of no return with your health. If Neuropathy becomes so severe, to where any or all of the majority of conditions discussed in the article come into play, you will enter into an arena of severe pain, possible amputation, and even death.

The most effective pain relief medications for diabetic neuropathy cause the nerve ends to relax and allow the blood and oxygen to flow back into the infected area to effectively cut-off the signals to the spinal cord and therefore to the brain resulting in pain relief. You still have the problem, you just do not feel it as much.

Non-narcotic, non-addictive, all natural ingredient pain relief medications for diabetic neuropathy are available from The Centre for Pain Relief. Check out their website to determine if Menastil can help you with your painful condition.The Centre for Pain Relief Products are available at Click Here for Diabetic Neuropathy Pain Relief and to review in-depth information on pain relief, go to Click Here for Pain Relief InformationRay AtteberyPain Relief Research506 Lindsley Ct.Burlington, NJ 08016]]> What is Sciatica? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-sciatica http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-sciatica#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:50:27 +0000 lumbar spinal stenosislower leg musclesdegenerative disk diseasesciatica symptomslumbar stenosisnerve rootsspinal tumors http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-sciatica
What are the symptoms of Sciatica?

In sciatica, the pain manifests down into the leg, travels below the knee, and may involve the foot. Sciatica can also cause numbness and there may be weakness of the . may emerge on its own, but is often combined with lower back pain. Sometimes the back pain comes before the sciatica, and sometimes will follow.

What causes Sciatica?

There are six leading causes of sciatic, chief among them are , Spondylolisthesis, Piriformis syndrome, , sciatic nerve tumor or localized, traumatic injury. With , one or more of the areas in the spinal canal narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord or on the , which can bring about severe pain. Spondylolisthesis is of where one vertebra slips slightly forward over another vertebra, pinching the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome involves the piriformis muscle that runs directly above the sciatic nerve. If the muscle becomes tight or goes into spasms, it will place pressure on the sciatic nerve causing pain to radiate down the back of your thigh, but not below the knee. Prolonged sitting can contribute to piriformis syndrome. Spinal tumors and injury caused by car accidents and falls can also damage the area, contributing to the discomfort, soreness and shooting pains that are often associated with sciatica.

If you think you may be suffering from sciatica, contact a spine specialist in your community. Most cases of Sciatica, including those in which the nerve is displaced by protruding disk substance, can be treated effectively.

Will Painwave X4000 Help with Sciatica?

Without a doubt! The amazing technology behind Painwave X4000 delivers instant pain relief for sufferers of sciatica. Best of all, the device is non-invasive and drug-free unlike TENS or other similar pain relief methods! How does the Painwave X4000 do it? By working in concert with the body's own bioelectromagnetic ecosystem. Painwave X4000 also has no side effects, and is used when the unit is simply moved gently over the surface of the skin in a small circular motion. After prolonged use, the Painwave X4000 can stimulate blood circulation, cell activity and lymphatic movements, all of which are beneficial in the relief of pain and other discomforts. In many cases, this stimulation will greatly reduce or eliminate pain for good.

Note: The contents provided in this article are not meant to diagnose or cure any disease. If you feel you have sciatic, please contact a local physician for a full medical examination.To explore our range of pain relief solutions further, please visit our website at http://www.painfreehealthcare.co.uk.]]> What You Should Know About Diabetes And Foot Pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-about-diabetes-and-foot-pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-about-diabetes-and-foot-pain#comments Fri, 09 Mar 2007 12:27:02 +0000 nerve damage symptomspoor blood circulationdiabetic neuropathypoor blood supplysymmetric sensory polyneuropathyblood sugargangrene http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-about-diabetes-and-foot-pain symmetric sensory polyneuropathy, better known as .

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that results in the loss of sensation in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy often develops from and nerve damage in the feet.

Poor blood circulation can occur in diabetics when the arteries harden from: smoking; high blood pressure; high fat levels in the blood; high . When arteries harden, the feet receive poor blood flow which also slows down healing. symptoms include:

- Cold feet - Leg pain during walking - Foot pain while sleeping

Nerve damage can be a hazardous condition. This is because it is through the nerves that the brain registers sensations. Someone with nerve damage may not realize that they have an injury such as a cut or blister. If not taken care of, these minor foot injuries can develop into ulcers, and if the ulcer isn't taken care of, can develop which can lead to amputation.

include:

- Pins and needles, pain, or shooting pain in the feet - Numbness in the feet - Burning sensation in the feet, especially on the soles

Preventing foot problems -- There are many things that can be done to prevent foot injury and alleviate discomfort. The following are some preventative tips --

Tip 1 --Monitor your blood sugar levels and carefully follow the diet provided by your health care provider. Controlling your blood sugar helps lower the risk of nerve damage.

Tip 2 -- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, lose weight, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and reduce stress.

Tip 3 -- Wash your feet daily with tepid water and mild soap. Dry your feet thoroughly, particularly between the toes. Also, inspect your feet daily for blisters, cuts, color changes, or any other signs of injury.

Tip 4 -- Maintain short toenails by cutting the nails straight across. Be sure to file down any rough edges.

Tip 5 -- Wear shoes that are properly fitted to your foot and provide you with support. Your toes should be able to move freely, and you shouldn't have to "break in" the shoe. Avoid wearing heals or shoes with pointed toes or going barefoot (even in your home). Ask a podiatrist for recommendations.

Tip 5 --Have your doctor examine your feet on a regular basis (at least annually) to check for poor circulation or nerve damage.

Treating foot problems -- If you have developed an injury or condition, keep the following in mind:

Corns or calluses -- Never try to remove these on your own, or with over-the-counter treatments. The skin on your feet is very sensitive and you don't want to risk causing further injury. Have a podiatrist remove them.

Cuts or blisters -- Use a mild antiseptic to clean the injury such as liquid savlon. Cover the injury with fresh gauze and surgical tape -- not a band-aid.

Pain -- if you are experiencing pain in your feet, try taking general pain relief medication such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, these pain relievers may not be enough, and you may require prescription meds from your doctor.

When to seek the assistance of your doctor -- Although it is not necessary for you to bring every cut or blister to your doctor or podiatrists attention, you should seek medical attention when: - An injury or cut becomes red or does not heal within 2 days. - You develop throbbing, swelling, heat, pain, or discoloration in your feet.

Remember, most diabetic foot pain issues can be prevented when you take care of yourself and your feet, and you respond quickly to problems. By Dave Wilson. Sign up for a free newsletter and discover how to treat your footpain at http://www.foot-pain-relief.com/?source=is by using the natural cures for footpain found at http://www.foot-pain-relief.com/footpain.html?source=is. ]]> Four Types Of Diabetes! Which Are You? http://www.artwoo.com/article/four-types-of-diabetes-which-are-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/four-types-of-diabetes-which-are-you#comments Thu, 22 Jun 2006 09:32:08 +0000 type 1 diabetesgestational diabetestype 2 diabetesdiabetes resultsdiabetes increasesinsulin resistanceblood glucose levels http://www.artwoo.com/article/four-types-of-diabetes-which-are-you Type 1 diabetes Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that unlocks the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Having type 1 your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of type 1 diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy).

Results from (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of type 2 diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). Learn more about these complications and how to cope with them.

Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000 cases in the United States each year.

Because gestational diabetes can hurt you and your baby, you need to start treatment quickly. Treatment for gestational diabetes aims to keep equal to those of pregnant women who don't have gestational diabetes. Treatment for gestational diabetes always includes special meal plans and scheduled physical activity. It may also include daily blood glucose testing and insulin injections. You will need help from your doctor, nurse educator, and other members of your health care team so that your treatment for gestational diabetes can be changed as needed.

For the mother-to-be, treatment for gestational diabetes helps lower the risk of a cesarean section birth that very large babies may require. Sticking with your treatment for gestational diabetes will give you a healthy pregnancy and birth, and may help your baby avoid future poor health. (see Diabetes Symptoms)

Pre-diabetes Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are 41 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 20.8 million with diabetes. 7% of the population has Diabetes! Information on Diabetes Symptoms at http://DiabetesSymptoms.eask.info ]]> What Is Sciatica? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-sciatica http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-sciatica#comments Fri, 28 Apr 2006 08:50:09 +0000 isthmic spondylolisthesislumbar spinal stenosissciatic nervesciatica painpinched nervepiriformis syndromepiriformis muscle http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-sciatica
Is there successful treatments available?

Most work-related sciatica injuries are caused or aggravated by actions such as heavy lifting, vibration, repetitive motion, and awkward posture.

Sciatica usually is derived from a traumatic event, muscle disproportion, or a combination of both.

Sciatica soreness is caused by force on the , normally caused by a tightening and shortening of the . This is more often than not produced by a disproportion between the inner and outer hip rotator muscles.

The ordinary low back troubles and other spinal situations that can cause sciatica - pain along the sciatic nerve - include:

1). Lumbar Herniated Disc. A herniated disc happens when the inner core of the disc breaks through the fibrous outer core of the disc and the bulge places force on the nearby nerve root as it exits the spine. In general, it is said that a sudden twisting movement or injury can lead to herniation and sciatica. But, most discs get worse due to recurring stress and then herniation. A herniated disc is usually referred to as a slipped, ruptured, bulging, or protruding disc...or a .

2). . This usually causes sciatica due to a tightening of the spinal canal. It typically results from a grouping of one or more of the following: enlarged facet joints, overgrowth of soft tissue and a bulging disc placing force on the nerve roots as they exit the spine.

3). . This condition rarely causes back pain or . Caused by a combination of disc space collapse, the fracture, and the vertebral body slipping ahead, the L5 nerve can get pinched as it exits the spine.

4). . The sciatic nerve can also get aggravated as it runs under the piriformis muscle in the rear. If the piriformis muscle irritates or pinches a root that includes the sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica-type pain. The most familiar source of sciatic pain and is made when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.

5). Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. Irritation of the sacroiliac joint at the bottom of the spine can also aggravate the L5 nerve, which lies on top of it, and cause sciatica-type pain. This is radiculopathy, but the pain can feel the same as sciatica caused by a nerve irritation.

If you do not know which one is the culprit, I would start with the fundamentals. Sciatic nerve pain are usually caused by muscle disproportions you have, you should start to see progress right away...and your sciatic pain should subside in a few weeks or less. Sometimes even the next day or two!

There are many different methods of treatment for your sciatica pain...but...unfortunately, most of them don't work.

Many of the specialists just want to schedule another "appointment" for a later time. This is done for a reason.

You can also get prescription drugs that you get from your doctor. This is also a repeatable action. This is also done for a reason.

You might even be in such pain, that you consider very expensive back surgery.

Whatever the treatment, you should consider all of your options at hand.

Sincerely, Samick N. Jack Samick N. Jack . 2006 (c) All Rights Reserved World Wide. For more information on getting rid of your sciatica pain, visit http://www.sciatica-solutions.com , the most valuable website on the internet for sciatica relief. ]]> What Are The Side Effects Of Acupuncture? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-side-effects-of-acupuncture http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-side-effects-of-acupuncture#comments Wed, 20 Sep 2006 18:27:03 +0000 acupuncture needleneedlesnerve damagemad cow diseasecollapsebe trappedpneumothorax http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-side-effects-of-acupuncture needles, the potential does exist for harmful effects to occur.

But first of all, let's define what acupuncture is. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine which has been practiced for centuries in China and has spread around the globe in modern times. It is widely practiced in many countries including the United States. Acupuncture involves piercing the skin with needles along the energy meridians of the body in an attempt to heal illness or treat addictions.

Now let's look at some of the minor side effects which may occur. These are harmless and should clear up on their own without further treatment and include bruising, bleeding after removal of the needle, and psychological effects which might cause dizziness and fainting. These side effects are similar to what one would experience with a shot or having blood work drawn.

We will now examine the rare but serious side effects of Acupuncture.

Infection

Since the needles pierce the skin, there is the potential for introducing bacteria into the bloodstream and causing an infection at the puncture site or elsewhere in the body. An important consideration is the sterilization process of the needles to be used so that the chance of the needles being contaminated is reduced. Also improperly sterilized needles can transmit AIDS/HIV as well as other deadly diseases such as hepatitis and encephalopathy (.)



Nerve damage can occur as a result of a nerve being pierced or nicked when inserting the .

Organ punctures

Inserting the needle deep into the lung can cause a to develop which means air will escape out of the lung and there causing the lung to . The same potential exists for the other vital organs of the body. There is the chance a kidney or the protective sac around the heart could be punctured. There is also a risk of stroke induced by Acupuncture if the needle is inserted improperly at the base of the skull.

Luckily, acupuncturists are highly trained to avoid the above harmful consequences of acupuncture and indeed they are quite rare. To reduce your risks make sure you go to a licensed qualified practitioner and ask about their procedures for sterilizing needles. Karina Jacobsen is a staff writer at http://www.alternativehealthadvisor.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.wellness-digest.com. ]]> Gastroparesis - A Challenge To Control http://www.artwoo.com/article/gastroparesis-a-challenge-to-control http://www.artwoo.com/article/gastroparesis-a-challenge-to-control#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:27:29 +0000 vagus nervegastroparesisuncontrolled hypertensionmetoclopramidereglanabdominal bloatingerythromycin http://www.artwoo.com/article/gastroparesis-a-challenge-to-control vagus nerve, which regulates the digestive system, is a condition in which the stomach in incapable of completely emptying food in a normal manner.

Because of the damage to the vagus nerve, which regulates the digestive system, the muscles in the stomach and in the intestine work improperly and with this malfunction keep the food from moving through properly the gastrointestinal system.



With this disorder there is no evidence of an obstruction or other occlusion of the stomach which could be the cause of the delayed emptying of food contents.



Gastroparesis is caused by uncontrolled diabetes, , or gastric surgery with injury to the vagus nerve. However, in approximately 60% of the cases, there is no definite cause of Gastroparesis.



Heartburn, GERD, nausea, vomiting, vague stomach pains, , weight loss, vomiting undigested food and feeling full very quickly when eating even after just a few bites are some of the primary symptoms of Gastroparesis.



Gastroparesis is a chronic condition and current treatment typically does not cure the disease.

However there are several options available to help better manage this condition. The treatment of Gastroparesis is dependent on the severity and life-impact of the symptoms.



Easy to implement treatment options include dietary changes of eating several small meals each day instead of three large meals which allows your stomach to empty the smaller meals more quickly.



Also, the diet of choice should be one lower in fiber, fat and roughage. Often liquid meals or softer foods are better than solid foods for those with Gastroparesis.



Certain medications may also be employed in order to help with stomach emptying. One of the more commonly used medications is or ®. However, medication often has dose-limiting side effects that may cause a patient to decide to stop taking it after a short while.

Another medication, , an antibiotic, is also used to speed up stomach emptying. Anti-emetics designed to control the nausea and vomiting associated with Gastroparesis may also be used.



This chronic condition can be difficult to manage and to control the symptoms. Working closely with a healthcare provider is the key to finding the combination of treatments that will work best. For more important information on stomach pain be sure to visit http://a-stomach-pain.com where you will find advice and tips on common stomach pain causes such as acid stomach ulcer, Crohn's disease, and other articles that you can view at http://www.a-stomach-pain.com ]]> Herniated Disc and Sciatica Pain - What is the Connection? http://www.artwoo.com/article/herniated-disc-and-sciatica-pain-what-is-the-connection http://www.artwoo.com/article/herniated-disc-and-sciatica-pain-what-is-the-connection#comments Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:01:22 +0000 sciatica painsciatic nervetorn discbuttoxherniated discruptured discdisc disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/herniated-disc-and-sciatica-pain-what-is-the-connection sciatica pain common to ? If so, how do you get pain relief now?

There certainly are a lot of different things that can go wrong with our backs. One of the worst problems that we can have, however, is if we have a herniated disc, especially if it is irritating the . A herniated disc occurs whenever the padding that exists between the individual vertebrae begins to break down and eventually ruptures or protrudes. This can cause enough pain on its own but there are times whenever the bulging material will press against the sciatic nerve, either pinching it or irritating it in some way or another. This can cause a lot of suffering for the individual that has these kinds of problems.

You might be interested to know that there is some controversy over exactly what is going wrong in this particular case. Some doctors will refer to it as a while others may refer to it as a or perhaps even . Regardless of what they are calling it, however, you are probably interested in what can be done in order to alleviate some of the symptoms that you are experiencing. Although this will have a lot to do with the different diagnosis that you get, there are some things that can be done in order to take some of the pressure off of the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve that exists in the body. Starting in the lower back, it runs through the area of the and then down into the legs. Since it is such a large nerve and covers a lot of ground inside of your body, there are a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong with it. Typically, the pain will occur because of problems that are experienced in the lower back. If this nerve is pinched or irritated in some way, perhaps through a herniated disc, the pain may be localized or it may even travel down into your legs. In order for you to get rid of the pain that you are experiencing, you need to remove the pressure from the sciatic nerve.

One thing that you may be told to do is to use hot and cold treatments on this area of your back. This is a very common thing whenever it comes to herniated discs and they can actually help to ease some of the pain by reducing swelling. In the case of sciatica pain and a herniated disc, however, more may be needed in order for you to totally overcome the problem.

There are several types of physical therapy that you may have to go through in order to overcome the pain. Typically, this is accomplished through stretching and at times strengthening exercises that are done in the presence of a qualified physical therapist. There are also some specific exercises that you may be able to do at home in order to help speed along your recovery process.

Sciatica pain is something you won't want to live with for an extended length of time. Effective treatment is available now that will ease your sciatica pain sooner than you might think.Verona Raymond gets effective results when dealing with herniated disc and sciatica pain. Learn her secret to eliminate herniated disc pain entirely and get her special Back Pain Bonus Report to discover how you can find immediate relief. To receive your own free back pain bonus report, visit: http://www.herniated-disc-treatment.com]]>