Surgery is always a final resort when all other treatments fail to bear fruit. Spinal fusion surgery is recommended by doctors and medical specialists only after they have tried other treatment options. Let’s find out more about this procedure. What is spinal fusion surgery? It is a surgical technique that joins or fuses two or more vertebrae to restrict the movement between them. It is a neuro-orthopedic surgical procedure. It is usually recommended to reduce or eliminate spinal cord pressure and the resultant pain caused by worn out cartilage between the vertebrae. A patient may have to undergo surgery to decompress a pinched nerve-root or to stabilize a joint that causes pain. This surgery can help to heal spinal fractures and broken or damaged vertebrae that make the spine unstable. People undergo surgery if they have conditions like spinal weakness or deformity, herniated disks, spondylolisthesis, and other such ailments. Spinal tumor and degenerative spinal conditions are other situations where this surgery can be beneficial. It is a common surgical procedure, and statistics show that nearly 488,000 spinal fusion surgeries were performed in the country in 2011. Are you a candidate for this procedure? It is vital to identify and locate the exact cause of back pain before opting for surgery. There are cases where herniated disks may show up on a scan or X-ray, but the real cause of the back pain may lay elsewhere. At such times, undergoing surgery to fix the herniated disk might not solve the problem. A typical result is the FBSS (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome) in which the pain remains even after surgery. The most common reason for this is an incorrect diagnosis. Selecting the right surgeon is also crucial. A lot of surgeons can carry out the spine fusion surgery, so it’s important to know whether the surgeon you pick has specific expertise, experience, and training.

Meningitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. The second most common type of meningitis is bacterial meningitis. Acute bacterial meningitis is caused by several strains of bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus), and Listeria monocytogenes (listeria). What is strep meningitis? Strep Meningitis, also known as streptococcus meningitis or pneumococcal meningitis, is a disease caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. The Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria spread and multiply in the ‘meninges’ in the brain, hence, the name meningitis. The meninges are the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord, filled with cerebrospinal fluid, to protect the brain tissues from damage. When the meninges are infected by any kind of bacteria, toxic substances are produced in the cerebrospinal fluid, which results in inflamed and swollen brain tissue. Types of Strep Meningitis Strep Meningitis can be of two kinds. The two types of bacteria responsible for strep meningitis are Group A Streptococcal, also known as GAS, and Group B Streptococcal, known as GBS. A Group A streptococcal infection is caused by GAS bacteria, found on the inside of the throat and the skin’s surface. GAS bacteria are less harmful than GBS bacteria and cause issues like a sore throat, skin, ear and sinus infections. When the bacteria penetrate the body, the threat becomes more serious as they can cause septicemia, or blood poisoning, or lung infection AKA pneumonia. Meningitis caused by gas is rare but is still a possibility. GBS bacteria are also called Streptococcus agalactiae. These bacteria are found in the vagina, intestines, and sometimes in the throat. There is a very slight chance of these bacteria being transferred from the mother to the child during childbirth. In newborn babies, this condition is called neonatal meningitis. Many of us are the carriers of bacteria responsible for strep meningitis.

Asthma is a lung disorder which results in breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. It is mainly caused by high air pollution, allergy, smoke, dust, cold conditions, and sinus. People who have asthma must focus on how to prevent asthma attacks and reduce it effectively for living a better life. They should follow certain tips for preventing asthma attacks successfully which help enhance the quality of life. Another thing is that they show ways for minimizing the risks in homes, working place, outdoors, and school to reduce potential threats. There are no proper medications available for treating asthma and one should know reducing and relieving the symptoms to improve the living standards. Asthma patients must keep some medicines with them in order to manage sudden attacks. Anyone who wants to know more about how to prevent asthma attacks can follow the below tips for accomplishing goals in life. Taking control over humidity Air quality contributes more in controlling the asthma problems. Poor air quality and extreme hot or cold might trigger asthma disorders in many people. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid them to minimize the symptoms. Moreover, it is always advisable to avoid the exposure of pollution in indoor and outdoor areas that ultimately give ways for keeping lungs in a healthy condition. The following pointers can help in controlling humidity. – Using an air conditioner in indoor areas will help to decrease high humidity levels. – It is advisable to live in an environment that is free from air-borne pollutants, dust, and high pollution. – Limiting the exposure to varying temperatures and damp climate might help prevent asthma attacks. Controlling the dust exposure Dust plays an important role in inducing asthma and people make sure that their home is in a tidy condition. It is an important one to reduce the dust levels and dust mites efficiently for living a trouble-free life.

Fiber is a plant-based food like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. This fiber is not completely digested by the human body or the dietary enzymes. There are a number of benefits of consuming fiber-based foods as they can help manage weight, keep intestinal cancer at bay, and also help in lowering blood sugar levels in the body. When you start taking a high-fiber diet, you will be able to see much more benefits over a period of time. Your high-fiber diet plan should contain the following: Vegetables of different colors, like spinach, kale, pumpkin, gourd, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and more. Fresh fruits such as apples, pears, bananas, mangoes, and oranges. Legumes like beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils. Whole grains like wheat, oats, corn, rye, and barley. Seeds and nuts such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds and so on. Benefits of a high-fiber diet There are a number of health benefits that you will be able to enjoy when you are following a high-fiber diet plan and that will help you in staying healthy. Have a look at the benefits: Weight loss One of the most important benefits of a high-fiber diet plan is that you will be able to lose weight healthily. When you are planning to lose weight, just eating at least 30 grams of fiber per day will help you lose as much weight as people who follow a very complex diet plan that includes changes in calorie intake, salt levels, sugar levels, and many other major changes. This fiber does not just make you feel full for a longer time, but will also stop your body from absorbing the calories in your regular food. Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes This is a very well-known fact that fiber can help you stay away from type 2 diabetes.

Sexuality is one of the most talk active topics on which men like to talk openly without any hesitation. They share the downside and upside of their sexuality and things that impact on their sexual relationship. But, the condition is reversed in the case of women. They even don’t show their problems, difficulties which they feel while having sex. Sexual dysfunction is the medical term, which is very common in men and women as well. Some women can’t reach the height of excitement of sex and feel difficulty in attending orgasm. In that condition, the having sex becomes hard for them, and they can’t take an interest in sexual activities as per their choice. In reduce the sexual appeal and make them negative towards intercourse. Well, the sex is not a game of one player. The man and woman both have to take part in this to take the pleasure of this activity. No one can rely on their partner for all the things. Do you like to enjoy sex without your interest? Definitely not. After an age of 40, women lost their interest in the sex due to many reasons. Apart from hormonal changes and post-menopause stress, fatigue, relationship conflicts, depression, and certain medications are also some important factors that affect sex appeal of women. But, every woman can change this situation very easily by using the Viagra for women. Gone are days, when Viagra is only approaching men and help them in sexual dysfunction. Most of the people even still don’t know that women can also use Viagra to solve the issue of sexual dysfunction. After years, but now many companies are available in the market, which provides Viagra for women that work amazingly for them. How does Viagra for women work? Libido is a complicated topic that is hard to understand.

With advancing age, most organs start to lose their functional effectiveness. The eyes are prime examples of this statement as vision loss is common in older adults. While some cases can be treated with medications and surgery, some may lead to complete blindness. Even simple changes in your daily food routine can help prevent major eye-health problems to a significant extent. Here are three food types that have proven eye benefits in the long run. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E The lack of vitamin A in daily nutrition is known to cause blindness. Vitamin A mainly helps the retina convert incident light into perceived images to complete your vision. Carrots and sweet potatoes can help replenish this vitamin requirement for better eye health. Moreover, fruits that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, like blueberries, help repair damaged tissue. Orange, grapefruits, tangerines, and lemons are excellent citrus-rich options that can delay the effect of certain age-related eye diseases. Nuts and seeds rich in vitamin E can further help keep the cells in the eyes healthy and promote better vision. Foods rich in carotenoid antioxidants Lutein and zeaxanthin are examples of carotenoid antioxidants that help protect the eyes from harmful UV and blue-light emissions. Foods that are rich in such carotenoids can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Several leafy green vegetables can naturally provide this nutrient. Popular picks include Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, romaine lettuce, collard greens, turnip greens, broccoli, and peas. Avocados, sweet corn, and even eggs can supplement this requirement to promote better eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3s are the essential good fats that the body must process to maintain proper eye function. The retina contains a compound called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and any deficiency linked to this DHA can increase the risk of getting macular diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in your joints. Here is everything you need to know about the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in your joints, usually, the small joints of your hands and feet. Affecting around 1.5 million people in America, this form of arthritis can lead to cartilage damage, if it is left unchecked. It is much more common in women and generally occurs in individuals over the age of 40. Apart from affecting the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause problems in other organs of the body like the eyes, blood vessels, skin, and the lungs. Fatigue, fever, morning joint stiffness, swollen and tender joints, and weight loss are some of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In most cases of this type of arthritis, the symptoms are symmetrical. In other words, most often than not, the same joints are affected on both sides of the body. The rheumatoid arthritis symptoms vary in severity from one person to another. They also tend to come and go; the periods of the symptoms flaring up will alternate with periods when the symptoms go into remission. Over a period of time, as this disease progresses, it can cause the joints to shift out of place and deform. No known cause of rheumatoid arthritis has been found yet, therefore, the treatment plan basically focuses on easing the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and the discomfort caused due to joint stiffness. The treatment plan can only go into action after the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is made. It can be quite difficult to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis because there are many conditions that cause joint inflammation and joint stiffness. Also, there is no single definitive test for this type of arthritis.

Do you find yourself sneezing every time the season changes? Can’t enjoy seafood without your throat closing up? There is a good chance that you might have an allergy. Allergic reactions are a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system to external agents, that are not harmful. Allergic diseases include a wide range of conditions like—hay fever, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, drug allergies, anaphylaxis, allergic asthma, etc. It is to be noted that anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Common allergy symptoms are—hives, itchy rash, difficulty breathing, runny nose, red eyes, sneezing, and swelling. Allergies are common throughout the world. Particles or materials that cause an allergic reaction are called allergens . The most common allergens are pollen, insect stings, and food. Some people have allergic reactions to metals such as nickel. Food and drug allergies tend to cause the most severe allergy symptoms. Allergy Symptoms And Diagnosis Airborne allergen particles like dust and pollen tend to affect the nose, eyes, and throat a lot. Common nasal allergy symptoms are—sneezing, a runny nose, and swelling of the nasal cavity ( allergic rhinitis ). The eyes may become watery or turn red. Allergens in the throat can cause difficulty breathing, increased mucus production, sneezing, coughing, and bronchoconstriction. Obstruction of the airway can be a life-threatening situation. If an allergen gets into the ears, it can cause pain and discomfort, along with swelling. Ingested allergens like food and medication, can manifest a different set of allergy symptoms. There could be abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and hives. Food allergies rarely cause asthmatic or respiratory symptoms. However, some food allergies can lead to anaphylaxis . Nuts and shellfish are some of the common food allergens. Drug allergies can be dangerous and need to be diagnosed quickly. Apart from the usual allergy symptoms, drug allergies can also cause rashes and difficulty breathing.

Night sweats scientifically known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis are severe hot flashes occurring during the night, which can result in excessive sweating that could wet your clothes and sheets. Sometimes, due to the bedroom temperature being higher than the surroundings, or due to too many clothes on your body, you can sweat, but this is quite normal and has nothing to do with night sweats. So, if you suffering from true night sweats, which is occurring without any apparent reason, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately. Causes of night sweats There are different conditions that can cause night sweats in men, women and even children. To know the exact cause one must visit a doctor, who will get the detailed medical history of the patient by performing different types of tests. Listed here are some of the major underlying conditions that are responsible for causing night sweats: Menopause This is a stage in which hormonal changes take place in women because of the drop in the level of a hormone known as estrogen. Menopause can cause hot flashes in women during the day as well the night. Menopause can affect males too according to medical professionals due to the drop in the level of a male hormone known as testosterone. This menopause condition can be one of the causes of night sweats in men as well as in women. Low blood sugar level Blood sugar (glucose level) in human blood should normally be between 70 to 130 mg/dL. When this blood sugar level falls below 70 mg/dL, several problems began to show up such as anxiety issues, dizziness, and sometimes blurred vision. Sometimes a drop in blood sugar level at night can make you sweat excessively, causing night sweats. Patients suffering from low blood sugar often take certain medications which can be one of the causes of night sweats occurring both in males and females.

The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body. It is shaped like a butterfly and is located in the front of the neck, just below the thyroid gland, around the windpipe. The isthmus—a bridge of tissues—joins the two thyroid lobes on each side. The thyroid gland helps regulate several metabolic processes throughout the body. When there are certain discrepancies noted in the functioning of this gland, it could cause either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and so on. Symptoms of thyroid problems are often very distinctly noticed in the human body. The different types of thyroid problems affect either the gland’s functioning or its structure as a whole. The thyroid gland produces four important hormones to regulate the metabolism of the body. Of these four, thyroxine is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland; it is also known as T4. After its delivery to the tissues via the bloodstream, a tiny portion of the thyroxine released by the gland is converted into triiodothyronine, the most active hormone produced by the thyroid. It is also known as T3. Iodine is mainly used by the thyroid gland to produce these vital hormones. The functionality of the thyroid gland is controlled and regulated by a mechanism involving feedback received by the brain. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the hypothalamus in the brain produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). The release of this hormone causes the pituitary gland to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The TSH causes the thyroid gland to release more thyroxin. Disruptions in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland can affect the functionality of the thyroid gland and cause several thyroid-related problems. Mentioned below are some of the types of thyroid problems and their symptoms. Hypothyroidism This condition is categorized with the thyroid gland producing lesser quantities of its primary hormones.

Does your sleep often get disturbed by painful leg cramps at night? These cramps are a common problem experienced by many adults in the country. These ill-timed cramps usually affect the foot and the calf, although they can also cause pain in the hamstring. Although this is a widespread condition, its causes and remedies are far from certain. As you do your research, you will come across many different opinions and theories, but not all of them are true. This article will outline some common causes of leg cramps at night time. Failing to stretch certain muscles Our modern lifestyle is to blame for this. Although our ancestors spent most of their time squatting and walking, our contemporary lives have removed the need for such physical movements. We hardly do any activities that stretch the leg muscles and tendons. Moreover, our sedentary lifestyle decreases tendon and muscle length and reduces flexibility, which could lead to cramping. Sleeping in awkward positions Experts have also noticed that when you lie in bed with your face down, your foot is usually in a “plantar flexion” position. Your toe points are away from you, and this shortens calf muscles. If the foot stays in this position for a long time, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp. Consider sleeping on your side or in any other position that will keep your toes neutral. Multiple sclerosis Leg cramps at night may also be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) which is a nervous system disorder. People who have MS can experience spasticity which may include different types of involuntary muscle twitches and spasms, including leg cramps. Note that spasticity feels like a mild tingling or tightness in the muscles or severe cramping. Tough workouts Vigorous exercise routines are related to different muscle cramps.

The knee is one of the biggest and most complex joints present in our body which is comprised of different types of bones such as the shinbone known as the tibia, the smaller bone that runs parallel to the Tibia is known as the fibula, the thigh bone known as the femur and the kneecap, which is known as the patella. Apart from bones, this knee joint is also a collection of different types of tendons, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments. The knee is considered to be one of the most injury-prone areas in our whole body, and that’s why most people experience leg pain behind the knee at some point in their lives. Sports and exercises can sometimes cause muscle strains, fracture the bones present in the knee joint, as well as some serious injuries to cartilages and ligaments. Some knee injuries gradually heal on their own over time, while some may require surgical treatments or other medical interventions. Whatever the case may be that’s causing a hindrance to your desired lifestyle due to knee pain, it shouldn’t be ignored. Thus, in this article we are going to talk about the major causes of knee pain, which are as follows: Leg Cramps A cramp is a condition in which people experience sudden tightening or contraction of muscles. Muscles present in the calves are very prone to this condition, but other leg muscles such as the muscles present in the back of the thigh near the knee can experience cramps too. Leg cramps are considered to be one of most common causes of leg pain behind the knee that mainly occurs during workouts or exercises. Pregnancy can be one of the common causes of developing leg cramps in women. There are several other possible causes of leg cramps that include: nerve problems in legs, dehydration, tetanus infections, the presence of toxins such as lead or mercury in blood and liver disease.