8 Natural Remedies to Cure Sciatic Pain

8 Natural Remedies to Cure Sciatic Pain

The immune system of a human body is deteriorating due to a fast-paced lifestyle, redundant workload, and acute stress levels, thereby affecting the overall health by causing severe ailments. Recent medical research has stated that people within the age group of 25 to 45 suffer from severe ailments one of them being a sciatic pain. Sciatic pain is a form of acute nerve pain caused near the sciatic nerve around the lower back down to the calves to the heel. Sudden strokes of pain or constant burning sensations are a few symptoms of sciatica nerve pain. Such form of pain is caused due to excessive stress on the hips and legs. Work-related stress compels individuals into being stuck to the chair thereby restricting any form of physical movement. Sciatic pain can be caused due to many reasons; however, the most prominent reasons are slipped or damaged discs, inflammation of the muscle tissues surrounding a nerve, or nerve compression due to muscle stress. Following are a few natural remedies which act as options for sciatic pain cure. Hot and cold therapy Compression of nerves due to sciatica causes unendurable pain, at times aggravating inflammation. To help suffice this, individuals suffering from this ailment can be treated with the hot and cold therapy. In this form of therapy, two forms of heating pads are used on the affected area. A hot bag and an ice pack can be placed on the affected area in turns. This is one of the best sciatic pain cure which will help in bringing down the inflammation caused due to nerve compression as well as reduce the pain. Yoga Yoga is one of the best natural remedies for sciatic pain cure. Yoga helps in releasing muscle rigidity caused due to excessive stress on hips and legs and in turn releases the nerve from compression.
Toenail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Toenail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Toenail fungus is the bacterial or fungal infection of your toenail or a part of it. When your toes are exposed continuously to a moist or damp environment, it becomes a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. If you leave this untreated, the infection could spread to your skin, so it is imperative that you get the toenail fungus treated on time. What causes toenail fungus? A number of factors cause toenail fungus, here are a few : Constant exposure to a damp and moist environment is the most common causal factor of toenail fungus. The type of fungus is usually a dermatophyte. If you already are suffering from athlete’s foot, then that can trigger toenail fungus as well. Weak blood circulation Sometimes, you can contract this infection from others. For example, by wearing the socks or shoes of a person who has toenail fungus can increase your chances of having it too. With old age, your blood circulation decreases, which can lead to toenail fungus. Excessive sweating Walking barefoot Contaminated public spaces such as swimming pools and gyms Psoriasis A weak immune system Wearing socks and tight shoes What are the symptoms of toenail fungus? The affected nail thickens. You might find it difficult to trim your nails. The thickness is caused due to the overgrowth of bacteria and fungi. Discoloration of the nail is one of the most common symptoms. The nail might turn white, yellow or brown. The nail turns brittle, crumbly and will break easily. The shape of your nail changes, it can get distorted and ragged. Owing to the buildup of debris under your nail, the nail bed becomes a dark color. Sometimes, the nail starts to emit a foul odor. Hyperkeratosis or scaling under the affected nail. Lateral onychomycosis refers to the white or yellow streaks that appear across your nails.
Popular Treatment Options for Sciatica

Popular Treatment Options for Sciatica

Various studies show that around 25% of the people have to deal with the discomforts associated with sciatica at some point in their life. The sciatic nerve originates from either side of the lower spine and it goes through the buttocks and pelvis. It proceeds towards the back of each upper leg and at the knee; this nerve is branched out before going to the feet. Learn about sciatica When something puts pressure or irritates the sciatic nerve, you experience pain. The pain spreads to the back of the thighs or buttocks. The pain sensation can vary from person to person. Sometimes, it may feel like a moderate ache and it can become a burning sensation involving serious discomforts as well. The sensation of tingling, weakness, and numbness can also be associated with sciatica. When you sit or stand up for an extended period of time, pay can get aggravated. Prolonged straining, lifting, twisting, sneezing or coughing can worsen the pain as well. What is the best treatment for sciatica? There are different options available and they include using hot or cold packs, medications, exercises and natural remedies. Here are some of the best treatments for sciatica. Physical therapy and stretching Most patients find relief within a few weeks with some painkillers or natural remedies. If the pain is mild in nature and does not interfere too much with your daily activities, your doctor may advocate some basic solutions. Physical therapy is one such option and the therapist designs a stretching and exercise routine that meets your needs. This approach helps you improve the posture so that unwanted pressure on the sciatic nerve is reduced or eliminated. Lower back stretches are also a good option and it helps you relieve the pain in a natural way. Exercises like short walks can bring relief When you are constantly moving, inflammation can get better.
5 Useful Tips for Treating Acne

5 Useful Tips for Treating Acne

Dealing with acne can be incredibly frustrating as it can severely affect your facial skin’s health. However, acne is a widespread condition and almost everyone at least once in their life has dealt with it. There are many reasons as to why you could be getting acne on your skin. Read on to know more about acne, its causes, how to treat it and put an end to your woes. What causes acne? Narrowing down the source is not easy, as many factors cause acne. A few of them are: The most common cause is an excessive accumulation of oil in your glands, which in turn clogs your pores and causes acne. Sebaceous glands are the powerhouse of oil production. If you haven’t been keeping your face clean, these pores will get clogged, because your glands continue secreting oil. Stress can cause acne too. When stressed, your hormonal levels get disrupted. This can cause you to have breakouts. Lack of sleep is another common cause of acne. Some people tend to get acne during or around their menstrual period. This is because there are a lot of hormonal changes during menstruation. Using too much cosmetics on your skin, especially ones that are greasy, can clog your pores and cause acne. Also, using a product that is not meant for your skin type can lead to acne. People with an oily skin type have to use products that are meant for oily skin. The same goes for individuals who have dry or combination type of skin. Sometimes, a few medications come with side effects, possibly acne can be one of them. Drugs that contain lithium and androgen especially are known to cause acne. If you happen to take birth control pills regularly, then you might experience acne, as they interfere with your natural hormonal levels.
Effective Ways to Treat Low Levels of Testosterone

Effective Ways to Treat Low Levels of Testosterone

Testosterone, a hormone generated by the testicles, is required for boosting masculinity and muscle development. An increase in the levels of this hormone during adolescence is the reason why boys develop male characteristics such as facial hair and a deep voice. In addition to this, testosterone promotes red blood cell production, strengthens the bones, uplifts mood, and fosters mental capabilities. The levels of testosterone in the body peak during early adulthood and they begin to decline after the age of 40 years. Beyond the age of 50 years, men may complain of the symptoms of low testosterone levels such as alterations in sexual drive, impotence, anxiety, fatigue, gain in body weight, lowered muscle mass, and anemia. Although a reduction in the testosterone levels occurs as one grows old, it may occur owing to other health conditions such as infections, injuries, cancer treatments, hormonal or steroid drug consumption, stress, obesity, alcoholism, and severe illnesses. Normally, testosterone levels in the body range between 300 and 1000 nanograms per deciliter of blood. Men with levels less than this lower limit are deemed as suffering from low testosterone. This is a major concern for men. Hence one must consider consulting a doctor for low testosterone treatment. Who Needs Low Testosterone Treatment? Every individual diagnosed with a low testosterone level does not require treatment. Indeed, doctors say that low testosterone therapy is needed only when accompanied by several associated symptoms that are severe. Since treatment of low testosterone involves certain risks such as increased disposition towards blood clotting, breast enlargement, acne, and stroke, physicians prefer to identify the cause of reduced blood testosterone levels. If an individual suffers from unnatural weight gain, thyroid disorders, or side effects of certain medications are determined as the cause, these reasons are addressed and treated as a priority. Similarly, if men do not suffer from important symptoms such as decreased energy levels and sexual desires, doctors do not immediately recommend therapy.
All You Need to Know about Dry Cough Allergies

All You Need to Know about Dry Cough Allergies

A cough is a reflexive maneuver of the body that is caused involuntarily, to send out any fluids or irritants (foreign particles) from the throat. When coughing, the body inhales and then forces an exhalation in quick succession, against the closed glottis . With the release of air and the glottis opening, the throat produces a sound that we know as coughing. Coughing is one of the most common medical complaints for which people consult a medical health practitioner. The purpose of this reflex action is to obstruct irritants or allergens, which enter the respiratory tract and expel them out. Your state of well-being and quality of life becomes affected if a dry cough becomes sub-acute or chronic. Dry Cough Allergies When your body is not producing mucus, and yet if coughing persists, it is known as a dry cough. This is mostly caused by the allergens present in your immediate environment, that can cause inflammation or irritation of the pharynx— the rear region of the throat. Allergies are the most common cause of a chronic cough in almost all medical cases, except for people who smoke. When allergy causing irritants are removed from your environment, and if your exposure to their presence is decreased, the dry cough can be relieved. This type of a cough has a characteristic sound that is intense and forceful and lasts for a few minutes to days. You are at risk of developing dry cough allergies if: You have a family/hereditary history of having allergies You have a sensitive skin You have periodic bouts of coughing that extend and go away with/without treatment Causes Dry cough allergies involve the release of a chemical called histamine , that is formed as a part of your body’s immune response to an allergen/irritant. The overall reaction of your body to any allergen consists of an itchy throat, coughing, sneezing and runny eyes.
Effective Drops for Dry Eyes

Effective Drops for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a problem that a large number of people have to deal with. Research reveals that dry eyes are an irritation of the eyes that can occur for a multitude of reasons. From dust, smoke and environmental pollution, to a range of ailments, there can be a number of causes for dry eyes. Chronic dry eyes can also happen as you grow older. In this regard, most people above the age of fifty are more likely to suffer from dry eyes. But this doesn’t mean they can’t be caused by reasons other than age. In fact, modern lifestyles have many triggers for dry eyes including computer screens, cell phone screens, sleep deprivation and constant exposure to bright lights. Although dry eyes are a common problem, you must address them with the appropriate treatment measures. Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition where the moisture in your eyes falls below the ideal level. This is when you experience an irritating or burning sensation in your eyes. Dry eyes can also occur because of spending long hours staring at computer screens without blinking. The market is currently flooded with a range of eye drops to treat dry eyes. However, before you make your choice, we’ll try and make you understand the reason you’re suffering from dry eyes. It’s only when you’re aware of the real cause for you experiencing dry eyes, that you’ll be able to make a more informed choice about the best drops for dry eyes. What are the best drops for dry eyes? While choosing from over-the-counter eye drops, keep two things in mind. First, make sure you know the cause of your dry eyes, and second, ensure that you’re aware of the basic composition of the drops. This is to ensure that you buy the best drops for dry eyes that you can get.
Sleep Well with These Natural Sleep Remedies

Sleep Well with These Natural Sleep Remedies

Quality, adequate sleep is mandatory for good health. Sleep is when your body repairs damaged cells and rest the brain so you can recover and recharge. Good sleep not only helps boost your immune system but is also very important for your mental health. Having said this, it’s important to remember that many people have trouble getting healthy uninterrupted sleep. It could either be a sleep disorder or it could be a side-effect of some types of medication. In such a situation where a person is unable to get the required hours of quality sleep, a person could develop a large number of ailments like a poor digestive system, poor concentration levels, sharp mood swings, loss of appetite, and depression. So, if you are looking for natural sleep remedies, and want to avoid sleeping pills or other drugs, keep reading. The best natural sleep remedies Insomnia is a condition that plagues a large number of people. This is a situation where a person is unable to get enough sleep, even if he or she is extremely tired, and needs the rest. In most cases, those suffering from insomnia are prescribed sleeping pills. Such medications aren’t advisable in the long run as they can have a range of adverse side-effects. As an alternative to sleep medication, a number of medical practitioners have laid heavy emphasis on the effectiveness of natural sleep remedies. Insomnia and sleeplessness is a problem that arises from a number of factors. Stress, extended exposure to TV, computer and cellphone screens, energy drinks, and other factors lead to a loss of quality sleep. In such a situation, continued dependence on medication could lead to another problem where you develop a tolerance to the drug and have trouble falling asleep if you don’t take it. Hence the natural remedies of sleep happen to be a better idea.
New Pain Medications You Should Know About

New Pain Medications You Should Know About

Pain is a sensation of extreme discomfort in a particular region of the body. It is your body’s early warning system protecting you from the possible ailment you could suffer from. In a situation where you can’t feel pain, that is, in fact, an indicator of numbness which could further worsen the condition. The tolerance towards pain varies from one person to another. Hence, medications work for some, while they don’t work for others. Opium-based drugs known as opioids that include fentanyl and even oxycodone are the reason behind an addiction epidemic in the US and thus are highly disapproved by doctors and even patients. Thus, there has been a need for new pain medications to be available on the market that isn’t harmful. The abuse of these opioids has resulted in thousands of overdose deaths in the US every year. These drugs can cause motor impairment and respiratory depression. Patients also build up an increased tolerance over time, therefore increasing the risk of overdose or abuse. Below is a list of some new pain medications with the painkilling power of the infamous opioids but without some of the dangerous side effects, it brings along: Oliceridine A new pain medication opioid, Oliceridine, is currently in its final stages of experimentation with human trials and is being executed by Trevena. Advantages: Research shows that it relieves pain similarly to morphine It comes without the side effects that morphine brings along, such as constipation and respiratory depression Patients are less likely to build a tolerance towards it, unlike in the case of morphine Lesser risk of overdose. Drawbacks: As addictive as morphine Can be used in hospital environments only Scientists claim that research indicates this drug to be much safer to use than morphine. FDA recently gave Oliceridine a breakthrough therapy designation, which is only granted to drugs with a significant clinical improvement as compared to other available therapies.
Nail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

Nail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails. There’s a lot about nail fungus on the Internet. However, the article focuses on how to cure nail fungus. Before delving into how you can cure nail fungus, it’s essential to analyze what causes this nail attack. Causes of fungus Just as the term suggests, nail fungus related infections are the result of the infestation of microorganisms called fungi on your nails. There’s this particular family of fungi by the name of dermatophyte which has a significant stake in the nail attack mafia organization. Age is a detrimental factor of nail fungus too. As the nails on your hands or feet age with time, they are prone to dry and become brittle; paving the way for fungi to enter your nails. In other cases, poor blood circulation in feet, and a weak immune system could be possible reasons for nail fungus. However, it is important to know the symptoms before knowing how to cure nail fungus. Symptoms of nail fungus Sudden thickening of nails Visible discoloration (colors include whitish to brownish yellow). Brittle or ragged nails. A dark shade on the surface of your nail as a result of debris built up below the surface of your nails. How to cure nail fungus Visit the dermatologist This is the safest and quickest way to recovery. A professional dermatologist knows about nail fungus way more than most people, and it would be an entirely safe bet to shell out a few bucks and time to visit a dermatologist. If you think your situation isn’t that serious or if you have doctor-phobia, below is a list of home remedies to cure nail fungus.
Top 3 Simple Treatments for Shingles You Need to Know

Top 3 Simple Treatments for Shingles You Need to Know

Shingles is a disorder is also known as herpes zoster. It’s a viral infection that leads to a rash. One in three people in the country develops shingles at some point in their lifetime. The underlying cause of shingles is the VZV or the Varicella zoster virus. This is the same as the virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox in your childhood, shingles virus could be in your system. But it is likely that the virus would be in an inoperative state. It is also possible that the virus reactivates at a later point of time and forms a shingles rash. Risk of developing shingles increases with your age. Around half of people who develop shingles are over 50 years of age. While the rash could show up in any part of the body, it is likely to affect smaller areas. The first symptom of shingles is the pain. After a couple of days of onset of pain, a rash might appear over the afflicted section. Fluid-filled blisters might appear along with the rash. Some other symptoms that accompany with shingles include: Fever Over-sensitivity towards the light Tiredness Here are the top 3 shingles treatments. Taking a soothing bath This is one of the easiest and top 3 shingles treatments. By cleaning the blisters every day, you can reduce the risk of spreading the infection. A cool bath or a shower would also work towards soothing the irritated skin. While this reduces pain, it helps reduce the itchiness as well. You could devise a soothing bath for healing and treatment of shingles. Put 1 or 2 cups of cornstarch into lukewarm water. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes. Avoid hot water. This might worsen the shingles rash by increasing blood flow. After the bath, dry your body well.
Effective Ways to Treat Urinary Tract Infections

Effective Ways to Treat Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also known as cystitis, are fairly common, especially among women. In fact, half of all women in the world suffer from a UTI at some point in their lifetimes. UTIs occur when bacteria, that are usually found in your gastrointestinal tract and pelvic region, enter into your urinary system. The bacteria don’t have much to travel to infect the woman’s bladder. As a result, it causes the inflammation of the bladder. Although UTIs are mostly caused by bacterial infections, they can also be caused by several other factors, such as chemical irritants, fungal infections, foreign bodies (e.g., kidney stones), and trauma. Symptoms of urinary tract infections Typically, UTI symptoms include the following: – Suprabic pain, which is the pain in lower abdomen – Dysuria, which is pain or a burning sensation upon urination – Needing to urinate urgently and frequently – Sometimes, the urine could be bloody or even cloudy Having said that, the symptoms can differ by age. Infants suffering from a UTI usually develop a fever, become fussy or feed poorly. Moreover, the elderly might experience fatigue, become incontinent or may even develop dementia. Urinary tract infection treatment options Step 1: Diagnosis The first and foremost step for the treatment of a UTI is a positive diagnosis. According to the diagnosis, the appropriate cure is suggested. There are a few tests for diagnosis of a UTI: Urine analysis You might need to have a urine culture taken to be evaluated for a possible infection of your kidneys. Once you get a urinalysis done, there might be signs of Pyuria—the presence of white blood cells in the urine, which can make the urine appear cloudy. Having a couple of WBCs in the urine can be normal, however, if there are more than 5 WBCs per high powered field is considered abnormally high.