Everything You Need to Know about Neck Pain

Everything You Need to Know about Neck Pain

Neck pain is also called cervical pain. It is pain in cervical spine, which is complex in structure. It helps support our head and movement of heads into a different direction. Due to its most critical and important function, cervical become a cause of pain for many people. Do you ever wonder why when sitting in the same position for longer than 4 to 5 hours cause a sort of pain in your neck? This happens because your neck has been in a discomfort position for a long time. Thus, our sitting and sleeping positions matter a lot in neck pain. There are many types of neck pain that people experience during their lifetime. Let’s see if you have ever experienced or are experiencing any of them. Types of neck pain There is more than one type of neck pain that people suffer during their lifetime. Majority of people in the world experience neck pain at some point in time. In most of the cases, there is no surgery required to cure neck pain. But in more severe pain, surgery could be a way out. The factors such as cervical herniated, muscle strain and stenosis are a general cause of neck pain. The neck pain is broadly classified into two categories, which are introduced on the basis of the intensity of pain one experience in the neck. Two categories are acute neck pain and chronic neck pain. Acute neck pain In most cases, acute neck pain is caused by muscle strain and soft tissue sprain that is also known as ligaments tendons. This injury is a result of a sudden force that is further a result of a car accident. Strain in neck such as stiffness of neck due to wrong sleeping position and caused due to carrying heavy luggage often takes a form of neck pain.
Overview and Treatment of Diarrhea

Overview and Treatment of Diarrhea

Every person suffers from diarrhea at some point. Loose and regular bowel movements are the main signs that a person is suffering from diarrhea. In normal cases, diarrhea lasts for few days. However, in case this lasts for more time it indicates the presence of a more serious disorder like inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome. Signs and symptoms of Diarrhea Some of the key signs and symptoms of diarrhea include loose and watery stools, cramps in the abdomen, blood in the stool and urgent need of having a bowel movement. In case these symptoms persist treatment from a doctor should be sought. In addition to these, the assistance of doctor should be sought when diarrhea persists beyond two days; a person becomes dehydrated; a person has severe abdominal pain, the stools are bloody and black, and the fever is above 102 F. Causes of Diarrhea Diarrhea is caused by numerous disease conditions including: Virus infection Virus infection also causes diarrhea. Some of the virus which causes diarrhea includes viral hepatitis, Norwalk virus, and cytomegalovirus. In addition to this rotavirus also cause acute diarrhea in children. Bacteria and Parasites Contaminated food or water can also result in diarrhea symptoms in human beings. In addition, the presence of parasites as Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia also cause diarrhea. Bactria as campylobacter, salmonella and Escherichia coli also result in diarrhea. Lactose intolerance Lactose is a natural sugar which is found in dairy products and milk. People who are not able to digest lactose suffer from diarrhea when they eat any of the dairy products. Treatment of Diarrhea In most cases, diarrhea gets better in few days on its own, but severe diarrhea treatment might need medical intervention. Natural Cure for Diarrhea Natural remedies that provide severe diarrhea treatment can be tried for curing diarrhea as these also help in the effective treatment of basic causes of diarrhea.
6 Popular Herbal Remedies for Arthritis Pain

6 Popular Herbal Remedies for Arthritis Pain

A type of degenerative condition, arthritis is a painful disease characterized by the inflammation and stiffness of joints. At the moment around 55 million adults in the country are diagnosed with this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis are some common types of arthritis. Medical professionals mostly treat arthritis with anti-inflammatory medicines and pain-relievers. However, due to the medications’ potent nature, their long-term use might not be suitable for all patients. In such a situation, individuals should also consider implementing healthier lifestyle changes like dietary modifications and exercise. Likewise, one can try using herbal remedies for arthritis pain mentioned below. These can help gain fast relief in case of any unexpected flare-ups. Eucommia – Native to China, Eucommia bark is an exotic herb that is used for alleviating arthritis symptoms, especially joint pain. Moreover, Eucommia benefits by fortifying the tendons, ligaments, and bones which makes it a useful herbal remedy for arthritis patients. Usually, Eucommia is consumed in the form of supplements. This herb can also be beneficial for regulating diabetes and preventing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. However, before consuming Eucommia one should seek their physician’s guidance, particularly, if they are suffering from blood pressure problems. Thunder god vine – Like Eucommia, thunder god vine is also a primitive Chinese herbal remedy. The extracts from the roots of this exotic herb encourage restraining an overactive immune system. Therefore, this type of herbal remedy of arthritis can be instrumental in managing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disorder. For gaining the best outcome, one should topically apply its extract to the inflamed joints. The long-term use of thunder god vine is not recommended as it could cause skin rashes. Likewise, individuals dealing with osteoporosis should abstain from using this herb as it could diminish the bone strength.
Do You Have These Hepatitis B Symptoms

Do You Have These Hepatitis B Symptoms

Known as a “silent infection”, you may not even know that you have hepatitis B. Watch out for these hepatitis B symptoms. Even though they have hepatitis B, more than 69 percent of the affected individuals face no hepatitis B symptoms at all. Moreover, another 30 percent may see hepatitis B symptoms but confuse it with symptoms of other common afflictions such as the flu. Only about 1 percent of people who have hepatitis B will go on to develop a life-threatening form of the condition called fulminate hepatitis. This unfortunate 1 percent may suffer liver failure, and need emergency medical care. Hepatitis B is characterized as a “silent infection” because most people see no visible and distinct hepatitis B symptoms once they are infected. Since they do not know that they have this condition, it is very possible that they pass it on to other people around them. One can contract hepatitis B through contact with contaminated blood. This infectious disease is caused by the HBV or Hepatitis B Virus. In general, there are two possible stages of this condition which are acute hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B. Acute refers to the fact that the infection is in its nascent stages. If they do come up, most people notice hepatitis B symptoms within 1 to 4 months after coming into contact with the virus. Most cases of acute hepatitis B get resolved after the hepatitis B symptoms disappear in about a few weeks or months. Chronic hepatitis B, on the other hand, describes an HBV infection that lasts longer than 6 months at a time. Once the infection reaches the chronic stage, the hepatitis B symptoms may never disappear completely. Children are at a much higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis B symptoms. Why You Need to Know About Hepatitis B Symptoms?
8 noticeable signs of excess sugar intake

8 noticeable signs of excess sugar intake

The number of diabetes cases has risen over the past few years. Research suggests specific contagious viruses can replicate within the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin, affecting the hormone’s synthesis and secretion. Moreover, the mild inflammation triggered by these viruses worsens diabetes by causing insulin resistance. While people know the general health risks of eating too much sugar, there is an urgent need to identify the eight signs of excessive sugar intake. Increase in appetite Sugary foods are rich in calories. But they do not have the nutritional value that the body otherwise gains from proteins, fiber, and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Empty calories cannot satiate a full-grown adult. So, to fill this void, many people turn to compulsive snacking throughout the day. Excess fatigue People who eat sugary foods and beverages regularly might experience frequent bouts of fatigue. Excess sugar triggers abnormal changes in insulin levels, and energy levels drop rapidly as the body tries to process the extra calories. Acne and skin problems One of the most noticeable signs of excess sugar intake is adult acne and skin problems. This is mainly because of blood glucose imbalance since the body’s glycemic levels influence skin health. Digestive problems Sugar is an underlying irritant that can result in many digestive problems. People may experience stomach pain and cramping. Diarrhea is also a significant risk factor for those with gastrointestinal issues. Dental problems Having sugary foods and beverages every day increases the risk of cavities. The bacteria in the mouth thrive off particles left behind in the molars, leading to cavities and other dental problems. Joint pain Sugar is also an inflammatory trigger, so those suffering from joint problems will experience more pain with increased inflammation. Trouble sleeping Glycemic levels in the body also influence sleep cycles.
New and existing treatments for psoriatic arthritis

New and existing treatments for psoriatic arthritis

Know about the New and Existing Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes a long-term condition in most people and may become worse with time, especially if left untreated. When the person suffering from this disease is not given proper treatment or when the treatment is prolonged, it can cause serious damage to the joints in the body. To avoid serious and permanent joint damages, it is important to get an early diagnosis. Learning and knowing the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is hence important to get the right diagnosis and timely treatment. Psoriatic arthritis may develop post a psoriasis disease. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaly patches that develops on the skin. Not all types of psoriasis lead to psoriatic arthritis; however, in some cases of psoriasis can lead to an onset of psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body. When psoriatic arthritis occurs in the spine, the condition is called spondylitis. It causes a stiffness in the neck or back, causing difficulty to the person while bending. People who have psoriatic arthritis may also get tender spots in the tendons. This causes a pain in the feet or the back of the heel. Most people fear a permanent joint damage that could be caused by psoriatic arthritis; however, it is not entirely true. Psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage; however, this can only happen when it is left untreated or when the treatment is provided too late. An early diagnosis and treatment can cure psoriatic arthritis and not cause any harm to the joint. There are different types of treatments available to cure psoriatic arthritis. To know about them, read on! Existing treatments for psoriatic arthritis Patients with psoriatic arthritis undergo several types of treatments, some of them include doses of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines.
Causes And Cure for Swollen Finger Pain

Causes And Cure for Swollen Finger Pain

There can be many causes for swollen fingers, but when it occurs, it causes a lot of pain and discomfort. It becomes difficult to flex and move your fingers. Even simple tasks like picking up a pen, or writing becomes difficult. Swelling can occur due to injuries, allergies and also as symptoms of other diseases like arthritis. It can also be because of fluid retention. Blunt force injuries, injuries that cause a hematoma, a condition in which packets of blood accumulate outside the blood vessels after a finger trauma. Injuries can also occur if a thorn, a wood splitter or if other foreign objects penetrate your skin. Strains, fractures, sprains and other traumatic injuries on the hand, can also cause swollen fingers. Other causes may include – Animal bites on the finger can cause wounds and swelling. Insect bites and stings can also trigger finger inflammation. Tight gloves, rings that have become a tight fit on your finger, and other such constrictions can interrupt blood flow and cause swelling. Paronychia and Cellulitis are infections that can occur in the region of the hands and fingers, and cause swelling and pain. Septic Arthritis is caused by bacterial infection in the joints. This can also affect finger joints. Septic Bursitis can be another main cause. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs near your joints. These cushion the muscles, tissues, and tendons and prevent friction in the joint regions. When there is inflammation of the bursae, it is called bursitis. Bursitis in your finger joints can be extremely painful. Lymphedema is a condition, where the Lymph fluid does not drain out of your body properly and starts collecting in places like your feet and hands. This can lead to the swelling of your hands and fingers. Heat can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to inflammation, redness, and soreness in the fingers and hands.
Foods That You Should Avoid When Suffering from Arthritis

Foods That You Should Avoid When Suffering from Arthritis

Arthritis, a disease that affects your bones and joints, is characterized by inflammation and pain that can worsen with age. It is a very common condition. Although the effects of this condition can be reduced, it can never get completely cured. Foods like fish, nuts, and vegetables help prevent arthritis. However, some foods can cause inflammation and trigger the many symptoms of arthritis. There are many foods that you should avoid if you’re suffering from arthritis. Some of these include: AGEs Advanced Glycogen End (AGE) is a toxic substance that is formed when food is grilled, fried, or heated up in any form. This substance can cause damage to the proteins in your body. To fight this damage, your body releases cytokines, an inflammatory substance, which could trigger arthritis. Sugar High amounts of sugar in your food could also contribute to the development of AGEs. It is best to reduce the intake of candies, sodas, and other items that are rich in sugar. Dairy The protein found in dairy products is harmful to some people with arthritis, as it irritates the joints. If dairy products disturb your health, it is recommended you shift to vegan products which do not contain this protein. However, some studies have shown that milk has anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, you should only stop dairy if your body reacts negatively. Alcohol Alcohol leads to several health issues, one of them being arthritis. Drinking can increase the chances of you developing gout as well. Avoid alcohol as much as possible and concentrate on a healthier lifestyle to keep your joints free from irritation and stiffness. Tobacco Tobacco is a major culprit when it comes to health issues. Along with other major diseases, tobacco can also trigger inflammation that causes arthritis. The most common form of arthritis caused by tobacco is rheumatoid arthritis.
Hepatitis C – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Hepatitis C – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease which is also contagious. The disease spreads via blood contact and it is necessary to avoid any exposure to the hepatitis C virus. The infection can go on to be chronic and can be treated with medications. HCV can also cause liver cancer and in some worse conditions, it can also lead to death. The virus usually invades the liver which causes dysfunction and swelling. It is possible for a person to get re-infected with the virus that has a different strain. Symptoms of HCV Acute Hepatitis C Due to the lack of definitive symptoms, acute hepatitis C is very rarely diagnosed. People even refer to it as a silent epidemic. From exposure to symptoms, it takes up to 4 to 15 weeks. Symptoms of the same could be nausea, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice. Chronic Hepatitis C When the virus remains in the blood for more than six months, hepatitis becomes chronic. During diagnosis, if the HCV virus is detected for more than two times then the chronic HCV is confirmed. The infection will continue unless it is treated with proper medication. It should be noted that after 25 to 30 years the infection might result in scarring or even fibrosis of the liver. If the situation worsens then it can cause liver cancer and even liver failure. The damage of the disease is not apparent until the liver is almost on the verge of collapse. Proper treatments for Hep C are the only way to go in this case. Causes of HCV Hepatitis C is caused by the HCV virus. Viruses are usually inactive unless they enter a living body. These viruses then attack the cell and start replicating. In case of chronic HCV, millions of copies of the virus are produced in the body.
Understanding the Causes of Leg Pain

Understanding the Causes of Leg Pain

Leg pain is a common physical ailment that occurs due to an injury or trauma. Sometimes, it happens due to underlying medical conditions. The reason for leg pain may vary, but sometimes, it causes severe discomfort. Leg pain may either be acute or chronic. Acute pain has mild symptoms, and self-care is enough to treat it. However, chronic pain persists for a long time and can have severe symptoms. The acute pain may also stay for a long time and lead to chronic disorders. Types of leg pain The different kinds of leg pain are as follows: Leg cramps: Leg cramps are common among old people and usually occurs at night. The calf muscles at the back of the leg tighten and cause pain. The muscle cramps last for a few seconds or minutes and reduce after stretching. One should not ignore these cramps if the pain is severe. Shin splints: Shin splints occur in the front of the legs, and its cause may be overused muscles. It occurs when there is a sudden increase in the activities involving the legs. Resting the legs for some time helps to relieve the pain. However, at times, the splints may lead to fractures. Achilles tendon injury: A common symptom of this condition is pain near the heel bone. One of the leading causes of this pain is wearing high-heeled shoes. Ignoring the pain may lead to a rupture of the tendon. Hence, one should notice the early symptoms and take proper care. Hamstring strain: Hamstring strain is an injury to the muscles at the back of the thighs. It may be due to exercising without an adequate warm up. Hamstring strain usually causes acute pain, but there may be a possibility of a partial muscle tear. Sciatica: A pressure on the sciatic nerves, usually in the spine, causes pain in the legs.
Know about the Various Causes of Vertigo

Know about the Various Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo refers to a medical condition in which a person feels like the objects surrounding them are constantly moving while they are not. It is a feeling of dizziness which may be accompanied by vomiting, headache, nausea, sweating, and trouble while walking. In case a person has an illusion that they are moving, it is called subjective vertigo. Also, when a person has an illusion that everything around them is moving, it is called objective vertigo. Causes of vertigo Many causes lead to vertigo – it is divided into peripheral and central causes. In case the cause of vertigo is central, it may occur due to a problem in the cerebellum part of the brain. It is the part positioned at the lowermost part of the brain. Vertigo could also be due to a problem in the brainstem which is the part of the brain linked to the spinal cord. Whereas if the cause of vertigo is peripheral, it is due to the trouble in the balancing system of the inner ear. Peripheral vertigo The most common causes leading to peripheral vertigo are as follows: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) It is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate particles accumulate in the inner ear’s fluid-filled canals. It may occur when one is standing, moving their head around and even bending. The attacks of vertigo due to BPPV can be intense and periodic and last for a short span of time. A person may feel lightheadedness, loss of balance and their eyes may move hysterically for a brief period. BPPV is said to arise due to an infection in the ear, a head injury, after an ear surgery or even prolonged bed rest. Head injury Head injury is another cause of peripheral vertigo that leads to a person feeling dizzy.
Treatment Options for Different Types of Skin Rashes

Treatment Options for Different Types of Skin Rashes

A noticeable change in the color or texture of the skin is known as a rash. Your skin might become bumpy, itchy, scaly, or maybe irritated. There are various types of skin rashes one can suffer from, and so, here is a close look at most types. This article will help you identify the rash or know when to consult a doctor so that you can get treated effectively. Many rashes can be managed at home as well. Flea Bites This is one such type of skin rash that is generally located in clusters mainly on the feet and lower legs. They are generally itchy and manifest in the form of a red bump that is surrounded by a red ring. The symptom follows soon after being bitten. Fifth disease Rashes in this disease usually are accompanied by low fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue, runny nose, nausea, and diarrhea. This type of skin rash is more common in children, and they manifest as a bright red, round rash on the cheeks. One can also find a lacy patterned rash on legs, arms, and upper body. Rosacea This is one such chronic skin disease which follows a cycle of relapse and fading. The four subtypes of the disease include a variety of symptoms. Few of the common symptoms include raised red bumps, facial flushing, skin sensitivity, and skin dryness. Impetigo This is more commonly observed in children and babies. To identify skin rash due to this condition look for rashes near the chin, mouth, and nose. The rash usually forms a honey-colored crust on the skin. Fluid-filled blisters can also accompany the rash. Ringworm They are scaly rashes in a circular shape with a raised border. Usually, the skin in the middle of the ring looks healthy and clear, while the edges may keep spreading outward.