Neck pain is a condition most people experience all around the world. Research has shown that between 22% and 70% of people in the country experience neck pain during their lifetime. Herein, we provide a brief overview of neck nerve pain, its causes, symptoms, and essential exercises you should try for a pinched neck nerve. What is Pinched Neck Nerve? This is a damaged or injured nerve in your neck. The damage can occur due to different reasons including constriction, compression, and the overstretching of your nerve. Pinched nerves occur in the neck due to the following reasons: Narrowing Spinal Space Also known as spinal stenosis, this condition involves the narrowing of the space within the bones that encase the spinal cord (vertebrae) which in turn squeezes the nerves in the neck. Herniated Disks Whenever a cervical disk slips out of place, the pressure is placed on your neck nerves. Degeneration of Disks Factors like age can cause the spinal disks to degenerate. When this occurs, the vertebra becomes compressed, leading to a nerve pinch. Bony Growths Bony growths that occur in the neck due to degenerative disk diseases normally place pressure on the surrounding nerves. Other than these cases, a pinched nerve may occur mainly due to poor posture (rounded shoulders and a forward head posture). Such a posture places more stress on certain neck areas, and this can cause; Inflammation in the area where your nerves exit the spine and extend to the arms A bulge of the disk that sits between vertebrae; this, in turn, compresses the nerves that exit from the spine Symptoms of Neck Nerve Pain The symptoms of pinched neck nerve pain may vary depending on the nerve that it is involved. You may experience pain near the shoulder blades, on one side of the neck or numbness and tingling in the arm.

According to research, it is estimated that around 103 million people in the country live with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. They also say that high blood pressure incidences rose by 38% between 2005 and 2015, killing around 79,000 people in this period. The AHA redefined high blood pressure as a reading of 130/80, from an earlier definition of a reading of 140/90. The first number is the systolic pressure (when your heart beats), and the second number is the diastolic pressure (between heartbeats). If you are living with this condition and looking for how to lower high blood pressure, it would be best to start by looking at the causes. What causes high blood pressure? Although the exact causes of high blood pressure have never been pinpointed, health experts agree that there are a number of indicators that lead to it. Lack of physical exercise and the attendant weight problems Kidney problems Disorders of the thyroid and adrenal glands Excessive alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks per day) Excessive salt intake Sleep disorders Diabetes Smoking People over 65 years are more likely to have high blood pressure A history of high blood pressure in the family What are the risks of high blood pressure? High blood pressure increases the load on your cardiovascular system. The heart is forced to pump harder. Blood vessels get hardened and develop tears. Some of the serious health conditions that develop include: Stroke Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) Heart attack Loss of vision Kidney disorders/failure How to lower high blood pressure? A majority of people living with high blood pressure depend on medication, with more serious conditions requiring a daily dose. However, health experts recommend lifestyle adjustments to lower the risks of developing high blood pressure. Here are some tips on how to lower high blood pressure without necessarily depending on medications.

Mold is a fungus that is known to grow in areas having a lot of moisture. The mold spores present in the air indoors or outdoors may trigger several health conditions including mold allergies. Many factors can cause the growth of mold. Unknown leakage, moisture build up in unreachable places, damp areas under the carpet, and so on are areas where mold growth is most susceptible. Molds may grow all through the year, and this is precisely why mold allergies can crop up at any time of the year. People who develop allergies to mold may show symptoms of mold from mid-summer to early fall. People with weak immunity or high sensitivity often lie at a greater risk of getting mold allergy. The symptoms of mold allergy are histamine-mediated and strikingly similar to air-borne allergies. While the severity of the symptoms of mold varies with every individual, the health risk may depend on the extent of mold exposure. Some of the symptoms of mold that may appear immediately on exposure or over time have been listed below. Sneezing, coughing, and congestion Often people attacked by spore allergies initially display signs of a cold or sinus infection. Symptoms of mold allergy are accompanied by a runny nose, post nasal drips, continuous sneezing, and coughing. Watery eyes and redness People with mold spore reactions have symptoms of mold infection in the form of eye irritation, redness, itchy eyes, and the like. While these symptoms resemble that of a viral or seasonal infection, it is important that these are treated with anti-mold allergy drugs. Blurred vision, mood swings, and sharp pains may also be other symptoms of mold-induced allergies. Often, people administer generic over-the-counter drugs that may either not be effective or worsen the condition. It is, therefore, extremely important to consult a doctor for prescribed medication to tackle the disease.

Fewer than three bowels movements a week is referred to as constipation. Constipation also implies having to strain too much to create bowel movement or pass stools that are dry, hard and small. But once the s evere constipation causes are known, there are various steps and treatments that can be implemented to cure and prevent it. The main causes of severe constipation are usually associated with diet and lifestyle, although there may occur some medical conditions that can also become a cause. In terms of lifestyle, a poor diet and sedentary, inactive lifestyle are the common s evere constipation causes . The human digestive system suffers greatly when consumption of junk food is not monitored, and unhealthy eating habits can wreak havoc on the human digestive system. Factors directly linked to the diet that can create conditions for constipation are: Foods containing high levels of fat and sugar Low levels of water Low levels of other fluids Dairy products Lack of foods that contain high fiber like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Too much caffeine or alcohol Another very important factor is the importance of defecating as soon as the need arises, instead of putting it off for a more convenient time or place, since delays can make the body move into a phase of constipation. Sometimes, changes in the normal routine also cause digestive and bowel problems, as the human body is designed for routine. Sporadic use of bathroom, inconsistent activity, dietary changes, inadequate water consumption and general lack of exercise are some examples. It is therefore important while traveling or changing the schedule to eat high fiber foods that are healthy and drink enough water, along with a little bit of exercise to help the body maintain its physiological habits. Medications can be another cause of constipation since frequently prescribed medications can serve constipation as a common side effect.

Are you experiencing pain in your big toe? The pain is accompanied by burning or swelling! Well, this can be a symptom of gout. An arthritis pain caused due to faulty metabolism process, gout mostly affects the big toe of patients. Apart from causing pain and stiffness, it may also lead to swelling of the affected area. People affected with gout problems not just have to experience difficulty during movement, pain, and stiffness often awaken them in the middle of the night. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout or have been diagnosed with the condition, you need to act intelligently. Once diagnosed gout becomes a chronic condition, yet there is no need to get disheartened. With a little care, you can certainly control the pain and live comfortably. Here are some of the popular and best gout treatments you can do at home: Take adequate rest: As your toes and feet are worst affected by gout pain, it will be better for you to reduce further stress in these parts. Take bed rest as much as possible to heal the swelling and get back to normal life. Also avoid covering the affected areas with clothes, as this increases the discomfort. Footwear is also not recommended for this condition. Applying cold compress: This is one of the best gout treatments that is a simple yet effective way to deal with the pain and discomfort related to gout. Take some ice in an ice-pack or get a dry ice-pack from a medicine store and apply in the affected area to ease the pain. However, do not apply ice directly on your skin. Keep your body hydrated: Drinking sufficient water is important for everyone, yet it is more important for people with gout problems and is perhaps one of the most effective and best gout treatments.

Obstructive sleep apnea better known as snoring, is a potentially fatal disorder. It restraints breathing of the individual during sleep. People use Oral Appliances like mouth guards to control, or stop obstructive sleep apnea. This helps them sleep better and reduce various health risks associated with it. Risks of untreated or undertreated sleep apnea include heart attack, stroke, deadly heart rhythms, mood and memory disorder. So, it is important to take this seemingly harmless habit seriously and treat it before the condition worsens. Use Of Oral Appliances/Mouth Devices Oral appliances or mouth devices are an alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy(CPAP) or oral surgery for sleep apnea. Overweight individuals use it along with weight loss therapies. These mouth guards work by reducing the turbulence in airflow and inhibit snoring. These sleep apnea mouth guards or mouth pieces are most effective when the disorder is mild or moderate. These dental devices are adopted in the early stages of sleep apnea. A sleep study to diagnose the severity is recommended by the physician, before use. Another sleep study to understand the effectiveness of the appliance may also be recommended. Features Of Mouth Devices Or Dental Appliances Sleep apnea mouth guards are custom-made by dentists and laboratories to best suit your condition. The design is aimed at enhanced comfort and increased patient compliance. Sleep apnea oral devices or appliances reduce snoring, by increasing the air passageway between the jaws. The device pushes the lower jaw forward, over the upper jaw, to make the correction. Most sleep apnea mouth guards come with an adjustable feature. Allowing patients to make small increments for the increased airway. So they can personalize it to suit their comfort. Most common sleep apnea mouth guard features are: Adjustable position provided with a telescopic hinge. Free and full range of motion, allowing the patient to comfortably talk and drink.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease which causes pain and swelling in different parts of the body. It has affected more than 5 million people worldwide so far. Treatment for fibromyalgia can be difficult since the exact reasons are not known for this condition. Due to lack of medications for treating fibromyalgia, many people have begun taking food items which have been listed as curative foods for fibromyalgia. Below are listed some of the food items which help in reducing the incidence of fibromyalgia- Fruits Fruits are known to be complex carbohydrates which give the required energy when taken on regular basis. Fruits like apple and bananas are filled with fiber and will help in treating conditions like fibromyalgia. These can be incorporated during meal times and can be a worthy replacement for dessert. Hence, fruits have to be a part of the best diet for fibromyalgia. Vegetables Similar to fruits, vegetables take little more time for digesting since they are also rich in fiber. These keep the blood glucose level in check and are a viable cure for fibromyalgia. These can be incorporated into the diet in different manners, and you can take spinach for breakfast, bell peppers for lunch and roasted broccoli can be taken as dinner. Eating vegetables on a regular basis will help you get rid of fibromyalgia. It has to be a part of the best diet for fibromyalgia. Salmon Salmon is a food rich in omega 3S and is a healthy brain food. Salmon can be taken on a regular basis and you can couple them with walnuts during lunch hours. Salmon is known to reduce fibromyalgia related inflammation and eases the pain also. Hence, it has to be a part of the best diet for fibromyalgia. Chicken and Fish Meat like chicken and fish are also a curative food for fibromyalgia.

Most times, headaches cause major discomfort in our regular activities which can lead to a lack of interest in completing tasks. Migraines are a severe form of headaches that causes intense pain that could last from a few hours to days on end. It can also affect other physical activities as well. Migraines are usually caused due to a lack of food and sleep; however, the exact cause of migraine is still unknown. Besides other treatment options, there are some foods that can help manage the condition effectively. Food habits to follow: Intake of vegetables and fruits – Vegetables and fruits have many beneficial factors and help our body in many ways. Whole and natural foods that contain no artificial flavoring and preservatives keep us healthy and avoid conditions such as migraine. Different types of fruits and vegetables in any color can act as pain relief in case of migraine. However, it is important to avoid citrus fruits as it can trigger a migraine. Natural sweeteners such as vanilla extract and maple syrup can also be beneficial. Healthy fresh meat – Always go for fresh meat and avoid processed meat. Fresh meat such as chicken, fish, or red meat are considered to be safe for those suffering from migraines. Red meat and salmon contain a good amount of vitamin B2 that helps in relieving migraine pain. Smoked and processed meat, however, contain a high amount of salt, preservatives, and artificial coloring that can trigger a migraine. Eat mini meals – Hunger is one of the most common reasons for migraines. Eating three large meals can leave you hungry very often and lead to headaches. Eating foods in small portions during the day reduces hunger and helps eradicate migraine. Make sure you eat enough to stay active throughout the day. Drink lots of water – Water has many benefits and helps our body in different ways.

A lot of people experience postnasal drip at some point in their lives. The nose and throat naturally produce mucus to moisten the nasal membranes, clear the nasal passage, and fight infection. However, in case the body starts producing extra mucus, it might get collected in the back of the throat. You may also feel a leaking sensation, where the mucus drips down your throat from the nose. This is termed as postnasal drip. Some of the most common symptoms of postnasal drip are as follows: A bad cough that gets worse at night Bad breath Sore throat Nausea An uncomfortable feeling that you constantly need to clear your throat Common Causes of Postnasal Drip Sometimes, the mucus produced cannot be properly cleared away, resulting in a postnasal drip. Also, conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease and GERD can trigger swallowing troubles that result in the buildup of liquids in the throat. Other common causes are as given below: Allergies Colds and flu Sinusitis or sinus infection Pregnancy Certain blood pressure medications Object stuck in the nose Changing weather or excessively cold temperatures Fumes from cleaning products, smoke, perfumes, etc. Deviated septum Certain foods, especially spicy foods Best Postnasal Drip Treatment The best postnasal drip treatment depends upon the cause. They can be caused due to bacterial and viral infections. In case of a bacterial infection, taking antibiotics can be helpful in finding relief. Moving on, nasal decongestants and antihistamines can help in treating cold and virus infections. Conventional, over-the-counter antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine are not ideal postnasal drip treatment options as they tend to thicken the secretions. On the other hand, newer medicines such as cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, and fexofenadine are more suitable and also have fewer side effects. It is important to note that all these medicines can cause dry mouth and drowsiness.

No underlying disease triggers eczema. Eczema occurs when a patient’s immune system overreacts to some irritant. By taking some preventive measures, one can avoid or relieve the symptoms of this condition. Symptoms of eczema In most cases, eczema comes with itchy skin, irrespective of which body part is affected. One may also develop rashes on the face, behind the knees, hands, wrists or feet, and sometimes, this could be preceded by itching. The affected area has a dry, scaly or thickened appearance. Initially, it has a reddish appearance before becoming brown for people with fair skin. People with a dusky complexion may face a change in pigmentation. The affected area may either get lighter or darker. An oozing crust may also form on the skin, and in the case of infants, this symptom may appear on the face and scalp. Patches, however, can develop anywhere. Causes of eczema While the definitive cause for eczema is not known, it usually appears when the immune system overreacts to an irritant. People with a family history of allergies or asthma face a higher chance of developing this condition. Problems in the skin barrier allow germs and moisture to enter the skin, leading to eczema. Particular conditions or substances are also responsible for triggering itchy rash in some people. Itchiness can also occur when the skin comes in contact with coarse or rough materials. Other triggers include the feeling of excessive heat or cold, being exposed to harsh household items like detergent or soap. Animal dander can also lead to eczema flare-ups. An infection in the upper respiratory tract could also lead to rashes. These rashes could get worse due to stress. While there is no sure shot cure for eczema yet, patients can manage this condition with the help of medication as well as by avoiding irritants.

Battling with scalp psoriasis can be a frustrating and even embarrassing affair. Here are some dos and don’ts that may be helpful in dealing with the disorder. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder of the skin, which is marked by red, flaky, and thickened patches of skin on a person’s body. In several cases, these symptoms occur on the scalp, a condition referred to as scalp psoriasis. This usually causes dry, scaly, red patches of skin on your scalp, and causes it to be covered in silvery scales. It may also cause thick, crusted areas on the scalp, with the plaque peeling off in clumps. Removing this crust can cause bleeding on your scalp too. Symptoms of scalp psoriasis such as itching, redness, and flaky areas can range from mild to severe, and either manifest themselves in small areas or spread all over your scalp. If you are suffering from scalp psoriasis, you know how frustrating it can get. Although not a life-threatening disease, this skin disorder can take a toll on your mental health and social life as it not only causes considerable discomfort, but can be an embarrassing condition as well. There are various treatment options for scalp psoriasis, which include prescription treatments and over-the-counter medications. In addition to these treatments, you can make some lifestyle changes that will help you battle this annoying condition. Here are some simple tips that can go a long way in reducing your scalp psoriasis symptoms and flare-ups. Refrain from using anti-dandruff shampoos Most of the time, people who have scalp psoriasis are advised to use shampoos that contain salicylic acid frequently. While this may work for some people, you may not realize that this acid works by chemically burning the flakes off your scalp. The surfactants used in the shampoo are compounds that are targeted towards removing the oils from your hair.

Many people think that Narcissism is just a phase, but that’s not the truth. Although it is human nature to be selfish and proud, a narcissist takes this to a whole new level. You can identify a narcissist by someone with an extremely high sense of importance and belief that they’re special, unique, or better than the others. About 6% of the entire population suffers from this disorder at least once in their lives and is more common in men than in women. If you think you or someone else has the characteristics of a narcissist, then read further to find out more about this personality disorder. An Overview The hallmark of a narcissist lies in their lack of understanding of someone else’s emotions or pain. They carry a highly inflated notion of themselves, but behind this, they have a relatively low self-esteem which can crack with the slightest bit of criticism. They find the need to be first in everyone’s life. This behavior can become incredibly annoying to people, often leading to the criticism of the narcissist. Symptoms Of Narcissistic Personality Disorder There are several symptoms of a narcissist, some of which are listed down below. A high sense of self-importance. They exaggerate their achievements, talents, and brilliance and expect praise for them even if they haven’t achieved anything that matches to their notion. Always preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited power, fame, success, beauty, etc. Believe that they are special or unique compared to others. Needs constant and excessive praise or admiration. Consider themselves to be entitled to significant privileges and special treatment. Exploits or takes advantages of others needs or beliefs. Most times, they have unreasonable expectations of people. Lacks the power of empathy or fails to understand the emotions or needs of others. Is envious of people.