All You Need to Know about Pinched Nerve

All You Need to Know about Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is put on a nerve by the surrounding tissues like the bones, the tendons, the cartilage, or muscles. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s functioning and causes pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness. A pinched nerve can occur at a number of sites in the body. For example, a herniated disc in the lower spine may put too much pressure on the nerve root, causing pain that radiates down the back of the leg. Similarly, a pinched nerve in the wrist can cause pain and numbness in the hands and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome). Nerves extend from the brain and the spinal cord, sending important messages throughout the body. When an individual has a pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression, the body may send warning signals like pain. It is important to not ignore these warning signals. The damage from a pinched nerve may be severe or minor. It may cause long-lasting or temporary problems. The earlier a diagnosis is made and treatment for nerve compression is started, the more quickly one will find relief. In some cases, the damage from a pinched nerve may not be reversed. But treatment options usually relieve pain and other symptoms associated with a pinched nerve. Signs and symptoms With a pinched nerve, sometimes pain may be the only symptoms. Or there may be other symptoms without any pain. Some of the common signs and symptoms associated with a pinched nerve are: Pain in the area of compressions, such as the lower back or the neck Weakness, especially during certain activities Radiating pain, such as radicular pain or sciatica A burning or a “pins and needles” sensation Tingling or numbness Sometimes, the symptoms may worsen when one tries certain movements, such straining the neck or turning the head.
Home Remedies for Constipation That You Need to Know

Home Remedies for Constipation That You Need to Know

The constipation remedies are determined after finding out the reasons for constipation which may include certain foods in the diet, medication, choice of lifestyle, and also certain diseases. Before selecting a remedy, it is important to understand the side effects. Understanding constipation If bowel movements are three or fewer in a week it is an indication of constipation and constipation remedies need to be sought. This is accompanied by bloating, extreme discomfort as well as pain while passing stools. There are significant repercussions on your physical, mental health and the overall quality of life. Home remedies for constipation Drinking water : Dehydration could be a major cause for constipation. Therefore, in order to avoid constipation, it is important to drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated. For people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, carbonated water could be more effective. Carbonated drinks such as soda with sugar, however, should be avoided at all costs as they cause greater damage. Drinking water is one of the most effective remedies for constipation. Soluble fiber : Add more fiber to your diet especially if you feel constipated. The consistency and bulk of bowels are said to improve with higher fiber content in the diet that helps them to pass with more ease. There are two types of dietary fibers, namely soluble and insoluble fibers. Wheat bran, whole grain, and vegetables contain insoluble fibers. They make stools bulkier ensuring that their passage through the digestive system is quicker and easier. Oat bran, nuts, barley, beans, seeds, peas, lentils, certain fruits and vegetables have soluble fibers. By absorbing water, they lead to the formation of a paste which is like gel, and this acts a stool softener and consistency is improved. However, it might have adverse effects in people with irritable bowel syndrome. The most effective solution is non-fermentable soluble fiber like psyllium.
Pneumonia – Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, and Diagnosis

Pneumonia – Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, and Diagnosis

Pneumonia symptoms, whether mild or severe, should be immediately examined by a physician. A medical professional will suggest the right tests for diagnosing this disease. One should strictly follow the post-treatment precautions recommended by the doctor. Symptoms of pneumonia The symptoms of pneumonia range from mild to severe. Other factors that affect the signs of this condition are the type of pneumonia, the age of the patient as well as the state of health. Here are some signs of pneumonia: Cough Patients experience incessant coughing. It is accompanied by mucus, which may be green or yellow. There might be traces of blood in the mucus. It is one of the classic symptoms of bronchitis or pneumonia. Fever Another symptom of pneumonia is a fever. It could range from mild to high fever. Chills along with shaking Patients who have pneumonia are likely to feel extremely cold, and they are also likely to shiver or shake with it. Labored breathing You might feel short of breath while climbing a flight of stairs. Sharp pain in the chest Deep breathing or coughing could induce sharp or stabbing chest pain. Headaches There might be headaches which are of different intensities. A high amount of sweating People report sweating and moistness of the skin. Poor appetite Patients have no desire to eat. They also experience reduced energy levels and a lot of fatigue. Confusion Senior citizens may experience a feeling of confusion with other symptoms of pneumonia. Types of pneumonia Bacterial pneumonia In this type of pneumonia, temperatures reach alarming levels of up to 105 degrees. It could be accompanied by an excessive amount of sweating. The intensity of breathing goes up, and so does the pulse rate. Because of a deficiency of oxygen in the blood, the lips, as well as nail beds, might turn blue.
Choosing the Best Mattress for Back Pain Management

Choosing the Best Mattress for Back Pain Management

Back pain is one of the biggest chronic conditions affecting a majority of people across the country. It is one of the toughest medical conditions to deal with. It is very difficult to treat and cure this condition. The National Institute of Health states that close to 80% of people in the country suffer from back pain in some form or the other. There are many causes of back pain. It includes sprains, accidents and spinal degeneration. Poor posture and lack of exercise also cause an increase in back pain. It is also more common in the case of people who work in the same sitting posture for a long time. How do mattresses help with managing back pain? One of the major causes of back pain is sleeping on surfaces which are hard and uneven. It is one of those common problems which may cause a disability in people. The efforts to prevent back pain focuses on a person’s habits and lifestyle changes. It is also important to consider reducing back pain while sleeping. There are a lot of implications on the back while a person is sleeping. The spine and the muscles rest while a person is asleep. Thus, proper support and alignment are necessary to reduce soreness during sleep. The mattress people choose to sleep on has a major role to play in this regard. According to studies, sleeping on the right kind of mattress helps in reducing the symptoms of back pain to a large extent. The best mattresses for back pain will ensure proper alignment of the spine to reduce back pain. There are different types of mattresses which are suitable for back pain. One has to look for various factors in choosing the right mattress. The main factors to consider are firmness and the material used in the mattress.
Effective Treatment Options for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Effective Treatment Options for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatica is referred to as the pain or irritation of the sciatic nerve. It has been found that around 4 in 10 people experience sciatic nerve pain at one point in their lives. The nerve originates from the lower spine on either side of the legs. It then travels down along the upper leg before splitting at the knees to cover the feet. Before one seeks treatment for sciatic nerve pain, they must know the exact cause. Pain can result from anything that exerts pressure or irritates the nerves. This pain will be felt at the back of one thigh or buttock. The intensity of the pain might vary from one person to the other depending on the extent of pressure and the general health status. The pain may be mild, a burning sensation, sharp sting, or extreme discomfort. At its worst, one would feel numbness, a tingling feeling, and extreme weakness. It is worsened by long hours of sitting or standing, sneezing, coughing, straining, lifting, or twisting. Types of sciatic nerve pain Sciatic nerve pain may be divided into two types depending on the frequency of occurrence and the extent of pain experienced. Acute sciatica – The pain appears unannounced and may disappear within a short while. A common treatment option for this type of sciatic nerve pain could be using over-the-counter medicines. Exercises such as light walking and stretching could also help provide relief. Hot and cold treatment therapies are also recommended, with emphasis on the spot where one is experiencing the pain. One can only use self-medicating painkillers after identifying the cause of pain. Chronic sciatica – This pain is prolonged and will, therefore, require continued treatment or medication. One would need a medical diagnosis to ascertain that one is experiencing sciatic nerve pain and not anything else.
5 Ways to Cure Nail Fungus

5 Ways to Cure Nail Fungus

Have you been searching for the best cure for toenail fungus? Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects your toenail. Usually, the most noticeable symptom is a brown, yellow or white discoloration on any of your toenails. If you do not find a cure for the nail fungus, the condition can spread and cause your nails to thicken or crack. Whether it is sandal season or not, you don’t want to see toenail fungus every time you look at your feet. Fortunately, you can cure nail fungus if you know the right treatments. Here are the top five nail fungus cures recommended by experts: ZetaClear ZetaClear tops our list of the top five nail fungus cures. ZetaClear is a product from Health Buy which is an effective over-the-counter treatment option for nail fungus. This product treats toenail fungus effectively and ensures customer satisfaction. The company uses carefully selected natural ingredients to produce a paste that guarantees to cure toenail fungus in 90 days. ZetaClear comes with a solution as well as a homeopathic blend which is sprayed under the tongue to stimulate your body’s immune system, thus helping you fight the infection naturally. You can pick this product from e-commerce websites like Amazon, as well as from a local pharmacy near you. If your fungal infection has just started, you can be sure that you will get relief from this problem in twelve weeks at the most. Laser treatment Laser treatment involves directly focusing a laser beam on the infected area of your toenail. This laser light passes directly through the nail and penetrates the nail bed to destroy the fungus that causes the infection. It works by killing the fungus without damaging your skin or nail. The treatment procedure lasts only for half an hour, and one can observe the results after approximately a month.
Kegel Exercises for Men and Their Benefits

Kegel Exercises for Men and Their Benefits

Exercise is essential to stay fit and maintain proper body functionality. Kegel exercises are necessary for several reasons. It is not limited to just women, men can also benefit from Kegel exercisies. Kegel for men can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles considerably. This helps in supporting bladder and bowel movement. It also improves sexual function. The best thing about Kegel exercises is that they can be practiced at just about any time! Before you start doing these exercises, you need to find out how to locate the correct muscles for the same. You must have an understanding of the technique as well. Here is how Kegel for men is beneficial. Benefits of kegel for men The benefits of Kegel exercises include enhancement of sexual performance, increased support for bladder movement and smooth bowel movements. While there is no reason for you to not already be proficient in these things, there are several factors which may be hampering your functioning in these processes. The pelvic floor muscles are involved in these processes and these may be weakened by conditions like diabetes, an overactive bladder and the surgical removal of the prostate. You can greatly benefit from Kegel exercises for men if you have fecal incontinence, or urinary problems such as dribbling after urination, especially once you have left the toilet and can no longer control it. Kegel exercises for men To perform Kegel exercises for men, it is essential to know the technique of doing it. Some of these exercises may involve starting and stopping your urinary stream. It is advised by doctors to avoid making it a habit as it could lead to bladder infections. It is also advised to not hold back the urge to urinate. This too could lead to bladder infections. To get started with Kegel exercises for men, here are the steps you must follow.
7 Ways to Naturally Dissolve Kidney Stones

7 Ways to Naturally Dissolve Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis or renal lithiasis, are residual hard deposits of salts and minerals, which form inside your kidneys. There are several causes for kidney stones and it can affect any part of the urinary tract, right from the kidneys to the bladder. Many times when the urine gets concentrated stones are formed which then allows minerals to stick with each other due to crystallization. Passing kidney stones is a painful activity; however, the stones do not lead to serious permanent damage, if they are identified in early stages. Depending on the situation of the person, one might only be required to drink lots of water and take some medication for the pain to pass on the kidney stone. However, in complex cases where the stones get lodged somewhere in the urinary tract, it can lead to complications or even a urinary infection. In certain cases, surgery might be required to fix the condition. Your doctor will also tell you about some preventive methods to reduce the risk of developing them again. Let us look at a few methods using which you can dissolve kidney stones. Water – One of the easiest ways to treat or prevent kidney stones is by drinking lots of water. Most of the health experts recommend drinking 8 glasses of water/day or 64 ounces of water/day. People suffering from kidney stones should consider drinking around 12 glasses of water/day to ease out the passage or slow the growth rate of the deposits in the kidney. Lemon juice – Since lemons contain lots of citrates, a compound known to slow the growth and break down calcium deposits, they help dissolve kidney stones. You might consider having two 5 oz glasses early in the morning on an empty stomach and another after a couple of hours after dinner, to help break down smaller kidney stones.
Ways to Treat Tinnitus Naturally

Ways to Treat Tinnitus Naturally

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom or sign of something wrong with the auditory system which includes your ear, the auditory nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain and the parts of the brain that are responsible for processing sounds. There are a variety of conditions that can cause tinnitus out of which the most common is the noise-induced hearing loss. Tinnitus is usually described as a ringing in one or both the ears, but it can also sound as clicking, hissing, roaring or buzzing even when no external sound is present. The sound can be very soft, loud or even high or low pitched. People experiencing severe tinnitus face various problems with hearing, working or sleeping. But before you go to the tinnitus natural cure discussion, let’s talk about the various sounds people hear and the possible underlying causes behind it. Clicking: People hear this type of sound in bursts when the muscle contracts in and around the ear which may last from several seconds to a few minutes. Rushing or humming: This type of sound is usually vascular in origin which you may notice during exercising or changing positions during a workout. Heartbeat: In this case, the sound of your heartbeat gets amplified in your ears if you have blood vessel problems such as high blood pressure, tumor or even the blockage of the ear canals or the eustachian tube. Low-pitched ringing: Meniere’s disease is responsible for producing low-pitched ringing in one or both the ears. Sometimes, these low-pitched sounds become intense during a vertigo attack. High-pitched ringing: Getting exposed to very loud noises or a blow to the ear can cause a high-pitch ringing in the ears that may stay from few hours to a few days. However, hearing loss due to long-term noise exposure or age-related health issues can make tinnitus permanent.
Things You Need to Know about Omega 3 Supplements

Things You Need to Know about Omega 3 Supplements

When it comes to supplements—the dose makes all the difference. There are some supplements that are more needed than others. Omega 3 is one such supplement. However, choosing the right kind of supplement for the right kind of nutritional requirement is important. If you’re reading this, then you have probably might have been prescribed with supplements by your doctor—in which case this isn’t an issue for you. Your doctor would probably recommend a prescription that includes one of the best omega 3 supplements. However, if you’ve simply been notified of a deficiency and if you are on the lookout for supplements—knowing how to pick the best one can make a world of a difference. What is Omega 3 and why do I need it? This is a crucial question that needs answering before you choose a supplement for you. Omega 3 fatty acids are crucial for your health. What makes them special is that your body cannot simply synthesize it when needed—it needs to be taken through one’s diet. A typical western diet will undoubtedly leave you with an Omega 3 deficiency. Omega 3 is found in fish, nuts, and very few plants. On the other hand, a strictly vegetarian diet can also likely leave you deficient of Omega 3. Unless you’re eating a steady supply of fatty sea fish, you’re probably in need of the best Omega 3 supplements that you can get your hands on. They contribute to proper brain functioning in a way no other nutrient does. Omega 3 supplements are essential for biological functions that happen in the nervous system. So, now that you know what it is and why it’s needed, revise your diet and get yourself checked. In case if you have an omega 3 deficiency you need to know how to pick the right and best supplement.
All You Need to Know about Diverticulitis

All You Need to Know about Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the case of old people. It’s a treatable condition provided that the patient gets early and appropriate intervention. What is diverticulitis? It is a condition where there is an inflammation or infection in the diverticula or small pouches that develop in the lining of the intestine. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy more than 50% of people above 60, and nearly everyone over the age of 80 has diverticula in their intestines. These pouches may not pose a health risk provided that they don’t get inflamed or infected. Uncomplicated diverticulitis If diverticulitis does develop, it may be a minor irritant, and one can treat it with a course of antibiotics. In more than 75% of cases, there are no severe complications, and a routine CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. About one-third of the total patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, and in younger patients, intervention and testing procedures are necessary. Serious cases Sometimes, the condition can become chronic, and surgery may be required. In about one-fourth of the cases, patients develop complicated diverticulitis with the formation of abscesses, fissures, obstruction, fistula, and obstruction of the bowel. Perforation of the bowel is a major complication because the patient faces the risk of developing peritonitis. Causes Though the direct causes are not known, some factors do seem significant. Age affects the elasticity and strength of the intestine walls. Patients find it difficult to pass stools, and there is more strain on the colon which results in the formation of diverticula. Undigested food collects in these pouches, causing inflammation and infection. This condition is quite common among people who are over the age of 80. Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and eating a fiber-deficient diet could be some of the causes.
Gout Pain – Symptoms and Treatment

Gout Pain – Symptoms and Treatment

All of a sudden one experiences extreme pain in the big toe or other joints. The pain is excruciating and occurs at any time of the day. Such symptoms are typical of gout. Gout pain is a complex type of arthritic pain that occurs due to the build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream. The accumulation of uric acid forms sharp crystals in bone joints. The most common location where gout occurs is the big toe. A gout attack can occur to anyone. A gout attack typically lasts for 10 days, out of which extreme pain occurs during the initial three days. Gout attack starts at one joint and spreads to other joints when not treated. Pain relief for gout can be achieved by reducing the inflammation. Prompt treatment of gout foot pain results in the reduction of inflammation and pain and prevents spreading to other joints as well. Symptoms of gout pain Symptoms of gout pain vary with the severity and build-up of uric acid. Extremely painful gout pain is caused when the uric acid accumulates to the extent where crystals are formed at the joints. The common symptoms of gout pain are: Excruciating pain in the joints : Big toe is the most common joint that is affected by gout pain. It can also spread to other joints like elbow, ankle, wrists, and fingers. The first two to three days of a gout attack are most painful. Swollen joints : Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid at joints. This accumulation manifests as a swelling or bulge at the joints. Excessive uric acid deposits form crystals at the joints, which appear like tiny nodes under the skin. Moderate discomfort : After the extreme pain reduces, moderate to mild pain lingers at the joints. This discomfort lasts for weeks.