Temporomandibular Joint Disorder|Joint Pain Relief

Frequent working out, carrying heavy load and the early signs of aging are the common risk factors of arthritis. Overstretching, bending and straining the joints may have an impact on the bone structure of the body. As joints become inflamed, pain is felt usually in the hips, fingers, spine and knees.

Workers engaged in jobs involving physical strain like construction workers, assembly personnel, plumbers, carpenters, etc. are candidates for arthritis. When joints are overused without breaks in between strenuous activities, most likely the joints become injured. Because of this, you may be complaining of backaches, painful hips or stiffness in your fingers. Cases may vary whether these experiences are temporary or caused by fatigue. When they occur most of the time, it may be a sign of something serious. Probably, you have arthritis.

Arthritis is generally used to describe an inflamed joint. It has several types such as rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis and infectious arthritis. The most common is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is popularly referred to as a degenerative joint disease or "wear-and-tear" arthritis affecting the cartilage of a joint. It may also be associated to complex active disease process accompanying the degeneration of joint use. Normally, the cartilage has a smooth layer covering but due to physical strain it wears away or degenerates, thus affecting the cartilage surface.

Defining osteoarthritis, we can say that it is a chronic joint disease which occurs when the joints begin to degenerate causing bone pains, decreased mobility and function. If you come from a family of arthritic people, you can inherit the disease when you age. Aging individuals usually have more brittle cartilage and repairing itself is gradual leading to the possibility of developing arthritis. Obesity is also a risk factor and joint damage may be partly attributed to the heavy body load that the joints support. Heavier patients have a tendency to have arthritis. Previous accidents or injuries can impact the joints and cause rough joint surface, particularly if you have suffered from a fracture.

If you are employed in highly demanding jobs like heavy construction or jobs requiring physical strength, you are assured of having early signs of osteoarthritis. These are a part of the hazards of the job. Although joining sport games is good for the health, when overdone, has detrimental effects to the body. Injuries that you may acquire from playing any sport can lead to arthritis. Joint infection, like septic joint, cases of gout and other medical conditions may somehow be associated to arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is present among older individuals; but it remains a mystery why others in their 40s or 50s remain healthy without any joint problems. One thing is for sure it is an inevitable part of the aging process, especially in women with more brittle bones, degenerated joints and decreased activities.

Since there are several types of arthritis, it is better to consult doctors to determine if what type you have so it can be remedied at once to reduce the possible pain that may be experienced.

Self-help books on osteoarthritis would suggest having a regimen of regular walking or simple exercises to lessen the joint pains and improve joint function. Having a good diet with fruits and vegetables would always be helpful. Using topical ointments may have temporary remedy on painful joints. Losing weight is another way of lessening the weight impact on the joints. If you have a good weight, you can move freely and enjoy more the activities that you do.

With right diet, exercise and an active lifestyle, you can also seek the help of supplements against osteoarthritis. The most complete bone and joint formula on the market today is Phosoplex. It helps reduce joint pains and stiffness with 100% natural and safe ingredients. If you would like to know more about how Phosoplex will help you, you can visit http://www.Phosoplex.com for details.

Just like human beings, animals such as horses also encounter disorders of their bones and one of the very prevalent problems is joint disease. In this situation, the fluid in the joints that stops the two bones from having a contact is not present any more. As a result the two bones slide past each other, making friction and this friction is what makes arthritis extremely distressing. Another term for horse joint disease is degenerative joint disease (DJD) and you will see whether a horse has a high possibility of acquiring this joint problem by simply evaluating its conformation or body structure. Horses which may have conformational troubles are at greater risk of acquiring horse arthritis. This is mainly because that their weight isn't correctly allocated in their body so some joints experience more pressure when compared to others.

Age is also a factor when it comes to horse arthritis because as with humans, this disease is common in older people. As a horse ages, its metabolic activity and other biological processes change, leading to the slow production and repair of cells. When this happens, the bones and cartilages start to degenerate, making them prone to skeletal problems. During an older age, horses will probably be experiencing problems in mobility because of the swollen joint parts.

To assist you see whether the horse has skeletal disorders such as arthritis, look at its legs frequently specifically right after a task. Regular examinations are necessary in order to detect and treat the problem as early as possible. Monitor regardless of whether your own horse is applying an excessive amount of energy for its actions as this could mean that it's going through discomfort. You can suspect that your horse has arthritis but be sure to confirm it with a veterinarian as the difficulty of movement may be a symptom of another disease that is different from horse arthritis.

If your veterinarian confirms that your horse has arthritis, be sure to start the medication as soon as possible. Ask for the best medicine that will alleviate the pain and reduce the inflammation of the joints. You can also look for health supplements that can increase your horse's production of joint fluid to decrease the friction between the bones in the joint. Also, be sure to give your horse the right foods so that he will be supplied with all the necessary nutrients to help it cope with its disease. It's also wise to steer clear of supplying your horse hard job as this will simply create the illness even worse.

Diabetes is an overwhelming disease. You'd think it only affects your major organs such as your heart, kidneys and eyes. But it damages the integrity of other parts of your poor body particularly your muscles, bones and joints. Over time, damage to your skeletal and muscle system and their surrounding connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons cause frailty, deformities and disability.

Nerve damage as a consequence of diabetic neuropathy with concomitant arterial disease and obesity contribute to the increased risk of different bone, muscle and joint disorders.

Here are some muscle, joint and bone complications of diabetes.

1. Charcot (shahr-KO) Joint
Have you felt a tingling sensation in your foot? There's even a total loss of sensation. The joint weakens because the nerve supplying it is damaged due to high levels of blood sugar. Charcot joint affects the feet most of the time. The joint becomes swollen, unstable and deformed.

This easily progresses into deformity and instability. When this happens, you'll need to have your joints supported using braces. Worse, it will limit your mobility and you'll need a cane or a walker to move about. However, when this is detected early, you don't need to end up disabled. To prevent this from happening, you should limit weight bearing activities and use orthotic devices such as braces to support the affected joint and its surrounding structures. Lose excess weight if you're heavy. Most importantly, be vigilant in controlling your blood glucose levels.

2. Cheiroarthropathy
Another diabetic complication affects the skin and the muscles of the hand termed diabetic hand syndrome or cheiroarthropathy. You'll experience the skin on your hands gradually thicken and look waxy. Then your fingers would contract and movement would be limited. You may feel that you can't extend your fingers and press your palms together flat.

Anti-inflammatory medications can help. Physical therapy such as stretching exercises can slow the progression of this complication. It is not clear what causes this diabetic complication. Since this is all too common among people with a long standing history of diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar, it is imperative to control your blood glucose levels.

3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis results in bone weakness. The bones turn brittle and they easily fracture. Surprisingly, this bone disease is seen more among type 1 diabetics. Early symptoms are mild as to be discernible and over time the disorder results into a stooped posture when the spinal column is affected plus frequent bone fractures and loss of height.

Exercise is very important to prevent osteoporosis including a well balance diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Soak up the sun for your vitamin D requirements. When the sun is shy you can get Vitamin D from supplements. Calcium can be taken as a supplement too. However, cardiovascular diseases are increased with calcium supplements. You can source out calcium from vegetables and low fat dairy.

4. Osteoarthritis
You might be surprised that osteoarthritis is a complication of diabetes too. The joint cartilage wears out and the joint is exposed to each other's bony surfaces. Then, you'll have swollen joints, pain and inflammation, stiffness and limitation of movement. It can affect any joint in the body. It was discovered that type 2 diabetics have a higher risk of osteoarthritis. But health experts say it can be traced more to obesity rather than the diabetes itself. Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity. Obesity overloads the joints and damages its cartilages.

Prevent this condition by losing those excess pounds. Anti-inflammatory drugs, resting the affected joint, massage and acupuncture can help ease the pain.

5. Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis or DISH
This complication affects the tendons and ligaments, supporting structures of the skeletal and muscle systems. It is also called Forestier disease. The tendons and ligaments harden. Consequently, pain, stiffness and limitation of movement occur. The ligaments and tendons of the spine are commonly affected and will results into back or neck stiffness. This occurs among type 2 diabetics. It is thought that insulin or insulin-like growth factors of diabetics promote abnormal bone growth.
Pain relievers can ease the pain. If the stiffness is severe, surgery is needed to excise the excess bone that has grown.

5. Dupuytren Contracture
Are your fingers bent toward the palm? It looks like a claw. This happens when connective tissue in the palm of the hands and fingers thickens then scars. As it scars it contracts and pulls the fingers into a claw like position. Consequently, you won't be able to extend your fingers.

Treatment involves corticosteroid injections to reduce the inflammation. Surgery will cut off the contractures and is done when your fingers can't grasp objects.

6. Frozen Shoulder
Are your shoulder limited by pain and motion? You can't raise your hand above you head and if you do so, there's pain! Thankfully, it affects only one shoulder. The cause is usually unknown. But you're more at risk if you're diabetic.

If seen earlier, aggressive physical therapy can restore mobility plus pain and anti-inflammatory medications. If this doesn't work surgery will be done to cut off the ligaments to improve motion.

Muscle, skeletal and connecting tissues that surround the bones such as ligament and tendons are complications of diabetes. They may seem mild as compared with heart, eye and kidney complications but it results to weakness, frailty and disability; and lose your independence. It is always advised that once you're diagnosed with diabetes watch your blood glucose levels like a hawk. Manage your levels well through compliance with your oral or insulin medications, exercise, losing excess pounds and adapting healthy eating habits. Blood glucose testing helps you to manage your levels. Have your A1C test every 2 to 3 to know your average blood glucose level and see if diabetic management is working.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a condition in which your bite becomes misaligned, causing many serious and often painful health problems. You will see the acronyms TMJ and TMD often used interchangeably, but they will also be used to distinguish the joint (TMJ) from the actual disorder of the joint (TMD).

One of the most painful and debilitating symptoms of TMD is migraine headache. Many physicians, even neurologists, have not received the dental training required to diagnose TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems and how they relate to your migraines. Neuromuscular dentistry is the branch of dentistry that helps people correct the jaw problems that have caused them pain for years, possibly even decades.

TMD causes migraines because the trigeminal nerve is one of the most powerful and complex nerves in the human body. This nerve is completely responsible for the temporomandibular joint and tooth functions and accounts for over 40% of the brain's processing. The trigeminal nerve has three branches, all affecting various parts of the face, head, shoulders and arms. The pain and muscle tightness associated with TMD can even affect your hands and fingers.

Pain related to TMD may be sharp and searing or dull and constant. Pain is typically over the joint immediately in front of the ear but can radiate elsewhere and cause spasms in the muscles attached to the bones of the skull, face and jaws. Some of the most notable symptoms of TMD are:

· Limited jaw movement

· Locking, clicking, and popping of the jaw

· Tingling or numbness in the fingers

· Difficulty swallowing

· Insomnia

· Headaches

· Stiff or tight jaw muscles

· Ear problems, including ringing and pressure

· Neck, shoulder, and back pain

Many times, patients see doctors for severe headache and are given medications to treat the pain of the headache; however, there is often no treatment provided for what is actually causing the headaches. Neuromuscular dentistry is the specialized area of dentistry that treats the cause, not just the symptoms, of the painful headaches associated with a misaligned jaw.

Most acute conditions (90%) respond to Bowen treatments within 2-3 sessions (you begin to feel results) and resolve in 3-5 sessions (relief of your symptoms). Most results are long-lasting or permanent. Periodic follow-up treatments are recommended for general health maintenance.

Chronic, long standing conditions respond to Bowen treatments within 2-3 sessions, but may take longer to resolve for long-lasting relief of symptoms!

Below is a list of conditions I've treated successfully using the Bowen technique.

Abdominal Pain

Adrenal Exhaustion

Allergy

Angina Pain

Arthritis

Asthma

Backache

Back Pain

Bacterial Infections

Bed Wetting

Bell's Palsy

Bladder

Blood Impurities

Blood Pressure (Low or High)

Breast Lumps

Breast Pain

Bronchitis

Bunions

Carpal Tunnel

Chest Pain

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Pain

Circulation

Coccyx Pain

Colds & Flu

Colic

Constipation

Depression

Diaphragm Pain

Diarrhaea

Digestive Problems

Diverticulitis

Dizziness

Eczema

Edema

Emphysema

Epstein Barr (Mono)

Fears and Phobias

Fever

Fibromyalgia

Flatulence

Fluid Retention

Frozen Shoulder

Fungal Infections

Gall Bladder Pain

Gall Stones

Gastro-Intestinal Discomfort

Glandular Fever

Groin Strain

Hammer Toes

Hay Fever

Headache

Heart Conditions

Hemorrhoids

Hernia (Inguinal)

Herpes Simplex

High Shoulder

Immune system

Incontinence (adult)

Indigestion

Infection

Infertility

Influenza

Injury

Insomnia

Irregular Milk Supply when breast feeding

Jaw pain

Kidney Problems

Knee Surgery

Lactation

Leg Cramps

Liver Problems

Lumbago

Lungs

Lymphatic Drainage

Mastitis

Meniere's Disease

Menopause

Menstruation

Migraine

Musculo-Skeletal

Nausea

Neck Pain

Nervous Exhaustion

Nervous Tension

Obesity

Osteoporosis

Pancreatitis

Period Cramps

Plantar Fascitis

Pregnancy (discomfort)

Pre-Menstrual Tension

Prostate

Psoriasis

Rash

Respiratory Problems

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Sacral Pain

Sciatica

Scoliosis

Shin Splints

Shock

Shoulder Pain

S.I. Joint Pain

Sinus

Skin Disorders

Sternal Pain

Stomach Ulcer

Stress

Teeth and Gums

Temperomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Tennis Elbow

Tendinitis

Ulcers

Urinary Tract

Varicose Veins

Viral infections

Warts

Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care often produces satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

Social Security has Impairment Listings for Heart Ailments, Back Ailments, etc. Fibromyalgia is not found among the Impairment Listings. Thus, an applicant cannot obtain a favorable disability "Impairment Listing" ruling because Fibromyalgia is not found among the Listings. The inquiry must proceed further.

Social Security has a five step disabilty process. First, if you are working, then the inquiry stops. Second, if you do not have a "severe impairment," the inquiry stops. Third, if you are not working and you have a "severe impairment" the next inquiry is does your "severe impairment" meet or equal a Listed Impairment. You cannot win a fibromyalgia case at this step because there is no listing for fibromyalgia although it can be a "severe impairment" and get you past step two. Thus, with a fibromyalgia case, you will have to go to step four. At step four the judge must decide if you can do your past relevant work (PRW). This is any work you did in the past 15 years prior to your onset of disability. If the judge finds you cannot do PRW, then you go to step five which is can you do any other work in the national economy. All my fibromyalgia cases have gone to step five.

Social Security has begun to recognize fibromyalgia as a legitimate impairment:

On May 11, 1998 the Deputy Commissioner for Disability indicated as follows: Fibromyalgia is a disorder defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and we recognize it as medically determinable if there are signs that are clinically established by the medical record. The signs are primarily the tender points. The ACR defines the disorder in patients as "widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of 3 months and at least 11 of the 18 specified tender points which cluster around the neck and shoulder, chest, hip, knee, and elbow regions." Other typical symptoms, some of which can be signs if clinically documented over time, are irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, sleep disorder, severe fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction.

Thus, with the above in mind, you try to win a fibromyalgia case with a report from a doctor who specializes in arthritis or rheumatology and who can state the claimant's case meets the above guidelines & the impairment is so severe it affects the claimant's functions to such a degree the claimant cannot work. Of course, the doctor needs to itemize how the fibromyalgia adversely affects standing, walking, lifting, sitting, reaching, etc. The doctor's treatment records need to support his disability report. Recently, I have good success in this area. However, there still is a lot of prejudice out there against fibromyalgia.

For more advice, you can contact us at www.virginiadisabilitylawyer.com or email us at jervalaw@aol.com or reach us at http://www.geraldlutkenhaus.com

This may be considered AN ADVERTISEMENT or Advertising Material under the Rules of Professional Conduct governing lawyers in Virginia. This note is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed.

This century was not kind to the hip. From the hula hoop to hip-hop, boogie-woogie to break dancing, the joint was jumping, bumping, and grinding at a mind-swiveling pace. If anything we can do like, swinging your hips on the dance floor, walking to the post office, or just doing a few stretching exercises every day helps keep the muscles and bones of the joint strong. But we have gotten away from doing those things. The majority of Americans have become couch potatoes, and they are paying a price for it later in life in the form of thinner, weaker bones and an increased potential for hip fractures. But it is never too late to ease hip pain, strengthen weak bones, and reduce your susceptibility to hip fractures. Here are some of the ways that can be easily treated with these simple methods.

Take away some pounds. There is proving evidence that you will take two or three pounds of pressure off your hips for each pound you lose. Therefore, getting rid of excess body weight can help to relieve the strain on your hips. As you get older, it becomes more difficult for your muscles to offset your increased weight. As a result, your joints bear more and more load, and they degenerate. So keeping your weigh down and staying fit are two of the best things you can do to preserve your hips.

Use heat. Occasionally you may feel pain in your hip, consider using heat. Try placing an electric heating pad over your hip for 20 minutes three or four times a day. If you do not have a heating pad, try to soak a towel in hot water and wiring it out.

Use an assistance device. A cane or walker can be your best friend if it eases your hip pain and helps you to stay independent. If you need a cane or walker for stability, be sure that it is the right size. If not, then this device will increase your hip pain, rather than relieving it. Ask your doctor to recommend a medical supply store where you can be properly measured and outfitted with an appropriate cane or walker.

Use ice. If heat is not helping, apply ice where you feel hip pain to help reduce pain and swelling. At the same time, to help to protect your skin, put a towel between your skin and the ice. Ice may be used fro 15 to 20 minutes every one to two waking hours.

Be more able with a cane. When you use a cane, hold it in the hand opposite the injured hip. Move it forward at the same time that you step out with your injured hip, so you are distributing weight away from your bad hip and onto the cane. Then move your good hip forward as you take another stride.

Look for reliable relief. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can reduce the swelling and ease the hip pain caused by arthritis, and other muscle or joint injuries. Make sure to alert you doctor if the recommended dosage on the label does not help at all. You may have a hip fracture or another serious underlying problem that should be evaluated.

Relieve the ache. When getting out of a car, lift and swing both legs out of the door before standing. By rotating on your rear instead of twisting your pelvis, you will lessen the strain on your back and hips. If you step out of the vehicle one leg at a time, you will put yourself in a position that will aggravate your hips.

Joint pain stiffness is the most common outcome of arthritis, a bone degenerative disease that is mostly associated with aging. This condition is followed by moderate to acute pain with gradual decrease in the normal mobility. Joint pain stiffness is felt at the start of the day when the joints remain immobile due to long hours of sleep and the stiffness reduce gradually with slow movements throughout the day. But in severe cases of arthritis acute joint pains may cause enough sleep disturbances demanding immediate medical attention. In case of inflammatory arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis, the joint stiffness may last for about 45 minutes and in osteoarthritis stiffness lasts for 30 minutes.

Causes of joint stiffness and pain

Inflammation of the synovium, which is a thin membrane surrounding the joints cause joint stiffness that leads to pain. Many underlying causes are responsible for this inflammation that is very bothering.

1. Osteoarthritis causes joint pain stiffness.
2. Autoimmune disease like Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint stiffness.
3. Gout
4. Chondromalacia
5. Bursitis
6. Injury
7. Infectious diseases
8. Over straining and exertion of the joints.
9. Tendonitis

Treatment

1. Application of cold packs and heat treatment are generally adopted in reducing joint pain and stiffness. The cold pack relaxes the nerves and the hot compress enhances the blood circulation. Applying hot and cold packs alternately every 5 minutes gives best results.

2. Medications include the administration of NSAID's, steroids and narcotic drugs to provide relief from the joint stiffness and pain. Corticosteroids are applied in controlled doses regulated by experienced practitioners that also reduce the joint inflammation along with the pain. Narcotic drugs help in reducing the pain but not the inflammation. Common pain relieving drugs those are used are aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Tylenol, morphine etc.

3. Nothing can match the overall benefits of regular exercising in treating joint pain and stiffness. Exercise strengthens the joints and the muscles, reduces the wear and tear of the bones and cartilage and helps in controlling the body weight.

Alternative Remedies or Treatment

Many people are turning towards alternative medicines and modes of treatment to avoid the serious side effects of pain relieving medications. These medicines which come as natural supplements through daily diet and common ingredients are highly effective and also produce multi benefits in maintaining good health.

1. Massaging the affected joints with herbal oils like eucalyptus and wintergreen helps in reducing the pain.
2. Extracts of Arnica taken in measured doses produces good results in treating this condition.
3. Green tea helps in reducing arthritis pain.
4. Tea from alfalfa seeds also reduces the inflammation and pain.
5. Ginger is also helpful in reducing inflammation.
6. Turmeric is widely used in reducing this pains.

Joint pain affects so many people in every walk of life that it is becoming a bigger issue every day. As our population grows and ages the number of complaints about pain in general is increasing, with joint pain leading the way. The search for relief, any relief, from joint pain is becoming a bigger and bigger issue. Following are a various facts about joint pain.

1. Carrying excess weight is one contributing factor when it comes to joint pain. Knees and hips take the brunt of the stress excess weight places on our joints. Every pound that gets a body closer to healthy weight can make a huge difference on your joints.


2. Arthritis is one of the major contributors to joint pain. There are many types of arthritis and the majority of sufferers have joint pain ranging from mild to severe.


3. Joint pain can be caused from inflammation due to an injury. This type of joint pain can be long lasting or heal up quickly never to return.


4. Chronic pain is pain that lasts more than three months, joint pain can become lifelong and chronic. People who deal with chronic pain often are very grateful for any type of successful pain relief they can find.


5. Chronic joint pain can have serious psychological and emotional consequences. It is vitally important to treat the whole person and not just the direct cause of the pain. There is help available along various avenues to help sufferers find relief for every symptom they may be dealing with.


6. Currently, there is a movement in the health care industry focusing on more natural ways to improve our overall health and way of life, including joint pain.


7. There are more and more supplements available all the time. Some, including one of the latest, cetylated fatty acids, is showing great potential for many patients experiencing joint pain.


8. Joint pain does not discriminate when it comes to age, race, or gender. Everybody is susceptible! However, the older our bodies get, the more likely we are to have had joint pain issues. It is almost an inevitable part of the aging process.


9. When people find a way to increase the lubrication in their joints they often experience significant pain relief. Many of the more popular regimens for joint pain relief focus on this fact and are successful.


10. Joint pain can often be relieved with exercise and supplements. Many people need to try different things until they find what works for them.

Hopefully, people are able to talk to their doctors and find direction and assistance. There are copious amounts of information available on joint pain. More and more options are becoming available as researchers work toward an answer. Studies are being done and reported on every day. The results are bringing with them new hope for pain relief. The future is looking brighter all the time as we learn about how the body works and how we can work toward a healthier prospect.

What is Stenosis?

Spinal Stenosis is a medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and/or exiting nerve roots. Stenosis is from the Greek word meaning "a narrowing". Central canal stenosis is a narrowing of the channel in the center of each vertebra through which passes the spinal cord on its way down the spine. Foraminal stenosis is a narrowing of the channel on either side of the vertebra where the spinal nerve roots exit on their way to various parts of the body such as down the arms or legs. The vertebral foramen is a small opening or hole for the exiting spinal nerve root that is formed where the downward notch in the bone of a vertebra meets the upward notch of the vertebra below it. Spinal stenosis may affect the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. Lumbar spinal stenosis results in low back pain and can radiate down the nerves into the buttocks, hips, thighs, legs, or feet. Cervical spinal stenosis results in neck pain and can radiate down the nerves into the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands.

What Causes it?

Although it is true that some individuals congenitally have larger or smaller canals than do others, the cause of the narrowing is usually a combination of 3 different degenerative factors present in varying degrees in different patients. First, when a disc herniates the bulge takes up space narrowing the nerve channel. Second, as the involved disc dries out and loses height (a process known as desiccation) it causes the vertebra to become closer together further narrowing the nerve channel. Third, as the stress on the joint compounds and osteoarthritis begins to result, bone spurs (osteophytes) form and ligaments thicken (hypertrophy) gradually narrowing the channel even further. These 3 factors in various combinations and degrees of severity compromise the space in the channel and conspire to compress (pinch) the spinal cord or nerve root. These 3 factors may also be referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease, the most common cause of spinal stenosis.

Spondylolisthesis and scar tissue formation as a result of prior surgical fusion are other factors that can contribute to spinal stenosis. Spondylolisthesis describes the anterior displacement of a vertebra or the vertebral column in relation to the vertebra below. Also, rarely, various bone diseases such as Paget's Disease or tumors in the spine are responsible for the narrowing. An MRI can rule in or rule out a wide range of possibilities rare though they may be.

A Non-surgical Solution

Spinal Decompression Therapy, first approved by the FDA in 2001, has since evolved into a cost-effective treatment for herniated and degenerative spinal discs, and the resultant spinal stenosis; one of the major causes of back pain and neck pain. It works on the affected spinal segment by significantly reducing intradiscal pressures. The vacuum thus created retracts the extruded disc material allowing more room for the pinched nerve, and will many times additionally increase the spacing between the vertebra as the involved discs are rehydrated, allowing even more room for the nerve. Furthermore, as the disc rehydrates its shock absorbing capabilities are restored reducing mechanical stress on the related structures (facet joints and supporting ligamentous tissues) slowing or halting the osteoarthritc damage. This is a non-surgical conservative procedure for patients suffering with bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, sciatica, failed back surgery syndrome, and non-specified mechanical low back or neck pain resulting in spinal stenosis.

Osteoarthritis is a form of joint disease that develops when cartilage deteriorates. Over time, the space between bones narrows and the surface of the bones change shape, leading eventually to friction and joint damage. Osteoarthritis can affect more than one joint in the body, but affects some more than others.

There are numerous causes of osteoarthritis. Some examples include:

Endocrine: Diabetes a disorder of the endocrine system may promote osteoarthritis. Other endocrine disorders also may increase risk, including acromegaly, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and obesity. Diabetes can also cause nerve problems which cause loss of sensation in the limbs and joints, causing the body not to recognize when it is injured.

Inflammatory joint disease: This includes infected joints, chronic gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid disease.

Congenital: Abnormal anatomy such as unequal leg length may cause osteoarthritis.
Metabolic: Diseases causing errors of metabolism may cause osteoarthritis. Examples include Paget's disease and Wilson disease.

Genetic: A genetic defect may promote breakdown of cartilage. Examples include collagen disturbances such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Posttraumatic: There are many traumatic injuries of the joint that can promote osteoarthritis, such as a broken bone that heal out of alignment causing loss of stability, or damage to the joint cartilage. Microtraumas that occur over time, such as repetitive movements, or overuse can contribute to osteoarthritis.

Other causes include nutritional problems, hemophilia, and sickle cell.

Treatment of osteoarthritis begins by eliminating risk factors, early diagnosis and monitoring progression of the disease, and treatment of pain. Regaining mobility is important. The common course of treatment includes physical and occupational therapy, weight reduction, exercise, assistive devices (orthoses) drug therapy, and surgery.

Osteoarthritis increases aggregate health care expenditures by $186 billion annually. Osteoarthritis raised aggregate annual medical care expenditures in the U.S. by $185.5 billion according to researchers from Stony Brook University. The cost of Medication and surgery for osteoarthritis is significant. The average annual medication cost per individual is $4,434.50. Out-of-pocket medication expense averages $1,036.50 per person annually. These averages do not include the cost of office visits.

There are over 100 medications for osteoarthritis. However, most of these possess harmful side effects that are often worse than the symptoms of osteoarthritis. One of the most popular of these is Celebrex. On the Celebrex page of the website Rx List (rxlist.com), the first thing you are hit with are these two health warning associated with Celebrex:

WARNING

CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL RISKS

Cardiovascular Risk

CELEBREX (celecoxib) may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may have a similar risk. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk.

CELEBREX (celecoxib) is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Gastrointestinal Risk

NSAIDs, including CELEBREX (celecoxib), cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events.

See rxlist.com/celebrex-drug.htm

According to rxlist.com the following is not a COMPLETE list of side effects associated with Celebrex.

Possible side effects of Celebrex

Serious side effects:

Chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; black, bloody, or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; swelling or rapid weight gain; urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, and muscle weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

Upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; dizziness, nervousness, headache; skin rash, itching; blurred vision; or ringing in your ears.

OTHER WARNINGS:
Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Another factor to consider in treating osteoarthritis with Celebrex and other similar drugs is the toxicity that builds up in our bodies from the use of prescription medication.

Due to the high number of side effects and other health risks, millions are now turning away from modern healthcare and turning to natural health alternatives, which provide a much safer treatment alternative.

What alternatives exist for osteoarthritis sufferers? In recent years the popularity of Glucosamine and Chondroitin products, such as Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM 1500mg or a blend such as Doctor's Best Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM has continued to increase substantially.

Results from several well-designed scientific studies suggest that glucosamine supplements may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, particularly osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. In general, these studies suggest that glucosamine reduces pain, improves function in people with hip or knee osteoarthritis, reduces joint swelling and stiffness, and provides relief from osteoarthritis symptoms for up to 3 months after treatment is stopped. Most studies have shown that glucosamine needs to be taken for 2 - 4 months before it is effective, although you may feel some improvement sooner. Glucosamine and chondroitin can be used along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat osteoarthritis.

Other natural alternatives include:

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids come in many forms, such as, but not limited to, Chinook salmon, sardines, cooked soybeans, baked or broiled halibut, steamed or broiled shrimp, raw tofu, baked or broiled snapper, and baked or broiled scallops. However, when your diet just doesn't contain enough of these omega-3 rich foods, there are numerous supplements available, such as Trident Krill Oil, 1000 mg, or Schiff MegaRed Omega-3 Krill Oil 300 mg.

Avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU): A few preliminary studies suggest that this natural vegetable extract may help reduce the symptoms of OA and possible even slow progression of the disease. ASU is available in supplements such as, ASU300-Avocado Soy Unsaponifiables, w/SierraSil, Nutramax Laboratories Incorporated - Avoca Asu, and Cosamin ASU Active People Capsule.

Devil's Claw: Several studies support the use of Devils claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as an anti-inflammatory to relieve pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee, hip, and back. Devil's Claw is a desert plant found in the South African desert. For centuries the native people of the South African desert dried this root to treat pain. The most popular Devil's Claw supplements include: Nature's Way - Se Devil's Claw, 350 mg, and Nature's Answer Devil's Claw Root, 1-Ounce liquid.

Other natural alternatives include: Ginger, Willow Bark, Capsaicin cream, and boswellia. There are several natural cream blends such as Now Foods Joint Support Cream.

Take back control of your health by learning more about natural health alternatives today.

A dog's cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL ligament in humans, when torn may need repaired by an orthopedic surgeon. The following information relates to recent experiences with the tightrope technique of repair.

Our 4 year old Doberman tore her CCL running up and down a steep hill at top speeds and quickly coming to a stop and turning to run back in the other direction. The first signs of a problem were slight limping. She appeared as if she hurt a muscle in her leg and needed to rest it. After a day or two of not running, she no longer exhibited any symptoms. As the summer went on, the limping happened more frequently. We took her to a vet that x-rayed her hips to see if dysplasia was the issue. Her left side showed a slight irregularity in the hip joint so the prognosis was the pain was coming from that and she was given some pain medicine and put on joint supplements. The instructions were to let her run and use her joints just like when a human has a sore joint it is better to utilize the joint to keep it strong. Unfortunately the more she ran, the more problems she exhibited. Upon taking her to a different vet, they began looking at her knees and that the problem might lie there noticing a slight bulge next to her knee joint. We were then sent to a surgeon specializing in this area. Upon testing, they were immediately aware it was related to her CCL and we were presented with the surgery options.

We selected a relatively new procedure called a tightrope. This is less evasive than the metal bone plate implant with teeth like claws that go into the bone and requires part of the bone be cut. The tightrope wraps around the joint, through a small hole in the bone, and is tied in a knot. The knot does not protrude through the skin as it is tucked under the muscle. The main incision along the knee is approximately 6" in length with another small incision on the inside of the knee of 2", both held in place with staples.

After surgery, there is a long 8 week rehabilitation time. For the first 2 weeks an e-collar is required in order for the dog not to lick the incision to eliminate possible infection. The surgeon stated that if the incision becomes infected, it could get inside the leg and once that happens, it would adhere to the implant and there would be no way to get rid of it and the implant would have to be removed and replaced. Also for the first 2 weeks, the dog needs to be confined to a small area that has solid footing. The risk of slipping needs to be eliminated due to if the dog slips and falls prior to complete healing, the implant could be damaged. Also, they are not to go up and down stairs during this time as well. When it's time to go outside, the dog must be on a lead and during the first 2 weeks a sling is utilized. The sling is placed under the dog's belly and held with straps along with the lead. The sling is not used to pick up the dog and not allow them to utilize their repaired knee, but instead is in place to be a source to prevent them from falling allowing you to catch them should they slip.

The instructions for the entire 8 weeks is that your dog cannot go outside by themselves off lead. After the initial 2 weeks, they can be let into other areas of the home to walk around with you. However, there are still issues with slipping and falling which should be addressed. Consider laying down throw rugs if you have wood or tile floors to prevent slipping. Even though your dog may appear to be feeling better, she is still not completely healed so we need to be cautious and attempt to eliminate possible hazards.

After 2 weeks, we took her back to the surgeon to have the staples removed. At this time, the rehabilitation begins. For the first week after staple removal, we were instructed the dog can be taken on one 15-minute walk a day. The next week the walk is to be increased to one 20-minute walk a day. The next week and the remaining time the walks are increased to two walks per day of 15-20 minutes each. It is recommended if there are any hills along the path, it would be good to allow them to walk up and down those to help build strength. There are also exercises you can do with the affected leg to assist with range of motion. A physical therapist can also be used and one of the techniques they may utilize is a water treadmill.

The most difficult part of this process is the dog cannot rationalize the situation and that being kept in one room of the home with limited access is good for them. Even just into the recovery, my dog wanted to play, was anxious to be let out of the living room, and was bored. Even though she appeared healed, there was evidence she was not fully utilizing her repaired leg. The majority of her weight for several weeks was on three legs. This was evident by her "tapping" her repaired leg. When standing, she would tap her foot on the floor thereby not placing full weight on it. The surgeon stated this is common and that over time with rehabilitation, she would gain the strength back and be back to normal placing equal weight on all four legs.

The above information is what I experienced following the procedure which might provide some insight if you are considering the surgery for your dog. However, for specific medical details, advice from your veterinarian or a specialist is critical.

Teeth clenching is also known as bruxism. It puts pressure on the tissues, muscles, and other parts surrounding the jaw area. Although it is not a life-threatening disorder, the symptoms can lead to temporomandibular joint problems or TMJ. Frequent teeth grinding can also wear down the teeth and can be an inconvenience to your sleeping partner.

Aside from clenching the teeth, there are other bruxism symptoms including stress, tension, anxiety, depression, headache, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, sensitivity of teeth to cold, hot or sweet foods and beverages, painful or sore jaw, and earache. Earache can occur partly because the TMJ joint structures are located close to the ear canal. People with symptoms feel pain around the ear area and other locations. This pain is called referred pain.

Aside from psychological factors, symptoms occur when the person has dental disorders, ear disorders like ear infection, or innate temporomandibular joint or TMJ. People with a history of tension and stress can also exhibit signs of bruxism.

Here is a list of symptoms according to physical and psychological factors:

Physical symptoms include TMJ, muscle discomfort and aches, muscle pain or facial myalgia, shoulder pain, stiffness or tightness, ear ache, inability to open mouth widely, abnormal teeth wear, recession and inflammation of gums, untimely teeth loss, excessive tooth mobility, and obstructed or disrupted sleep of both the person and his or her partner.

Studies show that teeth grinding often cause headache. Individuals who exhibit these symptoms are most likely to feel headaches compared to people who do not have this problem. It is also said that people with long-term bruxism experience craniofacial pain compared to non-bruxists.

However, not all studies point out that the mentioned symptoms will likely be related to the problem. There is little study about the direct cause and effect relationship between these general symptoms and teeth grinding. For example, relentless TMJ discomfort can possibly result in depression rather than the other way around.

In case of small kids and children, this can be caused by overly large tonsils and adenoids. In addition, children are more easily awakened during sleep, which may or may not be a cause. There is one study that indicated that children with behavior issues and attention difficulties exhibit this problem. There is little study to support that the symptoms in children are caused by sleep apnea. Bruxism in children may be generally accounted for psychological factors and not sleep disorders or physical ailments or conditions.

Eucalyptus oil comes from the Eucalyptus tree, which grows naturally in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and parts of the Philippines. With more than 700 species of Eucalyptus, many types are cultivated all over the world. Eucalyptus oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the tree, and is used in numerous types of products for many different purposes. It has a mint-like quality that makes it popular for candy, throat drops, toothpaste, and some cough medicines, especially those for pain relief. In addition to that, it has insect-repellent properties that make it a great natural option for outdoor use.

Benefits

There are many, many different benefits of this oil. It works to help heal infections, including respiratory tract infections, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. It's very helpful for asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis and whooping cough. It also helps settle upset stomachs, helps reduce and prevent acne, treats fungal infections, stimulates the appetite, and is great for the liver, gallbladder, and to stimulate blood flow. One of the most important Eucalyptus oil benefits is pain relief, especially for individuals who suffer from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint pain.

Cineole

One of the most important things found in Eucalyptus Oil is Cineole. This substance is antimicrobial, and works to kill (and guard against) bacteria like Candida, Staph, and Strep. Cineole may be what is responsible for helping Eucalyptus oil break up chest congestion and heal respiratory illnesses. The species Eucalyptus Polybractea (Blue Mallee Eucalyptus) is found only in Australia, and boasts the highest content of Cineole of any Eucalyptus species. The Eucalyptus oil from this species is particularly good with pain relief as well as soothing the symptoms of joint pain and arthritis.

Combining with Other Oils

Eucalyptus oil is often mixed with other types of oil to combine the medicinal qualities. When this happens, substances in Eucalyptus oil react with those other oils to boost pain-relieving qualities as well as joint stiffness, other arthritis symptoms, cold symptoms, and infections. It's most beneficial when mixed with Tea Tree oil, mint oils such as Spearmint or Peppermint and Vanilla. It's sometimes mixed with lemon for cough and cold solutions and for skin application, it can be mixed with Olive oil or another "carrier" oil to deliver the Eucalyptus oil to the underlying tissue.

When it comes to pain relief, arthritis relief and cough and cold relief, Eucalyptus oil benefits are many. The best thing about it is that it can be used as a natural treatment for those who don't want to rely on a prescription or harsh chemicals that may do more damage than good.

Tibetan Goji berries have been around for many years. They have become known for having the most nutrients, of any fruit in the world. With their abundance of antioxidants, the health benefits of Goji berries seem endless. From preventing heart disease and diabetes, to improving your skin, Goji berries also help provide relief to arthritis sufferers.

Arthritis is one of most painful and debilitating diseases. Though, more common in the elderly, arthritis strikes people of all ages, including children. Arthritis is when your joints become inflamed, causing a lot of pain and discomfort. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that serves as a cushion between the joints of the bones wears away causing bone against bone. Swelling usually occurs and this can be very painful. Osteoarthritis is usually due to aging, but can be caused by an injury, being overweight, and stressing the joints.

Studies have shown that antioxidants can help in the fight against the free radicals, responsible for the inflammation in arthritis. The free radical, superoxide anion, is the inflammation factor in arthritis, and our body produces the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) to help neutralize this free radical. In some cases of arthritis, the production of superoxide anion is greater than what the body can handle, and is unable to produce enough of the SOD enzyme to protect against the inflammation of the joints.

Foods with high levels of antioxidants are key to fighting free radicals, and eating Goji berries, known for the high levels of antioxidants, help produce the anti-inflammatory enzyme SOD therefore, reducing the inflammation and pain. SOD also plays major role in protecting the body against other diseases. This is most powerful natural free radical fighting antioxidant the body has.

Eating a natural healthy diet is beneficial to everybody. Including Goji berries in your daily diet will help your body maintain its natural defense against free radicals.

If you suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, known as TMJ, you're no stranger to severe headaches and jaw pain. The condition remains a mystery to many doctors and dentists, and stress seems to be a primary factor in development of TMJ. While we don't know what exactly causes TMJ, there are many TMJ home remedies that can help.

The most important thing you can do to alleviate the discomfort of TMJ-related jaw pain is to go easy on yourself. Be kind to yourself, and find time to relax. Mediation and visualization techniques can be enormously helpful, not only with your TMJ discomfort, but with all aspects of your life.

Some foods are excellent TMJ home remedies as well. Try a little flax seed on your morning cereal. Some sufferers have relieve their TMJ pain entirely by this method. Flax seed probably works because it is high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation. Other foods that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids are salmon and english walnuts.

Physical therapy exercises are TMJ home remedies that you can do yourself. These exercises are designed to re-align your jaw. TMJ sufferers will find that when they open their mouths, the jaw moves to one side. Stand in front of a mirror and open your mouth. Notice the alignment of your jaw as you open, and focus on keeping your chin aligned with your nose. It may help to place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Continue opening and closing your mouth ten times, being careful to align your jaw properly. Repeat this exercise three to four times a day and you will begin to feel relief as you rebuild the weak muscles.

Through these behaviors, foods and exercises, you will soon be relieved of your TMJ pain.

Canine hip dysplasia in dogs is a very common degenerative disease, having said that it does not always affect all dogs. However there can also be many misconceptions regarding this disease, some that are known and some that are not.

A young dog who has an abnormal development of the hip joint will suffer eventually from hip dysplasia, this does not necessarily mean that it will be bilateral, affect both the left and right side. It happens because of the laxity of the muscles, connective tissue and ligaments that would normally support the joint.

The majority of dysplastic dogs are born with normal hips, although in some due to genetic and other factors, the tissues surrounding the joint can develop abnormally as the puppy starts to grow. The changes that this causes are that the bones actually move instead of being held in place.

This will cause the joint capsule and ligament between the two bones to stretch; this adds further instability to the joint. Once this happens the surface of the two bones will lose contact with each other. The separation of these two bones within the joint is known as subluxation, the results of these problems, are what are associated with this disease.

A lot of dogs who suffer from this disease are primarily the large and giant breeds, although it can be found in medium sized breeds and very rarely in the smaller breeds. The breeds who have a higher incidence of hip dysplasia are, Golden Retrievers, Labrador, German shepherd, Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Rottweilers.

Treatment for hip dysplasia can vary between several surgical procedures, although this also depends on the age and severity of joint degeneration. A lot also depends on the dog's age and health before any surgery.

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy; (TPO) is normally a procedure that is used for young dogs under 10 months of age, these will have had radiographs which shows severe hip laxity, at this young age they will not have developed damage to the joints. This is major surgery and expensive but is very successful.

A total replacement of the hip is often advised for a dog that has degenerative joint disease due to chronic hip dysplasia. This type of surgery involves removing the existing joint and replacing it with prosthesis. The dog must be skeletally mature and weighing at least 20 pounds, there is no maximum size limit, if both hips have to be replaced then usually a three month rest period is advised between the surgeries.

Medically hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis has been improved over the years with the introduction of new supplements and drugs. Hip dysplasia is primarily an inherited disease therefore no products on the market can prevent the development. If you start by giving your dog a proper diet, exercise, supplements and pain relief, this may help to decrease the progression of the joint disease.

Weight management and exercise for your dog from an early age can help to prevent many diseases, although sometimes as mentioned hip dysplasia can be genetic. Those of you who are thinking of acquiring a puppy can always ask the breeder about hip dysplasia of the chosen breed.

Lower back pain is most commonly from spinal nerve root L5 irritation followed by the S1 nerve root. Both nerve roots are strongly represented in the buttock muscle (gluteus maximus: predominant S1) and the inner thigh muscle (adductor magnus: the lower part L5, S1), hamstring muscles (L5 and S1), gluteus medius (predominant L5) and tensor fascia lata (predominant L5).
There are two parts tto the long hamstring muscles, the outer part (has one lateral muscle) and the inner part has (two medial) muscles. There is also another muscle known as the short hamstring muscle. The long hamstring muscles arise from the pelvic bone area known as the ischial tuberosity (this bone is under the buttock muscle and we place pressure on this bone when we sit). Thus the long hamstring muscles come from above the hip. They end (insert) on the leg bones. The short hamstring muscle arises from below the hip from the thigh bone. The long hamstring muscles receive their nerve supply through the sciatic nerve whereas the short hamstring muscle is supplied by the common peroneal nerve.

Whenever a muscle is tight, you must always consider the balance in strength between the muscles on opposite sides of the joint. In the case with the hamstrings, they act from behind to straighten the hip joint (extend) and bend the knee joint (flex). So the strength of the muscles in the front of the hip that bend the hip and thigh up (flex) and the muscles in the front of the knee that will straighten the knee (extend) are important to balance the action of the hamstrings.
Therefore, if the muscles that straighten the hip joint (extensors) are weak, the muscles that bend the hip and thigh upward (flexors) will be automatically stronger. This itself will make the hip extensors (gluteus maximus, adductor magnus) weaker since they will now be stretched beyond their optimal length.

Hamstring muscles do have an effect on straightening the hip, provided the knee is straight. However, when we are sitting down, the hamstring muscles do not have much effect on straightening the hip (extension). The action of the hamstrings will therefore be most prominent for bending the knee. The sitting position with knees bent thus puts the hamstring muscles to become short and tight behind the knee.

The sitting position also puts the rectus femoris and tensor fascia lata muscle at the front of the knee to be stretched across the knee. Since these muscles straighten the knee, they will be stretched beyond optimal length when the knee is in a bent position such as in sitting. This stretch effect is made worse since both these muscles are already shortened when the person sits since these two muscles are responsible for bending the hip also.

The setting for the tightness of the hamstrings at the knee thus stems from weakness of the lower back muscles and the muscles that surround the hip from behind (gluteus maximus, adductor magnus) and from the outer aspect (gluteus medius and tensor fascia lata).

Therefore tightness of the hamstring muscles cannot be accomplished just by stretching the hamstring muscles. Shortening contractions have to be performed to muscles constantly exposed to lengthening contractions. These include perform shortening contractions to the spinal muscles from neck to the base of the spine. At the hip, shortening contractions have to be performed to the gluteus maximus and adductor magnus muscles which have nerve related muscle weakness in the presence of constant exposure to lengthening contractions.

Shortening contractions have to be performed also for the tensor fascia lata and the rectus femoris muscles. Since these muscles have to be selectively activated, the treatment of choice is motor point stimulation using eToims Twitch Relief method.
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Temporomandibular joint disorder is better known as TMJ syndrome. Many people suffer from this affliction that can cause serious pain. This can actually turn into a chronic condition and many people will be treated each year for it.

Inflammation takes place in the temporomandibular joint, that's located between the mandible and the skull; in fact it actually connects the two. Signs that you may be suffering from TMJ are pain in your ear, headaches, hearing loss, and even locking of the jaw.

There are many more symptoms that may lead a dentist to believe you are suffering from TMJ. They are pain behind the eyes, feelings of numbness in arms and fingers, pain in your neck, back, or shoulders, and even dizziness.

As you can tell TMJ doesn't just affect your teeth but your whole body. That's why so many people are suffering and seeking out help as soon as they can.

So what are some ways that you get TMJ? Some people will not even realize it but they are moving their jaws everyday in a same way, its called bruxing. Trauma, maybe a car accident or something like that. Excessive chewing of gum or even biting your nails can cause TMJ. Also the teeth maybe misaligned, which will affect the way your mouth closes, and perhaps lead to grinding and TMJ.

Dentist can treat TMJ though and help to relieve that pain. You may get fitted for a guard that will help to reduce the bruxing you may be doing. These will most likely need to be worn at all times of the day, but especially when sleeping. The dentist can also help to fix the misalignment of the teeth that may have caused TMJ in the first place. A very hard problem to deal with, but getting help is only a call away.

Degenerative osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis. Here we have accumulated osteoarthritis statistics compiled by various health agencies to help provide a better understanding of how disabling the condition can become and of the importance of early intervention through the use of nutritional supplementation, weight maintenance and regular exercise.

According to the osteoarthritis statistics compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 million Americans report being told that they have degenerative osteoarthritis or other conditions affecting the health of the joints. Nearly 19 million adults are disabled because of degenerative osteoarthritis and more than half of all people over the age of 55 have it to some degree. Many think of it as an inevitable part of aging.

Degenerative osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. The American Arthritis foundation reports that 21 million Americans suffer from degenerative osteoarthritis. Higher figures compiled by the CDC include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia and other joint disorders.

In addition to osteoarthritis statistics, other figures are relevant. 15.4 million American adults are unable or find it very difficult to walk a quarter of a mile. This number is fairly close to the number of people who are disabled by degenerative osteoarthritis.

At one time, it was common for people to reduce their physical activity because of pain in the weight bearing joints (knees and hips), but most health care professionals now recommend that regular physical activity can reduce stiffness and pain. Avoiding high impact sports that put additional stress on the joints is still recommended.

64.7 million American adults are obese, according to figures compiled by the US Department of Health and Human Services. That's nearly one-third of the total population. Another 72 million are overweight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many chronic diseases, including degenerative osteoarthritis. Experts maintain that even a modest weight loss can reduce the pain and improve mobility, particularly in the knees and hips.

Researchers have compiled estimates concerning future rheumatoid and osteoarthritis statistics. The number of American adults who suffer from the all forms of degenerative osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions involving the joints is expected to increase to 67 million by the year 2030, because adults are living longer and the number of people in older age groups is growing.

Other osteoarthritis statistics concern cost of treatment, which is approximately $128 billion per year. This figure too may increase, if Americans do not begin to follow recommendations from the CDC and other health agencies. Lose weight, eat right and get regular exercise. In addition, increased intake of omega 3 fatty acids may prevent or reduce the degradation of the cartilage cushions found in degenerative osteoarthritis.

Research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatories and appear to block the processes that lead to thinning cartilage. If the research is correct, then maybe the osteoarthritis statistics will not increase after all. It may be possible that developing age-related degenerative osteoarthritis is not inevitable after all.

According to the University of Maryland's Medical website:

"Based on laboratory studies....many researchers suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (and low in omega-6 fatty acids) may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, including OA [Osteoarthritis]. In fact, several laboratory studies of cartilage-containing cells have found that omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of enzymes that break down cartilage. Patients also showed increased improvement when fish oil supplements were used...."

The website goes on to state:

"....New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

So if you suffer from degenerative osteoarthritis, you may want to start including a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids like fish oil and New Zealand green lipped mussel.