Temporomandibular Joint Disorder|Joint Pain Relief

We can't deny that more and more people start to accept that massage does alleviate chronic joint pains whether this is the back pain, hip joint pain or any joints of the body that required that little rubbing. Massage is mostly sorted after by patients having stiffness and pains in the neck, lower back and rheumatism. Massage treatment can be even applied to fingers joint pain. The versatility of massage as an alternative treatment to the conventional joint pain treatments has gain a foothold in today's fast paced societies.

Healthcare practitioners do recognize that effectiveness of remedial massage therapy to alleviate joint pains and it has been commonly recommended in addition to the conventional medical course of treatment. These 2 approaches can be combined for better and faster results.

A study on the effectiveness of massage on joint problems by Touch Research Institute and published through International Journal of Neuroscience suggested that massage is able to lessen lower back pain, depression, anxiety and improved sleep.

So, what are the benefits of remedial massage therapy? The following list just some of the health benefits;

1) It speeds up body's repair mechanism by improving blood circulation, which helps in recovering the soreness in the muscles through physical activities.
2) It aid in relaxing the muscles for improved mobility. This muscle relaxation has the effect of also treating insomnia. Therefore, it is common after a massage treatment, one feels sleepy.
3) It contributes to an increased level of endorphin in the body. This increase in the endorphin that the body produces make the whole body and mind feel refreshed and good.

The remedial massage therapy is a non medicinal and holistic treatment employing a variety of techniques combining stretching, acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy to stimulate blood circulation in the body, ease and lessen muscular and joint discomforts, calming the body and mind for a total relaxation. The strength of kneading and stroking applied to the body can be varied according to each individual. Remedial massage uses natural ingredients such as essential oils and herbal spices to relieve strained muscles and rheumatism.

In Bali, the therapist uses a natural spice called "Boreh" that is traditionally used by the farmers as a natural herbal medicine which has the effect of easing their joint discomforts and stimulate blood circulation after long hours of working in the rice fields.

However, it is important to understand your joint pain condition before employing this alternative joint pain remedy; massage therapy. This alternative approach may not be suitable for one who suffers from severe pain conditions, such as cartilage damage requiring a cartilage repair treatment. It is also not a quick fix to conventional treatments, but an approach if employed consistently can have the effect of addressing chronic joint problems without the side effects of medicated treatments!

Pseudo gout is a medical condition which is often mistaken for gout. The very similarity in the common symptoms is reflected in the name of the disease. However, the medical name of the disease is Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease. This is a type of arthritis and it is mainly caused by the buildup of calcium pyrophosphate dihhydrate crystals in the connective tissues of the body.

The common symptoms of the disease are quite similar to the symptoms of the gout. Acute joint pain, pain in the large joint areas, redness, swollen skin, swelling, warmness and extreme pain in slightest of touch are some of the common symptoms of the pseudo gout.

Pseudo gout has been around for ages just like the gout. This is the reason why many a treatment methods are tried by different experts to help managing the painful disease. If a patient is diagnosed with the problem of pseudo gout he must be treated under the expert medical practitioner. However, alternative medication or homeopathy can be given a try. Homeopathy has a holistic approach for all the diseases and pseudo gout is no difference. The best thing about the homeopathy is that it is safe, side effects free and can be used alongside the conventional treating methods. Here are some homeopathic medicines that offer pain management options.

Colchicum or Colch

This is one of the mostly used pain management medicine in homeopathy. For treating the gout and the pseudo gout the medicine can be used. When the skin becomes red and swollen with extreme skin tenderness then this is the right medicine for the condition. The acute pain and the shifting of the pain from joint to joint can be managed with the medication. When joint areas other than the big toes start to be affected by the pseudo gout then also this is the best medicine for managing the pain.

Ledum or Led

Ledum is good for the extreme swelling, soreness and redness of the affected areas. This can be used when the pain is incessantly getting worse. Bryonia can be used in such cases too. But it differs from Bryonia in some features. This is better suited for using in the hot swelling of the hip joints or other large joint areas. Ledum can be used after the overdose of the Colchicum. This can be the first remedy when the patient is given over doses of the Colchicum. Ledum is known as a cold remedy and chillness and lack of animal heat can be felt during the use of the medicine.

Ammonium phosphoricum

This can also be a useful medicine when there is acute pain in the joint areas. This can be effectively used to prevent the deposits of urate crystals in the body.

Rhododendron chrysanthum

Rhododendron chrysanthum can be used in the joints pain in the time of pseudo gout attack. When the condition gets worse with the crystal deposits the medicine can be used to reduce the pain.

These are the different types of homeopathic medicines that are used to prevent the development of the pseudo gout and also to relieve the pain during the pseudo gout attack.

There are many different types of arthritis, each of which involves some disorder or inflammation of one or more joints. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting the middle-aged. It is a degenerative joint disease and is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling in spinal joints, hips, knees, and joints of the hand, with progressive loss of function. The cartilage that lines the bones degenerates, becoming inflamed, rough, and hardened, and eventually wears away. Tendons, ligaments, and muscles that are holding the joint together become weaker, causing deformity, pain, and reduced movement.

Osteoarthritis is the result of natural wear arid tear, but other causes can include

repeated strain to joints, ligaments, and muscles

joint deformation from birth or previous injury

rheumatoid arthritis

gout

nutritional and hormonal influences.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition Correct body weight should be maintained to prevent strain from causing osteoarthritis. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, and simple carbohydrates, such as white flour and refined sugar, should be eaten in moderation. Avoid coffee, red meat, artificial additives, and processed foods. Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, wheat germ, and oily fish. A nutritionist might suggest daily supplementation with vitamins A (10,000iu), C (2g), E (600iu), and B6 (50mg).

Massage Joints can be massaged effectively with tiger balm, lavender and camomile oils, and with Ruta grav. cream.

Yoga This will help to encourage joint mobility and improved posture.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupuncture With or without using moxibustion, this will act to balance energies and reduce both inflammation and pain.

The hand is a complex arrangement of bones, joints, and tendons, which make it vulnerable to wear and tear

Ayurveda Treatment is aimed at balancing the elements of air, fire, water, and mindbody connections.

Herbal Medicine Some herbalists might recommend celery seed, yucca leava bogbean, and devil's clal taken daily. Infusions alfalfa and nettle may be suggested as nutrition supplements. Wild yam root and glucose amine (1500mg per day) are also useful.

Homeopathy Rhus tox.6c is suitable when the condition is worse with rest anij dampness, and Ruta grav. is appropriate when symptoms are relieved by warmth.

Osteopathy and Chiropractic These are useful for maintenance of efficient body mechanics and pain relief.

Rolfing Treatment will address postural integration.

Arthritis can be a normal occurrence to dogs getting on in their senior years. Sometimes other illnesses or diseases can cause arthritis to occur to animals. Unfortunately, this can occur before they reach those golden years. Causes include cancer, injury, inflammatory disease, degenerative joint disease, and obesity.

Dogs can be such stoic bearers of pain that many pet owners may not notice that their pets are in any pain. Outward symptoms for canine arthritis include stiffness, limited mobility, reluctance to jump or climb (use stairs, for example), weight gain, and a general inclination to move around less. Veterinarians can diagnose canine arthritis through an examination and possibly x-rays.

Arthritis occurs when bone cartilage breaks down and is not replaced with new cartilage. Getting relief for dogs afflicted with arthritis involves a canine arthritis treatment plan that is multi-faceted. This plan includes pain relief, increased movement, managing weight loss, and joint repair.

The plan for pain relief often includes anti-inflammatory medication and pain medication. At home, owners should provide their pet with a warm, comfortable place to rest and sleep. Just as people with arthritis have discovered about their joints, dogs' joints will also feel better when they are kept warm. Extra blankets can help and so can a pet sweater. Dogs benefit from comfortable bedding. Consider getting a foam pad or other bedding that alleviates pressure points on the joints.

A treatment plan for canine arthritis should focus on movement for the pet. This component includes encouraging the pet to move around more and easing their movements in and around the house. Pet owners may install ramps or small steps to help dogs cross height barriers. They may need to think of easier ways for their pets to get outside to designated potty areas or even introduce indoor potty areas. Pet owners should be careful not to encourage strenuous activity that puts too much stress on the joints (i.e. Frisbee jumping for example).

Extra weight can both contribute to and result from canine arthritis. When dogs weigh more than they should, they put excessive stress on their joints. This stress can contribute to or exacerbate arthritis. A weight loss plan often helps dogs with arthritis. Elements of the weight loss plan include reducing how much the dog eats, providing special diet food, or encouraging more exercise. All of these components may be necessary for a dog suffering from arthritis.

A final focus for canine arthritis will be on stopping further joint damage or to help with joint repair. For dog arthritis glucosamine is often suggested. Glucosamine is a necessary building block for cartilage development. Providing more glucosamine to the body helps with the maintenance and development of healthy bone cartilage.

Oral glucosamine falls into the category of dietary supplement. A newer term for this category is nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are taken with the idea that they provide medical benefits without being considered actual medicine. Omega-3 fish oil is an example of a nutraceuticals.

Because glucosamine is marketed as a dietary supplement and not a medicine, it may not have the same level of scrutiny as products introduced as medicinal. Therefore, pet owners should be careful about marketing claims that may accompany some glucosamine products. Overall, however, studies in Europe seem to indicate that glucosamine can be a helpful part of a canine arthritis treatment plan. Dog arthritis glucosamine does not appear to do any further damage, at the least.

Glucosamine is also available in an FDA approved Injectable medication. Adequan is the brand name for this new drug. Adequan will need to be administered on a routine basis to help minimize further arthritic development.

While most dogs handle glucosamine without any trouble, possible side effects include nausea and vomiting. As part of their canine arthritis treatment plan, pet owners should discuss any side effects with their veterinarian. The veterinarian might be able to prescribe other medications that can ameliorate unpleasant side effects associated with glucosamine consumption.

Even the best glucosamine for dogs cannot be completely discontinued or the resulting benefits may cease to exist. However after an initial heavy dosage, the amount of glucosamine given as part of the canine arthritis treatment for joint repair will often be reduced.

Always consult with a veterinarian before deciding on a canine arthritis treatment. Dogs can suffer from arthritis the same as humans and treatments may be similar. Proper dosage, however, as well as consideration of contradictions should be fully investigated.

Arthritis of the hip may lead to degeneration of the hip joint, a deep 'ball-and-socket' joint that connects the leg to the pelvis. Its progression can take a toll on many aspects of your life, deteriorating your ability to do routine work and causing unending joint pain, joint stiffness and decreased hip flexibility. You may also need a cane, walker or even a wheelchair to move around.

The hip joint is located where the thigh bone (femur) meets the pelvis (hip). Normally, a round ball at the top of the femur moves smoothly in the socket of the hip.

Hip arthritis (osteoarthritis) is a common cause of hip joint pain which may worsen with hip movement. Patients with advanced osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease may require surgical intervention.

Arthritis of the hip may range from earliest mild stages to its most severe crippling form. In its milder stage, arthritis can be treated with steroids and anti-rheumatoid medications, heat treatment, exercise, supportive devices and modification of activities. But, in severe cases where the cartilage on both sides of the joint wears away completely, surgical intervention is the only effective way to treat the hip adequately.

There are two main surgical methods to treat osteoarthritis (OA or degenerative arthritis) of the hip - Hip Joint Replacement Surgery and Hip Resurfacing Surgery.

Hip replacement (hip arthroscope) is usually considered for patients who experience severe joint pain at night, decreased hip mobility and rubbing sensations during certain movements, and have tried conservative measures to relieve these symptoms but failed.

Total hip replacement is a very successful procedure for the treatment of arthritic hip. Often considered as the cheapest and safest form of hip replacement surgery, it is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by artificially constructed components. This form of surgery amputates the damaged and worn parts of the femur including the head (ball) of femur and fixes a new, smaller man-made metal ball into the rest of the femur, which brings back the hip to its strong, stable and flexible state again.

Pros
There is no risk of femoral neck fracture because this bone is removed.
The surgery consistently reduces or eliminates the hip pain.
It can give you many years of freedom from uneasiness and fatigue that so far kept you awake at night.
Osteoarthritis patients can experience a significant improvement in their hip mobility and movements after the surgery.

Cons
Surgery calls for more femoral bone amputation.
More chances of hip dislocations.
Plastic or ceramic surfaces may break.
Patients may continue to experience thigh pain.
Most patients can't perform high璽??level athletics.
Chances are strong that traditional hip replacement will wear out and the patient may require a second replacement (revision).

Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement which calls for preservation rather than amputation of the original socket (acetabulum) and the ball of the thigh bone. Instead of removing the femoral head, a hollow metal cap is fitted onto the damaged surfaces of the ball. The socket part of the hip joint is also resurfaced with a metal component.

Pros
Hip resurfacing removes considerably less bone from the femur.
Larger portion of the natural femoral bone remains intact.
It is a bone conserving surgery, allowing for a revision (repeat) hip surgery if required later.
The hip resurfacing implants have a larger head and cup, making the hip really harder to dislocate.
The surgery allows patients to resume sport and high demand activities.

Cons
This form of hip joint surgery is technically more difficult to perform.
It requires a larger incision in thigh that can lead to excessive blood loss.
Hip resurfacing patients may fracture their thigh bone at the femoral neck, requiring revision surgery.
Complete recovery after the operation can take from six weeks to three months.

My patients usually ask me -"What is the best way to sleep?" to which I always answer: "Well, what position do you sleep in?" The reason for this reply is that just be modifying a couple of things here and there, you can get a restful and comfortable night's rest no matter what position you actually sleep in.

Back Sleepers

Yes, this is actually the preferred position to sleep because it places the least amount of stress to your spine-IF you:

Place a cervical roll or rolled-up towel under your neck. Make sure that your head is in a neutral position (that you are neither looking up or down). If you find that you cannot be "in neutral" then you need a smaller roll.

Place a pillow under your knees-This takes stress off
of your lower back. You could buy a special pillow for this, but a
regular pillow works just fine.

Side Sleepers

-If you sleep on your side, then follow these tips to minimize the
amount of stress to your spine.

Use a cervical pillow-Ideally, the pillow should take into account how wide your shoulders are-the wider your shoulders, the taller the pillow should be. This is because you want to keep your neck in a neutral position.Place a pillow between your knees. Not only will this feel more comfortable, if you have hip joint pain-this definitely helps.Try not to sleep on your side with your arm up over your head-this causes stress on the nerves that come out of the neck and into the arms and cause tingling or numbness down the arms.

Sleep on your Belly-

This position places the most stress on your neck.
In this position you have your head turned to one side or the other for hours at a time. This is quite stressful to your neck muscles and joints.

Your body will try to shift your position to compensate. This is why people who toss and turn the most are belly sleepers.

To sleep more comfortably(belly sleepers):

Place a pillow under your waist, and do not use a pillow for your head.

Remember that there are other variables that will affect the quality of your sleep, like the condition and firmness of your mattress. If your mattress is too old it will sag and not provide enough support.

Avoid super-soft mattresses-they may feel comfortable at the
beginning, but in the mornings, the lack of support will make you feel sore. Your mattress should be firm, but not hard to provide the adequate support.

As with anything, if any of these recommendations cause you increased pain, consult your chiropractor-there may be other factors present that should be checked by a professional.

Sweet Dreams!

The occurrence of hip and knee pain together can be excessively inconvenient, which can badly affect the usual activities of the body; such as standing, running and walking. The knee and the hip joint are two of the most important joints of the body. Both joints are situated at the ends of the thigh bone. These joints work together to give support to the whole body weight. At the same time, these joints are responsible for sustaining the movement of our body. Any kind of pressure on the hip joint will definitely affect the knee joint. Also, if the knee joint experiences any kind of disorder, the hip joint will be affected. Hip and knee pain ranges from mild, moderate to severe. It may last for a short period of time or may be chronic lasting for days, weeks or months.

CAUSES OF HIP AND KNEE PAIN.

The following are some common causes of hip and knee pain.
1. Bone fracture: Sharp pains usually occur when the bones in the hip and knee are broken. Broken bones in these joints can occur due to shock, such as bad fall. This problem is common with elderly people because they are more fragile due to age.
2. Muscle strain: Both the knee and hip areas include many muscles, and when these muscles are overworked they get strained causing sharp pain in the affected regions. This problem often occurs when one engages in a strenuous physical activity without adequate warming of the muscles.
3. Osteoarthritis: The hip and knee joints consist of a tender tissue known as cartilage which promotes smooth mobility of the joint. When this tissue gets worn out as a result of osteoarthritis, the bones of the joints will start rubbing against each other. This situation causes the joints to be stiff and very painful.
4. Bursitis: this condition causes pain around the knee cap and hip bone. It usually occur as a result inflammation of bursa; a fluid in the sac that provides protection to the joints and bones of hip and knee. The common symptom of this problem is hip and knee pain with a particular sleeping position.
5. Pregnancy: pregnancy can also cause hip and knee pain due to a change in body structure. The increase in the size and weight of the uterus puts more pressure on the knee. And as the abdominal muscles are excessively stretched, the hip muscles get strained. Due to these reasons, pregnant women often experience more hip and knee pain.

TREATMENT OF HIP AND KNEE PAIN.

The cause of the pain will best determine the nature of the treatment to be taken. Therefore, it is very essential that you first seek professional advice from a physical therapist, a gym instructor or a fitness trainer before indulging in any treatment for hip and knee pain. Proper rest will be of a great advantage in easing of muscle pain. Limiting physical activities can as well help to stop pain from getting bad. Ice can also be applied to reduce the swelling effect on the joints. Pregnant women should apply heat or seek for therapeutic massage to relax the muscle.

Once the pain is reduced, muscle strengthening exercises should be applied to completely get rid of the problem. Some of the exercises you can opt for are hamstring stretching, hip flexors stretch, swimming, water aerobics, Pilates, cycling, weight machines, walking etc.

With strict adherence to the some of these exercises recommended to you by your physical therapist or fitness trainer you can effectively get rid of hip and knee pain and at the same time protect your joint from further injury.

NAFC Master Level Certified personal trainer Rochelle Gravance knows how to deal with knee pain. She combines her expert knowledge from more than a decade's work developing her clients' health and fitness with the personal experience as a young athlete in recovering from a devastating knee injury to help people lost their knee pain. Escape from the costly and risky path towards knee surgery peddled by the medical establishment. Visit Rochelle's website now at http://losethekneepain.com/ to take back control of your health.

Obesity is a disorder that is increasing in epidemic proportions, especially in the industrialized world. It's a disorder that is defined as simply having too much body fat. Because our body is made up generally of water, fat, protein and carbohydrates, as well as a varied array of proteins, vitamins and minerals, if we have too much fat, particularly in the belly and waist area, we're definitely at greater risk of additional health complications, which include high cholesterol levels, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes as well.

A Heightened Risk Factor For Coronary Heart Disease

Obesity is very much recognized as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, and this can lead to a higher incidence of heart attacks too. Obesity is known to lower the good cholesterol, or HDL, and it elevates blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well. Obesity can further induce the onset of diabetes too, whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and also elevate the body's blood pressure levels.

Too Much Fat Harms The Blood Vessels and Heart

Obesity is a disorder that puts too much strain on the heart and blood vessels. It can also cause the formation of gall stones, as well as trigger or exacerbate degenerative joint disease. Why do people get obese? Health experts contend that it is primarily caused by the body taking in too much cholesterol, more than what is used up on physical activities, as well as on other activities of daily living. When we consume too much calories and carbohydrates, the excessive amount of saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fat clogs the blood vessels, and also raises bad cholesterol levels. This scenario is very much likely to increases the chances of you getting heart disease.

What's The best Method For Measuring Body Fat?

Dietitians and physicians stress that the best way for measuring body fat is through measuring the circumference of the waist, as well as the body mass index, or BMI. Doctors agree that a high-risk waistline measures around 35 inches or higher, especially for women, and much higher for men. The formula for measuring the BMI assesses body weight relative to height. Body weight, in kilograms, is divided by height x height, in meters, or kg/m2. You can also multiply weight in pounds by 703, and then divide it by height x height in inches. According to the data provided by the UD Dietary Guidelines, being overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25.0 to less than 30.0. Being obese on the other hand, is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or higher, which is consistent with the World Health Organization's standards. A BMI of 18.6 to 24.9 is considered normal, while a BMI of 18.5 is considered underweight.

Obesity Heightens The Risk of Congestive Heart Failure

Obese individuals are more likely to develop left ventricular hypertrophy, which to some extent is related to systemic hypertension. Among obese individuals, the rate of hypertension is around three times much higher, as compared to people with normal weight. Health experts contend that when a person's weight increases, so does the blood pressure. When weight decreases on the other hand, the blood pressure level falls as well.

How Do You Treat The Heart Risks Associated With Obesity?

In treating patients with congestive heart failure, doctors may prescribe restricting sodium intake, and small reductions in weight may also need to be done, to improve the person's oxygenation and ventricular function. A number of studies and clinical trials have also concluded that considerable weight reduction also reduces cardiovascular morbidity. These studies have shown the beneficial effects of weight reduction on such complications like hypertension and dyslipidemia. Reducing weight also offers benefits in reducing the chances of getting coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure, and does a great deal in preventing heart diseases among obese individuals. According to the third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES III, which was conducted from 1988 to 1991, obesity is a widespread metabolic disorder that affects 33 percent of the US population, and the numbers of the obese are rapidly rising in the developing world as well.

Going to a dentists office is not something that most individuals enjoy doing. However for those who suffer from TMJ disorder a trip to the dental doctor can be very disconcerting. Let us look at some things you can do to make your next visit a little more bearable.

TMJ disorder stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. It is sometimes referred to as TMJ syndrome or TMJD. The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to the human skull. When a person suffers from this disorder they experience acute or chronic inflammation of this joint which can lead to terrible pain in the face. It can also make it difficult and uncomfortable for them to open their jaw and to move it.

When you visit a dentists office, you must keep your mouth open for an extended period of time which can be excruciating for a person who suffers from this particular problem. A sufferer of TMJ is not able to keep his or her mouth open for too long a period at once and this can be frustrating for both the patient as well as the dental practitioner.

Even though you may dread the thought of having to keep opening and closing your mouth and the discomfort it brings with it, you still need to make regular visits to a dentists office for check ups and cleanings. Your oral health needs all of the help it can get!

Most TMJ sufferers are not able to floss their teeth on a daily basis because of the mouth problem that they experience. For this reason you should book appointments for cleanings not just every six months but closer to every three to four months. If you go in to see the dental provider and the hygienist three to four times a year as opposed to twice a year then your appointments will take place in a shorter span of time. That means your mouth will not be opened for very long at all!

Those who cannot floss as often or as effectively as they would like to should invest in a water pic. While pics do not work as well as floss to dislodge particles of food from between your teeth, they will help to clean between your teeth better than not flossing at all. Using a water pic will also be gentler on your jaw than using dental floss. Ask the hygienist to recommend a water pic for you and explain the process for using one if you are not familiar with it.

If you are having more than one procedure done at the dentists office in one sitting (such as a check up, cleaning and x-rays) then ask the dentist for the opportunity to rest your mouth and jaw between procedures. If you are worried about pain during the visit then take an Advil approximately 30 minutes before you arrive at the office. Once your arrive home following your appointment put some ice on your jaw and give yourself some time to relax. Consuming a liquid or soft diet immediately following your appointment is advisable as well.

Walking is a great way to stay fit and active. Even if you're sedentary, you may take 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day. But if you're active, look out. You may take more than 10, 000 steps a day. So, what happens when the sacroiliac joint is not moving freely and the hip joint moves excessively? Can you imagine the damages to the buttock soft tissues, the sacroiliac and hip joints with each step taken?

The pelvis is formed by the sacrum, tailbone and two ilium (wing-like hip bones). When you walk and run, as a unit, the sacrum and tailbone rock slightly back and forth. And each wing-like hip bone rotates in opposite direction. So when you walk, one hip bone (ilium) along with the sacroiliac joint rotates forward while the opposite one on the other side rotates back.

If one of the hip bones is stuck in a forward, rotated position, then the same sacroiliac joint cannot rotate back freely and fully during the second half of the walking stride. The buttock muscles on the same restricted side are forced to compensate by pulling harder at the hip joint to swing your leg back. Normally, the sacroiliac and hip joints rotate simultaneously. But with a dysfunctional sacroiliac joint, the hip joint is forced to rotate more than it needs to.

Now do you see the potential for damages, especially if you take 10, 000 steps a day? If the hip joint is forced to rotate excessively, eventually you will wear it out. The affected hip may being to click and pop as it needs to create a new axis of rotation. This can lead to premature hip degeneration and arthritis. The hip feels stiff in the morning. It will also feel stiff and clunky as you get up and move around after sitting down for a while.

What about the buttock muscles? Let's say you have a hand crank radio. It's old and hasn't been cared for; some of the internal gears are rusty. When you crank it, you notice that it doesn't turn as smoothly as before. The internal gears are not moving freely and efficiently. It requires more effort to crank the handle. Within minutes, your arm muscles get tired from cranking the rusty gears inside the radio.

The same principle applies to your buttock muscles. Eventually, the compensated buttock muscles will wear out; they become tight and taut. The tight and taut buttock muscles will then resist forward rotation of the sacroiliac and hip joints which create a new problem.

Normally, when you step forward as in walking and running, the buttock muscles should let go and relax. But these tight and taut muscles prevent normal faciliatory relaxation. The groin and hip flexor muscles must then work harder to overcome the increased tension from the buttock muscles. So, basically you have a tug-of-war between the anterior groin / hip flexor muscles and posterior buttock muscles.

Before you know it, this muscle tug-of-war causes hip and groin pain and clicking. You'll often notice clicking in the groin and hip when you bring your thigh up, walk up the stairs and hill or simply getting up from sitting down.

Other signs and symptoms of chronic sacroiliac dysfunction include myofascial pain and stiffness to the low back, buttock and hip area. The same thigh and leg may be weak upon standing for a while; and one leg may appear to be longer than the other leg. When walking, you'll feel that one hip and leg don't seem to be swinging and moving as smoothly and easily as the other side.

The most appropriate treatment for a sacroiliac joint dysfunction is with chiropractic treatment. And you'll notice the immediate improvement after just one treatment.

The fundamental problem here is biomechanical. If the sacroiliac and hip joint are not moving freely and properly, they're not happy. So, there's no point in stretching or doing any rehab exercises. Why? Because when you stretch or exercise, you're forcing the unhappy joints to move against their will.

And don't forget about the muscle tug-of-war. They're not happy either. When all soft tissues are treated and biomechanical problems are corrected, selective rehab exercise and stretching are welcomed and should be part of the treatment plan.

So, if you continue to get pain and clicking in your hip and groin despite all previous treatment attempts, please consult with a chiropractor. It will save you a lot of stress and frustration. A thorough and competent chiropractor will properly evaluate and treat you.

Thanks for taking an interest in your health. I hope you learn something new.

Having problems with your shoulder? Our The shoulder is the most active and movable joint in our the body. It's very flexible that it allows one to hit backhand swing or stretch or lift heavy objects. Our Shoulders also help with our hand positioning such as using the mouse on your computer.

However the shoulders' flexibility can cause injury - and a variety of painful problems, painful enough to distract you from your work. Experiencing this pain is very hard to bear and needs medical attention.

Shoulder joint pains are common especially to those participating in activities that involve reaching or throwing. the The complex arrangement of the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments can be injured by an accident or overuse. The pain is usually in the front or outside the shoulder. It gets worse when you lift or raise something above your head. Shoulder joint pain can be excruciating that even at night it can wake you up. There are different ways to prevent shoulder pains, getting rid of these symptoms may take a lot of time and effort.

Treatments can help ease the pain of the joints and help restore your shoulder to normal functions. Relieving the pain includes active rest, aerobic exercises with the correct procedure. This can reduce soreness. Shoulder problems can also be treated by pain medication and over- the- counter prescription may help with the symptoms. Smokers should quit smoking for more oxygen to reach the injured shoulder. Physical therapy is also one of the ways to get rid of shoulder joint pains, which include activities to restore your shoulder's mobility and to reduced pain. A physical therapist should be part of this treatment and be involved in all phases of the shoulder rehabilitation.

Sometimes an injury that lasts a long time and has been taken for granted will cause the tendons to tear., these These are the types of injury that would no longer be fixed by physical therapy and may need surgery. Getting rid of these pains would take tons of training for the shoulder joints to be bring them back to its their original flexibility., the The training should be right or else it would compromise your goal.

One of the basic training trainings to effectively remove shoulder pains is includes a healthy diet , and daily exercises that would increase the shoulders ability to resist strain. Once you feel a slight pain with the training that your going through, stop immediately and relax you shoulders and make sure that you're doing the correct movement, because one of the reasons that your shoulders strain are is because of wrong movements. For example you can do stretching for the muscles and tendons that surround the joint can help with some causes of shoulder pain. Range-motion-exercise is recommended. Additional tips are to watch your posture, limit overhead reaches, and avoid repetitive motion.

Though shoulder joint pains are common in most ages, it can still be prevented. Just a careful watch of your lifestyle and the amount of work that you do everyday can limit or prevent the shoulder muscle to overuse. Treating shoulder pains may have number of options but your physician will counsel you on the best solution for your shoulder problems.

The information provided below is meant to educate the patient about the options available to hip replacement candidates. Your orthopedic surgeon should explain to you which hip replacement is best for you and why.

In a total hip replacement, both the thigh bone (femur) and the socket are replaced with implant materials and prostheses. Specifically, a metal stem is inserted into your thighbone. Attached to the neck of the stem is a hip ball, just over an inch in diameter. The hip ball fits into a liner. Together, the ball and liner create the new joint. The liner is inserted into a metal shell that in turn is anchored to your pelvis. But there are a number of different approaches a surgeon can take, depending on her analysis of your particular case.

Because of the advances in the last thirty years, several different types of implant materials have also been found useful in hip replacement procedures. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, but it is ultimately up to your surgeon which materials to use. Beyond the different types of materials, a surgeon must also decide whether to anchor the hip implant to the bone using cement fixation or something called "bone ingrowth."

Fixation

For bone ingrowth, the surface of the prostheses simulates the bone with a special granular surface into which the bone grows, thereby locking the implant into place. Cement fixation holds the implant in the bone by acting as a filler between the bone and the implant. It is made of a substance that is mixed at the operation and hardens into a durable, long lasting polymer.

Modularity

You may also want to consult with your doctor about the design of the implant. Modular systems offer the ability to interface different sizes of femoral heads to fit over the stem; angles, sizes, and lengths of the implant are made to fit your anatomy. The advantage of a modular system is that it gives the patient more flexibility.

Choosing Hip Replacement Implant Material

The main issue that doctors and patients confront when choosing implant material revolves around the wear debris that is released into your body from any of the implant materials. Even the materials with the most wear debris (metal ball and polyethylene liners) show up only after many years (10-15). Nevertheless, it is important to educate yourself about the various options for hip replacement surgery.

Metal-on-Polyethylene

Because of its durability and performance, Metal-on-Polyethylene has been the leading artificial hip component material chosen by surgeons since FDA approval 30 years ago. The metal ball is cobalt chrome molybdenum alloy and the liner is polyethylene.

Metal-on-Polyethylene is the most understood and practiced of all the procedures. Using these materials, a surgeon has a range of options to obtain stability in the body while the operation is underway. This ability to adapt and customize during the surgical procedure is an important attribute of polyethylene. It is also the least expensive bearing.

The disadvantage of Metal-on-Polyethylene is shedding over time. After 10 to 15 years, patients who are extremely active may shed debris that results in joint inflammation and bone loss. However, new wear resistant polyethylene liners have been introduced, called "highly crosslinked polyethylene." If you are a very active individual or a relatively young patient, your surgeon may prescribe an all-ceramic hip joint or all-metal hip joint.

Ceramic-on-Polyethylene

Your next option is a ceramic ball and polyethylene liner. Ceramic heads are harder than metal and are the most scratch resistant implant material. The hard, scratch resistant, ultra-smooth surface can greatly reduce the wear rate on the polyethylene bearing. The wear rate for this type of implant is less than Metal-on-Polyethylene.

One disadvantage found in Ceramic-on-Polyethylene are the incidents of fractures, but newer, stronger ceramics have resulted in fewer of these. Overall, the wear rate for Ceramic-on-Polyethylene is 50% less than that of Metal-on-Polyethylene.

In terms of cost, Ceramic-on-Polyethylene is more expensive than Metal-on-Polyethylene, but less than Ceramic-on-Ceramic.

Metal Ball and Metal Liner

Metal-on-Metal bearings were approved by the FDA in 1999, offering the potential for greatly reduced wear, with less inflammation and less bone loss.

One clear advantage of metal-on-metal implants is the variety of femoral head sizes and neck lengths available (modularity). Metal-on-metal components allow the largest heads throughout the entire range of implant sizes. Large ball heads provide increased range of motion and greater stability, which can significantly reduce the risk of hip dislocation, a crucial factor in the long-term success of an implant.

Although wear is reduced, the wear products (sub-microscopic particulates, soluble metal ions) are distributed throughout the body. This has raised concerns about long-term bio-compatibility. At present these are only concerns, for there have been no definitive clinical findings that these wear products are harmful.

Anatomic Size Metal-on-Metal Ball Heads

Because the human femoral (ball) head is naturally large, it makes sense to implant a large, anatomic replacement. This was not possible in the past because traditional polyethylene liners made smaller femoral heads necessary. However, with the introduction of metal-on-metal implant components, liners may be eliminated, allowing surgeons to use large femoral heads. Use of a larger ball head has been shown to increase the range of motion an individual may experience as well as decrease the possibility of dislocation.

Ceramic Ball and Ceramic Liner

Ceramic is the hardest implant material used in the body, and has the lowest wear rate of all, to almost immeasurable amounts (1000 times less than Metal-on-polyethylene). These implants have been used in Europe for more than 30 years, and since 2003 in the United States.

Consequently, there is usually no inflammation or bone loss, nor systemic distribution of wear products in the body. New ceramics offer improved strength and more versatile sizing options. However, there has been a very few incidents reported of noises from such implants.

Hip-Resurfacing Option

For younger patients, a total hip replacement may not be the best solution for their hip pain because it can mean difficult and numerous revisions later in life. Hip resurfacing, however, leaves more of the bone in place, giving these patients more time before a total hip replacement becomes necessary.

Conclusion

If you are a candidate for hip replacement surgery, fixation, modularity, and implant materials are all topics that factor into making the right decision. Your doctor should explain to you which procedure and materials are best for you.

Malocclusion is a dental problem wherein the upper and lower teeth don't fit together in biting or chewing. In layman's term, it is called Bad bite. A bad bite is one of the reasons why one suffers TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJD affects the joint where the jaw and skull meet causing pain to radiate on face, neck, and shoulder areas. If malocclusion is the reason behind TMJ, Cosmetic dentistry may offer occlusal equilibration procedure. Occlusal equilibration is a procedure that modifies or corrects how the upper and lower teeth mesh. Through this, temporomandibular joint disorder can be eliminated.

It is easy to understand why the upper and lower teeth should work together. If only a few teeth engage in chewing or biting, those teeth will endure much force and subject to excessive weariness in an attempt to locate a position where the forces are more in balance. Teeth misalignment and teeth loss also subject the jaw muscles to fatigue due to its effort to achieve a balance force distribution on the teeth. The jaw joints may eventually develop popping, grating, clicking or pain from the unequal balance of forces due to the teeth's constant effort of grinding movement.

But, one must understand that a thorough medical examination is needed before submitting oneself to a dental procedure. Although cosmetic dentistry deals with correcting misaligned teeth, only an expert on TMJ can state what procedure is right on a certain case. Head or jaw trauma, loss of molars, scoliosis or even arthritis is some of the causes of TMJ disorder. If this is the case, additional neurological examinations is needed to be able to pinpoint the exact cause of TMJD. But, majority of TMJ cases are teeth related which can be usually treated with orthodontic procedure or through implant dentistry.

While treatment is still on its way, here are some TMJ relief techniques that can alleviate the pain and can be done at the comfort of your own home. First, you must relax yourself and make an effort to ease the tension in your jaw. Once relaxed, slowly start doing some jaw exercises by lightly pressing the jaw with your hands for five seconds. Do it a couple of times then move the jaw from side to side after. Hot and cold packs can also help. Do it alternately with a ten-minute interval. A good posture also helps give relief.

Avoid excessive chewing as well as teeth clenching as these may stress out the joint. Popping magnesium, according to recent studies, can also relieve the agonizing pain. Although not all cosmetic dentistry practitioners agree, there are doctors who recommend homeopathic remedies like arnica that helps speed up relief. Alternative treatment like acupressure is also suggested. Finding the right cure for TMJ disorder is important to an affected individual. If mistreated, further complication may arise. So, never rush yourself to be treated the way you wanted it to be. With a little patience, your TMJD will be cured in no time.

One of the reasons why it is difficult to prevent rheumatoid arthritis is that the medical community does not know what causes it. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic degeneration of the cartilage in the joints. It is caused by an autoimmune response that turns the body's white blood cells against that cartilage. It is characterized by swollen, tender joints that are stiff and painful to move. This is more so after periods of inactivity such as first thing in the morning. There is no known cure for this disease and only limited treatments.

It is believed that rheumatoid arthritis is a genetic disorder. The only known risk factors are being female and being between 40 and 60 years old. This is the group most likely to develop symptoms of RA. It does also affect men, though only about 1/3 as many as women and it has been seen to develop at earlier ages. It is also sometimes seen in children. Smoking may have a casual link to the onset of symptoms, but this is not entirely certain. If it is linked to the disease somehow, this would be the only risk factor over which a person can have any control.

While we can not prevent rheumatoid arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent joint damage. All of the current treatments are symptomatic and include anti -inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and in some cases the use of corticosteroids. Unfortunately, there is a balancing act that must take place. The goal is to slow or halt the progress of the disease while providing as much relief from pain as possible. These two goals often run counter to one another. The medications that reduce swelling and pain have side effects that can lead to more damage to the joints. The medications to prevent damaging the joint further can aggravate the pain level.

Untreated, rheumatoid arthritis is a highly degenerative disease that can progress to a point that leaves a person bedridden in later life. In addition to the medical treatments listed above, occupational and physical therapy is prescribed to improve or maintain range of motion and flexibility. Therapy can consist of exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joints. Other exercises will push the limits of mobility. The goal is to maintain the ability to function in daily life. This is literally a case of use it or lose it as allowing the joints to stiffen can lead to permanent and total disability.

Medical science is progressing rapidly with discoveries of new genetic markers for certain disorders and therapies designed to change certain genetic conditions. At the present time, there is no cure and no known method to prevent rheumatoid arthritis. The best one can hope for is to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms early and seek medical help to limit or prevent a portion of the joint damage caused by RA. Physical or occupational therapy and a mix of anti-inflammatory and pain medications are the best means available to treat the symptoms at this time.

The jaw is a hinge joint connecting the skull and the mandible and is enclosed by sixty eight pairs of muscles in front of the ear on each side of the head. They are in continuous use most of the time and helps in yawning, chewing, swallowing and speaking. This is the joint which is used the most in our body. You can find it by putting a finger in your ear and then pushing It forward when opening and closing your mouth. The condyle head of the mandible and the skull is separated by an articular disk. TMJ or temporal mandibular joint dysfunction takes place when this disk is misplaced. It has been observed that around thirty percent of the American population has the problem of TMJ disorder.

There are various symptoms in case of TMJ but a common one is range of motion and mobility being limited within the joint. If you are having the problem of TMJ and you open and close your mouth, the tissues of the joint may wear. If this problem is ignored, it can cause server problems. Therefore, it is advised to get diagnosis and treatment done from a chiropractor. You can test the range of motion of your jaw. This can be done by holding your palm vertically with your thumb facing the ceiling. You should flex your index finger so that it does not come in the way.

There are various cases of TMJ disorders. Missing or misaligned teeth can put the bone out of its right position. Even trauma from a car crash or fall can result in the same outcome. A very common reason for TMJ is whiplash. At times, it happens that stress causes clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth. This can cause a lot of pain and can strain the muscles. This pain can be in your neck, face and head resulting in discomfort and various symptoms. Like in case of a kidney infection, there are problems like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bladder infection and loss of appetite, TMJ can have various symptoms like headache and earache that can cause problem. You should consult your chiropractor in case you are suffering from the problem of TMJ. Chiropractic care is a natural way of treating TMJ. It does not have any side effects and hence is safe. TMJ is a condition which should be detected early for it to be treated properly.

There are many ways to relieve TMJ lockjaw, but most dentists will tell you the best way to know how to relieve TMJ lockjaw is to listen to your body.

That's right! Your body is your best indicator of how your condition is doing. To experience TMJ lockjaw for the first time can be a scary and frustrating thing because you do not know what to expect, and also what to do to make the pain go away.

TMJ lockjaw happens when a person goes through a spasm and the shortening of the muscles of the jaw. You will know when you have a spasm or TMJ lockjaw if your lower jaw is able to slide from left to right, but you are not able to open your mouth. When this happens, most sufferers instinctively tense up their facial muscles to brace against the pain. This reflex has a damaging effect as it further tightens the jaw muscles causing more pain.

So, what's the best way to relieve TMJ lockjaw? Firstly, you have to relax. Relaxing your facial and body muscles is a crucial initial step as it paves the way for the consequent relieve techniques to work.

The next thing you want to do is to soothe the area with moist heat. Once you start to feel your jaw muscles start to loosen, then start doing some easy TMJ exercises to further stretch the muscles.

Before you start to stretch and loosen the jaw muscles, remember it is important to prep the jaw and help it relax using damp heat. When this is done, you are essentially directing blood flow to the sore muscles. To do this, soak a hand towel in a bowl of warm water (not too hot to the touch) and place it gently on the sore area for a few minutes.

Once you start to feel your muscles relax, then it's time to begin doing some jaw stretching exercises. Keep in mind that these exercises require a fair amount of patience as the best results come from slow and controlled movements.

Like any other medical condition, TMJ lockjaw affects sufferers in various ways, so a jaw exercise that is effective for one person may not work for someone else.

Having said that, there are some basic stretching exercises that everyone can do to begin the healing process. The following exercise is an easy technique that can be done whenever you feel your jaw starting to tense up:

1st Step: Open your mouth as wide and comfortably as you can (without feeling additional pain) and then close it slowly.

2nd Step: Open your mouth, moving the lower jaw to the left, as wide and comfortably as you can and then close it slowly.

3rd Step: Repeat the 2nd Step, but this time, move your lower jaw to the right.

Last Step: Repeat Steps 1-3 until you start to feel the pain slowly go away. It may take as little as 2 minutes, or as long as 5 minutes, so remember to be patient.

If this jaw exercise helps relieve your TMJ pain, then you can do other simple stretches to complement this exercise and enhance the healing process.

Getting TMJ relief is not as difficult as most people think it is. In fact, it can be incredibly simple and easy when you find the right set of jaw exercises that work for you. Remember, there is no need to feel stressed or tense if you have not found YOUR way to ease TMJ lockjaw. The best tip on how to relieve TMJ lockjaw is to RELAX!

All kinds of athletic activity carry the risk of suffering from a groin strain, being more usual in sporting activities which include common and forceful hip motion towards the centre of the body (hip adduction). Ice skating, hockey, swimming and soccer (football) are sports with higher incidences of groin injuries. Groin injuries may account for up to 5% of all muscular and tendinous injuries in soccer. If hip and groin pain presents in women, adolescents or children then particular and potentially more serious diagnoses should be considered.

Children with hip pain and a limp should be thoroughly investigated as the possible diagnoses include septic arthritis, a slipped epiphysis of the upper femur, Perthe's disease and avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Such conditions require the urgent attention of an orthopaedic surgical specialist. As pain can be referred from the hip to the knee region it is important for the surrounding joints to be assessed in the examination. In adolescent athletes the growth plate at the hip is a weaker area and may be involved in traumatic injuries.

The hip is the largest joint in the body and has an extensive range of motion. It is vulnerable to damage due to its weight bearing function and repetitive activities performed. Stiffness of the hip joint may be present some time before the incidence of a groin strain and a strain may occur more readily in the presence of reduced range. Acute groin injuries such as tears, strains or sprains of the muscles and tendons occur with forceful adduction of the hip, a movement towards the midline, or if the splits occurs accidentally. Chronic groin injuries present in activities which typically overuse the muscles, such as breaststroke and running.

A groin injury can be difficult to assess as the pain areas and the type of pain described vary and can be vague. There are many medical diagnoses which can be responsible for the symptom presentation of groin pain and these need to be kept in mind. Acute injuries are common and the most prevalent is the typical groin strain, a strain of one of the many muscles running from the pelvis to the femur, maintaining the femur in the centre line under movement. Likely injuring activities include sprinting, kicking, doing the splits, running and changing direction. Sharp groin pain with some thigh radiation is typical.

The junction of where the tendon and the muscle meet is the main region of injury with bleeding from the locally ruptured muscle fibres. The formation of fibrous tissue followed by scar is the method of healing, leaving the area vulnerable to repetitive injuries, with older sports people being at higher risk than younger athletes. If the injury is severe, part of the bone can come off with the tendon, causing an avulsion injury with surgical repair being required at times. Conservative treatment is the standard management with physiotherapists employing exercise, rest and ice.

The most commonly affected muscle in groin strains is one of the inner thigh muscles, the adductor longus. The injury can be in the belly of the muscle or at the junction of the tendon and the bone. Muscle belly injuries can be treated with gentle stretches once the acute period has settled, strengthening and getting back to activity as able. Tendon and bone injuries need a slower management programme with rest until the pain settles, gentle muscle work progressing to stretching and strengthening over a period of time and a gradual return to more stressful activities.

Other possibilities for the diagnosis of pain in the groin region include abdominal hernias, often not diagnosable by physical examination, managed conservatively to start with and then if necessary with surgical care. High energy physical events may cause fractures around the hip although older people may fracture with relatively trivial force. Severe pain and limitation of hip movements and gait should be noted and referral made if needed. Sporting activities which involve repeated impacts such as running can cause stress fractures of the pubic rami or the neck of the femur. Other conditions to consider are avulsion fractures if pain onset is quick and inflammation of a bursa.

There has been some recently published research signifying infrared light as successful treatment to aid in joint muscle pain relief. Studies indicate that directly applied infrared light therapy significantly reduces the instances of pain in the joints and the muscles that support them. Infrared light will increase circulation because it increases the formation of new capillaries. Capillaries speed up the healing process because they supply extra oxygen and nutrition needed for joint muscle pain relief and healing.

Infrared light can also stimulate the production of collagen, which is a protein found in the human body. This protein is vital for repairing damaged tissue in the joints. Collagen holds cells together and is highly elastic. If you can increase the production of collagen in an injured area, you will ultimately decrease the amount of scar tissue in said area. Scar tissue does not stretch and can exacerbate pain.

Light therapy can also help to stimulate the body to release adenosine triphosphate , also called ATP, which carries energy to the cells. Extra APT will help your cells to better absorb nutrition that can lead to joint muscle pain relief.

One major reason that infrared light is good for joint muscle pain relief is because it helps to increase lymphatic activity in the body. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing proteins that cause swelling from injured areas, including the joints. According to recent studies, infrared light therapies can potentially double the processes of the lymph system. This means swelling is more quickly reduced and joint muscle pain relief is discovered more quickly.

Light therapy will also reduce nerve tissue excitability. Light energy photons enter the human body as negative ions, requiring the body to compensate with positive ions. These positive ions flow to treated area, thus regulating nerves and relieving pain.

The list of benefits for infrared therapy goes on and on. If you're experiencing joint muscle pain and you're seeking relief, consider adding infrared light therapy to your arsenal of pain treatment!

Over one million Americans wake up each morning with pain from nighttime tooth grinding and clenching (bruxism). Does the fact that these people remain in pain every day mean they all don't have dentists? No, actually most of these people have dentists. Unfortunately, while most dentists are expert at preventing tooth damage and repairing damaged teeth, they are taught little or nothing in dental school about the psychology of habits, and most long-term tooth grinding and clenching is a habit most people would very much like to kick.

So what does it take to kick the habit of tooth grinding and clenching? As you might suspect from thinking about other habits (like smoking, over-eating, drinking, or nail biting), the answer is different for different people. The "solution" that most dentists currently recommend is a custom-made mouth guard. Lots of people take their dentist's recommendation and plunk down between $500 and $800 for a custom-made mouth guard. Once you have paid for yours, you get to find out if you are someone whose nighttime clenching gets worse or better when you wear a mouth guard.

"Wait a minute..." you might say "did you say my clenching could get worse?" It certainly could. You see, the problem is that while mouth guards obviously protect your teeth, they don't necessarily make you bite less. The nature of the tooth grinding and clenching habit for some people is that a mouth guard is more of an annoyance to be chewed through than a signal to relax.

Fortunately, there are a lot more possible ways to interrupt a habit than just sticking a mouth guard in your mouth. Some people have success reducing tooth grinding and clenching through hypnosis. An EMG-measuring headband such as the SleepGuard biofeedback headband can be used to measure tooth grinding, and biofeedback can be used with or without hypnosis to kick the tooth grinding habit. Some people find that changing their sleep environment and avoiding foods they are allergic to also makes a difference. For a comprehensive list of the ways that different people have succeeded in kicking the habit of tooth grinding and clenching, check out the non-profit resource website http://StopGrinding.org.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the shoulder. This painful form of arthritis can affect anyone, but is most prevalent among patients over the age of 50. Prior shoulder injury can also predispose a person to developing osteoarthritis and research indicates that osteoarthritis in the shoulder may be genetically linked.

Also known as degenerative joint disease or wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis is characterized by a wearing away of the cartilage cushion in the joint. As this cartilage cushion degenerates, bare bones are exposed to each other resulting in inflammation and pain. The disease is progressive and there is no cure.

Although symptoms get progressively worse as the condition of the joint worsens, they do not always do so steadily. In other words, you may have a good month or a bad month... a good day or a bad week. The unpredictable nature of such pain can lead to great frustration, particularly for those who are more active.

Symptoms vary, but common indicators of osteoarthritis include pain in the joint, swelling, stiffness and limited range of motion, and a sense of "catching" in the joint - a pesky "trick" shoulder that "acts up" at the most inopportune time.

A trip to the doctor will commonly result in a physical examination and x-rays. Many, if not most, physicians then recommend a litany of treatments ranging from prescription pain relievers or cortisone injections to physical therapy or surgery.

While all of these options are viable, each comes with specific risks. Stomach upset, headaches and stroke are only a few of the risks associated with such treatments. With this in mind, many physicians may also recommend dietary modification and nutritional supplementation for relief without the risk.

The most common nutritional supplement physicians recommend for osteoarthritis relief is glucosamine and chondroitin. These two molecules occur naturally in the joints of all humans and are the foundation of healthy bones and joints. In a damaged joint, glucosamine and chondroitin are in short supply and the body doesn't have the raw materials necessary to build new cartilage. With regular supplementation, however, the body has an advantage and can actually repair the damage caused by osteoarthritis. This is in sharp contrast to commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that only reduce inflammation temporarily and do nothing to improve the condition of the damaged joint.