Temporomandibular Joint Disorder|Joint Pain Relief

Joints no doubt play a vital role in ones life as they help one to walk, to move, to bend, and to be fit, healthy and active forever. All of our activities depend upon how fast and smooth our joints they work that consecutively depend on how healthy they are?

The answer of this is your optimum joint health.

A joint is actually the connection between two of your bones. This is supported by other structures include ligament, synovium with fluid and are cushioned by cartilage.

All of these structures work together and allow you to move your body, to bend your elbow, bend your back, wiggle your hips, and even to wave you finger to say bye-bye. Nature has bestowed lots of covering to support joint health but certain injuries, increasing age, carrying too much weight, improper body posture or even sitting the wrong way as well as several nutritional deficiency can wear and tear your cartilage and joint and can make problem to your joint.

Problems Associated with Joint Health

Arthritis is the most common bone and joint problem and it is a group of conditions involving damage to the bones and joints of the body and can be classify according to causes of them. There are over 100 different forms of these joint complains. The most common form among them is osteoarthritis that is degenerative problem of joint health which is a result of any trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or aging. Other forms that deteriorate joint in individuals include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and autoimmune diseases.

Easy Tips to Promote Joint Health

Below are some easy tips are mentioned to overcome joint problems and maintain joint health and thus longevity of individual. Its a hot topic in all seasons among all of us because it's bad affects influence thousands of people every where. Even only in the United States, one in three adults suffers from some form of joint pain. Moreover most of these joint problems can easily be reduced or even may be avoided completely with some basic changes in our everyday lifestyles or routine.
For sake of your benefit they are mention below. Try them to improve it.

• Try to lose weight because carrying around extra pounds gives severe strains on your joints and especially on your knees, hips, back and feet and weight loss will immediately improve it.
• Exercise regularly but don't stress a lot on your bones and joint. Regular exercise protects joints by strengthening the muscles around them. It lessens pain, increases range of movement in case of bone and joint discomfort.
• Early and specific diagnosis of any kind of joint problem assists you to get rid of them and aids to improves overall joint health.
• Smoking is another major causative agent and reduces bone mass that may lead to bone fractures in individuals. So to improve joint health one should quit smoking as early as possible.
• Try to find out the stressed activities in your routine even they are minor and also try to relief from them. Like sitting or standing all the day in same posture can cause joint problems.

Nutritional Backups to Improve Joint Health

Be sure that you're getting sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals to improve you joint health. Nutritional supplements are another best way to reduce, eradicate, and to certain extent avoid joints discomfort. You should also try to support and nourish your joint as they are the most mobile part of your body and need enormous nutrition to serve you successfully. So, be careful about your joint.

• Calcium is an important element to keep ones bones strong and joints healthy.
• Vitamin C also supports joint health in individual.
• Use of nutritional supplement like fish oil and flax oil or a source of omega-3 fatty acids also work wonders to optimize its health.
• Glucosamine another useful compound improve joint heath as well as also helping to rebuild joint cartilage

Role of Physiotherapy in Arthritis

The word 'Arthritis' literally means joint inflammation. The warning signs of arthritis are pain, swelling, joint stiffness, difficulty in moving one or more joints. Arthritis can be a life changing event which can affect your personal, social and work life unless it is well understood and treated in time.

There are 127 different kind of arthritis. The most common types are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is degenerative joint disease. It may be due to chronic wear and tear or due to injury.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which ones own immune system attacks cells in the joint capsule and associated chronic inflammation destroys cartilage, bone and ligaments, leading to deformity and disability. Physiotherapy plays a major role in treating both Osteo & Rheumatoid arthritis along with medicine or by itself.

Even though many other factors contribute the development of Osteo arthritis, the root cause may be deviation of normal body mechanics. By correcting the body mechanics the percentage of wear and tear can considerably reduced. Obesity, muscle wasting, poor muscle strength, prolonged standing and internal derangement of knee like ligament injury can also contribute to Osteo arthritis. Physiotherapist can assess these basic causes and helps to correct the pre disposing factors. If it is found and corrected early, Osteo arthritis can be controlled to a great extend. Some patients may need medicine along with Physiotherapy.

Major symptoms seen with Osteo arthritis are pain, restricted range of motion, swelling etc. Pain and swelling can be relieved with the use of hot packs or cold packs, Ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, use of TENS or interferential therapy, taping techniques etc. Range of motion and strengthening exercises can be given to achieve maximum functional independence at home and at work place.

Type of Exercise useful for Arthritic patients

1. Range of motion exercises: It helps to maintain normal joint movements and relieve stiffness. These are gentle stretching exercises which move each joint as far as possible in all directions. Normal daily house work or office work may not help to improve joint range of motion and are not a substitute for ROM exercise.

2. Strengthening Exercises: It helps to keep or increase the muscle strength, provide stability, support and protection to the joint, helps the joint to move more easily with less pain and helps to prevent deformity. Isometric, isotonic or isokinetic exercises can be used according to the condition of the patient. Isometric exercises involves tightening of muscle without joint movement which maintains muscle tone, prevents muscle wasting when joint range is impaired.

3. Endurance exercises: This helps to maintain cardiac fitness, ROM, to increase physical strength, to control body weight and to improve arthritic symptoms. Aerobic exercises like graded walking, use of bicycle or treadmill initially with the supervision of the physiotherapist may help to prevent complication.

How often people with arthritis should do Exercises?

ROM exercises can be done daily many times and should be done at least every other day. Strengthening exercises should be done every day unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joint and repeated daily.

Endurance exercises should be done 20 to 30 minutes at least 3 times a week unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joint. Before starting endurance exercises it is better to have a medical consultation to assess your medical fitness.

In case of rheumatoid arthritis prolonged medical treatment is required. Here Physiotherapy helps to maintain ROM, muscle strength and to prevent joint deformity. Once joint deformity is established the patient may develop severe ambulation problem. This can be prevented with medication and timely physiotherapy.

'Think positive about arthritis, Physiotherapist can guide you to lead a pain-free independent life'.

Part 1: A BASIC UNDERSTANDING of TMJ SYNDROME

The Origins of TMD/TMJ Syndrome

TMD/TMJ Syndrome is a collection of seemingly unrelated symptoms caused by reflexive actions of the muscles of biting and chewing. It comes from brain-muscle conditioning acquired by trauma or stress. As with all conditioning problems, it can be changed with proper training, usually with no need for other interventions -- but such training is outside the scope of dentistry (though within the scope of clinical somatic education).

The jaw muscles, like all the the muscles of the body, are subject to control by conditioned postural reflexes, which affect chewing and biting movements. The reason people don't go around slack-jawed and drooling, for example, is that a conditioned postural reflex causes the muscles of biting and chewing always to remain slightly tensed, keeping their jaws closed.

People's jaw muscles are always more or less tense, even when they are asleep -- but the norm is very mildly tense -- just enough to keep the mouth closed and lips together.

The degree of tension people hold is a matter of conditioning.

Conditioning Influences

For brevity, I'll discuss only conditions that lead to dental stress and not the normal development of muscle tone in the muscles of biting and chewing.

These influences fall into two categories:

• Emotional Stress


• Physical Trauma

I can't say from empirical studies which of these two influences is the more prevalent, but from my clinical experience, I would say that physical trauma is by far the more common cause of TMJ Syndrome.

Emotional Stress

Ever heard the expressions, "Bite your tongue"? "Grit Your Teeth"? "Bite the Bullet"? "Hold your tongue"? "Bite the Big One"? They all have something in common, don't they? What is that?

To someone who regularly represses emotion or the urge to say something, these expressions have literal meaning.

Such repression, over time, manifests as tension held in the muscles of speech -- in the jaws, mouth, neck, face, and back -- the same as the muscles of biting and chewing.

Physical Trauma

Although people experience trauma to the jaws through falls, broken teeth, intense toothache, blows, and motor vehicle accidents, the most common form of physical trauma is dentistry. Dental surgery is traumatic. The relevant term is "iatrogenic" -- which means "caused as a side-effect of treatment". Dental surgery is a major cause of TMJ Syndrome. No doubt, this assertion will cause much distress among dentists, and I regret that, but how can we escape that conclusion?

Consider the experience of dentistry, both during and after dental surgery (fillings, root canal work, implants, cosmetic dentistry, crown installation, injections of anaesthetic, even routine cleanings and examinations). Consider the response we have to that pain or even the expectation of pain: we cringe.

We may think such cringing to be momentary, but consider the intensity of the memory of dental surgery; it leaves its impressions on the nervous system as patterns of tension. (Who's relaxed going to the dentist? -- or coming out of the dentist's office?) The physical after-effects show up as tension in the jaws and neck, and often in the spinal musculature, as well -- and as a host of other symptoms.

Let's go back to our fond memories of dentistry.

If you've observed your physical reactions in the dentist's chair, you may have noticed that during probing of a tooth for decay (with that sharp, hooked probe they use), you tighten not just your jaw and neck muscles, but also the muscles of breathing, your hands, and even your legs. It's an effort to stay in the chair while feeling the urge to escape.

With procedures such as fillings, root canal surgery, implants and crown installations, the muscular responses are more specific and more intense. For teeth near the back of the jaws, we tense the muscles nearer the back of our neck; for teeth near the front of the jaws, we tense the muscles closer the front of the throat.

This reflexive response has a name: Trauma Reflex.

Trauma Reflex is the universal, involuntary response to pain and to expectation of pain.

It gets triggered in relation to the location of the pain and to our position at the time of pain. Muscular tensions form as an action of withdrawing, avoiding, or escaping the source of pain.

In dentistry, with the head commonly turned to one side, in addition to the simple trauma reflex associated with pain, we have the involvement of our sense of position, and not just the muscles of the jaws are involved, but also those of the neck, shoulders, spine.

All of these conditions combine into an experience that goes into memory with such intensity that it modifies or entirely displaces our sense of normal movement and position. We forget free movement and instead become habituated or adapted to the memory of the trauma (whether of dental work or of some other trauma involving teeth or jaws). Our neuro-muscular system acts as if the trauma is still happening, even though, to our conscious minds, it is long past.

Since accidents and surgeries address teeth at one side of the jaws or the other, the tensions occur on one side of the jaws or the other. Thus, the symptoms of such tension -- jaw pain, bite deviations, and earaches -- tend to be one-sided or to exist on one side more than on the other.

The proof of the role of trauma reflex? -- the permanent changes of bite and tension of the muscles of biting that have behind them a history of dental trauma -- and the changes people experience as they undergo somatic education, which dispels trauma reflex (evident in its results).

Every dental procedure (and every surgical procedure) should be followed by a process for dispelling the reflexive guarding triggered by the procedure.

Part 2: SELF-RELIEF/SELF-CURE of TMJ SYNDROME

In this section, I'll provide instructions for a somatic exercise to retrain your control of the muscles of biting and chewing.

You do this somatic exercise lying on a firm surface (carpet or blanket on the floor) on your belly.

1. Nestle your chin in your hands with your thumb behind and fingers in front. Your elbows are spread wide.


2. Gently open your mouth and grasp your chin with both hands.


3. Gently bite, preventing your teeth from meeting with resistance from your fingers against the force of your biting action.


4. Slowly relax the biting action, keeping firm hold of your chin with your fingers, and very slowly tilt your head back by a few degrees. You are separating your teeth by tilting your head back, rather than by dropping your lower jaw. (Special tip: as your mouth opens, feel your nasal cavity open.)


5. Keeping your head in position, gently bite, again, resisting with your finger grip.


6. Slowly tip your head back further as you relax the biting action.


7. Alternate biting-against-resistance and relaxing, opening wider until your mouth is as open as you can let it go.


8. Let go with your fingers and, with mouth open, lift your head and legs.


9. Slowly relax to complete rest.

Repeat a number of times in each practice session. You'll find that your jaws get looser and that you can open your mouth wider, each time.

Whether mild or severe, joint pain can hold you back from doing the things that are important to you. Daily necessities like cooking, writing or even getting dressed can be like torture if your joints are bothering you. Many people put off seeing a doctor because they assume that their joint pains are not significant enough to bother with or because they accept joint pain as 'the way it is.' However, seeing a physician can be a valuable experience for you if you have moderate to severe joint pain. A doctor may be able to diagnose you if you have an underlying cause of joint pain, and can suggest what you can do for joint pain treatment.

Since many things can cause joint pain, such as injury, repetitive use, arthritis, tendonitis, gout or even viral infections, it's important to rule out anything more serious. At the doctor's office, expect her to ask you several questions about your joint pain to determine whether or not your pain is the result of arthritis. Expect to explain about the location, severity and duration of your joint pain. Also expect her to ask about what aggravates your joint pains and what you use to treat it. Your doctor will want to know if it hurts more when you move or when you hold it still, so before going to the doctor try to take mental notes of your symptoms. If it helps, write down what times of day or what activities you were doing when your joint pain occurred. Be sure also to mention to the doctor any other symptoms that may be bothering you, as they may be related.

The doctors will sometimes have tests that document your joint pains. X-rays, for example, are useful but the doctor may also want a blood sample to test. Both of these procedures allow doctors to get a closer look at your symptoms, enabling them to make a more precise diagnosis.

If it's determined that your joint pains are not caused by arthritis, some things you can do for treatment is to rest your joints as much as possible. Heat can help alleviate pain, as well as an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to reduce soreness. If your symptoms persist or get worse, or if they are accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss go back to your doctor right away.

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, there are several things you can try, but no one solution will be effective for everybody. Your doctor will work out a joint pain treatment plan with you, based on your individual pain and severity of arthritis. Physical therapy may be prescribed or joint health supplements suggested. If yours is a chronic condition you can work on ways to manage your arthritis pain. Some treatments include massage, warm therapeutic tubs, exercise, relaxations techniques, res, and proper diet. Medications can also be prescribed to help manage the pain. Many people who suffer from severe joint pain swear by supplements and topical creams for temporary relief. Talk with your doctor to find out which joint pain treatment is the right one for you.

Have you ever heard of the word Bruxism? It is a condition when a person is clenching their teeth and most of the time even grinding it. The hardest type to cure is night bruxism, it is hard to cure because the person is usually not aware that they are not doing it. If a person continues to brux then eventually they will develop TMJ disorders. If you continuously grind your teeth you will feel pain in your jaw and that is the start of your TMJ disorder, and most people only remedy it with pain medication. But like mouth guards, pain medication will only alleviate the pain but won't stop you from grinding your teeth. Long term use of pain medications will also bring more harm than good because of the side effects. Treating the root cause of the problem is way better than just alleviating symptoms of the problem.

And the solution that most doctors can think of in solving this problem is by the use of mouth guards. Wearing a mouth guard is not really a solution to bruxism because it doesn't really solve the problem. It can be a lifetime accessory. Using it for the rest of your life is not a pretty thought because it is also expensive. Imagine having to put mouth guards every time you sleep at night. The mouth guard can only act as a barrier between the upper and the lower teeth and will not prevent you from grinding your teeth night after night. So many people with this problem would like to know how to stop teeth grinding and TMJ, what most people don't know is that besides the expensive mouth guard there are also natural cure for bruxism options.

Mouth guards can be a good temporary solution but not something you want for the rest of your life. They are expensive because it is customized with each person because not all people have the same dental structure. So customizing it will make you spend around $500 to $700 and as you know it acts as a shield between teeth so it will easily tear, and you will have to regularly replace it. Mouth guards can't stop teeth grinding and TMJ.

Natural cure for bruxism is the only way to go if you really want to stop your nightly habit and it won't even cost a cent. More and more people are discovering natural ways of solving this problem. All you have to do is find the treatment that suits you. Finding the right treatment will make feel relief and your partner will have a good night's rest.

In the United States alone, about 20% of dogs are suffering from arthritis. This disease is degenerative which means that the function of structure of the affected tissues, muscles or organs can gradually deteriorate over a period of time. If left untreated, this can lead to permanent immobility. The most common symptoms of arthritis is joint pain-dogs cannot tell you if they are hurting obviously but what signals will tell you that your dog is indeed affected with this chronic condition?

The following tell tale signs are indications of the degenerative disease:

-Your dog becomes violent or aggressive. He may yelp or he can be inactive and quite withdrawn
-The ears may lie flat against his head
-You will notice that your dog often licks the affected area
-Your dog may show personality changes. A normally docile dog may become unusually aggressive
-Aside from joint pain-dogs with arthritis have decreased activity (unwillingness to walk or play) and show signs of stiffness.

Have your dog checked by a veterinarian immediately so he can prescribe proper medication. Never assume and try to give your dog whatever you think will be good for him or her. With your doctor's background about pets and arthritis and the results of physical exam, x-ray, blood test and MRI, he can specifically point of what type of arthritis your dog is suffering from.

For joint pain-dogs do not respond well to over-the-counter pain killers all the time. You need to seek your veterinarian's approval before doing so otherwise you are risking in make matters worse.

The three basic things that you can do at home to relieve your dog's pain is by giving him a massage at least twice a day, providing him with heat treatments and applying medicated oil three or 4 times a day to the affected area. Keep your dog warm to help ease the pain that comes with arthritis.

TMJ disorder is Temporo-mandibular joint syndrome which is a medical condition caused by the imbalance of the jaw. This can cause serious pain and clicking noise each time the patient closes his/her mouth. This can cause severe headaches and can become quite difficult for the patient to bear. This disorder is not well known by most medical professionals and thus not many doctors are experienced to offer a cure for it. Many people go undiagnosed because their poorly experienced dentist is unable to recognize the problem. TMJ disorder is quite difficult to cure but there still are plenty of options to consider for TMJ treatment. But before you can get good TMJ treatment it is important that you locate a highly experienced and trained TMJ specialist who can properly guide you on the right TMJ treatment to go for.

A TMJ treatment can either be less invasive or can be extremely invasive. The most invasive form of TMJ treatment involves surgery in which the imbalanced jaw causing this disorder is fixed by bringing it back in balance. The least invasive form of TMJ treatment involves simple exercises that patients can do on their own in their homes whenever they are free. Regardless of the TMJ treatment you pick for yourself there are some tips that you should always keep in your head to minimize the pain caused by TMJ disorder. First of all always remember to never overuse your jaw. The only way you can adopt this minimal form of TMJ treatment is to avoid eating all those foods that are really hard and require a lot of chewing. This change might be difficult to make, but is important if you wish to get relieved of the severe pain caused by TMJ disorder.

Another form of minimal TMJ treatment is to simply take an over-the-counter medicine. Anti-inflammatory medicines are really good for treatment. Many people have quoted that simply taking an ibuprofen really helps in relieving yourself from the pain caused by TMJ. Therefore whenever you experience sudden extreme pain, go for a treatment on your own by simply taking any good anti - inflammatory medicine. Of all the different causes that lead to TMJ, one major cause is stress. As a form of treatment try taking stress management classes. Adopt different methods that will help you relax like listening to music. Exercise is also a very good form of treatment as it again helps you relieve yourself of stress and relaxes the muscles. Even if stress is not your cause of TMJ, stress can surely aggravate your condition of TMJ. Therefore, no matter what treatment you adopt, always keep your stress levels in control by including stress relieving habits in your daily routine.

Engaging in stretching exercises is also good for treatment. Relaxing the neck and shoulder muscles will help you feel better. Exercises that release tension in the upper body are good for treatment. Another tip to keep in mind is to always stand tall. The posture of your body is always important for TMJ treatment. Other points to keep in mind include cutting back on the number of hours you spend on the computer. Sitting in front of a computer screen for too long is also a cause of stiffness in the neck muscles. This is really bad for your TMJ disorder. Therefore adopt TMJ treatment by avoiding too much use of the computer. Other forms of treatment include taking muscle relaxants to keep yourself free from pain. You can also try wearing a mouth guard whenever you go to sleep at night to prevent any unconscious grinding of the teeth.

TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint disorder) is pain and dysfunction of the joint in the skull which enables you to talk, eat and otherwise move your mouth. TMJ can manifest itself as pain in the jaw, head, ears or teeth; difficulty in chewing, talking and opening/closing of the mouth and clicking or grating sound in the jaw. Conventional medicine doesn't provide holistic treatment to TMJ related difficulties. In fact, doctors rely on patients to seek out TMJ exercises to relieve pain in the long run.

Physiotherapists have devised methods that will help you ease pain due to TMJ, which you can do from home with no expense. While it is best to seek out therapy for curing the condition, the root causes of the pain will remain even after therapy. These exercises for TMJ will also help to eliminate these root causes and help to rebuild healthy, supple joints. Note - stop the exercises and restart after a few minutes when you feel very painful or your jaw starts clicking.

1. Sit in a straight-backed chair and let your jaw rest on a soft, firm object like the palm of your hand. Without moving sideways or opening the mouth, try to move your head backwards using your chin slowly, relax and repeat for a few times. Next, try the exercise with teeth slightly apart.


2. Place your tongue against the roof of your mouth. With your teeth closed, pull its tip backwards along the roof, as comfortably far as possible. With the tongue held there, open your jaw slowly and only as much as possible without pain. Now breath in and breath out slowly for a few seconds, slowly close the jaw and relax the tongue.


3. Rest your jaw on your fist, with the elbow firmly placed on a solid support. Now slowly open your jaw and hold it open for a few seconds. Breath in slowly and relax the jaw while breathing out. Repeat the same with just one side of the jaw against the fist, then the other side. Repeat till the jaw feels relaxed.

With Tiger Woods' recent announcement that he will not compete in the US Open in 2011, many golfers, professional or amateurs, can relate to his physical woes. Woods is currently dealing with left knee and Achilles' tendon injuries, having undergone surgery on both injuries in April. Are you feeling his pain too?

As the popularity of golf has exploded in recent years, so has the incidences of knee injury, causing, among injuries to the body, severe and chronic knee joint pain. For the recreational golfer, the most common knee injuries are caused by overuse and repetitive trauma stemming from too much play or practice, improper swing mechanics and stress on the knees, and generally poor physical conditioning. Over 50% of golf injuries occur during mid-season play, after putting continuous, unrelenting pressure on the same areas of the knees for days and weeks on end. An amateur golfer loses many weeks per year of playing time when dealing with a chronic golf injury.

Preventing Injuries While Golfing
It would be best to be aware of the following tips for how to avoid injury while golfing:

First, warming up for ten minutes or more, and stretching before beginning your golf game, will significantly reduce your chances of injury.

Next, try to work on your technical errors. Working with the local pro at the golf course to identify and address technical errors in your game can help you eliminate the errors in your stance, your swing, etc., which may cause undue stress on your body.

Last, make sure your clubs fit you properly so that you can play at your best. How are your clubs being maintained? Perhaps you need a different grip, or perhaps your clubs need to be made of a lighter, or heavier, material. Believe it or not, these small details can mean a lot when it comes to frequent use and play.

The Meniscus Tear
Although by no means exclusive to golf, a meniscus tear can be one of the injuries you will encounter from playing a lot of golf. The meniscus is a "C" shaped cartilage cushion, something like a wedge within the knee. Each knee has two of them; they cushion, support, and aid movement. Injury to the meniscus is very common and can occur from wear and tear over time or from a sudden twist or turn, hence it is a common area of complaint for many golfers.

Signs and symptoms of a meniscus tear may include: knee joint pain, swelling and stiffness, or fluid build-up inside on the top part of the knee. you may also experience the sensation that the knee is getting stuck or locking, preventing smooth motion.

As always, it is wise to seek professional or medical advice before starting treatment for knee joint pain or any other kind of physical issue. A doctor may recommend resting, icing, elevating, and putting compression on the injured knee, prescription or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapy might be suggested as well to strengthen and add flexibility to the knee area. Arthroscopic surgery might be a last resort to trim or remove any damaged cartilage from the meniscus.

If your symptoms are not overly severe and you feel that medical attention is not immediately necessary, then check my website for the countless effective and practical solutions you can find to alleviate your knee joint pain issues. There are a multitude of products available online, such as knee braces, crutches, or other technologically advanced support products that can immediately help the cartilage in the knee begin to heal. It would be a great idea to have some of these on hand, even before you need them, so that you will be ready in the event of a meniscus tear, or any other golfing injury to the knee.

"Always ready" is a great motto for all athletes, especially for golf enthusiasts who just can't bring themselves to put away the golf clubs even if they have to hobble a bit on the golf course.

Is it tee time yet? You betcha!

Arthritis is a common ailment people experience as they age. All Arthritis conditions affect the joints of the body in some form, with almost all those afflicted with the disease reporting pain. The most common form of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis, with a similar form being Rheumatoid Arthritis. Despite being subgroups of Arthritis, there are key differences between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is also known as Degenerative Arthritis, in that joints and connecting bone degrade, leading to a loss of cartilage for bone support. The hands, feet, and spine are the areas most commonly affected. Those who are obese, elderly, suffer from joint stress, or muscle weakness are at greater risk for the disease. Treatments for this disease include lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss which are commonly recommended.

The other common form of Arthritis is called Rheumatoid Arthritis. Unlike Osteoarthritis, RA is an inflammatory response that is chronic. Joints are similarly affected as in Osteoarthritis, however, the membrane that lines the joints are what become inflamed instead. Small joint areas such as the hands and feet are affected most commonly. Unlike Osteoarthritis, this form of Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. The body's immune system actually attacks normal tissue in the body. Treatments includes anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relieving drugs, and drugs that prevent future joint degradation.

Despite affecting similar areas of the body, Osteoarthritis and RA are two very different conditions. Osteoarthritis will affect those with demographic risk factors, while Rheumatoid Arthritis can attack anyone, as it is an autoimmune disorder.

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a congenital disease that mainly affects large breed dogs. The word "dysplasia" means improper growth. Hip dysplasia can be described as a faulty or abnormal development of the hip. In CHD, the hip becomes loose and wobbly, eventually leading to a form of arthritis which is commonly referred to Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). The degree of lameness that occurs is usually dependent upon the extent of arthritic changes in the hip joint. So too do environmental conditions such as amount of physical exercise, and weight gain contribute to the disease, and bring out symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia?

The symptoms of CHD depend on the severity of the dysplasia. Another factor is the whether or not degenerative joint disease (DJD) is present. Dogs less than 1 year old have a tendency to have periods of acute bilateral (or unilateral) lameness in their rear legs. Older dogs with CHD exhibit rear limb lameness with an obvious weight displacement to the forelimb (front paws). Furthermore, the signs of lameness become more obvious with exercise or after a minor trauma. Again depending on the degree of joint destruction, visible signs vary.

Typical signs are

- Generally less active.

- Problem with stairs.

- Less jumping

- Trouble rising, or laying down.

- When running will exhibit a A Bunny hopping @ gait

- Painful reaction to the extension of the rear legs.

- A faint popping sound coming from the hip.

Are All Dogs at Risk Canine Hip dysplasia?

CHD can occur in any dog. However, large breed dogs are at a higher risk. The Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) believes that some of the breeds at highest risk are:

Bulldog

Pug

Otterhund

Clumber Spaniel

Neapolitan Mastiff

St. Bernard

Boykin Spaniel

Sussex Spaniel

American Bulldog

Newfoundland

American Staffordshire Terrier

Bloodhound

Bullmastiff

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Golden Retriever

Gordon Setter

Rottweiler

Chow Chow

Old English Sheepdog

Kuvasz

Norweigan Elkhound

Giant Schnauzer

German Shepherd

Bernese Mountain Dog

English Setter

Black and Tan Coonhound

Shih Tzu

Staffordshire Terrier

Welsh Corgi

Beagle

Briard

Brittany

Bouvier des flandres

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Curly Coated Retriever

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Portuguese Water Dog

English Springer Spaniel

Pudel Pointer

Irish Water Spaniel

How is Canine Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?

Initial assessment involves taking a history of the dog, and examining obvious clinical signs. The only real way to see if a dog is suffering from CHD is through X Rays. If found early enough in pups, surgery can correct the problem.

What Is the Treatment of Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Treatment for CHD can be as mild as recommending rest, or as severe as surgery, depending on the severity of the dysplasia, amount of DJD, the age of the dog, the size of the dog, and many other factors, treatment will vary.

Possible Conservative Treatment

- Weight monitoring

- Moderate exercise

- Pain relief medication

- Joint and health supplements

Possible Surgical Treatment

Currently there are three main surgical procedures used in for the treatment of CHD.

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)

In this procedure, three separate bone cuts are made in order to free the acetabulum component (the socket or cup) of the hip joint from the rest of the pelvis. The acetabulum is then rotated to provide better coverage. A bone plate is secured to maintain this new position and allow the bone cuts to mend. The procedure is for large breed dogs, no older than 10 months of age. Candidates for this surgery must only have mild CHD and no arthritis present.

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)

In this procedure, the head of the femur is removed. The residual portion of the femur forms a "false" joint with muscle, tendons and ligaments. Even though the false joint is not as superior as the original, most dogs experience a great reduction in pain. This particular surgery is far more effect in smaller dogs, with most experiencing an almost normal function of the hip.

Total hip replacement (THR)

In this procedure the head and neck of the femur are both replaced with either stainless steel or titanium implants. This surgery is used on young dogs who have fully matured developed physically. THR is also used in older dogs who weigh a minimum 40lbs. If done correctly, the procedure can be very successful; however it is only done by a select few, and is very expensive.

Is There Any Way to Prevent Canine Dysplasia?

CHD is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Responsible breeders are working on reducing the chances of CHD by breeding dogs that are less likely to produce pups that will have the disease, by better sceening methods.

Environmental factors do NOT cause CHD. Instead, they bring out the symptoms in a dog that already has the disease. Responsible owners can help dogs with CHD by addressing these environmental variables. By closely monitoring a dog's diet, for example, owners can insure that a pup will not grow too fast, or become over weight. Here is a list of variables that can be controlled in order to nurture a dog with CHD.

- Limit rough play, jumping, climbing stairs or slick floors.

- Monitor food intake.

- Calcium supplementation (may increase the bone remodeling).

- Forced running for any distance, especially on tarmac, asphalt or other hard surfaces

- Have your dog certified by The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

Ths website only provides BASIC information about Canine Hip Dysplasia. your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about CHD and its prevention.

Wrist arthritis inflammation is a painful condition and it may be caused by gout, infection, trauma, degenerative joint disease, or autoimmune conditions.

Symptoms of this problem include pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and locking of the wrist joints. Treatment varies according to the specific type of arthritis, symptoms, and the patient's age, health status, and existing medical conditions. If the symptoms are not that severe, natural remedies such as those mentioned below are enough to relieve and alleviate the problem.

Natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation include:

1. Rest - Rest is essential during bouts of active inflammation of the wrist. Patients are advised to take ample rest and to avoid doing physical tasks that require the use of hands.

2. Spices - Including spices like turmeric, ginger, and black pepper in one's daily diet can help curb this condition according to Ayurvedic medicine. This claim is also supported by various scientific studies that reveal that these spices contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Turmeric, for instance, contains a compound called curcumin, which is effective in stimulating anti-inflammatory activity. Ginger contains gingerol while black pepper has piperine, both of which have the same anti-inflammatory benefits.

3. Fiber - Also to include in your diet are other anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, which are fibrous enough to stimulate and improve blood flow.

4. Olive Oil - Good fats like olive oil contain oleocanthal, which also has anti-inflammatory activity.

5. Exercise - Proper exercise is recommended to maintain good functioning of the joints. This is also essential for weight loss, as excess weight can be overbearing on the joints and further cause pain.

6. Fish Oil - Another type of good fat is fish oil, which is one of the best natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation and painful joints. Research has proved that omega 3 fatty acids stimulate the production of molecules that signal the immune system to inhibit the inflammation.

To be more specific, the DHA present in omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil is converted into a chemical called Resolvin D2 after taken in by the body. This chemical reacts with the inner linings of the blood vessels and counters the inflammation.

Fish oil is abundant in tuna, mackerel, salmon, halibut, and other similar types of fish. However, due to the alarming level of mercury absorbed by fish in the sea, it is safer to take in nutritional supplements that have undergone extensive purification to get rid of this toxic chemical.

It is just important that you are able to choose high quality fish oil supplements from reputable suppliers so you can be assured of potency and purity. Always choose a good brand and an authorized dealer so you can enjoy the anti-inflammatory benefits of this supplement.

For best supplements, look for those that are made from healthy cold water fish like hoki, tuna and salmon. Also, ensure that the supplements have undergone the proper molecular distillation process. Don't let yourself be debilitated by this condition. Use natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation to help fight this problem before it becomes severe.

To learn more about how omega 3 fatty acids can help wrist arthritis inflammation, please visit my website where I share what products I have personally been using daily for several years.

Most people are deficient in magnesium due to the refining of foods- find out how increasing your daily intake of this important mineral can make a big difference to your overall heath and also prevent allergies and asthma attacks. Magnesium is a trace mineral that is required for not just building strong bones but for the proper functioning of our entire bodies.

"Magnesium is not limited to improving bone health. There are some three hundred bodily enzymes that require magnesium, which suggests that magnesium is vital for most cells and tissues of the body." - from American Chiropractic.

Studies show that insufficient magnesium levels not only can cause asthma and allergies, but also muscle cramps, muscle twitching, muscle weakness as well as muscle aches, TMJ disorders, depression, insomnia, osteoporosis, attention deficit disorder, fibromyalgia, diabetes, mitral valve prolapse, migraines, attention deficit disorder, noise sensitivity and nervousness among several other conditions.

Today's refined food simply doesn't contain enough magnesium and foods that do contain it lose it through the cooking process. Even if you are purposefully eating raw foods daily that are rich in magnesium, consuming coffee, alcohol, soda or soft drinks and salt will result in a loss of this mineral. Foods that contain magnesium are cereals, nuts, green vegetables, and dairy products. However, according to an article in The Lancet by Britton et al. Magnesium deficiency is surprisingly common. In one study 65% of an intensive care population and 11% of an outpatient population suffered from magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is used pharmacologically in acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) angina, (chest pains) cardiac arrhythmias, (irregular heart beat) alcohol withdrawal, and pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy). It has been used to treat acute asthma and plus magnesium may also help prevent asthma symptoms.

Maintaining proper levels of magnesium in the body helps by relaxing airway smooth muscle and dilating bronchioles in the lungs. It also reduces histamine release and inflammation of the airways and lungs by stabilizing mast cells and T- lymphocytes. Studies like the one in The Lancet showed that increasing magnesium intake helped to reduce and even prevent allergy and asthma symptoms. Taking a good magnesium citrate supplement, which is easily absorbed is important. Recommended daily dosages vary from 500 mg to 1000 mg if you have a substantial deficiency, but be aware that a dose of 1000 mg of magnesium will cause a loose stool. It is best not to take it after a meal since it neutralizes stomach acids, which would interfere with digestion. It is best to consult a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist for advice and testing to determine your individual needs. Trace mineral deficiencies can be determined through a tissue mineral analysis using a stand of your hair at a medical lab.

If you are looking for an effective drug-free alternative asthma treatment you should consider The Dramatic Asthma Relief Report, which is based on extensive medical research & proven clinical trials that will positively change your life.

As a person who has spent a high percentage of his waking hours adorned in sporting colours and locked in fierce combat with an opposition or digging deep to find that last bit of energy and strength on the field or on the track, I am fully aware of the physical repercussions as I grow older, and hopefully wiser. How do I now ensure this body keeps functioning like the well oiled machine that it has always seemed to be? The answer may well be as simple as two health supplements, which, when taken in combination are producing promising results.

Our body, like a machine, has a limited lifespan and requires much care and maintenance in order to maximise its potential and ensure it lasts as long as possible. All wise mechanics and engineers will tell you that the key to a machine's output is best found in preventative measures rather than painstakingly lengthy remedies and cures. For too long I have watched the ageing, as well as fellow sportsmen and women, suffer at the hands of joint pain after years of high physical activity. On most occasions it is not our muscular or skeletal systems that give way to fatigue, but rather it is that which hinges those systems that throws up its hands - our joints!

It had always been in the back of my mind that one day joint pain and arthritis could plague me due to excessive and constant training and competition. Yet it seemed to rocket quickly to the forefront of my thoughts as seemingly simultaneously my father and father-in-law, both elite sportsmen in their day, started suffering from intense pain caused by degeneration with joints such as knees, neck, elbows and shoulders. Their physicians presented them with two options: invasive means involving joint replacements and the like or proven supplements that improved joint function and relieved pain. The results of choosing the latter were and have been remarkable. The key? The highly researched dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin.

If you have ever suffered from arthritis or joint degeneration, you will know that it can be a debilitating experience. Without going into the intricate medical terminology and indepth physiological explanations that often confuse sufferers, it is often the combination of a diminishing level of fluids and a breakdown of cartilage that normally creates the easy sliding movement within joints which causes decreased movement and corrosion. Without this slipperiness, grating and scraping occurs and movement is restricted as pain is increased.

It is not just the aged and elderly that suffer from pain due to arthritis, oesteoarthritis and other forms of joint disfunction. Observing a former elite sportsperson who has played sport at the highest level and represented his nation in Rugby League just a few short years ago, I was amazed at a recent sight. I watched him struggle to put his socks on, thanks to joint pain in his knees and back. Such a simple task for one still so fit but it was causing major discomfort. Yet, this discomfort can be radically lessened with the use of a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin. It would now place you in grave danger if you attempted to steal them from him! In many ways they are, and have been his saviour!

Thousands of Oesteoarthritis sufferers throughout the world have been rejoicing at the recent news that studies have confirmed. Glucosamine and chondroitin provide long awaited and anticipated pain relief. The Council for Responsible Nutrition says the clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Health in the USA, showed that the combined use of the two dietary supplements provide significant pain relief for arthritis sufferers. Many believe that the early use of both will significantly slow the onset of arthritis and joint pain.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is also believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin is a part of a large protein molecule that provides cartilage elasticity. The combination of both in a single supplement greatly enhances the effectiveness of relieving pain and increasing joint movement. Many users state that it can take up to two months of use until they fully feel the effects of their use. But it is well worth the wait, they say!

It would be my strong advice that sufferers of arthritis don't totally rely upon supplements to answer all of their particular questions. There are many physical activities that can also assist in increasing movement and reducing pain in joints. Stretching and warming up the joints should be a common practice as this assists in making joints more flexible. Any exercise generally will help mobility of joints. However, add to this physical activity the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, and your chances of better movement with less pain are significantly increased.

When warming up and stretching muscles and joints, it is important that you do not overstretch and push yourself too early in the exercise session. Commence with long slow movements as opposed to vigorous sharp activities. Hold the stretch if possible for at least 10-15 seconds. Include in your exercise session a wide range of movements depending on your age and mobility as well as some isometrics and some appropriate weight bearing activities.

There are few things worse than constant, debilitating pain. The simplest of everyday activities like cleaning your teeth, lacing your shoes, lifting up your kids and grandkids and even turning on taps, become an ordeal. Arthritis and joint pain sufferers are finding hope in a combination of two health supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin. As a long time health educator and adviser it thrills me to receive emails from join pain sufferers who have found glorious relief in these simple supplements.

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose... even for doctors. Going to your family physician with a grocery list of health issues can actually help him or her to recognize fibromyalgia syndrome... if that's what you have. To help you to organize your thoughts, take a look at the series of symptoms below in the fibromyalgia quiz. Then, ask yourself if this is what you've been experiencing. Be sure to take good notes that you can take to your doctor:

1. Fibromyalgia Quiz- Pain -People describe the pain as deep muscular aching, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing. Intense burning may also be present. Quite often the pain and stiffness are worse in the morning and you may hurt more in muscle groups that are used repetitively. Have you experienced pain like this?

2. Fibromyalgia Quiz- Fatigue - This symptom can be mild in some fibromyalgia patients, but in others it may be debilitating. The fatigue has been described by patients as "feeling totally drained of energy". Many patients describe this condition by saying that they feel as though their arms and legs are tied down. Do you feel tired all the time?

3. Fibromyalgia Quiz- Brain Fog - Fibromyalgia sufferers may also have difficulty concentrating, remembering, and focusing. Many patients say that they can't follow instructions and experience confusion, even in very familiar situations. Do you have difficulty concentrating and remembering things?

4. Fibromyalgia Quiz- Sleep Disorders - Most fibromyalgia patients have associated sleep disorders. These conditions usually involve the patients' sleep being constantly interrupted by waking or semi-waking up all through the night. Insomnia is also common in fibromyalgia sufferers. If you don't feel refreshed upon waking or feel worse in the morning after you've slept, you should suspect that a sleep disorder is involved. Many fibromyalgia patients have also been found to have sleep apnea, teeth- grinding during sleep, and restless legs syndrome, as well. Does any of this sound familiar to you?

5. Fibromyalgia Quiz- Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS includes nausea constipation, diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain. These are symptoms found in many fibromyalgia sufferers. Acid reflux or gastro-esophageal reflux disease also may occur. Are you experiencing or being treated for any of these symptoms?

6. Fibromyalgia Quiz- Headaches - Do you experience recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches? These can pose a major obstacle for fibromyalgia sufferers in dealing with everyday activities and can be made worse by stress. Do you suffer with frequent and/or severe headaches?

7. Fibromyalgia Quiz- Temporal-mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome -TMJ can cause tremendous jaw-related face and head pain. It occurs to some degree in most fibromyalgia patients and is can be a source of much discomfort. The problems are usually related to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the jaw joint. Have you been diagnosed, been treated for, or experienced jaw-related face and head pain?

8. Fibromyalgia Quiz- Other Common Symptoms - Have you experienced any of these?

• Chest pain (non-cardiac)


• Premenstrual syndrome and painful periods


• Morning stiffness


• Dry eyes and mouth


• Sensitivity to bright lights, odors, loud sounds, medications and foods


• Numbness and tingling sensations


• Muscle twitching and tremors


• Irritable bladder


• The feeling of swollen extremities and skin sensitivities


• Dizziness and impaired co-ordination

If you have made a list of symptoms from the fibromyalgia quiz series, it is possible that you could have fibromyalgia. Take you quiz results to your doctor for an evaluation.

As a fibromyalgia survivor myself, I can tell you that there is hope to overcome the miserable symptoms. After taking the prescription drugs for years, I found a way to treat my fibromyalgia naturally through nutrition. If you would like to find out how I beat this disease and got off the medications with all their side-effects, contact me now by clicking on one of the links below.

This condition can cause many problems for sufferers, including loss of grip and, of course, a great deal of pain. But what are its causes and is there a remedy?

Thumb arthritis usually occurs after the age of forty and is more common in women than in men. The first symptom of thumb arthritis is usually pain experienced at the base of the thumb when gripping an object or when applying force - say to turn a key or open the lid of a jar. This form of osteoarthritis can make these simple household tasks difficult as it limits the strength and range of motion of the thumb.

Other symptoms may include swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of the thumb, decreased strength when grasping objects, enlarged appearance or a 'bony' look to the base of the thumb and general discomfort and aching after use.

The exact cause of this condition is unknown (in common with osteoarthritis generally) but the following factors are thought to contribute to its development:

Being female
Having a job that puts high stress on the thumb joint
Having certain hereditary conditions - joint ligament laxity, defective cartilage etc.
Having past injuries such as fractures or sprains to the basal thumb joint
Being over forty years of age
Having existing rheumatoid arthritis

The basal thumb joint allows your thumb its wide range of movement and consists of the trapezium (the small bone at the base of your thumb), the first metacarpal (the thumb's first bone) and the wrist's scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal joint (STT).

In a normal basal joint, cartilage covers the ends of the bone, acting as a cushion to let the bones glide smoothly over each other. In thumb arthritis, the cartilage deteriorates allowing the bone ends to rub and roughen - the main cause of pain.

Your body's attempts to repair the damage may lead to new bone growth (spurs), which are noticeable on the joint. Each of the repair steps also produces the pain commonly associated with this condition.

Although there is no cure for thumb arthritis, self-care measures do exist. These include specialised splints, prescribed medication or corticosteroid injections. In extreme cases surgery may be the only way to gain a measure of relief.

It would seem then that there is no real remedy for thumb arthritis, any more than other general arthritic conditions, but that early diagnosis and treatment may serve to alleviate the worst symptoms of what can otherwise be a very debilitating condition. Changing lifestyle or work practices may help - any reduction of strain on the affected joint should bring some measure of relief. Too, adapting to the condition by using aids to mobility or dexterity can help, alleviating some of the frustration that is often felt by sufferers of arthritis and allowing the person affected to retain as much independence as possible. Exercise (as opposed to stressing) of the joint can also help to retain its range of motion.

As with all medical issues, it is essential that you consult your doctor if you suspect the onset of any form of arthritis.

The German Shepherd was originally used to herd sheep. They are a good-natured dog and do well in a family atmosphere. They do need to be trained at an early age however since they do tend to be dominate.

Many of these dogs that are surrendered to Humane Societies are surrendered usually because of behavioural problems or health problems. Any dog will get sick but purebreds seem to be prone to certain diseases and the German Shepherd is no different.

German Shepherds are prone to a number of diseases, one of them being hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is most common among larger breeds of dogs and is considered to be a genetic disease. It is the malformation of the hip joint where the ball or the head of the femur does not fit properly into the socket. It can cause moderate to severe pain and lameness in an affected dog. It can also cause arthritis of the joints. It can affect the left hip or the right hip or both.

Hip dysplasia can be apparent at birth or can be detected during the growing phase of the puppy or it may not be detected until the dog is much older.
Hip dysplasia is usually detected after a physical examination and then confirmed by x-rays of the hip joints.

There are different ways to treat hip dysplasia and treatment is going to be determined by the severity of the dysplasia, the dogs' age, the radiographic findings and how much an owner can afford. Having dog insurance may make your decision easier.

One way of treating hip dysplasia is by restricting your dogs' exercise and give them some sort of pain medication prescribed by your vet. Acupuncture can be used to help alleviate the pain but that would be an ongoing treatment.

There is also a surgical solution to hip dysplasia. Three types of surgery used are a total hip replacement, femoral head or a triple pelvic osteotomy. The cost varies from the least invasive surgery, the femoral head, which costs between $1000 to $2000 to the more invasive, triple pelvic osteotomy, which can cost between $2000 to $3500 and the last surgery which is a total hip replacement can cost between $4000 to $6000.

As you can see unexpected illnesses and diseases can cost quite a lot of money. You now have the option when purchasing a new puppy to purchase healthcare for them. There are different plans and many different companies that now offer pet insurance. Your best to research and compare pet insurance policies and find one that covers your pets needs and is affordable.

Do you need to know how to relieve TMJ disorder fast? The problem is that most recommended treatments by physicians focus mainly on muscle relaxant drugs. These can have serious side effects. I know. I suffered for years with TMJ, my doctor prescribed Cyclobenzaprine. Almost immediately I suffered serious fatigue and drowsiness. It got so bad I decided it was less painful to have the TMJ jaw pain, than feel like I was ready to drop any second.

I got really annoyed. I needed help and all I was given was something that made me feel even worse. I don't know if you experienced anything similar. If you did then you have my sympathy, I know how bad it can be. This experience did result in me finding something that actually can help folk like us in dealing with TMJ, without the dangerous side effects.

TMJ Easing Exercises

I discovered by regularly following simple TMJ exercises I was able to reduce the symptoms of my TMJ. Now it doesn't affect me at all. I earnestly wish you the same benefits by following these tips:

1. Jaw exercising and stretching: Gentle stretching and exercise and help to reduce the TMJ pain in the jaw. The whole routine takes less than 5 minutes a day.

a. Open-Close. Use a hand on your chin to gently resist as you slowly open and close your mouth 20 times.
b. Back and Forth. Resist again slightly as you move your jaw back and forth 20 times slowly.
c. Left and Right. Use a hand again to gently resist as you push your jaw to the left and back to centre, then to the right and back to centre. Repeat 20 times on each side.

2. 20 minutes of relaxation: Relaxation is a vital part of good health. Stress alone can cause serious health issues. Take 20 minutes a day to do something that helps you achieve deep relaxation

3. Hot and cold treatment: Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to the side of the jaw. After 1 minute apply an ice-pack to the area. After 1 minute apply heat again. Alternating between the hot and cold treatments can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the joints.

Heat applied directly to the neck and shoulders can also bring much relief.

Caution: These advices are given freely as a record of my experiences and personal understanding. You are under no obligation to follow these advices. Random attempts at self-healing without any structure can be ineffective at best, possibly dangerous.

Losing a tooth can be difficult especially if the empty space is visible every time you smile. It can be quite uncomfortable and sometimes even embarrassing to expose that empty space whenever you open your mouth. As a result, many people with missing teeth choose to either smile very modestly (when they really want to smile widely) or avoid smiling altogether for fear of humiliation.

But no one has to endure such hardship. A simple dental option called dental bridges can help solve your problem right away.

Dental bridges are artificial teeth planted into the space previously occupied by the missing teeth. They can cover up for one or more lost teeth. Dental bridges are generally needed to close the gaps that missing teeth have left because the surrounding natural teeth can slowly move in to the empty space, thereby causing a bad bite and imbalance. Such an imbalance can further cause gum disease and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders.

Dental bridges make use of a pontic and two abutments. The pontic is the false tooth while the abutments are the natural teeth found before and after the empty space. Pontics are planted in between the abutments, which serve as anchors for the bridge, and attached to both of the abutments crowns. You have a variety of bridge materials to choose from including gold, porcelain, ceramic and porcelain. If you do not know which material would be ideal for you, the dentist can help you decide on this based on the area of the missing tooth, the function of the pontic and cost.

Although dental bridges last for a very long time, they can sometimes fall out due to a dental disease that has affected the area underneath the bridge. Hence, oral hygiene must be observed. For people with dental bridges, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing becomes necessary to eliminate any bacteria or plaque build up and strengthen the enamel of the teeth. It is also recommended that they regularly visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings.

How are your knees feeling?

Do you have pain now, or does it come and go?

The knee, one of the largest and most intricate joints in the body, is often taken for granted. People use their knees ever day in almost every activity they perform. Yet, they do not usually think much about their knees unless they start to hurt. When the aching starts, the knee suddenly becomes the focus of your attention, and finding and eliminating knee ache causes becomes a priority. - Can you relate?

So what are some of the most common knee ache causes? Of course, only a qualified physician can tell you for certain what is causing your knee ache.

What follows is a short list of some of the more frequent knee ache causes:

1.) Degenerative Arthritis: Otherwise known as Osteoarthritis, this condition results in a wearing away of the cartilage in the knee joint that prevents the painful rubbing of bone against bone upon movement. It usually occurs with age, and is a progressive condition. You can feel the symptoms on one side of your knee, or throughout the joint. This is one of the most common knee ache causes.

2.) Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unlike Osteoarthritis, this condition can occur at any age. It causes inflammation and stiffness within the knee joint, which in turn causes knee ache.

3.) Overuse of the Knee: One of the most typical knee ache causes is simple overuse. Athletes are prone to overuse, but so is the average active person, especially if they are performing an activity not part of their usual routine. Overuse causes the muscles and tendons to become overworked and strained, which in turn results in knee ache.

4.) Chondromalacia Patellae: This condition occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap (patella) becomes softened or worn, and the kneecap consequently fails to move smoothly over the joint as it meant to. It is one of the most well known of knee ache causes.

5.) Bursitis: This condition occurs when the bursae (small fluid filled sacks) that protect the knee joint at various points where the muscles and tendons move over the bone become inflamed. The inflammation can occur from overuse, injury or even infection, and cause pain problems.

6.) Synovitis: This condition, which is an inflammation of the lining of the joint, in not as common as the other knee pain causes, but carries the same symptoms of achiness.

Whatever the cause of your aches and pains, a knee brace, when used properly, can help reduce the friction and pressure on the knee joint, thus reducing pain stemming from any of the conditions noted above, plus the others not mentioned here. A knee support can also help keep the knee properly aligned which will in turn help reduce the stress on the knee joint, knee cap and cartilage underneath. Regardless of the cause of the knee ache, therefore, the use of a knee brace can help relieve your symptoms.

We hope that your pains disappears by itself, but if it does not, the problems can get worse. If you have knee pain, it is time to look it in the eye, and do something to get rid of it. Knee supports are low cost options to helping you deal with your knee issues. They are great because you can start using them right away to help rid yourself of your instability and pain issues. You deserve to get rid of your pain, don't you?