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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

This is why your back hurts—and how to relieve the pain

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Deborah Douglas enjoys walking to work, but usually stops about halfway to rest her back. As a senior lecturer at Northwestern University, the 56-year old is often on her feet—that’s become more challenging since being diagnosed with arthritis in her back, a condition known as spondylosis, last year.

“I just hurt all the time,” she says. Pain radiates into her legs, making her feel miserable all over. Sometimes, it just hurts to move. “I find myself mentally anticipating all the ways it’s going to hurt when I actually have to move. It’s just not a normal way to live…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

Douglas’s condition is fairly typical. About eight in 10 people will have back pain sometime in their lives—and it tends to become more common after about age 45.

Why does my back hurt?

Back pain can be caused by simple muscle strain, or an underlying condition like kidney stones, endometriosis, or cancer. Chronic back pain, especially in middle age, can develop for several reasons, including degenerative disc disease, nerve root irritation, arthritis, or a slipped vertebra, according to Nicholas Beatty, a physiatrist specializing in spine sports medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Pain seems to occur slightly more often in women than in men, which could be due to anatomy, biology, or a combination of factors, including a person’s environment or job function, Bending, twisting, lifting, walking, or even standing can make it worse. Many middle-aged adults are also “weekend warriors” who are relatively inactive Monday to Friday, then very active on the weekends. This increases the risk for sprains, strains, and disc injuries.

Then there’s ergonomics. A too-soft mattress, poor posture, an unsupportive chair, hunching over the laptop or phone, and a sedentary lifestyle may all contribute to ongoing pain. Psychological distress—chronic stress, anxiety or depression—can make mechanical back pain worse and be a source of back pain itself, according to Beatty.

“Personal beliefs about back pain and anxiety-related fear of moving when in pain can heighten the pain intensity and make the pain stick around longer,” he says.

You are also at higher risk of chronic back pain if you

  • Don’t exercise
  • Have an existing condition like arthritis or cancer
  • Are overweight
  • Lift using your back instead of your legs
  • Smoke or use other tobacco products

Other types of chronic oxidative stress such as a diet high in processed food, prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or poor cardiorespiratory fitness can create inflammation inside the disc, leading to faster disc degeneration beyond normal aging, according to Beatty.

How to treat back pain at home

You can initially treat most chronic back pain at home, with low-impact exercises such as swimming, gentle stretching or walking, combined with ice or heat, and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. These techniques usually help relieve pain, break up knotted back muscles, and make doing everyday activities easier.

While evidence varies on alternative approaches like acupuncture, and structural integration, Beatty says there’s little risk in trying them as long as you vet the practitioner first. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

What to do when home treatments don’t work

If pain persists, then it’s time to get evaluated by a doctor. If you have acute pain, notice or any bowel or bladder changes, weakness, fever, chills, or unexpected weight loss, then see a doctor right away. Additionally, “people with cardiovascular disease or kidney disease should make sure that the back pain is just mechanical and it’s not medical. It is important that their pain is evaluated and figured out by a doctor,” says Beatty.

Sibyl Wilmont, a 54-year-old nurse researcher in Chapel Hill, N.C., has dealt with back pain for much of her life. She even left her job as an emergency department nurse to take a less physically strenuous position: “My body was just failing me. I would get into such terrible back spasms that I could not pick myself up off the floor.”

After a diagnosis of multiple herniated discs, she tried numerous treatments, including cortisone injections and physical therapy, with little success. Other options—disc surgery, spinal fusion, regular epidural injections, or learning to live with the chronic pain—were equally unappealing.

Wilmont’s physical therapist suggested an evaluation for sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or SI—an extremely painful condition that can be tough to diagnose and is often mistaken for disc herniation or sciatica. An SI joint specialist quickly confirmed that was the primary cause of her pain.

While this condition is usually seen in pregnant people, it can also occur for other reasons. In Wilmont’s case, falls related to riding horses as a child likely destabilized the joint. At age 43, she opted for open joint fusion surgery and, once healed, has been free of SI-related pain for about a decade.

“It gave me my life back,” she says. Pain stemming from her herniated discs is manageable with ibuprofen and rest.

Be proactive about your back health

A multifaceted healthy approach at home can help stave off back pain; optimizing overall health and well-being are key:

  • Get up and walk around every hour, especially if you have a sedentary job.
  • Do some gentle stretching every day.
  • Take some easy walks around the block to keep muscles limber.
  • Swap out your mattress if it’s more than 10 years old.
  • Develop a daily practice of exercises or postural cues to improve body positioning over time. Most posture issues are modifiable and can be optimized.
  • Work with your HR department if you have a physically demanding job or need better office ergonomics. Many HR departments partner with occupational therapists to conduct an office assessment. If reinjury is a problem, discuss your job description and physical requirements with your physician and your HR manager.
  • If you’re in pain, avoid aggressive manipulations, intense exercise or high-velocity motion until you receive a diagnosis.
  • Limit nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to a maximum of two weeks; extended use has been linked to gastrointestinal issues, and you may become dependent on them.

Consider multiple options to manage pain. Neuropathic medications can help target specific nerve pain. Physical therapy and exercise can help strengthen your core muscles to better support your spine. Spinal manipulation may improve both pain and function. Surgery may be appropriate for certain conditions—disc problems and stenosis, for example, and actually increase the spine’s stability. If you are unsure about surgery, seek out a second opinion.

“Get the best diagnosis, then use the evidence to treat it, as opposed to just calling it back pain,” Beatty says.

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

These Mistakes Rapidly Increase Uric Acid: Avoid Them Today

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Uric acid is a waste product that is naturally present in the blood, formed from the breakdown of purines, substances found in certain foods and produced by the body. Normally, uric acid is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted through urine. However, when uric acid levels become elevated, it can lead to various health issues, including joint pain and more severe conditions such as gout. Managing uric acid levels effectively is crucial for maintaining overall health…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

Understanding Uric Acid and Its Impact
Uric acid levels typically range from 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL, though these values can vary between individuals. When the body produces excessive uric acid or the kidneys are unable to eliminate it efficiently, uric acid can accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to a condition known as hyperuricemia. This condition often results in symptoms like severe pain in the joints, particularly in the fingers and toes, redness in the soles of the feet, increased thirst, and sometimes even fever.

Common Dietary Mistakes Leading to Elevated Uric Acid Levels
Excessive Consumption of Oil and Spices: In many diets, especially in certain cuisines, oil and spices are used liberally. Excessive intake of these ingredients can contribute to higher uric acid levels. For instance, dishes that are deep-fried or heavily spiced can elevate uric acid, leading to health complications. Preserved foods, which are often high in additives and oils, can also contribute to increased uric acid levels.

High Protein Foods: Foods high in protein, such as legumes, are known to raise uric acid levels. While legumes are a valuable source of protein, overconsumption or improperly stored legumes (e.g., those left out at room temperature for extended periods) can exacerbate uric acid issues. It is crucial to store legumes properly, preferably in the refrigerator if they are not consumed immediately, to prevent a rapid increase in uric acid.

Consumption of Sour Foods: Certain sour foods, including amchur (dried mango powder), tamarind, raw tomatoes, and raw mango drinks, can increase uric acid levels. While these foods add flavor, they can exacerbate uric acid problems, particularly if consumed in large amounts. Opting for alternatives like lemon or amla (Indian gooseberry) can be beneficial, as these can help in reducing elevated uric acid levels.

Eating Outside Food: Many people enjoy eating out, but external food items such as kachoris, samosas, and non-vegetarian dishes often contain excessive amounts of oil and spices. These can lead to an increase in uric acid levels. Furthermore, non-vegetarian dishes often contain higher levels of purines, which can further contribute to elevated uric acid. Limiting the intake of such foods and focusing on homemade, balanced meals can help in managing uric acid levels. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Uric Acid Levels
Adopt a Physically Active Lifestyle: Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining overall health and managing uric acid levels. Incorporate activities such as walking, jogging, or other forms of exercise into your daily routine. Physical activity helps in maintaining a healthy weight and supports the effective elimination of uric acid from the body.

Balanced Diet: Include fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Opt for low-fat dairy products like yogurt and buttermilk, which can aid in managing uric acid levels. Eating balanced meals at regular intervals helps in maintaining metabolic stability and preventing excessive uric acid buildup.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial. Water helps in flushing out excess uric acid through urine and prevents dehydration, which can worsen uric acid levels. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Avoid Irregular Eating Patterns: Stick to a regular eating schedule and avoid overeating or skipping meals. Irregular eating habits can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to increased uric acid levels.

Managing uric acid levels requires a combination of dietary awareness and lifestyle modifications. By avoiding common dietary mistakes, such as excessive consumption of high-protein foods, sour foods, and external food items, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can effectively control their uric acid levels and reduce the risk of associated health issues. Making these changes today can lead to long-term health benefits and improved quality of life.

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

4 Fruits To Eat To Make Blood Flow Very Well In Your Body

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These 4 Fruits to Improve Your Circulation Today!

The first step in ensuring that sufficient blood is able to circulate throughout your body is to ensure that your blood arteries are not blocked. As a direct consequence of this, the elasticity and suppleness of your blood vessels will be restored.

Because the blood arteries are going to be freed up, the blood flow is going to become more unrestricted. According to Healthline, the heart does not need to work particularly hard in order for blood to be pumped through the veins…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

The body can clean out its arteries by utilizing certain fruit components, which can be found in fruits. As a direct consequence of receiving this treatment, the blood vessels will not grow inflamed, brittle, or burst.

Both the unclogging and strengthening of blood vessels can be helped along by the use of specific minerals, nutrients that are present in plants (called phytonutrients), and proteolytic enzymes. The results of your hard work are presented in the following list.

Rutin is a type of bioflavonoid that can be found in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines. Taking these bioflavonoids regularly can assist in the strengthening of your blood vessels.

Rutin is frequently isolated by scientists and included into various dietary supplements. When peeling an orange, you should take care to remove only the outer layer of skin that is green or yellow. Consume the entire orange, including the white covering that sits on top of it. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Rutin, which has medicinal properties that strengthen your blood vessels, can be tasted, despite the fact that the bitterness is highly medicinal and helpful to both your health and your health specifically.

If you haven’t done so already, peel the pineapple. There is something in the core of your pineapple that you should look for. This is a challenging part of the process to go through. There is a particular region of the pineapple that is particularly rich in bromelin. If you consume it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, it may help unclog your arteries and protect you from developing heart disease.

Another trace element that helps strengthen the blood arteries is copper, which can be found in bananas and avocados.

Copper is required in our diets in only trace amounts; yet, over consumption of this mineral can be detrimental to the health of our blood vessels.

Your delicate blood arteries will not burst into an aneurysm, and you will not have any internal bleeding as a result of this.

Getting your hands on an unripe pawpaw is the fourth possible course of action. Peel it and eat it in this form first thing in the morning when your stomach is empty. This dish has a significant amount of papain, which is an effective enzyme for cleaning out the arteries.

The proteolytic enzyme found in pawpaw contributes to the unclogging of blood vessels, which in turn improves the flow of blood to the organs in the body.

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

What typically Happens To Your Body if You Have Not Eaten For a While

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Not eaten for a week can have significant effect on your body. The body Will initially rely on glycogen store for energy, but after 24 to 48 hours, it begins to break down fat and muscle tissue for fuel.

1. Muscles loss: Since the body needs protein for a certain essential functions, prolonged fasting can lead to muscles breakdown as protein is used as alternative energy source…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Energy depletion: Glycogen, the stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles, get depleted within the first 24 to 48 hours. The body starts using fat stores for energy through a process called ketosis.

3. Immune system and Suppression: A lack of nutrients over time can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.

4. Metal and emotional changes: As energy reserves deplete, metal clarity and mood can be affected, potentially leading to irritability, confusion or mood swings. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

5. Dehydration risk: Since food contains water, not eating can increase the risk of dehydration which can worsen the symptoms of weakness and fatigue.

6. Fatigue and weakness: Without food, blood sugar levels drop, leading to extreme fatigue, dizziness and difficult Concentrating.

 

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