Migraines

We’ve all seen the TV ads ” nice-looking woman in her fifties, sitting on a nice sofa in a nice living room, rubbing her hands, in obvious pain. Of course, she is not Lady Macbeth, trying to rub off the imagined blood of her murdered husband. She’s a woman with arthritis.

According to the Center for Disease Control, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.1 Approximately 47 million people have doctor diagnosed arthritis and 17 million have arthritis-attributable activity limitations.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is a degenerative condition affecting the joints and the soft tissues around the joints and the associated cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The most commonly affected areas are the spine, the hands, and the shoulders, hips, and knees. The pain of arthritis, the reduced mobility, and the lifestyle accommodations needed for pain avoidance are discouraging and may even lead to depression.

Many anti-inflammatory drugs are available for the treatment of arthritis, and in recent years many of these have been found to cause severe side effects. Vioxx is the most notorious of these ” cardiovascular complications caused a worldwide recall of the drug. Celebrex, another well-known arthritis medication, was also found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke at high doses.

The very good news is there are several wellness-based treatment alternatives to taking long-term medication. These include exercise, diet, and in many cases, chiropractic treatment.

Exercise is critical in restoring mobility and, over time, in reducing pain.2,3 Persons with osteoarthritis often experience a vicious cycle of deteriorating symptoms. Pain causes reduced mobility (pain avoidance), which (paradoxically) actually causes more pain, which causes further reductions of mobility . . . . Activities of daily living ” getting out of a chair, opening a jar, bending and lifting ” become a real challenge as the person struggles to avoid further pain.

So, restoring mobility is key. Exercise ” very gently at first ” is the answer. Range-of-motion activities to get the joints moving again are very beneficial, including Arm circles Wrist circles Shoulder shrugs Side-to-side bending for the lower back Gentle knee bends Ankle circles Flexing and pointing the feet

Walking is a perfect exercise for treatment of arthritis. Begin by walking one block, then two, then around the block. Walk five minutes daily for a week, then increase by a minute or two each day. Get up to 15 minutes of gentle walking, then begin to gradually increase your pace. This increased mobility will not only reduce pain, but also provide a cardiovascular benefit and improve one’s ability to perform activities of daily living.

Chiropractic treatment, in combination with an exercise program, can assist in restoring joint mobility and reducing pain. Gentle chiropractic manipulative therapy is designed to improve mobility of spinal joints. As spinal joint motion improves, pain lessens, and a positive cycle of return-to-function begins.

“Prevalence of Doctor-Diagnosed Arthritis and Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation.” CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 55(40);1089-1092, 2006. 2Huang MH, et al: A comparison of various therapeutic exercises on the functional status of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 32(6):398-406, 2003. 3Suomi R, Collier, D: Effects of arthritis exercise programs on functional fitness and perceived activities of daily living measures in older adults with arthritis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 84(11):1589-94, 2003.

For more information on health feel free to contact Dr. Fowler Dr. Jason Fowlerat www.lakestlouisdc.comwww.lakestlouisdc.com

A migraine with aura occurs when temporary visual or sensory disturbances are experienced before or during a migraine headache. A study just published on bmj.com reports that migraine with aura is associated with a twofold increased risk of stroke. Further risk factors for stroke among patients with migraine are being a woman, being young, being a smoker, and using contraceptives containing estrogen.

More: continued here

Migraine with aura (temporary visual or sensory disturbances before or during a migraine headache) is associated with a twofold increased risk of stroke, finds a study published on bmj.com today. Further risk factors for stroke among patients with migraine are being a woman, being young, being a smoker, and using oestrogen containing contraceptives.

More: continued here

On the publication of research in the British Medical Journal looking at the links between migraine and an increased risk of stroke, Ellen Mason, Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation said: ‘This review clarifies that it is only migraine with aura - a migraine with temporary visual and sensory disturbances that is linked to increased risk of having a stroke.

More: continued here

Looking your best might not always be the best thing for you. Our society is extremely fashion and style conscious. Unfortunately, clothing designers and stylists aim to please by creating unique looks that might not always be practical or even comfortable.

The look of the season shows runway models in high platform heels and tight skirts or pants. Models have perfected the runway “walk,” but the popular looks and accessories are frequently impractical and could create leg, back, and spine or neck problems. “Sometimes I see a woman walking down the street with high heels and a two-ton bag, and I want to stop her and make her aware of what she is doing to her body,” said ACA national spokesperson, Dr. Jerome McAndrews.

Women generally wear high heels to complement an outfit, not for comfort, but some might not realize that these shoes can cause serious discomfort in the feet and can also exacerbate back pain. High heels alter the balanced position of a person’s body. When a woman wears high heels, a new dynamic equilibrium occurs. Dr. McAndrews compared the musculoskeletal system to a mobile, hanging in dynamic equilibrium, each part balancing the other. If one part becomes ‘fixed,’ the whole system will compensate with a movement or restriction. Essentially, wearing high heels for any length of time increases the normal forward curve of the back and causes the pelvis to tip forward. This alters the normal configuration of the pelvis and spine necessary for the body to maintain a center of gravity.

“The legs are the foundation of the musculoskeletal system, and a person standing flat-footed or bare-footed would be completely balanced,” said Dr. McAndrews. “While standing, the hamstrings are taut and both parts of the pelvis are stabilized so that the support is normal. By bringing the heel up, you encourage the shortness of the hamstring muscles.”

Women and men alike fall into the fashion trap. Women, more than men, tend to wear clothes that are too tight. Stylish tight tube skirts and tight pants can be attractive, but are often too restrictive. Clothes that are too tight throw a person off-balance, and simple everyday tasks such as bending, sitting and walking become difficult. “Tight clothes restrict a person from moving comfortably, resulting in poor posture and misalignment of the spine,” said Dr. McAndrews.

Another unhealthy fashion statement is the use of heavy purses, backpacks and handbags. Women and men tend to carry too many items in one bag, or briefcase, and are often not aware of the potential health risks associated with toting an excessive amount of “stuff.” Carrying a bag with detectable weight-more than 10 percent of your body weight-can cause improper balance. When hiked over one shoulder, it interferes with the natural movement of the upper and lower body. “The person carrying the bag will hike one shoulder to subconsciously guard against the weight, holding the other shoulder immobile,” said Dr. McAndrews. “This results in the unnatural counterbalance movement of one shoulder and little control over the movements of the arms and legs. Even worse, the spine curves toward the shoulder.”

More and more people carry their credit cards, ATM cards and personal identification in the back pocket of their pants. This may be a convenient way of carrying the necessary items with you each day, but carrying your wallet in the back pocket of your pants can cause discomfort. Dr. McAndrews suggested men and women remove their wallets or other items before sitting for long periods of time. “Sitting on your wallet or card holder for the entire day will create a pocket in the muscle lying underneath the wallet, and whether your pants are tight or loose-fitting, this can result in discomfort or pain.”

In our society, it might be important to you to look fashionable, but it is more important to choose clothes, shoes and bags that are comfortable and that suit your style. By following and remembering these simple steps, it is possible to look and feel your best.

Choose comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heels, bring a pair of flat shoes along with you to change into should you become uncomfortable. If you walk to work, wear flat shoes and change into your more fashionable shoes when you arrive to alleviate any pain or discomfort. If the shoe is uncomfortable while standing, chances are it will not be any more comfortable while walking. The wrong shoe can affect the body’s center of gravity. Choose supportive shoes. Designer spikes or non-supportive loafers may look nice but do not allow for easy, symmetrical walking. While sitting, whether or not you are wearing heels, it is important to take frequent stretch breaks to alleviate atrophy of the hamstring muscles. Try to avoid excessive wear of tight pants or clothing. If you prefer tighter clothes, choose styles that allow you to perform daily tasks with ease. Select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap. Ideally, the strap should be long enough to place over the head. This evenly distributes the bulk of the weight across the body. When carrying a bag, or briefcase, switch sides frequently to avoid placing the burden of the weight on one side of your body. Take the time to empty unnecessary items from your bag. Place all necessary items-such as wallets and cellular phones-in the front pockets of the bag. Stretching around to reach for your wallet can result in a pulled neck or back. If you are driving or sitting for long periods of time, remove your wallet or card holder from the back pocket of your pants. Think about your daily tasks. If your clothes affect your movements, consider outfits that fit your lifestyle. Designers and stylists tend to be more concerned about the way something looks rather than the way it feels. Listen to your body. One of the most important aspects of being in style and looking your best is to maintain healthy judgement. By following simple suggestions, being fashionable can be comfortable.

For more information on health feel free to contact Dr. FowlerDr. Jason Fowler at www.lakestlouisdc.comwww.lakestlouisdc.com

The disability from migraine headaches is an enormous health burden affecting over 30 million Americans. In newly released research, 79 migraine sufferers were followed for at least five years after having undergone detection of migraine “trigger sites” and surgery. The new data finds promising outcomes for treating trigger sites surgically for migraine headaches resulting in elimination of pain for those afflicted with the condition.

More: continued here

It is getting more difficult for most people to buy health insurance. The rising cost of insurance premiums are already beyond the means of many individuals to pay. Families with children have it even worse. Insurance formularies are under constant revision as more and more medications are removed or reclassified to cost more. Maintenance medications are periodically eliminated leaving the patient to buy more expensive alternatives. Most consumers cannot pay the monthly premiums which leads them to purchase the bare minimum of coverage which may not address what conditions they already have or new ones which may develop later on.

Migraine headaches are the most recent fatality to come from limitations set by the insurance companies. In the past these incapacitating headaches created a learning experience for the medical profession as treatment ranged from tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, and a variety of pain killers.

Work was done on developing and advancing new prescription medications during the 1980’s and 1990’s, precisely for migraine treatment, control, and relief. Some of the medications created worked well by themselves, some were combined with pain medication, as well as other times types of medications. Now that we’re in the 21st century, there are a lot of medications that have been created explicitly for migraines, and people who suffer from this condition are able to find them in numerous locations throughout this country as well as other parts of the world. The problem comes from the fact that many of these medications are priced beyond the reach of average workers, and health insurance either covers an inadequate amount of the cost, or doesn’t cover them at all.

This kind of insurance situation puts people who deal with migraines on a regular basis with a limited amount of pills each month (i.e. 10-12), and then they have to decide which one of their migraines they’ll use one of the pills for, when this is medication they should be taking whenever they have a migraine. Insurance doesn’t cover them if all the pills are used before the end of the month, so the expense to reorder more pills becomes theirs alone. These migraine sufferers will continue to pay their premiums, but due to the skyrocketed prices of many of these medications, many are unable to pay for them out of their own pocket, so they just suffer through. It has been found that migraines can often be signs of other unknown health issues. Some of these quickly end up in a stroke. And what are the results of this occurs on a night when they felt they couldn’t, or just didn’t, take the medication?

For people in that position, like a friend of mine who isn’t able to afford insurance, there’s the possibility of Medicaid. Medicaid is available providing you are willing to wade through all the paperwork, can meet the income limitations, are able to find a way of getting approval, and then you’ll have coverage for help on costs of prescriptions and seeing a doctor. If you make it through the initial requirements, you still have to stay alert because you could lose your coverage in a heartbeat for not calling Medicaid on something or not sending in a correct form or paperwork.

Ironically, at a time when there exist medications that can treat migraines, insurance businesses are basically withholding these remedies by imposing financial or other restrictions upon the patients. Migraine patients could simply be victims of the most recent condition restricted by insurance, but is a solution available to assist them in obtaining the remedy they require? The current presidential administration is taking this and other concerns under consideration. With any luck, some solutions will be forthcoming.

To Learn More About Various Types of Migraines and to Learn Migraine Health Insurance Options, Visit the Migraine Headache Guide at Migraines-Headaches.org.

In general, a lot of folks these days are experiencing migraines. Migraine isn’t just a basic headache because it can be exceedingly harsh plus unbearable. Unlike a normal headache, migraine symptoms may differ. People with migraine may experience blurring of vision, vomiting, nausea, plus even certain forms of abdominal pain.

The symptoms of migraines may transpire plus become severe in an split second. Here symptoms may be very treacherous particularly if a person who has migraine would expertise it throughout activities such as driving or if at work.

Normally speaking, migraine is tough to diagnose. A number of people would assume that they even have plain headache, not knowing which they by now have the migraine. Up to now, science continues to be not capable to elucidate the precise causes of migraines, but consultants have come up with different classifications for every migraine.

Even though migraines are not thought of as threats to the overall health of a person, it can still affect the daily activities of a person. As mentioned before, the precise causes of migraines aren’t identified but there are some common things among individuals who are experiencing migraines.

Migraines in women are mostly related to menstruation especially throughout their premenstrual period. Specialists have theorized which hormones may be the potential reason of the migraines that occur prior to menstruation because prior to menstruation, there are hormonal changes which occur in women. Ladies mostly experience changes in their hormonal levels whenever they are already experiencing menstruation. A few hormones would increase while some would decline; because of these changes the risk of migraine to happen is increased.

Aside from hormones, migraine is even common among middle aged adults. The incidence of migraines during this age group is relatively higher as compared to the different age group. This is perhaps because of stress that could be why stress is also related to the occurrence of migraines. Migraine can gift as a symptom of an underlying disease, so whenever you expertise migraines or severe headaches, it would be best to consult the physician.

Migraines ruining your life? natural migraine reliefcan help find out at http://www.migrainepainrelief.org//

Zogenix, Inc. (”Zogenix”), a privately held pharmaceutical company, and Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (”Astellas”) announced that positive results from two clinical studies of new SUMAVEL DosePro (sumatriptan injection) needle-free delivery system will be published in the November 2009 issue of Headache. SUMAVEL DosePro, was recently approved by the FDA to treat acute migraine, with or without aura, and cluster headache.

More: continued here

The Plastic Surgery Center announced that a 57-year-old Plainfield man reports he is free of constant headache pain after undergoing a new cutting edge nerve procedure to permanently eliminate pain caused by migraines. The procedure was performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Matthew Kaufman, of the Plastic Surgery Center in New Jersey on August 4, 2009. The surgery was performed on Mr.

More: continued here