Treating Painful Osteoarthritis: What You Can Do

By Kim Archer

Entering into a partnership with your physician is the best way to go about getting effective osteoarthritis treatment. After diagnosing your condition, the health care provider will suggest suitable alternatives to make certain that the treatment plan suits your personal preferences and offers correct relief according to medical assessment. To arrive at and establish the kind of treatment that best suits your osteoarthritis problems, your medical history relating to cardiac diseases, hypertension, renal problems, or peptic ulcers plays a noteworthy role.

Using pain relievers and taking physiotherapy are the most usual forms of treatment for osteoarthritis pain. Exercise and diet control can also help. A health care provider's view must be given before you undergo physiotherapy in order to maximize the probability for success. Speak to a physiotherapist to learn about particular devices and appliances to manage your problem so that you can treat yourself at home in addition to at work. Making use of a cane or crutches while walking or using rails in your bathroom can also help.

Weight control is another way to help control the pain. The weight on the knees and hips of an obese person is often too much for the joints to handle, and it's known that the risk of developing this disease can be increased by being overweight. Actually, women who are obese have a greater chance of forming arthritis of the hip, so lowering weight is an efficient treatment approach.

You can take up regular physical activities in order to treat your osteoarthritis, in consultation with a doctor. Swimming, walking and aerobics can help slow down the progression of this condition.

Home remedies have been found to relieve the swelling and pain greatly in patients experiencing osteoarthritis. An electric heating pad, hot water bottle or ointments can work quite well to relieve your symptoms. Traditional remedies such as mud baths and copper bracelets are other treatments used by many. Intake of certain herbs is yet another way to combat arthritis.

As mentioned, a primary cause for the onset of osteoarthritis is obesity; switching to a special osteoarthritis diet is one means of treatment. That the right diet can and will help you stay in tip-top shape is commonly known. Also, it works to prevent other illnesses. - 30287

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Published Studies States That Medical Alternative Therapies Helps with MS

By Dr. Julian Reindhurst

People with multiple sclerosis suffer muscle spasms, pain and tremor. Studies find that medical marijuana may be helpful, but controlled studies are few.

An recent meeting, had fifty one people who suffer from multiple sclerosis and had them smoke 0% or 4% THC medical marijuana cigarettes daily for three days.

Participants noticed a reduction of 32% and pain ratings by 50% after smoking medical marijuana, compared with only a 2% and 22% reductions after fake cigarettes.

Five members withdrew, saying they felt too high, dizzy or fatigued.

Other studies in patients with multiple sclerosis used a cannabis extract that can be taken orally. In a 2007 European Journal of Neurology study, nearly half of'4 patients experienced at least 30% improvement in muscle spasms.

There was a contradiction in a 2004 Neurology paper that showed no reduction in objective measures of arm tremor with cannabis extract even after 5 subjects out of- stated that they felt improvement.

These reports could have been from the mood altering effects of the drug or from some aspect of tremor not measured.

The participants mentioned feeling buzzed, yet the effects varied among individuals. Medical marijuana also affected thinking, shown as problems with tasks of memory and complicated reasoning after the strongest medical marijuana cigarettes were used.

As adverse of a side effect as this could be, the effects were tolerated by subjects; no one opted out of the study because they couldn't focus.

it's important to have a choice of treatments because not everyone responds to or can handle the available medications and drugs.

Antidepressants are used for neuropathic pain but cause dry mouth, constipation and urinary problems, and must be avoided by people with conditions such as glaucoma.

Some patients are allergic to aspirin-like drugs. Having an "plan B" compound is always a good idea. The three pain studies all concluded that smoked marijuana can bring relief to sufferers of neuropathic pain comparable to other analgesic drugs.

As with all other pain medicines, you have to keep taking it. - 30287

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Arthritis Low Impact Exercise - Regular Exercise Can Help Retain Mobility

By Lizzie S Joyner

When someone first realizes they have arthritis exercise could be the farthest thing from their mind. They have felt the discomfort from the deteriorative illness and after reading extensively about it may believe that exercising may cause extra pain. most doctors counsel that those with arthritis exercise frequently to help scale back the has effects on it can have on the joints.

One of the first things doctors tell their chunky patients with arthritis exercise can help them lose excess poundage, taking some of the load off the affected joints. Regular, moderate exercise can help maintain mobility, reduce rigidity and increase adaptability and staying power. The operative word is moderate as high-impact exercises like running and jumping may increase the discomfort from the bones in the influenced joints rubbing together. In addition, arthritis exercise schedules performed in the water can help maintain the exercise schedule while limiting the strains placed on the joints.

When first considering an arthritis exercise plan, many of us will continue to put off beginning, but the crucial think to recollect is to start slow and work their way up to more demanding exercises. Starting with stretching and exercises engineered to improve flexibility will help maintain the motion required for everyday activities round the house. Having access to a pool may also be an advantage as when in the water the weight is reduced on the knees, hips and ankles and water exercising can help get the body prepared for more laborious workouts.

As a person progresses through an arthritis exercise program, and feels more comfortable performing the exercises, they can move into weight training. This can help build up the muscles around the joint, which will take some of the stress from the bones and reduce the amount of pain associated with arthritis. Simply short walks will help build the leg muscles and learning yoga can help with flexibility. Another important aspect of arthritis exercise plans is they consist of low, or non-impact activities.

Exercise can also help strengthen the heart muscles and help reduce the possibility of coronary problems. Many who shun the thought of an arthritis exercise plan will end up living a stagnant lifestyle, which can create other health problems unrelated to the arthritis. While the excuse that exercising causes arthritis pain to grow worse may seem plausible, not exercising can actually cause the pain to become for consistent. Some form of low-impact exercise will help reduce the pain and strengthen the joints to help the patient live better with arthritis. - 30287

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Montana Softubs Are Energy Efficient and Low Cost

By Rebecca Montana

It might be obvious to many that the Hot Tub industry has not really been thought of as a GREEN industry before. The major reason being that most hot tub companies spray fiberglass and resins, use plastics and steel without much regard for the environment, except to follow EPA guidelines and call it a hot tub. Times have changed now and the "The California Energy Commission (CEC)" decided to set the trend. They created some of the most rigid standards in the USA that monitors energy efficiency. CEC recently revised a bill called "title 20", which sets a standard amount of allowable energy used by a portable spa/hot tub. The amount of allowable energy per the new guidelines, was not met by 65% of hot tub manufacturers. These hot tubs failed an independent study done by California Polytechnic State University. Softub, a 20 year old company, was the only manufacturer to pass these new guidelines without having to make any changes to its manufacturing process.

So now some hot tubs are showing up that comply with these new regulations or have since complied with manufacturing changes. It is important to note that Softub is a first in the Hot Tub Industry considering its unique design, function and in its green industry standards that have been a part of the "Green Movement", since its inception. Since many states are now adopting the CEC standards and implementing these energy requirements it is of value to note that it was Softub who lead the way to the greening of hot tubs.

Softub, a soft sided hot tub, was formed in'85 is one of the leading spa manufacturers worldwide and minimal changes to the product over the years including our "patented ozone water sanitation system" and our "smart chip power monitoring system" have added to this green product to make it the most energy efficient hot tub on the market. Below are some reasons that Softub has been a Green Leader in the hot tub industry:

1. Energy Efficiency - The state of California has one of the first governing body to adopt stringent energy efficiency guidelines for hot tubs. Now, like fuel economy standards for automobiles, all hot tubs sold in the state of California will be manufactured to meet a baseline energy usage level. You will find that all of the Softub models operate well under the required baselines for the units.

2. SmartChip Technology - The patented Softub Smartchip recognizes low power situations and shuts off your tub before any damage occurs. It is also programmed with a patented energy efficiency system. When the Smartchip senses a voltage drop it will shut down the pump. It will continue to monitor the in-coming power and will automatically restart the spa when the voltage returns to a normal level. In the event of a power outage, Smartchip automatically resets at 100 degrees. The patented "Energy Efficiency Program" monitors the filtration system. If the system filtrates during standard heating cycles, the programmed filter cycles are by-passed to save energy. If adequate filtration does not occur during heat cycles, the automatic filter cycles occur. Thanks to the Softub Smartchip, you can run all electrical appliances normally, without fear of damaging your spa or other household appliances.

3. Softub Patented Ozone Water Oxidizing System - For sparkling clean water and less chemical use, all Softub units come with a built-in ozone system. In Softubs, ozone is distributed evenly through all jets as opposed to other spas that utilize only 1 jet as a delivery port. This system is the only method that controls ozone delivery throughout the entire body of water. Ozone attaches to dirty chorine and oxidizes the contaminant and makes the chlorine new again, thus utilizing fewer chemicals.

In conclusion we can see that Softub has many aspects that make it your green hot tub solution. It is Softub's simplicity of operation, durability and true portability that are its biggest assets. If you enjoy the noise and splashing of 57 jets and waterfalls and sitting on a hard acrylic seat than Softub is not for you. However if you desire a quiet, theraputic experience than Softub just might be what you are looking for. Most hot tubs require 220 v 50Amp service that can cost between $800 and $2200 dollars to install, they require special foundations costing from $400 to $800 and the bigger the tub, the more maintenance. Softub was designed to overcome all the complaints of hot tub users and to this day, is the most advanced hot tub on the market for therapy and/or pleasure. And Softub is now considered the greenest hot tub in the market today. - 30287

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Montana Softubs Are Energy Efficient and Low Cost

By Rebecca Montana

Hot Tub Manufacturing has never been considered a GREEN industry before. That is why most Hot tub companies just manufacture hot tubs, spray fiberglass and resins, use plastics and steel without much regard for the environment, except to follow EPA guidelines. Then came the "The California Energy Commission (CEC)". They have some of the most rigid standards in the USA and they monitor energy efficiency. They recently passed a bill called "title 20", which sets a standard amount of allowable energy used by a portable spa/hot tub. The amount of allowable energy per the new guidelines, was not met by 65% of hot tub manufacturers who failed an independent study done by California Polytechnic State University. Softub, a 20 year old company, was the only manufacturer to pass these new guidelines without having to make any changes to its manufacturing process.

As is to be expected, there are now more and more hot tubs that are coming into compliance with these new stricter regulations or have since complied with manufacturing changes. Softub lead the way in the Hot Tub Industry because of its unique design, function and in its already green industry standards. Softub has been a part of the "Green Movement", since its inception. Many states are now adopting the CEC standards and implementing these energy requirements, does your hot tub meet those requirements?

Softub, a soft sided hot tub, was formed in'85 is one of the leading spa manufacturers worldwide and minimal changes to the product over the years including our "patented ozone water sanitation system" and our "smart chip power monitoring system" have added to this green product to make it the most energy efficient hot tub on the market. Below are some reasons that Softub has been a Green Leader in the hot tub industry:

1. Energy Efficiency is Softubs strong point - While the state of California was the first governing body to adopt energy efficiency guidelines for hot tubs. All Softub models have long operated well under the required baselines for the units. These guidelines are similar to fuel economy standards for automobiles so now all hot tubs sold in the state of California and soon other states as well, must meet a baseline energy usage level.

2. SmartChip Technology - The patented Softub Smartchip is able to recognize low power events, such as brown outs and will and shut off your tub before any damage occurs. Along with this is also programmed to have a patented energy efficiency system. When the Smartchip senses a voltage drop it will shut down the pump. It will continue to monitor the in-coming power and will automatically restart the spa when the voltage returns to a normal level. In the event of a power outage, Smartchip automatically resets at 100 degrees. The patented "Energy Efficiency Program" monitors the filtration system. If the system filtrates during standard heating cycles, the programmed filter cycles are by-passed to save energy. If adequate filtration does not occur during heat cycles, the automatic filter cycles occur. Thanks to the Softub Smartchip, you can run all electrical appliances normally, without fear of damaging your spa or other household appliances.

3. Softub Patented Ozone Water Oxidizing System - having sparkling clean water and using less chemicals has always been the challenge for the hot tub owner. With each Softub unit comes a built-in ozone system. In Softub's, ozone is distributed evenly through all jets. You will find that other spas will only utilize 1 jet as a delivery port. Softubs system then is the only method that controls ozone delivery throughout the entire body of water. Ozone is helpful because it attaches to dirty chlorine and oxidizes the contaminant and makes the chlorine new again, thus utilizing fewer chemicals and fewer dollars for chemical purchases.

In summary, Softub has many green aspects, but simplicity of operation, durability and true portability are its biggest assets. If you enjoy a good soak rather than the noise and splashing of 57 jets and waterfalls, Softub is your tub of choice. Most hot tubs require 220 v 50Amp service that can cost between $800 and $2200 dollars to install, they require special foundations costing from $400 to $800 and the bigger the tub, the more maintenance. Softub was designed around all the complaints of hot tub users and to this day, is the most advanced hot tub on the market for therapy and/or pleasure. Softub is also now considered to be the hot tub industries greenest tub. - 30287

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Montana Softubs Easy To Set Up - Cheap To Run

By Rebecca Montana

Hot Tub Manufacturing has never been considered a GREEN industry before. That is why most Hot tub companies just manufacture hot tubs, spray fiberglass and resins, use plastics and steel without much regard for the environment, except to follow EPA guidelines. Then came the "The California Energy Commission (CEC)". They have some of the most rigid standards in the USA and they monitor energy efficiency. They recently passed a bill called "title 20", which sets a standard amount of allowable energy used by a portable spa/hot tub. The amount of allowable energy per the new guidelines, was not met by 65% of hot tub manufacturers who failed an independent study done by California Polytechnic State University. Softub, a 20 year old company, was the only manufacturer to pass these new guidelines without having to make any changes to its manufacturing process.

So now some hot tubs are showing up that comply with these new regulations or have since complied with manufacturing changes. It is important to note that Softub is a first in the Hot Tub Industry considering its unique design, function and in its green industry standards that have been a part of the "Green Movement", since its inception. Since many states are now adopting the CEC standards and implementing these energy requirements it is of value to note that it was Softub who lead the way to the greening of hot tubs.

So what is a Softub? It is a soft sided hot tub. The company was formed in'85 and is considered to be one of the leading spa manufacturers worldwide. Softub has had to make minimal changes to the product over the years including the "patented ozone water sanitation system" and "smart chip power monitoring system". It is these elements that have added to this green product to make it the most energy efficient hot tub on the market. Below are some reasons that Softub has been THE Green Leader in the hot tub industry:

1. Energy Efficiency - The state of California has one of the first governing body to adopt stringent energy efficiency guidelines for hot tubs. Now, like fuel economy standards for automobiles, all hot tubs sold in the state of California will be manufactured to meet a baseline energy usage level. You will find that all of the Softub models operate well under the required baselines for the units.

2. SmartChip Technology - The patented Softub Smartchip is able to recognize low power events, such as brown outs and will and shut off your tub before any damage occurs. Along with this is also programmed to have a patented energy efficiency system. When the Smartchip senses a voltage drop it will shut down the pump. It will continue to monitor the in-coming power and will automatically restart the spa when the voltage returns to a normal level. In the event of a power outage, Smartchip automatically resets at 100 degrees. The patented "Energy Efficiency Program" monitors the filtration system. If the system filtrates during standard heating cycles, the programmed filter cycles are by-passed to save energy. If adequate filtration does not occur during heat cycles, the automatic filter cycles occur. Thanks to the Softub Smartchip, you can run all electrical appliances normally, without fear of damaging your spa or other household appliances.

3. Softub Patented Ozone Water Oxidizing System - In a Hot Tub having sparkling clean water can be a head ache to achieve and very expensive. Softub uses less chemicals and all Softub units come with a built-in ozone system. In Softub's the ozone is distributed evenly through all jets. You will find that other spas only utilize 1 jet as a delivery port. This patented system is what allows for cost effective ozone delivery throughout the entire body of water. Ozone attaches to dirty chlorine and oxidizes the contaminants and makes the chlorine fresh again, thus utilizing fewer chemicals and helping your pocket book too.

In this day and time, finding ways to go green are more cost effective and help our environment. Softub has many green aspects along with its simplicity of operation, durability and true portability being some of its biggest assets. If you enjoy a good soak rather than the noise and splashing of 57 jets and waterfalls, Softub can be your tub of choice. Most hot tubs require 220 v 50Amp service that can cost between $800 and $2200 dollars to install, they also require special concrete or other foundations costing from $400 to $800 and the bigger heavier tubs require a lot more maintenance. Softub was designed to resolve all the obstacles to owning a hot tub. Softub is considered by the industry to now be one of the most advanced hot tubs on the market for therapy and/or pleasure. And Softub is now considered the greenest as well. - 30287

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How Gout Can Affect Children

By Kathy Nelson

Many people who suffer from gout have heard that it is referred to as being caused by a combination of rich food and beer, therefore is has become known as the disease of kings. However this often means that people assume children are not in danger of suffering from gout, as not many children will drink that much beer.

One of the causes of gout is the increase of uric crystals around your joints. Mostly this will start to show itself in your big toe, from here it can travel around your body causing more damage as it goes. It doesn't matter that you could be very young and consider yourself not at risk from gout, you are not too young to feel the pain that gout attacks bring.

Over the past twenty years, kids have changed in the way they eat, drink and exercise. Computers and fast food have more of an influence which means they spend less time doing outdoor exercise and playing sports. Processed foods and drinks tend to form most of a kid's diet which is not good for them. Kids do not care to drink much normal water which would be much better for them.

The levels of uric acid in the body can be raised by the intake of sodas and fructose. As a result of this, there has been an increase in the reported cases of gout. No longer is gout known as the disease of kings. The amount of soda and "nutritional" beverages that we drink has increased over recent years, it is a consequence that so will cases of gout.

People who suffer from gout can greatly reduce the number of attacks they have by simply controlling their diet. It sounds easy, but some will not have the focus to stick to a healthier diet despite the obvious benefits. If you are in a routine then it can be hard to break it, even more if you are a little older. But it can be done and can have a very positive effect on your gout.

You need to think about how your child's diet will affect them not only now, but years down the line when they are older. You could be allowing them to get into bad eating habits which will stick with them for a long time. Because of this you should try to steer them away from foods or beverages which are high in their fructose content.

In present times people tend to be much more rushed and have less time to spend actually making sure that they foods they buy are high in nutrition. This is understandable as it can often be hard to spend quality time shopping for good quality foods if you have heavy work commitments as well as your children distracting you if you take them shopping.

Your weekly trip to the supermarket should be the basis of preventing gout problems in your family. You can cut out foods which are bad for you before they get anywhere near your fridge or kitchen. For a start you can avoid foods and drinks which contain high levels of uric acid causing chemicals. Also try to cut out drinks which are high in fructose. By doing this you can cut down on the chances of your children developing gout problems, as well as leading a more healthy lifestyle in general. - 30287

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Finding Alternative Ways to Deal With Pain

By Dr. Julian Reindhurst

Dealing with tight, sore, contracting muscles is life for many of the 2.5 million people around the planet suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. Such is the case for many of the 15 million patients with spinal cord injuries who also suffer from the same symptoms, which cause pain, limit movement, and rob people of needed sleep.

Several conventional medications are available to help mitigate some of the discomfort, yet they rarely provide the patient with total relief. These conventional drugs often times cause weakness, make the patient constantly sleepy, and has side effects that many of the patients find intolerable such as constant constipation.

Given this outlook, it is not hard to understand why some people with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries have sought relief through marijuana as it has shown to reduce pain and muscle spasms.

Patients of spinal chord injuries and MS also said they valued the drug because it relieved nausea or helped them sleep. A'82 study of people with spinal cord injuries, found that 21 of 43 of the case studies reported that marijuana lessened muscle spasticity (a condition in which muscles tense reflexively and resist stretching), while nearly every participant in a'97 survey of 112 regular marijuana users with multiple sclerosis replied that the drug lessened both pain and spasticity.

This study is not intended to show that all people who suffer from MS find relief simply those who use marijuana do.

Animal research demonstrates that marijuana reduces muscle spasticity. Spasms are theorized to occur in areas of the brain that manage movement, including various areas that have abundant cannabinoid receptors.

One such experiment showed that when rodents receive small doses of cannabinoids they become more active, yet when they receive higher doses they are less active

Many marijuana users also note that the drug affects movement, making their bodies sway and their hands unsteady.

It's still unknown how the compounds of the cannabinoids create this effect. With all of the findings that suggest the plant has anecdotal properties, clinical research remains largely untested.

Very few reports are helpful because they are limited in the amount of people and in general hard to find.

Still, the lack of good universally effective medicine for muscle spasticity is a compelling reason to continue exploring cannonaded drugs in the clinic. - 30287

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Tips For Helping Loved Ones Through Alzheimer's

By Jen Pursens

Alzheimer's is a painful disease to suffer through for the person with the disease and also for loved ones near the patient. It is a degenerative disease of the brain that gets progressively worse and can affect millions of people. Though it already affects many people, that number is expected to double in the next twenty years.

When you realize exactly how many people are already suffering from this disease, it can be a scary thought. That's why it is so important that people who may be affected by Alzheimer's find a solution to provide care, like senior home care, or other methods to manage the disease.

Alzheimer's is a common disease, but many are unaware of its symptoms. Being aware of the symptoms can be very helpful because if you can catch the warning signs early, you can start developing a proactive approach for how to manage and deal with it. Catching the symptoms early can also help you decide if you will need senior home care.

The symptoms can include, but are not limited to memory loss that gets progressively worse, impaired decision making that is completely out of character or someone, and speech impairments. Keep in mind, the symptoms can be more obvious with people who have suffered serious head injuries in the past or people that have had other family members suffer from Alzheimer's.

If you suspect that a loved one is starting to feel some of these early stages of Alzheimer's then you should quickly consult a doctor for a formal diagnosis. Your physician will have to start monitoring the person to see if they can spot the important behavioral symptoms and determine whether or not it is impairing their ability to function properly or otherwise hindering their cognitive abilities.

Depending on the prognosis, you may decide that senior home care is your best option. You might even decide that this is the right time to assign Power of Attorney in case the patient suddenly can't make independent decisions. The doctor should also set up regular appointments for new evaluations.

Perhaps the best advice for anyone taking care of an Alzheimer's patient is to be proactive about your care plans. Yes, there are drugs on the market and they can help, but there are many things you can do on your own. Select appropriate activities that they can participate in, or join in with an early stages Alzheimer's social group. You should also try to make their living environments safer and more comfortable.

You should always try your best to keep the patient actively involved with their own treatment, and try to discuss all the legal and financial matters that have to be resolved. Many senior home care services will offer a lot of help when you need to get everything sorted out. - 30287

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Unconventional Methods of Therapy Prove Promising

By Dr. Julian Reindhurst

For thousands of years, marijuana has been used for medical reasons ranging from a reliever for earaches, child pains as well as stress. It can be traced all throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Medical research recently has also unearthed in the past decade marijuana's effects on various kinds of pains. These range from damaged nerves in people that have HIV, diabetic treatment, and spinal injuries--marijuana has also shown promise to patients with cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.

Medical marijuana has been theorized to help with nausea related to symptoms induced by chemotherapy, and with severe loss of appetite as with patients with AIDS wasting syndrome.

Marijuana is effective with these actions due to the active ingredients of tetrahydro cannabinol (THC) and some 60 other cannabinoids, which mimic the action of chemicals that are known as endogenous cannabinoids, and exist naturally in the brain. Those cannabinoids activate receptors in our nerves, triggering physiological responses.

The only legal extract of THC currently available is Marinol however the results are not evn close to the effects of naturally smoked medical marijuana. Taken orally, its absorption is highly variable and unpredictable and often delayed, says Dr. Igor Grant, a UC San Diego psychiatrist who directs the university's Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research. "Smoking is a very efficient way to deliver THC," he mentions.

Medical marijuana is considered illegal under federal laws, so its only available is selected clinics in states such as California where they have passed laws making marijuana legal for personal medical use.

Research on the medicinal use of marijuana relies on government-issued marijuana cigarettes, which come in different strengths and are supplied by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research in San Diego helps coordinate clinical studies to investigate the safety and effectiveness of marijuana and they've discovered in their studies related to neuropathic pain, Multiple sclerosis, and nausea. - 30287

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Conquering Fibromyalgia Forever

By Tre Pleggi

While watching television, numerous advertisements come on concerning fibromyalgia. Just what is fibromyalgia and why all the concern. Fibromyalgia is defined as a syndrome rather than a disease, because it has no specific cause or symptom. Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and debilitating fatigue. The disorder causes heightened pain all over the body with multiple tender points that are painful to the touch. An individual with this condition suffers physical and psychological distress interfering with daily living. Physicians are unaware of what causes fibromyalgia and have no conclusive tests to identify it, but they are inclined to believe that the basis of the physical pain is brought on by psychological stress. For those who suffer from this painful condition, and there are millions worldwide, conquering fibromyalgia now is essential to their well being.

Signs and Symptoms

For those suffering from fibromyalgia, the symptoms can be many, including debilitating fatigue, sleep disorders, and joint stiffness with numbness and tingling. Other symptoms include irritable bowel, chronic headaches, jaw pain, anxiety and depression. Some feel that their symptoms were brought on by a physical or emotional trauma, while in others there was no triggering event. It is estimated that 2-4% of the population suffers from fibromyalgia and therefore it affects millions of people worldwide. For those who suffer from severe symptoms, conquering fibromyalgia is possible and essential for basic daily activities.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia is difficult because it is a syndrome and not a disease. Physicians use several criteria in their diagnosis, one of which is using pressure on the multiple tender points. There are' different sites that are used in this method, but the cause of pressure points is not known. Many symptoms occur together such as the tender points, anxiety, extreme fatigue widespread pain in muscles and joints. This is the reason fibromyalgia is called a syndrome, because it has no one specific symptom or cause. Because there are no conclusive tests to diagnose fibromyalgia, physicians rely on physical examination and medical history to accurately pinpoint it.

Causes

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known. People who suffer from fibromyalgia find that anxiety, stress, depression and physical exhaustion worsen the pain. Lack of sleep, infections, and even the change in weather, all seem to be contributing factors. Researchers have identified individuals who are at higher risk for developing fibromyalgia. These factors include gender, age, chronic sleep disturbances, family history and rheumatic disease. People who have sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, as well as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus are placed in this high risk category. It can even attack people when there is extreme physical and emotional stress. Conquering fibromyalgia forever is especially crucial for women because they are 10 times more likely than men to develop this condition.

Recommendations

Individuals who are suffering with this disorder are looking for help and want to know if conquering fibromyalgiais possible. They are suffering from fatigue, sleep disturbances, migraines, jaw pain and often psychological distress. Pain management is the first goal a patient is looking for in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Some recommendations to help ease the pain can involve therapy massage or exercise which helps ease pain, muscle tension and spasms. Applying moist heat can benefit stiffness as well. Stress increases the pain over tender points and decreases the ability to cope with pain. Therefore stress management is an important means to control the pain. Using low doses of antidepressant medications is another recommendation in controlling pain. Some individuals find help from deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques. Treatment recommendations include daily rest, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly and eating healthy foods is important as well.

Who can help?

Those who suffer from this condition do best when they have the support from family, friends, and others who suffer from fibromyalgia. There are many organizations providing classes and access to support groups where help in conquering fibromyalgia is possible and available. Finding this help and getting advice from these groups is something that could not be found anywhere else. It is most gratifying when these individuals know they are not alone in their pain.

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain. The cause is unknown and the symptoms are many. Because it is a syndrome, many symptoms occur at the same time, making diagnosis difficult. It is an ongoing disorder looking for a solution. - 30287

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A Brief Explanation Of What Alternative Complimentary Medicine Is About

By Richard Ealom

Alternative complimentary medicine is the name used to describe any medical remedy or products that do not fall under the traditional realm of modern medicine. Alternative medicine describes a remedy that is used in place of a customary one, and complimentary medicine is an alternative medicine treatment that is used in conjunction with orthodox ones.

Any choice concerning your health should be taken very seriously, and this is only one reason why you ought to make it a priority to find out about alternative complimentary treatments.

Exactly What is Alternative Complimentary Remedies?

Alternative complimentary treatments is a compilation of medical and health systems that are not considered to be a component of conventional remedies. When it comes to safety, each treatment should be considered on its own, just as you would with all contemporary health cures.

Patients respond differently to remedies, and so though an alternative complimentary medicine treatment might work flawlessly for one person, the same treatment might not work at all or have a harmful affect on a different person. Choose any novel form of medicine cautiously.

Bear in mind that when it comes to alternative complimentary medicine treatments, the training, practice and skill level of the practitioner can have an effect on the overall safety of the process. Of course, all treatments, whether alternative, complimentary, or modern medical practices have certain risks.

All risks involved in this kind of medical treatment depend on the specific therapy you are utilizing. You can shun or at least decrease any risk by speaking to your current healthcare providers about any alternative complimentary medicine you plan on taking. This will allow your doctor to have a full view of the ways you are handling your health and well being.

You can take charge of your own health by being an up to date consumer, and this means that it may necessarily be up to you to delve into the safety and known side effects of a particular treatment, as well as the success rate of the treatment. Certainly, this should be done prior to letting yourself get involved with any treatment.

Technical support is accessible in regards to the effectiveness of some alternative complimentary medical practices, but for many types of treatment there are still vital questions to be studied and answered through the use of acceptable technical studies. As of now, there are no fact-based, scientific studies to back these alternative complimentary remedies. - 30287

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Unconventional Methods of Therapy Prove Promising

By Dr. Julian Reindhurst

For thousands of years, marijuana has been used for medical reasons ranging from a reliever for earaches, child pains as well as stress. It can be traced all throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Medical research recently has also unearthed in the past decade marijuana's effects on various kinds of pains. These range from damaged nerves in people that have HIV, diabetic treatment, and spinal injuries--marijuana has also shown promise to patients with cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.

Marijuana has also been speculated to help with nausea brought on by chemotherapy and antiretroviral therapy, as well as with severe loss of appetite as seen in people with the AIDS wasting syndrome.

THC is an ingredient in marijuana that mimics the action of chemicals that naturally occur in the brain. The tetrahydro cannabinol (THC) activates receptors in the body's nerves that trigger physiological responses in the brain.

The only legal extract of THC currently available is Marinol however the results are not evn close to the effects of naturally smoked medical marijuana. Taken orally, its absorption is highly variable and unpredictable and often delayed, says Dr. Igor Grant, a UC San Diego psychiatrist who directs the university's Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research. "Smoking is a very efficient way to deliver THC," he mentions.

Medical marijuana is considered illegal under federal laws, so its only available is selected clinics in states such as California where they have passed laws making marijuana legal for personal medical use.

The only research regarding medical marijuana, comes from the US government issued marijuana cigarettes that come in varying strengths and are supplied to the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

The University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research in San Diego helps coordinate clinical studies to investigate the safety and effectiveness of marijuana and they've discovered in their studies related to neuropathic pain, Multiple sclerosis, and nausea. - 30287

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