A prescription painkiller could make a big difference for those suffering from acute pain. But is it necessary to put these chemicals into your body? Can they cause harm? At what point do the disadvantages outweigh the benefits? Take the case of a patient with chronic arthritis, painfully trying to manoeuvre through her daily activities. …
Do you have muscular or joint pain? Do you have pain or limited movement following surgery, an accident or an injury? Do you have back or neck pain or suffer from headaches? Is a cardiac condition hindering you from performing your normal activities of daily living? Are you suffering from arthritis? Do you experience difficulty …
Whiplash is a very common injury that can affect anyone. Whiplash occurs most frequently during rear-end motor vehicle accidents. When the body is struck from behind, the neck sharply extends backwards then flexes forwards past its normal range of motion and with excessive force causing a whiplash. This injury can cause damage to muscles in …
We are familiar with the expression “my foot has fallen asleep”. This sensation is caused by a change in the functioning of a sensory nerve and is known in medical circles as paraesthesia. It can occur in any part of the body but is most common in the fingers and feet. In the former, it …
Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain to radiate in the buttocks and groin, down the back of the leg and into the foot. This pain is the result of compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve can be compressed by a herniated lumbar intervertebral disc or as a result of disc space …
Regular exercise is as important to a woman’s overall health during pregnancy as it is after pregnancy. A woman who was active before pregnancy can continue to be active during pregnancy, barring certain risks. Women who were previously inactive should speak to their doctor before embarking on any exercise programme during pregnancy. A physiotherapist can …
Good posture is not just good for your appearance; it affects your general health as well. Poor posture can contribute to back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, nerve impingement leading to upper and lower limb pain and weakness as well as fatigue, breathing difficulties, indigestion and sleep problems. Physiotherapists are very concerned about the posture …
Post-fracture rehabilitation encompasses a wide range of interventions depending on the type and severity of the injury sustained. When a fracture occurs it is important to seek emergency treatment. Controlling the movement of the broken bone prevents further injury. Often fractures are treated with surgery. Following surgery, the person is placed in the care of …
Fractures are common among athletes, children and the elderly, but anyone can suffer from a fracture. Many people think a fracture is not a serious condition. However a fracture is a broken bone, and as such it requires emergency attention. An x-ray is usually taken to determine if there is a fracture. With certain types …
Osteoporosis is a condition where bone composition is affected. Bone density is lowered by the loss of bone mineral. When the bones are less dense, they become more fragile which increases the likelihood of fractures. Smoking, genetics, low calcium and a sedentary lifestyle are key contributors to this condition. Osteoporosis affects more women than men …
