Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

Monthly Archives: January 2014

What is Scoliosis?

ScoliosisSpinal curvature is a sign of a disease by the name of scoliosis. Infantile scoliosis is diagnosed for children under three years old and juvenile scoliosis is reserved for those from four to ten. Everyone’s spine has a slight natural curve to it, but those with scoliosis have a spine that seems to curve too much. Instead of a nearly straight “l”, the sufferers back looks more like a “C” or an “S”. Here is the run down on the causes, signs and symptoms, tests, treatment options, and a general outlook for those who have Scoliosis in NJ.

What Are Bone Spurs?

Bone Spurs
Bone Spurs

Osteophytes, or bone spurs, are bony projections that tend to develop right along the bones edge. They often form where two bones come together at your joints. Some excruciatingly painful bone spurs can form on your spine. The main cause of these is the damage the comes from excessive wear and tear that comes from osteoarthritis. Most of the time the bone spur will not bother you at all and can go unnoticed for many years. Bone spurs may not require any treatment at all. Treatment all depends on whether or not they are affecting your health.

There are some cases, however, that these bone spurs can limit your range of motion and cause large amounts of pain. Symptoms will all depend on where they are located on the body. Bone spurs in the knee can cause discomfort when extending and bending your leg. These growths get in the way of the tendons that keep your whole leg working correctly.

Common Back Pain Questions

Here are ten important questions about common back pain that are asked often and answers to each.

The first question that most people ask about common back pains is what exactly is causing the pain. Strained and stretched muscles is one of the most common causes of back pain. Past injuries that may have damaged the tissue, muscle, or bones of the back is another culprit. A herniated or slipped disc can cause pain. Osteoporosis, obesity, long-term poor posture, and pregnancy are some other things that can cause back pain.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Halitosis. This is a scientific term for something that far too many Americans have. If it is bringing you down, you need to find an answer to fix the problem right away. No one wants to smell your bad breath. Luckily there are ways to prevent, mask, and cover it up.

Bacteria

Bad breath is from bacteria that causes odor grows in the mouth. It accumulates of left over bits of food left in between your teeth and in your mouth. Sulfur compounds are released to make your breath smell. This all happens because you do not brush your teeth and floss regularly.

Tips For Preventing Dry Skin

Anti-Aging medicine
Anti-Aging

There are many things that can cause skin to become dry and cracked especially throughout the cold, winter months. With some quick and easy daily routines you will be well on your way to keeping the dry and cracked skin at bay. Your dermatologist will also be able to help you with tips specific to your skin type.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day is not only good for your overall health but it also keeps your skin hydrated. If you are an extremely active person, you should drink even more to replenish the fluids that you are losing in your workouts. Refraining from drinking certain liquids is also a good idea when you are considering keeping yourself hydrated. Caffeine and alcohol also quickly dehydrate you leaving your skin without the proper hydration. Drinking soda and alcohol causes your body to pull extra fluids from wherever it can to make up for what it uses to process the soda and alcohol.