Blog | Navigating Healthcare

Back Health, Back Pain, back pain and stress, back pain treatments, back surgery June 20, 2018 0Comments

Why Does My Back Hurt?

Medical experts rank back pain as one of most common medical conditions, affecting an estimated 80% of all Americans at some point during their lives. What makes back pain particularly troublesome, is that it is a medical condition that affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. But what exactly causes back pain?

An adult spine consists of a stack of 24 bones called vertebrae, plus the bones of the sacrum and coccyx. These bones support the human body and protect the spinal cord’s major column of nerve fibers connected to the brain. These fibers run through the vertebrae via the spinal canal. Between each vertebra are discs made of cartilage and filled with a gel-like material, these act similar to a shock absorber. Also, ligaments, muscles, tendons and small joints called facets help hold the vertebrae together.

Back Health, Back Pain, back pain and stress, back pain treatments, back surgery June 20, 2018 0Comments 0Likes

Anti-Aging, Diet and exercise, Exercise June 20, 2018 0Comments

Things You Can Do To Prevent Aging

A variety of factors contribute to the skin’s natural aging process. But there are also a number of variables, which individuals cannot control such as genetics and environment. The natural aging process is nearly impossible to stop; with time, all complexions will begin to reveal blemishes, wrinkles, creases, and imperfections from a once radiant appearance. This process is called “intrinsic aging” and is largely influenced by our genes, making it near impossible to predict or prevent. Meanwhile, environmental factors such as sun exposure, air pollution and living conditions, coupled with lifestyle factors like diet and stress all contribute to premature aging.

It is not uncommon for both men and women to inquire about anti-aging treatment methods as early as their late twenties and early thirties. Some seek treatment to reverse or halt the aging process, while others contact a dermatologist about precautionary measures to avoid treatments later. Fortunately, there are treatment options to choose from plumping to tightening, which helps give the appearance of flawless, glowing skin. To help rejuvenate and turn back your body’s clock, consider the following affordable, non-cosmetic approaches that can make a significant impact on improving skin’s health, radiance and elasticity.

Anti-Aging, Diet and exercise, Exercise June 20, 2018 0Comments 0Likes

Dry Skin, Seasonal Skin Care, Skin Care, Skin Health December 8, 2017 0Comments

The Best Ways To Prevent Seasonal Dry Skin

As the weather goes through changes, so does the human body. When temperatures drop, many people report experiencing an unexpected and unpleasant change in their skin. It is common to develop itchy or dry skin during the frigid winter months. The hallmark symptoms of this condition include chapped lips, cracked hands, and tightness. While dry skin can be uncomfortable and bothersome, there are numerous steps to take that can alleviate and prevent uncomfortable, dull winter skin.

Dry Skin, Seasonal Skin Care, Skin Care, Skin Health December 8, 2017 0Comments 0Likes

Skin Care, Skin Health, Skin Protection December 6, 2017 0Comments

10 Ways to Keep Skin Looking Young

As people age, the body goes through a number of changes. For example, cells turnover at a diminished rate, as we grow older. Every 28 days, the skin naturally sheds dead cells and replaces them with younger cells. But as the body matures, this renewal process slows down, and new cells begin to regenerate less often. These circumstances allow old, dead skin to remain on the skin for a longer period of time. Once individuals reach the age of 40, the body’s collagen production begins to dwindle, which engenders lines, dullness, and wrinkles. Moreover, decades of exposure to taxing environmental factors like pollution, harsh weather conditions, and prolonged sun exposure is detrimental to one’s skin. While delaying the aging process is an impossible feat, small lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference when it comes to preserving and improving the look and feel of skin. Dermatologists provide 10 easy ways to erase signs of aging and help forge radiant, healthy, youthful skin.

Skin Care, Skin Health, Skin Protection December 6, 2017 0Comments 0Likes

Botox, Cosmetic Procedures, Dry Skin November 28, 2017 0Comments

Common Myths About Botox

Cosmetic Treatments for Wrinkles botox According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, medical professionals administered an estimated 4 million Botox in injections during 2016. This shocking number places Botox among the top 5 nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Despite its popularity and growing use, much speculation and misconceptions about Botulinum Toxin remain prevalent. But before speculation halts someone from making an appointment with a trusted practitioner, dermatologists shed light on the truth surrounding common myths about Botox injections.

Botox, Cosmetic Procedures, Dry Skin November 28, 2017 0Comments 0Likes

exfoliate, summer healthy skin, chemical peels, skin tightening

Healthy Skin, Skin Conditions, Skin Health November 22, 2017 0Comments

How To Make Skin Tone More Even

Looking back, childhood was the time in life that defined the epitome of smooth, blemish-free, even toned skin. Flash forward to adolescence, in the midst of puberty where acne is on the rise. But no matter is every stage of life skin undergoes aging. And once flawless skin slowly diminishes from a lifetime of sun-exposure, air pollution, acne, and harsh chemical products. While many people try to hold onto their youthful glow or make a valiant effort to slow down the aging process, unfortunately there is no escaping this natural process. As their desire turns to desperation, people begin to make use of trends and fads without consulting a professional. Fortunately, dermatologists know how to effectively make skin tone more even. From advanced cosmetic procedures using high-tech lasers to over-the-counter medications and creams, top medical professionals can advise which skincare treatment options work to adequately reduce the appearance of uneven completions, and restore a more radiant appearance.

Healthy Skin, Skin Conditions, Skin Health November 22, 2017 0Comments 0Likes

Back Health, Back Pain November 15, 2017 0Comments

Can Sitting Cause Back Pain? How?

Back pain affects up to 8 in 10 people at some point during their lifetime. Back pain is common in part because the spine is central to many of our daily activities, whether strenuous or not. The spine consists of 24 interlocking vertebrae, which are divided into three types: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Fibrous ligaments, discs, and muscles connect these bones, allowing for a combination of stability and flexibility to allow us to perform a variety of daily activities.

While we typically think of sitting as a restful activity, prolonged periods of sitting can lead to chronic back pain. Today’s lifestyles often involve significantly more time spent sitting than in previous decades. We all can enjoy the modern luxuries of being able to watch TV, browse the Internet, or order in a precooked meal at the end of a long day of work. However, for many of us, that long day of work involves sitting at a desk, so we go from sitting at work to sitting at home. It has become increasingly recognized that spending many hours planted in a seat is actually detrimental to one’s health. While a brief period of sitting is natural, long periods of sitting typically place the spine and pelvis in an unnatural position for an extended time, leading to low back pain among other issues.

Back Health, Back Pain November 15, 2017 0Comments 0Likes

Back Health, Back Pain November 8, 2017 0Comments

The Importance of Stretching When Experiencing Back Pain

Avoid Back Pain Mild back pain can be a nuisance. It turns everyday tasks into painful challenges. Walking, exercising, working and even sitting in a chair can cause unfathomable levels of discomfort. While seemingly counterintuitive, stretching actually plays a vital role in healing and alleviating back pain. During a period of chronic back pain, exercise is the last thing anyone wants to think about; but spine doctors indicate straightening and extending one’s body to its full length is exactly what the spine needs. It’s common knowledge that regular exercise is an essential component to the body’s overall health, yet many people seem to overlook stretching during their workout routine. But for individuals suffering from chronic back pain, stretching muscles can help alleviate discomfort in the spine, and even help prevent future occurrences of pain.

Back Health, Back Pain November 8, 2017 0Comments 0Likes

Sciatica, Sciatica Relief, Spine Conditions, Spine Surgeon November 1, 2017 0Comments

What Causes Back Pain and Leg Pain?

An estimated 80% of the population experiences back pain– especially lower back pain– at one point or another in their lifetime. While still prevalent, leg pain can stem from back pain, but it occurs less frequently. Leg pain tends to be both bothersome and debilitating, potentially limiting an individual’s daily activities. Patients consulting a spinal care look to a doctor to administer treatment for quick pain relief; more importantly, patients want doctors to provide answers to the cause of their discomfort. But in the end, patients fail to understand that the answer may not be as clear-cut as they believe.

In reality, a wide spectrum of spinal conditions can lead to instances of both back and leg pain.

For example, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can trigger leg pain, coupled with back pain. PAD refers to the buildup of plaque along artery walls and the subsequent blocking of blood vessels in the legs. This, in turn, restricts the amount of oxygen nourishing the leg muscles and causes discomfort in patients’ legs and back. But combined leg and back pain can also be a harbinger of a life-threatening condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis. This serious condition refers to the formation of blood clots in the deep veins in the body. If the clot breaks free, it can be dangerous and clog a smaller vessel, thereby culminating into a stroke.

Sciatica, Sciatica Relief, Spine Conditions, Spine Surgeon November 1, 2017 0Comments 0Likes

Back Health, Back Pain, Reduce Back Pain October 27, 2017 0Comments

Choosing a Mattress When Suffering From Chronic Back Pain

Individuals suffering from chronic back pain may begin to wonder if their outdated mattress contributes to their discomfort. The average human spends one-third of his or her life sleeping on a mattress; thus, one can safely assume that resting on the wrong mattress attributes to back pain to some extent. The only time muscles and ligaments in the spine can completely relax occurs during periods of slumber. So individuals with chronic back pain will greatly benefit from a good night’s sleep on an adequate mattress.

Back Health, Back Pain, Reduce Back Pain October 27, 2017 0Comments 0Likes