JOINT INFLAMMATION is a very painful, with multiple sets of conditions (100), progressively leading to joint damage, deformity and loss of mobility. Swelling of extremity joints is the hallmark of the syndrome. Chronic pain, disability and death are unfortunate results.

Joint inflammation has an estimated prevalence of 1 to 2%. Prevalence increases with age, approaching 5% in women over age 55. The average annual incidence in the United States is about 70 per 100,000 annually. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs two to three times more in women than in men. Although rheumatoid arthritis may present at any age, patients most commonly are first affected in the third to sixth decades.

Joint inflammation, collectively affect nearly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in the U.S. It is not selective. The condition can happen to anyone. All arthritic conditions impact the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints – where two or more bones meet.

Joint inflammation problems include:

• pain
• stiffness
• damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures.

HOW DO WE GET JOINT INFLAMMATION?

JOINT IMBALANCE doesn’t happen overnight and once understood, can resolve quicker than you realize. According to Traditional Chinese herbs and medicine, the primary problem underlying arthritis is obstruction with painful results. With varying degrees, there is an exhaustion of both the Liver and Kidneys and insufficiency of the physical energy (qi). The blood has become blocked by external cold or hot-damp or drying imbalancing influences. The condition includes:

• cold or hot and painful joints
• difficulty in flexing and extending the joints
• aversion to cold or hot with attraction to the opposite condition
• In some cases the limbs and joints will be aching, numb, painful
• overall physical body feels heavy.
• tongue is pale or the opposite

   

 There are graduating arthritic conditions where the site of pain and deformity are more intense, with heat or cold predominating, however, the primary appraoch is to get the obstruction to move. This is done by changing the internal environment by opposing the wind-cold/hot-damp/dry and altering any external conditions contributing to the obstructions. Additional attention needs to be given to the general emotional state that may indirectly support the blockage.

HOW DO WE GET BETTER?

JOINT INFLAMMATION: FOOD THERAPY  & HERBAL HERBS

“We are what we eat.” Most of us would agree that most conditions of imbalance are determined by what we put in our mouth. We unkowingly create imbalances by not being aware of how critical this area is, especially in the latter years. If we are choose foods and supplements which worsen our condition then it would serve us well to become very aware of our body type and foods which enhance balance. Below, you can begin to choose foods that deliver balance for this obstructive condition: 

Foods That Benefit & Foods To Avoid

Foods to Counter Joint Pain: Asparagus, Cabbage (poultice & ingestion), Celery, Cod, Cherry, Chives, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Ginger, Goats milk, Grape, Kelp, Oranges, Papaya, Pineapple (Bromelain), Pumpkin Seeds, Royal Jelly, Scallions, Sesame oll, Spelt, Spirulina, Soy products, Strawberry, Sprouts (mung, red clover, radish, mustard, lentil, adzuki, garbanzo, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds), Tumeric, Water melon, Barley products, Wheat grass products, Alfalfa products (tablets, tea), Chlorophyll foods, Almonds (5-6 dy.),

Foods to Avoid: Excess meat (some fish is best), Excess protein, Intoxicants (alcohol, coffee, tobacco, marijuana, etc.), refined sugar and other sweets, Oxalic acid foods (rhubarb, cranberry, plum, chard, beet greens, spinach), Solanine foods (Nightshade family veggies: tomato, eggplant, bell pepper, potato, if sensitive), Dairy (cow’s milk & bi-products), Nuts, Nut butters, oil-rich seeds,

“When the heart is calm, pain seems negligible.” — Inner Classic

  HERB FORMULAS FOR PAIN   Formulas are created and rendered, taking into consideration, a person’s constitution, environment, life energy (qi), lifestyle and emotional status to name a few concerns. Traditional Chinese Herbs and medicine focuses on bringing all these areas into balance. The chief focus is to provide a formula that specifically targets the painful site, resolves the underlying imbalance in the body without inciting more physical maladies.

Additionally, the quality of the herbs are not the same. If lesser quality is contained in a formula then the results will not hold up as indicated in research findings. While it may sound impressive to make marketing statements that a formula containing an herb is beneficial it is not enough. The grade of herb is critical. Ginseng alone has more than 6 grades and each level provides a different result. Quality, alone, can determine whether the formula works or not. A seasoned herbologist does not skimp in this area, while many commercial manufacturing operations prefer profit when dealing with innocent distributers, who sell to wholesalers, retailers and then to you the consumer. This practice in America gives herbology and products a bad name. This bait and switch practice eventually erodes trust by consumers where when a real herbologist comes forward then it is difficult to move ailing customers to take the leap of beneficial faith.

Mark Hammer, C.M.H., Master Herbalist,   Longevity Mountain,   May, 2009    

Sources:
Paul Pitchford, “Healing With Whole Foods”, 3rd Edition.
George Mateljan, “The World’s Healthiest Foods” Dan Bensky, “Treating Painful Obstruction: Ten Methods, Ten Formulas” by Zhang Qi

When we wake up in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the tendency is to blame the situation on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also try to figure out what is taking place when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” It is useful to understand that most neck problems are hardly ever caused by a single incident, but rather by the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, poor work and living habits, lack of proper exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Obviously, some neck misalignments are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

In order to understand neck pain, it is important to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is guided by neck vertebrae that are composed of posterior joints, called facets, that link vertebrae to one another. The inter-vertebral discs join the bodies of the vertebrae and are made of a form of strong cartilage that encases a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. In a canal found between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and provide the energy to make the muscles and other organs of the body function. They also carry impulses from the body to the brain regarding pain, touch, position, temperature, as well as other senses.  The nerves that go out from the neck are responsible for the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The neck has a natural forward curve when looked at from the side that helps correctly balance the weight of the head, as well as to decrease stress on the neck joints. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen considerably over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, many people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users adopt), puts enormous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed creating more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. Awkward posture and repetitive stress can create spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the primary causes of spinal nerve inflammation. In addition to general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can cause symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are frequently associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are created when the cervical vertebrae lose their essential position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, associated with structures in the head are stretched or agitated. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head.  Many other factors are related to headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Still, the alignment of the neck and the irritation of surrounding tissues should be a foremost consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally helpful in the treatment of headaches. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front automobile is forcefully jerked back, and then forward, causing injury to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. Such a intense force can cause injury to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are extremely important in order to rule out a fracture. Usually in many cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper care is essential in healing from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from beginning to end.

For more advice about headache types and an updated version of ways to treat headaches visit cluster headaches treatment.

Headaches have occured to the vast majority of people at one point or another in their lives.  These headaches can range from mild irritations to a debilitating pain crisis that demands immediate treatment.  Headaches are researched across the medical community, but causes remain a mystery.  The medical community has broken headaches into a few easily classified categories.  Primary headaches are what the majority of people experience, while cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far rarer basis.  Most headaches have no life threatening significance, although secondary headaches can be a sign of a more serious neurological disorder. 

Most headaches fall into the category of primary headaches, and are typically treatable with simple over the counter medications.  Ibuprofen and Aleve can do wonders to alleviate problems associated with primary headaches.  More serious headaches, like cluster headaches, demand specialized treatment.  Other effective treatments for headaches include therapeutic measures such as biofeedback, massage, and psychotherapy.  These are good ways to prevent headaches prior to their onset.  The majority of headaches can be traced to a stress related cause. 

Several hours of physical exertion can easily bring on a stress related headache.  The muscles in the skull tend to contract, causing added stress that results in pain.  Treatment is fairly simple, but prevention should be focused on as the most effective treatment.  Preventing headache pain usually means examining the situations that tend to exacerbate the problem.  If emotionally stressful situations are bringing on the pain, some sort of stress management should be undertaken.  Hours of physical labor should be punctuated with breaks to prevent the outbreak of stress related headaches.

Frequent headaches that do not abate, or occur on a seemingly random basis may be a sign of a more serious condition.  Headache treatment under these circumstances may revolve around diagnosing a more serious issue.  Headaches that occur constantly and at random may signal a more serious issue at work.  This kind of headache, known as a secondary headache, can signify a variety of possible neurological issues.  It is important to see a specialist whenever these kinds of problems present on a fairly regular basis.  Prompt care can prevent the root cause of secondary headaches from becoming more serious.

For an updated version of sinus headache symptoms and more advice about sinus headache pain go to relieve headache pain.

Sinus headache can be a potentially serious issue that sufferers experience almost yearly.  The change in seasons, often times from warm to cold, can very easily bring about a sinus headache.  Sinus headache typically forms when the small cavity behind the nose becomes filled with excess mucus, putting too much pressure in that area.  This can present as a feeling of pressure around the nose and eyes.  This pressure can sometimes become very painful and uncomfortable.  The prelude to a sinus headache is usually a stuffy nose and congestion.  If a cold or congestion lasts for a long period of time, it can easily cause a sinus headache to follow.

Prompt treatment of congestion and colds can easily prevent a sinus headache.  Decongestants and nasal sprays are an effective way to prevent the attack of a sinus headache.  Whenever a cold or congestion initially strikes, be sure to treat those symptoms with decongestants.  A dry climate can also promote sinus headaches, so a humidifier can be a good solution as well.  Sinus headaches normally develop as a result of pressure building up behind the nasal cavity that is not promptly released. 

The problem can become painful if the mucus in the nasal cavity becomes infected by bacteria or a virus.  Prolonged colds and congestion are a breeding ground for bacteria.  When bacteria infects the nasal cavity, it can lead to swelling and irritation.  Significant pain when sneezing or blowing, in addition to a fever, are definite signs that an infection has taken hold.  Sinus headache can reach painful proportions if left untreated for a significant period of time.  See a doctor promptly, and they will typically prescribe both antibiotics and decongestants to rid the patient of the problem. 

It is vital that infections be promptly dealt with.  If left alone, sinus headache can actually become life threatening when the infection spreads out of control.  Sinus headache can be brought under control with the use of medication.  The earlier the problem is caught, the more effective the treatment can be.  Ignored sinus headache can develop into serious infections that are difficult to get rid of and very uncomfortable.  In severe cases, it may be necessary to block off the sinus cavity to prevent a repeat of the problem.

Sinus headache can be a potentially serious issue that sufferers experience almost yearly.  The change in seasons, often times from warm to cold, can very easily bring about a sinus headache.  Sinus headache usually occurs as the sinus cavity fills with too much mucus.  This can present as a feeling of pressure around the nose and eyes.  This pressure can become quite uncomfortable and even painful over time.  The prelude to a sinus headache is sometimes a stuffed up nose or severe congestion.  If a cold or congestion extends for a prolonged period, it can very easily develop a sinus headache.

Prompt treatment of congestion and colds can easily prevent a sinus headache.  Decongestants and nasal sprays are an effective way to prevent the attack of a sinus headache.  Whenever a cold or congestion initially strikes, try to treat the problem immediately in order to alleviate stronger symptoms.  A dry climate can also promote sinus headaches, so a humidifier can be a good solution as well.  Sinus headaches typically come about when pressure in the sinus cavity becomes too high. 

The problem can become painful if the mucus in the nasal cavity becomes infected by bacteria or a virus.  Prolonged colds and congestion are a breeding ground for bacteria.  When bacteria infects the nasal cavity, it can prompt increased swelling.  Significant pain when sneezing or blowing, in addition to a fever, are strong signs of an infection.  It is important to treat such infections promptly.  Sinus headache can become very painful if an infection is allowed to spread unchecked.  See a doctor promptly, and they will typically prescribe both antibiotics and decongestants to rid the patient of the problem.

It is important to treat infections quickly.  If left alone, sinus headache can actually become life threatening when the infection spreads out of control.  Sinus headache can be easily controlled with a combination of decongestants and antihistamines.  The earlier the problem is caught, the more effective the treatment can be.  Ignored sinus headache can develop into serious infections that are difficult to get rid of and very uncomfortable.  In severe cases, blocking off the sinus cavity completely may be necessary.

A tension headache is a frequent occurence in the lives of most individuals, and is almost always a non-life threatening situation.  Even so, these tension headaches are sometimes exceedingly painful.  A tension headache is placed in the primary headache category by the medical community, putting it in the most common categorization.  Tension headache symptoms include a sensation of tightness about the temples.  This feeling is typically explained as a band-like pressure.  This feeling of tightness typically forms into a painful sensation in a gradual fashion.

This pain can range widely in intensity, although it is usually described as fairly mild.  Tension headache symptoms can be brought on by a variety of circumstances, and the exact causes remain a mystery.  It is widely held that stressful physical and emotional situations can lead to a tension headache.  Tension headache symptoms tend to present when the patient is faced with a tough emotional or physical situation, and can develop quickly.  The headache usually starts out as a feeling of general tightness in the skull, developing into a painful experience. 

Treatment for tension headache symptoms typically involves a simple regimen of over the counter medication.  Any number of pain relievers should work quickly to overcome tension headache symptoms.  Pain relievers such as Aleve and Ibuprofin are well suited to overcoming tension headache symptoms.  Primary headaches usually happen on a random basis.  Regular headaches are sometimes a sign of a more serious condition, and should be checked out with a doctor.  Tension headache symptoms normally emerge when the patient undergoes physical or emotional stress.  Headaches that begin more randomly, and seemingly without any provocation, may be cause for concern.  This is especially true if the symptoms are chronic, or present with additional symptoms, such as sensory issues.

More serious tension headache symptoms can include severe pain, focusing behind one or more eye.  If the pain should become intolerable and results in a runny eye or nose, this may be a sign of a cluster headache.  Cluster headaches present as an extremely painful sensation behind the eye.  This sensation is sometimes powerful enough to trigger an emotional crisis.  Immediate medical care should be sought in these situations, as the pain can become excruciating.

Go to relieve headache for more advice about headache types and an updated version of frequent headaches causes.

Frequent headaches are a serious issue for millions around the world, detracting significantly from quality of life. The medical community breaks headaches into a system of categories, with primary headaches making up the majority of cases. Cluster and secondary headaches are far rarer, but present patients with more severe issues. Although never life threatening, primary headaches can still cause a serious level of discomfort, infringing on quality of life in many cases. Frequent headaches, even milder primary headaches, can have a serious effect on enjoyment of daily life.

How can frequent headaches be prevented? That depends on the source of the headaches. Primary headaches are sometimes a result of physical or emotional stress in the patient, and can become frequent if the cirumstances responsible are a regular part of life. Tension headaches can be triggered any time the patient undergoes physical or emotional stress. This kind of stress causes the muscles that cover the skull to contract, resulting in pain from the pressure. This can be difficult to prevent and treat. Over the counter medications typically do a good job in treating this kind of primary headache when it occurs.

Prevention is more about finding the situations that prompt headache and avoiding them. This kind of stress results directly in contraction of the skull muscles, subsequently causing sometimes serious headaches. Frequent headaches should be a signal that some life adjustments are needed. If emotional stress is thought to be behind the frequent headaches, consider visiting a doctor about this stress, or making lifestyle alterations that reduce the stress.

Frequent headaches that strike at random can be a sign of a more serious secondary problem. In these situations, a structural or chemical problem in the brain is to blame for the pain. This can signify a serious issue, like a chemical imbalance in the brain. Although this is rarely the cause, frequent headaches should be cause for a visit with the doctor.

Over the counter medications are typically all that is needed to treat a primary headache. Aleve and ibuprofen work very well to treat primary headaches. In more serious cases, some therapy may be needed to overcome the pain associated with frequent headaches. If none of these measures are effective, a specialist should be consulted.

For more information about headache types and an updated version of chronic tension headaches go to relieve headache.

Chronic tension headaches can be a potentially debilitating condition that seriously deprives the patient of life enjoyment. Daily activities can be painfully interrupted by the sudden occurence of a tension headache. Chronic tension headaches are known to cause depression in some. It is important that chronic tension headaches receive prompt attention and medical care. Fortunately, the medical community is very experienced with the problem of chronic tension headache, and has several avenues of treatment available for sufferers. In fact, the medical community has researched headache thoroughly, and has divided the phenomenon into three distinct categories.

The majority of headaches suffered are put into what is known as the primary category. A primary headache is frequently brought on by emotional or physical stress, and is the most common form of headache by far. Primary headaches are almost never life threatening, but are known to cause significant discomfort. This pain can impair enjoyment of daily activities, making even basic functioning difficult. Although the actual causes of chronic tension headache are still unknown, it is widely held that the symptoms can be traced to a tightening of muscles around the skull. This tightening can be initially identified as a band like feeling just above the eyes that gradually grows into a painful sensation.

Cluster and secondary headaches are a far rarer form of headache that occurs to small portion of the population. To treat this kind of headache, the attention of a specialist is most likely required. Cluster headaches are easily identifiable by the amount of pain they cause. Patients frequently describe cluster headaches as an icepick sensation behind one or both eyes. Treatment includes powerful sedatives and pain medications. Secondary headaches usually indicate some other issue that is at work.

Chronic tension headaches should be treated with an eye toward stress management. Physical and emotional stress can be a significant source of chronic tension headaches. Circumstances that trigger significant emotional stress can easily lead to chronic tension headaches. Prolonged physical stress can also be tied directly to chronic tension headaches. Steps to manage both kinds of stress are necessary to bring the problem under control. If these steps do not succeed, then further treatment via pain medications may be necessary. Chronic tension headaches that do not abate should be a signal to see a doctor.

Visit relieve headache for an updated version of chronic headache treatment and more advice about headache types.

Chronic headache is a real problem for millions of sufferers. Don’t let chronic headache detract from your enjoyment of life. Although medical science has not pinpointed an exact cause of chronic headache, it is widely known that there are some common triggers associated with the problem. Chronic headache can be a lifelong issue that acts as an obstacle to daily activities. The medical community has a three category system for identifying headaches. Primary headaches are how the majority of headaches can be categorized, with cluster and secondary headaches making up a far smaller segment of that number.

Primary headaches, although common and not life threatening, can range from mildly irritating to nearly debilitating on a pain scale. For this reason, patients suffering primary headaches must look for treatment options as they would any other medical issue. The causes of primary headaches remain a mystery, but the medical community does understand some of the triggrs that can prompt symptoms. It is widely believed that a great deal of headaches are caused when the muscles that surround the skull contract too tightly, introducing an increased level pressure. This contraction is believed to be tied to emotional and physical stress.

Chronic headache may be related to ongoing emotional and physical stress. If chronic headache seems to happen almost regularly, examine the circumstances. Circumstances that bring about a great deal of emotional and physical stress may be at the root of chronic headache. Stress management can be an effective solution to chronic headache. If physical stress is seen to play a role, more frequent breaks should be taken to alleviate this condition.

Ibuprofen and Aleve are also powerful treatments for chronic headache. It should be noted, however, that if chronic headache remains in spite of treatment, a doctor should be seen promptly. Persistent headaches that seem to occur without provocation can actually be secondary headaches. A secondary headache occurs in reaction to another root cause, such as a deeper neurological problem. Internal bleeding, tumors, and chemical imbalances can cause secondary headaches. Be sure to see a doctor if chronic headache persists despite treatment with stress management or over the counter drugs.

There are many types of headaches, but all fit into three basic categories.  The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary category.  Primary headaches afflict millions every day, and are not a serious or life threatening issue.  That said, primary headaches can be quite painful on some occasions, or can become a chronic problem.  Although this isn’t life threatening, it sometimes presents an obstacle to daily functioning.  Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be very important to the daily life and functioning of a patient.  Correcting issues regarding primary headaches is usually possible with just over the counter medication.

Cluster headaches present with a far greater pain level.  Although not life threatening in itself, the associated is very serious and often debilitating.  Cluster headaches are known as such because of the groupings they occur in, and can be very hard to predict.  This means that treatment over the course of a lifetime is difficult, resulting in first occurences that are hard to avoid.  A cluster headache can disable an individual, so great is the pain.  Pain typically focuses behind one or both eyes.  Patients may undergo a pain crisis when presented with a cluster headache.  Treatment of this pain is very important and should be done as soon as possible.  Over the counter medications are typically inadequate in these situations.

Secondary headaches are far rarer, and signify an underlying issue.  As the name implies, a secondary headache is actually a symptom of another problem.  Secondary headaches signify a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening.  In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor.  There are dozens of other possible secondary headache causes.  Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.

The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary categorization. What are the causes of headaches?  As many as 90% of primary headaches are caused by so called “tension” headaches.  A tension headache occurs when the muscles over the skull contract tightly, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head.  The pain can typically be felt around the temples and around the eyes.  Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.