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Arthritis of the spine and arthritis of the neck can be very painful and debilitating problems that often affect individuals who are 40 or older. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including pain and numbness in the back, neck, head, and shoulders. The causes of these diseases may vary from one person to the next, but usually degeneration in the bones along with calcium build up may be significant causes of this problem. There are many forms of treatment that are commonly used for individuals suffering from these painful diseases. One of the most common treatments is restricted movement for the neck and back with a cervical collar, much like those used for individuals suffering from whiplash. Surgery is another treatment option that may be necessary if pain or complications continue after the use of the cervical collar has not shown any improvement.

The symptoms may be different for different people and the ups and downs of these symptoms will also vary. The back, neck, head and shoulders may ache from time to time and then be all right other times. Sometimes, bending and other common movements may cause pressure and pain to occur with arthritis of the spine. Often, the area that is affected will become numb for no reason. Numbness is very common, especially in arthritis of the neck. Other areas, including the arms and legs may also experience some numbness at times. In some cases, problems or changes with urination may arise. Frequent urination or the urgent need to urinate may affect the individual suffering from these diseases.

Sometimes past injuries are the culprit. An individual who has fallen or put extreme strain on the back or neck may be vulnerable to these forms of arthritis. The pain and strain from a fall or other injury can cause severe problems to occur, especially if medical help or advice is not sought in a timely manner. Degeneration of the spine can be to blame in some cases of arthritis of the spine. This has sometimes been attributed to genetic reasons and often blamed on the lack of calcium, much like with osteoporosis. The build-up of calcium in the bones can also be the cause. When these issues occur, nerves may become pinched or compacted, causing severe pain or numbness in the affected areas. Many individuals that suffer from arthritis of the neck will also be affected by herniated discs.

There are many treatment options that can be sought. One of the first methods of treatment will be medication to relieve the pain. This will only be helpful and will not alleviate the problem for arthritis of the neck. The most common treatment used in treating individuals is the use of a cervical collar. This type of collar will help to hold the neck straight and help to relieve some back pain. Sometimes, a stronger collar or brace can be used. This allows little room for movement, but can often be successful in the relief of the symptoms of pain and numbness in the affected areas. If a collar is not helpful, there is only one more option for most individuals. This option includes surgery for arthritis of the spine, which is often used in cases of severe pain. Also, if there are compressed nerves in the spine, surgery will be used to decompress the nerves in an attempt to relieve the pain and pressure. In severe cases where the individual has difficulty in several areas, including urination, severe pain, and weakness, surgery is the only option. While surgery can be successful, there are risks, as with any form of surgery.

The pain from these diseases can be very severe and debilitating for the individual. This can result in a loss of employment and reduction in the ability to live on one's own and do simple everyday tasks. Sometimes, a person with arthritis of the spine can suddenly suffer excruciating pain that will keep him bedridden and unable to do any of the normal housekeeping and hygienic tasks that he normally takes for granted. Patients who endure arthritis of the neck can have similar symptoms. This can bring on added problems, such as depression, loneliness, and financial difficulties. For a Christian, a deep faith and belief in God can be the most helpful form of treatment and relief. Trusting God, having faith in His word, and asking for healing can be more effective than any medicine, brace, or surgery can offer. God encourages us to turn to Him in times of crisis. Jesus gave this advice: "Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27). God knows more about our problems, our pain, and our despair than anyone else. He is the creator of our bodies. We can go to Him with our illnesses and pain, and He will give us peace.

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Chronic lower back pain may be an indication of a serious problem especially if the discomfort has lasted for several months. Causes may include a herniated or ruptured disc, a tumor, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or another serious disease. Other possible causes are strained muscles or ligaments, spinal degeneration, sciatica, skeletal problems, and fibromyalgia. A diagnosis is often made through a physical examination, x-ray imaging, discography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging or an electro diagnostic procedure. Lower back pain remedies may include but are not limited to applying ice and heat, bed rest, exercise, medications, spinal manipulation, biofeedback, interventional therapy, and surgery.

Pain that is persistent and prolonged should be checked out by a physician. A person who has suffered several months with chronic lower back pain may need to undergo some diagnostic tests to determine the cause. A conventional x-ray is usually the first test that is recommended by a doctor. The results may show fractures, broken bones, or injuries to vertebrae. Suffering with pain can be exhausting and debilitating. A person who finds that he or she is in this sort of predicament should put their faith and trust in God. "But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall." (Malachi 4:2)

Muscle and ligament strain will usually respond to therapy that includes bed rest and medication such as ibuprofen or other analgesics. Sometimes muscle relaxers are prescribed along with applying hot and cold packs. Discomfort caused by tension may respond to massage therapy and relaxation techniques. Persistent lower back pain remedies for tension often responds to spinal manipulation through a licensed specialist.

Spinal degeneration happens when the discs begin to wear down leading to narrowing of the spinal column. One of the symptoms of this type of chronic lower back pain is discomfort first thing in the morning and after walking or standing for long periods of time. The best thing for spinal degeneration is to stretch before getting out of bed in the morning and to limit periods of walking and standing. Exercise will provide some benefits but activity should be accomplished by doing a little at a time.

Sciatica is a condition involving a herniated or ruptured disc that is pressing on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic is a large nerve that extends down the spine into the pelvis and down the leg. Sciatica can lead to numbness and loss of motor control if the nerve becomes pinched. One way to diagnose the condition is by using ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound imaging uses infrared technology to measure temperature changes to find nerve root compression. Lower back pain remedies for nerve discomfort include taking anticonvulsants to relax the nerve, and interventional therapy can be used to block nerve pain by injecting steroids or local anesthetics into the area that is inflamed. Surgery is another way to treat the discomfort.

Skeletal problems can put strain on vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the spine causing chronic lower back pain. One of the conditions associated with skeletal problems is scoliosis or curvature of the spine. Curvature of the spine often occurs in children while they are still growing. If caught in time a brace can help correct the curvature but in most cases surgery is necessary. Children that are school age should get checked at least once during the school year for curvature of the spine during their physical exam needed for school.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that may include widespread musculoskeletal pain. A person who is suffering with discomfort from fibromyalgia will have tender points in the spine, shoulders, hips, and neck. Treatment may include anti-inflammatories, relaxation techniques, sleep aids, and anti-depressants. Stress and noise can aggravate the symptoms of fibromyalgia so the patient needs to learn positive coping strategies for dealing with stress. The condition usually includes chronic fatigue and brain fog. Sleep remedies are the most important treatment for this syndrome so doing a sleep study may prove beneficial. Restorative sleep often helps with the discomfort of fibromyalgia.

There are many diagnostic methods available today for trying to determine lower back pain remedies for ailing patients. A herniated or ruptured disc can be discovered through a procedure called a discography. Dye is injected into the problematic area to provide a picture of the damaged disc. Another way to discover disc problems is through a procedure called a myelogram. Dye is used in a myelogram but it is injected through the entire spinal column in order to find all of the problematic areas.

Computerized tomography or a CT scan is an x-ray that is performed by a computer to show two dimensions of the structures in the back to find the cause of chronic lower back pain. Another way to diagnose discomfort is through a magnetic resonance imaging procedure, better known as an MRI. An MRI can help a doctor discover degeneration of the bone and disease in the tissues, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. This type of procedure is done with the help of radio waves within a magnetic field. A signal is processed by the computer and projects an image that differentiates between tissue and bone.

Another way to diagnose back discomfort is through an electro diagnostic procedure known as a nerve conduction study that measures the electrical activity in the nerves. A fine needle is inserted into the muscles and a mild shock is administered to stimulate the nerve. This type of diagnostic test shows if the nerve is damaged. Nerve conduction studies are helpful in finding spinal cord injury, nerve root compression, neuromuscular conditions, and will show trauma to nerves within the body. Lower back pain remedies for spinal cord injury will greatly depend upon the extent of the injury but oftentimes surgery is necessary. For a better outcome an individual with back discomfort that lasts for more than a couple of weeks should make an appointment with a doctor to find the cause and get treatment. Waiting too long to seek help could make a difference with the end result.

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Arthritis relief can be found from a variety of remedies and products to help those suffering manage their pain and mobility while continuing to enjoy a life that is full and exciting. Research in the fields of arthritis products is changing and improving, and today there are new products and suggestions that bring pain relief for thousands. This degenerative disease can effect anyone at any age, and depending on the class or type of disease, the degree of pain or the restriction of movement can vary widely. Anyone suffering from joint pain, swelling, or limited movement should seek a doctor for a complete examination before starting a program or medications for relief of these symptoms.

There are actually over one hundred different types and classes of arthritis, but the symptoms of most classes include swelling of various joints, stiffness and decreased mobility. All forms of this disease are painful and can be characterized by joint deformity, fatigue, weight loss, or unexplainable fever. Family history contributes to a person's risk. Doctors diagnosing a patient looking for arthritis relief will conduct an examination, analyze family traits, and take x-rays to determine an exact diagnosis. Different forms or types of the disease may be treated with different arthritis products and exercises.

The main classes of this disease fall under osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. With osteoarthritis, the patient suffers a loss of cartilage or deterioration within the bone structures. This type is generally seen in the elderly as the body begins to age and deteriorate after years of wear and tear on different joints. Rheumatoid is the result of joint inflammation and is caused by problems with a person's natural immune system. This disease can be the cause of tremendous chronic pain and lead to the deformation of joints, crippling its victims. It can spread to internal organs as well. There is currently no cure for the different forms of Rheumatoid arthritis, but there medications that can help with pain management and mobility, staving off the process of the disease. The current most prescribed drugs on the market today are Enbrel, a powerful drug that neutralizes the inflammation causing protein found in the blood, or the older, but proven, Methotrexate, a prescription drug that modifies the disease. Some doctors are just beginning to experiment with a combination of these drugs and are finding positive results in some patients.

Outside of prescription medications, arthritis relief can come from remedies and programs instituted right at home. Aspirin may be taken to reduce swelling and help with pain. Eating healthy and developing a regular routine of exercise can help manage pain and keep bones healthy, as well. The types of food a person eats has a direct result on how well his body performs. Calcium and vitamin D are needed to maintain healthy bones, so the healthy diet will see that these components are balanced. Through the Internet, a computer user can find many diet plans and exercise programs that may be researched when looking for natural arthritis products. But the patient should check with his doctor before launching a new dietary program that may include extreme doses of certain vitamins or minerals. Only a medical professional can advice about the calculated risks of certain treatments. Finding a good balanced diet that includes the natural resources the body needs to function properly can do no harm. Many different products claim to help the sufferer, so the wise person will carefully research any before making major life changes.

The Bible can also be a source of comfort for those suffering with any type of chronic pain. When dealing with a debilitating disease and looking for arthritis relief, it is good to know that the pain and trials we suffer now are here for only a little while. The apostle Peter gives us this encouragement for dealing with issues that affect our well being: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6-7). God's promises are fulfilled in eternity, but He also promises us peace and contentment here when we turn our problems over the Him. We can't let our chronic pain stop us from serving Him.

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