Causes of Back Pain

People of all ages can suffer from back pain. There are many causes ranging from a fall or lifting something incorrectly to ruptured discs, arthritis, spinal stenosis, and standing for long periods of time. Regardless of the cause, it is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. Millions of people suffer from back pain severe enough to seek medical treatment each year.

Acute or Chronic?

Generally, back pain that does not last more than six weeks is considered acute. It may suddenly appear and is usually the result of moving in a way that strains your muscles. Falling down or lifting heavy objects can also cause acute back pain. Relief from the pain is usually felt after taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or using a heating pad.

Chronic back pain is not as common as acute and lasts for more than three months. This pain is caused by a variety of things, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, trauma, and osteoarthritis, among others. Getting a medical diagnosis is the only way to know for sure what is causing this pain.

Preventing and Treating Back Pain

Some types of back pain can be relieved by getting in better physical shape. Although it is often difficult to move freely when your back is hurting, exercise does help acute pain. Low-impact exercises are frequently recommended because they do not strain the muscles in your back. Swimming is an excellent exercise. An example of a clinic that provides spinal decompression hillsboro or for relief of back pain is Corazon Chiropractic Clinic.

Doctors often recommend losing weight to patients that suffer from back pain. Since extra weight can strain the muscles in the back, losing a few pounds can help to relieve back pain for some people. There are also exercises that can help to strengthen the muscles in your back to prevent back pain. Whether standing or sitting, it is important to have good posture. This can help to relieve stress on the muscles in your back.

Where Should You Get Hormone Therapy Performed?

There might come a time in your life when you need to get hormone therapy. This is a very common procedure that is performed in a variety of clinics around the United States. However, you should not let the fact that it is so common fool you into thinking that you can get this procedure performed anywhere. You need to understand that some hormone therapy clinics are much more professional and experienced than others. This is why doing research ahead of time is crucial. Here are a few of the ways you will be able to locate a good facility to get your hormone therapy performed.

1. Talk to other people who have had hormone therapy in the past.

The first thing that you should do is seek out the advice of people who have gone through the process of getting hormone therapy. The info these people can provide you with can be very useful when you are trying to determine which clinics in your area are the best. Get as much info as you can from these people. What was the name of the doctor who handled their procedure? What was the name of the hormone therapy clinic they went to? How much did they end up paying? You should also get them to tell you what is involved in the procedure.

2. Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out which hormone therapy clinics they recommend.

You should not have any trouble finding many clinics that perform hormone therapy on the Better Business Bureau website. Read the info about each clinic very carefully. You might be looking for a clinic that specifically performs bioidentical hormone therapy. Make sure that you have a firm understanding of the procedures that each clinic performs. You should also make a note of each clinic’s BBB rating.

3. Check out the credentials of the staff working at any hormone therapy clinic you are considering.

You should never assume the staff of any facility is qualified. This might not necessarily be the case. Look at their educational backgrounds and how many years of experience they have.

Turning To Drugs In The Healthcare Field

Many people look at nurses in a professional light. While they do work in a medical setting, there are times when nurses can fall in life and make decisions that can impact their health and the relationships that they have with other people. Sometimes, nurses become addicted to drugs and allow various types of drugs to take over. It’s often easier for nurses to get drugs to use since they work in a medical field. They can easily get prescriptions from friends who are doctors and take prescriptions from the patients they work with each day. Fortunately, there are options for drug rehab for nurses so that they can get the help that they need to function in a professional manner once again.

When you find out that a nurse is struggling with drug addiction, you might wonder what would lead that person down a road that seems like it would be one that someone else would take. Drug addiction knows no boundaries and can impact anyone who has a desire to use drugs of any kind to deal with issues that arise in life. They tend to turn to drugs for the same reasons as other people. These include anxiety, stress while on the job, and dealing with the emotions that are often a part of the daily workload. There are a few reasons why nurses are often at a higher risk than other people when it comes to drug abuse and addiction.

Since nurses work in environments where they deal with patients and the health issues that they face, it’s often a stressful job. Nurses have to be there when someone dies or when someone receives a diagnosis of a life-changing illness. After the long hours at a hospital, nursing facility, or being on-call to cover for someone else, a nurse usually deals with a high amount of stress compared to other positions. Stress is often one of the leading causes of drug addiction in the work place just because of the nature of the things that nurses have to see each day, especially if the nurse works in the emergency room or in an area where there is a higher possibility of seeing death or severe injuries. There are numerous facilities that don’t have enough nurses to care for the patients who are there, which puts added stress on the nurses who do work because they have a larger workload. Patients, doctors, and family members expect nurses to be cheerful when they are working so that they don’t have to worry about their health or the health of someone they love, which is another reason as to why nurses sometimes turn to drugs to deal with the stress associated with working.

Nurses can get drugs a bit easier than other people since they work in the healthcare field. They can find drugs that are often stronger than what people would normally get, especially if they work for a doctor who is willing to write a prescription for any medication that the nurse desires. Many nurses handle drugs each day, making it easy to take a few of the medications that are supposed to be given to patients as they think that no one will notice that a few pills are missing.

When nurses have to work long hours at a time, they often turn to drugs to either help them sleep when they end a shift or to help them stay awake so that they can function while they are at work. Being addicted to drugs doesn’t mean that a nurse has to be addicted to something that is illegal or something that is necessarily bad for the body and that will do damage to the brain like other types of drugs. A nurse can get addicted to caffeine and similar products that some might think of as everyday substances that are consumed. However, when using those substances gets out of hand, it can easily lead to addiction.

Drug rehab is an option for nurses. There are sometimes different facilities that healthcare workers can go to so that they can get the help that they need. While in the rehab center, communication about the job is important as well as talking about some of the situations that arise while on the job so that there are better plans in place for dealing with these occurrences instead of turning to drugs.

Launch a New Career With DOT Certification Training

You can obtain the knowledge you need to earn a nationally recognized DOT Medical Examiner’s certification. Online NRCME training fulfills the same DOT requirements as conventional personal instruction. The courses can be taken at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. Successfully completing the online course prepares you for the official NRCME certification examination that will grant your license and launch a new phase of your career.

Complete Online Training

Every DOT driver physical must be conducted by a certified DOT Medical Examiner. You don’t have to take time out to attend training sessions. A complete NRCME training course can be taken online with full access to training videos, infographics and personal instruction by email. You can get chapter quizzes and medical advisories downloaded to your computer or mobile device to study on your own schedule. You can expect to invest about 18 hours of online study in preparation for your official certification examination.

A Wide-Open Field

There are more than 700,000 commercially licensed drivers in the US. Every one of those drivers must be cleared by a DOT Certified Medical Examiner. Conventional training courses require time away from your family and job on someone else’s schedule. In order to keep up with the demand for Medical Examiners, transportation industry experts and professional physicians had to design a training course with greater flexibility. These nationally recognized online courses completely prepare students for their certification examination and enable them to perform a thorough and accurate DOT physical exam.

Launch Your New Career

Your dedication to online NRCME training is the first step in your new career. Successfully completing a professionally designed online course of study shows your dedication to the accuracy and thoroughness required of a DOT physical exam. An engaging variety of study materials allows you to learn at your own pace and completely prepare for the official certification examination. With the right education and a drive to succeed you can launch an exciting new career as a DOT Certified Medical Examiner.

Steps You Can Take To Improve the Care of the Elderly

If you are responsible for taking care of an elderly patient, either because you are a healthcare professional or because you are taking care of a loved one, you know how important it is to make sure that they are getting high-quality care. Even a small problem can become a serious health risk and danger if left untreated for an elderly patient. Of course, all patients and human beings need to be treated with care and respect. However, there are also steps that you can take to make sure that your elderly loved ones are given the best possible results and attention.

First of all, it is absolutely essential that any elderly individuals that are in your care get immediate treatment for any wounds. Even a very small cut or burn can turn into a serious emergency if not handled properly. This is caused in part by the lower immune systems that often plague elderly patients as well as interactions with medications that they may already be taking. Make sure that you have wound care supplies on hand so that you can deal with any injuries that come up quickly and efficiently.

Also, you can prevent many of the worst problems that your elderly patient may face by taking a look around their home. Do they have a carpet on their floors? This can provide a good cushion if they fall, but the pile of the carpet must be kept very short so that there is a small risk of tripping and falling. Similarly, make sure that you get rid of anything on the floor that could cause your patient to lose their balance. And, be sure to keep their toenails trimmed short at all times.

When it comes to keeping your elderly patients in good shape, prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take some steps today to prevent future problems for your charges or loved ones. When it comes to caring for their health, the effort will be worth it.

Help Avoid Medical Emergencies with This Bracelet

A Simple Solution

If you or a loved one takes regular medication that plays a heavy role in keeping your body performing correctly, then you know how important it is to stay regular on that medication. In the event that you miss taking it, or you’re out and about, and you suddenly have an attack but don’t have your prescription on hand, it could very well be the end of your life. Or if you just so happen to be walking down the street and notice someone collapse on the street, you may feel compelled to help them, but you lack the knowledge of just how to do so. As a result, they may die.

These scenarios are both incredibly worrisome and could be potentially preventable with one simple solution. Engraved medical ID bracelets could be the answer to any medical emergency that may arise out of nowhere. Essentially, these bracelets have the individual’s name on them as well as a list of their medications. So, if someone has an allergy to something and they start to have a reaction to something, then you can easily look at their bracelet to see what they need to help them.

The same goes for a diabetic. If their blood sugar is dangerously low and they collapse, a quick look at their bracelet can inform someone of their condition. That person’s life could be saved all because they wore a medical bracelet that helped any passerby understand what they needed to help them.

These aren’t just simple ID bracelets either. There are even bracelets available that are, essentially, USBs. These USB bracelets have up to 2 GB of space on them, so the individual’s medical files and lists of medications can be uploaded to them. So, the next time an emergency arises, someone, or a doctor, can upload their USB to the computer, and they’ll have everything they need to know to treat the patient and save their life. These bracelets can help save lives.

Common Causes of Knee Pain from Sports in Children

Although children that play sports aren’t as susceptible to knee pain and other joint problems as adults who engage in these activities, it’s still very common for children that participate in sports like soccer, football, and basketball to experience some type of knee pain due to excessive use of the joints and ligaments surrounding the knee.

There are a large variety of causes of joint pain in children, which can range all the way from minor pain derived from twisting the leg incorrectly, bunion pain from wearing the wrong shoes to a more serious MCL sprain. Whatever the cause, it’s essential for your child to consult a sports podiatrist and receive treatment immediately to ensure that the condition heals quickly and without causing further damage. The following details five of the most common causes of knee pain that children who play sports might encounter.

ACL Sprains

One of the more common types of knee pain from sports involves an ACL sprain, which occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament becomes injured in some way. With ACL sprains, there are three grades that the sprain can be labelled as, ranging from grade one to grade three. A grade three sprain is the most severe ACL sprain and is noted by a complete tear of the ligament.

These sprains are usually caused by a pivoting or twisting movement, which is why such an injury is particularly common among children who are runners, play soccer, or play basketball. Because of the severity of the injury, it typically needs to be treated with ACL reconstruction surgery, which allows for the long-term preservation of the knee and greatly heightens the chances that your child’s knee returns back to the condition it was in before the injury.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

The patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common types of knee pain present in younger athletes and involves pain that’s located at the front of the knee. This syndrome is usually referred to as runner’s knee and is especially common among children who run a lot in sports like soccer and football. While this condition is usually brought about because of an overuse of the patellofemoral joint, it can also occur if your child’s knee cap receives a direct blow.

Jumper’s Knee

Jumper’s knee, also commonly referred to as patellar tendinitis, is a specific condition that causes pain to the patellar tendon, an area of the knee that’s used commonly in sports. Children who play basketball or volleyball have the highest chance of suffering from jumper’s knee, a condition that results in pain at the front of the knee.

Osgood-Schlatter

Osgood-Schlatter is very similar in nature to jumper’s knee and is a disorder that solely affects children and is most common among young athletes. This condition causes symptoms like soreness, pain, and swelling, and occurs just below the kneecap when the growth plate in the area is irritated. Osgood-Schlatter is most common among children between the ages of 10 and 14.

Dislocated Knee

Whether your child plays a sport like soccer or is signed up for track, a dislocated knee is the most common type of knee pain to look out for. Also referred to as kneecap instability, a dislocated knee typically occurs when the patella is pushed off towards the side of the knee joint, which can happen from a direct impact in this area or a sudden twisting move. In most cases, the best remedy is physical therapy, though other forms of treatment might be necessary to ensure that the patella doesn’t become dislocated in the future.

The next time your child talks to you about pain in their knee, make sure that you see a kids podiatrist right away. It’s also a good idea to have a personal trainer to teach your child the proper way to do every exercise movement to prevent the risks of knee injury!

What Is A 12-Step Program?

The 12-Step program was created by Alcoholics Anonymous. While the program was initially created to be used exclusively by people who were addicted to alcohol, three-quarters of treatment centers in the United States today utilize adaptations of the original 12-Step program in their drug and alcohol rehabilitation curriculum. The 12-Step program was initially created as a guide for people who could not attend Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, meetings, but it quickly became a representation and model for the program itself.

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The 12-Step program philosophy is essentially a peer-to-peer support group where members can anonymously share their trials, tribulations, successes and thoughts in a judgment-free way. Many drug addiction rehab centers incorporate various facets of the 12-Step program into their curriculum because peer support is essential for sobriety. There are many additional offshoots of the original program, and there have been a vast number of self-help programs that have been born from the original 12-Step program.

What Are 12 Step Programs For Addiction Treatment?

If you are addicted to heroin, opioids or any other dangerous narcotics, the 12-Step program can also work to help you overcome your addictions and maintain your sobriety. If you are struggling with personal or professional issues, have ongoing family drama or have encountered a relapse, you can seek the love and support of your 12-Step group members to help you through trying times; they can help you regain focus, composure and control so that you can move forward in your life and work through your problems without abusing drugs and alcohol.

On the flip side of the coin, if you want to share your positive experiences, revelations, encouragement, details of a sobriety anniversary or a particular celebratory event, 12-Step programs are the perfect platform for touting your achievements, spreading love and support and gaining the confidence you need to continue on in your journey to sobriety. Nearly half of all active members of various 12-Step programs never touch drugs or alcohol again once they have become clean and sober. Flourishing involves having positive mental health, and most who are flourishing and thriving have a greater chance of experiencing long-term sobriety.

The 12-Step program gives members a safe platform where they can surrender their addictions and triggers, process their past and vow to move forward to create new goals and enjoy positive life experiences. It helps some people realize they have a problem with addiction, encourages them to seek help from outside sources, holds them accountable for the actions that led to their addictions, gives them an opportunity to practice restraint while building confidence and self-esteem, guides them to want to change their behaviors, teaches compassion for themselves and anyone they have hurt in the past and provides helpful tools that can be used throughout life for coping and thriving.

The 12-Steps Outlined: Broken Down In Easy Terms

1.) Admit that you are powerless to your addictions.
2.) Believe in any higher power or positive influence that can help you overcome your addictions.
3.) Turn all control over to a higher power.
4.) Take a personal inventory of your past actions.
5.) Profess your wrongdoings to the higher power, yourself and anyone you have hurt in the past.
6.) Await the blessings that a higher power will provide.
7.) Ask a higher power to help you overcome your shortcomings.
8.) Make a list of things you have done wrong and people you have wronged. Vow to make amends for those wrongdoings.
9.) Contact anyone you have hurt, unless contact will cause additional pain.
10.) Continue to hold yourself accountable, and admit when you are wrong.
11.) Seek connection to enlightenment through prayer and meditation regularly.
12.) Carry the message of the 12-Step program to any others who may be in need.

Some people are critics of the 12-Step curriculum because they do not like the idea of basing recovery on the idea that there is an inability to control the addiction without the program. These people prefer to rely on internal control and the inner work they have done through a regimented treatment center to avoid the triggers that lead to abusing drugs and alcohol. However, the vast majority of treatment centers utilize components of the 12-Step program because it works. The program encourages unity, support, love, self-acceptance, accountability, ownership and forgiveness. It is a comprehensive program for anyone with addictions, anyone in recovery and those who have been directly or indirectly impacted by a person with a drug or alcohol problem.