Thursday, October 27, 2011

Protruding Cervical Disc

!±8± Protruding Cervical Disc

A protruding cervical disc is another term for a bulging or a herniated cervical disc, and can be a very frustrating condition to deal with. Not only can it be very painful, it can also interfere with a person's ability to perform their normal daily activities.

This article will discuss what a protruding cervical disc is, the most common symptoms associated with it, causes, and three tips you can use at home for relief.

In order to understand what a disc protrusion is, we first must discuss the normal anatomy of a spinal disc. The discs of the spine are located in between each set of bones in the back, and their primary purpose is to act as a shock absorber between the bones.

Each disc has a firm outer covering, and a jelly in the center, and both parts of the disc are very important for different reasons. The outer covering gives the disc strength, and the jelly center is where the disc stores oxygen and nutrition in order for the disc to be healthy.

In the case of a protruding cervical disc, the outer covering of whatever disc is affected becomes weak and tears. Because of this, the jelly in the center starts to shift into the weak area, which creates a bulge in the disc.

What's interesting about the spinal discs is that they are designed to not feel pain sensation. This may sound kind of odd if you're living with this condition, because you know that this can be incredibly painful, but think about it - because the disc's primary purpose is to absorb shock, if the disc could cause pain, you would experience pain with every movement!

So, why is this condition so painful? Well, when a disc bulges, it tends to bulge at the back, where nerves exit the spine. The bulging of the disc tends to apply pressure to these nerves, which can be very painful.

Not only that, these nerves control everything in the body, so it's also very common for a person to experience other symptoms related to the affected nerves.

For example - in the case of a protruding cervical disc, it's very common for a person to experience symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, arm pain, hand pain, arm weakness, chest pain, thyroid problems, etc.

All of these symptoms can occur simply because the nerves in the neck control all of these areas of the body.

So, now that we've established what a protruding cervical disc is, let's discuss its causes, and then we'll talk about some helpful things you can do from home for relief.

The most common cause of a protruding cervical disc is trauma - some type of injury, such as a car accident, a slip and fall, lifting something too heavy, etc.

However, it's also common for the discs of the spine to deteriorate over time due to small traumas that add up over time. This gradual deterioration will eventually lead to a bulging disc after a period of time, and because the disc does not experience pain sensations, you don't feel it until the problem has become so bad that it is affecting the nerve.

There is also a genetic component to this condition (where you could be born with weaker spinal discs), as well as a relationship to toxins. For example, people who smoke, drink excessive alcohol, have an unhealthy diet, etc. tend to be more likely to develop disc conditions.

Now, allow me to give you three simple things you can do from home for relief. These tips are not only easy and effective, they are very inexpensive.

The first recommendation I would make is that you use ice for relief. This is actually the fastest way to experience relief, and is very effective if you follow the steps I'll outline for you in a minute.

But first, let's discuss why you would want to use ice for relief. Remember when I explained previously that the cause of the pain was the pressure on the nerve? Well, when you are experiencing pain, your body is actually going through a process called inflammation.

The area will swell up, and the body will rush a lot of blood to the aggravated nerve in order to heal it. Well, blood is hot, so the area is going to become hot. If this is the case, do you really want to put something hot on top of it? Of course not - ice is a much better option because it will numb the nerve (which provides relief), and slow the swelling which provides faster relief.

In order for ice to be effective, follow these steps: use real ice (no frozen vegetables), and place the ice directly on the skin (do not place a towel or clothing under the ice). Leave the ice on for 15 minutes maximum, or until you experience numbness in the area - whichever comes first. Finally, repeat the ice treatment every hour, as often as you can.

If you are consistent with this, you will experience relief within 3 days typically. In the case of a protruding cervical disc, you would use the ice on the neck, as well as wherever you are experiencing pain.

The second thing I would recommend you do is to check your sleeping position. You want to only be using 1 pillow under your neck while you sleep, because more than 1 pillow will force the head to flex forward which places a lot of extra pressure on the discs in the neck.

Also, be sure to sleep on your back or on your sides - never on your stomach. When you sleep on your stomach, you are forced to turn your head during the night in order to breathe, which is also a difficult position for the discs.

My final tip for this article is that you use a gel called biofreeze. This is a pain-relieving gel that you can find online, and it will typically provide 4 - 5 hours of relief. I recommend that you apply the biofreeze about a half hour before bed, and throughout the day if you aren't able to use ice during the day.

Biofreeze has an herbal remedy in it called ilex, which reduces inflammation of the nerves and causes muscles to relax. The end result is relief. However, it's important that I let you know that it's very strong, so start with a thin layer of the gel over the area you're treating, and if you feel you can tolerate more, and then apply more.

If you would like more information about what you can do for a protruding cervical disc, please visit http://www.healyourbulgingdisc.com.


Protruding Cervical Disc

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Sunday, October 23, 2011

4 Tips on Peripheral Neuropathy You Can Use Today

!±8± 4 Tips on Peripheral Neuropathy You Can Use Today

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition where the nerves lose their ability to conduct efficiently and ends up with either numbness in the lower extremity or persistent pain and burning. Too often, those suffering with peripheral neuropathy had been told that there is little or nothing that can be done. Fortunately, as time progresses, there is a continually better understanding of this condition and an improvement in treatments. We will outline the four most effective.

1. Microvascular Therapy: It has been well documented that even in cases where the main arteries are bringing adequate blood flow down the limb, the microvascular circulation, the small tributaries, are not as well functioning. This is particularly true in people with diabetes. Microvascular therapy is achieved through a unit similar to a physical therapy modality. The unit is distributed by Neurovasix and is called Microvas. It is a non-invasive treatment not requiring any medication and has no side effects. The treatment involves a digital wave that causes angiogenesis, the reperfusion of capillaries, which brings more oxygenated blood to the nerves. Patients often feel a dramatic increase in sensation. Some cases report full resolution of peripheral neuropathy symptoms. It has been well documented that people with diabetes suffer from microvascular deficiency and is the primary cause of neuropathy. For that reason, microvascular therapy is much more effective in people with diabetes.

2. Benfotiamine: A bioactive form of Thiamine, Benfotiamine, is a nutrient that is deficient in many people suffering with peripheral neuropathy. A common brand name of Benfotiamine is Neuremedy. Thiamine, Vitamin B1, is essential for the nervous system to function properly. It is difficult to maintain adequate levels of Thiamine through diet alone. Benfotiamine works to nourish the nerves and reverse the effects of peripheral neuropathy. After taking Benfotiamine, people can notice a change in their peripheral neuropathy symptoms anywhere from several days to two months after first taking it. For those who it is effective for, it is important to continue to take the supplement. Benfotiamine has been used in Europe since the 1960s and has been proven to be safe and effective.

3. Topical Analgesics: When it comes to peripheral neuropathy, much focus is spent on the oral pharmaceuticals to manage the discomfort. These medications, Neurontin, Cymbalta, Lyrica, and others are often prescribed and heavily advertised on television. These medications are often effective, but the side effects can be debilitating. So many people overlook a topical analgesic. If someone's neuropathy presents as a constant burning pain, why not put out the fire? Now not all analgesics are created equal and each should be used at the proper time. If someone is feeling that burning pain, you don't want to counter that with a topical that will make the feet burn more! Put out the fire with a topical analgesic that provides a cold, soothing sensation. The most popular of these products is called Biofreeze. Biofreeze contains Ilex, an herbal extract of a holly shrub in South Africa. Biofreeze provides a cooling sensation. Beware of "Icy" topical that have a heat component afterwards. For a neuropathy that presents with a numbing effect, then a heat component works better. Capsin, and other ointments that contain capcaisin, provides a burning sensation that stimulates the nerves and can moderate the numbness. No matter which is appropriate to use, please be sure that you wash your hands afterwards. If you touch your eyes...ouch!

4. Shoes are Important! With all the discomfort with peripheral neuropathy, it probably is best just to go barefoot, right? WRONG!! For one, the feet must be protected. If someone with peripheral neuropathy has a decrease in sensitivity, as most do, then that person is putting their limbs at risk by not wearing shoes. A foot that does not have full sensitivity cannot be expected to feel what it steps on. This will, at best, cause a lack of balance and, at worst, cause a foreign body to embed into the foot, which can become infected and lead hospitalization or amputation. When looking for a shoe, the sole is most important. A sturdy rubber sole is the best way to protect the foot from foreign objects. If enclosing the foot proves to be too uncomfortable, a looser fitting shoe or sandal can work well also.

It is true that nothing will help everyone. But someone who suffers from peripheral neuropathy will tell you that even a slight reduction in pain may let them get to sleep at night and be more productive during their day. Most cities have support groups and resources for peripheral neuropathy. It is definitely worth going, hear experts speak about it, and network with other people who understand how you feel.


4 Tips on Peripheral Neuropathy You Can Use Today

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