TMJ Disorders

TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, are the joints of the jaw, connecting the mandible, or lower jaw bone, to the skull. They are essential joints: we use them for common activities like speaking and eating. Because of their frequent use, when these joints are afflicted by a disorder, the outcome can be debilitating. This is due, in part, because TMJ disorders can be medically elusive, with complexities that are not quite completely understood. Yet, TMJ disorders are more bothersome because of the fact that the disorders attack joints that people can't stay off of and let heal; they attack joints people can't help but rely on.

The Causes

TMJ disorders can be caused by one single factor, but they are more commonly caused by multiple factors. One of the main causes of TMJ disorders is simply muscle tension. Tightening of the jaw, head, neck and face muscles can lead to jaw pain, and a jaw that is stiff and unyielding. This tension may be caused by inner stress and anxiety or activities that cause stress on the jaw such as teeth grinding and gum chewing. A TMJ disorder may also be a response to misalignment of the jaw joint, structural problems within the jaw joint, or an injury a jaw may sustain through sports or accidents.

While causes of a TMJ disorder may develop over time, some people may be predisposed to them in earlier years. For instance, some people may have been born with structural problems or other birth defects that affect the alignment of the jaw. Some people may have scar tissue or bone damage from a jaw injury years earlier. Some people may have jaw displacement caused by a tumor or a wrongly positioned disc. In other instances, a TMJ disorder may be a result of inflammation caused by degenerative diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk Factors

While not all risk factors for TMJ disorders have been uncovered, most people afflicted with a TMJ disorder do possess commonalities among their lifestyles. Risk factors include stress and anxiety that causes muscle tension, habits that cause jaw strain such as nail biting, eating hard candy, and sleeping on one side of your mouth, an injury to the jaw or the head, and overstretching the jaw during dental or medical surgery. Though age and sex aren't huge risk factors, TMJ disorders do tend to affect people between the ages of 20 and 50. While some studies have determined that men and women are affected at an equal rate, a few studies tend to list women of childbearing age as the most risky demographic.

Symptoms

The symptoms of TMJ disorders aren't necessarily limited to the jaw. They can affect muscles in the face, shoulder, neck and head. The most common symptoms are joint and muscle pain, noise when the jaw opens and closes, inability to fully open the mouth or pain when doing so, and a locked jaw.
More often than not, TMJ disorders involve mild symptoms, symptoms that go away on their own. They may come back from time to time, but they usually don't worsen. However, some people with TMJ disorders do possess chronic symptoms, symptoms that don't subside. Up to 12 percent of people with TMJ disorders have these chronic symptoms, ultimately having chronic pain that impacts their ability to eat, talk, yawn, swallow, and lead a normal life. Those with chronic symptoms are often affected on both a physical and emotional level.

Treatment

Treatment of TMJ disorders purposes to relieve jaw pain and restore full function and movement. A variety of treatments have proven to fulfill this purpose and, often, at-home treatment is all the treatment a TMJ disorder sufferer needs to seek. This can include wearing splints or bite plates for a set period of time. These devices help reduce grinding of teeth and the clenching of facial muscles, which ultimately relieves tension. Though effective, splints and bite plates should not be used for a lengthy amount of time because they can potentially permanently change the position of the jaw and teeth.

For those who suffer from chronic TMJ disorders, relief may be found with muscle relaxation practices, such as biofeedback (a relaxation technique where people learn to control a body function) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (a form of therapy that modifies an individual's behavior patterns).
People may also find relief at their dentist office, with some dentists specializing in TMJ disorders. These dentists usually start by performing a series of X-rays and prescribing a specialized mouth guard. They may also recommend only eating soft foods for a set amount of time or teach a series of exercises aimed at relieving jaw tension and pain. If these treatment options don't take, microsurgery may be recommended.

But invasive procedures, such as surgery, are usually only reserved for extreme instances: it is recommended that people try less extreme measures before choosing more permanent ones. More often than not, surgical procedures are reserved for TMJ disorders caused by diseases, irreversible injuries, or TMJ disorders that were not compliant to any other form of treatment.

Overall, most sufferers of TMJ disorders are sufferers of stress, a factor known to play a role in all kinds of diseases. Because of this, adopting a lifestyle that fights stress rather than facilitates it may be the best way to stop TMJ disorders in their tracks.

About Us: The Center for Osteopathic Medicine in Boulder, Colorado believes in The Osteopathic Difference. In a medical industry focused on treating symptoms, The Center is more focused on finding the cause of these symptoms. The Osteopathic Difference is the application of "Hands on Therapeutics" for both the diagnosis and treatment of complaints, disorders, and pain. The Osteopathic Difference will apply the time proven osteopathic fact that function is directly related to structure, and poor structure will lead to poor function.

While The Center tries to focus on health, and above all else, prevention for all those who cross into its threshold, sometimes the best that can be done is to recognize the source of the "DIS-EASE," and to teach every individual how to manage their symptoms. Believing that it is the most important aspect of any treatment regime, and that it is the primary job of the health care practitioner, The Center works to empower the patient in the maintenance of their own health.

Achieving health is also an elusive place, and The Center will work tirelessly to create a path to health which, when embraced by the patient over time, will allow the patient to enjoy a positive return on their rehabilitation investment. The Center teaches a Mindfulness Yoga Program that aims to educate the patient in the power of the mind to minimize, if not rid the body of, aches and pain. Although the ultimate goal of health is to live without the use of drugs, natural or otherwise, The Center for Osteopathic Medicine recognizes the importance of medicinals and their appropriate use. All styles of "Hands on Manipulation" are practiced at The Center. By combining these Manipulative techniques with Structural Integration, massage, meditation and Western Medicine, The Center for Osteopathic Medicine helps people to identify disease before it manifests, quiet pains that have been previously diagnosed as Chronic, and embrace a holistic mindset to Live in the Present- and within that presence, live completely well.

The information discussed in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a health problem, please visit your doctor. The material discussed on this website is not meant to replace the opinion or diagnosis of a medical professional.

Why Hip Resurfacing an Alternative to Total Hip Replacement Turned Me Into a Patient Advocate

Hip Resurfacing is a more conservative approach to hip surgery than the conventional Total Hip Replacement (THR). It gets rid of your hip pain but allows you to return to a full active lifestyle with no limitations. It accomplishes this by conserving your bone and using an implant that is more like a natural hip.  Here is an explanation of why I chose Hip Resurfacing over a THR and my story that follows.

One of the differences between resurfacing and a THR is the amount of bone that is preserved or removed. With resurfacing your bone is preserved. Opposed to a THR, they remove approximately 30% - 45% of your proximal femur then place a stem down your thigh.
 
This is the part that stands out to me on a THR With a THR, the surgeon begins by making an incision on the side of the thigh to allow access to the hip joint. Once the hip joint is entered, the surgeon dislocates the femoral head from the acetabulum. Then the femoral head is removed by cutting through the femoral neck with a power saw. To begin replacing the femur, special tools are used to shape and hollow out the femur to the exact shape of the metal stem of the femoral component. Once the size and shape are satisfactory, the stem is inserted into the femoral canal.
 
To me, it is like the difference between pulling a tooth and getting a complete root canal (THR) or crowning a tooth (resurfacing).  Resurfacing allows a full return to all activities, including running. Many patients have even finished an Ironman since their surgeries. Yoga, martial arts, skiing, surfing, the possibilities are endless. Just take a look at some of the featured athletes on the referenced website. Also look at the referenced YouTube link for a collection of real life patients post op.  You will see some dancing at 2 and 3 weeks post op, one guy skiing at 4 weeks post op, another guy speeding down the road on a bicycle at only 3 weeks post op.  You would never guess these people just had major hip surgery! Of course a top surgeon is crucial in obtaining the best results.   I realize some newer THR devices also allow patients to return to MOST activities now, but there is really no long term data on the newer THR devices that claim "no limitations" to really know what the long term effects of that will be (see Wolfs Law below).   This is because no matter what a THR is made of, it still has the long metal stem and the improper loading of the hip and stress shielding. Most doctors will tell THR patients to NEVER run again, no basketball or any heavy impact sports, whereas this is not the case with resurfacing and the right surgeon.  
 
There is now over 11 years of history on the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) device.  As a matter of fact, the first protocol was implanted in a patient named Katie in 1991 and she is still doing well.  Katie had two healthy children since her resurfacing surgery and they are around 9 and 14 years old now.  The very first BHR that is the same design today was implanted in July 1997.  The data presented in Miami in October 2007 showed Derek McMinn's survival rate at 8 years to be 99.8%.  Mr. McMinn is the inventor of the BHR device.   The two main reasons you want to try to get a resurface first before a THR if possible besides preserving your bone, is due to stress shielding, (Wolfs Law) see below, and also due to revision surgery. If you choose to remain active with a THR, you risk revision surgery which takes away more bone each time. Take a look at this animation video that shows you what they do to revise a THR.  
 
http://ww2.arthritis.org/conditions/SurgeryCenter/surgerycenterflash/revhip.html    
 
With a hip resurfacing, IF you ever need it revised, it is like starting out with your first THR.   Here is an explanation of Wolf's Law, remember, no matter what material is used with a THR device, it still has the long stem. 
 
 "... Wolfe's Law of Bone, which is that bone is formed and retained along the lines of stress in that bone. Another way of putting it is: "Form follows function." Look at the trabecular pattern in a calcaneus or a proximal femur -- it's easy to see where the lines of stress are here, because that's where the trabeculae are. Another way to express this rule is: "Use it or lose it." ..." and " ...What does this have to do with patients with prosthetic joints? Well, in an ideal world, a prosthetic joint component would carry stress and distribute it to the underlying bone in a manner identical to the original bone. Alas, this does not happen in real life. Prosthetic components react to stresses a lot differently than the original bone that they replaced, and tend to distribute it to the remaining bone much differently. For example, in a hip prosthesis, much of the load applied to the femoral component tends to be transmitted to the bone near its distal tip. The bone near the proximal part of the component tends to have less force transmitted through to it. What happens to the native bone that is now no longer receiving its usual loading? Bone loss occurs here. This phenomenon is called "stress shielding". Since one can get quite a bit of stress shielding around a prosthesis, it's no mystery why one sees progressive bone loss around prosthetic components over the years on follow-up radiographs.... "   The prosthesis referred to is the total hip replacement, not a resurfacing that loads the weight onto the femoral head, as the original issue joint does.   stress shielding n. Osteopenia occurring in bone as the result of removal of normal stress from the bone by an implant.   osteopenia /osoteoopeonia/ (oste-o-pe´ne-ah) 1. reduced bone mass due to a decrease in the rate of osteoid synthesis to a level insufficient to compensate for normal bone lysis. 2. any decrease in bone mass below the normal."   With resurfacing the load on the hip is more like your natural hip.  Again, it is similar to crowning a tooth instead of pulling it and doing a root canal. It is always better to try to preserve as much bone as possible. There is a lot of info available on the referenced website. I hope this information is of value, now my story of how I became a Patient advocate for hip resurfacing.  
 
My Journey
About ten years ago my Mom had her first hip replaced, a year later she had her second. The THRs (Total Hip Replacements) that her doctor implanted in her were the old metal on poly small head devices. She was told they would last her between 8 -12 years before she would need revision surgery. She was in her early 60s. She has never been able to cross her legs or stoop down to get something out of a low kitchen cabinet. She is unable to fully enjoy her younger grandchildren, because she can not lift them or get down on the ground to play with them. She is now limping again, unable to walk up a flight of stairs without holding onto a handrail and pulling herself up one step at a time.  She will already be facing revision surgeries in the next couple of years.   I was diagnosed with OA (osteoarthritis) about 5 years ago and knew that it was inevitable that I too eventually would be facing hip surgery. What I did not realize is that in the beginning of 2005 (in my 40s), my OA would hit a point where it would all of a sudden progress rapidly. I was then faced with the reality of getting my left hip replaced, I shuttered at the thought that my life as I knew it would soon be over. Here I was, a single female in her 40s, I could not imagine living life as limited as my Moms had become, even though she was no longer crippled like prior to her surgeries, to me she was still disabled.
 
The story of Paying it forward.
Luckily I found out about hip resurfacing quite by accident. I was searching on craigslist and happened upon an ad from someone that was selling items you will need if you are having hip surgery. I emailed Jay who posted the ad and I asked him if he had his hip replaced and if he had heard about this new MIS approach that I had read about. Jay responded with the fact that he had found something much better, it was called hip resurfacing and he sent me links to the Yahoo Surface Hippy Message board and to JRIs website. When Jay responded that day, it forever changed my life. When I did my research and realized the incredible differences between the two procedures, (see below) my mind was made up. But then, the struggles began. How would I get this accomplished when I could not find anyone that even knew about the procedure?
 
I went to three orthopedic surgeons including one top surgeon at Stanford that all told me that a THR was my only option. The doc at Stanford went so far as to tell me that I did not qualify for hip resurfacing due to having dysplasia (shallow sockets) and also told me that they removed more bone which I later found out was not true. I was crushed and scheduled surgery with him for a THR.  On a side note, this still happens today, so please do NOT take a no to resurfacing as a final answer.  Seek out other opinions like I did.
 
Luckily I joined the yahoo surface hippy group and found out that I needed to get more opinions. I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Harlan Amstutz and flew to Los Angeles for a consult    He gave me the good news that I was indeed an excellent candidate for hip resurfacing.
 
Then the struggles began with my insurance company. I had various problems with out of network doctors, then experimental procedure, non approved devices, etc.  Basically the insurance company used any angle they could to deny coverage for the procedure I wanted.   By this time, my pain was increasing every single day and I ended up having to purchase a cane to walk.
 
Then two things happened, I submitted another request to my insurance company, and again they denied me, and when I called to change my surgery date from Dr. Amstutz to Dr. Schmalzried, JRI then informed me that they ran out of hip resurfacing devices and that they could not schedule a surgery date for me. They had no idea when a device would be available and that I would just have to call back at a later date. I basically sat down and cried.  I could no longer function at work due to my pain and I was self-employed.  I had to have surgery.
 
I was faced with the decision of allowing my health insurance to dictate the type of procedure (THR covered 100%) I would get, or possibly be stuck paying out of pocket to get the procedure I wanted and have to wait for it.  Hip resurfacing in the U.S. was about $23k out of pocket for Dr. Amstutz. Looking at my Mom and her limitations, I could not and would not allow that to happen to me. I realize now that some of the newer THR devices do not have the limitations that my Mom has, but the doc at Stanford clearly told me that I WOULD indeed have limitations for the rest of my life with the THR he was planning to implant in me.
Taking charge of my own Health against all odds

I was told to not give up and fight my insurance company, so with a fellow hip resurfacing patients's help I put together another appeal letter to get surgery approved for hip resurfacing down in Los Angeles.
 
I then emailed my x-rays to Dr. Koen De Smet in Belgium and to Dr. Vijay Bose in India. When I received a response in half an hour from Dr. Bose and within three hours from Dr. De Smet, at first my thoughts were, wait a minute, something is really wrong with this picture? Doctors in the U. S. never responded to emails personally that I knew of and here were two of the world's top doctors personally emailing me back!
 
I put together a detailed cost spreadsheet and decided that I no longer could deal with the stress of my insurance company and that I would pay the less than $12k out of pocket and go to India.  I emailed Dr. Bose on September 22, 2005 and booked my surgery for December 1, 2005 in India. It was like a ton of bricks had just lifted off my shoulders just to know that there was finally a light at the end of the tunnel. By the time I left for my surgery, I could no longer walk without a cane and was in terrible pain.   My surgery was 3 years ago and I don't even think about my hip anymore.  It is just like a normal hip.  Unfortunately today even with two devices being approved by the FDA, many doctors still do not even tell patients this surgery exists.  Why?  Because it is an extremely complex surgery and takes a lot more skill and practice to get it right.  As a result of my struggles and all of the help I received from fellow patients, I have now become a patient advocate for hip resurfacing and continue to pay it forward.  Please do your research before you allow any doctor to amputate the head of your femur.  If you are an active person under the age of 65, you should definitely look into the option of hip resurfacing. I hope this information is of value.

Back Pain and Sciatica - Evaluating Your Options

You've been hurting for months. You can't stay on your feet for more than a few minutes. It hurts to sit for too long. Recently you can't get a good night's sleep because you just can't get comfortable. The painkillers aren't working, and you're starting to think seriously about back surgery. But after all the expense, rehabilitation and risk, will you bet better off? There are alternatives to surgery, and they just might work for you.

Back pain that leads to surgery is often associated with a damaged intervertebral disc or spinal stenosis. The discs are the tough, flat cushions between the vertebrae. Imagine a disc as the warm toasted marshmallow sandwiched between two graham crackers in a s'more. If the crackers are pressed together evenly, the marshmallow will spread out evenly as well. If you squeeze just one side of the sandwich together, the marshmallow (or disc) will ooze out to the opposite side. That's what happens with a "slipped" disc. The protruding part can irritate a nearby nerve. If it ruptures, there can be chemical irritation of the nerve as well. The discs also tend to degenerate, flatten and become less resilient over the years, so there is less space for the nerves where they come out of the spinal column.

Siatica (Sciatica) is an irritation of the siatic/sciatic nerve. It can cause radiating pain, burning sensations or cramping in the buttocks and down the leg. This may be caused by a nerve root problem in the lower part of the spine, but it can also be caused by impingement further down in the area of the buttocks. The piriformis muscle runs across the back of each hip joint, deep in the buttock, where it crosses paths with the sciatic nerve. Pressure from an overly tight piriformis muscle is believed to irritate the sciatic nerve causing buttock and/or radiating leg pain. This is known as piriformis syndrome. It can be addressed by releasing excess tension and any "trigger points" (knotted areas) in the piriformis and associated muscle groups.

Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that leads to compression of the enclosed spinal cord and nerves. Fractures of the spine can also result in unstable vertebral joints and irritation to the spinal nerves.

Treatment Options

Common surgical procedures for these conditions include discectomy, laminectomy, and fusion. In a discectomy, the part of the disc that is stressing the spinal cord or a nerve is removed. Removing or trimming part of the bony structure around the spinal cord (the lamina) is called a laminectomy. This may be done to widen the spinal canal when it has been restricted by stenosis, or to provide access for a discectomy. Spinal fusion fixes vertebrae together using bone grafts and screws or other hardware to prevent any movement between them.

Determining when surgery is appropriate is not always easy. Most incidents of back pain resolve themselves over several weeks. Even cases of severe chronic back pain or sciatica may respond very well to more conservative treatments. Individuals with substantial disc degeneration and/or stenosis can return to an active pain-free life without surgery. Surgeons may have a skewed perspective because their patients who are diagnosed as needing surgery, but who go on to rehabilitate themselves through non-surgical means, are unlikely to report back to the surgeon.

Even when there is clear disc impingement upon a nerve, non-surgical remedies are possible. Experiments have shown that a healthy nerve root (where the nerve exits the spinal cord) can withstand substantial pressure without pain or paresthesia (tingling or burning). When a nerve root is injured, pressure on it can cause loss of feeling, reduced reflexes and eventually reduced strength and motor reflex. However, when a nerve root has a poor blood supply (ischemia), it becomes very sensitive to pressure. So, a healthy nerve root with a good blood supply can tolerate a fair amount of mechanical abuse. But once it has become irritated, swollen, inflamed or otherwise suffered decreased blood flow, it will be much more easily irritated. Therapy should therefore be aimed at reducing mechanical irritation, reducing inflammation, and improving blood perfusion.

"Conservative treatment" is a term that can be applied to anything from pain pills and bed rest to much more aggressive therapy that involves substantial patient participation. The latter requires more commitment but is likely to give better results. The patient can also learn some useful self-care techniques during treatment. Analgesics, muscle-relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs (or herbal formulas) may also have their place in the therapy.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

The muscular, skeletal, neural, vascular and lymph systems of the body all affect one another. A good treatment plan works toward optimizing all of them. When there is pain, as from nerve impingement, a common protective reaction of the body is to tighten up and stabilize the area. Unfortunately, this tightening can exacerbate the problem by putting more pressure on the damaged structures. Also, chronic spasm of the muscles leads to decreased blood infusion (ischemia) and poor lymph movement. The muscles become poorly nourished, and the tissues are not properly cleansed of cellular waste products. A large component of patient's pain can be from this muscular dysfunction, rather than from the direct nerve impingement itself.

Tight muscles, especially when their forces are not well balanced, are intimately involved with skeletal joint dysfunction. The skeletal system, after all, is aligned and controlled by the soft tissues around it (with limits set by the bony structures themselves and by the ligaments that surround the joints). When muscular action on one side of the spine is stronger and tighter than the other, it can significantly change the alignment between the vertebrae, and inhibit the natural smooth gliding at the joint surfaces. Besides nerve irritation (remember that squeezed marshmallow), this can accelerate arthritic changes in the joints.

Nerves are responsible not only for sending pain signals back to the brain, but also for sending motor control signals out to the muscles. Therapy should address the neural components of the problem. Neuromuscular reeducation refers to therapy that aims at normalizing the interaction between muscles and their nerve signals.

Many types of non-surgical therapies are available, and each has its strengths. Chiropractic adjustments can restore normal joint function, and thus release tension and inflammation in surrounding soft tissues. Unfortunately, some people do not respond well to this high-velocity approach, and normal muscular function often does not follow. Skilled massage, physical therapy, yoga, stretching, strengthening and other manual therapies can address the muscular components. Functional and postural habits that exacerbate the condition may need to be relearned. Acupuncture works via several pathways: it can release and balance muscle tensions, moderate nerve signals, decrease inflammation and increase local blood flow to the tissues.

The Benefits of Avoiding Surgery

Results from conservative therapy can be dramatic, but it typically takes weeks or months to effect lasting changes, and a combination of techniques may be needed. The reward for this effort is a reduction or elimination of pain, a better functioning body and more information about how to keep it that way, not to mention the avoidance of surgery, anesthesia, and post-surgical rehabilitation. This can save tens of thousands of dollars, and greatly decreases one's exposure to pharmaceuticals. Even with a course of anti-inflammatory drugs, a patient will be subjected to a much lower pharmaceutical load that when undergoing surgery.

Besides, surgery often fails. The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states that "Patients considering lumbar spine surgery should be informed that the likelihood of having another spine operation later is substantial." A study of 24,882 adults who had low back surgery for degenerative spinal problems in the early 1990's found that about one out of five had another back surgery within 11 years. That's about double the rate for hip or knee replacement. And one should not assume that the rest were living pain free.

Is Good Medicine Driving High Back Surgery Rates?

A study by the University of Washington's Center for Cost and Outcomes Research looked at spinal surgeries in the U.S. and confirmed some disturbing trends. In 2001, approximately 122,000 lumbar fusions were performed, representing a 220% increase from 1990. Were those surgeries more successful than in the past? It seems not. Reoperation rates actually increased during the 1990's, with a cumulative rate of about 12% just three years after the initial surgery.

The Department of Health Services at the University of Washington has noted that there are large variations in back surgery rates across different parts of the country. The Department also found that "The rate of back surgery in the United States was at least 40% higher than in any other country and was more than five times those in England and Scotland. Back surgery rates increased almost linearly with the per capita supply of orthopaedic and neurosurgeons in the country." That sounds more like supply-side economics than evidence-based medicine.

Meanwhile, the New England Journal of Medicine has published a new study of 283 patients with severe sciatica. The participants were randomly selected to have surgery early on, or to have extended conservative treatment and undergo surgery at a later time, if needed. Only 39% of this second group actually ended up having surgery. After one year, the outcomes were similar for those with early surgery and the conservatively treated group, although those receiving early surgery had somewhat faster pain relief and self-perceived recovery rates.

The decision to have surgery for back pain or sciatica due to degenerative conditions will usually be left to the patient. Trauma resulting in fractures, cancer, and other conditions causing back pain may permit fewer options. But for patients who are willing to participate in their own recovery, conservative treatment holds a lot of promise with very low risk. Surgery, after all, will remain an option. They may need to be more proactive in seeking out treatment. Learning stretches and other exercises from a skilled therapist will give them some control over their recovery. A willingness to try appropriate therapies and actively engage in the treatment process can lead to much greater success than simpler treatments involving only rest and drugs. Those who choose such a treatment plan may well be rewarded with a strong, pain-free body, and new knowledge that can help keep it that way.

Natural Joint Pain Relief For Dogs

Canine arthritis is a very painful condition that affects the dog's joints and connective tissues around the joints. Older dogs are more vulnerable to this condition than younger dogs. Even a very healthy dog can be stricken with the dreaded incapacitating disease after healing from a serious injury. It mostly occurs in the neck, hips, shoulders, elbows and back. If you don't want to consider surgery then you can go for natural joint pain relief for dogs so you won't have to break your bank account.

Vitamin C is a natural joint pain relief for dogs. You can incorporate powdered Vitamin C into your dog's daily meal. How does it help? It keeps the tissues healthy and protected against further damage or deterioration. Do not use a plain ascorbic acid because this can upset the stomach. Use a sodium ascorbate or another form of buffered Vitamin C instead. Ask your pharmacist for recommendations. For small dogs, you need 500mg to 1000 mg, for medium to large dogs, 1000mg-2000mg is recommended and for giant dogs, you need 2000mg to 4000mg. If the dog is having diarrhea or loose stools, it means that the dosage is too high for him. Always start at the lowest recommended dosage and slowly increase it twice a year.

Look for supplements that contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These two work well together in lubricating the joints. Studies show that the majority of veterinarians believe in the power of Glucosamine to treat dog arthritis and reduce inflammation.

Another effective joint pain relief for dogs is heat therapy. As we all know, arthritis tends to be more painful during the cold winter months. Keep your dog warm all the time and it will be better if he can sleep on a heated bad. Hot water bottles and hot compresses also help tremendously in relieving joint pain. After the heat therapy, massage your dog for 15 to 20 minutes to aid in blood circulation. Use a medicated massage oil to get the benefits of the massage.

Hip Pain - When to Call the Doctor and Basic Treatment

Oftentimes we know the exact moment when an injury occurs, but this is not always the case. In order to find a treatment that will be successful and relieve your hip pain it is important to know the root cause of the problem. Even if you are positive about what caused the issue it may be a good idea to talk to your primary care physician.

There are some symptoms that should steer you toward a trip to the doctor as soon as possible. If the pain you are experiencing is making it too difficult to walk, get to your doctor. Also, if the pain has been ongoing for more than just a few days or there is swelling, fever, redness or warmth, make an appointment or go to an urgent care facility. Obviously, if there has been any sort of injury that has caused a deformity to the area a doctor should be consulted immediately! You should be able to bend your hip and the inability to do so suggests a need to be addressed, also. Most of these are common-sense reasons to see a physician. However, we often minimize the severity of our injury or pain or put off seeking treatment. Neither of these paths is likely to lead to a successful full recovery.

There are a wide variety of treatments that are used for hip pain. Of course, the treatment will depend on the cause of the pain, another reason to see your doctor! There are some basic treatments that are likely to help in just about any injury situation. Rest is the most common treatment for hip pain and is useful for just about any type of hip problem. For many people this may be the only treatment required and the injury will take care of itself.

If rest is not enough there are some other easy and basic options to try. Ice and heat are an excellent way to address an inflammation problem. The trick is in understanding and knowing which option will work best in your situation. Ice is generally used for injuries that are less than a couple days old and if there is any swelling present. By choosing to apply an ice treatment to an injury quickly you may be able to keep swelling, and therefore some of the pain, to a minimum.

It is best to use heat treatments if it has been advised by your doctor. In general, heat is used for injuries and for pain that is chronic. By heating an area blood flow is increased and the area becomes more relaxed. It is important to be very cautious when using heat to treat an injury. Be very careful not to leave a heating pad on too long or to leave it in place while sleeping. Caution is needed in order to avoid any kind of burn. Oftentimes, simply using a moist hot towel will get the job done.

When in doubt, check it out. Don't be shy and get yourself to a doctor if you have any doubt about how best to alleviate your hip pain. The doctor may be able to advise you on medications or supplements to help you along your way and relive that hip pain once and for all.

Hip MRI

As we get older, one of the first joints that we feel the early signs of discomfort with are the hip joints. Whether we walk, run, or even the way we sit on the couch and stand up, our hips get the brunt of our body weight. If any person above 30 years of age would take a full body scan right now, most of the "damaging" details can be found on the hip area and the rest of the midsection.

Speaking of body scan, most patients with hip problems undergo a full body scan using CT (Computed Tomography) Scan to detect what is causing the pain and injury to their hips, in hoping to find a remedy on how to fix the problem. However, most patients would opt to undergo an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), since partial body scan like such are more affordable and safer, due to CT Scan emitting radiation during the entire process.

Hip MRI are used to assess the internal structure of the hips and hip joints. Doctors initially recommend an X-ray for preliminary diagnosis on hip joint problems. If the report is inconclusive, the physician then needs a further evaluation by ordering the patient to undergo an MRI on the hip, to detect other probable malignancies like tumors, bleeding or swelling.

Hip MRI evaluates your bones, including the upper femur and the pelvic bone nearby; hip cartilage for any fraying, fissures, nerve damages and defects; hip ligaments and tendons for possible undetected injuries; and soft muscle tissues that may have incurred tears, tumors, strains and infections.

During the MRI process, the patient is asked to lie supine on a table, and suggested to stay still for 30 to 60 minutes, as the table is gradually slid into the magnetic tunnel for scanning. Make sure to remove all jewelries, and inform your doctor for any metallic placement in your body, pacemakers, and if pregnant. The entire MRI procedure is painless and easy, although claustrophobic patients may need a medication to sedate and calm them down during the whole "ordeal".

Completion of a hip MRI may lead to either a reconstructive surgery or as a therapeutic treatment to heal the pain. The MRI can also be used for preventive measures to detect early signs of benign tumors or swellings. Doctors may inform the patients of the results after one business day, due to complexed analysis done by the physicians, together with hundreds of calculations captured from the detailed images or slices of the MRI.

After receiving the news, these patients can now be given the next step on how to remedy their ongoing predicament.

Knee Arthritis - Everything You Needed to Know About Osteoarthritis

Knee arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a common type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage of the joints in the knees progressively wears and tears away. It is also called degenerative joint disease.

When an individual has knee arthritis, the cartilage that protects the joints wears away, leaving the bare bone in the joint exposed. Knee arthritis is usually most common in patients that are 50 years of age and above. It is also common in patients that are overweight, in which weight loss is advised to reduce the symptoms that they experience with osteoarthritis.

It has also been proven that knee arthritis is also genetic and runs in the family. Other causes of osteoarthritis include bone fractures, knee trauma, and ligament damage.

As with any other medical condition, the symptoms of knee arthritis tend to worsen as the condition itself worsens. Its symptoms however tend to fluctuate and do not worsen at a steady manner. The most common symptoms include:

Knee stiffness
Pain and discomfort
Limited range in movement
Swelling and soreness
Deformity of the joints

If you have are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to get a physical examination as well as X-rays from your doctor. These tests will help to evaluate the progression of your arthritis.

There are several treatments for osteoarthritis, from simple exercise to possible surgery. It all depends on the severity of the case of the patient. Treatment must be discussed appropriately with your doctor to determine what type of treatment must be used to help relieve osteoarthritis.

Treatments include the following:

Weight Loss - this is the most common treatment prescribed by doctors and is also the most important. This helps greatly because the less weight that is put on the joint, the less pain the individual will feel.

Use of Walking Aids - Patients are usually advised to use a cane or crutches so that less pressure will be put on the damaged joint.

Limiting Activities - When a patient is recovering from arthritis, it is best to limit some activities that contribute to pressure on the knee. Oftentimes, exercise in the water is advised to help lessen the strain on the knee, but still allow the patient to be able to engage in activities.

Physical Therapy - This is especially helpful so that the muscles around the knee joint will be stronger. Also, physical therapy prevents atrophy of the muscles.

Cortisone Injection - This helps in reducing the pain as well as the inflammation that may be present in the damaged joint.

Anti-Inflammatory Medicines - These prescription medications help to alleviate the pain and decrease the inflammation in the joints.

Partial Knee Replacement - This surgical procedure involves replacing one part of the knee and is advised for those only with limited knee arthritis.

Total Knee Replacement - This surgical procedure involves having the whole knee cartilage removed and replaced with an implant that is made of metal and plastic.

What Is TMJ? (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

If you have ever experienced jaw pain then you should be wondering what is TMJ. TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a condition that affects the joints of the jaw and is similar to arthritis in that is causes pain, swelling and mobility issues with the jaw joints. This can be difficult to deal with for obvious reasons and is often difficult to find a treatment for. Because TMJ has no known causes or treatments, you may have to try a variety of things in order to find something that you feel is working for you. The first thing you need to do is meet with your doctor to determine if there is an underlying cause for your TMJ, like another condition or problem. If so, then treating the underlying condition should relieve your TMJ symptoms.

If you speak with your doctor and can't come to any conclusion, then you may need to see a specialist who knows how to work with TMJ patients and can help you get the symptoms under control, while trying to find ways to avoid future symptoms. This can be a frustrating task, but you should try to do what you can to control the pain and mobility issues as they will most likely be the two that affect you the most. If you can find a way to deal with the symptoms, then you will be able to concentrate on what is causing your symptoms in the first place or understand what TMJ really is and where it comes from.

Because there are no apparent causes or treatments for TMJ, it can be difficult to find a way to deal with the symptoms or put a stop to them in an overall way. If you are suffering from some of these symptoms and wondering what is TMJ, then it may be time to talk with your doctor about what you are experiencing and what you can do to feel better fast and find a way to deal with the pain, swelling and other symptoms associated with TMJ.

Multipurpose Hip Replacement Rehab Exercises

A physical therapist working with a patient in hip replacement rehab will introduce the patient to a variety of exercises; exercises that may include both standing and lying flat.  Initially it may seem as if all the exercises introduced are only benefiting the successful movement and use of the hip. However, these exercises your physical therapists introduce are known to help a lot more areas of your body.

Gluteal sets is an exercise that requires an individual to lay flat on their back, preferably on the floor, while squeezing the buttocks for an interval of time before releasing.  The  move is to be performed several times in succession.  Whether starting out slow with just a few reps or digging in to do 10 reps in 4 sets, a person doing this move will appreciate the results. 

This exercise is designed to work 3 muscles at once: the gluteus maximus, medius muscle, and minimus muscle.  These muscles work together and help make everyday situations easier to handle, like climbing stairs and getting up from a seated position.  By mastering this routine, you're doing more than making sure life is easier, you're helping the look of a very prominent part of your body.

Arc quad sets is another exercise you may be introduced to.  You complete this exercise by lying flat on the floor while tightening your thigh muscles and straightening your knee.  This is a power move that strengthens all four muscles that run up the front of your thigh. 

If an individual is introduced to this exercise, they can rest assured that walking, running, or even jumping will be a lot easier to do.  When looking at someone standing sideways wearing a pair of shorts it's, easy to see if there's a defining line from working out; this is one of those moves that can help you achieve that look.

The standing knee raise exercise is as simple as lifting one knee at a time upward towards the chest.  This move can be done standing free or with the assistance of a chair.   The importance of this exercise during hip replacement recovery is that it works vulnerable skeletal muscles that surround the hip joint area.  These skeletal muscles are what keep your hip joints from feeling or remaining stiff. 

Everyday movement often taps into the flexibility of the hip joint and if the joint is in pain, the movement is painfully hard to achieve.  The great thing about working on this activity is that you actually begin to work stomach muscles.  While it may not be the move that can turn a stomach into an instant six-pack, it is one that well help you on your road to achieving it.

Facing your physical therapy appointment with the understanding that your whole body can benefit is one way to make sure that your hip replacement rehab visit is a productive one.

Joint Pain - Help Yourself Prevent It

Joint pain affects hundreds of thousands of people in our country, causing everything from minor twinges and inconvenience to total, crippling disability. The causes vary between individuals, as do treatments, but one thing all sufferers share in common is that they would all feel more comfortable and mobile without it. The major causes of joint pain in our society are osteoarthritis, inflammatory types of arthritis such as rheumatoid or gout, and physical joint injury (which, in the long term often leads to arthritis in the affected joint).

Osteoarthritis is caused by the deterioration and wearing away of the protective cartilage at the bone ends, causing bone to grind against bone, causing actual bone damage, deformation and sometimes inflammation of surrounding soft tissues. This is usually the type of arthritis seen in the elderly, affecting knees, hips, spines and hands most often. It can be totally debilitating with no remissions, and is a frequent reason for hip or knee replacement surgeries.

Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are inflammatory conditions of the joints that cause severe, acute bouts of pain, redness, swelling and joint deformity. The exact causes are not definitely known, but certain bacterial or fungal pathogens and diet are thought to be connected to the conditions. These diseases alternate between flare ups and remissions, with no particular duration for each stage. It is believed that, in rheumatoid arthritis, some type of environmental factor triggers an offbeat reaction in the autoimmune system, causing the system to attack one's own body cells. Over time this type of arthritis will also cause debility and joint fixation.

Injuries result in joint pain for obvious reasons. A very common injury is is a torn meniscus or cartilage in the knee that usually requires removal of the torn piece to prevent it from interfering with movement of the joint. This also leaves a compromised area in the knee with less protection than it should have. Depending on the amount of lost cartilage, intermittent pain with certain moves can cause pain for years or become lifelong. Damaged ligaments, also very common in knees, can result in weakened structure that does not hold the joint together in a stable position. These types of problems create perfect situations for formation of arthritis as years go by.

Protecting our joints is key to preventing or relieving joint pain. The best thing to do is avoiding movements that are not in line with the natural bend of the joint. Makes sense! Antiinflammatory medications are useful in decreasing the inflammation that causes pain, but many have side effects, like causing bowel or stomach ulcerations or increased bleeding, so not everyone can take an adequate amount for very long. Eating a nourishing, well balanced diet for adequate bone, cartilage and ligament production is necessary. Particularly important for this are the nutrients calcium, magnesium, boron, vitamin D and essential fatty acids, found in substantial amounts in dairy products, fish oils, navy beans, tofu, turnip greens, bok choy, tuna and whole wheat flour. Additional supplementation of particular substances such as glucosamine and chondroitin have proven to be highly beneficial at restoration of damaged areas within the joint.

Enzymes, specifically seapeptase and bromelain are also being shown to fight inflammation either by blocking or destroying causative factors, greatly decreasing the pain and damage of arthritis.

Muscle and Joint Pain

The most common cause of joint and muscle pain is a disease called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Most of the patients suffering from SLE experience muscle and joint pains during course of the illness.

The pain is mainly caused by the inflammation of joints and muscles. Sometimes the symptoms resemble that of viral flu, as an acute pain in joints and muscles can make someone feel really sick. The symptoms at times may resemble those of arthritis, as the joints, which have an aching pain also, get swollen and become tender. In some patients the joint pain might not be so acute, but intense muscle inflammation may result in loss of strength.

Sometimes, joint and muscle pains precede SLE. In some extreme cases, a person may feel joint and muscle pain even at rest. Most of the patients suffering from muscle and joint pain are advised by doctors to have the right mix of rest and exercise. They have to be extremely careful while doing any activity, so that they do not put additional stress on already-affected muscles and joints.

Though muscle and joint pain can occur in any part of the body, hips, shoulders and knees are more prone to this ailment. Excess body weight adds to the woes of patients suffering from these pains.

However, SLE is not the only cause of muscle and joint pains. They could be caused by a combination of ailments, such as arthritis and muscle injury. So before one reaches a conclusion about the cause of joint and muscle pain, it is important to consult a doctor.

Muscle and joint pains can be cured when detected at an early stage. In some cases, though, a permanent cure may not be possible. In other cases the patient may have to undergo surgery to replace certain joints. Muscle and joint pain can seriously affect the activity level of any individual. So one should try to avoid it by doing regular exercises, eating a balanced diet and consulting a doctor whenever one feels such pain.

What Relieves Joint Pain and Arthritis? Flaxseed Oil - An Arthritis Treatment

To relieve joint pain, or arthritis your body requires multiple nutrients derived from various sources. The main minerals for joint pain relief are Marine oils, CoQ10, Vitamin E, Organic Flaxseed Oil, Olive oil, borage oil, combined with a daily intake of 12 fruits and 12 vegetables. The vegetables include, parsley, kale, spinach, wheat grass, brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, carrots, and garlic. The fruits included a person's daily diet are plums, cranberry, blueberry, strawberries, blackberries, bilberries, cherries, apricot, papaya, oranges, grapes, and pineapple.

I will now review a product that contains all of these ingredients, so you can determine what is best. A company by the name of Xango discovered this whole food nutritional blend to not only help relief joint pain, but help cardiovascular health, immune health, cognitive health, skin health, prostate health (men), bone and joint health (women), healthy energy levels, healthy stress management, and cell protection. The product is Xango 3Sixty5, it basically contains everything mentioned in the above paragraph. It is easier for the body to absorb these nutrients, because the formula contains the mangosteen rind in a concentrated form, with the 12 fruits, 12 vegetables, and the wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

It is found that some supplements are never absorbed in the body at all, passing through the entire digestive tract. Xango 3Sixty5 is known for its absorption, because of the chelated minerals that increase the body's ability to absorb the ingredients. Chelated minerals have been shown to have better absorption properties than non-chelated minerals, providing you with a better supplement. Taking the capsules with the Xango juice is said to increase absorption. Normally Xango 3Sixty5 is taken every morning, and evening with 1-3oz of Xango Juice, and with 8oz glass of water.

The Marine oils EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids that help with joint pain. These minerals are only made available for the body through consumption of various items such as cold water fish, flaxseed oil, or supplementation. The brain and retina require high levels of DHA, but DHA is normally consumed in very small quantities. However, regardless of consumption patterns, marine oil is very beneficial for support of cardiovascular health, cognitive health, immune, and structural health.

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that produces cellular energy throughout the body. It provides the cells in our bodies to do the basic functions to remain healthy. According to the Mayo Clinic, CoQ10 levels decrease with age, and people with poor health have a low amount of CoQ10.

The Organic Flaxseed Oil helps maintain heart health. It has several other ingredients including omega-3, 6, 9, fatty acids, B-vitamins, fiber, protein, and zinc. The flaxseed helps promote a healthy cardiovascular system, immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and skeletal system.

Lastly, the healthy oils contained in Xango 3Sixty5, such as olive oil, which is a strong antioxidant that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The borage oil contains gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), which maintains structural, respiratory, and skin health.

The Harvard School of Public Health did a study for the longest, where a research program included 110,000 men and women. Their health and dietary habits were followed for 14 years. The study found that the more fruits and vegetables you eat daily, the better your chances for maintaining healthy circulatory system, digestive system, and good vision.

Arthritis Knee Pain - 2 Simple Steps to Stop Arthritis Knee Pain - Without Medication Or Surgery

Arthritis knee pain does not discriminate. It can strike anyone, anywhere and at any age. The awful pain and discomfort caused by arthritis is hard to describe to someone who hasn't experienced it: The stiffness, the burning, the inflammation and swelling, the constant creaking and popping, the pain when you stand and walk - Words are not enough to describe these symptoms. Most sufferers are led to think that this is a condition that they must learn to live with, manage, cope with and adjust to. This is not true. Arthritis knee pain can be dramatically reduced - without medication or surgery.

What Causes Arthritis Knee pain?

In one word - Inflammation. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a wear-and-tear condition that occurs when the cartilage in your knee deteriorates with use and age. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones under it to rub together. The result is inflammation, swelling and pain. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis of the knee- inflammation is caused by the body attacking its own joints.

2 Simple Steps to Stop Arthritis Knee Pain

All forms of arthritis knee pain have one thing in common - Inflammation. To achieve fast and dramatic knee pain relief - you must fight and reduce the inflammation in your knee. As always, the best way to achieve this goal is through natural methods - without addictive medication or surgery.

Step 1 - Stay Active!

Keeping active and losing weight (only if you are overweight of course) are the best ways to prevent and fight arthritis knee pain. We all know that losing weight is not so simple and doesn't happen over night, so let's focus on physical activity that can be started today and even right now.

If you have knee arthritis, the more you walk the more the knee will hurt. In time, running, playing golf or tennis and eventually even walking - may become impossible. But - cutting down on activities will not slow down arthritis and will actually worsen your knee pain in the long term. You must stay as active as your pain will comfortably allow. Take a walk every day, as much as you can bear. This will reduce the stiffness and strengthen the muscles around your knee - allowing them to properly support the knee joint. Stop only when you feel the pain is too much and only then. Do this every day and you will feel the results in a few days.

Step 2 - Fight the Inflammation!

There are natural ways to eliminates arthritic knee pain by reducing joint and cartilage inflammation. The most recommended one a combination of enzymes and herbs that fight the inflammation effectively and fast.

Enzymes - Proteolytic enzymes are created in your body. These enzymes fight the inflammation and repair damage caused by overuse of your joints and aging. They also clean your blood, break down scar tissue and even fight viruses and bacteria. When you pass the age of 25, your body produces dramatically less amount of these enzymes.

Herbs - Boswelia and Bromelain are herbs that have been clinically proven be highly effective in reducing inflammation and pain.

A combination of these enzymes and herbs are a powerful natural treatment so stop arthritis knee pain.

TMJ Pain - One of These Traumas is Often the Cause

TMJ pain often occurs when someone's jaw is misaligned or their bite is off. As a result any one or more of the nerves, muscles or ligaments in and around the temporomandibular joint become tight and strained. Over time this leads to inflammation of these tissues. This is what is known as TMJ disorder or syndrome which can lead to many painful TMJ symptoms. Dental TMJ treatment is widely considered to be a quick, easy and very effective way to get TMJ relief.

The question many patients ask is, "How did I get this problem in the first place?"

There are many possible ways TMJ Pain could have developed. At some point there was a trauma. It was either a macro trauma or a micro trauma.

Macro Trauma

A macro trauma is a major trauma which could be in the form of a fall of some sort. This may have happened either as an adult or it could have even happened as far back as childhood with an event like falling off of a bicycle. In either case the head may have been distorted in some way because of the trauma or bumps may have occurred around the jaw.

Another major source of trauma is being hit. A very common example of this is being involved in an auto accident. Again, this trauma may have happened many years ago but it is still causing pain today stemming from a TMJ problem. When you are hit from behind in an auto accident whiplash can occur. When this happens the head moves forward and backwards aggressively. The head accelerates and decelerates very quickly. As this happens, the muscles and ligaments of the neck can be stretched and start a process that leads to pain in any one of a number of locations throughout the head or body.

Wisdom teeth extraction is another example of a situation where muscles, ligaments or nerves related to the jaw and TMJ could be overly stretched and this can lead to TMJ related pain. This would have occurred when a patients' jaw was stretched open while asleep.

Micro Trauma

A micro trauma is a minor trauma. Examples of this type of trauma is clenching or grinding your teeth. This can occur while awake or even during sleep. In both cases it is common for the person to not be aware they are even doing this. On the surface this seems to be a less severe type of trauma but the real power behind this type of trauma is that it can be constant or nearly constant. It can also occur over the course of many years, often without the person even realizing they are doing this.

As clenching and grinding of the teeth occurs over time, the jaw and body starts to reposition itself. As a result, the surrounding tissues such as nerves, ligaments and muscles become strained and get tighter.

In both types of trauma, as tissues become injured or strained and become tighter, inflammation sets in which in turn is responsible for the pain.

TMJ Symptoms

TMJ pain is felt because of a structural problem. And, it is important to clearly understand that the pain someone feels from a TMJ problem is not limited to only the jaw area. Chronic pain is often not felt at the site where the root cause of the problem is. TMJ problems can be the root cause of jaw pain and lock jaw but it can also be responsible for headaches or migraines, neck pain and even have effects much further away such as with tingling hands or hand numbness.

The opposite can happen too. A problem in the lower back can come all the way up to the TMJ area because when there is a structural problem many areas of the body are connected.

This confuses many patients as well as health care practitioners. As a result, many people needlessly suffer with TMJ pain for years or even a decade or more even though have been to five or ten or more doctors or specialists.

The Surprising Secret To Curing Knee Joint Pain

Location, Location, Location
The knee joint is a hinge joint comprised of the femur above and the tibia below. The knee functions primarily in bending and extending. Yet despite the importance of the knee in our everyday function, the knee joint is significantly impacted by the function and structure of joints above and below; specifically the hip and foot. Weakness and a loss of mobility in the hip as well as flexibility and biomechanical issues of the foot can result in abnormal stress passed on to the knee, causing a variety of knee conditions. The knee in many ways becomes the victim secondary to its location.

Supporting Research
One of the more common types of knee joint pain is patella femoral syndrome which is simply an irritation around the knee cap. For many years, the cause of patella pain had been specifically related to a lack of quad strength. Recent research studies now indicate that the lack of hip strength has a significant impact on knee cap pain. The most common component affecting the knee is a lack of lateral hip strength. Hip abduction strength has been implicated in a number of studies as common issue for those suffering patella related pain. In addition, studies have also found that performing specific lateral hip strength exercises is an effective treatment for patella femoral pain.

In a similar finding, a 2007 study looked at muscle strength associated with knee osteoarthritis. This study, reported in the journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders, found that hip strengthening helped to reduce knee joint stress as well as arthritis knee pain symptoms.

Similar to studies finding an association between knee joint pain and hip strength, studies have also found foot biomechanics can also have an impact on knee pain. Studies indicate that those experiencing patella femoral pain have a greater tendency to also have pes planus, or a flat foot. Although those with anterior knee pain are more likely to have flat feet, research has not found that the presence of flat feet is a predictor as to who may or may not have knee pain.

Why does the Hip and Foot Matter?
The biomechanics of the leg involves a complicated chain of events. Once your foot hits the ground, the position, strength and flexibility of the foot will influence how forces are passed up the leg. In the same vein, the strength and flexibility of the hip will impact how and where those forces are absorbed.

There is a classic pattern that is found in relation to leg biomechanics and knee pain. Frequently a flatter foot allows the tibia or shin bone to rotate inward. If the muscles of the lateral hip are not strong, this shin rotation will result in femur or thigh rotation. This internal rotation between the shin and the thigh creates increased twisting stress on the knee, frequently leading to pain.

What can you do?
As part of your overall treatment program, seek help from a physical therapist who can evaluate the extent of your biomechanical issues as well as the strength and flexibility of your hip. Wearing supportive shoes, using a shoe insert, and doing lateral hip strengthening exercises may be the best way to help you relieve knee joint pain.

Age Related Spinal Arthritis Is No Myth At All

In a lot of magazines written especially for elderly people you can find articles about spinal arthritis that, more often then not, seem to be related to age. Are those articles just made to sell products or is there some truth in that assumption? Well in fact there are a couple of different kind of spinal arthritis types and they have all different names for example osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and arthritis of the facet joints. And the magazines do have a point when they say that spinal arthritis is caused by age.

Spinal arthritis is no life threatening disease but it can be very painful, debilitating and cut into the mobility of many people. And lets be honest, mostly elderly people are struck with the symptoms of these types of arthritis. There are some exceptions because there are younger people who suffer from spinal arthritis although most develop just a mild form. With younger people, spinal arthritis usually begin very mildly and have a tendency to escalate in pain intensity after many years.

What are the symptoms of spinal arthritis?

Almost all kind of arthritis cause symptoms like: - pain

- swelling

- stiffness of the joints

- morning stiffness

- the spinal area can feel numb

- spinal deformity

- feeling of bone on bone rubbing

- reduced mobility

- reduced agility

Causes Of Spinal Arthritis

The most common cause of most types of spinal arthritis are the succumbing of the cartilages of the spine through wear and tear, normal aging an injuries to the bones.

If in the spine the cartilages wear down, this results in friction of the cartilages, pain, swelling, inflammation and loss of motion in that area. Most of the time when the symptoms are focused mainly in the neck and lower back the spinal arthritis is caused by osteoporosis an this kind of arthritis almost always develops when we age. What starts as a mild spinal pain, neck or lower back pain will increase if the fraction between the cartilages also increases this happens because of degeneration of the cartilages. The pain is almost always more severe in the morning and the evening.

A poor diet in combination with spinal arthritis symptoms can make this age related condition worse. Most people are more focused om the health of internal organs but overlook the effects of diet and their general cartilage and bone health. It is a well known fact that an increase of calcium by drinking low fat or skimmed milk or calcium supplements can reduce some symptoms of spinal arthritis.

So watching your diet is a thing we should do when we experience the first symptoms of spinal arthritis It probably will not stop the disease from developing and evolving but it can slow it down.

There also are some amazing arthritis medicine or alternative arthritis pain relief products about which we have published on our website My Rigid Body.

Just remember that all though spinal arthritis is a disease that is related to age it does not mean that you can not suffer from it when your young.

TMJ Natural Cures - Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Exercises

The word TMJ refers to both Temporomandibular Joint and Temporomandibular Joint disorder at the same. Temporomandibular Joint is the region of the between the upper and lower jaw. This region is highly sensitive and gets unsettled very easily by the least tension or pressure. Unfortunately the disorder that usually affects this region does not have a guaranteed cure, but there are many methods of treating this condition. Some of these treatments are prescription based or clinical and some are more natural, holistic cures. The problem with most prescription and clinical treatments is that they do not treat the actual causes of the problem, instead they treat only the symptoms which means that it is very hard to permanently get rid of this problem with these treatments.

So the pain and often teeth grinding returns after sometime and actually it often gets even worse. That is why it makes perfect sense to use TMJ natural cures instead. The most popular natural cure for this condition is the exercises specifically made for this area. These exercises are meant to relieve the tension of muscles around the jaws and set back the jaws in their places.

Here are few examples of such exercises: try opening your jaws and rolling your tongue up to support your upper jaw, at the same time breathe in and out. Do this about ten times, then make a fist and press against your chin while opening your lower jaw. Next presses against your jaw from both sides with one finger each while opening and closing your jaws. There are many such exercises which you can use to relieve this problem. Other good choices among tmj natural cures are to make changes in your sleeping habit. Change your position and switch to more relaxing sleeping positions, back is best. Avoid or lessen the intake of alcohol, tea and coffee and chocolate products.

Insanity Workout Aches and Pains - Should You Continue to Exercise?

Perhaps you have been doing an extended round of P90X and you have a aching shoulder. Or you have been doing the Insanity workout and your knees are sore. Maybe you added running to your routine and feel shin splints coming on.

Is it time to visit the doctor's office or dial it back a notch and keep up the good fight?

There are a few things to consider before you rush off to see the good doctor. Many general doctors do not know a lot about specific sports injuries. Even if you go to a reputable sports doc, he or she will just tell you to stop doing whatever workout program you are involved in. If you want to see the doctor, you may as well save yourself some time and just stop doing your workout until you've fully recovered. Most likely, they will prescribe rest as the solution.

The aches and pains we are talking about are the normal aches and pains that most every person who exercises regularly experiences. There are certain types of pain or injury that should receive medical attention. If you have joint swelling, pain when you rest or sleep, pain that progressively gets worse or bruises that do not heal. Also, if any of your joints feel unstable or lock , you should seek out a good doctor.

Unless you are under the age of 25, the Insanity workout is going to cause a few aches and pains and it's expected. After a week that has several Insanity Plyometric workouts, my knees ache. By following the 60 day workout schedule, I move on to different workouts and my knees get a chance to recover and the pain goes away. As long as you know your body and know how you typically recover, you should be ok. When your body is not recovering as it normally does, you should see a specialist.

The typical sports injury involves pain or soreness in muscles or tendons and there is little doctors can prescribe for treatment and nothing that will make them heal faster. Ibuprofen and rest is the usual prescription or cortisone shots for pain which can actually make the healing period longer.

If you are feeling aches and pains from your P90X or Insanity Workout, understand that it is normal and expect to get sore from these high intensity workouts. Usually the workouts vary enough to give over worked muscles a break long enough to recover. In the fifth week of Insanity, you get a much need recovery week which allows you to recharge and hit the second month hard again.

If you do feel like you are not getting enough recovery time, go back to the recovery workout DVDs for a few days until the soreness has passed.

Practicing these sensible guidelines and learning how your body recovers is key to getting through the Insanity or P90X workout successfully. Most experienced athletes know their bodies and know how their body responds to injury. If your body is responding normally, you can avoid a visit to the doctors office.

How to Prevent Neck Popping

Osteoarthritis of the upper spine known as cervical spondylosis includes symptoms like neck popping and neck pain. This degenerative disease is usually seen in those above the age of fifty or those who have been involved in doing some kind of strenuous physical activity for many years as a part of their work life. Neck popping may also develop when the cartilage between the vertebrae starts to degenerate and the spaces between the vertebrae narrow due to aging.

Bony outgrowth called osteophytes may form on the vertebrae restricting movements of the head and causing stiffness. As a result the movements of the neck are restricted as even a slight movement causes a creaking popping neck sensation.

When you sleep in an awkward position, the twisting of the head causes it to be held in an abnormal position leading to pain in the neck. This pain is caused by the spasms in the neck muscles. Take care to see that your pillow supports your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine. An overstuffed pillow or too many pillows may push your head far too forward; a pillow that is too limp or flimsy may tip your head back. So, it is always better to choose a good pillow to prevent neck popping.

Most people spend six to eight hours in bed every day. Therefore appropriate support from a good pillow is required to ensure good neck support and to provide adequate rest to the muscles in the neck. When you are asleep try to avoid lying on your front with the neck twisted to one side. All these steps can go a long way in preventing neck popping.

When you make sudden movements of your head the bone presses against the nerves in the neck causing pain and neck popping. Medical practitioners may arrange special tests to assess the nature of the degeneration and start treatment using pain killers, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and heat packs to relieve pain.

A good sitting posture is very important to ensure the health of your neck and to avoid neck popping if you have to sit for long hours at a desk or in the front of a computer during working hours. You can also reduce the incidence of neck popping if you strengthen the muscles of your neck by doing some neck stretches, shoulder rolls, neck rolls etc. to loosen up your upper spine.

Knee Strengthening Exercises Can Help You Combat Joint Inflammation, Pain, And Stiffness

If you suffer with joint pain, say in your knees for example, you are one of millions of others around the world who go through the same thing every single day. Arthritis affects more than seventy million people in the United States alone.

Contrary to popular belief arthritis is not just the bane of the elderly.

What causes this problem?

For many people a lack of exercise is one of the main reasons why their bones and joints are painful and stiff. Our skeletal system needs to be exercised. If exercise is neglected problems are going to arise, and not only with regards to our bones.

When the joints are sore and swollen immobility naturally occurs. We want to protect the affected area, afraid to do anything that might cause the pain and swelling to intensify. However, immobility is probably one of the reasons why the problem has occurred in the first place.

Another primary cause is a diet that is not nutritionally sound. When the diet is lacking the body will suffer in a multitude of ways. In order to function properly the human body has nutritional requirements that need to be met. When these are neglected issues arise. It really comes down to cause and effect.

What can be done?

First of all you need to know that you do not have to resign yourself to the idea of a life of joint pain. There are things you can do to alleviate the problem. For instance, if you suffer with knee pain you need to do knee exercises. Certain knee exercises will greatly help to reduce swelling and pain and increase mobility. And the good news is that it is never too late to start.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements, such as those that contain New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Powder are known to greatly benefit those suffering with joint pain. The green lipped mussel is a complete food that reduces inflammation in the joints. Coupled with vitamins, minerals, and other essential ingredients, these supplements can go a long way in helping you enjoy a more active and healthier life.

Why choose a natural supplement?

You might wonder why you should choose a natural supplement over a conventional medicinal one. While certain prescription drugs are very beneficial, natural remedies are safe and can be used in conjunction with other medications. They will not produce a range of unpleasant side effects. Also, unlike conventional medications, they will not cause complications in other areas of the body.

"Choose supplements and knee strengthening exercises to help you live a life free of joint pain and inflammation".

The Role of Diet and Exercise in a TMJ Treatment

Most people suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome held a common misconception that a TMJ treatment alone can relieve them of jaw pains and, ultimately, of the TMJ syndrome.

Since a TMJ syndrome is closely connected to other disorders such as plugged ears, neck pain, and fibromyalgia, addressing the syndrome by a TMJ treatment alone would not suffice. This is where the role of diet and exercise comes in.

Diet and exercise, in fact, figure significantly in any physical treatments that patients undergo. Diet can affect the pain associated with TMJ. Among the popular diet changes people incorporate in their TMJ treatment is the avoidance of foods with sugar, yeast and preservatives, cutting back on wheat and dairy, and eating more red meat for iron, zinc and vitamin B12.

Other than the content of your diet, dentists specializing in TMJ treatment also advise their patients to check the consistency of the food they eat on a regular basis. Softer foods are preferred over hard ones since overworking the jaw can add to the pain. Chewing gum and other chewy edibles such as candies should also be avoided to avoid stressing the jaw.

Besides watching your diet, there are also exercises designed for people suffering from TMJ. While diet and exercise alone cannot solve all TMJ-related problems, having them as a supplement to your TMJ treatment can expedite healing. In some serious case, it is advisable to seek the help of an expert apart from doing these exercises.

Most of these exercises can be performed at home. It would be wise to follow a strict TMJ exercise plan and take down notes for monitoring and evaluation purposes. The notes are also helpful during your visits to the dental clinic. You can readily answer questions related to your condition thereby helping your doctor find the appropriate treatment.

In doing TMJ exercises, make sure you place a mirror in front of you. Open and close your mouth slowly. When you have TMJ, you can easily notice that your jaw is not aligned. Repeat the opening and closing of your mouth for ten times to help the jaw re-learn how to open and closely correctly. Make repeated attempts at opening your mouth correctly.

To alleviate muscle pain due to TMJ, a different set of exercise is suggested. First, while facing a mirror, slowly open your mouth as wide as you can. Slowly close it. Repeat the opening and closing procedure. Repeating this step for at least 3 times a day can help you relieve your muscle pain.

If your jaw continues to click, close your mouth and move your tongue back then slowly open your mouth until your tongue moves away. Repeat this step twice. If you jaw shifts sideways, slowly open and close your mouth without shifting to the side. Repeat this step five times. If you want to ease the tension in your jaw, open your mouth downward and slowly close it.

What Causes Arthritis Knee Pain?

Arthritis is a disease which causes pain and damage to the body's joints. Any joint can be affected, and all will cause different quality of life issues. One of the problems that affects many sufferers is arthritis knee pain. There are different causes for this pain depending on the type of arthritis that you have.

The knee is made up of three bones. It is located where the bottom of the femur and the top of the tibia meet. It is protected in the front by a bone known as the patella, or kneecap. There are a number of tendons and ligaments which hold the bones in the proper alignment and allow the bones to hinge properly. There is also cartilage which is located on the bones and under the kneecap that cushions the joint and prevents damage to the leg bones. A tissue pad called the meniscus also helps cushion the joint.

In osteoarthritis, knee pain is a result of the break down in cartilage. The ends of the bones become rough and jagged in later stages of the disease, and knee damage and pain can result. Osteoarthritis is normally a disease which affects older people but younger people who have injured their joints may also experience the symptoms of osteoarthritis. With rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the joints and can destroy cartilage. There is inflammation, heat and swelling in addition to joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of any age, which makes it different than osteoarthritis.

There are a few different ways that you can treat knee pain that comes from arthritis. There are anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin that are designed to support and repair cartilage. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, there are oral medications which are designed to modify the way the disease is affecting you. They include methotrexate. Gold therapy is also used although this is much less common now that safer drug alternatives have been discovered.

If you are suffering from pain in your knees, you should check with your doctor to make sure that there are no untreated injuries. This can include torn cartilage, damaged ligaments, or even a dislocated kneecap. Surgery can correct these. If your joints are severely damaged by arthritis, you may need to have the joint surgically replaced.

Other non medical means of treatment can include heat wraps and arthritis creams. These can soothe sore joints and provide some relief. Remember that you should never heat a joint that has been affected by rheumatoid arthritis. You want to calm the heat that is in the joint, not add to it. You also want to make sure you are continuing to use the joint since letting it become immobile will not help and you will end up with more severe problems down the road. Arthritis websites or a rheumatologist can help you establish a safe and effective exercise routine.

Knee pain can be one of the most difficult aspects of arthritis to deal with. You use your knees for so much in your life that having pain can cause problems in your every day routines. Knowing what your treatment options are can help you get on with your life and stay as normal as possible.

Do You Suffer From Burning Arthritis Hip Pain?

Why Is Cetylmyristoleate So Effective On Pain?

Many of us who suffer from chronic joint pain are constantly asking ourselves, what can we do to feel better? We're looking to live our lives with much less pain and to be able to move around freely and to just have peace of mind when it comes to our physical well being.

Some of us can't remember the last time we just sat under a tree; listening to the birds chirp; while being Pain Free!(at the same time)-- We DO tend to get use to living with the pain. But that is by choice. Because you really don't have to live with the awful joint pain of Arthritis!

I just recently re- discovered an anti-inflammatory/joint pain reliever that I first used 10 years ago (On the suggestion of my brother) that totally obliterated an excruciating case of burning arthritis hip pain I had been suffering for 6 months straight with no let up in pain.

Its scientific name is cetylmyristoleate, ( also known as CMO)

and it really has no rival in its ability to wipe out joint pain! In fact, nowadays--it sits atop the throne as king of the joint pain anti-inflammatories. (Check out cetylmyristoleate/Wikipedia)

Although CMO is well received in the inner circles, it is not all that well known to the general public, not like Glucosamine and Chondroitin. But I feel that once word gets out that this joint pain system is so safe, yet so much more effective than anything else on the market, that it'll soon be "the peoples choice" in joint pain care.

Cetylmyristoleate (CMO) is an all natural-very pure waxy type of ester that is modified to be taken orally. There are no harsh chemicals in it nor any type of harmful drugs. It is basically a fatty acid.

When CMO "rolls up its sleeves" and goes to work, it attacks the true source of your pain and inflammation by traveling directly into your joints. Assuming you are suffering from your burning hip pain, for example, the ester substance of the CMO forms a creamy/waxy flow that is able to "ooze" into the joints and lubricate all the joints of your body enough to give you pain relief and mobility with an extended range of motion.

And remember earlier, I mentioned that I had "re-discovered" CMO ten years ago after getting a referral from my twin brother. Well...it turns out, I only used it for 4 days! --That's it!

Never used it again! Never even thought about it again until my brother reminded me of it again the other day.

If you've tried some of the other reputable joint pain supplements on the market and you're still experiencing pain and mobility issues you might want to consider adding cetylmyristoleate to your joint pain relief "weaponry." Hey-- it worked for me....there's a pretty good chance it'll give you the pain relief you've been looking for as well!

Snapping Hip Syndrome: Causes and Treatments

If you hear a snap in your hip when you walk, stand up or swing your leg, you may have snapping hip syndrome. Though the sound often causes concern, it is generally not a condition that requires treatment. It is most commonly found in dancers and other athletes.

Snapping hip usually occurs when a tendon moves across a bony structure. This can occur on the outside or inside of the hip. On the outside, it occurs when the iliotibial (IT) band snaps across the greater trochanter, the top of the thigh bone that sticks out. When snapping occurs on the inside of the hip near the groin, it is likely caused by the iliopsoas tendon snapping across bones of the pelvis. This tendon stretches from the inner thigh to the pelvis.

Is the snapping a cause for concern? The medical community says no, unless it is associated with pain. Pain can occur when the tendons and surrounding muscles are tight. The IT band is more prone to snap across the greater trochanter if the band is tight. The IT band can become tight when the gluteus medius muscle, an important hip stabilizer, is weak; this can lead the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle to compensate for the gluteus medius and to become tight from overuse. The TFL connects to the IT band; when the muscle is tight, it pulls on the IT band and causes it to tighten as well. Since the IT band runs from the hip to the knee on the outside of the thigh, tightness of this structure can cause pain at the hip and the knee as well as altered body mechanics. See http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/8278950/itb-stretches-iliotibial-band-stretch-physioad.htm for information on stretching the TFL and IT band. The glute muscle should be strengthened as well to correct the imbalance.

The iliopsoas tendon may snap over the bones of the pelvis if the psoas muscle to which it attaches is tight. Psoas muscles are commonly tight in the general population. They are hip flexors, which means they work to bring the lower and upper body together. Since they are held in a shortened position when sitting and sitting is a regular part of many people's day, tight psoas muscles are not uncommon. They may be especially tight in runners and cyclists, who use the muscles frequently. A tight psoas pulls up on the iliopsoas tendon, possibly causing it to snap across bones when the hip moves. See http://www.floota.com/PsoasStretch1.html to learn 2 hip flexor stretches. You may also need to use a foam roller to lengthen tight psoas muscles.

Bursitis occurs when a bursa is inflamed. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that lay between bones and muscles or tendons; the bursa helps these structures glide over one another without experiencing friction. There are bursae between the greater trochanters and the IT bands and between the front of the hip joint and the psoas muscle. When structures are tight and inflamed, they can rub against the bursae and cause them to become inflamed. An inflamed bursa fills with extra fluid and causes pain whenever a structure moves across it. It is generally tender to the touch as well. If you experience pain with snapping hip syndrome, bursitis may be involved.

Diagnosing the cause of snapping hip syndrome may be difficult. A doctor or physical therapist can move your leg in such a way as to recreate the snapping in an attempt to isolate the relevant structures involved. Exercise therapy should be sufficient to treat muscular causes of snapping hip syndrome. Rarely, snapping hip can be caused by torn or broken pieces of cartilage or bone inside the joint. This may require steroid injections or surgery.

While the medical community generally dismisses cases of snapping hip syndrome that aren't accompanied by pain, it is good for you to know that the sound you hear could indicate muscle tension that, eventually, could result in pain. Incorporating some stretches or foam rolling into your exercise routine may be sufficient to relieve the annoying snap you hear when you move your hip.

How Arthritis Cream Can Help You Feel Better

If you suffer from arthritis, chances are that you want to find targeted pain relief. Affected joints can throb and ache especially in weather that is cold or damp. Arthritis cream can be a great way to bring about temporary relief. Because arthritis cream uses medicinal ingredients to provide relief it is important to know about them so that you can avoid drug interactions or allergic reactions.

Arthritis cream is often divided into hot creams and cooling creams. This can be great since different types of arthritis need different care regimens and using the wrong product can make your condition worse.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, there can be heat and swelling in the joints. This is because the body's immune system is attacking the joints and there can be a lot of inflammation. It is this swelling and inflammation that can lead to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers need to be careful of creams which cause the skin or tissues to heat up. This is because added heat can actually harm joints more.

Osteoarthritis does not cause the same heat and inflammation. This is because osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown in cartilage. Osteoarthritis usually develops as a result of repeated joint use or advanced age although some athletes may develop arthritis in their joints at an earlier age. Joints may feel better as a result of using creams which heat the joints.

Cooling arthritis creams may use salicylate, a drug related to Aspirin to bring on relief from pain and stiffness. People allergic to aspirin should be careful since the drug can be absorbed through the skin.

Arthritis creams which heat the skin and the joints can be a great relief to people suffering from arthritis. They often used capsaicin, the ingredient which gives chillies their heat, to warm tissues and ease pain.

Heating and cooling creams can help in other ways as well. In order to apply the creams they must be rubbed into the skin. This is true whether it is a cream that is squeezed from a tube or put on with the use of a rolling applicator. When anything is massaged into tissues, there is a therapeutic effect. This is because massage will cause increased blood flow to an area which can help to make those body parts feel much better.

Arthritis sufferers who are on specific drug therapies should always make sure to talk to their doctor or a pharmacist before adding any medicines or products to their care regimen. This is because the skin can absorb medications and you want to make sure that there will not be any bad reactions between your cream and the other medications you are using. Finding a way to ease your pain and discomfort can be a valuable tool to managing your disease.

Back Pain Relief - 7 Simple Tips to Save Your Back While Sitting - Ergonomic Too! - Nurse's Guide

If you're looking for some simple tips to help save your back, hips and joints or get back pain relief, assuming you do a lot of sitting all day at work or at home on your computer, these are some of my favorite tips.

Oftentimes it isn't a better ergonomic chair that's needed but the fact that most of us are slouched forward with our earlobes in front of our shoulders. Then we sit that way for hours, hardly moving. So first of all check your posture and make sure you keep your head and neck back using your earlobes as a guide.

Good posture will also give your lungs room to breathe properly from your abdomen and help your voice and speech too.

Sitting for prolonged times like this, no matter what your age, can cause blood clots and hip, joint and back pain which is the leading cause of disability in people under the age of 45!

Sitting is the worst possible thing you can do for your back and puts a lot of stress on the spine and slouching makes it worse. So make sure to stand up every ten or fifteen minutes or so and clasp your hands behind you. Walking around for a few moments is even better. You want to keep from hunching into a C shape.

The disks that absorb the shock between our vertebrae need nutrients because they have no blood or nerve supply. They depend on movement for nourishment. So keep moving as much as you can.

Make sure your chair is not too low. This is one of the reasons people get back pain and are not aware that their chair is positioned too low. Consider buying an ergonomic chair or better ergonomic chair. Beware of those labeled ergonomical that aren't.

When you're on the phone try standing up instead of sitting at your desk or on the couch at home. You can also tighten your abs and lean back keeping your earlobes in check.

Some people use a treadmill desk and walk at about 2 miles an hour or so.

Get a lumbar roll. These are inexpensive and available at medical supply houses. You can put them behind you in the natural curve of your back to help keep your spine in the proper positioning.

You can set reminders to stand up every 15 minutes or so with timers, post-it notes or Outlook reminders.

Using these tips will help you avoid back pain and serious problems. If you're suffering now with pain and need relief, make sure you do these every day and work on your posture whether standing or walking. Try building up your back muscles at the gym or health club - I especially like the lat pull-down and seated row to keep my back healthy and ward off pain. Give these tips a try and avoid back, hip and joint pain like I do. There are a lot more tips and secrets you can use to help you get back pain relief or avoid it like I do - too many to mention in this article.

Natural Treatment For Teeth Jaw Clenching

Natural treatment for teeth jaw clenching is out there! You may have just found out that you have a teeth clenching problem, or you may just be fed up with the ineffective treatments offered to you by doctors and dentists. I want to help you find the best method available to find relief.

Is it common?

Over one million people worldwide suffer from this condition. Many of them do not even know that they suffer from teeth clenching. Those suffering the most damage are those that grind their teeth during sleep.

Mouth Guards

Dentists and professionals will usually tell you to wear a mouth guard if you have a problem of clenching your teeth at night. Although mouth guards may protect your teeth from severe wear, mouth guards provide little to no protection for your jaw and the immense pressure that is common with bruxism.

Effects of nighttime teeth clenching

Nighttime teeth grinding can cause a whole host of problems including cracked teeth, migraines, neck pain, facial pain, teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, jaw pain, and TMJ. The constant grinding can also cause worn teeth enamel.

Natural methods

Teeth grinding and clenching can be treated effectively with many different natural methods. These include changes in diet, sleep environment, simple daily exercises, chiropractic care, stress relief, hypnosis, etc.

The best method in dealing with any medical issue is a multi-dimensional approach. Several changes in your life can bring about immense relief from teeth grinding and even eliminate the problem altogether.There is effective natural treatment for teeth jaw clenching available to you.