Monday, November 11, 2013

Causes and Treatment of Right Shoulder Pain


Pain in the right shoulder could be from several factors. If you have right shoulder pain, seek out your primary care provider for a diagnosis, and treatment options. Indications of right shoulder pain vary in relation to the exact spot where the injury or disease occurred.

Three joints and three bones make up the shoulder region: the humerus (upper arm), collarbone and scapula (shoulder blade). A group of muscles and related tendons called the rotator cuff, attach to the shoulder joint. In addition to the ligaments, tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint and bones, there are small fluid-filled sacs that give people smooth muscle movement. These sacs are called bursa.

Shoulder pain can be caused by any of these structures. Trauma, overuse, or infection can cause inflammation of the bursa or bursitis. A painful inflammation of the joints, widely known as arthritis, can be caused by osteoarthritis (depreciation). Arthritis can also be caused by a reaction from the body's immune system that results in inflammation. Strains or sprains to the muscles and tendons around the rotator cuff are the cause of rotator cuff syndrome. A tear in the tendons can also be the cause of rotator cuff syndrome. An intense pain in the shoulder can also be caused by a break or dislocation.

Specifically to the right shoulder, there may be other reasons which are not linked to the shoulder itself could give rise pain to the right shoulder. Cited pain, or pain giving symptoms in different body region or organ, could come out as pain in the right shoulder part.An heated gallbladder or gallstones penetrating the canals could cause pain under the right shoulder blade. Liver disease or duodenal (small intestine) ulcer may also leads right shoulder pain.

If you get shoulder pain, you ought to look for assistance from a medical professional if home care remedies do not relieve the pain, if you have sustained an injury or if you have intense pain. To commence the assessment of the problem, a physical examination will be done.

The range of movement of arm and shoulder must be checked to find out if any certain position or motion causes any pain or to see if the shoulder is not able to move. The shoulder will be examined for areas of weakness, tenderness, deformity, or muscle wasting. Depending on physical exam determinations, more testing might be conducted.

A variety of diagnostic tests may be performed to assess the damage to the shoulder. X-rays can show fractures, breaks and other abnormalities of the bones in the shoulder. Imagining tests such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computerized tomography) scan allow doctors to see the soft tissues of the shoulder joint, as well as the bones. Nerve damage may be found through an electromyogram (EMG) test. Sometimes right shoulder pain is the result of referred pain. Doctors will check out other body systems as well.

After you have found the reason for your shoulder pain, you and your medical professional can discuss the appropriate treatment options. Pain that involved the shoulder itself will be addressed directly. Most often you will find that you can treat your shoulder pain with non-invasive treatment methods.

Non-surgical treatment comprises of rest from exasperating activities or use of a sling to sustain the shoulder; easy exercise or physiotherapy to improve muscle strength and flexibility; medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to alleviate inflammation and pain; or even a corticosteroid injection into the painful region to lessen inflammation.

Surgery may be required to treat some conditions that manifest themselves through shoulder pain. Arthroscopic surgery is one type of procedure that is commonly used. This type of surgery uses very small incisions and tiny instruments to diagnose problems that may not be picked up through routine testing. There are other situations, however, in which conventional open surgery may be needed to end shoulder pain.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

25 Health Benefits of Cinnamon - A Miraculous Spice


Cinnamon is one of the world's oldest known spices. The tree is native to Sri Lanka where it was found thousands of years ago. It is the best spice available in terms of its nutrition and health. It contains unique healthy and healing property comes from the active components in the essential oils found in its bark. Cinnamon has extremely high anti-oxidant activity due to which it has numerous health benefits. Aside from being used as a medicine by other cultures since ancient times, the health benefits may also come from eating it which can be listed as follows:

1. Lowers Cholesterol:
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included in a daily diet can lower cholesterol.
Also Cinnamon may significantly lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood) and total cholesterol.

2. Reduces blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes:
Several studies have shown improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control by taking as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day. Improving insulin resistance can help in weight control as well as decreasing the risk for heart disease.

3. Heart Disease:
Cinnamon strengthens the cardiovascular system thereby shielding the body from heart related disorders. It is believed that the calcium and fiber present in cinnamon provides protection against heart diseases.

Including a little cinnamon in the food helps those suffering from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.

4. Fights Cancer :
A study released by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Besides, the combination of calcium and fiber found in Cinnamon can help to remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells, thus prevents colon cancer.

5. Tooth decay and mouth freshener:
Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat toothache and fight bad breath. Small pieces of cinnamon can be chewed, or gargled with cinnamon water which serves as a good mouth freshener.

6. Cures Respiratory Problems:
Cinnamon is very useful home remedy for common or severe colds. A person suffering should take one tablespoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.

Cinnamon also found to cure flu, influenza, sore throat and congestion.

7. Brain Tonic:
Cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain and hence acts as a good brain tonic. It helps in removing nervous tension and memory loss.

Also, studies have shown that smelling cinnamon may boost cognitive function, memory, performance of certain tasks and increases one's alertness and concentration.
8. Infections:
Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties, it is effective on external as well as internal infections. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

9. Eases menstruation cycles:
Cinnamon has also been found useful for women's health as it helps in providing relief from menstrual cramping and other feminine discomforts.

10. Birth Control:
Cinnamon also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays menstruation and thus helps in avoiding conception.

11. Breastfeeding:
It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.

12. Reduces Arthritis Pain:
Cinnamon spice contains anti-inflammatory compounds which can be useful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

A study conducted at Copenhagen University, where patients were given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month

13. Digestive Tonic:
Cinnamon should be added to most recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. It is very helpful in removing gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity, diarrhea and morning sickness. It is often referred to as a digestive tonic.

14. Reduces Urinary tract infections:
People who eat cinnamon on a regular basis report a lower incidence of urinary tract infections. Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in secretion and discharge of urine.

15. Anti clotting Actions:
A compound found in Cinnamon called as cinnamaldehyde has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets. [Platelets are constituents of blood that are meant to clump together under emergency circumstances (like physical injury) as a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, they can make the blood flow inadequate if they clump together too much]. The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets.

16. Natural Food Preserver:
When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

17. Headaches and migraine:
Headache due to the exposure to cold wind is readily cured by applying a thin paste of powdered cinnamon mixed in water on the temples & forehead.

18. Pimples and Blackheads:
Cinnamon helps in removing blood impurities. Therefore it is often recommended for pimples.

Also external application of paste of cinnamon powder with a few drops of fresh lemon juice over pimples & black heads would give beneficial result.

19. Thinning of the blood and improves blood circulation:
Cinnamon is a blood thinning agent which also acts to increase circulation. This blood circulation helps significantly in removing pain. Good blood circulation also ensures oxygen supply to the body cells leading to higher metabolic activity. You significantly reduce the chance of getting a heart attack by regularly consuming cinnamon.

20. Toning of tissues:
Considerable anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that cinnamon may have the ability to tone and constrict tissues in the body.

21. Muscle and joint pain relief:
Those who eat cinnamon on a regular basis often report that their muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness, is reduced or even eliminated.

22. Immune System:
Honey and cinnamon paste is good for boosting the immune system, removing regular fatigue and increasing the longevity of an individual. It is also known to have anti-aging properties.

23. Itching:
Paste of honey and cinnamon is often used to treat insect bites.

24. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

25. Healing: Cinnamon helps in stopping bleeding. Therefore it facilitates the healing process.

Indeed, cinnamon has several health benefits as highlighted above that can be used to improve one's health and boost one's immune system. This is a great reason to keep some cinnamon around. Sprinkle it in your tea or coffee, over oatmeal or a sweet potato and, this will do wonders to your health.

[However, there's a word of warning to be taken that over dosage of cinnamon may be unwise. Also it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Also, people who have been prescribed medication to manage their blood sugar should not reduce or discontinue their dose and take cinnamon instead, especially without consulting your doctor.]

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Wear and Tear Degenerative Arthritis


Osteoarthritis is a condition of the joints that occurs in any number of locations, but is commonly found in the knee. The most common symptom is pain and stiffness of the affected joint. As humans age, more cartilage is lost than formed, and pain may result after a certain amount of cartilage is lost.

The pain can be magnified first thing in the morning and later in the evening. In very serious cases of osteoarthritis of the knee, the total loss of cartilage can result in bone-on-bone friction that causes severe pain and limited mobility. Symptoms are different for every person, but it is common for people to not have any physical pain from osteoarthritis in the knee for years.

One of the main causes of osteoarthritis in the knee is being overweight or obese. The extra weight causes the knees to experience undue stress because they are constantly forced to support a weight that is too heavy. The disease can also be caused by repeated injuries or surgeries.

Over time, the knee experiences degenerative cartilage damage that can cause the knee to become bent inward or outward. This bowlegged curvature can eventually cause people to limp or have limited walking ability, and often leads to the need for a total knee replacement.

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee is commonly diagnosed with a simple x-ray. The x-ray can identify loss of cartilage, bone spurs, and the narrowing of joint space. The method is also used to exclude causes of pain and help with the creation of a treatment plan.

Arthrocentesis involves removing fluid from the joint. The fluid is then analyzed to exclude infections, gout and other causes of arthritis. Often times, corticosteroids are injected into the knee joints to relieve pain and inflammation.

Arthroscopy is a surgery that is used to detect knee damage and other abnormalities. In some cases, arthroscopy can be an effective way to repair knee damage caused by osteoarthritis in the knee.

Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee

There are several treatment options for osteoarthritis of the knee. They range from commonly used mainstream supplements such as glucosamine and pain medication, to prescription drugs, weight loss and exercise regimens, and surgery.

It is important to see a doctor to properly diagnose osteoarthritis and create a treatment plan moving forward. In any case, signs and symptoms like those discussed above should never be ignored. Left untreated, the pain can get worse and cause serious damage. Talk with your health care provider today.

What You Should Know About Canine Arthritis


As is generally the case with humans, dogs also develop certain health issues as they ages. As a dog owner you should pay special attention to your dog as he ages to catch conditions as they begin to develop, early detection increases the chance of successful treatment. You may find your dog begins to slow down and become less active than he used to be, many dog owners dismiss this as being simply age related, but sometimes a more serious cause may be at play.

Sometimes decreased physical activity can be linked to something more ominous than just getting older; it can be an indication of arthritis. Although some breeds are more disposed to developing arthritis, it is a condition that can afflict all dogs.

There are different arthritic diseases that can afflict dogs such as rheumatoid arthritis. This is a very painful and immune related disease that affects the dog's joints causing swelling and lameness and is more common in small breed dogs. Lyme disease is an infectious bacterial disease that can lead to arthritis in dogs but as most dogs are vaccinated, this form of arthritis is less common. The most common form of canine arthritis is degenerative osteoarthritis. This condition results from the erosion of bone cartilage causing the bone to become exposed. When the bone is exposed in this way inflammation results which causes the dog a great deal of pain.

Because usually hide any feelings of pain, the symptoms may be subtle but if your dog has an altered gait as he tries to bear his weight on unaffected limbs or is reluctant to move around as much as before or falls into an exhausted heap after a little physical activity, these could all be signs your dog is suffering from degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. Climbing stairs becomes a difficult task and jumping on or off a sofa becomes an ordeal for your dog. Some dogs will lick at painful areas while others will seek warm and soft places to lie down in.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from osteoarthritis you shouldn't postpone taking him to the vet. This is an extremely painful and debilitating condition and you should try to relieve your dog's pain as soon as possible. While there is no cure for arthritis, you can help make your pet feel more comfortable and improve his quality of life.

Your veterinarian should be able to recommend certain foods and medications that contain anti-inflammatory properties. Some herbs such as devil's claw and boswellia seem to help with this condition. Your vet should also test your dog for any allergies he may have as allergies can greatly aggravate osteoarthritis. Your dog shouldn't be allowed to become overweight so as not to add more pressure on weakened limbs.

Some dogs suffering from osteoarthritis may lose their appetites so make sure your dog is eating and drinking properly so as not to lose condition. Getting your dog a supportive bed will greatly help him by making him more comfortable. Always take some time to research potential health issues your dog may develop as he ages so you are best prepared to deal with them should they occur.

Changing Your Diet Can Help Inflamed Joints


If you suffer from inflamed joints, you may have tried many times to reduce the pain and treat the problem only to be disappointed that the drugs you are taking are not working. If you are one of those people who have not succeeded in finding the right treatment and medication for your joint problems, chances are you have already tried most prescription drugs that are on the market.

However, instead of feeling that there is no hope how would you feel if I told you that there are many natural solutions that will not only give relief from painful joints. But they will actually be beneficial to your overall health too. What exactly causes inflamed joints you might wonder? There can be many causes - from an unhealthy lifestyle, diet, injuries, arthritis and more. If you want to alleviate the pain caused by arthritis, changing your diet into a healthier one is essential. After all, the foods you eat can have an enormous effect on your joints.

We will begin by listing foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. Basically, you want to consume foods that can really help reduce the inflammation in your joints. When there is less inflammation, there will be less pain. It is that simple. Some foods that are known to have good anti-inflammatory properties include olive oil, leafy greens, broccoli, blueberries and cherries. You can even spice it up a bit by eating turmeric, a wonder food that can fight inflammation of the joints.

The most effective food solution can be found in foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 can be naturally found in cold water fresh fish and mussels. They help increase the production of enzymes that play a key role in building and maintaining cartilage tissue in your joints. These significantly reduce inflammation and effectively act as a pain reliever.

Therefore, eating more fresh fish like tuna, cod, trout, salmon and hoki can really help deal with your joint pain. Hoki is a fish common to the southern oceans of New Zealand and is rich in omega 3. They are also the source for the purest fish oil supplements. In conclusion, omega 3 fatty acids offer a safer and healthier solution for joints inflammation. Apart from taking these supplements, you should also do regular exercise to help strengthen the muscles around the joints.

The combination of good exercises and consumption of fish oil supplements will make a significant difference to your joint pain. If you would like to know more about how omega 3 fish oil can make a real different to your joint pain, take a look at my website. I have many tips and solutions to help ease your pain so you can start living normally again.

Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions - Using Laser for Teeth Whitening


Cosmetic dentistry has definitely gone a long way. Teeth whitening solutions, for instance, have been developed significantly in the previous years. Not so long ago, dental bleaching was exclusively for those with extreme discoloration problems and for the affluent market. These days, many solutions for discolored teeth are available not just through professional clinics but also in supermarkets and drug stores.

But the fastest way to whiten your teeth today is through laser whitening. The light energy used in the procedure can be halogen, plasma arc, or LED. Regardless of the type, the light energy is introduced to the bleaching procedure to further stimulate the peroxide molecules. The step must be done with precision to make sure that the gums and teeth won't be overheated.

Since the whole procedure is painless, no anesthesia is needed. To start the procedure, the dentist will place a light-curable barrier in your mouth. This will protect your gums and other sensitive areas around your teeth from the whitening gel and the light beam. The whitening gel, which contains approximately 25 to 38 percent peroxide, will be applied on your teeth. The light beam will then be directed to your teeth for a maximum of 15 minutes. There may be a necessity to repeat the whitening cycle in the same session. With some light-accelerated whitening treatment brands today, you can get outstanding results in half the time, because they use more advanced ingredients and light equipment.

But no matter how advanced the applied technology is, you should also need to expect only realistic results from the treatment. The whitening effect varies from one person to another. The result is also not permanent as your teeth will naturally get stains from food and beverages. You need to have a thorough consultation with your dentist before the treatment so you won't have any false expectations. You also need to be informed of the safety measures you need to take.

You should also keep in mind that after the initial consultation, your dentist might find out that you're not a good candidate for whitening treatments. This may be due to the condition of your teeth. If your teeth are extremely discolored and have other problems like cracks and chips, your dentist might prescribe other advanced cosmetic dentistry solutions that will give your teeth the total restoration that they need. As a result, you'll have not just better-looking teeth, but healthier ones.

Things to Know About Hip Joint Replacement


Surgery is never fun for anyone and if you are scheduled to have hip surgery in the near future, it is important for you to know all you can about hip joint replacement. This surgery is also called hip anthroplasty, hip heriarthroplasty and total hip replacement. When you have your surgery, you may have all or just part of your hip joint replaced by an artificial hip prosthesis. Most people come through the surgery feeling better and able to walk much more evenly and with less pain.

Most likely you will be given a general anesthesia when you have your surgery. This is best for most people because you will be completely unaware of what's happening during your surgery. Some physicians prefer to administer an epidural anesthesia which leaves you awake but unable to feel anything from the waist down.

The surgery itself has become quite common and generally takes about three hours. Your surgeon will make an incision and remove the head of your thigh bone. Then, he or she will clean the hip socket of cartilage and damaged bone. The new hip joint will be placed inside the socket by using a metal screw which will go directly into your thigh bone. All of your new hip "equipment" will be kept securely in place by special adhesives. When all of this is done, your surgeon will close the incision and you'll be sent to the recovery room to be monitored for an hour or so.

Hip joint replacement surgery is most often performed on people who have become crippled with arthritis. These people cannot get around comfortably and experience severe pain when standing, walking and even sitting. They are limited to the amount of daily activity they can participate in. Most hip replacement patients are in their 60s or older. Doing this surgery on younger people isn't as successful in the long run because these individuals put more stress on the artificial hip, causing it to deteriorate much more rapidly. However, hip replacement surgery has made life much, much better for older individuals. After a short recovery period, they are again able to enjoy life to its fullest and with little, if any, pain.