Early sign of arthritis that's a pain in the backside

From irishnews.com

Too often lower backache is put down to sciatica - and the long delay in diagnosis can lead to permanent damage

AS a hotel chef often on his feet for 10 hours a day, and a keen rugby player, Gareth Dwyer put the constant ache in his buttocks down to his work and lifestyle.

"I played rugby as a prop - pushing against the full weight of the opposing team's scrum - so I thought the pain was just wear and tear from being very active," says 42-year-old Gareth.

"When I was walking, though, I was hunching over like a turtle and the pain could radiate into my hips - the only way I'd get any relief was to put my hands behind my back and press my palms together like Prince Charles does, which my wife took the mickey out of me for."

The backside aches had affected him since his late 20s, and at times were severe enough to wake him in the early hours, but he ploughed on.

It wasn't until the age of 35, when he fell down some steps and fractured his spine, that Gareth learned his aching buttocks were a sign of a form of inflammatory arthritis.

His X-ray and MRI scans showed that the bones in the joints, which join the lower spine to the pelvis, were fused and inflamed.

Gareth also had a positive blood test for the HLA-B27 gene, which predisposes people to developing inflammatory arthritis. This confirmed that Gareth had axial spondyloarthritis (or axial SpA), a form of arthritis that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints.

Back pain that radiates into the hips is usually caused by sciatica but can also be a form of inflammatory arthritis

An estimated 220,000 people in the UK are thought to have axial SpA. It can run in families, and possible triggers for those with a genetic predisposition include infections, stress and trauma.

The conditions that fall under the umbrella include non-radiographic axial SpA (where these joints become inflamed, but this is not visible on an X-ray).

In some cases this can progress to radiographic axial SpA (also known as ankylosing spondylitis), where inflammation causes extra bone to grow, leading to the fusion of vertebrae in the spine.

As well as affecting the ability to do everyday things, including bending, it can impact breathing if the ribcage is affected and the lungs can't expand enough. The inflammation also causes pain and fatigue, and walking can be hard.

Not everyone with axial SpA develops spinal fusion - risk factors include smoking and testing positive for the HLA-B27 gene - but treating symptoms early may help prevent the progression.

Gareth's delayed diagnosis meant that his symptoms had already advanced to those of radiographic axial SpA.

"My posture was affected because of the weakness in my sacroiliac joints, as they couldn't support my spine," he says.

Buttock pain that lasts longer than three months is one of the common symptoms of axial SpA, says Dr Raj Sengupta, a consultant rheumatologist at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath.

"With axial SpA the main joints involved are the sacroiliac joints, which are over the top of the buttocks, and it's inflammation in these joints that is one of the key features," says Dr Sengupta, who is also a medical adviser for the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) charity.

"The buttock pain radiates from the joints and can alternate from one side to the other - this is a classic sign of axial SpA - or just stay on one or both sides.

"The problem with buttock pain is that it's often confused with sciatica, a common condition caused by irritation of one of the two sciatic nerves that come out of the spinal cord," he explains.

"Sciatica causes pain and tingling in the buttock and radiates down the leg to the feet, but with axial SpA, if you get the buttock pain, it won't radiate right the way down the leg and past the knee.

"Some people are told they have sciatica when they actually have inflammation of the sacroiliac joints caused by axial SpA."

Some people are told they have sciatica when they actually have inflammation of the sacroiliac joints caused by axial spondyloarthritis

Dr Sengupta says this is one of the reasons why it takes eight-and-a-half years to get a diagnosis on average.

"It's heartbreaking as a rheumatologist to see patients in a clinic who have experienced back pain for years and the cause has been put down to sports injuries or work," he says.

"I'll see up to five of these patients a week. The pain often first occurs when someone is in their 20s, when they are building relationships and a career, and they are left struggling with symptoms.

"This may lead to mental health problems, as well as more damage to their spine."

Another warning sign is back pain lasting more than three months that starts before the age of 40 - back pain that starts after 40 is more likely to be caused by wear and tear - including pain in the lower back that wakes you in the early hours.

One theory for this is that levels of cytokines, compounds that cause inflammation, peak at night. A further warning sign is morning joint stiffness that doesn't wear off after half an hour, but improves with movement and not rest.

Now the charity NASS has launched a campaign to encourage anyone under the age of 40 living with this kind of persistent back pain to see their GP to check if it's axial SpA.

"It's a race against time with axial SpA," says Dr Dale Webb, chief executive at NASS, explaining that the risk of serious and irreversible damage rises the longer someone goes without treatment.

"The good news is that, with the right treatment and care, people can live very well with axial SpA."

Axial SpA is typically treated with biologic drugs that switch off inflammation, says Dr Sengupta.

"These have been around for more than 20 years and were approved to treat axial SpA [in the UK] in 2008. There is a definite halting of progression of the disease with these drugs. This is why it's so important that we diagnose patients as early as possible, identify those who are most likely to progress and treat them appropriately," he says.

Following his diagnosis, Gareth was put on diazepam and the opioid tramadol to help with pain, but within two years he was needing higher and higher doses to keep the pain in check.

He was switched to biologic drugs three-and-a-half years ago and says their effects have been "transformative".

"I now inject myself with a pre-loaded jab once a week and it's been life-changing," says Gareth.

"I've been able to come off diazepam completely and greatly reduce my tramadol dose. It's also let me carry on working as a chef - at one point I thought I'd have to give up as the pain was so bad.

"I use walking poles to keep me upright and improve my breathing. But I can now walk with my hands by my side instead of held behind my back, and I can also be an active dad to my son, and lift him up and play ball games with him - things I had feared I'd never be able to do.

"What scares me, though, is that but for the accident, I could have gone on like that for years, while all the time my spine could have been degenerating.

"I just wish I'd known that pain in your backside can be a sign of a progressive illness and shouldn't be ignored, and then I might not have suffered permanent damage to my joints."

nass.co.uk   © Daily Mail

https://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/health/2021/11/01/news/early-sign-of-arthritis-that-s-a-pain-in-the-backside-2461832/

Eat pomegranate every day to prevent diabetes, arthritis, heart disease

 From hindustantimes.com

• Pomegranate (anar) is known for its medicinal properties since time immemorial. Eat the fruit daily to boost your immunity and overall health

Pomegranate or anar, the fruit that lures with its shiny red tiny seeds that taste sweet and a little tart, is a storehouse of nutrition. Rich in phytochemicals, antioxidants and Vitamin C, pomegranate has been known for its medicinal properties since more than a thousand years. India is said to be one of the largest producers of pomegranates in the world. It is also grown in parts of the United States, Afghanistan, Russia, China, and Japan. 

Pomegranate is a storehouse of nutrients(Pixabay)

The red hue of the fruit that enhances it visual appeal is due to the presence of polyphenols that also act as powerful antioxidants. Pomegranate's anti-inflammatory properties can also benefit arthritis patients, according to studies, while its juice can help improve blood flow and prevents arteries from becoming stiff and thick. From controlling blood sugar level, blood pressure, boosting immunity, digestion, to enriching memory, pomegranate indeed in a wonder fruit that could prove to be a great addition to your daily diet.

Ayurveda expert Dr Dixa Bhavsar recently shared some amazing benefits of pomegranate on her Instagram page.

Take a look:

* Relieves excessive thirst and burning sensation.

* It is a good natural aphrodisiac and improves sperm count and semen quality (Shukrala).

* It undergoes digestion easily (laghu).

* It also has astringent taste which helps to relieve diarrhoea, IBS & ulcerative colitis.

* It improves intelligence, immunity and body strength (Medha balakara).

* It is good for heart and reduces hypertension and cholesterol (Hridya).

* It also has three times more antioxidants than red wine and green tea. Hence it is one of the best anti-inflammatory foods.

* It removes free radicals, protects cells from damage, and reduces inflammation.

* In addition to antioxidants, pomegranates are a good source of fibre, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. One pomegranate supplies one-quarter of a day's worth of folate and one-third of your daily vitamin C.

* It helps reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar.

According to Ayurveda, sweet pomegranate is very effective in balancing tridosha – Vata, Pitta and Kapha while sour pomegranate balances Vata and Kapha and increases Pitta.

If these benefits are not enough, here are more. Pomegranate gives you flawless skin, shiny hair and healthy gut.

Could you ask for anything better?

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/eat-pomegranate-daily-to-prevent-diabetes-arthritis-heart-disease-101635140661097.html

How to treat and prevent gout

From ohionewstime.com

Gout is a form of arthritis that makes your joints painful and swelled up. It normally lasts for a week or two and then goes away. Mostly the big toes of your feet or lower limbs of the body are affected. A substance called serum urate gets piled up in the body making needle-like crystals around the joints. These crystals are the ultimate cause of joint pain and swelling. Most people with high urate serum have strong immunity against it and their bodies prevent crystal formation.

Causes of gout

Increased uric acid is the number one cause of gout flares. If your kidneys do not function properly and are unable to flush out enough fluid from the body then some needle-like crystals can be formed around the joints causing pain and swelling in joints. There are several factors that are responsible for gout flares:

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar level
• Kidney problems
• Alcohol consumption
• Consuming too much red meat

As gout flares cause sudden pain and swelling around the joints, many symptoms if caught early can prevent the worsening of this condition.

Symptoms of gout

The parts of the lower limbs are affected the most like toes, ankles, knees, and fingers. There are several signs which you must be aware of to prevent further pain in joints:

• Extreme pain in one or more joints
• Warmth around the joint
• Tenderness
• Swelling

Gout flares may usually last for 3 to 10 days and then go away due to which the joints move back to their normal condition.

Further problems caused by gout

If these conditions are left untreated then they can cause some serious problems which may be injurious for your health. They are as follows:

• Kidney stones
• Permanent joint damage
• Stiff lumps of uric acid under the skin called tophi

Steps for a temporary pain relief

If you are having gout flares then it is recommended that you :

• Put an iced pack around the affected joint
• Take rest
• Avoid knocking or damaging the affected joint
• Keep yourself hydrated

Treatment of gout

Gout can b treated by seeing a GP who will give you medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or colchicine to help lessen the pain in joints. Colchicine can be bought from any good pharmacy on the recommendation of your doctor. You can get a colchicine cost on the website of 90daymeds which is an online Canadian pharmacy, selling medicines at affordable rates. 

Adopting a healthy lifestyle approach like eating a balanced diet, losing weight, and taking such medicines which reduce your uric acid levels, can help in preventing crystal formation around the joints thus lowering the sense of pain. Lifelong treatment is required to keep the relapse of this condition away.

Lifestyle changes

You can adopt a healthy lifestyle approach by making some small changes like:

• Avoid consuming high levels of purine found in red meat, seafood, and foods containing yeast extract
• Avoid carbonated drinks
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay hydrated
• Cut down alcohol

https://ohionewstime.com/how-to-treat-and-prevent-gout/261413/

Arthritis: Four main warning signs of the condition - 'keep track of your symptoms'

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, more than 10 million people have arthritis or other similar joint conditions, though signs and symptoms can vary.

Unfortunately arthritis can be very painful for some people with the condition, and may impact people of all ages. The NHS explains that living with arthritis can sometimes mean carrying out everyday tasks that can often be painful and difficult. Nonetheless, there are a number of factors that can ease pain. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis aims to slow the condition's progress and minimise joint inflammation.

There are “four important warning signs that should prompt you to talk to a healthcare provider", according to the Arthritis Foundation. It says you should keep track of your symptoms. 

The first is a pain which can be constant or it may come and go.“ It may occur when at rest or while moving. Pain may be in one part of the body or in many different parts,” the advice reads. 

Another “classic arthritis symptom” is stiffness, especially when waking up in the morning or after sitting at a desk or riding in a car for a long time.

The Arthritis Foundation states: “Morning stiffness that lasts longer than an hour is good reason to suspect arthritis.

”Two other key signs are swelling and difficulty moving a joint. Some types of arthritis cause the skin over the affected joint to become red and swollen and may start feeling warm to the touch.

If swelling that lasts for three days or longer or occurs more than three times a month you should speak with your doctor. If the doctor suspects arthritis they will perform a range of tests to check the range of motion in your joints.

The symptoms of arthritis you experience will vary depending on the type you have.

In the UK, more than 10 million people have arthritis or other similar joint conditions. (Image: Getty)

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting around eight million people, while rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 400,000 people.

Rheumatoid arthritis often starts when a person is between 40 and 50 years old, and women are three times more likely to be affected than men.

“If you have pain in or around a joint or joints that doesn’t go away after a few days, you should see a doctor.“

Finding out what’s causing your pain is key to finding the right treatment and self-help options,” says Versus Arthritis charity.

As well as causing pain and stiffness, inflammation can cause permanent damage to a joint, so starting effective treatment early on can help to minimise damage.

“It’s important to see a doctor if you get any new symptoms or if you have any trouble with drugs you’re taking,” the charity adds.

There are some lifestyle habits and changes that might help manage symptoms. 

These include eating a healthy diet and managing your weight. If you are overweight it can increase complications of arthritis and contribute to joint pain.

“It's very important to eat a healthy, balanced diet if you have arthritis. Eating healthily will give you all the nutrients you need and help you maintain a healthy weight,” says the NHS.

You should also try to quit smoking. “Smoking causes stress on connective tissues, which can increase arthritis pain,” says the Mayo Clinic.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1507489/arthritis-symptoms-pain-stiffness-swelling-treatment

World Arthritis Day 2021 Quotes, Messages, Wishes, Importance, History, Significance

From sambadenglish.com

World Arthritis Day, referred to as WAD, is a global awareness day held every year on 12 October. WAD aims to help raise awareness in all audiences across the world of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, often referred to as RMDs. The debilitating effects of these diseases, of which more than 200 exist, are little known; their impact, however, is largely – and silently – felt.

World Arthritis Day (WAD) was established in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) to raise awareness of issues affecting people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

What is Arthritis?

The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation; in public health arthritis is used as a shorthand term for arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.

What are the most common types of arthritis?

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis in affected joint are- swelling, pain, stiffness, decreased range of movements.

Health tips for living with RMDs/Arthritis

(a) Healthy living– Improve your wellbeing by keeping high on emotional wellbeing, self-management and motivation and by making healthy lifestyle choices such as:

• Don’t smoke.
• Avoid stress– As stress can alter behaviour, affect sleep patterns, change appetite and increase muscle tension therefore use relaxation techniques to help manage stress.
• Get adequate sleep– Get enough quality sleep to protect your mental and physical wellbeing and quality of life.
• Reduce alcohol intake

(b) Healthy eating-

• Healthy and balanced diet is important for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).
• Control your salt and sugar intake:
  • Try to reduce sugar intake as it is high in calories especially in soft drinks, ready meals and confectionery foods.
  • Salt intake should be less than 5 grams per day for adults. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

(c) Physical activity and fitness- Being physically active is good for general health and can have specific benefits for people with RMD/Arthritis. Consult your doctor or physiotherapist about the type of exercise most appropriate for your condition. Exercise may be in the form of cycling, dancing, walking, gardening, swimming, yoga etc.

World Arthritis Day Wishes and Messages

Arthritis is just the beginning of a series of other diseases and also mobility issues. Take care and do not ignore the early signs.

The pain of arthritis can only be understood by those who have withstood it. It is one of the hardest to endure. Treat yourself immediately to get rid of this disease and live free.

On this world arthritis day, let us take an oath to make sure that we treat all the disease in the best possible manner and get rid of the pain.

Though the arthritis slows people down with the pain, it doesn’t have the power to stop them because each of the patients is standing tall against the pain and fighting it.

For each of the patient, every day with the immense pain of arthritis is a fight which they struggle to pull off day in and out. Our heartiest wishes for them to get rid of the pain for life, real soon.

Not all the steps are alike and not walks are all the same for a patient of arthritis. The harder the disease tries to cripple them, the stronger they fight back!

No one can see the symptoms or the pain. But it silently kills the sufferer morally with immense physical pain. Know the disease well on this World Arthritis Day.

https://sambadenglish.com/world-arthritis-day-2021-quotes-messages-wishes-importance-history-significance/

World Arthritis Day: Common arthritis myths busted by doctor

From hindustantimes.com

• World Arthritis Day: Not just older people, arthritis can also affect people aged 20-40. While it can't be reversed, people can adopt certain lifestyle measures to slow its progression. A doctor dispels some of the common myths related to arthritis

World Arthritis Day: Arthritis is a common condition that results in pain and inflammation of joints. Arthritis affects more than 180 million people in India and its prevalence is higher than even diabetes, AIDS and cancer. While there are many types of arthritis, the common ones are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

In osteoarthritis, cartilage that sits between the bones in a joint is damaged while in rheumatoid arthritis, our body's immune system attacks the joints. Apart from damage to the joints, it can also affect muscles, connective tissue, tendons, and fibrous tissue. It tends to appear earlier in life than osteoarthritis, typically between the ages of 20 and 40 years, and it can severely affect day-to-day activities.

Other form of arthritis apart from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are juvenile arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, infectious and reactive arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

World Arthritis Day is celebrated on October 12 every year to raise awareness in people around the world about the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. 

On the occasion of World Arthritis Day, Dr. Shashi Kanth G, Sr. Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad dispels some common myths related to arthritis.

World Arthritis Day: While there are many types of arthritis, the common ones are osteoarthritis (OA) 

and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).(Pexels)

Myth 1: Only older adults develop arthritis

Fact: Arthritis is more common in older adults, but it can affect people of any age. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to present in people aged 20–40.

Myth 2: If your joints hurt, it is arthritis

Fact: This is not true. Not all joint pain is arthritis, and not all joint discomfort is a sign that arthritis will develop later. There are many possible causes of pain in and around the joints, including tendinitis, bursitis, and injuries.

Myth 3: People with arthritis should not exercise

Fact: Exercise is not generally an activity that people with arthritis needs to avoid, although they should speak with their doctor before beginning a regimen. Exercise can help maintain range of motion and strength in the joints.

Exercise and arthritis can and should coexist. People with arthritis who exercise regularly have less pain, more energy, improved sleep, and better day-to-day function. Exercise should be one of the mainstays of treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

Myth 4: Heat is better than ice for sore joints

Fact: This is not true. Both ice and heat can soothe sore joints.

Used in the right way, heat can help reduce pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. The cold application can help reduce joint inflammation and swelling.

People should use heat before exercise, when a joint is stiff, and when they experience pain. Cold can also relieve pain, and it might also be useful if the joint is inflamed, particularly if there is swelling after activity.

Myth 5: Arthritis is not preventable

Fact: It is not possible to prevent every case of arthritis, as some risk factors, such as advancing age, are not modifiable. However, people can eliminate or minimize certain risk factors to prevent the onset of arthritis or slow its progression. For instance, people with excess body weight have an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. 

Maintaining a moderate weight can lower arthritis risk. Smoking tobacco is also associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Quitting smoking will reduce the risk and bring a range of other health benefits. Also, as arthritis can develop following injuries, protecting the joints during sports or other physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing arthritis in later life.

Myth 6: After receiving a diagnosis, there is nothing you can do

Fact: Although there is often no cure for the disease, its course varies depending on the type of arthritis. Medications are available that can help reduce the symptoms of many types of arthritis and slow disease progression.

People can also adopt certain lifestyle measures to slow the progression of some types of arthritis, such as maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

Myth 7: Weather changes can make arthritis worse

Fact: There is a persistent claim that rain and damp weather makes arthritis symptoms worse. However, it is not conclusive, and the weather does not seem to affect everyone with arthritis.

Despite advances in the medical field, we still have much to learn about arthritis. However, we do know that by maintaining a lifestyle that includes exercise and a nutritious, balanced diet, we can reduce the risk of some types of arthritis and slow their progression. As scientists continue to investigate these conditions, better treatments are sure to arise. 

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/world-arthritis-day-common-arthritis-myths-busted-by-doctor-101633936808387.html

Two-Thirds of Adults With Arthritis Engage in Physical Activity

From consumer.healthday.com

Most commonly reported physical activities include walking (70.8 percent) as well as gardening and weightlifting

THURSDAY, Oct. 7, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- About two-thirds of adults with arthritis report engaging in physical activity, with walking the most commonly reported activity, according to research published in the Oct. 8 issue of the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Noting that physical activity can improve physical function and reduce pain and fall risk among adults with arthritis, Dana Guglielmo, M.P.H., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues analysed 2019 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System data to examine the most common non-work-related physical activities among adults with arthritis.

The researchers found that 67.2 percent of adults with arthritis reported engaging in physical activity in the past month in 2019; the most commonly reported activities were walking, gardening, and weightlifting (70.8, 13.3, and 7.3 percent, respectively). In 45 U.S. states, at least two-thirds of adults with arthritis who engaged in physical activity reported walking.

"To promote physical activity among adults with arthritis, health care providers can offer advice or counselling for walking or referrals to low-cost, evidence-based physical activity programs," the authors write. "Promoting engagement in physical activity among adults with arthritis can reduce their risk for chronic health conditions and improve their mental health and quality of life."

https://consumer.healthday.com/two-thirds-of-adults-with-arthritis-engage-in-physical-activity-2655245896.html

Consider Chiropractic Care First For Neck Pain Relief

By James Schofield

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek chiropractic care. The causes of neck discomfort can vary. In some, the cause may be unknown, or it can be due to an accumulation of years of bad ergonomics and poor posture. In others, it may be due to trauma such as a whiplash event from a rear end automobile collision. This article will discuss neck pain and offer a natural, safe, gentle option for neck pain relief.

There are three areas of the human spine. The neck area, called the cervical spine; the mid back, called the thoracic spine and the lower back called the lumbar spine. Of the three the cervical spine exhibits the most movement. As a result, it is commonly an area that can become painful.

Some of the reasons the neck area can give discomfort are misalignment of the bones, pinched nerves, degenerative discs, disc herniation's and whiplash.

A misalignment of the cervical spinal bones will irritate the joints of that part of the spine. Those joints are called the facet joints. The facet joints can have improper alignment or may become fixated and locked up.

A pinched nerve may occur in the neck area. When this happens, it is due to a misalignment of the cervical spinal bones, which are called vertebrae. If the vertebrae are improperly aligned there can be an impingement of the nerve exiting the cervical spine. This can result in a very painful condition known as a "pinched nerve."

Degenerative discs are usually a condition in the neck, that occurs over a longer period of time. The disks of the cervical spine are a form of cartilaginous material that are sandwiched between the cervical vertebrae above and below. The disks can wear down and create a "bone on bone" situation. This is a form of wear and tear arthritis.

A disc herniation of the cervical spine is when the rear portion of the cervical intervertebral disc bulges or protrudes and compresses the spinal cord, the spinal nerves or both.

A whiplash injury occurs when there is a rear end automobile collision. The passengers head and neck "whip" forward and then backwards. This causes tearing of supporting muscles and tendons (called a strain) and ligaments (called a sprain). This type of injury can lead to any of the above-mentioned conditions.

Since all of these conditions causing neck pain are of a mechanical origin a reasonable path of treatment is through chiropractic care. Chiropractors are healthcare practitioners that are trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat physical, mechanical problems resulting in neck pain.

There are a number of methods chiropractors utilize to bring patients neck pain relief.

Manipulation, sometimes called the chiropractic adjustment, is a safe way to bring about realignment of abnormally positioned cervical vertebrae. It is very safe and typically brings a good deal of neck pain relief to the patient. Another treatment approach is to use mobilization. Mobilization is a slow gentle stretching of areas that is also designed to induce proper cervical vertebrae alignment. Of course, chiropractors use other modalities to bring about healing such as electrical muscle stimulation, the use of cold packs and firm contact to tight muscles called trigger point therapy. At times, a doctor of chiropractic will co-treat the patient with another practitioner, such as when pharmacologic therapy should be rendered.

Most patients who undergo chiropractic care appreciate this natural, holistic form of health care to gain neck pain relief.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Consider-Chiropractic-Care-First-For-Neck-Pain-Relief&id=10511760

Arthritis symptoms: The six lesser-known early symptoms found in your eyes – what to spot

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS is a common complaint characterised by painful joint symptoms including stiffness and swelling. If left untreated, an inflammatory type of arthritis can inflame the blood vessels, a complication that can prove life-threatening. The eyes could determine your risk to the condition with any of these six being major warnings.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints. However, rheumatoid arthritis occasionally affects other parts of the body — including the eyes. One of the more common complications for those suffering with arthritis relates to eye problems. This has the potential to lead to corneal damage which ultimately directly affects your vision if left untreated.

Health experts strongly recommend spotting the potential link to your eye problems and arthritis to ensure quicker treatment avoiding permanent damage.

                 Arthritis symptoms: The six symptoms to spot in your eyes (Image: Getty Images)

According to Bausch and Lomb, the six symptoms found in the eyes can include:

• Eye redness
• Eye pain
• Eye dryness
• Blurred vision
• Dry/gritty feeling in eyes
• Sensitivity to light.

Dry eye is a common condition in which the eyes do not produce adequate tears, leading to redness and irritation, added the health site.

Arthritis symptoms: Dry eyes is the most common complaint of symptoms found in the eyes (Image: Getty Images)

“Scleritis affects the sclera, or white portion of the eye, causing pain and inflammation.

“Uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the uvea, or inner portion of the eye." 

Other body parts affected by arthritis include:

• The skin
• The mouth
• The lungs
• The heart
• The nerves.

The symptoms will depend upon the part of the body affected.

According to Vasculitis UK, skin rashes and ulcers are a common problem.

"Involvement of the nerves usually causes numbness or tingling and 'pins and needles' symptoms, muscle weakness may also develop," explains the health body.

"Inflammation may develop around the outside of the heart (pericarditis) which can cause chest pain."

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1499679/arthritis-symptoms-eyes-redness-pain-dry-blurred-vison-gritty-sensitivity