It is well known that a short period of pain – called acute pain – can raise your blood pressure. Several studies show that people with long-term pain – called chronic pain – may develop long-term high blood pressure called hypertension. In more ways than one, pain can cause high … Read More
Gout in foot, instep, and ankle areas is common, affecting up to 8 million Americans today. The condition has been recorded throughout history, affecting many famous people—the most notorious of whom was Henry VIII, renowned for his lavish diet of rich food and copious amounts of alcohol. What is gout? … Read More
Arthritis refers to joint inflammation, but the term also is more loosely used to describe any disorder that affects the joints. It is a symptom, rather than a specific disease. Arthritic conditions fall into a wider disease category known as “rheumatic diseases.” There are more than 100 types, each with … Read More
Just about everyone experiences low back pain at some point. You might strain your back while lifting, twist the wrong way, or sit or sleep in an awkward position. The good news is that you probably can find relief without surgery or other invasive treatments—and maybe even without medications. In … Read More
Chronic pain—a condition that exists when pain lasts three months or more—affects 25 to 30 percent of Americans. It is more common in older adults, men, and Caucasians. It is not life-threatening, but if not treated it can lead to permanent nerve damage. Different Than Acute Pain Acute pain might … Read More
Chiropractic treatment, which has been used by millions of Americans, can be classified as mainstream or complementary, depending on who is making the choice. Chiropractic physicians are considered to be established members of the mainstream medical team. They treat problems involving the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage, and nervous system. … Read More
Our gallbladder—a pear-shaped organ that sits beneath the liver—has a simple function: to store and concentrate bile, a digestive enzyme made by the liver. Within the gallbladder, however, solid deposits known as gallstones can form, a condition that affects up to 9 million people in the U.S. each year. Among … Read More
If you tend to suffer from sharp pain in your upper right abdomen after eating, and the pain radiates to your shoulder blade and back, you may have a gallbladder problem—possibly gallstones. Older adults are at particular risk, with gallbladder disease one of the most common causes of acute abdominal … Read More
Using ice or heat for back pain is a simple, drug-free treatment approach that can be very effective. Which one suits you best will depend on your individual back pain and, specifically, whether your aches and pains are chronic or acute. Chronic pain may result from slow-developing conditions that cause … Read More
