Massage, Mind & Body

Migraine sufferers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that there is some help for their pain in the form of nutrition and supplements. Drugs don’t have to be the only answer, which is great considering the number of side effects that usually come with them.

Neurologist Dr. Allen S. Josephs, Co-Founder & Chairman of Vitacost.com provides some insight into the recent studies that have been done using nutitional supplements to treat migraine pain. Below are some of the highlights. Continue Reading »

According to recent guidelines outlined by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society, doctors should not routinely order imaging or other diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CAT scans, or X-rays for patients with nonspecific low back pain.

This is good news for those who have nonspecific low back pain and may be facing MRIs or CAT scans to help determine the source of their pain. These tests can be quite uncomfortable for some and should be reserved for patients with severe or progressive neurological deficits or suspected underlying conditions such as infection or cancer.

The guidelines, which are published in the Oct. 2 issue of the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, include a method to guide primary care doctors and other clinicians in gathering and interpreting information during a patient’s first visit. This formula would place them in one of three general categories:

* Nonspecific low back pain, which affects about 85 percent of patients.
* Back pain potentially associated with spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, or
vertebral compression fracture.
* Back pain potentially associated with another specific cause, such as cancer.

Though drugs are often used to treat chronic and acute low back pain, it should be noted that they’re not always effective.

“Almost all medications reviewed had some benefits, but they have risks,” guidelines co-author Roger Chou, head of the American Pain Society Clinical Practice Guidelines Program, said in a prepared statement. “Acetaminophen, for example, is very safe but might not be effective. NSAIDs have gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. Opioids and muscle relaxers can provide relief for those with severe pain, but their potential benefits and risks should be weighed carefully.”

Instead, alternative Chou reccommends acupuncture, spinal manipulations and massage therapy as useful modalities to treat the pain. Te benefits are that these alternative therapies can be utilized long term with historically little or no side effects.

Source: Health Day

The following list is probably just as important as the list of 12 organic foods I posted on previously. Dr. Mercola posted on the 12 foods that DON’T have to be organic when you purchase them. Continue Reading »

In addition to massage therapy, cold therapy and reducing stress, that can be very helpful for headaches, below are some lifestyle changes to incorporate if you suffer from them frequently.

Exercise moderately three times a week for 30 to 45 minutes. This helps ward off headaches through the production of pain-relieving endorphins. Here’s more advice:

- Never skip meals; it can cause a headache in some people.

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- Stay hydrated by drinking eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water daily.

# Stick to a regular sleep pattern. Getting up and going to bed at different times and missing sleep are linked to headache.

For more information Visit the National Headache Foundation’s Web site, or call toll-free (888) NHF-5552 (643-5552).

Source

Eating eggs can be controversial. Some argue that the regular consumption of poached, over easy or scrambled breakfast staple is not worth the risk of increased cholesterol that comes with it. Others feel that eggs offer a great source of protein that even some people with certain dietary restrictions (like lacto-ovo vegetarians) can enjoy.

Well Women’s Health Magazine did a great job of highlighting the egg and it’s benefits. Regardless of your stance, learning more about eggs can make your decision to consume them–or not–more informed. Here is a excerpt:

Research supporting the health bennies of eggs is piling up. And several studies–including a recent one in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that found no link in healthy people between eggs and either heart attack or stroke–have debunked the bad-egg myth. Reasons eggs rock: Continue Reading »

Cell phone radiation is a topic of varying opinions. There have been countless tests and research conducted on the subject but conclusive, hands down evidence of radiation poisoning is hard to pinpoint.

Enter CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen’s recent report on cell phone radiation. Following are her five tips for how to reduce your risk from the now completely mandatory cell phone: Continue Reading »