Overview Of A Slipped Disc

A herniated disc or a prolapsed disc is often referred to as a slipped disc. This problem occurs when the disc that sits between the bones of the spine, is damaged and then begins to press on the nerves in the spine. This can cause back pain, along with neck pain. The person may even experience numbness, weakness in the other areas of the body, as well as a tingling sensation. In many cases, the sciatic nerve is often affected. This can cause pain in the back of the pelvis through the legs into the feet. This can also cause pain in the hips and buttocks.

Understanding the Spine

A herniated disc or a prolapsed dish is often referred to as a slipped disc. This problem occurs when the disc that sits between the bones of the spine, is damaged and then begins to press on the nerves in the spine.

In the spine, there are 24 individual bones that are stacked on top of each other, known as the vertebrae. In between each vertebra are cartilage known as discs. The discs are what helps a person to maintain flexibility and movement. The entire spinal cord is very sensitive and contains numerous nerves and nerve fibres that connect to the brain.

Causes of A Slipped Disc

There are several reasons why a disc may slip. When a disc slips it results in the cartilage, which has the gel-like substance, bulging out of the disc. This can put pressure on the spinal cord or just a single nerve. Thus, it can cause pain throughout the entire body. The reasons that these slipped discs happen are numerous, however some of the reasons include:

• Age, usually to those who are 30 to 50 years’ old
• Smoking
• Injury to the spine
• Twice as many men are affected as women

Of course, there are veracious others ways in which this can happen, but these are the most common.

Diagnosis

A doctor can look at your medical history and symptoms then carry out an exam that will measure your reflexes, posture, strength, walking ability and the sensation in your limbs. Often, they will perform x-rays to see if they see this slipped disc.

Treating A Slipped Disc

It can take between four and six weeks to make a full recovery. Treatment generally includes a mixture of physical rehabilitation, such as reflexology and workouts, and medicine to dismiss the pain.

Surgery to relief the compacted nerve and eliminate a portion of the disc might be deliberated in severe circumstances, or if the pain lasts for more than six weeks.

In several instances, a slipped disc will usually shrivel back away from the nerve and the discomfort will get better as the disc stops pinching on the affected nerve.

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Introduction

When a person receives a cut or graze, they are going to find that this is not immediately a danger to their health. These are usually minor and are able to be treated at home. All that is needed is to clean the wound thoroughly and then cover  with the right dressing. If there is a large amount of bleeding, place pressure on the wound until the bleeding stops.

Stop the Bleeding

When a person receives a cut or graze, they are going to find that this is not immediately a danger to their health. These are usually minor and are able to be treated at home.

If you have a cut or graze that is bleeding heavily or you are someone who bleeds heavily, you will want to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. You can apply pressure to the area, try to elevate the cut above your head, and then let the bleeding slow. As it slows, it will clot and stop.

The Dressing

Once the bleeding has stopped, you are going to want to dress the wound. Follow these steps:

1. Wash and dry your hands
2. Clean the wound under tap water; just use water, do not use any antiseptic as this can slow the healing of the wound.
3. Pat the cut or graze with a clean towel
4. Apply the dressing
5. Change this dressing when needed, and consider using a waterproof dressing for when taking a shower

When to Seek Medical Help

There are times in which a person should seek medical help for the cut or graze that they have. They are going to find that when this becomes infected, they may need a doctor. You are at a higher risk of the cut or graze becoming infected if:

• The cut or graze was contaminated with bodily fluids, pus or soil
• There was something in the wound before it was cleaned
• There is a jagged edge to the wound

You should also seek medical help if the cut or graze is the result of an animal bite. These types of grazes or cuts are more likely to become infected.

Signs of infection include:

• The area begins to swell and becomes inflamed
• Pus or a discharge seeps from the cut or graze
• Redness is spreading from the cut
• There is pain that surrounds the cut or graze
• You feel unwell
• Start running a fever
• Your glands are swollen

In any of the below situations you need to seek immediate medical attention:

• You are bleeding from an artery
• The bleeding cannot be stopped
• There is loss of sensation in the area in which you have the cut or graze

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Introduction

When blood pressure drops to a low level while battling an infection, a person is said to be in septic shock. The infection can be caused by any sort of bacteria, including viruses. Though viruses are rare with causing infections. At first, the infection is often associated with sepsis. This is when the person feels weak, they may have chills, a rapid heartbeat, along with breathing heavily. When this is left untreated, it causes the toxins that are left behind by the bacteria to attack the small blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid into the tissues that surround it. This is going to affect how your heart is able to pump blood to your organs, including the brain and liver.

Swelling might lead to organ damage. Clots in the blood during sepsis decreases the flow of blood to the organs, which starves them of oxygen. In serious cases, the organs can fail. Infection can also result in a deadly decrease in blood pressure, also known as septic shock.

When blood pressure drops to a low level while battling an infection, a person is said to be in septic shock. The infection can be caused by any sort of bacteria, including viruses.

There are those who have a weakened immune system who are considered at a higher risk for developing septic shock. These people include:

• The elderly
• New-born babies
• Women who are pregnant
• Those who have long-term health conditions such as kidney failure or the like
• Those who have lowered immune system due to HIV, AIDS or receiving chemotherapy

The Symptoms of Septic Shock

There are several symptoms of septic shock that can signal a person is going through this. These symptoms include:

• The person may feel dizzy upon standing as their blood pressure is low
• A person often feels confused or disorientated
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Skin is cold, pale and clammy

This is a medical emergency; thus, an ambulance should be called when you believe that this is happening to someone.

Septic Shock Treatment

When a person arrives at an emergency room with septic shock, they are usually placed in an intensive care unit immediately to monitor the body organs and treat the infection. In many cases, the treatment for the infection can be started immediately. The treatment may include:

• Give fluids through an IV
• Utilizing oxygen therapy
• Giving antibiotics
• Medications to increase the blood flow
• In some cases, surgery may be needed

Septic Shock Complications

Surviving septic shock is going to depend on several aspects. These aspects include:

• The cause of infection
• How many organs have failed
• How soon the person receive treatment

The complications of not getting treatment soon enough include:

• Heart failure
• Respiratory failure
• Kidney failure
• Blood clotting that is considered abnormal

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Overview Of Reflux

When a baby spits up during or after feeding, this is known as reflux. It is a bit different than vomiting, as the baby is not actively vomiting. They are simply spitting up what has been swallowed. It can be something that many parents worry about. However, this is normal and often is just the result of the baby’s oesophagus not being fully developed yet.

Helping a Baby’s Reflux

When a baby spits up during or after feeding, this is known as reflux. It is a bit different then vomiting, as the baby is not actively vomiting this.

There are several things you can do to help with a baby’s reflux including:

• Burp throughout the feeding
• Avoid overfeeding
• Check that the hole in the nipple that the baby using is not too big, as too much milk at once can cause this issue
• Hold the baby upright a while after feeding

When to See the Doctor

If the reflux is happening often, the baby becomes violently ill and appears as though they are in pain or you have any other concern, you should talk with your doctor. This is especially true if there are other symptoms such as:

• The baby is irritable or crying consistently
• Coughing, gagging or other trouble swallowing
• Projective vomiting
• Bad breath
• Wheezing
• Having issues with sleeping
• Arching the back after or during a feeding
• Drawing their legs up to their tummy after being fed
• Refusing to feed
• Not gaining weight or losing weight

What the Problem May Be

For babies who are repeatedly spitting up their food after eating, they may have GORD, which is basically a long term reflux. This is when the ring at the bottom of the oesophagus becomes weak, allowing for food to fall into the stomach, but not close completely so that acid is not making its way back up into the lining of the oesophagus. GORD is common in babies who are:

• Born prematurely
• Low birth weight
• Allergic to cow’s milk
• Have a muscle or nerve disorder

As the baby grows, the muscle will become stronger, and that is why most babies grow out of this by the age of 18 months.

Other Reasons for a Crying Baby

• Being too hot or too cold
• Having a wet or dirty diaper
• Being hungry
• Wanting to cuddle
• Being bored
• Too much stimulation

Surgery for Reflux in Kids

Surgery isn’t generally compulsory to manage reflux in kids. When it is needed, the Nissen fundoplication is the most frequent completed surgery. Throughout this process, the top portion of the belly is enfolded around the esophagus creating a cuff that bonds and shuts off the esophagus whenever the belly contracts – thereby avoiding reflux.

The process is generally effective, but there are hazards involved. Chat about the possible dangers and benefits of this process with your child’s physician.

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Introduction

An abscess is classified as a bacterial infection that usually involves a collection of pus in one area. This can develop anywhere. However, we are going to focus on:

• Skin abscesses that develop under the skin
• Internal abscesses that develop in the body usually in an organ or the space between two organs

The symptoms that a person has is going to vary depending on the type of access that they have. The person will

An abscess is classified as a bacterial infection that usually involves a collection of pus in one area. This can develop anywhere.

notice that they may have a lump under the skin, along with other issues such as a fever since they do have a sort of bacterial infection. For those who have an internal abscess, they may have a feeling of just being unwell, along with pain and fever. If you do believe that you have an abscess, you are going to want to see your doctor.

The Causes of an Abscess

The causes of an abscess are almost always a bacterial infection. The pus that is in an abscess is a mixture of blood cells, bacteria, and tissue. As the bacteria form in the body, the body starts to fight it off, leading to the pus forming. Skin abscesses are usually caused due to a scratch, the hair root and a gland that is blocked by oil. You can reduce the risk of skin abscesses through using good hygiene and being healthy.

Internal abscesses often develop after an infection has been in the body. Thus, the situation is going to differ for each individual.

How Abscesses Are Treated

A small skin abscess might drain by itself, or just reduce in size, dry up and fade without any need for treatment. Though, bigger abscesses might need to be managed by taking antibiotics to kill the infection, and the pus might have to be drained. This will generally be completed either by injecting a needle into your skin or by creating a slight slit in the skin to drain the pus.

As stated, a person’s abscess might drain on its own, and never require treatment. However, when a large abscess is present, it may take infection pills being given, along with the pus being drained from this.

The Other Types of Abscesses

Though we focused on two types of abscesses, there are several other types of abscesses out there, including:

• Anorectal abscess which is located in the rectum and anus
• A brain abscess located inside the skull
• A dental abscess that is location under a tooth and can be seen in the gum line most often
• Pilonidal abscess located near the cleft of the buttocks
• Spinal cord abscess is located around the spinal cord

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Overview Of Toxic Shock Syndrome

When the body is exposed to bacterial toxins, this can lead to an inflammatory response in the body. This is called toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and it can be fatal. The most common bacteria that causes this are staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes. For women who utilize tampons when menstruating, they are more likely to be those who contract toxic shock syndrome. However, this can affect anyone.

Symptoms

When the body is exposed to bacterial toxins, this can lead to an inflammatory response in the body. This is called toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and it can be fatal.

The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:

• Having chills and a high fever
• Muscle and joints ache
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Confusion
• Redness of the skin
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Sensitivity to light
• Hypotension

There are also those who may faint or collapse. In this case, they need to get immediate medical attention.

Phone Your GP

Call your GP straight away if you have symptoms related to toxic shock syndrome.

Causes of TSS

One of the main causes is for women who utilize tampons. Tampons have been known for causing this, and as this has become more recognized, fewer women have been developing TSS, as they know what to do to prevent this. To prevent TSS from happening with tampons, women should:

• Change their tampon every four hours
• Only unwrap a tampon before immediately using
• Wash hands before and after inserting this
• Insert the tampon with the hands, rather than the applicator
• Avoid tampons altogether and opt for sanitary napkins at night time

Other risk factors include having surgery, having a bacterial infection or recently giving birth.

Treating TSS

Those who feel that they have TSS should seek medical attention immediately. There is no at-home treatment to help with this as it needs to be treated with antibiotics in order to remove the infection. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has to be used to ensure that this is killed off, and is usually given via IV’s to ensure that it is effective. For women, tampons should be removed immediately to ensure that this does not get worse or create other issues. In situations in which there is a surgical area that is the cause for this, it will often have to be drained to remove the infection.

If you get toxic shock syndrome, you’ll probably have to stay in hospital. You will:

• Be given antibiotics while specialists determine the reason for the infection
• Receive medicine to calm your blood pressure and liquids if you have dehydration
• Receive supportive treatment get rid of all your symptoms

The pollutants created by the strep bacteria and associated hypotension might lead to kidney failure. You might require dialysis if your kidneys fail.

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Overview Of Croup

In most cases, when a child is diagnosed with having croup, they often had a cold first. This cold could have involved a slight temperature, cough, and runny nose. Then the child has a cough that is almost like a bark and they have trouble breathing. These symptoms can last for several hours and reappear for several days after the first time.

Symptoms of Croup

The symptoms that most children show are:

In most cases, when a child is diagnosed with having croup, they often had a cold first. This cold could have involved a slight temperature, cough and runny nose.

• Hoarse voice
• A cough that is harsh and barking
• Noisy breathing
• Difficulty with breathing

Getting Medical Attention

When a child starts to show these symptoms, they are going to need to be seen by their doctor as soon as possible. This can cause a child to stop breathing, thus, it is essential that help is received. The symptoms of this issue can also be the symptoms of other serious diseases, so these need to be ruled out as well. You should make an appointment to see your doctor if:

• High fever
• Child does not feel well
• Breathing is not normal
• Swallowing is becoming hard
• Starts to cough suddenly
• Noises are made when breathing
• The lips have a bluish tint to them

Treating Croup at Home

A mild case of the croup that does not involve a lot of breathing problems and noisy breathing can be treated at home. Here are a few suggestions:

• Comfort the child, as they may be scared when the coughing makes them feel as though they cannot breathe.
• Ensure that the child is drinking enough to stay hydrated, but also to ensure that swallowing is not being affected
• Give over the counter medications for pain according to what your doctor has recommended for fever or pain
• Utilize moisture in the air to help with breathing, though this is not proven, many parents do believe that this helps.

Always remember:

1. Croup is a viral infection that can cause a child to have severe issues such as breathing issues, and a harsh, barking cough
2. This is going to start as a cold and can become greatly worse at night.

Visiting Your GP

About 5 percent of kids seen in the hospital for croup need to be hospitalized. You should acquire instant medical assistance if your kid:

• Makes loud, sharp breathing noises both when breathing in and exhaling
• Begins salivating or has trouble swallowing
• Appears worried and restless or exhausted and lethargic
• Breathes at a quicker speed than normal
• Has trouble breathing
• Has blue or discolored coating around the mouth, nose or fingernails.

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Overview Of Neck And Shoulder Pain

There are seven bones in the neck, called the vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other, which supports the head. These bones are cushioned with cartilage and ligaments help to hold these together, while muscles help with more support and enable movement. The shoulder is a joint that is a ball and socket to provide a large range of movement. The shoulder is going to rely heavily on the muscles within the shoulder for stability. When a person has a problem with any of these muscles, they are going to find that they could experience pain and have issues with mobility.

Whiplash: Neck Pain

One of the most common injuries to the neck is whiplash. This is when the neck is suddenly jerked backwards then snaps forward again.

One of the most common injuries to the neck is whiplash. This is when the neck is suddenly jerked backwards then snaps forward again. This is often a symptom of being involved in a car accident. This can result in damage to the ligaments, muscle or discs within the neck and irritation to the nerves in the area.

The symptoms of whiplash include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Dizziness
• Headache

When a person gets treatment soon, they will find that this injury can last shorter periods of time. However, whiplash can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Treatment for whiplash may include:

• Exercises to help with posture, general fitness, strengthening and gentle mobilization
• Medication to help with pain and inflammation
• Joint and tissue mobilization

Neck Pain Due to Posture Problems

Neck pain is often caused by poor posture, that is putting extra pressure on ligaments and muscles. For those stand with their shoulders slouched, their chin poking forward, or who are looking down for a long time, they are going to find that this can affect the neck. In addition, sleeping with your face down, as well as slumping while you are seated can lead to neck pain.

You can prevent this type of neck pain through:

• When standing or sitting be sure that you are doing this with the correct posture
• Ensure that wherever you sit, that this is going to allow you to properly sit down
• Stretch and change positions throughout the day
• Do not sleep on your stomach
• Ensure you have the right pillow for support while sleeping
• Utilize relaxation techniques to help with stress that can cause muscle issues
• Exercise to ensure that you have muscle tone and posture

Always remember that:

• Neck pain is often caused by some type of trauma, poor posture, or arthritis
• Shoulder pain can be caused by dislocation, fractures and instability
• Treatments for pain such as osteopathy, remedial massage and physiotherapy can help with neck or shoulder pain

 Related Video On Neck And Shoulder Pain

Introduction

One of the leading reasons for harm in young children throughout the UK are accidents that happen around the home. Most accidents are preventable with the proper care and attention to the home. There are around 2 million children each year under the age of 15 who end up at the emergency room with some type of injury resulting from an accident in the home. Around half a million of this children are under the age of 5 years old. There are even more children who have accidents at home who are treated at home by their parents.

Accidents are the leading cause of harm and even death in kids. People only consider accidents with motor vehicle accidents or mishaps from outside activities but accidents in the home are just as prevalent.

One of the leading reasons for harm in young children throughout the UK are accidents that happen around the home. Most accidents are preventable with the proper care and attention to the home.

The Causes of Home Accidents

The most serious accidents that happen at home are caused by:

• Getting a burn or scald
• Falling from a height
• Drowning
• Poisoning
• Choking
• Suffocating

In most cases, these accidents are occurring during the summer time, on weekends and during holidays in which children are not in school. They are especially occurring in the late afternoon to early evening time frame. The chances of an accident happening are higher if:

• The caregiver is distracted
• There is no supervision
• There are changes to the routine of the child
• Everyone is in a hurry and doesn’t pay attention
• The child is at a home that is not familiar to them

Child Accident: What to do?

In most cases, you can treat your child’s accident at home. However, in the event that:

• The child is not breathing
• The child is struggling to breathe
• The breathing is fast, wheezy or simply not right
• There is a high temperature
• They cannot use a limb from the injury
• Poison has been swallowed
• Will not wake up or they are confused
• Have a seizure

Then you are going to want to call for immediate care. Whether you call the ambulance or take the child to the emergency department on your own.

Preventing Accidents

Keep in mind that minor accidents, such as bruises and bumps are going to occur. It is the nature of a child to explore their surroundings, and this is important to their learning and development. You can do some things, such as explaining dangers in the home, as well as monitoring children closely while playing to prevent accidents from happening. Never leave children unsupervised around dangerous applicances.

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Overview

There are various causes that can lead to foot pain. However, great news is that you can treat is at home. If you do experience severe pain, a visit to the GP may be required.

You may also experience pain in the heels, particularly in the morning. This could be a sign of plantar fasciitis, which is the swelling of the tissues that joins your heel bone to your toes. The Achilles tendon must be stretch to relieve the pain.

Common Causes of Foot Pain

There are various causes that can lead to foot pain. However, great news is that you can treat is at home. If you do experience severe pain, a visit to the GP may be required.

A few of the most expected causes of foot pain are:

• Bunions
• Foreign object embedded in the foot
• Corns, blisters, and calluses

• Strains and sprains
• Gout
• Arthritis
• Ingrown toenails
• Cracked or broken bones
• Achilles tendon injury

Understanding Gout

• When uric acid forms in the joints, it can lead to gout, and is also considered a form of arthritis. Gout can lead to extreme pain, inflammation, tenderness and sensitivity that affects the joints.
• The outbreaks can carry on for days at a time, and usually affect the big toe. A lot of the times gout is often mistaken for a bunion. You can manage severe pain by placing or by getting some non-inflammatory medications.
• You might also need to visit your GP to discuss treatment options to prevent a reoccurrence.

Calluses, Blisters and Corns

When you wear shoes that don’t fit correctly, this can damage the skin. This can lead to:

• Blisters are tiny pockets of fluid that form on the exterior of the skin.
• Corns are small loops of thick skin.
• Calluses are rigid and solid areas of skin that are usually yellow.

All of these conditions can cause pain and discomfort when walking. Blisters normally get better within a few days. If you wear shoes that fit appropriately, this can assist with the healing process. For calluses and corns, you might need to visit your GP to find the best source of treatment for you.

Broken or Cracked Bones

Normally a serious injury can lead to a cracked or broken bone in the foot. In most instances, repeated activities like doing high impact sports can lead to fractures. In older people, osteoporosis can lead to cracked or broken bones. Any bone in the foot is prone to cracks and fractures, including those that are situated in the mid area of the foot, toes, ankles, heals, and bones positioned in the lower leg.

A cracked or broken bone can be extremely painful, sensitive to touch and the region may become bruised. It is best to avoid doing anything and stop straining the area until you have it looked at by your GP.

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