Of all the medical conditions people suffer from, low back pain is one of the most common. However, there are many causes of low back pain. To many peoples’ surprise, low back pain is not always the result of lifting something too heavy or a slip and fall. Therefore, let’s take a look at some of the reasons for low back pain.

1. Lumbar Muscle Strain
One of the most common causes of lower back pain is a straining of the lumbar muscles. Most people don’t even remember what they did to cause the strain. Not picking up objects in the proper manner, sitting without moving for an extended period of time, or even recreational sports can all strain your lumbar muscles.

2. Nerve Impingement
In between each of your vertebrae, nerves branch off of your spinal cord and exit into your body. If one or more of your vertebra gets twisted and out of place (i.e. subluxated), this could “pinch” one of your spinal nerves. Pain could then result at the location of the nerve impingement or the pain could follow the path of the nerve and radiate out into your body.

3. Lumbar Spine Arthritis
Although arthritis is mostly associated with joints in the finger, knees and shoulders, the spine has many articulating joints that are also susceptible to arthritis. Arthritis can be the result of a past trauma or injury, or it may be simply due to the natural process of aging.

4. Bulging Or Ruptured Disc
Separating each of your vertebrae are discs. In the center of each disc is a gel-like substance that acts somewhat as a shock absorber. As a result of injury or trauma to the spine, discs can become damaged. The gel-like substance can create a herniation of the disc which resembles a bulge on a damaged inner tube of a tire. The bulging disc can then impinge upon the adjacent spinal nerve. In severe cases, a bulging disc can rupture.

Low Back Pain Diagnosis

The good news is that most low back pain resolves itself on it’s own. However, if your back pain persists or gets worse after several days, it is recommended that you see a doctor.

A routine medical examination with basic orthopedic tests can help identify the root of the problem. X-rays are also part of the standard diagnosis protocol. Depending on the results of the initial exam and tests, an MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Depending on the intensity of the pain, medication, muscle relaxers or a local injection initially may be needed to make the pain bearable. However, this pain relief is usually only temporary and the pain will recur unless the underlying cause of the problem is addressed.

A conservative treatment approach such as physical therapy and/or chiropractic adjustments will often correct the majority of low back pain problems. In severe cases where the body does not respond and the pain persists, surgery might be necessary to repair the affected area.

When You Should See A Doctor

As stated above, low back pain often resolves itself without any medical intervention. However, if your back pain persists for more than a few days or keeps you up at night, it is highly recommended that you see a doctor for a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the problem, then get appropriate treatment to correct the problem.

When a family member is terminally ill, hospice care can provide many beneficial aspects that are in the best interest of the patient as well as the family. Assessing the patient’s needs and implementing the plan that will best provide pain management and comfort during this time is extremely important.

Often when family members are faced with the terminal illness of a loved one, they are at a loss. They are caring for their husband, father, mother or grandmother and they are unsure of what to do or what not to do in certain situations. Hospice volunteers are always available by telephone to assist with any questions or concerns.

Caring, supportive members provide an essential service to the patients and their families. From picking up medications to being a shoulder during this time, hospice care team will provide the patient and the family with the knowledge, assistance and encouragement needed at this time.

The Hospice Team

The team of hospice care workers will include the physician, a registered nurse, a home health care aide, a volunteer, a social services worker and a chaplain. They are all integral parts of the team that coordinate the care to make the patient more comfortable.

The hospice nurse is available 24/7 and can make a home visit anytime the need arises. When people are terminally ill, their family, especially the primary caregiver is on an emotional roller coaster. The feelings of helplessness are overwhelming and this can be alleviated by the hospice nurse. They can help the caregiver by teaching them what they need to do to care for their loved one.

Consultations with the attending physician are a part of this plan. Needs identified by the visiting hospice nurse can be relayed to the doctor and the care needed can be coordinated with the primary care giver. One of the most beneficial aspects of hospice care is the support they provide to the patient and his family.

Patients are provided with personal care that is needed by the home health care aide. When special needs are identified such as medical equipment needed to make the patient more comfortable, the social workers of hospice can help to provide these needs. Hospital beds, oxygen machines and other essential equipment that allows the patient to remain in familiar surroundings rather than a hospital setting are provided.

The chaplain can help with the final plans, such as memorial services and arrangements for the funeral. They offer spiritual support during this time.

The Concept Is Not New

Hospice is not a new concept. It has been around since medieval times, offering comfort and a final place to rest for many who were wounded or ill. Today’s hospice care is a program that emphasizes the patient and the family’s needs based on providing a quality of life that is desired.

Preparing both for an eventuality is the focus and the personalized services that are provided are unique to each individual situation. The responsive and sensitive manner in which this is handled helps the patient and family prepare for a natural process.

Although many patients that hospice serves are cancer patients, no one is turned down regardless of the illness they have or their age. The care is provided to all patients with a limited life expectancy. Respecting their wishes to spend their final time in their own home or a home setting with loved ones by making them as comfortable as possible, hospice care is a compassionate and sensitive service for the needs of terminally ill patients.

Hospice care is the link that provides peace and comfort for the patient as well as the family. The effect of a dying family member can be very hard to deal with and one of the very important goals of hospice care is to give comfort to both – the patient and the family.

(Footnote: Dr. Di Noto serves as medical director in Oakland and Macomb County for Seasons Hospice.)

Can people be tested for depression? The simple answer is, not yet. There are tests that can be done on the different symptoms of depression that a person exhibits, but not a test that will say whether you are depressed or not. Blood tests can be performed to check hormone levels, as well as other aspects that may cause the same symptoms as depression. Currently there is research going on that will hopefully lead to a comprehensive depression test in the near future.

There are a few blood tests that are performed routinely that can indicate any underlying issues that cause some of the symptoms associated with depression. One is a complete blood count, also known as a CBC. This test takes a look at the different blood cells in the body and whether the levels are normal or not. A change in any of the levels could indicate infection or anemia, either of which will cause symptoms that are very similar to depression such as lethargy and chronic fatigue.

Abnormalities in the thyroid can also cause depression like symptoms. You may be feeling run down, or gaining weight despite eating right and getting regular exercise. This hormonal imbalance can also cause depression like symptoms. If you have hypothyroidism you may always feel run down due to a very slow metabolism. If you have an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism you may be feeling the opposite. This may seem like it is a blessing in disguise, but the symptoms are very similar to those that are manic/depressed due to the fact that there are high periods experienced when the metabolism is running fast, followed by low periods when the metabolism has burnt up all the energy and is running sluggish and slow. Again, a simple blood test can determine if you have a thyroid problem.

There are a great many tests that can be done for different symptoms you are experiencing to rule out any underlying cause. Some of those tests include kidney and liver functioning tests. Both of these organs can cause symptoms similar to those experienced in depression if they are not working properly. Other factors to take into consideration include blood glucose levels and high cholesterol.

If your body is deficient in any of the important vitamins or minerals you may also experience depression related symptoms. Vitamins such as B complex, Calcium and Magnesium as well as folic acid all play vital roles in how well your body feels. Not having enough of these important nutrients will make you feel tired, lethargic, run down and as if you don’t want to do anything.

There are some diseases that can cause symptoms of depression that you wouldn’t even consider. Lyme disease, caused by the bite of the common deer tick, can cause some of these same symptoms. You may get bitten by one during the Summer, not notice it in the first stages, and by the time Winter starts, you’re feeling lethargic, run down, and have chronic pain, all the signs of depression, but what actually is is the second and third stages of Lyme disease.

You can also use the internet to help you determine whether or not you are suffering from depression. There are a number of sites that offer checklists that can help you determine if you have any chronic symptoms and what you can do about them.

You must remember that people feel down and out occasionally throughout their lives. Some feel a little depressed during the Winter, because they are cramped up inside their homes, and don’t get enough sun. Other times, external forces can cause depression symptoms, too much stress at work, a death in the family, or even divorce. The difference is, that over a period of time, these feelings start to change and go away. The sun comes back in the Spring, and you are able to shed those heavy clothes, go outside again, and get back to the things you like to do.

It is when the down feelings don’t go away or get worse over time, and perhaps you contemplate suicide that you should seek professional help. The National Institute of Mental Health reported in 2005 that various types of depression affect nearly 18 million American adults, which is 10% of all people over the age of 18. This is not including all of the people who suffer from depression and never say anything or Americans under the age of 18. Generally depression starts at a young age, particularly in preteens and adolescents.

If you have been feeling depressed lately it might be a good idea to have your doctor run some routine lab tests to rule out any underlying medical condition. If you are in the metro Detroit area, you are welcomed to contact our office and we would be happy to assist you.

Migraines are headaches that are recurring. Those that suffer from them often experience tingling in their feet and hands, see blind spots, or light flashes just before they get a migraine. These symptoms that precede the migraine are called auras. Auras are warning signs the body gives to let someone know that a migraine is on its way.

When someone gets a migraine they have other symptoms that accompany the painful headache. Nausea, dizziness, extreme light sensitivity, and sensitivity to sound often accompany a migraine.

There are numerous causes for migraines. Some are caused by allergic reactions to something in someones surroundings. Allergic reactions to fragrances can often trigger a migraine. Perfumes, cologne, and candles can cause someone to have an allergic reaction and get a migraine. Allergic reactions to food can also cause someone to get the headaches. Aspartame, salty foods, and caffeine can all cause migraines.

When someone is dieting or fasting they can get migraines because they are not getting enough food or not giving their body the proper nutrients it needs. Stress can also be a catalyst for a migraine.  The build up of stress can cause for a migraine to last hours or even sometimes for days. A great stress reliever is exercise. It will help to get the blood flowing, promote weight loss, and keep stress at a manageable level.

If migraines become more frequent it is important to see a doctor immediately. This may be a sign of something that is far more serious. There are some major medical conditions that are preceded by migraines. When going for an evaluation, a doctor will be able to prescribe medications to help with the migraines. Migraines are often incurable, but there are some medications that can be taken to lessen the frequency of the migraines. The migraine severity can also be dulled down with medication. While migraines can make life more difficult, with proper management they do not have to incapacitate someone’s life.

The illness called dementia affects mostly the aging population, however it can be found in adults of all ages. There are many different types of the illness, although the most common one is Alzheimer’s. It is caused for many reasons, however in general, it is due to brain cells and brain stem damage. Typically the onset of this illness is not noticed. It begins rather gradually and proceeds to get worse. At first, it may seem like simple forgetfulness. Many times the forgetfulness will be tied in with other things like age, being overtired or just having too much on the mind. It is understandable that the first signs go unnoticed.

As the illness progresses, the symptoms show themselves more readily. The forgetfulness will be an every day occurrence. A person suffering with this illness will not know some one’s name they have known all their lives, or they may not know where they are when in their own home. Many people in this situation are unable to do things that would in the past have come easy to them, like balancing a checkbook, writing a letter to a friend, or following a recipe.

Other symptoms of the illness can include the inability to keep up with personal hygiene, lack of judgment, depression and even aggression. There are a multitude of symptoms of this devastating illness. Typically, the symptoms will show themselves over time and become more consistent. A person is not diagnosed with having it though, until six months have gone by.

In most cases the illness cannot be stopped or reversed. However, there are medications available that can help to slow down the progression of the illness. This can make it easier for family to care for them. Another common treatment is one which teaches the person with the illness ways to remember things. This could be by writing things down, mnemonics or by utilizing computerized recall devices.  These treatments make it possible for people with dementia to have a better quality of life.

The elderly need specialized care from their primary care physicians. There are certain issues that become more apparent with age, the most common being increased risk of falling, hearing and vision trouble, poor diet and dementia. All of these things can be dealt with in a caring and supportive manner by their physicians. Of course, the hardest part is knowing about the issues before they become too serious and cause other problems. When dealing with the elderly, these are things to watch for to be sure their geriatric health is as good as possible.

The older person is often plagued by falls. A person’s stability can be affected by the use of prescription medication, tripping over something not seen laying on the floor, poor vision and simply by being off-balance. The main objective when tackling increased risk of falling in the elderly is to actually prevent it. If a fall occurs, the elderly person will likely be injured. Medications should be balanced so that they are not causing instability. The living environment should be as clean and free of obstacles as possible. Vision should be monitored closely to be sure the geriatric person can see alright. Balance issues can be corrected through strength training.

The primary care physician for an older person will be aware that their needs are constantly changing. The elderly need to have their vision and hearing checked frequently. If there is a change, it can be dealt with using corrective lenses and hearing aids. This will allow the elderly person to maintain their quality of life. An older person’s diet must be monitored closely as well. If they are eating less than normal, the physician should be notified, or if there is a drastic change in what they are willing to eat. This can of course be noticed by those that live with the elderly person, although the physician will be asking the right questions on regular visits as well.

Sadly, dementia is another very common part of getting older. The onset of dementia is rarely sudden. It is a slow progression of a slight slip here or there that gets worse over time. A good physician for the elderly will be watching for this closely. Again, asking the right questions to be sure to notice the onset and then progression of dementia. All of these issues are unfortunately impossible to stop in the long scheme of things. However, prevention, care and close monitoring can make these things easier to deal with.

Cardiovascular health is one of the most important aspects of life, yet many do not pay very close attention to the way the treat their heart. Heart disease remains the number one killer in the United States. There are, however, simple ways to keep your heart healthy, and possibly even reverse damage that may already exist.

Almost any amount of physical activity is a great starting place to a healthy heart and lifestyle. Many assume that if they can’t commit to 30 minutes of cardio a day, then there is no sense in trying. This simply isn’t true. While there are optimums for health, anything at all is good. Five minutes here, a few extra steps there can actually add up very quickly. An inactive lifestyle is one of highest risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Doing something about it is very simple, and could save your life.

The second highest risk factor for developing heart disease is poor nutrition or diet. One major step you could take to improve your nutrition, even if you feel you are eating healthy, is to begin taking a multi-vitamin supplement. These help your body get the full range and amount of vitamins and minerals your body needs. If you know you’re not eating very healthy, small changes can be made today to help ensure a long and healthy life.

Finally, a great way to ward off heart disease, or at least detect early enough, is to have regular visits to your doctor. Even seeing a nutritionist to discuss your lifestyle and diet, and what might be changed to improve your health is a great idea. Professionals can pinpoint potential health risks in your life, and can help you feel better and possibly prevent heart problems down the road.

These days it doesn’t really matter if you have heart disease in the family or not. Even if your family has had a clean bill of health for centuries, today’s lifestyle and diet can put you at risk. If you do have a history of trouble in your family, then you just have to be a little more careful than the next person. Be sure you’re doing all you can to help your heart out, and it’ll reward you with a longer, happier life.

Depression and anxiety may seem like completely different illnesses, but they are often diagnosed together. Depression is marked by sadness and feeling down. However, anxiety usually has a person nervous, edgy, and fidgety. Treatment for depression and anxiety may even be the same although they are very different disorders.

Depression is expressed by feeling hopeless, angry, and very sad. When you suffer from depression your energy levels are very low and you may feel overwhelmed by everyday activities and relationships with friends and family. A depressed person may lose interest in things that they used to enjoy doing.

Almost everyone experiences some sadness in their lives. A true depression isn’t diagnosed unless the person has had these feelings for over two weeks. The sad mood and lack of motivation must also interfere with daily activities such as family or work to be diagnosed as a true depression. Depression is long term and not the result of a trigger that would make most people sad such as a job loss or death in the family.

Those who suffer from anxiety experience fear, anxiety, or panic when other people would not feel threatened at all. Someone with anxiety might even experience a panic attack without any trigger at all. People with anxiety often live with a constant worry about when their anxiety will strike and this can make the anxiety even worse. Unless they get treatment, anxiety can severely limit a person’s life with regard to their interaction with family, friends, and co-workers.

Different Yet Related

Though these two disorders seem to be at the opposite end of the spectrum, they often coexist. They are often both treated the same way as well. Medication used to treat depression may also be used to treat anxiety. Behavioral therapy is often used for anxiety but may also help people overcome depression as well.

The reason these two illnesses are so closely related isn’t completely clear. They could be both caused by the same neurotransmitter imbalances. Or possibly one could cause the other. Being in a constant state of depression is hard to live with and may make a person anxious. Conversely, being anxious and always feeling like your fight or flight response has engaged may take a toll on someone and cause depression.

Diabetes is a disease that affects 23.6 million people. Some people know they have diabetes, yet many others do not. The main characteristic of diabetes is having a high blood glucose (sugar) level. Diabetes often runs in families.

Type 1

Diabetes is classified as either Type 1 or Type 2. When people have Type 1 diabetes, it means they are either born with it or it shows up early in childhood. With Type 1, your pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is needed to convert starches, foods and sugar into energy that the body can use.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is also referred to as “adult onset” diabetes because it happens later in life. Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1. Many people do not even know they have it until they start to experience symptoms. Some of the symptoms that people may experience include blurred vision, increased urination, increased appetite, increased thirst and slow healing wounds.

When you have type 2 diabetes, fat, liver, and muscle cells do not respond normally to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. As a result, blood sugar does not get into the body’s cells to be stored for energy.

Some people with type 2 diabetes find they no longer need medication if they lose weight and increase activity. When they reach their ideal weight, blood glucose levels can be controlled by a careful diet.

Gestational

A third kind of diabetes is called gestational diabetes, which happens when a woman is pregnant. Gestational diabetes may not cause symptoms, therefore all pregnant women should receive a glucose tolerance test between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy to screen for the condition.

Just because a person has diabetes, it does not mean their life is over. You will have to make lifestyle changes, and watch what you eat. Exercise is very important as well. In addition, medication might be needed to manage blood sugar levels. Treated properly, though, you can reduce your risk of death, stroke, heart failure, and other complications associated with diabetes and lead a normal life.