Archive for the ‘Medication’ category

« Older Entries

Chronic Headaches and Pain Alleviated by Dentistry

August 18th, 2010
Patricia Woloch asked:




You may not immediately think of your dentist the next time you suffer from a migraine, but you might be surprised to know that there are many causes of headache, face, neck and shoulder pain that can be relieved by dental treatments. If this is not something you’ve tried, consider scheduling a consultation to find out if you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition in which the upper and lower teeth are misaligned, causing muscle contractions in the jaw joint that lead to tension and pain.

A number of treatment options are available, depending on the cause of your pain. For example, you may not know it, but you might be clenching and unclenching your teeth many times throughout the day or night. This can wear down your teeth and create tension in your jaw, creating your headaches and other pain. If your dentist finds this is the case, he or she will prescribe useful home exercises and physical therapy, to be used in combination with a mouth guard that reduces the intensity and frequency of your oral stress and protects your teeth from further wear and destruction. This will restore the muscles of your head and neck area to normal length, function, posture and full range of motion, helping to reduce your symptoms.

The following treatments may also be helpful for treating chronic headaches and related pain:

Occlusal Splint – Also called a night guard, the Occlusal Splint protects the teeth from further wear and reduces the severity of grinding at night, allowing the muscles to rest. In severe cases, the splint may need to be worn all day to allow the joints and muscles to rest.

Jaw Rest – You must rest your jaw for it to heal. Do not:

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags:

How Back Pain Starts

August 4th, 2010
Melwin Frederic asked:




When considering back pain we must concern ourselves with its variants. For instance, back pain can start with slip disks, which in medical terms is called “Herniated nucleus pulposa.” (HNP) Doctors define slip disks as ruptures of the “intervertebral disk.” The intervertebral rests between the vertebrae (Spinal Column) of the backbone.

The interruption has variants, including the “Lumbrosacral,” (L4 and L5) as well as cervical C5-7. The cervical is at the neck and belongs to other parts of the back and neck as well. When doctors consider slip disks they often look through etiology, which includes neck and back strains, trauma, congenital/inborn bone malformation, heavy lifting, degenerated disks, and/or weakness of ligaments.

After carefully considering, etiology doctors consider Pathophysiology, which includes protrusions of the “nucleus pulposus.” The center connects to the column or spinal canal and perhaps compressing the spinal cord or the nerve core, or roots, which causes back pain. If the spinal cord is compressed restraining the roots and cord often back pain, numbness, and the motor functions may fail.

The assessments in medical terms are based on Lumbrosacral, which may include acute or chronic pain at the lower back. The pain may spread out to the buttocks and move toward the legs. The person may feel weakness, as well as numbness. In addition, such pain can cause tingling around the legs and foot. The final assessment may include ambulation, which emerges from pain.

The cervical is considered. The symptoms experts look for is neck rigidity, deadness, weakness, and “tingling of the” hands. If the neck pain spreads the pain down to the arms and continue to the hands, experts will consider slip disks. Yet other symptoms may occur, such as weakness that affects the farthest points, or the higher boundaries of the body. The lumbar curves is at the lower back region and is situated in the loins or the smaller area of the back, which doctors consider also, especially if the patient has difficult straightening this area with the curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and away from the area influenced.

When doctors consider back pain, they will review the diagnostics after conducting a series of tests. Diagnostics may arise from tendon reflex, x-rays, EMG, myelograms, CSF, and/or Las

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags:

Fibromyalgia Treatments – Learn How to Stop Fibromyalgia Pain

July 25th, 2010
Carlyn McKinley asked:




There are a number of fibromyalgia treatments for the individual who suffers from this chronic condition. While there is no cure for this medical condition, there are a number of treatments that can be administered by a medical professional, and some that can be performed at home in order for some sufferers to achieve relief from the symptoms that are experienced with fibromyalgia. Here, you will learn about some of the treatments that are available for this medical condition.

What is Fibromyalgia? This is a condition in which an individual experiences widespread pain in the tissues, joints, and muscles of the body. The condition is a debilitating one that can interfere with a person’s ability to function from day to day as those who do not have the condition. There are fibromyalgia tender points that often result in the most pain. The following lists some of the fibromyalgia treatments available for sufferer that wishes to achieve relief from the symptoms of this uncomfortable condition.

Fibromyalgia Treatments

1. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a popular fibromyalgia treatment. This therapy teaches you how to approach stress and pain management.

2. There are a number of relaxation type therapies that are available for the individual with fibromyalgia. These include meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, and similar types of behavior.

3. Pain management courses are an effective form of therapy that teaches fibromyalgia patients how to effectively deal with their pain on a day to day basis through relaxation, stress management, exercise, diet, and similar methods.

4. There are a number of prescription medications available today that may assist with the overall pain that the fibromyalgia sufferer experiences. Naturally, there are pain pills such as Darvocet that can be beneficial. Then, there are antidepressants that can regulate the levels of serotonin in the body. Then, there are muscle relaxants, such as Robaxin and Flexeril that can assist in pain. Lyrica is a medication that is now approved for the treatment of Fibromyalgia.

5. There are many home care treatments that can be used to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. These treatments include reducing stress levels, getting enough rest, consuming a healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis, and maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

There are many fibromyalgia symptoms that can be successfully relieved by various types of treatments. If you have this medical condition, it is important to ensure that you talk to your doctor about fibromyalgia treatments that can be effective for you.

Buy Butalbital apap caffeine

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags:

How to Relief Widespread Pain in Fibromyalgia

July 18th, 2010
Terje Ellingsen asked:




You need pain relief if you are suffering from fibromyalgia. Chronic, widespread pain can often be the hardest and most frustrating challenge of living with Fibromyalgia. Coping mechanisms often fail because people with Fibromyalgia often have difficulty explaining to others what they are going through. They are quick to avoid stressful situations, and because of deep-seeded depression, begin to sink into a feeling of helplessness.

It is typical that people with Fibromyalgia complain of “hurting all over” and because there is no known cure for Fibromyalgia, there is no way to remove the pain. Managing the pain is the only option given to sufferers with this medical condition.
Support groups offer plenty of encouragement, but if someone suffers from widespread pain, he or she is the only person that can decide what treatments and management techniques work best for them.

Relaxation exercises, heat therapy, self-hypnosis, stretching exercises, medications, and self evaluation with the ability to develop a personal pain analysis of a person’s own pain are often recommended in controlling and being in control of the pain. People with Fibromyalgia must learn to describe their pain to physical therapists and their family physician. They should also keep a journal of all activities and medications along with any noted difference before or after the activity or change in medication is very helpful when trying to pin point what works and what doesn’t.

As if pain by itself isn’t bad enough, one of the most disabling effects of widespread pain is the ongoing daily existence of fatigue. Most people who deal with Fibromyalgia must accept the fact they will wake up every morning feeling tired. For people battling FMS, (Fibromyalgia Syndrome) everyday activities are often difficult. Preparing meals, walking to the mailbox, putting on make-up all seem overwhelming and drain what energy the person has available.

Managing Widespread Pain is very complicated because in order to do it effectively, people with FMS must plan everything ahead of time. However, pain management is a skill that you should give yourself the chance to learn. Ordinary tasks must be prioritized, often even handed over to someone else who is willing to help. In corporations, often the phrase, “work smarter, not harder,” is used as a motto. In the lives of people dealing with FMS, this is something they must realize can vastly improve their quality of life, so they must plan ahead.

In developing a pain management plan, the person living with the pain should speak out about the medications they need to make their lives more comfortable. Read up on the medications available, and ask for specific medications by name. Zoloft, Sinequan, Flexeril, Prozac, Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, and many others are medications that may provide FMS sufferers with the relief they need temporarily. Often some of these medications can help significantly more than a temporary fix so people with the pain need to talk to their doctors about what is working for them.

You deserve to live a good life. Flexibility and Creativity are two important elements in managing widespread pain and living a more productive, energetic, and happy life. The person, who believes in their ability to manage FMS, will be able to live a more fulfilling life while managing their daily activities at their own pace.

The Ultram online

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags:

Pain – Fibromyalgia Pain Treatment for Severe Pain

July 5th, 2010
Raymond Attebery asked:




Is this you? Experiencing severe pain all over your body. You feel exhausted all of the time. You have gone through numerous tests and your doctor cannot find anything wrong with you. If you can relate to these statements, you may have a condition called Fibromyalgia. And, if this is so, you are probably on the look out for Fibromyalgia pain treatment for severe pain.

You are not alone. Over ten million people in the United States alone have reported symptoms of Fibromyalgia. So, if you are one of the many sufferers of this painful condition, it is important to know that Fibromyalgia pain treatment for severe pain does exist. And, if you suffer from Fibromyalgia pain, your doctor or better yet a pain specialist can prescribe treatment for any level of pain including severe pain.

Medication as Fibromyalgia Pain Treatment for Severe Pain

Generally you will need to undergo a physical examination to determine if you qualify as a Fibromyalgia patient with positive findings of 11 of 18 tender points based on a digital examination. However as a second opinion, Dr. R. Paul St. Amand, M.D. Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine Harbor, at UCLA states that this useful concept is artificial. He further states: “We easily find more widely distributed areas of swelling, spasm, and tenderness scattered all over the body.”

Most doctors will prescribe some type and level of pain medication for Fibromyalgia pain treatment. Some of these medications include:

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags:

Easy Back Pain Remedies

July 3rd, 2010
Kat S asked:




Depending on the condition of your back and the amount of pain you are having please do not attempt to use home remedies without first consulting your Doctor. There are as many home remedies for back pain as there are hairs on our pretty little heads. Back pain can be severe and chronic. For those who live with chronic back pain there isn’t anything they wouldn’t give to end the discomfort.

After being examined by a physician you’ve just found out that the muscles around your spine are contracting. Your have a slip disk in your lower back that keeps you from being as active as you like. How will you get rid of this awful feverish pain?

A drug called Flexeril (a muscle relaxer) will help to ease the pain. Your Doctor may recommend a surgical proceedure that will assist you with your discomfort and agitation. Until he does perform surgery it is a good idea to keep the muscles in your back nice and relaxed. Flexeril is a called a miracle drug by many. And, they are a non-addictive, well-respected, and frequently prescribed drug for those who suffer with this type of pain.

Building up the muscles in the area around your back pain is also a great remedy for chronic back pain. There are simple stretches you can do to contract the muscles in your back. Work your work routine slowly to maximize the results. Again, always consult a physician and in this case a physical therepist who can advise you of the best excersizes for back pain. Follow the Doctors instructions to the letter.

Has your Doctor prescribed a Dexa Scan? Health conscious females would not dream of ever skipping a female examination. But what does a relatively healthy woman know about another very vital health check called the bone density test? If you suffer with chronic back pain and need remedies then don’t rule out any test that might be helpful in determining the best medical plan for improving your condition.

There are a lot of back pain myths out there. Don’t fall for every remedy you hear or read about. The snake oil salesman are still alive and kicking. They’re backs are still in great condition while they prowl the web trying to sell you something that probably won’t work. Stay away from back remedies that promise the world. In most cases your pain will only be postponed if that! In all cases it’s your personal physician that can help you most.

buy Fioricet, Tramadol, Ultracet, Carisoprodol

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags:

Fibromyalgia Pain Medication – Targeting Pain and Other Symptoms

June 26th, 2010
Jane Thompson asked:




Fibromyalgia is a condition that can make you feel like you’ve run a triathlon everyday but you didn’t train for it. Tiredness and pain co-exists with other parts of your body. Certain points feel fatigued and tender – even slight pressure can cause pain and you might even have trouble sleeping. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. There is a host of fibromyalgia pain medication that can provide relief from symptoms.

Fibromyalgia medications

The main purpose of fibromyalgia medication is to relieve pain, which is the distinguishing characteristic of this condition and the rest target specific symptoms such as muscle spasm and sleeplessness.

Some of the most common fibromyalgia medications that are prescribed are analgesics – both narcotic and non-narcotic. Non-narcotic are the only kind that are available over the counter with acetaminophens being the most commonly taken. Narcotic analgesics are only available on prescription, as there is the risk of becoming addicted to them so they need to be monitored. Pain relievers such as these reduce pain and ease joint and muscle stiffness.

Other fibromyalgia medications may also include NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin. They are usually taken with other medications. Newer fibromyalgia medications such as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and serotonin may also be prescribed to help stop pain, depression and fatigue.

For patients who have trouble sleeping, anti-depressants may be taken to help the body relax. Drugs that contain amitriptyline, doxepin and nortriptyline are commonly used.

While they do not directly target pain, anti-depressants are considered the most useful drugs for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, there are a number of side effects that can arise from taking anti-depressants, so you should tell your doctor if you start experiencing anything abnormal.

Sometimes, short-term fibromyalgia medication may also be used by patients to treat severe or intermittent symptoms. Muscle relaxants, for example, are used to reduce incidence of spasms and minimize muscle pain. Drugs containing cyclobenzaprine are commonly taken. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin may also help some patients by decreasing pain and improving sleep.

To bring about restful sleep, sleeping pills may be used in conjunction with a prescribed fibromyalgia medication. They are quite an effective treatment, although they are only recommended for short-term use. Prescription pills like zolpidem may work initially, but the body may develop a resistance. Patients who have been using them for a while may no longer feel their effect and may even develop sleeping problems later on.

To a small group of people suffering severe joint and muscle pain, doctors might prescribe narcotic drugs. These come in stronger dosage and have been known to help a few, but there is no evidence that narcotic fibromyalgia medication can actually target chronic pain. Most doctors would avoid prescribing them to patients for long-term treatments because of the high possibility of developing chemical dependence.

For information on treating Fibromyalgia naturally, either alongside or without medication keep reading and sign up for the free newsletter below.

Fibromyalgia is a condition with a host of symptoms and there is no single cure for it yet. However, research has led to the improvement of diagnosis and treatment over the years and has even resulted to a good choice of fibromyalgia medications and supplemental drugs that can treat pain and other symptoms. There are a number of studies and research underway that are looking at new fibromyalgia pain medications which will hopefully provide safe and effective relief.

Buy Butalbital online apap caffeine

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags:

Dealing With Fibromyalgia – The Wise Woman Way

June 24th, 2010
Susun Weed asked:




“Dear woman,” Grandmother Growth’s voice seems to float in the deepening twilight, echoing, reverberating, ringing in your ears. “Bring me your soreness. Bring me your pain. Bring your aches to me. Bring your burdens. Bring all you can no longer stand, can no longer bear, can no longer carry, can no longer shoulder, can no longer be responsible for. Give it to me. Put it down. Let us sit in council together and listen to the stories your pain tells. Menopause is a journey which requires you to pack light. Heavy things – bitterness, regret, vengeance, clinging to pain – will make your travels wearisome and bring you down. Take only the stories. Leave the rest behind. Burn the soreness in your hot flashes. Let it leave you. This is the Change. Let it change you, dear woman; let it change you.”

Step 0: Do Nothing

Women dealing with fibromyalgia have less pain if they sleep in a completely dark room. If that’s impossible, wear a sleep mask.

Step 1: Collect Information

The chronic pain disorder I called “sore all over” when I wrote this section ten years ago is now big news. Ninety percent of the 4 million Americans dealing with this debilitating, frustrating condition – known as fibromyalgia – are white women, and many of them are menopausal.

Neither cause nor cure for fibromyalgia is known. It is not a disease but a range of symptoms characterized by chronic, widespread pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist. (As one of my apprentices put it: “But I don’t hurt in all those places at once. The pain moves around. I never know where it will be next.”) Some women have a low fever in addition to pain. More than half of those with fibromyalgia also suffer from headaches, endometriosis, and/or irritable bowel syndrome.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are quite variable, making diagnosis difficult. (Orthodox diagnosis is predicated on finding soreness at specific trigger points.) Fibromyalgia mimics aspects of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, hepatitis C, hypothyroidism, lupus, polymyalgia rheumatica, and early dementia. Many women with fibromyalgia are told their distress is “all in your mind.”

It isn’t in your mind (alone). Menopause can leave you feeling like you’ve been beaten on. Muscles respond to hormonal changes by feeling sore and cranky. Sleep loss can make you ache. (Non-restorative sleep is a hallmark of fibromyalgia.) Lack of calcium (and other minerals) can make your bones ache. Whether you are dealing with these challenges, or the greater problem of fibromyalgia, why not give Wise Woman Ways a try? The remedies listed here have been remarkably successful in helping many women.

“People with fibromyalgia aren’t just sensitive to pain; they also find loud noises, strong odors, and bright lights aversive.” – Daniel Clauw, MD, Director: Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Georgetown University

Step 2: Engage the Energy

Having a support group is one of the strongest factors in keeping fibromyalgia under control. Homeopathic Arnica is an amazing remedy for sore and aching muscles. Daily use of homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron reduced pain by 25 percent in those with fibromyalgia. Make a list of things you are sore (upset, angry) about. Where do these things live in your body? With the help of an experienced bodyworker, loosen those places. Women with fibromyalgia are very likely to be survivors of trauma (sexual or domestic violence, alcoholism). Go back to your Mother. Float in the ocean. Lie belly down on the earth. Naked. Let her ease you. Let her heal you. Listen to a relaxation tape. Have someone show you how to do the yoga position called the “Corpse Pose”. Learn how to bring yourself to a deep state of inner quiet and peaceful mind. Hypnotherapy can help you gain some degree of mental control over their symptoms. Cognitive behavior therapy is also helpful.
Step 3: Nourish and Tonify

Consistent use of nourishing herbal infusions, especially comfrey leaf and stinging nettle, in place of coffee, tea, and sodas is the single most effective thing I know for mitigating and overcoming fibromyalgia. Gentle exercise – walks, yoga or tai chi practices – keeps muscles from weakening and becoming more painful. Experts suggest starting with as little as three minutes a day, and gradually building to at least four sessions of five minutes each per day. Persist; the reward is worth it. Regular consumption of yogurt also proves very helpful for those with fibromyalgia. Perhaps it is due to yogurt’s ability to strengthen and nourish immunity; some suspect fibromyalgia is a result of immune system malfunction. Magnesium is a critical nutrient for preventing pain in muscles and connective tissues. Legumes, whole grains, leafy greens and nourishing herbal infusions – like nettle and oatstraw – are the best sources. Moxibustion is also known as needleless acupuncture. Safe and easy to do at home by yourself, moxibustion gives fast relief from sore joints and aching muscles. It not only relieves pain but tonifies, decreasing future pain and gradually effecting a “cure.” You can buy a moxa “cigar” at an Oriental pharmacy or health food store. Bring the glowing end of the moxa (after lighting it) near the painful area and move it around in small slow spirals until the heat becomes too intense. (This may take a few minutes or many.) Pain relief is usually immediate and often lasts for twelve or more hours.
Step 4: Stimulate/Sedate

Tinctures of willow bark or spirea (1-2 dropperfuls/1-2 ml is a dose) are highly recommended as important green allies by women dealing with fibromyalgia. St. Joan’s wort tincture – not capsules, not the tea – is a powerful ally for women with fibromyalgia. It is one of the best muscle relaxants I have ever used. A 25-30 drop dose not only stops but also prevents muscle aches. I have used it as frequently as every twenty minutes (for ten doses) when the occasion has necessitated it. St. Joan’s wort prevents soreness when taken after exercise; and even better if taken before. I take a dose every hour while on an airplane to prevent muscle aches and jetlag. Regular massage from an experienced therapist stimulates the circulation of blood and energy, relieves pain, reduces fatigue, and eases stiffness. Avoid deep tissue massage; it increases pain. Light strokes and gentle myofascial releases are more helpful. Chiropractic manipulations are of little benefit. Massage with heated stones and other heat treatments works wonders for some women. For others, cold treatments work better (but not too cold, and not for too long either, please). Ginger compresses, hot or cold, stir up circulation and mobilize the body’s own healing agents to take action and ease your pain. I grate several ounces of fresh ginger into simmering water, cook it gently for ten minutes, then soak a cloth in the liquid and use that as an application to the sore area. The National Institute of Health lists fibromyalgia as one of the few conditions that acupuncture can relieve. If lying down sleep makes the pain worse, slip into something relaxing: valerian, skullcap, or St. Joan’s wort tinctures, up to a dropperful/1 ml of any one, repeated twice if needed.
Step 5a: Use Supplements

A study found little benefit from those with fibromyalgia taking either SAM-e or 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan – a precursor to serotonin). Do not use 5-HTP if you are taking St. Joan’s/John’s wort. Lack of sleep can quickly aggravate symptoms of fibromyalgia. (See Step 0.) If sleep confounds you, melatonin at bedtime, the lowest dose you can get, may help.
Step 5b: Use Drugs

Essential oil of lavender was recommended by several women who have dealt with fibromyalgia for many years. Dilute with jojoba or olive oil and use as a rub. Orthodox treatment of fibromyalgia relies heavily on drugs, primarily antispasmodics, antidepressants and muscle-relaxants. But Celebrex, Vioxx, Valteran, amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac), vanlafaxine (Effecor), trazadone (Desyrel), alprazolam (Xanax), and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) can adversely affect the liver and disrupt the immune system. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen do not reduce fibromyalgia pain for most women. Tramadol (Ultram) is a drug which addresses both the altered brain chemicals and the pain signals of those with fibromyalgia.
Step 6: Break and Enter

Beware invasive diagnostic tests. Many women report enduring endless rounds of tests trying to put a name to their pains with no success and at the price of physical, mental, and emotional distress. Injections of lidocaine, a drug that temporarily numbs nerves, are effective in relieving fibromyalgia pain for some women. Injections of capsaicin (from cayenne) relieve pain by destroying nerve endings.

________________________________________

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Buy Butalbital apap caffeine

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags:

Looking For Natural Pain Relief

June 13th, 2010
Steve A Johnson asked:




For many people, reaching for pain relievers is as instinctual as eating. Hungry? Go to the refrigerator and grab a bite. Pain? Swallow a pill. But pain pills have their costs.

Pain is a way for our body to let us know that something is wrong and should be fixed. One in 10 U.S. adults suffer pain that lasts a year or more. Fully a quarter of American adults say they have suffered a day-long bout of pain in the past month, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC. Lower back pain is among the most common complaints, along with migraine or severe headache, and joint pain, aching or stiffness. More than a quarter of adults interviewed said they had experienced low back pain in the past three months. Migraines or severe headaches affected 15 percent of adults in the past three months, and 4 percent of adults had used a narcotic pain drug in the past month for pain relief.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, panadol, etc.) can cause liver damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen(Advil, Motrin, etc.), can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and impaired kidney function. They can also inhibit cartilage repair in the knees, hips and other joints. In addition to being addictive, Lortab, Percocet and other narcotic painkillers can cause drowsiness and clouded thinking. The muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) has been linked with dizziness, rash arrhythmia and even convulsions.

Pain may be sharp or dull, intermittent or constant, or throbbing or steady. Sometimes pain is very difficult to describe. Pain may be felt at a single site or over a large area. The intensity of pain can vary from minor to intolerable. Pain may also be acute or chronic.

In certain cases, the risks posed by the adverse reactions are offset by clear benefits. When pain is especially severe, nothing can replace the merciful relief of medication. But for run-of-the-mill discomfort-tension headache, ankle sprain, joint stiffness, back pain and postsurgical pain-it’s often better to skip drugs and opt instead for natural treatments.

Ice may seem old-fashioned, but it remains one of the best natural painkillers. It’s great for back pain, aching, swollen joints and headache. It reduces congestion, improves blood flow and promotes healing. A bag of frozen peas works as well as an ice pack, and it can be refozen and reused many times. Usually a 10-minute application, two or three times each hour, if effective.

If headaches are your problem, drinking lots of water is often all that’s needed. In particular, tension headaches and “toxic” headaches from drinking too much alcohol or consuming too much caffeine respond well to “hydrotherapy.: Have eight ounces of water every 10 minutes for one hour. Make sure a bathroom is handy before starting this remedy!

For acute sprains, strains and scrapes, bruises and other minor trauma, nothing beats arnica. This homeopathic remedy-available in health food stores and now many drugstores-reduces bruising and pain. Unless you are accident-prone, a single vial costing less than $10 should last several years.

For enndinitis and sciatica-and to speed recovery from surgery-I often recommend bromelain. This natural anti-enflammatory agent-an enzyme derived from pineapple-stimulates the breakdown of inflammatory compounds at the injury site.

Tramadol ultracet

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags:

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants Uses, Efficacy, and Side Effects

June 2nd, 2010
Yury Bayarski asked:




Skeletal muscle relaxants are a heterogeneous group of medications. As a class, they are structurally and pharmacologically diverse. Muscle relaxants are used to treat two different types of underlying conditions:
spasticity from upper motor neuron syndromes muscular pain or spasms from peripheral musculoskeletal conditions

Although muscle relaxants have by convention been classified into one group, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only a few medications in this class for treatment of spasticity. The remainder are approved for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Drugs classified as skeletal muscle relaxants include:
baclofen (Lioresal) carisoprodol (Soma) chlorzoxazone (Paraflex) cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) dantrolene (Dantrium) metaxalone (Skelaxin) methocarbamol (Robaxin) orphenadrine (Norflex) tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Muscle relaxants for treatment of spasticity

Spasticity is a state of increased muscular tone with exaggeration of the tendon reflexes. Some of the more common conditions associated with spasticity and requiring treatment include multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and poststroke syndrome. In many patients with these conditions, spasticity can be disabling and painful with a marked effect on functional ability and quality of life.

The upper motor neuron syndrome is a complex of signs and symptoms that can be associated with exaggerated cutaneous reflexes, autonomic hyperreflexia, dystonia, contractures, paresis, lack of dexterity, and fatigability. Spasticity from the upper motor neuron syndrome can result from a variety of conditions affecting the cortex or spinal cord.

Only baclofen, dantrolene, and tizanidine are approved for treatment of spasticity. There is fair evidence that baclofen and tizanidine are roughly equivalent for efficacy in patients with spasticity, but insufficient evidence to determine the efficacy of dantrolene compared to baclofen or tizanidine. Tizanidine is associated with more dry mouth and baclofen with more weakness.

Muscle relaxants for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions

Muscle spasm is defined as a sudden involuntary contraction of one or more muscle groups and is usually an acute condition associated with muscle strain (partial tear of a muscle) or sprain (partial or complete rupture of a ligament). Common musculoskeletal conditions causing tenderness and muscle spasms include fibromyalgia, tension headaches, myofascial pain syndrome, and mechanical low back pain or neck pain. If muscle spasm is present in these conditions, it is related to local factors involving the affected muscle groups.

The skeletal muscle relaxants carisoprodol, chlorzoxazone, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, and orphenadrine are approved for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

Clinical studies show, that cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, orphenadrine, and tizanidine are effective compared to placebo in patients with musculoskeletal conditions (primarily acute back or neck pain). Cyclobenzaprine has been evaluated in the most clinical trials and has consistently been found to be effective.

Efficacy

Most studies have shown the skeletal muscle relaxants to be more effective than placebo in the treatment of acute painful musculoskeletal disorders and muscle spasm, while efficacy was less consistent when treating chronic disorders. When muscle relaxants were used alone, they were not consistently superior to simple analgesics in relieving pain. When the skeletal muscle relaxants were used in combination with analgesics, pain relief is superior to either agent used alone. Studies have suggested that these drugs are effective, have tolerable side effects, and can be an adjunct in the treatment of painful musculoskeletal conditions with associated muscle spasm.

No studies have documented superior efficacy of one skeletal muscle relaxant over another.

Side Effects and Adverse reactions
All skeletal muscle relaxants may cause sedation (drowsiness, dizziness). Baclofen may cause severe central nervous system depression with cardiovascular collapse and respiratory failure. Dantrolene has a potential for hepatotoxicity. Overt hepatitis has been most frequently observed between the third and twelfth months of therapy. Risk of hepatic injury appears to be greater in women, in patients over 35 years of age and in patients taking other medications in addition to dantrolene. Carisoprodol has some potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Cyclobenzaprine, closely related to the tricyclic antidepressants, causes the expected lethargy and anticholinergic side effects, and may have some toxicity in overdose and in combination with other substances. Tizanidine may cause low blood pressure, but this may be controlled by starting with a low dose and increasing it gradually. The drug may rarely cause liver damage. Methocarbamol and chlorzoxazone may cause harmless color changes in urine – orange or reddish-purple with chlorzoxazone and purple, brown, or green with methocarbamol. The urine will return to its normal color when the patient stops taking the medicine.

Tramadol ultracet

No comments »

Posted in Medication

Tags: