A muscle cramp is defined as an involuntary contraction or spasm of a muscle that will not relax. The tight muscle spasm is painful and debilitating. It can involve all or part of the muscle and groups of muscles.
A muscle cramp is defined as an involuntary contraction or spasm of a muscle that will not relax. The tight muscle spasm is painful and debilitating. It can involve all or part of the muscle and groups of muscles.
Is there a secret to a long and healthy life? Do genes control our destiny? How does lifestyle impact our health?
As little as 10 extra pounds puts great stress on your lower back. It also makes it more difficult to maintain good posture.
A bad marriage, an unhealthy relationship, a cruel boss, and a troubled economy are all potential causes of stress because they can produce feelings of anger and depression. There are physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral signs associated with stress.
Medical researchers are not sure how stress increases the risk of heart disease but more and more evidence suggests a relationship between the two.
May is National Women’s Health Month! No topic may be more important to woman’s health than menopause.
You are never too old to exercise! This is the second of two columns dedicated to appropriate exercise for the elderly. Last week I discussed basic strengthening exercises. This column will address three additional components necessary for independence in the elderly: flexibility, balance and endurance.
A reader who described herself as “elderly” asked me if she was too old to exercise. Without knowing her age, I replied that she was not. I did qualify my response with the fact that exercise must be adjusted to meet the individual needs of a person based on age, health status and goals.
It is widely accepted in the medical community that the best treatment for lower back pain (LBP) is prevention. Keeping fit, (flexible and strong), practicing posture, and using good body mechanics are essential in the prevention of LBP. At our office, great time and effort is spent emphasizing the importance of these concepts.
People with LBP represent a wide variety of presentations and outcomes. Studies show 85% are fully recovered in 3 months regardless of the intervention. Some of my LBP patients are fully recovered and live normal, active lives. Others have on occasional and short-term flare-ups of LBP. Unfortunately, others suffer through a life of chronic back pain that occurs more frequently and intensely each year.
