Hearing Loss in Adults: Should You Ignore It?

Loss of hearing is an extremely common disability, but it is also a challenging one to diagnose. Unlike many other issues, hearing loss is an invisible disability-there is no easy tell-tale sign like a wheelchair.

There is also the widely accepted idea that older people must necessarily be less physically able and responsive than younger people, which only further incapacitate people with, for example, hearing loss. So, the older the individual, the more shame and self-censorship is likely, causing isolation on a daily basis. The more they also reject any medical attention more so the idea of wearing hearing aids.

 

Hearing Loss in Late Life

Hearing loss that occurs in later life presents its own set of problems for the mental well-being of the individual. We know that community is crucial to the happiness of people with many kinds of disabilities, but older adults with hearing loss can be uncomfortably stranded both from the more able-bodied population and from, say, groups that represent deaf individuals.

The casual insensitivity of able bodied strangers often leads adults with hearing loss to cope entirely alone in inadequate ways. One might be surprised to hear of how many do not actually wear aids – Siemens hearing aids, Phonak and Panasonic among the most famous ones - simply because it has not occurred to them that it is one of the available solutions.

Full accessibility for the disabled, no matter what the disability, is a worthy goal. Obviously an enormous amount of nuanced thought and planning must go into this-as the case of adults with later life hearing loss, as opposed to adults who have grown up with some understanding of their disability shows, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Nevertheless, that adults with hearing loss are often left to curb their own social lives to avoid embarrassment is extremely sad. This is precisely where Siemens hearing aids hope to step in and begin a longer process of engagement with the issue.

 

What to Do if You Experience Hearing Loss

If you are an adult with hearing loss and you need a discreet, effective beginning solution to the problem of how to engage with 'normal' people without going into your entire back-story-because let us face it, you do not always have the energy for it, and you're not obligated either-or you know someone like this, consider reaching out to us.

• Siemens hearing aids cover a broad gamut, including in-the-ear devices that are customized for the individual based on their precise needs.
• Do remember that adults with hearing loss are much more common than you would imagine-you may have sat on the train next to a total stranger who shares your frustration with the same kinds of social situations.
• Asking someone to repeat what they have just said seems trivial to most, but can be highly stressful when you have loss of hearing. The attitude many hearing-privileged people slip into-such as shouting at the hearing-impaired person or even thinking of them as 'stupid'-can be downright hurtful and exclusionary.

The psychological impact of these encounters can build up over time, and this is unacceptable. Assistive devices such as Siemens hearing aids can open up new possibilities for participation in a richer social life, but at the client's own pace. Behavioral techniques worked out with professionals can additionally boost the confidence and self-assertiveness that the use of hearing aids promotes.

Ernest Poh founded The Hearing Centre Pte Ltd. The Hearing Centre is your one-stop centre for complete hearing aids and hearing conservation services. Ernest has been fitting hearing devices since 2004. Visit his website at http://thehearingcentre.sg to learn more about the different types of hearing aids and the possible causes of hearing loss.

Back In Business!

I apologize for being on a sabbatical for way too long. I’ve been busy as an intern in the past few months and it’s only been recently that I’ve been hired!

Needless to say, I’m ecstatic. Ecstatic! I will no longer get in line at the coffee shop in the morning to get five different types of coffee for the office. The new intern has to do this now and seriously, I’m just too relieved to sympathize with him!

Excuse my selfishness. I’m just in a celebratory mood because now, Natural Pain Remedies will get updates once again!

Thank you, everyone, for continuing to visit the blog despite the considerable time we’ve been gone. I’ll be publishing new posts soon!

And if you have any requests, questions, or guest posts in mind, just go over to our contact page and we will try to get back to you very quickly.

Once again, thank you! Here’s to a great mid-year!

Green Coffee Causes Weight Loss

A recent study has shown interesting findings about how a specific type of coffee can cause weight loss. Green coffee causes weight loss at an average of about 17 pounds in 5 months. But what is green coffee, and why does it cause weight loss?

What is green coffee?

I bet that after finding out what coffee causes weight loss, you now want to know what green coffee is and where you can get it. If I’m right, then you should read on to satisfy your curiosity. This is, after all, about weight loss – and everyone is interested!

Green coffee beans are, simply put, coffee beans that have not been roasted. Roasting renders the coffee beans a dark brown, the color of a cup of coffee that does not have cream or milk in it.

 

Does green coffee always cause weight loss?

The study involved 16 participants and it went on for about 22 weeks. Although the findings were statistically significant, more participants would have made for a stronger study.

In other words, it looks like green coffee beans can cause weight loss, but more studies – with more participants – are needed to establish that fact once and for all.

The study was also funded by a company selling green coffee bean extract. This kind of information is always important as it can show if bias exists. Perhaps it doesn’t, but it counts that you know who spent for the study, right? Read on to find out if the substance in green coffee that causes weight loss. And no, it isn’t caffeine.

Is it the caffeine in green coffee that causes weight loss?

Dr. Joe Vinson, a chemistry professor from the University of Scranton, believed that caffeine was not the cause of weight loss in the participants who drank green coffee.

Green coffee beans cause weight loss because they contain chlorogenic acids. Chlorogenic acids (CGA) were given to participants in the study.

Chlorogenic acid was thought to suppress the absorption of sugar from the diet. Aside from keeping you from taking in too many calories from sugar, it also helped regulate sugar metabolism inside your body. It may then keep your sugar levels from spiking up, a phenomenon linked to dessert cravings.

Green coffee beans, once roasted, will lose their chlorogenic acid content. But the study did not compare the effect of roasted coffee beans with that of green coffee beans. There should be a study comparing their effects, yes?

Where are green coffee beans available as a weight loss supplement?

According to WebMD, Applied Food Sciences is the company that makes green coffee supplements. Green coffee extract is being marketed not only for its potential for weight loss regimens, but also for its antioxidant properties.

If you want to find out how much green coffee you need to drink to lose weight, read this article on green coffee beans and weight loss.

Sources:
Kathleen Doheny, “Green Coffee Beans May Aid Weight Loss”, WebMD Health News
Vinson, J. Burnham, B., and Nagendran, M., “Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, linear dose, crossover study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a green coffee bean extract in overweight subjects”, Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Obesity

Stef dela Cruz wrote this article on how green coffee causes weight loss. She is a physician, writer, and blogger. She contributes health articles to print magazines, including Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and Big C (a cancer magazine). Visit Stef dela Cruz on her blog for more health updates and anecdotes on blogging. And here’s how to contribute health articles on natural pain remedies to this blog.

Vitamin E Fights Alzheimer’s Disease?

Will Vitamin E help fight Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is known to steal your life from you, slowly but surely. All your memories, starting from the most recent ones your brain has registered, such as your recent trip to the beach or that kiss you shared with your partner, will be erased permanently. Is it true that Vitamin E helps stop this from happening?

Let’s look behind the curtain and discover what Alzheimer’s disease really is, and what the role of Vitamin E is in the management of Alzheimer’s.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

A lot of people think that they know what Alzheimer’s disease is. They think it is forgetfulness, and that old people are bound to have it. But most of these assumptions are wrong and you’re better off knowing what Alzheimer’s disease really is.

• Alzheimer’s disease is, put simply, a degenerative disease of forgetfulness. Your memories are wiped from your mind, starting from the most recent ones, going back to the memories you’ve had when you were a child as it progresses.
• Not all cases of forgetfulness are due to Alzheimer’s disease. Just because you keep forgetting where you put your keys does not mean you have Alzheimer’s. The characteristic memory loss of Alzheimer’s is usually described as odd, such as forgetting that you placed your keys inside the freezer. In other words, if you simply forgot that your keys are still in yesterday’s pants, then you probably don’t have Alzheimer’s.
• Alzheimer’s disease is not normal in the elderly. No, Alzheimer’s is not a normal phenomenon. Senile forgetfulness, one that normally occurs with aging, is different from Alzheimer’s. In Alzheimer’s disease, there are certain pathologic changes in the brain that do not occur in the kind of forgetfulness associated with senility.
• Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. It continues until it reaches its completion. It starts gradually, but once it starts, it cannot be stopped. However, you can delay its progression.

Does Vitamin E delay Alzheimer’s disease progression?

A 2009 study revealed the potential role of Vitamin E in delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are the published research findings.

• High dose Vitamin E slows down memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease. This is true when Vitamin E is combined with drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors.
• Vitamin E has a proven benefit in Alzheimer’s disease, but only when taken long term. Vitamin E’s role is seen to increase over time, as the participants experienced less memory loss with time over a span of five years. However, taking it in a year or less may have no benefit.
• Vitamin E is effective in delaying Alzheimer’s disease, but its long-term safety is uncertain. After all, the study did not take into consideration the side effects and adverse effects after long term, high dose use. One study showed that high dose Vitamin E, especially when above 400 IU per day, may lead to increased risk for death.

Before taking Vitamin E for Alzheimer’s disease, make sure to ask your physician as it comes with both risks and benefits. And if you don’t have Alzheimer’s disease, protect yourself by reading more and finishing school as a study showed that a higher degree of education is associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Speaking of vitamins, you might want to read about how Vitamin C can help prevent eyestrain.

Sources:
Kathleen Louden, “AGS 2009: High-Dose Vitamin E Slows Functional Decline in Alzheimer's Disease”, Medscape Medical News
Caroline Cassels, “High Education Level May Reduce Memory Impairment, Delay Onset of Alzheimer's Symptoms”, Medscape Medical News
Schürks, M, et al, “Effects of Vitamin E on Stroke Subtypes: Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials”, Medscape Medical News

Sean Gutierrez wrote this article on the effects of Vitamin E on Alzheimer’s disease. He is the founder of Natural Pain Remedies and is a non-practicing doctor who owns a private business and has a lot of spare time. He loves scouring the internet for relevant health articles that highlight recent trends on alternative and complementary medicine. He welcomes newbie health bloggers and medical writers to his health blog. Feel free to contribute health articles to this blog.

Western Integrated Medicine

Western Integrated Medicine (WIM) has been receiving a lot of attention lately. It is actually the combination of both complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional Western medicine. This is no surprise, given how more and more people are using herbs, natural pain remedies, and other alternative options, especially for medical conditions that cannot be treated completely by modern medicine.

But what exactly is Western Integrated Medicine, and what does this mean for alternative therapies now being used by millions of people worldwide? If you’ve been using remedies from herbalists and other therapists who do not have a doctor’s degree, then it’s time you learned about what WIM is all about.

Western Integrated Medicine Updates

Eastern medicine, alternative medicine, and complementary medicine have received a lot of criticism from doctors and other health professionals. However, studies have shown that some of the alternative therapies available actually work. Below are some of the updates on Western Integrated Medicine.

• Alternative therapies are now recommended, as long as there is evidence to support their use. It is the belief of WIM practitioners that although complementary and alternative medicine holds promising treatments, the scientific approach of western medicine should be applied accordingly. In other words, reason, logic, and evidence have to exist before a specific alternative treatment should be used. That’s just about fair, right?
• The National Institutes of Health established the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to further support research on alternative therapies. If you prefer natural pain remedies instead of pills and over-the-counter drugs, then this is good news for you.
• Medical schools have started to incorporate Complementary Medicine and Alternative Medicine into their curriculum. Yes, even medical schools have started to notice the value of natural pain remedies and other alternative treatment.
• Western Integrated Medicine is the best of both worlds. Western medicine alone seems too snobbish, while alternative medicine relies heavily on hearsay instead of solid evidence. WIM, however, is the integration of both. This shall lead to a shift in belief and practice worldwide. After all, neither party is perfect, which is why both Western and alternative medicine have critics and haters.

In other words, Western Integrated Medicine is a team effort. Both sides cooperate to come up with a solution. If you are a fan of western medicine, you should also be open to alternative therapies and should watch out for research on these. If you prefer natural or alternative medicine, then you should seek out evidence to prove that they indeed work. And with western integrated medicine, you get to have your cake and eat it, too. This is especially true for headache treatment, such as shown HERE.

If you have come across alternative therapies or natural pain remedies that work for you, share them with us and we shall do the research! Let us find out if it really works for most people – that’s what Western Integrated Medicine is all about, after all. Leave us a comment and we will write about your preferred natural pain remedy!

Alma Jones wrote this article on Western Integrated Medicine. She is an advocate of holistic approaches to cure and prevention, relying on hard facts for the articles that she writes. A graduate of medicine, she has seen the value of Western Medicine research and Eastern Medicine treatment.

Gum Disease: Natural Oral Health

From a smile, the teeth and gums are the first indication of the general health of an individual. The gums in particular are the most important component of the mouth with which to maintain good overall health. Through the centuries, humans have recognized the importance of healthy gums and have discovered natural remedies with which to successfully battle gum disease and sustain oral wellbeing.

Periodontal disease is a severe form of infection to the gum which untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease, but still causes reddening and bleeding of the gums and can become the more severe form of periodontal disease. Conventional treatment of gum disease consists of scaling and root planning which requires the removal of plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and cleaning of the teeth root surfaces.

 

Herbal Remedies for Gum Disease

Fortunately, there are more natural and effective approaches in treating gum disease. Aside from regular brushing and flossing as habitual gum maintenance, there are many herbal approaches that can be applied and used as alternative and complementary methods.

• Calendula Tincture- This is a very effective herb in treating bleeding and receding gums. A few drops on the toothpaste then brushing and massaging the gums gently, will help revitalize and heal the gum tissues.
• Golden Seal- This herb has a natural anti-bacterial quality that is particularly effective with periodontal disease. It also helps with mouth sores and inflammation.
• Aloe Vera- Is most effective in the gel form when applying it to the gums. Aloe Vera has a soothing quality for sore gums.
• Clove Oil- Works as an anesthetic when rubbed on tender and sore gums.
• Hawthorn Berry- If used over a period of time has a tightening effect on the gums.
• Tea Tree- Also contains natural anti-bacterial properties. It is suggested to use commercial tea tree toothpaste as tea tree oil itself does not reduce plaque build-up.
• Cranberry- Amazingly, cranberry contains properties that prevent bacteria from attaching to the teeth. A recommended amount is 4 ounces of sugar-free cranberry juice as found in health food stores.
• Coenzyme Q10- coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is found throughout the cells of the body and can be taken in supplement form. Some researchers have claimed that coenzyme Q10 is essential in healing gum tissue.

  A mouthwash of myrrh, Echinacea and chamomile, have proven to effectively treat gum disease. Using herbal dental floss gently is a great way of lightly infusing the herbs into the gums. But it is to be noted that these natural remedies are not proven by science, so if the problem persists go to a dentist. And if you know of any natural oral health solutions, do share them through a comment!



Allison Brooks went to the University of Mississippi and earned her degree in Biomedical Anthropology. Now, she is currently studying to finish an ethnography on the effects of biomedicalization on Bolivian cultures. That is why she is a fan of alternative therapies and traditional medicine and would like to spread the word about their effectiveness.

Does Lipigesic Work For Migraines?

Lipigesic-M, a product with feverfew, is being marketed as an alternative medicine for migraines. This was also the same product used for the study by Cady et al, a study which has been dissected and analysed in this post. But does Lipigesic-M work for migraines?

Before we analyse if Lipigesic M is effective for migraine therapy, let us review what has been said about this drug preparation.

 

Lipigesic-M

This drug is manufactured by PuraMed Bioscience and was used as the drug for the feverfew and ginger study by Cady et al. The following information has been provided by that study and the website of the manufacturer.

• Most studies involving feverfew claim that it is not effective in treating migraines, but that’s because the concentration of feverfew is low in these products. The concentration of the active ingredient varies greatly among different products, which partly explains why these studies have failed to show the effectiveness of feverfew in migraine treatment.
• Lipigesic-M is problematic because its formulation needs further improvement; however, the manufacturer claims that feverfew in itself is actually quite effective in relieving migraines and providing natural pain relief. PuraMed Bioscience claimed that perhaps they need to change how the drug is delivered systemically to improve the anti-inflammatory action of the drug and also its anti-platelet action.

Perhaps Lipigesic-M has a long way to go before it can be declared effective for migraine therapy. Are you suffering from migraines? Have you found a drug or natural pain remedies that work? Many people suffering from migraines will sure want to know about what you have to share, so leave a comment and let us know what has provided you natural pain relief from migraines.

Sources:
Cady R, Goldstein J, Nett R, Mitchell R, Beach ME, Browning R. A DBL-blind controlled pilot study of sublingual feverfew and ginger in the treatment of migraine. Headache. 2011;51:1078–1086.

Feverfew, Ginger: Effective for Migraine?

Are feverfew and ginger effective for migraines? Migraines can cause much disability, which is why people often look to alternative medicine for migraine pain relief when conventional Western medicine fails. However, is feverfew or ginger an effective migraine treatment? Let’s see what the best research has to say.

What is the most recent research on feverfew and ginger as migraine treatment?

In a randomized, double blind, placebo control (RDBPC) study by Cady et al, feverfew and ginger were found to be effective for mild headaches.

In the study, there were about 45 participants who complained of headaches. They were divided into two groups: one group received a preparation of feverfew and ginger, while the other groups received placebo, which had no active ingredients.

Was the above study reliable?

An RDBPC study, such as the one above, is the best study design because it eliminates bias. However, all studies, regardless of design, should be evaluated for other flaws.

What were the flaws of the feverfew and ginger study?

Several flaws were found in the study that determined the effectiveness of feverfew and ginger for migraines. Some are listed below:

• Randomization was incomplete. That means that although the researchers tried their best to group the patients without bias (without meaning to favor either the group receiving the treatment or the group receiving the placebo), those with less severe headaches were actually grouped under the feverfew plus ginger group. It would then suggest that because they had less severe headaches, they would also experience less pain after treatment with ginger and feverfew compared to placebo – and that lead to a false conclusion that ginger and feverfew are effective for migraines.
• Almost 17 percent of the participants might have discovered if they were receiving placebo or the actual feverfew + ginger combination. This was due to the difference in taste between the placebo and the feverfew-ginger combination. That would also influence their perception of what was effective and what wasn’t.

Does that mean that ginger and feverfew are not effective for migraine treatment?

No; it simply means that the study was flawed and that a better design is necessary to come up with reliable findings. The above study by Cady et al was a pilot study, so more studies should be done to supplement or improve its findings.

Is alternative medicine effective for migraines?

There is no magic bullet for migraines. Western medicine recommends that treatment be based on evidence gleaned from research; Eastern medicine, on the other hand, relies on cultural beliefs and anecdotal (story-based) evidence. However, Western Integrative Medicine (WIM) is on the rise, promoting the idea that Eastern medicine may be effective, and that they should be thoroughly researched based on Western medicine theories. Already, much about Eastern or alternative medicine is being proven (or disproven) as effective natural pain remedies.

It is not yet certain whether feverfew and ginger are effective in providing natural pain relief from migraines. The study mentioned above provides optimistic results, but the study was flawed. It may be best to stick to proven remedies; however, new research just might prove that feverfew and ginger provide natural relief from migraines in the future, fingers crossed.

Think the above post on feverfew and ginger for migraine treatment is inaccurate? Have any suggestions or comments? Do leave your comment below.

Sources:
Cady R, Goldstein J, Nett R, Mitchell R, Beach ME, Browning R. A DBL-blind controlled pilot study of sublingual feverfew and ginger in the treatment of migraine. Headache. 2011;51:1078–1086.

Zilongjin in Cancer Treatment

Zilongjin for cancer treatment has been used in China for many years before Western medicine took notice. After anecdotal success in the use of Zilongjin to treat cancer, different studies were conducted to prove whether or not this Chinese concoction is indeed a viable alternative medicine for cancer management.

How does Zilongjin work?

Zilongjin was thought to affect different receptors found in the cell membrane. The cell membrane is actually the outer covering of the cell and it contains receptors that control how certain substances enter and exit the cell. Zilongjin influences these receptors (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004).

One specific action of Zilongjin on cancer treatment is how it promotes the action of adenylyl cyclase. This enzyme, located in the cell membrane, acts to increase the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate or cAMP. The substance cAMP, in turn, allows many other enzymes to influence cell function. Ultimately, cAMP increase results in decreased cell replication, decreasing the production of cancer cells (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004).

How does Zilongjin affect the cell cycle?

Zilongjin disrupts the cell cycle by preventing CDK4, a substance that promotes cell reproduction, from entering the nucleus. As a result, cell cycle does not ensue – and cell reproduction is stopped or delayed. Zilongjin also inhibits the synthesis phase of the cell cycle, again putting a stop to cell replication (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004).

How does Zilongjin affect the genes?

Zilongjin acts on oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes are actually normal genes, but once they mutate, they may lead to cancer. Tumor suppressor genes, on the other hand, help inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Zilongjin suppresses the activity of certain oncogenes while promoting the activity of tumor suppressor genes (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004).

What happens to cells when exposed to Zilongjin?

Cells are known to exhibit less cancer-like activities. For instance, the production of microvilli (finger-like projections) on a cell’s surface, which is known to be associated with cancer, is decreased (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004). Zilongjin does this by strengthening the microfilaments inside the cell, keeping the cell membrane from outpouching into microvilli.

Another interesting finding is that Zilongjin also controls pre-existing cancer cells. It stops cancer cells from producing really large tumors.

What research has been done to support the role of Zilongjin in cancer treatment?

One study by Zhang Xingi, et al (1995) determined how effective Zilongjin was when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. There were 63 patients, grouped into two: one group received chemotherapy alone, while the other received chemotherapy plus Zilongjin. The function scores of those who received both chemotherapy and Zilongjin were better after treatment than those who received chemotherapy only. More patients from the Zilongjin group were also able to complete their chemotherapy.

Another significant finding was that Zilongjin seemed to lower the side effects of chemotherapy. It was also found that T cell assays, which showed one’s immune function, was higher in the Zilongjin group.

Of course, more research is needed to establish the role of Zilongjin in cancer treatment. But according to the above study, Zilongjin as part of cancer management is a very promising option.

Sources:
Wang Dai-Shu, Latest Theories on the Genesis and Development of Cancer and Studies on Zilongjin, 2004
Zhang Xinqi et al, Zilongjin in combination with chemotherapy in the Treatment of Moderate and Advanced Cancers, 1995

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Natural Pain Remedies is finally back. We have taken quite a long sabbatical but we are ready to provide you once again with updates on health and natural pain remedies. And, as always, we promote information that is supported by research.

No matter how natural, organic, or “alternative” the options we provide for pain management and other conditions, we always try our best to provide a foundation for our recommendations. We use studies, journal articles, and research for all our posts. So, even if you will read a recommended therapy from Eastern medicine, it will have been supported by Western medicine. And what’s better than both parties taking one side to help provide a cure?

So, enjoy reading our posts and always check back for more updates and natural pain remedies!

How Hot Compress for Pain is Used

Millions of people worldwide use a hot compress to relieve different kinds of aches and pains. About half of these people have no idea how to use it properly. How long are you supposed to leave a hot compress on? How hot is too hot?

How to prepare a hot compress

• Use a clean and absorbent cloth, such as a fresh towel.
• Soak in warm water (not boiling water!) for a few seconds.
• Squeeze to minimize dripping without totally wringing out all the water.
• Fold to achieve an ideal size based on the affected body part. It should cover enough surface area on the affected part to effectively relieve pain.

Many hot packs are also available in the market. They are easy to use but potentially carry the risk of burns, especially if they are overheated and not tested properly before use.

What happens when a hot compress is too hot

A hot compress should not be too hot that it scalds your skin. It should be comfortably warm, just enough to bring you comfort. If a compress is too hot, it can cause burns or erythema ab igne.

Burns can cause more pain and swelling; a second degree burn can even cause blistering of the skin and potential infection. Erythema ab igne, on the other hand, results in a marbled appearance of the skin due to heat insufficient to cause burns but still enough to cause tissue damage.

Compresses are usually used for 5 to 15 minutes every two hours. Some health practitioners will recommend continuous use of hot compresses as needed, but this can compromise the integrity of the skin.

When to use hot compresses

Hot compresses are effective in alleviating inflammation, especially after the first 24 hours. The warmth helps dilate blood vessels, making nutrient transport more efficient. Toxins are also cleared more effectively because of the increased caliber of the blood vessels.

During the first 24 hours, a cold compress is used. The low temperature constricts blood vessels, decreasing the seepage of inflammatory chemicals and water from vessels into tissues. This helps stop swelling and inflammation. One day after the initial insult, a hot compress is instituted.

Using a cold compress compress can also help relieve pain. Learn more about cold compresses and pain relief.

Hot Compress: Less Inflammation Means Less Pain

A hot compress can help alleviate pain by interfering with pain signals. But it plays another long-term effect that helps guarantee that pain won’t come back.

Using a hot compress provides comfort from pain by interfering with pain stimuli. Aside from blocking pain signals, a hot compress also plays a role in inflammation, further potentiating the natural pain relief it initially provides.

 

Why does inflammation occur?

Inflammation is supposed to be a good thing. The body mounts this reaction after an injury to help the injured tissues heal and recuperate. It helps you fight injury by doing the following:

• Inflammation brings about changes that help expedite tissue repair.
• It alerts a person that a certain body part has been injured and needs attention.

 

How does inflammation cause pain?

Inflammation consists of several changes that may worsen pain:

• When a tissue gets inflamed, fluid seeps out from the blood into the tissues. This phenomenon is called edema (swelling). The extra fluid occupies space and exerts pressure on nerve endings, resulting in pain.
• When a tissue is inflamed, substances such as prostaglandins and bradykinins are also released. Sadly, these substances activate nerve endings and result in pain.
• Because inflammation activates nerves to help remind a person that the injured part requires extra care and attention, pain is almost always a manifestation of inflammation.

 

Is inflammation always a good thing?

Although pain and inflammation play a protective role, they can bring about much discomfort. Pain may become intolerable and, if excessive or inappropriate, may be detrimental to one’s quality of life.

 

How can a hot compress reduce inflammation?

Using a hot compress works best 24 hours after an injury. During the first 24 hours, a cold compress is more appropriate. (Read about how a cold compress relieves pain).

A hot compress reduces inflammation through the following mechanisms:

• A hot compress dilates blood vessels to promote draining of inflammatory products and wastes from the injured tissues. Inflammatory cytokines are transported away from the area more effectively.
• Fluid from the swollen tissues goes back into the blood vessels easily if the blood vessels are dilated. Swelling is reduced, relieving pressure on the nerves.

Although hot compresses are quite useful in reducing pain and inflammation, improper use may lead to burns, compression, and erythema ab igne. Find out more on how to use a hot compress.

Sources:

Klein, Milton J. Superficial Heat and Cold. Jan 2009. [Emedicine].

Lehman JF, De Lateur BJ. Therapeutic heat. In: Therapeutic Heat and Cold. 4^th ed. Baltimore, Md: Williams & Wilkins; 1990:417-581.

Fedorczyk J. The role of physical agents in modulating pain. J Hand Ther. Apr-Jun 1997;10(2):110-21.

Lehman JF, De Lateur BJ. Cryotherapy. In: Therapeutic Heat and Cold. 4^th ed. Baltimore, Md: Williams & Wilkins; 1990:590-632.

Helfand AE, Bruno J. Therapeutic modalities and procedures. Part I: cold and heat. Clin Podiatry. Aug 1984;1(2):301-13. [Medline].

Chapman BL, Liebert RB, Lininger MR, et al. An introduction to physical therapy modalities. Adolesc Med State Art Rev. May 2007;18(1):11-23, vii-viii. [Medline].

Heat therapy: Dos and Don’ts

Heat therapy is a popular method of natural pain relief all over the world. Time and time again, it has proven its usefulness as a means to provide pain relief without subjecting the body to harmful side effects of drugs and surgery.

However, heat therapy also comes with its own risks. Although useful in many situations, not all conditions will benefit from heat. In fact, there are conditions that will worsen after heat is applied.

When is heat therapy indicated?

Heat therapy has existed more thousands of years, helping relieve different body aches and problems. Here are just a few examples of conditions that can benefit from heat therapy:

• Muscle spasms that cause pain or discomfort
• Abdominal cramps
• Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
• Superficial blood vessel clotting (thrombophlebitis)

When should heat therapy NOT be used?

Although heat therapy is generally safe, there are a few conditions that may worsen after certain types of heat application. A few of these conditions are listed below:

• Hot compresses that use wet towels are not allowed for use in surgical wounds. It is important for surgical wounds and incisions to remain dry at all times to prevent infection.
• Hydrotherapy using warm should be used with caution in patients with ostomies. An ostomy is a surgically produced opening on the body, such as a tracheostomy and a colostomy.
• Patients with sensory problems should use heat packs and other forms of heat therapy carefully. If you are applying heat therapy on a numb area, test the temperature at regular intervals. When you apply heat therapy on an area of the body that has sensory deficits, you cannot tell if a hot pack is too hot or if your skin is starting to burn.
• Right after an injury, heat therapy is not the desired physical modality. Heat may further increase swelling during the first twenty-four hours; cold therapy is better for such injuries.

What harmful effects should you watch out for when using heat therapy?

Heat therapy, when prepared and administered correctly for pain relief, usually poses no problems. However, improper use of heat therapy may lead to the following adverse effects:

• Burns
• Erythema ab igne
• Blisters
• Increased swelling
• Unwarranted masking of pain. If you are experiencing pain because of a serious condition, using heat therapy may delay diagnosis and treatment. If you feel that your pain is caused by a serious underlying condition, consult your doctor.

Did you know that heat therapy helps decrease certain types of inflammation? Read more on hot compresses and inflammation!

Has heat therapy helped you overcome pain? Share your experience and help uplift someone else’s suffering; tell your story through the comment form below!

Heat therapy: Benefits Other Than Pain Relief

More and more people are resorting to heat therapy for pain relief. Heat therapy carries many benefits and has minimal side effects, making it safe for you and your family.

Although pain relief by itself is enough reason for you to use heat therapy, there are many other advantages that you can get from it. Unfortunately, very few people know how heat can help promote health.

What are the benefits of heat therapy?

Heat therapy is a potent physical remedy. It acts to relieve pain and promote health by exerting the following effects:

• Heat therapy improves circulation in the involved area. Blood vessels dilate when subjected to heat, in turn promoting blood flow.
• It promotes your capacity to get rid of toxins the natural way. Because blood flow is increased, toxins are pulled out of injured tissues more effectively.
• Heat increases oxygen delivery to tissues. When you apply a hot compress on a swollen part of your body, you are helping increase the oxygen supply to that area. Increase in oxygen means better tissue repair. This also gets rid of carbon dioxide, lowering the acid level in tissues.
• A hot pack helps promote the natural healing process of your body. Better healing means less toxins that may cause pain and swelling.

How does heat therapy help decrease pain?

There are many ways that heat therapy can help you if you need considerable pain relief. A few of these mechanisms are listed below:

• Heat therapy helps increase the caliber of blood vessels in your muscles. This greatly increases tissue ventilation, lowering lactic acid and other substances that can cause muscle aches.
• The hot temperature stimulates the same nerve endings that pain stimuli also stimulate. If you use heat therapy on a painful area, the pain signals are muted to help transmit the temperature signals to your brain.
• Heat relieves stiff joints by increasing lubrication. The synovial fluid in your joints, which acts as a lubricant, is partly dependent on the amount of blood that reaches your joints. When you use heat therapy on a stiff joint, blood flow is increased, promoting synovial fluid production.

How is heat transmitted to affected areas of the body?

Heat is produced and transmitted to the body through different mechanisms. Most heat therapy modalities transfer heat to painful areas of your body via the following means:

• Conduction (transfer of heat from a solid medium to your body)
• Radiation (heat produced from a distant source)
• Convection (heat transfer from liquid)
• A combination of the above

In what conditions is heat therapy contraindicated? Find out by reading heat therapy dos and don’ts.

Do you disagree with the above information? Let your voice be heard; share your comments below!

Tai Chi: Effective Osteoarthritis Remedy According to Research

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder, more common in the elderly. Even younger people who overuse or misuse their joints are prone to having it. If you get knee pain, joint mobility problems, and clicking sounds in your joints, you just might be one of the millions of people who suffer from pain due to osteoarthritis. Luckily, research shows that Tai Chi provides natural pain relief for people with osteoarthritis.

People suffering from osteoarthritis are more prone to the side effects of drugs because of their age. They also have higher risks when subjected to surgery, further compounding the problem. Thankfully, unlike other pain remedies that claim to provide safe natural pain relief, Tai Chi was actually proven to safely and effectively alleviate osteoarthritis pain.

 

Tai Chi Fights Osteoarthritis Pain

Currently, research shows that Tai Chi also effectively relieves pain:

• Regular Tai Chi exercise lessens osteoarthritis pain significantly. According to a study from Tufts University School of Medicine, people over 65 years old suffering from osteoarthritis who engaged in regular Tai Chi.
• Half of adults aged 80 and above will suffer from knee pain, according to a report from the Center of Disease Control. Because of the frequency of osteoarthritis in the elderly, Tai Chi is an important pain remedy because, unlike drugs and surgery, it provides pain relief without putting someone’s health at risk.
• Tai Chi, aside from relieving pain, also promotes mental and physical health. Learning Tai Chi will help you relax and become better coordinated. It also improves your equilibrium, reducing the risk for falls and fractures.

Proper Tai Chi

• Sixty minutes of Tai Chi done in Yang style reduces joint pain. According to a study done by Wang and colleagues, one hour of Tai Chi done two times a week for three months effectively provides natural pain relief.
• One session of Tai Chi should include self-massage, movement, breathing, and relaxation. To become an effective means of providing natural pain relief, each Tai Chi session should include 10 minutes of self massage including a short review of the principles of Tai Chi, half an hour of Tai Chi movement, ten minutes involving breathing techniques, concluded by ten minutes worth of relaxation.

Source:

www.medscape.com

What Cold Therapy Can Do For You

Have you relied on a cold pack to give you relief from body aches and pains? Do you know of anyone who uses cold therapy for pain relief and other medical conditions?

If you answered yes to either question, you’re not alone. In fact, many people from all walks of life count on cold therapy for considerable pain relief and for many other reasons. Cold therapy helps relieve swelling and pain through several related mechanisms.

What are the many uses and benefits of cold therapy?

Other than relieving pain, cold therapy has many other uses. It influences tissue processes and can serve many purposes:

• Cold therapy helps decrease the rate of local metabolism. All processes are slowed down, giving your tissues the chance to recover from acute inflammatory processes.
• The cold temperature constricts blood vessels. Because of vasoconstriction, less inflammatory and pain signals are transported to the affected area.
• Cold therapy reduces swelling. Since cold reduces the caliber of blood vessels, seepage of fluid from the blood to the tissues is reduced. Swelling and edema are minimized.
• Cold packs play a big role in decreasing hemorrhage. If you have just suffered from a painful bleeding injury, cold therapy helps reduce blood flow to the injured area, reducing blood loss.
• The low temperature impairs transmission of nerve signals. This, in turn, provides much-needed analgesia in acute injuries.

  How is cold therapy applied?

  Many people use cold packs, cold compresses, and other forms of local cold therapy. However, not everyone knows how to use cold therapy properly to derive the most benefits from it. Below are the recommended guidelines for cold therapy use:
• To achieve therapeutic cold therapy, apply on the affected area of your body for about 5 to 20 minutes.
• After application, allow a period of rest. This rest period should have a duration of about 30 minutes.
• If you have muscle strains and sprains, it is recommended that you apply cold therapy during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Read on what conditions benefit from cold therapy.

Are you currently using cold therapy for pain? Has it been beneficial to you? Share your story with other readers; leave a comment!

Sources:

1. Loten C, Stokes B, Worsley D, et al. A randomised controlled trial of hot water (45 degrees C) immersion versus ice packs for pain relief in bluebottle stings. Med J Aust. Apr 3 2006;184(7):329-33. [Medline].

2. Greenstein G. Therapeutic efficacy of cold therapy after intraoral surgical procedures: a literature review. J Periodontol. May 2007;78(5):790-800. [Medline].

Cold Therapy for Burns, Trauma, and Other Painful Conditions

Many conditions can manifest with pain: acute injury, inflammation, burns, trauma, and muscle spasms, to name a few. These conditions can benefit tremendously from cold therapy in terms of natural pain relief and other mechanisms.

Although it is common knowledge that cold therapy provides pain relief, not everyone knows what painful conditions have been proven to benefit from it.

What conditions can benefit from cold therapy?

Pain reduction and relief is achieved after cold therapy in many scenarios. The more common indications for local cold therapy are enumerated below:

• Trauma. Cold therapy reduces edema after trauma. Apply local cold therapy at 8ºC. Do this for 30 minutes to help decrease the swelling.
• Burns. Although an involved area of your body has been successfully removed from the cause of the burn, there is still ongoing burn damage at a microscopic level. To stop extension of burn injuries after the event, provide local cold therapy. Apply cold immediately after superficial burns to reduce edema, pain, redness, and blistering. It is best to use cold therapy before any of these burn complications have occurred.
• Spastic muscles. Cold therapy inhibits muscle spasticity. To do this, provide cold therapy for at least ten minutes. If you have thick fat tissues, you may need to apply cold packs for a longer amount of time (60 minutes).
• Acute inflammation. Insect bites, minor trauma, and many other conditions that produce acute inflammation will benefit greatly from cold therapy.
• Pain. Cold therapy effectively numbs tissues, providing natural pain relief.
• Before limb amputation. If you are to undergo limb amputation (for diabetic foot, major trauma, cancer, etc), cold therapy reduces metabolic processes and helps reduce blood loss during the amputation surgery.
• Neurogenic weakness. Weakness brought about by nerve disease may benefit from cold therapy. The cold temperature produces muscle contractions, strengthening muscles in the process and “re-educating” the muscles.
• Knee flexion restriction after leg fractures. Cold therapy has been proven to be more effective than heat therapy combined with traction and stretching.

Although pain relief is an important goal in these conditions, the other benefits of cold therapy, such as reduced swelling and hemorrhage, are also vital. The use of cold therapy helps people overcome pain and enjoy a better quality of life.

Did you know that a hot compress might be better for other conditions? Learn about heat therapy.

Any violent reactions? Leave a comment!

Sources:

1. Lin YH. Effects of thermal therapy in improving the passive range of knee motion: comparison of cold and superficial heat applications. Clin Rehabil. Sep 2003;17(6):618-23. [Medline].

2. Oosterveld FG, Rasker JJ. Effects of local heat and cold treatment on surface and articular temperature of arthritic knees. Arthritis Rheum. Nov 1994;37(11):1578-82. [Medline].

Heat Therapy Versus Cold Therapy for Pain

Many people use either heat therapy or cold therapy to achieve natural pain relief. However, these two safe and natural pain relief modalities have specific indications. Some conditions respond better to heat, while others will benefit more from cold therapy.

For you to have a better grasp of how both heat and cold can be used for pain relief, you should learn about their similarities and differences.

 

How are heat therapy and cold therapy alike?

Heat therapy and cold therapy, although belonging to opposite ends of the spectrum, actually share some similarities:

• Both heat therapy and cold therapy decrease muscle spasms due to nerve or muscle disease.
• Cold and heat therapy both decrease spasticity due to upper motor neuron disease. However, cold therapy’s effects are expected to last longer and to be more effective in re-educating muscles.
• Both cold therapy and heat therapy cause significant pain relief.

How are heat therapy and cold therapy different?

Obviously, heat therapy and cold therapy have many differences in terms of how they work to provide pain relief and to relieve other conditions:

• When cold therapy is used, the tissues need a longer time to go back to their normal temperature as compared to heat therapy. That’s because heat therapy increases blood flow, encouraging any heated blood to be drained quickly.
• Heat therapy provides pain relief from muscle spasm by improving blood circulation and providing better oxygen supply. Cold therapy, on the other hand, provides a numbing effect.
• Metabolism of tissues is increased by heat therapy. Cold therapy produces the opposite effect and decreased metabolic rates of tissues.
• Heat therapy makes muscle contractions shorter. Cold therapy produces sustained muscular contractions, proving to be a great way to re-educate muscles in paralysis or spasticity from upper motor neuron disease.
• Circulation will increase with heat therapy. Cold therapy decreases blood circulation.
• Bleeding tendencies increase with heat therapy. Hemorrhage is reduced with cold therapy, making cold therapy useful in traumatic wounds.
• Swelling may be increased or decreased by heat, depending on how and when it is applied. Cold therapy reduces swelling.
• Burns will benefit more from cold therapy. Frostbite will benefit greatly from immediate warming.

Learn more about heat therapy and cold therapy.

Do you disagree with any of the points mentioned above? Leave a comment!

Tai Chi: Proven Natural Pain Relief for Osteoarthritis

In the U.S. alone, there are about 4.3 million adults aged 60 and above diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Because this condition manifests with joint pain, a lot of people suffering from osteoarthritis have  great disability. Osteoarthritis pain can greatly reduce the quality of your life. Thankfully, research shows that Tai Chi can help you overcome osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis involves gradual degeneration of the joints, with wearing and thinning of the cartilage. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, you are bound to experience not only pain, but also limited joint movements. Both of these symptoms can greatly change the way you function everyday.

 

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi has gained popularity over the years. It is commonly used as an exercise regimen, not only in China but all over the world:

• Tai Chi, or Chuan, is a classic method of martial arts in China. It improves the body’s function and flexibility.
• It is an exercise that involves rhythmic, slow movements. Tai Chi improves strength, balance, and quality of life.
• The regularity and slow pace of Tai Chi provides mental relaxation.

How should Tai Chi be performed?

• Tai Chi should be performed for one hour, twice weekly. In order to reap the most benefits, Tai Chi should be continued for 3 months.
• First ten minutes should involve self massage and a brief review of the principles of Tai Chi. Massage promotes blood flow to the joints and increased endorphin levels. The Tai Chi review jogs your memory, helping you stay sharp and focused.
• The next half hour should be dedicated to exercise movements of Tai Chi. These slow and rhythmic movements help you become limber. They also promote flexibility, balance, and strength, all of which play a role in reducing the manifestations and pain of osteoarthritis.
• The next ten minutes will be devoted to breathing techniques. Breathing techniques are an effective way to relax your mind and body. They help promote mental well-being, helping increase your threshold for pain.
• The last ten minutes involve relaxation. This is another feature of Tai Chi that helps improve your general outlook in life. Mental relaxation helps you cope better with the chronic pain of osteoarthritis.

Read about the results of the research done on Tai Chi and osteoarthritis pain relief.

Has Tai Chi helped improve your life? Share your success story in the comments section below!

Sources:

Arthritis Care and Research

www.medscape.com

Cold Therapy and Heat Therapy for Pain

Heat therapy and cold therapy both serve to relieve pain; however, they have different indications and act via different mechanisms.

Although relatively safe, both heat therapy and cold therapy have certain contraindications. Some conditions will benefit greatly from cold therapy but will suffer adverse effects from heat therapy. Other conditions are better off with heat therapy. Others still can benefit from either, achieving effective pain relief from both temperature modalities.

How is cold therapy different from heat therapy?

It is important to understand how cold therapy and heat therapy differ from each other:

• Stiff joints will benefit more from heat therapy. Cold therapy may increase joint stiffness.
• Heat therapy, especially when involving large areas of the body, may decrease blood pressure as blood pools in the warmed areas. Cold therapy may increase blood pressure. Therefore, hypertensive patients have an added benefit of lowered BP from heat therapy, while cold therapy is useful in situations like acute hemorrhage where a stable blood pressure is vital.
  To read the rest of the list, read heat therapy versus cold therapy.

When is cold therapy contraindicated?

Some conditions benefit more from cold therapy than heat therapy. Others, however, should stay away from cold therapy:

• A person suffering from hypertension should use cold therapy with extreme caution. Cold therapy constricts the blood vessels, raising the blood pressure. This poses a risk for you if you are already hypertensive.
• People with Raynaud’s disease should avoid cold therapy. Raynaud’s disease is a condition that gets worse when blood vessels constrict.
• If you have rheumatoid arthritis, cold therapy will barely be beneficial. Consequently, heat therapy is a better recommendation.
• People suffering from blood vessel impairment, such as frostbite and arteriosclerosis, should stay away from cold therapy modalities. Further blood vessel constriction may complicate the situation.
• There are people who are “allergic” to cold; they should avoid cold therapy to prevent anaphylactic shock. Also known as cold urticaria or cold allergy, this is a potentially dangerous condition that may end in anaphylaxis.
• People who have paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria are not allowed to use cold therapy. When exposed to cold, these people exhibit blood in their urine.
• For similar reasons, people with cryoglubulinemia should avoid cold therapy.
  What conditions will benefit more from cold therapy? Read how heat therapy versus cold therapy affect conditions in different ways.

Has cold therapy given you relief from pain? Share your story and leave a comment below!