Health/Fitness « Weekly Gravy

New York-based physical therapist Brittany Garrett, now 33, was sidelined by excruciating hip pain for close to eight years before she got an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. She tried physical therapy to improve her flexibility, among other treatments, but nothing seemed to help. The former volleyball player’s pain was so intense that it was getting in the way of her career and her active lifestyle. “I have to be able to demonstrate exercises, do lunges, be on my feet, get on and off the floor and lift heavy things, and I couldn’t,” Garrett recalled. She eventually underwent imaging exams, including an MRI that showed she had femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), an underdiagnosed condition that occurs when abnormal growths at the hip joint cause painful friction and set the stage for hip osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear form of the disease. “It was a relief to have the diagnosis and know that it was an anatomical issue, and there was also relief in knowing that I could have surgery to get rid of pain and get my life back,” Garrett said. In the past, this type of surgery involved huge incisions and dislocating the hip, but now some surgeons can treat FAI with minimally invasive hip surgery via tiny incisions and instruments guided by a small camera, reducing risks and downtime. Garrett underwent two minimally invasive surgeries to… read on > read on >

Whiplash — an often underestimated injury that can strike in the aftermath of a collision — inflicts injury and pain on its unsuspecting victims. If you find yourself grappling with the relentless effects of whiplash, you’re not alone. Numerous legal websites estimate that at least 3 million Americans per year sustain whiplash injuries. Here’s what you should know about a whiplash injury, including what it is, and its causes, symptoms and treatments. What is whiplash? “Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when an individual’s head is jerked backward and then forward suddenly, similar to the cracking of a whip. It commonly happens during motor vehicle accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, but it can also occur during sports activities or falls,” said Dr. Jeremy Smith, an orthopedic spine surgeon and director of the spine surgery fellowship at Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Southern California. The unfortunate truth is that whiplash neck is no joke. The Cleveland Clinic indicates that whiplash is often dismissed as fleeting pain, soreness or stiffness. However, the ramifications can be far-reaching, leading to long-term pain and complications. In the most extreme cases, whiplash has the potential to unleash severe spinal injuries, causing permanent disability or even proving fatal. What causes a whiplash injury? “The primary cause of whiplash injury is the sudden and forceful movement of the head and neck,” Smith… read on > read on >

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have long-term effects, much like a chronic condition, a new study says. Looking at hundreds of patients, researchers found that problems related to traumatic brain injuries can last for years, with people improving and declining at different time points. These problems encompassed memory, thinking and everyday functioning. “TBI is essentially a chronic condition like many other chronic conditions,” said lead researcher Benjamin Brett, an assistant professor in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. “Things can change, both up and down, improve and decline throughout multiple years.” Because of this, there’s a need to monitor patients “well beyond that post-injury period,” Brett said. “We need to establish systems of care that involve continued monitoring and treatment.” The idea may be controversial, however. A chronic condition implies an underlying disease that is expected to change and/or get worse in predictable ways, said Dr. Daniel Torres, a neurologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “I would not consider TBI a chronic condition because it is an unpredictable condition with which different individuals can have greatly different consequences,” Torres said. For the study, Brett and his colleagues collected data on more than 900 people who had mild TBIs, mostly concussions, and nearly 200 people who had moderate to severe TBI. These were conditions like… read on > read on >

Space travel appears to weaken astronauts’ immune systems, and researchers believe changes in gene expression are the culprit. These immune deficits aren’t permanent. They disappear when back on Earth, often within weeks, according to new research published June 22 in Frontiers in Immunology. “Here we show that the expression of many genes related to immune functions rapidly decreases when astronauts reach space,” said study lead author Dr. Odette Laneuville, an associate professor of biology at the University of Ottawa in Canada. “The opposite happens when they return to Earth after six months aboard the ISS [International Space Station],” Laneuville added in a journal news release. Astronauts seem more susceptible to infections in space, often getting skin rashes and a variety of other diseases on the ISS, evidence has suggested. They also shed, or emit, more live virus particles, including those for the Epstein-Barr virus; varicella-zoster, which is responsible for shingles; and herpes-simplex-1, the source of “cold sores.” To delve into this, the researchers studied gene expression in leukocytes (white blood cells) in 14 astronauts. Among them were three women and 11 men living on the ISS from 4.5 to 6.5 months between 2015 and 2019. The research team drew blood from each astronaut at 10 time points, including pre-flight, in flight and after their return to Earth. The investigators found that 15,410 genes were differentially… read on > read on >

“Oh, my aching back!” Everyone has uttered these words at some point, in response to the sharp, sudden pain that comes with back spasms. This article will explore the causes of back spasms, their symptoms and, most importantly, effective treatments. Whether you’re experiencing your first spasm or seeking ways to prevent future episodes, understanding the triggers and what to do is key. What is a back spasm? According to the Cleveland Clinic, back spasms can range from tiny twinges to crippling contractions that leave you unable to move. They occur when the muscles in your back contract involuntarily and intensely. The sensation can vary widely from person to person. For some, it may come on as a mild, dull ache or an occasional twitch; for others, it can escalate into sharp, excruciating pain that becomes debilitating. What causes back spasms? Many factors can contribute to these sudden and often painful muscle contractions. Understanding the underlying triggers is essential in both preventing and addressing back spasms. The Cleveland Clinic provides this list of common back spasm causes. Insufficient muscle usage — Prolonged periods of sitting, poor posture, lack of exercise and underutilizing back and abdominal muscles can result in weakness, making the muscles prone to spasms and discomfort. Overexertion and excessive use of muscles — Athletes and individuals involved in heavy lifting activities may experience spasms… read on > read on >

(HealthDay News) – The maker of three popular drugs that treat weight loss and diabetes said Tuesday that it has begun legal proceedings against businesses that are selling compounded versions of its products that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In a statement, the company said it is telling these med spas, weight loss clinics and compounding pharmacies “to cease and desist from false advertising, trademark infringement and/or unlawful sales of non-FDA approved compounded products claiming to contain semaglutide.” Novo Nordisk makes the weight loss drug Wegovy and the diabetes drugs Ozempic and Rybelsus, and semaglutide is the key ingredient in those medications. “These unlawful marketing and sales practices … have created a high risk of consumer confusion and deception as well as potential safety concerns,” Novo Nordisk said. “Compounded products do not have the same safety, quality and effectiveness assurances as our FDA-approved drugs and may expose patients to health risks,” the company said. “Novo Nordisk cannot validate the safety or effectiveness of products claiming to contain semaglutide that are not one of our own branded products. Novo Nordisk is the only company in the U.S. with FDA-approved products containing semaglutide, and no FDA-approved generic versions of semaglutide currently exist.” In May, the FDA also warned customers about these alternate products and the compounding of these medications, noting that people… read on > read on >

The phrase “pain in the neck” is a tongue-in-cheek way to describe annoying situations or people that test our patience, but for those who experience genuine neck pain, it’s no laughing matter. Neck pain can be a debilitating condition that affects daily life and leaves sufferers longing for relief. This article will explore some practical strategies to alleviate neck pain and provide self-care tips, neck pain exercises and other helpful treatments to try. Neck pain causes Neck pain, also called cervicalgia, is the discomfort experienced in or around the spinal area beneath the head. The Cleveland Clinic says neck pain is common, affecting 10% to 20% of adults. And it should come as no surprise that your neck, medically known as the cervical spine, plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of your head and facilitating its movements. But various injuries and medical conditions can give rise to neck pain. Left untreated, neck pain can become a persistent hindrance, interfering with your daily activities and diminishing your overall quality of life. In an article, Dr. Zacharia Isaac, medical director of the Comprehensive Spine Care Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and director of interventional physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, writes that neck pain usually builds over time. “Neck pain rarely starts overnight,” he writes in a school web page.… read on > read on >

Imagine a life where even the simplest movement becomes a painful endeavor. Back pain, a pervasive ailment affecting millions, can turn daily routines into exhausting and painful challenges. Back surgery emerges as a potential solution when conventional treatments fall short, offering hope for those trapped in chronic pain. What are the most common back surgery types, and how do they bring relief? This article will explore the purpose of these surgeries, their benefits, the conditions they can help address and recovery times. Most common back surgery types According to StatPearls, 23% of adults worldwide endure chronic low back pain. While the majority of back pain resolves naturally within three months, there are instances where back surgery can provide relief for specific types of back pain. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, back surgery is rarely necessary and should be considered only when other treatment options have been exhausted and the pain becomes debilitating. However, a handful of different approaches can be taken for back surgery, depending on your level of pain and the severity of symptoms. Here are the four types of back surgeries: Diskectomy According to the Mayo Clinic, a diskectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged portion of a herniated spinal disk. It offers relief by alleviating pressure on irritated or compressed nerves. Typically, it is most effective in treating pain… read on > read on >

Let’s talk about menopause and its impact on your sex life. We all know that this phase of life can bring about some changes, like a lower sex drive and vaginal dryness. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to suffer through it. In this article, we will break down how menopause affects your sexual experiences, share some medications and self-care tips that can make a real difference, and give you a glimpse into how sex may be different postmenopause. So, buckle up and get ready to take control of your sexual well-being during this transformative time. Let’s dive in! Sex and Menopause “Menopause can bring about a range of effects on sexual function—some positive and some not so great. However, what’s crucial to understand is that sexual satisfaction plays a significant role in multiple aspects of our overall health. It is directly linked to life satisfaction, quality of life, marital happiness, and overall well-being,” says Dr. Catherine Hansen, MD, MPH, a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner and the head of menopause for Pandia Health, a doctor-led birth control delivery service founded and led by women. “In fact,” Hansen says, “Sexual dysfunction can be just as debilitating as other chronic diseases such as IBS or arthritis.” And as most adults know, maintaining a healthy sex life is paramount for leading a happy and healthy life. This… read on > read on >

Alzheimer’s robs its victims of their memories and there is no cure, but there are things you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. With Alzheimer’s, two types of brain proteins, called tau tangles and beta-amyloid plaques, grow out of control. According to Harvard Health, these proteins destroy brain cells and cause symptoms like confusion, memory loss and personality changes. Yet, there are many preventive measures that can be taken to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Here are six ways you can help prevent this debilitating condition and protect your brain health. How to prevent Alzheimer’s Exercise According to Alzheimer’s Society UK, the results of 11 studies revealed that Alzheimer’s risk was reduced by 45% for middle-aged people who exercised regularly. Older people have also been scientifically shown to benefit from exercise, which helps improve memory and thinking. While the reasons exercise is so beneficial for reducing Alzheimer’s risk are still being researched, one study published in Nature Metabolism points to a hormone called irisin that’s released during physical activity. The researchers showed that this hormone has positive effects on cognition and nerve inflammation in the brain. “The most convincing evidence is that physical exercise helps prevent the development of Alzheimer’s or slow the progression in people who have symptoms,” Dr. Gad Marshall, director of clinical trials at Brigham & Women’s Center for Alzheimer Research… read on > read on >