Posted by herbmaster on Dec 26, 2009 in Uncategorized
An orthopedic mattress is designed for people that have muscular skeletal orthopedic issues. Spring coil mattresses are often ignored by knowledgeable back pain sufferers who will instead go for an orthopedic mattress. The joints are cushioned and supported by memory foam, a traditional spring coil mattress is not designed to do this.
An orthopedic mattress works by molding itself around the body of the person sleeping on it. Heat and pressure triggers a response in the mattress. And this is how the muscles and joins are supported. Molding is not achievable by traditional spring coil mattresses. Spring coil mattresses can become detrimental to health over the long term, as they lose their shape and ability to provide support.
So what is so special about mattresses for orthopedic beds? An orthopedic mattress is made from material called visco elastic foam. Apparently this material was developed for use in aircraft cushions. Some people describe the experience of resting on an orthopedic mattress like floating. Memory foam is not merely a fancy name. The name is actually self explanatory. The foam molds itself around your body when you sleep on it. The mattress “remembers” its original shape when not in form and recovers to that shape.
An orthopedic mattress promotes a healthy spine and back. It supports the back and spine in its natural double S shaped alignment. It also promotes a more peaceful sleep by relieving pressure against pressure points.
When people sleep on an orthopedic mattress and because of the way an orthopedic mattress works, people are buying these mattresses even if they do not have any health issues. The comfort provided by the mattress and the increased quality of sleep people report make an orthopaedic mattress one of the best essential investments that people make for themselves.
Tags: memory foam mattress, memory foam mattresses, orthopaedic mattress, orthopedic mattress, orthopedic mattresses, visco elastic foam, visco elastic mattress
Posted by herbmaster on Dec 19, 2009 in Uncategorized
Over time, many people will experience stiffness and pain in the joints. Joints that are affected include those that are frequently used. These include the knees, hips, hands, elbows and shoulders. The ability to move and function physically is greatly diminished when one or multiple joints are attacked by such symptoms.
Such is the case for people suffering from arthritis. Literally, the word arthritis means swelling of the joints. And such causes swelling, redness, pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. It affects hundreds of people and is one of the leading degenerative diseases known to man. While it usually strikes older people, just about anyone can suffer from it regardless of age.
There are more than a hundred known forms of arthritis. But the list keeps on going as newer ones are brought to medical attention. Classifications are based on causative factors and the signs and symptoms involved. But the most common type is osteoarthritis. This is due to the wear and tear of cartilage over time. Cartilage serves important roles in the joints. It acts like a cushion and lubricant to facilitate joint movement.
When afflicted with arthritis, joint pain and inflammation need to be eased to achieve normal physical functioning. People suffering from it scramble for arthritis remedies. Usually, the first defense is by taking analgesics – paracetamol, ibuprofen, NASIDs and others – to get rid of the pain and swelling. But of course they do come with side effects. For severe ones, cortisone injections or even surgery is done.
However, there are many natural means of dealing with arthritis. For repairing the wear and tear incurred by the joints, glucosamine is taken. Glucosamine is naturally produced by the body, but in minimal amounts. Supplements containing the substance are mainly derived from animal sources. These include crabs, oysters and other shellfish.
But what about those who have shellfish allergies and taking on a vegetarian diet? Well, there’s the so-called vegetarian glucosamine. It does the same thing as glucosamine from animal sources. Only this time, a fermenting process is done on vegetable sources to extract the substance.
The alkaline diet also helps in alleviating the signs and symptoms of arthritis. The diet involves consumption of only fruits and vegetables. Alkaline rich, they are able to offset excessive acidity in the body. You see, too much acid is linked to a variety of diseases. And it includes arthritis. The alkaline diet also helps in boosting your immune system, as the recommended foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Tags: arthritis, glucosamine, joint pain, medication, water aerobics
Posted by herbmaster on Dec 19, 2009 in Uncategorized
It is estimated that over 46 million people in the US alone suffer from a form of arthritis. This debilitating joint disease forces into early retirement employee who cannot perform physically to the fullest. Even outside the workplace, it is nearly impossible to live normally. Pain restricts mobility so much, that one is forced to embrace a sedentary lifestyle instead.
To cope better with arthritis, it’s important that one knows what it is. Arthritis is actually a collection of joint diseases, the number of which amounting to more than 100 types. Causative factors and indicating signs are the basis for classifications. Although there are several different forms, it is said that there are two that are the most prevalent of all.
As we age, cartilage between joints goes through wearing and tearing. In severe cases, this could lead to osteoarthritis (OA). Obesity and repeated demanding physical activities also contribute to the development of OA. Joints that usually suffer from it are the weight bearing ones, like the knees and hips. But it may also attack other frequently used and abused joints, such as the shoulders, elbows and hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, on the other hand, is a form of an autoimmune disorder. For reasons unclear, your own immune system attacks your joints, thinking they are foreign bodies. RA can strike anyone at any age, even those in their early 20′s. A common indicator of RA is it attacks joints located on both sides of the body, in a symmetrical fashion. For instance, if your left knee is affected, it’s likely your right knee has RA too.
Pain is usually dealt with through medications. Analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are used for pain. But with inflammation around, NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) are administered to reduce swelling. Steroids are also being prescribed, but long-term use poses some side effects. Steroids injected directly to the joints, instead of orally taken, may limit such side effects.
Gentle exercise can help improve the mobility of the joints. However, during flare ups, this may not be possible at all. For instance, if you have leg arthritis, walking may help prevent stiffness, but not when it’s around accompanied by pain. During such time, mobility is greatly reduced.
Some people suffering from arthritis prefer to deal with the signs and symptoms the natural way. This is because either they’re looking for inexpensive treatments, or prescription drugs fail to deliver results. Supplements such as vegetarian glucosamine, chondroitin and fish oils help in repairing damage connective tissues, and lubricate the joints. A diet composed mainly of fruits and vegetables decreases the acidity of the body, which is linked to arthritis.
Tags: arthritis, autoimmune disorder, coping mechanisms, joint pain, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted by herbmaster on Dec 15, 2009 in Uncategorized
There are three common types of arthritis. They include osteoarthritis (the most common), affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), usually attacks weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and ankles. It is also frequently found in the fingers, neck and back. Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage. Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.
Another type of arthritis is known as rheumatoid arthritis. Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and leads to severe joint destruction. It attacks millions Americans, many in their younger years.
Psoriatic arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis lesions on the skin.
The term arthritis literally translates to “joint inflammation.” If you suffer from any of the different types of arthritis listed above, chances are you have taken drugs (either prescription or over-the-counter) to combat the pain, or tried alternative or “home” remedies.
If you haven’t yet tried “urtication,” it may offer some help. The term “urtication” comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is also known as stinging nettle. The treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles. This may sound quite bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.
Here are a few more natural herbs that are used by many people to treat arthritis:
Black cohosh: Also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, rattleroot, and squawroot. This herb is a relaxant as well as being extremely effective in easing painful menstrual cramps. It is also effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatic pain and nerve pain. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and it can be very beneficial for the nervous system in general.
Bogbean: Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the colon.
Celery Seeds: Use dried ripe fruits as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic. Great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
Chapparal: Useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, warts and skin blotches. Also alleged to be one of the best cancer-fighting herbs.
Feverfew: Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness or vertigo, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Nettle: This is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those “universal” plants that is found all over the world. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, high blood pressure are just a few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulfur.
Saffron: A natural form of hydrochloric acid, saffron helps arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds onto the calcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces lactic acid build-up. Said to be good for measles, skin problems, scarlet fever and perspiration.
Yucca: Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.
All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may require the creation of a topical treatment.
No matter what natural remedies you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not interfere with any other medications that your doctor has prescribed for your treatment.
Aching joints runing your life? Are you looking for joint pain relief? Visit our site: joint pain. Our joint pain site will help you to find the best natural supplements and lubrication for your joints. Get the most up-to-date joint health information, articles, and products at our site: joint pain.
Tags: arthritis, body, health, knee, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted by herbmaster on Dec 15, 2009 in Uncategorized
If you are suffering from restless legs and looking for ways to solve your problem then you might get some answers in this article. A number of methods and techniques are mentioned and you should be able to find one that will work for you.
When it comes to seeking a natural cure none is as sought after as the restless leg natural cure. The reasons more and more people are looking for natural ways to solve this problem are many and they are quite varied. One of the reasons is that in some medical circles it has not yet been accepted as an illness. There say that restless leg is a neurological condition that is psychological and emotional in nature.
Another reason is that in many cases RLS is often diagnosed as being a different illness. This is hardly surprising considering that insomnia, stress, muscle cramps and arthritis all show similar symptoms as well . It is quite possible to be put on medication for any one of those illnesses and yet you are suffering from RLS. The final reason natural cures are being sought after is that the available medicines and drugs that are meant to treat RLS have some adverse side effects.
With all this in mind plus the not having a real cause linked to it has left many unanswered questions that home remedies try and address. This is not to say that the restless leg natural cure is independent from scientific or medical solutions. The challenges that the medical circles have met have enabled home remedies to improve on their techniques.
You can find some natural home remedies that other people have found to be quite useful from any one of the following: natural way to stop rls, restless leg syndrome treatments, restless legs syndrome solutions
If RLS is a big problem for you then do yourself a favor and stay away from smoking, drinking alcohol and you cut down on the amount of caffeine that you are drinking. Make sure that your diet incorporates foods that are rich in magenesium, iron, vitamins and minerals. Using supplements as a source of these is not recommended in this case.
To effectively benefit from a restless legs natural cure then you would have to consume natural foods. Alternatively you could try acupuncture, homeopathy or visit a chiropractor.Getting to know all of the improvements that are going on this area will do you some good.
Tags: Restless legs syndrome
