Pain Archive

Pain

Curcumin for arthritis: Does it really work?

Updated December 1, 2021

While there are many available treatments for osteoarthritis, none provide a cure or are predictably effective for all. A study suggests curcumin, a naturally occurring substance found in the spice turmeric, may help ease pain from osteoarthritis of the knee––but does it?

Pain

Help for your aching back

Published December 1, 2021

Short-term (acute) and chronic back pain can be managed through a variety of strategies. For short-term pain, over-the-counter pain relievers, heat, and moving as much as possible can help. Chronic back pain may require assistance from a doctor, which could include medication, physical therapy, and rarely surgery. People considering surgery for back pain should consider getting a second opinion. Surgery sometimes is not successful at relieving pain.

Diseases & Conditions

4 reasons for tingling or numbness in the arms and legs

Published November 1, 2021

There are lots of reasons for numbness or tingling in the limbs. Constant or recurrent symptoms point to a potentially serious cause. One possibility is peripheral neuropathy, which damages nerves throughout the body. Another is peripheral artery disease—a narrowing of the arteries in the limbs that reduces blood flow. Another is nerve compression, which might be caused by sciatica (irritation of the sciatic nerve in the legs) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). When numbness or tingling persists, one should report the symptoms to a doctor right away.

Pain

Drug therapy needs time to treat heart-related chest pain

Published November 1, 2021

Chest pain with exertion affects about one-quarter of people with stable coronary artery disease. A 2021 study found that these individuals can often eliminate their symptoms by following conservative drug therapy, without needing a stent or bypass surgery.

Pain

"Pandemic posture" hurting your back? You can fix it!

Published October 1, 2021

"Pandemic posture" refers to poor posture from slouching at a desk or on a couch during time at home during the pandemic, and it can result in back or neck pain. To reduce pain, doctors recommend exercising every day; working with a physical therapist to learn the right way to sit up straight and how to strengthen the muscles that support the posture; using a chair with cushioning for the buttocks and support for the lower back; using a footrest; keeping a computer monitor at eye level; and using an ergonomically designed mouse and wrist pad.

Diseases & Conditions

Frequent migraines? Eating fatty fish may offer comfort

Published October 1, 2021

People who suffer from chronic migraines could find relief by increasing their intake of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, found in fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, and trout.

Skin and hair health

Is CoolSculpting effective?

Updated September 28, 2021

Mind & Mood

Pain, anxiety, and depression

Updated September 16, 2021

Pain, anxiety, and depression often coincide because the parts of the brain and nervous system that handle sensations and touch interact with those that regulate emotions and stress.

Diseases & Conditions

What could be causing my hand to shake?

Published September 1, 2021

Essential tremor causes involuntary shaking, most often in the hands, head and voice. It may be an inherited condition and is different from another well-known tremor disorder called Parkinson's disease. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes.

Pain

Vitamin D deficiency might affect recovery from knee surgery