Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disorder pertaining to the spine that primarily affects young males; symptoms include fatigue, a stiff neck, and pain in the hips and lower back which can be discerned using x-rays and MRI scans. The cause of this disease is unknown, though it is speculated that genetics play a factor; individuals who possess a particular gene called HLA-B27 have a higher risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. Laboratories can test the blood to detect the HLA-B27 gene or signs of inflammation, though this is not a conclusive method for diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis. With this disorder, cartilage in the joints diminish within the spine causing spinal disks to calcify – this fuses the vertebrae
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Many factors can result in the development of scoliosis, such as osteoporosis, joint problems, related diseases, degeneration of disks, obesity, poor posture, vitamin D deficiency, muscle weakness, or it can also be congenital. This disorder most often affects children just before puberty during a growth spurt and can worsen over time if not treated properly; it can affect both males and females, but it is more prominent in young girls. Common symptoms of scoliosis consist of prominent deformities, such as an uneven waist, one hip higher than the other, disproportionate shoulders, etc. In more severe cases, the spine can twist or rotate causing deformities, disability, and reduced lung function. The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown, but it is speculated that hereditary factors may be involved – other influences can include spinal injuries, congenital defects, and neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. X-rays and other imaging tests aid in the diagnosis of scoliosis and related spinal curvature disorders, most cases do not require surgical intervention unless an underlying issue such as a tumor is suspected. If the curve of the spine worsens, a procedure termed as spinal fusion may be required – this is when two or more vertebrae are fused together so that they remain in one place, thus eliminating the ability for further deformity. Other treatments include wearing a scoliosis brace, electrical muscle stimulation, chiropractic adjustments, and dietary
Imagine living in a world where everything is super-sized. Imagine having to step on a stool to crawl into bed, or having to climb onto a shelf to be able to reach a light switch. Most of all, imagine having to look up to your much taller younger sister when she speaks to you. Situations like these are what Ivy Broadhead, a teenager with achondroplasia, have to go through everyday.
What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes the back to curve sideways like and “S” or a “C” and cause the body to lean to one side. Scoliosis can eventually if not looked into and not treated colid with your bodily organs like your heart, lungs, and kidneys. This can cause you to slump down into a hump and cause it hard to breath and do physical activity.
...can see if this condition runs in the family. A physical examination is a good way to tell is there is any type of muscle weakness or spinal curvature.
The cause of pectus excavatum is not entirely understood. It has been researched that the cause of it is irregular growth of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum that occurs during pregnancy. According to Pectus excavatum: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, 2013, October 18, some disorders can be linked with patients that have pectus excavatum, including: Marfan syndrome, Rickets due to the lack of vitamin D, scoliosis, Poland syndrome, and a family history of pectus excavatum. Even though family history is a risk factor, this anomaly can happen without a family history. Most parents are unaware of their child’s deformity until they begin to notice
“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease” by Thomas A. Edison. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments on the spine which will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Chiropractic care began in 1895 when its founder, Daniel David Palmer, claimed any and all diseases could be healed by nothing more than just his hands. Dr. Palmer examined a janitor who was deaf for 17 years after the janitor felt his back was out of place, so Dr. Palmer gave an adjustment to what was felt to be a misplaced vertebra in the upper back. The janitor then observed that his hearing improved thanks to Dr. Palmer. Chiropractors use manipulation to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by sitting without proper back support. Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. About 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually
OA is a musculoskeletal disease that causes chronic joint pain and reduced physical functioning (Laba, brien, Fransen, & jan, 2013). Osteoarthritis (OA) is a non-inflammatory disorder of synovial joints that results in loss of hyaline cartilage and remodeling of surrounding bone. OA is the single most common joint disease, with an estimated prevalence of 60% in men and 70% in women later in life after the age of 65 years, affecting an estimated 40 million people in the United States (Goodman & Fuller, 2009). Women are more commonly affected after the age of 55, almost everyone has some symptoms by the age of 70 (Tan, Zahara, Colburn & Hawkins, 2013, p.78). Osteoarthritis can be described radiological, clinical, or subjective. It commonly affects hands, hips, knees, shoulders, and the spine (Walker, 2011, p. 14). Osteoarthritis is an intrinsic defect in the joint cartilage. Caused by slowly progressive deterioration of articular cartilage that is accompanied by degenerative bony changes, including thickening of the subchondral bone cyst, and formation of large bony protrusions (osteophytes) at the joint margins. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in the large weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips, as well as some of the smaller joints in the hands and feet (Ciccone, 2007,p. 229). ). It is predicted by 2020 to become the fourth leading cause of disability globally (Laba et al., 2013, p.2). According to Juby and Davis (2011), these changing demographics with the aging of the “baby boomer” generation will likely result in an increase in the prevalence of both degenerative and inflammatory arthritis, and timely access to appropriate care and maximization of therapeutic interventions will be vital to maintain indepe...
That is why the symptoms of this disease vary. The most typical joints that may be affected are the ones that carry weight over the years, such as the knees, hips, and the lower back. Other joints like shoulders, elbows, and ankles are less likely to be affected unless the joint has been damaged before. Another way to think of this would be by naming the joints that allow us to lead active lives, such as depending on the back, hips, feet and knees for walking; shoulders and hands for lifting; or even all of the above for working. When these joints are affected, doing certain activities such as walking, climbing, and lifting objects becomes difficult....
Arthritis affects people of all age groups. More than 100 types of arthritis are known. Among these osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis having the highest incidence. One of the major causes of chronic debilitation in industrialized nations is Osteoarthritis which results from damage to the joints, which may be due to trauma, infection, or age-related wear. Rheumatoid arthritis is encountered less frequently than osteoarthritis and is estimated to affect around one per cent of the world’s population. Amongst patients of Rheumatoid arthritis, women are three times more likely to be affected by this condition than men. This condition is caused by an inflammatory process where the body starts attacking itself. Rheumatoid arthritis also affects several joints, with inflammation sometimes seen in and around the lungs, the heart, the eyes and the skin. The most commonly reported complaint by arthritis patients is pain. The pain might be from the joint itself and be a result of inflammation, damage from the disease, or through daily wear and tear. Muscle pain is also common and is caused by having to force movements against stiff and painful joints. Although range of movement in the affected joint may be limited and uncomfortable, physical exercise has been shown to benefit those with arthritis. Physical therapy has been shown to significantly improve function, decrease pain in the long term and delay the need for surgery in advanced cases. The majority of arthritis cases occur among theelderly, however the disease can occur in children as well. Over 70% of the population that get affected by arthritis in North America are over the age of 65 (4). The disease occurs more commonly in females than males in all races, age groups, and ethn...
As mentioned before, psoriatic arthritis has no cure. The only way to overcome it is by working against its effects on the body. Reducing inflammation, stiffness, and pain are the main ways of fighting with the disease. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils and any other food substances can perform the function effectively. It is unfortunate that there are no clear causes of the immunity turning against the joints. This makes it difficult to establish better ways of preventing the occurrence of the disease. Therefore, when you are infected with the disease, try reducing the damage using fish oils.
The age-related change that I am most concerned about developing is osteoporosis. The bones in our bodies are living tissue, and there is an ongoing process of replacement and reabsorption. When this process is interrupted in a way that the new bone doesn’t keep up with removing the old bone, osteoporosis can happen. Studies tell us that men and women are affected, but Caucasian and Asian women who are post menopause are at a higher risk of developing this bone disease. It causes bones to be brittle and weak so that even a small fall will cause a fracture. In more serious cases, this breaking can sometimes occur by a cough, or in bending over the wrong way.
Lateral epicondylitis, better known as “Tennis elbow” is a form of tendonitis. It causes the tendons within the bony structure to swell; it can also cause pain in the elbow which radiates to the arm. The article from WebMD states “These tendons are tough tissues that connect the muscles of your lower arm to the bone”1. Commonly referred to tennis elbow, someone can get this form of tendonitis without playing tennis a day in their lives. It is usually a result of overworking or repetitive motion of those tendons.
Scoliosis is a progressive disease. In its early stages a mild rotation and rib deformity is detected. As it progresses more vertebrae rotate, causing the ribs to crowd together on one side of the chest and to spread apart on the opposite side. The disease is usually first identified in persons 10 to 17 years old. Most cases occur in girls and become apparent during the rapid growth phase of puberty. Conditions also include shoulder unleveling, waistline discrepancies, acute headaches, shortness of breath, rib hump, chronic fatigue, and mood swings.
Some cases of Scoliosis can be left alone as long as they are monitered and don't develop any further. Others can be prevented from further development by a back brace to keep their spinal alignment in check. However the only real cure for more severe cases of Scoliosis is back surgery. In most surgeries this can be corrected to one degree or another. Usually to straighten posture to quell the further development of the curve or to relieve backpain. Full correction of Scoliosis hoever usually is not