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Neck Pain
Pain in the neck is very common and is usually caused by various factors.
Causes
| 1. |
Poor posture in everyday activities (e.g. poor lifting techniques, carrying items on one shoulder for a long period, carrying items that are too heavy) |
| 2. |
Stress in the neck muscle from poor sleeping positions (e.g. neck bend forward, neck turned side way, neck is at an angle that is too high or too low, sleep on stomach) and reading or watching television for too long in the same or poor position |
| 3. |
Too much or too fast neck movement |
| 4. |
Joint deterioration those with shoulder ache, numbness in the arm, or muscle weakness should consult their physician immediately. |
| 5. |
Injury from accident |
| 6. |
Insufficient rest and stress |
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Treatment
| 1. |
The basic rule is to keep your neck in a "neutral" position whenever possible.
| 1. |
Should sleep on a firm mattress or surface and use a pillow to support the neck. Ensure that the head is at the same level as the mattress or the floor. |
| 2. |
Don't bend or hunch your neck forward for long periods |
| 3. |
Dont sit in one position for a long time. If you must sit for an extended period, make sure your posture is good. Keep your head in a neutral position, make sure your back is supported, keep your knees slightly lower than your hips, and rest your arms if possible. |
| 4. |
Dont sleep on your stomach or use too many pillows |
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| 2. |
For acute neck pain, should get plenty of rest and put cold or warm compresses on the neck for 10 15 minutes. |
| 3. |
For chronic neck pain, which is often found in elderly patient, should put a warm compresses on the neck for 10 15 minutes. |
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Do neck stretching exercise to keep muscles flexible
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Exercise 1: Tilt forward and backward |
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Exercise 2: Head half roll |
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Exercise 3: Rotate from side to side |
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Do neck strengthening exercise by putting resistance at the following locations:
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Exercise 1: Forward resistance With both hands on the forehead, try to move head forward, but resist the movement with your hands |
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Exercise 2: Backward resistance With both hands behind the head, try to move the head backward, but resist the movement with your hands |
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Exercise 3: Side resistance With your left hand against the left side of the head, try to touch your left shoulder with your left ear, but resist the movement with your left hand. Repeat on the right side. |
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Exercise 4: Rotating resistance With your left hand on the forehead, turn your head to the left, but try to resist the movement with your hand. Report on the right side. |
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Back Pain
Pain in the back is the most common problem associated with the musculoskeletal system. About four out of five adults will experience significant low back pain at least one time during their life.
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Causes
| 1. |
Stress and strain in the back muscle from poor posture when standing, sitting, and lifting of heavy objects |
| 2. |
Natural effects of normal aging on the body |
| 3. |
Accidents and back injuries |
| 4. |
Slipped disk which may press on a nerve and cause sharp pain in the leg (requires immediate treatment) |
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Treatment and Rehabilitation
There are 3 stages in treating and rehabilitating patients with back pain.
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Initial Stage
In the beginning, patients usually have some pain and decrease in range of motion. Physicians begin by assessing the situation before determining an appropriate treatment. Common types of treatment are as follows:
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Heat treatment from sound waves and magnetic waves |
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Use of back stretching machine and electrical stimulation machine to relieve pain |
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Stretch muscles to increase flexibility |
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Massage and exercise to relax and strengthen the muscles, respectively |
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Wear back support shirt |
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Medication and/or local injection |
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Acupuncture to relieve pain |
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Recovery Stage
The focus at this stage is to regain the flexibility and strength of the various body parts such that patients are able to resume normal activities through the use of appropriate instruments and exercise.
Final Stage
The focus at this stage is to prevent reoccurrence by strengthening the back and related areas. We also provide advice on good posture and the correct approach to utilize the back in order for patients to continue to lead a quality life.
Knee Pain
Pain in the knee is often found in patients with a deteriorated knee joint, which is common for those who are over 40 years old and occurs more often in men than women. The thinning of knee joint cartilage causes the joint to be unable to fully support and distribute the weight, and may lead to destruction of the bone below the cartilage.
Causes
| 1. |
Major cause is the extended use of the knee, which leads to deterioration and formation of bone spurs |
| 2. |
Excess body weight or increase friction of the bones, which cause accelerated wear and tear of the joint |
| 3. |
Knee injury or infection |
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Symptoms
First Stage
| 1. |
Knee pain when standing up from a squatting position or when walking up and down the stairs |
| 2. |
When moving the knee, hear the bone rubbing against each other |
| 3. |
Knee pain without inflammation (swelling) |
| 4. |
4. Chronic stage for over 10 yearsKnee joint may be deformed, such as gross angular deformation |
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Self Treatment to prevent rapid deterioration
| 1. |
During period of severe pain, should rest the knee or use a cane while walking |
| 2. |
Should reduce body weight because while walking up and down the stairs, the knee joint must support 3 times the normal body weight |
| 3. |
Exercise to strengthens the muscles in the front and back part of the knee |
| 4. |
If have severe knee pain, should consult a physician immediately |
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