Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 41)

joints to wear out faster. That’s because the disease erodes your cartilage, allowing bones to rub against each other and leaving pain, stiffness and bony overgrowths (or spurs) behind. Rheumatoid arthritis is another form of arthritis. In people who have this autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system attacks the tissue that lines the joints. Joint pain and inflammation are common. WHAT’S NEXT: If your doctor thinks arthritis may be to blame for your aches and pains, he or she may order an X-ray, an MRI and blood tests. For those with osteoarthritis, your physician may recommend treatment that includes exercise, weight management and medication. If those don’t work, surgery is an option in severe cases. Move Your Way to a Healthier Spine Preventing back pain starts with the decisions you make every day. “All of our choices have an effect on back pain,” says Brian Condit, M.D., of North Mississippi Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “Sedentary people have a higher risk of back pain than active people.” He recommends the following tips to keep your body moving. night or go to the gym for some aerobic activity and stretching,” he says. “These activities are good for your back, your weight and your general mental outlook.” When checking emails or watching TV, sit on an exercise ball, which will engage muscles in your core and force you to focus on your posture. SPINAL STENOSIS SYMPTOMS: Pain, especially when walking or standing; numbness in the back, legs, arms or neck, or all those areas. WHAT’S HAPPENING: “This typically happens as we get older,” Rao says, specifically to those 50 and older. “The spinal column—the tube through which your nerves travel—narrows.” This puts pressure on your spinal nerves and spinal cord, and voilà, ouch! Arthritis and scoliosis can lead to spinal stenosis, as can previous herniated disks. People with spinal stenosis typically have trouble walking or standing for long periods. “Often, you’ll see that they’ll lean on grocery carts,” Rao says. “They find when they lean forward, they feel more comfortable because space opens for the nerve sack.” WHAT’S NEXT: It’s important to see your doctor if you think you have spinal stenosis, because the pain will only increase in time. Typical treatments include physical therapy, cold or heat packs, and medication. 1» “Walk a mile after dinner each SCIATICA 2» Wear a pedometer to gauge how much activity you log each day. Aim to reach 10,000 steps daily. SYMPTOMS: Sharp or burning pain in the legs or buttocks, usually on one side of the body; some may feel pain all the way down the back of their leg to their foot. WHAT’S HAPPENING: The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, starting in the lower back and running down the back of the legs to the feet. When something puts pressure on this nerve or it becomes damaged, you feel pain. It’s a warning sign because sciatic pain can signal another condition such as a herniated disk or a pelvic injury. WHAT’S NEXT: Your physician will want to pinpoint the underlying cause and come up with treatment based on that finding. In general, though, your options include applying hot and cold packs and taking over-the-counter medications. A lot of the time, the pain will disappear on its own. CAll Your physician may prescribe physical therapy to strengthen your back and lessen back pain. To learn about rehabilitation services available throughout North Mississippi Medical Center, call 800-THE DESK (800-843-3375) or visit www.nmhs.net/rehab_services.php. Get Back in Action Vim & Vigor · WI NTER 2012 41 http://www.nmhs.net/rehab_services.php

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Bundles of Joy
A Sigh of Relief
Because I Said So!
What’s Wrong with This Picture?
The Future Is Now
Everyday Hero
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
Johnny Be Good
In the Driver’s Seat
We’ve Got Your Back
Bank on Your Health
Virtual Health
Contact Us!
Take Control of Your Diabetes
Life After a Loss
Taking Flight
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi

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