First of all, I love a good X-ray or an MRI / CT scan. However, they are not always appropriate, and just like opioids, or statins, they have been overprescribed recently, and making the news. Medical imaging will show you the gross anatomy, and whether it is “normal” or “abnormal” or even “normally abnormal”. It … Continue reading Medical Imaging
Category: Healthcare
SI Syndrome
Let’s take a look at sacroiliac syndrome (SI syndrome). Symptoms of SI syndrome consist of pain at the base of the spine which is located usually on one side, with pain then being referred down the back of the leg, rarely going below the knee. Pain is typically a pinching or stabbing in the lower … Continue reading SI Syndrome
Ice or Heat
Let’s take a look at the therapeutic use of ice and heat. As a rule of thumb, you should apply an ice pack as soon as possible after an injury; applying it for 10-15 minutes, and repeating after 60-90 minutes. Make sure that the ice pack is dry, and covered in a layer of material. … Continue reading Ice or Heat
Neck Pain
Let’s take a look at neck pain. Neck pain is common, but not normal. Causes include trauma, poor posture, muscle strain, bone abnormalities, and more, the vast majority are not serious. Diagnosing neck pain may require X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging tests, though often imaging may show abnormalities that aren’t causing any pain. Consequently, imaging … Continue reading Neck Pain
Achilles Tendinopathy
Let’s take a look at achilles tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury caused by repetitive energy storage and release with excessive compression. This can lead to a sudden injury, or in the worst case, can cause a rupture of the Achilles tendon. In both cases, a lack of flexibility or a stiff Achilles … Continue reading Achilles Tendinopathy
Facet Syndrome
Let’s take a look at facet syndrome. Facet syndrome is the irritation of the structures that form the facet joints – the small joints in the spine, which control movement. These can be irritated by pinching or stretching of the capsular ligaments which surround the joint, as a result of repeated micro-trauma, or as a … Continue reading Facet Syndrome
PatelloFemoral Pain Syndrome
Let’s take a look at patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).AKA runners’ knee. PFPS is pain that originates between the kneecap and thighbone. The pain is felt at the front of the knee, either under or around the edges of the kneecap; it is typically more noticeable going up stairs or walking or jogging uphill. The root … Continue reading PatelloFemoral Pain Syndrome
Cervicogenic Headaches
Let’s take a look at cervicogenic headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are headaches caused by structures in the neck, typically the muscles and the facet joints of the spine; they have a habit of developing chronicity. Given the strong link between stress, the muscles of the neck, and headaches; many tension headaches are simultaneously cervicogenic. There is … Continue reading Cervicogenic Headaches
Love Activity, Hate Exercise?
As we’re in the New Year’s Resolution time of year; let’s have a look at getting and keeping active. PE has a lot to answer for. If it brings to mind freezing changing rooms and slogging through muddy fields then it’s likely you’re not alone in those thoughts. The inspiration that PE was meant to offer … Continue reading Love Activity, Hate Exercise?
Sports Bras
We’re in the season of New Year’s resolutions (and January sales) – so let’s talk about the most important piece of athletic wear for women – your sports bra! Repetitive trauma or bouncing up and down from jogging, jumping, dancing, or many other forms of activity, can cause permanent damage resulting in breasts dropping. The … Continue reading Sports Bras