Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Let’s take a look at myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). MPS is a common cause of pain and is characterized by pain arising from tight bands of muscle known as trigger points, which often result in pain that is felt away from the site of injury. This pain away from the site of injury is a … Continue reading Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Tension Headaches

This week is National Stress Awareness Week brought to you by @ISMA and @Mind, so it seems a good time to take a look at tension headaches. Tension headache is a neurological disorder characterized by a predisposition to attacks of mild to moderate headache with few associated symptoms. This is the most common type of … Continue reading Tension Headaches

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Let’s take a look at Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders, caused by faulty collagen. Connective tissue helps support the skin, muscles, ligaments, and organs of the body. People who have the defect in their connective tissue associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may have symptoms which include joint … Continue reading Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Osteoporosis

Today is @worldosteoporosisday, run by the @iofbonehealth and supported by @BCA and @RCC, amongst others, so let’s take a look at Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a metabolic condition where the calcium leaches out of the bones, leaving them less dense, more porous and brittle; leading to an increased risk of fracture. Bone density is only really … Continue reading Osteoporosis

Acute low back pain

Back Care Awareness week is drawing to a close, so let’s take a look at acute low back pain (Acute LBP). Back care awareness week is organised by BackCare, and supported by the British Chiropractic Association amongst others. LBP is the fifth most common reason for physician visits, which affects up to 85% of people … Continue reading Acute low back pain

T4 Syndrome

Let’s take a look at T4 syndrome. T4 syndrome, or more accurately “upper thoracic syndrome”, is a rare and perhaps under-recognized clinical entity. The most common cause of T4 syndrome is overuse injury and it usually seen in patients who perform excessive amounts of bending, lifting and twisting movements seen in sports such as gymnastics … Continue reading T4 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

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

Plantar Fasciitis

Let’s take a look at plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, accounting for around four out of five cases. The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone with the rest of the foot, forming the arches of the foot, and is essential in … Continue reading Plantar Fasciitis