Month: June 2023

Understanding The Different Endometriosis Symptoms

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Did you know, according to the World Health Organisation, endometriosis currently impacts the lives of approximately 190 million women of childbearing age worldwide? This chronic condition occurs when the uterine lining (endometrial tissue) abnormally grows outside the uterus, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can significantly impact your daily life. 

The causes and symptoms of endometriosis can vary from person to person, making each individual’s experience with the condition unique. Many women struggle with the painful symptoms of endometriosis throughout their daily lives, although perhaps they do not know they have the condition. 

Pain and other symptoms can be life-impacting, causing missed days of study or work, forcing you to forgo the activities you love, and potentially leading to a complex emotional impact. 

Remember, endometriosis doesn’t have to control your life, and you don’t have to rely solely on medication or surgery for relief. We will explore how Neuragenex can help you take control of your endometriosis pain, providing you with a structured and whole-person approach to finding long-term relief.

In this article, we discuss the range of symptoms commonly associated with endometriosis. We will also highlight the health complications related to severe endometriosis if left untreated. By gaining an understanding of these symptoms, you can be better equipped for early detection and intervention, improving your overall quality of life.

Painful Menstrual Periods

Painful menstrual periods, medically known as dysmenorrhea, are the primary symptom of endometriosis. Dysmenorrhea involves intense menstrual cramps, which are more severe than the abdominal discomfort typically experienced throughout menstruation. 

Dysmenorrhea, as seen in endometriosis, occurs when the excess endometrial tissue, both inside and outside the uterus, responds to the regular hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. 

The inflammatory response throughout menstruation causes severe abdominal pain and cramping. It is not uncommon that pain and cramps begin before menstrual bleeding and persist over several days. 

Some women find the pain extends beyond the abdomen, radiating to the lower back or around the thighs and legs. This occurs because, in some cases, the abnormally growing uterine tissue can irritate the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down into the legs.   

If your menstrual pain is significantly interfering with your quality of life, it is essential to consult your medical provider and discuss your concerns about endometriosis as the underlying cause.

Pain With Sexual Intercourse

Another familiar symptom for women with endometritis is pain during sexual intercourse or dyspareunia. The presence of abnormal endometrial tissue surrounding the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic floor lining, and vaginal walls can cause discomforts such as deep pelvic pain or burning sensations, both during and after penetrative sex.

Depending on the severity of endometriosis, painful symptoms may be short-lived, last for hours, or potentially lasting for days. It is important to know that any pelvic pain associated with sexual intercourse is likely to be caused by an underlying condition such as endometriosis. Communicating openly with your partner and healthcare provider is critical in addressing the issue.

Pain With Bowel Movements

Irregular or painful bowel motions, medically termed Dyschezia, can be a frustrating and potentially debilitating symptom of endometriosis. Abdominal cramping, stabbing pains, diarrhea, and constipation can occur due to the endometrial growth outside the uterus adhering to the bowel, rectum, or bladder.

Hormone fluctuations during menstruation will likely exacerbate these symptoms as the rogue endometrial tissue thickens and inflames, further impacting the surrounding abdominal organs. If you have noticed a change in your bowel habits or are experiencing pain and discomfort,  discussing these symptoms with your healthcare provider is essential.

It is important to note that you should seek urgent medical attention if you notice any blood in your stool when menstruating. In rare cases, endometriosis may cause small tears or fistulas to the tissue between the vaginal canal and the rectum.

Excessive Bleeding

The medical term menorrhagia describes the event where excessive bleeding occurs during menstruation. Women with endometriosis may notice that they are bleeding unusually heavily throughout their periods or that bleeding occurs over a prolonged time (longer than five days). 

Excessive bleeding in endometriosis occurs as a result of the surplus endometrial tissue that also sheds and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. 

Experiencing a heavy menstrual flow can cause other debilitating symptoms such as excessive cramping and bloating, iron deficiency, fatigue, and weakness. Additionally, you may notice bleeding between your scheduled cycle (spotting). 

If you have noticed a change in your menstrual bleeding or are experiencing heavy flows that require the need to change sanitary items more frequently, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. Discussing your symptoms and exploring the underlying cause, including the possibility of endometriosis, can provide guidance towards early management of the condition.

Infertility

Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a woman’s reproductive health. The rogue endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus can lead to scar tissue formation, adhesions, and structural abnormalities that may impact the effectiveness of reproductive organs. 

The ovaries’ ability to release eggs and the successful attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine wall can be hindered, making it challenging to conceive successfully. 

Remember, if you have endometriosis, it is still possible to fall pregnant, and having an effective management plan can assist with your journey.  If you have a history of reproductive issues, have a family history of endometriosis, or are finding it difficult to conceive, consider seeking medical advice on ways to treat your underlying condition to optimize your reproductive health.

Digestive Issues

While there are a number of conditions that cause gastrointestinal upset and digestive problems, these frustrating symptoms are also commonly associated with endometriosis: 

  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and Vomiting

The abnormal growth of uterine tissue in endometriosis can spread beyond the uterus and directly impede the digestive system. As this tissue grows, sheds, and bleeds in response to the normal hormonal cycle, it can lead to inflammation and the development of scar tissue or cysts in the surrounding digestive structures. 

This then causes disruption of normal bowel function and digestion and the development of the above symptoms.

If you experience any of the above digestive symptoms along with other symptoms of endometriosis, it is a sign to explore things further. Talking to your healthcare provider in depth about all of your symptoms can help lead to an accurate diagnosis. 

Ignoring the symptoms associated with endometriosis has the potential for it to become more severe, which is likely to further impact your life. This leads us to discuss the health complications that are known to be associated with endometriosis.

Complications Of Endometriosis

Endometriosis that is left unmanaged will continue to spread, thicken, and affect various abdominal organs, which may lead to serious complications and associated health conditions. For instance, women with advanced endometriosis are known to suffer from infertility, debilitating chronic pain, and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.  

Chronic pain can significantly impact your daily life and overall health and well-being, including your psychological health. The adhesions associated with endometriosis can impact the structures of your abdominal organs, causing them to stick together or preventing them from functioning normally. 

This can lead to long-standing pain and discomfort. Chronic pain caused by endometriosis is also highly associated with the development of anxiety and depression. Persistent pain can bring the inability to perform some daily activities, leading to social isolation and reduced overall well-being.

Endometriosis can also lead to the formation of cysts on the ovaries, medically known as endometriomas. These ovarian cysts can hinder the proper release of eggs from the ovaries, potentially impacting fertility. 

Furthermore, rogue endometrial tissue can cause constriction of the fallopian tubes. Damaged fallopian tubes will impede the eggs’ journey to the uterus for fertilization and implantation, further impacting the ability to conceive and leading to potential infertility. 

However, the most significant concern of advanced endometriosis is the potential increased risk of ovarian cancer. Although the exact reason for this increased risk is still being researched, there is an undoubtedly identified connection. 

It is important to note that not all women with endometriosis will develop cancer. However, tumors may develop on the ovaries as a result of increased inflammation and other structural damages caused by the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue.

If you have concerns about the potential complications associated with endometriosis or if you experience persistent symptoms, regardless of their severity, it is important to consult your healthcare provider in a timely manner. 

They can provide you with personalized guidance specific to your needs and recommend an appropriate management plan to address any complications effectively. Seeking early medical intervention and following a proactive approach can help prevent the progression of endometriosis, improve overall outcomes, and help you find the relief you deserve.

Importance Of Early Detection Of Possible Endometriosis Signs

Early detection of endometriosis plays a significant role in effectively managing the condition and improving your overall health and well-being. 

Endometriosis can prove difficult to diagnose and may require a number of different tests and scans. By noticing the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, being attentive to changes in your menstrual cycle, and seeking timely medical attention, you are more likely to have a better health outcome.

The symptoms of endometriosis can worsen over time if left untreated, and if the condition becomes more severe, the potential for additional health implications increases. The development of adhesions, scar tissue, and cysts as a result of severe endometriosis can impact other abdominal organs and pose significant health complications. 

By detecting endometriosis in the early stages, a personalized management plan can be implemented to help alleviate symptoms’ impact on your daily life and reduce the progression of its harmful impact on your daily life and long-term health.

How Neuragenex Treats Endometriosis Pain

Finding effective and long-lasting relief from painful symptoms is a priority for women who suffer from endometriosis. At Neuragenex, we are dedicated to providing effective pain management solutions that don’t rely on pharmaceuticals and invasive surgical procedures by implementing a Neurofunctional Pain Management (NFPM) approach. 

Unlike traditional treatment options, the NFPM method of managing endometriosis-related pain encompasses a whole-person approach that is safe and effective. NFPM combines high-pulse electrical stimulation, called Electroanalgesia, and specialized hydration intravenous therapy (IV therapy) to target the root causes of endometriosis-related pain. 

Electroanalgesia stimulates the intricate links between our brain, nervous system, and pain, where it targets endometriosis-related pain at the root cause. This painless therapy aims to promote pain relief at a cellular level as it interrupts pain signals, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the release of naturally occurring endorphins. 

Simultaneously, specialized hydration IV therapy addresses nutritional deficiencies and helps to promote optimal health by restoring a healthy balance of essential nutrients and electrolytes to the bloodstream. 

IV therapy aids in reducing inflammation and optimizing the body’s environment and organ function, which can be particularly beneficial for easing the symptoms associated with endometriosis.

At Neuragenex, we customize IV therapy programs for patients by analyzing bloodwork and addressing each individual’s specific needs, such as deficiencies, hydration, or electrolyte imbalances, to ensure they are receiving optional nourishment for their endometriosis pain management. 

Recognizing that each individual’s experiences with endometriosis are unique, Neuragenex conducts thorough diagnostics to tailor treatment plans for optimal pain management. Throughout the Neurofunctional Pain Management treatment protocols, Neuragenex also offers a comprehensive lifestyle counseling education program, empowering patients to maintain strong psychological health, adopt helpful strategies, and achieve long-term pain relief. 

We strongly believe that lifestyle counseling, in conjunction with our more targeted treatments, can support long-term pain management, strengthen one’s psychological health and empower individuals to take steps toward regaining control of their own well-being and quality of life.

Get A Proper Diagnosis To Get The Best Treatment

Understanding the different signs and symptoms of endometriosis is vital for its early detection and accessing effective treatment.  The symptoms of endometriosis certainly have the potential to impact your daily life and, if left untreated, may lead to a number of potentially serious health complications. 

Through the Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol offered by Neuragenex, there is hope for the relief of endometriosis-related symptoms. 

It is possible to take control of endometriosis-related symptoms and address the root cause without relying solely on medications or surgery. With Neurofunctional Pain Management at Neuragenex, there is a path toward managing endometriosis-related pain through our whole-person approach.

With a focus on personalized treatment plans and comprehensive lifestyle counseling, Neuragenex strives to provide long-lasting pain management solutions for individuals suffering from endometriosis.

Remember, detecting symptoms early and seeking a proper diagnosis is essential in receiving the best treatment. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or have noticed a change in your menstrual cycle and suspect you may have endometriosis, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.

Understanding Migraine Symptoms

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Migraines are much more complicated than your average headache. They are a complex neurological condition that has an impact on millions of people worldwide, and they also have the potential to severely impact your quality of life. 

If you suffer from migraine attacks or have seen someone experience one,  you might understand how intense these recurring headaches can be. But what truly sets migraines apart from regular headaches is the wide range of additional symptoms that can accompany them.

So, why is there such a wide range of migraine symptoms? Firstly, there are many different types of migraines, and each type can have its own distinct set of accompanying symptoms. Secondly,  there are certain individual triggers that can provoke a migraine attack, and how your body responds to these triggers also contributes to what symptoms are experienced.

The fact that migraines are such highly individualized experiences is another reason why migraines are so complex. Symptoms can vary from person to person and even from one migraine attack to another, which makes them more difficult to treat. 

To effectively manage migraines or support someone who suffers from them,  it is helpful to have an understanding of the various types and their typical symptoms. Only you can truly understand your migraines. Our goal is to give you the knowledge on how to distinguish them and find the strategies to reduce their severity to improve your overall well-being. 

By understanding the symptoms and how they differ between the numerous types of migraines, you’ll be better prepared to recognize when you might be suffering a migraine attack, how to manage them, and when it might be time to seek medical help. 

In this article, we explore the causes of migraines and outline in depth the symptoms associated with some of the numerous migraines. We also outline some of the strategies available for managing and alleviating symptoms so you can take control of your migraines for good.

Migraine Causes

Migraines have numerous potential causes, which can be multifactorial and different for each person. Although the exact biological mechanisms behind migraine attacks are not fully understood, there are some well-known factors that play a part in causing them.

One significant factor is your family history, as migraines are seen to have a genetic component. If you have a parent who suffers from migraines, your chances of developing them are increased by 50%.

Another aspect is fluctuations in the blood vessel activity within the brain. Sudden changes to these blood vessels can be triggered by changes in the body’s chemicals, hormones, or even external factors. As the brain’s blood vessels are stimulated to narrow or expand, it can falsely activate certain pain receptors that contribute to migraines.

The brain’s chemistry is a very intricate space, and it requires a delicate balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. 

An imbalance of these neurotransmitters can also disrupt the body’s normal pain signals and contribute to the onset of migraines. Imbalances of these neurotransmitters can be influenced by genetics, hormones, medications, or other external factors in your environment. 

Additionally, if the central nervous system becomes more sensitive due to increased levels of stress, illness, or certain conditions, it can further alter the body’s pain signals, causing a migraine attack and its specific set of associated symptoms.

Highlighted below are some particular triggers that are known to further contribute to these underlying mechanisms. These triggers involve both physiological and environmental factors that can ultimately lead to a migraine attack.

Common Migraine Triggers

By recognizing some of the common migraine triggers, you can take steps to understand your own migraines and gain better control over their episodes. While the following list is not exhaustive and individual experiences may vary, these common elements have been identified as triggers to migraines and their debilitating symptoms. 

  • Food and drinks

Common dietary triggers include caffeine, alcohol (particularly red wine), food additives such as aspartame and MSG, and tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses and cured meats, citrus fruits, and chocolate. 

These particular foods are thought to trigger a migraine attack due to the presence of specific chemicals or substances that have the potential to influence blood vessels, neurotransmitters, and the sensitivity of the nervous system. 

  • Hormonal changes

Hormone fluctuations, particularly estrogen, can have a real impact on migraines. Meaning events such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause may trigger or even worsen migraines.  

Interestingly, hormonal contraceptives may contribute to migraines in some women but could potentially provide relief for others, depending on an individual’s natural hormone levels. 

  • Stress

During times of increased stress, the brain’s delicate balance of neurotransmitters can be altered, which may contribute to the onset of a migraine. 

Additionally, the difficult emotions that often accompany stress, such as anxiety, can lead to increased muscle tension and even impact the brain’s blood vessels. This combination of factors has the potential to intensify the severity of migraines.

Indirectly, stress can also disrupt your regular sleeping patterns, which alters the body’s natural hormonal balance and triggers a migraine attack. 

  • Sensory stimulation

Environmental factors have the ability to overstimulate our sensory pathways. Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, and even certain textures might be enough to activate the brain’s sensitive pain-processing neurotransmitters, leading to throbbing pain and other migraine symptoms.

Certain changes in the weather, such as humidity, heat, or storms, may also be a common sensory trigger for a migraine attack.

  • Medication

There are certain prescription and over-the-counter medications that are known to trigger the onset of a migraine for some people. 

These include medications that dilate or constrict your blood vessels, hormonal medications (the contraceptive pill or hormonal replacement therapy), over-the-counter pain medications (when overused), and medications that affect the central nervous system (such as certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sleeping tablets).

This is often very individualized, and not all people who take these medications will experience migraines. 

  • Illness

When our bodies are actively fighting an underlying illness or infection, there are several factors that have the potential to trigger migraines. 

Hormonal imbalances and stress responses that occur from an illness or disease can directly affect our blood vessels, nerves, and brain chemistry, making it more likely for susceptible individuals to experience migraines. 

In addition to these particular triggers, it’s important to recognize that there are many different types of migraines people can experience. With the various types of migraines, each one can present with a unique set of signs and symptoms.

By going beyond just the triggers of your migraines, you can gain a deeper understanding of your migraine type and better navigate your own symptoms and treatment options more effectively.

Migraine Types And Their Symptoms

Migraines are highly individual experiences, and it’s important to recognize that everyone’s migraine journey is likely to be unique. The complex nature of an individual’s migraines means they can present in diverse ways, with different types of migraines presenting their own set of defining symptoms. 

Some individuals may consistently encounter a specific type of migraine, while others may experience different types at different times. For example

Migraine With Aura

A migraine with an aura, also known as a classic migraine, is a type of migraine where some visual disturbances arise before the migraine pain. Auras are often seen as an early indicator to anticipate an impending migraine attack.

The duration of the aura can vary, ranging from a few minutes to potentially several hours. The aura might also present as a range of different visual disturbances, and they can vary from person to person. These symptoms can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember that they are usually reversible and tend to fade away before or shortly after the migraine headache sets in.

  • Aura Symptoms

Visual disturbances that involve seeing flashing or flickering lights, noticing blind spots or areas of reduced vision, experiencing zigzag lines or shimmering patterns, or even having temporary vision loss or blurry vision.

  • Intense head pain

Following the aura is a throbbing headache that is typically localized on one side of the head. This head pain can significantly impact your daily life and last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

  • Nausea

Nausea and sometimes vomiting are common accompanying symptoms of a classic migraine. This is because the digestive system often becomes more sensitive during a migraine attack.

  • Sensitivity to light and sound

A heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia) during a migraine attack is not uncommon. Exposure to bright lights or loud noises can intensify the migraine symptoms and cause additional discomfort, often making people want to retreat to dark rooms for relief. 

  • Feeling hyper or cranky

Changes in emotions and behaviors can lead some people to feel hyperactive or irritable. This can result in feelings of restlessness or crankiness.

  • Fatigue

A general sense of fatigue and low energy are also common throughout and after a migraine attack.

Migraine Without Aura

A Migraine without aura is better known as a common migraine. It is the most prevalent type of migraine and doesn’t present with the distinctive aura phase. Although, a common migraine is often associated with many other typical migraine symptoms, such as: 

  • Moderate to severe headache

The major presenting symptom of a migraine without aura is moderate to severe pain that generally affects one side of the head. The pain is usually described as pulsing or throbbing in nature, which can be debilitating and disrupt your daily activities. 

  • Sensitivity to light and sound

Individuals who experience common migraines may also become highly sensitive to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia) during an episode. Exposure to bright lights or loud noises can exacerbate migraine symptoms and cause discomfort.

  • Nausea and vomiting

Many people experience gastrointestinal symptoms with a common migraine, including nausea and vomiting. These symptoms accompany the headache, exacerbating the pain and further contributing to overall discomfort.

  • Neck stiffness or pain

Common migraine attacks can sometimes be accompanied by neck stiffness or pain. This discomfort in the neck region may occur concurrently with the headache or act as an early warning sign. 

Beyond the classic and common migraines, there is a wide range of other migraine types that you might experience. Most different migraine types are associated with a unique set of accompanying symptoms. 

Learning about the different types of migraines helps you better comprehend and manage the specific patterns of your own migraines. Below, we provide a list of different migraine types along with their unique signs and symptoms:

Menstrual Migraine

Menstrual migraines tend to occur in a predictable pattern, following the normal hormonal fluctuations of estrogen in the system throughout your cycle. 

Usually, a menstrual migraine will occur within two days directly before menstruation or within the first three days of menstruation. However, the timing can vary for each individual and differ if you suffer from an irregular menstrual cycle. 

Other than their predictable timing, symptoms of a menstrual cycle is usually similar to a common migraine and include:

  • Throbbing headache
  • Visual and auditory sensitivities
  • Fatigue and mood changes
  • Nausea and vomiting

Silent Migraine

A silent migraine, also known as an acephalgic migraine, is a unique type of migraine that doesn’t bring about the typical throbbing headache pain along with its other migraine symptoms. While you may not have a headache, silent migraines can still be debilitating and disrupt daily activities. 

Fortunately, silent migraines tend not to last as long as a typical migraine, and their symptoms can include:

  • Aura symptoms
  • Fatigue and mood changes
  • Nausea and vomiting

Vestibular Migraine

The vestibular system controls the body’s balance and spatial orientation, and a vestibular migraine affects this sensitive system. This type of migraine is quite unique and causes various symptoms related to the inner ear and balance, leading to significant discomfort and disruption. Symptoms often include:

  • Throbbing headache
  • Vertigo (dizziness)
  • Sensitivity to motion or movement
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Aura symptoms
  • Sensitivity to light and sound

Abdominal Migraine

Abdominal migraines are a type of migraine where the associated symptoms primarily affect the abdominal region, often causing intense pain and discomfort. They more commonly occur in children but can also affect adults. An abdominal migraine doesn’t typically come with a throbbing headache but is known to have other identifying symptoms, including:

  • Intense abdominal pain and cramping
  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) 
  • Fatigue
  • Paling of the skin

Hemiplegic Migraine

Hemiplegic migraines are a rare and complex form of migraine that can involve temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegia). This particular type of migraine can be very distressing to those who experience them and can be difficult to manage.

A hemiplegic migraine can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. After the migraine, individuals usually experience a recovery period, where they gradually regain full strength and normal neurological function. A Hemiplegic’s associated symptoms include

  • Hemiplegia
  • Confusion
  • Vertigo (Dizziness)
  • Coordination problems
  • Throbbing headache
  • Aura Symptoms

Ocular Migraine

Ocular migraines are also known as retinal migraines and are a specific type of migraine that primarily impacts your visual system. 

Unlike typical migraines, an ocular migraine has a relatively shorter duration which typically lasts for less than an hour. Their unique symptoms typically manifest through visual disturbances, such as blind or blurred spots, flashing lights, or unusual patterns. 

It’s important to note that ocular migraines typically do not cause permanent visual impairment. The main symptoms associated with ocular migraines include:

  • Aura Symptoms 
  • Temporary vision loss (not permanent) 
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting

Migraine with Brainstem Aura

A migraine with brainstem aura is a rare subtype of migraine that involves symptoms that originate from the brainstem. The brainstem is the lower section of the brain that connects to the spinal cord. It is a crucial component of the nervous system and plays a significant role in various bodily functions.

A migraine with brainstem aura may occur concurrently or separately from a classic or common migraine and brings symptoms including:

  • Aura Symptoms
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Vertigo (Dizziness) 
  • Coordination problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Throbbing headache

Status Migrainosus

A migraine attack that is both prolonged and severe, lasting for a period over 72 hours, is described as status migrainosus. One of the defining symptoms of status migrainosus is its relentless persistence that typically does not respond well to standard migraine treatments, making its management quite challenging.

The prolonged nature of this type of migraine can greatly impact an individual’s daily life and is best treated with a specialized management plan. Symptoms often include the prolonged duration of: 

  • Throbbing headache (resistant to treatments)
  • Visual and auditory sensitivities
  • Visual auras
  • Dizziness & vertigo
  • Nausea and vomiting

Ophthalmoplegic Migraine

An ophthalmoplegic migraine is a rare subtype of migraine that specifically affects the nerves responsible for eye movement. Symptoms typically affect the eye muscles’ ability to function and tend to develop gradually over hours or even days, along with a mild headache. 

Compared to a common or classic migraine, ophthalmoplegic migraines can have symptoms lasting for days or even weeks, and it is not unusual to see recurrent attacks within a period of time. Symptoms involve: 

  • Mild to moderate headache
  • Eye-related symptoms, including:
    • Severe eye pain
    • Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
    • Double vision (diplopia)
    • Weakness of eye muscles
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Visual and auditory sensitivities

When To Seek Medical Advice

If you, or someone you care for experiences migraines, it’s important to be aware of situations where seeking medical advice is important. This includes if you notice any new or severe symptoms, especially if there is a change in neurological function, such as changes in your level of consciousness or ability to complete fine motor tasks. 

It is also important to see a healthcare professional if you notice the migraine attacks becoming more frequent, more intense, or start interfering with your day-to-day life. Noting a change in the pattern or triggers of your migraines also gives warrant to consulting a doctor. 

If you are diagnosed with any other underlying health conditions, such as cardiovascular issues or neurological disorders, and you experience migraines, it’s especially important to seek medical advice. 

Additionally, if you are taking medicines for your migraines and have any concerns or questions regarding their effectiveness, or possible interactions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. 

Remember, seeking medical advice can help you gain a comprehensive understanding of your migraines and access personalized treatment options that can help you better manage and reduce the impact of migraines on your overall well-being.

Diagnosis Of Migraines

When doctors diagnose migraines, they will rely heavily on assessing and piecing together the symptoms that you can describe. They evaluate and ask questions about the characteristics of the headaches, such as their nature, frequency, and any other accompanying symptoms. 

Identifying potential triggers is also important, in addition to gathering information about relevant family history. They are likely also to conduct a physical examination or order additional tests such as blood tests or CT scans to help to rule out any other possible causes or conditions.

Because the diagnosis of a migraine relies so heavily on the thorough assessment of symptoms, a Dr may ask you to complete a migraine diary to help them differentiate between certain types of migraines or other headache conditions. Clearly documenting the certain characteristics and symptoms of your headaches, such as timing, how long they last, associating symptoms, and their severity, may help come to a conclusive diagnosis. 

Getting a migraine diagnosis and help you achieve an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate, personalized treatment plan that works for you.

Common Treatments For Migraines

When it comes to treating migraines, there are various approaches that can be considered, which often depend on the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. It is important to prioritize the use of the least invasive treatments that effectively relieve your symptoms, to help avoid unnecessary overmedication.

Over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be helpful with symptoms of mild to moderate migraines. While more specific prescription medications can be prescribed for migraines that are more severe or frequently occurring. 

Prescription medications for migraines can include triptans or ergotamines, which are taken at the onset of a migraine attack and work by constricting the blood vessels and blocking certain pain pathways in the brain. Additionally, there are anti-nausea drugs, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants that can be prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. 

There are many alternative treatment options for those who do not respond well or prefer non-pharmacological treatments. These include acupuncture, reflexology, or external trigeminal nerve stimulation (e-TNS) therapy, among many others. 

e-TNS is an emerging field in migraine treatment that has been well supported by evidence to indicate its effectiveness as an affordable option. Unlike some other treatments, e-TNS is considered to be generally well tolerated and free from negative side effects.

By working closely with a licensed healthcare provider, you can develop a personalized treatment plan that effectively manages your migraines and minimizes their impact on your daily life.

In addition to medical interventions, incorporating different lifestyle approaches can be beneficial in preventing the occurrence of migraines altogether.

Can Migraines Be Prevented?

Incorporating healthier lifestyle habits can be key in preventing migraines and reducing their impact on your life. Simple changes such as establishing a regular sleep routine, practicing effective stress management techniques, and doing some form of exercise regularly may make a significant difference.

Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated may help identify and manage migraine triggers that are specific to you. It can be helpful to maintain a more consistent daily routine and limit your intake of caffeine, refined sugar, and alcohol. 

By adopting some healthy daily practices in your life, you can proactively reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, leading to an improved overall quality of life. 

Additionally, by working closely with healthcare professionals, you can develop a comprehensive strategy that combines lifestyle modifications with appropriate medical treatments, providing you with better control over your migraines and enhancing your well-being.

Understand Your Migraine To Treat Its Symptoms Effectively

Having a deep understanding of your migraine is the key to effectively treating its symptoms. By familiarizing yourself with the different types of migraines, recognizing your specific triggers, and being aware of the warning signs and accompanying symptoms, you can tailor your treatment and management approach.

Whatever treatments you choose to help manage your migraines, be it through over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, lifestyle modifications, or alternative therapies, finding the right combination that works for you is going to ensure you have the best possible outcome.

By seeking guidance from your healthcare provider, you can gain access to the knowledge and support needed to take control of your migraines and find effective relief from your symptoms. An accurate diagnosis and a proactive management plan can lead you toward improved overall well-being and a better quality of life.

Electrical Stimulation For Plantar Fasciitis: How It Works

Posted on by Will Bozeman

If you have plantar fasciitis, the chances are that every step you take is accompanied by excruciating pain – a condition that makes it impossible to enjoy even the simplest of daily activities, like walking, climbing stairs, or being productive at work. 

What’s more, this disorder is as common as it is life-limiting: 1 in 10 adults is estimated to suffer from heel pain during their life, and plantar fasciitis accounts for over half a million visits to healthcare clinics in the US alone. 

And, if you are one of the 2 million people diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, you may face the prospect of having to take medications daily to manage your pain. Fortunately, you can now take advantage of a non-drug and non-surgical alternative to invasive or pharmaceutical treatments: electrical stimulation. 

In this guide, we’ll look at how high-pulse electrical stimulation – when used as part of a whole-person Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol – can help you regain your foot health without drugs or surgery. Let’s dive in!

Plantar Fasciitis And Electrical Stimulation

Plantar fasciitis is a pain disorder that affects the foot and heel. Also known as plantar heel pain (PHP), this condition is caused by inflammation, irritation, or damage to the fascia, which is a strong band of connective tissue that stems from the heel, runs along the bottom of the foot, and fans out to connect each toe to the heel. 

Made of resilient collagen fibers, the fascia is responsible for providing support to the arch of the foot, stabilizing the gait, and absorbing shock from movements such as running, jumping, and walking.

The fascia can become inflamed, irritated, or torn due to several reasons, including:

  • The aging-related degeneration of the collagen fibers
  • Excessive stress to the bottom of the foot, due to obesity, overweight, and repetitive or forceful movements
  • Inadequate footwear that alters the gait or foot mechanics
  • Foot conditions such as having flat feet or a high arch
  • Regularly running or walking on uneven surfaces, which is common in people performing long-distance or trail running. 
  • Spending too much time on your feet during the day

In a 2015 study on the causes and risk factors of plantar fasciitis, nearly 90% of patients with this condition had a sedentary lifestyle.

Plantar heel pain may develop over time, starting with mild discomfort at the bottom of the foot. As the inflammation and damage to the fascia progresses, plantar fasciitis can begin to cause acute or chronic pain, often described as a stabbing sensation. The pain tends to intensify after periods of rest or after being on your feet for several hours, with the first steps in the morning being the most painful ones. 

If left untreated, this condition can lead to a cascade of complications, including abnormal bone growths (heel spurs) and the permanent degeneration of the tissue of the fascia (plantar fasciopathy). 

In most cases, plantar fasciitis resolves itself in 3-12 months, but not before forcing you to rely on pain medications, steroid injections, and even surgery to regain control of your daily life. 

That’s where electrical stimulation comes in. Electrical stimulation (e-stim) is a pain management method that uses mild pulses of electrical current to provide long-lasting relief from pain, support the regeneration of damaged tissue, and induce an overall sense of well-being. 

Let’s look at how this therapy works below.

How Is Electrical Stimulation Used For Plantar Fasciitis?

Electrical stimulation uses electrical pulses that, when delivered to the area causing pain (the bottom of the foot and heel, in this case), provide relief from pain. This occurs due to several reactions that take place simultaneously thanks to e-stim:

  • High-pulse electrical current is able to “flood” the nervous system and interfere with the normal transmission of pain signals from the bottom of the foot to the brain, where they should be processed. When these signals are unable to reach the brain, you’ll benefit from long-lasting relief from pain. 
  • The high-pulse electrical current stimulates blood circulation, which improves the supply of the nutrients and fresh oxygen necessary to support the body’s ability to heal damaged tissues (i.e.: the fascia). 
  • The massage-like experience offered by electrical stimulation triggers the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. 

One of the greatest benefits of electrical stimulation is that this therapy is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical, which makes it suitable for almost everyone.

Benefits Of E-Stim For Pain Management

Plantar fasciitis can cause intense painful sensations that last months at a time. The pain can prevent you from moving your foot as you should, make each step excruciatingly painful, and get in the way of daily activities. 

Thanks to the multiple actions provided by high-pulse electrical stimulation, you can regain your foot’s functionality without having to rely on medications. The benefits offered by this line of treatment are many, and include the following:

  • Reduce chronic pain: As seen above, the high-frequency electrical pulses can prevent pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief from pain and discomfort. E-stim can also shift the electrical charge in the brain’s neurons in charge of processing pain signals. This process, which is known as depolarization, readjusts your perception of pain. 
  • Decrease inflammation and swelling: According to a 2023 study, electrical stimulation may be able to decrease the levels of inflammation around a painful area. Lower inflammation equals reduced swelling and redness, a positive consequence that allows you to regain your foot’s mobility. 
  • Improve range of motion: E-stim may improve your foot’s mobility by reducing swelling, inflammation, and irritation. It also supports the healing of tears in the fascia that may be affecting your ability to move your foot normally.  
  • Reduce muscle spasms: Besides pain management, e-stim can also be used to reduce involuntary muscle movements such as spasms and cramps, which may be aggravating your pain. To achieve this result, electrical pulses are used to modulate the nerve signals relating to muscle movement and relax tense muscles. 
  • Improve neuromuscular rehabilitation: If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, the pain may make movements such as walking undesirable. However, reduced mobility and immobilization can cause your muscles to shrink and waste away (muscle atrophy), which leads to disability and long-lasting impairments of your foot mechanics. E-stim can help retrain your muscles to contract and relax properly, which allows you to regain control over your foot and heel health. 

Electrical stimulation also plays a vital role in helping you avoid risk factors that, over time, can aggravate your condition. For example, if you suffer from heel pain, you may be tempted to avoid painful movements such as walking and running. 

However, this can quickly become a vicious circle: avoiding movement can cause you to adopt a sedentary lifestyle, which often leads to conditions that worsen your heel pain, like obesity and being overweight. 

Thanks to the analgesic action of electrical stimulation, you can return to your daily activities without pain and lead an active lifestyle, which is the foundation of long-term foot health.

Different Types Of Electrical Stimulation Therapy

As seen above, electrical stimulation refers to a pain management method that utilizes pulses of electrical current. However, depending on the nature, frequency, and strength of these pulses, it is possible to identify various forms of e-stim. 

The low-pulse electrical stimulation therapies below are usually available as over-the-counter treatment options, which makes them equally accessible and inefficient. Indeed, to be able to be used safely by patients with no training or experience, they can only deliver extremely mild pulses of electricity, which are often not enough to provide relief from pain. 

That’s where high-pulse, professionally-administered Electroanalgesia treatments represent a more valid alternative to access the benefits that electrical stimulation can provide. 

Below, we’ll look at the different forms of electrical stimulation and why high-pulse Electroanalgesia represents a superior and more efficient option.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS – or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – is arguably the best-known form of low-pulse electrical stimulation. In this therapy, low pulses of electrical current are delivered through (trans-) the skin (-cutaneous) via sticky pads that are applied to the areas that are causing pain. 

TENS is widely available as an over-the-counter, easily accessible type of e-stim. It can be self-administered by patients, using a portable, battery-powered device attached to electrodes. Choosing the correct placement for the electrodes (usually along the bottom and on the top of the foot) and selecting an appropriate setting for the mild electrical pulses is all that’s required to perform TENS at home. 

According to a 2009 study, TENS can reduce the pain from plantar fasciitis and improve foot mobility when used in combination with plantar fascia-specific stretching exercises and specialized orthotics. 

We have a separate write up for TENS treatments for plantar fasciitis here, where we discuss just how effective an option this is.

Neuromuscular Electrostimulation (NMES)

NMES – or neuromuscular electrical stimulation – is a type of low-pulse electrical stimulation primarily used to strengthen weak muscles and relieve tension, spasms, and cramps. 

If you suffer from chronic heel pain and abnormalities like bone spurs, you may be unable to move your foot and engage in activities like walking or running. Long periods of inactivity, immobilization, and bed rest can cause the muscles of your foot and leg to shrink, which leads to long-term inability. 

Through NMES, your muscles can be retrained to contract and relax properly during periods of movement or rest. This is achieved by placing specialized electrodes around the foot and the bottom of the leg. 

The mild electrical pulses will modulate the transmission of motor signals from the foot to the brain, causing contractions while you move your foot and relaxing the muscles while resting. This therapy may also be used if your plantar fasciitis is caused by prolonged immobilization of the foot (which can occur after surgery or an injury) or due to a sedentary lifestyle. 

As shown by a 2018 study, an important fringe benefit of NMES is that this form of electrical stimulation can significantly strengthen foot muscles. In turn, stronger foot muscles are associated with improved gait and foot mechanics, better load distribution, and reduced pressure on the fascia.

Interferential Current (IFC)

IFC – or Interferential Current – is a form of low-pulse electrical stimulation that aims to support the healing of damaged tissues by promoting the circulation of blood, nutrients, and oxygen in the area affected by pain. 

The healing effect of IFC results from the fact that this therapy delivers not one, but two pulses of electricity:

  • One of the pulses remains stable at a pre-selected frequency (i.e.: 2000 Hz or 4000 Hz)
  • The second pulse changes frequency throughout the session

The variable frequency of the second pulse prevents the body from adapting to the current, which can reach further into the skin and tissues. According to a 2019 study, Interferential Current and Matrix Rhythm Therapies were effective in reducing heel pain and discomfort when coupled with strengthening exercises. 

Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

EMS – or Electronic Muscle Stimulation – works similarly to Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, but is mainly used to support the healing of damaged tissues, such as in the case of plantar fasciitis caused by tears in the fascia. 

During EMS sessions, low-pulse electrical current is delivered through the skin near the nerve endings to stimulate healthy muscle contractions, reduce spasms, and relax tense muscles. These actions strengthen the muscles in the foot, which can reduce the pressure on the fascia, thus allowing it to heal. 

According to a 2020 study, this form of electrical stimulation can also ease pain and reduce the thickness of the fascia if it has become swollen due to irritation and inflammation.

When Is Electrical Stimulation Not Advised?

The low-pulse e-stim therapies seen above are non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical. As such, they come with minimal side effects and are generally considered safe for the majority of demographics. 

Nonetheless, whether you are interested in at-home TENS or Interferential Current therapies, you should always start by consulting a specialized provider. After all, just like any other treatment, electrical stimulation isn’t equally suitable or safe for all patients. 

Some contraindications to electrical stimulation include the following:

  • Electrical implants: If you wear electrical or metal implants such as internal hearing aids and pacemakers, you should avoid electrical stimulation. The external electrical pulses may interfere with the normal functioning of these medical devices and can pose a risk to your life.  
  • Pregnancy: Using electrical stimulation during pregnancy can lead to complications such as induced labor contractions. While you may use e-stim in your second and third trimesters under the strict supervision of a specialist, you should avoid this therapy altogether early on in your pregnancy. 
  • Medical conditions, bacterial infections, or inflammatory processes: Electrical stimulation may lead to life-threatening complications and induce seizures if you suffer from epilepsy, heart disease, abnormalities of the heartbeat, and deep vein thrombosis. Electrical stimulation may also not be for you if you have a history of cancer in the past 5 years.
  • Open skin wounds and eczema: Since the electrodes placed on the skin can aggravate irritation, they should not be placed on open, infected, diseased, or irritated skin. You should also avoid placing the electrodes on areas that have been recently treated with radiation. 

Consult a healthcare provider to determine whether you are eligible for this type of treatment.

Risks And Drawbacks Of Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Simply purchasing a TENS unit and self-administering electrical stimulation at home may seem an appealing option to reduce your foot or heel pain. However, using e-stim without the supervision of a specialized medical professional can expose you to a cascade of risks and side effects that should not be overlooked. 

Even if the low power of at-home TENS units makes these devices generally safe, some drawbacks that you should be aware of include the following:

  • The electrodes can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis
  • You may experience an allergic reaction to the glue used to make the electrodes adhesive
  • The electrical pulses may temporarily increase pain and “pins and needles” sensations. 
  • The chronic overuse of low-frequency electrical stimulation can also lead to muscle fatigue, twitching, and damage due to the accumulation of waste material in the muscle fibers. 
  • Electrical stimulation can also temporarily decrease blood pressure, which may be a dangerous side effect for those patients with hypotension.
  • Applying the electrodes to sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth, head, genitals, and abdomen, or using the machine when bathing or showering may cause long-lasting, life-threatening complications. 

It is also important to note that if your heel or foot pain has not been properly diagnosed as plantar fasciitis, you may be aggravating another underlying condition that is at the source of the pain. 

For example, if your chronic pain derives from a sedentary lifestyle, forceful movements performed at work or during sports, or obesity, using electrical stimulation may grant you temporary pain relief, but it can let the real cause of heel pain go untreated. 

Ultimately, electrical stimulation can only be considered safe when administered by a specialized health professional, using an FDA-cleared device, and following a comprehensive health exam.

How Electroanalgesia Is Superior From Other E-Stim Devices

Although the principles behind the different forms of e-stim are similar, not all electrical stimulation therapies are created equal. 

Certainly, over-the-counter alternatives like low-pulse TENS may seem accessible and easy to try. But the limited power offered by these therapies is inefficient at best and dangerous at worst. That’s why it is important to choose a superior, high-pulse, professionally-administered form of electrical stimulation: Electroanalgesia. 

Used as part of a more comprehensive whole-person approach that includes IV Therapy and Lifestyle Counseling, the high-frequency electrical pulses delivered through Electroanalgesia can provide long-lasting relief from chronic and acute plantar fasciitis pain. 

Here is how high-pulse Electroanalgesia works as part of tailored Neurofunctional Pain Management programs designed at Neuragenex.

Uses High-Pulse Currents

Unlike the limited, low-pulse current delivered by at-home TENS units, electroanalgesia is able to deliver over 10,000 electrical pulses per second. Such high frequencies penetrate deeper into the tissues and provide greater stimulation to the nerve endings. 

As a result, through regular high-pulse Electroanalgesia sessions, you’ll be able to benefit from longer-lasting relief from pain, accelerated healing of damaged tissues, and healthier blood circulation.

Provides Long-Term Pain and Inflammation Management

The high-frequency electrical pulses delivered through Electroanalgesia efficiently prevent pain signals from reaching the brain and modulate the way your neurons process sensory signals. This action resets your perception of pain, which provides permanent relief from chronic pain. 

What’s more, in Neurofunctional Pain Management, high-pulse Electroanalgesia is combined with IV Therapies and Lifestyle Counseling programs. Used together, these approaches reduce inflammation, provide long-lasting hydration, address nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, and modify the risk factors of plantar fasciitis (i.e.: a sedentary lifestyle).

Targets Pain Fibers In Neurons

Painful sensations are transmitted and processed in the brain by three types of fibers: A-beta, A-delta, and C-fibers. A-beta and A-delta fibers transmit painful sensations that are deep, sharp, lancinating, and easily localized. These painful sensations may be acute but last for brief periods. 

On the other hand, C-fibers are responsible for transmitting pain signals relating to more generalized aching pain. These sensations are more tolerable but longer lasting. Electroanalgesia modulates the action of these nerve fibers to interfere with the transmission of generalized pain signals from the sole of the foot to the brain, thus offering relief from chronic pain. 

The high-frequency pulses of electricity also trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers able to counteract painful sensations and offer a generalized sense of well-being.

Administered By A Medical Provider

Given the high frequency of the electrical pulses delivered during high-pulse Electroanalgesia programs, this treatment is administered by a specialized medical provider at Neuragenex using an FDA-cleared device. 

The electrodes are placed accurately and the settings are adjusted based on comprehensive medical exams, thus eliminating any risk to your health. 

Although it is recommended to undergo two sessions of electroanalgesia a week for 6-12 weeks to obtain the expected results, this superior form of electrical stimulation is able to provide long-lasting relief from heel or foot pain.

Reduce The Pain Effectively With An E-Stim That Works

At Neuragenex, the Neurofunctional Pain Management protocols we design for each and every one of our patients aims to address the underlying causes of your foot conditions and treat pain without surgery or medications. 

When coupled with IV Therapy programs and ad hoc Lifestyle Counseling services, Electroanlgesia can help you magnify your quality of life today and lay the foundations of long-term health. 

Through superior, non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical alternatives like Electraonlgesia, our mission is to become the first thought, first choice, and first step in your fight against chronic foot pain.

Early Signs Of Endometriosis You Need To Watch Out For

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Over 6.5 million people in the US alone see their lives entirely disrupted by endometriosis – a condition that causes the abnormal growth of the lining of the uterus (endometrial implants) on other organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and pelvic cavity. 

Endometriosis isn’t always painful, but leaving it unaddressed inevitably leads to life-limiting consequences, regardless of whether you experience symptoms or not. 

For example, if you experience pain during periods or sex, these symptoms can cause distress and get in the way of your personal, professional, and intimate life. On the other hand, if you only have mild discomfort that can be mistaken for normal menstrual cramps, the endometrial implants can continue growing undetected on other organs, leading to infertility. 

Learning to identify the early signs of endometriosis can help you address the risk factors of this condition, avoid its most severe complications, and find the best treatment option for you. Get started with the guide below.

Endometriosis Early Signs

In people with endometriosis, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, on nearby tissues and organs. In healthy reproductive systems, the endometrium plays a vital role during the early stages of pregnancy by supporting the growth of the fetus and protecting it from harmful microbes. 

The endometrium thickens during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in preparation for a mature egg. If the egg isn’t fertilized and a pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium inside the uterus is then expelled during the menstruation (period). New endometrium is created with each menstrual cycle. 

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium begins to grow outside of the uterus. This abnormal endometrial tissue, which is known as endometrial implants, can grow on surrounding areas such as the ovaries, bladder, pelvic cavity, rectum, cervix, and exterior walls of the uterus. 

The endometrial implants grow and swell during each menstrual cycle, behaving similarly to the endometrium inside the uterus. However, unlike normal endometrium, endometrial implants are unable to leave the body during your period. 

Over time, the build-up of abnormal endometrial implants leads to a cascade of complications, including:

  • Inflammation of tissues in and around the reproductive organs
  • Blocked fallopian tubes and trapped blood in the ovaries
  • Adhesions, scar tissues, and binding between organs
  • Abnormalities with bodily processes like digestion and bowel movements

As the endometrial implants begin to build up outside of the uterus, you may notice a range of symptoms. Learning to identify them can help you prevent dangerous cysts and lifelong problems like infertility.

Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)

It is estimated that 80% of women with dysmenorrhea have endometriosis, making painful periods one of the most common symptoms of this condition. 

However, painful menstruation may seem like a normal aspect of a woman’s menstrual cycle, which causes many women with dysmenorrhea to simply dismiss this symptom. Although mild cramping and discomfort are normally associated with menstruation, it is important to clarify that dysmenorrhea is a severe condition that can worsen over time. 

If you are unsure whether your painful periods are, in fact, a sign that you have endometriosis, look for other associated symptoms such as excessively painful cramps, back and abdominal pain that lasts long before and after your period, and heavy or prolonged bleeding.

Pelvic Pain

If you have endometriosis, the pain you experience isn’t always correlated to the extent and location of the endometrial implants. So, you may have a mild form of endometriosis and experience excruciating pelvic pain. On the other hand, you may only experience mild discomfort even if the endometrial implants are widespread. 

Regardless of how intense your pain is, if you have chronic (lasting longer than six months) or cyclic pain below your belly button, you should immediately undergo diagnostic tests for endometriosis. According to studies, up to 38% of people with chronic pelvic pain have endometriosis.

Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Pain during intercourse, or dyspareunia, is a symptom that affects over half of people with endometriosis. It can occur due to deep vaginal penetration because the thrusting that occurs during sexual intercourse further inflames and irritates the endometrial growth outside of the uterus. 

Pain during intercourse can change depending on the phase of your menstrual cycle and can be mild or severe. It is often described as stabbing or sharp sensations that last long after having sex. 

Deep dyspareunia is one of the reasons why over 66% of women with endometriosis also suffer from sexual dysfunction.

Fatigue

Endometriosis is sometimes associated with fatigue and personality changes. These symptoms are more noticeable during menstruation when the body attempts to eliminate the abnormal endometrial growths outside of the uterus and any diseased tissue. During this phase of the menstrual cycle, the body’s immune system also triggers the release of inflammatory toxins known as cytokines, in an effort to fight endometriosis. 

As a result of these chemical processes, you’ll feel constantly fatigued and physically exhausted, especially during menstruation. Although this symptom is sometimes dismissed by healthcare providers, it is crucial to undergo the necessary diagnostic tests before severe symptoms of endometriosis appear.

Bloating

Although mild bloating may be a common denominator of several health conditions, up to 96% of women with endometriosis will experience several gastrointestinal problems known as “endo belly”. These digestive issues include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. 

“Endo belly” arises from a range of processes and reactions. Firstly, people with endometriosis may have gastrointestinal bacterial overgrowth, which can impact the normal functioning of the digestive processes. Additionally, the high levels of inflammation caused by the growing endometrial implants can irritate the surrounding tissues and cause water retention, which can cause your pelvic area to appear bloated.

Bowel Problems

If you suffer from endometriosis, over time, the abnormal endometrial implants may begin to spread to surrounding organs, including the bowel, rectum, and intestines. When this happens, the endometrial implants can cause sustained inflammation, irritation, and lesions to the surrounding tissues. 

Over time, this can impact the normal functioning of your bowel and digestive organs, leading to painful and irregular bowel movements, especially when the endometrium is swelling or thickening (i.e.: during the luteal phase). It is also estimated that up to 52% of women with endometriosis also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Bladder Issues

Endometriosis can affect the health and function of the bladder in two different ways. 

Firstly, ovarian cysts caused by trapped blood in the ovaries can lead to urinary problems by pressure on the bladder. Additionally, if the endometrial implants begin to grow on the bladder and surrounding organs, you may experience several symptoms, such as:

  • Pain during urination (dysuria)
  • Bladder irritation
  • Bladder urgency and frequent urination
  • Pain associated with a full bladder
  • Pain around the kidneys area
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)

These symptoms tend to intensify in the days before your period and during your menstruation.

Infertility

Infertility and endometriosis are often connected. Research published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics reports that up to 50% of infertile women have endometriosis and that half of those with endometriosis are infertile. 

Infertility in people with endometriosis is often caused by endometrial implants that cause adhesions between organs and scar tissue. The abnormal growth of endometrial tissue can block the fallopian tubes and prevent the release of mature eggs into the uterus, preventing pregnancy. Excessive endometrial growth can also inhibit the action of the sperm or damage a fertilized egg before its implantation in the uterus. 

It is also important to notice that endometriosis can cause sexual dysfunction in otherwise fertile women, which makes it more difficult to conceive. 

Although some women with endometriosis are infertile, others only experience temporary infertility and are able to carry a baby to term successfully following adequate treatment. Other alternatives, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can assist patients with endometriosis looking to have a baby.

Who Is At Risk Of Getting Endometriosis

The causes and risk factors of endometriosis aren’t always clear. According to different theories, endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue in the uterus is spread to nearby organs and tissues. This can happen due to surgery such as a C-section or retrograde menstruation, which occurs when part of the menstrual blood carrying endometrial tissue flows back into fallopian tubes instead of leaving the body during menstruation. 

Besides these causes, several risk factors can make you more prone to developing endometriosis. Being aware of these risk factors can help you undergo the necessary screening tests early on and address the condition as the first symptoms occur.

Let’s start by looking at the factors that put you at risk of endometriosis. 

  • Individuals with a family history of endometriosis: Although endometriosis isn’t always hereditary, you may be at greater risk of developing endometriosis if you have a first-degree relative (such as a mother, sister, or aunt) suffering from endometriosis or infertility. 
  • Individuals with a history of pelvic infections: A 2023 study shows that individuals with a history of pelvic or genital infections are at greater risk of endometriosis compared to those with no history of these conditions. 
  • Individuals with certain reproductive conditions: Some disorders of the reproductive tract like uterine growths (i.e.: polyps) and asynchronous uterine contractions increase the risk that blood containing endometrial growths is transported outside of the uterus or back into the ovaries. This makes it more likely for you to develop endometriosis. 
  • Structural abnormality: Some structural abnormalities and conditions that prevent the menstrual blood from exiting the body as expected during menstruation may increase the risk of endometrial tissues flowing back into the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Here, they can contaminate healthy tissues and cause endometriosis to develop. These conditions include cervical stenosis, which causes the narrowing or obstruction of the uterus, cervix, or vagina. 
  • Individuals with a high estrogen level: Estrogen is the hormone responsible for the development of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle. Having sustained high levels of estrogen or being exposed to this hormone for years can facilitate the abnormal growth of endometrial implants outside of the uterus, thus increasing the risk of endometriosis. 
  • Individuals with a history of uterine surgery: Uterine surgery such as a C-section or hysterectomy (a procedure used to remove parts of the uterus) can facilitate the contamination of surrounding tissues with endometrial growths, which can start the development of endometriosis. The endometrial tissue can also attach to surgical incisions and spread outside of the uterus. 
  • Individuals diagnosed with immune system disorders: Recent studies have shown the connection between endometriosis and the immune system. Some disorders of the immune system can prevent your body from recognizing and destroying abnormal endometrial cells as it should. 
  • People with certain lifestyle factors: Some lifestyle factors – such as alcohol and caffeine intake, smoking, and physical activity – influence the levels of estrogen in your body, which may contribute to the development of endometriosis. Having a low Body Mass Index (BMI) or a small frame can also put you at greater risk of developing this condition. 
  • Hormonal imbalance: An imbalance of progesterone and estrogen, or having too much estradiol (a type of estrogen responsible for uterine tissue growth) can increase the risk of endometriosis. 

Endometriosis may occur at any point after the onset of the menstrual cycle (menarche). The symptoms of endometriosis may decline during pregnancy and disappear after menopause.

Importance Of Early Awareness

Unfortunately, the majority of women with endometriosis are only able to obtain an accurate diagnosis when they are trying to conceive, or if they are looking into the causes of unexplained infertility. However, this delay in getting a diagnosis – which can be as long as seven years –  isn’t necessarily related to the lack of symptoms. 

According to estimations, only around 20% of cases of endometriosis are asymptomatic, while 80% of women with this condition experience painful periods, excessive bleeding, digestive issues, and pain during intercourse. At the same time, the majority of women with endometriosis are disbelieved or dismissed by their healthcare providers, which can prevent them from obtaining an adequate diagnosis. 

Fortunately, the increased understanding of the symptoms and prognosis of endometriosis has encouraged developments in the diagnostic tools used and highlighted the importance of early awareness. 

Some of the strategies used to diagnose endometriosis today include:

  • A complete review of your medical history, previous pregnancies, and symptoms. 
  • A comprehensive physical exam, during which a healthcare provider will palpate the pelvis area to check for cysts and scars.
  • Ultrasound and imaging tests. These tools provide healthcare providers with images of your inner pelvic area, which helps them identify the location, extent, and severity of eventual endometrial implants. 
  • Minimally-invasive surgical procedures like laparoscopy, use thin viewing instruments inserted in the area inside the abdomen to determine what areas are affected by endometriosis. 

Advocating for your own health and working with a specialist who can help you obtain an accurate diagnosis for your pelvic pain can help you prevent severe complications, like cysts, scars, and infertility.

Conventional Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is considered to be a lifelong condition for which there is no definitive cure. However, your healthcare provider may recommend the following treatment approaches to manage your symptoms: 

  • Medications (e.g. pain relievers, hormonal therapy): Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and painkillers may be used to ease discomfort and distress during flare-ups. Hormonal therapies (such as birth control pills, GnRH medications, and hormone suppressants) can slow down the development of endometrial implants, which are hormone-dependent. 
  • Surgery (e.g. laparoscopic excision, hysterectomy): Minimally-invasive procedures such as laparoscopy can be used to view the area inside the abdomen, collect samples for testing, and remove parts of the abnormal endometrial growth. More invasive procedures like hysterectomy can be used to remove parts of the uterus, the ovaries, or the cervix to stop the progression of endometriosis. Since hysterectomy is irreversible and causes permanent infertility, this surgery is only performed if the symptoms of endometriosis are causing disability. 
  • Lifestyle changes (e.g. exercise, diet): Switching to a gluten-free diet has been seen to decrease inflammation, regulate hormonal activity, and reduce endometriosis pain. Other remedies such as massages, rest, heat compresses, light exercise, and supplements with anti-inflammatory properties can also help relaxation, reduce muscle cramps, and trigger the release of the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins. 

Before choosing a certain line of treatment, it is important to determine what your goals are. For example, if you are hoping to conceive, birth control pills and irreversible surgical procedures such as hysterectomy are not suitable choices. What’s more, in around 20% of cases, surgical procedures for endometriosis are inefficient, leaving patients to seek an alternative treatment option.

Early Detection Is The Key To Effective Treatment

If you suffer from endometriosis, you may be battling the prospect of living a life reliant on medications or undergoing invasive surgical procedures. Fortunately, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical treatment options that are efficient in easing the symptoms of endometriosis and slowing down the progression of this disease exist. 

The whole-person Neurofunctional Pain Management approach pioneered by Neuragenex combines several therapies  to help you regain your pelvic health and lay the foundations of long-term health. These include:

  • Electroanalgesia: This pain management method utilizes high-frequency pulses of electrical current that are delivered through the skin with an FDA-cleared device. The pulses of electricity prevent pain signals from reaching the brain and trigger the release of endorphins, thus providing long-lasting relief from pain. 
  • IV therapy: Custom IV therapy programs designed on your unique needs will aim to address and correct those nutritional imbalances that may be contributing to endometriosis.
  • Lifestyle counseling: A lifestyle counselor at Neuragenex will help you introduce the positive lifestyle changes needed to prevent the progression of endometriosis, ease pain, and support overall health throughout your life.

Can Dehydration Cause Back Pain? Know The Connection

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Lifestyle factors and daily habits are profoundly intertwined with our mental and physical health. And, when it comes down to easing chronic pain and boosting overall health, hydration can be as impactful as nutrition and exercise.

Poor hydration can lead to a cascade of complications and detrimental effects, including fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and low blood pressure. Dehydration can also be the root cause of your back pain. 

Understanding the real underlying cause of your back pain can free you of taking pain medications daily and guide you in the choice of an effective treatment. At Neuragenex, our whole-person approach can help you identify and address the source of your back pain, so you can lay the foundations of long-lasting spinal health.

Dehydration And Back Pain

The human body is composed of 60% of water, the vital fluid needed for essential bodily functions, cellular processes, and chemical reactions. Drinking enough water replenishes the fluids lost through sweating, breathing, and waste removal. Hydration also supports your body’s metabolism, prevents overheating, and keeps the skin supple, healthy, and youthful. 

Dehydration – or the process of losing water faster than the rate at which you are able to replenish it – can significantly hinder these essential functions and cause a range of complications. In particular, dehydration can be one of the root causes of back pain. 

The spine is composed of 33 vertebrae, which are interlocking bones responsible for enabling the spine’s range of movement. Between each of these bones is located a soft cushioning structure known as intervertebral disc. These discs play an essential role in:

  • Absorbing shock while walking, running, or jumping
  • Distributing and balancing loads during movements
  • Keeping the spine mobile
  • Safeguarding the spinal bones from friction and shock damage

The intervertebral discs are composed mostly of water. This allows them to create the hydrostatic pressure necessary to counteract the compressive force the spine is exposed to at any given time. 

In a healthy spine, the water content of each disc declines throughout the day due to gravity and pressure, and it is then replaced while we sleep, through a process known as intradiscal fluid exchange. 

However, dehydration or hypohydration (having sustained low levels of hydration) can prevent the discs from accessing the water needed to retain their size, remain supple, and counteract the impact of external forces and loads. 

When this happens, the lack of cushioning exposes the spine’s bone to friction and shock damage. Irritation of tissues can lead to inflammation, swelling, and pain, which prevent you from moving your spine as you should. 

In severe cases, poor hydration can cause the outer ring of the intervertebral disc to dry out and crack, which can lead to painful conditions such as disc tears or bulging and herniated discs.

Dehydration can also cause several other effects that can worsen your back pain. For example, hypohydration can increase pain sensitivity, making you experience painful sensations more intensely. Low hydration can also cause the muscles in the spine to become stiffer, which inhibits your range of movement and leads to painful muscle spasms. 

If your back pain is associated with your menstrual cycle, hypohydration can intensify painful sensations and lower your pain threshold during critical phases such as menstruation.

Signs And Symptoms Of Dehydration

Given the impact of dehydration on your musculoskeletal and spinal health, it is critical to take steps to prevent dehydration and hypohydration – starting with learning to recognize the signs of this condition.

Common symptoms of dehydration include the following: 

  • Headaches: One of the first symptoms of dehydration is head and neck pain. This symptom occurs when the water content around the brain declines, causing the brain to shrink and pull away from the skull. Dehydration can also stiffen the neck muscles and lead to tension-like headaches. 
  • Bad breath: Not drinking enough water can hinder the production of saliva in the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth tends to dry out, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to live and multiply. This leads to halitosis – or bad breath. 
  • Dark urine: When there is not enough water in the body, the processes responsible for expelling waste, such as urination, are inhibited. So, when you are dehydrated, you may go to the bathroom less often and your urine may be dark and smelly. 
  • Fatigue: Water is essential to the cellular processes responsible for breaking down nutrients and using or storing energy. When you are dehydrated, your cells are unable to produce energy, which leads to fatigue, tiredness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. 
  • Muscle cramps: Muscle cramps are the result of dehydration-induced muscle stiffness. Additionally, according to a 2019 study, drinking water after suffering dehydration dilutes sodium and electrolyte concentrations, which make muscles more prone to cramping. 
  • Dehydrated skin: Dehydration is the root cause of several skin conditions, including dry skin, itchy patches, and scaling. Inadequate water consumption can also worsen disorders such as psoriasis, make fine lines more visible, reduce the skin’s elasticity, and give your complexion a dull appearance. 

Dehydrated skin isn’t the same as dry skin, which occurs when the skin does not produce enough natural oils. 

  • Vision problems: When the eyes aren’t properly lubricated, you may suffer from conditions such as dry eyes, blurry vision, double vision, tired eyes, and headaches. These symptoms should only be temporary and improve with hydration. 

Dehydration can cause several other symptoms, including irritability, mood swings, and fever. If you have noticed one or more of these symptoms, you should consider rehydrating immediately and restoring healthy levels of water content throughout the body.

Hydration Can Cause the Discs to Lose Water

So, what happens to the spinal discs when you are not drinking enough water? As seen above, dehydration can cause tissues throughout the body to shrink and stiffen. A similar effect occurs in the intervertebral discs in the spine. 

The cushioning discs between the vertebrae are composed of two parts:

  • The annulus fibrosus. This is the outer ring of the disc, made of multiple layers of stronger cartilaginous fiber. 
  • The nucleus pulposus. This is the core of the disc, made of a softer, gel-like substance. 

When healthy, 80-85% of the nucleus pulposus is made of water. This water content is dispersed during the day as the spine supports movements and absorbs shock and pressure. However, while we sleep, the discs regain all the lost water content, increasing the body’s height by as much as 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) by the morning. 

However, prolonged dehydration can prevent the discs from replenishing their water content, which can leave the spinal bones and surrounding tissues unprotected against shock and friction damage. 

When the water content of the nucleus pulposus reaches 70-75%, the spine can experience severe degeneration and permanent alteration of its ability to deal with loads and pressure.

Indicators Of A Dehydrated Disc

Learning to recognize the signs that you may be dehydrated can help you rehydrate as soon as possible and prevent health complications. But it’s just as important to be able to identify whether your back pain derives from low levels of hydration. 

After all, without truly understanding what’s causing your condition, you may be taking pain medications that are inefficient at best – and dangerous at worst. 

Educating yourself on the signs that your back pain is caused by dehydration is key to avoiding exposing yourself to side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, increased risk of stroke or heart attack, and addiction. These are some of the symptoms to watch out for:  

  • Extreme pain in the lower back: Prolonged dehydration prevents the intervertebral discs from replenishing their water content. This causes them to dry out and become more prone to tearing and cracking. These injuries, which can develop into herniated and bulging discs, can lead to severe back pain. 
  • Numbness in the legs: Tingling sensations and numbness in the legs is the result of two complications of dehydration. Firstly, low levels of hydration can cause a drop in sodium levels, which can cause “pin and needles” sensations. 

Additionally, if the intervertebral discs start thinning, drying out, or bulging they can start adding pressure to the nerve roots in the spine. This can damage the nerves and interfere with the normal transmission of sensory signals to the brain, which results in numbness. 

  • Bulging in the spinal area: Without enough hydration, the outer ring of each intervertebral disc can crack, making herniated discs more likely. When the gel-like core of the disc seeps out of the outer ring, you’ll experience pain and a bulging in the spine caused by inflammation, irritation, and swelling. 

You may also experience mechanical stiffness, which occurs when drying intervertebral discs are unable to accommodate spinal movements. 

  • Shooting pain in the legs: Without enough fluids, muscles across the body are less able to relax after contractions. This makes painful cramps, spasms, and involuntary movements more likely, especially in the leg. Cramps caused by dehydration are painful, recurring, and can inhibit your balance and movement. 
  • Problems in pelvic area organs: Low levels of hydration concentrate the urine and inhibits the body’s processes necessary to expel waste. This translates into the accumulation of minerals in the bladder, irritation of the bladder’s internal lining, painful bladder syndrome, cystitis, and pelvic pain. 
  • Diminished or absent reflexes in the legs: The degeneration of spinal discs caused by sustained hydration can create mechanical problems in the spine. 

In particular, the spinal nerve root can come into contact with bones and other components of the spine during movements, which can result in irritation, nerve damage, and permanent back pain. A symptom that the spine in the nerves may be damaged is numbness or an absence of reflexes in the legs.

How To Stay Hydrated During The Day

Although dehydration can cause chronic back pain, this risk factor is easy to address and modify: all you need to do is to stay hydrated. If you are struggling to manage your water intake, these strategies can help:

  • Introduce more fresh fruit, raw vegetables, smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, and broths to your diet
  • Follow the official recommendations for water intake: drink at least 2 liters of water a day (or eight 8-ounce glasses).  
  • Avoid drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda. Beverages that contain sugar, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners contribute to dehydration. 
  • Adjust your water intake as needed. In hot weather, you’ll lose water much faster than normal through sweating. On these occasions, you should increase your water intake to 2.5 liters a day. 
  • When exercising, increase your water intake, make sure to rehydrate correctly after exercise, and choose water with added electrolytes. 
  • Make drinking water more enjoyable by choosing an appealing reusable water bottle and adding fresh fruit or herbs like mint to your drink. 
  • Track your hydration levels. You can do so by looking at the color of your urine: the clearer your urine is, the more hydrated you are. Alternatively, download a water-tracking app.

Last but not least, remember to drink before you are thirsty! Building a habit of sipping water throughout the day can help you stay hydrated effortlessly.

What If Increasing Hydration Levels Isn’t Enough?

If you have increased your water intake but the back pain persists, it is time to seek an accurate diagnosis for your condition and identify the root cause of your chronic pain. After all, back pain can be the result of serious conditions like herniated discs, osteoarthritis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, kidney infection, muscle strains, obesity, and traumatic injury.

When partnering with the specialist at Neuragenex, you can pinpoint the exact cause of your back pain and obtain a personalized treatment program designed to improve your spinal health without medications or surgery. 

Here’s what to do if increasing hydration isn’t enough to stop your back pain.

Seek Medical Advice

The first step is always to talk to a specialized healthcare professional. Specialists such as orthopedists, rheumatologists, and neurologists can help you obtain a comprehensive clinical picture of your spinal health and determine what’s causing your back pain.

Undergo Diagnostic Procedures

When you are under the care of a specialist, you’ll undergo a wide range of diagnostic procedures aimed at identifying the reason for your back pain. These procedures include:

  • A review of the nature, pattern, and location of your symptoms
  • An evaluation of your medical history and conditions that run in your family (i.e.: arthritis)
  • A thorough physical exam that involves assessing your pain level, range of motion, and ability to move your muscles. 
  • Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans, which offer a visual representation of your spine. These tests are used to determine mechanical problems and abnormalities, such as tumors. 
  • A complete blood count that aims to highlight possible causes of back pain, such as inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis. 
  • Tests of your neurological reflexes, strength, flexibility, and ability to feel pain and touch.

Consider Electroanalgesia For Pain Modulation 

If you have been struggling with chronic and debilitating back pain, the chances are that you are relying on medications in every aspect of your daily life. You might also have tried different lines of treatments that have proven themselves inefficient, or you are living in fear of surgery. 

Fortunately, with the Neurofunctional Pain Management program pioneered by Neuragenex, you can address your pain and restore your spinal health without invasive procedures, medications, or chiropractic manipulation. 

As part of a more comprehensive Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol, electroanalgesia uses high frequency electrical pulses to inhibit the transmission of pain signals traveling from damaged areas in the spine to the brain. 

Additionally, the precise electrical pulses delivered through electroanlgesia can decrease inflammation, swelling, and redness, while also supporting the circulation of blood, nutrients, and oxygen. 

When used as part of a tailored whole-person approach that involves Lifestyle Counseling and IV Therapy, e-stim can provide long-lasting relief from pain while also promoting the body’s ability to heal damaged tissues.

Keep Your Spinal Health At Its Optimum Condition

Staying hydrated is a critical step to take to support your spinal health and overall well-being. But what if hydration isn’t enough? Neuragenex can help you access a customized program that uses non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, and non-chiropractic treatments to ease the symptoms of back pain. 

Through Neurofunctional Pain Management and electroanalgesia you can modify all of those factors that are negatively impacting on your spine and lay the foundations of long-term health.

Can Heartburn Cause Back Pain?

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Heartburn is a common discomfort that many people experience at some point in their lives. It’s that burning sensation caused by indigestion, sometimes extending upwards toward the back of your throat. But did you know that heartburn can cause back pain?

Heartburn is commonly associated with the condition of acid reflux. This is when your stomach’s acidic fluid flows back up (the wrong way) into the esophagus, which causes the feeling of heartburn and irritation in the chest. However, the effects of acid reflux are not limited to the chest area alone. So, how can heartburn cause back pain?

In this article, we will explore heartburn as a symptom of acid reflux and explain how it connects to back pain. We’ll also look into the common causes of heartburn and acid reflux and some of the other symptoms to look out for.

Heartburn that causes back pain can be impairing if it is not well managed. We will discuss the standard treatment options available and known lifestyle modifications that can help you manage heartburn as a result of acid reflux.

Additionally, we’ll explore how Neuragenex implements an alternative approach to managing heartburn-induced back pain, offering a different treatment option that doesn’t depend on the reliance on medications.

We hope to provide valuable insights to help you better understand heartburn and the frustrating back pain that it can cause, leading you to the treatment options that best suit your specific needs and desired lifestyle.

Heartburn And Acid Reflux

It’s likely that you have heard the two terms ‘heartburn’ and ‘acid reflux’ be used interchangeably, but did you know they both describe different things? Let’s discuss the connection between heartburn and acid reflux so we can have a better understanding of what body structures are involved and how symptoms emerge.

Let’s start by revisiting acid reflux. As previously mentioned, acid reflux is caused by the stomach’s digestive fluid taking a backward route and flowing back up into the esophagus. It is the harsh acidity of the digestive fluid that causes irritation to the esophagus and brings on the burning sensation, or as we call it, ‘heartburn.

This means that heartburn and its discomfort is a symptom of acid reflux, although heartburn doesn’t just affect the chest, pain can extend to other areas, including your back. So, how does acid reflux cause heartburn in the first place?

The esophagus is what connects your throat to your stomach; A muscular and tubular structure that contracts and relaxes to help food and drink pass through into your stomach. At the end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach, is an important valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

The primary job of the LES is to keep the contents of the stomach, well, within the stomach, where it belongs. Although sometimes, the LES can falter and allow small portions of the acidic digestive fluid to pass back up into the esophagus.

Now we know the distinction between heartburn and acid reflux, let’s look into the effect acid reflux has on the esophagus and the surrounding structures and how it can lead to various symptoms emerging.

Can Acid Reflux Cause Back Pain?

Stomach acid is designed to break down and digest our foods. It is then no surprise that when the LES falters and allows acid reflux to occur, the rogue stomach acid damages the lining of the esophagus, causing it to become irritated and inflamed. But how can acid reflux cause back pain when it affects your esophagus? Let us explain.

There is an extensive network of nerves that surrounds the esophagus, and they are important in sending communication signals to various parts of the body. When stomach acid damages the esophagus through acid reflux, it can directly impact these intricate nerves.

Consequently, signals of pain and discomfort are activated through this complex web, reaching various areas, such as the back. This is called ‘referred pain’ and explains why back pain can be associated with heartburn.

Now we have a greater insight into the underlying processes and mechanisms involved in how acid reflux, heartburn, and back pain are connected. Unfortunately, back pain is not the only frustrating symptom that is associated with heartburn from acid reflux. We will go on to highlight some of the other symptoms you might experience as a result of heartburn that is caused by acid reflux.

Associated Symptoms Of Heartburn Due To Acid Reflux

Other than back pain, there are a number of other problematic symptoms that can develop alongside heartburn that is caused by acid reflux. Let’s explore some of the other symptoms associated with this condition in more detail:

Burping With An Acidic Taste In The Mouth

Quite an unpleasant symptom that accompanies heartburn due to acid reflux is an acidic taste in the mouth, often coupled with burping. This undesirable symptom happens because of the presence of stomach acid and partially digested food in the esophagus and mouth, resulting in a sour, bitter, acidic taste in the mouth and frequent burping.

Burping is a consequence of increased swallowing as your body attempts to clear the esophagus. Unfortunately, these symptoms can linger sometime after heartburn subsides.

Chest Pain

The typical tell-tale sign of acid reflux is one we have already discussed, which is that firey, burning sensation in the chest described as heartburn. Caused by the stomach acid damaging the delicate lining of the esophagus, heartburn may feel like a squeezing, burning, tight sensation that can worsen when lying down or bending over.

If you have never experienced heartburn before or experience a particularly severe episode, it is not unreasonable to mistake this sensation for a heart-related condition.

Having a sound understanding of the underlying cause, triggers, and treatments for heartburn can help you distinguish the differences between heart-related pain and the burning sensation caused by acid reflux. Remember, if your symptoms get worse and you gain no relief from common treatments or are otherwise concerned, seek urgent medical attention.

Nausea

Nausea is a common symptom that emerges as a result of heartburn from acid reflux. The urge to vomit and persistent nausea are a consequence of the inflamed esophagus caused by the rogue stomach acid.

The intensity of nausea may vary; however, it can prove debilitating when combined with the other discomforts of heartburn and back pain. It is important to get a proper diagnosis and evaluation from your healthcare provider if you experience persistent nausea with heartburn from acid reflux.

While these symptoms are commonly linked with heartburn due to acid reflux, it is important to recognize that symptoms can vary in severity and presentation among people. Some individuals might experience a combination of common symptoms, while others might notice their symptoms are not as typically associated with heartburn, such as back pain.

In the next section, we will discuss how you can better recognize back pain that is associated with heartburn. By having a deep understanding of all these diverse ways in which symptoms can manifest, you can identify and address the symptoms and underlying causes of heartburn more effectively.

How To Spot Heartburn-Related Pain In The Back

While back pain is not as commonly experienced as the other symptoms of heartburn due to acid reflux, it can still cause considerable discomfort. It is important to be able to identify if your back pain is related to heartburn or a separate condition. We have outlined two of the key factors to help recognize if your back pain is associated with heartburn from acid reflux:

Location Of The Pain

An episode of acid reflux and heartburn can cause a distinct burning sensation or dull ache in-between the shoulder blades and across the upper back. If this is where you are experiencing your back pain, it is suggestive that the underlying cause is heartburn from acid reflux. Taking the time to identify exactly where the back pain is located can be a helpful indicator of its underlying cause.

Posture And Body Position

Back pain that is associated with heartburn and acid reflux will persist or worsen when lying down or bending over. These two body positions allow for an increased amount of stomach acid to pass through the LES into the esophagus and therefore exacerbate all symptoms of heartburn from acid reflux.

If the back pain you are experiencing worsens in either of these positions, it suggests that it is a symptom of heartburn.

Remember, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and diagnosis if you are experiencing severe back pain or additional symptoms such as stiffness, numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates to your arms.

Taking the time to observe your symptoms and piece together these important clues can be valuable when differentiating heartburn-related back pain from other causes. Additionally, it is important to note that heartburn can emerge from factors other than acid reflux. Now let’s go on to discuss some of the other common causes of heartburn and heartburn-related back pain.

Other Common Causes Of Heartburn

So far, we have established that heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, but acid reflux is not the only condition that can cause heartburn. Let’s go into detail about some of the other causes that can lead to heartburn and heartburn-related back pain.

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD requires a medical diagnosis and describes the chronic condition where acid reflux occurs frequently. The persistent bouts of acid reflux seen in GERD will cause chronic esophageal inflammation that can result in repeated episodes of heartburn. Heartburn-related back pain is more likely to be seen in GERD, caused by the established irritation of the esophagus and surrounding nerves.
  • Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and drinking alcohol to excess have been associated with an increased risk of developing heartburn. These habits can inhibit the LES from functioning properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and generating symptoms such as heartburn and back pain as a consequence. 
  • Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia is a painful type of hernia that causes a portion of the stomach to protrude through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can cause disruption of the LES’s ability to function normally, leading to acid reflux, heartburn, and heartburn-related back pain. 
  • Esophageal Spasm: This is a rare condition characterized by involuntary contractions of the esophageal muscles. These muscle spasms can cause acid reflux to occur, leading to the symptoms of heartburn, including back pain through the disruption of nerve signals.

By understanding these other potential causes of heartburn and heartburn-related back pain, it can be easier to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and seek appropriate treatment with the help of a medical professional.

In the following section, we will delve into various treatment options and lifestyle modifications that can help alleviate the symptoms of heartburn caused by acid reflux. By implementing these strategies, you can take proactive steps toward finding relief from this painful and frustrating condition.

Conventional Treatment Options

Conventional treatments for heartburn and heartburn-related back pain focus on managing the associated pain and discomfort while also avoiding factors that can trigger or worsen the symptoms. Outlined below are some of the more commonly suggested treatments and lifestyle approaches to managing this condition:

Medications

Over-the-counter medications are available to help manage symptoms of heartburn and heartburn-related back pain. It may be tempting to treat back pain with anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, however, in the case of heartburn-related back pain, these medications may worsen your symptoms.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can further irritate the lining of the esophagus and stomach, aggravating painful symptoms. Therefore, it is best to treat the underlying cause to get relief. Liquids and tablets such as Mylanta or Gaviscon can help neutralize stomach acid, providing temporary relief from heartburn and its symptoms, including back pain.

In more serious or chronic cases, prescription medication, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers, can be prescribed to help reduce the overall production of stomach acid, therefore reducing the frequency of heartburn. These medications can be effective in providing short-term relief, but long-term use should be monitored and guided by a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle Modifications

There are certain lifestyle modifications that can help prevent or significantly improve the symptoms of heartburn, including back pain. Consider implementing the following approaches for relief:

Avoiding Trigger Foods And Beverages

A number of foods and beverages can trigger heartburn and heartburn-related back pain. Although every individual’s experiences can differ, these foods often include foods that are overly spicy or fatty.

Additionally, foods that are higher in acidity, such as citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, can increase stomach acid and therefore worsen the symptoms of heartburn. By avoiding foods that trigger heartburn, you can reduce both its frequency and intensity, as well as any additional symptoms. 

Elevating Head

When you lie on your back, the stomach’s acid has an increased likelihood of flowing back up into the esophagus and causing heartburn and esophageal irritation. When sleeping and resting, elevate the head by a few inches to help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of heartburn, including back pain.

Weight Management

Holding excess weight increases the pressure being placed on the abdominal organs, such as the stomach. This increased pressure makes the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus more likely.

By adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reducing the burden on your abdominal organs. This will help minimize heartburn episodes and eliminate the symptoms of acid reflux, including heartburn and heartburn-related back pain.

While these conventional treatment options can provide relief, it’s important to remember that individual responses may vary. For some people, finding effective relief from chronic acid reflux and its related symptoms is a significant challenge. Additionally, some individuals may want to avoid taking a number of over-the-counter or prescription medicine as a lifestyle preference.

In the next section, we will explore an alternative approach to managing heartburn-induced back pain and explore non-medication-based treatments that provide beneficial treatment options for individuals seeking alternative or complementary methods of relief.

Neurofunctional Pain Management For Heartburn-Induced Back Pain

Neuragenex offers a comprehensive approach to managing heartburn-induced back pain by directly targeting symptoms at the underlying root cause. Our focus is on providing effective relief by addressing the complex nature of pain through the unique Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol (NFPM).

The NFPM protocol specifically targets the intricate connections between the brain and the nervous system’s perception of pain. By addressing the root causes of heartburn-induced back pain, our approach aims to provide long-lasting relief rather than just short-term management.

Unlike traditional treatment options, NFPM is a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive approach that focuses on targeting and treating the underlying mechanisms involved in heartburn-induced back pain. It combines electroanalgesia, a painless therapy that stimulates the brain, nervous system, and pain pathways, with specialized hydration intravenous therapy (IV therapy).

Electroanalgesia interrupts pain signals, reduces inflammation and nerve irritation, and stimulates the release of natural endorphins, providing pain relief at a cellular level.

Simultaneously, IV therapy addresses nutritional deficiencies and promotes overall health by restoring essential nutrients and electrolytes to the bloodstream. This helps minimize inflammation, support organ function, and reduce the progression of heartburn symptoms, including back pain.

At Neuragenex, we prioritize a safe and effective holistic approach to all of our treatment plans. As a part of the NFPM protocol, we are proud to offer comprehensive lifestyle counseling. Our lifestyle coaches help empower patients to maintain both their psychological and physical health, learning and adopting lifestyle strategies that achieve long-term pain relief.

Furthermore, our personalized approach to NFPM treatments for back pain is not limited to heartburn-related pain. We provide management plans that can address the underlying causes of back pain as a result of multiple conditions.

Manage Your Underlying Conditions With Neuragenex

Managing heartburn and its associated symptoms, including back pain, can be challenging. Gaining an understanding of how heartburn occurs and recognizing its other related symptoms can be helpful in effectively identifying and addressing this potentially painful and frustrating condition.

A number of over-the-counter medications and lifestyle adaptations can be adequate for managing this condition by providing short-term relief from heartburn and its nagging back pain. By considering the Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol as a complementary option, individuals can take proactive steps toward regaining control over their health and finding relief.

Neuragenex offers NFPM as an innovative and holistic approach to managing heartburn and heartburn-related back pain that does not solely rely on medicines. By targeting the underlying mechanisms, such as esophageal inflammation and nerve irritation caused by acid reflux, individuals can experience long-lasting relief and an improved quality of life.

Everything You Need To Know About Muscle Pain Treatment

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Muscle pain can be a frustrating obstacle that affects your daily life and limits your ability to fully enjoy doing the activities you love. 

Whether you have overexerted your muscles, have an underlying medical condition, or have fatigued muscles from intense exercise, finding effective muscle pain treatments that work for you is important. Treatments can ease pain, help to restore normal muscle function, and get you back on track. 

When looking at common treatments that relieve muscle pain, it is important to consider the underlying cause, the severity of the pain, and its specific location. There are various treatments available which range from over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers to non-pharmaceutical remedies. 

Within this article, we outline all you need to know about muscle pain – its causes, diagnosis, and the best available treatment options. Furthermore, we recognize that muscle pain can become more prevalent as we age. 

That’s why we have also highlighted the advanced innovative therapies that are currently available for the treatment of chronic (long-lasting) muscle pain. 

By sharing our expertise, we hope to provide you with practical insights and empower you to make informed decisions about your muscle pain treatment, leading you to regain your freedom and improve your overall quality of life.

Where Can Muscle Pain Occur?

Muscle pain can occur all throughout the body, and the location and severity of the pain will depend on the specific muscles involved.

Generally, it is more common to experience muscle pain in the body’s larger and more complex muscles. This is because they are frequently used, involved in the body’s movement, and support the weight of the body. We’ll focus on some of these main areas, which include the neck, shoulders, back, and legs.   

  • Neck Muscle Pain

Whether it is caused by poor posture, muscle strain, and tension, or an injury such as whiplash, pain in the neck muscles can cause stiffness, limit the range of motion or cause frustrating headaches.  

  • Shoulder Muscle Pain

The intricate muscles of the shoulders are commonly overused through repetitive movements, heavy lifting, or sports injuries. Painful symptoms that feel like dull aches, sharp twinges, or restricted movement can affect any of the muscles spanning across the back of the shoulder blade, as well as the front trapezius and deltoid muscles. 

With a total of 40 muscles, the back is very complex and susceptible to muscle strain and injury. Poor lifting techniques, sudden twisting movements, or prolonged periods of poor posture can lead to muscle pain. Discomfort in the muscles around the back of the ribs can be particularly awkward, affecting deep breathing and the ability to hold certain body positions.

  • Leg Muscle Pain

Pain throughout the muscles of the leg can affect different areas, such as the thighs, hamstrings, and calves. Each individual part of the leg has its own set of causes and symptoms of muscle pain. 

Typically, muscle pain that occurs in the thighs and hamstrings occurs as a result of overexertion through exercise or imbalances in muscle strength, making it difficult to walk, run, or climb stairs. This pain is usually described as a tight, sharp, or dull aching sensation. 

Pain throughout the calves is usually associated with muscle cramps, strains, or inadequate blood flow. This can feel like a tight, pulling sensation or a sharp pain in the back of the leg. Dehydration, overuse, or sudden movements are common triggers for calf muscle pain.

Does Muscle Pain Go Away On Its Own?

The prognosis for muscle pain will depend on what is causing the pain and the treatment options available. A minor muscle strain or overexertion may resolve in a few days to a couple of weeks. 

However, it is important to note that all muscle pains will benefit from even gentle treatments as they will ultimately ease discomfort, reduce recovery time, and minimize the risk of the injury worsening. 

If your muscle pain becomes long-lasting over a number of weeks or months, it is a sign to explore that pain further. Ignoring chronic muscle soreness and discomfort has the potential to make injuries worse, leading to muscle imbalances, muscle wastage, reduced flexibility, and more discomfort.

Taking proactive measures to address muscle pain, regardless of its severity, can contribute to a better overall outcome.

When To See A Doctor

Most muscle pains can typically be managed at home with simple treatments. However, there are certain symptoms that require medical attention from your healthcare provider should you experience them. These include

  • Muscle stiffness or weakness that affects daily activities.
  • Inability to move the affected muscle or joint.
  • Numbness and tingling sensations.

Furthermore, muscle pains can be associated with more serious underlying conditions. If you experience any of the following symptoms alongside muscle pain, it is important to seek medical attention

  • Pain that doesn’t go away after a few days.
  • Severe pain without a clear cause.
  • Pain accompanied by a rash or a tick bite.
  • Redness and swelling in the affected area.
  • Pain that arises after starting a new medication.
  • Pain that occurs after an increase in body temperature.
  • Water retention or noticeable swelling.
  • Difficulty in swallowing or persistent trouble breathing.
  • Presence of fever or recurrent vomiting.

Diagnosing Muscle Pain

If there is no clear explanation for your muscle pain or your pain has become a chronic problem, it’s time to seek advice and a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. 

A doctor can complete a comprehensive physical assessment as well as order a range of diagnostic tests to help determine the underlying cause of your pain. Some common tests include:

  • Blood tests

A complete blood test can provide insights into your body’s inflammation levels, muscle enzymes, and hormone or electrolyte levels. They can provide valuable insights into whether or not you are suffering from an infection, imbalances, deficiencies, or any other hidden reason for muscle pain. 

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An MRI generates detailed images of the muscles, tendons, and surrounding tissues. The scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to help identify any structural changes or damages that could contribute to muscle pain. 

  • Electromyography (EMG)

EMGs measure the electrical activity of your muscles and nerves. It can help determine if there is any muscle dysfunction, nerve damage, or abnormalities that may cause muscle pain.  

  • Muscle Biopsy

In some circumstances, a muscle biopsy may be necessary. This a minor procedure where a sample of your muscle tissue is taken through a biopsy. The biopsy is then examined closely in a laboratory where any specific defects, disorders, or inflammatory conditions can be detected in the muscle cells. 

These diagnostics help healthcare professionals lead to an accurate diagnosis and pinpoint the cause of muscle pain. Following this, an appropriate and individualized treatment plan can be developed.

How To Relieve Muscle Pain 

When it comes to relieving muscle pain, traditional medicine takes into account the specific diagnosis and underlying cause. If your pain is related to a more complex condition, the treatment strategy may vary and involve addressing the root cause of the condition. 

In these cases, a combination of pharmaceutical treatment and complementary interventions is the most common approach to tackling the pain and restoring function. So what are the most common interventions prescribed to relieve muscle pain?

Rest and Elevation

Pain is your body’s warning sign! Keeping damaged muscles rested wherever possible is a fundamental element in reducing painful symptoms. Minimizing physical activity and limiting weight bearing allow the healing process to occur without causing further muscle strain. Additionally, elevating the affected muscle is going to help reduce unwanted inflammation and swelling, leading to a quicker recovery.

Ice And Heat

Ice and heat therapy continues to be a simple and effective way to manage muscle pain. Ice packs are great for an initial injury; it helps to reduce blood flow and minimize pain and inflammation. 

Whereas a warm compress is great for managing ongoing symptoms to help relax the muscles, improve circulation, and ease muscle stiffness. Ideally, both ice and heat therapy should be applied for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Compression

A compression bandage around the affected muscles can relieve pain by decreasing swelling and providing additional support. Be careful not to constrict the area too tightly and completely inhibit blood flow; the surrounding skin should remain pink and warm to the touch.

Warm Baths Or Showers

Taking a warm bath or shower is a great method for relaxing muscles and reducing tension. Warm water will dilate your blood vessels, enhancing blood flow and the natural release of endorphins which lifts your mood and helps you relax. 

The addition of Epsom or magnesium salts sprinkled in the bathtub is an age-old remedy that may help reduce inflammation and eliminate toxins.

Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective at temporarily relieving mild to moderate muscle pain. Medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. 

However, taking anti-inflammatories over a long period of time is not recommended and may be harmful. It is important to talk to your doctor about long-term pharmacological pain management options.

Stretching

Gentle stretching and physical therapy exercises benefit your muscles by aiding their mobility and promoting the healing process. It’s important to follow a regime that is specific to your injury, as this can help reduce swelling, ease stiffness, and strengthen surrounding muscles without risking further damage.

Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies, including massage, acupuncture, or reflexology, may relieve muscle pain by targeting specific trigger points, promoting relaxation, and enhancing blood flow to the affected muscles. 

Additionally, relaxation practices through meditation or taking time out in nature can help reduce your body’s overall stress and tension, increase endorphins, and help your muscles relax.

Non-Pharmaceutical Modalities For Chronic Muscle Pain Relief

Chronic muscle pain can be complex, and traditional treatments may not always be successful in providing sufficient relief. 

However, the option of non-pharmaceutical treatments through innovative therapies can offer effective solutions in addressing your muscle pain more effectively. By exploring Neuragenex advanced approaches to pain relief, you may finally find a long-lasting solution to alleviate your muscle pain.

Electroanalgesia

Electroanalgesia relieves muscle pain by utilizing cutting-edge, high-frequency electronic waves that reach deep down into your muscles. This painless, non-invasive treatment has been used for decades and works by promoting muscle healing at a cellular level. 

Electroanalgesia reduces inflammation and blocks pain signals, ultimately eliminating pain and discomfort right at the source. At Neuragenex, we have seen patients experience great results when receiving electroanalgesia over multiple sessions or when it is combined with specialized IV therapy and lifestyle coaching. 

Specialized IV Therapy

Intravenous (IV) therapy is another non-pharmaceutical treatment option that can relieve muscle pain. IV therapy re-introduces nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to the body directly through the bloodstream to reduce inflammation, enhance the body’s healing processes, and promote tissue repair. 

This is especially beneficial for chronic muscle pain while additionally helping to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. 

At Neuragenex, we customize IV therapy programs for patients by analyzing their bloodwork and addressing specific needs, such as deficiencies, hydration, or electrolyte imbalances, aiming to support natural healing processes.

Lifestyle Counseling

At Neuragenex, we believe in a holistic approach to muscle pain treatment, managing all aspects of your life for effective pain management. 

Our comprehensive range of guidance, resources, and techniques related to diet, exercise, and stress management, is carefully individualized to reduce or even eliminate your painful symptoms and improve your overall well-being. 

We recognize the uniqueness of every individual’s pain journey. That’s why we also offer counseling services to help you gain a better understanding of your specific condition and develop effective strategies to cope with your pain. With lifestyle counseling, you can take control of your pain and enjoy a more fulfilling life.

Relieve Your Muscle Pain With Neuragenex

Our specialized team at Neuragenex is dedicated to providing safe and effective relief for muscle pain. Our advanced therapies offer a non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, non-chiropractic, and non-invasive option that is specifically designed to address the complexities of long-lasting muscle pain. 

Through our innovative techniques, we strive to deliver personalized treatment options that provide relief to those who have been struggling with persistent stress and discomfort. Whether it is through electroanalgesia, IV therapy, lifestyle counseling, or other advanced modalities, our aim is to provide options that target the root cause of your muscle pain. 

We invite you to explore the possibilities with Neuragenex, where we want you to safely and effectively eliminate your pain, restore your function, and help you enjoy life to the fullest once again.

Exploring The Key Risk Factors For Osteoporosis

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Did you know that osteoporosis and low bone density currently affect over 44 million people across the US? 

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is often referred to as the “silent epidemic.” Over time, it causes a deterioration of bone mass, weakening bones and making them more susceptible to fractures. 

This condition can manifest with no noticeable symptoms and often isn’t diagnosed until after a bone fracture occurs. Suffering from an osteoporosis fracture can be sudden and unexpected and may lead to a significant decline in your overall well-being and quality of life. 

Adults over the age of 50 are more likely to develop osteoporosis, and it is more prevalent in women than men. There is no cure; however, understanding the risk factors associated with osteoporosis can prepare you to take preventative steps toward maintaining strong and healthy bones. 

By identifying and addressing the key risk factors for osteoporosis, the likelihood of it developing or rapidly progressing can be significantly reduced. Throughout this article, we highlight the various factors that contribute to osteoporosis, specifically sharing the importance of certain lifestyle factors. 

So, what are these key risk factors? Throughout this article, we explore the impact of age, lifestyle choices, certain medications, other medical conditions, and hormone-related factors that affect the risk of osteoporosis. 

By identifying and addressing the key risk factors for osteoporosis, we are able to make better-informed decisions and take the steps necessary to protect our bone health and look forward to a more active future.

Understanding The Impact of Age On Osteoporosis Risk

It is between the ages of 25-30 that our bones are at peak mass and strength. 

From childhood, all the way into early adulthood, are the years our peak bone mass can be optimized, ultimately through proper nutrition and exercise. Throughout these years, our bodies maintain a healthy balance between breaking down old bone tissue and replenishing it with stronger, more resilient bone tissue. 

After the age of 40, our body gradually loses its ability to replenish bone tissue as quickly. Osteoporosis develops when more bone tissue is broken down than what the body can replenish, which makes the bones brittle and susceptible to fracture. 

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in three women and one in five men over 50 years old worldwide are likely to suffer from osteoporosis-related bone fractures. 

Suffering from a fracture throughout our later years, such as a hip, femur, or wrist due to a fall, results in a complex, multifaceted situation. It can impact all aspects of our health and well-being beyond physical injury, significantly impacting our longevity.

Although a certain amount of bone loss is a natural part of the aging process, there are a number of lifestyle factors that can impact the overall severity and pace of bone loss, ultimately increasing the risk of osteoporosis. 

Let’s go on to explore some of the most crucial lifestyle factors that influence osteoporosis.

Lifestyle Choices: A Crucial Determinant Of Osteoporosis Risk

The lifestyle choices we make play a fundamental role in the health of our bones. It’s never too soon or too late to take positive steps toward optimizing our bone health. By learning the impact of all the major factors outlined below, we can make informed decisions that promote stronger, more resilient bones.

Impact Of Sedentary Lifestyle On Osteoporosis Risk

Leading a sedentary lifestyle that involves low levels of physical activity or long periods of sitting can contribute to an increased risk of low bone density and osteoporosis. By not exercising, the bones of our body may begin aging and thinning at an increased rate. 

Engaging in regular exercise that involves weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, dancing, or strength training (lifting weights) can help stimulate bone growth and preserve bone density. Doing 20-30 minutes of exercise around 3-4 times a week can make a positive impact that helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Nutrition And Bone Health

Our nutrition plays such an important role in our overall health and well-being; there is no surprise that it also plays a significant role in maintaining strong and healthy bones. Consuming a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium, among other essential micro-nutrients, will support optimal bone health and help reduce osteoporosis risk. 

Some nutritional sources of magnesium and calcium include dairy products, dark leafy greens, and fortified foods. Vitamin D is also found in fortified dairy products or fatty fish; exposure to sunlight can also help boost vitamin D levels. Maintaining an adequate protein intake through meats and (or) plant-based sources is also important.

Smoking And Osteoporosis

Smoking has a significant detrimental effect on our health, including the health of our bones. It is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis as it leads to a decrease in bone density through the chemicals found in Tobacco. 

Smoking introduces chemicals to the body that affect the normal metabolism of micronutrients and hormones, ultimately restricting the body’s ability to absorb calcium. This reduces the body’s ability to replenish and causes our bones to age at a more accelerated rate.

The decision to quit smoking will greatly improve the health and strength of our bones, as well as our overall health. Talking to your healthcare provider about getting the support you need can greatly assist in the journey towards a smoke-free lifestyle.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption And Osteoporosis Risk

Similarly to smoking, excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. It can also have harmful effects on the pancreas and the ability to metabolize vitamin D.

Ultimately, drinking alcohol to excess leads to an impairment of bone formation that can have harmful effects on bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis developing. Enjoying alcohol in moderation will help protect our bones from its harmful effects.

Caffeine And Its Effect On Bone Density

Although not as impactful as alcohol and smoking, the caffeine found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other caffeinated drinks can impact our ability to absorb calcium and affect our bone density long term, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. 

However, the devil is in the dose, and the damaging effects occur when caffeine is consumed to excess. Decreasing your caffeine intake to a moderate amount (1-2 cups of coffee per day) is recommended to limit its effects on our bone health. 

It is important to note that engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a nutritious diet are likely to play a more significant role in maintaining our bone health. Balancing moderate caffeine consumption with a healthy diet and regular exercise is key. 

Our lifestyle choices and their impact on osteoporosis are just one element to consider, as there are a number of other factors that can significantly influence the development and progression of this condition. We’ll now delve into a comprehensive discussion of some of the other osteoporosis risk factors and how your healthcare professionals can help you in this journey.

Other Factors Influencing Osteoporosis Risk

Some factors that influence the risk of osteoporosis developing may be further beyond our level of control compared to lifestyle factors. However, understanding these additional risk factors can help us develop valuable insights into the various layers associated with osteoporosis and guide us to make more informed decisions for our bone health.

Medications And Their Impact on Bone Health

Some medications can have a negative impact on your bone’s strength and density, which causes an increased risk of osteoporosis. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone that are taken over a long duration of time can increase the rate at which bone is broken down. Additionally, several medications used to treat thyroid disorders or breast and prostate cancers can also affect the health and density of our bones.

Medications that can increase your risk of osteoporosis are likely to be provided under a prescription. It is not recommended that you simply stop taking your medication; rather, you work closely with your healthcare provider to identify strategies that can mitigate the potential impact these medications may have on your bones.

Medical Conditions Associated with Osteoporosis Risk

Several medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Working with your healthcare provider to establish a comprehensive management plan that includes regular check-ups and assessments is crucial to effectively integrate strategies that can optimize your bone health in the presence of the following conditions.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is associated with large levels of inflammation throughout the body that can directly affect the bone’s ability to regenerate, reducing its density. Additionally, the medications typically used to treat RA may involve corticosteroids or immune-suppressing agents that will have a further impact on your bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis. 

Following a specialized treatment plan in consultation with your rheumatologist can help minimize RA contributing to the development of osteoporosis. Clearly outlining your concerns surrounding osteoporosis can lead to a multi-disciplinary approach to your condition. 

The implementation of strategies such as an individualized exercise regime, professional nutritional advice, or supplements for optimizing your calcium and vitamin D intake can help support your bone health with a RA diagnosis.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Having chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to an imbalance of the body’s essential electrolytes, minerals, and hormone levels, that are needed for healthy bone growth and replenishment. It’s important to work closely with your renal physician and other healthcare providers, explaining your concerns surrounding osteoporosis. 

You may be recommended to see a dietitian who can provide you with a nutrition plan that limits your phosphorus intake and ensures adequate calcium and vitamin D levels are met. 

Regular blood tests and check-ups to monitor your mineral and hormone levels can help identify the need for additional supplementation. Furthermore, regular bone density testing can identify changes and lead to further interventions to preserve your bone health.

Hormone-Related Conditions And Osteoporosis Risk

Your endocrine system controls the production, storage, and release of hormones throughout the body. 

Hormones are critical to bone health and strength, and conditions that affect the endocrine system causing either a severe deficit or excessive amount of certain hormones in the body’s system, can contribute to osteoporosis. Some examples of conditions that affect our hormones include:

Menopause And Osteoporosis

Throughout menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels will decrease dramatically. Estrogen is a hormone that has been identified as essential for maintaining healthy bones. The sudden drop in estrogen throughout menopause contributes to an acceleration in bone loss, which increases the risk of osteoporosis developing. 

Talking with your healthcare providers will be essential for exploring and implementing preventative strategies to reduce the risk of osteoporosis occurring as a result of menopause. Consider diet and lifestyle changes along with optimizing calcium and vitamin D levels in the body through dietary adjustments or supplementation. 

Depending on factors such as a family history of premature menopause or other risk factors, it may be beneficial to ask your doctor about the appropriateness of prescription hormone replacement therapy or other bone-preserving treatments.

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that affects the parathyroid glands, which causes the body to produce the parathyroid hormone to excess. This condition leads to elevated levels of calcium in the body, which, if sustained, can cause detrimental effects on bone health. 

Hyperthyroidism can provoke accelerated bone loss, and bone weakening, ultimately increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Consulting your endocrinologist to establish a treatment plan that effectively manages your hormone levels will be crucial to preserving bone strength. 

Treatment options for hyperparathyroidism vary depending on its severity. Regular monitoring of calcium and bone density levels, along with lifestyle modifications such as a calcium-rich diet and weight-bearing exercises, is firstly recommended.

Additional treatments include medications to help regulate calcium levels and, in severe cases, surgical removal of the affected parathyroid gland.

Taking Charge Of Your Osteoporosis Risk

Understanding and addressing the risk factors for osteoporosis allows us to make informed decisions and positive changes that promote strong and healthy bones for our longevity. 

While some factors, such as age, genetics, and medical conditions, may be beyond our control, we have the power to reduce the risk of osteoporosis through lifestyle choices and other proactive measures. 

By adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises, and avoiding habits that are detrimental to our health, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, we can optimize our bone density and reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis and bone fractures. 

Open communication with your healthcare providers, discussing your concerns surrounding osteoporosis, and exploring preventative measures are vital in developing a management plan personalized to your specific needs.  

Taking charge of our individual osteoporosis risk empowers us to make informed decisions, minimize risk factors, and strive for strong and resilient bones. It’s never too early or too late to prioritize bone health and pave the way for a healthier future.

6 Migraine Triggers You Should Try To Avoid To Manage Pain

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Migraines involve recurring, debilitating headaches lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days. Approximately 39 million people in the U.S. suffer from chronic migraines, and many more experience occasional ones. Unfortunately, nobody knows what causes migraines, meaning there is no cure. However, there are a variety of triggers that have been identified. Different people have different triggers, but understanding your migraine triggers can help you manage your migraine pain over the long term.

6 Major Migraine Triggers

A migraine trigger is any factor that can lead to a migraine. Sometimes, just one of these factors can trigger a migraine. Other times, a combination of these factors may trigger a migraine. There are countless potential triggers, but they can generally be divided into four main categories: stress, hormonal changes, food triggers, and environmental triggers.

Knowing what your triggers are can allow you to take steps to avoid them, thereby helping reduce the risk of getting a migraine. The following are six of the primary migraine triggers to watch out for:

1. Stress 

Stress is a primary trigger for migraines. Emotional stress can lead to physical tension, which results in headaches. Many things can cause stress, from work and relationships to financial worries. Understanding what’s causing your stress can help you to manage it more effectively and potentially help you avoid migraines. Of course, you can’t always solve the situation that’s causing your stress. However, there are lots of methods that can help you manage stress, such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and meditation.

2. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can also trigger migraines. Women are especially prone to hormonal triggers due to the fluctuating estrogen levels during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. It’s why women are three times more likely to experience migraines than men and why migraines in women taper off following menopause.

Other hormones that may affect migraine frequency are serotonin, melatonin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Research has shown that these hormones can trigger or worsen migraines.

3. Changes In Or An Irregular Sleep Schedule

Changes in or an irregular sleep schedule can also trigger migraines. Sleep is vital to migraine management, as it helps regulate hormones, alleviate stress, and restore energy levels. When you don’t get enough sleep or have an erratic sleeping pattern, your body doesn’t have the chance to rest and recover properly — which can then trigger a migraine. So, make sure that you’re getting enough restful sleep each night and following a consistent sleeping schedule to help reduce your risk of migraines.

4. Lifestyle Migraine Triggers

Several lifestyle factors can trigger migraines as well. Fortunately, making lifestyle changes to avoid certain migraine triggers is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of getting a migraine. The following are some of the common lifestyle habits and activities that can trigger migraines:

Dehydration and Hunger

Dehydration and hunger can both trigger migraines. Your body requires the right amount of fluids and nutrients to function properly. Without them, it can start to break down and trigger a migraine. As such, be sure to drink lots of water throughout your day and eat regular, balanced meals to reduce your risk of migraines.

Overexertion

Overexerting yourself can be another major trigger. This includes physical activities as well as mental exertion. If your migraines often occur following a particularly strenuous activity, it’s a good idea to reduce the intensity of your workouts. You may even want to take breaks in-between tasks throughout the day.

Posture and Neck Strain

There is also a link between posture and neck strain, and migraines. Poor posture can put added strain on the muscles in your neck, which may result in headaches or migraines. Make sure you’re taking regular breaks throughout the day to stretch and move around so your neck muscles don’t become too tense.

Medications and Supplements

Finally, certain medications and supplements can also trigger migraines. If you’re taking any kind of medication or supplement regularly, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about the possibility of them being a migraine trigger. Your doctor can switch you to a new medication or, at the very least, adjust your dosage.

Artificial Sweeteners And Additives

Artificial sweeteners and additives, such as MSG or aspartame, also trigger migraines in some people. This is because these additives can affect the balance of chemicals in your brain, which may lead to a migraine. It’s best to limit or avoid processed foods and drinks that contain artificial sweeteners and additives to reduce your risk of migraines triggered by them.

5. Environmental Factors

Certain environmental factors can contribute to migraine risk as well. Knowing your environmental triggers can help you learn how to avoid them and take steps to create an environment at home that’s better suited to help prevent migraines. Some of the environmental triggers for migraines include:

Bright Lights

Bright lights, such as those from computer screens, televisions, and overhead lights, can trigger migraines in some people. To reduce the risk of a migraine due to bright lights, make sure that you have adequate lighting in your home and workplace, and take regular breaks from looking at screens. In addition, because the glare from bright light can be the specific trigger, it can also help to invest in anti-glare glasses or filters for your screens.

Loud Noises

Loud noises can be another trigger for migraines, as they can disrupt your brain’s normal functioning. To reduce the risk of a migraine due to loud noises, make sure that the volume of your television and other devices is at a comfortable level. Also, try to avoid loud places, such as concerts or nightclubs, if you know that they can trigger migraines. If you don’t want to miss out on fun activities that involve loud noises, then make sure that you bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to help reduce the loud noises.

Strong Odors

Strong odors, such as perfumes or smoke, can also trigger migraines. To reduce the risk of a migraine due to strong odors, make sure that your home and workplace are well-ventilated and free of any strong scents. If you know that certain scents can trigger your migraines, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

Weather Changes 

Weather changes, such as an increase in barometric pressure, can also be a trigger for migraines. To reduce the risk of a migraine due to weather changes, it can help to stay inside when the barometric pressure is changing rapidly.

6. Physical Triggers

Finally, physical triggers can also play a role in the onset of migraines. These don’t just include changes in your body’s physiology, such as a lack of sleep or changes in your hormone levels. They can also include physical issues that can be bothersome in their own right, such as the following:

Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, your risk of migraines can increase. This is because allergens can trigger a reaction that causes inflammation and other issues that can lead to migraines. To reduce the risk of a migraine due to allergies, take steps to reduce your exposure to allergens and try to keep your allergies under control.

Sinus Problems

Sinus problems, such as congestion or sinus infections, can also increase the risk of getting a migraine. This is because the inflammation caused by these conditions can affect the balance of chemicals in your brain and trigger a migraine attack. As such, getting regular checkups with your doctor is vital to ensure that your sinuses are healthy and taken care of.

Jaw Or Dental Problems

Problems with the jaw, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), can also increase your risk of migraines. This is because TMJ can cause muscle spasms and inflammation that can lead to a migraine. To reduce the risk of a migraine due to jaw or dental problems, make sure that you get regular checkups with your dentist and practice good oral hygiene. Also, try to avoid chewing gum or grinding your teeth if you know that it can trigger a migraine.

How To Identify Triggers Of A Migraine

Because of how intense migraines are, trying to figure out what your triggers are can be a bit tricky after the fact. This is especially true if you have multiple triggers. Fortunately, there are ways to identify your migraine triggers. For example, you can conduct an elimination diet, which involves eliminating certain foods or drinks from your diet for a couple of weeks to determine if your migraines improve. If you eliminate a specific food from your diet and stop migraines (or have them noticeably less frequently), then you can assume that food is one of your triggers.

Another way to identify your migraine triggers is to keep a migraine diary, which involves writing down details about the events that happen before and during a migraine attack. This can help you identify patterns in your migraines so that you can more easily pinpoint the triggers. Lastly, you can also discuss your migraine triggers with a healthcare provider. They can provide insight or advice to help you identify what triggers your migraines.

When To See A Doctor

If you are experiencing severe or frequent migraines, it is essential to see a doctor. You should also seek medical help if you experience certain symptoms with your migraines, such as fever, confusion, speech difficulties, paralysis, or numbness. Additionally, if pain persists for over 72 hours, then be sure to seek medical attention.

Furthermore, if you have never experienced a migraine before, you should seek medical help to make sure that it is indeed a migraine and not something else. Finally, if your migraines are interfering with your daily life and affecting your ability to work or participate in other activities, it is crucial to seek medical help.

Common Ways Of Coping Up With Migraine Attack

Many people will take over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with migraine pain. However, it’s essential to understand that taking such medication too frequently can lead to rebound headaches and other health issues. Additionally, relying solely on pain medications won’t help you find long-term relief. It will only provide temporary pain relief because you’re only addressing the symptoms of the migraine. The following are a couple of tips on how you can learn to manage your migraine attacks more effectively over the long term:

Lifestyle Modification

Changing your lifestyle can be an easy way to reduce the intensity and frequency of your migraine attacks. This includes regular exercise, ensuring you’re getting plenty of sleep, drinking enough water to stay hydrated, and making dietary changes to avoid certain food and drink triggers.

Stress Management

Stress is often a significant contributor to migraine attacks, so finding ways to reduce stress in your life is critical. This can include taking time for yourself each day, incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation and yoga, and ensuring you’re not overworking yourself.

Reduce The Symptoms Caused By Hormonal Changes

For women, hormonal changes can be a major migraine trigger. To reduce migraine symptoms brought on by hormonal changes, make sure that you’re getting plenty of sleep regularly, eat regular snacks throughout the day and don’t miss meals, and try to avoid stress. Additionally, your healthcare provider can provide hormonal treatments to help you manage migraines caused by hormonal changes.

Seek A Medical Treatment To Relieve Your Migraine Attacks

If you are experiencing frequent or severe migraine attacks, it is vital to seek medical help. At Neuragenex, we offer personalized pain management plans tailored specifically to our patients’ needs. We take a whole-person approach to treating migraines, using electroanalgesia therapy, IV therapy, and lifestyle counseling to help our patients find long-term pain relief. In addition, using a Neurofunctional Pain Management approach, we can help identify the triggers of your migraine attacks and provide treatment plans to help you cope with and manage them.

5 Beneficial Exercises For Osteoporosis Patients

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become thin, weak, and fragile due to the loss of bone density. It affects both men and women, but it is more common in women, particularly after menopause, when the body produces less estrogen, a hormone that helps to protect bones.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis include age, family history, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and a diet low in calcium and vitamin D.

Osteoporosis often has no symptoms in the early stages, which is why it is sometimes called a “silent disease.” However, as it progresses, it can cause a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom of osteoporosis is bone pain, which can occur in the back, hips, and wrists.

Perhaps most noteworthy is that individuals with osteoporosis may experience frequent fractures or breaks in their bones, particularly in the spine, hips, and wrists. Unfortunately, it is only after a fracture that many patients are diagnosed with osteoporosis.

The Connection Between Exercise And Bone Health

It might be surprising for some patients to learn that regular exercise plays an important role in maintaining bone health, as it helps to increase bone density and prevent bone loss. Engaging in weight-bearing activities can help to stimulate bone growth and improve bone strength.

Additionally, exercise can also help to improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and fractures, which is a common concern for individuals with osteoporosis.

When it comes to treating osteoporosis, exercise is often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Along with medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications, exercise can help to slow down the progression of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.

Additionally, exercise can help to improve overall health and wellbeing, reducing the risk of other chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, which are often seen in individuals with osteoporosis.

Importance Of Osteoporosis Exercises

Weight-bearing exercises are known to be beneficial for bone health. These exercises put stress on the bones, which stimulates the cells that build new bone tissue. Here are just some of the natural benefits associated with exercise and improving overall bone health:

Improve The Bone Density

Resistance exercises help build bone density by triggering the cells to repair and strengthen the bones. By improving bone density, exercise can help prevent fractures in people with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs when bone composition breaks down from a variety of factors. Exercise can help restore that strength and density.

Strength And Balance

In addition to improving bone density, exercise can also improve strength and balance, which are important for preventing falls and reducing the risk of fractures. Exercise can also improve overall health and well-being, which can be important for people with osteoporosis.

Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality, all of which can have a positive and emotionally-balancing impact on overall health. Exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

Reducing The Risk Of Fractures

Strength exercises can help build muscle, which in turn can help support the bones and reduce the risk of fractures. Falls are a common cause of fractures in people with osteoporosis, so improving strength and balance can be an important part of preventing fractures.

5 Of The Best Exercises For Osteoporosis

It is important to note that not all types of exercise are equally effective for treating osteoporosis. In general, weight-bearing and resistance exercises that target the major muscle groups are the most effective for building bone density and strength. Examples of the most effective weight-bearing exercises include:

1. Weight-Bearing Exercises

Brisk Walking

Brisk walking is a weight-bearing exercise that can help prevent and treat osteoporosis. This type of exercise helps improve bone density by stimulating the bones to grow stronger and become denser. Brisk walking also helps improve balance and coordination.

Additionally, brisk walking is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints, making it a great option for individuals with joint pain or other physical limitations.

Jogging

Jogging is a high-impact weight-bearing exercise that can help to treat osteoporosis by stimulating bone growth and increasing bone density. The repetitive impact of jogging can cause small amounts of damage to the bones, which prompts the body to repair and rebuild them, resulting in stronger and denser bones over time.

Additionally, jogging can also help to improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures. However, it is important to note that jogging may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with joint pain or mobility issues.

Hiking

Hiking and spending time outdoors can be a great way to help treat osteoporosis. Hiking on uneven terrain, such as trails or mountains, can help improve balance and stability.

Additionally, spending time in nature and breathing in fresh air can have numerous benefits for overall health and well-being, including reducing stress levels and improving mood. It is important to choose trails that are appropriate for your level of fitness and ability, and to wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Dancing

Dancing can be a fun and effective way to improve bone density, strength, and balance, which are all important for treating osteoporosis. It can also be a great way to boost mood and reduce stress, which can have positive effects on overall health.

Dancing can be adapted to suit a range of abilities and preferences, from gentle ballroom dancing to more high-intensity styles like hip hop or salsa. Regular dancing can also provide a social outlet and a sense of community, which can be especially beneficial for older adults who may be at higher risk for social isolation.

Stair Climbing

Stair climbing involves pushing against gravity, which helps to stimulate the bones to grow stronger. It is a high-impact exercise that can put stress on the joints, so it may not be appropriate for everyone with osteoporosis. However, for those who are able to do it, stair climbing can be an effective way to improve bone health and overall fitness.

Tennis

Playing tennis can be an effective way to help treat osteoporosis due to its ability to increase bone density, improve balance and coordination, and strengthen muscles. The impact and weight-bearing nature of the sport help to stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss, reducing the risk of fractures.

Additionally, tennis is a social sport that can provide a sense of community and boost mood. Regular participation in tennis can also improve cardiovascular health, which is important for overall well-being.

2. Resistance Training

Weightlifting

Weightlifting can help treat osteoporosis by promoting bone density and strength. Resistance training is a type of weightlifting that focuses on building muscle and bone strength through the use of low-level weights. The stress placed on the bones during weightlifting can stimulate the growth of new bone tissue and improve bone density.

As bone density increases, the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis decreases. Weightlifting can also improve overall health by increasing muscle mass and improving balance, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures. It is important to start with lighter weights and gradually increase the weight as strength improves to prevent injury.

Bodyweight Exercises

Bodyweight exercises, such as squats, lunges, and push-ups, can be an effective way to treat osteoporosis by improving bone density, strength, and balance. These exercises use the body’s own weight as resistance and can be done without the need for equipment or a gym membership.

By increasing the load on the bones, bodyweight exercises can stimulate bone growth and improve bone density. Incorporating bodyweight exercises into a regular exercise routine can improve overall health and well-being for individuals with osteoporosis.

Using Resistance Bands

Resistance bands provide resistance to movements, which helps stimulate bone growth and remodeling. Resistance band exercises can also target specific muscle groups and improve overall body strength and flexibility, which can help reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

Additionally, resistance band exercises are low-impact and can be easily modified to fit individual fitness levels and abilities.

3. Yoga 

Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can be a beneficial addition to a treatment plan for osteoporosis. Certain yoga poses can help improve balance, posture, and flexibility, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

Additionally, weight-bearing yoga poses can stimulate bone growth and help maintain bone density. Yoga has also been shown to reduce stress, which can be beneficial for overall health and mood. It is important to work with a qualified yoga instructor who is knowledgeable about osteoporosis and can tailor the practice to individual needs and abilities.

4. Tai Chi 

Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that has been shown to improve balance, flexibility, and strength, which are all important for treating osteoporosis. It is a low-impact exercise that involves slow, controlled movements and deep breathing, making it suitable for individuals with varying levels of mobility and fitness.

Tai chi has been found to be effective in improving bone density, reducing the risk of falls, and improving overall physical and mental well-being in individuals with osteoporosis. In addition, tai chi has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are often associated with chronic pain and conditions like osteoporosis.

5. Low-Impact Aerobics

Low impact aerobics are a form of exercise that involves rhythmic movements, usually performed in a group setting. Unlike high impact aerobics, which put a lot of stress on the joints, low impact aerobics are designed to be gentle on the body while still providing a cardiovascular workout. This makes them an excellent form of exercise for individuals with osteoporosis.

Walking

Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that can help treat osteoporosis by improving bone density and reducing the risk of fractures. Walking also helps improve strength, balance, and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls.

Furthermore, walking is a weight-bearing exercise that can stimulate bone growth and help maintain bone health. Beyond its physical benefits, walking can also improve mood by releasing endorphins and reducing stress and anxiety.

It is a simple and accessible exercise that can be done indoors or outdoors, alone or with friends or family. A regular walking routine can help individuals with osteoporosis improve their bone health.

Cycling

Cycling is a low-impact exercise that can be beneficial for individuals with osteoporosis. Cycling helps build bone density in the lower body, especially in the hips and legs, which are common areas of bone loss in individuals with osteoporosis. Regular cycling can also improve cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions.

Additionally, cycling can improve moods by reducing stress and increasing endorphin levels. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of cycling to avoid injury or strain on the joints.

Elliptical Training

Much like cycling, Elliptical training is a low-impact aerobic exercise that can be beneficial for individuals with osteoporosis. This exercise works the entire body, including the bones, muscles, and joints, without putting too much stress on the bones. Elliptical training can help increase bone density by stimulating bone growth. It also improves strength and balance, which can help prevent falls, another common concern for people with osteoporosis.

Elliptical training can also improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness, which can lead to improved mood and quality of life.

Rowing

Rowing is particularly beneficial because it is a full-body exercise that works multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the legs, core, back, and arms. This can help improve overall bone health and reduce the risk of fractures. Regular rowing can help individuals with osteoporosis feel stronger, more confident, and more capable in their daily lives.

Swimming

Swimming is a low-impact, non-weight-bearing exercise that can help treat osteoporosis. It is an effective form of cardiovascular exercise that can improve muscle strength and endurance, as well as bone density. Swimming can also help improve joint flexibility and range of motion, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with osteoporosis who may experience stiffness or pain in their joints.

Additionally, swimming can be a low-stress activity that can help reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health. However, it is important to note that swimming may not be as effective as weight-bearing exercises in improving bone density, so it should be combined with other types of exercise– such as water aerobics– for optimal results in treating osteoporosis.

Water Aerobics

Water aerobics, or aqua aerobics, can be a great way to treat osteoporosis as it provides a low-impact workout that puts minimal stress on the joints while still offering cardiovascular benefits. The buoyancy of the water can also help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, which is particularly important for those with osteoporosis who are at a higher risk of fractures.

Additionally, being in the water can have a calming effect on the body and mind, helping to reduce stress and improve overall mood.

Tips And Techniques For Effective Exercises For Osteoporosis

While all of these suggested exercises are wonderful and fill us with optimism in treating out osteoporosis, many of us simply don’t know where to start. One tip is to start with low-impact exercises, such as walking or gentle yoga, to gradually build up strength and stamina.

It is important to choose exercises that are safe and appropriate for an individual’s age, fitness level, and medical history. Consulting a healthcare provider or a certified exercise professional can help to develop an exercise plan that is safe and effective.

Another technique for effective exercises for osteoporosis is to incorporate a variety of exercises that target different areas of the body. For example, weight-bearing exercises such as walking or hiking target the lower body, while resistance exercises such as lifting weights or using resistance bands can target the upper body. 

Precautions While Exercising With Osteoporosis

Improper form and lack of training can lead to injury while exercising, especially for individuals with conditions like osteoporosis. When performing exercises with incorrect form, there is a higher likelihood of putting unnecessary strain on joints and bones, which can lead to fractures and other injuries.

This is why it’s important to learn proper form and technique before attempting any exercise.

Furthermore, lack of training and inadequate warm-up can increase the risk of injury. Without proper training, individuals may not know the appropriate intensity and duration of exercise required to improve bone density and overall fitness.

Additionally, skipping a warm-up can lead to muscle strains and sprains, which can be particularly problematic for individuals with osteoporosis, who may have weaker bones and muscles.

Injuries caused by improper form and lack of training can be prevented by seeking guidance from a certified exercise professional or physical therapist. These professionals can help design a safe and effective exercise program tailored to individual needs, taking into account factors such as age, fitness level, and any pre-existing conditions.

They can also teach proper form and technique and ensure that exercises are performed correctly.

To ensure proper form and reduce the risk of injury, it is important to use the correct techniques when performing exercises. This may include maintaining proper posture, using proper breathing techniques, and using the appropriate amount of weight or resistance. It is also important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercises over time to avoid overexertion.

Overall, it’s important to listen to the body and take necessary precautions when exercising with osteoporosis or any other medical condition. If any pain or discomfort is felt during an exercise, it’s important to stop and seek medical attention if necessary.

With proper form, training, and guidance, exercise can be a safe and effective way to improve bone density and overall health for individuals with osteoporosis.

Stop Pain Associated With Osteoporosis By Neuragenex

Neuragenex leads the way with its whole-person approach to pain management and relief. With Electroanalgesia patients feel lasting relief from osteoporosis pain. Accompanying Electroanalgesia, patients can also expect to be treated to a specialized nutritional hydration therapy to assist the body in its natural healing process.

Finally, patients will be treated with a suite of lifestyle counseling and patient education that ensures they will have the opportunity to and confidence to tackle aspects of their osteoporosis pain on their own.

Neuragenex offers the most effective form of electrical stimulation and pain relief through electroanalgesia. Not only is it safe and effective at treating osteoporosis pain, its efficacy outweighs that of other electrical stimulation therapies.

Electroanalgesia, with its high pulse electrical stimulation of 10,000 pulses per second, creates a depolarization effect on the pain neurons, while also stimulating tissue regeneration that repairs damaged nerves and damaged microvascular tissues. 

As a supplementary treatment in tandem with electroanalgesia, patients will be given a targeted hydration therapy that accounts for any missing or deficient nutrients the body might be lacking.

Neuragenex’s specialized nutritional hydration therapy of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional necessities assists the body’s ability to relieve pain and works in conjunction with Electroanalgesia’s ability to relieve pain.

Patients can be sure that with Neuragenex’s lifestyle counseling, they are in good hands and will find relief from osteoporosis pain. Lifestyle counseling with us can play an essential role in helping patients manage their osteoporosis.

One of the most crucial aspects of lifestyle counseling is educating patients on healthy lifestyle habits that can help slow down the progression of the disease. For example, patients can be advised to quit smoking and reduce their alcohol consumption, as these habits have been linked to decreased bone density.

Patients might also be counseled on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, as being overweight or underweight can both be detrimental to bone health.

Another important aspect of lifestyle counseling for osteoporosis patients is advising them on proper nutrition. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other bone-healthy nutrients can help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of fractures.

Patients can be advised on dietary sources of these nutrients or may be recommended supplements to ensure they are getting enough of them.

Finally, lifestyle counseling with Neuragenex can help patients with osteoporosis incorporate exercise into their daily routine safely. Exercise is essential for building and maintaining bone density, but– as we discussed earlier– improper form or overexertion can lead to injury.

With Neuragenex, patients can be advised on safe exercises and techniques that are appropriate for their fitness level and medical condition. Overall, our lifestyle counseling can empower patients with osteoporosis to take an active role in managing their condition and improving their overall health.