Headaches

Hands-On Therapies : Massage and Spinal Manipulation

Hands-on therapies work towards more efficient, relaxed movement and proper alignment of the body in order for your body to function properly. Rather than relying on the manipulation of energy, hands-on, or manual, therapies work by applying pysical forces to the body. Hands-on therapies include:
MASSAGE
Research has proven that massage is effective especially for chronic lower back and neck pain. It is defined as hands-on manipulation of soft tissues through touch, movement or pressure, massage therapy ranges from gentle stroking and kneading to deeper, manual techniques. Positive effects that have resulted from massage therapy include easing muscle tension, increasing range of motion, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, lessening depression and anxiety, enhancing sleep and, in some cases, lessening dependence on medication. Massage is often used for tension and anxiety, neuromuscular conditions such as neck or back pain, muscle soreness, fibromyalgia.
Sessions may vary depending on the massage technique used. A massage therapist begins by taking your medical history and discussing health concerns and any goals that you have. Therapy may be done partially or fully unclothed with a towel or sheet covering you. Often, oils or lotions are used to avoid uncomfortable friction on your skin.
Some complications like discomfort for a day or two especially with deep tissue massage. Massage therapy is generally not recommended on areas where you have had recent surgery or fractures or where you have received radiation therapy. Massage therapy is not recommended at an open wound or open skin infection or if you are having acute signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, and cation is advised if you have osteoporosis.

SPINAL MANIPULATION
During spinal manipulation, the practitioner applies a controlled amount of force to a spinal joint, moving it outside of its usual range of motion. Alternatively, a rhythmic force is applied to improve joint motion in the neck, spine and pelvis. The practitioner may use a special table to better help perform adjustments. Evidences show that spinal manipulation can help to cure low back pain, tension headaches and neck pain.
Spinal manipulation is generally considered safe though it is not for everyone. Common side effects are discomfort in the treated area, headache and tiredness. Generally, though these problems clear up within one or two days. Spinal manipulation is most often used for lower back pain, other pain conditions, overall well-being.

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What are different kind of complications that may occur during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a crucial period in women life. Sometimes the changes taking place will cause irritation or discomfort, and on occasions they may seem quite alarming. Pregnancy complications should never be overlooked, even if you may never have any, it is better to know what the problems and complications are occurring during your pregnancy.

Some problems faced during pregnancy are backache and pelvic joint pain, constipation, cramp, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), faintness, feeling hot in pregnancy, headaches, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, incontinence (wetting or soiling yourself), indigestion and heartburn, itching, leaking nipples, nausea and morning sickness, nose bleeds, passing water often, piles, severe itching and obstetric cholestasis, skin and hair changes, sleeplessness, slow-growing babies, stretch marks, swollen ankles, feet and fingers, teeth and gums, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding.

FIRST TRIMESTER

- Nausea and Vomiting : This is due to hormonal changes and frequently changing levels of blood sugar in the body. Solution is to avoid drinks that cause discomfort, take rest and sleep, wear comfortable clothes.
- Changes in breast : The breast feels tender and sensitive. The nipple feels sore when touched as the milk ducts are enlarging and blood supply increases.
- Bleeding which can be due to placenta praevia, abruptio placentae, preterm labour, IUGR or foetal growth retardation, post term pregnancy.
- Fatigue and Tiredness : Maintain a proper diet and pamper yourself.
- Frequent urination.
- Vaginal discharge.
- Mood changes.

SECOND & THIRD TRIMESTER

The second trimester of pregnancy is a busy time for both you and your baby. Your baby will be growing very rapidly over the next several week.
- CONSTIPATION: This is common during pregnancy due to relaxation of intestinal muscles. Taking of iron and calcium supplements can cause constipation. Inadequate intake of fiber, fluids, irregular eating habits are also contributing for constipation.
- BACKACHE: Backaches are usually caused by poor posture. Since you now have more weight in front of your body, you may be leaning back to compensate. If you have gained more than the recommended amount of weight, this pain may be worse.
- SWELLING OF ANKLES, FEET, HANDS & FACE: Swelling is the second most common feature in the last trimester. Puffy hands, feet, and face not only make for a funny look but can be very uncomfortable as well. This occurs due to water and fluid retention in the body.
- ABDOMINAL PAIN: There are many causes of abdominal pains. Some twinges and tightening feelings are to be expected, as the area expands to hold the growing baby.
- GROIN PAIN: as your body prepares for labor, your pelvic joints soften so the baby can easily pass through them.
- BLEEDING GUMS: Hormonal effects during pregnancy may cause your gums to bleed. During this time your gums become tender as blood supply increases.
- ITCHINESS: It is normal for the skin to feel itchy as it stretches during the period of the 24th to the 32nd week.