Spinal chord

The Skeletal System – what is it and why is it important for health ? Part 6

The skeletal system acts as a framework for the body and it protects the internal organs. There are some problems associated with the skeletal system, some of which needs immediate action and some needs care and precautions.

- Fractured Vertebra
If a person is experiencing sudden pain following an injury to the back, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness, tingling or difficulty in moving limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fractured vertebrae which is diagnosed by an x-ray. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Fracture
If a person is experiencing severe pain with heavy swelling, difficulty in movement, black and blue discoloration or mishapen limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fracture and an x-ray should be done immediately. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Infected molar
If a person is experiencing an ear pain then it can be the symptom of an infected molar so you need to check it out with the dentist.

- Gout
If a person is experiencing a big toes which is twice its size and angry red and painful then it can be the symptom of gout where the uric acid is deposited in the joints of the body. A blood test and medication should be taken.

- Slipped disc
If a person is experiencing a bad back problem to an extent that it is killing you then it can be the symptom of a slipped disc which can be confirmed by an x-ray.

- Sciatica
If a person is experiencing a radiating pain along leg or foot, pins and needles and it gets worse if you are sitting for long hours, walking, running, stairs climbing or straightening the leg then these could be the symptoms of sciatica which is diagnosed by a X-ray and MRI. It often improves by physiotherapy and painkillers and by keeping a check on your sitting, sleeping and working patterns. Surgery is the last step.

- Tumor
If a person is experiencing a swelling in bone then it can be the symptom of a tumor and one should get the x-ray done.

- Spondylitis
If a person is experiencing a hurt neck then it can be the symptom for spondylitis that is the inflammation of one or more vertebrae or spondylosis which is the stiffening of a joint in the spine and it can be diagnosed by x-ray or MRI and treated by physiotherapy.

- Osteoporosis
If a person is experiencing that his or her bones break very easily even if it is a small injury then it can be the symptom of osteoporosis and you should have a bone scan done.

- Stress fracture or Muscle strain
If a person is experiencing a nagging pain which worsens over a week and it gets even worse when you exercise then it could be the symptom of a stress fracture or a muscle strain and you should get an x-ray done.

- Infection or fracture
If a person is experiencing too much pain in the joint which is combined by fever or rash then it could be the symptom of an infection or fracture and you should get an x-ray done.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email

Strategies against a stiff neck or The Cervical Spine and The Lumbar Spine

Cervical spine is the most flexible part of the human body.
- Treatments include heat therapy like hot baths, hot water bottles and medication like painkillers and sedatives as well as medicines to reduce swelling. This provides short term relief. The compression can also be removed by stretching the cervical spine. Massages and gentle extension man oeuvres are also effective. Acupuncture is also recommended.
- The neck can be protected from injury with exercises that strengthen the cervical muscles like backstroke swimming, frequent breaks during desk work and a healthy sleeping posture.
- Injections help when pain is acute, irritated nerve roots are tranquilized by anesthetics and inflammations are reduced with steroidal saline solutions. The needle should be properly inserted as any kind of mistake can lead to injuries.

Signs of wear and tear in lumbar region are among the most serious occupational damages in the skeletal system.
- Treatment includes early attrition in which the inter vertebral discs in an infant are supplied with nutrients through blood vessels. Later, the supply lines are lost through strain of learning how to walk. From now on, the inter vertebral disc must support itself through osmosis.
- In the region of lower spine, neural strands emerge from inter vertebral foramina which supply the pelvis and legs. If the cross-section of these foramina is reduced, it becomes a tight squeeze. Disc related ailments are often treated through a process of trial and error – non surgically with immobilization or gymnastics medicinally with local painkillers like procain injections or cortisone.. An open operation in which entire disc is removed is largely avoided. The standard procedure is a micro-operation, during which surgeons introduce instruments and lights through a narrow speculum, monitor the procedure with the help of microscope and remove surplus disc tissue.
- Initially, severe pain should be tackled promptly and decisively in order to regain mobility quickly.
- A systematic strengthening of the musculature in the torso, correct nutrition and ergonomic workplace design can prevent slipped disc problems.