The back is made up of a complex architecture of bones, discs, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that combined, aim to stabilize and support the body in stillness and movement.
When this structure is comprised, back pain, either due to an injury or underlying medical condition, can be quite painful and debilitating. So much so that it negatively affects many aspects of your daily life (i.e., driving, walking, sleeping).
Age and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to lower back pain and degenerative disc, back muscle and ligament, and lumbar spine issues. However, chronic back pain can indicate an innocent strain or an underlying health issue—including sciatica, scoliosis, osteoporosis, spinal inflammation, or even the presence of a cancerous tumor in the chest or spine area. Here are the most common causes of back pain:
1. Sciatica
The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and reaches all the way through the buttock and back of both legs. Sciatica can occur when a herniated disc (or bulging disc) compresses this nerve, resulting in sharp, piercing pain that shoots up along this route, causing painful blasts, weakness, numbness, and tingling.
2. Back strain
A back strain often occurs due to excess tension placed on any portion of the back (i.e., strained muscles, discs, tendons, or ligaments) that results in a spasm or injury. Common activities at the root of back injury include bending or moving too quickly, improper lifting of an object, or awkwardly lifting a too heavy object.
3. Scoliosis
Scoliosis is characterized as abnormal spinal curvature to one side, which can cause chronic back pain and breathing difficulties in severe cases. Scoliosis patients typically experience “C”- or “S”-shaped curvatures that may gradually increase over time.
4. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes bones to become porous and brittle in texture, which causes deterioration of the bones and vertebrae in the spine, and the likelihood of compression fractures.
5. Ruptured, slipped or bulging discs
Bulging, slipped, and ruptured discs can cause excessive compression or pressure on one of the spinal nerves, triggering discomfort, numbness, and shooting back pain. These disc issues usually occur due to an existing injury or weakness that can lead to disc protrusion through the outer ring of the spine.
6. Kidney issues
Although kidney issues and back pain seem like separate issues, the kidneys are located under the ribs and over the lower back, which means lower back pain can indicate the presence of kidney stones or a kidney infection (urinary tract infection).
7. Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis (a type of osteoarthritis) occurs spaces in the spine become narrow and excess pressure impacts the lower back, or any of the nerves that run along the spine. Spinal stenosis mostly causes pain, weakness, and tingling in the lower back, but can affect the neck, legs, and hips as well.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease, or more specifically a demyelinating disease, that damages the protective fatty layer (myelin) of the nerves located in the brain and spinal cord. It is this damage that creates the scars visible to the doctor through x-ray examination and creates the physical impairments suffered by MS patients.
Though the most telling signs that a patient is suffering from MS are determined by X-ray, there are several distinct physical symptoms to assist the diagnosis
1. Cognitive impairment
This issue of cognitive impairment in MS patients may manifest itself in the form of memory loss, inability to concentrate or maintain attention
2. Vision problems
MS patients often suffer blurry vision, double vision, or inability to control eye movement. This is due to optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic nerve, which is responsible for vision
3. Tingling and numbness
Many MS patients experience an inability to feel or move their limbs or an unexplained feeling of pins and needles throughout the body. This is often the earliest sign caused by nerve damage and experienced in areas such as the face, arms, or legs, and often on just one side of the body
4. Pains and spasms
Known as spasticity, MS patients may experience bouts of unexpected back pain and muscle spasms because of an imbalance in the electrical signals transmitted from the brain and spinal cord once nerve damage occurs. These mixed signals often result in uncontrolled muscle contractions and tense muscles
5. Difficulty walking
Due to frequent numbness and muscle spasms difficulty walking is a common symptom for a patient suffering from multiple sclerosis as the disease progresses
6. Bladder and bowel dysfunction
The damage to nerves creates an inability for the brain to communicate to other organs within the body. For the multiple sclerosis patient, this may translate into frequent bathroom visits or an inability to use the bathroom as often as the body should
The frequency of MS symptoms experienced may vary from patient to patient. For instance, it is possible for the patient to go for periods of time without any symptoms even though the damaged neurons are not healed. Because the damage is still present and attacks upon the body continue, symptoms may reoccur at any time. Doctors often prescribe a combination of relapsing MS treatment to curb the recurrence of MS symptoms, which can include medications, physical therapies, diet changes, counselor sessions to curb stress, and exercise and sleep support.
Multiple sclerosis creates an inability to manage the body. Acknowledging the early signs of MS through testing will assist the patient with gaining a sense of control. Once diagnosed the patient can then concentrate on managing the symptoms.
Myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells or ones that don’t work properly. The MDS life expectancy varies greatly from patient to patient, depending on several factors, including age, overall health, and how well the disease responds to treatment. One of the major complications of MDS is that it can cause anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of MDS to seek early treatment. Here are ten signs that may indicate the presence of this disease.
1. Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of MDS is fatigue. This is primarily due to anemia, which can make you feel tired and weak. If you’re feeling unusually fatigued, it might be worth discussing with your doctor.
2. Shortness of breath
Another sign of MDS can be shortness of breath, especially during physical activities. This symptom is also related to anemia, as your body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to a lack of red blood cells.
3. Frequent infections
MDS can cause your white blood cell count to drop, making you more susceptible to infections. If you find that you’re getting sick more often than usual, it could be a sign of MDS.
4. Easy bruising or bleeding
If you notice that you’re bruising easily or bleeding more than usual, it could be a sign of MDS. This is because MDS can affect your platelet count, which is responsible for blood clotting.
5. Skin paleness
Anemia, a common complication of MDS, can cause your skin to look paler than usual. This is due to the lack of red blood cells, which give your skin its color.
Now that we’ve covered the warning signs, let’s look at some FDA-approved treatments for MDS.
6. Blood transfusions
Blood transfusions are often used to treat anemia in people with MDS. This involves receiving healthy blood from a donor to increase your red blood cell count.
7. Medications
Several medications can be used to treat MDS, including growth factors to stimulate your body to make more blood cells, and immunosuppressive drugs to help your body accept these new cells.
8. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used to kill off abnormal cells in your bone marrow. This can help to slow the progression of MDS and alleviate some symptoms.
9. Stem cell transplant
A stem cell transplant involves replacing your diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow from a donor. This can potentially cure MDS, but it’s a complex procedure with significant risks.
10. Supportive care
Supportive care involves managing the symptoms of MDS, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. This can include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
In conclusion, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of MDS and seek treatment early. With the right care, it’s possible to manage this disease and maintain a good quality of life.
Life insurance is a critical safety net for many individuals, especially those over 50 or seniors who want to ensure their loved ones are financially secure after they’re gone. But it’s essential to understand that not all situations are covered by life insurance policies. Here are seven things that life insurance does not typically cover.
1. Fraudulent information
One of the key aspects insurance companies look at when underwriting a policy is the honesty of the information provided. If you have lied or omitted important information on your application, your insurer can deny your beneficiaries’ claim. Always be honest and thorough when applying for life insurance.
2. Suicide within the exclusion period
Most life insurance policies include a clause that excludes coverage for suicide within the first two years of the policy. This period may vary depending on the insurance company and the specific policy, but it’s a standard exclusion across the industry.
3. Death from risky activities
If you regularly engage in high-risk activities such as skydiving, mountain climbing, or extreme sports, your life insurance policy may not cover death resulting from these activities. It’s crucial to disclose these hobbies when applying for insurance, as failing to do so could result in a denied claim.
4. Death in a war zone
Many life insurance policies exclude coverage for death occurring in a war zone. If you are a military personnel or a civilian working in a conflict area, you may need to seek a special policy or rider to cover this risk.
5. Illegal activities
If the policyholder dies while committing an illegal activity, the life insurance claim will likely be denied. This can include anything from driving under the influence to participating in criminal activities.
6. Certain health conditions
While life insurance for over 50 and life insurance for seniors are generally available, certain health conditions may not be covered. This is especially true for policies with a graded death benefit, which only pays out the full benefit if the policyholder lives a certain number of years after purchasing the policy.
7. Acts of God
Some life insurance policies may not cover deaths caused by acts of God, such as natural disasters. However, this exclusion is less common than others and can vary significantly between insurance companies and policies.
Now that you know what life insurance typically does not cover, it’s important to find a reliable provider. Some of the top companies that provide life insurance include New York Life, MetLife, Prudential Financial, and State Farm. These companies offer a variety of policies, including term life, whole life, and universal life insurance.
Remember, life insurance is a crucial part of financial planning, especially for those over 50 or seniors. Make sure to thoroughly read and understand your policy, and don’t hesitate to ask your insurance agent or company any questions you may have. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your loved ones’ financial future.
Embarking on home improvement projects is a rewarding journey that can elevate your living space and enhance its functionality. From addressing water damage with companies that clean up water in the basement to upgrading roofing and gutters, and even considering Anderson window replacement, these hacks are designed to transform your home seamlessly. In this article, we explore seven ingenious home improvement hacks that will breathe new life into your living space.
1. Water damage prevention and cleanup
Companies that specialize in cleaning up water in the basement play a crucial role in preventing and addressing water damage. Protect your home from potential disasters by addressing leaks, floods, or excess moisture promptly. Investing in professional services ensures a thorough cleanup and mitigation of water-related issues, preserving the structural integrity of your home.
2. Roofing and gutters upgrade
Upgrading your roofing and gutters is a fundamental home improvement hack that protects your property from the elements. Consider durable roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal, or architectural tiles. Additionally, ensure your gutters are clean and well-maintained to prevent water damage and potential leaks. Regular inspections and prompt repairs contribute to the longevity of your roof and the overall health of your home.
3. Anderson window replacement
Enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency with Anderson window replacement. Anderson windows are renowned for their quality and durability. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows not only improves insulation but also adds a timeless and elegant touch to your interior and exterior spaces. The investment in high-quality windows pays off in energy savings and increased home value.
4. Creative storage solutions
Maximize your living space by incorporating creative storage solutions. Utilize under-the-stair storage, built-in shelving, or multifunctional furniture to optimize every square foot. These solutions not only declutter your home but also add a touch of innovation to your decor, making your living space both functional and stylish.
5. Smart home technology integration
Embrace the future of home living by integrating smart home technology. From smart thermostats and lighting to security systems, these technologies enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and security. Smart home devices can be easily controlled through mobile apps, providing remote access and customization options to suit your lifestyle.
6. DIY painting projects
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most transformative and cost-effective home improvement hacks. Whether it’s an accent wall, a room makeover, or refreshing exterior surfaces, painting projects can instantly breathe new life into your home. Experiment with different colors and finishes to create a personalized and updated look.
7. Energy-efficient lighting upgrades
Switching to energy-efficient lighting options is not only environmentally conscious but also financially savvy. Replace outdated incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL alternatives to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Additionally, consider installing motion sensor lights in outdoor areas for enhanced security and energy efficiency.
Embarking on home improvement projects is an exciting endeavor that allows you to tailor your living space to your preferences and needs. From addressing water damage with professional cleanup services to upgrading roofing and gutters, considering Anderson window replacement, and embracing creative storage solutions, these home improvement hacks offer practical and innovative ways to transform your home. Whether you’re looking to enhance aesthetics, increase energy efficiency, or optimize functionality, these hacks provide a roadmap for a more comfortable and stylish living environment.
