Pain Archive

Author and migraine sufferer Joan Didion once wrote, "That no one dies of migraine seems, to someone deep into an attack, an ambiguous blessing." At that time, migraines weren't something that could be prevented. Today, that's a possibility for some people who have severe migraines, frequent migraines (more than three or four times a month), or migraines that don't respond well to treatment.

The cornerstone of migraine prevention is managing triggers like stress or certain foods or strong perfumes. Alternative and complementary therapies (like acupuncture) help some migraine sufferers keep headaches at bay.

A simple x-ray may be a better and cheaper way to diagnose knee arthritis than an MRI, according to researchers. X-rays are also cheaper than MRIs and quicker to perform. 

Shoulder pain appears to be associated with risk factors for heart disease. Researchers found that people with the most heart disease risk factors, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, were almost five times more likely to also have shoulder trouble. 

When the risks of medication outweigh the benefits.

 Image: © iStock

Taking over-the-counter or prescription painkillers may seem like a simple solution for chronic pain. It's actually a bit more complicated, yet many older adults aren't aware of potential problems. "They think that if it doesn't require a prescription, it's safe. But there are some long-term health risks," says Dr. Edgar Ross, director of the Pain Management Center at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Here's what you should know about some commonly used pain relievers.

How to Make a Sling

How to Splint a Fracture

Unless the person is able to tell you to the contrary, assume that anyone with a back injury also has a neck injury.

Place a board, such as a door or table leaf, next to the person. The board should extend below the buttocks (ideally to the feet) and above the head. Keeping the head aligned with the rest of the body, gently logroll the person toward you. Move the board under the person and ease him or her onto it. If the person is vomiting, lay him or her on one side and continue to support the head.

Bell's Palsy

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• Do you have weakness or paralysis of the muscles in your face?
• Can you still raise your eyebrows?
• Can you close your eyelids?
• Have you had ear pain? If so, on which side?
• Are your eyes watery?
• Have you noticed any change in your sense of taste?
• Have you had problems hearing?
• Have you had problems chewing?
• Over what period of time did your symptoms develop?
• Have you had a recent upper respiratory tract infection (for example, a cold)?
• Could you have had a tick bite in the recent past?
• Do you have diabetes?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

• Neurological exam focusing on the strength of the facial muscles
• Examination of the ears, nose, and throat

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

• Blood tests for blood sugar and possibly Lyme disease
• Hearing test (if you report difficulty hearing)
• MRI computed tomography (CT) of the head (if your history and exam are concerning for a stroke or tumor)

While going to and from school many kids these days look like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Although it might not be quite so heavy, some kids actually do carry around a lot of weight in their backpacks. These heavy loads place stress on the spine and shoulders of children, causing muscle strain and fatigue. For some kids the aches and pains are bad enough to seek medical attention. Too much weight can also lead to bad habits such as poor posture and excessive slouching.

Unfortunately, doing homework and being prepared in class means carrying books back and forth between school and home. You can help your child lighten the load by teaching him or her organizational skills. By using folders for individual subjects your child can bring home just the work he needs for the day as opposed to lugging everything home. At school, encourage your child to take frequent trips in between classes to his or her locker to replace books.