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Fibromyalgia is a disorder which causes chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and presence of at least 11/18 trigger points. Trigger points are sensitive spots in muscles that produce local pain when pressed down on. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown- although it may have to do with changes to pain processing in the brain and a disturbance of the central nervous system’s response to pain.
Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disorder which causes chronic widespread pain that is at a greater duration or magnitude than normal for a traumatic event. CRPS often develops 4-6 months after an incident such as an injury, stroke, burn, surgery, local infection, or frostbite. The cause of CRPS is not well understood, however it seems to be a multifactorial process involving alterations of nerve and brain functioning.
To say that a shoulder joint is “Impinged” is a vague statement. Shoulder pain comes in many forms, but this blanket impingement term IS a way to start a conversation. Most shoulder pain deals with the issue of space, and structures that exist in a limited space. Specifically, bursa (fluid sacs), fibrous capsular tissue, muscles and their tendinous attachments to bone are tightly arranged in a small window that changes size with arm movement. When someone has pain in the shoulder, it’s important to discover which of these structures is limiting motion or making it painful.
We often refer to the rotator cuff when talking about shoulder injuries. Whether pain is caused by an anatomical spacing issue or due to poor posture/muscle weakness (more on this in the shoulder impingement article), the rotator cuff is addressed in most shoulder diagnoses. So what does this term mean exactly?
Have you felt pain or numbness in your elbow which then travels toward half of the ring and small finger in your hand? If so, you may have Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. This occurs when there is compression of the ulnar nerve within the cubital tunnel. The ulnar nerve travels down the medial side of the elbow and forearm branching off in the hand to half of the ring and small finger.
Feeling as if your hand is “asleep” is a common symptom in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome. The primary areas affected include the palmar side of the thumb, index, middle, and partial ring finger. Individuals who are deemed obese (BMI>29) are 250% more likely to develop CTS than those with a BMI<20. Similarly, people who have jobs performing repetitive motions have a higher chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Numbness and tingling may occur when pressure is increased in the carpal tunnel.
Inactivity is considered one of four major factors contributing to premature mortality. Research shows that regular structured physical activity can have many benefits including decreased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, diabetes (type 2), and some forms of cancer (e.g. colon and breast cancers).1 Regular structured exercise can also improve sense of well-being and lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.2,3,4 The American College of Sports Medicine has outlined the recommended dosages of Cardiovascular, Resistance, Flexibility, and Neuromotor (balance, coordination, agility, and gait) exercise.
It has been noted that falls account for an increase in mortality and mobility in the older adult. It has been said that approximately 30-40% of people >65 years of age fall at least 1 time a year.1,2 Medical costs for fatal and non-fatal falls accounts for $19 billion and $.2 billion dollars respectively.3 The following are factors which may contribute to an elevated fall risk: Continue Reading »
The idea that sitting can be harmful seems ridiculous at first thought. Sitting is a default human body posture, and when people work, socialize, study or travel, they often do so in a seated position. It’s second nature. However, that doesn’t mean sitting is harmless. It’s like eating — necessary, but harmful if you do too much of it. Unfortunately, sitting too much, is now at an all-time high. Over half of the average person’s day is spent sitting, doing things like driving, working at a desk or watching television. In fact, the typical office worker may spend up to a whopping 15 hours per day sitting. To battle this trend, standing desks are becoming increasingly more popular.
Nothing makes a day at the office more miserable than neck and back pain. However, a lot of us deal with it every day. Americans are spending $50 Billion dollars a year on lower back pain. Physical Therapy is an important part of recovery but also a standing desk can be part of the solution to some of that pain. First, let’s take a look at why we experience the pain we do while sitting, and then look at how a standing desk can help.