Pain, unfortunately, is a horrible necessity of life. It protects people by alerting them to things that might injure them. But some long-term pain has nothing to do with any obvious injury. One estimate suggests that one in six adults suffer from a “chronic pain” condition.
Steve McMahon, a pain researcher at King’s College, London, says that if skin is damaged — for instance with a hot iron — an area of sensitivity develops around the outside of the burn, where although untouched and undamaged by the iron, the behaviour of the nerve fibres is disrupted. As a result, heightened sensitivity and abnormal pain sensations occur in the surrounding skin. Chronic pain, he says, may similarly be caused not by damage to the body, but because weak pain signals become amplified.
This would also help explain why chronic pains such as lower-back pain and osteoarthritis fail to respond well to traditional pain therapies.
But now an entirely new kind of drug, called Tanezumab, has been developed. It is an antibody for a protein called nerve growth factor (NGF), which is vital for new nerve growth during development. NGF, it turns out, is also crucial in the regulation of the sensitisation of pain in chronic conditions.
Kenneth Verburg, one of the researchers involved in the development of Tanezumab at Pfizer, says it is not exactly clear what role NGF plays in normal physiology, but after an injury which involves tissue damage and inflammation, levels of NGF increase dramatically. The NGF seems to be involved in transmitting the pain signal. As a consequence, blocking NGF reduces chronic pain.
Tanezumab must still complete the final stages of clinical trials before it can become a weapon in the toolkit for reducing human suffering.
But unexpected pains do not always come from the body.
According to Irene Tracey, a pain researcher at the University of Oxford, how pain is experienced also depends upon a person’s state of mind. If successive patients suffer the same burn, the extent to which it hurts will depend on whether one is anxious, depressed, happy or distracted.
Such ideas are being explored with brain scans which suggest that even if a low level of pain is being sent to the brain, the signal can be turned up by the “mind” itself. Indeed, patients can even be tricked into feeling pain.
In one experiment volunteers were given a powerful analgesic and subjected to a painful stimulus — which, because of the analgesic, they could not feel. Then they were told the drug had worn off (although it had not), and subsequently complained that the stimulus hurt.
People can, therefore, feel pain simply because it is expected. They can fail to feel pain for exactly the same reasons, for example when they are given placebos or are distracted. But although pain may be subjective, that does not mean the final experience is controlled solely by the mind.
A recent paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shown that genes play a role in determining sensitivity to pain.
One gene, known as SCN9A, codes for a protein that allows the channels along which nerve signals are transmitted, to remain active for longer, and thus transmit more pain signals. It seems likely that this protein will attract a great deal more analgesic research. Variations in SCN9A may also explain why some patients prefer different classes of painkillers.
Although pain may be a horrible necessity, there is no doubt that humanity could cope with far less of the chronic sort. Understanding how the mind, the body and people’s genes interact to cause pain should bring more relief.
Childhood Behavioral Problems Linked To Chronic Pain In Adulthood
It is well-known that there is an association between childhood behavioral problems and psychological problems later in life such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder and the like. However, until recently, there has not been a clear link between childhood behavioral problems and chronic pain in adulthood.
In a recent study, British researchers analyzed data gathered from following over 20,000 children beginning in 1958. This group, or cohort, was periodically assessed at different times over the course of over 40 years (at the ages of 7, 11, 16, 42, and 45 years). Behavioral data was gathered by using standardized measures and questionnaires; specific behaviors such as restlessness, stealing, obedience, lying, and bullying (among others) were looked at.
The study revealed that there indeed seems to be a link between severe behavioral disturbances in childhood and chronic pain in adulthood. For instance, the risk of having chronic pain at age 45 doubled for those individuals whose teachers had reported severe "persistent" behavior problems at ages 7, 11, and 16 years.
The mechanism for this association is believed to possibly be something called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Basically the HPA axis is a signaling system between brain structures (hypothalamus and pituitary) and the body (adrenal gland).
The HPA axis is intimately tied in with both emotions and stress on the one hand, and physiological responses on the other. In other words, it is a major "bridge" between the mind and the body, and as such is a good preliminary candidate for the link between childhood behavioral patterns and chronic pain later in life.
It is possible that in children with severe behavioral problems, HPA axis function becomes disturbed early-on, leading to persistent physical problems later in life. It is important to note that this is a very preliminary conclusion; there may be much more going on here, and further research is certainly needed..
Source : http://blog.seattlepi.com/bodyandmind/archives/198276.asp
Early detection can help you save on health cost I
Prevention is better than cure, as they say. The growing health insurance segment bears this truism out, which is witnessing almost 100% claims ratio. Insurers say that some 16 out of every 100 policyholders register claims under the health policy every year. In other words, the cost of treating 16 policyholders is equal to the premium collected from 100.
Insurers have now discovered that they can make substantial money out of health insurance if they can prevent one out of 100 policyholders from falling ill. To this effect, they are now offering freebies like free health check-ups and discounts on gym memberships to policyholders.
The same financial logic applies to individuals as well. For instance, getting a cavity filled in early will help save several times the amount on a root canal treatment. Most ailments requiring surgery do not occur overnight, but build-up over a period of time and in many cases, can be detected early through regular checks. Doctors say, you almost save up to 50% on health costs with regular check-ups, exercise and balanced diet. The idea is to avoid severe health complications which could also take a toll on your biological as well as financial health.
Monitor BP and sugar levels
Blood pressure is a function of stress and anxiety rather than heredity. Such cases can be kept monitored through counselling, yoga and meditation instead of direct medication if the BP is not alarmingly high. “You can read the early signals such as a constant headache and body ache. Patients suffering from severe stress and hypertension should get their BP checked at least once every week.
Otherwise, once a month check-up would suffice,” explains Dr T Samuel, a senior medical practitioner. BP test can be done for as low Rs 50 with a general physician. Diabetes is a function of heredity, hence it is better to monitor your sugar levels twice a year if any of the parents or grand parents are diabetic.
Exercise and side-effects
Join a gym, shake a leg to some music or just go for a brisk walk in the neighbourhood park for half an hour everyday. There are a plethora of exercise options. First, it will help you destress, thereby keeping tabs on your BP. It helps production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. It helps you lose weight and maintain an ideal BMI (body mass index) and promote better sleep, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
A cervical or a lower back pain doesn’t sound new to most working professionals who spend 90% of their time sitting in front of the computer. “Just taking a walk every half an hour in the office may sound like a breezy suggestion. But it helps you break the monotonous posture. This combined with regular exercise, good posture and stretches should help the pain ease up,” explains Dr KS Ramakrishnan, a Mumbai–based senior physiotherapist.
Check your oral hygiene
You don’t have to walk to your dentist only when you develop a cavity or for a root canal. It could be for flossing, threading, crowding of teeth or just a gum check. If your gums hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you experience a persistent bad breath, you should visit a dentist. These could be early signs for persistent dental problems.
Insurers have now discovered that they can make substantial money out of health insurance if they can prevent one out of 100 policyholders from falling ill. To this effect, they are now offering freebies like free health check-ups and discounts on gym memberships to policyholders.
The same financial logic applies to individuals as well. For instance, getting a cavity filled in early will help save several times the amount on a root canal treatment. Most ailments requiring surgery do not occur overnight, but build-up over a period of time and in many cases, can be detected early through regular checks. Doctors say, you almost save up to 50% on health costs with regular check-ups, exercise and balanced diet. The idea is to avoid severe health complications which could also take a toll on your biological as well as financial health.
Monitor BP and sugar levels
Blood pressure is a function of stress and anxiety rather than heredity. Such cases can be kept monitored through counselling, yoga and meditation instead of direct medication if the BP is not alarmingly high. “You can read the early signals such as a constant headache and body ache. Patients suffering from severe stress and hypertension should get their BP checked at least once every week.
Otherwise, once a month check-up would suffice,” explains Dr T Samuel, a senior medical practitioner. BP test can be done for as low Rs 50 with a general physician. Diabetes is a function of heredity, hence it is better to monitor your sugar levels twice a year if any of the parents or grand parents are diabetic.
Exercise and side-effects
Join a gym, shake a leg to some music or just go for a brisk walk in the neighbourhood park for half an hour everyday. There are a plethora of exercise options. First, it will help you destress, thereby keeping tabs on your BP. It helps production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. It helps you lose weight and maintain an ideal BMI (body mass index) and promote better sleep, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
A cervical or a lower back pain doesn’t sound new to most working professionals who spend 90% of their time sitting in front of the computer. “Just taking a walk every half an hour in the office may sound like a breezy suggestion. But it helps you break the monotonous posture. This combined with regular exercise, good posture and stretches should help the pain ease up,” explains Dr KS Ramakrishnan, a Mumbai–based senior physiotherapist.
Check your oral hygiene
You don’t have to walk to your dentist only when you develop a cavity or for a root canal. It could be for flossing, threading, crowding of teeth or just a gum check. If your gums hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you experience a persistent bad breath, you should visit a dentist. These could be early signs for persistent dental problems.
Natural Treatments & Home Remedies ( Session-2 )
Honey-lemon Tea
If you’re in a job which requires you to talk almost all day, then you might often experience sore throats.
This could also be a sign of the common colds or a flu coming on – and you can counteract the pain on your throat by gargling with warm salt water.
Then, follow it up with a cup of hot honey-lemon tea and you’ll feel better in no time at all.
Honey, Mustard, Potato
No, this is not a recipe for a salad – they are actually the natural first-aids which you can use to treat a burn.
Don’t subscribe to the myth that rubbing toothpaste on the burnt area will help heal the burn.
Sure, it may feel cool and soothing to your skin but it is not actually doing anything to help heal your burnt skin.
What you can use instead is honey which has antibacterial properties; a slice of raw potato whose juices will soothe the burn; or mustard which can also double up as a burn salve.
Finally, Aloe Vera gel is also a great natural treatment for burns, which you can apply after rinsing the affected area with cold water.
Chamomile Tea
If you have digestive problems, down a cup or two of chamomile tea.
What the herb in the tea does is to relax the spasms in your stomach.
Tart Cherry Juice
One of the most common pains that most people immediately treat with medication is muscle pains.
Let’s say that you just came from a workout and you feel drained, and it seems as if every muscle in your body is aching.
For this, you can depend on the natural treatment of drinking a bottle of tart cherry juice. This helps the sore muscles on your body recover, and it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric
If you are experiencing arthritis or joint injuries, the Indian spice turmeric will work wonders for you.
All you need to do is include a couple of tablespoons of turmeric or yellow curries while cooking meat or any curry dish – and you will generally feel better afterward.
With these top 10 natural remedies for the most common aches, pains and health complaints, you will feel better afterwards – and you would not have to go through any side effects at all.
If you’re in a job which requires you to talk almost all day, then you might often experience sore throats.
This could also be a sign of the common colds or a flu coming on – and you can counteract the pain on your throat by gargling with warm salt water.
Then, follow it up with a cup of hot honey-lemon tea and you’ll feel better in no time at all.
Honey, Mustard, Potato
No, this is not a recipe for a salad – they are actually the natural first-aids which you can use to treat a burn.
Don’t subscribe to the myth that rubbing toothpaste on the burnt area will help heal the burn.
Sure, it may feel cool and soothing to your skin but it is not actually doing anything to help heal your burnt skin.
What you can use instead is honey which has antibacterial properties; a slice of raw potato whose juices will soothe the burn; or mustard which can also double up as a burn salve.
Finally, Aloe Vera gel is also a great natural treatment for burns, which you can apply after rinsing the affected area with cold water.
Chamomile Tea
If you have digestive problems, down a cup or two of chamomile tea.
What the herb in the tea does is to relax the spasms in your stomach.
Tart Cherry Juice
One of the most common pains that most people immediately treat with medication is muscle pains.
Let’s say that you just came from a workout and you feel drained, and it seems as if every muscle in your body is aching.
For this, you can depend on the natural treatment of drinking a bottle of tart cherry juice. This helps the sore muscles on your body recover, and it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric
If you are experiencing arthritis or joint injuries, the Indian spice turmeric will work wonders for you.
All you need to do is include a couple of tablespoons of turmeric or yellow curries while cooking meat or any curry dish – and you will generally feel better afterward.
With these top 10 natural remedies for the most common aches, pains and health complaints, you will feel better afterwards – and you would not have to go through any side effects at all.
Natural Treatments & Home Remedies ( Session-1 )
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may be a staple ingredient in most kitchens, but did you know that this is a great natural remedy for heartburn?
If you are experiencing heartburn, it could be due to overeating, stress, indulging on too much spicy food or having too many trips to the refrigerator to steal a snack or two at midnight.
Rather than taking your typical dose of antacids, you can down a spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar.
What this does is to break down the excess foods that you have consumed and restore the normal balance in your stomach.
2. Natural Oils
If you feel a headache coming on, try rubbing lavender or peppermint oil on your temple.
You can also apply the soothing natural medication on your neck – and sniffing its aroma may actually lessen the pain that you are feeling – as indicated in science of aromatherapy.
Another type of natural oil that you can use to treat toothaches is clove oil. That shooting pain on your gum is no fun at all and while you are waiting for your dentist to address the problem, place a couple of drops of clove oil on your tooth and gum.
Another alternative is to bite on a crushed garlic clove, which has antibacterial properties.
3. Green Tea
Yet another natural treatment that you can use as a substitute for antihistamines is green tea.
When you have this habit of reaching for the really strong prescription medications like antihistamines the minute that even the mildest of allergies attack – it will actually cause your body’s immune system to get weak.
As such, it pays to go for natural and body-friendly treatments like green tea. Down two to three cups of this soothing beverage when you have an allergy attack and wait for this natural wonder to work.
In addition to being a natural antihistamine, green tea also has the following benefits to your health:
Lowers the blood pressure and prevents hypertension.
Provides protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Protects against certain types of cancer.
Speeds up the body’s recovery after a heart attack.
Thins the blood and helps prevent blood clotting.
4. Cayenne Pepper
Although cayenne pepper puts the sizzle and spice in most foods, it can be actually soothing when used as a natural remedy for cuts.
Aside from stopping the bleeding immediately, sprinkling cayenne pepper on the affected area will actually ease the pain.
5. Flaxseed
Women who are experiencing discomfort due to undergoing the menopausal stage will be glad to know that there is a natural remedy for it: flaxseed.
Hot flashes are a particularly common problem for menopausal women and flaxseed can effectively prevent this.
All you need to do is mix about 1.4 ounces of ground flaxseed into the foods that you are eating and it will relieve menopausal symptoms as effectively as prescription medications.
Apple cider vinegar may be a staple ingredient in most kitchens, but did you know that this is a great natural remedy for heartburn?
If you are experiencing heartburn, it could be due to overeating, stress, indulging on too much spicy food or having too many trips to the refrigerator to steal a snack or two at midnight.
Rather than taking your typical dose of antacids, you can down a spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar.
What this does is to break down the excess foods that you have consumed and restore the normal balance in your stomach.
2. Natural Oils
If you feel a headache coming on, try rubbing lavender or peppermint oil on your temple.
You can also apply the soothing natural medication on your neck – and sniffing its aroma may actually lessen the pain that you are feeling – as indicated in science of aromatherapy.
Another type of natural oil that you can use to treat toothaches is clove oil. That shooting pain on your gum is no fun at all and while you are waiting for your dentist to address the problem, place a couple of drops of clove oil on your tooth and gum.
Another alternative is to bite on a crushed garlic clove, which has antibacterial properties.
3. Green Tea
Yet another natural treatment that you can use as a substitute for antihistamines is green tea.
When you have this habit of reaching for the really strong prescription medications like antihistamines the minute that even the mildest of allergies attack – it will actually cause your body’s immune system to get weak.
As such, it pays to go for natural and body-friendly treatments like green tea. Down two to three cups of this soothing beverage when you have an allergy attack and wait for this natural wonder to work.
In addition to being a natural antihistamine, green tea also has the following benefits to your health:
Lowers the blood pressure and prevents hypertension.
Provides protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Protects against certain types of cancer.
Speeds up the body’s recovery after a heart attack.
Thins the blood and helps prevent blood clotting.
4. Cayenne Pepper
Although cayenne pepper puts the sizzle and spice in most foods, it can be actually soothing when used as a natural remedy for cuts.
Aside from stopping the bleeding immediately, sprinkling cayenne pepper on the affected area will actually ease the pain.
5. Flaxseed
Women who are experiencing discomfort due to undergoing the menopausal stage will be glad to know that there is a natural remedy for it: flaxseed.
Hot flashes are a particularly common problem for menopausal women and flaxseed can effectively prevent this.
All you need to do is mix about 1.4 ounces of ground flaxseed into the foods that you are eating and it will relieve menopausal symptoms as effectively as prescription medications.
