Category: Health

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Dental Guardians: Nurturing Oral Health through Routine and Preventative Measures

The health of your smile is a critical aspect of your overall well-being. Oral health problems can have far-reaching impacts on your mental, emotional, and physical health, leading to a host of issues including chronic pain and stress. This is why Torrance dentists embrace a holistic approach to dentistry, providing treatments that not only relieve pain and enhance aesthetics, but also nurture your oral health and well-being.

Effective oral health promotion has become more challenging than ever, as a result of growing demands on healthcare delivery systems. These challenges range from promoting healthy nutrition and oral hygiene among children to addressing the psychosocial aspects of orofacial pain disorders like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome and problematic alcohol use.

Fortunately, unique opportunities exist to study the implementation and sustainability of behavioral interventions in real-world dental care settings. These opportunities are provided by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs), which are made up of a diverse collection of private and community-based dental clinics. These networks serve as working laboratories for studying the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of new and emerging evidence-based practices in real-world clinical contexts.

However, it is important to note that these systems vary considerably in terms of business models, structure, and reimbursable services. As a consequence, they may be more or less amenable to adopting and sustaining innovations. Therefore, incorporating more detailed and comprehensive planning and longitudinal evaluation processes based on lessons learned from the field of implementation science in addiction treatment settings can greatly enhance PBRN researchers’ ability to translate and sustain innovations in their real-world dental care delivery settings.

For example, incorporating evaluations of the effectiveness of different approaches to behavior change in overcoming barriers to using innovations, and in developing methods for tracking influences to long-term sustainability of a given innovation, could be particularly useful. Other important contributions to this area would be research on the relative cost-effectiveness of various strategies for promoting and sustaining innovations in practice, as well as research that examines the ways in which business decisions about the use of new and existing interventions influence the success of their implementation.

Taking a proactive approach to oral health by establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine, implementing a tooth-friendly diet, and scheduling regular dental visits is the best way to ensure that your smile continues to be your most radiant asset. For more information about preventing oral health concerns, visit Karen Rosen dental clinic and set up your appointment today.

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Hip Relief Precision: Exploring Inflammation-Reducing Injections for Targeted Pain Management

Hip pain is one of the most common chronic painful conditions. It affects every movement you make, especially walking.

If hip pain persists despite rest, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and at-home heat or cold therapy, make an appointment with the best Los Angeles Hip Pain Relief doctor.

Some medications can be injected directly into the hip to reduce inflammation. This includes corticosteroid injections.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common injury from sports and repetitive activities. It is important to treat it promptly with rest, icing, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.

An expert musculoskeletal physician will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. He or she will look for tenderness, swelling and limited hip movement. Diagnostic imaging may be ordered, including X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If conservative treatment does not improve your pain, a doctor can recommend a cortisone injection to decrease inflammation. Your doctor may also use ultrasound or whirlpool treatments to relax muscles and tendons and improve circulation to promote healing. Surgical options include arthroscopic surgery that minimizes scarring and tissue trauma. When the recovery period is complete, a physical therapist can prescribe exercises to strengthen and stretch the affected hip muscles and improve range of motion.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that affects areas in and around joints. Joints are where bones meet such as your knee, and the ends of the bones are covered by cartilage that acts as a shock absorber to keep them from rubbing together and hurting you. Inside the joint is a slippery fluid and strong bands of tissue called ligaments and muscles help support the area and allow you to move.

If your hip has arthritis, it may feel warm and swollen to the touch. You may also experience pain and stiffness in the joint. The joint might also make a grinding or grating sound (crepitus), which is caused by bone surfaces rubbing against each other.

To diagnose hip arthritis, your doctor will check the area and move the joint through its normal range of motion. They will also look for swollen areas, tender spots and redness of the skin over the joint. They will likely order imaging tests like X-rays, CT scan or MRI to get a better picture of the joint and cartilage.

Strains

A hip muscle strain happens when a muscle or tendon (fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bone) is stretched too far. A strain can be mild or severe. A strain can also cause a ligament (bands of tissue that hold bones together at joints) to tear.

Most strains are caused by lifting something heavy, exercising without properly stretching or participating in sports that require repetitive movement. Repeated hip muscle strains can weaken your muscles and tendons over time, making the injury more severe.

Rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers can help treat your hip strain. Your doctor or health care professional can teach you gentle hip exercises to help strengthen the area and increase flexibility. An MRI may help your doctor determine the exact muscle or tendon affected and its severity.

Bursitis

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, muscles and skin around joints. Overuse and injury can irritate them, leading to pain and swelling. Bursitis is common in hips, shoulders, knees and elbows. It often affects adolescent athletes and people who perform repetitive motions in sports, work or daily activities.

Treatment includes resting the injured area. This might include avoiding activities that cause pain, using a cane or crutches, placing a splint on the joint, or taking over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.

Your doctor might also use an ultrasound or MRI to get images of the affected area and order lab tests to check for infection or gout as causes of bursitis. If nonsurgical treatments fail, surgery to drain and remove the inflamed bursa might be recommended.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections help to reduce inflammation and thus pain in the hip. They can be injected directly into a joint, a bursa (lubricating sacs between tendons and bones), or soft tissue.

Generally the hip is treated first with a combination of physiotherapy and rehabilitation but in some cases a steroid injection can be very helpful. For example, if a patient has hip osteoarthritis or trochanteric bursitis (pain from the outside of the hip) that does not respond to physiotherapy an injection can be very effective.

The doctor will clean the area around your hip and thigh and then use ultrasound or a type of X-ray called fluoroscopy to locate the appropriate site for the injection. A small needle is inserted into the hip and a mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory cortisone is injected. The injection procedure typically takes between thirty and sixty minutes.

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Beyond the Brush: Exploring Preventive Care Offered by Family Dentists

Visiting the dentist is often a regular part of many people’s lives, but it can be an anxiety-inducing experience for others. Whether the anxiety stems from fear of needles, drills, pain or the cost of dental services, it’s important to find a solution that is both effective and accessible.

Providing affordable and comprehensive preventive dental care is an essential part of a family dentist’s job. Whether they are delivering routine teeth cleanings, fillings, x-rays or oral cancer screenings, it is important that they are able to address these issues at their early stages when they are easier to treat and more cost-effective.

Aside from treating the symptomatic effects of decay and gum disease, family dentists offer preventive care to help their patients develop healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s brushing correctly or using a specialized toothbrush to target hard-to-reach spots, the simple act of regular brushing and flossing can significantly decrease the risk of future dental problems.

Brushing, flossing and having a well-balanced diet can also help prevent bad breath. When bad bacteria is left to build up, it can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, which can cause inflammation, swelling and bleeding of the gums and bone loss around the roots of your teeth, leading to tooth loss. Regular visits to the dentist along with proper at-home care can reduce your chances of developing gum disease, a condition that affects your overall health by increasing your risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Most dental problems can be prevented with good oral hygiene, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and regular visits to the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning and exam. In addition, most dental insurance plans cover these services so that there are few or no out-of-pocket costs.

For those who cannot afford or access dental care, the Affordable Care Act provides dental coverage to offset preventive dental costs. This includes annual teeth cleanings, oral exams and basic x-rays, as well as fluoride treatments for children.

The American Dental Association recommends that adults and children visit the dentist for a standard checkup and teeth cleaning twice a year to prevent dental diseases from developing. These routine appointments can identify oral health problems in their early stages, remove stubborn plaque, and polish away stain, restoring a beautiful smile while maintaining optimal oral health.

For those who do not have dental insurance, community health centers and local governments can provide low-cost or free dental care for residents in their communities. These programs are often supported by grants from the federal government and can be found in every state. In addition, private providers like family dentists can work with community organizations to provide dental care for underserved populations such as rural residents, Medicaid recipients and Native American tribes.

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A Gentle Approach: Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care For Pregnant Women

Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes dramatic changes. These changes can often cause a variety of pains and discomfort. Massage therapy can alleviate these common discomforts and support a healthy pregnancy.

In the past, studies have shown that pregnant women who receive massages on a regular basis have lower rates of miscarriage and prematurity than those that do not. This is attributed to the hormones that are released during a massage, which promote relaxation and decrease stress. When paired with exercise, massage can also help reduce the risk of low back and pelvic pain, as well as sciatic nerve pain.

Massage has also been found to help relieve nausea, vomiting and constipation that are commonly experienced during pregnancy. Massage can increase circulation, helping to eliminate the buildup of lactic acid that can lead to these uncomfortable symptoms. Additionally, massage can decrease the tension and anxiety that can be associated with pregnancy. In fact, a recent study published in the journal “Body Work and Movement Therapies” reported that pregnant women who received a weekly prenatal massage had a reduced rate of nausea and vomiting, as well as fewer incidences of heartburn and constipation.

During a typical pregnancy, the weight of a growing baby can shift the spine’s natural alignment and weaken the connective tissues. This can contribute to joint pain, stiffness and misalignment. Chiropractic adjustments can realign the spine, reduce muscular tension and improve joint mobility. Additionally, chiropractors trained in Webster technique can use specific manipulation and soft tissue release to align the pelvis in order to reduce soft tissue tightness that may be contributing to uterine torsion (a condition that leads to decreased uterine blood flow which is not good for the mother or the baby).

A common issue during pregnancy is edema, which is caused by the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the muscles of the hips, legs and feet. Chiropractors can reduce edema by using massage and specific spinal manipulation to flush the excess water. Additionally, a chiropractor can provide stretches and exercises that can be done at home to further reduce edema.

During a prenatal appointment, our chiropractors can assess each patient’s individual needs and determine the best course of treatment. They are certified in the Webster technique, trained in Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation and are also Certified Birthfit Professionals. They can recommend a variety of exercises and stretches to aid in improving posture, decreasing pain and supporting optimal fetal positioning. In addition, they can suggest modifications to your daily routine to help with digestion, sleep and support a healthier pregnancy. For more information on how you can benefit from prenatal massage and chiropractic care visit https://www.atlantachiropractor.net/.