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Q. Why do I experience pain that starts from neck and goes down to my hands with numbness in my fingers? A. The common causes of neck pain include abnormal biomechanics (inappropriate posture during daily activity), neck injury or overused neck muscles/joints. Discomfort can happen with or without neck pain, however, the nerve or the spinal cord around the neck joints are affected as well. Generally, all of these conditions start with or without neck pain and could be referred to as cervical spondylopathy. Cervical spondylopathy is a broad term used to describe degenerated changes of the joints and cartilage in the neck. Results of degenerated change usually include tearing of the cartilage, formation of bone spurs and thickening of joint ligaments. These changes can pinch the spinal nerves that extend out of the neck joint and cause a pain and numbness sensation radiating to the shoulder, hand and mid to upper back. In cases when the spinal cord is affected, patients could experience headaches, dizziness, visual disturbance and difficulty with balance. Signs and symptoms of cervical spondylopathy are usually seen in the elderly. People with the condition may be told they have arthritis. There is usually no inflammatory process involved as with arthritis, which is why cervical spondylopathy is often underdiagnosed. To manage pain and discomfort, acupuncture is generally used. Currently there are special needling approaches, like ear and head acupuncture, typically used to stimulate the central nervous system for pain control. –Dr. Jack Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition Network 623.972.8400
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April 2013 | azhealthandliving.com
Q. How can I control eye allergy symptoms?
A. One of the best things about living in Arizona is the weather. Unfortunately with our beautiful weather comes allergies. It seems that no matter what time of year, something is always blooming. With spring just around the corner allergies will increase greatly. Common signs and symptoms of allergies include red, swollen or itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing or sneezing, itchy nose mouth or throat and possible headache from sinus congestion. Allergies affect between 30 to 50 percent of people in the U.S. and of those about 75 percent have symptoms that affect the eyes. The most effective method is to control allergies is to avoid those things that cause your allergy symptoms. This is definitely easier said than done. If you can’t avoid the allergen then you need to try medications. Medications that can greatly alleviate the symptoms of eye allergies can be as simple as an over-the-counter eye wash to “rinse” the offending allergen away or may need to be a prescribed eye drop or oral medication.
Q. What are the benefits of a brow lift? A. If you are bothered by a sagging forehead or expression lines in the brow region, a brow lift may be right for you. A Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon can help you determine which of the following type of brow lift is right for your face. Minimally-invasive brow lift. Typically, the most evident sign of brow aging is descent and hooding of the outer third of the eyebrow. This exaggerates the wrinkling of the upper eyelid skin. The lateral brow (outer portion) usually descends more than the medial brow because that portion of the brow has no direct attachments to the forehead muscles or skull. This technique is used to lift the lateral portion of the eyebrow (up toward the temples). The procedure can be performed in-office and no IV sedation is required. When combined with an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), this technique is effective in preserving or restoring facial harmony. Full brow lift.
Itchy and watery eyes are a very common symptom of allergies but also a very common symptom of dry eye. It is important to know what is causing itchiness and watering as allergic eye conditions and dry eye are two very different problems with two very different treatments. It is important to get the proper diagnosis from your optometrist or ophthalmologist so that you can be properly treated and get the relief that you deserve.
This surgery is more comprehensive. It is designed to address the entire forehead and improves eyebrow position, forehead wrinkles, wrinkles high on the bridge of the nose and frown lines. Light IV sedation is required for this procedure. In this procedure, the whole forehead is mobilized. The muscles that produce the deep vertical wrinkles in the area between the eyebrows, (“the angry 11’s”) are partially removed. The result is a dramatic improvement and provides a freshened, revitalized look with a natural appearance.
–Dr. Baird The Village Eyecare 623.931.2943
–Drs. Pamela & Gael DeRouin Dermacare Cosmetic Surgery 602.680.5348