General health, diet, exercise, and lifestyle are important, but the importance of the spinal structure is often forgotten. The spine, or backbone, is the body's central support structure that holds the body together, supports its weight, and protects the nervous system. It connects different parts of the musculoskeletal system to help sit, stand, walk, twist, and bend. When the spine… Read More
Lying down on the couch or bed when the lower leg seizes with intense sensations and pain that doesn’t stop, and the muscle could be hard to the touch. When trying to move the leg, it feels paralyzed. Nocturnal leg cramps, called muscle spasms or Charley horses, occur when one or more leg muscles tighten involuntarily. Individuals can be awake… Read More
Watermelon, one of the summer's main fruits, is low in calories and rich in water. It provides an excellent source of vitamins A and C and lycopene and is less acidic than citrus fruits and tomatoes. The whole fruit is edible. The watermelon can be used as frozen chunks for water or seltzer drinks, smoothies, salsas, and salads; the rind… Read More
Olympic athletes are so fit they make everything look easy. It is one of the most amazing examples of athletic prowess to behold. Attempting these feats of athleticism could lead to injury without proper training and conditioning. However, you can draw inspiration from these incredible skills and commitment to reach your fitness goals. Individuals can emulate the Olympic athlete's discipline… Read More
Introduction Back pain is a common problem that affects people worldwide, but many individuals are unaware of it until they experience constant back muscle aches. Back pain can impact the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine and can even lead to referred pain in the arms and legs. Repetitive movements, poor posture, prolonged sitting, and physical inactivity are common causes of back pain.… Read More
Individuals dealing with or managing chronic back pain should incorporate swimming exercises. Swimming is a low-impact aerobic conditioning exercise that's easy on the back and healthy for the spine. When an individual struggles with back problems, they may be tempted to rest and avoid physical activity/exercise. Total rest is not recommended as it can cause the muscles that support the… Read More
Introduction The neck is an extremely flexible part of the upper body that allows the head to move without causing pain or discomfort. It is part of the musculoskeletal system's cervical spinal region, which supports the spinal column and is surrounded by various muscles, tissues, and ligaments that protect the spinal cord. However, poor posture, spending too much time hunched over a computer,… Read More
When temperatures are elevated in summer, heat-induced and severe headaches like migraines are common during the hot months. However, a migraine caused by heat is not the same as a headache caused by heat, as the two have different symptoms. What they have in common is that they’re both triggered by the way hot weather affects the body. Understanding the… Read More
Upper and middle/mid-back pain and/or pain between the shoulder blades is common for individuals who spend long hours sitting or standing. Stress, tension, and repetitive movements can cause middle-back trigger points to develop. Symptoms occur anywhere from the neck's base to the bottom of the rib cage. Trigger point development and reoccurrence can contribute to chronic upper and middle back… Read More
Regular exercise and physical activity help with cardiovascular health, improved mood, better management of chronic conditions, and can help digestion. For individuals with any GI distress or inflammatory bowel disease that has caused digestive enzyme deficiencies, exercise, and physical movement have been found to provide digestive aid. Here we look at activities to help digestion. Exercises To Help Digestion When… Read More