Tag: pain

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

It’s commonly assumed that arthritis only affects the elderly, but this isn’t true. That’s why the month of July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, to bring attention to the condition that affects nearly 300,000 children and teens in the United States.

What is juvenile arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis (JA) is actually an umbrella term that encompasses multiple inflammatory and rheumatic diseases. Different factors can cause the synovium—the tissue lining the inside of joints—to become inflamed, and it’s considered to be juvenile arthritis when this occurs in children 16 or younger. JA also happens to be an autoimmune disease, which means that it involves the immune system (whose normal purpose is to attack foreign invaders) attacking healthy joint tissues instead.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

In some cases, children with JA experience no symptoms at all. In other cases, JA can cause joint stiffness, pain, swelling, or tenderness. Other symptoms can include limping, fatigue, blurred vision, rash, or persistent fever.

There is no specific test for diagnosing JA, so doctors typically make their diagnosis by eliminating other conditions that could lead to similar symptoms. Common tests that may be ordered include a complete blood count, x-rays, MRI scans, tests for viruses and Lyme disease, among others.

Treatment Options

With a combination of exercise, physical therapy, medications, and regular doctor visits, it’s possible to manage the symptoms of JA and slow its progression. Two of the most common classes of medications used to treat JA are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs (SAARDs). Newer and more effective drugs are also continuously being developed.

If you have any questions about JA, the Wellness & Stress Clinic is here for you. Please call the clinic at (901) 306-5433 to schedule an appointment. As always, stay healthy and stay safe!

–The Wellness & Stress Clinic Team

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Scoliosis Awareness Month

While scoliosis is probably an unfamiliar term to many, the condition is more common than you might think. Approximately 6 to 9 million Americans have been diagnosed with scoliosis— that’s about 1 in 40 people! In order to educate the public and encourage early detection and treatment, the month of June has been designated Scoliosis Awareness Month.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis simply means a sideways curve in the spine. This most often develops during the growth spurt right before puberty, and its severity can range from mild to disabling.

In addition to a visible curve in the back, scoliosis may cause the shoulders, hips, or waist to look uneven. It can also lead to back pain and stiffness, pain and numbness in the legs, and muscle fatigue.

Types of Scoliosis

About 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, which means that they have no known cause. Idiopathic scoliosis typically presents in children between 10 and 12 years old. However, there are other less common types of scoliosis as well.

Congenital scoliosis, for example, may be diagnosed as early as the time of birth. Scoliosis can also be neuromuscular in origin, arising from damaged muscles (as a result of conditions like spina bifida or cerebral palsy) that are unable to correctly support the spine. Lastly, degenerative scoliosis is a form of scoliosis that can sometimes develop in adulthood as a result of wear and tear on the spine.

Treatments & Pain Management

In mild cases of scoliosis, oftentimes no treatment is necessary. Many children with mild scoliosis can even grow out of it. In more serious cases, though, your doctor may suggest wearing a brace around your torso or getting surgery. Your doctor may also encourage exercise, chiropractic treatment, or other pain management techniques to help manage the symptoms of scoliosis.

If you have any questions about scoliosis, the Wellness & Stress Clinic is here to help. To schedule an appointment, please call the clinic at (901) 306-5433. And as always, stay healthy and stay safe!

–The Wellness & Stress Clinic Team

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