0 What to do about Neck Pain

Almost everyone has neck pain at one time or another. It may be something as simple as waking up after sleeping with your head in an awkward position, or it could be due to an accident or injury. Here are some tips for dealing with neck pain.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain occurs when there is some type of problem with or injury to any of the sections of the neck. The neck is structurally complex and comprised of several parts. These neck structures include:

• Neck Bones – The neck is comprised of seven bones stacked all on top of each other. These bones are also part of the spine and are referred to as the “cervical vertebrae.” If these bones get worn down or get growths on them, called spurs, neck pain can occur.
• Ligaments – These are very strong tissues that connect the bones to one another. If the neck is moved too quickly or forcefully back and forth, it can damage these ligaments. This is the case when a person has whiplash due to a car acc > Discs – Between the bones all along the spine, and in the neck, are some special cushions, called discs. A muscle strain, tension or poor posture ca cause pain.
• Nerves – Down the middle of the spine is the spinal cord which essentially is a bundle of nerves. These nerves branch out from the spinal cord and reach out to all parts of the body.

What types of symptoms are associated with neck pain?

When there is pain in the neck, since it contains part of the spinal cord, it can cause a wide variety of symptoms. These include:

• Pain, tightness or stiffness that affects the neck, upper back, arms or shouders
• Headaches
• Weak neck muscles
• Limited mobility in the neck
• Pain when you turn or tilt the head
• Numbness (often described as having “pins and needles”) in the shoulders or arms
• Difficulty walking or moving your legs
• Losing control of the bladder or bowels

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0 What To Do If Someone Has A Seizure – First Aid Training

A seizure occurs when there is abnormal electrical activities in the brain. Seizures can make a person pass out, move oddly or behave in a strange manner. In most cases, seizures only last a few minutes, or even a few seconds. Epilepsy is a medical condition that causes a person to have seizures repeatedly. Just because a person has a seizure, doesn’t mean they have a diagnosis of epilepsy. Other problems like blood sugar levels that are lower than normal or an infection can cause a seizure. Anxiety and fainting spells can look like a little like a seizure, but they are not the same.

What are the common symptoms of seizures?

There are different types of seizures, and each can cause different symptoms. A person who has “grand mal” seizures may get very stiff and their body may jerk. Other types of seizures are not as dramatic. For example, some people will experience shaking in just one arm, or in just part of their face. Some may stop and stare off into space for a little bit.

Do I need to see a medical professional if I had a seizure?

If you have never had a seizure before, and you have one, it’s important to call 911. Let an ambulance take you to the hospital since a seizure can tell you there is something going wrong with your brain.

How will the doctor treat a seizure?

The doctor will choose a treatment for seizures depending on what the cause is. If it was caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help rid the body of the infection. If you are having repeated seizures because you have epilepsy, you may need an “anti-convulsant” or medication that helps control seizures. In some cases, several medications may be tried until finding one that works effectively. Seizures are often difficult to control. However, working with a medical professional you should be able to find a treatment option that works.

Most anti-seizure medications have side effects associated with their use. They might make a person clumsier, or feel tired. They may also cause other problems. If the side effects are bothersome, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. They will work with you to help you find another medication or a different dose that will cause fewer problems. For most people, the side effects are mild, but there can be a couple of rare side effects that can be serious.

• Anti-seizure medications can cause an increase in suicidal thoughts, or make a person want to kill themselves. If you are taking anti-seizure medications, and experience depression or think about harming yourself, talk to your doctor right away.
• In some people, anti-seizure medications can cause a serious skin rash. It’s a very slim chance this will occur, but it is a serious side effect. Talk to your prescribing physician immediately if you develop a new rash while taking anti-seizure medications.

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