When should I start rehabilitation after a neck injury?

Posted May 18, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’m still recovering from a neck injury, but I’m scheduled to begin rehabilitation exercises with a physical therapist next week. How can I start rehab when I’m in so much pain?

DEAR READER: Although it may be hard to believe, without active exercises it is hard to relieve pain, restore function and reduce the risk of reinjury in your neck. If you’re still in too much pain to perform rehab exercises, your physical therapist can do some “passive pain-relieving interventions” to ease your pain and get you ready for active rehab. These techniques are not a substitute for necessary exercises. Instead, they make it easier for you to do them.

What are the health benefits of tai chi?

Posted February 20, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’m getting older and need to find a new way to keep fit. I’ve heard that tai chi might be a good option. Can you tell me more about it and its health benefits?

DEAR READER: Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion.” I think it could just as well be called MEDICATION in motion. This mind-body practice appears to help treat or prevent many health problems. Tai chi is a low-impact, slow-motion exercise. As you practice it, you move fluidly through a series of motions. The motions are named for animal actions such as “white crane spreads its wings,” or for martial arts moves.

Is acupuncture useful for treating pain?

Posted February 07, 2012

Treatment by acupuncture. The doctor uses needles for treatment of the patient.

DEAR DOCTOR K: A friend keeps telling me to try acupuncture for my low back pain. But I don’t understand how a bunch of needles will help. Can you explain how acupuncture works?

DEAR READER: Acupuncture is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine. The theory is that the body maintains a delicate balance of two opposing forces. Disease occurs when these forces are out of balance. This imbalance is believed to block the flow of vital energy. This energy regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance.

How can I prevent neck strain while sleeping?

Posted February 06, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: Most nights I fall asleep feeling fine. But I wake up in the morning with a literal pain in my neck. What can I do?

DEAR READER: Without even realizing it, you may be putting stress and strain on your neck muscles at night. But there are steps you can take to prevent neck pain, even as you sleep.

What is tennis elbow?

Posted February 01, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’m an avid tennis player. Unfortunately I’ve developed tennis elbow. What can I do to treat this problem? And how can I make sure it won’t return?

DEAR READER: “Tennis elbow” is one of the many minor maladies of man that have not been studied as seriously as they should be.

So what is tennis elbow? Let’s start with a little anatomy. Hold your right arm out in front of you, with the palm up. Now with your left hand, grab underneath your right elbow. The fingers of your left hand should feel a hard, bony, round bump on the outer part of your right elbow. That’s where the pain is, right?

What is heat therapy for arthritis?

Posted January 09, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have a lot of discomfort from osteoarthritis. A friend suggested heat therapy. What is heat therapy, and does it work?

DEAR READER: Yes, heat therapy can help relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Heat therapy is based on the idea that heat raises your pain threshold. That means that it takes more pain before you feel the same level of discomfort. Heat also relaxes muscles, and tense muscles are a common cause of pain. One of the best things about heat therapy is that you can do it yourself. You don’t necessarily need professional treatments.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Posted January 06, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: Please help — I have hemorrhoids. What’s the best way to treat them?

DEAR READER: Hemorrhoids are clusters of veins in the lowest part of the rectum and anus that become swollen and distended.

Do topical pain relievers work?

Posted December 21, 2011

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have chronic knee pain. Ibuprofen pills upset my stomach. Would pain relief creams be easier on my gut? And do they work?

DEAR READER: We often reach for pain relief pills when something hurts. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen are popular and effective pain relievers. However, they can cause stomach upset, ulcers and bleeding.

What are the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Posted December 13, 2011

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have carpal tunnel syndrome. My doctor wants me to consider surgery, but I’d like to learn about other treatment options first.

DEAR READER: In carpal tunnel syndrome, a nerve that leads from your neck down your arm to your hand becomes trapped, or pinched, in your wrist. The nerve passes through a little tunnel (the carpal tunnel) in the wrist. The tunnel is made of very tough tissue. Usually it is wide enough to allow the nerve to pass through it easily. But sometimes the tunnel gets narrowed and the nerve gets pinched. The classic symptoms are pain, weakness and tingling in the fingers. Often these symptoms occur at night and awaken you from sleep.

Several treatments can relieve hammertoe pain

Posted October 11, 2011

DEAR DOCTOR K: I am a 57-year-old woman with hammertoes, which can make walking or standing painful. The worst part is that I like to walk for exercise, so this problem is cutting into my health regimen. What’s the best way to deal with this problem?

DEAR READER: Ah, the toes. They’re a small part of our bodies, but crucial to keeping our balance and walking or running well. And as you now know, woes with your toes—and hammertoes are among the most common — can take away the simple pleasure of walking.

Pain Management