Understanding Concussion Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Posted on October 18, 2023 by adminmainstreet

Concussions, often referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), are more common than you might think, and they can have serious consequences if not properly recognized and managed. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of concussion symptoms, shedding light on what they are, how they manifest, and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when a blow to the head or a sudden jolt causes the brain to move within the skull. This movement can lead to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. It’s important to note that a concussion can occur without any loss of consciousness and may not always be immediately apparent.

Common Concussion Symptoms

  1. Headache: One of the most common symptoms is a persistent or severe headache. The pain may be dull, throbbing, or intense and can worsen with physical or mental activity.
  2. Confusion: Concussion can cause mental fog or confusion, making it difficult to concentrate, remember things, or think clearly.
  3. Memory Problems: Short-term memory lapses are a frequent symptom of concussions. You may have trouble recalling events immediately before or after the injury.
  4. Dizziness and Balance Issues: Individuals with concussions often experience dizziness and have difficulty maintaining balance. This can lead to unsteadiness and a risk of falling.
  5. Nausea and Vomiting: Upset stomach and vomiting can be linked to a concussion, especially in the hours following the injury.
  6. Sensitivity to Light and Noise: Concussion can heighten sensitivity to light (photophobia) and noise (phonophobia), making everyday stimuli seem more intense and uncomfortable.
  7. Fatigue: Many people with concussions report feeling extremely tired or fatigued, even after minimal physical or mental exertion.
  8. Mood Changes: Concussions can impact mood, leading to irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
  9. Sleep Disturbances: Both difficulty falling asleep and increased sleepiness are common after a concussion. Sleep patterns may be disrupted.
  10. Visual Disturbances: Some individuals experience blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty tracking objects with their eyes.

It’s important to note that concussion symptoms can vary from person to person and may not all appear at once. Some individuals may recover quickly, while others may have more prolonged symptoms.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you or someone you know experiences a head injury and exhibits any of the above symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.  A healthcare provider can assess the severity of the concussion and provide guidance on recovery, rest, and a safe return to normal activities. In some cases, additional imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI may be necessary to rule out more severe brain injuries.

Conclusion

Concussions are not to be taken lightly. Understanding the symptoms is the first step towards proper diagnosis and treatment. Early recognition and appropriate care are essential for a full and safe recovery. Remember that rest and gradual return to activities are key components of the healing process. If you suspect a concussion, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice to ensure the best possible outcome for your or your loved one’s brain health.

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Fall Yard Work: Tips to Prevent Back Pain

Posted on October 16, 2023 by adminmainstreet

As the leaves change colors and the air becomes crisp, many homeowners eagerly embrace the beauty of fall by tending to their yards. However, the joys of raking leaves, pruning trees, and preparing your garden for winter can quickly turn into backaches and discomfort if proper precautions aren’t taken. In this blog post, we’ll explore some essential fall yard work tips and techniques to help you prevent back pain and enjoy the season to the fullest.

  1. Warm-Up and Stretch

Just like any other physical activity, it’s essential to warm up your muscles before diving into fall yard work. Spend a few minutes doing light stretches and low-impact exercises to get your blood flowing. Focus on your back, legs, and arms to prepare them for the tasks ahead. Simple stretches like touching your toes or reaching for the sky can help prevent muscle strains.

  1. Use Proper Tools

Selecting the right tools for the job can make a significant difference in reducing the strain on your back. Invest in ergonomic tools with padded handles and adjustable heights to suit your specific needs. For instance, a rake with an adjustable handle can save you from bending over too much, while a wheelbarrow can help you transport heavy loads without straining your back.

  1. Lift with Care

When lifting heavy bags of leaves or other yard waste, always remember to bend at your knees and hips rather than your waist. Use your leg muscles to do the heavy lifting and keep the load close to your body. If an object is too heavy for you to handle on your own, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

  1. Take Breaks

Yard work can be physically demanding, so it’s crucial to pace yourself. Don’t push your body to its limits. Take short breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest, rehydrate, and stretch. Overexertion is a common cause of back pain and injuries, so listen to your body and avoid overdoing it.

  1. Maintain Proper Posture

Pay attention to your posture when performing yard work. Stand up straight and avoid hunching over or twisting your body awkwardly. When using a lawnmower, ensure that the handle is at a comfortable height, so you don’t have to stoop or lean excessively. Good posture is key to preventing back pain.

  1. Use a Cushioned Kneeling Pad

Kneeling on hard surfaces for extended periods can strain your back and knees. Invest in a quality cushioned kneeling pad or use a gardening stool with padding to provide comfort and reduce the strain on your lower back and joints.

  1. Prioritize Core Strength

A strong core can provide essential support for your back. Incorporate regular core-strengthening exercises into your fitness routine to help maintain a healthy, pain-free back. Planks, bridges, and leg raises are excellent exercises for building core strength.

  1. Be Mindful of Leaf Blowers

If you use a leaf blower, be cautious about the force it exerts on your back. Holding the blower at a proper angle and keeping your back straight can help reduce the risk of straining your back muscles. Ear protection is also crucial when operating loud equipment to prevent hearing damage.

Conclusion

Fall yard work is a satisfying and necessary part of maintaining your home, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. By following these tips and being mindful of your body’s limits, you can prevent back pain and enjoy the beauty of the season without any discomfort. Remember that it’s essential to listen to your body and prioritize safety, as a healthy back will allow you to appreciate the autumn season to its fullest.

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Exploring the Benefits of Custom Orthotics and Compression Stockings

Posted on October 13, 2023 by adminmainstreet

In the world of health and wellness, there are certain unsung heroes that play a vital role in enhancing our quality of life. Custom orthotics and compression stockings might not grab headlines, but their impact on our physical well-being is profound. These two unassuming tools have a powerful ability to alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance overall wellness. In this blog post, we delve into the benefits of custom orthotics and compression stockings, shedding light on why they deserve more attention.

Custom Orthotics: Finding Balance from the Ground Up

Custom orthotics, also known as orthotic insoles, are specially designed shoe inserts that cater to the unique contours of an individual’s feet. They are crafted to address various foot-related issues, offering tailored support that can make a significant difference in one’s daily life. Here are some of the remarkable benefits they offer:

 

  1. Pain Relief:Custom orthotics can provide relief from various foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and bunions. By aligning the feet properly, these insoles reduce pressure on specific areas, alleviating pain and discomfort.

 

  1. Improved Alignment: Poor foot alignment can lead to problems not only in the feet but also in the knees, hips, and even the spine. Custom orthotics promote proper alignment, preventing undue stress on other parts of the body.

 

  1. Enhanced Performance: For athletes, custom orthotics can enhance performance by providing better stability, shock absorption, and support during physical activities.

 

  1. Prevention of Injuries: By addressing biomechanical issues and improving gait, custom orthotics can prevent injuries caused by improper foot mechanics.

 

  1. Comfort and Mobility: These insoles are designed to fit snugly into a person’s shoes, ensuring maximum comfort and mobility. They can be particularly helpful for those who spend long hours on their feet.

 

Compression Stockings: A Squeeze of Wellness

Compression stockings are specialized hosiery garments designed to provide graduated pressure to the legs. They are commonly used to improve blood circulation, prevent venous disorders, and reduce swelling. The benefits of compression stockings extend beyond medical conditions and can positively impact various aspects of daily life:

  1. Circulation Enhancement: Compression stockings exert gentle pressure on the legs, promoting better blood flow. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from conditions like varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

 

  1. Edema Reduction: People who experience leg swelling due to prolonged periods of sitting or standing can find relief with compression stockings. The graduated pressure helps prevent fluid retention and reduces swelling.

 

  1. Post-Surgery Recovery: After surgeries, especially those involving the lower extremities, wearing compression stockings can aid in reducing the risk of blood clots and speed up the healing process.

 

  1. Travel Comfort: Long flights or car rides can lead to poor circulation and swollen legs. Compression stockings are an excellent travel companion as they mitigate these issues and make journeys more comfortable.

 

  1. Athletic Performance: Athletes can benefit from improved blood circulation during workouts, leading to better oxygen delivery to muscles and faster recovery times.

 

  1. Pregnancy Support: Pregnant women often experience swelling and discomfort in their legs due to increased pressure on blood vessels. Compression stockings can offer relief and help prevent varicose veins.

Conclusion

In the grand tapestry of health and wellness, custom orthotics and compression stockings may not be the most glamorous players, but their impact is undeniably significant. From providing relief to chronic pain, improving circulation, enhancing performance, and supporting post-surgery recovery, these tools are indispensable for people seeking enhanced comfort and overall well-being. Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance, an office worker battling foot pain, or someone looking to improve circulation, custom orthotics and compression stockings are there to silently guide you towards a more comfortable and active life.

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Pinched Nerves, Treatable Without Surgery?

Posted on April 14, 2023 by adminmainstreet

What Are Pinched Nerves?

  • A pinched nerve or nerve compression occurs when the surrounding tissue of a nerve, such as bones, muscles, tendons, etc. apply too much pressure on that nerve. Common cases of pinched nerves are herniated disks and carpal tunnel syndrome

What Are Some Symptoms?

Symptoms vary but generally, the following are experienced:

  • Sharp, aching or burning pain
  • Paresthesia
  • Muscle weakness (feeling like the area “fell asleep”)
  • Numbness
  • Decreased sensation

In most cases, as long as treatment is sought and completed, nerve compression is alleviated with no side effects. If not addressed, permanent nerve damage is a possibility.

What Causes Pinched Nerves?

  • Injury, arthritis, repetitive motion, specific activities (aka typing), obesity, some sports may lead to pinched nerves in the exercises muscles

What Are The Risk Factors?

  1. Sex

Women are at a higher risk of some nerve compression types, such as carpal tunnel due to having smaller carpal tunnels among other possible factors.

  1. Bone Spurs

Bone spurs lead to bone thickening, causing any opening where nerves to travel to become narrow, increasing the possibility of a nerve being compressed

  1. Health conditions

Some health conditions that are associated with inflammation such as arthritis and diabetes

  1. Excess weight gain (obesity and pregnancy)
  2. Prolonged bed rest
  3. Overuse

Treatment… Can Active Therapy Help?

In some cases, the pain is so extreme individuals may prefer surgery. Before anyone chooses that route, few things are recommended:

  • When diagnosed, the first option is to stop intense exercises or any activities that may aggravate the area further. Your family doctor may also recommend anti- inflammatory over the counter pain relievers to aid with the pain.
  • Heating and icing the area in small intervals over the course of that day will aid in relieving some of the symptoms and underlying inflammation. Steroidal injections are another option for the ongoing inflammation.
  • Physical therapy should be started shortly after as long as the exercises prescribed do not lead to a spike in pain intensity. Physical therapy will be started off as stretches and simple range of motion exercises, followed with strengthening exercises few weeks into your recovery.

The sooner individuals seek medical attention and start their suitable aid program, pinched nerves symptoms will start resolving within 6-12 weeks.  This is an estimated timeline as each body and injury differs. If the symptoms have not improved by then, individuals may have to discuss surgical options with their family doctors.

Future Tips for Prevention:

  1. Exercise: focus on strengthening and flexibility into daily life activities
  2. Lessen and control the frequency of cyclical activities
  3. Take breaks if activity nature is repetitive
  4. Good posture and positioning
  5. Maintain a healthy weight

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746#:~:text=A%20pinched%20nerve%20occurs%20when,many%20areas%20throughout%20the%20body.

https://www.newjerseyspinesurgeon.com/blog/why-is-physical-therapy-an-effective-treatment-method-for-a-pinched-nerve/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/treating-a-pinched-nerve

https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-long-does-pinched-nerve-last

 

By: Shahd Nabhan

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Tips for managing Your Low Back Pain

Posted on February 6, 2023 by adminmainstreet

Low Back Pain (LBP) is the most common complaint of all musculoskeletal problems, affecting up to approximately 80% of people throughout their lifetime. Low back pain can vary from mild to severe. It can be short-lived or long-lasting. However it happens, low back pain can make many everyday activities difficult to do.

  1. Quit Smoking
  • Smoking can slow down and interfere with the healing of bones, skin and other body tissues. As a result, recovery from a back injury can be slower or less complete.
  1. Positions and Activities to Help Manage Your Pain
  • Pain with Sitting: If your back hurts with sitting make sure to stand up or walk around at least once every 20 minutes. Choose a seat with good lower back support, arm rests and a swivel base. Consider placing a rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level (90 degrees).

  • Pain with Standing or Walking: If your back hurts with standing or walking make sure you sit down, round your back or perform pelvic tilts as needed to help alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, avoid wearing high heels.

LOWBACK CORE AND HIP STRENGTHENING

  1. Exercise Regularly – Get Active!
  • If your back hurts with sitting, bending and twisting….Regular low-impact aerobic activities such as walking (flat surface), aquafit and tai chi can increase your overall cardiovascular fitness while strengthening and increasing endurance in your back. This allows your muscles to function better.
  • If your back hurts with standing and walking….Regular low-impact aerobic activities such as cycling, swimming and tai chi can increase your overall cardiovascular fitness while strengthening and increasing endurance in your back. This allows your muscles to function better.
  • Regardless of what positions make your back hurt, core-strengthening exercises (abdominal and back exercises) such as planks, side planks, and bird dog exercises can help specifically condition your core muscles so that they work synergistically like a natural corset for your back.
  1. If your back is hurting, avoid lifting heavy objects or awkward objects. 
  • But if you must… let your legs do the work. Hold the weight close to your body and avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Ask for help if the object is heavy or awkward.
  1. Visit Dr. Tony Asaro and our Team at Main Street Health to confirm an accurate diagnosis, help determine a treatment regimen and get you back on track to eliminating your back pain and remaining active!

 

Dr. Asaro, Doctor of Chiropractic, who is on our Main Street Health team of health professionals, has 15 years of experience providing patient centric, quality chiropractic care with an emphasis on prevention, multidisciplinary rehabilitation and patient education.

A spine specialist, advanced practice practitioner for low back pain and sciatica working for a the hospital program at HHS with surgeons, pain specialists and family doctors through the Rapid Access Clinic for Low Back Pain.

He has extensive experience in working with patients with musculo-skeletal conditions and inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions and is highly trained at identifying the signs and symptoms of undiagnosed medical conditions

Posted in Lower Back Pain, Uncategorized | Leave a comment