Link - Good Health Pharmacy

In a series of Body Analysis articles, Gina Hartoog will be working her way from the feet through to the head, looking at common ailments in each area and the treatment options available.

Backache plagues most of us at some point in our lives. It could be the direct result of a poor mattress, muscle strain or even osteoporosis. Your back may give you some trouble now and then but without it’s vital protective function, you wouldn’t be able to walk or move your upper body.

Your vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae and runs from your skull to your pelvis. It provides an attachment place for muscle and bones and supports your head and arms. Its other major function is to provide a protective housing for your spinal cord and its delicate network of nerves.

Your arm attaches to your shoulder blades at a ball-and-socket joint and the shoulder girdle, an incomplete bony ring, rests on your rib cage. This provides a point of attachment for the many muscles required to give the shoulders and arms their full range of movement.

Moles

Do you have moles on your back? Moles are small, dark brown spots than can occur anywhere on the body. Not all moles are malignant (cancerous) but some may be and it’s a serious form of cancer that can spread if left untreated. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in cells called melanocytes, the type of cells that moles are made up of.

It’s difficult for anyone without properly training to identify whether a mole is cancerous or not, so it’s important to have your spots properly assessed by a dermatologist. He or she will prepare a ‘mole map’ of your body and use it to assess moles for any changes at your yearly check-up.

It may not be necessary to remove every mole, but if the mole looks abnormal, or is irritated or bleeds because of constant friction with clothing, your doctor may suggest removal. If a melanoma is detected early, it can be cured.

MOLE CHECK
Ask your partner to check your moles against these warning signs. If you notice any of them, you must see a doctor immediately.
A - Asymmetry – is one side different to the other? Common moles are round and symmetrical.
B - Border irregularities – are the edges well defined or jagged? Common moles have even borders.
C- Colour changes – is the colour consistent or different tones? Common moles are usually a single shade of black or brown.
D- Diameter – moles should not be larger than 6mm in diameter.

Tennis elbow

Anyone can get ‘tennis elbow’, not just tennis players. Pain occurs on the outside of the elbow. The area just on or below the bone is often sensitive to the touch. Some suffers say that the pain radiates down into the wrist. Any movement on the arm or hand – gripping, lifting or carrying objects – may cause mild to severe pain. Ask your Link pharmacist for OTC anti-inflammatory tablets for temporary pain relief and possibly an elbow guard to wear for extra support. When the pain flares up, use an ice pack for a few days, to reduce inflammation in the area. This should be done three times per day for about 20 minutes.

The exact cause of tennis elbow isn’t known but it is probably related to small tears which occur in the ligaments and tendons that attach muscle to bone at the elbow. These need time to heal and could take as long as six weeks to several months to repair. Initially, you’ll have to try to rest the elbow as much as possible and avoid the movements that cause irritation and pain. See your doctor if the pain doesn’t subside in a few days or if the area looks swollen, as tennis elbow rarely causes swelling.

Carpal tunnel Syndrome

Is your wrist painful? Do you suffer from pins and needles, numbness or weakening in your hands? These may be symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel, formed by tissue and bones of your wrist, protects the median nerve and provides a pathway for it to run from the forearm into the hand. When ligaments, tendons or other tissues in the area, swell or become inflamed, they move into the carpal tunnel and press against the median nerve, causing pain, weakness or numbness in the wrist and hand. Symptoms are often a combination of factors that may be brought on by repetitive twisting hand movements (often associated with your job or a hobby), injury or fracture of the wrist, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism and even pregnancy. Symptoms may develop gradually or come on quickly. Pain may be worse at night but as the disorder progresses, tingling, numbness and even burning may be felt in the hand during the day.

If you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome, you must see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Don’t ignore symptoms with the hope that they will go away on their own. Permanent damage to median nerves and muscles of the hand and thumb can occur. Other underlying causes will be assessed by the doctor and addressed. You may be advised to wear a wrist splint to support your wrist and to take regularly rest periods. Some exercise can also be beneficial. Gently shake your hand and flex your fingers throughout the day, especially if you do repetitive hand movements. Ice packs bring relief during painful episodes. For short-term pain relief, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammory medications or suggest you see a physiotherapist.

5 Step First Aid for a Broken Collar Bone

The collar-bone, or clavicle, forms part of the shoulder girdle that connects the upper arm with the trunk. A fall to an outstretched hand, a direct blow to the bone or a fall on the shoulder may result in a fracture of the collar-bone. The patient may present with pain at the injury site and appear pale. In most cases the patient won’t want to move the injured limb, although unlike a broken arm, some outward movements of the arm may be still be possible. Swelling may or may not be seen at the fracture site. If you suspect a collar-bone fracture, here’s what to do:

1. Place the arm on the injured side across the patient’s chest with fingers resting on the opposite shoulder.
2. Place a thin wad of padding (a thin cushion, or folded hand towel) under the arm at the elbow on the injured side.
3. Use a large piece of square fabric to make an elevation swing. Fold the fabric into a triangle. Place one point under the fingers resting on shoulder. Gentle slip the arm into the fold of the triangle. Bring the second flap across the back and tie in place. Tuck ends in at the elbow.
4. You can give the patient an appropriate painkiller like paracetamol for the pain.
5. Once the patient is comfortable, get them to the closest emergency room for x-rays and treatment.

By Gina Hartoog. Information sourced from: The South African First Aid
Manual (Struik Publishers); CANSA -0800-226622 or www.cansa.org.za; www.medicinenet.com; www.orthopaedics.about.com; www.skincareguide.com