Aches and pains are almost inevitable no matter how hard you try to stay healthy. Pain can be caused due to a lot of conditions and even diseases. Moreover, it can be mild or can go on to be really troublesome. Thankfully, there are a variety of pain relievers available in the market today. These pain relievers can help you get through the pain and you can get on with your daily activities. Whether it is your back that is bothering you or a headache, painkillers always provide the much needed temporary relief.

TYLENOL® Extra Strength Caplets
This is the best pain reliever that you should have at all times. While this pain reliever comes in different formats and formulas, these tablets are highly recommended by the best doctors and are tried and tested. This tablet is specially made to treat pains as well as minor aches. However, if you have pain that is associated with swelling, then Tylenol is perhaps not the best option. You can go for this option when you are dealing with backaches, headaches and the like.

Aleve Caplets
If you are facing back pain, then Aleve is a great choice as it is considered one of the best pain relievers. It targets inflammation that often contributes to back pain. The medicine is perfect for back pain associated with arthritis. Just by taking one caplet, you can get rid of pain for 12 hours. It contains naproxen sodium that is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and is indeed a powerful pain reliever. The drawback of Aleve Caplets is that they can cause stomach irritation in some people. Before consuming the caplets, you should carefully read the instructions and also consult your doctor. It is also very effective if you are facing toothache or menstrual cramps.

Excedrin® Extra Strength Caplets
According to a lot of customer surveys, nothing provides relief for a headache like the Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets. It has a high amount of coffee that tremendously helps with headaches and within the time span of 15 minutes, you can experience relief. So if you are suffering from headaches, then Excedrin is one of the best pain relievers out there. Be careful while taking it at night as it can potentially interfere with your sleep.

Pamprin® Maximum Strength
Periods can be really painful, and if you have an important task or a meeting on the same day, then painkillers provide the needed relief. Pamprin is really effective in dealing with the side effects of periods such as headaches, irritability, and cramps. It also helps with water retention and all the weight gain that happens due to it. Thus, if you are looking for pills for periods, then Pamprin is among the best pain relievers. Women have reported that this is indeed very helpful and say that they always carry one strip with them at all times.

Advil® Liqui-Gels®
Exercise is excellent for our health and is very crucial for the overall well being of the body. However, it can also cause muscle pain and when you feel as if you cannot take it anymore, then Advil can come in handy. It is known to help with not only the pain and headache but also inflammation. Loyal customers always buy Advil as it is proven for providing relief from pain. The liquid gels are very easy to swallow which is why people prefer them. Apart from helping with muscle aches, the liquid gel pain reliever also helps fevers and headaches.

Biofreeze Classic Pain Relief Gel
If you are suffering from arthritis, then having Biofreeze by the side will always be a good idea. It has a gel formula that is very easy to apply wherever you are feeling the pain. Whether the joint pain is due to weather, age, or due to any rigorous movement, you are sure to get pain relief. It is perfect for providing temporary relief and you do not have to go for prescribed medicines. You may also get it in a spray formula as it will be very easy to apply.

Excedrin® Migraine Geltabs
When it comes to migraines, Excedrin Migraine gel tabs are the best pain relievers. For most of the migraine cases, you might need a prescription, but Excedrin is a pill that you can get over the counter. Moreover, it can also help with sensitivity to light and sound as well as nausea. These symptoms are usually associated with migraines. It works quickly and taking the pills will provide you with instant relief.

Thus, the above-mentioned products are the best pain relievers available in the country. Whether it is menstrual cramps that you are experiencing or a headache, these medicines will help a lot in relieving the pain.

Pain management doctors are physicians who specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating each type of pain. These doctors, because of their advanced training, treat almost every type of pain, from acute pain in the legs to pain related to cancer. They are also well versed with treating chronic pain lasting for three months or more. Chronic pain is not easy to diagnose and the patients suffering from chronic pain need one or more than one therapies for the treatment of chronic pain. Sometimes, it takes months, or even years, for the treatment to show results, and the patients need to take care throughout their lives.

There are various types of pain that a pain management doctor treats, such as those listed here:

• Nerve pain
• Hip pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Knee pain
• Lower back pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Head pain and migraines
• Complex regional pain syndrome

What is the role of pain management doctors?
For treating the pain of a patient, every doctor has to go through various steps in the treatment procedure. These are as follows:

Diagnose the cause of the pain: This is the first step in the treatment process that diagnoses the exact cause of the pain and the conditions that lead to it. It is not easy to diagnose the reason behind the pain. Pain in the lower back may arise due to many conditions. For example, the musculoskeletal nature of pain can be attributed to long hours of sitting on the working desk or exercising in excess. In this pain, your forward-leaning head puts pressure on the neck, and this causes pain in the bottom of the back. Lower back pain may occur due to spinal stenosis and may relate to sciatica. In addition to that, it may also occur due to arthritis and degenerative disc disease.
Discussion about the potential of therapies: Pain management doctors may further conduct trials on the patients whose pain is not treated by any previous therapies. If the pain is diagnosed by the doctor, they check the available therapies for the patient’s condition and apply the one that is best suited for the condition. Experienced pain doctors use pharmaceutical treatment with complementary therapies for pain relief. In the case of some patients, complementary therapies decrease the number of medications required. There are various complementary therapies, which are as follows:

• Weight loss
• Yoga
• Exercise
• Diet changes
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Chiropractic care
• Meditation
• Acupuncture

Medication may include the following:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Opioids
• Muscle relaxers
• Antidepressants

Coordinates care between multiple professionals: Pain management doctors set a plan for the management of pain. It is the third step of the treatment. Once the pain management doctor finds the best therapy for the condition of the patient, they start coordinating with the vast network of healthcare professionals for the care of the patient. Apart from relying on medical care, the patient should also play an active part in taking care of their health. The advice and suggestions given by the doctor should be duly followed.
Interventional treatment: It is the fourth step of the treatment process in which if a patient wants interventional treatment, the doctors are ready to perform the task. This treatment includes neuromodulation and steroid injections. A trained and professional pain management doctor combines interventional treatment with complementary therapies. Doing so helps in increasing the health outcomes and decreasing any side effects that may arise.
Continue the ongoing care for mental and physical concerns: Sometimes, pain management doctors are not able to provide full relief to the patient because if someone is suffering from chronic pain, there is a need for continuous treatment. This, in turn, might put mental and physical stress on the patient. Thus, the role of the doctor is not only to treat the symptoms but also to ensure that the patient is mentally and physically fit to take the treatment.

When should you visit a pain management doctor?
You should visit a pain management doctor as soon as possible if the symptoms listed below are seen:

• If the pain is limiting the number of activities you can take on
• If you haven’t found relief after trying natural therapies at home
• Your family doctor hasn’t been able to detect the cause of your pain
• If the pain has lasted for more than 3 months

Your doctor will focus on diagnosing the main cause of your pain during your first visit. Hence, you should carry along the following things:

A pain journal that details your triggers, symptoms, and pain intensity over a given phase

• An X-ray, treatment history, or MRI scan reports
• A list of any medications you’re currently taking
• Your insurance details
• Any details about what makes your pain better or worse
• Explain precisely how you’re feeling and what you’ve tried. Good pain management doctors will always pay attention to your concerns.

By following a healthy balanced diet, your hair can become stronger and shinier. Consumption of the right kind of food can also prevent the loss of hair. If a person does not get certain nutrients through their diet, they may see the consequences result in hair loss and hair thinning.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids assure nourishment to the entire head, including the hair shaft as well as the membranes of the cell in one’s scalp. Nourishment of the follicles promotes healthy growth of the hair. It also adds elasticity to the person’s hair which prevents the hair from breaking. Some of the sources of omega-3 fatty acids are grapeseed oil, Brussels sprouts, kale, tuna, salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds.

Zinc
Zinc helps in keeping one’s hair and scalp healthy by boosting the tissue repair and growth. It also helps in the regulation of hormones that include testosterone in the men’s body, and enabling the production of glands that secrete oil on the scalp helping the hair to grow. Higher levels of testosterone are associated with the loss of hair. So, one requires only 11 milligrams of zinc per day. The best sources of obtaining zinc are roast beef, veal liver, beef, oysters, wheat germ, and chickpeas.

Protein
If the hair does not receive adequate amounts of protein, there is a possibility of the person developing bald spots on their head. Also, if a person eats very little amount of protein, the hair will start graying. Therefore, one must follow a diet that has naturally high-quality protein. Foods with good amounts of protein are turkey, chicken, tofu, lentils, peas, beans, peanuts, kale, egg yolk, and Greek yogurt.

Iron
Iron helps in delivering blood to every cell of the human body. If the iron levels in the body are low, the blood will not transport sufficient amounts of oxygen to the scalp for healthy growth of hair. Several individuals have clearly shown a relation between the increase in the growth of hair and the treatment for anemia. One needs to eat oysters, mussels, clams, egg yolks, turkey, red meats, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables in order to provide the body the iron that it requires.

Vitamins
Vitamin A and C contribute to the sebum production. Sebum is the oily component release by the hair follicles. It is a natural hair conditioner that prevents the hair from breaking off. Additionally, consumption of vitamin C will increase the levels of iron. One needs to consume pumpkin, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, and swiss chards to obtain these essential nutrients.

Magnesium

Over 300 biochemical reactions in the body need magnesium one of which is the growth of hair. Therefore, there is a correlation between the deficiency of magnesium and the loss of hair. One needs to be eating halibut, brown rice, lentils, cashews, spinach, and almonds for the intake of magnesium.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder. The condition results in acute abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, as well as changes in the patterns of one’s bowel movement. IBS with constipation is one of the most common scenarios that can greatly affect your quality of life. According to a study, the IBS affects more than 10% of the population in the country.

The reason for the occurrence of IBS is unknown, which is why there is no specific cure for the condition. However, certain kinds of food items, stress, and hormonal changes are known to flare up the symptoms of this disease. Understanding these symptoms and following some basic steps that ease IBS can help to manage the condition in an effective way. Here are some ways to manage IBS.

Making dietary changes
Simple changes in the diet can help to relieve the troublesome symptoms of IBS. There is no specific diet for the same as some foods may cause IBS symptoms in one person whereas, on the other, they may not.

Eliminating certain foods
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disease, certain items have shown to trigger the IBS symptoms:

• Dairy products
• High-fat products
• Caffeine
• Alcoholic drinks
• Broccoli, beans, and cabbage
• Drinks containing artificial sweeteners
• Chocolate and nuts

Increasing dietary fiber
Increasing your fiber intake is especially helpful in alleviating the symptoms of IBS with constipation. Doctors suggest consuming 22 to 34 grams of fiber each day. There are plenty of food items that are rich in fiber such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, etc.

It is important to note that fiber should be added gradually to the diet, little by little. For instance, 2 to 3 grams should be added each day. Adding too much fiber in one go can cause bloating and gas, and further, aggravate the IBS symptoms.

Taking probiotics
Often called the “good bacteria”, probiotics are considered beneficial for the digestive system as they restore the gut flora. These days, probiotic supplements are easily available in grocery stores, health food stores, and pharmacies. Also, including probiotic-rich food in the daily diet helps a great deal, for example, yogurt, kefir, cultured vegetables etc.

Indulge in a physical activity
Exercise is an effective way to decrease the severity of the symptoms of IBS. Exercise stimulates normal muscle contractions and brings down stress. Performing 20-30 minutes of exercise five times a week can greatly reduce abdominal pain and ease stool problems. Also, regular exercise is beneficial in preventing the IBS symptoms from worsening.

Reduce stress
Stress is an important factor that can majorly aggravate the symptoms of IBS. It is imperative to bring down the stress levels in order to secure improved well-being.

For this, you can indulge in a variety of stress-buster techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, abdominal breathing, meditation, counseling as well as getting adequate sleep. Practicing these simple techniques, even for 5 minutes every day, can help one effectively address IBS symptoms and prepare one to deal with stress further.

Medications

• Fiber supplements: For people suffering from IBS with constipation, taking over-the-counter fiber supplements is usually a good idea. But in a few cases, these supplements may trigger discomfort, rather than offering relief. It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking these.
• Laxatives: In case, fiber supplements fail to offer relief, the doctor may recommend laxatives for treating IBS with constipation. There are various types of laxatives such as cathartic laxatives, osmotic laxatives, etc. However, their long-term use is not recommended.
• Anti-diarrheal medications: Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) can be helpful in controlling diarrhea. One can also take bile acid binders such as colestipol or cholestyramine. However, these can cause temporary bloating.
• Antispasmodic medications: These medicines help in controlling spasms and reduce cramping. It is important to note that if you are suffering from IBS with constipation, these medicines should be avoided, as they can further exacerbate the condition.
• Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to relieve pain from IBS. Your doctor may recommend small doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine to reduce the pain.
• Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil capsules are easily available as over-the-counter medicines. These help in decreasing the severity of symptoms and easing spasms and cramping.

Apart from all these, there are several other medications that are explicitly approved for IBS. But these medicines are mostly prescribed when dietary changes and other lifestyle alterations fail to secure healthy results.

When to see a doctor?
There is no single treatment or cure for IBS. Trying out a combination of remedies such as changes in the diet along with regular exercises and stress management techniques or psychological therapies can help to reduce the discomfort. However, if nothing seems to be working, one can consult a healthcare professional for a more precise and suitable line of treatment.

People suffering from the issue of high blood pressure are constantly looking for some easy home remedies on “how to lower blood pressure naturally?”

Here, we have compiled some effective home remedies for lowering the blood pressure and keeping your body in the best possible shape. But first, let us understand some key facts about high blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure?
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the level of blood pressure increases to extremely high and unhealthy levels. The measurement of blood pressure includes taking into account the amount of blood passing through the blood vessels and the amount of resistance it faces while the heart is pumping. When the arteries narrow down, the resistance increases.

If the problem of high blood pressure is not accurately treated, it can cause serious health issues such as heart disease. According to research, nearly half of adults in the country are diagnosed with the problem of high blood pressure.

Common symptoms of high blood pressure
Before we address the most significant query “how to lower blood pressure naturally?”, let us have a look at some of the most common symptoms of hypertension:

• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Urine in the blood
• Visual changes

It is important to note that a lot of people do not experience any symptoms at all. So, it is best to get regular blood pressure readings taken.

How to lower blood pressure naturally?
Here are some easy home remedies you can perform to keep your blood pressure in control. Let’s have a look.

Exercise
Incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine is a significant aspect of healthy living. It not only lowers your blood pressure but also helps to control diabetes and has a positive effect on your mood and strength. You can also undertake physical activities like swimming, jogging, hiking, etc. to stay active.

Follow a DASH diet
DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Following a DASH diet can be especially beneficial for lowering your blood pressure levels by as much as 11 mmHg systolic.

The DASH diet basically includes the following:

• Consuming a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Consuming fish, nuts and low-fat dairy products.
• Avoiding the consumption of foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, such as processed foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy products.
• Avoiding the consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

Lose excess weight
Having excess weight has a direct impact on blood pressure levels. Losing weight can help you in lowering your blood pressure. The extra fat around your waistline, known as visceral fat, is the most dangerous. It tends to edge many organs located in the abdomen and causes serious health ailments, such as high blood pressure.

Get rid of nicotine addiction
When a person smokes a cigarette, his or her blood pressure remains elevated for quite some time after one finishes. So, if you are a chain smoker, it is most likely that your blood pressure is high for a prolonged period of time.

Also, people who suffer from high blood pressure and smoke a lot have a greater chance of developing serious health problems such as heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it is advisable to quit smoking to keep your blood pressure levels under control.

Reduce alcohol consumption
Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause a lot of health issues, including high blood pressure. Also, it can lower the effectiveness of medications. On the other hand, drinking in moderation is perfectly fine and may also have certain heart-health benefits. As per the AHA, men should not consume more than two alcoholic drinks a day while women should not consume more than one alcoholic drink a day.

Reduce stress levels
Stress can temporarily increase your blood pressure levels. Too much stress can keep the levels up for extended periods of time. Consequently, it is important to practice stress-busting activities such as yoga, meditation, deep breaths and even exercise to relieve your stress in a healthy way.

Reduce your salt intake
If you are looking for tips on “how to lower blood pressure naturally?”, this is the best treatment option you can practice. Lowering your everyday sodium intake is the best and most effective way to lower your blood pressure. Consuming a lot of sodium makes the body retain fluids, which has a direct impact on blood pressure. It is recommended to limit your sodium intake to between 1,500 mg and 2,300 mg. This is a little more than half a teaspoon of salt.

All the above-mentioned tips on “how to lower blood pressure naturally” can help you keep your blood pressure within the stipulated limit. However, in case you experience any worsening of symptoms, it is best to seek medical help.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders that result in the body’s inability to produce healthy blood cells. Known to be a rare type of cancer, the syndromes primarily affect the elderly, especially those over the age of 65. However, it can affect the younger population as well. The most common and early symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. Here are a few signs and available treatments for myelodysplastic syndromes.

Symptoms of myelodysplastic syndromes
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can develop without any symptoms in the early stages. They can be detected by general blood tests. The most common symptom is anemia. Patients may also experience other symptoms like:

• Breathing problems
• Constant fatigue despite adequate rest
• Pallid skin
• Excessive bruising and bleeding
• Petechiae, which are extremely small spots of bleeding under the skin
• Fever and frequent infections

One should consult a doctor if any of these symptoms persist for a long time. This will help identify the underlying cause and help a person get the best treatment available.

The causes of MDS
MDS develops due to problems in the process of blood cell formation. When understanding the cause of MDS, one should also be aware about the role of the bone marrow. A soft, spongy tissue, the bone marrow creates new blood cells that mature after some time. When a person suffers from MDS, the normal development of blood cells does not occur. Instead, the blood cells die in the bone marrow or shortly after entering the bloodstream. After a certain period, the body then has a large number of defective blood cells than healthy cells, which leads to a number of health issues.

Treatments for MDS
For MDS patients, the primary aim of treatment is restoring the blood count to healthy levels. Treatment can also involve the use of various remedies. The use of multiple treatment options is known as systemic therapy. This therapy works in such a way that unhealthy cells are targeted throughout the body. Such therapies are typically prescribed by an oncologist or a hematologist. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are two types of systemic therapies used to treat MDS.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a method of destroying damaged cells by preventing them from dividing and developing. A chemotherapy schedule typically consists of a set number of cycles administered over a set period. People with high-risk MDS subtypes may benefit from conventional chemotherapy. This type of therapy can cause exhaustion, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, and diarrhea, depending on the individual and the dose used. These side effects are known to subside once the treatment is over.

Immunotherapy
Biologic therapy, also known as immunotherapy, aims to strengthen the body’s natural defense mechanisms to combat MDS. It uses chemicals created artificially in a lab, or naturally by the body, to restore or enhance immune system function. Although immunotherapy is not frequently used in MDS patients, it might be an option for some. It is also known to have various side effects. Before beginning any treatment, it is critical to consult a healthcare worker and discuss potential side effects to avoid further complications.