Eczema, psoriasis, rosacea… How to take care of your skin in winter?
Winter exacerbates skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Find out why and how to prevent them.
Winter exacerbates skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Find out why and how to prevent them.
What if 2024 was the year you finally followed through on your health resolutions? In our article, discover some tips for a healthy, balanced year!
Discover our tips on diet, exercise, sleep and mental health for a healthy and balanced holiday season!
Adopting healthy habits is the key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Discover the mistakes you mustn’t make to lose weight sustainably.
Find out how lifestyle habits and non-invasive treatments can slow the appearance of wrinkles on your face.
Discover the different infiltration options and how they can help athletes relieve pain in the knee, hip, elbow or ankle joint.
Obesity is a medical condition that significantly increases the risk of chronic disease. Find out how to lose weight.
Over 80% of Canadians suffer from back pain at least once in their lives. Called lumbago when it’s felt in the lower back, or dorsalgia when it’s felt in the upper back (between the shoulder blades), it’s one of the most frequent reasons for consulting a family doctor.
When this pain persists over an extended period, it can develop into what’s known as chronic back pain, which can have a significant impact on quality of life and mental health.
In this article, we explore the aspects of chronic back pain, its causes and the solutions that exist.
Chronic back pain is defined as persistent pain lasting more than three months. It requires specific treatment.
Unlike acute back pain, which may be the result of a temporary injury or strain, chronic pain can have complex origins. It’s important to differentiate between the two types of pain, for appropriate management.
Symptoms of chronic low-back pain include persistent pain in the lumbar region, which may radiate to the buttocks and legs. Dorsalgia (upper back pain) can radiate to the arms and neck.
The causes of chronic back pain are varied and difficult to identify precisely, unlike acute back pain. However, some more common factors may contribute to the development of chronic pain:
Many parts of the back may be involved in the origin of pain, including intervertebral discs, muscles, nerves and facet joints.
Treatment for chronic back pain can vary depending on the underlying cause of the pain. However, here are some approaches used to treat chronic back pain:
Chronic pain has a multidimensional aspect and therefore requires the use of several treatments in combination. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Each case of chronic back pain is unique, and the optimal treatment may vary from one person to another. The key lies in tailoring the treatment plan to the patient’s precise diagnosis and individual needs.
Neurotherapy Montréal offers interdisciplinary services to support patients suffering from chronic pain. A tailor-made program is established, which may include injection medication, physiotherapy, neuropsychology or psychological support.
Contact Neurotherapy Montreal for a free 15-minute telephone consultation.
It takes practice and time to quit smoking. The benefits of stopping smoking are worth the effort. Different strategies work better for different people. Discover the different solutions and tips to quit smoking.
Medications used to support the quitting process include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which is designed to help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. NRT contains nicotine without the other harmful chemicals found in tobacco. NRT is available over the counter at the pharmacy, and different forms of NRT include chewing pieces (gum), the nicotine patch, inhaler, lozenges, and mouth sprays. Other medications used in smoking cessation include bupropion and varenicline. Research shows that when used as directed, and combined with support groups or counselling, these medications can increase your chance of success. Speak to your doctor about which medications may be appropriate for you.
Group programs usually involve meeting small groups of people who are all trying to quit smoking. Group support programs can increase your chances of success and keep you motivated to stay on track. Contact your local public health department to locate any smoking cessation groups active in your community.
There are other great ways to find support, including quit lines, online forums, interactive websites, smartphone apps and text message services. Individual counselling programs can range from brief advice and counselling offered by a health care professional to intensive counselling available through specialty clinics. Talk to your doctor about whether individual counselling is an appropriate option for you.
Quitting smoking may be hard, but it can be done! Here are some tips to help you quit:
Your family doctor is the best person to support you in your withdrawal. Unlike support groups, he has the advantage of knowing your current state of health and your medical history. He can advise you with the appropriate strategies, prescribe the first treatments and refer you to specialists if necessary. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor to learn more!
Need a doctor? ELNA Medical’s family medicine services facilitate access to comprehensive, preventive health care at every stage of your life.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Quitting-Smoking-The-Road-to-Recovery
Prepare yourself for piles of leaves, a Thanksgiving feast, and the festive, fun foods of the fall harvest.