The Mysterious Problem of Phantom Pain
When a person loses an arm or a leg, it involves, not only a shock to the physical body, but a tremendous amount of stress on an emotional and psychological basis. Depression, anger, and fear can set in as the injured person begins to cope with the loss of a limb and the resulting change in body image, as well as uncertainties of the future. Physical therapy needs to be accompanied by emotional support as the patient recovers.
One mysterious but very common consequence of limb loss is the occurrence of "phantom pain," ranging from an odd sensation to sometimes severe pain seemingly coming from an arm or leg which is no longer there. The phenomenon has existed for as long as human beings have been surviving wounds involving amputation. Only recently has the medical community begun to understand the reasons behind this event.
Once thought to be strictly a psychological problem, most doctors and researchers now believe that the pain is neurological in origin.
It's possible that nerve cells in the brain adapt to the amputation by "rewiring" themselves to cope with the loss of the limb. The pain may be reflective of pain that existed in the limb prior to amputation, and may be a saved memory of the pain that is somehow triggered after the amputation. Other possible causes include blood clots which damage nerve cells, new growth of nerve cells at the site of the amputation, and poorly fitting prosthetic devices. Triggers can include changes in the barometric pressure, some kind of impact on the part of the limb remaining, even physical and emotional fatigue.
Treatment of phantom pain can include medications ranging from mild to very strong to deal with the physical pain, medications aimed at dealing with accompanying mood disorders such as depression, and a number of physical treatments and coping techniques including nerve stimulation, biofeedback, and acupuncture. In cases where pain has existed in the affected individual's limb prior to amputation, giving medication to alleviate the pain before the limb is amputated actually lowers the incidence of post-amputation phantom pain.
Also, applying certain pain medications such as Calcitonin or Ketamine directly after the amputation may prevent phantom pain from developing in the future. In severe cases, additional surgeries, either on the stump, the brain, or the spinal cord, may provide relief.
Of course, a patient using a
prosthetic device
needs to make sure the artificial limb is not the source of pain. Someone experiencing phantom pain after exercise or use of the artificial limb needs to inform his or her physical therapist or doctor; it's possible that an adjustment in the prosthetic device can eliminate or minimize the pain..
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Infertility
Although health and healing are the common goals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and allopathic medicine, their ideas on the etiology of disease, disease itself and the process used to regain health are decidedly different. The allopathic physician learns that disease must be cured by prescribing medicine, which kills bacteria or renders a virus ineffective; at times surgical intervention is a necessity.There is nothing inherently wrong with this approach. It often works. The question worth exploring is why TCM succeeds where allopathic medicine fails? What is the mechanism of action of acupuncture and herbal medicine, which results in palliation or cure that is not manifest in biomedicine? Though the goal of TCM is to cure a patient, the doctor of TCM attempts to do this not by treating the disease but rather by treating the whole person, taking into account the various attributes of an individual which, when combined, account for an individual being sick or healthy. A person...
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Infertility
Depression > Traditional Chinese Medicine and Infertility
Pfizer Health Solutions And Gateway Community Health Center Launch Diabetes Health Education Program
Laredo, TX (ContentDesk) October 09, 2003?? In an effort to improve health outcomes among Hispanic patients with diabetes, Pfizer Health Solutions and the Pfizer Foundation, in partnership with Gateway Community Health Center, today launched Amigos en Salud, a comprehensive health education program designed to reach out to Hispanics with diabetes and other commonly occurring medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and depression. The launch event took place from 10 a.m. at the South Clinic located at 2007 South Zapata Hwy. Amigos en Salud, translated as "Friends in Health", focuses on Hispanic cultural perceptions central to successful diabetes management. As part of this initiative, bilingual health promoters also called promotores work with healthcare practitioners at the South Clinic to provide individual and group health education and support to diabetic patients.
In addition, the promotores work with patients to develop and implement culturally relevant behavior...
Pfizer Health Solutions And Gateway Community Health Center Launch Diabetes Health Education Program
Depression > Pfizer Health Solutions And Gateway Community Health Center Launch Diabetes Health Education Program
3 Words That Relieve Stress, Depression & Anxiety
Copyright 2006 Christopher Green
One of the most common flawed modes of behavior performed by every sufferer who enters into a harrowing episode of stress, depression or anxiety concerns the words they use to describe situations and events they are confronted with. In using powerful, emotive words, sufferers will trigger the fear response and the more they use such words, the worse their suffering gets.
Powerful, emotive words are part of everybody's vocabulary. Sometimes, we use powerful words when we lose our temper or we become angry and frustrated. In this state, we give vent to our feelings and the emotions within us have an outlet.
This is fine. For most people, once their emotions have been expressed, they return to their usual selves and life carries on as normal.
But it doesn't work like this if you are prone to stress, depression or anxiety.
In these states, sufferers will react negatively to every event they...
Depression > 3 Words That Relieve Stress, Depression & Anxiety
Your Daily Struggle With Depression
If you have been diagnosed with depression or feel that you are dealing with depression on a daily basis, you may feel that depression is consuming your life. You worry about everything. You don't want to do anything. The things that used to make you happy, well, they just don't seem important anymore. You need to realize that depression is a serious condition and that without the assistance of a doctor, depression just won't go away.But, you can learn to deal with the effects of depression within your daily life.
Yes, it is hard. Yes, it would be much easier to try and forget about it all. But, if you ever want to be happy again, you'll want to find a way out of your black hole. In order to deal with depression on a daily basis, you may have to force yourself to do things that you do not enjoy doing anymore. You may have to surround yourself with people and places that are positive.
You may have to seek out a therapist to talk to about your depression.No one said that...
Your Daily Struggle With Depression
Depression > Your Daily Struggle With Depression
Intuitive Soul Coaching Provides Unique Tool in Treatment and Recovery from Anxiety and Depression
Atlanta, GA (ContentDesk) March 13, 2006 -- The World Health Organization indicates that by the year 2020, the number of people suffering from depression will be second only to chronic heart disease as the most acute health problem in the nation.
This creates a vast social as well as financial predicament for everyone concerned.
Most commercial medications may have ghastly side effects, including suicidal tendencies.
Dr. Reggie Johnson, an Intuitive Soul Coach, utilizes specific revelatory guidance for the recovering person to help them create their own sacred course of action to heal the mind, body and spirit.
It is not your religion, but your relationship with the Creator that heals.
It starts with healing the heart which needs encouragement to believe in its possibilities again, says Dr. Reggie.Intuitive Soul Coaching is used by phone to assist recovering patients with specific techniques for revitalization of the whole person toward regaining...
Depression > Intuitive Soul Coaching Provides Unique Tool in Treatment and Recovery from Anxiety and Depression
Strictly Bizness with Host Tanya Reed Profiles John Crowley - This Week's Man On The Move
Las Vegas (ContentDesk) November 15, 2005 -- Xradio.biz an internet radio station launched a new business talk show called "Strictly Bizness" with Host Tanya Reed this past October.The show is geared towards business owners, professionals, innovative women, and people on the move.On Thursday, November 17, 2005 "Strictly Bizness" will be profiling John Crowley, man on the move for the week. John Crowley is a wellness expert that believes in ministering to the spirit, soul, and body. That a person should not only think healthy but they should speak healthy as well. He will be addressing topics of emotional wellness, such as depression, paranoia, and schizophrenic. He also will be sharing tips on some natural cures for high blood pressure, diabetes, and other diseases.
Listen in on Thursday, November 17th at 8:00 a.m. by logging on Xradio.biz/lasvegas. Click on to "Listen Live" or "Strictly Bizness with Host Tanya Reed..
Strictly Bizness with Host Tanya Reed Profiles John Crowley - This Week's Man On The Move
Depression > Strictly Bizness with Host Tanya Reed Profiles John Crowley - This Week's Man On The Move
The People Have Spoken ? Focused on Fun and Finding the Perfect Fit
Toronto, ON (ContentDesk) February 8, 2004 ? What kind of clothes will women be looking for in 2004? Comfortable. Fun. Stylish. And something that fits them perfectly.The People Have Spoken (TPHS) promises its 2004 collection will give women a new outlook on everyday wear. Fun and focused on the perfect fit, these pieces allow a comfortable, casual look, while offering various wild & sexy pieces to wear out at night.
TPHS is adding denim to its 2004 collections, which will complete the...
skirt Depression The Mysterious Problem of Phantom Pain The People Have Spoken ? Focused on Fun and Finding the Perfect Fit
Depression > The People Have Spoken ? Focused on Fun and Finding the Perfect Fit
Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel Unveils Cutting-Edge $38 Million Guest Room Renovations
Atlanta, GA (ContentDesk) July 6, 2006 -- Atlantas largest premier convention hotel, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis recently unveiled a cutting-edge, $38 million renovation to all 1,675-hotel rooms and suites. Located in the heart of Peachtree Center, this award-winning, legendary hotel owned by Host Marriott is a leader in Atlantas emerging trend to continue the revitalization of one of the most popular convention destinations in the country. With the integration of these state-of-the-art enhancements...
mattresses Depression Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel Unveils Cutting-Edge $38 Million Guest Room Renovations
Depression > Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel Unveils Cutting-Edge $38 Million Guest Room Renovations
Free Cell Phone Ring Tones - Jingling Vibes For Any Occasion
How many ringtones does one person really need? Apparently a lot as there are a bunch of websites using free cell phone ringtones as enticements to get people to buy their product, and other companies using the ringtones as promotions. The free cell phone ringtones are of course more limited in selection than the other ones that you have to pay for, but if you are just looking for older songs to give you phone some variety, then the free cell phone ringtones are just fine.
This...
Depression > Free Cell Phone Ring Tones - Jingling Vibes For Any Occasion
Fathers Day Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are generally a collection of articles and items that have universal appeal. Gift baskets can be presented on different occasions to various people. One of the advantages of gift baskets is that they are collections of small items. Therefore, these items can be more useful than a single gift. Also, the items can sometimes last for a longer time than a single article.
Gift baskets are excellent gifts for Father's Day. There are few things more satisfying than...
Depression > Fathers Day Gift Baskets
Using A Photo Room Divider For Decorative Appeal
Photo room dividers have become a very popular in the past few years not only for their ability to section off rooms but also for the fact that they add a personal touch to your decor. These dividers can be great ways to show off artwork and photos but many people do not know how to use them properly. Proper placement and putting the right thing Into your photo room divider will make it be a focal point in the room instead of looking like an afterthought.
Photo room dividers can...
Depression > Using A Photo Room Divider For Decorative Appeal
Depression
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