Known Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism is a rare but potentially serious condition and is one that can affect men, women and children of all ages. There are actually no known causes of bruxism but there are a few things that doctors have found to be associated with the problem. When a person is overstressed it can affect them in numerous ways and even cause a condition like bruxism to develop.
When a person is under more stress than normal their bodies can react in a lot of negative ways, one being a grinding of their teeth during sleep. Although this is not a life threatening condition in most cases, it can be potentially dangerous not to mention a complete nuisance. Bruxism can cause chipped teeth, missing teeth, gum infections and more. As soon as the signs of bruxism are noticed that person needs to get in and talk to their doctor right away.
There are a few options for treatment that doctors may suggest depending on the severity of the condition. The first thing doctors focus on is assessing the level of stress in that person’s life and then figuring out the best possible way to deal with it effectively. Relaxation exercises like yoga and meditation work well and can be done easily in the morning or right before going to bed at night. Doing these even just a couple of times a week can help to calm the mind and this can be a benefit.
For people who have experienced dental problems as a result of their bruxism, mouth guards are often recommended. This mouth guard will cover up the teeth and protect them from grinding teeth over the course of the night. Even anti anxiety medications are often prescribed to help people relax. Unless the case is severe, medication is not usually given.
Muscle relaxants are often prescribed as these will help to loosen the muscle of the jaw before bed. The most important thing is that anyone who thinks they may have bruxism watch for the signs and gets in to see their doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to find the best treatment for you and your particular condition. Each instance of bruxism is different according to the individual.
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Back Pain Relief: How To Avoid Surgery
Surgery May Not Be The Right Treatment For Back Pain
It used to be that if a person had a lot of back pain their doctor would recommend surgery to fix the problem. Following the surgery, the person would usually be on bed rest for a few weeks, and then, if all went well, their back would be better - unless it wasn’t. In the past, experts agree, there was too much back surgery done. Most people weren’t any better after the surgery, and many were worse.
Now, research has shown that most back pain, even lower back pain, will resolve itself without surgery, given rest and time. In fact, for most back pain, all other options should be tried prior to scheduling surgery on the back. Less than one percent of all people ever actually need surgery for their back pain, though four out of every five people have back pain at some time in their life.
Who Needs Surgery?
Generally, physicians believe that surgery should only be considered if other methods have been tried and were unsuccessful at relieving the back pain (or the pain returns), the pain is significantly affecting a person’s day-to-day life, or if left alone the back condition could deteriorate into a more serious state.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Physical therapy can be a great way to help the back and spine heal. Along with special, specific exercises, often the physical therapist will use other modalities, such as heat or cold therapy (reduces inflammation, pain and muscle spasms), ultrasound (uses sound waves to head and encourage circulation and reduces inflammation, pain and muscle spasms), massage, spinal traction, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) (uses a painless electrical currently on certain nerves to relieve pain and improve mobility of the back) and water therapy.
Some patients find relief by using medication to relieve their back pain. There are many kinds, some over the counter and others prescription. They include muscle relaxants, analgesics and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Spinal injections can relieve pain and help the doctor determine the reason for the back pain. Two kinds are Facet Joint Injections and Epidural Steroid Injections. Spinal injections are not used alone, but are used along with physical therapy and exercise. They should always be recommended or prescribed by your doctor.
Often, chiropractic care can help relieve back pain. They can palpate, apply pressure, manipulate, massage and use other methods to re-align the vertebrae of the spine.
Other methods for dealing with back pain are considered alternative medicine. They include acupuncture, certain herbal medicines and biofeedback. If you use one of these therapies, be sure to have a reputable practitioner.
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