Doctors examining x-rays

Symptoms of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis results when the bony canal through which the spinal cord courses becomes narrowed and compresses the spinal cord. Although spinal stenosis most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back regions, it uncommonly involves the thoracic spine in the upper and middle back.

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Muscle injury

A Blood Clot in a Leg or a Calf Muscle Cramp?

The calf is a common site for both muscle cramps and blood clots. Despite their propensity to affect the calf, blood clots and muscle cramps share little else in common. Calf cramps and blood clots differ with respect to symptoms, risk factors, causes, evolution, treatment and prognosis.

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How to Lower Blood Pressure for Testing

There are several ways to reduce blood pressure for testing, sometimes called a physical. Job applicants, employees, students and athletes are some of the hopefuls who must undergo testing to qualify for a position where health status is a factor in the determination process.

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Bulk Spices

Home Remedies for an Allergy Cough

An allergy cough is considered an acute illness that can recur and last three days to three weeks. When you are exposed to allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander, a cough can be your body’s way of trying to get rid of them.

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Ashtray, ash tray with cigarette butts, dogends. Smoking.

Quit Smoking Day Two

You’re on day two of being cigarette-free. You may have had few symptoms of withdrawal yesterday, but now that the nicotine is exiting your system, you’re starting to experience more intense symptoms.

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Man lying on sofa using television remote control

The Effects of Stopping Exercise

Skipping the gym one day isn't likely to have much effect on you, but abruptly halting your regular exercise routine can hurt both your body and your mind. If you've been sidelined by a medical condition or injury, talk to your doctor about ways you can stay fit without getting hurt.

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Female thigh

Femoral Bone Contusions & Stretching

A femoral bone contusion is a deep bruise, or hematoma, of the thighbone. Contusions of the femur can occur from extreme blunt trauma to the thigh or from the femur jamming the tibia at the knee joint, which might happen if you landed awkwardly from a jump.

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Close-up of Bull's Head

Bovine vs. Herbal Thyroid Supplements

If you've considered buying over-the-counter bovine or herbal thyroid supplements, you might wonder how they differ from the synthetic thyroid hormones prescribed by physicians. Like synthetic thyroid therapy, bovine supplements replace hormones.

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Coarse grained salt

Amazing Cold Remedies: Epsom Salt

If you are suffering from a cold, you are likely wondering what you can do to relieve your symptoms and feel more likely yourself again. There is an array of cold remedy medications available at your local drugstore, but there are lesser known treatments that may work just as well, or perhaps even better.

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close-up of a woman drinking water from a glass

What Can Excessive Fluid Intake Cause?

Hydration is touted as a healthy habit to endorse. Drink water and other noncaffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages to flush your body of toxins and help your skin stay clear and generally feel better. Most people do not drink enough daily and do not experience problems when they suddenly increase their fluid intake.

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foot

Pain in My Right Big Toe

Your foot is a complex structure consisting of muscles, tendons and other tissues, as well as over 26 bones, including 19 toe bones or phalanges. Everyday weight-bearing activities such as standing and walking, plus your weight and recreational activities, place tremendous stress on your feet.

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Can a Diabetic Eat Spaghetti?

After a diabetes diagnosis, your may fear you have to give up your favorite carbohydrate-rich meals like spaghetti and other pastas. Although it’s true that you need to keep careful watch over how many carbs, calories and fat you take in, you can accommodate an occasional serving of spaghetti.

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Is a Red Rash on the Cheeks a Sign of a Food Allergy?

A red rash on the cheeks is a sign of an allergic reaction. Most food allergies will affect the skin and commonly develop a rash on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. If you suspect that you have a food allergy, talk with your doctor about allergy testing.

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Female patient at female doctor

Cherry Angioma & Skin Cancer

As people age, their skin usually takes a direct hit, if not with more wrinkles then with more bumps and discolorations. Cherry angiomas, also called cherry hemangiomas, are, like their name suggests, cherry-colored flat or slightly raised dots that generally grow no larger than 1/4 inch in diameter.

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Sports injury. Woman with pain in ankle while jogging

Knee Pain in the Medial Collateral Ligament When Running

If you are an avid runner, you may be well acquainted with annoying aches and pains. However, pain in the medial collateral ligament -- the thick band that supports the inside of the knee and attaches the femur and tibia -- may be indicative of a serious injury.

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homemade appetizing crostini with soft cheese cream herbs

Lactose Intolerance and Cream Cheese

Lactose intolerance does not necessarily mean you cannot eat cream cheese. Every person diagnosed with lactose intolerance experiences a different degree of intolerance. Some people can eat 1 tablespoon of cream cheese with no symptoms, but cannot handle 2 tablespoons.

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Plantar Callus Treatment

Plantar calluses can be painful and unsightly, making daily activities such as walking difficult and uncomfortable. They can occur for many reasons--some which can benefit from the help of a doctor. Therefore, it is important to understand what causes plantar calluses to occur and how they can be remedied.

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Safest Exercise for a L5-S1 Herniated Disc

Disc herniation in the L5 to S1 area can occur when excessive loads are placed on your vertebrae. It commonly presents as lower back pain with or without pain that radiates down the back of one of your legs.

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