The spinal column is made up of small bones -- called vertebrae -- stacked on top of each other. Nerves exit the spine between each of these bones -- one nerve on each side. These spinal nerves can be compressed by surrounding structures causing symptoms that may interfere with daily tasks.
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An expectorant is a type of medication that is used to loosen congestion in your chest and throat to allow you to cough up mucus easier. The most commonly used ingredient is guafenesin. Taking an expectorant as directed can help clean the lungs of mucus.
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Excedrin Migraine is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that contains a combination of ingredients to relieve migraine symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, a migraine is a chronic headache that can cause significant pain for hours or even days.
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The rotator cuff is a group of tendons in the shoulder that helps stabilize the shoulder. The supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor muscles make up the rotator cuff.
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Neurontin, or gabapentin, is a medication that is commonly used to control partial seizures in epileptic patients. This medication increases the amount of GABA, which is a chemical that slows down nerve conduction in the brain.
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Synthroid, or levothyroxine, is a medication commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, or the low production of thyroid hormone, states MayoClinic.com. Synthroid is identical to thyroid hormone produced by the human thyroid gland, thus, mimicking its effects.
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A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is similar to a stroke, but symptoms resolve in a few minutes to 24 hours. TIAs are often referred to as ministrokes, but may be warning signs of a future stroke. MayoClinic.com states that one in three people who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke.
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Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and other aggravating sensations in the hands and feet, according to Mayoclinic.com.
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Sour cream is commonly used in many different types of dishes to add a creamy texture and a sour taste to recipes. Because sour cream is a dairy product, it must be used when it is still fresh. You may upset your stomach if you eat spoiled sour cream.
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A cervical collar is to be worn after neck injury or surgery to prevent excessive movement of the neck and to allow it to heal, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center.
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Controlling blood sugar levels is the most important task in managing diabetes effectively. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause serious complications, including heart disease, organ failure or stroke. Eating the proper foods with the correct frequency is important in improving blood sugar levels.
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Meningitis is a serious medical condition in which the membranous tissue (meninges) that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord is infected, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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The knee is a complex joint made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and other soft tissues. Because of its involvement in walking, and wear and tear sustained in intense athletic activities, the knee is prone to injury. Pain in the knee with occasional popping when walking may be a sign of soft tissue injury or fracture.
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HIV-related neuropathy is a chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy, causing damage to nerves in the brain or spinal column or to nerves elsewhere in the body. The term polyneuropathy means that several nerves are involved.
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According to MayoClinic.com, Ambien, or zolpidem, belongs to a group of medicines called central nervous system depressants. Depressants are medications that slow down the nervous system. Ambien, in particular, is used to treat insomnia, or trouble sleeping.
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According to MayoClinic.com, sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve from the back down the buttock and into the foot. Compression of this nerve can occur in the back, in the buttock or anywhere along the nerve as it tracts down the back of the leg.
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A tendon is a thick, fibrous cord that connects muscles to bone in your body. Tendonitis is the painful inflammation of a tendon secondary to injury. The most commonly affected tendons are located in the shoulders, elbows, wrists and heels. Untreated tendonitis can progress to a tendon rupture.
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The influenza virus, or the flu, is an infection that attacks the respiratory tract. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of this illness are fever, chills, headache, cough, body aches, fatigue, nasal congestion and loss of appetite.
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. Eventually, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart failure.
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Vicks products are common over-the-counter medications used to treat common cold and flu symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, runny nose and sneezing, aches and pains, head congestion, chest congestion and cough.
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