Athletic Woman Having a Back Pain While Exercising

How to Test the Sciatic Nerve

If you told a group of well-meaning friends that you had a pain in one side of your buttocks and the back of your thigh, one might suggest that you that you have "sciatica." But do you? How do you know it's not just a pulled muscle, or bursitis or some other less nefarious condition?

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Blonde woman sleeping in bed peacefully

Best Sleeping Positions for Muscle Strains

The pain of a muscle strain can make sleeping a challenge. Finding a comfortable position is one consideration, but it's even more important to avoid postures that may aggravate the injury or delay the recovery. Keeping a few simple concepts in mind can help ensure that the chosen sleep posture helps in healing.

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low section view of men and women walking

Causes of Pain in the Big Toe and Ball of the Foot

The average adult takes about 9,000 steps per day. With each step, as the foot rolls forward, body weight shifts onto the ball of the foot as the toes extend in preparation for push-off. In most people, the big toe bears the bulk of the load during push-off.

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What Are the Treatments for Microcytic Anemia?

Microcytic anemia is a type of iron deficiency, and the term "microcytic" means "small cells" and refers to the appearance of iron-deficient red blood cells. These cells cannot deliver oxygen to target tissues as efficiently as normal cells.

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Tired Businessman

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Pulled Neck Muscle?

Pulled muscle is an alternate term for a muscle strain. Either way, it sounds -- and is -- painful. In his book, "Conservative Management of Cervical Spine Syndromes," Donald Murphy, D.C., defines a neck strain as a partial or complete tearing of the muscles and associated tissues supporting the neck.

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Doctor in operating room

Complications With an L5-S1 Spinal Fusion

Fractures and instability sometimes necessitate surgical fixation of the lowest lumbar vertebra to the sacrum, otherwise known as L5-S1 fusion. Spinal fusions, including those at L5-S1, often are performed to treat chronic pain related to spinal degeneration or arthritis. Data published in January 2012 in the journal "

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Woman relaxing by window, head on knees, view from outside

Signs and Symptoms of Low Iron in Women

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes iron deficiency as the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Though it's more common in developing countries, many Americans suffer from low iron. Because of regular menstrual blood loss, women are especially vulnerable.

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Are Macadamia Nuts Healthy?

Macadamia nuts are loaded with fat and high in calories. These are not traits you would generally associate with a healthy food. But, before you write macadamia nuts off, you should also know that they are a unique source of key nutrients and actually are good for your heart.

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