The patient's page.Polyps Polyps A tumor with a small flap that attaches itself to the wall of various vascular organs such as the nose, uterus and rectum. Polyps bleed easily, and if they are suspected to be cancerous they should be surgically removed. and Your Family Have you ever been diagnosed with colon polyps? If you have, it's important that you share this information with your family. Researchers have found that family members of patients with some types of colonic polyps may be at increased risk for developing colon cancer colon cancer, cancer of any part of the colon (often called the large intestine). Colon cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. . So, if your physician diagnoses you with colon polyps, make sure to ask whether your family should be tested. "Do Gastroenterologists Notify Polyp polyp, in medicine, a benign tumor occurring in areas lined with mucous membrane such as the nose, gastrointestinal tract (especially the colon), and the uterus. Some polyps are pedunculated tumors, i.e. Patients that Family Members Should Have Screening?" by Drs. Michael Valantas, William Farmer and Jack DiPalma. Southern Medical Journal, February 2005 Low Back Pain Do you suffer from low back pain? Is it accompanied by neurologic symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or abnormal sensations? Do you have pain at night, or pain upon lying down? Do your symptoms progress or fail to respond to conservative treatment? If so, talk to your doctor about performing some advanced studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), noninvasive diagnostic technique that uses nuclear magnetic resonance to produce cross-sectional images of organs and other internal body structures. (MRI 1. (application) MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2. MRI - Measurement Requirements and Interface. ). Although rare, lumbar synovial cysts can cause the above symptoms, and can be treated surgically. "Lumbar Synovial Cyst as a Cause of Low Back Pain and Acute Radiculopathy: A Case Report" by Drs. Andreas Kouyialis. Efstanthios Boviatsis, Stefanos Korfias and Damianos Sakas. Southern Medical Journal, February 2005. Fibromyalgia fibromyalgia Chronic syndrome that is characterized by musculoskeletal pain, often at multiple sites. The cause is unknown. A significant number of persons with fibromyalgia also have mental disorders, especially depression. Most fibromyalgia patients are treated primarily with medication, yet new research shows that non-pharmacological methods may also be helpful with combating symptoms. 1. Resolving insomnia. Many of the symptoms attributable to poor sleep--such as fatigue, lack of concentration, irritability and diffuse pain--coincide with symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is therefore crucial that the fibromyalgia patient resolve poor sleep patterns. Deep breathing exercises, maintaining a quiet sleep environment, and avoidance of nicotine and caffeine prior to bedtime are just a few of the techniques which can be used to ensure a good night's sleep. 2. Exercise. Exercise goals for the fibromyalgia patient include developing general physical fitness, improving emotional well-being and functional status, and providing a sense of control. Some forms of exercise are especially appropriate for the fibromyalgia patient, including aquatic therapy aquatic therapy Water therapy Rehab medicine The exercising of muscle groups under water, which increases range-of-motion and light resistance for rehabilitation. See Rehabilitation medicine. , walking, strength training, yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong. 3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a mind-body approach based on the theory that thought and behavior can affect a person's symptoms and be an obstacle to recovery. The therapist focuses on decreasing "unhealthy thinking," while helping the patient develop the ability to cope not only with illness, but with life events and relationships in general. 4. Massage therapy. There are several different types of massage therapy, including Asian-style massage, which focuses on "balancing the flow of vital energy," and the more traditional Swedish massage, which is designed to improve function via muscle manipulation. 5. Acupuncture. Traditional Chinese practitioners believe acupuncture can unblock un·block tr.v. un·blocked, un·block·ing, un·blocks To remove or clear an obstruction from: unblock a road; unblock an artery. and balance the flow of energy, thus restoring one's health. 6. Biofeedback biofeedback, method for learning to increase one's ability to control biological responses, such as blood pressure, muscle tension, and heart rate. Sophisticated instruments are often used to measure physiological responses and make them apparent to the patient, who . This is a method of consciously controlling an "automated" body function, such as skin temperature, muscle tension, heart rate, or blood pressure. By training the patient to control certain activity levels within their own body they may, in turn, develop an improved sense of control over their physical and emotional reactions. "Integrative Therapy for Fibromyalgia: Possible Strategies for an Individualized Treatment Program" by Drs. Christopher Morris, Alton Morris, and Laraine Bowman, PA-C PA-C Physician Assistant - Certified . Southern Medical Journal, February 2005 |
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