Bones & Joints Archives

Are You at Risk for Osteopenia? Symptoms May Not Tell the Story

Jan 15, 2019 · Kate Brophy · Bones & Joints

Osteopenia isn’t as serious as osteoporosis—see our posts defining bone loss test scores of osteoporosis -2.5 or osteoporosis -3.0. But it’s also not easy to detect; there aren’t any obvious osteopenia symptoms. Certain factors, however, can make you vulnerable to osteopenia, meaning that it's important to preserve your bone density. … Read More

What Is Biopuncture? A Natural Therapy That Helps Heal Your Aches and Pains

Jan 3, 2019 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

What is biopuncture? Biopuncture is an injection therapy in which specific body zones or points are injected with highly diluted natural products, the majority of which are derived from plants, in order to regulate inflammatory processes and support natural repair mechanisms. Most of these injections are given into the skin … Read More

Are NSAIDs Safe? New Findings Address Risk Factors

Dec 22, 2018 · Jim Black · Bones & Joints

Are NSAIDs safe? After the drug rofecoxib (Vioxx) was pulled from the market due to concerns about its cardiovascular safety, experts turned their attention to celecoxib (Celebrex), another pain reliever in the same drug class. But a landmark study has found that celecoxib poses no greater risks to heart health … Read More

What Is a DEXA Scan?

Dec 19, 2018 · Kate Brophy · Bones & Joints

A DEXA scan (also written as DXA scan) is what health professionals call dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A test that measures the strength of your bones as you age, a DEXA scan is necessary for certain individuals because the body manufactures bone less efficiently as we get older. Research suggests that … Read More

What’s the Best Mattress for Back Pain? Here’s How to Find Your Answer

Dec 13, 2018 · Jim Brown, PhD · Bones & Joints

Soft, medium, or firm? Comfort or support? Innerspring, memory foam, Latex, or air? Those are just a few of the choices you’ll have to make when you shop for the best mattress for back pain. One other problem: There is no standardization when it comes to mattress specifications. Each manufacturer … Read More

Gout: What Causes “The Arthritis of Kings”—and How to Prevent It

Dec 7, 2018 · Kathleen Jade, ND · Bones & Joints

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood, tissues, and urine. Accumulating uric acid crystallizes and takes on a needle-like shape, jabbing into the joints (usually the big toe, but also other joints, including those of the mid-foot, ankle, knees, … Read More

What Causes Osteoporosis? Environmental Pollutants Play a Role: 5 Steps to Reduce Your Risk

Dec 4, 2018 · Jami Cooley, RN, CNWC · Bones & Joints

According to the World Health Organization, osteoporosis poses a greater disease threat than that of hypertension (high blood pressure) and breast cancer. Yet, the factors behind what causes osteoporosis rarely get the attention they deserve. Nonetheless, deterioration of the bones and increased risk of fractures is a huge health threat in the … Read More

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Nov 18, 2018 · Jim Brown, PhD · Bones & Joints

What is spinal stenosis? It's a condition in which the spinal canal narrows due to: A herniated disc that encroaches on the spinal canal from the front Thickened ligaments that encroach on the canal from both sides. A narrowed spinal canal impedes the blood supply to the nerves, causing pain. … Read More

Studies Show Mediterranean Diet with Olive Oil Helps Protect Bones

Nov 12, 2018 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

Over the years, several studies have shown that the incidence of osteoporosis in Europe is lower in the Mediterranean region. It is hypothesized that the traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits and vegetables with a high intake of olives and olive oil could be one of the environmental factors underlying … Read More

Does Glucosamine Work for Knee Pain?

Nov 5, 2018 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

If you’re still confused about all the conflicting messages about joint pain supplements and wondering, 'Does glucosamine work?' you may finally have an answer. Since the large GAIT trial in 2008, we’ve suspected that glucosamine works for people with at least moderate pain due to knee osteoarthritis, especially when it’s … Read More

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