Neck pain is something numerous people deal with every day.  It has many causes.  Especially now with the rising use of laptops and desktop computers, neck pain is quite common if these machines are not used correctly (ergonomically).  Even when they are used correctly long hours typing at a desk can cause neck pain.  Sometimes neck pain can be caused by sleeping incorrectly.

Neck pain that is caused by every day activity can sometimes be prevented.  Sleeping on your back is the best way to sleep for your spine.  If you are at a computer for long periods of time, make sure you are sitting ergonomically.  The pictures below are great examples of proper ergonomics for lap and desktops.

Chiropractic care and physical therapy can be highly beneficial when it comes to alleviating neck pain.  It is especially important to treat neck pain when the pain is from an injury.  Injury related neck pain can greatly benefit from treatments like physical therapy.

Coraopolis PA Chiropractor for Back/Neck Pain & Sports Injuries

Finding the right doctor is essential to your good health. Dr. Drew Fanelli is Board certified, Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO).  Coraopolis Chiropractor: Read More

Physical Therapy Services near Coraopolis PA

Helping you reach maximum movement throughout your lifetime. Coraopolis Physical Therapy: Read More

Allegheny Medical treats:

• back pain and migraines in Robinson PA
• back pain and migraines in Bridgeville PA
• back pain and migraines in Moon PA
• back pain and migraines in Coraopolis PA
• back pain and migraines in Carnegie PA

Coraopolis PA Chiropractor: Sleeping & Sitting Postures to prevent Neck Pain is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Rheumatoid arthritis affects people throughout their life, so having ways to protect your joints while still being able to engage in everyday activities is important.

Here are some of the ways to ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Exercise: Exercise can be great for keeping joint pain to a minimum.  Consider swimming, light weight training or walking three times a week for 30 minutes.  Be sure to be gentle with yourself and take a break if you start to feel pain.

2. Protect your joints: Think about other ways you can accomplish tasks that might be easier on your joints.  For example, using your shoulder to open a door instead of your hand.

3. Stretching: Stretching your joints in the morning can help you feel looser for the rest of the day.  In order to warm your joints up, consider taking a shower first before beginning your stretches.

4. Be sure to rest: Giving yourself breaks to rest during the day can help ease fatigue and pain. Staying active is of course also important, so try to strike a balance between taking it easy and still incorporating activity into your daily routine.

5. Using warm, moist heat: Moist heat seems to provide relief from RA pain, so taking warm showers or baths or soaking your hands in warm water can be very effective.  Moist heating pads are also an option.

RA can be painful, but it doesn't have to be debilitating.  Follow some of these suggestions and you'll soon be able to manage it, while also enjoying your life and the activities you love.

How to Cope with Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

When someone suffers from this condition, everyday pain and discomfort are greater than in those without fibromyalgia. Even minor bumps and bruises can lead to severe pain.

Fibromyalgia is often diagnosed by a doctor examining 18 specific spots on the body known as "tender points." People with fibromyalgia are more sensitive and have more tenderness at these points.  When pain is found in at least 11 of the 18 points, a fibro diagnosis is often made.  However, it is not always so cut and dry.  The vagueness of the symptoms associated with this disorder make it easy to misdiagnose it as something else, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or thyroid dysfunction, to name a few.

Because of this, it's important to do some preparation for your appointment with a doctor.  You should be ready to clearly articulate any and all symptoms that you have been experiencing, when they started, whether they are on and off or continuous, whether you've been taking any medications, whether you have had any surgeries, if anything triggers your symptoms, whether your symptoms affect your feelings, etc.

Finding the right doctor is also very important.  According to Mary Rose, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and behavioral sleep specialist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, "It's important to find a doctor who cares about you--and wants to help you.  It's very common, physicians having very little time. Sometimes they don't really hear everything a patient says."

Fortunately, Dr. Neal Fanelli and his team at Allegheny Medical have created the "Fibromyalgia Flow" treatment protocol and can help you experience reduced pain and overall better health through their personalized Fibromyalgia treatment plans.  If you suffer from Fibromyalgia or related symptoms, schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling 412-494-4554.

Fibromyalgia: A Commonly Misdiagnosed Condition is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Types of Knee Injuries

When stress is placed on the knee, ligaments can stretch or tear causing sprains. Depending upon how much damage has been sustained, sprains are graded as first, second, or third degree.

Tendon or muscle injuries are caused by overuse, hyperflexion or hyperextension and are referred to as strains.

When an injury is caused due to twisting, this can cause stress on the cartilage and can pinch it, leading to tears.

Finally, bursitis, or inflammation of the bursas can occur because of overuse or direct blows.

Injuries of the knee are usually categorized in one of two ways: those where there is swelling in the joint and those where there is pain and discomfort on one side of the knee, but with minimal swelling.

When to Receive Medical Treatment?

When an individual's knee is injured, medical care should be sought if the pain is intolerable, there is loss of sensation, the ankle and foot become cold, there is immediate swelling, the knee is unable to bear weight or the bones look deformed.

If a knee is examined and it is determined that no surgery is necessary, then rest, ice, compression, and elevation along with strengthening exercises and possibly physical therapy will be suggested.  If surgery is required, the injury may be treated with an arthroscope, using a camera and punctures.

The PeopleCare division of Allegheny Medical can treat knee injuries from the most minor to the most debilitating.  The PeopleCare team consists of specially trained physicians, physical therapists, nurses, dietitians and rehabilitation specialists dedicated to solving individuals key health problems and addressing their health needs. Complimentary, personalized consultation appointments can be scheduled by calling (412) 494-4554.

Knee Injuries: When to See a Doctor? is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Chronic fatigue was not always accepted as being a real condition, mainly because the symptoms are not always easy to measure.  However, in recent years there has been a general consensus in the medical community that it is a serious and very real condition.

Fortunately, many people do end up recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome, and there are available treatments.

The main symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include loss of memory, sore throat, fatigue, headache, extreme exhaustion, joint pain without swelling, enlarged, painful lymph nodes, muscle pain and more.  Symptoms often come and go over time.

An individual must have fatigue that persists for six months or more that cannot be explained, along with at least four primary symptoms in order to meet the criteria for being diagnosed with chronic fatigue.  In order to make a diagnosis, your doctor must rule out other conditions or diseases that may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing.

Chronic fatigue syndrome does not have any specific treatment, but usually doctors use a combination of treatments to relieve symptoms, including cognitive beahvioral therapy, depression medication, low blood pressure (hypotension) medication, sleep problem treatment, reduced physical activity, treatment of allergies and more.

Self care is also an important part of managing your fatigue--including reducing stress, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

If you believe you are suffering from chronic fatigue or related symptoms,  schedule your complimentary consultation with Allegheny Medical today by calling (412) 494-4554.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Along with stiffness and pain in the joints, other symptoms that are often experienced include fatigue, fever, night sweats, redness, weight loss and breathing problems.  Arthritis can eventually end up destroying the bone and cartilage in the joints.

Some of the most common risk factors for arthritis are obesity, past joint injury, age and family history.  Women are also more likely than men to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

When arthritis is severe, it can interfere with your daily routine, making many everyday tasks much more difficult.  Before seeking medical advice, it is a good idea to gather information about your family's history, your symptoms, previous medical problems you've had and any medications you take.  This will allow your doctor or specialist to help you better.

Once you have made an appointment to be seen, your doctor will most likely have you get lab work, such as the testing of bodily fluids like urine and blood.  You may also have X-Rays or an MRI done so that problems can be detected and treated more precisely.

The treatment of arthritis focuses on improving joint function and alleviating your symptoms. You may need to experiment with different combinations and types of treatments, such as therapy, medications and surgery.

For personalized help and treatment of your arthritis symptoms, please call Allegheny Medical today.  Our PeopleCare team consists of specially trained physicians, nurses, dietitians, physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists dedicated to solving individuals key health problems and addressing their health needs. Complimentary, personalized consultation appointments can be scheduled by calling (412) 494-4554.

Arthritis: A Difficult But Manageable Condition is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Sometimes, the median nerve becomes compressed due to thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling. This can result in numbness, weakness or pain in the wrist and hand, which can travel up the arm. In most cases, the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually start to appear gradually, with frequent itching, tingling, burning or a swollen feeling in the palm and fingers. It is common for these symptoms to begin in the middle of the night.

As for the cause of the disorder, it is most likely congenital. Wrist injury or trauma, arthritis, fluid retention, an overactive pituitary gland, stress or hypothyroidism can also play a role.

In order to avoid permanent damage to the median nerve, early treatment is recommended. A physical exam can help determine whether the symptoms being experienced are caused by Carpal Tunnel.  Physicians can also use specific tests in order to diagnose the problem, such as the Tinel test, the Phalen test or other electrodiagnostic tests.

Fortunately, many times Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be treated without surgery. Allegheny Medical can design a comprehensive treatment program on an individual basis which includes pain management, chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy, exercise, nutritional assessment and rehabilitation.

To learn more about Allegheny Medical's Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment program, call (412) 494-4554 today.

Non-Surgical Relief for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Other common symptoms include moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head, pain that has a pulsating quality, pain that gets worse with physical activity, light and sound sensitivity and nausea with or without vomiting.  If a migraine is left untreated, it can last from four to 72 hours.

The cause of migraines isn't yet clearly understood, but environmental factors as well as genetics seem to both play a role.  There are also several things that may trigger them including stress, certain kinds of foods such as alcohol, chocolate and aged cheese, female hormonal changes, certain medications, changes in sleep patterns and more.

Sufferers can experience migraines only once every few years, or as frequently as several times a week.  Sometimes migraines can be so severe that they interfere with a person's normal routine.

You should see a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience other signs which accompany a headache such as weakness, fever, numbness, rash, stiff neck, confusion or double vision--or if the headache follows a head injury, coughing, sudden movement or exertion.

The goal of migraine therapy is to prevent headaches, reduce their frequency and severity and improve quality of life.  The migraine therapy offered at Allegheny Medical is a safe, conservative and proven method of treatment.  Call today to find out more about how we can help improve the quality of your life: (412) 494-4554.

Migraine Therapy Can Improve Your Quality of Life is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

The good news is that osteoporosis can be prevented. However, if it is not prevented or is left untreated, osteoporosis can continue to silently progress without pain until a bone breaks.  These breaks or fractures often occur in the wrist, spine, and hip.

When a hip is fractured, it usually requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can mean that a person is only able to walk with assistance, and may cause prolonged or disability or death. Vertebral or spinal fractures can be just as serious, and can come with intense back pain, deformity and height loss.

An alarming 55% of people 50 and older face the health threat of osteoporosis.  It is estimated that 34 million people in the United States suffer from low bone mass, something that increases their risk of developing osteoporosis.

An individual may not even realize that they have osteoporosis until their bones are so weakened that a sudden fall or strain causes a fracture or a collapsed vertebra. Signs of a collapsed vertebrae include of height loss, severe back pain or deformities of the spine such as stooped posture.

Factors increasing the likelihood that an individual will develop osteoporosis include current low bone mass, being female, advanced age, a family history of the disease, vitamin D deficiency, low testosterone in men, excessive alcohol intake, cigarette use and more.

A bone mass measurement or bone density tests can be done by a doctor in order to tell if you have osteoporosis.  If you would like a quick, complimentary screening, this can be performed at Allegheny Medical.  Your results can be delivered in as little as 5 minutes. Call (412) 494-4554 to schedule your appointment today.

Need more information? Check out The National Osteoporosis Foundation at http://www.nof.org.

Osteoporosis: A Debilitating Disease that Can Be Prevented and Treated is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

The goal of PeopleCare is to help individuals understand their current health status. PeopleCare's team offers these individuals the opportunity and encouragement needed to actively participate in improving their health and successfully bring about lasting lifestyle changes.

Some of the more common conditions addressed by the PeopleCare team include the chronic pain illness fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and osteoporosis, migraine headaches and more.

The personalized care programs our team creates begin with an in-depth evaluation of an individual's health status. Once the patient's health has been assessed, the health risks and needs are identified, and treatment initiatives that target specific area of concerns are developed.

Through the program, patients receive many different educational materials, wellness information, health screenings and seminar opportunities. Individuals are also encouraged to take advantage of our monthly support group meetings and workshops.

The PeopleCare team consists of specially trained physicians, physical therapists, dietitians, rehabilitation specialists and nurses dedicated to solving individuals' key health problems as well as addressing their health needs.

Interested in a complimentary, personalized consultation appointment?  Schedule one today by calling (412) 494-4554.

Need Encouragement to Improve Your Health and Lifestyle? is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog