Migraine Therapy Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Migraine headaches usually fall into one of two types: a migraine occurring with an aura (formerly known as a "classic" migraine) and a migraine occurring without an aura (formerly known as a "common" migraine).  Auras are sensory warning signs such as blind spots, flashes of light or tingling in the leg or arm that can precede or accompany these chronic headaches.

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.

Osteoporosis: A Debilitating Disease that Can Be Prevented and Treated

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to lose their mass and break easily.  It affects over 25 million Americans, and 80% of its victims are women.

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.

Need Encouragement to Improve Your Health and Lifestyle?

Allegheny Medical's PeopleCare offers full scale physical medicine treatment programs for individuals with chronic or acute pain, and helps those with recurrent or frequent illnesses. The PeopleCare team knows the importance of living long, happy and healthy lives.

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.

Help for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Symptoms

Fibromyalgia affects 3.7 million Americans and is characterized by musculoskeletal aches and pains, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances.  People with Fibromyalgia experience a variety of symptoms of varying intensities that come and go over time.

Specifically, those affected must deal with all-encompassing exhaustion, deep muscular aches, shooting pains, numbness, interrupted sleep, possible impaired memory, depression and more.  Many times these symptoms interfere with the simplest of day-to-day activities.

Women are affected more often then men, but Fibromyalgia can strike adults and children regardless of sex, age or race.  This chronic pain illness not only impacts the patient and their family, but their employer, friends and society as a whole.

Fortunately, Dr. Neal Fanelli and his team of trained providers at Allegheny Medical have worked together to create the "Fibromyalgia Flow" care plan.  This treatment protocol is comprised of three main components: discovery through lab tests, an examination and a patient's medical history; restoration through therapy, rehabilitation exercise and hormonal imbalance correction; and maintainence through exercise, nutrition and stress reduction.

Additionally, Allegheny Medical offers ongoing support through their Fibromyalgia Support Group, which meets on a monthly basis.  The purpose of the group is to provide informative and encouraging information as well as the latest breakthroughs associated with this difficult condition.  Through the group, participants can receive support from those who understand the unique challenges that fibromyalgia sufferers face.

If you suffer from Fibromyalgia or related symptoms, schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling 412-494-4554.  If you would like to register to attend the Fibromyalgia Support Group meetings, please call 412-494-4550.  Allegheny Medical looks forward to helping you experience reduced pain, greater range of motion and overall better health through their personalized Fibromyalgia treatment plans.