Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Tyler Wheeler
What Actually Causes Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curve in your backbone (spine). The angle of the curve may be small, large, or somewhere in between. But anything that measures more than 10 degrees on an X-ray is considered scoliosis. Doctors may use the letters "C" and "S" to describe the curve. Teens with scoliosis often wear a brace to correct a curved spine. (Photo credit: Moment/Getty Images) About 2%-3% of Americans (6 million to 9 million people) have scoliosis. Most get it between the ages of 10 and 15.
Exams Doctors Perform To Diagnose The Cause of Back Pain
Medical history Because many different conditions may cause back pain, your doctor will take a thorough medical history as part of the examination. Some of the questions may not seem pertinent to you. But the questions are important to your doctor in determining the source of your pain. Your doctor will first ask questions about the onset of pain. (Were you lifting a heavy object and felt an immediate pain? Did the pain come on gradually?) They will want to know what makes the pain better or worse.
Pain Management: Alternative Therapy
The term ''alternative therapy'' generally is used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that is used in place of conventional medicine. When alternative therapies are used in conjunction with conventional medicine, it is called complementary medicine. Alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplines, including acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatment, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage , and many others.
Cauda Equina Syndrome: An Overview
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious disorder. It affects about 1 in every 65,000 people, with equal frequency across all genders. This condition occurs when something compresses your spinal nerve roots, called the cauda equina. Cauda equina syndrome (CES) happens when spinal nerve roots called the cauda equina become compressed. Surgery is usually needed to prevent serious damage.
Pain Management and Bioelectric Therapy
Bioelectric therapy is a safe, drug-free treatment option for people in pain. It is used to treat some chronic pain and acute pain conditions. It relieves pain by blocking pain messages to the brain. When you are injured, pain receptors send a message to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). The message is registered as pain by certain cells in the body. Using bioelectric currents, bioelectric therapy relieves pain by interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.
Low Back Strain
Low back pain is a fact of life. Just about everybody will suffer from it sooner or later. One of the main causes of back pain, whether acute or chronic, is low back strain. So, what is low back strain? A series of muscles and ligaments in your back hold the bones of your spinal column in place. You can strain these muscles by stretching them too far, causing tiny tears in the tissue. The muscles are then weakened, so they may not be able to hold the bones of your spinal column in place correctly.
Tales from the Archives I: Manuscripts from James II and VII
Diplomats are probably aware that we have an archives section in Martin Library. However they are less likely to know the specific contents which lie therein. Some of the most unique contents include an ancient Sumerian tablet, and the Herbert H. Rawnsley autograph collection. Herbert H. Rawnsley was an alumni of F&M from the class of ‘40. One of his favorite hobbies was collecting signed manuscripts.
The Costs of Ankylosing Spondylitis
When you have ankylosing spondylitis (AS), you’re focused on taking care of yourself and avoiding flare-ups. As you manage the condition, the last thing you need is for medical expenses to take you by surprise too. Ankylosing spondylitis, also called Bechterew’s disease, is a type of arthritis that affects around 300,000 Americans. Over time, it can make some of your vertebrae fuse, stealing your flexibility and making you hunch forward.
How to Manage Neck Pain and Stiffness of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) causes inflammation that can lead to pain and stiffness in areas of your body. One common area you may notice this discomfort is in your neck. The pain may be especially noticeable first thing in the morning, at night, or after you haven’t moved for a while. Experts don’t fully understand what causes AS, but they know that it can cause your joints to fuse together. This can lead to a loss of movement in certain areas of your body.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Pregnancy: What to Expect
If you’re pregnant or considering it, it’s common to have a lot of questions and concerns on your mind. Do you need to breastfeed or bottle feed? Are labor and delivery hard? What should your diet look like? But if you have ankylosing spondylitis (AS), your concerns might look a bit different. Can you get pregnant? Will AS make it hard to deliver? What if you have a flare-up during your pregnancy? Can you pass on AS to your baby?
Good to Great: Take Your Workout to the Next Level
Whether you go for short walks around your neighborhood, sprint through 10-mile-bike rides, or sweat it out at the gym, at some point you'll think, "This isn't as hard as it used to be!" That’s good progress. But it might be time to move on. You may have gotten so used to your routine that it’s simply too easy now. To get faster or stronger, or just beat boredom, it's time to change things up.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and the Chiropractor: What to Know
If you have ankylosing spondylitis (AS), it can be hard to get consistent relief from pain. You may have thought about seeing another health care provider, such as a chiropractor, for help. Chiropractic medicine comes from the belief that the spine’s alignment affects how the body functions overall. Chiropractors offer therapies based on manipulating the spine with spinal and cervical adjustments. Some also provide additional treatments, such as electrical stimulation and dietary advice.
Exercise for a Healthy Heart
Your heart is a muscle, and it gets stronger and healthier if you lead an active life. It's never too late to start exercising, and you don't have to be an athlete. Even taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day can make a big difference. Once you get going, you'll find it pays off. People who don't exercise are almost twice as likely to get heart disease as people who are active.
Foot Pain From Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects your spine. But in about a third of cases, it also causes problems in other body parts, including your feet. AS can lead to stiffness and/or pain in your ankles, heels, toes, or the soles of your feet. The pain can be mild, or serious enough to interfere with walking and your quality of life. AS may affect your feet in several ways.
Walking: How to Make It a Workout
Walking may be the simplest way to work out. You can do it almost anywhere, and it’s a snap to get started: Just put one foot in front of the other. There are many great reasons to walk. Your heart will get stronger, you’ll lower your blood pressure, and your bones will get stronger. Walking also eases stress, helps you sleep better, and can boost your outlook on life. Walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes or more on most days. Do it alone or with a friend.
3 Best Exercises for a Lats Workout
Leg day, arm day, ab day—but what about lat day? Lats are the largest muscles in your upper body and the core of any workout routine. Do you know, though, which exercises are the best for strengthening your lats? Most people use the term lats, but the scientific name for the lat muscle is your latissimus dorsi. These muscles are mainly in your back and help you move your shoulders and arms. The latissimus dorsi connects to your spine at the lower six vertebrae under your shoulders.
Why Ankylosing Spondylitis Flares Happen and What Can Help
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) flare-ups can be common. Researchers and doctors don’t have an official definition of what happens in an AS flare. But if you have one, you know it based on how you feel. Your flare-up may feel different than someone else’s. One study looked at flares as generalized or localized, based on whether they affected the whole body or just one area.
6 Myths About Exercise and Aging
Fitness is timeless. At every age, it makes a huge difference in how you feel and move, helps you whittle down those numbers (like your weight, cholesterol, or blood pressure) that your doctor keeps mentioning, and even brightens your mood. Inside and out, you win when you're active, no matter how old you are. But it doesn't always feel like that, especially if you've been on the sidelines for a while. Have you fallen for one of these bogus ideas about aging and exercise?
Workout Trackers and Devices
Combine a highly evolved pedometer with a mini computer and a virtual coach and what do you have? A fitness tracker. These high-tech gadgets contain sensors that pick up data about your body (heart rate), activity (steps taken and calories burned), sleep, and more. This kind of insight allows you to make smart choices -- everything from ramping up the intensity of your workouts to gaining the motivation to drop extra pounds. With dozens on the market, how should you choose?
Hip Pain: Causes and Treatment
Dry needling is a therapy that may ease muscle pain. How does it differ from acupuncture?55 SPEAKER: Get pricked to ease muscle pain? A complimentary treatment called dry needling may work. Though the jury's still out, here's what happens. A physical therapist inserts thin needles with no medicine on them through your skin and into the painful muscle. Some people say this doesn't hurt. Others feel a prick, cramp, or twitch. One goal is to stimulate a tense spot, called a trigger point.
Back Pain: What You Need to Know
There's a lot riding on your spinal column. It's your body's main structural support. It needs to keep you stable enough to stand upright but flexible enough for movement. So it's no surprise that many people have back problems from time to time. The hurt can stem from sore muscles, ligaments, and tendons, or from herniated disks, fractures, and other problems in your upper, middle, and lower back. Sometimes you feel the effects right away. But in many cases, back problems develop over time.
Pain and Pain Relief Myths and Facts
Great strides have been made in the understanding of pain and its treatment in the last decade. Pain that was once considered hopeless is now manageable. Medical evidence proves that many of the beliefs about pain and pain relief are false. Here's what experts say you should know about five of the most common pain relief myths. This myth persists among bodybuilders and weekend athletes.
What You Need To Know About Back Pain
There's a lot riding on your spinal column. It's your body's main structural support. It needs to keep you stable enough to stand upright but flexible enough for movement. So it's no surprise that many people have back problems from time to time. The hurt can stem from sore muscles, ligaments, and tendons, or from herniated disks, fractures, and other problems in your upper, middle, and lower back. Sometimes you feel the effects right away. But in many cases, back problems develop over time.
Health Benefits of Squats
Squat exercises aren’t just for athletes. You can do them as part of your regular exercise routine. They strengthen your lower body, targeting your glutes and quadriceps. They also make you use your core muscles. Other muscles that benefit from squats are: Hip muscles Calves Hamstrings Obliques Squats burn calories and might help you lose weight. They also lower your chances of injuring your knees and ankles.
What Causes Elbow Pain? Overview, Symptoms, and Care
Narrator: It's believed that over 20 million Americans suffer from some form of damage to their nerves, or neuropathy. For the afflicted, pain, tingling or numbness often begins in the hands or feet. Gregory Esper, MD, MBA: I would say that a person should be concerned if a certain type of numbness, tingling or pain is not going away, certainly after 24 to 48 hours.
Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis With Biologics
Your doctor may prescribe certain treatments, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy, to help your ankylosing spondylitis. But everyone is different: What works for someone else might not work for you. If this happens, your doctor will most likely recommend that you try a new class of drugs known as biologics. “These are amazing drugs that have really revolutionized how we treat this disease,” says Yale Medicine rheumatologist Deborah Desir, MD.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Heart Disease
When you think of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), back pain is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But heart disease -- an umbrella term for several types of heart conditions -- should be on your radar, too. Research suggests AS raises your risk for heart disease and stroke by as much as 60%. The possibility is highest among adults 20-39. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help lower your odds. Here’s how to care for your heart when you have AS.
Can Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis Become AS?
If you have non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), you may wonder if you’ll get ankylosing spondylitis (AS). That’s when your doctor can see certain bone changes on an X-ray -- they don’t show up when you have nr-axSpA. Studies show anywhere from 8% to 40% of people with nr-axSpA may get AS within 2 to 10 years. But experts disagree on what this information means for how the disease progresses. Some think nr-axSpA is an early form of AS.
Drugs, Surgery, Physical Therapy, and More
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a lifelong condition that has no cure. But several types of medications may stop or delay more spinal problems and ease your pain and swelling. That -- along with exercise and a healthy diet -- would help you to move better and to keep or slow your condition from worsening. AS is not the same as non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nrAxSpA). But experts think the conditions sometimes can be two stages of the same disease.
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a lifelong condition that has no cure. But several types of medications may stop or delay more spinal problems and ease your pain and swelling. That -- along with exercise and a healthy diet -- would help you to move better and to keep or slow your condition from worsening. AS is not the same as non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nrAxSpA). But experts think the conditions sometimes can be two stages of the same disease.
Workout Injuries: Prevention and Treatment
A workout injury can happen to anyone, no matter your experience or fitness level. Even walking can cause an injury. But you can significantly cut your risk of getting hurt by following certain workout precautions. People hurt themselves in all kinds of ways when they work out.
Exercise and Fitness: The 7-Minute Workout
Stand with your back to a wall, feet hip-width apart and slightly in front of you. Lean back into the wall, and slide down like you’re sitting down into a chair. Your knees should finish above your ankles, bent at 90 degrees. Hold this position for 30 seconds. There are 12 exercises. Each should take 30 seconds, with a 10-second "break". It's called the "7-Minute Workout," but you really get maximum benefit from repeating the circuit at least three times.
Sulfasalazine for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Doctors most often use NSAIDS (short for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to treat the pain and stiffness that comes with ankylosing spondylitis. If NSAIDS don’t work for you or you shouldn’t take NSAIDS, you might move on to other medicines. Sulfasalazine is one of many other options your doctor might prescribe. Your doctor might also choose sulfasalazine if you have ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
10 Tips to Help You Sail Through Physical Therapy
Pick the Right Pro Just like your doctor, you want a physical therapist who has experience with your condition. Ask questions about their background, the plan for your therapy, any special equipment you'll need, and how long your treatment will last. You should be able to talk comfortably about what's going on during your sessions.
Pain Management: One-Move Fixes for Pain and Stress
De-Stress: Standing Forward Bend If you feel anxious or stressed, a quick time-out can help. Try this simple yoga move. Stand straight, legs together. As you breathe in, raise your arms high over your head. Bend forward at your hips as you breathe out, keeping your upper body aligned. Grasp your calves or ankles. Breathe deeply and hold about a minute. Breathe in and slowly come back up, head and arms loose and relaxed, to standing.
Pain Management: Knee Pain Dos and Don'ts
Do: Rest a Sore Knee Take a break so your knee has time to heal. You'll only need 1 or 2 days of rest to ease minor knee pain, but severe injuries may keep you off your feet longer. Talk to your doctor if it doesn't get better after a few days. Don't: Stay on the Couch Too Long Exercise builds strong muscles around your joints, and that helps prevent injuries. Once your knee has had enough rest, get back out there. Low-impact water workouts or tai chi are good options.
Pain Management: Knee Pain Dos and Don'ts
Do: Rest a Sore Knee Take a break so your knee has time to heal. You'll only need 1 or 2 days of rest to ease minor knee pain, but severe injuries may keep you off your feet longer. Talk to your doctor if it doesn't get better after a few days. Don't: Stay on the Couch Too Long Exercise builds strong muscles around your joints, and that helps prevent injuries. Once your knee has had enough rest, get back out there. Low-impact water workouts or tai chi are good options.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre el manejo del dolor
No. No esperes hasta que el dolor se vuelva intenso para tomar medicamentos para el dolor (analgésicos). El dolor es más fácil de controlar cuando es leve. Debes tomar tus analgésicos con regularidad, tal como te los recetaron. A veces, esto significa tomar medicamentos siguiendo un horario regular, incluso cuando no sientas dolor. No necesariamente, si tomas tu medicamento exactamente como te lo recetaron. También existen analgésicos eficaces que no son adictivos.
Pain Management: Why Knees Hurt
You hear a pop and can't move after you suddenly change direction -- often while playing soccer, football, or basketball. You may have torn your ACL, which connects the femur and the tibia and prevents the tibia from moving too far forward. Your knee will hurt and swell and feel unstable. You can tear or strain any of the tissues that hold your knee together: Ligaments connect bones to each other; tendons connect muscle to bone. Irritated tendons from using them too much? That's tendinitis.
Pain Management: Why Knees Hurt
You hear a pop and can't move after you suddenly change direction -- often while playing soccer, football, or basketball. You may have torn your ACL, which connects the femur and the tibia and prevents the tibia from moving too far forward. Your knee will hurt and swell and feel unstable. You can tear or strain any of the tissues that hold your knee together: Ligaments connect bones to each other; tendons connect muscle to bone. Irritated tendons from using them too much? That's tendinitis.
Back Pain: Bad Habits for Your Back
Sit Hunched It goes against the natural alignment of your spine. Slumping forward also puts more pressure on your lower back. Gently stretch and move your head and neck up and down and to the right and left every half-hour. To ease any pain or spasm, apply an ice pack or heating pad to the area. Be sure to cover the skin with a light towel or cloth first. See your doctor if the pain won't go away.
Fitness and Exercise: Ways to Exercise if You Hate to Work Out
Video Games You can fence, box, dance, and play virtual tennis, basketball, and other sports. In one study, people who walked, ran, and climbed on a special mat during a fantasy role-playing game did more exercise than if they'd spent the same amount of time on a treadmill. As a bonus, if you play active games, you're more likely to do more "non-gaming" exercise. Chores Want to get two things done at once?
Fibromyalgia: Easy Home Exercises to Manage Fibromyalgia Pain
Should You Exercise? People with fibromyalgia get the same health benefits from exercise as other people -- and more. Regular exercise combats fatigue and increases energy. It makes joints more flexible and improves sleep and mood. Exercise frees people with fibromyalgia to live a fuller life. Talk to your doctor before you begin exercising. Some exercises may not be recommended for patients and could be harmful. Exercise Should Reduce Pain Will exercise make you hurt more?
Fibromyalgia: Easy Home Exercises to Manage Fibromyalgia Pain
Should You Exercise? People with fibromyalgia get the same health benefits from exercise as other people -- and more. Regular exercise combats fatigue and increases energy. It makes joints more flexible and improves sleep and mood. Exercise frees people with fibromyalgia to live a fuller life. Talk to your doctor before you begin exercising. Some exercises may not be recommended for patients and could be harmful. Exercise Should Reduce Pain Will exercise make you hurt more?
Back Pain: Everyday Activities with Low Back Pain
Start the Day With Gentle Activity Slow, gentle activity in the morning can help wake up tired muscles and stiff joints. Just take it easy on your spine, says Raj Rao, MD, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Deep, relaxed breathing when you wake up may also be helpful. But certain moves aren't recommended if you have back pain -- ask your health care provider what's best for you.
Fibromyalgia: 9 Ways to Avoid Fibromyalgia Pain and Fatigue
I'm having a hard time getting things done. What can I do? Because you have good days and bad days with fibromyalgia, start each morning assessing how you feel. If you didn't sleep well the night before, plan your day accordingly and arrange to do less. If you feel well rested and your pain is tolerable, do more -- but remember that moderation is key. Always be flexible. You never know when you'll have a flare, so listen to your body and take breaks when you need them.
Fitness and Exercise: Common Walking Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The Wrong Shoe You probably already know that high heels aren't the best choice. Tennis and basketball shoes also present problems. The stiffness of these court shoes helps support quick sideways movement but hinders the heel-to-toe flexibility that's good for walking. Look for a shoe with a well-padded heel that's light, breathable, and water-resistant. A running shoe might work as well as a walk-specific model. Poor Fit If your shoes are too loose, they won't provide the support you need.
Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
When you have back pain, the goals of treatment are to make you feel better and to get you moving freely and easily again. Your treatment options will depend on where your pain is and whether it's acute -- sharp and sudden, caused by something specific -- or chronic -- lasting more than 6 months, perhaps lingering after an injury or illness has healed.
Arthritis: Reasons Why Your Hips Hurt
Inside the Joint Each hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the top of your thighbone (femoral head). The socket (acetabulum) is in your pelvic bone. Smooth, slippery tissue called cartilage lets the ball and socket glide against each other when you move. A thin lining (synovium) tops the cartilage and makes a bit of synovial fluid, which further eases rubbing. Tendons, ligaments, and muscles complete the joint.
Back Pain: How to Ease Sciatic Nerve Pain
Why It Hurts Sciatic nerves go from your lower back into your legs. When something presses on them, like a slipped disk or a bone spur, you get sciatica. You might have a burning sensation, numbness, weakness, or pain. Some people say it feels like pins and needles, while others say it's more like getting an electrical shock or being stabbed with a knife. However it feels to you, there are many ways to get relief.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Tyler
Contact Tyler, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack