Addiction Medicine Specialist

How an Addiction Medicine Specialist Could Help You

Introduction

Addiction is something that affects many and for some, it can feel as though there is no way out. However, this need not be the case. Dr. Michael D. Mitchell at Mitchell Medicine P.C. offers solutions for those suffering from substance use, alcoholism, opioid addiction and more. Substance abuse can be overcome with the right medical treatment. If any of these issues affect you or one of your loved ones, read on to find out the available options.

What Is Substance Abuse and Substance Use Disorder?

If you or someone you know is showing signs of substance abuse issues or possible substance use disorder, there are treatments that can help. Early intervention means a greater chance of an easier and faster recovery for you or your loved one. To be clear, substance abuse counts as any time you or a loved one use a substance in a harmful way. Any kind of overuse of a substance, even if it is just once, is a warning sign and something to watch out for. Common symptoms of substance abuse include increased tolerance, loss of control and social impairment.

A substance use disorder can present in a variety of ways. Withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not available and loss of control in every aspect of life are indicators of a disorder of this nature. The options out there to treat substance abuse and substance use disorder include medical detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, and relapse prevention techniques. These therapies are explained in more detail below.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a combined behavioral and talking therapy. The idea behind it is to address your thought patterns that affect how you behave and try to find ways to think and act differently within your everyday life. Your CBT therapist can provide you with coping mechanisms and explain new ways of thinking which you can use day today to get you back on to a positive way of thinking. You will be taught how to identify negative patterns of thought, manage these thoughts, control your emotions and replace negative thoughts and behaviors with some that are more useful to you. This can help address many of the mental issues that are associated with substance use disorders and allow you to reframe your thoughts and your behaviors.

Detoxification

For some substance use disorders, the most practical thing to do is to embark upon a detoxification process. This may seem daunting, however, under medical supervision, it is a safe process and can help you along the way to becoming free of your addiction. Detoxification is not something that anyone should try and attempt alone, as having a medical team to support you ensures that withdrawal symptoms can be managed and the process can be achieved as smoothly as possible.

Summary

If you or someone you love is struggling to cope with a possible substance use disorder, there are things that can help to overcome this difficult time. There are medical options out there that can help you cope with withdrawal symptoms, aid you in detoxification and talk you through better ways to cope with life’s challenges. These treatment providers are there to provide a no-judgment and hassle-free service to get you back to where you want to be in life.

Is It Lupus

Is It Lupus?

Lupus is a condition that involves an immune system turning against part of the body. It can appear at any point in a person’s life and could become painful without proper care. Searching through the symptoms and signs could lead patients to reach out to Dr. Jeffrey Miller in Tampa. From there, the doctor or specialist can help provide a diagnosis as well as treatment if needed.

Dry Eyes

The eyes may not seem like a part of what lupus harms, but they are just as vulnerable. The appearance of dryness in the eyes may not in itself be a sign, but it could be paired with other symptoms in the final diagnosis of lupus. For many, it could just be dry eyes that need treatment via artificial tears or gels; others could see this as a significant sign that something is wrong.

Breathing Issues

The respiratory system is especially prone to immune-based issues since inflammations often reach the lungs. With so many medications also targeting the entire respiratory system, it is easy to see why so many symptoms involve this part of the body. Tightness in the chest is one of the symptoms that can be associated with Lupus. This symptom also appears with conditions like asthma and COPD, both unrelated to the disease itself. If someone has been diagnosed with either before the Lupus diagnosis, the patient may see an increase in asthma attacks.

Headaches

A frequent symptom of Lupus is regular headaches. There is no particular level of severity with levels ranging from a mild ache to a full-blown headache akin to migraines. Once again, the underlying causes could come from anything, yet it remains one of the most mentioned signs that accompanies Lupus. A doctor can help distinguish between the disease and other conditions with a few simple tests. Choices to diagnosis include MRIs, Cat Scans, and blood tests.

Abnormal Urine

Normal urine colors and consistencies can vary based on considerations such as diets. For many, the signs of Lupus can be hard to spot through bathroom breaks, yet it can be valuable in diagnosing the condition itself. The kidneys take a hit from Lupus as it attacks the way these organs process nutrients and fluids which will then become waste. Kidneys, of a person with Lupus, produce a different texture of urine with a head of foaming texture that accompanies each urination. It may also feel hotter when coming out of the body or somewhat different in nature than it otherwise would in standard conditions.

Rashes

Rashes can appear anywhere on the body. With Lupus, these rashes occur on the face and could be inflamed. Not all rashes could be associated with the condition itself, so look at the placement of the rash as well as the degree of redness. A broad shape that sticks to the middle of the face and extends over the area could be considered a marker of this disease.

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal involves a lot more than just zapping hair off. It is a medical procedure with a lot of benefits. Some of its main benefits include its precision, predictability, and speed. You must prepare accordingly before your laser hair removal appointment. The following tips may help you prepare for your Irvine laser hair removal.

1. Schedule an Initial Consultation

Make an appointment with your dermatologist before the date of your laser hair removal. Setting an initial consultation helps you know what to expect. It is your chance to ask questions about who will be performing the procedure and to ensure that they are certified.

Provide your dermatologist with your full medical history. Let them know if you have any allergies and health problems. They may also need to know if:

  • You are prone to cold sores
  • You tend to scar
  • You’ve recently had a tan
  • You are under medication

Find out the number of treatments that you will require. Usually, you will need two to six treatments depending on the area of treatment and your hair texture.

Your initial consultation also gives you the chance to discuss your payment options.

2. Use Bleaching Cream

Your doctor may suggest that you use bleaching cream if you recently got a tan. Apply the cream on the areas that will be treated according to your doctor’s instructions. You don’t need to use bleaching cream if your doctor hasn’t suggested it. Avoid skin treatments that may irritate your skin.

3. Avoid Waxing

If you plan on getting laser hair removal, you must avoid waxing and plucking six weeks before the date of your appointment. Laser treatment targets your hair roots. If the roots aren’t present, the treatment is unlikely to be effective. It is okay to shave between your laser treatments. It is the only appropriate form of hair removal.

 

4. Avoid Blood Thinners

Do not take blood-thinning medication before your laser hair removal appointment. Ask your doctor about medications that you should stop taking. If you are already under medication, let your doctor know about it and they may suggest alternatives.

5. Minimize Exposure to the Sun

Do not expose the treatment area to direct sunlight two weeks before the treatment. When you have to be outside, use sunblock with SPF 30 or higher. You should wear sunblock even when it isn’t hot outside. Exposure to the sun increases your chances of facing complications.

6. Adjust Your Skin Care Regimen

You must adjust your skincare routine before your laser treatment. If you are using any anti-aging products, stop using them for a few days. Avoid products that may contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or alpha-hydroxy acid as they may cause irritation. On the day of the treatment, keep the area clean and avoid creams, lotions, and deodorants.

Laser hair removal is an effective way of removing hair on the armpits, face, chest, back, arms, legs, and genital area. Before getting the treatment, it is wise to prepare in advance. Proper preparation reduces the chances of complications.

Chiropractic Care at Pro Rehab Chiropractic and Rehabilitation

Chiropractic Care at Pro Rehab Chiropractic and Rehabilitation

If you are looking for a Middletown, DE chiropractor, you have come to the right place. Pro Rehab Chiropractic and Rehabilitation offers more than chiropractic care to provide its patients with comprehensive pain relief care.

Most individuals think that chiropractic treatment is all about back injury and pain, but it entails more than that. It can bring a variety of benefits for a wide range of physical conditions, from general discomfort to chronic pain. In fact, most of our patients simply need to relax their muscles and restore their body balance because of the strains and impacts of everyday life. When your spine gets appropriately aligned, your body will achieve high activity levels that are required in our busy lives.

Understanding Chiropractic care

A precise description of chiropractic care is that it is an adjustment of musculoskeletal structures to reduce pain and increase joint movement. Musculoskeletal structures include myofascial tissues, joint capsules, joints, muscles, and ligaments. Apart from the direct benefits of relieving pain and discomfort, chiropractic care enhances the regulation of the sympathetic and automatic nervous systems. That is accomplished through the impact that chiropractic adjustments cause on the proprioception system of the body and joint capsules.

Chiropractic care is a health care field that deals with the musculoskeletal system of your body. A professional chiropractor will assist you in diagnosing and preventing disorders and injuries of the bones, muscles, and nerves

While our professionals at Pro Rehab Chiropractic and rehabilitation will diagnose and treat these disorders and injuries, the primary objective is to remove nerve interference to allow your body to heal itself without the need for drugs or invasive procedures.

Treating the Source of Problem, Not the Symptom Alone

Pain signifies that something is wrong within your body. However, some individuals ignore the pain and hope it will disappear on its own. Others take pain medication to target the inflammation, but these medicines usually cover up the symptoms instead of treating the source of the problem. Chiropractic care is designed to:

  • Enhance the ability of your body to heal itself
  • Relieve pain without adverse side effects or risk of addiction
  • Enhance the function, flexibility, and mobility of bones, muscles, and joints in your body
  • Help you meet your fitness and health goals

Through removing interferences within the nerves in your spinal cord and other areas of the body, chiropractic treatment enables your body to work effectively. Your spine problem can affect every system in your body, so it is common to notice changes in other body areas when undergoing chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care always results in long-term pain relief, improved body movement, and enhanced quality of life. Since chiropractic treatment enhances the natural ability of your body to heal without using drugs, it is a safe technique for individuals of all ages. The method does not result in serious side effects, only enhanced well-being.

For additional information on how Pro Rehab Chiropractic and Rehabilitation can assist you in recovering from your chronic pain, injury, or accident without medications, contact our offices or schedule an appointment online.

Quality and Personalized Treatment for Foot and Ankle Conditions

Quality and Personalized Treatment for Foot and Ankle Conditions

Feet are complex in structure, consisting of many bones, small joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. For some people, foot complications come and go without any prescribed treatment. However, delayed treatment of foot problems can lead to chronic long-term pain and disability of the affected foot. Dr. Jordan D Cameron who is experienced in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery can ease your pain and improve your mobility.

What Causes Foot and Ankle Conditions?

Foot and ankle problems may arise from different deformities, diseases, injuries, biomechanical conditions, or improper footwear. Systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout can cause foot pain.

Deformities such as bunions, bone spurs, hammertoes, and tarsal coalitions are also common causes of foot pain. Ankle sprains are the most common causes of ankle pains. A sprain happens when your ligaments (the tissues which connect bones) get overstretched or tear.

Biomechanical abnormalities include tendon and muscle tightness or laxity, high-arched feet, and flatfeet which often cause painful muscle imbalances. Trauma resulting from acute injuries, such as Achilles tendinitis, is a common cause of foot pain as well.

The long-term effect of improper footwear may be a misalignment of the toes, irritation of nerves and joints, corns, calluses, and bunions. Pain in the forefoot often results from wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels. Short-term effects include bruising and the development of blisters.

When Should You Seek Medical Treatment for Foot and Ankle Conditions?

As soon as foot pain begins to interfere with your daily living activities, you should consider seeking medical attention. Indicators that show you need to seek urgent medical care for your foot include:

  • The affected area becomes extremely tender to touch
  • Painful swelling of the affected area
  • Prolonged change of toenail or skin color
  • Loss of function causing difficulty in your movement

If there’s no improvement in the pain even after taking pain relievers, the injury may not heal on its own. Pushing through the pain is never a good idea since it may worsen the injury and even result in athlete’s foot.

How are Foot and Ankle Conditions Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves visual and physical examination of your feet at rest as well as with weight and non-weight bearing movement. The medical professional inspects your foot and arch to identify tender spots, swelling or obvious deformities.

The function of your foot muscles will also be examined by moving your foot and ankle against resistance. You may also be asked to stretch your feet, stand or walk. Your skin will also be inspected for signs of bruising or infection.

An X-ray or bone scan of your foot and ankle may also be taken with the aim of determining abnormalities of the bones or soft tissues. Blood tests may also be required to rule out certain systemic diseases such as diabetes, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the Treatment for Foot and Ankle Conditions?

Treatment of foot and ankle complications is directed towards the specific cause of the pain. Corrective and rehabilitative measures are best done by qualified medical personnel. Such measures involve ultrasounds, LED light therapy, and manual therapies.

Medication is also given to control inflammation and disease-related symptoms. You may also be given exercises to improve your muscle strengthening and increase circulation to the affected area.