Ailment

Insomnia DEFINITION Insomnia is a term that describes a disturbance of the normal sleep pattern. DESCRIPTION Each person needs a different amount of sleep to function well during the day. The average amount of sleep required by most people is 6 to 8 hours per night. Most people establish a… Read Article

Motion sickness DEFINITION Motion Sickness is a condition of nausea caused by erratic or rhythmic motions experienced when travelling (e.g. by car, plane, boat, train). DESCRIPTION Motion Sickness is thought to be caused by an irritation to the inner ear. Motion Sickness can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting,… Read Article

Mouth ulcers DEFINITION A Mouth Ulcer is the erosion of part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth (mucous membrane). DESCRIPTION Certain medications, chemicals and infectious diseases such as herpes or thrush can cause Mouth Ulcers. The most common cause is injury, such as from ill-fitting… Read Article

Nausea and vomiting DEFINITION Nausea is an unpleasant sensation characterised by loss of appetite and impending vomiting. Vomiting is the forcible expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. DESCRIPTION There are few people who have not experienced severe nausea and vomiting at some stage. Vomiting is an… Read Article

Osteoarthritis DEFINITION Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that affects the joints. DESCRIPTION In a normal joint, the ends of the bones are covered by a layer of cartilage. Cartilage helps the joint move smoothly and cushions the ends of the bones. In OA, the cartilage breaks down and becomes thin…. Read Article

Pain DEFINITION Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. DESCRIPTION The main Pain receptors are the sensory nerve endings found throughout the tissues and organs of the body. These nerve endings respond to various kinds of stimulation – including that which can… Read Article

Pain – Back care tips DEFINITION The following are suggestions for avoiding back injury and pain. DESCRIPTION TIPS FOR A HEALTHY BACK  Specific exercises: Abdominal crunches strengthen abdominal muscles. Stretching exercises help relieve tight back muscles. However, they are not useful in the treatment of back pain. The pelvic tilt… Read Article

Pain – chronic DEFINITION Chronic Pain is pain which lasts for more than one month after an injury has healed; pain that lasts or recurs for more than 3 months or pain associated with tissue injury that is expected to continue or get worse. DESCRIPTION TYPES OF CHRONIC PAIN  General… Read Article

Pain – Low back pain DEFINITION Low Back Pain may be caused by a variety of conditions or processes. Low Back Pain is common and is believed to affect up to 90% of people at least once during their lifetime. It can be very uncomfortable but is usually not serious…. Read Article