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document map Autism Spectrum Disorders Topic Overview What is autism? Autism is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate with and relate to others. With autism, the different areas of the brain fail to work together. Most people with autism... Symptoms Core symptoms The severity of symptoms varies greatly between individuals; however, all people with autism have some core symptoms in the areas of: Social interactions and relationships... Exams and Tests    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening children for autism during regularly scheduled well child visits. This policy helps health professionals identify signs of autism early in its course... Treatment Overview Early diagnosis and treatment helps young children with autism develop to their full potential. The primary goal of treatment is to improve the overall ability of the child to function. Symptoms... Home Treatment Having a child with autism requires taking a proactive approach to learning about the condition and its treatment while working closely with others involved in your child's care. You also need to take care... Other Places To Get Help Books Educating Children With Autism Author/Editor: Committee on Educational Interventions for Children with Autism... Related Information Asperger's Syndrome Depression in Children and Teens Down Syndrome Epilepsy Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)   ... References Citations Volkmar FR, et al. (2005). Pervasive developmental disorders. In BJ Sadock, VA Sadock, eds., Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry,... Credits Author Sabra L. Katz-Wise Editor Susan... Bottle-Feeding Topic Overview Is this topic for you? This topic discusses using a bottle to feed formula to your baby. To learn about using a bottle to feed breast milk to your baby or to learn more about the benefits of breast-feeding,... What is Expected Usually your baby can begin bottle-feeding within hours after birth. Average feeding amounts will vary depending on your baby's age and how hungry he or she is at that moment. Average... Promoting Healthy Growth and Development Buying formula and supplies Try to buy your formula and supplies before the baby is born. When you buy baby bottles and nipples, make sure you have a supply of small bottles [about 4 fl oz] for your ... When to Call a Doctor Call a health professional if your baby: Is not growing and gaining weight as expected. About a 2 lb weight gain per month is usually expected for the first few months after birth.Is constipated or if his... Routine Checkups Your baby needs routine medical checkups. During these checkups (called well-baby visits), your baby's height, weight, and head circumference will be measured to determine whether he or she is growing ... Other Places To Get Help Book Your Baby's First Year Author/Editor: American Academy of Pediatrics S.P. Shevlov, Editor-in-Chief ... Related Information Basic Dental Care Crying, Age 3 and Younger Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months Weaning ... References Citations Nix S (2005). Nutrition in infancy, childhood, and adolescence. In Williams' Basic Nutrition Diet Therapy, 12th ed., pp. 192–209. St. Louis:... Credits Author Debby Golonka, MPH Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA ... Osteoporosis Topic Overview What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease that affects your bones. It means you have bones that are thin and brittle, with lots of holes inside them like a sponge... Health Tools Cause During childhood and teen years, new bone grows faster than existing bone is absorbed by the body. After age 30, this process begins to reverse. As a natural part of aging, bone dissolves and is absorbed faster than... Symptoms In the early stages of osteoporosis, you probably will not have symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may develop symptoms related to weakened bones, including: Back pain.Loss of height and stooped posture... What Happens In a normal, healthy adult, bone is continually absorbed into the body and then rebuilt. During childhood and the teen years, new bone tissue is added faster than existing bone is absorbed. As a result, your bones... What Increases Your Risk The risk of osteoporosis increases with age as bones naturally become thinner. After age 30, the rate at which your bone dissolves and is absorbed by the body slowly increases, while the rate of bone building decreases... When To Call a Doctor Call your health professional immediately if you: Think you have a broken bone, notice a deformity after a fall, or cannot move a part of your body.Have sudden, severe pain when bearing weight.... Exams and Tests A diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on your medical history, a physical examination, and a test to measure your bone thickness (density). During a physical exam, your health professional will: Measure... Treatment Overview    The process of bone thinning (osteoporosis) is a natural part of aging. However, if you receive treatment early, you may be able to stop or slow the progress of bone loss. Treatment is important to:9 Prevent... Prevention After the age of about 30, bone thinning is a natural process and cannot be stopped completely. Whether you develop osteoporosis depends on the thickness of your bones early in life, as well as your health,... Home Treatment Most adults with osteoporosis need to take medicine to slow bone loss. In addition to medicine, there is much you can do to help slow the process and prevent broken bones: Get enough calcium.... Medications Medicines are used to both prevent and treat osteoporosis. Some medicines slow the rate of bone loss or increase bone thickness. Even small amounts of new bone growth can reduce your risk of broken bones... Surgery Two surgical treatments, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, may relieve pain from spinal compression fractures resulting from osteoporosis. In these procedures, a surgeon injects bone cement... Other Treatment Exercise is an important part of managing osteoporosis. Your health professional may recommend physical therapy. Your physical therapist may teach you how to safely do weight-bearing exercises, which can slow bone loss... Other Places To Get Help Organizations American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 1000 Riverside Ave Suite 205 ... Related Information Early Disease Detection Fitness Hip Fracture Menopause and Perimenopause Quitting Tobacco Use VitaDocs Medical... References Citations American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2004). Osteoporosis. Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician-Gynecologists. ACOG Practice... Credits Author Robin Parks, MS Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS ... Growth and Development, Newborn Topic Overview What kinds of development occur in your baby's first month? Babies are called newborns during their first month of life. Although your newborn sleeps a lot, powerful changes are occurring in the five major... What to Expect Expect your baby to develop in five key areas: Physical development. Your newborn gains about 0.7 oz per day, or about 4 oz to 8 oz per week in the first month. He or she grows about 1 in... Common Concerns    Although you may feel prepared for your baby, the reality of the constant care a newborn needs can shock many parents. A newborn affects your life in ways that simply can't be anticipated. It is only through experience... Promoting Healthy Growth and Development For healthy growth and development, newborns need physical and emotional care. You enhance development and give your newborn a sense of security and being loved by: Feeding on demand. Respond to... When to Call a Doctor Call your doctor immediately if you notice anything that concerns you. You are the expert on your baby. Although usually everything is fine, do not be afraid to contact your health professional for any reason... Routine Checkups Birth examination Your baby's first checkup begins in the hospital right after birth when a health professional assesses the baby's Apgar scores. This test checks certain physical traits to help... Other Places To Get Help Books Taking Care of Your Child: A Parent's Illustrated Guide to Complete Medical Care Author/Editor: R.H. Pantell J.F. Fries D.M.... Related Information Birthmarks Bottle-Feeding Breast-Feeding Circumcision -medical update in progress. dg Colic Craniosynostosis ... References Citations Green M, Palfrey JS, eds. (2002). Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 2nd ed. Arlington, VA: National... Credits Author Debby Golonka, MPH Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA ... Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months Topic Overview Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months - Topic Overview How does my baby grow and develop in the first year? The first 12 months may be the most dynamic period of life. Dramatic changes are taking... What to Expect Babies usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. During the first year you will see gains in five major areas. Physical development is rapid... Common Concerns Between 1 and 12 months of age, it is very common for parents to have concerns about their baby's general well-being. Know that you likely do not have anything to worry about. But it is good to be aware of health,... Promoting Healthy Growth and Development Babies thrive when all of their needs are fulfilled consistently and with loving care. A baby goes through so many changes that it can be hard for you to keep up with all the things experts say you "should be"... When to Call a Doctor Talk to your health professional any time you have concerns about your baby's: Physical development. It is important to talk with your health professional if your baby's growth seems to slow... Routine Checkups Babies between 1 month and 1 year of age should have routine checkups, sometimes called well baby visits, at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. During these visits, your baby's growth and development are... Other Places To Get Help Online Resources Bright Futures Web Address: www.brightfutures.org   ... Related Information Bottle-Feeding Breast-Feeding Breath-Holding Spells Choosing Child Care Colic Crying, Age 3 and Younger ... References Citations Downs MP, Yoshinaga-Itano C (1999). The efficacy of early identification and intervention for children with hearing impairment. Pediatric Clinics of North... Credits Author Amy Fackler, MA Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA Associate Editor Pat Truman Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Specialist Medical Reviewer Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics... Caring For Your Young Son's Uncircumcised Penis Topic Overview Male babies who are not circumcised have a greater chance of urinary tract infections in the first year of life than babies who have been circumcised.1 Keeping your young son's penis clean may help prevent... Related Information Circumcision -medical update in progress. dg Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months VitaDocs Medical Reference from Healthwise Last Updated:... References Citations Lerman SE, Liao JC (2001). Neonatal circumcision. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 48(6): 1539–1557. VitaDocs Medical... Credits Author Amy Fackler, MA Associate Editor Tracy Landauer ... Circumcision Topic Overview What is circumcision? Male circumcision is an elective surgery to remove the foreskin (prepuce), a fold of skin that covers and protects the rounded tip of the penis (glans). This surgery is most commonly done on newborns... Health Tools Health tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems. ... What Happens During a Circumcision Circumcision for a newborn is usually done by a health professional at a clinic, in the hospital, or at an outpatient surgery center. During the procedure: The newborn is placed on a firm surface, often called a papoose board... What to Expect After Surgery After the circumcision, the groin, penis, and scrotum may appear reddish brown because of the solution used to clean the skin before surgery. The shaft of the penis where the skin was removed will look raw and slightly swollen... When to Call a Doctor Your son's penis will be examined during routine well-baby visits. However, it is important to call your health professional if problems develop after circumcision. Call your doctor immediately if your... Why It Is Done Circumcision is performed on newborns mainly for cultural reasons. For example, parents may make the decision about circumcision based on religious and family traditions, personal preferences, or the social norms... Risks Complications from circumcision are rare. Minor complications are usually short-term and may include:2, 3 Pain. A baby may experience obvious pain when he urinates for the first time after surgery. Pain may continue... How Well It Works Your baby's penis usually starts feeling better within about 3 to 4 days after being circumcised. Your newborn may be fussy and irritable and have trouble sleeping during these first few days. He may feel pain when urinating... What to Think About As a parent, you will decide whether you want your infant to be circumcised. Discuss and consider this option before your baby is born. If you wait, the excitement and fatigue of the delivery can affect your ability to carefully... Other Places To Get Help Organizations American Academy of Family Physicians P.O. Box 11210 Shawnee Mission, KS ... Related Information Caring For Your Young Son's Uncircumcised Penis Growth and Development, Newborn VitaDocs Medical Reference from Healthwise Last Updated: ... References Citations Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2005). Trends in circumcisions among newborns. National Center for Health Statistics: Health and Stats.... Credits Author Debby Golonka, MPH Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA ... Male Genital Problems and Injuries Topic Overview Male genital problems and injuries can occur fairly easily since the scrotum and penis are not protected by bones. Genital problems and injuries most commonly occur during:... Emergencies Check Your Symptoms Home Treatment Home treatment measures can help relieve pain, swelling, and bruising and promote healing after a genital injury. These home treatment measures also may be helpful for noninjury problems. However, if you suspect ... Prevention The following prevention measures may help you reduce your risk of problems in the genital area. If you find a lump, growth, or other change in the genital area, use the Check Your Symptoms section to determine if... Preparing For Your Appointment To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions... Related Information Circumcision -medical update in progress. dg Cuts Diaper Rash Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction) Exposure to Sexually Transmitted... Credits Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA ... Occupational Therapy Overview Occupational therapy is treatment to help people live as independently as possible. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, developmental delays, or... Other Places To Get Help Organization American Occupational Therapy Association 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220 Bethesda,... References Other Works Consulted U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2006). Occupational therapists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Available online: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078... Credits Author Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS ... Physical Therapy Topic Overview What is physical therapy? Physical therapy provides services for people of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, when medical problems or other health-related conditions limit their ability to move and function in their... Health Tools Health tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition. Balance... Frequently Asked Questions Learning about physical therapy: What is physical therapy? ... Types of Physical Therapy Exercise Exercise is anything you do in addition to your regular daily activity that will improve your flexibility, strength, coordination, or endurance. It even includes changing how you do your... What to Expect at a Physical Therapy Visit At your first physical therapy visit, your physical therapist will review your medical history and do a physical evaluation. Depending on your diagnosis or symptoms, your therapist may evaluate your flexibility,... When Physical Therapy Can Help Physical therapy and recovery from injury Physical therapy can help you recover from an injury and avoid future injury by reducing pain in the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments), improving flexibility... Other Places To Get Help Organizations American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 6300 North River Road Rosemont, IL  60018-4262... Related Information Occupational Therapy VitaDocs Medical Reference from Healthwise Last Updated: March 11, 2005 This information is not intended to replace the advice... References Citations Weiting JM, et al. (2005). Manipulation, massage and traction. In JA DeLisa et al., eds., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Principles and... Credits Author Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS ... Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Topic Overview    What is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis? Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a childhood disease that causes inflamed, swollen joints. This makes joints stiff and painful. Unlike adults... Cause The cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is not well-understood. Most experts believe it is caused by a combination of factors, including: An overly active immune system that inappropriately... Symptoms The most common symptoms of all forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) include: Joint pain and swelling that may come and go but is most often persistent.Joint stiffness in the morning.Irritability,... What Happens The course of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is unpredictable, especially during the first few years after a child is diagnosed. JRA, also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or juvenile chronic arthritis... What Increases Your Risk No clear risk factors for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) are known at this time. However, a recent study of relatives of children with JRA reported a higher occurrence of other autoimmune diseases in... When To Call a Doctor Call your doctor immediately if: Your child has sudden, unexplained swelling, redness, and pain in any joint or joints.A baby or child is unusually cranky or reluctant to crawl or walk.Red eyes, eye... Exams and Tests Findings from a physical examination, including the pattern and nature of joint symptoms, are important keys to the diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). In most cases, routine lab results do not point... Treatment Overview    The goals of medical treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) are to reduce your child's joint pain and to prevent disability. Physical therapy and medication are the basis of medical treatment for... Prevention Currently, the cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is not well-understood, and there is no way to prevent it. The self-care methods listed below may help prevent complications and make managing the illness... Home Treatment Living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), a childhood disease that causes inflamed, swollen joints, often means making lifestyle changes and adjustments. This can be frustrating and demanding for you, your... Medications Most children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) need to take medication to reduce inflammation and control pain and to help prevent increasing damage to the joints. When inflammation and pain are controlled,... Surgery Surgical treatment may be used in a very small number of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) who have severe joint deformity, loss of movement, or pain. Surgery is a possible treatment option... Other Treatment Physical and occupational therapy are vital to the successful management of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Maintaining good joint function and range of motion and being able to... Other Places To Get Help Organizations American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 6300 North River Road Rosemont, IL  60018-4262 ... References Citations Prahalad S, et al. (2002). Increased prevalence of familial autoimmunity in simplex and multiplex families with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis and Rheumatism,... Credits Author Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS ... Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Tools Frequently Asked Questions Learning about rheumatoid arthritis: What is rheumatoid arthritis? ... Cause The cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not fully understood. Genes play a role in rheumatoid arthritis, but experts do not know exactly what that role is. For most people with RA, the disease... Symptoms Joint pain can be an early symptom of many different diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms often develop slowly over a period of weeks or months. Fatigue and stiffness are usually early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis... What Happens The course of rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to predict because it may progress slowly or quickly. If the disease progresses, joint pain can restrict simple movements, such as your ability to grip, and daily activities, ... What Increases Your Risk The only known risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis is a possible inherited factor in some families (genetic predisposition). A genetic factor may affect how the immune system functions, causing... When to Call a Doctor Call your health professional immediately if you have: Sudden, unexplained swelling and pain in any joint or joints.Joint pain associated with a fever or rash.Pain that is so severe that you cannot... Exams and Tests No single lab test can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by symptoms and physical signs and by eliminating other diseases that can cause similar symptoms. Physical signs... Treatment Overview    Rheumatoid arthritis is most often treated with medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Treatment may help relieve symptoms and control the disease, but there is no cure. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis... Prevention There is no known way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis because the exact cause of the disease is not known. It is important for people who worry that they may be at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to realize... Medications   Medications are the main treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. The type of medications used depends on the severity of your disease, how fast it is progressing, and how it affects your daily life. It is common for people with... Surgery Surgical treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is used to relieve severe pain and improve function of severely deformed joints that do not respond to medication and physical therapy. Total joint... Other Treatment Other types of treatment that may help you control some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include: Physical therapy, to improve joint function. Physical therapy includes exercise, hot and cold therapy,... Other Places To Get Help Book The Arthritis Helpbook: A Tested Self-Management Program for Coping with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Author/Editor: K. Lorig, RN, DPH J... Related Information Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis VitaDocs Medical Reference from Healthwise Last Updated: August... References Citations Harris ED Jr (2005). Clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis. In ED Harris Jr et al., eds., Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp... Credits Author Robin Parks, MS Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS ... Osteoarthritis Topic Overview    What is osteoarthritis? Healthy joints help your body move, bend, and twist. Knees glide up and down stairs without creaking or crunching. Hips move you along on a walk ... Health Tools Cause Osteoarthritis results from chemical changes in the cartilage that cause it to break down faster than it can be produced. In most cases, experts don't know the cause of this cartilage breakdown... Symptoms Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: Pain, commonly in the hands, hips, knees, or feet, and sometimes in the spine. Pain usually is related to activity of the joint and is worse... What Happens Osteoarthritis is a slow, progressive disease. Cartilage gradually breaks down until the bones, which were once separated by cartilage, begin to rub against each other. The rate at which... What Increases Your Risk Certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:3, 4 Aging, which does not cause osteoarthritis but is a factor in developing symptoms. Most people older than... When To Call a Doctor Many conditions can cause symptoms similar to osteoarthritis. In order to determine the cause of your symptoms, call your health professional if you experience: Sudden, unexplained swelling,... Exams and Tests Doctors usually diagnose osteoarthritis by evaluating your symptoms and doing a physical exam. Sometimes your doctor will include other tests in the evaluation. The following tests can confirm the... Treatment Overview Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, treatment can help you reduce your symptoms. The more you understand about osteoarthritis and what you can do to treat your pain and stay active, the... Prevention You can take steps to help prevent the development of osteoarthritis or to help prevent the progression of this condition. These steps include: Weight control. Maintaining a healthy weight may be... Home Treatment You can take steps to help relieve the pain caused by osteoarthritis and improve your joint function. Rest your joint if it is extremely painful or swollen, but avoid long periods of rest or inactivity... Medications Medicine can often help you to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and allow you to continue daily activities. But pain relief medicine does not cure arthritis or decrease the rate of cartilage... Surgery Surgery is reserved for people with severe osteoarthritis who do not get pain relief from medicine, home treatment, or other treatments and who have significant loss of cartilage. Surgery relieves severe, disabling pain... Other Treatment Other treatment, such as experimental medical therapies and complementary and alternative therapies, may be used to relieve pain and improve joint function for people who have osteoarthritis. ... Other Places To Get Help Online Resource NIHSeniorHealth National Institutes of Health Web Address: http://NIHSeniorHealth... Related Information Rheumatoid Arthritis VitaDocs Medical Reference from Healthwise Last Updated: April 22, 2005 This information is not intended to replace the advice... References Citations Lozada CJ (2005). Management of osteoarthritis. In ED Harris Jr et al., eds., Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1528–1540... Credits Author Robin Parks, MS Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS ... Herniated Disc Topic Overview    What is a herniated disc? The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by small, spongy discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for... Health Tools Cause A herniated disc usually is caused by wear and tear of the disc (also called disc degeneration). As we age, our vertebral discs lose some of the fluid that helps them maintain flexibility. A... Symptoms Symptoms of a herniated disc vary greatly depending on the position of the herniated disc and the size of the herniation. If the herniated disc is: Not pressing on a nerve, you may have... What Happens The gradual wearing out of spinal discs is a natural part of aging that can often lead to a herniated disc. However, only a few people who have herniated discs have severe or troublesome symptoms... What Increases Your Risk There are various risk factors for a herniated disc. Risk factors that you cannot change There are some things you cannot change. But if you know about them, you can be prepared to consider... When To Call a Doctor Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if: A fall from a height (such as off a stool or ladder) or significant injury (such as a motor vehicle accident) has caused numbness... Exams and Tests Initial examination Your health professional will evaluate your symptoms of leg and back pain using a medical history and physical examination. Your diagnosis will be based on any features... Treatment Overview The goals of treatment for a herniated disc are to: Relieve pain, weakness, or numbness in the leg and lower back caused by pressure on a spinal nerve root or the spinal cord.Promote a ... Prevention Measures that may help prevent low back pain or a herniated disc include: Maintaining a healthy body weight. This may reduce the load on your lower back. For information on maintaining a healthy weight, see the topic... Home Treatment Home treatment can help relieve symptoms caused by a herniated disc. Home treatment can also strengthen your back, which may help prevent further injury. Steps to reduce pain The following... Medications Medicine is often used to treat pain caused by a herniated disc. Although medicine does not cure a herniated disc, it may reduce inflammation and pain and allow you to begin an exercise program... Surgery Most people who have a herniated disc do not need surgery because their symptoms tend to improve over time. About 50% of people with a herniated disc in the low back recover within 1 month; after 6 months, 96% recover... Other Treatment The goals of rehabilitation, exercise, and complementary and alternative treatments for a herniated disc are to: Relieve pain, weakness, or numbness in the leg and lower back caused by pressure... Other Places To Get Help Organizations National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 200 Independence Avenue SW Suite 715-H ... Related Information Back Problems and Injuries Low Back Pain Neck Pain Neck Problems and Injuries VitaDocs Medical Reference from Healthwise ... References Citations Hu SS, et al. (2003). Lumbar disc herniation section of Disorders, diseases, and injuries of the spine. In HB Skinner, ed., Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Orthopedics,... Credits Author Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS ... Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo Home Treatment Lightheadedness usually is not a cause for concern unless it is severe, does not go away, or occurs with other symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat or fainting. Lightheadedness can lead to falls and other injuries. Protect yourself... Topic Overview   Dizziness is a word that is often used to describe two different feelings. It is important to know exactly what you mean when you say "I feel dizzy" because it can help you and your health professional narrow down... Emergencies   Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately. Loss of consciousness and inability to rouse the... Prevention You may be able to prevent lightheadedness caused by orthostatic hypotension by taking your time. Get up slowly from your bed or chair.Sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before standing. Sit up or stand up slowly to avoid... Preparing For Your Appointment To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions: What is your... Related Information Anxiety Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Change in Heartbeat Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older Head Injury, Age 4 and Older ... Credits Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA Associate Editor ... Medicare Health Center What Does Medicare Cover? Medicare Part AMedicare Part BNot Covered by Medicare A or BMedicare Advantage (formerly Medicare + Choice)New Drug Benefit This is a general guide to what Medicare covers. To find out about specific things that Medicare covers, visit the Publications... Filing a Medicare Claim You should not have to file any claims for hospital and other services covered under Medicare Part A. Providers must be certified by Medicare and must file claims for you. If a Part A provider is not Medicare certified, Medicare will not pay for the service... What Is Medigap? Medigap is extra health insurance you can buy from a private company. A Medigap policy helps pay for health care costs not covered by the Original Medicare plan. It only works for people who have the original Medicare plan, and not Medicare Advantage... Long-Term Care Long-term care refers to social, medical and personal services for people who need help for a long time due to old age or disability. Medicare covers medical needs, but does not pay for social and personal services such as: BathingDressingEatingMoving... Medicare for the Disabled If you are under age 65, you are eligible for Medicare if: You are disabled and are getting Social Security disability payments.You have Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).You have kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) and you need dialysis or a kidney... Benefits at a Glance Many changes have been made to Medicare in recent years. Some changes apply now. Others will go into effect over the next few years. Here's how it breaks down: 2006 Medicare Advantage (formerly Medicare + Choice) includes preferred... Knee Pain Health Center Prevention The following tips may prevent knee problems. General prevention tips Wear your seat belt in a motor vehicle.Don't carry objects that are too heavy. Use a step stool. Do not stand on chairs or other unsteady objects.Wear knee... Topic Overview Most people have had a minor knee problem at one time or another. Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems, but it's not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or injury. Knee problems and... Home Treatment Home treatment may help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness. Rest and protect an injured or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness. When resting, place a small... Preparing For Your Appointment To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions: What are your main symptoms?How... Related Information Animal and Human Bites Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin Burns Bursitis Cuts Gout... Credits Author Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA Associate Editor Tracy Landauer Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency... Heartburn/GERD Guide Symptoms & Types Heartburn symptoms may not be as obvious as you think. And what are the symptoms of GERD? When is it time to call your doctor? Get detailed information here. Symptoms Heartburn and GERD Symptoms Find out about the... Healthy Aging Guide Healthy Body Mind & Spirit Family & friends Planning Ahead Health Care 101 Support & Resources Health A-Z Guides First Aid A-Z Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency. First Aid Shortcuts Allergic Reactions Asthma Bites and Stings Bleeding... Health A-Z   Acid Reflux ACL Injuries Acne Acute Renal Failure ADD/ADHD Addiction and Substance Abuse, Adult Addiction and Substance Abuse, Teen Age-Related Macular Degeneration Aging AIDS Alcohol Abuse Alcoholism Allergies Alzheimer's ... Drugs A-Z   Abilify Oral Acetaminophen Oral Aciphex Oral Actonel Oral Actos Oral Adderall Oral Advair Diskus Inhl Albuterol Inhl Allegra Oral Alprazolam Oral Altace Oral Ambien Oral Amitiza Oral Amitriptyline Oral Amoxicillin... Medical Tests and Tools A-Z   Abdominal MRIAbdominal TapAbdominal UltrasoundAbdominal X-rayABO Blood TypingAcoustic Reflex TestACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) TestACTH Suppression TestActivated Partial Thromboplastin TimeAdrenocorticotropic HormoneAFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein)... Medical Encyclopedia A-Z     Acne AIDS Virus ARDS Alzheimers Disease Anthrax Angina Pectoris Arthritis of the Knee Asthma Arthritis of the Shoulder Autism ADHD   Back Pain I - Conditions Burns Breast Cancer Cataracts Cardiac Conduction System Cardiomyopathy... Acute Renal Failure Cause A number of serious conditions or diseases can cause the kidneys to stop working properly. You may develop acute renal failure if:1 You have lost a lot of blood. This can occur because of a serious injury or major surgery. You become... Symptoms Acute renal failure often does not cause symptoms that you notice. If you are already in the hospital, tests done for other problems may also detect your kidney failure. When symptoms do appear, they may include: Swelling,... What Happens Acute renal failure occurs within hours to days when the kidneys lose their ability to remove waste products and excess fluids from the body. The most common cause of this is reduced blood flow to the kidneys, either from dehydration,... What Increases Your Risk You are more likely to develop acute renal failure if you have certain conditions or diseases, especially if you are an older adult. Conditions that increase your risk include: Existing kidney disease or liver disease such as ... When To Call a Doctor Acute renal failure is usually diagnosed during a hospitalization for another cause. About 30% of people diagnosed with acute renal failure are in an intensive care unit (ICU).1 Call your doctor immediately if you have... Exams and Tests Your doctor will begin to evaluate your acute renal failure with a medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will review your health history and hospital chart (if you are currently in the hospital), check all the medicines you are... Treatment Overview The goals of treatment for acute renal failure are to: Correct or treat the underlying cause of kidney failure.Support the kidneys until they have healed and can work pr