Is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Painful? Topic Guide

Acid reflux (GERD) is a condition in which the acid contents of the stomach go back up into the esophagus. Learn about symptoms, home remedies, treatment, and foods to avoid.

In one 20-year study, about 40% of adult scoliosis patients experienced a progression of the condition. Degenerative scoliosis occurs most frequently in the lower back (lumbar spine) and more commonly affects adults age 65 and older.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. There are two types or divisions of the nervous system. The CNS and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS connects the CNS to sensory organs, other organs of the body, glands, muscles, and blood vessels. The peripheral nerves include the 12 cranial nerves, spinal nerves and roots, autonomic nerves (the nerves that regulate the heart muscle, glands), and the blood vessel walls.

Constipation in adults refers to difficulty in passing stools or a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. Causes of constipation in adults include a poor diet, excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, inadequate fluid intake, poor bowel habits, certain medications, pregnancy, certain diseases or conditions, age, and more. Treatment for constipation include lifestyle changes, OTC remedies, and medication if necessary.

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagitis. Causes of esophagitis are infection or irritation of the esophagus. Types of esophagitis include Candida, herpes, acid reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis and more. Some symptoms of esophagitis include heartburn, dysphagia, acid reflux, sore throat, indigestion, chest pain, bad breath, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment for esophagitis depends on the cause.

Constipation is experienced by most people at some time in their life. Constipation can be a common problem for people with cancer undergoing treatment for their disease. Common causes of constipation in both healthy people and those with cancer include fluid intake, diet, age, and not getting enough exercise. People with cancer may suffer constipation from cancer treatment drugs and therapies, pain medication (opioids), diuretics, supplements (iron, calcium), insomnia drugs, not eating enough food and drinking enough water, and conditions that prevent the person from participating in regular activities and exercise. A high fiber diet, increased fluid intake, incorporating other bowel hygiene strategies, and possibly taking medicine may help relieve constipation in people with cancer.

Constipation in infants and children affects up to 10% of children at any given time. Causes of constipation in infants and children include a wilfulness to avoid the toilet, prior painful or frightening experiences that make them avoid the bathroom, a concern for lack of privacy in public restrooms, changes in diet, dehydration, and several medical disorders. Symptoms of constipation in infants and children include vague abdominal pain, vomiting, decreased appetite, urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and bedwetting. Home remedies and self-care at home is possible with mild constipation, however, it may be necessary for the affected infant or child to see a pediatrician or other healthcare professional.

Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become less dense, resulting in weak bones that are more likely to break. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can progress until a bone breaks.

Fractures are breaks in bone and are classified according to several different categories. Compound fractures are the most dangerous; the bone is broken into fragments that come through the skin. Treatment includes setting the broken bone and splinting the injury, among other steps. Steps are taken to prevent infection if the skin is broken.

Genetic diseases and disorders are caused by a change in the DNA sequence. The 4 types of genetic diseases are; 1) single-gene inheritance (monogenic disorder); 2) mutations in multiple genes (multifactorial inheritance disorder; 3) damage to chromosomes or chromosome abnormalities, and 4) mitochondrial genetic inheritance disorders caused by gene mutations and environmental factors. A list of examples of genetic diseases or disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, Maple syrup urine disease, and Down syndrome.

Acid reflux (GERD) is caused by lifestyle factors (alcohol, obesity), medication, diet, medical conditions, and eating habits. Symptoms of acid reflux (GERD) include bad breath, hoarseness, chronic cough, bitter taste in the mouth, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the throat. Treatment of acid reflux include lifestyle modifications and medication.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is often used in treating the bone loss disease osteoporosis. The treatment, designed for postmenopausal women, helps stop bone loss and helps some patients to even regain some bone.

Acid reflux occurs when the acid normally in the stomach backs up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Some people can manage acid reflux on their own with lifestyle changes or by taking non-prescription medicines.

Constipation can be a symptom of cancer, particularly tumors in the digestive system, abdomen, or those that press on the spine. Cancer treatments can also cause constipation.

Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to lose calcium and mass making them fragile, affects mostly post-menopausal women. Medications are available to slow or help prevent this process, including estrogen replacement therapy. It is possible to slow or even reverse osteoporosis, but often it becomes disabling.

Calcium is an important nutrient and is needed for many of the body's functions, including blood clotting and the proper function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. About 50%-60% of adults and only 10%-25% of adolescents in the U.S. get the recommended amount of calcium.

Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bone loss occurs, so bones become weak and are more likely to break. This FAQ includes information about treatment, prevention, medications, symptoms, and causes.

Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to break. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can progress without pain or symptoms until a bone breaks. More than 2 million American men have osteoporosis and 12 million are at risk. Risk factors include: smoking, low calcium and vitamin D intake, small body frame, and low testosterone levels. Medications can treat bone loss, and exercise can prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue that leads to weak and fragile bones. Medications to slow osteoporosis work by a variety of mechanisms, from replacing hormones, to increasing bone formation, to direct estrogen therapy.

Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to break (or fracture). Osteoporosis is preventable for most people. Prevention involves a diet high in calcium, weight-bearing exercise, lifestyle changes, possibly medication, and early screening for osteoporosis.

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by abnormal curving of the spine to the right or left when viewed from the front side of the patient. Scoliosis can cause an abnormal walking gait, back pain and back muscle fatigue, and can cause misalignment of the hips and shoulders. Most scoliosis doesn't require treatment, but a back brace in children may be used in severe cases.

A spinal tap is a procedure performed when a doctor needs to look at the cerebrospinal fluid (also known as spinal fluid). Spinal tap is also referred to as a lumbar puncture. Spinal tap risks include headache, herniation, bleeding, and an epidermoid cyst.

Osteoporosis is a disease condition of porous bones -- the porosity of which causes them to become weak and easily broken. Pain or symptoms may be absent until a bone is broken.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) attacks and destroys motor neurons, which are the nerve cells in the brainstem and spinal cord that control muscles. Symptoms vary, which can include severe weakness, reduced muscle tone (hypotonia), diminished limb movements, newborns not reaching motor milestones, lack of tendon reflexes, muscle twitching (fasciculations), swallowing and feeding difficulties, difficulty breathing, facial paralysis, and more.

Constipation is a change in bowel habits and can mean stools may be too hard or too small, difficult to pass, or infrequent (less than three times per week). A high-fiber diet with plenty of fluids can help cure constipation. Caffeine and over-the-counter medications may also help if the constipation is not severe or prolonged enough to see a doctor.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus. Eosinophilic esophagitis is typically caused by an allergic reaction. Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and teenagers include Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, upper abdominal pain, heartburn, and others.