Spinal cord injuries due to accidents can have a devasting impact on a person’s life. Becoming completely immobile and being dependent on other people even for the smallest of tasks can be highly demoralizing. When the only option left is to learn to live with the crippling disability, the injured person and their family lose all hope. It is to such people that Dr. Kiran and his team at Vaidya Healthcare come as a bright ray of hope.
Dr. Kiran B Nair is the CEO of Vaidya Healthcare in Perumbavoor, Kerala. Vaidya Healthcare is the first of its kind to incorporate Ayurveda, yoga, physiotherapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, acupressure, medicinal herbalism, chiropractic, and holistic medicine for a comprehensive approach toward complete health.
Generally, fractures in the spinal cord can occur in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar regions. Fractures of the spinal cord are categorized into three different categories on the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) depending on the degree of impairment. Category A has a complete cut of the spinal cord with no sensory or motor function. Category B is a partial impairment with only motor functions getting affected. Category C consists of compression fractures with partial preservation of motor functions.
The immune system in the body fights foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses etc. in a healthy individual. In certain disease conditions, the body fails to distinguish between body cells and foreign cells. Such conditions are called autoimmune conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one such autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakes the linings of the joints as foriegn cells and releases inflammatory chemicals to attack these cells. This makes the joint area painful, red, swollen and stiff. Over time, the persistent inflammation can lead to progressive loss of mobility and joint deformity. RA also affects the heart, lungs, eyes, and circulatory system, increasing the risk of disability and even death. Thus, it is important to understand the early signs and symptoms of the disease before it progresses to further complications.
Joint symptoms
- Persistent pain, tenderness, swelling or stiffness
- Morning stiffness that lasts for half an hour or longer
- Pain in multiple joints
- Joints are bilaterally affected
- Redness and warmth in the joint area
Other symptoms
- Small painless lumps on the skin over the elbows and forearms
- Inflammation around tendons
- Anaemia and weakness
- Fever, weight loss and body ache
Once the treatment for RA is initiated, it is important to carry out self care habits that can ease your recovery like:
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet and maintaining physical fitness
- Taking breaks throughout the day to reduce inflammation and fatigue
- Make daily movement with light exercises a part of your routine
- Hot and cold compression can be used to manage the symptoms
- Relax and practice stress reduction therapies like meditation
- Stay positive and do things that you enjoy
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