HealthQuest New York

Muscles and bones make up the physical framework of your body. Any issues in the musculoskeletal system could affect regular movement and routine.   

Pain management of the musculoskeletal system involves the muscular system of the body consisting of the muscles, tendons and ligaments, and the skeletal system consisting of the bones. Pain in any of these areas could be the result of either wear and tear due to the ageing process or trauma such as sprains, fractures, dislocations, or blows to the muscle. Pain could also be the result of overuse of the particular muscle or joint, repetitive actions involving that joint or muscle, or even wrong posture. Incorrect posture could also cause issues with spinal alignment which could affect other muscles as well.        

How Do You Feel Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain can manifest itself in many ways, depending on the area and nature of injury. Pain in any bone could be a deep or dull pain, but debilitating. This is usually the result of a tumor or fracture. Muscle pain could be debilitating though usually of lesser intensity than bone pain and could be caused by injury, infection, blood flow loss or an autoimmune reaction. It is important to note that muscle pain or bone pain could also be the result of a tumor. Early detection is important to start the right treatment.    

Ligament, Tendon and Joint Pain

Ligament and tendon pain is also the result of injury or sprains and varies depending upon the movement of the affected area. Fibromyalgia is another pain condition affecting the ligaments, tendons and muscles. In most cases, the pain can be felt in many locations and comes along with other symptoms. Joint pain can be caused by arthritis or other injuries and conditions. Swelling can accompany the pain.

Tunnel disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome are the result of nerves getting compressed and usually occur due to overuse. This could also result in a burning sensation along the nerve path. Overall, fatigue and disturbances in sleep are symptoms that accompany musculoskeletal pain.

Musculoskeletal Pain Diagnosis

Diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain involves examining the individual’s medical history, identifying probable causes from the individual’s lifestyle, and hands-on examination involving processes such as palpitation of the paining area followed by X-rays and laboratory tests. Sometimes CT scans and MRIs may be needed to have an in-depth look at the bones if the cause of the pain is not identified in the initial diagnosis.                    

Treatment at an Advanced Healthcare Center

Treatment for musculoskeletal pain usually includes NSAIDs, anesthetic injections, acupuncture, osteopathic and chiropractic manipulation, therapeutic massage, physical therapy, and strengthening and stretching exercises in the rehabilitative stages. While the exact treatment options vary based on the kind of musculoskeletal disorder, a high-tech and multi-specialty healthcare center offers customized treatment depending on the requirements of the patient.      

In this new study, the researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the link between arthritis and fall-related injuries.

Falls and fall-related injuries are now more common among middle-aged adults. An article published in the May 2 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reveals that Americans with arthritic conditions are at higher risk for falls and fall-related injuries than those without the condition.

Researchers used data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to examine state-specific prevalence of falls and fall-related injury in adults aged 45 years or older with those without physician-diagnosed arthritis. The report showed that fall injuries in the past 12 months were significantly higher among adults with arthritis compared to those without the condition. Report showing the age-adjusted median prevalence of fall injuries tended to be 2.5 times higher among adults with arthritis.

For a single fall, the rates among adults with and without arthritis were 15.5 percent versus 12.1 percent, respectively. For two or more falls, the rates were about 21 percent for people with the condition compared to 9 percent of those without the condition.

In addition, the CDC team noted that the rate of prevalence of this arthritic condition is nearly 50 percent among adults 65 and older and about 30 percent among adults ages 45 to 64. These age groups account for 52 percent of U.S. adults.

The research concluded that the number of adults with the condition is expected to increase steadily through at least 2030, putting more adults at higher risk for falls and fall injuries.

According to the researchers, these findings underline the need for new public health approaches focusing on fall prevention, particularly exercise or physical therapy to improve gait, balance and lower body strength. The team requested healthcare providers to address this growing public health problem by raising awareness about the link between arthritis and falls, evaluating evidence-based arthritis interventions for their effects on falls, and implementing slip/fall prevention programs more widely through changes in clinical and community practice.

Of all the bothersome physical conditions out there, lower back pain is probably one of the most heard of, and this could be caused by disc herniation. Herniated disc in the lower back could be quite a painful experience. While low back pain affects around 60% to 80% of people, a significant section of these pain cases is caused by a herniated disc which is also called a slipped disc or ruptured disc.   

What is Disc Herniation?

The vertebrae make up your spine. Each of these vertebrae is cushioned by discs which effectively function as shock absorbers to ensure the spine is flexible. Any one of these discs could get ruptured causing the jelly-like material within, and which functions as the shock absorber, to come out. This is effectively what disc herniation is all about.  

Trouble arises when this leaked fluid exerts pressure on the nerve roots – that’s when pain and numbness strike in that portion of the spine.  Most disc herniations occur in the lower back which is why this is one of the leading causes of lumbar spine or lower back pain. Disc herniation in the lower back could also cause numbness and pain down the leg and through the buttocks – this is called sciatica. In cases when the ruptured disc material does not press on the nerve, you would not feel any kind of pain. Even if the disc material or nucleus moves out of the outer ring of the disc, you would feel lesser pain in the lower back though sciatica and weakness in the lower legs would increase.   

What Are the Causes?

Herniated disc could be the result of disc wear and tear due to age, or spinal injury which causes cracks or tears in the disc’s outer layer.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Non-surgical Options

Non-surgical treatment methods are considered first, unless there are other neurological issues involved. Much of non-surgical treatment focuses on relieving pain and allowing the disc herniation to heal by itself. Some of the non-surgical techniques include:

• Epidural steroid injections administered to the back for reducing the inflammation. This has proved to be the most effective in bringing down the symptoms.
• Spinal decompression                   
• One or two days of bed rest during which some walking around must be done but with rest periods in between – movements such as lifting and bending forward must be avoided.
• Physical therapy exercises for strengthening the lower back as well as muscles of the abdomen
• Naproxen, ibuprofen and other such anti-inflammatory medication   

Surgical Treatment

In some cases, non-surgical treatment may not successfully relieve the pain and the symptoms even after 6 months. That’s when spinal surgery is recommended. The more common surgical method, however, is lumbar microdiscectomy by which herniated disc nucleus which is exerting pressure on the nerve in the spine is removed. A surgery rehabilitation program involves:

• Exercises to improve the flexibility of the legs and back
• 30 minutes of walking every day
• If necessary, the services of a physical therapist are sought

With a multi-specialty healthcare center treating your disc herniation, you have the best chance of getting back to normal living.    

A multi-specialty healthcare center in Brooklyn, New York, HealthQuest provides effective spinal decompression treatment. HealthQuest aims at providing quality healthcare services for patients to restore and maintain their health. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a revolutionary technology used primarily to treat disc injuries in the neck and lower back.

Spinal decompression therapy is effective for treating back pain and the pain associated with spine-related ailments. The procedure is performed with the help of spinal decompression machines. The technique applies a distraction force to relieve nerve compression often connected with low back pain and sciatica.

The procedure is quick, effective, and relatively painless. No drugs, incisions or injections are involved. This FDA-approved therapy has several health benefits. HealthQuest’s treatment protocols have provided a better quality of life for many patients. The facility is supported by a staff of board-certified physicians, committed to helping patients achieve their treatment goals.

Before starting the treatment, physicians at healthcare center HealthQuest carefully study the case history and exam findings, and only then recommend treatment plans. Treatment sessions are approximately 30 minutes. More sessions may be required to attain the best results.

HealthQuest accepts Medicare, Aetna and other major health insurance plans. Their services are available six days a week, Monday through Saturday.

HealthQuest, an established healthcare center in Brooklyn, NY, is offering free blood pressure screenings for patients on Saturdays from 9AM - 12PM. The screenings are done at this facility located at 3500 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, N.Y. HealthQuest offers services to people in Brooklyn and its surrounding communities including Homecrest, Bergen Beach, Borough Park, Mill Basin, and Marine Park.

By attending free blood pressure screenings at HealthQuest, patients have the opportunity to meet with a healthcare professional and discuss their health issues.

Blood pressure screenings are vital to prevent health problems. High blood pressure is treatable. If detected early, many problems can be prevented. Early detection is the key to preventing and managing high blood pressure and must be done through regular monitoring.

If your blood pressure is too high, appropriate treatment measures must be taken to reduce the risk of heart disease. This is where the healthcare team at HealthQuest can be of help. The healthcare team at this healthcare center provides expert support and assistance to patients.

Through this program, the professionals here will identify people with high blood pressure levels, evaluate their health risks, and refer the patients for clinical evaluation and recommend the appropriate treatment option. They will also advise on diet and nutrition, and also on how to lead a healthy life.

Those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity can make an appointment by calling (718) 769-2521.Please feel free to visit our site http://www.hqbk.com/

A leading healthcare center in Brooklyn, HealthQuest is offering complimentary analysis for older patients living in assisted living facilities and residential homes. HealthQuest’s slip and fall prevention program is geared towards helping senior citizens remain safe by preventing falls and injury. HealthQuest is committed to providing personalized geriatric care services to older adults and their families.

The assessment programs are a good option to find those at risk and implement measures to minimize the risk. Seniors above 65 who have experienced falls, or are at a high risk for falls, those with lower extremity weakness and those who experience balance problems can benefit from the complimentary fall assessment program.

By attending the slip and fall prevention program at HealthQuest, patients will have the opportunity to meet the physicians, who will perform a complete examination and discuss the appropriate option that is needed to reduce the incidence of falls and fall-related injuries. To prevent or reduce the risk of fall and injuries, it is important to follow all the instructions provided by the physicians.

This fall assessment program includes:

• Gathering information regarding the patient’s health history
• Evaluating the medical condition
• Performing safety assessment
• Suggesting ways to improve balance through appropriate treatment regimens such as exercise, gait training, and specialized physical therapy

Individuals seeking to enroll in this program should contact the center by calling 718-769-2521.  Emails can be sent to [email protected].  Visit our site http://www.hqbk.com/

Prevention of slips and falls is important for older adults to maintain active, independent and healthy lifestyles. Along with personalized geriatric care services, HealthQuest, the well-known Brooklyn-based rehabilitation center is offering a six-week balance program to help older adults improve strength, mobility, and balance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 out of 3 adults fall every year and suffer severe disabilities. Injuries caused by falls may lead to impaired function, fear of falling, loss of confidence, ultimately lowering the quality of life. The fear of falling among older people makes them limit their activities, which in turn, reduces their mobility, impairs physical fitness, and increases their risk of falling. Risk factors for falls can be poor eyesight, muscle weakness or even hazards at home.

A center’s slip and fall prevention would include the following:

• Assessing the candidate’s physical and functional abilities to identify the risk of falling
• Identifying various factors that lead to risk
• Modifying the risk factors
• Improving mobility and enhancing independence

Enrollment in the program is based on a doctor's referral which would take into account of increased risk due to age, history, medication changes, muscle changes, degenerative joint disease, osteoporosis, and so on.

During the assessment, both physical and environmental factors that put the participant at a risk of falling are identified. Physical factors are modified with exercise plans such as gait testing and training, balance program and Biodex Isokinetic testing. Environmental factors are modified with tips to eliminate hazards at home such as poor lighting, slippery floors, and unstable elements.

The center also offers customized pain management services to treat acute and chronic pain in the elderly caused by various conditions such as head trauma, hip fracture, cancer, or musculoskeletal disorders.

The professional team at HealthQuest comprises expert geriatricians, pain management specialists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and chiropractors dedicated to providing customized treatment and end-to-end care.

Everyone experiences pain at one point or another. Unrelieved pain whether acute or chronic can lead to various health problems, affects psychological wellbeing, disrupts sleep, increases anxiety, and decreases the patient’s quality of life. HealthQuest, an established multi-specialty healthcare center in Brooklyn, New York City (NYC) is offering customized pain management programs to prevent and reduce acute or chronic pain. The treatment programs offered at this reliable pain management center are designed to reduce the severity of pain, increase physical strength, and enhance body function.

With a team of experienced pain management specialists, orthopedists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists and psychologists, HealthQuest provides patients with innovative solutions for consistent pain relief. This reliable center offers treatment for lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and joint pain and can treat all types of pain associated with knee injuries, nerve damage, cognitive impairments, cancer, arthritis conditions and brain injuries.

During the consultation, the cause and intensity of pain is evaluated accurately through physical examination and diagnostic tests including X-rays, and CT and MRI scans. Once the true cause of the pain is diagnosed, the specialists provide the patient with a personalized treatment plan that combines pharmacological, non-pharmacological and psychological interventions.

The treatment of pain involves addressing both the sensory and emotional components of pain. The sensory component of the pain is treated with medical and interventional treatments such as:

• Physical therapy
            o Electrotherapy
            o Heat/cold
            o Massage and manipulation
            o Applied relaxation techniques
            o Exercises

• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
• Administration of analgesics, NSAIDs, narcotic medications, muscle relaxants, and anti-convulsants and antidepressants
• Radiofrequency radio ablation
• Surgically implanted electrotherapy devices
• Prolotherapy
• Injections

The center also provides geriatric pain management services to resolve pain caused by fractures, back trauma, lacerations and musculoskeletal disorders. The specialists help older adults deal with pain and lead a safe, healthy and independent life.

There are many kinds of arthritis, the condition that affects the musculoskeletal system. Osteoarthritis is considered to originate from the degeneration of bones of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and refers to your immune system mistakenly attacking the tissues that line the joints. There are about 98 other conditions which differ in terms of symptoms, the only similarity being that they affect the joints. Treatment varies for each arthritic condition.  Alternative therapies offered at multispecialty healthcare centers are proving effective to treat arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not only a painful condition as the other arthritic conditions, but also disfiguring. Immune system disorder, this isn’t a natural process like the degeneration and wearing down of joints with age as it is osteoarthritis. RA can significantly damage the bone and the cartilage within it, weakening the muscles, tendons and ligaments supporting the joints. The wrists and fingers are usually the joints affected.

Pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints are the symptoms as a result of which the joint is unable to function properly. RA is also known to bring about other health issues such as lung problems, heart problems, dry mouth, dry eyes, anemia, fever, fatigue and sense of being unwell. Psychological issues are also noted including low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.      

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is more common, affecting around 27 million Americans. It is basically the wearing away of joint cartilage causing bone to rub against bone. It is painful and disabling but a natural occurrence unlike rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of osteoarthritis develop gradually beginning with soreness and stiffness. These are normally felt after a long period of inactivity or excessive use and affect the knees, lower back, hip, thumb base, neck, big toe, ankle and joints of the small finger. The symptoms disappear after adequate rest following overuse, or movement following inactivity.

Pain is the next stage of the symptom, which gets worse at night or following activity. For many people the pain is mild enough to not affect their daily tasks. For others the stiffness and pain gets worse inhibiting their ability for movement and carrying out regular tasks.     

Alternative Treatments

While these are two of the major arthritic conditions, there are others too including psoriatic arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia. Alternative treatments for arthritis focus on reducing the symptoms and the pain and bringing them to a more manageable level.

• Natural substances such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are ingredients of healthy cartilage and can be used without many side effects. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory nature, the degeneration of the joint cartilage may be prevented.

• Hyaluronic acid is another natural substance that helps protect the joint. This is present in the knee fluid, but in arthritic patients it gets thinner. This acid is available as injections for treating knee pain. The fluid is injected into the portion of the knee where the cartilage has the most damage.       

• Analgesics such as capsaicin creams can relieve pain for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis if the pain is mild.

• For arthritic joint pains as well as back and neck pain, electrotherapy treatment through devices such as TENS units has been known to help as well.

A multi-specialty healthcare rehabilitation center will offer the best options for all kinds of arthritic treatment including alternative methods. After a detailed examination, the center will formulate a customized treatment plan and also provide an honest opinion about the condition to suggest the best possible treatment available.       

America is faced with an increasing population of aging individuals. Most people find it difficult to grow old gracefully as they face one or more medical problems as well as a host of other issues which make daily living difficult.  Geriatric care management is all about helping the elderly maintain their quality of life.

As you get older, individuals tend to grow weaker and you may gradually begin to become dependent on others for carrying out even routine activities. You may be financially independent but you begin to need physical support. If you have health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, you have to pay even more attention to your health. If you are unable to do so, someone else has to show that extra care and concern – ensure that safe levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, etc. are maintained through diet, exercise, and periodic health check-ups.       

Aging People Need Special Care

The elderly may have comprehensive needs but not all of them are physical. Emotional and psychological support is of critical importance as well. They also need to be empowered to lead an independent, safe and secure existence. Geriatric care involves all this and aims to improve the quality of life of seniors. Geriatric care management covers many areas involved in the overall quality of life, cost management (financial management) and healthcare services.

Pain Management

One of the major areas of focus of geriatric care is pain management. Chronic or acute pain issues are often constant companions to the elderly. Improper assessment or diagnosis and under reporting by elderly patients are common areas of concern. Musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis and fractures are some of the common causes of pain.

Geriatric care pain management specialists in a state-of-the-art, multispecialty healthcare center primarily consist of pain management doctors, orthopedists and neurologists who work as a team to provide comprehensive treatment plans after diagnosing the cause of the pain.

Fall Prevention

Falls can lead to serious health issues. Since the elderly have the tendency to fall, it is important to try to minimize and, if possible, remove the factors that would cause the fall. Fall prevention programs would prove to be quite helpful for the elderly since prevention is always better than cure. Risk factors could be physical such as strength, balance, walking speed and so on causing problems with gait or physical hazards in and around the house. Professional slip/fall prevention programs identify these factors and help the elderly modify the factors that expose them to the risk of falling.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments such as spinal manipulative therapy help treat low back pain and other such musculoskeletal issues effectively. Many chiropractic procedures have proven to be safer than drugs and surgery in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Reputed healthcare centers have qualified chiropractors who can provide specialized services for the elderly.    

All of these services are available at professional healthcare centers offering geriatric care.