Neck Pain Causes In Children

There was a time when a troublesome person was called “a pain in the neck”. This was because neck pains can be very difficult to cope with, and can cause other related aches and pains. However, as the stress of daily living increased, neck pains slowly stopped being a laughing matter. Until recently, it was primarily, the older people who suffered from neck pains. These days, children have also joined the bandwagon of sufferers and there are some chronic sufferers from neck pain. 

The number of cases of neck pain in children is increasing at alarming rates. The causes of neck pain in children range from injuries to more serious medical disorders, and, therefore, these should be taken seriously. In the event of the child suffering from severe pain, painkillers can be administered to offer temporary relief, but the child should be taken to the emergency room.

Causes Of Pediatric Neck Pain 

Common Causes Of Neck Pain In Children 

Poor posture, which can be due to uncomfortable seating in a classroom for extended periods of time. Children might also slump over video games or computers, and this causes a strain on the neck and back.

Heavy book bags that children have to carry could cause the neck to be strained and the neck muscles to be pulled. These days, the weight of book bags have increased beyond the capacity that children can actually carry. This could cause severe, debilitating strains of the spine as well as of the neck muscles.

Children could get injured while playing or while falling, resulting in a sprain, a pulled muscle, or even a broken bone. Therefore, ascertaining what happened before the neck pain began is important, since, severe injuries would require immediate medical attention.

Children also suffer from stress, just as adults do. Tension can cause neck pain and headaches as well. 

Medical Causes Of Neck Pain In Children 

• Rheumatoid arthritis occurs not only in adults but also in children. This causes inflammation of the joints, including the neck.
• Meningitis is an infection of any of the membranes that surround the brain. This is one reason for neck pain in children.
• Viral illnesses can cause inflammation of lymph nodes on the neck and can result in neck pain.
• Throat infections are probably the most common causes of neck pains in children.
• Pharyngitis, which is an inflammation of the larynx, could cause neck pain.
• A cervical strain will result in extreme neck pain.
• Wear and tear of the vertebrae in the neck can also be a cause of neck pain.
• While thryoiditis was earlier only a condition that affected older people, children have also begun suffering from this.
• Myelopathy is a disease that affects the spinal cord and can cause severe neck pains.

Natural Remedies For Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a very common condition. It is the burning sensation that you feel in the chest and throat just after a meal. It is also known as heartburn as a result of the formation of acids in the stomach. To pinpoint any one factor that can cause acid reflux is quite difficult. However, most of the symptoms for acid reflux are caused due to the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. The symptoms can last for more than two days and in some cases they can reoccur every week. In severe cases of acid reflux the stomach acids can wear the delicate esophagus lining which can cause swallowing problems. 

The reflux of the stomach acids is also one of the major causes of esophageal cancer. Acid reflux occurs because the smooth muscles and hormones in the lower esophageal sphincter, which are responsible for the opening and the closing of the esophagus end during swallowing, weaken. As a result the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close and so cannot maintain the pressure between the stomach and the esophagus. This makes it possible for the acids to back up causing acidity and heart burn. If you are suffering from acid reflux and would like some quick fix remedies then go through the article below for the various acid reflux natural remedies.

Home Remedies For Acid Reflux

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent antidote for acid reflux. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in half a glass of water and drink this while having your dinner.

Ginger root is another very good option to get rid of acid reflux. Take a ginger root capsule immediately after dinner. This herb is very effective in absorbing the stomach acid thus providing relief against acid reflux.

Fennel seed is also very effective as it helps in digestion. Immediately after a meal chew half a teaspoon of fennel seeds. Fennel seeds also combat gastrointestinal spasms.

Mix one part of aniseed and one part of lavender, and put them in two cups of boiling water. Leave it to sit for 5 minutes and then strain the tea. Add a little bit of honey and drink a glass of this tea in the morning and in the evening. This tea reduces the level of acids in the stomach and so provides relief against heartburn.

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it to neutralize the stomach acid. This remedy should be used moderately and must be avoided by pregnant women.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also reduces acid reflux. Drinking coconut water four or five times a day is also beneficial.

Drinking a glass of milk immediately when the symptoms of acid reflux start provides quick relief.

You can also drink a glass of mint juice after a meal to get relief from acid reflux.

Green tea is also quite effective. You can also prepare an herbal tea with chamomile, ginger, liquorice root and catnip. Drink this tea after a meal to help the body with digestion.

Before every meal you can take half a glass of aloe vera juice to eliminate the chances of acid formation.

Add ginger to the food. This will prevent the chances of gas and acidity. You can also take a slice of raw ginger when you feel the symptoms of acid reflux.

Holy basil provides excellent relief against gastric problems. Chew a few leaves of basil to get relief from acid reflux.

After the meal keep a piece of clove in the mouth and suck on it. This will provide relief against heartburn and nausea caused due to gastric problems.

The juice of Indian gooseberry mixed with the juice of chebulic myrobalan also provides relief against acid reflux.

Mushrooms Effects

Mushrooms are edible fungi that are high in nutrient content. Mushrooms are used in many cuisines around the world due to their high nutritional value and scrumptious taste. However, not all mushrooms are edible. There are many poisonous mushrooms as well that can cause serious health hazards if consumed. Moreover, there are many mushrooms that have a psychedelic nature. 

The “magic mushroom” is one such psychedelic mushroom which is known to induce hallucinations more like the effect of LSD drugs when consumed. Hallucinogenic mushrooms cause your mind to go on a "trip" that can be either good or bad, but is impossible to stop. These magic mushrooms are also known as “shrooms” and can distort one’s perception of reality and make the person enter an altered state where he/she is at the risk of harming him/herself. Plus, these mushrooms can also have side effects on your physical health and can cause nausea, tension in the neck muscles, and your pupils can also get dilated. 

So, before you experiment with mushrooms you should be very clear about mushrooms that are edible and mushrooms that are not edible and potentially fatal, if consumed. If you are interested to learn what effects certain mushrooms have on your body, then read through the next sections.

Side Effects Of Mushrooms

Effects Of Psilocybin Mushrooms

1. Psilocybin mushrooms also known as “magic mushrooms” have effects similar to ‘lysergic acid diethyliamide drugs’ popularly known as LSD. Consuming magic mushroom can take you to a “trip” where your perception of reality is altered for some time.
2. Depending upon your perception and how you feel at that time, the “trip” can be either good or bad.
3. Within 20 minutes to one hour of consuming the magic mushroom, you start feeling its effect. The first signs are usually a sense of euphoria and expectation along with a tingling sensation in the body.
4. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes for the effects of this mushroom to reach its peak.
5. Many people also complain of feeling revolted at this time.
6. The peak effect lasts for one to two hours when people reach a state of visual hallucination. Surfaces may ripple and simmer; and all colors will seem more vibrant.
7. Many people also experience hearing sounds louder than usual.
8. Magic mushroom also cause people to feel delightful.
9. Other hallucination symptoms may include experiencing time distortion; body dissolving, see objects merging into one another, etc.
10. Magic mushrooms usually take you to an enjoyable state. However, many people may have a “bad trip” as well. In a “bad trip” people experience a state that is similar to their worst nightmare.
11. Other physical side effects of consuming magic mushroom include stomach problems like nausea, cramping, vomiting, etc. Many people also experience bouts of diarrhea after consuming magic mushrooms.
12. Effects Of Reishi Mushrooms
13. The Reishi mushroom is also known as “mushroom of immortality”. This mushroom helps to boost the immune system and is a rich source of vitamin B and amino acids.
14. The most common side effect of Reishi mushroom is nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
15. Other side effects of this mushroom include nose bleeds, skin irritation, and skin rashes.
16. Many people also suffer from dizziness, dry nose and dry throat after consuming excess amounts of this mushroom.
17. It is recommended that you see a physician if you experience any of these mushroom effects before your condition worsens.

How To Reduce Swelling

Medically referred to as Edema, swelling is characterized by an excessive build up of fluids within body tissues which leads to growth of your body parts to twice the size of what they used to be. Injury, infection, eczema, allergic reaction, insect bite, pregnancy, and poor kidney and liver conditions are some of the major causes of swelling. Legs and feet, organs, skin, glands, breasts, and ankles are the areas commonly affected by swelling. Although it is a not a condition to go insane about, however, if the swelling is abrupt and severe, immediate medical attention is called for. 

A prolonged swelling that doesn’t go away even after proper rest and treatment calls for expert medical advise. A number of home based remedies are available to provide you instant relief. However, if the condition and pain still persists, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Continue reading to know about the ways to reduce swelling.

Ways To Reduce Swelling

Apply Ice

Good old chilly way to ease pain ice. Applying ice pack to the swollen area will kick that pain right out of you. Take some cubes from the freezer and put them in a towel and rub it on the affected area, if you don’t have an ice pack.

Drink Water Aplenty

Have lots of water bottles stocked in your refrigerator? Drink them all. Although it’ll have you make hourly visits to the washroom, consuming lots of water would help you get rid of those toxins and bad fluids from your body and will lessen the impact of the swollen area and the pain.

For A Change, Rest!

Yes, you heard it right. Nobody will call you a sloth. Put your feet up if you have a swollen ankle, knee, or foot and rest them. Take the weight off that leg and rest.

Balanced Diet

Consume balanced and proportionate diet. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. A healthy you will function more effectively than an unhealthy you. Decrease the intake of salt, as it can absorb quite an amount of fluids inside you and leave you dehydrated. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine as all of them aggravate swelling.

Hot Cold Therapy

Immediately after the injury, a combination of cold and hot substances rubbed into the affected area is a sure shot technique to lessen the impact of injury and constrain the pain from getting severe. Both hot and cold therapies work in tandem to move that blood out of the affected area and reduce the pain. Always start and end with cold therapy. This is how it goes - cold hot cold hot cold - with 3-5 minutes for each session.

Exercise Regularly

After you’ve got rid of the swelling, make way for regular exercising in your daily routine. Join a gym which has a qualified trainer and a physician. Tell them about your weak muscle areas and your medical history. Regular exercising will open up those muscles and make them immune to severe injuries or swelling in the future. Have your body massaged every fortnight or month and get that soreness in your muscles and stress kicked out of you.

Follow these home remedies to reduce swelling and make your body pain free. Run! Run like the wind!

How To Make Herbal Massage Oil

Relaxed, rejuvenated and enchanted - that’s what a herbal massage therapy makes a person feel like!! A nice therapeutic massage not only relieves tension and stress after a long day at work, but also stimulates the blood flow and restores energy to the body, easing the person both externally and internally. While almost all of us, if given a chance, would head straight to a spa to attain such relaxation, you would be surprised to know that with little efforts, you can convert your 'home sweet home' into a 'spa salon' as well. 

All you need to do is dim the lights, put on a soothing music, regulate the temperature to warm and have herbal massage oil ready. If you are wondering how to make herbal massage oil, we are here to help you. In the following lines, we have provided detailed information on making such oils.

Herbal Massage Oil Recipes

Exotic Massage Oil

Ingredients

• 2 oz Almond Oil
• 16 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
• 12 drops Geranium Essential Oil
• 10 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
• 8 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
• 6 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil

Method

• Take a small bowl and mix all the essential oils.
• Now, pour the mixed essential oils into a bottle containing almond oil.
• Shake gently, until the mixture is thoroughly mixed.

Lavender Massage Oil

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Carrier Oil (Sweet Almond, Olive, or other)
• 5 -10 drops Lavender Oil

Method

• Add drops of lavender oil to a bottle containing carrier oil.
• Shake well, so that the oils get properly mixed.
• Use it as simple, relaxing massage oil.

Massage Oil for Baby

Ingredients

• 4 ounces Oil (Olive, Almond, Apricot, or Sunflower)
• 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 5 drops Orange Essential Oil

Method

• Put all the ingredients in a bottle.
• Shake the bottle, so as to blend all the oils.
• The massage oil for your little angel is ready to be used!!

Pina Colada Massage Oil

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup Castor Oil
• 1/4 Cup Sweet Almond Oil
• 1/2 Cup Mineral Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Coconut Fragrance Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Pineapple Fragrance Oil

Method

• The first step would be to combine all the ingredients in a bottle.
• Shake the bottle well, in order to mix all the oils.
• The pina colada massage oil is ready to be used!!

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) Relief Massage Oil Blend

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Oil (Sweet Almond, Olive, Sunflower, Grape Seed Oil, etc)
• 8 drops Geranium Essential Oil
• 4 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
• 3 drops YlangYlang Essential Oil

Method

• The only thing you need to do is combine all the oils, according to the quantity listed, and mix them well.
• The oil is excellent to use before and during menstruation, as it helps to ease cramping. 

Sandalwood Massage Oil

Ingredients

• 8-10 tsp Grapeseed Oil
• 6 drops Sandalwood Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Oil
• 2 drops Rosewood Oil
• 2 drops Rose Oil

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a bottle and shake well.
• Pour the mixed oil in a bottle and seal it well.
• Make sure you warm the oil a little, before every use.

Stretch Mark Massage Oil Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 oz Cocoa Butter, melted
• 1/2 oz Flaxseed Oil
• 1/4 oz Rose Hip Seed Oil
• 1/4 oz Wheat Germ Oil
• 10 drops Lavender Oil
• 8 drops Neroli Oil
• 4 drops Vetiver Oil

Method

• The first step would be to melt cocoa butter, flaxseed oil rose hip seed oil and wheat germ oil.
• Once melted, transfer the oils into a bottle.
• As soon as the mixture cools down and starts solidifying, add the essential oils. Make sure that the mixture cools at a soothing temperature.
• Regularly massage your skin with the oil.