Archive for December, 2008

Get Relieve from Computer Usage Pain

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

I have been operating the computer for 10 years. Since the software I use (AUTOCAD) requires clicking of the mouse repeatedly with the index finger, I have developed pain in my right arm and shoulder. I have consulted orthopedics for the same, but they are not able to diagnose the problem. Now even 30 mins/1 hr of operating the mouse results in stiffness/pain in my triceps region and shoulder blades.
This is a new disability now increasingly seen in those who are at the computer for long hours, called “Computer Sickness”. It’s usually the outcome of being in one position for a long time, resulting in non use of the muscles. This leads to poor oxygenation in the functioning arm and back muscles with lactic acid accumulation. You must take a 2-minute break every half hour or so, get off the chair, and walk around a bit. Take a few deep breaths and stretch neck, back and shoulders. If the problem has aggravated to an extent that you find it difficult to work, you may actually have to consider giving up the use of the computer on a permanent basis. There are no investigations you need to undergo for this, and medications are merely painkillers.

Sound Sleep

Sunday, December 28th, 2008

I would like to know, is there any treatment for snoring?
Yes. There are many treatment options for snoring. Snoring is due to lack of adequate space in the upper air passage that leads to turbulence in flow of the ingoing breath. The first step however is to rule out obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when there is recurrent closure of the upper air passage during sleep. The condition is usually seen in approximately 40-50% of heavy snorers. An OSA diagnosis necessitates getting a sleep study, but, if there are breathing pauses every few seconds or you suffer daytime fatigue, then those are important clues that you could have OSA.
If there is no OSA then the treatment for snoring involves multiple choices. These range from positional devices which prevent the patient from lying on his back, to oral appliances to restrict the tongue position, to surgery, which is usually performed by an ENT surgeon. There are newer surgical procedures in the US called somnoplasty as well as a brand new simple outpatient procedure called the Pillar procedure, which is excellent for curing snoring.
Weight loss, avoidance of alcohol, and medications like sleeping pills can also help. Sleep apnea usually requires wearing a device called CPAP, which essentially consists of an air blower which keeps the air passages wide open and eliminates snoring. It has to be worn every night and is hence not well-accepted by some patients. Surgical treatments as well as use of oral appliances may also be effective in selected patients.