Degenerative disc disease and sciatica facts Picture of herniated disc between L4 and L5 The discs of the spine serve as "cushions" between each vertebral segment. The discs are designed somewhat like a jelly donut. Degeneration (deterioration) of the disc makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture), which can lead to localized or radiating pain. This typically occurs in...
Pediatric Adenoidectomy Procedure: Risks & Recovery
Adenoidectomy surgery facts Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the adenoids. Adenoids are a mass of lymphoid tissue located behind the nasal passages. All surgical procedures have risks and potential complications. Understanding what is involved before, during, and after adenoidectomy can help your child (and you) recover from the surgery as easily as possible. Pediatric adenoidectomy Share Your...
Are Rice Cakes Good for You?
Rice cakes are a great alternative to high-calorie and high-fat snacks. Rice cakes are a great alternative to high-calorie and high-fat snacks. Rice cakes have become a staple diet fad. They are large, round, crunchy, and bland. They promise a quick snack that can satisfy cravings without any guilt. However, they are not nutrient-dense foods and are not considered a...
Lasers in Dental Care: Get the Facts on This Treatment
Introduction Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a number of dental problems. But, despite FDA approval, no laser system has received the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. That seal assures dentists that the product or device meets ADA standards of safety and efficacy, among other things. The ADA, however, states that it is cautiously optimistic...
Claudication Symptoms, Causes, Test, and Treatment
What is claudication? Pain and cramping in the legs is the main symptom of claudication. Claudication is pain and/or cramping in the lower leg due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles. The pain usually causes the person to limp. The word "claudication" comes from the Latin "claudicare" meaning to limp. Claudication typically is felt while walking and subsides with...
Ascariasis Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, Life Cycle & Prevention
Ascariasis facts Share Your Story Figure 1: Ascariasis lumbricoides nematode worms (male on left, female on right); females can reach lengths of over 12 inches (26.4 cm); SOURCE: CDC Ascariasis is a disease caused by a parasite named Ascaris lumbricoides. Ascaris lumbricoides is a large nematode (roundworm) that infects the human gastrointestinal tract; the adults are visible to the naked...
Gardner’s Syndrome: Facts on Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
What is familial adenomatous polyposis? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disorder characterized by cancer of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. People with the classic type of familial adenomatous polyposis may begin to develop multiple noncancerous (benign) growths (polyps) in the colon as early as their teenage years. Unless the colon is...
Are Dimples Rare?
Dimples are small dents that can be found on the skin Dimples are small dents that can be found on the skin, commonly occurring on the cheeks, chin, and lower back. Cheek dimples are present on both the cheeks or only on one cheek and become prominent while smiling or talking. Chin dimples are singular and present on the chin....
Alpha-Fetoprotein Blood Test: Normal Range of AFP Levels
What is the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test? Readers Comments 8 Share Your Story The most abundant plasma protein found in the human fetus is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). AFP is a protein normally made by the immature liver cells in the fetus. Healthy, nonpregnant adults have very low levels of AFP in the bloodstream (undetectable to about 10 ng/ml). At birth, infants...
Are Collagen Supplements Good for You? Is It Safe?
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found in humans and animals. Collagen supplements or hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides are generally obtained from animal sources such as beef, pork, and fish skin or bones. There are a limited number of studies to provide concrete scientific evidence for the various health benefits claimed regarding these supplements. The US Food...