~What is Cervical Spondylosis?~

With age comes deterioration of both bone and cartilage. When this occurs in the cervical spine it is known as Cervical Spondylosis. Cervical Spondylosis is seen in both men and women after the age of 40. Though not really age specific, it is more frequently seen in men before women. Cervical Spondylosis is simply a result of every day wear and tear.

~Symptoms~

Nerve damage can occur with the lose of bone density and compression of vertebrae. With cervical spondylosis, common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, tingling, numbness, and pain traveling to the arms, hands and feet. It can also cause unusual refexes and coordination difficulties.

~Treatment~

For milder cases of cervical spondylosis patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatories, excercises, or steroid injections to help with the pain. More severe cases will require surgery to open the disk space.

Information from MayoClinic.com & image from http://www.arc.org.uk/arthinfo/patpubs/6024/images/6024_2.gif

~What is Carotid Artery Disease?~

Your left carotid artery originates off of your aortic arch and your right carotid artery originates off of your brachiocephalic artery. The purpose of these two arteries is to carry oxygenated blood to your head and brain. Atherosclerosis is when these arteries slowly become clogged with plaque and begin to harden; this is when problems arise. With the narrowing of these arteries adequate blood flow does not reach the head and brain causing a stroke. Carotid Artery Disease is when this process takes place. It is dependent upon age, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and the amount of physical activity the person does.

~Symptoms~

With Carotid Artery Disease symptoms are going to be dependent upon the percentage of blockage in the carotid artery. Symptoms are those that go along with strokes and TIAs. The patient may experience numbness, weakness, vision problems, and speech difficulties.

~Treatments~

When treating a Carotid Artery blockage there are a few different options but the goal is always the same...to prevent a stroke. Your doctor may have you change your lifestyle. Ex. weight lose, quitting smoking, healthier food options, exercise, etc. Medications can be prescribed to break up the clot or blood thinners to prevent more blockage. If these do not work, surgery is an option. Endarterectomy and stent placement are the two most common treatments for a blocked carotid artery.

Information from MayoClinic.com & image from http://www.virchicago.com/images/carotid-before-after.jpg

~What is Sjogren's Syndrome?~

Sjogren's syndrome is a disease where your immune system is not working correctly. Your healthy tissue is being attacked by your immune system for no apparent reason. Sjogren's syndrome is not age specific though diagnosis are done after age 40. Women seem to be effected more often than men.

~Symptoms~

With Sjogren's syndrome the individual will experience dry eyes and a dry mouth. A lot of the symptoms are misdiagnosed due to the fact that they resemble so many other pathologies. Other symptoms include fatigue, dental cavities, difficulty swallowing, taste change, hoarseness, and joint pain just to mention a few.

~Treatments~

As with any abnormality is best to consult a doctor prior to taking major medications. With Sjogen's syndrome it is best to look at current medications you are on in order to insure that these are not causing your problems and symptoms. Medications such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids may be taken to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery is an option to seal off tear ducts and help the dry eyes.

Information from MayoClinic.com & image from http://download.imaging.consult.com/ic/images/S1933033207755428/gr8-midi.jpg