A Guide to Spinal MRIs

If you have suffered a back injury or complained of chronic back pain to your doctor, you may have been scheduled to undergo MRI imaging of your back. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, was pioneered in the 1970s and offers an unparalleled opportunity to peer into the deepest portions of the human body. MRI is commonly used to assess back injuries as it is non-invasive and generates a high-resolution image. This short guide will help you better understand the device, the procedure, and how it can help both you and your spine surgeon in Chennai.

MRIs are used to visualize the internal structure and functioning of the body. They do this by means of a large, supercooled magnet. This magnet harmlessly aligns the hydrogen atoms of the water present in the body. These aligned particles are detected by a scanner and the resultant information is processed by a computer and rendered as a two-dimensional image. 

Though it may seem frightening that extremely powerful magnets are aligning atoms within your body, it is important to remember that the fields alone can do no harm to you. The only danger directly posed by this field is that it can damage or destroy any metallic and electronic implants, such as pacemakers and artificial joints, and that it can rip jewelery from the body. Your technician, of course, will be sure to remind you to remove all metal objects from your body.

When the procedure begins, you will be asked to lie down on a narrow, rail-mounted table. This table will be moved into a tube at the center of the MRI device. The magnets are installed, like a donut, around this slender tube. Several images will likely be taken, each one requiring around two to fifteen minutes to process. A full back scan may take up to an hour to complete. You will experience no pain, but some people become anxious while waiting in the tube. 

Claustrophobic patients who have trouble remaining still may be administered a sedative to calm them and still their body. You may also have a substance called gadolinium injected into your bloodstream. This is used as a contrast dye, and it will help make the vascular tissue in your back more visible in the final images. If you are pregnant, you should not receive this dye as it can potentially harm your unborn baby.

The procedure will ultimately generate images depicting in high resolution the bony segments, spinal canal, and soft tissue (such as disks and ligaments) of your spine. This will allow a doctor to assess the health and condition of your spine and administer a treatment either to help it heal or reduce your back pain.

How To Achieve Lower Back Pain Relief Quickly And Easily

 If, like me you suffer from lower back pain, relief will be the first and foremost thing on your mind.

In the early stages of lower back pain, relief can often achieved by performing some simple stretching exercises or having a gentle massage. Alternatively you could try using ice and heat packs, these will help reduce inflammation, and reduce muscle spasms. Here are the few tips from best neurosurgeon in Chennai on how to acheive lower back pain relief quickly and easily.

If you are frequently experiencing lower back pain, relief can be achieved in several ways, the main two being through either an anti- inflammatory or through special and targeted back pain exercises.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen can be purchased easily over the counter at your local pharmacy, or your medical practitioner may prescribe something stronger.

Taking prescribed medication over long periods of time is not highly recommended, solution to lower back pain as some of these drugs may be addictive, or carry side effects.

There are some excellent natural products available which are geared towards lower back pain relief and some are extremely effective. Any natural product should be your preferred choice of pain killer or anti-inflammatory over prescription drugs, however you should be aware that any anti-inflammatory or pain killing products are not a cure for lower back pain; they are just giving you relief from pain.

In order to eliminate back pain and prevent future occurrences you should look at introducing a regular lower back strengthening program and some non-impact aerobic exercises into your weekly schedule.

The best aerobic exercises for fast and effective lower back pain relief are achieved either by using a stationary bicycle, or by swimming. The gentle motions from both of these exercises will get the blood flowing through your muscles, increase flexibility in your lower back and will release endorphins into your blood stream - the body's natural pain killer. Performing either of these exercises for around 20 - 30 minutes daily will have you feeling a lot better, not to mention the overall benefits to your health,

Many sufferers and experts alike agree that for long term lower back pain relief and prevention you should practice some specialist and targeted lower back pain exercises.

By strengthening and toning the muscles in your lower back, upper legs and abdomen you will give support to your spine, and the surrounding muscles. The benefit that these lower back pain exercises have will be immense. You will not only notice that you no longer suffer from lower back pain, but you will also be a lot more flexible and will find it easier to achieve many daily tasks, that were sometimes difficult or tiring.

A good lower back pain relief and exercise program will likely be available at your local health centre or gym. Your medical practitioner will also be able to offer some information on the correct exercises you should perform for optimal lower back pain relief.

You will also find further details of some online lower back pain exercise programs on our website the details of which can be found below.

In summary lower back pain relief can be achieved quickly and easily by following a these few simple steps. Firstly achieve relief with a good natural anti-inflammatory. Next start a simple aerobic exercise program, and finally introduce some targeted lower back pain strengthening exercises and stretches into your weekly schedule.

These simple steps will ensure that you will rid yourself of back pain in the shortest possible time, and will greatly reduce the chances of any re-occurrence.

Spine Surgeon in Chennai - How to Choose

Choosing a spine surgeon should be a thorough, planned effort. When you have pain that is debilitating and your general practitioner or internal medicine physician can no longer address it, its time to find a specialist. The best kind of doctor will be one that has been referred to you, either by your primary care physician, a friend or family member. But because health insurance plans do not always let you chose the physician you were recommended, you may need to choose from a list. Below are some criteria for how to choose a spine surgeon in Chennai.

Board Certification

For a physician to be board certified in a particular specialty, he or she must undergo an approved education program and evaluation that assesses the medical knowledge, judgment, professionalism and clinical and communication skills required to perform well in that specialty. The physician will continue to go through the process throughout his career to ensure that he can continue to provide quality medical care. 

While there are board certifications for both family medicine and internal medicine, the higher level of board certification for a spine surgeon, especially if he performs surgery, would be the board of orthopaedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurological surgery, thoracic surgery or surgery. This certification will assure you that the physician is up-to-date on the latest treatments and technologies in back pain.

As an added benefit, the spine surgeon in chennai you choose will have completed a fellowship in spine care. This additional year of experience gives the doctor an edge over other physicians, and shows commitment to the practice.

Experience and Information Sharing

Your spine surgeon should be willing to share with you his experience in surgeries and treatment of the spine. The North American Spine Society recommends that you choose a physician with over 50% of his or her cases related to working with the spine. It's a good idea to come prepared for your first meeting with the physician. You should be ready to share information about how long you've suffered with a condition, the level of pain, when pain occurs and if treatments have offered relief in the past. Once you have met with the physician you may ask questions such as:

- What are my alternatives to treatment?

- What are the risks of a procedure?

- How is a treatment performed?

- What are the complications and success rates?

- Will I need future treatments?

- How long is recovery?

- Can I get a second opinion?

Your Comfort Level

As with any medical professional with whom you are sharing intimate details about your current health, it's very important to be comfortable with him or her. Your spine surgeon does want to help you overcome pain, but if you receive a negative impression on the first visit, you may want to consider contacting another physician.

When gathering details about how to choose a spine surgeon, you may ask questions of the office staff or even go online and research him or her. Board certification, experience and your peace of mind in choosing a spine surgeon are of utmost importance for an excellent outcome to your back pain.

Tips For Improving Your Beauty Salon Business

The salon business can be quite competitive so it is important to stay on top of things if you want to continue to remain successful. If you are looking for ways to improve your salon business there are a few things you can do to help build and maintain the successful salon you always wanted.

Providing Desired Services

Make sure your customers are getting the level and types of services they want. You may want to question them or have them fill out an anonymous survey to see how they feel about the level of service they are receiving and to see if they have suggestions of additional services they would like to see offered in your salon.

If there is a particular service that a lot of people would like to see in your salon do some research to see what it would take to add this service in your salon. For example if clients would like facials and other skin care treatments you might consider adding some basic esthetician equipment and an esthetician to your staff, either part or full time.

Customer Service

While trained technique and experience are very important, your customers may tell you customer service is almost equally important. When people go to a salon or spa they want to feel like they are being treated well. It is important to treat each person with respect and make them feel cared for.

Depending on the service provided the customer may need instructions to take home with them after their appointment or they may want a brief description of what is being done and why. This can be especially important when spa services are offered.

Make the experience a good one so they want to come back again and again. Great customer service is a great way to get referrals and new business.

Sales

While sales isn't a very fun topic, it is a necessary one if you want to have a truly successful salon business. When it comes to sales the most important thing is to stock and sell products you like and believe in. You definitely don't want to pushy, but use the products you sell and have your staff show the customer what product is being used and how it is used to create that special look.

Be sure you have an attractive display case that is clean and well stocked. Place it in a convenient and visible area. If you carry good products that are hard to find some customers may come in just to get that specific product.

Marketing

Don't let the idea of marketing become overwhelming. If this feels like a foreign world to you consider taking a basic marketing class.

Depending on the size and location of your business your marketing techniques may vary. Of course budget is an important factor as well. One not as obvious way to market your business is to network and get to know other local business owners.

If you can make connections with other business owners you can refer customers to each other. Word of mouth is often the best way to attract new customers and it is a great way to cut your marketing costs.

Once you get new customers in your shop provide a good service, make them feel welcome and listen to what they say if they have suggestions of things they would like to see in your salon. Satisfied customers will make your salon business a successful one.


Source: Ezine article

Beauty Parlours and Hair Salons

There are more beauty parlours and hair salons in China alone than in the rest of the world combined. At least, that is my impression. Well, if you make allowances for a little exaggeration you will get the picture.

It's not that the Chinese have more hair but what they do, they like to flaunt. Walk down any street in any Chinese city, town or village and you will see salons cheek by jowl - well, almost! And, there are streets where there are more of these establishments than any other. Beauty parlours and hair salons serve a dual purpose. They do cut, trim, shape and colour hair but many also front for less innocent pleasures. More of that later.

Most Chinese have a thick head of hair that neither age nor time can seemingly wither. Old and young, all seem very hirsute - but only at the head level. Cast your eyes a little lower and all signs of hirsuteness begin to wane. Thus, moustaches and beards are a rarity in China. One does see a few people, although rarely, with a not-so-thick moustache but beards seem to grow only on artists' chins and those of beggars and mendicants.

Yet, business thrives within the confines of glass-paned beauty parlours and hair salons. Expert hands scissoring away at long, dark, luxuriously beautiful hair are a sight one can behold any time of the day or night, almost. Around festival times and annual May Day and National Holidays, in particular, business explodes in anticipation of long-awaited vacations and happy reunions. That's when beauticians and barbers work like Edward Scissorhands, their fingers inspired, their hearts on song.

These establishments are often staffed by trained personnel, some with certificates from vocational insitutes specialising in beauty treatment and hair care. Walk into one and you will see stacks of magazines and catalogues from China and abroad, replete with latest pictures of hair styles, beauty treatments and the like.

The salons bleach and clour, cut and shape hair into styles that sometimes look captivatingly beautiful on some faces and atrociously inappropriate on some. It's not entirely their fault when the results are negative for there are clients who want the blonde of Scandinavia or the turquoise of peacocks on their hair.

A hair shampoo followed by a cut, dye, another shampoo and a perm can be had for as little as a hundred kuai or twelve dollars fifty! And, young men and women, in particular, are flocking into these establishments to add a zing to their lives and a thing to their hair.

Beauty salons that provide services other than beatification, nonetheless, have employees who can wield the scissors and lessen the burden on some heads. These parlours look like their more genuine counterparts, except their glass panes are either smaller or tinted or both, giving passersby just about enough occasion to see their wares, nattily dressed young women with shoes up to their calves and hair styled in all shapes, sizes and colours. Walk in, negotiate, do your business in a curtained/ply-walled room at the back and walk out, singing your favourite song.

How to buy Tanning Beauty Salon Equipment

One of the biggest issues that owners of tanning salons have when they get started in their business is equipment. They are not always sure of which equipment to buy. A good general piece of advice is to tailor purchases to your needs and buy the kind and quality of equipment that you think your clients would want and the services you plan to provide them. If you are a discount salon, you may not be able to spend top dollar, but if your clients want the best, there are deluxe versions available.

What IS beauty salon equipment?

Salon equipment is a general term that is used to refer to the products offered by salons and needed during services. Just like there are standard equipment with hair, nail or other types of salons, tanning salons have standard equipment. Price can vary considerably. If you are a basic salon or are just starting, the standard models might be for you. But if you have a established clientèle willing to pay for it, more money does often indicate better quality.

Is it really "discount" equipment?

Some salespeople use the word discount to get customers in the door when they have standard prices. So being able to trust a shop includes research into how reputable it is and to be familiar with what the standard prices are for each piece. There can be discounts from dealers who buy in bulk or purchase used, you just have to go to the right ones.

Is there really good "Used" equipment

It is not necessary to purchase something new for it to be in good condition. Other types of salons by things like chair units used all the time. All types of salons can see the same benefit. It can depend on the services you offer and what kind of salon you have. But hair salons ranging to tanning salons to those that have a combination can consider used equipment. But it is much the same with the discounters. Make sure they are reputable. Insist on a warranted policy where if something is damaged you can bring it back.

How about "wholesale."

Going through the wholesale dealer can be a great way for a salon owner to save some money. They way the wholesalers are able to slash their prices is that they buy in bulk, passing some of the savings on to you. Sometimes they get a large amount of the equipment and need to liquidate it all. Benefiting from wholesalers will involve finding reputable individuals, through both research and word of mouth through networking with other salon owners who have found good deals.

Is there financing or leasing?

Usually there is to clients who are considered credit-worthy. It wouldn't hurt to ask, especially if you are just getting started. It will help to only have to make monthly payments rather than a big up-front purchase if it isn't working out. In fact for many start-ups it can be an excellent option, so investigate the possibilities.

Have you tried it?

Many of us wouldn't consider buying a car without giving it a test drive. It is much the same with any equipment you buy for your salon. Sit in chairs, lie on tables and do a number of things to scrutinize all the parts to see if they are in working order. But many times things can't be fully tested until they are used by customers, so make sure you have a good warranty policy in the event that when it is fully used it is in good working order. Making contacts within the salon industry, can be advantage because this may be the way you find a reputable source of equipment?

The Advantages of Thai Stem Massage

Thai herbal stem massage is a kind of hybrid treatment that makes use of Thai massage movements, Swedish relaxation massage, Lomi Lomi, and stretching methods. Spa products of Thailand are the main ingredients of Thai herbal stem massage. In this process, spa treatment is given by using therapeutic oils and healing herbs that are wrapped up in unbleached cotton tied to a stem. Since ancient times, these herbal stems have been used in Thailand as traditional massage tools. Thai people have been using a lot of medicinal herbal stems for treating different types of ailments.

Benefits of Thai Stem Massage:

This massage can easily be incorporated into the body wraps or facial treatment. It gives a completely different experience to the spa users. It is organic, natural, and contains no chemical or preservatives. It is different from other types of spa massages, as it combines comforting moist warmth with therapeutic oils and natural herbs bundled up in the stems. Taking this massage therapy on a regular basis will expose your body to less wear and tear.

Thai herbal stem massage offers many benefits. It specifically helps:

•     Reducing joint pain
•     Relieving muscle tension
•     Relieving painful inflammation, such as arthritis
•     Releasing toxins
•     Increasing blood circulation
•     Releasing blocked energy
•     Nourishing and softening the skin
•     Enhancing vitality and awareness
•     Relaxing the nerves
•     Soothing underlying connective tissues
•     Rejuvenating body and mind
•     Re-balancing the body

The use of traditional massage techniques in combination with spa products of Thailand offers quite a unique experience to the spa users. These stems are handmade in Thailand and are vacuum-packed that ensures their purity and freshness.

Used Ingredients:

These stems are made of unique spa products of Thailand. All the herbs used in these products are organically grown and produced in Thailand. The blend of herbs includes:

•     Tamarind leaves
•     Sweet Flag
•     Kaffir Lime Peel and leaves
•     Tumeric
•     Plai
•     Mountain Ebony leaves
•     Lemongrass
•     Jean leaves
•     Somboil
•     Camphor
•     Eucalyptus

How It Works

The natural Thai spa products used in this treatment are heated, so that they release their healing properties. They are then massaged all over the body of the consumers. These oils and natural ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream via the epidermis and then respond to the chemistry of the body in a gentle way.

The stems are rolled on the skin and their gentle touch does most of the therapeutic work. For complete effect, the massages should be carried out for one and a half hour.

Cautions:

On the same person, each pair of stem can be used for maximum 4 times over a 2-week period. Consumers can also take these stems at home and apply on them. For more effectiveness and extended use, used stems can be kept in refrigerator. After taking this therapy, users should drink plenty of fluids like fresh juices or plain drinking water.

This massage therapy is the perfect adjunct to other different body treatments. It alone can also act as a captivating treatment for both the consumer and the therapist.

For more information on traditional Thai treatments and news about the spa trends in Thailand, go to this website: http://dermascent.com/blog/