Introduction

            Nature Creation® was established in 1996 and started out as a simple herbal pack business.  In 2004, it evolved to become the leading manufacture of natural hot & cold herbal therapy pack in USA. 

            Nature Creation® products are easily found in major shopping malls and our exclusive website, www.naturecreation.com.  Our manufacturing facility is located in Chatsworth, California and we have two strategic distribution facilities in USA to support fast delivery to our clients.

Why is Nature Creation®?

If you’re nursing limb or joint problems ranging from sports injuries to arthritis, conventional flat hot or cold packs miss the mark — literally. They provide only partial coverage of the traumatized area because of their rectangular construction and inability to bend when frozen.

The herbs pack therapy from Nature Creation® conquers those flaws with a patented comfort design that completely encircles the area with heat or cold for faster and better treatment. Nature Creation® is a manufacture of family of reusable herbal pack that fit over the shoulder, wrist, knee, thigh or other body parts. These innovative packs wrap the limb or joint in a flexible, cushion-like padding that stays in position with straps & wraps for rapid hands-free use. The total coverage allows the entire circumference of the injured area to be treated at one time instead of in stages as required with a flat pack. The proprietary of 9 essential natural herbs filling stay soft when frozen or heated to allow the pack to mold to the body, ensuring deep hot or cold penetration of soft tissues. Together, these features reduce treatment time, provide faster pain relief, keep swelling to a minimum, and increase overall effectiveness.

Used hot, the Nature Creation® herbal packs provide soothing surround-the-limb relief for arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle aches, post-operative pain and more. They heat in the microwave in about one minute or two, and their ability to be used repeatedly can save hundreds of dollars over expensive one-time-use hot packs.

Used cold, Nature Creation® herbal packs provide first aid for acute soft tissue injuries, tennis elbow and other conditions that require cold applications to combat swelling, pain and bruising. The insulating protective cover solution that is offered as a an option with each pack will protect the skin from extreme temperatures also supplies slight compression, allowing the herbs to address two of the four steps in the RICE (rest,

ice, compression, elevation) method of injury treatment.

Nature Creation® Hot/Cold Therapy herbal packs are natural solution of pain therapy and can go from freezer to microwave and back over and over again.

Nature Creation® Commitment to Quality & Values

The ideal design of Nature Creation® products is to provide natural soothing therapy in the comfort of your daily life. Through out the years, we had many compliments and suggestions on what to expect and how to improve the designs and the execution of our products.

We did all the researches and experiments, which finally came out in details as followed:

• Perfect Balanced of Blended Formula from 9 Essential Natural Herbs

Unlike the previous blend, the new blend contains smaller particles of high quality natural herbs. They will not harsh or absurd the skins, which allow the users to put the packs on almost any parts of the body or to walk comfortably, while maintain the heat and cold effect on the product. The hand-selected herbs include Chamomile, Cinnamon, Lemon grass, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint, White Willow, Yarrow, Yellow-Dock Root. In addition, we add Flax Seed and Wheat as the heating and cooling elements to the blends.

• Extended & Improved Sewing Methods

Durability and comfort are two main reasons of this improvement. We experimented extensively with various durable, but soft materials for the inner sole, padding, and outer fabrics. Yet, we always put the priority of comfort to the users. As the final designs revealed, we discovered new method of sewing patterns to strengthen the joints and combined to better fabrics, which eventually improved the users’ experiences of excellent heating & cooling effects. This new multi layers Zigzag sewing patterns and new fabrics will guarantee to improve the durability of all Nature Creation® products.

• Easy Opening and Sealed of Protective Covers

It is now easier to remove or replace the protective covers onto the packs. The improved design of the protective covers extends the flexibility, while the new sewing systems allow the covers to open wider to take-in & out of the packs easily

• Colors of Synergy

The thicker, but soft outer fabrics will enhance the durability & comfort, yet they match the marble colors of other Nature Creation® products. Now, you can use the complete sets of Nature Creation® collections and be in harmony of perfect synergy with your favorite colors.

 

• 1-Year Craftsmanship Warranty

We are confident to the quality, comfort and soothing therapy of our new & improved products, which we back it up with 1-year craftsmanship warranty. If you find any workmanship defects or issues within the first year of purchase, we will replace your products and extend the warranty on the replacement for an additional 1-year.

Nature Creation® Features Products

Upper Body Wrap

            This is a special patented design of Nature Creation® collections.  This ultimate Upper Body Wrap will cover the upper back, shoulders, neck and chest area in one convenient wrap! The Upper Body Wrap measures approximately 18”x11” and the Velcro straps make it easy to wrap around your neck and shoulders, holding the pack comfortably in place.

            The 9 essential filling natural herbs will work simultaneously to reduce stiffness and relive muscular pain in the upper back and shoulders on hot application.  It also will promote muscle relaxation, relieve pain due to sprains, injured muscles and minor headaches on cold application.

Shoulder Wrap

            Shoulder Wrap is our best seller, since it was incepted in 2004.  The design will conform easily around the neck, shoulders, and upper back.  The Shoulder Wrap can be used as hot or cold application.  If you use it hot, the filling of the natural herbs will elevate muscle aches, stiffness around the neck/ shoulder area and upper back.  If used as cold application, it will relief minor headaches, reduce swelling and shoulder cramps.

            Shoulder Wrap is also available as unscented product.  It is filled with 100% natural grains.

Neck Wrap

            The Neck Wrap is designed for the base of the neck.  It is very supportive and very suitable for most travelers who likely to sleep in the car or on the airplane.  The Neck Wrap is also very gratifying for most people who love to read books or watch television.  The natural herbal seeds inside the pack may adjust to the proportion of the neck to provide excellent grab for ultimate treatments.  If you heat it, it will relieve neck stiffness, muscle pain and shoulder tension.  If you use it cold, it may reduce swelling, fever, and promote muscle relaxation.

The aroma of inside herbs is soothing and refreshing.  It may rejuvenate your mind and body, in addition to relief minor headaches.  The Neck Wrap is available in multiple colors, such as Black, Blue, Green, Purple, Orange and Red.

Spine/ Back Pack

            The Spine/ Back Wrap is Nature Creation® original multi-purpose design intended to relive lower and upper back pain.  This long pack is measured approximately 16.5” x 8” and can be placed around your lower back or along your spine.  It is effective to relief aches and pain or to reduce stiffness. 

            Wrap your abdomen with the pack to relieve menstrual cramps and muscle pain.  Secured with two Velcro straps, the Nature Creation® Back/ Spine Pack is so comfortable; you are free to walk around with it at anytime.

Back/ Abdomen Pack

            Nature Creation® Back/ Abdomen Pack is measured approximately 15.5” x 5” and can be placed comfortably around your lower back to relieve menstrual pains, back aches and stomach pain or other muscular pain issues within the area.

Eye Lavender Wrap

            The Eye Lavender Wrap is packed with 100% natural Lavender flowers seeds.  Lavender has strong enchanting smell, which is great to relieve migraines, headaches, stress and depression.  The design is very comfortable for your eyes, while it will reduce puffiness and sore eye muscles. 

The Eve Lavender Wrap is designed for cold temperature.  Please do not heat the pack.  The Eye Lavender wrap comes in multiple colors, such as Black, Blue, Green, Grey, Orange and Red.

Herb Pack

            This is Nature Creation® Multi-Purpose Herb Pack.  It is multi- purpose because it is very adaptable and flexible, which can be applied to most part of the body.  It can be used as a heating pack to relieve common muscle aches and pain.  Some women also applied it to relief menstrual cramps or commonly used by both male and female to relief stomach pain.  When the pack is cold, it is suitable to reduce fever; swelling, minor burns/ bruises and muscle sprains/ join pain.  The application is almost endless and the herb pack is always reusable.

            Some people just love the smell of the herb pack. The enchanting smell is proven to relief minor headaches or aromatherapy.

The Herb Pack comes in multiple colors, such as Black, Blue, Green, Grey, Orange and Red.

There is no doubt that you are purchasing products from a company with excellent customer services and quality in mind. We understand your high expectations and always work hard to pursuit of perfection to satisfy your needs. We are not only looking for one transaction to fulfill our commitment to excellence.  Yet, we are always looking absolute satisfaction of your clients and our business relation in the future.

Please visit http://www.naturecreation.com/wholesale to learn more of our other products designs and updates of our company.  If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@naturecreation.com

 

Knee pain is an extremely common complaint, and there are many causes. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the cause. If you have knee pain, some common causes include:

* Arthritis
Arthritis is among the most common causes of knee pain, and there are many treatments available.

* Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries commonly occur during athletic activities and can cause discomfort and instability.
o Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
o Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
o Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury

* Cartilage Injuries | Meniscal Tear
Cartilage tears are seen in young and old patients alike, and are also an extremely common cause of knee pain.

* Patellar Tendonitis
Tendonitis around the joint is most commonly of the patellar tendon, the large tendon over the front of the knee.

* Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia causes knee pain under the kneecap and is due to softening of the

cartilage. It is most common in younger patients (15-35 years old).

* Dislocating Kneecap
A dislocating kneecap causes acute symptoms during the dislocation, but can also lead to chronic knee pain.

* Baker’s Cyst
A Baker’s cyst is swelling in the back of the joint, and is usually a sign of another underlying problem such as a meniscus tear.

* Bursitis
The most common bursa affected around the joint is just above the kneecap. This is most common in people who kneel for work, such as gardeners or carpetlayers.

* Plica Syndrome
Plica syndrome is an uncommon cause of knee pain, and can be difficult to diagnose. The diagnosis is usually made at the time of arthroscopy.

* Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition seen in adolescents and is due to irritation of the growth plate just at the front of the joint.

* Osteochondritis Dissecans
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is another condition seen in adolescents due to the growth of the bone around the joint.

* Gout
Gout is an uncommon cause of knee pain. However, in patients who have a diagnosis of gout, it must be considered as a cause for new onset knee pain.

Treatments for Knee Pain
Treatment of knee pain depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you understand the cause of your symptoms before embarking on a treatment program. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, or the severity of your condition, you should seek medical advice before beginning any treatment plan.

Some common treatments for knee pain are listed here. Not all of these treatments are appropriate for every condition, but they may be helpful in your situation.

* Rest: The first treatment for most common conditions that cause knee pain is to rest the joint, and allow the acute inflammation to subside. Often this is the only step needed to relieve knee pain. If the symptoms are severe, crutches may be helpful as well.

* Cold and Heat Application: Nature Creation Hot & Cold herbal packs are among the most commonly used treatments for knee pain. So which one is the right one to use, ice or heat? And how long should the ice or heat treatments last? Click the following link: Heat or Cold, which Treatment is to use.

* Stretching: Stretching the muscles and tendons that surround the joint can help with some causes of knee pain. A good routine should be established, and following some specific suggestions will help you on your way.

* Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is an important aspect of treatment of almost all orthopedic conditions. Physical therapists use different techniques to increase strength, regain mobility, and help return patients to their pre-injury level of activity.

* Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications, especially for patients with knee pain caused by problems such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.

* Cortisone injections: Cortisone is a powerful medication that treats inflammation, and inflammation is a common problem in patients with knee pain. Discuss with your doctor the possible benefits of a cortisone injection for your condition.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts to look for changes that are not normal. The results are recorded on x-ray film or directly into a computer for a doctor called a radiologist to examine.

A mammogram allows the doctor to have a closer look for changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during a breast exam. It is used for women who have no breast complaints and for women who have breast symptoms, such as a change in the shape or size of a breast, a lump, nipple discharge, or pain. Breast changes occur in almost all women. In fact, most of these changes are not cancer and are called “benign,” but only a doctor can know for sure. Breast changes can also happen monthly, due to your menstrual period.

What is the best method of detecting breast cancer as early as possible?

A mammogram plus a clinical breast exam, an exam done by your doctor, is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. Finding breast cancer early greatly improves a woman’s chances for successful treatment.

Like any test, mammograms have both benefits and limitations. For example, some cancers can’t be found by a mammogram, but they may be found in a clinical breast exam.

Checking your own breasts for lumps or other changes is called a breast self-exam (BSE). Studies so far have not shown that BSE alone helps reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer. BSE should not take the place of routine clinical breast exams and mammograms.

If you choose to do BSE, remember that breast changes can occur because of pregnancy, aging, menopause, menstrual cycles, or from taking birth control pills or other hormones. It is normal for breasts to feel a little lumpy and uneven. Also, it is common for breasts to be swollen and tender right before or during a menstrual period. If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, contact your doctor.

How is a mammogram done?

You stand in front of a special x-ray machine. The person who takes the x-rays, called a radiologic technician, places your breasts, one at a time, between an x-ray plate and a plastic plate. These plates are attached to the mammogram machine and compress the breasts to flatten them. This spreads the breast tissue out to obtain a clearer picture. You will feel pressure on your breast for a few seconds. It may cause you some discomfort; you might feel squeezed or pinched. This feeling only lasts for a few seconds, and the flatter your breast, the better the picture. Most often, two pictures are taken of each breast — one from the side and one from above. A screening mammogram takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Are there different types of mammograms?

• Screening mammograms are done for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. Screening mammograms can detect lumps or tumors that cannot be felt. They can also find microcalcifications (my-kro-kal-si-fi-KAY-shuns) or tiny deposits of calcium in the breast, which sometimes mean that breast cancer is present.
• Diagnostic mammograms are used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other symptom or sign of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, thickened skin on the breast, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. This type of mammogram also can be used to find out more about breast changes found on a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue that is hard to see on a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician can magnify a problem area to make a more detailed picture, which helps the doctor make a correct diagnosis.

A digital mammogram also uses x-ray radiation to produce an image of the breast, but instead of storing the image directly on film, it stores the image of the breast directly on a computer. This allows the recorded data to be magnified for the doctor to take a closer look. Current research has not shown that digital images are better at showing cancer than x-ray film images in general. But, women with dense breasts who are pre- or perimenopausal, or who are younger than age 50, may benefit from having a digital rather than a film mammogram. Digital mammography may offer these benefits:

• Long-distance consults with other doctors may be easier because the images can be shared by computer.
• Slight differences between normal and abnormal tissues may be easily noted.
• The number of follow-up tests needed may be fewer.
• Fewer repeat images may be needed, reducing exposure to radiation.

How often should I get a mammogram?

• Women 40 years and older should get a mammogram every 1-2 years.
• Women who have had breast cancer or other breast problems or who have a family history of breast cancer might need to start getting mammograms before age 40, or they might need to get them more often. Talk to your doctor about when to start and how often you should have a mammogram.

What can mammograms show?

The radiologist will look at your x-rays for breast changes that do not look normal and for differences in each breast. He or she will compare your past mammograms with your most recent one to check for changes. The doctor will also look for lumps and calcifications.

• Lump or mass. The size, shape, and edges of a lump sometimes can give doctors information about whether or not it may be cancer. On a mammogram, a growth that is benign often looks smooth and round with a clear, defined edge. Breast cancer often has a jagged outline and an irregular shape.
• Calcification. A calcification is a deposit of the mineral calcium in the breast tissue. Calcifications appear as small white spots on a mammogram. There are two types:
  • Macrocalcifications are large calcium deposits often caused by aging. These usually are not a sign of cancer.
  • Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium that may be found in an area of rapidly dividing cells.

If calcifications are grouped together in a certain way, it may be a sign of cancer. Depending on how many calcium specks you have, how big they are, and what they look like, your doctor may suggest that you have other tests. Calcium in the diet does not create calcium deposits, or calcifications, in the breast.

What if my screening mammogram shows a problem?

If you have a screening test result that suggests cancer, your doctor must find out whether it is due to cancer or to some other cause. Your doctor may ask about your personal and family medical history. You may have a physical exam. Your doctor also may order some of these tests:

• Diagnostic mammogram, to focus on a specific area of the breast
• Ultrasound, or imaging test that uses a device with sound waves to create a picture of your breast. The pictures may show whether a lump is solid or filled with fluid. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. Cysts are not cancer. But a solid mass may be cancer. After the test, your doctor can store the pictures on video or print them out. This exam may be used along with a mammogram.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a powerful magnet linked to a computer. MRI makes detailed pictures of breast tissue. Your doctor can view these pictures on a monitor or print them on film. MRI may be used along with a mammogram.
• Biopsy, a test in which fluid or tissue is removed from your breast to help find out if there is cancer. Your doctor may refer you to a surgeon or to a doctor who is an expert in breast disease for a biopsy.

Where can I get a high-quality mammogram?

Women can get high quality mammograms in breast clinics, hospital radiology departments, mobile vans, private radiology offices, and doctors’ offices. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certifies mammography facilities that meet strict quality standards for their x-ray machines and staff and are inspected every year. You can ask your doctor or the staff at the mammography center about FDA certification before making your appointment. A list of FDA-certified facilities can be found on the Internet at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/certified.html.

Your doctor, local medical clinic, or local or state health department can tell you where to get no-cost or low-cost mammograms. You can also call the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service toll free at 1-800-422-6237 (TTY: 1-800-332-8615). Visit them online at http://www.cancer.gov.

What if I have breast implants?

Women with breast implants should continue to have mammograms. A woman who had an implant after breast cancer surgery should ask her doctor whether she needs a mammogram of the reconstructed breast.

If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility that you have them when you make your appointment. The technician and radiologist must be experienced in x-raying patients with breast implants. Implants can hide some breast tissue, making it harder for the radiologist to see a problem when looking at your mammogram. To see as much breast tissue as possible, the x-ray technician will gently lift the breast tissue slightly away from the implant and take extra pictures of the breasts.

How do I get ready for my mammogram?

First, check with the place you are having the mammogram for any special instructions you may need to follow before you go. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

• If you are still having menstrual periods, try to avoid making your mammogram appointment during the week before your period. Your breasts will be less tender and swollen. The mammogram will hurt less and the picture will be better. 
• If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility that you have them when you make your appointment.
• Wear a shirt with shorts, pants, or a skirt. This way, you can undress from the waist up and leave your shorts, pants, or skirt on when you get your mammogram.
• Don’t wear any deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your mammogram appointment. These things can make shadows show up on your mammogram.
• If you have had mammograms at another facility, have those x-ray films sent to the new facility so that they can be compared to the new films.

Are there any problems with mammograms?

Although they are not perfect, mammograms are the best method to find breast changes. If your mammogram shows a breast change, sometimes other tests are needed to better understand it. Even if the doctor sees something on the mammogram, it does not mean it is cancer.

As with any medical test, mammograms have limits. These limits include:

• They are only part of a complete breast exam. Your doctor also should do a clinical breast exam. If your mammogram finds something abnormal, your doctor will order other tests.
• Finding cancer does not always mean saving lives. Even though mammography can detect tumors that cannot be felt, finding a small tumor does not always mean that a woman’s life will be saved. Mammography may not help a woman with a fast growing cancer that has already spread to other parts of her body before being found.
• False negatives can happen. This means everything may look normal, but cancer is actually present. False negatives don’t happen often. Younger women are more likely to have a false negative mammogram than are older women. The dense breasts of younger women make breast cancers harder to find in mammograms.
• False positives can happen. This is when the mammogram results look like cancer is present, even though it is not. False positives are more common in younger women, women who have had breast biopsies, women with a family history of breast cancer, and women who are taking estrogen, such as hormone replacement therapy.
• Mammograms (as well as dental x-rays and other routine x-rays) use very small doses of radiation. The risk of any harm is very slight, but repeated x-rays could cause problems. The benefits nearly always outweigh the risk. Talk to your doctor about the need for each x-ray. Ask about shielding to protect parts of the body that are not in the picture. You should always let your doctor and the technician know if there is any chance that you are pregnant.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is a group of health experts that reviews published research and makes recommendations about preventive health care. The USPSTF has issued new mammogram guidelines. These recommendations include:

* Screening mammograms should be done every two years beginning at age 50 for women at average risk of breast cancer.
* Doctors should not teach women to do breast self-exams.
* There is insufficient evidence that mammogram screening is effective for women age 75 and older, so it’s not recommended for this age group.

Differing mammogram guidelines

Meantime, the ACS says the breast self-exam is optional in breast cancer screening.

According to the USPSTF, women who have screening mammograms die of breast cancer less frequently than do women who don’t get mammograms. However, the USPSTF says the benefits of screening mammograms don’t outweigh the harms for women ages 40 to 49. Potential harms may include false-positive results that lead to unneeded breast biopsies and accompanying anxiety and distress.

A three-tiered approach is used which includes:

* Breast self-exam to identify breast abnormalities and allow a woman to become familiar with her breasts so that she can tell her doctor about any changes
* Clinical breast exam performed by a health care provider and recommended annually beginning at age 40
* Screening mammography beginning at age 40

Screening mammograms have detected abnormalities in women in their 40s. These women have then had biopsies and learned they had invasive breast cancer. There are many stories about younger women who have found cancer early as a result of screening. And it’s important to remember that most women who get breast cancer have no family history or other risk factors for the disease.

Screening mammography is not a perfect exam. There will be a lot of new data published in the coming months, and it will take time to analyze the results and see what information can be gained to determine how best to use mammography as a screening tool.

In the meantime, women should meet with their health care providers to discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of screening mammograms. If you’re concerned about screening mammograms, talk to your doctor and learn what’s right for you based on your individual risks. It’s important that the two of you work together to develop a screening plan.

from Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.

Do you know when to use ice and when to use heat on a sports injury? Most athletes know to apply ice to an acute injury, like a sprained ankle, but aren’t so sure when to use heat. The following guidelines will help you sort it out.

Acute and Chronic Pain

# There are two basic types of athletic injuries: acute and chronic. Acute Pain is of rapid onset and short-lived, or
# Chronic Pain develops slowly and is persistent and long-lasting.

Acute and Chronic Injuries

Acute injuries are sudden, sharp, traumatic injuries that occur immediately (or within hours) and cause pain (possibly severe pain). Most often acute injuries result from some sort of impact or trauma such as a fall, sprain, or collision and it’s pretty obvious what caused the injury.

Acute injuries also cause common signs and symptoms of injury such as pain, tenderness, redness, skin that is warm to the touch, swelling and inflammation. If you have swelling, you have an acute injury.

Chronic injuries, on the other hand, can be subtle and slow to develop. They sometimes come and go, and may cause dull pain or soreness. They are often the result of overuse, but sometimes develop when an acute injury is not properly treated and doesn’t heal.

Cold Therapy with Nature Creation Herbal Pack
Cold therapy with nature Creation Herbal pack is the best immediate treatment for acute injuries because it reduces swelling and pain. Cold herbal pack is a vaso-constrictor (it causes the blood vessels to narrow) and it limits internal bleeding at the injury site. Apply Nature Creation Cold Herbal pack to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Allow the skin temperature to return to normal before applying the pack a second or third time. You can use Nature Creation pack on an acute injury several times a day for up to three days.

Cold therapy is also helpful in treating some overuse injuries or chronic pain in athletes. An athlete who has chronic knee pain that increases after running may want to ice the injured area after each run to reduce or prevent inflammation. It’s not helpful to ice a chronic injury before exercise.

Heat Therapy
Heat is generally used for chronic injuries or injuries that have no inflammation or swelling. Sore, stiff, nagging muscle or joint pain is ideal for the use of heat therapy. Athletes with chronic pain or injuries may use heat therapy before exercise to increase the elasticity of joint connective tissues and to stimulate blood flow. Heat can also help relax tight muscles or muscle spasms. Don’t apply heat after exercise. After a workout, ice is the better choice on a chronic injury.

Because heat increases circulation and raises skin temperature, you should not apply heat to acute injuries or injuries that show signs of inflammation. Safely apply heat to an injury 15 to 20 minutes at a time and use enough layers between your skin and the heating source to prevent burns.

Moist heat is best, so you could try using a hot Nature Creation Herbal Pack. Never leave the hot herbal pack on for more than 20 minutes at a time or while sleeping.

Because some injuries can be serious, you should see your doctor if your injury does not improve (or gets worse) within 48 hours.

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are extremely rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and occasionally by taking medications.

Common Causes

Tension headaches are due to tight, contracted muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals, and using alcohol or street drugs can make you more susceptible to them. Headaches can be triggered by chocolate, cheese, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). People who drink caffeine can have headaches when they don’t get their usual daily amount.

Other common causes include:

* Holding your head in one position for a long time, like at a computer, microscope, or typewriter
* Poor sleep position
* Overexerting yourself
* Clenching or grinding your teeth

Tension headaches tend to be on both sides of your head. They often start at the back of your head and spread forward. The pain may feel dull or squeezing, like a tight band or vice. Your shoulders, neck, or jaw may feel tight and sore.

Migraine headaches are severe, recurrent headaches generally accompanied by other symptoms like visual disturbances or nausea. They tend to begin on one side of your head, although the pain may spread to both sides. You may have an “aura” (warning symptoms that start before your headache) and feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating pain.

For information on migraine, see migraine headache.

Other types of headaches:

* Cluster headaches are sharp, extremely painful headaches that tend to occur several times per day for months and then go away for a similar period. They are far less common.
* Sinus headaches cause pain in the front of your head and face. They are due to inflammation in the sinus passages that lie behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes. The pain tends to be worse when you bend forward and when you first wake up in the morning. Postnasal drip, sore throat, and nasal discharge usually occur with these headaches.

Headaches may occur if you have a cold, the flu, fever, or premenstrual syndrome.

If you are over age 50 and are experiencing headaches for the first time, a condition called temporal arteritis may prove to be the cause. Symptoms of this condition include impaired vision and pain aggravated by chewing. There is a risk of becoming blind with this condition. Therefore, it must be treated by your doctor right away.

Rare causes of headache include:

* Brain aneurysm — a weakening of the wall of a blood vessel that can rupture and bleed into the brain
* Brain tumor
* Stroke or TIA
* Brain infection like meningitis or encephalitis

Home Care

Keep a headache diary to help identify the source or trigger of your symptoms. Then modify your environment or habits to avoid future headaches. When a headache occurs, write down the date and time the headache began, what you ate for the past 24 hours, how long you slept the night before, what you were doing and thinking about just before the headache started, any stress in your life, how long the headache lasts, and what you did to make it stop. After a period of time, you may begin to see a pattern.

A headache may be relieved by resting with your eyes closed and head supported. Relaxation techniques can help. A massage or heat applied to the back of the upper neck can be effective in relieving tension headaches.

Try acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen for tension headaches. DO NOT give aspirin to children because of the risk of Reye syndrome.

Migraine headaches may respond to aspirin, naproxen, or combination migraine medications.

If over-the-counter remedies do not control your pain, talk to your doctor about possible prescription medications.

Prescription medications used for migraine headaches include ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine with caffeine (Cafergot), isometheptene (Midrin), and triptans like sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt), eletriptan (Relpax), almotriptan (Axert), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). Sometimes medications to relieve nausea and vomiting are helpful for other migraine symptoms.

If you get headaches often, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent headaches before they occur. Examples of these include:

* Antidepressants such as nortriptyline (Pamelor), amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil) for tension or migraine headache
* Beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) for frequent migraine headaches
* Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil for frequent migraine headaches
* Anti-epileptic medicines such as topiramate (Topamax)

If you are using pain medications more than 2 days a week, you may be suffering from rebound headaches. Rebound headaches are caused by a cycle of using pain medications for short-term relief, followed by the headache pain returning for increasingly longer periods of time despite taking more pain medications.

All types of pain pills (including over-the-counter drugs), muscle relaxants, some decongestants, and caffeine can cause this pattern. If you think this may be a problem for you, talk to your health care provider.
Call your health care provider if

Take the following symptoms seriously. If you cannot see your health care provider immediately, go to the emergency room or call 911:

* Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent.
* You would describe your headache as “your worst ever”, even if you are prone to headaches.
* Your headache is associated with slurred speech, change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss.
* Your headache gets progressively worse over a 24-hour period.
* Your headache is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting.
* Your headache occurs with a head injury.
* Your headache is severe and localized to one eye with redness in that eye.
* You are over age 50 and your headaches just began, especially with impaired vision and pain while chewing.

See your provider soon if:

* Your headaches wake you up from sleep.
* A headache lasts more than a few days.
* Headaches are worse in the morning.
* You have a history of headaches but they have changed in pattern or intensity.
* You have headaches frequently, and there is no known cause.

What to expect at your health care provider’s office

Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform an examination of your head, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, and nervous system.

The diagnosis is usually based on your history of symptoms. A “headache diary” may be helpful for recording information about headaches over a period of time. Your doctor may ask questions such as the following:

* Is the headache located in the forehead, around the eyes, in the back of the head, near the temples, behind the eyeball, or all over?
* Is the headache on one side only?
* Is this a new type of headache for you?
* Would you describe the headache as throbbing?
* Is there a pressure or band-like sensation?
* When does the headache occur? How long have you had headaches? How long does each headache last?
* Does the headache awaken you from sleep? Are the headaches worse during the day and better at night?
* Did other symptoms begin shortly after the headaches began? Do headaches occur repeatedly?
* Does the headache reach maximum intensity over 1 to 2 hours?
* Are the headaches worse when you are lying down? Standing up?
* Are the headaches worse when you cough or strain?
* Do they occur at a specific time related to your menstrual period?
* What home treatment have you tried? How effective was it?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

* Head CT scan
* Head MRI
* Sinuses x-rays
* Temporal artery biopsy
* Lumbar puncture

If a migraine is diagnosed, medications that contain ergot may be prescribed. Temporal arteritis must be treated with steroids to help prevent blindness. Other disorders are treated as is appropriate.

Prevention

The following healthy habits can lessen stress and reduce your chance of getting headaches:

* Getting adequate sleep
* Eating a healthy diet
* Exercising regularly
* Stretching your neck and upper body, especially if your work involves typing or using a computer
* Learning proper posture
* Quitting smoking
* Learning to relax using meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or other techniques