Scoliosis is a problem with the curve in the spine. It happens when the spine makes a large curve from side to side in the shape of the letter "S" or the letter "C." If this curve is severe, it can cause pain and make breathing difficult. Most...

There are no specific tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. But you may have lab tests to rule out other diseases. Or these tests can find out if you have another disease along with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia may occur along with other joint and muscle (rheumatic) diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis...

St. John’s Wort How Much Is Usually Taken by Dieters? The standard recommendation for mild to moderate depression is 500 to 1,050 mg of St. John’s wort extract per day. 1, 2, 3 Length of use should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Side Effects St. John’s wort has a low incidence of side effects compared to...

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) most often occurs in people who have diabetes that isn't well controlled. The symptoms of high blood sugar can be mild, moderate, or severe. Young children are not able to recognize symptoms of high blood sugar. Parents need to do a home blood sugar test on their child whenever they...

Light therapy is the main treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It's used for other conditions too. It is exposure to light that is brighter than indoor light but not as bright as direct sunlight. The most common light therapy uses a special type of fluorescent light, called a light box. Light therapy is...

Discusses a traditional Chinese therapy that uses very thin needles placed in the skin to influence energy flow (called chi or qi). Explains its complementary medicine use for pain and conditions such as headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. Covers safety issues.

MS can cause cognitive problems. These may include trouble with: Memory, especially short-term memory. Problem solving. Keeping attention on a mental task. Finding the right words to express yourself. Grasping ideas quickly. These problems can occur early in the course of the disease. And they may get worse with time...

Discusses use of radiation therapy to kill cancer cells or control cancer pain. Covers brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy, two ways radiation is delivered. Discusses risks and side effects.

Discusses Lyme disease, an infection spread by ticks. Includes info on deer ticks. Covers symptoms and Lyme disease tests. Covers treatment with antibiotics. Includes info on complications from not treating Lyme disease. Offers prevention tips.

L-Carnitine How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes? L-carnitine, which is normally manufactured by the human body, has been popular as a potential ergogenic aid (i.e., having the ability to increase work capacity), because of its role in the conversion of fat to energy. 1 However, while some studies have found that...