Monday, April 25, 2011

Is It Time to See A Doctor?

We wish that an ice pack, a bit of Sore No More and a good night’s rest could solve all of your ailments and keep you living a pain free lifestyle.  Unfortunately, that is not always the case.   Sometimes a problem requires medical attention.

So when should you seek out a physician for your pain?
  • When your pain lasts more than a reasonable amount of time.  If you’ve fallen on your elbow and it’s still aching a month later, it’s probably time to see a doctor.
  • When pain, discomfort or pressure is experienced in your throat, chest, abdomen or arms without cause.  You could be experiencing a heart attack.  Learn more HERE.
  • When pain inhibits you from doing something you could do in the recent past.  If suddenly you can’t reach the coffee canister on the third shelf of your cupboard, (barring left over soreness from other circumstances. of course) you need to find out why.
  • When inflammation is not subsiding despite use of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) methods.
  • When pain is not responding to pain relievers you may be taking.
Generally speaking, if you’re experiencing pain that you can’t explain, if you’ve been in pain for an abnormal length of time, and/or if your friends and family are saying ‘maybe you should get that checked out,’’  it's time to call up your doctor and make an appointment.
{sources: here, here}

*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Saturday, April 16, 2011

What Might Be Causing Your Migraine?

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Here at Sore No More, we’re glad to provide you with a product that can help you manage and combat migraine pain.  When suffering from a migraine, apply a small amount of Sore No More to your temples (avoid the eyes!) no more than 3 times per day.  You may also view our post on other migraine-combating tips here.

Sometimes migraines can be triggered by environmental factors.  The following are some foods and smells that have been known to trigger migraines;

Foods:
  • Those containing Tyramine, like aged cheeses
  • Alcohol (especially red wine)
  • Food additives or preservatives
  • Nuts
  • Artificial Sweeteners
  • Caffeine (in some people)
  • Fresh baked yeast breads or pastries
  • Processed meats containing nitrate.
  • Chocolate
{Sources: here and here}
Smells:
  • Perfumes
  • Cigarette Smoke
  • Paint
  • Exhaust fumes
Also, check out this CNN article: “Surprising Things That Give You Headaches and "Natural Migraine Relief Now" for more information.

So, if you find yourself being particularly prone to migraines, or even headaches in general, keep in mind the things around you that might be contributing to your agony.

*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Fire and Ice

Most of us are familiar with the concept of using heat or ice to combat our aches and pains.   What if you don’t have a heating pad or an ice pack handy, though?  Here are some easy ways to get around that.

*Please note: Be sure to apply your Sore No More after heating or icing an area, as some of the ingredients can cause intense tingling, burning, or coldness when extreme temperatures are applied. *

Heat it Up!
Heat should be applied to loosen a muscle.  Say you’ve had a stressful day at the office and you have knots in your shoulders.  This would be a good time to apply heat.

  • Make your own heat pack: Fill a (clean) sock with uncooked rice or beans and then tie a knot at the open end.  Microwave for 1 minute, or until warm.  Apply to affected area.  (Note: this can become VERY warm, remove from microwave with caution and let cool before applying to skin if it’s too hot.)
  • A hot bath.   Did you know that moist heat will actually penetrate the muscle better than dry heat?  Indulge in a hot bath with Epsom salts and Sore No More!  (In this instance, Sore No More may be used in conjunction with the application of heat.)
  • Don’t have a tub?  Use a hot wash cloth.  Either run a wash cloth under hot water and ring it out, or microwave a moistened wash cloth for 20 seconds (longer if needed.)  Using this method, you'll want to reheat and apply 2-3 times.

Cool it Down!
Ice should be applied in the case of inflammation.  If you’ve pulled a muscle, or your joints are swollen, ice is the way to go.
  • Make your own ice pack.  Following these directions, or you can try this out.
  • Immersion.  Like heat, ice can be more effective moist.   Fill an appropriate sized container with ice and water and then immerse the problem area.  (This works best with extremities.)
  • Ice Massage.  Perhaps the simplest of all- grab and ice cube and spend five minutes rubbing it over the affected area.  When the area becomes numb, discontinue use.

(Please Note: Ice should never be applied for more than 10 minutes when using an ice pack and never for more than 3-5 when using direct application.)


Don’t forget- contrast therapy can also be very helpful.  

Once you’ve applied heat or ice, you can apply some Sore No More and continue with your day or enjoy a good night’s rest!

*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com