Sciatica refers to any pain or compression of the sciatic nerve.  The sciatic nerve runs from the back of the pelvis and right down through the buttocks and both legs and ends at the feet. If something presses on the sciatic nerve it can cause a pain that runs from the lower back and down the leg; this pain can be mild to severe.

Sciatica

Causes of sciatica include slipped discs which can get temporarily moved out of place and then press on the sciatic nerve.  Acute sciatica is pain which lasts up to six weeks whereas chronic sciatica lasts longer than six weeks. Most cases clear up unaided but using painkillers, hot or cold compresses and exercise can help to alleviate symptoms. Sometimes there is a need to contact a physiotherapist especially for chronic sufferers.

Sciatic pain is different to back pain in that it also affects the legs.  Sciatica can cause weakness in the legs or feet. There is a rare condition which can cause sciatica and this is called Cauda Equine Syndrome.  This can lead to paralysis if left untreated as it can permanently damage the nervous system.  A sign of cauda equine syndrome is the sudden loss of bladder or bowel control and if this occurs immediate medical help should be sought.

Another cause of sciatica has been put down to general wear and tear.  This is why people over forty with jobs involving a physical activity are more prone to sciatica.

The common cold can be described as an infection of the higher reaches of the respiratory tract, or in other words the throat, the nasal passages and the nose. It is interesting to note that there are over two hundred different virus’ that can presently cause the common cold, but the main culprit in adults is the rhinoviruses, of which there are a hundred different strains and are classified as nose virus’.

When an individual becomes affected by a cold, the symptoms usually show up around two days later and these include a sore throat, a runny nose and sneezing. Later symptoms can consist of watery eyes, headache, muscle aches, stuffed nose, and a general feeling of being unwell. The symptoms of a cold can last anywhere from two to seven days but in some cases may even last up to two weeks.

Common Cold

People who have a common cold may find that is accompanied by bronchitis, laryngitis, an ear infection or with those who suffer from asthma, a worsening of the condition. Common cold infections are so prevalent that it is estimated that an adult will suffer between two and five colds each year. Because of this, the condition is the leading cause of people missing work days through illness.

Contrary to belief, colds are actually not very contagious when compared to other infections. Prolonged and close contact is required for the virus to spread and it must get into the nose for there to be infection.

Psoriasis is a skin condition which can start at any age but usually starts after puberty. Skin cells are produced by the body and as new cells are produced the older ones on the outer layer of the skin die and flake off.  This process usually takes between 21 to 28 days, but for someone with psoriasis, the process is accelerated and can occur in as little as six days.  This results in an excess of skin cells building up on the surface of the skin which are then shed easily.  Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body and appears as red, crumbling patches of skin.  The most common places on the body where psoriasis is found are the scalp, knees, elbows or lower back.

There are many treatments for psoriasis but no cure.  Symptoms can be mild in one person but extremely severe in others and can cause distress.  Psoriasis can be mild at some times and then flare up.  There are different types of psoriasis and most people only have one type at a time but find that one type can develop into another type.  The most common types of psoriasis are plaque psoriasis, nail psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, scalp psoriasis and inverse psoriasis.  There are rarer forms of psoriasis called pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis.  Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled blisters to appear on the skin, while erythrodermic psoriasis causes a rash to appear all over the body and can result in the body losing proteins and fluids.

Psoriasis

There are some factors which can trigger a flare up of psoriasis symptoms such as smoking, stress, alcohol, and some medicines.  There are three types of treatment for psoriasis and these are creams and ointments, lights which the skin can be exposed to and oral or injected medication.