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.

Motion sickness can also be referred to as travel sickness and is caused by recurring movements when traveling.  Symptoms of motion sickness include, feeling sick, headaches, light headedness or perspiration.  The reason for these symptoms occurring is down to the brain receiving mixed messages from what your eyes are seeing outside the mode of transport compared to the messages being sent by the inner ear when these bumps are felt.  Motion sickness can also occur when trying to read while traveling.

Motion sickness can be quite frequent in children but luckily many find this can disappear as they get older. Some people are more prone to motion sickness and can also develop similar symptoms on fairground attractions, particularly those which involve spinning around.  Most sufferers find that the symptoms will disappear once they have completed their journey or finished their fairground ride; for the unlucky few, symptoms can last for a few hours or even longer.

There are some ways to avoid motion sickness symptoms such as sitting in the front of a car or if in the back usually sitting by the window with the window open can help.  It can also help to sleep or just keep eyes closed.  It can also help to keep to simple foods before traveling to avoid nausea.  There are also over the counter medicines which can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.  These types of medicines are best taken before traveling but can also help if taken during the journey.  Some medicines for motion sickness can cause drowsiness so it is recommended not to drive or work with heavy machines.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder otherwise known as trisomy and it is where an individual has inherited an additional or extra copy of a particular chromosome. In the case of Down’s syndrome, the affected individuals have three copies rather than two of chromosome 21. The consequence of this additional copy is that it changes the balance of the body resulting in characteristic intellectual and physical features.

Down Syndrome

There are three kinds of Down’s syndrome: regular trisomy 21 which is where all the cells in the body have an extra chromosome 21 and is the most common type of the condition with nearly 94% affected with Down’s having it; translocation, which is where extra chromosome 21 material attaches to another chromosome, and four percent have this type; and mosaic, which is where only some of the cells have additional chromosome 21. This usually has milder features than the other two types and only two percent of affected individuals have mosaic.

Down syndrome sufferers look different to normal people and usually have a flat type of facial profile with eyes slanting upwards. Smaller ears, protruding tongue and a flat back of the head are other features. Individuals affected tend to be shorter than normal, have poor muscle tone and have broad, short hands. Half the affected individuals have a heart defect, which can be treated in some, but not others. Some have problems with their gut, making it difficult to eat while increasing the risk of constipation and thyroid problems.

There is no cure for Down syndrome but there are treatments available for the accompanying symptoms as well as support for the learning difficulties.