Everything You Need to Know About Back Pain
When your back hurts, it can feel like a shooting, stabbing, burning pain or it can radiate down the leg. Any movement such as bending, standing or even walking can make the pain flare up again.1 When you are suffering from back pain from causes such as a back injury, degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis, it’s important to do the right things for yourself to speed healing. The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are here when your back pain becomes unbearable.
Statistics
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 30% of Americans experience back pain on any single day. At some point in their lives, 80% of Americans will experience back pain or a back injury. The cost of U.S. medical fees and lost wages due to back pain is estimated between $30 billion and $70 billion per year. Back pain is the leading cause of activity restriction in people under age 45.2
Risk Factors3
- Obesity – puts stress on joints and discs.
- Age – over age 30 you are more likely to experience back pain due to weakening discs.
- Health – people with weak abdominal or core muscles are at a higher risk for back pain. Smoking, drinking to excess and sedentary lifestyles are also risk factors.
- Occupation – jobs that require heavy lifting and bending can cause back pain.
- Disease and conditions – osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, kidney stones and certain cancers can contribute to back pain.
- Mental health – depression and anxiety can contribute to back pain.
“If you have a family history of osteoarthritis and other things that contribute to back pain, you need to be extra careful in preventing back injuries,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Keeping a healthy weight and staying active are your best defenses against debilitating back pain.”
Rehabilitation4
“Depending on the cause of your back pain, there may be several ways you can rehabilitate to regain your ease of movement and to reduce your pain,” said Dr. Khan. “Physical therapy, bed rest and exercise are the leading ways to come back from a back injury.”
- Aquatic physical therapy
- Core exercises
- Regular exercise including stretching and flexibility
- Correction of posture or body mechanics
- Joint therapy for mobility
- Soft tissue mobility
- Traction
When to go to the ER
If your back pain has lasted longer than a couple weeks and doesn’t improve with rest, come to Medco ER for a thorough evaluation. If the pain radiates down the leg or causes weakness or tingling in the leg, it’s time to see the doctor. Severe cases may include unexplained weight loss, bowel or bladder problems, or a fever. If you have had a back injury such as a fall or a blow, come in right away.1
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
Back pain is a leading cause for ER visits. If you have back pain, don’t suffer any longer. We’re open 24/7 for your convenience and we have imaging equipment to diagnose your back injury. Our board-certified physicians are here to help.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906
2 https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2007/marapr/clinical/clinical2/
3 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain
4 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906
How To Keep Your Young Athlete Safe in Sports
The warm weather sports season has children and teens of all ages streaming onto fields, courts, rinks, gyms and diamonds to get the most out of their chance to play organized sports. But the dark side of kids’ sports is the high rate of injuries that occur when kids get together to play an organized game. The good news is that many of these sports injuries can be prevented, allowing kids to play their favorite sports in good health. The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, have put together some prevention tips and information you need to know to keep your young athlete in the game and feeling great.
Prevention Tips1
- Stretching and warmups
- Protective equipment that fits properly and meets safety standards
- Hydration
- Sleep
- Rotate sports and cross train muscle groups to keep from overwork or repetitive movements
- Safe surfaces to play on
- Adult supervision
- Doctor’s physical exam – make sure your child or teen is playing a sport that is a good fit for his/her athletic ability
- Healthy, balanced diet
- Listen to trainer and learn proper techniques to avoid injuries
- Rest an injury early on and get prompt medical attention
“Many sports injuries in children could be greatly improved by rest and recovery rather than pushing through and playing with pain,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “It’s important for parents to step in to make sure the child’s ongoing good health is the main concern.”
Types Sports Injuries
Acute injuries – sudden impact or fall that can result in minor scrapes or major injuries like broken bones or an eye injury.
Overuse injuries – repetitive stress injuries from doing the same motion or movement over and over again. Overuse often occurs in joints and can disrupt normal bone growth.
Reinjuries – repeat injury, often caused by returning to the sport before the original injury has had time to fully heal.2
Most Common Sports Injuries
Some of the most common sports injuries in children center around joint pain and injuries. A sprained ankle, twisted knee, frozen shoulder or wrist injury are all common problems. Concussions are also a common injury. Tendonitis, stress fractures and eye injuries are also very common.3
When to go to the ER
“Any time your young athlete is experiencing severe, sudden or ongoing pain, it’s time to come to Medco ER,” said Dr. Khan. “Any joint swelling, immobility, popping noise, recurring pain or impeded playing are all indicators that your child needs medical attention. Signs of a concussion such as dizziness, fatigue and nausea also require a doctor’s intervention. We’re here when your child or teen needs help.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If your young athlete has experienced consistent pain from sports or has a new joint injury or pain, come see us right away. Open 24/7, we are conveniently located on Legacy Drive and have imaging equipment to diagnose common sports injuries. Skip the long lines and enjoy fast, quality medical care to help your child start to feel better.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/types-of-pain/youth-sports/
2 https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sports-safety.html
3 https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/a-guide-to-safety-for-young-athletes/
What You Need to Know About Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you might imagine. Highly contagious, sexually transmitted diseases occur at a rate of 25 million each year in the United States.1 At Medco ER in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians offer prevention education, testing and treatment for common STDs. Fortunately, most conditions are treatable and can be cured, though they may still reoccur at a future date.
Prevention2
The best way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease is abstinence from all forms of sexual contact.
Vaccinations are available for hepatitis B and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) but not for the other common forms of STDs.
Control and reduce the number of sexual partners you have. This doesn’t remove your risk and you still need to be tested regularly for STDs.
Agreeing on a mutually monogamous relationship with one long-term partner is another option that slashes your risks.
Use condoms according to manufacturer’s specifications each time for every kind of sexual contact to protect yourself against STDs.
“Prevention is the most important thing in protecting yourself against STDs,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Educating yourself and having frank, open discussions with your partner is the first step in prevention.”
Symptoms
Early symptoms to watch out for include:3
- Infection symptoms: fever, sore throat, swollen glands, headache, rash, lethargy, night sweats, appetite loss, joint pain, body aches
- Pain: during urination, lower abdominal, during sexual intercourse, testicular, genital, anal, inner thighs
- Itching, burning or irritation
- Unusual discharge from vagina or penis
- Strong odor
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Cough, shortness of breath
- Rash, bumps, blisters, warts, pimples or swelling in genital or anal areas
- Bleeding with sexual intercourse
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing skin or whites of the eyes)
Testing
Your provider will discuss the different test options that pinpoint different STDs, depending on your risk factors and possible symptoms. Testing could include:1
- Cheek swab
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Sample from a skin sore
- Cell sample or discharge sample from the affected area
Who should get tested? It is recommended that anyone who is sexually active should be tested every year. Having an open discussion with your healthcare provider is an important part of receiving the right testing at the right time. Sexually active women, pregnant women, gay or bisexual men, people who have had oral or anal sex and those participating in risky sexual or drug behaviors should be tested at least once a year or even every six months.2
When to go to the ER
Left untreated, STDs could cause ongoing poor health, organ damage, increased risk of getting HIV and even cancer or death.3
“This medical condition is not one to ignore,” said Dr. Khan. “Overlooking the fact that it is extremely contagious and can be easily transmitted to another person, the symptoms of most STDs will only compound if you ignore them. Come to Medco ER for fast, confidential help with your symptoms. We’re here to help.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms of a STD, the expert team at Medco ER is ready to help you. Open 24/7, we are conveniently located and have in-house labs to identify any conditions that need to be treated. Our professional, courteous staff will make you comfortable as you enjoy little-to-no wait time to be seen by a board-certified physician.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
Flu Update for 2023 Flu Season
It’s that time of year again when coughs, sneezes and runny noses can send you running for cover from potential flu virus contamination. As the flu season ramps up, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are prepared to offer flu vaccinations, antiviral medications, antibiotics, rapid results labs, and advice to patients who encounter influenza.
Current Flu Predictions
Since this is the onset of flu season, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that influenza is not currently a pandemic. They continue to monitor the potential threat of widespread flu in the United States. For now, the flu vaccine combats the four most common viruses predicted to be dominant this year.
Asian lineage avian influenza A consisting of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses is considered one of the risks this season.1 This and other strains of viruses are being tracked by the CDC.
Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, come to Medco ER immediately for evaluation for the flu:4
- Chills, fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Body aches
- Fatigue, lethargy
Prevention
The first line of defense against the flu is to get the vaccine every season. Patients with chronic conditions or at higher risk for complications should get the vaccination every year.2 Vaccinations help prevent the most common viruses, but not all of them.3
“If we experience a pandemic flu this year, it is likely going to happen in spite of the vaccine,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Widespread viruses that cause influenza are not protected against with annual vaccinations. However, flu vaccinations are very important for the most virulent strains. It is also important to follow good practices to prevent getting the flu.”
One of the best things that you can do to prevent the flu is to frequently and carefully wash your hands with hot water and soap. If you are on the go, take hand sanitizer with you to use after each stop.
Avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are sick. Similarly, if you are sick, stay home so you don’t spread the germs. Stay home 24 hours after your fever is gone. Don’t forget that your fever-reducing medications may confuse this timeframe.
Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth to prevent introducing germs into your system. Use a tissue or your elbow to cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away afterwards.2
Clean frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, countertops, and bathrooms to keep germs at bay. Consider spraying rooms with natural antibacterial mixtures such as tea tree oil and distilled water.
Treatment
One of the only treatments for early onset influenza is antiviral drugs. These prescribed antiviral drugs need to be administered rapidly to be effective. They should be started within 1-2 days of the first symptom.
Prescription antibiotics may be needed for secondary infections that could arise from flu symptoms, such as bronchitis. Your physician at Medco ER may prescribe something to keep your symptoms from getting worse.
At home treatment ideas include:5
- Bed rest
- Stay home
- Fever reducing over-the-counter medication
- Drink clear liquids
Warning Signs
Influenza could become an emergency and require immediate medical care. If you or someone in your house is experiencing any of these warning signs, come to Medco ER right away for a complete examination.5
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fever or cough that improves, then gets worse
- Lack of urine output
- Dizziness
- Confusion, not alert
- Dry mouth, no tears when crying
- Seizure
- Severe body aches or muscle pain
- Fever that doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medications
- Extreme weakness
Get Flu Help Fast at Medco ER
If you are just experiencing flu symptoms, go immediately to Medco ER. You may be a good candidate for antiviral prescription medication that could shorten the life of your flu symptoms. We are open 24/7, so you can get easy access to rapid results flu tests and prescriptions.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/monitoring/current-situation.html
2 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm
3 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/basics/faq.html
What You Need to Know About Vomiting and Diarrhea in You & Your Kids
It’s flu season and if you haven’t experienced a bout of the flu in your household, it may still be on the horizon. Influenza, food poisoning or infection is often accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting and a feeling of nausea. At Medco ER in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians know what to look for in the case of vomiting and diarrhea in you or your children.
Possible Causes
If you or your child are experiencing irrepressible bouts of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, there could be one of several conditions causing your discomfort.1
- Stomach flu or influenza – there are several different kinds and some trend more than others in our region and at certain times of the year.
- Food poisoning
- Motion sickness, dizziness, ear infection
- Blocked intestine
- Infection
- Illness such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, etc.
- Concussion or brain injury
- Migraines
- Parasites
- Heart attacks
- Kidney or liver conditions
- Central nervous system conditions
- Tumors
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
“Since your vomiting and diarrhea could be contributed to several different things, we usually test right away for flu and investigate the more common things like food poisoning,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “Those rapid results labs can often tell us pretty quickly what we are dealing with. After that, we can develop the right treatment plan for you or your child.”
Symptoms Defined
- Nausea is when your stomach feels queasy or unsettled and you may feel like you may soon vomit.
- Vomiting, or throwing up, is when your stomach forcibly empties itself of its contents.
- Diarrhea is loose, watery stools, sometimes explosive or hard to control.
At Home Treatment
Since fluid is being lost, it is important to continue drinking to prevent dehydration. Drink clear liquids and eat light, liquid foods. Avoid greasy or fried foods or solid food. Eat small amounts more frequently. Stay quiet and still and rest as much as possible. Drink a rehydrating solution such as electrolytes or sports drinks.
When to go to the ER
“If your diarrhea and vomiting won’t stop,” said Dr. Khan, “then it’s time to come to Medco ER and let us help you.”
Warning signs that mean you need to go to the doctor:
- Black, tarry stools or blood in stool
- Dry, cracked lips and dry mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Rapid breathing
- Fast pulse, racing heartbeat
- Decreased or stopped urination
- Sunken soft spot on top of baby’s head (fontanelle)
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days for adults or 1 day for children
- Vomiting that lasts more than a half day
- Fever over 100˚F
- Blood in vomit (looks like coffee grounds)
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Abdominal pain
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When vomiting and diarrhea are out of control, the expert team at Medco ER is ready to help you. Our in-house pharmacy has the hydrating IVs and the medicines to start to help you feel better. Come in anytime day or night to find a board-certified physician ready to go to work for you.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/8106-nausea–vomiting
Will My Bronchitis Turn into Pneumonia?
As winter drags on, chronic coughing is a common complaint. But you may have questions about your cough. Is it bronchitis or pneumonia? If I have bronchitis, can it turn into pneumonia? When should I see the doctor? It’s questions like these that the board-certified physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, have answered. Check out the discussion.
Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia
Upper airway or lung infections can start out as the cough that accompanies a common cold and can leave your defenses down. It can then morph into bronchitis where the bronchioles fill with mucus that is sometimes coughed up. Bronchitis, then, can turn into pneumonia, a more serious virus or bacterial infection. Pneumonia attacks the alveoli in the lungs with inflammation and mucus. It can then build up fluid, increase bacteria in your system or create a lung abscess.1
“Whether your nonstop coughing is bronchitis, pneumonia or something else,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “You should come in right away and let us take a look. It can quickly deteriorate into a more serious condition if left untreated.”
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Bronchitis can show up with the following symptoms:1
- Unrelenting cough
- Coughing up yellow-green mucus
- Wheezing breath
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Low fever
Pneumonia has these symptoms:1
- Unrelenting cough, often deep in chest
- Coughing up yellow-green mucus
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Body aches, chest pain
- Fatigue
- High fever (up to 105˚F)
- Sweating, chills
Prevention
The best thing to do to prevent pneumonia or bronchitis is to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of becoming sick from a lung infection.
Pneumonia shares bacteria and viruses with other conditions. If you get the flu, measles, whooping cough or pneumococcal (bacterial pneumonia) vaccines, you may decrease your risks of getting pneumonia. Talk to our doctor about getting other vaccines when you get the flu shot each year.
Healthy practices such as frequent hand washing, keeping hands away from face, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and monitoring any chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma are all great preventive measures.2
When to See the Doctor
“Since bronchitis can become pneumonia in some cases, it is important to come see us at Medco ER when you have a cough that just won’t stop,” said Dr. Khan. “A cough that produces mucus, or a wet cough, is especially important to check out. We can do a chest X-ray or rapid results test to help us quickly diagnose your condition and start treatment right away.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If you have a lingering cough with a fever, come to Medco ER. You will be seen quickly and your doctor will carefully diagnose your condition. Our in-house pharmacy will get you started with the right treatment to help you on the road to recovery. We are open 24/7, so you can come in any time, day or night.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bronchitis-vs-pneumonia/
Which is Better: Hospital Emergency Departments or Freestanding ERs?
What is the difference between hospital-attached emergency departments and freestanding emergency rooms? For many patients, long lines, understaffing, and inefficient procedures make hospital ERs less appealing than freestanding ERs. At Medco ER in Plano, TX, we offer some of the best options in healthcare to address your urgent and emergent medical conditions.
No Wait Health Care
Freestanding emergency rooms often have a great staff-to-patient ratio, meaning you will have little-to-no wait time when you arrive at the facility. At Medco ER, you can expect to be shown into a private exam room within minutes upon arrival. Any paperwork will be done there and the doctor will be in shortly to see you. We’ll work to get you in and out as fast as possible.
Board-Certified Physicians
Hospital EDs make extensive use of physician assistants, CNPs, medical assistants and RNs to do much of the intake, diagnostic and testing work.
“At Medco ER, there is always a board-certified physician ready to diagnose and to treat your urgent medical conditions,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We staff experienced emergency physicians to be available any time day or night.”
Round-the-Clock Availability
Both Hospital EDs and freestanding ERs are open 24/7, all day and night throughout the year. But hospitals close many services in the late hours. Freestanding ERs continue to offer a full range of services regardless of the hour.
Fast Testing Services
Medco ER offers instant access to testing, labs and pharmaceuticals. Our rapid-results labs have fast turnaround to let you know if you have flu, COVID 19 or other condition. Our in-house CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are readily available. In addition to being a time saver, this potential of having a one-stop shop for all your medical needs offers enviable convenience to patients.
No Balance Billing
Billing surprises that come at the end of treatment are never welcome after you’ve been sick or injured. At Medco ER, we don’t add to the balance at the end but are upfront about our fees when you arrive. In addition, we work for you to advocate for lower costs when possible.
Bottom Line: You Win!
In the battle of the hospital-attached emergency departments versus the freestanding emergency rooms, the patient is the winner. Competition has forced the systems to become more efficient, and that can only spell good news for you when you need prompt medical care.
Depending on the severity of your condition, freestanding ERs make a great choice when you need fast help from a board-certified physician with easy access to labs and tests. Medco ER is proud to offer some of the best medical help in the area.
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When you need urgent or emergency care, you can rest assured that Medco ER is open 24/7 every day of the year and will get you in with little-to-no waiting time. Our board-certified physicians are ready to go to work fast to help you on the road to recovery.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
Recognizing Gallbladder Pain
More than just heartburn pain, gallbladder pain can hit you like a sharp, throbbing pain of the abdomen or it can even be mistaken for a heart attack. Gallbladder pain is often hard to pinpoint since it involves a lot of referred pain in different areas, but the board-certified physicians at Medco ER are here to help you unravel the mysteries of the gallbladder.
Your Gallbladder at a Glance
The gallbladder is a small organ on the upper right side of the abdomen. It stores bile that is continually produced by the liver. When you eat, a hormone activates the release of the stored bile to aid in digestion and breaking down fats. Sometimes, the substances in the gallbladder can collect and form gallstones. These gallstones can be tiny or they can get very large. Often, they pose no problems but, occasionally, they block the bile duct and cause gallbladder spasms and pain.
“Gallstones are often the cause of serious abdominal pain, however, they aren’t the only cause,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Colicky gallbladders or functional gallbladders—gallbladders that work and appear normal on scans but occasionally act up—can also cause sporadic bouts of pain. The problem can even be a growth, tumor or inflammation of the gallbladder. It takes some careful diagnosing and tests like a CT scan or ultrasound to really get to the bottom of it.”
Symptoms
Depending on the type of gallbladder condition you may be experiencing, the following symptoms could be consistent or could come and go:1
- Sharp, piercing pain in the abdomen or upper right quadrant, right under the rib cage
- Pain that radiates to the side, back or even right shoulder
- Rhythmic pain or constant pressure
- Pain after eating, especially fatty foods
- Stools that appear grayish or light in color
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Yellow skin or whites of the eyes
- Chest pain
“Other conditions can mimic gallbladder disease,” said Dr. Khan, “Appendicitis, irritable bowel disease, celiac disease, kidney stones, ulcers or other conditions can be causing your pain. That’s why you need a great diagnostic team, such as ours at Medco ER.”
Prevention
Gallbladder pain can be related to diets high in saturated fats and refined, processed foods. Try switching to a Mediterranean diet or a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. Whole grains, low-fat dairy and high fiber foods are all great choices. A good diet and regular exercise may reduce your risk of developing gallstones.2
Sugar, salt, red meat, fried foods, saturated fats are all things to avoid, as well as a sedentary lifestyle.
Treatment of Gallbladder Pain
Depending on the cause of your gallbladder pain, the treatment could vary from dietary and lifestyle changes to a cholecystectomy, or surgical removal of the gallbladder. Gallstones are not usually treated individually since they will likely just continue to grow back.2
When Should I Come to the ER?
Severe pain should not be ignored. It could indicate a serious condition.
“When the pain becomes serious and it is interfering with your life to the point where you can’t function, don’t hesitate to come to the ER,” said Dr. Khan. “We have the imaging equipment and board-certified physicians who will work hard to diagnose your condition.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When abdominal pain sidelines you from life, don’t delay. Medco ER is open 24/7 every day of the year. We can diagnose and treat gallbladder conditions and get you started on the road to healing.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-causes-a-gallbladder-attack
2 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23355-gallbladder-pain
Taming the Tension Headache
Trying to get through a workday of important business with a vice-like, painful headache that shows no signs of stopping can be a huge challenge for many people. But most everyone has experienced a tension headache at one time or another, and the timing is rarely convenient. The medical professionals at Medco ER have a few tips to help you understand and navigate the next round of tension-type headaches that you or someone you love may experience.
Symptoms
Tension-type headaches can vary in severity and duration, but they usually have these easily recognizable symptoms:1
- Feeling of a tight band around the head
- Dull, aching pain in the head
- Sensation of pressure or tightness bearing down around the head
- Vice-like pain
- Tenderness in the scalp
- Tenderness in the neck and shoulder muscles
Types of Tension Headaches
Tension headaches can be categorized as episodic or chronic. Episodic tension-type headaches can last less than an hour to days.1 In frequency, they occur less than 15 days a month. Chronic tension-type headaches last for hours and days on end—more than 15 days a month.1
“If your tension headaches take up many days for three months in a row,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “then you are bordering on a chronic condition. It’s a good idea to be evaluated by your primary care physician or come in to Medco ER for an exam.”
Treatment of Tension Headaches
If you have frequent tension headaches, you may want to try a combination of the following common treatments:2
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Caffeine
- Drink plenty of water, eat regular meals
- Prescribed medication such as amitriptyline
- Non-medication treatments: biofeedback, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy
- Relaxation techniques: heating pad, muscle stretching, muscle strengthening, guided imagery to release tension3
Prevention of Tension Headaches
Since the cause of tension headaches is not known, prevention is not an exact science. You can try to make sure you don’t miss meals since headaches can occur from not eating regularly, or you can work to stay well hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water each day. Keeping a headache journal can help pinpoint the onset triggers for your headaches, such as determining a recurring time of day.4
Emergency Tension Headaches
“If you are not prone to tension headaches but suddenly feel an abrupt, severe head pain,” said Dr. Khan. “Come to Medco ER right away. Also, if you experience a fever, stiff neck, dizziness, confusion, seizure, muscle weakness or other concerning symptoms along with a headache, it is to be considered a medical emergency.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If your tension headache has become too much to bear, occurs too often, or has emergency symptoms associated with it, come to Medco ER for fast help from board-certified physicians. Our facility is open 24/7 every day of the year and we have the labs, pharmaceuticals and imaging equipment to support a timely diagnosis and treatment.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977
2 https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/tension-type-headache/
3 https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/4-ways-to-tame-tension-headaches
What the Experts Say About Fractures
If you’re like most people, you spend little time thinking about your bone health. However, all it takes is one split-second accident, fall, sports injury or poor decision and your bone could fracture, or break. Or, what appeared to be a minor injury can lead to a fracture of the weakened bone down the road.1 At Medco ER, we want you to have a basic understanding of fractures and how to correctly apply first aid on your way to our Plano, TX, facility. Let’s take a closer look at the two kinds of fractures and how to respond to them.
Simple Fracture
Also called a “closed fracture,” this kind of injury means the bone is broken but not protruding through the skin.
Compound Fracture
Also called an “open fracture,” this kind of break causes a fragment of bone to pierce the skin, thus, opening the skin into an external wound.
“In the event of a compound fracture,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “You should be careful not to touch it or allow any contaminants into the wound. The open skin is prone to infection so cover with something sterile, if possible. Don’t get overly involved in wrapping the wound, however. Just bring the patient to Medco ER right away. Our board-certified physicians can quickly respond to these kinds of emergencies.”
Symptoms of a Fracture
While it is not always easy to know if the bone is fractured or just bruised or the muscles sprained, there are some key symptoms you can look for such as:
- Sharp pain
- Guarding the area, not wanting anyone to touch it
- Misshapen area
- Swelling
- Warm to the touch
- Bruising or redness
- Protrusion and bleeding
- Numbness
- Inability or difficulty in moving the limb
Fracture First Aid
“Fractures need immediate medical attention, but you should first work to keep the patient calm,” said Dr. Khan. “Check their vitals. Are they breathing? Are they injured in other ways? Are they showing signs of shock? If possible, immobilize the wounded area with a makeshift splint, such as rolled up newspapers and strips of cloth. You can apply ice packs to reduce the swelling and try to keep the injury elevated as you come to the ER. For shock, keep the patient covered, calm and lying down. Bring the patient to Medco ER right away.”
How Can I Strengthen My Bones?
Wanting to prevent a potential fracture? There are some simple things you can do to build up bone density and strength.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is especially important to get vitamin D and calcium in your diet.
- Get plenty of sunlight – at least 15 minutes each day on your skin – to replenish your vitamin D.
- Get help to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of fractures and delays healing.
- Drink milk not alcohol. Alcohol increases your risk of osteoporosis while calcium helps build up bones.
- Do simple, weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones and build up density. The more active you are, the lower your risk of osteoporosis.2
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
Fractures are a part of life, and at Medco ER, we’re here to help you or your child when accidents happen. Our facility is open 24/7 and we have imaging equipment, such as X-ray and CT scan, and treatments at the ready to take good care of you.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
- Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://medlineplus.gov/fractures.html
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/bone-health/art-20045060