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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Diagnosed With A Torn Rotator Cuff? 3 Surgical Alternatives

by Valerie Stevens

One of the most common repetitive-use injuries is a torn rotator cuff.  In fact, nearly 2 million patients visited physicians in 2008 alone because of rotator cuff issues. Sometimes, torn rotator cuffs do not respond to non-invasive treatments.  If you can relate to this scenario, consider the following 3 surgical alternatives.

Open Rotator Cuff Repair

If you suffered a torn rotator cuff, you might be tired of annoying symptoms such as:

  • Shoulder pain

  • A weak shoulder

  • Inability to move your shoulder fully

If non-invasive treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and stretching haven't helped your shoulder symptoms, your orthopedic specialist might recommend a type of shoulder surgery such as open rotator cuff repair.  This procedure might be necessary if you have a sizable tear in your rotator cuff.  During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon:

  • Will make a 2 to 4 inch incision in your shoulder

  • Will reattach the torn tendon to your bone

  • May take out bone spurs

  • May take out calcium deposits

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

In years past, all rotator cuff repair surgeries were open ones.  However, innovations in technology have streamlined this once complicated procedure.  If the tear to your rotator cuff is minimal, you may qualify for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.  This type of surgery requires an orthopedic surgeon to:

  • Make 2 to 4 incisions, not larger than 1/4 of an inch each, in your shoulder

  • Insert a camera, referred to as an arthroscope, into your shoulder

  • Reattach the tendon to your bone using tiny instruments

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

If you are suffering from a torn rotator cuff and debilitating arthritis, a reverse shoulder arthroplasty might be your best treatment solution.  This surgery reverses the structure of the ball and socket in a person's shoulder.  During the procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will:

  • Make a sizable 4 to 8 inch incision in your shoulder

  • Attach a manmade ball to your shoulder blade

  • Attach a manmade socket to the top area of your arm

  • Carefully place the socket against the ball in order to ensure effortless movement

  • Sew the tissue around your shoulder joint together

  • Close the incision

After undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty, your doctor will probably require you to:

  • Remain in the hospital for at least one night

  • Keep your shoulder in a sling for many weeks

  • Complete physical therapy at home

While surgery isn't usually the first treatment option for a torn rotator cuff, it might be necessary in some cases.  If you're ready for this next step in your recovery process, consider the aforementioned 3 surgical procedures.  To learn more about these surgical alternatives, make an appointment with a trusted orthopedic doctor such as Northern Care Inc Orthotics & Prosthetics today.

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