Treating a torticollis, 4 natural solutions

Torticollis may be benign most of the time, but it is nonetheless painful and disabling, as it limits our movements. Application of heat, massage, stretching, plants... here is how to effectively relieve it.

Torticollis (tortum collum in Latin, which means "twisted neck") is a very painful muscular contraction of the neck, which often prevents you from holding your head straight. Often caused by poor posture during the day or at night, the torticollis can also be due to muscle distension during an effort. Pain is felt, especially when trying to straighten the neck. Four practical tips to soothe the pain.

Apply heat to relieve tension due to torticollis.

Whether the torticollis is in its early stages or already well established, "the heat is always interesting because it has a vasodilatory action. It improves local circulation and promotes muscle relaxation to stop the pain/contraction cycle," explains physiotherapist Xavier Dufour.

How to do it?

Heat should be applied as often as possible, both during the day and at night. Several options are possible: hot shower, hot water bottle, cherry pit cushion, hot wet towel... Advantage all the same of the heating patches and other thermal pockets to be placed on the upper back (Mercurochrome, Syntholkine, ThermaCare, Actipoche Thermal microbeads, cervical, and trapezium): practical and effective, they deliver heat continuously for 8 hours. To be covered with a scarf to better conserve heat.

Getting a massage to relieve pain

"When you are contracted, the simple fact of touching the affected area allows you to short-circuit the message of pain at the nervous level, even if the effect does not last more than a few hours," explains Xavier Dufour, physiotherapist.

The ideal is to be massaged by a physiotherapist or an osteopath or, failing that, by someone close to you. On the other hand, it's better to avoid self-massage, because it stresses the trapezius muscles and prevents you from relaxing properly.

How to do it?

With both thumbs or the whole palm, massage for at least 10 minutes from the top of the neck down to the trapezoids.

To strengthen the action of the massage, use a gel or oil that combines anti-inflammatory plants (harpagophytum, meadowsweet, arnica ...) and relaxing essential oils (wintergreen, peppermint ...): Cartimotil Gel Pileje, Paltz Relaxing Gel, Harpagreen Gel LPEV, Organic Massage Oil Muscle Effort Puressentiel.

Use relaxing plants to unwind

The plant option is to be retained when one suffers from repeated blockages, clearly linked to stress. "It is one of the most classic causes of torticollis because it translates into muscular tension in the trapezius muscles and neck," says Xavier Dufour. The objective: to release these tensions to relieve contracture.

How to do it?

"Valerian is a good alternative to pain medication, thanks to its sedative and relaxing action," says Dr. Eric Lorrain, herbalist.

In the event of an attack, it should be used as soon as possible, 3 times a day, and in the form of a liquid extract (EPS, Phytostandard; Liquid Extract, A. Vogel) for rapid action. It relaxes in less than 2 hours. To be coupled if the pain is severe and/or lasts more than 5 days with tablets combining willow and harpagophytum extracts (Phytostandard at PhytoPrevent, 6 tablets/day), with anti-inflammatory virtues.

Stretching to prevent neck blockage

To be done only if the movements are not too limited or painful, and rather after having relaxed the area with the heat. Stretching helps to promote movement and not get stuck in the wrong position. "They are also useful in prevention. Doing them regularly makes the neck more supple if you often have neck pain and torticollis due to poor posture at work, for example," adds Xavier Dufour.

What stretching if the pain is moderate?

You can do these stretches to relieve muscle tension.

• Sitting with your feet flat, your spine well aligned, your forearms relaxed on a table or your thighs, gently turn your head to the left, as far as possible but without pain. Close your eyes and hold the position for 20 seconds.
• Sitting with your back straight, grasp the edge of the chair with your left hand. Then lower your head slightly, chin to chest, and tilt it to the right. Place your right hand on your head and gently stretch your neck.

What stretching if the pain is severe?

First of all, choose a relaxation exercise to loosen the neck. Sit or stand with your shoulders low and your neck extended, with the top of your head pointing upward to the sky. Inhale and raise the shoulders towards the ears, exhale and relax the shoulders without tension in the neck. Imagine that your neck is getting longer.

The exercises are to be done 5 times on each side and are taken from 80 exercises to end back pain, Jean-François Harvey (éd. Médicis, 28,95 $). Be careful to always do slow, progressive and non jerky movements, exhaling while stretching!

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Stevia could cause an intestinal microbial imbalance.

Stevia could cause an intestinal microbial imbalance. 

According to a new study conducted by Israeli researchers, this natural sweetener could cause an intestinal microbial imbalance. The results have just been published in Molecules. 

An alternative to sugar, sweeteners provide a sweet taste while remaining low in calories. In France, stevia gained popularity lately because it was authorized for consumption by the decree of August 26, 2009, but it has been used for several decades in South America, Japan, and China. It is about 100 to 300 times sweeter than ordinary table sugar but contains no calories or carbohydrates.

However, an Israeli study points to an unexpected effect of stevia. Indeed, according to research conducted by scientists from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), this natural sweetener could lead to an intestinal microbial imbalance. The results have just been published in Molecules, one of the leading international peer-reviewed chemistry journals. This microbial imbalance could lead to the development of gastrointestinal health problems.

Indeed, according to this study, stevia could disrupt communications between different bacteria in the intestinal microbiome. "Through this research, the scientific team discovered that it inhibits these pathways and does not kill bacteria. This is the first study that indicates further research is needed before the food industry replaces sugar and artificial sweeteners with stevia and its extracts. We showed that even a natural supplement can actually disrupt bacterial communication," said lead researcher Dr. Karina Golberg of the Avram BGU and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnological Engineering.

Dangerous sweeteners?

"We are not here to say that you are not allowed to take stevia because there is a health implication. However, [those] who take stevia must take into account the fact that we can actually harm the microbiome by affecting its communication system," she said. 

Previous studies conducted by Ben-Gurion University in 2018 showed that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame were toxic to bacteria in the digestive system. A mechanism is potentially responsible for a wide range of health problems from weight gain to diabetes and even cancer. The next stage of research will be conducted on animals, most likely mice, to see if stevia has the same disturbing effects as those observed in the laboratory. Market analyst Emergen Research says the global market for stevia is expected to reach nearly $1.2 billion by 2027.

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 Hand eczema: how to cure it?

Approximately 250 million american people suffer from eczema, i.e. nearly 5% of the population. Among its locations: hands. What are its causes? How can it be treated? The health answers of Dr. Antoine Badaoui, dermatologist-allergist, member of ResoEczéma, and the practical advice of Clementine Joachim, certified sophrologist, consultant at Yoburo.

Eczema is the second most common skin disease after acne. It concerns 30% of dermatological consultations.

Hand eczema: what causes it?

Chronic eczema can be of genetic origin, linked to atopic dermatitis (editor's note: also called atopic eczema) with a preferential location on the hands, says Dr. Antoine Badaoui, dermatologist-allergist. It can also be allergic eczema due to perfume, a preservative ... In glove wearers such as housekeepers, hairdressers, eczema can be allergic or irritating. »

Hand Eczema: Recognizing the Symptoms

Whether atopic or allergic, the symptoms of hand eczema are similar.

It manifests itself by red patches that peel and scratch, by blisters that ooze and cracks," says Dr. Badaoui. Most of the time, eczema of atopic origin has very limited borders, unlike allergic eczema, where the borders are rather "map-like" and less well defined. »

How is the diagnosis made?

Hand eczema is diagnosed by a clinical examination. Patch tests (also called patch tests) are used to determine whether or not it is an allergy. The test patches consist of applying, on the back and under occlusion, thirty allergens that correspond to the European standard battery, possibly supplemented by other batteries depending on the patient's questioning.

"To carry out these patch tests, three appointments at 48-hour intervals are necessary each time, says the dermatologist. The first is for placing the patches on the back, the second is to remove them and the last is for the final reading. If the test patches prove negative, an allergy to the tested molecules can be eliminated. »

Itching: limiting scratching thanks to sophrology

Sophrology, as a psycho-corporal method, apprehends the human being in all its richness: it takes into account its corporal, mental and emotional dimensions. 

"The organ "skin" being from the same embryonic stock as the nervous system, stress has consequences on the organism, which can manifest itself by the appearance of eczema", explains Clémentine Joachim, a sophrologist. Sophrology can therefore be a valuable recourse against "eczema attacks". "In particular, thanks to the exercise of the fans which can reduce itching", specifies the sophrologist.

Starting position :

• Stand with enough space around you, feet parallel and separated by the width of your pelvis.
• Your back is straight, your arms and shoulders are relaxed, and your head is in line with your spine.
• Close your eyes and pay attention to the rhythm of your breathing.
• The course of the exercise (which is to be repeated 3 times)
• Raise both arms in front of you horizontally while breathing in deeply through your nose.
• Hold your breath and shake your hands like fans (hence the name of the exercise!), slowly bringing them closer to your chest. Give meaning to your movements by imagining letting go of the sensations of scratching and tingling. By shaking your hands, free them from the unpleasant sensations of itching.
• Once both hands are close to the chest, release the arms along the body by blowing gently through the mouth.
• Resume natural breathing, and take a moment to observe the sensations in your hands. Linger on the sensations on your palms and fingers. Become aware of all the sensations related to the movements of your hands.
• Repeat twice, always giving more meaning to your gestures: shake your hands and imagine that the unpleasant sensations of scratching escape from your hands, that the itching slips from your fingers to the ground, to free and purify your skin. 
• After exhaling through your mouth, carefully observe and identify your feelings: do they change? In what way? Do you feel lighter in your hands? More freshness?More fluidity in your movements?
• Finish each time by becoming aware of your physical, mental and emotional feelings.

 You can practice this exercise whenever you feel like scratching. Remember to coordinate your movements with your breathing (inhalation time, air retention time, exhalation time), and always give more meaning to your practice. 

How do you treat hand eczema?

Whether it is atopic dermatitis, chronic hand eczema, or allergic eczema, the treatment is the same.

During flare-ups, a corticoid-based cream should be applied once a day until two or three days after the symptoms disappear," says Dr. Badaoui. Since inflammation can be latent under the skin, it is essential to stop the process. »

This treatment should be repeated for each eczema flare-up or continued 2 to 3 times a week for prevention.

The corticoid cream-based treatment should be completed by applying a moisturizing cream several times a day to restore the skin barrier," adds the dermatologist. It is necessary to choose the greasiest creams such as Cicalfate, Eucerin, Cicaplast...".

When the corticoid cream is not enough

When hand eczema does not respond or no longer responds to corticosteroid cream treatment, "oral treatment with alitretinoin is used," says the doctor. This is a naturally occurring, endogenous hormone related to vitamin A that has anti-inflammatory effects.

"The treatment lasts between 3 and 6 months at a rate of one tablet per day, explains the dermatologist. It requires monitoring of the liver and cholesterol levels and, for women, taking effective contraception. "Alitretinoin can cause serious deformities in the unborn child in case of pregnancy, as well as miscarriage.

Can it be prevented?

It is important to avoid all irritating factors that can accentuate hand eczema, and in case of allergy, to remove the allergen of course.

Dr. Antoine Badaoui's advice to limit flare-ups:

• Wash your hands briefly with warm or cold water and soap and if possible avoid hard water.  
• Do not use dishwashing liquid to wash your hands, it is irritating.
• Rinse hands well and pat dry.
• Wear gloves when washing dishes, cooking certain irritating foods such as tomato, lemon... and for cleaning.

Covid-19 and hand eczema: what precautions?

The epidemic of Covid-19 requires to apply the barrier gestures of which the frequent washing of the hands is apart because it represents an effective rampart against the propagation of the virus.

But, when one suffers from eczema, frequent hand washing weakens the skin, which is often dry and bruised. It is therefore recommended to use 'soap-free' soaps, special soaps for atopic skin, or washing oils. And, if possible, opt for fragrance-free products. Once the hands have been washed, dry them gently without rubbing.

As for the use of hydroalcoholic gel, it can cause tingling and burns. It is thus essential to rehydrate the skin by applying an emollient cream.

Wearing latex or vinyl gloves is not recommended because they encourage perspiration and maceration of the skin, which can aggravate hand eczema.

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The benefits of manuka honey

Manuka honey has a darker appearance than other honey, a stronger taste, superior antibacterial, and healing properties. Does manuka honey deserve its reputation?

The honey comes from the manuka tree, which grows only in certain regions of New Zealand and Australia.

A cousin of the tea tree, from which the antibacterial essential oil of the same name is extracted, manuka guarantees an exceptional honey, with a high price, but with tempting promises.

According to the producers, no comparison is possible: manuka honey is far superior to the others. According to them, it fights bacterial infections, including resistant ones, and heals wounds, even ulcerated ones, better.

The composition of manuka honey is unique

What makes it so special is the UMF or Unique Manuka Factor," says Carole Minker, Ph.D. in Pharmacy and Pharmacognosy. This number on the label represents its antibacterial power. The higher it is, the more active the honey is reputed to be. »

It was New Zealand researcher Peter Molan who discovered the presence of this original substance, but it was not until 2008 that it was discovered that the molecule behind UMF was methylglyoxal.

All honey contains this antibacterial substance," explains Dr. Becker, president of the Association francophone d'apithérapie. The particularity of manuka honey is that it contains much more thanks to its botanical origin. »

Manuka honey is a powerful antibacterial.

This exceptional concentration of methylglyoxal gives it a powerful antimicrobial activity.

This honey is effective against all common bacteria involved in sinusitis, angina, or bronchitis. Some scientific works show that it acts globally faster and at a lower dose than other honey.

Scientists from the University of Waikato, New Zealand, have also observed that it is able to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Other encouraging results followed with different bacteria, including one responsible for nosocomial infections, as well as streptococci and enterococci against which current antibiotics are inoperable.

"There are also studies on the benefits of manuka honey against the Helicobacter pylori bacterium that causes gastric ulcers," adds Carole Minker.

The only downside is that most of these studies are carried out in laboratories and there is little work in humans.

How to use it?

"There are few clinical studies, but regular use of 1 to 2 teaspoons per day during the winter months would be preventive," advises Carole Minker.

When an ENT or gastric infection is declared, however, it is necessary to absorb large quantities of it, which is difficult to recommend, otherwise you may swallow too much sugar!

Manuka honey is very healing.

All kinds of honey have a healing effect," recalls Carole Minker. This is mainly due to its strong osmolarity. »

This term means that honey attracts water. It drains lymph and plasma to the outside, causing waste and tissue debris, which cleanses the wound.

The mechanism also ensures moisture that promotes healing but does not increase bacterial growth due to the antimicrobial properties of honey.

By eliminating bacteria faster, manuka honey has a superior healing activity. "Methylglyoxal prevents bacteria from attaching to damaged tissue," adds Dr. Becker.

This key molecule also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce edema and promote the tissue repair process. "One publication reports on the successful use of manuka honey at the Bonn hospital for the past three years to treat nosocomial skin infections," comments Carole Minker.

How to use it?

Manuka honey can be recommended as a dressing on a wound that is difficult to heal, after showing it to your doctor," she says. In this case, use a honey with a UMF of 18 or 20, clean the wound and apply a half-centimeter thick layer before applying a dressing. Change every 24 to 48 hours until improvement. »

Recent studies indicate that manuka honey improves the healing of diabetic leg and foot ulcers.

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Vegetarian Diet

Whether for ethical, religious, or health reasons (fear of "mad cow disease", obsession with eating well), vegetarian dietitians shun meat, fish, and sometimes even eggs and dairy products (vegan diet). Here is an overview of the vegetarian diet.

There is not one but several vegetarian diets, more or less restrictive.

The ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet consists of excluding all animal flesh (meat, fish) from the diet, but allows foods of animal origin such as eggs and dairy products. As it is the most widespread, it is called the "vegetarian diet".

The Lacto-vegetarian diet excludes animal products, including eggs, but allows dairy products.

The ovo-vegetarian diet excludes all animal products, except eggs.

Pesco-vegetarian only excludes meat. It allows fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Whatever the specificity of their diet, vegetarians eat mainly vegetables and fruits, raw or cooked, legumes, whole grains, seeds, oleaginous fruits (almonds, nuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts...), vegetable oils, and seaweed.

Are there any risks in following a vegetarian diet?

A vegetarian diet can be a good match for a balanced and healthy Western diet. It follows, even more, the official recommendations in terms of nutrition than our classic industrial food modes which are too rich in proteins, saturated fats, and cholesterol.

If the diet is well managed, there is no risk of deficiencies. For proteins, there are eggs, dairy products, cereals, legumes, and oleaginous fruits. For iron, there are eggs, cereals, and pulses. For calcium, there are dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. For vitamins of the B group, there are cereals...

Tips for balancing a vegetarian diet

With a diet containing neither meat nor fish, it is essential to compensate for the absence of animal proteins (of good quality because they contain all the amino acids essential to the body), by combining vegetable protein sources (of average quality because they contain insufficient quantities of essential amino acids).

For example :

• cereal product + egg (Cantonese rice, cake) ;
• cereal product + dairy (rice in bed, cheese pizza) ;
• pulses + dairy (lentil salad with cheese cubes) ;
• cereal product + pulses (semolina with chickpeas);
• cereal product + oilseeds (pasta salad with nuts).

To best cover their needs, vegetarians must consume relatively large proportions of each permitted food group. This means grain foods or pulses at every meal, and at least 5 fruits and vegetables and 3 dairy products per day.

The special case of the vegan diet

Vegetarians pushed to the extreme, vegans ban all animal products, including eggs and dairy products. Therefore, they only eat vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, seeds, and oils.

Unlike the vegetarian diet, vegans are at high risk of deficiencies, particularly in protein, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Thus, the vegan diet can cause growth retardation, anemia, and calcification defects. As such, it is formally not recommended for children, adolescents, and pregnant or lactating women.

For others, it is essential to take food supplements to compensate for the lack of many nutrients essential to the body.

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