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Elon Musk claims that “disk replacement” worked for him. However, there is a lack of evidence that this surgery helps treat chronic pain

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Last week, in a post on X, the owner of the platform, Elon Musk Recommended people consider disc alternative in the event that they experience severe neck or back pain.

According to the billionaire’s biography, he suffered from chronic back and neck pain since he tried “judo throw” The 350-pound sumo wrestler was at a Japanese-themed event celebrating his forty second birthday in 2013 and blew out a disc at the bottom of his neck.

In the comments below the post, Musk said the surgery was a “game changer” and significantly reduced his pain.

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Musk’s original post has to date had over 50 million views and was generated dispute. So what is disk alternative surgery and what does the evidence tell us about its advantages and harms?

What does disk alternative involve?

Disc alternative is a type of surgery wherein a number of of the spinal discs (the cushion between the bones of the spine, also called vertebrae) are removed and replaced with a man-made disc to keep up movement between the vertebrae. Artificial discs are made of metal or combination made of metal and plastic.

Disk alternative could be performed in case many reasonsincluding slipped discs within the neck, as appears to be the case with Musk.

Disk alternative is possible major surgery. It requires general anesthesia and the surgery often takes 2-4 hours. Most people stay within the hospital for 2-7 days. After surgery, patients can walk, but must avoid physical exercise and driving for 3-6 weeks. You might have to wear a neck brace (after neck surgery) or a back brace (after spine surgery) for about 6 weeks.

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Costs vary depending on whether you might have surgery in the general public or private health care system, whether you might have private medical insurance, and in your level of coverage, if that’s the case. In Australia, even when you might have medical insurance, disc alternative surgery can leave you with over A$12,000 out of pocket.

Disc alternative surgery is not performed as often as other spine surgeries (spinal fusion, for example), but its use is increasing.

IN New South Wales for example, privately funded disc alternative rates increased sixfold from 6.2 per million people in 2010–2011 to 38.4 per million in 2019–2020.

What are the advantages and harms?

People considering surgery often consider this option before not having surgery. However, only a few studies have been conducted comparing disc alternative surgery with non-surgical treatment.

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Clinical trials are the most effective strategy to check whether treatment is effective. You first want to point out that the brand new treatment is higher than doing nothing, before you begin comparing it with other treatments. In the case of surgical procedures, the following step could also be to check the procedure with non-surgical alternatives.

Unfortunately, these crucial first research steps have been largely missed in disc alternative surgery for neck and back pain. As a result, there is great uncertainty about treatment.

We usually are not aware of any clinical trials examining whether disc alternative is effective in treating neck pain in comparison with nothing or in comparison with non-surgical treatment.

For low back pain, the one clinical trial to our knowledge comparing disc alternative with a non-surgical alternative found that disc alternative surgery was barely simpler than an intensive rehabilitation program after two years AND eight years.

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Many people experience chronic pain.
Yan Krukau/Pexels

Complications usually are not unusual and may contain artificial disc dislocation, artificial disc fracture (rupture) and infection.

In the above-mentioned clinical study 26 of 77 patients undergoing surgery a complication occurred inside two years of the follow-up visit, including one one who underwent revision surgery, which resulted in damage to an artery resulting in the necessity to amputate the leg. Revision surgery means redoing the unique surgery if something needs repairing.

Are there effective alternatives?

The very first thing to think about is whether surgery is mandatory. searching second opinion can aid you feel higher informed about your options.

Many surgeons view disc alternative as an alternative choice to spinal fusion, and that is the selection often presented to patients. Indeed, the research evidence used to support disk alternative comes primarily from comparative studies disk alternative Down spinal fusion. These studies show that individuals with neck pain can get better and return to work more quickly after a disc alternative in comparison with a spinal fusion procedure, and that individuals with back pain may get barely more pain relief after a disc alternative than after a spinal fusion procedure.

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However, spinal fusion is also not well supported by evidence comparing it to non-surgical alternatives and, like disc alternative, is also expensive and carries a significant risk of harm.

Fortunately, latest, non-surgical treatments can be found to patients neck and back pain, which evidence shows are effective – and less expensive than surgery. These include therapies that address each physical and psychological aspects that contribute to a person’s pain, similar to cognitive-functional therapy.



Although Musk reported good immediate results from disk alternative surgery, given the evidence – or lack thereof – we advise caution when considering this surgery. And for those who’re faced with a selection between disc alternative and spinal fusion, you could want to think about a third alternative: no surgery in any respect.

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

There is a wild season in Australia. Here’s how to keep safety and avoid poisoning

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Many Australian countries, including New southern WalesIN Victoria AND South Australia In recent weeks, they’ve issued warnings in regards to the risk of eating wild mushrooms.

Mushrooms normally grow in cooler and wetter times. Although these conditions are present in some parts of Australia for many of the yr, in many parts of the country the expansion of fungi is visible at the moment (autumn and early winter).

Wild mushrooms might be easily accessible in public spaces, including parks, nature strips and forests. They are also found in people’s gardens.

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Wild mushrooms attract attention for a lot of reasons, including in a latest or unexpected location, their interesting colours and shapes, and sometimes because they appear similar to edible varieties.

So what do you would like to know in regards to the risk of consuming wild mushrooms? And what is one of the simplest ways to maintain safety?

Threat to the health of consuming wild mushrooms

Eating toxic mushrooms can have a number of influence on people. The response may rely upon the person, but mainly is determined by the variety of fungus.

The commonest consequences are the digestive tract, for instance nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Less often people can experience drowsiness, confusion or vision, including hallucinations.

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Fortunately, most individuals experiencing these reactions will fully get better when their body eliminates toxins.

But some people suffer from serious poisoning that requires admission to the hospital. And eating some high -risk mushrooms could cause everlasting damage to essential organs, resembling liver or kidneys, and even death.

These effects occurred while eating wild mushrooms in Australia and even consumption A single mushroom of death () might be fatal.

was more and more detected in Victoria and Australian territory of the capital In recent years. It is also known that it exists in Tasmania AND ONAnd recently he was Found in NSW.

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It is possible that death mushrooms are someplace else in Australia, but we just have not seen them yet.

The incidents are growing

Last alerts with NSW AND ON Show the annual variety of connections with the poison information centers about fungal poisoning.

IN NSW For example Poison Information Center He responded to 363 connections in 2024 in relation to exposure to wild mushrooms in the NSW and the act, which is a rise of 26% compared to 2023.

Moreover, it requires a higher percentage of cases referral to the hospital.

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About half of the connections with the poison information centers concern the exhibition amongst babies under the age of 5. While most youngsters had no symptoms, this variety of connections about young children is still disturbing. Many of those children required assessment and monitoring in the hospital.

Mushrooms with a death cap are extremely dangerous.
Janny2/Shutterstock

Many connections with poison information centers also apply to teenagers and adults who feed and eat wild mushrooms. Some devour mushrooms as food, while others are in search of their hallucinogenic effects. This group is normally symptomatic after they contact the poison information center, and lots of them require hospital treatment.

Adults normally have heavier symptoms because they devour greater than children. Most adults who contact information centers with symptoms have eaten wild mushrooms that were feeding beyond a tour with a guide with an authority.

Not all cases of mushroom poisoning are notified of the poison information center, so it is very likely that the variety of cases represents a significant underestimation of the particular variety of exposure and poisoning.

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All this implies that we might have more News from public health Around the risks of wild mushrooms.

Some suggestions for avoiding poisoning

There is no easy way to discover if the wild mushroom is edible or poisonous, so we advise people before feeding and eating, Wild mushrooms.

Perhaps outside Organized trip with an authorityThe only mushrooms that folks should eat are people purchased in a reputable supermarket, food or market.

Wild mushrooms can appear in your garden day-to-day and Small children study their environment By touching and putting things into the mouth. So let’s remove wild mushrooms from the areas where young children play. Wear gloves and reject mushrooms in trash bins to the landfill.

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Some web sites resembling InaturalistLet people send photos of wild mushrooms in order that experts might help discover them. However, the standard of photos can affect the expert’s ability to properly discover fungal species.

If you propose to use such a platform, consider consider Taking pictures From many angles, showing the upper a part of the hat, under the attachment, stem, the scale of the fungus and the trees that were found nearby.

Studies suggested some applications might not be credible independently to discover mushrooms.

If you choose to eat wild mushrooms and also take a lot of photos, keep samples. If you or another person get sick, mycologist (mushroom expert) can discover the fungus consumed. Knowledge of mushroom species might help determine which treatments are required in the event that they exist.

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Finally, notice that mushrooms can’t be detoxified. Washing, peelingIN cooking or drying The fungus doesn’t deactivate or remove toxins.

Who to call if you happen to are apprehensive

If you or someone you understand, develops any symptoms from eating a wild mushroom, contact the poison information center immediately at 13 11 26 to get advice. This is a national phone number that can direct you to the closest poison information center, 24 hours a day.

Even if a child or another person has no symptoms after eating a potentially poisonous mushroom, call before the event of symptoms. Symptoms may occur Many hours to present With the undeniable fact that being asymptomatic is not necessarily calming.

In emergency, for instance seizures, fall or unconsciousness, call 000.

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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From burning to a breakthrough: how this entrepreneur supports well -being through a deliberate life and available self -care – essence

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Photo thanks to courtesy: naked zero wellness

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In the world of limitless Hustle culture and constant productivity requirements, the Sue Khan entrepreneur questions the narrative, supporting deliberate life and accessible well -being. Founder Naked zero well -being She transformed her personal experience of burn out into a mission to help busy women in regaining their lives through mindfulness, high -quality products and intentional selections.

“I think that Hustle’s culture kills us, especially as a woman,” he explains. “Of course, so many of us are really good in multitasking, and this can lead us straight to burn out when we are not targeted in what we want in our lives.”

Khan’s journey began in 2018 after it hit what he describes as a “burning wall”. She was overwhelmed by the growing duties of marriage, motherhood, home owner and her skilled life.

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“Everyone says that you should do,” recalls thought. “How does everyone experience it?”

The turning point took place with a friend who introduced her to the concept of minimalism – not as a rigid practice of getting few possessions, but as a philosophy of deliberate life.

From burning to a breakthrough: how this entrepreneur supports well -being through a deliberate life and self -available
Photo: naked zero wellness

“He was simply calm,” says Khan. “He began to tell me how to build your life on the basis of intentions and keep things, memories, people around you who deliberately build the lives you want.”

This revelation caused a rejecting journey, which became transformational. “The more I got rid of, the more I was. The more I was, the more I wanted to get rid of.”

What began as a personal exploration has evolved into something greater when Khan began to share her online journey. Her posts on the blog concerning the deliberate life and suggestion of products resonated with the audience, which, like her, felt overwhelmed by the necessities of life, but didn’t want to conduct all research on her own.

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But life in Bermuda brought a clear layer of the complexity of this lifestyle. With many products requiring international shipping, long waiting times and steep import duties, it has turn into clear that availability was as essential because the intention. This reality forced Khan to create a center where her developing community could easily access the clean, intentional products that she discovered.

From burning to a breakthrough: how this entrepreneur supports well -being through a deliberate life and self -available
Photo: naked zero wellness

“I said: Well, what if I make a center for people to buy these products and for this community to have a home?” And so naked zero well -being was born.

In 2020, when the world modified under the load of Covid-19 pandemic, Khan decided to rotate, not stop. The continuous stream of zoom meetings and digital requirements made her feel exhausted and restless – so long as she discovered Matcha. This finely ground green tea powder has turn into its alternative to coffee, offering a milder, more everlasting reinforcement of energy without caffeine or trembling disaster. Its calming properties quickly turned it into greater than a drink for Khan – became a grounding ritual amongst chaos.

“I was literally obsessed with this,” he says. “It wasn’t just about Matcha. It is a ritual for doing her and around it, something that can be used to catch up with friends. She has so many health benefits.”

Noticing the shortage of match in Bermuda and the spread of sweet, full of the market version available on the market, Khan created a naked zero matcha-chubby, high-quality product adapted to her philosophy of biological renewal.

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“I like to say that coffee is like a drunk uncle, and Matcha is like a rich aunt,” khan jokes. “You beat the mat and add the sweetener you want, and remember to fold it, compared to, you know, you get up from bed, hit the coffee machine and get your first cup of coffee.”

The brand’s evolution lasted with the introduction of energetic clothing designed across the concept of wardrobe-quality capsules, multifunctional, which eliminate the necessity for excessive consumption.

“I spent so much time in Athleisure during Covid that I thought about creating a brand that is consistent with all things that are important to me?” The result was versatile clothing designed for trouble -free transition from training to working day, adapting to its quality ethos.

Khan’s identity as a black Bermuda woman deeply shaped her approach to well -being and determination to diversify the national team in space.

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“Many times, when we look at well -being, they are not people who look like us,” he notes.

Being the face of his own brand, Khan assures that others can perceive themselves in biological renewal practices, often presented as exclusive luxuries. “Women who look like I can relate to this. And I think it is really important that Wellness has a diverse face.”

Her Bermuda heritage brings one other precious perspective of her brand. “Being a Bermudian and living on the island, we have a naturally slower pace,” he explains, noting how the contrast between the island’s rhythms and the crazy pace of the company world contributed to its burnout.

Khan claims that Naked Zero is just not only a product line, but as a brand that’s to evolve with the needs of the community. “I really look at naked zero as a lifestyle. It’s really a lifestyle brand. “

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First of all, Khan is captivated with questioning negative connotations related to rest and transforming it as vital own care. “If we change our connotations around rest and perceive it as a positive thing, as a chance for charging, refueling, infusion back to each other, imagine people we will be when it comes to challenges.”

In a culture that loves occupation, Khan and naked zero well -being want to offer a refreshing alternative: quality over quantity, intention of commitment and well -being, which is each accessible and achievable for each woman.

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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Hypertension, diabetes associated with Alzheimer’s disease in Black Americans

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The recent study showed that there is a chain response for black Americans who’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and middle -aged hypertension. Scientists from the University of Georgia Study said that black Americans who’re The diagnosed each conditions have a greater risk of developing degenerative diseases comparable to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Scientists analyzed over 252 black Americans at middle -aged family and social health research living in Georgia or Iów. Participants, from whom diagnosis was diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension or each attracted blood in the years 2008–2019. Almost 10 years later, scientists found that participants from each conditions had a much higher biomarker level associated with dementia over 10 years later.

“This study shows that chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, especially in combination, can begin to destroy the brain earlier than we thought, especially in the case of this group,” Rachael Weaver, Study correspondent and graduate in UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Department of Sociology “, published in an announcement.

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Cardiovascular health may even be an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease

According to scientists, diabetes and hypertension are sometimes not the one indicators of degenerative brain diseases in the long run. Cardiovascular health also plays an infinite role. Although itself from these diagnoses doesn’t indicate a dramatic neurological effect, each results in striking results.

“The study sends a clear message: Earlier steps to control high blood pressure and diabetes can help protect African Americans from brain degeneration and reduce the risk of dementia later in life,” added Karlo Lei, a study co -author and extraordinary professor on the Sociology Department of College Franklin College.

Compared to other racial-ethnic groups, black Americans show accelerated brain aging starting in middle-aged. They also show higher indicators and an earlier starting of dementia and are ultimately more liable to Alzheimer’s disease.

Early intervention in these chronic health conditions can significantly protect brain health and reduce the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases in African Americans in later life.

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(Tagstranslatate) health and well -being

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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