In our practice we are seeing many patients of IT back ground with various health problems ranging from physical illness to emotional and psychological problems.According to an article in Computer World magazine there will be over 5.2 million software professionals in India and it is increasing. Increases in number of software professionals means increase in health problems. Clinical studies done in India have found that software engineers who work long hours suffer mostly from musculoskeletal problems, eye problems and psychosocial issues.

Common Health Problems

1. Lower Back Pain: This is probably the most common problem suffered by IT professionals.  Almost 80% of people who spend more than 8 hours in front of a computer which can lead to great stress on bony joints and cartilages of back leading to back pain. The problem lies in wrong posture and not taking frequent breaks in between the work. On a long run persistent stress & strain on the bone and ligaments leads to structural changes in the back bone thus leading to a chronic back pain.To prevent back pain refer the picture in this article that demonstrates the right posture while working in front of computer.

2.Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS): I had a patient who was an IT professional who was diagnosed to be suffering with CTS. she was in such as bad condition that she was unable to lift or hold even tea cup with her hand, and her hand muscles had become so thin and weak. She became alright after few months of treatment. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where a nerve known as median nerve that passes through the wrist gets compressed due to constant but restricted movement of the wrist joint. The tendon inflammation resulting from repetitive work, such as uninterrupted typing, can cause carpal tunnel symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive maneuvers like uninterrupted typing has been referred to as one of the repetitive stress injuries.

Symptoms of CTS:

• Numbness and tingling of the hand, thumb, index, middle, and thumb side of the ring fingers.
• Pain is worse at night & person may have sleepless nights.
• As disease advances—Burning sensation, weakness of hand.
• Decreased grip strength leading to frequent dropping of objects from the hand.
• Occasionally, sharp shooting pains can be felt in the forearm.
• Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome can also lead to wasting (atrophy) of the hand muscles, particularly those near the base of the thumb in the palm of the hand.

How to Prevent CTS:

• Frequent stretches and bending of wrists can loosen up the tight tissues, improve blood flow and reduce pain and stiffness.
• Keep your keyboard at a height where the elbow is at 90 degrees to the table. Keep your elbows close to your side. Keep your arms rested on the arm rest with your forearms parallel to the ground.
• Using gel pads to support the base of your palm is okay for a short while, but not for long. The altered angle due to the gel pads can worsen CTS.
• Adjust the position of your keyboard as well so that it is comfortable to type.
• Don’t sit and type for hours, take short breaks in between and exercise the joints of your hand.

3.Anxiety and Stress: Targets and deadlines! Hearing these two words is enough to induce stress and anxiety in most of IT professionals. I have seen some of my IT patients and friends who work for 18-20 hrs a day, even in weekends to meet the set goals. As per a recent survey published in a psychological journal, IT professionals and people who are addicted to internet were more likely to develop depression.  Depression can greatly affect quality of life. It also can have a negative impact on personal relationships as well.

Tips to avoid/minimize anxiety & stress:

• Don’t carry your work to home, limit your work to work place only.
• Limit your use of the internet when at home. Instead, use the time to spend with family or take up a hobby.
• Exercise is of course a great way to ward off stress, I advise my patients group events like cricket, badminton, foot ball etc rather than monotonous activities like running, swimming, cycling etc. I have observed that group events are more beneficial as it helps people to interact with each other, and helps to forget their stress and worries; it relaxes both your body and mind.
• Yoga and relaxation therapies are also an effective way to keep stress and anxiety levels low. The Pranayama is believed to be very helpful.

4. Heart Diseases: Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns, including obesity and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Too much sitting also seems to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Guidelines to prevent Heart diseases:

1.Avoid sitting for long hours, make sure you get up once every 15 to 20 minutes.

2.Go for a short walk around the office taking some break from work.

3.Once you finish work, indulge in a good exercise program.

4.You could go for a walk or a jog or even hit the gym if you are a member.

5. Insomnia: Insomnia or difficulty sleeping is one of the common health problems seen in software professionals. This is encountered more in people work in night shifts, as their normal sleep rhythm is disturbed and their day time sleep is poor & inadequate. A study in Finland found that 16% of IT professionals who work late develop insomnia. Another study looking at 91 software engineers in India found that 35% of them had mild insomnia while 21% had severe insomnia. Staring at a bright screen (be it your laptop or mobile) late into the night can alter the release of the sleep chemical melatonin. As time passes, the release of this hormone alters permanently, leading to chronic insomnia.

Guidelines to prevent Insomnia:

• Try to get at least 6 hours of sleep (recommended is 8 hrs),
• Switch off tv and mobile phone once you hit the bed.
• Use dim lights in bed room and read a book if needed.

6. Neck Pain: Sitting for hours in same posture and staring at a computer screen can cause neck pain, which can later develop into neck stiffness. It is not just the staring at the screen for long hours that causes the problem; placing the phone in between your ears and your shoulder is also a trigger for neck problems (Call center workers, Stock brokers). In a research study it was found that 59% of WRMSDs (Work related musculoskeletal disorders) reported annually by IT professional in India, out of which 30% cases are of neck pain.

Guidelines to prevent getting Neck pain:

• Right posture while sitting is most important.
• If using a laptop, use adequate support to keep the computer elevated at eye level.
• Avoid using mobile phones for long hours. If you do, use a hands free kit instead of holding onto the phone all the time.
• As mentioned previously it is important to keep moving and avoid static postures.

7. Computer vision syndrome: Those who spend most of their time staring at a computer screen are prone to suffer with a condition called as computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome is characterized by dry eyes, red eyes, sensitivity to glare, pain around the eyes, headache and overall fatigue. Nearly 7 out of 10 people who spend 8 to 12 hours a day staring at a computer screen will develop eye problems. Around 80% of individuals with eye problems hail from the IT profession, according to a report  in Times of India.

To prevent Eye strain

• Follow the  20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the computer screen at an object around 20 feet away for duration of 20 seconds.
• Using anti-glare screen covers can reduce eye strain significantly and reduce your chances of developing computer vision syndrome
• Avoid using your computer in a dark room.

8. Deep vein thrombosis : Deep vein thrombosis refers to a condition where blood clots form in the deeper veins in the legs. It is one of the usual health problems in software professionals. Usually the impure blood (deoxygenated) in our legs is pumped back to heart and then lungs for purification (oxygenation) this is a regular ongoing process; sitting for long hours without any activity can make blood to stagnate in the blood vessels of our legs which lead to clot formation. This can lead to development of a condition known as Deep vein thrombosis.

According to a report in New Scientist, clot formation in the calf muscles in computer users is now called ‘e-thrombosis’. This term was coined after a computer enthusiast developed a clot that broke off and migrated to his lungs.Blood clots may lead to death when they dislodge from their sit of origin (leg veins) and travel up and settle in the major vessels of lung (pulmonary embolism) resulting in blockage of blood circulation to vital organs.

 To prevent Deep vein thrombosis:

• Keep moving about. Don’t remain seated in one position all the time.
• Take a short walks often, this will help the blood circulate from your leg back to your heart.

How Homoeopathy can be helpful?

Majority of the health issues faced by IT professionals can be effectively treated by using Homeopathy medicines. It has holistic approach towards patient which means treating patient as a whole and not his specific disease or parts of body. These medicines not only help in relieving the suffering of the patient but also stimulate and strengthen the immune system of the body. Homeopathy medicines not only relieve the physical sufferings but also act on the level of mind and help the patient to adopt himself to the challenging situations in work place or anywhere else without getting much stressed, thus a harmony (balance) is established.

In our clinics we have effectively treated many patients from IT back ground suffering with  low backache, dryness of eyes, carpel tunnel syndrome, anxiety, depression, Insomnia, neck pain etc….IT professionals and other professionals who spend many hours in front of computers are very prone to developing various health problems, which can be prevented if right, corrective steps are taken early. Homeopathy as a holistic system of medicine can play a major role in relieving the suffering of these people as it is cost effective, non-invasive, non addictive and there are no side-effects from Homoeo medicines.

Dr. Tejaswi K.P.
Reader- Dept. of Surgery, Bhagwan Buddha Homeo Medical college, Bangalore
Consultanat- Surabhi Homoeo clinic, Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore-97
Mob-97311 33819    Email-drtejas2000@rediffmail.com

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Temperatures in North India have started to dip with winters just round the corner. In the journey of life one may not even remember when the association of winter shifts from festivities to joint pains. Coping with pain in cold winter months requires extra efforts to avoid the worsening spiral of immobility and increasing pain. This problem is not limited to a certain age, with sedentary lifestyle contributing to the increasing incidence across ages.

It’s not only the joint pains which flare up, but other pain conditions such as muscular pains, backaches, headaches, neck pain, nerve pains, fibromyalgia etc may experience similar increase. Scientific studies exploring the relationship between pain and weather have had little consensus, regardless this is commonly observed in clinical practice. Various factors such as low temperature, atmospheric pressure, immunological changes, altered blood flow etc have been implicated but none conclusively held responsible.

There are studies demonstrating that the cold, damp weather has the greatest impact on pain. Other studies suggest that it is the change in local climate which our bodies react to rather than the absolute temperature. Regardless, one may appreciate that it’s not easy to evaluate the relationship as multiple factors including temperature, sunshine, atmospheric pressure, humidity, diet etc change at the same time. Besides the direct weather effects, indirect effects on activity levels and mood can have a secondary impact.

Tips to prevent pain surgeries in winter

From a practical perspective, it is best to focus on what we can influence like simple lifestyle changes. Here are some suggestions

Regular exercise

In winters, shorted days and cold can make us less inclined to be active. The resulting immobility not only promotes stiffness, pain, but also weight gain. Reduced physical activity even for a few weeks can adversely affect muscle mass and strength. Exercise has a beneficial impact on metabolism and promotes the release of essential body chemicals. This produces a sense of well-being and increased blood flow to muscles and joints can helps combat inflammation, stiffness and pain.

Warm up prior to starting exercises helps the body to gear up for more strenuous activity thereby reducing the chances of injury. Its best to start with regular, slow exercises under the guidance of professionals, keeping in mind one’s pain issues and fitness levels. The workouts can be gradually increased once the body adapts to the new activity levels. This concept, termed as pacing, where you avoid doing too much too soon, is regularly promoted by experienced medical professionals. Generally light aerobic workouts, swimming, stationary bikes and walking are good exercise options. Simple stratergies like having an exercise buddy helps to stay on track and motivated. Adverese outdoor weather conditions can be overcome by using indoor facilities such as a gym.

Maintain a healthy body weight

One can easily fall victim to the indulgences of the festivites & holiday season by overeating. Keeping a healthy body weight enhances mobility and reduces undue pressure on joints, making a significant difference to pain levels. A balanced, healthy, natural diet containing essential mineral and vitamins such as calcium, vitamin D can play a role in supporting your joints & bones. Vitamin D has an important role in bone mineralisation, muscle function and nerve growth and with reducing daylight the oral intake becomes important. Vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risk of fractures and sensitivity to pain especially in the elderly.

Dress sensibly and stay warm

Dressing up using the right gear not only keeps one warm but also promotes ease of motion. Heavy, bulky clothing restricts activity and is difficult to wear. One may achieve same warmth by using multiple less bulky layers, which have added advantage of ease of removing when in warmer temperatures.  Body parts with comparatively less natural insulation such as hands and feet can be protected by simple gear such as by using gloves and socks. This is more relevant if one is troubled by hand or feet arthritis and cold extremities.

Heat therapy can help by promoting elasticity and blood flow of tissues reducing pain and stiffness. Simple measures such as warm baths and a hot water bottle can often make a big difference. Marinating a comfortable room temperature helps by promoting activity.

Seek early help

As we all have experienced injuries hurt more in cold temperatures and icy conditions as seen in northern India can make one more prone to falls and accidents. Do not ignore your pain issues. Even a simple knee or back pain can significantly impair quality of life. Sometimes these are accepted as part of aging, stopping individuals from exploring treatment options.

Pain persisting beyond the period of healing is called chronic pain and it does not always signify on-going damage. Lives of chronic pain sufferers often encompass around managing pain. Studies evaluating the Global Burden of Diseases have found chronic pain conditions amongst the leading causes of disability with approximately 20% of people worldwide suffering from chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a separate disease altogether and is often not taken seriously despite considerable advances in the therapeutic treatment options. An experienced specialist with focus on holistic management, rather than just treating the disease, can help you achieve good outcomes.

Pain management is a separate speciality. Specialists dealing with chronic pain conditions on routine basis have a good understanding of underlying mechanisms and ways of reducing the impact on life. Multi –disciplinary approach utilising specialists from different fields working together have a better chance of restore functioning and improving quality of life.

Dr. Amod Manocha
Senior Consultant & Head
Pain Management Services
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

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Painful pleasure – the topic seems histrionic or exaggerated. They need to be walked from pain to a pain-free life with caution.

What is pain?

Pain is not just a physical sensation. It is influenced by attitudes, beliefs, personality and social factors. Pain can affect your emotional and mental wellbeing. Two people may have the same pain condition but, their experience of living with pain can be vastly different. So, the treatment given to two people with same pain symptoms must also be different.

Where does pain begin?

The source of pain can be a very complex and even mysterious issue at times to untangle. Usually, it may begin with an injury or illness. Ongoing pain can develop a psychological dimension causing a person to feel pain even after the physical problem has healed.

There is a another dimension to pain. Emotionally and psychologically abused people can also begin to feel physical pain. Such pain can manifest in specific parts of the body or as pain in all of their joints. This fact alone makes pinning down a single course of treatment tricky. Nadi Pariksha is the perfect diagnosis to nail the root of physical as well as psychological and emotionally induced pain.

When we can diagnose the root cause or the origin of pain, we do not have to try a number of different types of curative steps. We will just know how to identify the cure for pain. Whether the pain is a low back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, joint pain, or knee pain, the root cause can be an injury or the outcome of psychological or emotional abuse. With Nadi Pariksha we can identify the root cause and provide the cure for pain.

Why do people enjoy pain?

Common sense tells us that people want joy and not pain. But that’s not always the case.

The connection between pleasure and pain is well established in our biology. One example is chilli. Most young children don’t like chilli, and later they will enjoy after repeated exposure. Because they learn to differentiate chilli from real physical harm.

Another example is attachment to a person. Attachment causes a person to expect care and attention from one another. This can cause one person to endure pain for the purpose of serving the expectation of the other or to prove the strength of their bondage. Acts such as; absorbing other’s emotional sufferings, letting go of one’s own happiness for the sake of the other’s sorrow, getting a tattoo art on one’s body part, etc,.

Painful Pleasure

By birth, we are able to distinguish between good pain and bad pain. unpleasant pain shows that something is not correct, something we have to pay immediate attention to. Then there’s good pain which is enjoyable. For example; physical pain that results from accomplishing a task involving physical labour feels good. Children who are not conditional in their behaviour would instantly react to pain and will never get there again.

People who have experienced emotional and psychological abuse may also feel physical pain. Such pain does not come from physical abuse. Emotional and psychological abuse is not normal. People who have been psychologically and emotionally abused become numb to pain over time. They begin to enjoy such pain and will unconsciously live in painful pleasure or even harm themselves to bring more pain upon themselves.

We had two clients recently who came with undiagnosed physical pain. This means, none of the tests revealed any physical abnormalities that could point to the origin of pain. One of the person’s, a man of 40 years, puts up with pain. He endures even extreme pain without expressing physical discomfort and pain. He has been living in painful pleasure and doesn’t even recognise it.

The second client is a lady who believes she is an empath. This means, she is able to perceive the emotional and mental state of another person. She not only experiences physical pain, she also has rashes in different parts of her body. From her diagnosis through Nadi Pariksha, we were able to ascertain that both the symptoms are manifestations of psychological and emotional abuse.

From our experience with working with thousands of individuals, we have come to realise that the only people whom we meet mirror our mental and emotional states. This is one way for us to realise the emotional and mental planes we are operating from.

 Cure for pain

Chronic pain management does not advocate medication alone. Cure for pain must also be induced into your attitude, behaviour, beliefs and your feelings that control the emotional and psychological part of your being. When we have suggested Cure for pain practices, we have seen people get cure from chronic pain almost instantly.

From illness to wellness

Belief is a big chunk that helps get cure from chronic pain symptoms. Sometimes, even the best practitioners have difficulty in helping their clients get relief from chronic pain when their clients don’t believe in the treatment they are receiving.

Being well is as much a belief and a necessity to function in society. Being well is more a emotional and psychological condition. When you are well, it shows on your skin.

The choice to be well ultimately rests with the client whether they want to live in painful pleasure or live life pain-free.

Mahesh Krishnamurthy,
Nadi Chikitsa Ayurvedic Plus Diagnosis
25, 3rd Crs, 8th Mn, RMV Extn.,
Sadashivanagar, B’lore
(+91) 990 0045199
admin@nadichikitsa.com

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