Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is very common and although in some people there may be a genetic component to it there are many other causes apart from genetics. These include factors such as age, lifestyle, and environment that all play significant roles. In this article we look at what degenerative disc disease is, whether you may inherit a tendency to have it, and what is involved if you are considering having genetic testing.

Collagen is a protein that is very important for your body. It helps keep your skin, hair, nails, muscles, and joints strong and flexible. As you get older, your body makes less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, thinner hair, and joint pain. Many people use collagen supplements and beauty products, hoping to look younger and feel better. This article explains what collagen is, how it works, the different types, and whether supplements really help. It also shares natural ways to boost your body’s collagen and clears up common myths.

Back symptoms such as pain and reduced movement are common and are often due to problems with the discs that sit between each of our backbones. These can sometimes bulge a little to cause symptoms and, at other times, cause problems if they herniate (often called a ‘slipped disc’). In this article, we look at whether it is possible to tell the difference between them, what tests are sometimes needed to make an accurate diagnosis, what symptoms they cause, and how they are usually treated.

Prolapsed or ‘slipped’ discs in the back are a common cause of pain, and may occasionally cause more serious health problems such as nerve damage and bowel or bladder difficulties. You may wonder just how easy it is to know if you have a slipped disc, and whether it is possible to feel one with your hand if it happens. In this article we look at if this is something that can be done, and the correct way to have a possible slipped disc investigated. First, let’s remind ourselves about the anatomy of our spine (our backbone).

Living with psoriatic arthritis is tough. It's not just joint pain – it can affect many parts of your life. One thing that doesn't get talked about much is how it can mess with your nervous system. This adds even more complexity to an already tricky disease. For people dealing with psoriatic arthritis, the idea of having neurological problems can be worrying. However, understanding these issues is super important for managing the condition well.

Living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can be challenging, not just because of joint pain and stiffness, but also due to the potential impact on other areas of the body, including the eyes. For many individuals with PsA, eye symptoms may not be immediately linked to their arthritis, leading to confusion and concern. Commonly affected joints include the elbows and ankles, where inflammation can cause significant pain and restrict movement. Moreover, some individuals may experience neurological complications such as peripheral neuropathy, which can add another layer of complexity to managing PsA. Understanding how PsA can affect your eyes is crucial for managing your overall health and seeking appropriate care. This guide aims to clarify the connection between PsA and eye symptoms, helping you identify whether your eye discomfort could be related to your arthritis and what steps you can take for relief.

Living with discomfort or pain in your big toe can significantly impact your quality of life. Whether hindering your ability to walk, exercise, or even wear particular shoes, big toe arthritis, medically known as Hallux Rigidus, can be frustrating and debilitating. However, by delving deeper into understanding this ailment and exploring the available treatment options, you can take proactive steps towards managing your symptoms and regaining control over your mobility.

What Is Menopausal Joint Pain? Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process. While most people associate it with hot flushes and mood swings, joint pain is also common. Sometimes referred to as "menopausal arthritis," this condition can cause pain in the knees, hips, neck, hands, and shoulders, making daily activities more challenging and reducing overall quality of life.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries tend to occur in sporty people. Injury can happen if you suddenly change direction or land badly. It’s more common in sports involving lots of contact, changes of direction and speed, or jumping and landing. Your knee has two cruciate ligaments – the anterior and posterior – to keep it secure and stable during movement. They cross over to form an X, attaching your shin bone (tibia) to your thigh bone (femur). Hence an ACL injury can feel like the knee is giving way, and you get a popping sound on movement. Pain and swelling occur worst around the line of the joint. It can be hard to fully straighten or fully bend your knee – and even walking can be very painful. There are three categories depending on the severity of the ACL injury: Grade 1 is when the ligament is slightly stretched or just a few of the fibres of the ligament are damaged but the knee is still stable and supported by it. Grade 2 is when a few more of the fibres are damaged so it is partially torn or the ligament is stretched to the point that it is loose and the knee is no longer stable or supported by the ligament. Grade 3 is a complete tear of the ligament where the ligament has actually been torn in half and can no longer support the knee.

Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life, often accompanied by various physical changes. The increased incidence of joint pain and osteoarthritis is among the concerns. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis after menopause. Approximately 6 in 10 of postmenopausal women show radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Understanding the connection between menopause and osteoarthritis is crucial for women experiencing these symptoms and looking for effective management strategies.

Living with arthritis can be challenging, and understanding the wide range of symptoms is crucial for effective management. Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is known to cause various nail changes due to the inflammation and immune system dysfunction associated with the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and potential joint deformity. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage and the underlying bone within a joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While joint pain and stiffness are well-known symptoms, OA can also affect all body parts, including the nails.

Sleep is one of the most essential parts of staying healthy, yet millions of people struggle to get enough quality rest. Poor sleep can leave you feeling tired, stressed, and unfocused, and over time, it can take a serious toll on your overall health. While countless products and remedies claim to improve sleep, one natural option has been gaining attention: magnesium. This essential mineral supports hundreds of processes in the body, including muscle function, stress regulation, and relaxation, which makes it a vital player for sleep quality. But does magnesium really help you sleep better? Let’s explore how magnesium affects sleep, the signs of deficiency, the best food and supplement options, and how to safely use it for better rest. What Is Magnesium and Why Does It Matter for Sleep? Magnesium is a vital mineral that your body needs every day. It helps with: Muscle and nerve function Blood pressure regulation Immune system support Energy production and cell repair For sleep, magnesium is especially important because it: Regulates neurotransmitters (the brain’s chemical messengers). Supports healthy levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a calming neurotransmitter that helps your brain “switch off” at night. Plays a role in the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle. Magnesium is found naturally in foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. However, many people don’t get enough, which can impact their ability to relax and sleep well.