What Are Some of the Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Surrey?

Obstructive sleep apnea in Surrey is a common and potentially serious disorder in which a person repeatedly and momentarily stops breathing while asleep. It is caused by relaxed throat muscles that block the airway. Loud snoring is a common symptom. How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed? Obstructive sleep apnea in Surrey is diagnosed through a combination of an assessment and a test. After examining the patient, the doctor will give them a portable and non-invasive device that they will wear to bed. The device will measure the patient’s heart rate, snoring, and oxygen levels. The results will enable the doctor to make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment. What Is SnoreLase? SnoreLase is one of the possible treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. The doctor will use a laser to heat the tissues around the pharynx and stimulate the production of a protein called collagen. The treatment will thus stiffen the tissues around the airway and prevent them from collapsing. Most patients will need five treatments during a six-month period. What Is A CPAP Machine? CPAP stands for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure,” and it is a machine that blows air into the patient’s throat and thus stops their airway from falling in. The patient will enjoy a deeper and sounder sleep, and they will snore less. Before going to bed, the patient will place a mask over their nose and mouth. The mask is attached to a tube that is hooked up to the CPAP machine. Contact CanSleep Services, Inc., or visit cansleep.ca to learn more about obstructive sleep apnea in...

Complementary Treatment Options for Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic nerve pain can be debilitating. When your sciatic nerve is compressed or inflamed, it is called sciatica. In addition to severe pain in your lower back, buttock, and leg, sciatica can cause numbness and tingling sensations in one or both of your lower extremities. Here are some complementary treatment options your St Augustine pain management physician may recommend to help manage your sciatic nerve pain. Cold Compresses While a heating pad may seem like an appropriate treatment option for sciatic nerve pain, it can actually worsen your symptoms. Your pain management physician may recommend icing the affected area or applying cold compresses to your lower back to help reduce inflammation and pain. While heat may help soothe soreness, it will do little to diminish inflammation, which is the primary reason for sciatic nerve pain. When applying ice packs to your back, be sure to use a barrier such as a folded towel between your skin and the ice. Prolonged exposure to cold can cause frostbite and soft tissue injuries. Acupuncture Another complementary intervention your St Augustine pain management physician may recommend for treating your sciatic nerve pain is acupuncture. It is thought to raise the levels of certain chemicals in the body that help reduce the transmission of pain signals to the brain. While acupuncture as a standalone treatment option may help improve your symptoms, you may enjoy more relief when it is combined with the prescription pain medications prescribed by your pain management...