Definition Shoulder pain involves any pain in or around the shoulder joint. Alternative Names Pain – shoulder Considerations The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. The rotator cuff in the shoulder is made up of four tendons. These tendons give the shoulder a wide range of
Definition Ankle pain involves any discomfort in one or both ankles. Alternative Names Pain – ankle Considerations Ankle pain is often due to an ankle sprain. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which connect bones to one another. In most cases of ankle sprain, the ankle is twisted
Definition Pain felt in your lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves, or other structures in that region. It may also radiate from other areas like your mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries. You may feel a
Definition Chest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen. Alternative Names Chest tightness or pressure; Chest discomfort Considerations Many people with chest pain fear a heart attack . However, there are many possible causes of chest
Alternative Names Pain – neck; Neck stiffness Considerations Neck pain may begin in any of the structures in the neck. These include muscles and nerves as well as spinal vertebrae and the cushioning disks in between. Neck pain may also come from regions near the neck, like the shoulder, jaw,
Definition An ion is an atom or group of atoms that has an electric charge. Ions with a positive charge are called cations. Ions with a negative charge are called anions. Ions can be created using radiation such as x-rays. Ionizing radiation is often used for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures,
Definition Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells. Most commonly, the term is used to refer to cancer-killing drugs. This article focuses on cancer chemotherapy. Alternative Names Cancer chemotherapy; Cancer drug therapy; Cytotoxic chemotherapy Information Chemotherapy drugs can be given by mouth or
Definition Cytologic evaluation is the analysis of cells under a microscope. This is done to determine what the cells look like, where they came from, and how they form and function. The test is often used to look for cancers and precancerous changes. It may also be used to look
Definition The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. It acts like the film in a camera — images come through the eye’s lens and are focused on the retina. The retina then converts these images to electric signals and sends them via
Alternative Names Acupuncture – pain relief; Hypnosis – pain relief Information Alternative medicine refers to treatments that you use instead of standard ones. (If you use an alternative treatment along with standard medicine or therapy, it’s considered complementary therapy.) There are many forms of alternative medicine. For many people acupuncture