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INTEGRIS Health On Your Health Blog

Check back to the INTEGRIS On Your Health blog for the latest health and wellness news for all Oklahomans.

An older man in a blue sweater grabs at his neck in pain

Treating a Pinched Nerve in Neck or Shoulder

Between radiating neck pain and tingling sensations to your arm, dealing with a pinched nerve in your neck or shoulder can be a nuisance. If you are one of the many Americans who suffer from this spinal issue, the good news is there are many approaches to help reduce discomfort and speed up healing.

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a man sitting at a table holds his lower back in pain

Common Causes of Back Pain and How to Alleviate It

Despite the prevalence of back pain on millions of Americans, only those who have lived with it truly understand the toll it takes – not just on the body, but on every aspect of daily life. The constant discomfort, the struggle to move freely and the frustration of feeling held back can be overwhelming.

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a woman sitting in a chair holds her knee in pain

Why Does Sitting for Long Periods of Time Hurt My Knees?

When it comes to sitting-related pain, most people picture a stiff neck or an aching back, but knee pain is also a surprisingly common issue that often goes overlooked.

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younger man speaks to a surgeon

Is It Better to Get a Hip Replacement at a Younger Age?

Hip replacements have long been associated with older adults in their 70s and beyond. However, a growing trend has emerged, with more people opting for this procedure in their 40s and 50s. This shift isn’t just a coincidence – it reflects advancements in medical technology, changes in lifestyle and the pursuit of a better quality of life. This blog will explore the reasons behind this trend, the recovery advantages of getting a hip replacement earlier and the pros and cons of taking this step at a younger age.

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A physical therapist works with a patient and stretching their back

Why Do I Have a Knot in My Lower Back?

These knots, also called trigger points, can be both uncomfortable and restrictive in terms of how your body can move.

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A health care worker in scrubs explains medications to an older patient

Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications Cause Long Term Side Effects?

Rheumatoid arthritis has become one of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis. There are now dozens of medications to both treat and slow down its progression, but side effects may occur and vary by person.

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A photo of a woman cracking her knuckles

Can Cracking Knuckles Harm Your Hands?

For many people, cracking the knuckles of your hands is a satisfying routine. That sharp "pop" can bring a sense of relief, a momentary escape from tension or even just a comforting habit during idle moments. But while it might feel good, have you ever wondered if this common pastime could affect the health of your hands?

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A man exercises with a resistance band

Easy Resistance Band Shoulder Exercises to Try at Home

Resistance bands can be beneficial for addressing shoulder discomfort through targeted exercises that promote strength, flexibility and stability.

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Physical therapy improves outcomes after surgery

How Physical Therapy Improves Outcomes After Surgery

Physical therapy is one of the most common ways to both speed up healing and regain the strength needed to return to your everyday life.

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Reducing Pain Through Physical Therapy

Reducing Pain Through Physical Therapy

There isn’t a cure for chronic pain, so many times, patients will turn to medications for chronic pain relief, such as over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids. But more conservative treatments such as physical therapy can help without being tied to as many side effects as medications – long-term NSAID use can cause gastrointestinal problems and prescription painkillers have addictive properties.

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When is it time for knee replacement surgery

When is it Time to Consider Knee Replacement Surgery?

The decision on when to get knee replacement surgery is a topic many Americans struggle with. In 2020, Northwestern Medicine published a study that found 90 percent of people waited too long to fix their knee with joint replacement surgery, and 25 percent of people who had it done did so prematurely.

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Woman lifting weights

Benefits of Strength Training for Women

While many fitness programs marketed to women emphasize the importance of cardio for weight loss, resistance/strength training (aka weightlifting) is actually more beneficial for overall health. Because some of its benefits aren't found in other forms of exercise, experts recommend women participate in both cardio and strength training regularly.

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Improve your balance

Ways to Improve Your Balance

Balancing is a complex operation, involving multiple systems in your body. We share how balance works, information about the types of balance disorders and ways to improve your balance.

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Strong Bones

How to Keep Your Bones Strong and Why it Matters

Bones aren’t static. They’re changing all the time, breaking down old bone and making new, healthy bone. When we’re younger, new bone grows fast. It outpaces the breaking down of old bone, resulting in increased bone mass. We explain how to keep your bones strong and why it's important.

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joint soreness

How to Combat Joint Pain and Stiffness and What May Be Causing it in the First Place

Sometimes joint pain is just an annoyance, one that comes and goes. But in more severe cases joint pain or stiffness can be disruptive and can hinder your ability to accomplish daily tasks, even those as simple as climbing a flight of stairs or getting a good night’s sleep.

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balance exercises

Exercises to Improve Balance for Seniors

Balance and coordination are key aspects of your health as you age. Older adults are more at risk at falls than any other demographic, accounting for 25 percent of falls each year. To help prevent falls, we’re highlighting nine different exercises that can help seniors improve their balance.

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Fitness Opportunities for OKC Seniors

How To Avoid Frailty As We Age

Frailty makes daily life more difficult, uncomfortable and dangerous. Frailty syndrome is a diagnosis defined by age-related decreases in normal/daily function. It sounds a little vague, but what it comes down to is loss of muscle, stamina, endurance, general fitness and sometimes weight.

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Scoliosis Back Pain

A Pain in the Back: Living With Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a common spine condition that affects millions of Americans, many of whom are children and adolescents. Scoliosis affects adults, too, and while some cases are mild, many experience moderate to severe issues from a condition known as degenerative adult scoliosis.

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Shoveling Snow Back Pain

Common Orthopedic Injuries in Winter

To help keep you and your family safe this winter, David B. Parker, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, provides information and insight into common orthopedic injuries during the colder months some tips on how to stay safe.

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