FOR HIM
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15
TO FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU, CALL 888-321-DOCS.
Scoliosis touches men and women, but the condition doesn't
have to put a kink in your life.
A growing body of evidence is revealing that
a happy marriage is good for men's hearts —
literally — not to mention other aspects of health.
Pain is the main sign of scoliosis in adults, but adolescents with scoliosis
typically discover the condition because of the curvature of the spine. There
are other important differences, too.
Spinal wear and tear sometimes brings on degenerative scoliosis.
The condition mostly affects the lower back and often occurs in those
age 65 and up, according to the American Association of Neurological
Surgeons. Back pain, numbness and shooting pain down the legs are
common symptoms for all ages.
Adults who "inherit" the condition from their younger selves have
idiopathic scoliosis. As time passes, spinal deterioration may bring
on more symptoms, says the Scoliosis Research Society. Low back pain
and stiffness are the most common signs. Also watch for numbness,
cramping and shooting pain in the legs or fatigue from compensating
for a spinal curvature.
In either case, exercise is your friend. Weight-bearing activities (generally,
any time you're on your feet) strengthen the core and back. Aerobic exercise
helps to control weight, which eases pressure on the spine.
Work with your doctor to monitor your condition. If pain, numbness
or cramping persists, your physician may suggest over-the-counter pain
relievers, rehabilitative movement, a short-term brace or nerve-blocking
injections to temporarily control symptoms. Only patients with severe
pain and poor quality of life are recommended for surgical intervention.
Pain doesn't have to be a way of life. Call 888-321-DOCS to fi nd a spine
specialist nearby.
The positive effects your spouse has
on your health will make you want
to show your appreciation even
more. Here's a quick primer on what
research has uncovered:
– Marriage helps the mind.
Marriage reduces men's risk of
depression and may make them
less likely to develop Alzheimer's
disease than unmarried men.
– Two are stronger than one.
Married men who are diagnosed
with cancer have a better chance
of beating the disease.
– The ticker loves tying the knot.
Married men are less likely to die
from cardiovascular disease.
– Spouses encourage good
health practices. A recent study
found that married men were
20 percent more likely to have
undergone a colonoscopy during
the past fi ve years.
The fl ip side of all of this is
that a joyless marriage can have
negative health effects.
So work with your
partner to keep
the magic alive
— you'll be doing
your well-being
a favor.
Don't Let a
Spinal Curve
Throw You for
a Loop
Marriage as Medicine
as
Happy
marriage
equals
a
healthier
heart.
