Exercise doesn’t help tight muscles

DEAR DR. GOTT: My concern is with my daughter who suffers from very tight muscles from her neck to her toes. She exercises nearly daily, goes to the gym several times a week and on occasion has a massage to give her relief. She is 53 years old and on the verge of menopause.

Is there an enzyme, mineral or vitamin that is lacking in her body that causes this malady?
She strives to eat nutritiously.

I would appreciate your valued opinion of what could be the problem as she is uncomfortable and stressed with it.
[Read more...]

Stress causes multiple health concerns

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been reading about the benefits of meditation and dietary changes, and I now realize that stress (sometimes intense) is a major contributor to my current condition. I need guidance in dealing with my overall well-being.

I am a 56-year-old woman, 5 feet 5 inches and 175 pounds. Most of my excess weight is belly fat, and I am beginning to experience discomfort in this area. My eating habits are not particularly good, but I do avoid sweets, an abundance of carbs and excessive portions.

Exercise has been limited by fortitude, energy and perseverance. I swim and want to do more than I currently am. I was a heavy smoker but quit 11 years ago. A heart attack six years ago has me taking ongoing medication. I also take drugs for depression, anxiety, migraines, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and back pain caused by scoliosis and sciatica.
[Read more...]

Can stress cause diabetes?

DEAR DR. GOTT: On May 18, 2009, I was injured when a heavy metal door was slammed down on my head. Since then, I have suffered from severe neck pain and headaches that have caused serious sleep disruption and constant fatigue. All of these symptoms are unprecedented for me.

I have had physical therapy, an epidural steroid injection, numerous prescriptions for pain, muscle relaxers and have done home exercises recommended by my physical therapist. All provided only temporary relief, and my doctor has said I’ve reached my maximum medical improvement. Actually, there has been no improvement.

Despite my best efforts, I have had absences from work in excess of my former employer’s guidelines and, after six years, was terminated. This, of course, has resulted in financial problems.
[Read more...]

Stressful job can affect health

DEAR DR. GOTT: At age 50-plus, I took a job that was stressful to the extent it caused sleepless nights and loss of appetite. I resorted to taking an over-the-counter sleep aid, which left me with a headache and feeling sluggish in the morning. To alleviate those symptoms, I took Excedrin for the headache and a caffeine bump. At the end of the year, my contract expired. I lost 20 pounds and was exhausted.

I went to my physician for a regular checkup. Routine lab work indicated I had an elevated TSH (6). My doctor asked about fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin and more. I explained the circumstances of my former job and because of my age, I was at least perimenopausal. I was still having periods every three weeks instead of four. I felt the symptoms I had indicated hypothyroidism. I expressed my feelings and was prescribed levothyroxine, which was to continue forever. [Read more...]

Reader finds help for abdominal migraines

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had abdominal migraines for the past eight years. I had to retire from my teaching position because of them. In the past two weeks, since your article appeared, I found that stress and anxiety caused the daily occurrence of migraines. An anti-anxiety drug is assisting in my mission to find some sense of balance. We need more doctors like you to add to the existing information. Keep me posted on your new discoveries.

DEAR READER: I’m glad I could help. I will definitely provide an update as new developments unravel.
[Read more...]

Teen feels parent/teacher pressures

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m 17 and having difficulties meeting the expectations of my parents and teachers. The pressure is really strong and is a burden on the already heavy load I’m carrying. Can you help?

DEAR READER: Most students consider themselves knowledgeable, if not expert, regarding the subject of student pressure. The many theories of this phenomenon do little to solve the problem of what this is and what can be done about it. While the medical director of a local private school for 33 years, I saw the multifaceted consequences of this ubiquitous blight. Neither the problems nor the consequences have changed much over the years and, in fact, they may have exacerbated. All we need do is read the daily newspaper or watch television to see the horror stories unfurl when students and faculty are pressed too hard. There seems to exist two basic classes of student pressure — external and internal.
[Read more...]