A mother tragically died after complaining about a sore neck and head. Siobhan McDermid died suddenly on 29 April after an unexpected fatal illness. A blood cot had been discovered near her ear. Her Aunty Kay (58) explained how the news of her death came as a surprise to the entire family.
She told Edinburgh Live, “I and Siobhan have always had a special bond. I whispered to her in her ear so she knew.” She was feisty and creative, loved makeup, had her nails done every day, and was excited about the future.
“She was only 35. She had not arranged any life insurance. It was not something we expected to happen.
Her aunt said that Siobhan had visited the A&E Department of the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh around 10 days prior with a sore neck and head.
She said: “They gave her painkillers thinking it was muscular. By Saturday (April 22, she was sick and her eyes were blurred.
Zach told his granny that she was not feeling well. Zach’s Granny told him that his mother couldn’t see her.
Siobhan was taken to the ICU by the hospital after her mother called an ambulance.
The doctors discovered a thrombotic clot. However, they claimed they would not be capable of operating the clot because of its complexity.
Kay continued: “She received blood-thinning medication, and by Tuesday it appeared that she was turning the corner. She was trying with her hands to communicate and spell out letters. She was worried about her schoolwork.”
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Kay, a mother of a 5-year-old girl, was enjoying her criminology class at the Open University. She had a due date for an assignment, but she got an extension in the hopes that her niece will get better.
She was placed on life support Thursday after a catastrophic brain bleed occurred by Wednesday morning.
Kay continued, “She didn’t realise how many lives she had touched. You should have seen the family room when I called to tell her friends that she wouldn’t be able to make it. It was full of people.
“Her son Zac also sat for hours with her.” He was so brave.”
Siobhan’s friends have decided to help her family create a fundraising event to give their beloved friend the “send off” she deserved.
If they exceed the target, the remainder of the funds will be used to create a trust fund for Zach’s education.
Her aunty said that the family had decided Siobhan was likely to want to donate her kidneys. Kay said, “That’s at least two lives that she was able save.”
GoFundMe is a great place to donate money to Siobhan’s Family.
Her family and close friends said: “Siobhan passed away unexpectedly on April 29, 2023, after an unforeseeable fatal illness. Siobhan is survived by a 5-year old son, her family and friends.
“Since Siobhan only had 36 years, the thought of her leaving this world so quickly was never considered. We would be eternally grateful if you could find the heart to donate even the smallest amount so that Siobhan’s friends and family can give her the send off she deserves.
: Norfolk Southern trains are causing problems for Beaver residents and emergency responders.
BEAVER, Pa.
Norfolk Southern trains are halted for several hours. The problem is getting worse, and many fear that the worst is still to come.
Bridgewater Crossings is a beautiful property with views of Ohio River and passing trains. Kathy Eckelberger felt the same way when she moved into the condo complex a month or so ago.
“We all agreed that when we moved to this area, we knew that there were trains. We also knew that there would be a train that would pass through periodically and you would be stopped,” Eckelberger stated.
She and her neighbors were surprised to find Norfolk Southern trains blocking the only exit and entrance to their homes. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to almost six hours. If they are not stopped, then they are moving at a snail’s pace. Or the train may have passed but the crossing gate is still down.
“You could probably just step up on the rail and walk straight across. Eckelberger said, “That’s how slowly it’s moving.”
Chuck Betters, the owner and builder, said that the property only opened a year ago. When he first proposed the project, it was no problem.
Betters said, “They’ve reduced the value of my property substantially.” “I would not have invested the millions of dollars that I did.”
He has called Norfolk Southern multiple times and claims he never receives a straight answer. Chuck Bates, Borough Council President and Fire Chief, is no different.
“They said that nothing had changed in our program. They shouldn’t stop there unless a problem with the locomotive or an accident is ahead’, and I said “Well, they have been stopping and we are getting tired of it,” Bates said.
Fire crews were trapped on the property in March 2022 while responding to a small fire in a kitchen. They would have been stuck if they were called to another emergency.
Bates said, “It hinders our ability to do our job.”
He can’t recall ever having seen trains stop at the Bridgewater Crossing in a long time.
Bates said, “These trains are getting longer and longer. That’s why they are stopped here, waiting for a signal to get into Conway Yards, waiting on the signal.”
The crossing is located 2.11 miles from the railroad yard and half a mile east of Beaver Crossing.
Bates said, “If they stopped before the Beaver Crossing, they would have 3+ miles of nothing they would be impacting.”
He hopes Norfolk Southern, and lawmakers, take action before it is too late.
“Just stop. Keep my tracks here open. Let my people in and out. Bates said, “Use their heads.”
Norfolk Southern was contacted by KDKA-TV for a comment. Connor Spielmaker, a spokesperson for Norfolk Southern, said:
“We work hard every day to keep our trains running safely and efficiently so that we can deliver the goods which power the U.S. Economy and be a good neighbour in the communities in which we not only operate, but also live. Our teams strive to minimize the time that we are required to occupy a crossing when our trains are delayed. We work with local communities whenever there is an acute or recurring problem to find long-term solutions. We never want a stopped train to cause any inconvenience to anyone in the community.”
He added, “Often, trains have to stop at specific points outside the yard in order to allow others to pass,” and explained that block crossings became more common in recent years because of labor shortages.
Bridgewater officials have said that they have yet to hear from Norfolk Southern about a long-term resolution. Betters has said that he is in the process filing a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern.
There are no laws that require trains to move if there is an emergency. State and federal attempts to address this issue have failed in the past. There is still hope. The proposed bipartisan Railway Safety Act sponsored by U.S. Senators Bob Casey, John Fetterman and others would work to prevent blocked crossings.
Finding a mattress for back pain is kind of like finding a soulmate. You need one that will support and comfort you without causing pain. And there’s a lot of misinformation regarding mattresses for back pain, so we’re here to set the record straight.
“Historically, and even in certain cultures, sleeping on hard surfaces was encouraged, but the key is having the right balance of firm[ness] and soft[ness]” Mount Sinai’s Dr. Alopi Patel, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist tells PEOPLE. Factors like mattress type and sleeping position can affect your quality of sleep and level of pain, so you should “read your body” before choosing a mattress to determine what will work best for you.
Dr. Patel recommends trying out the mattress “many times if you can,” Our team did just that, sleeping on 18 top-rated mattresses for two to four weeks to see which ones consistently provided the best sleep and lessened any pain upon waking. Around half held up to our testing standards, providing good support, comfort, and sleep quality.
Read on for the winners PEOPLE considers the absolute best mattresses for back pain.
Saatva
Our Ratings
Comfort
4.9/5
Support
4.9/5
Value
5/5
Pros
So comfortable; we didn’t shift around very much while sleeping, and we definitely slept better overall
Dual-sided firmness with a luxury plush side and a gentle firm side
Supportive for all sleeping positions
We continually woke up with no back, neck, or hip pain while sleeping on this mattress
Cons
Feels low to the ground if you have a platform bed, since there’s no box spring
Had a faint smell when installed, but that dissipated within a few minutes
The price might be too high for some budgets
We found our soulmate in the Saatva Zenhaven Mattress: It’s incredibly comfortable, versatile, and supportive. The mattress arrived ready to go (not rolled up or compressed into a box), and though it had a faint smell when the plastic was removed, the scent dissipated after a few minutes. We have a platform bed, so we noticed this mattress feels a little low to the ground since it doesn’t come with a box spring or foundation, but if you have a standard bed frame, this shouldn’t be an issue.
We gave this mattress a perfect score for comfort after two weeks, and it remained one of the most comfortable mattresses we’ve ever slept on, earning it continued high scores even after a month of use. The firmness is super versatile because it’s a dual-sided mattress with a luxury plush side and a gentle firm side. We slept on the plush side for the first two weeks and the firm side for the next two weeks. Both sides were supportive without feeling too hard or soft. The firm side was more comfortable when sleeping on our backs, and the plush side was perfect for side and stomach sleeping.
We’ve had four weeks of extremely restful sleep, thanks to this Saatva mattress. Prior, we used to wake up in the middle of the night, and that isn’t happening as often with this mattress because we aren’t shifting around as much to get comfortable — the comfort is immediate. It’s definitely an expensive mattress, but it’s worth it because after sleeping on this mattress for a month, we continually wake up refreshed with no neck, back, or hip pain.
Price at time of publish: $1,495+
Firmness: One side is luxury plush, and the other is gentle firm | Filling Material: Organic natural latex | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Best for: Stomach, back, and side sleepers | Return Policy: 365-night sleep trial
People / Bronwyn Barnes
People / Bronwyn Barnes
Amazon
Our Ratings
Comfort
4.3/5
Support
4.5/5
Value
5/5
Pros
Affordable pricing that works for a range of budgets
Completely unscented after unboxing it
Memory foam is super comfortable for back and side sleepers, and it molds around you as you move
Cons
Edges don’t provide as much support, and you can slide off the side of the mattress
There’s not much bounce; it’s quite solid with little movement
If you want a comfortable mattress without spending thousands, this Amazon find is an absolute winner. It ships within two days, arrives in a box, is super easy to set up, and fully expands within 24 hours. We also appreciated that it didn’t have any strange smells when unboxed, like some mattresses that are wrapped in plastic have.
The memory foam is quite comfortable — especially for side and back sleepers — and it molds around your body as you move and shift (though it doesn’t bounce or have much movement). We did notice the edges were a little flimsy and it’s easy to slip off if you’re sitting on the side of the mattress. It’s not a cooling mattress, and we were quite cozy when sleeping on it; we didn’t experience any discomfort, lower back pain, or neck pain. Considering the quick shipping, easy setup, low price, and general comfort, we think this is a great budget-friendly mattress.
Price at time of publish: $419.99+
Firmness: Medium-Firm | Filling Material: Gel memory foam | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Best for: Side and back sleepers | Return Policy: 30-day free return
Bear
Our Ratings
Comfort
5/5
Support
5/5
Value
5/5
Pros
Its softness and comfort improved our sleep quality with fewer middle-of-the-night wakeups
Reduced soreness and joint pain, thanks to good support throughout the night
Material won’t rip or fray even if you let your furry friends sleep in the bed
It’s underpriced given the good quality (and extras like the included free pillows)
When a mattress gets perfect scores in every category, you know it’s worth the hype. This Bear mattress dazzled our team with its ease of setup, immense comfort, and reduction of back pain after just a few weeks of sleeping on it. The mattress expanded within an hour after installation and only had a faint plastic smell (which faded shortly). This isn’t our Best Overall pick because it only offers firm support, while our Best Overall pick offers dual-sided support. However, if you know you like a firm mattress, this is the one for you.
Compared to the mattress we’d been sleeping on prior to this test, this Bear mattress felt amazing. Our team member suffered from back aches for a long time, and the Bear mattress offered a welcome change in comfort. It hugs your body and contorts to your movements throughout the night. Despite intense workouts and daily exercise, our team member never wakes up with pain anymore. The sleep quality also improved, without as many wakeups in the middle of the night.
Even after four weeks, we still love this mattress. The memory foam keeps you from feeling movement made by anyone else in the bed, and the material (as we learned via our dogs) holds up to sharp claws without ripping or fraying. It also comes with two free cloud pillows despite having a low price to start. Given its high quality, we actually think this is super underpriced — ergo, grab it while you can!
Price at time of publish: $487+
Firmness: Medium-Firm | Filling Material: Cooling gel memory foam, bear original foam | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Best for: Side and back sleepers | Return Policy: 120-Night sleep trial
People / Jennifer May
People / Jennifer May
Helix
Our Ratings
Comfort
4.5/5
Support
5/5
Value
5/5
Pros
Like sleeping on a cloud; you almost sink into sleep
Blends firm and soft support well so you wake up without any joint or neck pain
Sleep quality has vastly improved since using this mattress, and we don’t toss and turn after falling asleep
Some of us like to sleep on a cloud, and this cloud of a mattress will bring sweet dreams without the accompanying back pain. When this Helix mattress arrived, it fully expanded within a few minutes. While the mattress didn’t have a scent, we noticed a faint smell of plastic with the two free pillows that come with it. This mattress reminded us of one you’d find at a resort: super plush, but a perfect balance between soft and firm.
Our sleep quality has drastically improved with this mattress, and it feels like we are literally sinking into sleep each night. It supports our body regardless of sleeping position, and the included pillows provide great neck support. In fact, most mornings we wake up in the same position we fell asleep in (no tossing and turning here!). This mattress is certainly expensive, but the value supports the price.
Price at time of publish: $1,099+
Firmness: Medium-Firm | Filling Material: Coils, pillow top, hypoallergenic cooling cover | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Best for: Side sleepers | Return Policy: 100-Night sleep trial
Amazon
Our Ratings
Comfort
4/5
Support
4/5
Value
4.5/5
Pros
It’s a good blend of firmness and softness to support you, while still feeling plush
Our lower back pain hasn’t been an issue since sleeping on this mattress
Excellent price point for the quality, versatility, and comfort level
Sometimes we get really attached to our mattresses and it can be daunting to try a new one, but we’re happy we tried this hybrid mattress from Sweetnight. Despite us ordering a king-sized mattress, it arrived in a box no bigger than a small fridge. That said, it had no trouble expanding to its full size within 30 minutes or so and didn’t have any lingering manufacturing smells.
We were apprehensive about using a plush mattress for back pain, but it’s actually quite firm and supportive (without being too hard). The hybrid design with foam and coils offers a good balance of support and comfort while you sleep. You can place it on a slatted-bed frame or a platform bed, which offers a nice versatility should you want to swap out your furniture. We have consistent lower back pain, yet our back didn’t have any issues during the month we’ve slept on this mattress. Even though we still toss and turn a bit, it’s a great value when you consider the price and quality.
Price at time of publish: $319.99+
Firmness: Plush | Filling Material: Gel memory foam | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Best for: Side or stomach sleepers | Return Policy: 10 year warranty and can call customer service about any returns
People / Abigail Moore
Casper
Our Ratings
Comfort
5/5
Support
5/5
Sleep Quality
5/5
Value
4.8/5
Pros
Provides a good mix of firmness and softness
Supports us while we sleep and alleviates some lower back and hip pain
Balances support for your joints with a comfortable feel
You might think you need a firm mattress to receive adequate back support, but a medium-firm one like this Casper pick can be equally supportive and comfortable. The manufacturer instructions said this mattress should only take a few minutes to fully expand, but we gave it 24 hours before sleeping on it.
It proved to be extremely supportive and comfortable, though it definitely leans slightly more firm than plush. This mattress thoroughly supported our back and hips no matter what position we slept in. Our team member is a runner and often deals with hip and lower back pain, and this mattress helped alleviate it. We woke up without feeling nearly as sore or out-of-alignment. Despite its firmness, this mattress is extremely comfortable and we didn’t toss and turn at all while falling asleep. It maintained its comfort and support throughout the four-week period. We acknowledge it’s a pricey pick, but if you can afford it, we think it’s worth the cost.
Price at time of publish: $2,460+
Firmness: Medium-Firm | Filling Material: Gel memory foam | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Best for: Side, back, and stomach sleepers | Return Policy: 10-year limited warranty, but can call customer service for return inquiries
People / Samantha Jones
Saatva
Our Ratings
Comfort
4.7/5
Support
5/5
Sleep Quality
4/5
Value
5/5
Pros
Firmness provides thorough support for those who sleep on their stomachs
The quality and support helped alleviate lower back pain over time
Super comfortable to sleep on given its balance between firm and soft
Cons
Runs a little warm when you’re sleeping
Faint scent upon arrival, but it dissipated quickly
A little too firm for side and back sleepers, but did soften some over time
Stomach sleepers require a certain firmness in a mattress, given the angle of their bodies during rest. Our resident stomach sleeper fell in love with this mattress immediately. There was a faint scent when the mattress first arrived, but it didn’t linger past a day or so.
Our team member used to wake up with lower back pain, but with the firmness of this mattress, the aches and pains have slowly dissipated. The mattress runs a little warm, but combined with a cooling pillow, it felt perfect while falling asleep. It’s a little firm for back and side sleepers, but it did soften over the course of four weeks. Overall, we think this mattress offers a great combination of support and comfort, and our sleep quality improved over the month we’ve tested it.
Price at time of publish: $995+
Firmness: Luxury Firm | Filling Material: Lumbar support quilting, pillow top, high density memory foam | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Best for: Stomach sleepers | Return Policy: 365-night sleep trial
People / Ashleigh Morley
Lull
Our Ratings
Comfort
4.7/5
Support
4/5
Value
5/5
Pros
Balances support and comfort well, and the memory foam molds around your body
Incredibly low price, given the luxury quality of this mattress
Has cooling technology to reduce body temperature and provide breathability while you sleep
Cons
It might be too soft for those who need a really firm mattress
It lost some support after a few weeks, and didn’t cushion our side as much as others on our list
Back sleepers can utilize plush or firm mattresses depending on their preference, but a medium-firm mattress like this Luxe Hybrid option will provide the best back support, while still maintaining comfort. When this mattress arrived, it took about 10 hours to fully form (though the bulk of it expanded right away). We noticed a stark difference between this hybrid mattress and our old coil one — especially how the memory foam molded around our bodies.
Over the course of two weeks, we felt equal comfort and support (both on our back and side), and looked forward to sleeping every night on this dreamy mattress. The medium-firmness really helped reduce our back pain compared to the old mattress, and we felt the difference waking up in the morning. Around week three, the mattress softened a bit more, providing less support, and we noticed that there was still some pain when we slept on our side. This is really the best option for back sleepers (rather than side sleepers), and given the low price and high quality, we plan to use it for the next decade.
Price at time of publish: $999+
Firmness: Medium-Firm | Filling Material: Open-cell memory foam | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Best for: Back sleepers | Return Policy: 365-night sleep trial
Nolah
Our Ratings
Comfort
4.8/5
Support
5/5
Value
4.5/5
Pros
It only took a few minutes to fully expand
Super cozy and plush but firm enough to support your joints and back while sleeping
Provided better sleep quality with fewer aches and pains in the morning
Cons
Quite high with a box spring underneath, but you could also just place it directly on the bed frame
Somewhat pricey, but within the range of most mattresses
A mattress in a box is definitely a new age concept, but the quality lines up with traditional options — and sometimes exceeds them. When this Nolah mattress arrived, it only took minutes to fully expand, and it was beyond comfortable to lay on. Even after just one night, we felt a huge difference in our back pain because it’s more plush than the old mattress we were working with. It’s super cozy and soft to lay on, but not flimsy.
The support was immediate — no sinking feeling — yet the mattress still had a plush feel. We used this mattress with a box spring and it was quite high when combined (about 15 inches). If you like to literally climb into bed, this might be a pro; if not, a con. You can also always forgo a box spring for a lower height. We noticed a difference in the quality of sleep we got while testing this mattress, given that our back pain was noticeably less upon waking. It eliminates pain and provides support in all the right places. This Nolah mattress is a good value that lies in the median price range, and considering the quality, we think it justifies the cost.
Price at time of publish: $1,999+
Firmness: Medium-firm | Filling Material: Foam hybrid | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Best for: Side or back sleepers | Return Policy: 120-Night sleep trial
Things to Consider When Buying a Mattress for Back Pain
Firmness
The level of firmness in a mattress can absolutely affect your level of back pain in the morning. It’s kind of a Goldilocks scenario: you don’t want it to be too firm or too soft, but rather something right in the middle. A medium-firm mattress will often provide the best balance of comfort and support, which is why our list is comprised of mostly medium-firm mattresses (with variances should you prefer slightly firmer or softer mattresses).
Dr. Patel adds that how you get out of bed can also worsen your pain — for instance, “sitting straight up (i.e. flexion of the back) can worsen disc pain versus turning to the side and then getting up.” It’s a lot easier to sit up on a medium-firm mattress than one that’s too soft.
Material
Memory foam is often a popular material for side sleepers because it molds to the form of your body. However, other mattress designs feature latex, springs, regular foam, and a hybrid of several fillings to support you while you sleep. If you sleep on your back, you might prefer a hybrid option like the Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress, while stomach sleepers could benefit from a firmer foam mattress like the Saatva Classic Mattress.
Sleep Position
Your sleeping position can hugely impact your level of comfort and the type of mattress that is best for you. As mentioned above, certain materials and fillings are more conducive to different types of sleepers, as well as the level of firmness. When purchasing a mattress, the position you actually sleep in is more crucial to finding the best option — but your waking position should be considered in the mornings to reduce pain, as well. So consider the position you fall asleep in and the position you wake up in, so you can find the right mattress to best support your alignment while you catch some z’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Naturally, how your body is angled while you sleep will contribute to possible pain when you wake up. “Depending on the type of back pain and the level of support, pain can worsen by lying on the back,” says Dr. Patel. She says that with certain types of disc pain, it may feel better to sleep on your stomach “so the posterior disc contents that are bulging are less likely to have pressure on them and thereby less pressure around the nerves.” In short, stomach sleepers might be onto something.
Before we started this test, our lab team consulted a doctor to see which kinds of mattresses are best for back pain, and the answer was: medium-firm. “Mattresses that are too soft cannot support the back and therefore can worsen pain,” says Dr. Patel. “Mattresses that are too hard can be uncomfortable, not allowing for restful sleep.” So, something right in the middle is often your best option.
If you do a quick Google search, you’ll find a lot of sources that say, yes, memory foam is better for back pain. But as Dr. Patel points out, the material of a mattress and how effective it is is very individualized. “The key is to try the mattress in many positions (i.e. stomach lying, side lying) and possibly for many days.” That’s why she suggests finding one with a good return policy — such as a sleep trial — to get a good feel of it before fully committing.
Some people like additions to their mattresses like pillow-toppers. “I personally like mattress toppers because you can have more longevity with your mattress without repurchasing for a firmer or softer mattress,” says Dr. Patel. She adds that these can be “excellent temporary additions to an existing mattress if there is a flare up of back pain.”
People / Jennifer May
How We Tested Mattresses for Back Pain
Prior to testing, our lab team consulted board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor Dr. Angelie Mascarinas to determine which type of mattresses we should test for back pain. Dr. Mascarinas, who is trained in interventional spine and musculoskeletal care, suggested medium-firm mattresses.
We tested 18 top-rated mattresses (all medium-firm) in our homes for a period of two to four weeks to see which ones provided the best quality of sleep, while being comfortable and supportive — without adding to pain levels.
Our team included a variety of side, stomach, and back sleepers, and we had various testing criteria for each. For stomach sleepers, we considered whether the mattress adequately cushioned under our stomach area, so that our bodies were aligned while sleeping. Our side sleepers had to note whether our spines remained still without flexing or twisting while falling asleep. And for back sleepers, we looked at how the mattress supported our lower backs.
According to experts, generally you’ll start noticing a difference in pain around the two-week mark, so during the testing period, we considered if our joints and muscles were sore in the morning, and how well we were sleeping overall. We rated our sleep quality and comfort after four weeks, as well.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she spoke to Mount Sinai pain management specialist and anesthesiologist Dr. Alopi Patel, researched back pain and its correlation to mattresses, and used insights from our lab tests to determine the best mattresses for back pain of 2023.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Katherine Heigl, star of ‘Firefly Lane,’ has a scar in her neck. Fans want to know how it happened. Here’s what we do know about how it happened.
Katherine Heigl shifted to movies after leaving the wildly successful medical drama Grey’s Anatomy in 2010. romcom queen Katherine Heigl shifted to movies. She returned to television four years later with leading roles in political and legal dramas such as State Of AffairsDoubt and suit.
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Katherine landed a major role in the Netflix drama Firefly Lane, where she played Tully Hart, an acclaimed daytime talk show host. Fans continue to love her work but many are unable to ignore the scar on her neck.
What happened? What happened?
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Katherine Heigl’s neck is scarred from a major operation.
The 27 dresses star revealed on March 12, 2021 that she had a herniated disk in her neck. Katherine shared on Instagram a few days after the surgery that she had undergone to implant two titanium disks in her neck.
“Well… “Well… She wrote this alongside a picture of herself in a neck bandage, a hospital photo with a bandage around her neck, and a photo of her X rays. “Two Titanium discs now inhabits my neck, and i can probably stand on top of my head for hours… I’m not going to try it right now but give me a couple of months and I’ll blow you away!!
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Katherine didn’t say how she hurt herself, but thanked doctors for relieving the “excruciating pain”.
“I am deeply, deeply thankful to the incredible doctors and care team who saved me from the most excruciating and painful pain I have ever felt and blessed me with an entirely new lease on life!” She said. “I feel like they deserve to be praised and thanked, so I will do it!”
Katherine added, “[Dr. Robert Watkins], I want to thank you for treating and caring for me as a human and spending so much time with me to help me understand what to expect. “[Cedars-Sinai] Marina Del Rey, Thank you… You guys couldn’t have made me feel any more comfortable or cared for!”
Researchers have confirmed previous research linking blood sugar levels with migraine. Barbara Tamura/Stocksy
A new study sheds light on how migraines are linked to blood sugar-related traits such as fasting Insulin and glycated Hemoglobin.
Previous studies have shown that migraine, headache and blood sugar imbalance are all linked.Several genes have also been identified as migraine risk factors.
Researchers have now identified a possible causal relationship which may pave the path for the development of novel prevention and treatment options.
In a new study published in the journal Human Genetics data from hundreds of thousand human genomes of individuals with or without a history headaches and migraines was analyzed.
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Research
There are several genes and biochemical pathways shared by migraine and headache, as well as blood sugar-related traits such a fasting insulin or glycated haemoglobin.
It was not clear how these conditions were linked genetically.
Researchers analyzed large-scale data genetically from European populations to investigate this relationship.
They searched for genetic similarities among migraine, headache and nine blood glucose-related traits. They also identified regions in the genome that were associated with both types of conditions.
Researchers also suggested that there could be a causal relationship between an increase in fasting proinsulin and a decreased risk of headaches.
Researchers conducted a meta analysis of blood sugar-related traits, which they claim identified six new genetic indicators associated with migraines and headaches. They found that certain genes are associated with these conditions.
These findings, they said, provide insights into the biochemical mechanisms that underlie the comorbidity between these conditions.
Using a statistical technique called
Mendelian randomization
Researchers explored the causal relationship of mechanisms and conditions.
The researchers reported that there was some evidence suggesting that increased fasting levels of proinsulin may reduce the risk for headaches. However, the evidence supporting a causal relationship between migraine and blood sugar-related traits is less clear.
Overall, the researchers said that these findings suggest that migraines, headaches, and blood sugar-related characteristics may have a shared genetic basis, and provide insight into how they contribute to co-occurrence.
Md Rafiqul, PhD, a researcher and a student of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalized Health, Queensland University of Technology, Australia, spoke with Medical News Today to discuss the research.
Islam said that “our study revealed a significant overlapping between the genetic risk factor (e.g. genes and genetic variations) for migraine and blood glucose regulation, suggesting these conditions have a shared genetic basis.” “We also identified several genetic regions that were associated with an increased rate of both conditions, indicating they share similar biological pathways.”
The study found that genetic risk factors shared by these diseases are significantly enhanced in certain cellular pathways. These include epigenetic pathways, autoimmune pathways, as well as cellular signaling. This provides important clues to the underlying mechanisms for these conditions and could help researchers develop new treatments.
Md Rafiqul Islam, PhD student
Medical News Today received a background explanation of the research topic from Sarah-Nicole Bostan PhD, director of Behavior Change Strategy, Signos, who was not involved with this research.
She said that headaches and migraines are the two most common types of pain reported by non-physician providers.
Bostan added, “They often result in unnecessary medical visits and associated costs.”
Migraine and head pain are unique in that they are disorders that exclude serious pathology. This is the opposite of other health conditions. Patients are often left feeling frustrated and confused as to what they can do to manage their pain.
Sarah-Nicole Bostan, PhD
Bostan explained that, in the field applied psychophysiology, migraines are often caused by blood flow problems, while headaches are typically caused by tight muscles.
By learning relaxation techniques, such as heart rate variability and muscle tension biofeedbacks, changing their diets, and taking the time to rest or work out during a migraine, people can treat their symptoms.
Bostan said, “This research gives a glimpse at how metabolic and cardiorespiratory factor may be working together even at the gene level and how there could be a shared genetic etiology for headaches and migraines.”
Islam explained that researchers “found shared genetic variants and pathways associated with increased risk of migraines and blood sugar imbalance.”
“With this information researchers can develop new screening tests to identify people at high-risk for developing migraines and blood sugar related diseases (e.g. diabetes) even before symptoms appear, which can facilitate an earlier diagnosis and treatment thereby improving patient outcomes,” Islam stated.
This can lead to improved health outcomes and lower healthcare costs for treating diseases such as migraine. Targeting shared pathways (e.g. epigenetic mechanisms and autoimmune pathways) could be an effective way to develop new treatments for these conditions.
Md Rafiqul Islam, PhD Student
Nancy Mitchell, RN is a registered nurse, a contributing writer for the Assisted Living Centre, and she agreed.
She told Medical News Today that “These results could lead to a breakthrough in the treatment of migraine headaches.”
Bostan noted that “although the research found inconsistent evidence regarding the impact of glycemic characteristics on headaches/migraines and noted that their results were only “nominally important,” it opens up a door for further study to determine specific glycemic trait that may be ripe to change to influence pain pathology.”
She said that the findings that hypoglycemia can trigger migraines or headaches are consistent with what Signos members have reported anecdotally.
Many people don’t realize that their blood sugar is dropping quickly before they experience migraine or headache pain. Once they stabilize their blood glucose through eating a nutritiously balanced meal, they may be able alleviate some of this pain.
Sarah-Nicole Bostan, PhD
“Behavioral treatments for migraines and headaches have traditionally focused on relaxation training, cognitively reappraising a difficult situation and a nod to food choices and physical exercise,” she said.
Bostan concluded that “the takeaway here is that our metabolic stability can influence pain, and therefore, use of metabolically-targeted interventions may be even more important than previously known.”
If you are one of the millions of Americans who work at a desk, you have probably experienced some aches and discomfort during the day. Research has repeatedly shown that sitting for long periods of time can cause back pain. Finding the right office chair will improve your quality-of-life. The best office chairs to relieve back pain offer ample ergonomic support, comfort and ease of use. This will keep you pain-free as you sit at your desk. Herman Miller Sayl Chair is our top choice for its ergonomics and sleek design. However, it’s not the only one we’d install at home.
The importance of choosing a supportive office seat is evident when you consider the damage that prolonged sitting can do to your back. “Prolonged sitting can cause the discs to lose some of their cushioning over time, which can lead to back pain,” says Nancy R. Kirsch Ph.D. vice chair of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences at Rutgers University. She says that if you have bad posture while sitting, it can put stress on your discs, and the muscles that support them. The wrong chair can also make this worse.
A chair that is perfect for one person might not be the best fit for another. “The key to finding the right chair for each individual is to find out what they like,” says Ric Lono, M.S. head of environmental science and process engineering, MilliporeSigma, Temecula. Consider chairs that are both adjustable and ergonomic. This will allow you to customize the seat and support features to your liking. (To avoid back pain, it is important to take regular breaks during your workday to stretch and walk.
The following list contains six of the most effective office chairs on the market for back pain. You’ll feel less sore at the end of your workday if you choose one of these chairs.
Best Office Chair For Back Pain Overall: Herman Miller Sayl Chair
Best Budget Office Desk Chair for Back Pain: Devoko Office Desk chair
Best Upgrade Office Chair For Back Pain: Eames Soft Pad Chair
Best office chair for back pain with headrest: Gabrylly Ergonomic mesh Office Chair
Sleekest office chair for back pain: Honor Ignition 2.0
Best leather office chair for back pain: West Elm Cooper Mid Century Leather Swivel Office Seat
How We Choosed the Best Office Chairs for Back Pain
Forbes Vetted is a company that knows a lot about office chairs. We spend most of our time sitting in them. We used our knowledge of the category to determine the best chairs for back pain. We also consulted with a physical therapist, an ergonomics expert and other experts in the field. We then narrowed down the field by focusing on factors such as adjustability, material and value. We also looked at customer reviews to get a better idea of how the chairs perform in real life.
Neck pain can cause heart attack: Symptoms you should be aware of
Silent heart attacks occur frequently, but they are often difficult to diagnose or detect because they occur quietly.
Silent heart attacks are often not recognized by many people. It can happen to anyone, and it is usually accompanied by mild symptoms that may not indicate an imminent heart attack. It can be difficult to detect. The symptoms may seem innocuous and non-fatal. Medical experts might not even diagnose it. It is for this reason that it is called a silent heart attack. It is at this time that patients realize they had a cardiac episode weeks, or even months before. There are ways to reduce the risk of a silent attack in the future. This is especially true for those who have already had a silent heart attack. It is important to take steps to reduce risks because a heartattack can lead to other complications such as stroke and heart failure.
What causes a silent heart attack?
Most commonly, a heart attack is characterized by pain in the center or left of the chest, excessive sweating, restlessness or uneasiness, nausea or vomiting and breathing problems. In some cases, these symptoms may persist for a very long time. In this case, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. These are the most common symptoms. Silent heart attacks are different. It is characterized by mild chest pain, neck pain and discomfort in the area. The danger is that this pain may go unnoticed. People may think it is due to indigestion or muscle pain. It is also a sign of a silent attack that the patient did not recognize. Even doctors may not recognize it.
Symptoms to Be Aware of
A hospital in your neighborhood should be notified of any discomfort or uneasiness that lasts more than 15 to 20 minutes. This is due to the high risk profile of Indians. Do not ignore sharp pains in the neck. Electrocardiograms (ECG) or echocardiograms can diagnose a silent heart attacks.
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The main symptoms of silent heart attacks are:
Pain in the jaw
Mild chest pain on left side
Pain in the neck
Fatigue
Feeling cold, sweaty, or nauseous
Lightheadedness
At Risk People
A study from 2018 found that a person with a history of silent heart attacks has a higher risk of heart failure by about 35% than someone who does not have a heart attack. People in their early fifties or younger are at risk of heart failure. Smokers, smokers, and people with diabetes, hypertension, or obesity are also at high risk.
Clinical Study Shows that 92% of patients report resolution of migraine headaches using Vivos’ POD(r), Appliance Treatment.
Vivos Therapeutics, Inc
Study Data Highlights Vivos Treatment Option as Highly Effective in Treating Migraine, One of World’s Most Common Conditions
The results of a clinical observational study conducted by Vivos on the use of the Preventive Oral Device (r), also known as the POD (r), in the treatment and prevention migraine headaches.
Ninety-two (92%) percent of the study patients reported that their migraine symptoms had been completely resolved after treatment. The results were also maintained in follow-up visits from 3 to 28 month after treatment. The validated Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire was used to measure the severity of migraines. Prior to treatment, patients had a mean MIDAS of 23.96 +/-21.34. Following treatment, they had a MIDAS of 2.58 +/-4.87. This is a reduction of almost 89.2%.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraine headaches affect 39 million Americans alone. Many people choose to live in pain for decades after a treatment that was ineffective. Vivos offers a new treatment that is non-pharmaceutical and highly effective.
“For the tens and millions of migraine sufferers in the United States, we believe that our new POD (r) option could be a game changer. About 9 out of 10 migraine patients have reported relief from their migraines after using this technology. Kirk Huntsman, Chairman and CEO of Vivos, said that this novel oral device technology can not only relieve migraines but also treat TMD, teeth-grinding (also known as bruxism), and many other conditions relating to breathing and sleeping disorders. “We believe that the potential of this novel technology is just beginning to be realized. We are working to obtain FDA clearances for additional chronic and debilitating conditions. We expect that this high-margin new product line will begin contributing to Vivos revenue in the second quarter of this year, as we strive to achieve cash flow positive operations.”
Vivos Therapeutics has acquired the patents for The POD (r) a FDA 510k cleared medical device. The custom device is worn while sleeping to treat Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. It helps with symptoms such as headaches and neck or facial pain, pain around the ear or in the ear canal, pain when you chew, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your jaw, or difficulty opening widely. TMD is more common in people who experience headaches, aching muscles in the jaw, disturbed sleep, fatigue during the day, or dizziness. Anxiety and depression are also associated with TMD.
About Vivos Therapeutics, Inc.
Vivos Therapeutics, Inc. is a medical device company that focuses on developing and marketing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic methods for patients with a variety health conditions. Many of these are associated breathing-related sleep issues, arising from certain dental abnormalities, such as mild to moderate obstructive snoring (OSA), Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), headaches, or snoring among adults. The Vivos Method is the first nonsurgical, noninvasive and nonpharmaceutical solution that is clinically effective for treating mild-to-moderate OSA. It has been proven effective by over 33,000 patients worldwide treated by more than 1,750 dentists.
The Vivos Method is comprised of the Vivos Complete Airway Expansion (CARE), appliance therapy, and associated protocols. These alter the size and shape of the soft tissue that makes up the upper airway or palate. The Vivos Method increases airway space, which may reduce symptoms and conditions related to mild-to moderate OSA. Results may vary. Vivos also distributes SleepImage diagnostic technologies under its VivoScore Program for home sleep testing for adults and children. It also distributes the Preventive Dental Device (r) – known as the POD (r) – for the treatment TMD or bruxism. The Vivos Integrated Practice program (VIP) offers dentists training, as well as other value-added service in connection with The Vivos Method.
This press release, and the statements made by the Company’s Management in connection with it, contain “forward-looking” statements (as defined under Section 27A of Securities Act of 1933 as amended and Section 21E of Securities Exchange Act of 1974 as amended) about future events, in particular, the public offering described in this document. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “may”,’should’, “expects”, ‘projects”, intends, plans, â€believesâ€, â€anticipates†and similar expressions. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, and are based on assumptions and estimates that are inherently subjected to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Many of these are outside the control of Vivos. Actual results (including without limitation, the dentist and patient demand of the POD (r) and the impact of POD (r) upon the Company’s revenues and results of operation) may differ materially to those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statement. Vivos’ filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) contain a number of risk factors that could lead to a material difference in actual results. Vivos’ filings are available on the SEC website, www.sec.gov, for free. Vivos disclaims all obligations and undertakings, except to the extent required under law, to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein in order to reflect any changes in Vivos’ expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances that may have occurred.
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Back Pain Natural Remedies – The Yucatan Times<br />
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The Yucatan Times content is protected under intellectual property rights. It is not permitted to republish, distribute, or retransmit the content without prior permission from the company.
April 30, 2023
Back pain is an issue that many people will experience at some point during their lives. Natural remedies are just as effective as prescription and over-the-counter medications in treating back pain. They are also often safer and cheaper. This article will cover some natural remedies that you can use at home to treat back pain.
Exercise and stretching: Regular exercise and stretch can help strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture. This can help prevent and relieve back discomfort. Try low-impact exercises like walking, swimming or yoga and stretch your lower back, hips and legs.
Heat and Cold Therapy – Applying heat or ice to the affected area may help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle for heat therapy and an icepack or cold towel for the cold therapy. For best results, alternate between heat and cool therapy.
Massage: Massaging an affected area can increase blood flow, reduce tension in muscles, and relieve pain. You can use a massage ball or foam roller. Or, you can seek out a professional masseuse.
Acupuncture – Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical technique, involves inserting thin needles in specific points on the human body. This can stimulate the body’s own pain relief mechanisms and increase blood flow.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic treatment involves manipulating the spine in order to relieve pain and improve the function of joints. It can be helpful for some people suffering from back pain. However, it is important to consult a qualified chiropractor before using this method.
Herbal Remedies. Certain herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and devil’s paw have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain. These herbs can be taken as supplements or incorporated into your diet.
Magnesium Magnesium can help relax muscles and relieve tension. You can take magnesium supplements, or eat foods high in magnesium such as leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds.
Essential Oils: Certain oils, like lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus can reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. These oils can be used in a diffuser or topically. They can also be added to a bath.
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Many people, more than you think, are bothered by neck pain. At some point in their lives, it is estimated by doctors that seven out of 10 people will be troubled by such pain.
By clearly describing your specific neck symptom—or combination of symptoms—you can help your doctor determine what’s wrong and how to help.
Here are the most common types of neck pain.
1. Muscle pain. Aching or sore neck and shoulder muscles may occur in response to overexertion or prolonged physical or emotional stress. The neck muscles may develop hard knots that are tender to the touch, sometimes called trigger points.
2. Muscle spasm. This is a sudden, powerful tightening of neck muscles. Your neck may hurt, feel tight or knotted and it may be impossible to turn your head. When you wake up with a painful stiff neck, that’s likely a muscle spasm. Muscle spasm can result from a muscle injury, but it may also occur in response to a disk or nerve problem. Emotional stress may trigger a neck muscle spasm, but often there is no clear cause.
3. Headache. Neck-related headache is most often felt in the back of the head and upper neck and is usually the result of muscle tension or spasm. Neck-related headache pain is usually dull or aching, rather than sharp — the neck might also feel stiff or tender. Moving your neck makes it worse.
4. Facet joint pain. Often described as deep, sharp, or aching, facet joint pain typically worsens if you lean your head toward the affected side and may radiate to your shoulder or upper back. Arthritis in the facet joints (part of the vertebrae of the neck), as in other locations, may feel worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
5. Nerve pain. Irritation or pinching of the roots of the spinal nerves causes pain that may be sharp, fleeting, severe, or accompanied by pins and needles. Depending on the nerve involved, the pain may shoot down the arm or even into the hand.
6. Referred pain. Referred pain is pain in one part of the body that is triggered by a problem in another part of the body. For example, neck pain that worsens with exertion may indicate a heart problem, while neck pain that occurs when you eat may stem from a problem in the esophagus.
7. Bone pain. Pain and tenderness in the cervical vertebrae are far less common than neck pain from the soft tissues. Bone pain needs medical attention because it may signal a more serious health problem.
Neck pain usually evolves over time. It may be spurred by arthritis or degenerative disk disease and accentuated by poor posture, declining muscle strength, stress, and even a lack of sleep, says Dr. Zacharia Isaac, medical director of the Comprehensive Spine Care Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and director of interventional physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.
There are many things you and your doctor can do to manage and relieve your pain, including a combination of self-help techniques and over-the-counter pain medications.
6 ways to ease neck pain
1. Don’t stay in one position for too long. It’s hard to reverse bad posture, Dr. Isaac says, but if you get up and move around often enough, you’ll avoid getting your neck stuck in an unhealthy position.
2. Make some ergonomic adjustments. Position your computer monitor at eye level so you can see it easily. Use the hands-free function on your phone or wear a headset. Prop your touch-screen tablet on a pillow so that it sits at a 45° angle, instead of lying flat on your lap.
3. If you wear glasses, keep your prescription up to date. “When your eyewear prescription is not up to date, you tend to lean your head back to see better,” Dr. Isaac says.
4. Don’t use too many pillows. Sleeping with several pillows under your head can stifle your neck’s range of motion.
5. Know your limits. Before you move a big armoire across the room, consider what it might do to your neck and back, and ask for help.
6. Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep problems increase the risk for several different conditions, including musculoskeletal pain.
Generally, neck pain is nothing to worry about. But if it’s occurring with other, more serious symptoms, such as radiating pain, weakness, or numbness of an arm or leg, make sure to see your doctor. Other key things that might make one more concerned are having a fever or weight loss associated with your neck pain, or severe pain. You should let your doctor know about these symptoms.
Excerpted from “Neck Pain: A troubleshooting guide to help you find relief”, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Harvard Medical School offers special reports on over 50 health topics. Visit their website at http://www.health.harvard.edu to find reports of interest to you and your family. PHONE ORDERS – toll-free number: 1-877-649-9457.
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