(28/05/2012) A national campaign has been launched to raise awareness of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of inflammatory arthritis which primarily affects the spine. ‘Back In Play’ highlights the symptoms of AS that can differentiate it from other types of back pain. AS symptoms, typically low back pain and stiffness, are often misdiagnosed as common
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(29/05/2012) Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can decrease the risk of developing skin cancer, according to a new study. Researchers studied three different types of skin cancer – squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma over an eighteen-year period – 1991-2009. They found people who took the drugs at high intensity
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(10/06/2012) The common chiropractic treatment for “cracking’ the neck by applying thrusts to the area of the spine should be abandoned, according to new research. The popular chiropractic practice can cause damage to the major neck arteries and therefore carries a low-risk of stroke, researchers say Researchers have dubbed the technique – which is also
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(26/07/2012) Irish researchers have come up with a new and safer way of repairing bone using synthetic grafts. Researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) have used synthetic bone graft material combined with gene therapy in order to mimic real bone tissue. They say this has the potential to regenerate bone in
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(24/08/2012) A new clinic has been set up at Galway University Hospitals in a bid to cut back on long orthopaedic waiting lists. The clinic is being run by two clinical specialist physiotherapists, who will see 50 new patients per week. The patients attending the clinic are assessed by the physiotherapists are given a management
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(07/09/2012) The number of adults in Ireland with diagnosed musculoskeletal conditions (MSCs), such as arthritis and back pain, is expected to increase substantially by 2020. This according to new research published by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH). The organisation stated that greater focus on prevention to reduce risk factors and promote healthier
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(14/09/2012) A new survey has demonstrated worryingly low levels of awareness about juvenile arthritis in Ireland. Juvenile arthritis is a common condition that affects more than 1,000 children in Ireland, making it about as common as childhood diabetes. However, according to a new online survey of parents of children with JA, conducted by Arthritis Ireland,
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(20/09/2012) A leading specialist has said sideline examination times in contact sports need to be three times longer than currently in order to ensure that players don’t suffer permanent damage. Professor Michael Molloy, a consultant rheumatologist and former chief medical officer with the IRFU, said a five- minute assessment on the sideline is currently the
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(01/10/2012) The high cost to the economy of falls in the elderly and the need for prevention will be stressed this Thursday (October 4), which is Falls Awareness Day. The cost to the economy of falls and fractures in the elderly is around €500 million annually. This includes costs associated with emergency department visits, hospital
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