Q Im a 30 yr old male, i been travelling a lot of late and this caused me severe pain in the back and numbness in the leg.I consulted a neurologist who suggested an MRI scan.The report is 1.L3-L4 mild circumferential disc bulge with mild indentation over thecal sac with moderate sparing of CSF column with sparing or bilateral lateral recess & neural foramina. 2.L4-L5 mild circumferential disc bulge with moderate indentation over thecal sac with mild sparing of CSF column with sparing or bilateral lateral recess &neural foramina. 3.L5-S1 diffuse disc dessication changes with broad based posterior disc extrusion causing thecal sac indentation & loss of CSF column with narrowing of bilateral neural foramina(left>right). My height is 6.2 and weight is 80. Please help me with the answer soon. Is it something serious and what treatment would be done and how long would it take for the recovery and what are the things that i need to be careful from here on. Thank you.

Based on your MRI report the condition is mild to moderate at this stage. But if ignored can turn into something serious. Your symptoms are due to the pressure on the nerves due to disc bulges form L3-L5 and disc dessication at L5-S1. Treatment options for such condition includes use of pain killer to manage pain, physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscle and surgery as last resort. Avoid lifting any weight, sitting in abnormal posture or anything that can put pressure over your back. Use of lumbar belts. The changes that has taken place in your spinal column can not be reversed but with proper care they can be prevented from progressing further.

Q My son fears animals a lot and continuously cries. What can I do?

The fear for large animals is obvious but if the child has got it for smaller pets you need to put some positive efforts. You can help your child to overcome the fear of animals by gradually introducing your child to small animals. Show your child pictures of animals in which they are playful. Take small steps at a time and do not rush things or it may back fire.

Q I get angry very often. How can I control my anger?

Getting angry is normal. One needs to concentrate not on "not feeling angry" or "controlling anger" but on how to manage that anger correctly. First of all try to identify the things, people, or situations that trigger anger. You can even keep a dairy. Note the ways in which you react to these situations. Then look for alternative ways of responding to the same situations. Practice this alternative adaptive response till it becomes a part of your nature. Recognizing anger and triggers, practicing alternatives and doing this persistently with positive attitude is the key.

Q Can stress and anxiety cause rash?

Yes. Corelation between the mind and the skin has long been established. Stress and anxiety can cause skin rashes (urticaria/hives) in some people. Additionally, stress can also worsen certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Q What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

Symptoms may vary form person to person. Usually kidney failure is asymptomatic in early stage but as disease progresses symptoms become prominent. Sign and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, changes in urine output, fluid retention, swelling over ankles and feet, shortness of breath, persistent itching, hiccups, high blood pressure, difficult concentration, abnormal heart rhythms, sleep problems. If left untreated life threatening circumstances may develop.

Q How can i overcome intrusive thoughts?

The person having anxiety has to cope with intrusive thoughts. To overcome intrusive thoughts, it is important to realise that you are in complete control of yourself. People with intrusive obsessive thoughts are gentle and non-violent. You have to believe in yourself. It is you, who can help yourself and no one else. Try to solve the thoughts "logically" by telling yourself some positive statements. You have to relax yourself and give out the negative energy stored in your body and mind. It is advised to have a change in the attitude. A change in attitude will quickly disarm the emotional reaction you are having to the fearful thoughts.

Q How to avoid dandfuff?

There are many reasons for dandruff - Stress, nutritional deficiencies, excessive dryness of the scalp, fungal infection, vitamin C deficiency, pregnancy, long illness, thyroid imbalance, as well as hair damage caused by procedures like hair coloring/dyeing, bleaching, straightening, perming, etc. You can do following things to prevent hair loss: Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair. Water, protein, biotin (part of the vitamin B complex), vitamins A, B6, B12, C, copper, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair. Using your fingertips to massage your scalp will increase circulation in your scalp which is important for hair growth. Take 10-12 jaswand (hibiscus) flower +200gm methi (fig) seeds soaked in coconut oil for 7 days then boil it sleeve it and use it daily for head massage it prevent hair loss, promote new hair growth and hairs become thick and restrict dandruff formation. In a week massage your scalp with yoghurt(curd) or aloe-Vera pulp or neem leaves paste which has antibacterial properties which help to clear dandruff formation. Instead of using chemical shampoo, use rita to wash the hairs; take 7-8 rita soaked for whole night boil in the morning in water gently massage and wash the hairs with this mixture.Gentle combing or brushing of your hair will help break up hardened oils that clog your pores. It is recommended that you comb or brush 100-200 strokes in the morning and at night. Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, and curling irons) on your hair. Tight fitting caps and hats will cause poor circulation in your scalp and will also cause buildup of sweat and grime. Take plenty of water keep yourself hydrated. Take care.

Q Is there any relation between obesity and headache?

There are studies which suggests that obese people are at increased risk of developing migraine. Hence it is advisable that you maintain a healthy weight.

Q What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People with schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality, often a significant loss of contact with reality. They may see or hear things that dont exist, speak in strange or confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them, or feel like theyre being constantly watched. With such a blurred line between the real and the imaginary, schizophrenia makes it difficult even frightening to negotiate the activities of daily life. In response, people with schizophrenia may withdraw from the outside world or act out in confusion and fear.

Q What is natural family planning?

Natural Family Planning ( NFP) is the term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a womans menstrual cycle. Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the womans cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.