ABSTRACT
Back pain affects people across any socio-economic category and is a leading cause of absenteeism and decreased productivity in the workplace. This symptomatic condition is caused by multiple factors, making it difficult to manage. With a small proportion of people experiencing back pain due to pathological reasons, in the larger majority, back pain is due to a mechanical cause. Taking a complete history that includes identifying risk factors such as depression, poor posture, lack of exercise, older age and a physically demanding job is crucial to the effective management of the condition. Behavioural, psychological and social factors of the patient should form the backbone for treatment of back pain. Non-pharmacological management such as exercise, spinal manipulation and acupuncture should be the first-line treatment; however, if this provides poor results then pharmacological measures such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen or muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine should be considered
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal , Back Pain/diagnosis , Narcotics , Pain Management , South AfricaABSTRACT
In this study a crude aqueous extract from fresh leaves and twigs of khat (Miraa) was investigated for its effects in vitro on rabbit's doudenum and perfused heart preparation. There was a significant reduction in spontaneous contraction of the duodenum in the presence of increasing doses of khat extracts. On the rabbit's heart; khat caused an inhibition of spontaneous contractions. It is therefore suggested that chronic habitual abuse of khat may predispose to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems in human subjects
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular System , Digestive System , NarcoticsABSTRACT
Beginning in the 1980's the trafficking in and use of narcotics has reached epidemic proportions in Nigeria. In 1987; more Nigerians were arrested abroad for trafficking in hard drugs than all other African nationals. An increasing number of Nigerians are still being arrested at the Nigerian airport with greater weight of drugs in spite of stiff penalties; and the drugs are now freely sold on the streets of the large metropolis