My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Menopause and Midlife Health
The end of your menstrual cycle is a natural time of transition, and may bring on side effects like hot flashes, insomnia, or mood changes. In addition to finding solutions to these side effects, midlife is an important time to focus on total health, an active lifestyle, and regular health screenings.
Menopause and Insomnia
Sleep disturbances like waking up early or having difficulty falling asleep are common during the transition through menopause. Many women find that they have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Suggestions
If you have problems with sleeping, the following suggestions may help:
- Keep your bedroom cool. Make sure it has good air circulation.
- Consider using only cotton for your mattress pad and bed linens as cotton breathes better than synthetic fabrics.
- Avoid relying on sleeping pills.
- Drink milk or chamomile tea before bed time, or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t sleep.
- Limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you drink. Both have been linked to trouble sleeping.
- Choose healthy foods. Be sure to eat balanced and nutritious meals.
- Be active. A regular routine of exercise can help you sleep better at night.
- Attend an insomnia class at your local Kaiser Permanente facility.
- Hormone therapy may benefit you, particularly if you have severe night sweats that keep you from sleeping.
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.