The spine is formed by 33 interlocking bones called vertebrae. Located between each pair of vertebrae is a disc. The disc is composed of a capsule of connective tissue surrounding a soft, jellylike center. These discs absorb shock and provide flexibility within the spine.
Offers links to information on health screenings and on reducing risk factors for injury and disease.
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
A dislocation occurs when a bone is pulled or pushed out of place (out of its normal relationship to the other bones that make up a joint). This can happen in joints such as the kneecap, hip, finger, elbow, or shoulder. A dislocation may be caused by a direct blow to the joint, a fall, or a sudden twisting movement...
Disopyramide affects the way that your heart beats. Disopyramide is used to treat life-threatening irregular heartbeat patterns. Disopyramide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Provides a summary of interactions with vitamins, herbs, and food
For irregular heartbeat. Brand Name(s): Norpace. Generic Name: Disopyramide.
For irregular heartbeat. Brand Name(s): Norpace. Generic Name: Disopyramide.
Learn about disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), including its symptoms and how it's treated.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening condition that prevents a person's blood from clotting normally. It may cause excessive bleeding (hemorrhage) throughout the body, decreased urination, breathing problems, decreased mental awareness, tissue death (necrosis), and shock. In DIC, the body's...
Dissociation is when the mind separates itself from an event or the environment as a way to cope with a situation. Usually dissociation happens during overwhelming or traumatic events. Some examples are physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect during childhood. Dissociation responses vary by individual. But some common...
What is dissociative identity disorder (DID)? Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a rare mental health condition. It was once known as multiple personality disorder. People who have it have two or more separate personalities. But they often don't know that the other personalities exist. And they can't remember...
Dissociative identity disorder (in the past called multiple personality disorder) is a rare condition in which a person has two or more separate personalities. The person often does not know that the other personalities exist. And he or she cannot recall events that occur when the other personalities are active. The...
Disulfiram blocks an enzyme that is involved in metabolizing alcohol intake. Disulfiram produces very unpleasant side effects when combined with alcohol in the body. Disulfiram is used in certain people with chronic alcoholism. This medicine can help keep you from drinking because of the unpleasant side effects that...
For treating alcohol dependence. Brand Name(s): Antabuse. Generic Name: Disulfiram.
A diuretic is a substance that removes water from the body by promoting urine formation and the loss of salt (sodium). Caffeine and alcohol are common diuretics. Diuretic medicines include furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and spironolactone. These medicines may be used to help treat conditions such as heart failure...
Some diuretics can cause low levels of potassium. A delicate balance of potassium is needed to properly transmit electrical impulses in the heart. A low potassium level can disrupt the normal electrical impulses in the heart and lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). If potassium levels are low, a potassium...
Find out how to make it easier to take your diuretic.
Provides a summary of interactions with vitamins, herbs, and food
Divalproex sodium comes in different pill forms that are for different uses. Divalproex sodium tablets and capsules are used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 10 years old. Divalproex sodium tablets are sometimes used together with other seizure medications. Divalproex sodium tablets are also...
Pouches called diverticula form when increased pressure pushes the wall of the colon outward at certain weak points. These pouches are found most often in the colon. But they can be found in nearly all parts of the digestive tract.
Briefly discusses diverticular bleeding. Explains what diverticular bleeding is. Looks at causes, and symptoms such as severe rectal bleeding. Covers treatment options. Offers prevention tips, including eating a high-fiber diet.
Diverticular bleeding is a condition in which pouches (diverticula) that have formed in the wall of the large intestine (colon) bleed. Bleeding into the colon occurs when the blood vessel going to the pouch breaks open. Sometimes a person with diverticular bleeding will have sudden, severe bleeding from the rectum...
Adhering to a high-fiber diet is one key to keeping diverticular disease at bay. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Recognize the warning signs Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as painful abdominal cramping, fever, and nausea. Diet right...
Includes info on diverticulitis, a condition in which pouches form in the colon and get inflamed or infected. Discusses symptoms and possible complications. Covers treatment with changes to your diet, medicine, or surgery.
Diverticulitis is a condition that happens when pouches that form in the wall of your large intestine get inflamed or infected. This can be very painful. Symptoms may last from a few hours to several days. It's usually treated with a liquid diet, antibiotics, and pain relievers. A hospital stay or even surgery to remove...
Diverticulosis is a condition in which pouches called diverticula form in the wall of the large intestine (colon). The pouches may not cause any symptoms, or they may bleed or become painful, inflamed, or infected. The reason pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall is not completely understood. Doctors think...
Looks at causes and symptoms of diverticulosis. Explains what diverticulosis is and how it is treated. Covers painful diverticular disease. Offers home treatment and prevention tips, including eating more dietary fiber.
For this test, you are seated on an exam table. The doctor may ask you to look at their nose the whole time the test is done. The doctor first turns your head to one side and then lowers your head to the table. The doctor watches your eyes for nystagmus. Nystagmus is a rapid, rhythmic movement of the eyes. If you get...
Dizziness, or lightheadedness, is a feeling of unsteadiness. Dizziness can lead to feeling faint or to fainting (brief loss of consciousness). Dizziness can be caused by many things, including stress and/or certain medicines. Dizziness often goes away or improves after lying down. If it does not, it may be linked with...
