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I’ve been doing a lot of gardening recently but my back and muscles have been sore afterwards. Are there any exercises I can try?
Back problems are very common and can be caused by staying in one position too long or lifting something awkwardly. Most back problems start for no obvious reason, which can be very frustrating. Most back pain is limited to the lower ( lumbar and sacral) back area.
If you get any extra new features eg it starts to radiate into the buttocks or down one or both legs with or without tingling speak to your GP .
If you felt that your bladder or bowels were affected at any time in association with back pain or you get numbness around the area you sit on ( saddle area) or new weakness in the legs that limit your movement then these are medical emergencies and you should seek immediate medical attention.
The spine is strong and back problems are rarely due to any serious disease or damage. Most back problems settle within six weeks and you will not normally need an X- ray or an MRI scan.
I am expecting my first child later this year and I want to find out the baby’s sex. How do I go about doing this?
An ultrasound scan ( sonogram) transmits high- frequency sound waves through your uterus.
The sound waves bounce off your baby and are translated by a computer into an image on a screen, showing your baby’s position and movements. Your first scan is carried out at around 10- 14 weeks.
This will give you the first glimpse of your baby. The main purpose of this scan is to check that your baby is growing and developing normally. The second scan is carried out at around 18- 22 weeks and, if you want to know, it can usually determine the sex of your baby.
If you want to know the sex of your baby, you should ask your sonographer ( the person who carries out the scan). It is best to ask them at the beginning of the scan so that they are aware that they need to check.
It is important to be aware that it is not possible for your sonographer to be 100 per cent certain about your baby’s sex. For example, if your baby is lying in an awkward position, it may be difficult, or impossible, to tell whether your baby is male or female. Some hospitals have a policy of not telling patients the sex of their baby.
If your hospital does not routinely inform parents about their baby’s sex, you may be able to pay privately for a scan to find out. Speak to your sonographer or midwife to find out more visit: www. nhsinform. scot
What causes hiccups?
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm suddenly and involuntarily contracts ( tightens), resulting in a hiccup sound being produced at the top of the windpipe.
The diaphragm is a thin membrane of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen ( tummy).
It is located underneath the ribcage and helps to control breathing. The medical name for hiccups is “singultus”. Hiccups are very common and most people will get them at some point during their life.
They can affect people of any age, including babies. Hiccups often occur without any obvious trigger, although short episodes have been linked with drinking alcohol and smoking.
Having a bloated stomach, eating too quickly or eating spicy foods, drinking hot or fizzy drinks, emotions, such as stress, fear or excitement can also be associated with hiccups.
If hiccups last for more than 48 hours they are known as “persistent” or “protracted” hiccups, and hiccups that last longer than a month are called “intractable” hiccups.
If your hiccups are troublesome, there are some things you can do that may help, such as sipping ice- cold water, holding your breath for a short period, biting on a lemon, swallowing granulated sugar, tasting vinegar, pulling your knees up to your chest.
Hiccups are not usually serious .