ASK THE DOCTOR
QMy 70-year-old mother recently discovered she has osteoarthritis in her spine. Is there any way that she can alleviate the pain or reverse the disease with diet and lifestyle? L.A., Qld.
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of back pain in older age. It is not possible to reverse the process but the pain needs to be managed. Maintaining activity, with an exercise program supervised by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, is important. Acupuncture, massage therapy and Tai Chi may help. Medication for pain relief may be necessary.
QI don’t usually have the flu jab because I’m only 48 and healthy. Should I consider it this year to help protect against coronavirus? Does being sick with a common cold or flu make you more susceptible to coronavirus? R. E., WA.
Influenza vaccine will protect you against influenza, not coronavirus. Because coronavirus is a new infection, we do not yet know how it might affect your vulnerability to other respiratory infection. All people aged six months or over are recommended to receive influenza vaccine every year.
QI’m a chronic early riser and wake up at 4am most days. I’ve tried everything to fall back to sleep, from meditation music to reading for a while, to a silk eye mask. I usually fail and I’m frequently very sleepy through the day. What’s my next step? D.D., Tas.
You may be going to bed too early. If this is the case, try gradually shifting your bed time a little later. However, being sleepy during the day is an indication that you may not be getting enough sleep. Stress and depression are common causes of early waking. Speak to your doctor about it.
QI get highpitched sounds in my ears. It starts out of the blue, anywhere, anytime. My ears also feel ‘full’ sometimes. Could it be tinnitus? F.F., Vic.
The high-pitched sound is tinnitus. It has a range of causes from ear wax or infection to nerve damage or Méniére’s disease. Your GP will check your ears, see if you need a hearing test and arrange referral to a specialist if necessary.
QI’ve noticed since I turned 30 my periods are now troublesome. I have bad cramps and I’m in more pain than before. Is it normal for pain to change with age? W.W., ACT.
Your symptoms suggest endometriosis. Your GP will do a gynaecological examination and arrange investigation, including a pelvic ultrasound and a referral to a gynaecologist for further investigation, which may include a laparoscopy.