Find a guide
203 condition guides, one for every condition on our list
Search by name or symptom, or browse by topic. Every guide compares conventional medicine with five holistic approaches, with costs, what to expect and sources. Some names share a guide — for example Rotator Cuff is covered in Shoulder Pain.
Heart, Blood & Circulation
15 guidesBlood pressure, cholesterol, clots, rhythm problems and circulation.
- Aneurysms (Brain & Aortic) A weak, bulging spot in an artery — most often in the brain or in the aorta, the body’s main artery, and sometimes in the legs. Many never cause trouble, but a rupture is an emergency, so screening, follow-up scans and lowering blood pressure matter.
- Blood Clots (DVT & Pulmonary Embolism) A clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg (DVT), that can break off and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Common, serious and often preventable — know the warning signs and your own risk.
- Fainting (Syncope) Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a short drop in blood flow to the brain. Most fainting is harmless, but a first faint should always be checked — and fainting during exercise, while lying down or with chest pain can be a sign of a heart problem.
- Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease & Heart Failure) Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Most of it starts with plaque in the heart’s arteries, which can cause chest pain, a heart attack or, over time, heart failure. Treatment, cardiac rehab and everyday habits help many people live full lives — and heart attack signs always mean calling 911.
- High & Low Blood Pressure Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and most don’t have it under control. It usually causes no symptoms, so checking is the only way to know. Everyday habits and, for many people, medicine lower it — and a reading above 180/120 with symptoms is an emergency.
- High Cholesterol About 86 million U.S. adults have total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL. High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, so a blood test is the only way to know. Everyday habits and, for many people, medicine lower it — and with it the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Living with Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Pumps & Ventilators A practical safety guide for anyone who relies on a device that is implanted or worn — a pacemaker or defibrillator (ICD), an insulin pump or glucose monitor, an implanted drug pump, or a home ventilator, CPAP or BiPAP. It covers the warning signs that need 911, magnets and everyday electronics, electrical treatments, MRI and airport screening, and planning for a power cut.
- Lymphedema Long-lasting swelling, most often in an arm or leg, caused by lymph fluid that can’t drain properly — often after cancer surgery or radiation that removed or damaged lymph nodes. It can’t be cured, but it is easier to control when treatment starts early, and good skin care helps prevent cellulitis, its most common complication.
- Pericarditis (Inflammation Around the Heart) Pericarditis is inflammation of the thin sac around the heart. It causes sharp chest pain that is often worse when you lie flat or take a deep breath and better when you lean forward. Most cases settle with treatment, but because the pain can feel like a heart attack, new chest pain always needs to be checked — and some people have repeat episodes.
- Phlebitis (Superficial Vein Inflammation) & Varicose Veins Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein near the surface of the skin. It is usually not serious and often settles in a week or two, but a red, hot, painful leg can also be a deep vein clot, so get it checked. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that can cause aching and, sometimes, phlebitis.
- Poor Circulation (PAD & Vein Problems) Leg pain when you walk that eases with rest, cold or numb feet, or aching, swollen legs with bulging veins can all be signs of poor circulation. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is common, often missed, and a warning sign for heart attack and stroke — and walking is one of its best treatments. Also listed as: Veins & Arteries
- Rapid Heartbeat (Palpitations, Tachycardia & AFib) A racing, pounding or fluttering heartbeat is often harmless and linked to things like caffeine, stress or poor sleep, but it can also signal an arrhythmia such as supraventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath or stroke signs with a fast heartbeat are emergencies: call 911. Tests, medicines, procedures and everyday habits can help.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon Raynaud’s phenomenon is when the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes narrow too much in the cold or under stress, so the skin turns white or blue, feels numb or painful, and then turns red as blood returns. It is usually mild and is managed mostly by keeping warm, but sores that will not heal, blackened skin, symptoms on one side only, or joint pain or rashes need a clinician promptly.
- Stents (Heart, Artery & Other Stents) A stent is a small mesh tube that holds open a narrowed artery or other passage. Most people think of the heart, but stents are also used in the neck, legs, kidneys, bile ducts and ureters. A stent treats a blockage; it does not cure the disease behind it, and the antiplatelet medicine that goes with an artery stent must never be stopped without your cardiologist.
- Stroke (Brain Attack) & TIA A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. It is a medical emergency: call 911 at the first sign, note the time, and never drive yourself. Fast treatment, rehabilitation and controlling blood pressure and other risks can limit damage and help prevent another stroke.
Brain, Nerves & Movement
25 guidesHeadaches, nerve conditions, tremors, seizures, memory and balance.
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) A progressive disease of the nerve cells that control muscles, causing weakness that spreads over time and eventually affects speaking, swallowing and breathing. There is no cure yet, but medicines, a specialist ALS team, breathing and feeding support, and planning ahead can protect comfort, independence and time.
- Alzheimer’s Disease A brain disease that slowly affects memory, thinking and, in time, everyday abilities. There is no cure yet, but treatment, planning and support can help people live as well as possible and ease the load on families.
- Balance Problems & Fall Prevention Feeling unsteady, dizzy or as if you might fall. Balance problems are common, especially as we get older, and more than one in four adults 65 and over falls each year — but many falls can be prevented once the cause is found.
- Bell’s Palsy Sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face when the facial nerve becomes inflamed. Most people recover over weeks to months — but a drooping face can also be a stroke, so get checked right away.
- Dizziness & Vertigo Feeling faint, woozy or as if the room is spinning. Most dizziness isn’t serious and often settles or is easy to treat — but sudden dizziness with stroke or heart warning signs is an emergency. Also listed as: Vertigo
- Dystonia Muscles that tighten on their own, causing twisting, repeated movements or unusual postures. There is no cure yet, but injections, medicines, therapy and sometimes surgery can ease symptoms — and a sudden spasm after starting a new medicine needs urgent care.
- Epilepsy & Seizures A seizure is a brief burst of unusual electrical activity in the brain; epilepsy means seizures keep coming back. Learn seizure first aid (Stay, Safe, Side), when to call 911, and how treatment helps most people live full lives. Also listed as: Seizures
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome A rare condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves, causing weakness and tingling that can spread quickly, often from the legs upward. It is treated in hospital, and most people recover — but weakness that is spreading, or any trouble breathing or swallowing, needs emergency care.
- Headaches Almost everyone gets headaches, and most are not a sign of anything serious. Knowing your type, your triggers and how often you reach for pain relievers helps a lot — and a few warning signs need emergency care.
- Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone) Hypotonia means low muscle tone — a baby or child who feels “floppy”. It is a sign that something is affecting the brain, nerves or muscles, not a diagnosis on its own. Finding the cause matters, because some causes have effective treatments and therapy can start right away.
- Migraine Migraine is much more than a bad headache. Knowing your phases, your triggers and the newer treatment options helps — and a few warning signs, especially around aura, need emergency care.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) A long-term condition in which the immune system attacks the protective coating of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms differ from person to person. There is no cure, but today’s treatments can cut relapses and slow the disease, and rehabilitation and steady habits help people live well with it.
- Myasthenia Gravis A long-term autoimmune condition in which the signals between nerves and muscles are blocked, causing muscle weakness that worsens with use and improves with rest — often drooping eyelids, double vision, or trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking. There is no cure, but treatment helps most people. Trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency.
- Ménière’s Disease An inner-ear disorder that brings attacks of spinning vertigo, hearing loss that comes and goes, ringing in the ear and a full or pressured feeling. There is no cure yet, but symptoms can be managed — and sudden vertigo with stroke signs is an emergency.
- Nerve Damage & Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy — damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord — affects millions of Americans and often starts as tingling, burning or numbness in the feet. Diabetes is the most common cause. Finding and treating the cause matters, and numb feet need protecting from heat, pressure and wounds.
- Parkinson’s Disease A progressive condition in which brain cells that make dopamine are lost, causing tremor, stiffness, slowness and many non-movement symptoms. There is no cure yet, but medicines, exercise, therapy and sometimes surgery can ease symptoms — and stopping Parkinson’s medicine suddenly, choking, or a fall with injury needs urgent care.
- Phantom Limb Pain Pain or other sensations that seem to come from a limb that is no longer there. The limb is gone, but the pain is real — and there are more ways to treat it than many people realize.
- Polio & Post-Polio Syndrome Polio is a virus that can attack the nerves and cause paralysis. Vaccination prevents it, and it is now very rare in the United States. Many people who had polio as children develop new weakness and fatigue decades later, called post-polio syndrome, which is managed with pacing, therapy and equipment. New trouble breathing or swallowing, or sudden weakness, needs prompt medical care. Also listed as: Post-Polio
- Restless Legs Syndrome Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a nervous-system condition that causes an urge to move the legs, mostly when you rest in the evening or at night, and it can wreck your sleep. Low iron, kidney disease, pregnancy and some common medicines can play a part, so a check-up and a blood test come first. Good help exists, from iron and everyday habits to prescription medicines and devices, and some older medicines now carry a caution.
- RSD & Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also called RSD, is a condition in which a limb stays intensely painful, sensitive, swollen or discolored long after an injury or surgery should have healed. There is no cure, but treatment works best when it starts early, and most people slowly improve. Movement-based therapy, pain medicines, procedures and emotional support all have a place.
- Spinal Cord Injury, Paraplegia & Tetraplegia An injury to the spinal cord can change movement, feeling, bladder, bowel, breathing and blood pressure below the level of the injury. Know the emergency signs, then learn how rehabilitation, daily self-care and the right equipment help people live well. Also listed as: Paraplegia
- Tics & Tourette’s Syndrome Tics are sudden, repeated movements or sounds that a person cannot fully control. Many children have tics for a while and then outgrow them; Tourette’s syndrome is diagnosed when both movement and sound tics last a year or more. There is no cure, but mild tics often need no treatment, and behavioral therapy (CBIT), medicines, school support and help with ADHD, OCD and anxiety can make daily life easier. Also listed as: Tourette’s
- Transverse Myelitis A rare inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause weakness, numbness and loss of bladder or bowel control within hours to days. Sudden symptoms need emergency care so the cause can be found and treated quickly — and most people recover at least in part.
- Tremors (Essential Tremor, Parkinson’s Tremor & Others) Shaking or trembling in the hands, head, voice or legs. Essential tremor is the most common type; others come from Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, medicines, caffeine, an overactive thyroid or alcohol withdrawal. There is no cure for most forms, but the cause can sometimes be fixed, and medicines, therapy, devices and surgery can help — and sudden shaking with stroke signs, or tremor with fever, confusion and stiffness after a medicine change, needs emergency care.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe, electric-shock-like pain on one side of the face, often set off by a light touch, chewing, talking or a breeze. It is a nerve condition, not a dental one, and it is usually treated first with a prescription anticonvulsant medicine, with procedures or surgery when medicine is not enough. A drooping face, weakness or trouble speaking is a stroke warning: call 911.
Mental Health, Mood & Sleep
15 guidesAnxiety, depression, trauma, sleep, focus and quitting smoking.
- ADD & ADHD ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by ongoing patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that can affect daily life and development.
- Anxiety Everyone worries sometimes. When fear or worry won’t ease, shows up in many situations and starts getting in the way of life, it may be an anxiety disorder — one of the most common and most treatable health conditions.
- Bad Dreams & Nightmares Almost everyone has a nightmare now and then, and they are a normal part of childhood. When frightening dreams keep coming back and spoil your sleep, there is real help — including a well-studied talk therapy.
- Behavior Problems in Children All children test limits, argue and have meltdowns sometimes. When anger, defiance or aggression is far beyond what is typical for a child’s age, keeps going and causes real trouble at home or school, it may be a behavior disorder — and there is good, practical help for the whole family.
- Bipolar Disorder & Bipolar Depression Bipolar disorder brings shifts in mood, energy and activity — from highs called mania or hypomania to deep lows of depression. It is a long-term condition, and with steady treatment many people manage it well and live full lives.
- Chronic Fatigue & ME/CFS Exhaustion that rest doesn’t fix and that gets worse after even small efforts. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious biological illness, not laziness or “just being tired” — and careful pacing, not pushing through, is the foundation of care.
- Depression Depression is more than a few sad days. It is a common, serious medical condition that affects how you feel, think and handle daily life — and it is treatable. Most people with depression feel better with care.
- Narcolepsy Overwhelming daytime sleepiness that a good night’s sleep doesn’t fix, sometimes with sudden muscle weakness triggered by laughter or other strong emotions. Narcolepsy is a lifelong brain disorder, not laziness — and medicines, planned naps and safety habits can help people live full lives.
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) PTSD can follow a car accident, an assault, combat, a disaster or years on the front line as a first responder. It is a real, common and treatable condition — and trauma-focused therapy and prescribed medicines can help.
- Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a serious but treatable mental illness that can change how a person thinks, feels and behaves, including hearing voices or holding beliefs that are not true. Starting care early, staying on prescribed medicine, and adding therapy, family support and help with work or school can make a real difference. This guide also explains how to help a loved one and what to do in a crisis.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that returns at about the same time each year — most often in late fall and winter, and less often in spring and summer. It is common, it is real, and it is treatable. Light therapy, talk therapy and, for some people, medicine can help, and starting early can make the season easier. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 or call 911.
- Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea means your breathing stops and starts again, many times, while you sleep. It is common, it is often missed, and untreated it is linked to heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and drowsy-driving crashes. A breathing device (CPAP) is the most common treatment, and there are other options — but chiropractic, acupuncture, herbs and massage are not proven treatments.
- Sleep Problems (Insomnia, Restless Nights & Sleep Hygiene) Trouble falling asleep, waking in the night or waking too early is very common, and for most people it can be improved. The best-studied help is a short course of talk therapy for sleep (CBT-I), not a pill — and some sleep problems, such as sleep apnea, need a different kind of care.
- Smoking & Quitting Tobacco and Vaping Quitting smoking helps at any age, no matter how long or how much you have smoked. Nicotine is addictive, so most people need support and more than one try — that is normal, not a failure. Counseling plus a quit-smoking medicine gives the best chance, and free help is a phone call away at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, stroke signs, lung symptoms after vaping and thoughts of self-harm need urgent care.
- Snoring Snoring is the sound of tissues in your nose, mouth or throat vibrating as you breathe in your sleep. It is very common and usually not serious — but it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, which needs a doctor. Side sleeping, a healthy weight, less alcohol before bed and clearing a stuffy nose help many people, and a dentist-fitted mouthpiece is an option for stubborn snoring. Chiropractic, acupuncture, herbs and massage are not proven snoring treatments.
Bones, Joints, Muscles & Pain
30 guidesBack, neck, hip, knee, hand and foot problems, arthritis and chronic pain.
- Amputation & Limb Loss Life after losing an arm, leg, hand or foot — healing, rehabilitation, prosthetic limbs, phantom and residual limb pain, and protecting the limbs you have.
- Ankle Sprains & Ankle Pain A rolled or twisted ankle is one of the most common injuries there is. Most sprains heal well with the right care — but a broken bone, a torn Achilles tendon or an ankle that keeps giving way needs a closer look.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis A long-term inflammatory arthritis of the spine and the joints where the spine meets the pelvis. It often starts in young adults as back pain and stiffness that ease with movement. There is no cure, but exercise and modern medicines can control it well.
- Arthritis Pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Arthritis is a family of more than 100 conditions — from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis and gout — that affects about 1 in 5 U.S. adults. There is no cure, but movement, the right diagnosis and good treatment help most people stay active. Also listed as: Joints, Osteoarthritis
- Back Pain & Back Problems About 8 in 10 people have back pain at some point. Most low back pain is not serious and gets better within a few weeks. Staying active, heat, and hands-on and mind-body care are first-line options — and a few warning signs need emergency care.
- Bone Spurs Smooth, bony growths along the edges of joints, most often from osteoarthritis and aging. Many cause no symptoms at all and need no treatment — but spurs in the spine can press on nerves, and a few warning signs need urgent care.
- Bursitis Painful swelling of a bursa — one of the small, fluid-filled cushions around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and heel — usually from overuse or pressure. Most cases ease within a few weeks with rest and simple care, but an infected bursa needs a doctor the same day.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Numbness, tingling and pain in the thumb and first fingers, often worse at night, caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. Night splints, activity changes and injections help many people; surgery is an option when they don’t. Constant numbness or a weakening thumb needs a provider soon.
- Elbow Pain & Problems Most elbow pain comes from overused tendons — tennis elbow on the outside, golfer’s elbow on the inside — and gets better with time, rest and the right exercises. A deformed elbow, numb or cold fingers, a hot swollen elbow with fever, or a child who won’t use an arm needs care right away.
- Fibromyalgia Long-lasting pain all over the body, with fatigue, poor sleep and trouble thinking clearly. Fibromyalgia is real — the nervous system turns up pain signals — and while there is no cure, gentle, steady movement and a good care plan help many people feel and function better.
- Foot Pain & Problems Sore feet are very common, and many everyday problems — bunions, hammertoes, corns, ingrown toenails and ball-of-foot pain — start with shoes that don’t fit. Most improve with simple care. A wound that won’t heal, signs of infection, a cold or pale foot, or a hot, swollen foot with diabetes needs care right away.
- Gout Sudden, very painful flares in a joint — often the big toe — caused by crystals of uric acid. Gout affects about 9 million U.S. adults. With the right diagnosis, medicine that lowers uric acid and steady daily habits, it is one of the most controllable kinds of arthritis.
- Hand Pain & Problems Most hand pain comes from tendons that catch or rub (trigger finger, de Quervain’s), worn joints (especially at the base of the thumb) or everyday injuries, and much of it improves with splints, rest and hand therapy. A deep cut, a finger that won’t bend or straighten, a bite, a hot swollen finger with fever, or a high-pressure injection injury needs care right away.
- Heel Pain: Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain — the classic sign is a sharp ache with your first steps in the morning. Heel spurs often show up on X-rays but usually aren’t the cause of the pain. Most people get better with simple, patient home care and stretching. Also listed as: Plantar Fasciitis
- Hip Pain & Problems Most hip pain comes from wear-and-tear arthritis, irritated tissues on the outside of the hip, or problems in the lower back, and much of it eases with exercise, weight and activity changes. A fall followed by not being able to stand, a child who limps or won’t bear weight, or a hot, swollen hip with fever needs care right away.
- Juvenile Arthritis (JIA) Long-lasting joint inflammation that starts before age 16. Early care from a pediatric rheumatologist, regular eye checks and staying active help many children reach remission and live full, busy lives.
- Knee Pain & Problems Most knee pain comes from wear-and-tear arthritis, overuse or a sports injury, and much of it eases with strengthening exercise, weight and activity changes. A knee you can’t stand on after an injury, a hot, swollen knee with fever, or a swollen, painful calf needs care right away.
- Morton’s Neuroma (Foot Neuroma) Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a small nerve in the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It can feel like walking on a pebble, with burning or shooting pain into the toes. Roomier, lower-heeled shoes and pads help many people; injections or surgery are options when they don’t. Also listed as: Neuroma (Foot)
- Neck Pain & Stiffness Most neck pain comes from strained muscles, posture or age-related wear, and usually eases within a few weeks with keeping the neck moving, heat or cold and simple pain relief. Neck pain after an injury, a stiff neck with fever, new weakness or numbness, or a sudden severe headache needs emergency care.
- Osteoporosis & Low Bone Mass Osteoporosis makes bones thin and fragile, and it usually causes no symptoms until a bone breaks — most often in the spine, hip or wrist. Screening, medicines, exercise, good nutrition and fall prevention lower the risk of a break. Sudden new back pain, or a fall followed by not being able to stand, needs prompt care. Also listed as: Bones
- Sciatica Sciatica is pain, tingling, numbness or weakness that travels from the lower back or buttock down one leg. It is a symptom, most often caused by a slipped disc pressing on a nerve, and it usually improves over a few weeks to a few months. A few warning signs — especially loss of bladder or bowel control — need emergency care.
- Scoliosis Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. It is most often found in children and teens, but it can also begin in infancy or develop in adults as the spine wears. Many curves are small and only need watching; larger curves may call for a brace or surgery, and adults are treated mainly for pain. Know the warning signs that need urgent care.
- Shin Splints & Shin Pain Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, is an overuse ache along the inner edge of the shinbone that usually follows a sudden jump in running, jumping or walking. It often settles with weeks of relief from the triggering activity and a slow return, but shin pain can also come from a stress fracture, a compartment syndrome, a blood clot or an infection, and some of those need care right away.
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff, Tendonitis & Frozen Shoulder) Shoulder pain is one of the most common physical complaints, and the rotator cuff tendons are a frequent cause. Most shoulder problems are tendon irritation or tears, frozen shoulder, arthritis or injury — but shoulder pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating can be a heart attack and needs 911. Many problems improve with time, exercise and patient rehabilitation. Also listed as: Rotator Cuff
- Spinal Stenosis Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in the spine that can squeeze the spinal cord or the nerves, most often in the lower back or the neck. In the lower back it often causes leg pain, numbness or heaviness when standing or walking that eases when you sit or lean forward. Many people do well without surgery. A few warning signs — especially loss of bladder or bowel control — need emergency care.
- Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis (Back Stress Fractures & Slipped Vertebra) Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in a small bridge of bone in the lower spine, common in young athletes who repeatedly arch their backs, such as gymnasts and football players. If the crack weakens the bone enough, the vertebra can slip forward (spondylolisthesis); in older adults a slip can also come from wear and tear. Most people do well without surgery. A few warning signs — especially bladder or bowel changes, saddle numbness or new leg weakness — need emergency care.
- Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia) Tailbone pain (coccydynia) is pain at the very bottom of the spine, usually worse when sitting down or standing up from a seat. It often follows a fall, childbirth or long periods of sitting, and sometimes has no clear cause. Many cases settle with simple measures, but some last for months. A few warning signs — especially loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness in the “saddle” area — need emergency care.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Tennis elbow is an overuse problem of the forearm tendons on the outside of the elbow, and it usually settles over weeks to months with activity changes and the right exercises. A sudden pop with loss of function, a hot swollen joint with fever, spreading numbness or pain after a major injury needs care right away. Also listed as: Tendonitis
- TMJ (Jaw Joint & Jaw Pain) Pain, clicking or locking in the jaw joint and chewing muscles. Most cases settle with simple self-care, exercises and stress relief, and experts advise against treatments that permanently change your teeth or bite — but a locked jaw, or jaw pain with chest pain or stroke signs, is an emergency.
- Wrist Pain (Sprains, Tendonitis, Arthritis & Fractures) Wrist pain has many causes, from sprains and overuse tendon problems to arthritis, cysts and broken bones. Many settle with a splint, activity changes and exercise, but a bent or out-of-place wrist, numb or pale fingers, or a hot swollen joint with fever needs care right away.
Autoimmune & Inflammatory
9 guidesConditions in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
- Behçet’s Disease A rare, long-term inflammation of the blood vessels that causes painful mouth and genital sores, skin bumps and eye inflammation, and sometimes affects the veins, brain or gut. It comes and goes in flares; there is no cure, but treatment controls it for most people.
- Dermatomyositis A rare autoimmune disease that inflames the muscles and skin, causing weakness in the hips, thighs, shoulders and neck and a distinctive purple-red rash. It affects adults and children. There is no cure, but treatment and exercise can bring it under control and many people reach remission.
- Lupus (SLE) Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, from the joints and skin to the kidneys, heart, lungs, blood and brain. About 9 in 10 people with it are women. There is no cure, but treatment can control it, and most people with lupus can live normal lives.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) & Giant Cell Arteritis Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) causes aching and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips, worst in the morning, mostly in people over 50. It is treated with steroid medicine and usually responds quickly. The key safety point: PMR can occur with giant cell arteritis, and a new headache, jaw pain when chewing or any vision change needs a doctor the same day.
- Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Polymyositis is a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system inflames the muscles closest to the trunk, causing weakness that can make stairs, chairs and combing your hair hard. It belongs to a family of inflammatory muscle diseases that includes dermatomyositis. Trouble swallowing or breathing needs prompt care. There is no cure, but treatment and exercise help many people.
- Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is a condition in which groups of immune cells form small, inflamed lumps (granulomas) in the body, most often in the lungs and the lymph nodes in the chest. Many people have mild symptoms or none, and it often goes away on its own; others need medicines, and a few develop lasting organ damage. There is no cure, but treatment aims for remission, and regular check-ups — including eye and heart checks — matter even when you feel well.
- Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) Scleroderma means “hard skin.” It is an autoimmune condition in which the body makes too much scar-like collagen, causing tight, thick skin. Localized scleroderma (morphea) stays in the skin and tissues just beneath it; systemic sclerosis can also reach blood vessels, the gut, lungs, heart and kidneys. There is no cure, but many problems can be managed, and checking the organs regularly matters. A sudden jump in blood pressure, fingertip sores, breathlessness or trouble swallowing need prompt medical care.
- Sjögren’s Syndrome Sjögren’s (SHOW-grins) is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the glands that make tears and saliva, leaving eyes and mouth dry. It can also bring joint pain, fatigue and, for some people, effects on other organs. There is no cure, but eye and mouth care, regular dental visits and medicines can ease symptoms and protect your eyes and teeth.
- Vasculitis Vasculitis is a group of rare conditions in which the immune system inflames blood vessels. Some types mainly cause fatigue and aches; others can threaten sight, kidneys, lungs or nerves. Treatment is medical — steroids, immune-calming medicines and newer biologics — and warning signs such as sudden vision change, a new severe headache with a tender scalp, or blood in the urine need care right away.
Digestion & Gut
17 guidesReflux, bowel conditions, food sensitivities, gallbladder and pancreas.
- Acid Reflux & GERD Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. GERD is the chronic, frequent form of the condition, and over time it can damage the esophagus.
- Bowel Problems Constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating and bowel leakage are common and usually manageable — but blood in the stool, a lasting change in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss needs a doctor, and screening for colorectal cancer starts at 45.
- Celiac Disease An autoimmune disease in which gluten — found in wheat, barley and rye — damages the small intestine. Get tested before cutting out gluten; a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only treatment.
- Colitis & Ulcerative Colitis Colitis means inflammation of the colon. Its best-known long-term form, ulcerative colitis, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes bloody diarrhea and urgency. Modern treatment aims for lasting, steroid-free remission and a healed bowel lining.
- Crohn’s Disease A lifelong type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can inflame any part of the digestive tract. There is no cure yet, but modern treatment aims for long-term remission and a healed bowel lining.
- Digestion Problems (Indigestion, Bloating & Gas) Indigestion, bloating, gas and nausea are common and usually not serious — but vomiting blood, black stools, trouble swallowing or weight loss needs a doctor, and chest pain could be your heart. Also listed as: Stomach
- Diverticulitis & Diverticulosis Small pouches in the wall of the colon are very common with age and usually cause no trouble. When one becomes inflamed (diverticulitis) it can cause sudden belly pain and fever. Many mild attacks are treated at home — some without antibiotics — and a high-fiber, active lifestyle may lower the chance of another. Nuts, seeds and popcorn are fine.
- Gallbladder Problems & Gallstones Gallstones are very common and most never cause trouble. When they do, the usual answer is keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder — and you can live normally without it. Belly pain lasting hours, fever, or yellow skin or eyes needs care right away.
- Heartburn Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone. Almost everyone gets it now and then. Heartburn two or more times a week may be GERD and is worth seeing a doctor about. Chest pain that could be a heart attack needs 911.
- Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins in and around the anus. They are common, often settle within days with fiber, fluids and not straining, and can be treated in the office if they don’t. But rectal bleeding always deserves a doctor’s check — never assume it’s “just hemorrhoids.”
- Hiatal Hernia A hiatal hernia is when the top of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest. It is common after 50, often causes no symptoms, and is closely linked to reflux and heartburn. Sudden severe chest or belly pain with vomiting or retching needs emergency care.
- Hiccups Hiccups are sudden spasms of the diaphragm followed by a quick closing of the vocal cords. Almost everyone gets them, and they usually stop on their own within minutes. Hiccups that last more than 48 hours, or keep coming back, are worth seeing a doctor about.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) IBS is a common, long-lasting problem with how the gut and brain work together. It causes belly pain with diarrhea, constipation or both, but it doesn’t damage the bowel — and diet changes, medicines and gut-directed therapies can help. Bleeding, weight loss or symptoms that start after 50 need a doctor’s check.
- Pancreas Problems (Pancreatitis & More) Sudden, severe upper belly pain that spreads to your back can be acute pancreatitis and needs emergency care. Gallstones and alcohol are the most common causes. Long-term pancreatitis can bring pain, greasy stools and diabetes — and the pancreas also has cysts and cancer, which have their own warning signs.
- Parasites (Worms, Giardia, Lice, Scabies & More) Most parasite infections are mild and treatable, but seizures, confusion, severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea, fever after travel to a malaria area, eye symptoms, or toxoplasmosis symptoms in pregnancy need urgent care. Herbal “parasite cleanses” are not proven to clear an infection.
- Ulcers (Peptic, Stomach & Duodenal) A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Most are caused by an H. pylori infection or by NSAID pain medicines, and most heal with treatment. Vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, sudden severe belly pain or fainting are emergencies — call 911.
- Wheat & Gluten Sensitivity (Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity & Wheat Allergy) “Gluten sensitivity” can mean three different things — celiac disease, wheat allergy or non-celiac gluten (or wheat) sensitivity — and they are treated very differently. Get tested for celiac disease before you cut out gluten, do not diagnose yourself, and call 911 for a severe allergic reaction.
Kidney, Bladder & Liver
6 guidesUrinary problems, kidney care and dialysis, liver disease.
- Bedwetting Bedwetting is very common, it is never a child’s fault, and most children outgrow it. Patience, simple routines and — when a family is ready — a bedwetting alarm or medicine from the doctor can help.
- Bladder Problems Leaks, urgent trips to the bathroom, bladder infections, bladder pain and waking at night to urinate are common — but they are not a normal part of aging, and most can be treated. Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises are proven first steps.
- Cystitis (Bladder Infection & Bladder Pain) Cystitis means an inflamed bladder. Most often it is a bladder infection — burning, frequent urges and lower-belly pain — which antibiotics usually clear quickly. Some people get infections again and again, and some have bladder pain with no infection at all. Each needs a different plan.
- Dialysis & Kidney Failure When the kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant takes over part of their work — and some people choose supportive care instead. This guide explains the choices, how to protect your access, eating and drinking on dialysis, living well, and how Medicare helps pay.
- Kidney Disease & Kidney Stones About 1 in 7 U.S. adults has chronic kidney disease — and most don’t know it, because early kidney disease has no symptoms. Kidney stones are common too. This guide explains the tests, the stages, what slows kidney damage, how stones are treated and prevented, and which “natural” remedies can harm your kidneys.
- Liver Disease (Fatty Liver, Cirrhosis & More) Fatty liver disease — now called MASLD — affects about 1 in 4 U.S. adults and usually causes no symptoms. The main treatments are gradual weight loss, no alcohol and careful use of medicines and supplements — plus, for some people with MASH and liver scarring, two newer FDA-approved medicines.
Lungs, Breathing & Allergies
9 guidesAsthma, lung disease, sinus problems and allergic reactions.
- Allergies Sneezing, itchy eyes, hives or worse when the immune system overreacts to something usually harmless — pollen, dust, pets, foods, stings or medicines.
- Asthma Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath when the airways swell and narrow — a long-term lung condition in children and adults that can be well controlled with the right plan.
- Bronchitis (Chest Cold & Chronic Bronchitis) A cough, often with mucus, when the airways in the lungs become inflamed — usually a short-lived “chest cold” from a virus, but sometimes a long-term condition linked to smoking and COPD.
- Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Headaches, fatigue, breathing or skin complaints and trouble concentrating after exposure to low levels of everyday chemicals such as fragrances, cleaning products, smoke or solvents. The symptoms are real and can be disabling, but the cause is still debated.
- Cystic Fibrosis An inherited disease that makes mucus thick and sticky, affecting the lungs, pancreas and other organs — with care and new medicines helping people with CF live longer, fuller lives than ever before.
- Emphysema & COPD A long-term lung disease in which damaged air sacs trap stale air and make it hard to breathe out — one of the two main forms of COPD. There is no cure, but treatment, pulmonary rehab and daily habits can help you breathe and live better.
- Pneumonia A lung infection that fills the air sacs with fluid or pus. It ranges from mild to life-threatening, depends on the germ, your age and your health, and needs the right treatment for the right cause.
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) A very common respiratory virus that looks like a cold in most people but can cause serious breathing trouble in babies, older adults and people with heart, lung or immune problems. There is no specific treatment, but there are vaccines, infant antibody shots and everyday habits that lower the risk of severe illness.
- Sinus Problems (Sinusitis) Sinusitis means the air spaces around your nose are inflamed, most often after a cold, and most cases are caused by viruses and get better on their own. Swelling or redness around the eyes, a severe headache with a stiff neck or confusion, or double vision need emergency care. Symptoms that last more than 10 days or return should be checked by a clinician; saline rinses must be done with distilled, sterile or boiled-and-cooled water.
Skin, Hair & Wounds
15 guidesRashes, itching, burns, bruises, sores and skin infections.
- Athlete’s Foot An itchy, peeling, sometimes burning fungal rash on the feet, often between the toes. It is common and catching, but usually clears with the right cream and a few simple habits — and it can spread to the toenails if it is left alone.
- Bed Sores (Pressure Injuries) Sores that form when skin is pressed against a bed or chair for too long, usually over bony spots such as the tailbone, hips and heels. They can become deep and dangerously infected, but most can be prevented with regular position changes, daily skin checks and good care.
- Body Odor Everyone has a natural body scent. Odor comes from skin bacteria breaking down sweat, and it usually responds to simple daily habits — but a new or unusual smell can be your body’s way of flagging a health problem worth checking.
- Bruises & Easy Bruising Almost everyone gets bruises, and most fade on their own in a couple of weeks. Bruising more easily is common with age and with some medicines — but bruises that appear for no reason, or come with other bleeding, deserve a closer look.
- Burns & Burn First Aid Burns from heat, hot liquids, the sun, chemicals or electricity. Most small burns heal at home with quick first aid — cool running water and a clean, loose cover — but large, deep, electrical and chemical burns, and burns in babies and older adults, need emergency care.
- Cellulitis (Skin Infection) A common bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin that makes an area red or discolored, swollen, warm and painful — most often on the lower leg. Antibiotics usually clear it, but it can spread quickly, so it needs prompt care, and it often comes back unless the cracked skin or swelling that let it in is looked after.
- Cysts (Skin, Ganglion, Ovarian & More) A cyst is a closed sac, usually filled with fluid, that can form almost anywhere in the body. Most are harmless and many need no treatment at all — but a few warning signs need prompt care, and any new lump is worth having checked.
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Dry, intensely itchy, inflamed skin that comes and goes in flares. It usually starts in babies and young children but can begin at any age. There is no cure, but daily skin care and the right treatment can calm it — and some infections need care the same day.
- Hair Loss & Scalp Problems Losing some hair every day is normal. Thinning, shedding, bald patches, dandruff and an itchy scalp have many causes — most are treatable, and some hair loss grows back on its own. Finding the cause is the key, and a few kinds need care early to prevent permanent loss.
- Hives (Urticaria) Hives are itchy, raised welts on the skin. About 1 in 5 people get them at some point. Most bouts clear within days or weeks, but hives that keep coming back for more than six weeks are called chronic hives. Hives with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing, can be anaphylaxis — an emergency.
- Insect Bites & Stings Most bites and stings cause a small, itchy or painful bump that settles in a few days. A few need more: a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after a sting is an emergency, bites can get infected, and some ticks and mosquitoes spread diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
- Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Thick, scaly, itchy patches of skin caused by an overactive immune system — and, for some people, painful swollen joints. Psoriasis is lifelong and has no cure, but today’s treatments can clear or calm it. A few forms are medical emergencies, and swollen joints should never wait.
- Skin Problems (Rashes, Itching & When to Get Checked) Rashes, itching, dry skin, hives, sunburn, bites, skin infections, acne and skin-cancer warning signs — how to tell the everyday from the urgent, what helps at home, and when a rash needs a clinician the same day or an emergency room.
- Sweating (Hyperhidrosis & Sweat Gland Problems) Sweating is how your body cools itself, but some people sweat far more than their body needs, and sudden or unexplained sweating can be a warning sign. Most excessive sweating has no dangerous cause and can be treated, yet sweating with chest pain, confusion, or night sweats with fever or weight loss needs prompt medical care.
- Warts Warts are harmless, rough skin growths caused by a common virus (HPV). Most go away on their own, though it can take months or years, and treatments are slow and only modestly effective. A growth that bleeds or changes, a wart on the face, genital or anal warts, and warts in people with diabetes or a weak immune system should be seen by a clinician.
Hormones, Metabolism & Weight
5 guidesDiabetes, thyroid and adrenal conditions, and healthy weight.
- Addison’s Disease A rare condition in which the adrenal glands don’t make enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. It is treated with lifelong hormone replacement.
- Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 & Prediabetes) About 40 million Americans have diabetes — and more than 1 in 4 adults with it don’t know. Another 115 million adults have prediabetes. Type 2, the most common kind, can often be prevented or delayed, and every type can be managed with the right care, habits and support.
- Graves’ Disease An autoimmune disease that makes the thyroid overactive — the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the U.S. It can also affect the eyes. Medicine, radioactive iodine or surgery control it well.
- Thyroid Problems (Underactive, Overactive, Nodules & Cancer) The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that sets the pace for the whole body. Underactive, overactive, lumpy or enlarged — most thyroid problems are found with a simple blood test or neck exam and are very treatable, and most thyroid cancers have an excellent outlook.
- Weight Control (Healthy Weight & Obesity) Weight is one piece of health, not a verdict on a person. More than 4 in 10 U.S. adults live with obesity, and it raises the chance of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Steady habits, support, and — for some people — prescription medicines or surgery can help. Sudden, unexplained weight change and signs of an eating disorder need a medical visit.
Women, Men & Family Health
8 guidesPregnancy, babies, children, reproductive and sexual health.
- Babies (Newborn & Infant Health) The first year is mostly about steady checkups, feeding, safe sleep and learning your baby’s signals — plus knowing which signs mean call the doctor today and which mean call 911. This guide covers feeding, safe sleep, crying and colic, fever, jaundice, skin, teething, vaccines, milestones and parent mental health, and looks honestly at what chiropractic, acupuncture, herbs, massage and coaching can and cannot do for a baby.
- Children’s Health (Common Concerns & When to Get Care) Most childhood illnesses, bumps and worries are common and pass with time, rest, fluids and good routines. But some signs — trouble breathing, a high fever with a stiff neck or a rash that does not fade, dehydration, a seizure, a head injury, swallowing something poisonous, or talk of suicide — need 911 or the emergency room right away. This guide covers kids about 1 to 12 and points to our other guides.
- Endometriosis Endometriosis is a common, long-lasting condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it. It can cause painful periods, pelvic pain and trouble getting pregnant. There is no cure yet, but many treatments can ease the pain and help with fertility — and severe period pain is never something you just have to put up with.
- Fibrocystic Breast Changes Lumpy, swollen or tender breasts that come and go with the menstrual cycle are very common and are not cancer. Knowing what is normal for you, easing the pain, and getting any new or different lump checked are what matter most.
- Period Problems & Menopause (Women’s Health) Cramps, PMS, heavy or irregular periods, and the changes of perimenopause and menopause are very common — but severe pain, heavy bleeding or symptoms that disrupt your life are not something you just have to put up with. Most can be treated, and a few warning signs need care right away.
- Pregnancy (Staying Healthy & Common Discomforts) Most of pregnancy is about steady prenatal care, good food, safe movement, enough rest and knowing which symptoms are normal and which need a same-day call or an emergency room. This guide covers common discomforts such as back pain, nausea, heartburn, swelling, sleep and mood, and looks honestly at what chiropractic, acupuncture, herbs, massage and coaching can and cannot do. It is not a guide to treating pregnancy complications.
- Prostate Health (Enlarged Prostate, Prostatitis & Cancer Screening) The prostate can cause three common kinds of trouble: enlargement (BPH), inflammation (prostatitis) and cancer. Their symptoms overlap, so urinary changes are worth checking, and being unable to urinate is an emergency. PSA screening is a personal choice to talk through with a clinician.
- Sexual Performance & Sexual Health (Erectile Dysfunction, Low Desire & Pain) Trouble with erections, desire, arousal, ejaculation or pain during sex is common, treatable and nothing to be ashamed of. These problems can have physical, medicine, emotional and relationship causes, and erection problems can be an early sign of heart and blood vessel disease, so they are worth raising with a clinician. This guide explains the urgent warning signs, the safety rules for prescription pills and unregulated “enhancement” products, and what is known about each approach.
Eyes, Ears, Mouth & Throat
6 guidesVision, hearing, ringing in the ears, teeth, mouth sores and sore throats.
- Canker Sores Small, painful sores inside the mouth that aren’t contagious and usually heal on their own within a week or two. Knowing your triggers can mean fewer of them — and sores that keep coming back, or one that won’t heal, deserve a check with your dentist or doctor.
- Ear Problems (Earaches, Infections & Earwax) Earaches, ear infections, swimmer’s ear, earwax, blocked or “popping” ears and a ruptured eardrum — very common, especially in young children, and most get better on their own or with simple care.
- Eye Problems (Dry Eye, Pink Eye, Eye Strain & Vision Changes) Dry, gritty or tired eyes, pink eye, styes, floaters and the slow vision changes of cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease — what helps, what is an emergency, and why regular eye exams matter.
- Teeth (Dental Health, Cavities & Gum Disease) Cavities and gum disease are among the most common health problems there are, and most of the time they are preventable with fluoride, daily cleaning, less sugar and regular dental visits. A swollen face with trouble breathing or swallowing, or a knocked-out tooth, needs care right away.
- Throat (Sore Throat, Strep & Tonsils) Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own within about a week, but a sore throat with trouble breathing, noisy breathing, drooling or being unable to swallow saliva, swelling of the lips or tongue, or a stiff neck with a high fever needs emergency care. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that needs a test and antibiotics, and a hoarse voice or sore throat that does not go away should be checked.
- Tinnitus Ringing, buzzing or roaring in the ears that no one else can hear. There is no cure yet, but hearing aids, sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can lessen its impact — and sudden hearing loss or a stroke sign with ringing is an emergency.
Infections & Immunity
10 guidesColds, flu, viruses, shingles, hepatitis, HIV and other infections.
- Candida & Yeast Infections Candida is a yeast that normally lives on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. When it overgrows it can cause vaginal yeast infections, thrush or skin rashes — common and usually easy to treat — and, in people who are already very ill, serious infections of the blood and organs.
- Cold Sores Small, painful blisters on or around the lips, caused by a very common virus. They usually heal on their own in one to two weeks, and treatment started at the first tingle can help — but a sore near the eye, or one on a newborn, needs care right away.
- Common Cold A runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough from a virus in the nose and throat — very common, usually mild, and gone on its own within a week or two.
- Epstein-Barr Virus & Mono A very common virus that most people catch at some point, often without noticing. In teens and young adults it can cause mono — weeks of deep tiredness, fever, sore throat and swollen glands. Most people recover with rest, but the spleen needs protecting until a doctor says it’s safe.
- Flu (Influenza) A contagious virus of the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs that tends to hit suddenly, with fever, aches and exhaustion. Most people recover in under two weeks, but flu can be serious — a yearly vaccine is the best protection.
- Genital Herpes A very common, lifelong skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Most people have no symptoms or mild ones. There is no cure, but antiviral medicine controls outbreaks and lowers the chance of passing it on — and a newborn who seems unwell needs care right away.
- Hepatitis (A, B & C) Hepatitis means an inflamed liver, most often from a virus. Hepatitis A and B can be prevented with vaccines, hepatitis B can be treated, and hepatitis C can be cured with pills — but many people have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.
- HIV & AIDS HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system; AIDS is its most advanced stage. There is no cure yet, but daily treatment lets people with HIV live long, healthy lives and, once the virus is undetectable, prevents passing it to partners through sex.
- Lyme Disease A bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick — in California, the western blacklegged tick. Caught early, it is treated with a few weeks of antibiotics and most people recover fully; untreated, it can reach the joints, heart and nerves.
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the chickenpox virus waking up again years later. Antiviral medicine works best when started within about three days of the rash, and a rash near the eye or in someone with a weakened immune system needs care right away. A vaccine can help prevent it.
Cancer & Blood Disorders
4 guidesCancer, leukemia, lymphoma and anemia.
- Anemia Anemia means your blood is short of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, so less oxygen reaches your body. It is a sign of something else — the most important step is finding out why.
- Cancer: Treatment, Support & Integrative Care About 4 in 10 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and about 7 in 10 people diagnosed are still alive 5 years later. Standard treatment is what controls or cures cancer; integrative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, yoga and meditation can ease symptoms alongside it — never instead of it. Also listed as: Tumors
- Hodgkin Lymphoma A cancer of the lymph system that most often starts as a painless swollen lymph node. It is most common in young adults and again in older adults. The National Cancer Institute says Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured if found and treated early — and survivors need lifelong follow-up for late effects of treatment.
- Leukemia Cancers of the blood cells that start in the bone marrow. The four main types — ALL, AML, CLL and CML — behave and are treated very differently. Leukemia is most common in older adults, yet it is also the most common cancer in children, and most children with ALL now survive.
Genetic & Developmental Conditions
12 guidesConditions present from birth or early childhood, and their lifelong care.
- Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) A rare inherited condition in which very long-chain fats build up and damage the brain, spinal cord and adrenal glands.
- Angelman Syndrome A rare genetic condition affecting the nervous system — development, speech, movement, sleep and seizures — often with a joyful, sociable personality.
- Asperger’s (Autism Spectrum) “Asperger’s” is the older name for one autism profile. Since 2013 it has been part of autism spectrum disorder, but many people still identify with it. Autism is a lifelong difference, not a disease. With the right understanding and support, autistic people can do well.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism is a lifelong difference in how a person communicates, relates to others and experiences the world. Some autistic children need a little support and some need a lot. Early screening, early intervention and the right supports help children and families thrive.
- Cerebral Palsy A group of lifelong conditions that affect movement, balance and posture, caused by differences in the developing brain. CP does not get worse over time, and early therapy, the right equipment and good support help children and adults live full lives. Also listed as: Spastic Quadriplegia
- Developmental Disabilities Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that affect how a child moves, learns, communicates or behaves. About 1 in 6 U.S. children has one. Tracking milestones, acting early and knowing your family’s rights help every child grow and thrive.
- Down Syndrome Down syndrome happens when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is the most common chromosomal condition in the U.S. With regular health checks, early intervention and support, people with Down syndrome learn, work, build friendships and live longer, fuller lives than ever before.
- Muscular Dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a group of more than 30 genetic diseases that weaken the muscles over time. Some types also affect the heart and breathing. There is no cure, but steady care from a specialist team — and, for Duchenne, newer medicines — can protect health, independence and quality of life.
- Neurofibromatosis (NF1, NF2 & Schwannomatosis) Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a group of genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves. Most of these tumors are not cancer. There is no cure yet, but regular checks at a specialty clinic, newer medicines for some tumors, surgery, hearing support and help at school let people with NF manage the condition across their lives.
- Smith-Magenis Syndrome Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a rare genetic condition that affects learning, behavior and, above all, sleep. Most people are affectionate and engaging, and most also need steady support with sleep, self-injury, speech and health checks. A genetic test confirms it, and a care team, therapies and school supports can help.
- Spina Bifida Spina bifida is a birth condition in which the spine and spinal cord do not fully form. It ranges from a hidden gap that never causes problems to a serious form that affects walking, bladder, bowel and fluid around the brain. Know the warning signs of a blocked or infected shunt, then learn how a specialist team, daily self-care and planning for each life stage help people live full lives.
- Williams Syndrome Williams syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects the heart and blood vessels, learning, and personality. Many people are warm, outgoing and musical, and many also need lifelong heart checks, calcium and blood pressure monitoring, care around anesthesia, and support for anxiety. A genetic test confirms it, and a care team, therapies and school supports can help.
Injuries, Exposures & Everyday Safety
17 guidesHead injuries, burns and shocks, surgery, medicines, devices and exposures.
- Agent Orange Exposure A herbicide sprayed during the Vietnam War. The VA links exposure to certain cancers and other illnesses, and offers health care, a free registry exam and benefits.
- Air Sickness & Motion Sickness Queasiness, sweating and nausea that come on when your eyes, inner ear and body disagree about movement — on a plane, in a car, on a boat or in virtual reality.
- Anesthesia & Surgery Recovery What to expect from general, regional and local anesthesia and sedation — how to prepare, the common side effects, the rare risks, and how to recover well.
- Animals & Pets: Holistic Comfort Care Comfort care for dogs, cats and horses: emergency warning signs, how to spot hidden pain, what research shows about magnetic and far-infrared pet products, and how veterinary care, chiropractic, acupuncture, supplements, massage and home changes fit together — including which human products are poisonous to pets.
- Coma & Disorders of Consciousness A coma is a deep state of unconsciousness after a serious injury or illness. Some people wake within days or weeks; others move through slower stages of recovery. This guide explains what families can expect, how to work with the care team, and how to look after yourself.
- Drug Overdose: Prevention & Response An overdose is a medical emergency — and often a preventable one. Learn the signs, how to use naloxone (sold over the counter), how to lower the risks, and where to find treatment that works. Recovery is possible.
- Electrical Shock Injuries An electrical shock can do far more damage inside the body than it shows on the skin. Never touch someone who is still in contact with the power, call 911 for any serious shock or lightning strike, and get checked even if the person seems fine.
- Gulf War Illness A long-lasting mix of symptoms — fatigue, pain, memory and concentration problems, stomach trouble, headaches, and skin or breathing complaints — that affects many veterans of the 1990–1991 Gulf War. The cause isn’t clear, but the VA recognizes it and offers care, a free registry exam and benefits.
- Head Injury, Concussion & TBI A bump, blow or jolt to the head can change how the brain works. Most people with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks, but some injuries are serious. Know the danger signs, get checked, and give the brain time to heal.
- Horses & Health: Riding Safety and Therapeutic Riding Horses can build balance, confidence and joy — and they can also hurt you. Learn how riding injuries happen and how to prevent them, what therapeutic riding and hippotherapy can and cannot do, and the germs, allergies and vaccines every horse person should know about.
- Magnet Therapy: Evidence & Safety Magnetic bracelets, insoles and mattress pads are popular for pain. This guide explains what research shows, how medical uses of magnetic fields differ, and how to use magnets safely around implanted devices and children.
- Medication Safety & Interactions Medicines help most of us live better, but they can also cause side effects, allergic reactions and interactions with other medicines, foods and supplements. Learn how to keep a medicine list, read labels, get a medication review, store and dispose of medicines safely, and when to get help.
- Metal Implants & Safety A practical guide for anyone with metal or a device inside them — joint replacements, plates and screws, dental work, stents, pacemakers or shrapnel: MRI safety labels, magnets and phones, airport screening, metal allergy, and the warning signs of infection or a failing implant.
- Motion Sickness & Altitude Sickness Queasiness on the road, at sea or in a VR headset, and the headache and nausea of going up into thin mountain air. Both are common and usually mild — but severe altitude illness is an emergency that needs descent.
- Plants (Poison Ivy, Poisonous Plants & Plant Allergies) Plants can cause trouble in four main ways: an allergic rash from poison ivy, oak or sumac; stings and sun-triggered burns from plants such as nettle and giant hogweed; poisoning when a plant, berry or mushroom is swallowed; and pollen allergy. Trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat is a 911 emergency, and Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) is free, around the clock and the right call for anything swallowed.
- Surgery (Preparing, Recovering & Staying Safe) Planned surgery goes better with good preparation. Ask questions, consider a second opinion, tell your team about every medicine and supplement, follow the fasting rules, protect against infection and blood clots, use pain medicine safely, and know the warning signs that need a call to your surgeon or 911.
- Wheelchair Users (Staying Healthy & Preventing Problems) Using a wheelchair every day brings predictable health risks: pressure injuries, sore shoulders and wrists, falls during transfers, bladder and bowel problems, blood clots and low mood. Most can be prevented or caught early with daily habits, a good seating evaluation and the right equipment. Know the emergency signs first.
A
B
C
D
H
J
- Joints → Arthritis
M
N
- Narcolepsy
- Neck
- Nerve Damage
- Neurofibromatosis
- Neuroma (Foot) → Morton’s Neuroma (Foot Neuroma)
O
- Osteoarthritis → Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
P
- Pacemakers, Pumps & Ventilators
- Pancreas
- Paraplegia → Spinal Cord Injury, Paraplegia & Tetraplegia
- Parasites
- Parkinson’s
- Pericarditis
- Phantom Limb Pain
- Phlebitis
- Plantar Fasciitis → Heel Pain: Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs
- Plants
- Pneumonia
- Poliomyelitis
- Polymyalgia
- Polymyositis
- Post-Polio → Polio & Post-Polio Syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Prostate
- Psoriasis
- PTSD
R
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Raynaud’s
- Restless Legs
- Rotator Cuff → Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff, Tendonitis & Frozen Shoulder)
- RSD
- RSV
S
- SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
- Sarcoidosis
- Schizophrenia
- Sciatica
- Scleroderma
- Scoliosis
- Seizures → Epilepsy & Seizures
- Sexual Performance
- Shin
- Shingles
- Shoulder
- Sinus
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Skin Problems
- Sleep Apnea
- Sleep Problems
- Smith-Magenis Syndrome
- Smoking
- Snoring
- Spastic Quadriplegia → Cerebral Palsy
- Spina Bifida
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolysis
- Stents
- Stomach → Digestion Problems (Indigestion, Bloating & Gas)
- Stroke
- Surgery
- Sweat Glands & Sweating
T
- Tailbone
- Teeth
- Tendonitis → Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Tennis Elbow
- Throat
- Thyroid
- Tics
- Tinnitus
- TMJ
- Tourette’s → Tics & Tourette’s Syndrome
- Transverse Myelitis
- Tremors
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Tumors → Cancer: Treatment, Support & Integrative Care
U
V
- Vasculitis
- Veins & Arteries → Poor Circulation (PAD & Vein Problems)
- Vertigo → Dizziness & Vertigo
No guide matches that. Try a different word, or tell us what you’re looking for — choose “Other / not listed”.
How it works
Every condition, six approaches
For each condition we define it in plain language, then compare conventional medicine with five holistic approaches — including an estimate of what each costs and how well it tends to work. Every fact links to its source.
Conventional medicine (AMA)
Diagnosis and treatment as recommended by the American Medical Association and medical specialty guidelines.
Chiropractic
Spinal and joint adjustment, posture and nervous-system care.
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine using fine needles at specific points.
Herbal medicine
Plant-based remedies, used with care around other medicines.
Massage therapy
Hands-on bodywork for muscles, circulation and stress.
MBHA Wellness Coach
One-to-one coaching on the daily habits behind the condition.
This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.