How should one tackle pain in the lower back? It not only interferes with mobility but also reduces efficiency at home and work.

Approximately 60 per cent of adults have low back pain. Backache must be initially evaluated to rule out a herniated disc or weak bones. If there are no correctable causes, try sleeping on a firm mattress or the floor. Reduce your weight if you are obese. Exercise every day. Jogging, or even, walking strengthens the cartilage between the bones.

Crunches and sit-ups focus on the visible core muscles. These exercises need to be combined with the strengthening of the unseen smaller back muscles. This can be done by doing yoga or pilates. Spend 10 minutes a day strengthening your back. The results will be miraculous. Not only will the existing back ache improve, you are also unlikely to develop it in future.

Feet feel

I am diabetic, and I find it difficult to feel my feet.

The numbness and loss of sensation that you are feeling in your feet is called peripheral neuritis. Sometimes there is also a tingling. Since these symptoms are due to nerve damage from high blood sugars, following your diet and taking medications correctly is of utmost importance. If ignored, the peripheral neuritis can progress, leading to loss of sensation, unnoticed injuries, balance problems and falls.

Vitamins and pain medication are prescribed, but for effective relief, they may have to be combined with anti-epileptics and antidepressants.

Piercing gone wrong

I pierced my nose at a beauty parlour using a gun. I have severe pain, and my nose is swollen. The entire lower part of my nose is affected.

Consult a doctor. You probably need a course of antibiotics. So long as the foreign body — in this case, your nose ring — is present, it will not heal.

Sticky skin

My skin is very sticky. It attaches itself to paper, plastic and cloth.

It may be due to thyroid problems, low blood sugar or menopause. You can manage the stickiness by applying a face mask made of “multani mitti”. You can clean your face with blotting paper twice a day. A few drops of hyaluronic acid serum applied every night also works wonders.

Dry mouth

My mouth is dry, and so I have bad breath.

Saliva gets rid of bacteria and fungi in the mouth and keeps the mouth moist and lubricated. It may be a side effect of certain medications, use of tobacco products or part of an auto-immune disease. In any case, it needs to be evaluated. In the meantime, take frequent small sips of water to keep the mouth moistened.

Nail bite

No matter how hard I try, I cannot stop biting my nails.

Stopping the habit of biting nails is not a matter of simple self-control or mind over matter. It is part of the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive behaviours. It can damage the nail and cause infections. Try to keep yourself busy. Keep your nails trimmed short and apply bitter nail polish.

Fight fat

I have been slowly putting on weight as I age.

It is not a question of whether you are fat or thin but if you are healthy. Menopause, childbirth or increasing age are not reasons to gain weight. Remember, metabolism slows after the age of 20; you can no longer eat a lot of tasty calories. You need to exercise and build muscle mass.

The writer has a family practice at Vellore and is the author of Staying Healthy in Modern India. If you have any questions on health issues please write to yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in