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Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis can put pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal. The pain can spread to one or both legs or you might feel tingling or numbness there. The symptoms are worse when you’re standing or walking than when you’re sitting. Often, painkillers and exercise can help.

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Further topics

Health care in Germany

It is usually not hard to find medical help if you become ill in Germany. There's an extensive network of easily accessible places to go for treatmen...

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia often leads to a high fever, a cough and weakness. People who are otherwise in good health generally get over it within a few weeks. But it...

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Acne

Most teenagers will have pimples at some point. Severe acne can be very distressing. But there are a number of things that can help, although it usua...

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Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Diverticula are pouches in the lining of the bowel where stool (poop) can get stuck. These small, balloon-shaped diverticula are often harmless, but ...

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Pubic lice

Pubic lice can be detected because they cause itching and leave blueish-gray or red bite marks. They are most commonly found in the pubic hair. You c...

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Gonorrhea ("the clap")

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Typical symptoms include a pus-like or watery discharge from the penis, v...

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Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis ("trich") is an infection caused by tiny parasites that are spread through sex. The symptoms include discharge and a burning sensation...

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Vaginal yeast infection (thrush)

Vaginal yeast infections are particularly common in women of childbearing age. The symptoms include itching, burning and abnormal vaginal discharge. ...

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Going to see a gynecologist

Gynecology appointments typically involve having a chat with the gynecologist and a physical exam. Why might you want to see a gynecologist? What hap...

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Fever in children

Most parents will know what it's like to feel worried when their child has a hot, red face and high temperature. Fevers in children are usually cause...

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Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is very contagious. Its name comes from typical symptoms: painful blisters in the mouth and a rash on the hands a...

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Boils and carbuncles

A boil (furuncle) is a pus-filled bump in the skin that is caused by a bacterial infection. It is a bit like a very big yellow pimple, but it’s deepe...

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Styes and chalazia (inflammation of the eyelid)

Styes and chalazia are common and can occur at any age. The eyelid is swollen because a gland at the edge of the eyelid has become inflamed. If it’s ...

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Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

If your elbow hurts when you move it and you have difficulty grasping objects, you might have tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. Both are usually caused...

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Bedbugs

Bedbugs are parasites that feed on human blood. Their bites are harmless, but they do leave small red marks that itch. Bedbugs are usually brought in...

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