What if we just paused for a second to think about how easily we perform our daily tasks while millions of people worldwide struggle to complete even the simplest tasks. Well, for Essential Tremor warriors, these tasks are routine challenges to overcome. 

Even though there is no cure for most types of tremors, there are several treatments and devices available to assist. Let's take a look at one of the things essential tremors warriors can do to control their symptoms.

Firstly, let's quickly review what Essential Tremor is!

What Is Essential Tremor?

A tremor involves an involuntary, rhythmic contraction of muscles that causes a shaking movement. The movement disorder is most commonly found in the hands, but it may also affect the arm, head, vocal cords, torso, and legs. It is possible to experience tremors intermittently, with breaks, or consistently. It can appear sporadically (on its own) or result from another disorder.

Some tremors may be initiated or worsened by stress or strong emotions, when a person is physically exhausted, assumes specific postures, or performs certain actions. 

Tremors can be diagnosed through a physical examination, neurological examination, and medical history. As part of the physical examination, a doctor will assess the tremor according to the following criteria:

• If the tremor happens when the muscles are at rest or when they are inactive.
• The tremor's placement on the body and if it occurs on one or both sides of the body.
• The emergence of the tremor (tremor frequency and amplitude).

Until now, there is no specific treatment for Essential Tremors. But as we mentioned before, there are many treatments we can use to manage and control the symptoms. 

How can we treat Essential Tremors?

Presently, there is no cure for essential tremor, but there are various methods for managing and treating it.

If essential tremor symptoms become too difficult to live with on a regular basis, there are several options to address them, including medication, surgery, natural therapies, and lifestyle changes. We should always emphasize to patients that they should consult their healthcare provider about the best course of action.

Therapies can sometimes relieve or completely eliminate tremors caused by underlying health issues. Furthermore, if a medication is causing the tremor, stopping the medication may decrease or eliminate it. Depending on the severity of the tremor, there is a range of treatment options:

• Medication:

Beta-blocking drugs: Various blood pressure medications are commonly used to treat essential tremors, including propranolol. Some people can also use propranolol for treating other forms of action tremor. Among the other beta-blockers that may be used are atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, and sotalol.

Anti-seizure medications: Primidone, for example, may benefit persons with essential tremors who do not react to beta-blockers. Gabapentin and topiramate are two more drugs that may be administered.

Tranquilizers: (otherwise known as benzodiazepines) such as alprazolam and clonazepam may help some patients with tremors temporarily.  The use of these medications is limited due to their side effects, such as sleepiness, poor concentration, and poor coordination.

This can impair people's ability to accomplish daily tasks such as driving and working.  In addition, tranquilizers may cause physical dependence when taken regularly and can cause several withdrawal symptoms when abruptly discontinued.

Botulinum toxin: Almost all forms of tremor may be treated with injections. It is notably beneficial for head tremors, which do not react to medicines in most cases. Botulinum toxin is commonly used to treat dystonic tremors. The effects of botulinum toxin injections last around three months, but they can also cause muscular weakness.

• Surgery:

The most common types of surgical interventions are deep brain stimulation (DBS) and thalamotomy. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is sometimes recommended when the drug therapies do not relieve a person's tremors or when the tremors significantly impair their daily lives.  Although DBS is usually well-tolerated, dysarthria and balance problems are the most common side effects.

It is also possible for physical, speech-language, and occupational therapy to assist with tremor control and coping with everyday difficulties. Physical therapists can use exercises that improve coordination, balance, and muscular control to help clients. Let’s find out how exercise can help with tremors.

 Can exercise reduce tremors?

There can be some difficulty with some physical activities for people with tremors, just as with any physical therapy. An easy amount of exercise can help maintain a healthy body and mind, allowing the body and mind to relax and assist with coping with the difficulties of living with tremors.

Exercise can help with tremors in a variety of ways. The right kind of exercise that does not put undue strain on the joints can help, such as going for a gentle walk or swimming. 

• Dancing:

Whatever it is, from jazz to Zumba, it increases endorphins, the chemical in your body that makes you feel good. Dance is not only good for your physical and mental health but also for meeting new people and socializing.

• Hydrotherapy:

As a form of exercise, hydrotherapy involves doing mild workouts in swimming pools in order to maintain health and prevent sickness. The buoyancy of water can boost the strength of weak muscles so tremor-prone individuals can move their limbs more freely. In addition, the water's little resistance helps build muscles.

• Walking:

Taking a stroll, whether it is around the park or taking a walk out in the countryside, can benefit anyone of any fitness level. When walking for long distances, it is advisable to avoid walking on hills or hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time, as this might increase the risk of discomfort or pain. 

• Yoga: 

As a gentle exercise, yoga helps maintain fitness, flexibility, and muscle tone as well as optimize the body's natural healing abilities. As for that, breathing is essential because, when combined with meditation and visualization exercises, it's thought to aid in energizing the body and mind, reducing stress, and enhancing concentration and clarity. 

There have been many studies showing that exercise is good not only for the body but also for the brain. Research indicates that exercise improves memory, learning, and mood. It also indicates that exercise helps protect the brain from neurodegeneration. A study published by the National Library of Medicine in 2007 suggests that physical activity can reduce a person's risk of Parkinson's disease (PD).  Although Parkinson's disease is distinct from ET (despite some overlap), research on exercise in Parkinson's disease may be helpful to ET patients as well.

Eventually, the benefits of exercise are not limited to preventing or reducing the risk of life-threatening illnesses; but also slowing the aging process. So, we'd like to encourage you to get out, move, and try to dance or do other fun exercises. A few new friends, a greater sense of self-confidence, and a better outlook on life may be pleasant outcomes to consider. 

Always remember, you deserve the best warrior!