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How Is Degenerative Disc Disease Treated?

Verywell Health

How Is Degenerative Disc Disease Treated?

Patty Weasler, RN, BSN – July 10, 2023

<p>laindiapiaroa / Getty Images</p> — laindiapiaroa / Getty Images

Medically reviewed by Cara Beth Lee, MD

Degenerative disc disease treatment aims to minimize symptoms and prevent further disc degeneration. Damage to the disc cannot be reversed. The right treatment option may depend on the extent of deterioration.

Degenerative disc disease is caused by the wear of the shock-absorbing discs (intervertebral discs) between the spinal vertebrae. It can occur in any area of the spine. The symptoms of degenerative disc disease include back pain (especially when sitting), numbness and tingling in the hands or feet, and weakness in the legs.

This article will cover the different treatment options for degenerative disc disease, including conservative treatment and surgery.

Medication

Medication can minimize pain and inflammation in people with degenerative disc disease. It will not stop the progression of the condition, but decrease its symptoms.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are medications that decrease inflammation and pain. They can relieve the associated back pain and decrease inflammation in the joints in those with degenerative disc disease.

Aspirin and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) are common over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs. Prescription NSAIDs include Nalfon (fenoprofen), ketoprofen, and sulindac.

Potential side effects of NSAIDs include ringing in the ears, dizziness, gas, bloating, constipation, and nervousness. People who are on blood thinners, have poor kidney function, or are pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider before taking an NSAID.

Nonnarcotic Pain Relievers

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a common OTC pain reliever. Prescription nonnarcotic pain relievers may also be recommended by a healthcare provider.

Narcotic Medications

Narcotic pain medications may be prescribed by a healthcare provider when pain is moderate to severe.

Narcotics like codeine and morphine work in the central nervous system (CNS) to numb pain. While narcotics are an effective pain medication, they do carry many side effects. These include:

Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness

Constipation is a very common narcotic side effect. Talk to a healthcare provider about starting a stool softener or increasing dietary fiber.

Muscle Relaxants

If someone is having muscle spasms in their back then a muscle relaxant may be a good choice to help relieve pain and spasms. Common muscle relaxants include Soma (carisoprodol) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine).

Muscle relaxants should not be used long-term, but rather for just three to four days. There are serious side effects like depression and drowsiness.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants may be used to treat pain and poor sleep in people with degenerative disc disease. The chemical reactions in neurons that cause depression seem to be the same nerve pathways as pain.

Using an antidepressant may not be right for everyone, but can be helpful to regain a normal sleep routine due to back pain.

Physical Therapy

People with degenerative disc disease may benefit from physical therapy. The overall goal of physical therapy will be to decrease pain and improve muscle strength and flexibility. This will help the body support the spine and reduce pain and stiffness.

There are many different treatments used under the physical therapy umbrella. They may include:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): The electrical stimulation from a TENS unit interferes with or blocks pain signals and can work for back pain.
Strength training: Strengthening the core can stabilize the spine and reduce back pain.
Improving flexibility: This can improve spine mobility and range of motion. Stretching also decreases back spasms.
Posture training: Poor posture contributes to back pain. A physical therapist can teach someone how to sit, stand, and move correctly.

Exercise

Regular exercise is an important component in maintaining spine health. Exercise strengthens back and abdominal muscles, which support the spine. A person with degenerative disc disease should talk to a healthcare provider before beginning an exercise routine. Ask if any motions (such as twisting) should be avoided.

Many types of exercise can be used, like weight training, aerobic exercise, and aquatic therapy, as follows:

Weight training combines weights with exercise and helps to prevent bone loss and strengthen muscles.
Aerobic exercise like walking, cycling, or running increases the heart rate and blood pressure while also releasing endorphins (the body’s natural pain relievers).
Aquatic therapy, or exercise in a pool, is an effective and low-impact aerobic exercise that is beneficial to people with degenerative disc disease. The water decreases pressure on the spine allowing the person to get the benefits of a workout without all the physical stress.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care uses adjustments to the spine to correct improper alignments, reduce pain, and improve the body’s ability to heal itself. There is limited research on the effectiveness and safety of chiropractic care for people with degenerative disc disease, so it should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice in which thin needles are inserted into the skin in different areas of the body. An acupuncturist will place the needles along meridians (traditional energy pathways). Acupuncture may improve healing by increasing blood flow or relieve pain by releasing endorphins.

Heat or Cold Therapy

Heat and cold therapy is a common treatment used to alleviate pain in joints.

Cold therapy works by applying an ice pack or cold towel to the painful area for 20 minutes at a time. The cold will interrupt the pain signal, thereby reducing pain. It will also cause the surrounding blood vessels to tighten, which will reduce swelling.

Heat can be used with a warm towel or heating pad. The heat will soothe sore muscles and dilate the surrounding blood vessels, which improves blood flow to the area.

Spine Injections

A steroid spine injection can reduce back pain and inflammation caused by degenerative disc disease. The injections use a combination of steroid medication and numbing medicine. Pain relief usually starts soon after the injection and lasts a few weeks to months.

Healthcare providers may limit the number of steroid injections a person can receive in a year. Too many can cause an infection or skin discoloration. Steroid injections are typically used when other conservative treatments are not successful.

Bracing

Another nonsurgical option for degenerative disc disease is a back brace. A back brace is a medical device that is wrapped around the lower back and secured with Velcro. The brace does not completely immobilize the back but does reduce the ability to move. It can stabilize the spine and reduce tension in people with degenerative disc disease.

Surgery

When degenerative disc disease does not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. Below are the different surgical options that can be used.

Disc Replacement

Disc replacement is used in place of a spinal fusion in people under 65 years of age who have a herniated disc in the neck. An artificial disc is placed where the damaged disc is removed. One of the greatest benefits is that it allows flexibility and stability in the spine.

People who have a disc replacement can usually go home after one night in the hospital and can walk within 24 hours. They may need to wear a brace for support during the first few weeks after surgery.

Discectomy

A discectomy is a common surgery used in the treatment of degenerative disc disease. During the procedure, the injured part of the disc is removed. This alleviates pressure on the surrounding nerves by making room in the spinal canal.

Spinal Fusion

A spinal fusion is when a surgeon permanently joins the vertebrae to eliminate movement and stabilize parts of the spine. Spinal fusion may be necessary when there is a severely degenerated disc. It is sometimes done in conjunction with a discectomy and is more often done on the neck than the lower back.

A spinal fusion requires an overnight stay at the hospital. The patient may need to wear a brace after surgery and will need to minimize activity until their surgeon clears them.

How to Prevent Degenerative Disc Disease From Getting Worse

While preventing degenerative disc disease may not be possible, there are several ways to decrease the rate of degeneration. Here are a few steps that can be taken:

Stop smoking. Research shows that smoking increases the rate at which the intervertebral disc degenerates.
Exercise. Regular exercise will strengthen the back and core muscles that support the spine.
Maintain a healthy weight. People with elevated body mass index (BMI) have a higher likelihood of developing degenerative disc disease.

Summary

Degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition that results when the cushions in between the vertebrae wear down. There is no cure for the condition and treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing further degeneration. Current treatments include exercise, physical therapy, and in severe cases surgery. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment route.

The worst thing for Russia’s economy isn’t Western sanctions. It’s Putin.

Business Insider

The worst thing for Russia’s economy isn’t Western sanctions. It’s Putin.

Phil Rosen – July 10, 2023

Vladimir Putin has steered the Russian economy to the brink of catastrophe.Anadolu Agency / Getty Images

Vladimir Putin has crippled Russia’s economy to fund the war in Ukraine, experts tell Insider.
Experts say the official data from Moscow suggests it’s faring far better than it actually is.
The ruble has is crashing, the labor force has seen an exodus, and civil war remains possible.

The West has imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow since it launched its war on Ukraine last February, but much of Russia’s economic troubles can be chalked up to suspect and counterproductive leadership by Vladimir Putin.

Before the “special military operation” began, Russia was the 11th largest economy in the world, accounting for almost 40% of Europe Union’s natural gas imports and a quarter of its crude oil. A year and a half later, Putin’s turned Moscow into a pariah state, isolated from the global financial system, barred from its most lucrative trade routes, and in the midst of a worker brain drain. Experts say the damage has been largely self-inflicted.

Speaking with Insider on Monday, Yale researchers Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian said that Putin has lost the economic battle to a profound degree, and now he’s scrambling to maintain a status quo that’s quickly dissolving beneath his feet.

“He’s devouring core bedrock industries,” Sonnenfeld said. “The lion’s share of the economy is controlled by the state, the energy and financial sectors, and Putin is taking from the seed capital of those businesses to use as a cookie jar for his war chest.”

Trade will never be the same

Russia is barely breaking even on its energy trade, and most of its other top commodities like wheat, lumber, and metals sell cheaper today than before the invasion. The lack of trade income pushed Putin to levy draconian windfall taxes on businesses and individuals, which the Yale academics see as part of his “cannibalization” of the economy.

“Laying on onerous taxes is doing nothing for the economic health of the country, but they allow him to pay bills,” Sonnenfeld said.

Putin’s policy missteps became inevitable after he made the initial call to invade Ukraine, Tian said, adding that Russia’s trade status may never be the same. It’s become increasingly clear that other countries can get by just fine without Russia as a trading partner.

“He’s destroying the historical underpinnings of the Russian economy,” Tian said. “Its main exports have always been commodities, but now nobody needs to buy Russian commodities anymore.”

Yale data shared with Insider showed that Russia’s natural gas market in particular has been permanently lost.

The initial supply shock in February 2022 has quickly been overcome, with nearly 100 billion cubic metres of natural gas going online since then thanks to regasification projects commissioned across Europe. Germany has led nations including France, Netherlands, and Italy to develop new floating storage units that have come online in record time.

yale lng russia fuel energy — Russia’s LNG markets are permanently lost, according to Yale data. Gas production across other major exporters jumped following the invasion of Ukraine.Courtesy of Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute

While China and India have stepped in as big buyers of cheap Russian crude since last year, steep discounts and lengthy shipping routes prevent those sales from propping up the Russian economy in a meaningful way.

“If Putin were on the call with us today, he couldn’t point to a single policy or economic positive for himself, the Russian people, or the economy,” Sonnenfeld said.

Potential for Soviet-style collapse

Volodymyr Lugovskyy, an economics professor at Indiana University, told me he expects to see a dramatic economic change within the next three or four months.

“Many people still don’t realize how bad the situation in Russia might be,” he said.

Official government data point to an economy that’s been able to withstand the costs of war, but under-the-hood numbers like retail sales, flight purchases, and business activity suggest otherwise.

“Things are much worse than the reported 2% drop in GDP,” Lugovskyy said. “Sales of new cars, sales of new computers, those dropped by 40% to 60%. And if you remove military activity from the data, production looks far worse [than reported].”

The country’s currency in particular looks vulnerable. After the Wagner Group’s attempted mutiny in June, the ruble crashed to a 15-month low. On Monday, it hovered just above 90 per dollar, but that could weaken to 149 per dollar, in Lugovskyy’s view.

A change in power, civil war, or another attempt at mutiny, the professor maintained, could drag on the exchange rate and ultimately lead to the collapse of the economy.

“Russia might collapse into multiple pieces, like the Soviet Union, and that might not be a bad thing for the world,” Lugovskyy said. “It’s resembling an empire right now, with a central power. Extreme events are highly possible.”

Toxic algae that can cause lung infections and neurological disorders is taking over a giant lake in Florida, and ecologists say the bloom will only grow

Business Insider

Toxic algae that can cause lung infections and neurological disorders is taking over a giant lake in Florida, and ecologists say the bloom will only grow

Katie Hawkinson – July 9, 2023

Boats sit at a dock while algae blooms turn the water green around them in Lake Okeechobee. — More than half of Lake Okeechobee is covered in algae blooms.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Florida’s Lake Okeechobee is already half full with toxic algae, and the bloom will only grow.
Fumes from the algae can cause several health complications, like lung infections.
Climate warming and pollutant run-off from nearby crops help it thrive, experts say.

The largest freshwater lake in Florida, which is a draw for fishing and boating in the summer months, likely won’t see many faces this year.

That’s because Lake Okeechobee is already half-full with a bright green, toxic algae that researchers say will only grow as algae season continues on through the summer. The algae can cause several health complications, including lung infections, organ damage, and neurological disorders, The New York Times reports.

Experts told the Times the severity of this year’s bloom is, in large part, due to the warming climate that has resulted in increased rainfall and rising levels of carbon dioxide, which the algae feeds on. The algae also thrives among the fertilizer and manure that runs into the lake from nearby crops.

This is not a new problem for Florida. In 2018, former Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency across seven counties in an effort to combat the same toxic algae in Lake Okeechobee that was also inundating a nearby river.

Finding a solution to this toxic bloom has been a challenge.

Florida plans to build a reservoir to stop the algae from flowing out of the lake and into other bodies of water — though the Times reports that the reservoir would fill to capacity after depleting Okeechobee by only six inches.

Environmentalists are also calling on the state of Florida to implement rules limiting the run-off of pollutants from nearby crops that feed the algae, the Times reports.

This policy would take decades to make a large impact, thanks to the phosphorous-rich sediment already present in the lake.

Las Vegas Valley is making major changes to its landscape to keep up with its fast-growing population

TCD

Las Vegas Valley is making major changes to its landscape to keep up with its fast-growing population — here’s what’s happening

Mary Swansburg – July 9, 2023

The Las Vegas Valley is working with its citizens to help them ditch their grassy yards and embrace Nevada’s natural landscape instead.

The news was shared in an article by ProPublica that was reposted on Reddit.

Las Vegas Valley landscape — Photo Credit: u/WhoIsJolyonWest / Reddit

The effort will conserve water and allow the population in Vegas to continue growing.

Community members have already done their part to conserve water indoors, and Nevada treats and recycles all indoor water. Outdoor water, however, cannot be recycled in the same way because it evaporates or settles into the ground.

Because of this, the state is turning toward grass reduction because growing grass in the desert climate requires a significant amount of water.

A similar plan has been utilized before and helped the conservation effort, but it encountered some pushback from homeowner associations (HOAs.) Also, some citizens want to preserve the aesthetic of green lawns, so the state is making an effort to find a compromise.

The state is targeting “nonfunctional” grass first, like grass that lines roadways and lakes, with the goal to get rid of all of it by 2027. Citizens upset about grass removal can submit an exemption request — many of which are approved — making the pushback from HOAs minimal.

In addition, some companies like Par 3 Landscape and Maintenance are offering ideas for alternative plantlife that is native to the area, such as evergreens and desert-friendly shrubs.

Families that choose to embrace the natural landscape will lower their water bills while leaving resources for the addition of new residents and businesses. On top of that, they’ll be helping to fight rising global temperatures.

Princeton reported that 800 million gallons of gasoline, which releases planet-warming gases, are used by lawn equipment each year, and an additional 17 million gallons are spilled in the process.

Plus, the Natural Resource Defense Council reported that lawns are responsible for consuming almost three trillion gallons of water each year. And when grass is grown outside of its natural habitat, it doesn’t benefit the local wildlife either.

One Redditor echoed this in the comments. “Lawns do NOT belong in the southwest,” they wrote.

Luckily, the Las Vegas Valley is setting a great example for communities looking to conserve water.

“If everyone else takes on similar initiatives, we’ll be able to sustain our community and communities across the Colorado River Basin for future generations,” said Howard Watts, Nevada state representative.

Investigation Uncovers More of Clarence Thomas’ Undisclosed Freebies from Wealthy Pals

Rolling Stone

Investigation Uncovers More of Clarence Thomas’ Undisclosed Freebies from Wealthy Pals

Peter Wade – July 9, 2023

Clarence Thomas’ connections to wealth and expensive vacations run deeper than billionaire businessman and Nazi-enthusiast Harlan Crow. The New York Times reports that Thomas has milked relationships with the rich he made through the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, a scholarship association, to benefit himself and his wife.

Because of their Horatio Alger connections, Thomas and his spouse, Virginia, have been invited to join luxurious vacations and parties in addition being granted V.I.P. access to sports events. Thanks to the association, Thomas also rubbed elbows with the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Ed McMahon during a lavish three-day Montana birthday party for billionaire industrialist Dennis Washington.

But the connections Thomas made through Horatio Alger have benefitted him beyond lavish trips. Thomas’ Horatio Alger contacts — including Washington as well as investor David Sokol, formerly of Berkshire Hathaway — helped fund a documentary that painted him in a heroic light after the premiere of an HBO movie that depicted Anita Hill during his confirmation hearings making sexual harassment allegations against Thomas. The Sokol family also hosted Thomas and his wife at their Montana ranch and their waterfront Florida estate. According to the Times, Thomas has not reported many of the benefits and gifts he has received from his rich and well-connected allies. The justice also declined to answer questions from the paper about the matter.

Early in his SCOTUS tenure, Thomas did report a number of personal gifts he received, including flights on private planes, cigars, and clothing. But after 2004, when The Los Angeles Times reported on his disclosures, Thomas ceased reporting to the court certain gifts and benefits he received. A ProPublica investigation in 2023 uncovered the justice’s close relationship with Crow, a GOP megadonor with a large collection of Nazi memorabilia and Hitler paintings, including trips on Crow’s private jet and yacht totaling tens of thousands and Crow’s purchase of the house where Thomas’ mother lived. Crow even paid tuition for Thomas’ nephew, who the Thomases were raising. After his relationship with Crow came to light, Thomas justified his lack of disclosures, claiming that “colleagues and others in the judiciary” advised him he did not need to report trips of “personal hospitality” from friends.

Thomas has not only accepted benefits that granted him access to places he otherwise may not have gone, he also hosts the Horatio Alger Association’s induction ceremony for new members in the Supreme Court’s courtroom, which the Times notes is “unusual access” for an outside group. The association has parlayed the access Thomas gives them to fundraise for scholarships and events, per fundraising records reviewed by the Times.

The court this year updated its disclosure rules to mandate justices report private jet travel and comped stays at hotels and resorts, but there is an exception for “personal hospitality,” meaning food, accommodations, or entertainment that is not related to business.

“The Horatio Alger Association has been a home to Virginia and me,” Thomas said when he received the association’s highest honor in 2010, adding that the association “has allowed me to see my dreams come true.”

If his dreams were of undisclosed fancy vacations and V.I.P. access, then that’s probably the case.

Staying active and healthy – here are some key points to stay fit as you get older

Portsmouth Herald

Staying active and healthy – here are some key points to stay fit as you get older

Brandon Brown, Portsmouth Herald – July 8, 2023

Peter Hubbard, 85, spots his wife, Nona, 61, during a recent weight-lifting workout. Both will compete at the Powerlifting America New Hampshire State Championship at The Lift Free or Die Gym in Dover starting at 9 a.m.

Peter Hubbard, an 85-year-old Candia resident, is a big advocate for physical activity, especially as people age.

“There’s lots of research and data that shows that as you grow older, you’re going to lose muscle density and mass, but you can maintain it better through exercise,” Hubbard said. “It’s been proven that exercise improves your life expectancy, it gives you the ability to do things when you get older that you wouldn’t be able to do. You don’t have to lift all these heavy weights, and I don’t expect everybody to go out and try to be a powerlifter, but if you continue to work out and lift weights, then you can live into you 60s, 70s and 80s, and you’re going to have a better quality of life.

This Sunday, Hubbard will compete in the Powerlifting America New Hampshire State Championship at The Lift Free or Die Gym in Dover starting at 9 a.m.

Though there are three events – the squat, the bench-press and the deadlift, Hubbard is only participating in the bench-press. Hubbard’s goal is to bench more than 200 pounds. Hubbard’s wife, Nona, 61, will participate in all three events.

Although preparation for such a competition takes at least three months, Hubbard is in the gym and keeps up with physical activity year-round.

Hubbard is a role model for how to keep your body strong and fit as you enter your golden years.

Caroline Schepker, doctor at Wentworth-Douglass

It’s never too late to get physically fit

The aging process, realistically, begins in the late 20s and doesn’t become noticeable for most people until their 40s or 50s, said Dr. Caroline A. Schepker, a physiatrist who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation and sports medicine at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover.

“It’s usually around the age where people start to notice that they feel a little bit stiffer, maybe a little bit more easily aching, and look like they’ve lost a little muscle mass,” she said. “The best time to start prevention wise is in your 20s and 30s and kind of maximizing your muscle mass and your mobility.”

Additionally, Schepker said it’s never too late to start with things such as mobility training and strength training.

“And what that could look like is working with either a physical therapist or athletic trainer, or personal trainer to develop a whole body strength and conditioning program that also works on mobility, which is just flexibility and range of motion,” Schepker added.

“The general prescription of physical activity, whether it’s in a sport or just going to the gym or doing your own independent exercise, there’s three categories to it,” Schepker said. “One is aerobic exercise, also known as cardiovascular exercise, the second is resistance training or strength training and the third is flexibility and balance; they kind of put those three together.”

From a fitness standpoint, an ideal week involves two to three days, or 150 total minutes of aerobic exercise, at least two days a week with strength training and at least two days a week with range of motion exercises.

The most common problem Schepker sees is pain, and mostly coming from the spine and lower back, and secondly the hips, knees and shoulders.

“What that usually comes down to is a relative lack of core strength conditioning,” she said. “Even very fit active people can lose touch with their core muscles and how to optimally activate them to stabilize their spine. It can really irritate the little joints and discs in the back. So that’s probably what I see in the older, more active athletic population.”

Stretching or no stretching?

Schepker said stretching is actually one of the topics that can be controversial.

“If you really look into the research to stretching, some people say stretch and some people say don’t,” she said. “I think the reason why it’s complicated is because it’s not just stretching, but also mobility and range of motion exercises; they all have their place.”

Schepker said the research and studies shows that the recommendation is that as people get older, connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, naturally start to stiffen.

“Our joints generally get a little stiffer, and we lose range of motion, so it becomes important to do some stretching or range of motion medicine,” she said.

While daily is preferred, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults who are 65 and older stretch at least three times per week.

“And what they recommend for that is really performing stretches of all major muscle groups, meaning the muscle groups that surround the hips, the trunk spine, shoulders and holding stretches for at least 10 to 30 seconds,” Schepker said. “Bigger muscles, like the hamstrings, may require up to 60 seconds. But, holding a stretch is called static stretching and that’s generally done after physical activity or kind of in isolation. Whereas before physical activity, it’s more important to do more kind of active range of motion instead of static holds of stretching.”

Schepker said active range of motion includes things like gently moving joints through their range of motions.

“Things like arm circles, arm swings, hip circles, just kind of getting all the joints through their range,” Schekper said.

How should ages 65 and older approach physical activity

Below is a chart that outlines what the American Heart Association and ACSM recommends for frequency, intensity and types of training for those 65 and older.

“Some older adults who have athletic or fitness backgrounds may feel comfortable looking at those guidelines and kind of being independent with them,” Schepker said. “For those who have questions or concerns about how to incorporate any piece of it, whether it’s the aerobic aspect, or the strength training, or the flexibility or the balance, usually the best place to start is speaking with your doctor and/or working with a physical therapist or athletic trainer.”

Schepker said working with a physical therapist or an athletic trainer is a good way to develop a program for themselves and get comfortable with some of the concepts to where they can branch off to do it independently.

China is preparing for war

The Telegraph – Opinion

China is preparing for war

Tom Sharpe – July 8, 2023

Chinese premier Xi Jinping has ordered his forces to prepare for war — Ships, men and money – Damian Pawlenko/AP

Tensions between the West and China show no sign of easing. Interdependence and mistrust continue to mix uneasily. Triggers are many and varied including; human rights, relations with Russia vis-à-vis Ukraine, microchip manufacturing and the big one, Taiwan.

Then there is the rhetoric. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is in Beijing for talks aimed at easing some of these tensions. It’s ironic, but not unprecedented, that at the exact same time, President Xi is telling the troops of the Eastern Theatre Command – the one that faces Taiwan – that they need to step up their combat readiness and “… persist in thinking and handling military issues from a political perspective, dare to fight, be good at fighting, and resolutely defend our national sovereignty, security, and development interests.”

This is not the first time Xi has timed an info-ops stunt like this to coincide with a diplomatic visit and neither is he the first Chinese President to do it.

Hu Jintao did something similar in 2011 telling his military to “make extended preparations for warfare”. It has happened many times since. One can make a case that this constant need to posture in this way masks a lack of confidence.

Xi’s military numbers and rate of build might be eyewatering but what experience underpins them? Russia’s efforts in Ukraine have shown repeatedly that spectacular parades do not equate to hardened fighting competence. His message is timed with Yellen’s visit to create maximum international effect but internally it is as likely to be a kick aimed at his generals than an immediate call to arms.

In the longer term, is war with China inevitable? General Mike Minihan of the US Air Force says it is; a hawkish stance that I suspect is shared by quite a few in the US military. But, as is the way, there are plenty who believe that the situation will continue to be managed by ongoing diplomatic efforts and the deterrent effect of our combined militaries.

Certainly, the ongoing importance of both conventional and nuclear deterrence cannot be underestimated right now. This, coupled with maximum diplomatic effort, soft and hard, should sit alongside military operations and exercises designed to demonstrate what it could look like if these efforts fail.

One thing we can be sure of is that US Pacific Command will be planning for all ‘fighting’ eventualities with a high degree of granularity. Having been part of a US led contingency plan myself (thankfully not one that was put into action in my time) I know that the level of detail that goes into American wargaming is exceptional and the algorithms they use to determine levels of damage and casualties are sophisticated.

Having said that, the quirk of taking a kicking from Enemy X during a wargame but then telling the General in the final debrief that ‘we issued a beat down’ was interesting to watch from close up. Nevertheless, PACOM’s planning for a war with China will be reassuringly comprehensive.

So what for the UK? Well, we will feature in the plan. Somewhere in the chapter marked ‘assets’ will be what we could offer in a ‘fight tonight’. That’s zero right now, with apologies to HMS Tamar and HMS Spey, the almost unarmed patrol vessels which are all we have in the Indo-Pacific area at the moment. Then there’s what ‘best effort’ would look like if we sent everything we have across Defence, and a reasonable middle ground with associated deployment timelines.

We Brits will be a footnote in terms of overall combat power with two exceptions. Our aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (with a full outfit of US/allied jets) would be a noticeable piece on the game board if she was out there.

Secondly our nuclear powered attack submarines, armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, are a threat to worry any Chinese admiral. There will be other areas where we can contribute such as intelligence, cyber, special forces etc, but the carrier and the submarines will be front and centre of the conventional plan.

In QE and the Astute class submarines, we have cutting-edge capabilities. The carrier herself has redundancy (which has proven useful recently with HMS Prince of Wales in drydock to replace a broken shaft) but everything beneath that is wafer thin: we have very few F-35 jets to put aboard her, very few escort ships to send with her and not enough ammunition (including Tomahawks), support helicopters or supporting logistic ships.

Much of this will be ameliorated by operating in the sort of allied task group that would be assembled for a fight like this but every time you have to put a star by your asset (*needs US support) you degrade your usefulness until eventually they look at you across the room and ask ‘are you in this or not?’ This is happening.

And, of course, neither of those assets are there right now. HMS Queen Elizabeth made a significant impression during her 2021 deployment there but isn’t due back until 2025. Similarly, our attack subs are already fully assigned elsewhere. Someone will have worked out how quickly both these things could get there but it isn’t ‘soon’.

The Aukus alliance between us, the US and Australia is an outstanding political and military collaboration but is going to take an age to come online and a lot could happen in that time. There has however been talk of sending one of our submarines to the Indo-Pacific early.

If this happens, and is coordinated with US attack submarine deployments to the region, and we buy more Tomahawks, then that would be a significant UK contribution to both deterrence and the fight. There are a lot of unfunded assumptions in there though.

More broadly, the Integrated Review Refresh is complete and still suitably ambiguous as to whether Continental Europe, the North Atlantic or the Indo-Pacific should constitute ‘main effort’. All eyes are therefore on the imminent Defence Command and Balance of Investment Papers to allocate resources to these areas and thus provide some answers.

While this turn of the handle won’t have the slash-and-burn effect of the 2010 process there also won’t be any more money: probably less in real terms. We remain almost the only country in Europe steadfastly opposed to increasing Defence expenditure just now.

Meanwhile, the situation in Taiwan feels like a ‘circling press aircraft’. Let me explain.

I was in a naval exercise off the north of Scotland some time ago when a light aircraft claiming that it was neutral and full of press approached the ship. We spoke to it and then ‘warned’ it ranging from ‘hello who are you?’ to ‘turn away now or you will be fired on’.

Then at the range where the Rules of Engagement would have allowed me to start shooting, five miles, it turned 90 degrees and started circling the ship. We carried on talking to it and reading ‘warnings’ but they protested, stated their peaceful intentions and continued to circle. But now they were at four miles. My bluff had been called. We had intelligence to suggest a light aircraft threat but they weren’t closing us directly and so we were not allowed to engage. Now they were at three.

It was a brilliant scenario, because when do you pull the trigger?

This is what is happening with China and Taiwan. China continues to circle, getting ever closer but never pointing directly at the target. Aggressive exercises, encircling, drone overflights and encroachments will continue until they become ‘normal’, then they will tighten a little more.

My working theory is that they will keep closing in and wait for a natural disaster such as an earthquake or tsunami to provide cover for a final move under cover of Humanitarian and Disaster Relief. It’s hard to say ‘no’ to assistance and before you know it Chinese presence on Taiwan has also become ‘normal’. I could be wrong. I hope I’m not because many of the alternatives are far, far worse.

In the meantime, the diplomatic, information and deterrent efforts from both sides will continue apace. Xi will carry on building equipment and posturing aggressively and the West will continue to try and decide where to sit between appeasement, essential cooperation and aggression.

The UK will continue to contribute where it can, whilst hoping that no one notices the smallness of the stick with which we are walking softly.

To finish the story, I was out of ideas with the ‘press aircraft’ until I heard our American exchange officer in the Operations Room. He was a little bemused when I put my headset on him and told him to say, ‘turn away or we will fire on you’ but did as we was asked.

There was then a five-second pause before a new voice appeared on the radio, “British warship, this is the aircraft pilot. Can I just check this is still an exercise?”

They had turned away before I could say ‘yes’.

Tells you something.

Kremlin expands surveillance on Russians’ music and taxi journeys

The Telegraph

Kremlin expands surveillance on Russians’ music and taxi journeys

James Kilner – July 8, 2023

Vladimir Putin has ramped up surveillance of his people as he battles to crush dissent – AFP

The Kremlin will soon begin restricting Russians’ music playlists and tracking their taxi journeys in real time as it ramps up state surveillance two weeks after a failed rebellion.

Yandex Music, Russia’s most popular music streaming service, has said it will create a “safe environment” by blocking “dangerous” content, a move that activists have criticised.

“Recommendations on music services are nothing more than the automation of censorship using algorithms,” said Sarkis Darbinyan, a lawyer at Russian Roskom Svoboda which is a Russian NGO.

The music streaming service is part of the Yandex group of companies. Once dubbed the “Russian Google”, Yandex provides Russians with navigation tools, internet searches, a taxi-hailing app, food delivery services and everything else in between.

But analysts have also said that the Kremlin uses Yandex to spy on Russians and spread its propaganda. Part of this propaganda has been to promote pro-war singers and sideline anti-war artists but this is the first time that it will impose restrictions on people’s music choices.

To ‘protect’ listeners

Yandex Music said that the restrictions were designed to protect listeners from racist and Nazi-themed songs but Ms Darbinyan from Roskomsvoboda said that this was just a smokescreen.

“Musicians who have declared their civil and anti-war position have already essentially been thrown off the Russian stage, forbidden to perform and to earn their bread,” she said. “Now, I’m afraid this practice of blacklisting will affect all Russian streaming platforms.”

The Kremlin has banned parts of the internet including YouTube, while Spotify and other Western music streaming services stopped operating in Russia after the Russian invasion last year.

The new restrictions came after Vladimir Putin faced down a mutiny two weeks ago by his former mercenary commander Yevgeny Prigozhin, and analysts have said he needs to reimpose his authority.

And this means more censorship and more power for his favoured FSB intelligence agency.

Round-the-clock access to data

On Friday, the Russian government said that it had given the FSB the right to monitor people’s movements on taxi aggregation services.

Russian opposition media described the new taxi censorship laws as effectively giving the FSB “24/7 remote access” to passenger data.

One of the FSB’s main roles is to monitor the Russian population for any signs of dissent, and the Wall Street Journal has now reported that foreigners fall under an intensified surveillance operation.

It said that a special FSB unit called the DKRO monitors foreign nationals that enter Russia.

They also often play intimidatory mind games such as breaking into hotel rooms or apartments, moving bookcases and leaving smoked cigarette butts in bathrooms and faeces in suitcases, the newspaper reported.

One of the Wall Street Journal’s Russia correspondents, Evan Gershkovich, was arrested in March and accused of spying. He strongly denies the accusation.

How do I fix an overwatered plant? The warning signs – and ways to combat excessive moisture

Homes & Gardens

How do I fix an overwatered plant? The warning signs – and ways to combat excessive moisture

Drew Swainston – July 8, 2023

Overwatering plants is a common mistake to make and many people do not realize it can be as dangerous as underwatering. There is the potential for plants to be killed by overwatering as the roots can essentially be suffocated by too much moisture in the soil.

However, rest assured that there are tried-and-tested methods of fixing a plant that has been overwatered and getting it back to a healthy and thriving state again. The measures can be as simple as stopping watering until the soil dries out, to moving the plant or repotting it into a new soil mix.

Judging when to water plants is always tricky, especially so for a novice gardener, so it pays to know those classic signs of overwatering so you can spot them quickly and make any moves required to deal with that excess moisture in the soil.

What should I do if I overwater my plant?

Overwatering plants happens. It is often a case of over-enthusiasm and mis-judging how much moisture the plants need, though it can be a year-round issue and equally as problematic during the winter months as when watering plants in hot weather.

There are recommended tactics to avoid potential plant overwatering, such as watering plants from the bottom if they are in pots. You can also get aids, such as self-watering planters (our pick is below) or using DIY drip irrigation techniques to help control the watering of indoor plants or when container gardening.

However, there are tell-tale signs that any plant has been overwatered which are important to recognize. This includes yellowing or browning leaves, wilting, and also the soil can look green as a result of algae growth.

At the first sign of any of these, move quickly to see if overwatering could be the cause. While it is more common to overwater houseplants or those in containers, overwatering outdoor plants does also often occur and the signs to look out for will be the same.

The first move should be to check how wet the soil is around the base of the plants. When watering plants in containers, always use your fingers to see the moisture levels a few inches down in the pot. The soil may look dry on top, but still be very sodden below the surface and adding more moisture can easily lead to overwatering. An alternative to using your fingers is to get a soil moisture meter that can be inserted and give an instant reading with regards to water levels. Sonkir’s meter is by far Amazon’s best seller with over 30,000 positive reviews, and can also test soil pH.

If you fear overwatering to be the issue, then there are simple steps to take. Which one is the best step is likely to be dependent on how fast you spotted the signs of this garden watering mistake and how waterlogged the soil got.

ETGLCOZY 6/4.1/3.2 Inch Self Watering Planter Pots | available at Amazon
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1. Stop watering

It may seem obvious, but the main thing to remember is to stop giving an overwatered plant any more water. Continuing to add more water to an already overwatered plant can further exacerbate the issues and increase the chance of root rot.

It may take many days for the soil to dry out, but hold off from watering the plant while it dries out. If the problem has been identified quickly then merely letting the soil dry out and then adjusting your watering schedule to better suit the plant can often do the trick.

2. Re-pot the plant

To help the plant to recover from overwatering, it can be beneficial to re-pot it and improve the soil type in which it is living. Depending on how sodden the soil is, it might be possible to lift the plant out of the pot and allow the soil to dry in the air for a few hours. If the soil is so wet this seems unlikely, then it would be best to re-pot it completely into a better soil mix.

How to repot an overwatered plant in 5 simple steps:

Remove the plant from the pot and try to remove as much of the wet soil as you can.
Inspect the roots and cut off any rotting sections, they will look brown and potentially have a decaying odor.
Pick a pot and make sure there are holes in the bottom for drainage. You can reuse the same pot, but it is best to wash it out beforehand.
Repot the plant in a mix of free-draining compost, for example the Premium Organic Potting Mix from Burpee, with some perlite or grit added in for extra drainage. Do not reuse potting soil, or use garden soil in pots as it holds too much moisture.
Place the pot in a shady spot and refrain from watering until the soil mix feels dry.

3. Move the pot

While the instinct might be to move the plant to the sunniest spot possible to help dry out the soil, this can actually do the plant further harm. It is far better to move the plant into a shaded spot to allow it to dry out.

A plant that has been overwatered will struggle to move water to its upper leaves, which can leave the upper levels of the plant at risk of drying out due to evaporation in full sun. This can further stress the plant, it is better to move the plant to a shady spot and remove any flowers or fruits that are towards the top. Removing theses helps the plant focus its energy into recovery and surviving.

4. Increase air flow

Increasing the air flow can help to dry a plant out. This can be particularly beneficial if you can lift the plant out of the pot and air dry the soil around the root ball. Air flow can help to dry out soil that is holding too much moisture, especially if they are in porous terracotta pots, and it can dry soil throughout the whole container. This can be achieved by placing a fan nearby.

If you can lift the root ball, lay it on a rack and get some air movement around it to help reduce some of that excess moisture. Once dried, the root ball can go back into the pot again.

FAQs

How long does it take for a plant to recover from overwatering?

The time it takes for a plant to recover from overwatering will depend on certain factors, including how sodden the soil is, the pot size, and temperature. It is a case of playing the waiting game and monitoring how long it takes for the soil to dry out completely before starting to water again. It can take between one and two weeks for a plant to dry out and start the recovery process from being overwatered.

What are signs of root rot?

The tricky thing with root rot is that, while there can be signs of the issue showing above the ground, you cannot be sure until you lift the plant. By this time there could be a lot of damage done to the plant’s overall health. The signs to look for include yellowing leaves, wilting, overall slow growth of plants, and also a rotting smell from the soil. Roots affected by rot will be brown or black in color, potentially slimey, and smelling of decay. There is no treatment for root rot, you can trim off any affected sections if you catch it in time and hope there are enough healthy roots remaining to maintain the plant.

Should I re-pot after overwatering?

There are many scenarios where it is helpful to re-pot a plant after overwatering. This is especially the case where the plant is living in a pot that does not have holes in the bottom for drainage. If there is nowhere for the water to go, the bottom of the pot can fill with moisture and start to suffocate the roots. If the soil is very sodden, or the pot does not have holes for excess water to escape through, then it is important to repot the plant.

Should I water an overwatered plant?

No, you should not water an overwatered plant. Continuing to add more moisture further increases the risk of root rot and the eventual demise of your plant. Stop watering and carefully monitor the plant until the soil dries out. Check the moisture levels regularly using your fingers to see the level a few inches into the soil. Only when the soil becomes dry to the touch should you start adding water and alter the watering schedule to prevent overwatering again.

Overwatering can often be a problem with container plants and houseplants, though it does not need to be the end of the road for any affected plant. Always get to know your plants, learn what watering they need to be at their best. and tailor any schedule to them. Never treat all plants the same when it comes to watering, as that can spell trouble. And monitor them closely, the sooner you see any troublesome signs the quicker you can act and the more likely it is the plant can pull through fine.

Texas considered a bill that would severely limit residents’ use of solar power: ‘[It] would turn all of Texas into an HOA’

TCD

Texas considered a bill that would severely limit residents’ use of solar power: ‘[It] would turn all of Texas into an HOA’

Laurelle Stelle – July 8, 2023

The Texas legislature recently considered a bill to heavily restrict the generation of wind and solar energy, University of Texas at Austin research scientist Joshua D. Rhodes revealed in a tweet.

The bill in question was Texas SB 624, co-sponsored by Senators Lois Kolkhorst, Mayes Middleton, and Bryan Hughes. It would have established new permit requirements for affordable “renewable energy” — not for dirty energy sources, such as coal. In a win for clean energy, it failed to get out of committee.

According to the latest version of the bill (as of late May), any Texas resident with a large solar or wind system who wanted to connect to the grid would have needed a permit. The lengthy permitting process would have required a public meeting to allow comments, multiple surveys and assessments, and a website with information about the project.

SB 624 would also have required that wind turbines be placed a whole 3,000 feet — more than half a mile — away from the property line, except with the permission of neighboring property owners.

“Texas #SB624 would turn all of Texas into an HOA where your neighbors are now going to be able to tell you what you can and can’t do on your own property,” tweeted Rhodes.

As written, the bill applied to facilities with a capacity of 10 megawatts or higher to connect “with a transmission facility.” That wouldn’t include small residential systems, which are usually between one and four kilowatts (0.001 to 0.004 megawatts), according to Yes Energy Solutions.

However, it would have applied to the many wind farms set up by rural property owners across Texas, Rhodes said.

“Our current and expected fleet of renewables are set to pay landowners tens of billions of dollars over their lifetimes, but those Texans might get less if their neighbors protest,” he said in a comment.

Power Up Texas said the new bill would not only have harmed Texas landowners financially but would also have made the energy grid less stable and raise the cost of electricity for everyone.

According to state legislators, the bill’s purpose was to protect wildlife, water, and land from the effects of energy generation. But it’s telling that the proposed law applied only to nonpolluting wind and solar, rather than heavily polluting energy sources like coal and oil that have a much harsher impact on our air and our planet.