Whilst browsing the internet today we came across this article:

http://www.southtownstar.com/lifestyles/2202058,042710toyourhealth.article

By James Krcik, M.D.

Millions of children participate in the fun and excitement of sports activities every day as their parents enthusiastically cheer them on.

Sports can teach kids to stretch their limits, practice sportsmanship and develop discipline – but sports also carry the potential for injury. By knowing the causes of sports injuries and how to prevent them, you can help make athletics a positive experience for you and your child.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 3.5 million children younger than 14 receive medical treatment for sports-related injuries each year. About 80 percent of these injuries result from playing football, basketball, baseball or soccer. Two-thirds are soft-tissue injuries, including sprains (tearing a ligament) and strains (tearing of a muscle or tendon). Only 5 percent are broken bones.

It’s no surprise that contact sports put young athletes at risk of injury, but what many parents don’t realize is that the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments in children are still growing, making them even more susceptible to injury. Be sure to pay careful attention to your children’s complaints of sports-related aches and pains, because if left untreated, permanent joint damage can occur, which may hinder their physical growth and possibly affect their ability to play sports in the future.

The good news is there are ways to decrease your child’s risk for sports injury:

• Have your child prepare before the very first practice. Make sure your child is getting at least one hour of exercise each day, slowly building up the length and intensity of exercise.

Encourage them to work on certain kinds of exercise that will help them get ready for their sport. For example, if your child is going to play soccer, suggest they start running. Younger kids can start with a few laps around the field or playground and slowly increase the distance. Older kids can start slowly and work up to a few miles a couple of times each week.

And don’t forget to schedule your child’s sports physical several weeks before the season starts. This allows time for more tests or follow-up if needed.

• Know the rules and use the right safety gear. Before the season starts, explain to them that rules help keep them safe. For example, tackling rules in football help prevent neck injuries. Using the right equipment and safety gear for the sport can also lower the chance of getting hurt.

Another note about gear: Though it may be tempting to use sports equipment interchangeably, it’s not the best idea. Baseball cleats, for instance, aren’t appropriate on the soccer field. The spike on the toe can cause serious injuries if it comes in contact with another player’s shin.

• Warm-up and cool-down are a must. Warm-up and cool-down stretches are necessary to prevent muscle spasms and help promote good body mechanics. Watch your children to make sure they don’t rush through stretches.

• Be aware of the appropriate body mechanics and physiology behind each sport. Be sure your child understands what body positions and stretching techniques best protect him or her.

• Don’t play through the pain. Learn to recognize when your child is in pain. If he or she shows signs of pain or injury at practice or in the game, don’t tell him or her to “tough it out.” Pull them out of the game and seek medical attention, if necessary.

• Good nutrition is important for bone and muscle building. Try to eliminate junk and/or fast food from a young athlete’s diet. Instead, focus on needed fruits and vegetables, calcium and protein that help build strong bones and muscles.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes injuries are unavoidable. If you or your child suffers a sports-related injury, the Ingalls Sports Network can help. Comprised of board-certified orthopedic physicians who specialize in sports medicine, arthroscopy and many minimally invasive procedures, the network uses diagnostic technology to treat athletes within 24 to 48 hours of injury at several locations.

Sports Network specialists also are available to educate athletes, coaches, trainers and athletic directors about injury causes and prevention.

General muscular aches and pains are often caused by either unaccustomed use or overuse of muscles.

However, more severe muscle pain accompanied by swelling and restricted movement may mean that muscles, tendons or ligaments have been damaged, torn, sprained or strained, possibly in a sports or other accidental injury.

Full Story:

http://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/c/portal/layout?p_l_id=259751&CMPI_SHARED_articleId=3989467&CMPI_SHARED_ImageArticleId=3989467&CMPI_SHARED_articleIdRelated=3989467&CMPI_SHARED_ToolsArticleId=3989467&CMPI_SHARED_CommentArticleId=3989467&articleTitle=Patient%20information:%20muscle%20aches%20and%20pains

Before treating, consider whether the problem is due to general aches or pains caused by overuse or something more serious, such as an injury. If an injury is involved, follow the RICE(R) approach immediately (see ‘Treatment tips’ further below).

When to see a pharmacist or other medical professional

Patients should see a pharmacist or other medical professional if:

1. The pain or ache is accompanied by serious loss of movement
2. The pain is severe, there is swelling or the area feels warm
3. The pain or discomfort has not improved after treatment
4. The problem is due to a back injury, or the pain is in the lower back and spreads to the legs worsens during the day, such as knee or hip pain
5. There are other symptoms, such as morning joint stiffness, fever or numbness
6. If the muscular pain is associated with a medical condition
7. The patient is taking certain medicines known to be associated with muscle pains, such as treatments used to lower cholesterol levels
8. The person is a child or elderly – they may be more sensitive to some medicines
9. The sufferer is pregnant or breastfeeding, as certain medicines will not be suitable
10. The pain persists beyond seven days.

If any of these apply, investigation of muscle aches and pains by a health professional is recommended, even if it confirms there is nothing seriously wrong.

Treatment tips

General muscle aches, stiffness or soreness caused by overuse may be relieved by anti-inflammatory gels or ‘heat rubs’. Where general muscle soreness and stiffness are the problem, gentle exercise, massage and medicine help restore mobility. Avoid heat, alcohol, exercise or massage for the first 72 hours, as they may limit healing.

Check with a doctor or physiotherapist before starting heat treatments and physical activity to avoid the risk of further injury.

If back pain is the problem, the patient should make sure they adopt good posture and appropriate lifting techniques to prevent back ache in future.

Treatment tips for sprains, strains and soft tissue injuries

It is important to use what is known as ‘RICE(R)’ therapy in the first 48 hours following injuries, following an injury such as a sprain.

Each of the letters in ‘RICE(R)’ has a meaning as follows:

 R – Rest: the patient should have no further exercise

I – Ice: apply ice or a bag of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a towel to protect the skin, for 10–30 minutes every two hours

C – Compress: wrap with a firm, elastic bandage, although this should be loosened if there is a sensation of tingling or numbness

E – Elevate: keep the injured limb raised on a chair or cushion

(R ) – Refer: see a doctor or physiotherapist for a precise diagnosis and ongoing care, as this will made a full recovery with less scarring more likely.

Treatment options

General muscle aches and pains can be relieved by a range of medicines, though it may be better to avoid certain medicines immediately following an injury first injured – so check this with a pharmacist.

Take pain relievers regularly for the first few days, rather than waiting for the pain to subside.

Oral pain relief medicines (analgesics)

Paracetamol, aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) relieve pain. Aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac also reduce inflammation (swelling).

Paracetamol is a safe choice for most people but it is important not to take more than recommended. It is an ingredient in many cold and flu remedies so if a patient is taking one these, it is essential to avoid taking a double dose.

The maximum daily dose of paracetamol for an adult is 4g (8 x 500mg tablets) – and no more than 1g (two tablets) every four hours.

Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not suitable for everyone.

Children under 12 years old must not take aspirin because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, which is a serious condition. It should also be avoided by adolescents under 16 years old who have a viral illness. Children and young people under 14 years should not take diclofenac.

Patients should check with a pharmacist before taking aspirin or NSAIDs if they: have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion

have asthma – some people with asthma find their condition is made worse by these types of medicines

have kidney problems or a heart condition

take other medications

have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs

are pregnant or breastfeeding

are elderly – older people may be at more risk of side effects

are dehydrated.

Aspirin and NSAIDs can cause side effects. If indigestion develops or the patient has unusual or increased bleeding or bruising they should stop taking these treatments and and talk to the pharmacist.

Topical NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

These are gels, creams, mousses or sprays applied direct to the affected area that contain benzydamine, diclofenac, felbinac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or salicylic acid. They may help relieve general aches, sprains and strains, and are applied and rubbed gently over the affected area.

Dynamint…A cream that may help:

All natural ingredients…no drugs, no chemicals

£2.25…RRP… 30ml size….one of the lowest prices for topical analgesics on the market

Used by Olympians and professional sports people the world over

Refreshing peppermint smell (mind clearing), non-greasy and does not leave behind any sticky or unpleasant residues.

Provides increased focus and alertness

High penetration – perfect for deep tissue penetration

Rapid action & Quick ‘Kick-in’

Product Information: An effective combination of natural oils in a gentle cream base specially formulated for musculoskeletal rejuvenation. Dynamint is used by Olympians and professional sports people the world over (both pre and post sporting activity) as an aid to injury prevention and for fast rehabilitation of muscles, joints, tendons and soft tissue.

Analgesic Creams For Pain Relief

Analgesic creams come in a very wide range and are specifically designed for the relief of pain. Normally they are in an easy to handle plastic tube, which is simple to use and relatively inexpensive. The creams are used for minor cuts and bruises and insect bites. They are also produced to help with pain relief from conditions such as lower back pain and arthritis, and use one or more of a variety of ingredients to ease pain. An Analgesic cream is a pain killer to relieve pain. They act various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems. Many contain drugs or chemicals but there are products on the market made from all natural ingredients…one such example is Dynamint Muscle Cream which contains the following natural ingredients:

Peppermint Oil : increases circulation, generates heat and reduces swelling…it also has localised cooling and toning properties. Oil of peppermint on your skin helps improve poor concentration and improves coordination and reflex

 Tea Tree Oil : which acts as a skin toner and has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, analgesic and cicatrizing (wound healing) properties.

Eucalyptus  allows for penetration of the skin and acts as a rubefactant, a skin invigorator, conditioner and toner

Calendula Oil is made from the petals of the Golden Marigold which is a time proven skin conditioner, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps resolve swelling and bruising.

Pain is caused by the stimulation of pain receptors at the ends of the nerves. The stimulation causes sodium to enter the nerve ending, which causes an electrical signal to build up in the nerve. When this electrical signal is big enough, it passes along the nerve to the brain, where the signal is interpreted as pain. Dynamint Muscle Cream works by temporarily blocking this pathway of pain signals along nerves.

It is not fully understood how painkillers work. Damaged or inflamed body tissues produce various chemicals which send signals through the nervous system to the brain. The brain produces the sensation of pain. Different painkillers act at different points in this process. In choosing an analgesia cream, the severity and response to other medication determines the choice of agent. The choice of analgesia cream is also determined by the type of pain:

One of the primary reasons people like analgesic creams is for the relief of pain. It may be in the form of muscle tension, achy joints or tender trigger points, and this pain could have myriad causes, ranging from general stress to a strenuous workout or even a medical condition.

Whatever the reason  topical analgesic creams can relieve the the pain and alleviate the symptons of the pain.

Dynamint is available in three retail sizes…30ml, 120ml and 237ml and is currently on promotion through various on-line retailers

Dynamint is available at 

http://www.dynamint-muscle-pain-relief.co.uk

With a 100% Money back guarantee

What is Neck Strain?

The part of the spine that is within the neck is known as the Cervical Spine, this is the area for injuries known as Neck Strain. The majority of the spine is well protected because it is enclosed by the torso, but the Cervical Spine has a small amount of muscle and ligaments encased around it which makes it vulnerable to injuries. Neck Strain is a soft tissue injury affecting the muscles and tendons and when they are stressed will lead to injury.

Who is most likely to suffer from Neck Strain?

A percentage of patients who suffer from Neck Strain have been in a car accident or had a blow to the head. People who do excessive activities can sometime do more harm to their neck then good due to poor posture and movement.

What Causes Neck Strain?

When a blow to the neck occurs it can cause the Cervical Spine to over stretch and stress making the muscles and tendons forced into the point of injury. There are other causes such as bending forward or stretching out often through activities, combined with poor posture which can lead to injury.

Your symptoms may include:

Pain and tenderness

Muscles around the neck may tighten causing stiffness and difficulty moving the head

Muscle spasm

Headaches

Irritation

Difficulty sleeping

Headache

Tingling sensations

Dynamint Product Information: An effective combination of natural oils in a gentle cream base specially formulated for musculoskeletal rejuvenation. Dynamint™ is also ideal for people suffering general aches and pains…many users have reported Dynamint™ alleviates the effects of a range of common medical problems including …

Next Strain,  Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel & Related Syndromes, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lymphedma, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy, Reynaud’s Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)

 Dynamint™ is used by Olympians and professional sports people the world over (both pre and post sporting activity) as an aid to injury prevention and for fast rehabilitation of muscles, joints, tendons and soft tissue

 Users have reportes increased blood flow to reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation promoting healing by penetrating the skin’s surface and stimulating soft tissue

Available on line through this site

http://www.dynamint-muscle-pain-relief.co.uk/buy_dynamint_online.html

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Editor’s Choice…full article below:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184337.php

Health Professional: 4 (2 votes)

Many users of Dynamint have provided testimonials stating that using Dynamint has allieviated the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome   

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), also called median neuropathy at the wrist, is a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. It is a relatively common condition that causes pain, numbness and a burning or stinging sensation in the hand and fingers. Symptoms of CTS can range from mild to severe.

According to the journal Plastic and reconstructive surgery (Volume 105(5)April 2000pp 1662-1665), approximately 1% of the US population and 5% of the US working population who must undergo repetitive use of their hands and wrists in daily living are affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Over 463,000 carpal surgery releases (surgeries) are performed annually in the United States, accounting for $1 billion in direct costs.

According to Medilexicon’s medical dictionary:

Carpal tunnel syndrome is “the most common nerve entrapment syndrome, characterized by paresthesias, typically nocturnal, and sometimes sensory loss and wasting in the median nerve distribution in the hand; often bilateral and affects women more than men; due to chronic entrapment of the median nerve at the wrist within the carpal tunnel.”

The carpal tunnel

The carpal tunnel is a small tunnel bound by bones and ligaments that runs from the bottom of the wrist to the lower palm. This tunnel protects a main nerve to the hand and tendons that bend the fingers. Several tendons that help to move the fingers pass through the carpal tunnel. The median nerve also passes through the tunnel, which controls sensation and movement of the hand.

In cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the space inside the tunnel shrinks, placing pressure on the median nerve. Pressure placed on the nerve produces the numbness, pain and, eventually, hand weakness that characterize carpal tunnel syndrome.

The condition was first noted in medical literature in the early 20th century, but the first use of the term “carpal tunnel syndrome” was in 1939.

While it might seem that carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by long hours spent working on a computer keyboard, carpal tunnel syndrome actually has numerous causes.

Fortunately, proper treatment can usually relieve the pain and numbness and restore normal use of wrists and hands.

How common is CTS?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions affecting the nerves of the hand. Most cases develop in people who are between 45 and 64 years of age.

CTS is also common in pregnant women. This may be due to the fluid retention that typically occurs during pregnancy, placing additional pressure on the carpal tunnel.

Outlook

Cases of CTS that occur during pregnancy usually resolve after the birth.

If left untreated, CTS may lead to permanent nerve damage.

What are the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom, while dilated pupils may be a sign.

Typically, carpal tunnel syndrome starts gradually with a vague aching in the wrist that can extend to the hand or forearm. Many people who have carpal tunnel syndrome have gradually increasing symptoms over time. The first symptoms of CTS may appear when sleeping, and typically include numbness and paresthesia (a burning and tingling sensation) in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Other common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:

Tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand, especially the thumb and index, middle or ring fingers. The little finger is not affected. Many people shake their hands to try to relieve their symptoms. As the disorder progresses, the numb feeling may become constant.

Pain radiating or extending from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers. The pain is present especially after forceful or repetitive use. This usually occurs on the palm side of the forearm.

A sense of weakness in the hands and a tendency to drop objects.

The symptoms of CTS are often worse at night and may disrupt sleep.

Dexterity problems

People who have CTS may find that their hands become weak and clumsy. They also might find it is difficult to grip objects with the thumb.

Similarly, there may be problems when using the affected fingers to carry out tasks that require high levels of manual dexterity, such as typing.

Keeping the hand or wrist in one position or carrying out repetitive tasks, can make the symptoms of CTS worse. However, moving the hand or shaking the wrist can often help to relieve the symptoms.

www.mycarpaltunnel.comIn rare cases, people may also experience dry skin, swelling or changes to the color of the skin in the affected hand.

Seek medical advice if there are persistent signs and symptoms that might be due to carpal tunnel syndrome that interfere with normal activities (including sleep). If the condition is left untreated, nerve and muscle damage can occur.

What are the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve has a sensory function and also provides nerve signals to move the muscles (motor function). The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and the middle-finger side of the ring finger. The compression of the median nerve can disrupt these nerve signals, which means that both the sense of touch and the ability to move the hand can be affected.

Compression of the median nerve can occur when the tendons that run through the carpal tunnel become inflamed and swollen.

Possible causes include:

Other health conditions. Such as rheumatoid arthritis, certain hormonal disorders (diabetes, thyroid disorders and menopause), fluid retention due to pregnancy, or deposits of amyloid (an abnormal protein produced by cells in the bone marrow).

Repetitive use or injury. Repetitive flexing and extending of the tendons in the hands and wrists. This is particularly the case when done forcefully and for prolonged periods without rest. This can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel. Injury to the wrist can cause swelling that exerts pressure on the median nerve.

Physical characteristics. In some people, the carpal tunnel is more narrow than average.

What are the risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome?

A risk factor is something which increases the likelihood of developing a condition or disease. For example, obesity significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes type 2. Therefore, obesity is a risk factor for diabetes type 2.

The exact reason why changes to the structure of the carpal tunnel occur in some people is unclear. Some research indicates that carpal tunnel syndrome can result from overuse or strain in certain job tasks that require a combination of repetitive, forceful, and awkward or stressed motions of the hands and wrists. Examples of these include:

Using power tools (such as chippers, grinders, chain saws or jackhammers)

Heavy assembly line work (such as in a meatpacking plant)

Repetitive computer use is commonly assumed to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the scientific evidence for this association is not definitive.

It is not clear which activities can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. If work or hobbies are hand-intensive (involving a combination of awkward, repetitive wrist or finger motions, forceful pinching or gripping, and working with vibrating tools) there may be at higher risk of developing the condition.

Whilst browing the internet today we discovered the following interesting article in Pharmacy News:

http://www.pharmacynews.com.au/article/topical-menthol-for-acute-migraines/515201.aspx

Peppermint is one of the main ingredients of Dynamint…many users have reported that using Dynamint alerts poor concerntration and helps as a mind-clearing stimulant

Topical menthol for acute migraines

12 April 2010 | by Jennifer Joseph

Peppermint oil may decrease acute migraine headache pain in adults by 50 per cent when used as a topical treatment, a study has found.

The study, conducted in the Iran’s Neurology Clinic of Nemazee Hospital and published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, compared the application of topical menthol 10 per cent solution with the application of a placebo solution in alleviating acute migraine headache pain in a cross-over trial.

Eligible patients consisted of 44 adults aged 18 to 65 years who met standard international criteria for migraine headache and had at least a one-year history of migraines and one to six migraine attacks per month.

The patients randomly received either 10 per cent solution of menthol crystals in ethanol for the first two of four migraine attacks followed by placebo for the second two attacks, or the same treatment in the opposite order.

Remaining masked to treatment order, patients initially cleansed the forehead and temporal area of the most painful side of the head with tap water and applied 1mL of active drug or placebo with a sponge on a surface area of 5cm x 5cm.

Follow-up occurred for 79 per cent of patients for four migraine attacks, with patients reporting no pain at two hours after attacks 38 per cent more often when treated with menthol 10 per cent than when treated with placebo.

Similarly, patients reported a greater than 50 per cent decrease in pain scores when treated with menthol 10 per cent than with placebo, and no recurrence of headache at 24 hours also occurred 33 per cent more often in patients when using menthol 10 per cent than when using placebo.

Dynamint can help with recovering from pulled muscles and joint pains…use both pre and post sporting activity for best results;

25% discount currently with voucher code DY01

http://www.nutricentre.com/m-505-dynamint.aspx?affilliateID=10056

Full article:

http://www.fitsugar.com/How-Deal-Sports-Injury-7984854

Many of you are excited to kick-start your Spring with some outdoor sports, but if you’re a bit overzealous in your return to this active season, you may end up with an injury. The big question is, do you go see a doctor or treat it yourself? Dr. Thomas Best, a doctor and marathon runner told The New York Times, “Know how you typically recover. When you are not recovering as you typically do, that’s the first warning that something more is going on.”

Other signs you should seek medical attention include:

• You’re constantly in pain, even when walking and resting.
• The pain gets worse.
• Your joints lock.
• Swelling or bruising doesn’t go away.

If you aren’t experiencing the above signs, there are many ways to treat minor injuries at home.

• For shin splints, be sure to rest and ice your shins for 20 minutes, at least twice a day.
• With a pulled muscle, once you’ve iced the area and the pain subsides, stretching and low impact exercise will get the blood flowing again.
• If you sprain your ankle, remember R.I.C.E. — rest, ice, compression, elevation.
• When icing, start ASAP for the best results.
• For chronic pains such as sore, stiff, nagging joint or muscle pain, apply heat not ice.

Whilst browsing the Internet today we found the following information on Fibromyalgia. Full Story:

http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/AboutArthritis/Conditions/AboutArthritis/Conditions/Fibromyalgia?gclid=COu1h9vD9KACFRYN3god3hVduQ

Dynamint can help with this condition:

“As an acupuncturist I see many patients who are suffering from both Fibromyalgia and chronic and acute muscular pain. I have used Dynamint for six years, and often give my patients a sample bottle when they leave their first treatment for home care.   The results are great, patients feel relief and also because the product is absorbed quickly into the skin, they leave with no oily residue to harm their clothes. It is a great product, easy to use and effective”. Lindsey Armstrong, L.Ac.  Portland, Oregon

Fibromyalgia is pain and stiffness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons (but not joints). It may affect one part of the body or several different areas such as the limbs, neck and back.

There is no simple cure for fibromyalgia, but there are ways of managing your symptoms. What causes the disease is unclear, but the development of fibromyalgia might be related to previous stress, injury or illness.

It is thought that people with fibromyalgia are unable to obtain the deep restorative sleep our bodies need. This leads to a cycle of fatigue and pain.

There are usually aches all over the body although there will be certain areas where the pain is more localised.

Some of the main symptoms are:

pain

fatigue

sleep disturbance and waking up feeling unrefreshed

morning stiffness

headaches

concentration problems

irritable bowels

Feeling tired a lot of the time can make it hard to carry out simple every day tasks such as doing housework or going to work. This can also make you feel frustrated and depressed.

How is it treated?

You can manage your symptoms in several ways:

your doctor may prescribe you with antidepressants to help with the pain, sleep disturbance and depression

leading an active life – aerobic exercises such as swimming and walking will reduce pain and fatigue, build strength in your muscles, and help you to sleep and feel better.

Durham continued to warm-up nicely

Dynamint is an ideal sports muscle rub for warming up both before and after sport

Durham dominate in Abu Dhabi…Wickets tumble on day two of county curtain raiser…full story:

 http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12140_6064112,00.html

Abu Dhabi
Durham 459-9 dec (K J Coetzer 172, M J Di Venuto 131, B A Stokes 51, D J Malan 4-20) & 7-2 v MCC 162 (S G Borthwick 4-27)

Durham continued to warm-up nicely for their title defence by skittling MCC for just 162 as 18 wickets tumbled on day two of the floodlit season opener in Abu Dhabi.

The county champions extended their first innings from 329-3 to 459-9 declared early in the second session.

Durham pace bowlers Steve Harmison and Callum Thorp removed five of the top six between them as MCC were quickly reduced to 103-6 in reply.

And leg-spinner Steve Borthwick, making just his second first-class appearance, then ran through the tail to finish with figures of 4-27 in 4.5 overs.

Durham closed the second day of four at 7-2 in their second innings, an overall lead of 304.

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