backpain-therapy

Archive for October, 2009

Back pain treatment is a huge and profitable industry within the healthcare system.  Back pain is an epidemic condition which affects the lives of countless souls.  Treatment for chronic back pain demonstrates some of the worst curative results in modern medicine and is also perhaps the most unenlightened and misguided of all healthcare specialties. 

Back pain is traditionally treated by orthopedists and chiropractors, although many other care providers have gotten in on the action, as well.  Rheumatologists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, massage therapists, physical therapists, reiki practitioners, Bowen therapists, Alexander therapy practitioners, herbalists, doctors of traditional Chinese medicine, osteopaths, physiatrists, acupuncturists, pain specialists, fitness trainers, psychologists, psychiatrists, nutritionists, alternative medicine providers, yoga instructors and orthotic makers are among many of the specialists who have profited greatly from the dorsopathic suffering of others.

There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to help a person cure their pain and there is also nothing wrong with profiting from your good work.  However, the back pain industry is paid far too well for a healthcare specialty which seems to rarely score a bullseye when it comes to accurate diagnosis and successful treatment.  In fact, most care providers are lucky to even hit the target at all, since many therapy options are ill conceived, poorly executed and not even indicated for the diagnosis, given of course that the diagnosis is correct to begin with…

Statistics for back pain treatment are alarming.  Chronic symptoms are reported in back pain patients more than any other type of health complaint.  Up to 85% of adults will have moderate to severe back pain at some point in their lives.  Back pain is the second most common reason for a person to visit a doctor or emergency room.  Back pain is also the primary excuse given for worker absenteeism.  Back pain sufferers, whose symptoms do not resolve within 6 months of treatment, have a better chance of agonizing for the rest of their lives, than they have of ever finding a permanent cure.  These stats are simply unacceptable, considering the vast amount of care providers and resources available to back pain patients.  So what is wrong with the system and more importantly, how can it be fixed?

Back pain is typically viewed as being sourced from a defect, deficiency or injury to the spine or one of its supportive tissues.  This is typically called structural or mechanical pain, meaning there is a physical reason for the symptoms relating to an anatomical condition.  The Cartesian philosophy embraced by most modern medical providers is the single more damaging influence on back pain treatment statistics.  It has been well established by an ever growing number of respected medical research projects, clinical studies and therapy programs, that back pain, or any chronic pain, is far more often the direct result of the complex interactions between the emotional mind and the body.  Being that most back pain care givers do not address this basic fact explains why so many treatment options fail miserably.  After all, these treatments are trying to cure a physical structural condition, while all along, the pain is either completely psychogenic or psychosomatically worsened or perpetuated. 

In order to fix this great injustice and end the seemingly endless suffering of back pain patients the world over, a paradigm shift in care must occur.  Doctors must stop blaming purely coincidental and generally asymptomatic structural concerns and start acknowledging the common link between ongoing pain and the emotional mind.  In essence, doctors must stop treating the human body like it was some sort of complicated machine and start treating human beings for what they truly are…People who live with the constant and ever-present interactions between body and mind, creating all conditions of health and disease.

Sensei Adam Rostocki
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/back-pain-treatment-722398.html

If you suffer from muscle or joint pain you know how much it can impact your life. From not being able to play active sports to missing out on family fun – the effects can be far-reaching and upsetting. So, its natural that we search for pain remedies.

Almost everyone is familiar with pain relief formulas. Over 30 billion over-the- counter tablets and 70 million prescriptions are sold annually just in the USA. Known as ‘Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs’ (NSAIDs), a few commonly known names include Aspirin, Ibuprofin, Advil, and Motrin as well as prescription products like Celebrex and Vioxx. What most people might not know is that over 16,000 Americans die from NSAIDs a year and approximately 107,000 patients are hospitalized annually for NSAID related gastrointestinal complications.(1)

There is an alternative. Natural pain relief therapies can decrease inflammation and help repair tissues. The following are some starting points for investigating natural solutions further:

1. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night: During the deeper stages of sleep the human body produces growth hormone, which results in tissue healing and repair. Inadequate amounts of sleep contribute to pain. Natural sleep remedies that can help you get a deep and restorative sleep are Melatonin, Hydroxy L- tryptophan (5-HTP), Calcium, Mangesium and colloidal gold. You can also listen to relaxing music – try searching on itunes for ocean sounds.

2.Take a green-lipped mussel oil supplement: If you suffer from pain, swelling or other symptoms commonly associated with arthritis, you may benefit from taking green-lipped mussel oil from New Zealand. In a clinical trial conducted at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital in Glasgow, UK, preparations of green-lipped mussel extract were shown to benefit 76 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 70 percent of osteoarthritic patients (2) The omega-3s contained in green-lipped mussel oils (more potent than fish oils) cannot be manufactured by our body and decrease inflammation. The EPA and DHA essential fatty acids have been so effective that some people have been able to discontinue their use of other medications altogether.

3. Take MSM, or “organic sulphur”. It can lessen inflammation, pain, and stiffness due to arthritis, muscle, or back pain and helps to balance the blood chemistry in these conditions. MSM helps supply the sulfur amino acids needed for healing.

4. Massage a blend of essential oils of arnica, Calendula and St John’s work into the affected painful area. Applying essential oils directly on the area nourishes cells and enables the body to metabolize waste and heal injuries more quickly. Herb Pharm makes a a blend called “Trauma Oil” which is very effective. Essential oils can help relax tense muscles and improve circulation.

5. Eat a whole food, mineral rich diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Vegetable juices and green chlorophyll-rich foods can help relieve muscle inflammations by promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. Cut back on the amount of meat containing large amounts of saturated fat, which impacts the effective functioning of the liver – possibly leading to inflammation and irritation. Animal fats also contain arachadonic acid which can stimulate inflammation.

6. Take Glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine is a naturally occurring element in the body that plays a crucial role in the building and healing of cartilage. Glucosamine may be efficient in treating and even delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. Some studies have hinted that glucosamine may be as effective as NSAIDs in treating joint conditions, while having fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

7. Magnetic therapy: Magnetic therapy is a safe method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It helps speed the healing process and improve quality of sleep without any adverse side effects. A study from the University of Virginia showed that that a magnetic field of moderate strength can result in significant reduction of swelling when applied immediately after an inflammatory injury. Dilation of blood vessels is a major cause of swelling, and it’s thought that the magnets worked by limiting blood flow to the affected area. Individuals wearing magnetic jewelry have reported diminished muscle soreness and lessening of cramps. Try sleeping on a magnet mattress pad to help ease the pain of muscle soreness or apply magnet straps to sore muscle or tendonitis areas.

8. Take Vitamin D: Researched conducted by the University of Minnesota found that 93% of all subjects with non-specific musculoskeletal pain were vitamin D deficient. Taking Vitamin D and CoQ10 can help alleviate muscle pain caused by cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Vitamin D can also be synthesized naturally by the body upon exposure to sunlight.

9.Cayenne pepper:A teaspoon of cayenne shaken in 2 ounces of olive oil can be used as an ointment and rubbed directly into sore muscles. Cayenne contains capsaicin which eventually inhibits secretion of the neurotransmitter Substance P, that transmits pain to the brain, lessening muscle soreness, sprains and cramps.

10. Try an Epsom salt bath: The magnesium sulfate of Epsom Salt acts as a muscle relaxant, and by easing muscle pain it helps the body to eliminate harmful substances. Due to changes in agriculture in the past century, most Americans are deficient in Magnesium. Studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Fill a bathtub with water as hot as you can stand. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath will increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
About Alchemy Radiant Health:?Alchemy Radiant Health offers services to help people achieve premium physical performance, mental clarity, and well-being through holistic wellness programs that promote radiant health and longevity. Our approach and philosophy is based on ancient Chinese nutrition combined with the latest developments in super-foods.

Sources Used in this article:
(1) July 1998 issue of The American Journal of Medicine?
None of the statements in this article have been approved by the FDA. Any products or services referred to are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease or health condition.

All content in this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Alchemy Radiant Health assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this article indicates your agreement to these terms.

©2008 Alchemy Radiant Health. All Rights Reserved.

Josse Ford
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/10-tips-to-reduce-muscle-pain-naturally-without-side-effects-749262.html

http://www.TheBackCareCente.com. Sciatic nerve pain due to a pinched nerve or herniated disc is painful. Dr. Schwartz shows how to cure back pain, hip pain and leg pain of sciatica without dangerous medications & surgery. 201-387-7463

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Acute back pain may begin suddenly and usually lasts around 3 months. Chronic back pain sometimes lasts throughout life.

The most common back pain is low back pain (LBP). It is is often described as sudden, sharp, persistent, or dull pain felt below the waist. LBP is very common and affects the majority of people at some point during their life. Up to 70%–85% of all people have back pain at some time in their lives. LBP is the most common cause of a limitation of activity in people younger than 45 years of age. It is the second most frequent reason for visits to a physician, and the third most common indication for surgery. It is the fifth-ranking cause of hospital admissions and is one of the leading causes of disability.

Low back pain is most commonly caused by muscle strain associated with heavy physical work, lifting or forceful movement, bending or twisting, awkward positions, or standing in one position too long. Any of these movements can exacerbate a prior or existing back disorder. Other conditions that can cause low back pain include spinal stenosis, arthritis (osteoarthritis), spinal infection (osteomyelitis), spinal tumors (benign and malignant), spondylolisthesis, and vertebral fractures (e.g. burst fracture).

Low back pain is either acute or chronic. Acute LBP may begin suddenly with intense pain usually lasting fewer than three months. Chronic pain is persistent long-term pain, sometimes lasting throughout life. Even chronic pain may present episodes of acute pain. Other symptoms include localized pain in a specific area of the low back, general aching, and/or pain that radiates into the low back, general aching, and/or pain that radiates into the low back, buttocks and leg(s). Sometimes pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness. Neurological symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include bowel or bladder dysfunction, groin or leg weakness or numbness, severe symptoms that do not subside after a few days, or pain prohibiting everyday activities.

Pain felt in the low back is not always indicative of a spinal problem. A thorough physical and neurological assessment may reveal the cause of the low back pain. The physical examination begins with the patient’s current condition and medical history. Examination of a patient with low back pain involves examining the patient’s range of spinal motion while standing straight, bending forward, and to the side. Asymmetry, posture, and leg length is noted. Methodical palpation of the spine can reveal muscle spasm, possible bony displacement, and tender points. Abdominal palpation is performed to determine if the cause of low back pain is possibly organ related (e.g. pancreas). The neurological assessment evaluates weakness, absence of reflexes, tingling, burning, pain, diminished function, and other signs that may indicate nerve involvement.

If infection, malignancy, fracture, or other risk factors are suspected, routine lab tests may be ordered. These tests may include complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR), and urinalysis. In some cases electrodiagnostic studies such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve condition velocity (NCV) are performed to confirm a diagnosis or localize the site of nerve injury. Plain radiographs (x-rays), CT Scan, and/or MRI studies are performed when fracture or neurological dysfunction is suspected. A MRI represents the gold standard in imaging today. A MRI renders high-resolution images of spinal tissues such as the spinal cord and intervertebral discs. X-rays are still the imaging methods of choice to study the bony elements in the low back. The results of the physical and neurological examinations combines with test results are carefully evaluated to confirm a diagnosis.

Most patients with low back pain are treated without surgery. A conventional treatment plan may include bed rest for a day or two combines with medication to reduce inflammation and pain. Medications recommended by the physician are based on the patient’s medical condition, age, other drugs the patient currently takes, and safety. The first choice for pain relief is often nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset and stomach bleeding. Muscle relaxants may provide relief from muscle spasm but are actually benign sedatives, which often cause drowsiness. Narcotic pain relievers are prescribed for use during the acute phase and often for chronic pain management in appropriate patients.

Other modalities to treat low back pain might include physical therapy (PT), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) trial, ultrasound therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy. A managed PT program can help build muscle strength and flexibility, improve mobility, coordination, stability and balance, and promote relaxation. Patients who participate in a structured physical therapy program often progress to wellness more rapidly than those who do not. This includes low back maintenance through a home exercise program developed for the patient by the physical therapist.

Although the number of spinal surgeries done every year is on the rise, it is rarely required to treat low back pain. Surgery may be considered if the patient is experiencing bowel or bladder dysfunction, increased nerve impairment, progressive weakness, incapacitating pain, or spinal instability. The surgical procedure depends on the diagnosis or the cause of low back pain. To prevent low back pain, first and foremost, follow the treatment plan outlined by the physician. To enhance recovery from an episode of low back pain, or to help prevent future exacerbation, try to maintain good posture, be consistent in a home exercise program, and eat sensibly to maintain proper body weight.

About Walton Rehabilitation Health System:

Walton Rehabilitation Health Systems (WRHS) is a leading not-for-profit comprehensive, multi-specialty, dedicated provider of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Our mission is to be an advocate for wellness by providing a continuum of services to treat the whole person. WRHS, whose reputation extends throughout the south, is a trusted partner with just the right expertise and treatments to help people with disabling injuries and illnesses return to work and to a fulfilling life. By pursuing its mission, WRHS has grown to include Walton Pain and Headache Centers, Walton Community Services, Walton Options for Independent Living, Walton Foundation for Independence, and Walton Technologies. We are located at: 1355 Independence Drive, Augusta, GA 30901-1037. For more information visit www.wrh.org or call 866-4-WALTON.

Hemant Yagnick, M.D.
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/back-pain-solutions-without-surgery-139659.html

Wrist pain can occur for a variety of reasons including medical illness, overuse of the wrist, and acute trauma. In each case, the pain can be debilitating and undermine one’s ability to perform basic daily living tasks in a pain-free environment. Thankfully, innovative treatments are emerging to help manage, reduce, and in some cases, completely eliminate wrist pain altogether.

By far, the most common and recognizable cause of wrist pain during the past 20-years is carpal tunnel syndrome. Caused by compression and entrapment of the median nerve between the transverse carpal ligament and the two rows of carpal bones, carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by numbness, tingling, swelling and paresthesia (pins and needles) in the thumb and first three fingers, and moderate to severe pain in the wrist, with referred pain often radiating up the arm into the shoulder, upper back and neck. It may also involve diminished hand strength, coordination of fine movements and dexterity.

Medical illness is also a common cause of wrist pain, and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes can make people vulnerable to injury. Interestingly, both pregnancy and menopause can make women more vulnerable to wrist pain, and, as a rule, women experience repetitive stress injury to the wrist more often than men.

Remedies for wrist pain vary, and they can involve everything from hot and cold compresses, cooling packs, medication, cortisone injections and even surgery as a last resort. Depending on the reason for the injury, proper stretches and exercises that enhance strength and mobility around the wrist joint are among the most favored interventions as they treat the underlying source of most wrist pain – muscle imbalance. Indeed, research shows that the right training regimen involving passive and active stretches and exercises can correct imbalanced muscles and misaligned joints, thereby reducing symptoms in a matter of weeks without having to undergo invasive treatment procedures that many often succumb to, and even more often, without much relief.

Talk with your doctor about conservative exercise and stretch therapy before being subjected to procedures that have poor success as shown in the following statistics.

Wrist Splints and Anti-Inflammatory Medications:

Failure rate is 81.6% (Including “partial success”) in total alleviation of symptoms. Curative rate following treatment is 18.4%. Source: Kaplan, et al, 1990. J Hand Surgery.

Iontophoresis + Splinting:
Failure rate is 42.1% in total alleviation from symptoms. Source: Banta, et al, 1994. J Hand Surgery.

Steroid Injection:
Failure rate is 72.6% after 1-year follow up. (Including “partial success” as failure) Source: Irwin, et al. J Hand Surgery.

With wrist pain being so predominant in the past 20-years due to occupational and recreational activities, it is easy to see that repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome need to be addressed on all levels, from prevention to full-scale rehabilitation.

Although ergonomic products have been implemented in the workplace to help reduce excessive stress and strain to the body, the fact remains that the job / task still has to be performed by humans day-to-day and month-to-month, causing increased risk of injury. The key here is to introduce better methods of prevention and treatment, addressing repetitive strain injuries on a conservative level and getting people back to work as quickly as possible without the residual problems that often occur when invasive treatment techniques are utilized. (As shown in the statistics above.) Whether you have work or recreational induced wrist pain, a conservative stretch and exercise program to create joint stability and strength is more than likely exactly what you need.

NOTE: Be sure to consult your physician for a proper diagnosis of your condition before starting any type of exercise routine.

Jeff P. Anliker, Lmt
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/stop-wrist-pain-with-conservative-therapy-100437.html