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ANKLE SPRAINS A NEW TREATMENT CONCEPT

January 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

 

With 25,000 ankle sprains occurring in the US daily, not to mention the remainder of the world, one can see this is a very big cause for loss of sport, loss of work and overall a consuming loss of time until full function is attained.  Whenever an ankle is sprained, the degree of injury can be minor with little down time or more commonly it is a major sprain with the associated swelling pain and bruising. I have seen patients who felt their severe sprain was just that only to find out later a fracture (broken bone) was involved.  If that is found immobilization or even surgery may be necessary.  For our purposes, it is assumed you have been found by primary doctor, ER or urgent care to be fracture free and, therefore, the following is an appropriate discussion.

R.I.C.E. has been the conventional treatment regimen for many years.  This is short for rest, ice, compression and elevation.  A newer concept is becoming more prevalent and since returning to the sport or back to work in the quickest time and with the strongest ankle  is the bottom line this new concept deserves a serious unbiased look.  The newer concept is too lengthy to discuss here, but if you are interested in returning to full function in the quickest time (I believe all of us are) then you should look into

http://www.rehabanklesprain.com/ .  It is routine for ankle sprains to rehab in 1-2 weeks vs 5-8 weeks under the older regimen.  Another very important aspect of healing any injury is to have natures super foods supply the vitamins and minerals.  My recommendation is vitaforce found at  http://www.dynamicsofnature.com/.

 

Filed Under: Common Foot Problems, Joint Problems

Shoulder Exercises To Do At Home

November 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The first order of business when doing shoulder exercises is regaining full motion.   Once a full pain free motion of the shoulder is obtained, the strength of the shoulder returns routinely with or without strengthening exercises though exercises would speed up the process.  The following exercises require no special equipment, just a door and a wall.

The first exercises are designed to force the arm to go straight toward the ceiling and a door is the handiest equipment around.  To protect the hinges grab the door close to the hinges.  If short the person may need a step stool.  Do not use a chair.  Start as the picture shows with your knees straight and slowly bend the knees thus stretching the shoulder.  All these exercises are shown using the left arm, but they are equally valid if the right shoulder is involved.  If small children are around, take steps to keep the door from being pulled closed smashing your fingers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next exercises require only a wall.  With your back flat against the wall try with your arms at 90 degrees as seen in the pictures to first bring both arms to the wall first above and the below.  You may need help of another for this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A third set of exercises is crossing the arm first in front of your chest and using your other arm as leverage to push it farther, trying with your left hand to reach as far over the top of your right shoulder as possible.  As stated before, this is equally valid if the opposite shoulder is involved, just reversed.  Then you bring the arm behind your head as seen in the picture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reaching behind your body is as hard or harder than reaching the top shelf when a shoulder is stiff and painful and the 3 pictures show the maneuvers necessary to regain this motion, which is called internal rotation.

First bring the involved extremity as far behind your back and close to the body.  You then place the uninvolved hand between the other hand and your body as shown.


You then push the hand away from your body as far as possible and keeping it away from the body help it up as high on the back as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All these should be repeated frequently through the day.  This is made easier since minimal equipment is required.

Filed Under: Cure Joint Problems Tagged With: , , , ,

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain) What Is It And How Is It Treated?

November 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Tenderness in the area shown in the picture is where classical plantar fasciitis is found.  It is, also, known as a heel spur, though this is a misnomer.  There are as many people who have heel spurs who do not have pain as there are people who have the pain and do not have a heel spur.  There is one condition that can be associated with a heel spur along with pain, but that is at the back of the heel at or very near the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the heel.  This is common in women and is known as the “pump bump” presumably from wearing high heels.

The anatomy of the plantar fascia is like an open fan with the narrow part of the fan at the heel and the broad part along the entire bottom of the foot just behind the toes.  It acts as a spring ligament that absorbs some of the force of the foot as it strikes the ground, a chief support for the arch of the foot and a firm attachment for the skin on the bottom of the foot.  If not for the plantar fascia, the skin would move like the skin on the back of your hand and be unable to firmly contact and grip the ground.

Plantar fasciitis is usually found in the over 30 age group and in people engaged in high impact activities, such as, running and , also, in overweight people.  A congenital cause is a turned-in heel.  If you can sit in a chair with your knees bent and the feet off the ground and the heel is turned in toward the other heel, this can be one of the aggravations.  The usual onset of plantar fasciitis is insidious and if this not the case and a sudden onset with possibly a tearing sensation occurs, this more likely is a tear of the fascia and needs immediate professional help.  That will probably need a walking cast applied.  We will be talking in this posting about the pain that comes on with no obvious cause, usually exquisitely painful the first step out of bed in the morning and with no swelling, bruising or pins and needles sensation into the foot or toes.  After the first steps of severe pain it usually abates to a lesser, but very aggravating pain, exacerbated with each step.   The present style of shoe with no heel counter (the part of the shoe that surrounds the heel) is particularly prone to causing or aggravating plantar fasciitis.  More controversial is the present running shoe.  As the years have gone by, the shoe manufactures have made the soles of the running shoes thicker and this does not allow for the natural forefoot strike as the first part of the foot that comes in contact with the ground and forces a heel strike instead.  The natural running stride is like a sprinter’s up on the forefoot and the thick soles of the high end running shoes do not allow this.  If you look closely at a sprinter’s shoe wear it is closer to barefoot then not.  There is a very comprehensive E-book available that will do wonders in dispelling the misinformation.  http://5f9f493olfo1cu9ly6zoff6w4o.hop.clickbank.net/ is the web site that is associated with the E-book in question.  If you are a dedicated runner and suffer from foot pain this E-book is indispensable.

 

Home exercises are for all cases, but especially if you have turned-in heels.   Standing about 20-24 inches away from a door and bending your knees about 30 degrees while keeping your heels firmly on the floor and then leaning forward putting your hands on the door and then trying to touch the door with your chest is the start of a good set of stretching exercises.  If you feel your feet slipping you need to be slightly closer to the door.  Once you have reached the door then, again keeping your heels on the floor and chest on the door slowly straighten the knees sliding the chest up the door.  This helps stretch the calf muscles and can improve foot flexibility, as well as helping improve the turned-in heel, if present.  Rolling a vegetable can on the floor with the involved foot, as well as massaging the tender area is, also, sometimes helpful.

Most shoe inserts are designed to reduce the shock of the foot fall on the floor and are readily available at any pharmacy , but frequently this is not the problem.  A more likely cause is, not compression, which is the act of the heel striking the floor, but is actually the shear force, that is a sideways slip of the heel in the shoe.  This is especially prominent in the open heel shoes and flip-flops that have already been mentioned.  An inexpensive heel cup that works like putting a glove on the hands before chopping wood to reduce the shear that causes blisters is available through Amazon here.  Many times this will suffice, but if not a visit to a foot and ankle physician or obtaining the E-book would be appropriate.

Steroid injections are sometimes necessary, but this posting is about the treatments that can be tried before resorting to a care provider visit.  Over-the-counter (OTCs) NSAIDS or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are helpful, but again as discussed in other parts of this web site, the dosage on the label is for temporary pain relief and rarely will have a curative effect at that dosage on the inflammation.  The two most available are Aleve and Motrin/ibuprofen/Advil.  My recommendation is Aleve 2 tablets at breakfast, lunch and dinner for a total of six per day with the precautions that stomach or intestinal bleeding can occur and , if there is a history or if actual active ulcer disease is present, then all NSAIDS except Celebrex (requires a prescription and a visit to a care provider) are contra-indicated.  Motrin/ibuprofen/Advil is available, but for anti-inflammatory benefits 12-16 of the 200mgm tablets are required.  All inflammatory problems should be treated as a fire that needs medication constantly given until the fire is out.  Again, this is a different concept then taking motrin for aches and pains, menstrual cramps, etc.

A relatively new treatment, again requiring a care provider visit, is shockwave therapy.  Though found in many cases to be curative, the insurance companies are, for the most part, behind in authorizing payment for the treatments.  Dr. Armendariz of our group (see mission statement) is expert in its use and can frequently convince the insurance companies of the treatment necessity.

Filed Under: Common Foot Problems Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Shoulder Problems

November 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Shoulder problems resulted in 1.6 million emergency visits in 2006, the last year with complete statistics.  How many of those visits and the subsequent visits to the care provider could  have been prevented, is unknown.  Hopefully, a more informed person with a shoulder problem could self-treat and eliminate the need for some of those visits.  I will go through the common causes and the relatively easy solutions, followed by what to look for that might point to a more serious problem that would require professional help.

The most common problem that most people are able to self-diagnosis is the simple muscle sprain.  Weekend athletes are commonly the injured party and they know that in a few days of TLC (tender loving care) is all that is needed.  The trouble begins when there is no obvious injury and the shoulder begins to hurt.  This is the type of shoulder problem that I see most commonly.  Repetitive activities with the arms extended, eg., window washing may not be felt as an injury, but a tendinitis is frequently the end result. When an obvious cause is not forthcoming the patient becomes worried that something serious is occurring.  Generally this is a tendinitis and rest of the extremity (this does not mean a sling usually), cold compresses or low heat pad settings along with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory is the initial treatment.  It frequently comes on as the person awakens and hurts at rest as well as while being used, though using it aggravates the discomfort even more.  It presents in the front and top of shoulder and can even refer discomfort down to approximately half way to the elbow.  Caught early and treated aggressively with OTC anti-inflammatories and daily range-of-motion (ROMs) exercises, these modalities will usually resolve the problem within a week.  ROMs are necessary for a few minutes a day to lower the likelihood of a frozen shoulder.  That discussion will be later in the post.  Throughout these articles my common theme when it comes to taking OTC anti-inflammatories is this: I recommend aleve over ibuprofen due to the amount necessary to resolve inflammatory problems like tendinitis.  The amount required is more than the label will recommend.  The OTCs’s recommendations are based on what it takes for temporary relief of pain, not the resolution of inflammation.  That takes more and with aleve 2 tablets 3 times a day with meals is the appropriate dose.  With ibuprofen  it is 12-16 tablets divided into 4 doses with food.  At this dose unacceptable side-effects, besides stomach irritation, can occur and ringing in the ears is possible and that may be permanent.   The 6 aleve though not without similar side effects are not as likely to be permanent and the 6 aleve is not as close to its toxic dose as 12-16 ibuprofen is. Whatever you choose, it needs to be taken routinely until the pain has resolved.  Think of inflammation as a fire and you will more likely take the medication correctly.  Of course, if active intestinal bleeding or active ulcer disease is present, then one should not be taking any anti-inflammatory with the possible exception of Celebrex, but this requires a care provider seeing, diagnosing and determining if anti-inflammatories are appropriate before the Celebrex can be prescribed and it may require special reports to be filled out by your care provider to have the insurance company accept its need.

More serious problems that will likely require the expertise of an orthopedist is a long lasting pain problem that started with a defined injury.  It is significant if a pop and the sudden loss of ability to lift the arm occurs.  Again, if the pain is in immediate area of the shoulder, again usually anterior, this may be a injury to the rotator cuff, the conjoined tendon from four different shoulder muscles that are responsible for all shoulder motion and this requires the orthopedist’s expertise.

If there is any associated numbness or tingling into the arm below the elbow and especially into the hand, this implies a problem with the nerves coming out of the neck and again an expert evaluation is required.

A less common, but equally devastating problem is frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis (our term).  Usually it starts as a tendinitis, but instead of a return to normal after a short time, a stiffness sets in the shoulder and there is a progressive loss of motion and as one tries to move the shoulder more pain ensues and less motion is the conscious result by the patient to reduce the pain, thus more adhesions and resultant stiffness.  Though unknown as to why, diabetics are particularly prone to this malady.  This requires an accurate diagnosis by usually the orthopedist and an aggressive physical therapist and the patient’s knowledge that this is one of those problems that fit into the old adage “no pain no gain”.

An uncommon cause of referred pain to the shoulder, besides neck problems, which can directly effect the shoulder by disrupting the appropriate nerve impulses, is gall bladder disease.  This can cause shoulder pain, but it has no effect on the use or strength of the shoulder and acts as a dull ache in the right shoulder only.  If you can move the uncomfortable right shoulder without adverse effect and especially if you should have abdominal problems at the same time, then the gall bladder needs to be evaluated.  The left shoulder can’t be involved due to the position of the gall bladder on the right side of the upper abdomen under the liver.

For more information about shoulder exercises you can do at home, view this post.

 

Filed Under: Joint Problems Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mission Statement

October 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As a general orthopedist I have seen and treated a multitude of problems many of which, with a little knowledge, the person affected can frequently treat themselves.  I am attempting to impart some of that knowledge and if successful will go a long way in hopefully lowering your need for professional help.  I am a member of a group of board certified orthopedic surgeons all of whom are excellent in the field and have extra expertise in many sub-specialties.  Knowing each one individually, it is easy  for me to recommend them.  For your information, if you are a patient of any of the other doctors in our group, it does not effect my financial status.    I am affiliated with The Orthopedic Clinic of Arizona with offices throughout the Valley of the Sun covering the west and east valley as well as north Scottsdale, Tempe and downtown Phoenix with full physical therapy facilities and expert physiotherapists at many of our offices.  If you need our expertise  the number is 602 277-6211.

Filed Under: Mission Statement Tagged With: , , , , ,

Tendinitis

October 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The two most common problems seen in my general orthopedic practice are various tendinitis problems and arthritis, with the most common arthritis called degenerative arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis).  Tendinitis is frequently associated with repetitive activities with an obvious injury not usually a factor.  Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon and rest of the effected part and local measures, eg., heat and cold application will both increase the blood supply to the area, thus speeding up the recovery.  OTC (over-the-counter) anti-inflammatory medications, examples being Aleve and Advil (known also as ibuprofen and Motrin) are readily available, but must be taken with food, not taken in face of active ulcer disease and with the knowledge that even potentially life-threatening intestinal bleeding can occur.  Though ibuprofen is the more widely used OTC medication, the amount necessary to have a positive long-lasting effect on the inflammatory process is daunting.  Though the label will not indicate this, if taking the 200 milligram tablet, you would need, as an adult, 12-16 of the tablets a day.  A better choice is Aleve and again the label will not reflect this dosage, but 2 tablets 3 times a day with meals is the appropriate dose.  There are prescription  medications available, but that requires a provider visit and this post is all about treatments that , hopefully resolve the problems without thatvisit becoming a necessity.

Filed Under: Joint Problems Tagged With: , , , ,

Got Joint Problems? The Good And Bad Foods

October 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Rheumatoid Arthritis, an acute inflammatory disease, sometimes results from intolerance to certain foods or chemicals. If you have a family history of asthma, hay fever, rhinitis, or eczema, this could be significant in your case.

Like other allergy-related ailments, many joint problems are improved following a switch from normal eating habits to the pattern explained on the Harmonious Eating Page.

Rheumatoid arthritis, fibrositis and all the other conditions of muscular inflammation, also, respond well to dietary change; even gout can be successfully controlled by very careful eating. Many cases of rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis and even gout respond dramatically to a two-day fast followed by a raw food diet for some weeks. See below for how to carry out the Two-Day-Fast.

Foods to avoid

Potatoes, aubergines (eggplant), peppers, paprika all belong to the Nightshade family of plants: avoiding them has brought relief to a great number of sufferers from joint problems.

Dairy products, wheat, oats, eggs, refined carbohydrates along with processed foods have all been known to aggravate symptoms of joint disease. The following foods should be avoided by sufferers of gout:

Offal (the parts of a butchered animal that are considered inedible by human being), all yeast and meat extracts, chicken, beef, pork, tea, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, cola drinks, sardines, anchovies, whitebait (small fish usually cooked whole), sprats, herrings, mackerel, mussels, scallops; all fish roe (including caviar and taramasalata-a Greek dip or paste of smoked carp roe combined with milk, bread crumbs, lemon juice, and olive oil); partridge and guinea fowl.

These are danger foods for gout sufferers because they contain purines, which increase the level of uric acid in the body. This exacerbates joint pain. Also avoid alcohol because it also inhibits excretion of uric acid.

Foods to eat

In one of the earliest trials of diet therapy in arthritis, a number of patients at London’s Royal Free Hospital were put on the diet of raw foods recommended by Dr Max Bircher-Benner. To learn more about this pioneer click here. Many of the patients made astonishing recoveries. Diet based on just eating raw food will improve digestion and elimination, reduce inflammation, and raise general resistance and vitality.

Traditionally, strawberries and raspberries have been forbidden fruit for the arthritic. French research shows that both fruits help eliminate uric acid, and have a positively beneficial effect on gout, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Here is a list of the beneficial raw foods: fruit: Cherries, strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, apples, plums, blackcurrants, gooseberries, melon, pears, grapes, bananas, lemons; vegetables: Artichokes, carrots, cabbage, onion, leek, celery, chicory, olives, dandelion, fennel, radish, turnips, nettles; grains: Rye Soya brown rice, millet, buckwheat; nuts, seeds, pulses: Walnuts, sprouted alfalfa, sprouted mung beans, bean sprouts; herbs: Chervil, parsley, garlic, juniper, thyme, sage, camomile, rosemary, marjoram.

Two-Day Fast

The best possible introduction to your new way of eating is a cleansing two-day fast. It is not, however, recommended for everyone who is suffering from, or has had gout. Gout sufferers should instead try the Three-Day Elimination Diet.

It is not wise to smoke or take drugs while fasting. Check with your doctor if you are taking prescribed medication. Before you start the fast, have two days of preparation, during which you should not eat any meat. You should also restrict your tea and coffee intake to no more than two weak cups of either per day: this is because the withdrawal symptoms from caffeine-containing drinks can be very severe, hence making the fast itself even more difficult. For the same reason, you should avoid chocolate, cocoa and cold drinks. For the two days prior to the fast eat only fresh raw fruits, raw or lightly cooked vegetables, and small quantities of protein in the form of grilled, poached or steamed fish on the first day and nuts, seeds, beans or grains on the second. Its important also to keep up your fluid intake, so drink plenty of filtered or bottled spring water. Dairy products and alcohol should be avoided for these two days.

For the fast itself, pick two days when you don’t have to be active physically or mentally, and when you can close your door to any visitors. You may feel perfectly well, but you will have no energy to spar. You many also have a strong reaction to the fast as toxins stored in the body for years, perhaps, are released into the bloodstream for elimination. Headaches, an unpleasantly furred tongue, bad breath, low back pain from extra kidney activity, and general aches and pains may be felt, but the feeling of well-being afterwards is well worth it.

During the two days of fasting, eat absolutely nothing, and drink only bottled spring water, at room temperature. Drink as much as you like. And for these two days, forget about vitamins and mineral pills.

Coming off a fast, even a short one, is as important as the fast itself. A rump steak, french fries and a bottle of wine may sound appetizing after not eating for two days but the effects could be catastrophic. Instead, break your fast the first morning with freshly pressed fruit juice and a few grapes; mid morning, have a little fresh fruit. At midday, eat a couple of rye crisp breads or wholemeal toast without butter, but with a raw vegetable salad. Mid-afternoon drink herb tea with some dried fruit and nuts. For the evening meal, have a brown rice dish with a selection of cooked vegetables, followed by fresh fruit.

On the second day after the fast, breakfast should be herb tea, a tempting selection of fresh fruit, and plain yoghurt with a little honey and/or some nuts and seeds. For the midday meal, eat a bowl of muesli or a rice salad, with a fresh raw salad, and some dried fruit. Herb tea and a slice of wholemeal bread and honey can be an afternoon snack. The evening meal can consist of a good homemade vegetable soup followed by a little steamed or grilled fish with salad.

For the rest of the week, your diet would be best with no meat, keep tea and coffee consumption to a minimal as possible, and eat as much raw fruit and vegetables as you can.

If you are going strong, and would like to go further, follow the two days on nothing but water with five days of only raw fruit and vegetables, with herb teas, mineral water and diluted juices to drink.

You will find that even a short fast will bring tremendous improvement in all joint problems. And most sufferers who try it will want to repeat the two-day fast every couple of months, making sure that during the weeks in between, they stick to the better foods and not the foods to avoid.

© Marie Milton

Written by MarieMilton

Filed Under: Joint Problems Tagged With: , , ,

Acupuncture And Its Uses – Alternative Medicine For More Than Just Pain Relief

October 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] which has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years.
Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. It involves inserting fine needles into points of the body then leaving them or stimulating them intermittently for around 20 to 30 minutes to treat symptoms.

How does it work?

The traditional Chinese view is that there is an energy flowing through our bodies which is called Qi. The energy flows through channels but it can be blocked thus producing a build up of energy in one area and causing unwanted  symptoms. This blockage can be due to injury, disease, anxiety or infection. The use of acupuncture to stimulate  the relevant points frees this stagnation of energy and eliminates the symptoms.

Now for someone brought up in the western world and learning about the body from a medical point of view this whole energy thing was a little alien to me. This acupuncture thing seemed a little strange yet I had seen it work for so many patients.

Well the western world now acknowledges the benefits of acupuncture but they explain its effects in a slightly different way. They believe that the needles work by stimulating the nerves in skin and muscle and this increases the body’s release of natural painkillers – endorphins and serotonin. This changes the way pain signals are received and interpreted by the brain. Working in a very similar way to a TENS machine which many people will be familiar with as it is used quite commonly with back pain and in childbirth.

Although we don’t understand all the reasons why acupuncture works it certainly does seem to have an effect on the body. Furthermore you don’t have to believe in it for it to work on you!

Can Anyone Use it?

If you are on anti-coagulant drugs (these are drugs which thin your blood to stop clotting) this can be a problem as, although, needling doesn’t usually produce blood the acupuncturist needs to be aware of this potential problem.  The most that would commonly occur is an increase of site bruising.

If you have any sores, broken skin or infection over the site to be treated then the acupuncture is not appropriate. If you have a metal allergy then acupuncture needles cannot be used. Needles should not be inserted into any lumps or moles. A qualified acupuncturist will ask you questions about these things before starting treatment and will advise you on what is the best treatment option.

How are the points are selected?

Acupuncture points are found along the channels of energy which flow through the body. These have been mapped out and the acupuncturist will locate the relevant points on the body which he or she  will use. Each acupuncture point has an effect on the surrounding area. There are also points known as distal points which have an effect on areas far away from themselves. This means that although you may go to the acupuncturist for treatment for a sore shoulder they may use a point in your lower leg as this point has an effect on your shoulder.

The acupuncturist will choose the points relevant to your condition, the number of points used varies between conditions and also the individual acupuncturist. You may have only 5 needles in or you may have many more.

What can be treated?

Problems with Muscles, Joints and Nervous System, such as arthritis, carpal tunnel, migraines, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain.
Circulatory problems, such as hypertension and angina.  For the more serious circulatory and cardiac symptoms, be sure to consult with your internist/cardiologist before embarking on that treatment regimen.
Emotional and Psychological Problems, including depression, stress and anxiety have, also, been treated with some success.

This is not an all-inclusive list but it gives one idea of the wide range of conditions that can respond to acupuncture treatment. Before starting acupuncture it is important that any other serious underlying conditions have been ruled out, usually by visiting your GP or specialist.

How long is a treatment session?

This varies between practitioners but usually needles are left in for around 20-30 minutes. If a patient reacts strongly to acupuncture treatment the therapist may decide to put the needles in for a shorter time. Sometimes you may only need one session of acupuncture but usually most people have a course of around 3-6 treatments. Treatments are often carried out twice in the first week then once weekly after that. Sometimes after a treatment session the symptoms can be exacerbated, often this is only for a short time then an improvement in symptoms occurs. If this is too distressing then it can be avoided by inserting the needles for less time, using less needles or avoiding stimulation of the needles during treatment.

What Happens?

At the first session a detailed history and assessment should take place, this will vary depending on whether you are receiving your acupuncture from a traditional Chinese acupuncturist, a G.P. or a physiotherapist. You will usually be asked to lie down on the bed and remove clothing from the area to be treated. If you are being treated for back pain you may have needles put in your back, but also in your legs so its best to dress in comfortable loose clothing.

The needles are kept in sterile packets and are removed as required. There are different types of needles some coming  with a guide tube. This is a thin hollow tube which allows easy insertion of the needle. The acupuncturist will press the tube gently onto the skin over the point he has located. This allows accurate insertion of the needle onto the point. The needle is then tapped into the skin with a sharp tap of the finger. The guide tube is removed and quickly and gently the needle is pushed with a firm but gentle movement with a slight twist into the skin. The needles are very fine, thinner than those used to take blood or give injections.

Once all the needles have been inserted the acupuncturist may stimulate them during the treatment. They may do this by gently flicking the ends of them or twisting them between finger and thumb. This should not be painful but may feel a little uncomfortable if the point is sensitive. Following the treatment the needles are removed by the acupuncturist and placed in a sharps box for safe disposal. As the needles do pierce the skin there can be a very slight bleed but this is really minuscule, a tiny spot of blood and nothing like what can happen when a doctor takes blood.

Does it hurt?

As I said before the feeling of the needle going in is really not painful. Most of the time the patient is actually unaware that the needle has been inserted. Most people are nervous on the first acupuncture treatment as you don’t know what to expect, but most are pleasantly surprised that it doesn’t hurt a bit!

Are there any side effects?

There are a few side effects most of which are minor and can be avoided.

FAINTING – this can be avoided by the patient lying down during the treatment session. In some cases this is not possible and treatment has to be carried out in a seated position.   It is more likely to occur in patient who are very nervous and tense.

PAIN – As mentioned earlier inserting the needles should not be painful. Some points however can be a little uncomfortable and if you move during treatment this can cause pain. You should therefore ensure you are lying in a comfortable stable position before treatment begins. Very anxious people can feel more pain.

INJURIES – Injuries to internal organs are very rare. There are certain points that should not be needled or only needled with great caution. A trained acupuncturist should be aware of these and therefore no injury is likely.

DROWSINESS – Some degree of drowsiness after acupuncture is fairly common. You should take care if you are going to be driving or operating machinery. It may be sensible to get someone to accompany you on your first session if you are worried about feeling drowsy after the treatment.

Does it Work?

Well its not a wonder cure that works every time. For some people it does has wonderful benefits and can completely relieve a persons symptoms. Sadly for others it seems to have no effect. It can be difficult to predict who will benefit and who will not. It can take a few treatments before an effect is noticed. However after around 4 treatments if you are feeling no effect however short-lived it is probably unlikely it will help you. Some people require a course of 6-8 treatments and this relieves their symptoms completely forever, others require “top-ups” after 4-6months to keep their symptoms from returning.

Where can I get acupuncture?

There are more and more acupuncturists opening clinics all round the country. I have never been to these Chinese acupuncturists so I cannot comment on the cost or their expertise.  Some GPs are trained as are many physiotherapists.  If going to a private clinic I would recommend talking to people who have been there and asking them about their opinion. When you go to the clinic ask them what qualifications they have and if they are registered with any of the acupuncture societies. You can check these on the internet. With acupuncture you need to be sure they are properly qualified and following safe practice especially where needles are involved.

Some Points To Try

Before I leave you here is a point you can use on yourself and the wonderful thing is you don’t need to use needles. There is a point in your hand which is a major point for pain relief. If you hold your hand in front of you, for this we will demonstrate with the left hand but you can do it on both. Hold your thumb out to the side to you make an L shape with your thumb and index finger. Then pinch the web of skin between the finger and the thumb, not right at the edge where there is only skin but right in at the fleshy part between the two bones. Pressing on this for a few minutes helps relieve pain. If you have a headache then you are supposed to press on both hands at the same time, I have tried this but you really need another pair of hands!

 

Filed Under: Bone Pain Relief Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Back Bone Natural Treatment And Vitamin For Back Bone Pain Relief

October 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are a few remedies for back pain relief that you can use in the home, without consulting a doctor. One common way is to try household painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or  OTC anti-inflammatory medications. If you take it regularly, it will not only relieve your backache but will also reduce any inflammation. The latter effect is most important in those conditions that involve some inflammation like facet joint irritation. Heating pads on low (to reduce likelihood of a burn) are also helpful and considerably less expensive.

Though this would require a care provider visit for a prescription, it is worth bringing up with the provider.  www.lowdosenaltrexone.org is a very important web site to bring to the provider’s attention.  There are many uses for LDN as the article and references discuss and many every-day problems seen in the orthopedic office have been successfully improved with this simple, inexpensive and very low side-effect medication.

As the article will n0te, obtaining the medication requires not only a prescription, but, also, a compounding lab.  It not available in a regular pharmacy.  There are many pharmacies mentioned at the end of the article that have the capability o filling the prescription.

Natural Back Pain Relief Methods

Hydrate

Stocking up on water is always a good thing, since water is very effective at flushing out your body’s toxins and provides natural lubrication for your joints. Drinking 8-10 glasses a day is more than enough to keep your body balanced and hydrated.

Eat food with anti-inflammatory properties

Back pain is often caused by inflammation. Intake food with anti-inflammatory properties can help out by lessening the irritation and the resulting pain. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties include apples, papayas, beans. bananas and green leafy vegetables.

Heat the area

Heat helps the body to battle with the inflammation and relaxes the affected area by increasing the blood supply to the area. There are many ways to do it but the most common one is to put a hot compress there before you  go to sleep.  You can also use the Radian B lotion which works great for pinched muscles or an infrared heating pad which will cost you around 150 dollars but it’s really great for back pain and sciatica!  Heating pads on low to avoid burns is effective and is much less expensive then the infrared pad.

Avoid Foods That Can Cause Inflammation.

People who suffer from back pain also need to avoid certain foods which contain inflammatory properties, which mean that they can increase pain. Prime examples are alcohol, tea, dairy products, pastries, and chocolate.

Minerals and Vitamins that promote better bones

When taking your daily vitamins, minerals and supplements don’t forget how important Vitamin D3 and calcium are for the production of new bone and connective tissues. Back pain can be helped greatly when  magnesium is added to the daily diet. Muscle, bone, and all connective tissue benefits from having plenty of magnesium along with a constant supply of calcium provided from childhood on.

Walking

If you do not like walking, you should start liking it now. Walking is a pretty good exercise for a bad back. It is not only a good way to get your circulation going; walking, unlike other forms of exercise, is easy on your joints and is a good way to strengthen your bones.

Vitamins for Backbone Pain

Vitamin A

Foods rich in Vitamin A will provide you with nutrients that allow natural healing and repair of tissues. Osteoporosis as a cause of back pain is due to the loss of strength of the  bones. This disease is due to the loss of bone mass. This can result in repeated small fracture and unless you address an existing deficiency, it would be hard to render as effective  treatment for lower back pain. Examples of food rich in Vitamin A: dairy products, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, beef and chicken liver.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K rich foods are abundant sources of calcium nutrients which we all know is a  important substance needed by our bones to stay healthy and strong. In addition, it can provide your bones with iron, which is a  mineral that helps in the absorption of oxygen and the elimination of waste elements like carbon dioxide. You can get your Vitamin K and potassium supplements (another important mineral)  in beans, soy, grains and lentils in addition to the other vitamin rich foods.

Magnesium

Magnesium is important in promoting proper muscle contractions and to keep your muscles toned. It helps in the absorption of nutrients that can add density to our bones. Vegetables that are green and leafy, whole grain breads, beans, nuts, seeds, shrimps, bananas and a lot more can provide us with sufficient amounts of magnesium.

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How To Strengthen Back Muscles Without Doing Sit Ups

October 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Walking 4-5 times a day for 1-hour each is the ideal and a lot of this up hills if possible. This is really great at strengthening your back and abdominal muscles and you get a good cardio work out. Unfortunately, the amount of time necessary can be daunting.  After you are done with the walk you lie flat on your back and squeeze your buttocks as hard as possible and hold for 10 seconds. Do this 30 times, but take your time so you can get the best benefits possible. This exercise strengthens the buttock muscles that help hold your body up. Do half of these on your stomach.   It won’t be very long before you will start feeling your muscles beginning to tighten.

Lay flat on your stomach and draw your naval in as hard as possible. Hold this for 10 seconds then release and repeat 30 times. Take your time with this, also. This exercise tightens the stomach muscles. This is a real good exercise for those who can’t do sit ups. Do some of these also on your stomach, whichever you like the best.

Lay on your back and raise your whole back up in a curve toward the ceiling. Do not hold, release and repeat. Do these a little at a time because this one can be a little painful at first. Then increase as you get use to them. Do these at your own pace until you have done 50 without your back hurting.  This exercise strengthens the back muscles very well. Tell yourself it will make you feel so much better when you have conquered them all.

Lay on your stomach  and raise both legs up off the bed including your buttock  and hold for 10 seconds. This is another hard one to do so take your time. The pain relief will be worth it later on. Just start out with a few until you get used to doing them without pain, then increase to 50 a day or so. Don’t let yourself get too sore with this one or you might not do it anymore. This one is very important for strengthening those back muscles.  Be sure to understand, though the back muscles are important, of even more importance is having strong abdominal muscles.

Sit in a chair one foot  slightly above the other foot.  Raise up and go back down without any help from the other leg and use the armed chair for balance only.  Do not help by pushing yourself up with your arms.  Change feet, the other foot slightly above the other foot and raise up again and go back down. Do a few at a time until you have done 50 each leg.

Keep one leg straight and off the floor while your pushing up on the other one.  This is an excellent strength builder.

Always check with a doctor to see if you can do these exercises. Not all exercises are for all people. Be sure you take your time with all of these and don’t push it. After awhile they will become easier.

Be consistent with these and don’t give up. If you do them every day or every other day you will start to notice the way you look in your stomach and the way your back feels. Take care of yourself, no one else will do it for you.

Written by Teresa Farmer
I am a freelance composer

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