Disc Protrusion Vs Herniation: What Is The Difference?

Two of the most common spinal injuries involve the intervertebral discs. Commonly referred to as disc protrusion and herniated disc, many who suffer from these conditions are unclear as to the differences between them.

Spinal or intervertebral discs are a the fibrous "cushions" between the spinal vertebrae. Discs function to create flexibility of the spine while maintaining a separation between the vertebrae, thereby acting as a "shock absorber" and eliminating or easing friction between the bones. Some of the most common injuries of the spine involve the discs which are naturally susceptible to compression, tearing or bulging.

Common Symptoms

Both disc protrusion and herniated disc injuries can be painful and debilitating or alternatively have little symptomatic affect depending on the location and severity of the injury. Both conditions can worsen or lead to degeneration of the spinal column as the victim ages. Muscle weakness, loss of range of motion, arthritis and numbness in the extremities are common symptoms caused by a protruding or herniated disc.

Disc Protrusion Versus Disc Herniation

A protruding or bulging disc occurs when the outer ring surrounding the disc tears allowing the inner disc to change shape and protrude through its fibrous barrier upon compression. Much like a slowly leaking tire, the gelatinous center of the disc enlarges upon compression and bulges through the disc's outer wall.

A disc herniation may also be referred to as a ruptured disc. In contrast to a protruding disc, one can think of a disk which has herniated as a tire which has experienced a blow-out. Typically more sudden and painful in nature, a disc herniation can include the fragmentation and subsequent displacement of cartilage or bone in addition to leakage of the soft central disc fluid.

Both conditions can only be detected through the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI since initially, soft tissues, not bones are involved in the injuries.

Treatment

Herniation or protrusion of the discs may both resolve with the passage of time, moderate exercise and sometimes limited bed rest. If this is not the case, victims of these conditions may suffer acute pain or nerve damage which can ultimately lead to muscle weakness, incoordination or loss of control of the bladder or bowel. If these conditions become apparent as a result of disc damage, medical treatment in the form of drug therapy and surgery may become necessary. When evaluating the necessity of these more advanced options, the probability of inflammation or muscle spasm in the muscular tissues surrounding the injury must be taken into account. Since spinal injuries are slow to heal, time may afford other possibilities for disc injury sufferers.

Does Ozone Therapy Actually Work?

Ozone is a type of oxygen that when mixed with a certain medical-use oxygen becomes a successful treatment for some conditions. The medicinal uses were discovered in the 19th century and it was used as wound treatments during World War I.

This mixture produces anti-viral, fungicidal and anti-bacterial actions when completed in an environment that is heavily controlled, but the need for reliable equipment that could handle this ozone therapy was not met until the late 1950s. Since then it has helped to treat both animals and humans in many different ways, including arthritic and spinal pain relief.

Unlike the healthy cells that thrive in oxygen, disease causing bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, including some Cancer and HIV microbes are mostly anaerobic; meaning that those microbes will not be able to survive in the oxygen. The objective is to completely surround them with pure oxygen in some form for an extended period of time. Many believe that this special mixture of oxygen and ozone is beneficial when administered slowly into the body on a daily basis over several months; bypassing the lungs but eventually saturating every cell and bodily fluid with it.

They claim that microbes caused by disease will not be able to survive in the oxygen and will no longer exist, thus ridding the body of disease. Many also suggest adding some type of steam bath or Finnish sauna sessions to your fitness regiment will help to remove toxins from the body.

Research indicates that all oxygen therapies, which include ozone therapy, work because it floods the body with single atoms of oxygen. They have active oxidizers and burn up pollution, waste products and microbes and clean the way that nature intended by naturally oxidizing away the toxins and microbes.

The purification of water is the major use of ozone commercially today; both the EPA and FDA certify that ozone destroys 99.9% of the pathogenic germs, while at the same time oxidize 99.9% of the pollutants that reside in water. As previously indicated, releasing oxygen into the blood stream is the primary way that ozone works and it is believed that a steam shower or a steam sauna helps the process by allowing the body to sweat out additional impurities.

Enhancing the blood circulation is also a benefit of ozone therapy, which can help to treat circulatory diseases. The clumping of red blood cells impedes the flow of blood through the capillaries, as well as decreasing the oxygen absorption because of a smaller surface area. Ozone will reduce or even eliminate the clumping of the red blood cells while restoring the red cell flexibility.

Oxidizing the plaque in the arteries allows the breakdown products to be removed as it unclogs blood vessels. Following up with some type of an infrared sauna or steam powered sauna fitness program will also help to open blood vessels and help to rid the body of toxins.

The Surprising Benefits Of Seeing A Chiropractor

Chiropractors diagnose and treat individuals with problems related to the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors have reported that there is a recent upsurge in the number of patients seeking out chiropractic care in lieu of more invasive treatments with a "traditional" practitioner. Abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system can often affect a patient's nervous system and overall general health. Chiropractic treatments generally focus on the spine using spinal manipulation. There are treatments for other joints and soft tissues. The chiropractic science is based on the belief that misalignments of spinal joints disrupts the nervous system and causes a break down in disease resistance. This results in poor overall health. Chiropractors deliver lifestyle counseling, exercise regimens, and health advisement.

Various Benefits

Multitudes of people seek the care of a chiropractor on a regular basis. There are many benefits of chiropractic care that will ultimately increase the quality of life. Some of these benefits are:

Total reduction in pain throughout entire body.
Decrease in the amount of joint pain especially for those with arthritis.
Relief of pressure on spine which decrease pain of the legs, knees, feet, and back.
Reduction in the amount of stiffness to treated areas.
Fewer muscle spasms.
Increase in range of motion.
Improved coordination.
Increased energy level.
Better self esteem.
Individual will feel much better overall.

Once there has been total realignment, pressure is relieved throughout the entire body. This stimulates the healing process allowing the body to heal as it normally would. Chiropractic treatments not only alleviate pain but help to heal joints and tissues as well.

Immediate Relief

Treatments offered by chiropractors often result in immediate relief for many individuals. These doctors have the skills to realign limbs and joints creating a sudden decline in pain. There are instances when manipulation can leave an individual achy and somewhat sore. This is due to the fact that body may have been misaligned for quite a long period of time. Chiropractors often report that many of their patients receive an almost immediate alleviation of pain and require just one chiropractic adjustment to become pain-free, although this is not typical of all patients.

Additional Info

Chiropractors are not licensed to prescribe medications. Many times, during the course of treatment, a chiropractor may discover that an individual has additional health problems and needs medical attention outside their realm of medicine. The patient will be referred for a consult with the proper type of health care professional. Most all chiropractors agree that there are numerous factors that may affect an individual's overall health. These include diet, exercise, heredity, environment, and rest. The wide variety of information on these factors, which most chiropractors provide to their patients, is another added benefit.

Contact a chiropractor now to find out if chiropractic care is right for treating your neck, back, shoulder, knee, joint, or other chronic or acute pain.

The Link Between Crohn's Disease And Lower Back Pain

Crohn's disease is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract lining and can affect any area of the tract between the mouth and anus. The most common form of the disease affects the small intestine and colon. Crohn's causes symptoms both inside and outside the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss and bloody stools. It can cause problems beyond the tract due to malnutrition, such as osteoporosis. Other extraintestinal symptoms like arthritis may be caused by immunological factors.

An exact cause of this condition is not known, but it is believed that genetic and immunological factors are involved. Inflammation is normally modulated by the immune system; the body perceives abnormalities like viruses or injuries as threats and responds by sending a rush of inflammatory fluids to the area in the interest of blocking off the perceived threat and facilitating healing. Chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and prolonged pain. Some medical professionals and researchers theorize that a bacterial or viral infection can spark the inflammatory response that leads to Crohn's disease, but this remains to be proven.

Many people with Crohn's suffer from lower back pain. The following related conditions may be responsible.

Arthritis

According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, about 25% of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), either colitis or Crohn's disease, develop arthritis. Some of these people will develop axial arthritis, or arthritis of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints, which form where the large hip bones meet the sacrum at the base of the spine. Axial arthritis can, over time, cause spinal segments to fuse together, creating permanent limited range of motion and pain.

Pain and stiffness in the lower back is the first sign of axial arthritis. Body mechanics suffer as movement patterns are altered to prevent painful motions; this can lead to widespread muscle and joint pain. Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, also called sacroiliitis, can lead to sciatica nerve pain if the nearby nerve becomes impinged.

Though arthritis usually affects older people, Crohn's-related arthritis is common in young people with the disease.

Osteoporosis

Crohn's prevents proper absorption of nutrients through the intestines into the body. Vitamin D and calcium are key nutrients for bone health. Osteoporosis is a disease most known to affect women over the age of 50, but one study on Crohn's patients shows the disease to be common among both men and women of a mean age of 32. The study assessed the bone mineral density of 34 men and 22 women between the ages of 18 and 54, all of whom have Crohn's disease. The alarming results showed that 35.7% had osteoporosis and another 23.2% had osteopenia, which signifies lower-than-normal bone mineral density, but not low enough to qualify as osteoporosis. See more on the study at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16112594.

Osteoporosis often leads to vertebral fractures in the lumbar spine. This segment of the spine bears the brunt of the upper body's weight and is also highly mobile, meaning it does a lot of work. Vertebral fractures can cause changes in spinal curvature, leaving other vertebrae more susceptible to fracture. Pain may result from the fracture itself, inflammation and biomechanical changes.

Natural Treatments

People with axial arthritis are generally prescribed a lower back stretching regimen to prevent fusing of the spinal segments and maintain flexibility. They are also advised to use moist heat on the lower back.

Those who are at risk for osteoporosis or who have developed it may need to supplement vitamin D and calcium to try to compensate for the lack of nutrient absorption caused by Crohn's.

Of course, the best way to treat Crohn's symptoms is to address Crohn's itself. Unfortunately, nobody is sure what causes it and, therefore, what can treat it. Whether conventional or natural, your treatment will be largely experimental. Consider following the reasonable tips at http://voices.yahoo.com/heal-crohns-disease-naturally-6357310.html?cat=5 for helping your digestive tract recover.

Crohn's-related back pain could indicate a serious problem like axial arthritis or osteoporosis even if you are young. If you have symptoms of Crohn's, see a specialist and/or dietitian soon.

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Neck Pain

Neck pain can be acquired in many ways like sleeping in a bad position or from certain headaches. Neck pain can also be a part of something much more serious and it could be a danger to the spinal area. There are specialists that want to help and find solutions that could help fix any neck problems and find a way to solve and cure the pain. Neck pain is a problem if not treated and checked correctly.

Having neck pain can occur from different ways such as:

Whiplash - This is a jerk of the head that causes damage to the neck.

Arthritis - Stiffness at the joint that causes pain as well as inflammation occurring.

Degenerative Disc Disease - When the spinal discs slowly get smaller and smaller over age, but degenerative disc disease speeds up the process and can cause the person to have severe pain.

Muscle Strain - This is a tear in the muscle that was once attached to the tendons.

Those are a few ways that can cause neck pain. Whiplash is one of the most common causes that can damage the spine which most commonly happens in a car accident. Whiplash causes the neck to jerk and make it to turn where the neck and spinal cord move quickly and cause major complications. One complication from whiplash is that it causes the neck to move in a different position, but also have the spinal disc move in a position that it might leave the person paralyzed.

Neck ache can be something that can cause someone to have problems. Many people would look for solutions that they think will help and fix their neck. Some of the methods that people think that make their neck pain better cannot resolve it to a point that it will completely fix their neck. Another way people think that they might help fix neck pain is by taking medication which will help to a point, but if the pain is extreme, medication cannot help hide the pain of their neck. In other cases, they will just tell them to keep moving the position of where their pain is so that they adjust to it and don't feel it anymore, but that may damage the neck even more. It can also be a greater problem then just the neck which is focusing on the spinal cord as well.

Neck ache is something that can be taken lightly or seriously by how bad it's been damage. Any extreme damage to the neck can cause people to have motor problems that could alter their life significantly. Therefore, it's is important to get any neck pain treated quickly to reduce the chances of any complications arising.

Pet Obesity - Are We Killing Our Pets?

Obesity was once only considered a condition affecting the health of adult men and women, who for some reason or another, didn't take care of themselves properly. Statistics indicate that the severity of obesity has far more reaching implications than impacting on basic fitness quality. Obesity kills approximately 280 000 adults in the US alone.

This would be an alarming concern on its own, but research has proven that obesity also affects children. A survey has revealed that the rate of childhood obesity has grown rapidly in recent times with 4.2% of children aged between 6 and 11 years of age in 1963 to a staggering 17.5% in 2004. (CDC.gov.) In reflection one might even determine that these statistics are not completely surprising given that children today are not performing the same physical activities as they were in the 1960s. This is true.

The roles of domestic animals have also changed through the years. At one time it was considered an affluent novelty to care for a pet in the home, especially if the animal did not perform some necessary task on the property. Latter as companion pet ownership became more usual the job of the pet typically changed to involve more "play time", accompanying the children as they ran and played, or being a companion to its master in the duration of daily events. Then being rewarded at the end of a long days "work" with a hearty meal (it is strongly recommended that dogs should be fed two smaller meals a day, and even skipping 1 day a week).

As the usually daily tasks of our lives have changed, so have the duties of our four legged companions. As with humans pet obesity has become a major health issue. An estimated 25-40% of dogs in the United States are obese (*1). Pet obesity is not an issue involving dogs alone, cats and all domestic pets are at risk from this potentially fatal condition.

Pet obesity is a major health concern. Overweight pets suffer more physical ailments and do not live as long as animals of recommended weight. Obesity often reduces a pet's enjoyment of life. Health risks associated with weight gain include: Heart and respiratory disease, diabetes, liver disease, joint diseases such as arthritis and spinal disc problem just to name a few

As with humans the lack of physical activity is not the only contributing factor to health issues related to obesity in our pets. There are in fact a number of causes, and indeed a number of ways we can works towards in improving the quality of life for our companions.

Our first question should be "are we killing our pets with kindness". Diet plays a significant role in contributing to pet obesity. While we should consider physical activity as a changed circumstance over the years, we should also consider reevaluating the food we feed our pets.
Instead of examining the changed daily routine of our pets, and altering their diets to suit. We have either neglected to serve an appropriate diet, or over compensated for physical activity with the issuing of treats often with little or poor nutritional quality.

While we are well aware that fast food is bad for our kids, few of us realize that fast food is also bad for our pets. You might be wondering what fast food for pets is. Simply fast food for pets is a tin of dog food. Take the time to read the label on a tin of manufactured dog food and you will discover that it is packed with processed this and processed that and a whole variety of weird and wonderful additives.
Not all tinned foods are the same; surprisingly many of the more expensive and well known labels are not ideal. I am sure my children will eat heartedly if I fed them McDonald's every night, but I certainly would not do this simply because it is not good for them.
There are many good quality pre-prepared pet foods available on the market that do contain good healthy ingredients. Shop for your pet with the same concern you would when you shop for the human members of the family.
Alternatively preparing your own healthy meals from fresh ingredients is surprisingly a cheap and easy option.

Keep in mind that treats are just that, treats!

And my favorite health routine for both myself and my pet, make time. A walk or play each day will not only improve your pets health, it is just what the doctor ordered for you also. A daily walk or play will improve health and wellbeing of mind body and soul for you both.

(*1) Wolfsheimer, KJ. Obesity. In: Ettigner SJ, Feldman EC. , editors. Textbook of veterinary internal medicine. 5th edition. WB Saunders Company; Philadelphia (PA): 2000.

Whiplash Symptoms From Sneezing?

Most people have heard of whiplash and think of it as something that is caused in a car accident. And while that is true, there are also other causes of whiplash including a previous neck injury, sport related falls, being pushed or a bad fall.
Even an intense sneeze can result in whiplash!
That's why it's important to know the signs of whiplash which may include:

• A sudden feeling of stiffness or soreness in the neck


• Pain between shoulders


• Difficulty in turning the head from side to side

Because of the pain associated with whiplash, along with the potential for further complication, it's important to consult with a chiropractor following any injury. Any sudden stop of an individual's body that forcefully snaps their head and neck forward, backwards, or sideways can severely injure their neck's soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves, as well as the vertebrae.

In a whiplash injury, supportive soft tissues in the neck are often over-stretched or torn and spinal joints can become misaligned. Misaligned vertebrae, or subluxations, can cause the nerve roots and blood vessels in an individual's neck to become compressed, stretched or irritated. This can interfere with nerve transmission and blood supply to vital body functions.

In addition, the normal curve of the cervical spine is altered and joint motion becomes restricted. As a result, weakened tissues are no longer able to support the vertebrae in its proper position.
Over time, if these subluxations are left untreated, they can cause many health problems such as headaches, backaches, neckpain, arthritis, heart problems, and many others. There is simply no end to the health conditions that can result from a pinched or blocked nerve. Consider this, if the nerve from your brain to your heart was cut the result would be fatal. What if the nerve was pinched or squeezed? What would the result be?
This is why consulting with a chiropractor is so important. Individualized chiropractic adjustments not only can relieve initial pain from an injury, they can also help in the restoration of healthy spinal joint function to prevent future problems.
Because chiropractors are extensively trained, they can help with:

1. Removal of nerve interference


2. Breaking down scar tissue from previous injuries


3. Increasing circulation to enhance healing


4. Reducing inflammation

Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can eliminate or reduce joint pain and restore normal range of motion to specific areas of injury. An Australian study points to the pain associated with whiplash and shows how a chiropractor can help with such situations. The 10-year study found that:

• Facet joint pain is the definitive cause of chronic head and neck pain in 60 percent of whiplash cases studied


• 87 percent of patients exhibited a limited range of cervical motion. The two findings suggest that many whiplash injuries respond well to chiropractic care because adjustments are specifically directed at facet joints


• Case studies have also shown that chiropractic adjustments can eliminate or reduce joint pain and restore range of motion

The Causes of and Cures For Cartilage Damage in Joints

When there is no balance between destruction and construction, the cartilage lining the joints becomes eroded and the cartilage can become thin, the lubricating fluid around the joint can be lost, which will cause the cartilage to become dry and eventually wear away.

Cartilage is the connective tissue that exists in many of the joints in the body including the shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles and more. Cartilage is much more rigid than muscles or ligaments but is more flexible than bone. Cartilage does not cover the entire end of the bones in the joint, but exists only at the points of contact. This is why when there is damage to the cartilage, joints don't move as smoothly. The grinding feeling that this creates can be very painful and is actually the joint wearing down. Over time this can lead to a whole host of problems, including arthritis or facilitating the need for joint replacement surgery.

It is possible to reverse damage to cartilage in joints, but unlike muscle, cartilage contains no blood vessels, which means that it takes a much longer period of time for damage to repair itself.

There are a number of reasons that cartilage erodes. One of the most common reasons is aging. Over time, cartilage simply wears out. This is one of the primary reasons that the elderly often require joint replacement surgery.

Cartilage damage can occur in the spine as well, as a result of an injury such as a car accident or from misalignment of other joints. For instance, if hip joints are out of alignment, it can cause pressure on spinal discs. This can, over time, cause cartilage to deteriorate.

People involved in sports like running, tennis, or martial arts are particularly susceptible to cartilage damage due to the increased impact on the joints. Over time this will cause the joints to wear down even more quickly than most. This is a large part of the reason that many professional athlete's careers end before they reach the age of 40.

Often the most common form of treatment is anti-inflammatory medications. However this doesn't really treat the problem, it just masks the symptoms. This is a very common problem with what most people call "conventional" medicine.

One of the best ways to maintain balance is to visit a chiropractor regularly. A chiropractor can manipulate the joints in the body to relieve undue pressure that can cause cartilage damage.

Drugs and nutrition do not treat the cartilage damage; they only treat pain and inflammation. This can cause acidity to the stomach. This acidity finds it's way into the body and the joint and can actually make the inflammation and pain worse, not better.

Some exercise is actually helpful to treating cartilage damage. Things like yoga, tai chi, or swimming are a great way to strengthen muscles and ligaments and maintain good overall health, but without the stress on joints, which will allow the cartilage to heal without further damage. To help rebuild the cartilage in the joints it is recommended to take daily1 teaspoon of Gelatin and melt it in a 1 / 2 cup water or juice and drink. This will help lubricate the damaged joint and prevent further damage, thus allowing the cartilage to heal naturally. Even if you are recovering from joint surgery, this drink will help your rehabilitation. Gelatin is a substance that naturally occurs in the joints in the body and it aids in joint lubrication and cartilage formation.

There are also essential oils that can be used to treat pain and inflammation. Although the treatment can take between 3 months to 6 months, the results are much more effective.

The above is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition, and is not a recommendation for any treatment.

Arthritic Pain - The Lymphatic System

Energetic Systems

Major physiological changes that can contribute to pain are the failure of the circulatory and energetic systems and the weakening of the lymphatic system to meet the demands of the body. The blood circulation is responsible for carrying oxygen, water, nutrients and glucose to the organs, cells and mitochondria for maintenance and energy. It is also responsible for the breaking down and the elimination of dead cells. When the cells don't get enough oxygen and water, they degenerate and die. If the dead cells and cellular waste aren't eliminated fast enough they slow the system down causing stagnation which attracts bacteria, leading to infections which in turn create pain. In an average adult human being, between 50 billion and 70 billion cells die off and are replaced every day, that's about one million cells every second.

Pain, although felt on the physical level, is usually caused by a combination of mental, emotional, psychological, psychic or spiritual issues. Life issues, such as relationships, money and finances, work, future, health and fitness are affected by one or more of these levels or by the relationship between these levels. Anti-inflammatory and pain reducing medications only mask the pain, giving short term relief and do not address the true cause.

Action pain; can be a pain felt in any part of the body, only when the body moves. Some actions and positions of walking, standing, sitting or bending can activate a pain. Memories of pain, discomfort and achiness, thinking about the body part, touching it, moving it or testing it are some of the other aspects that can trigger the pain, even when the cause of the pain has been resolved.

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is the body's natural drainage system for eliminating cellular waste, chemicals, infections, infestations, poisons, scar tissue and even excess minerals. The lymphatic system detoxifies the whole body in a general fashion, and more specifically detoxifies any part of the body where it is needed. Whatever does not belong in the body is processed through the lymphatic system through the kidneys and liver into the large intestines and urinary bladder, being removed during the elimination processes. Removal of wastes is so important to the cells' health that the lymphatic system is three or four times larger than the circulatory system.

The lymphatic system works all of the time but not always one hundred percent efficient. Wherever the body has a problem (pain), the lymphatic function there will be weak and not doing its job. Imagine that the lymphatic system is like the main drain going from your home. If the drain outside becomes blocked, very soon the waste begins to back-up the pipes and problems start occurring. However, as soon as the drain is cleared the whole house automatically flushes through the system and normality returns.

Stagnation

Stagnation occurs when the body's normal fluid flow slows down and starts to collect in parts of the body. The build up of the fluids start to cause a blockage which leads to congestion, inflammation, infection (viruses, bacteria, yeasts and fungi) and then infestation which induces physical pain.

When stagnation prevents adequate oxygen and water from reaching the cells, fatigue starts at the cellular level. Stagnation results in the production of excessive histamine, leading to inflammation and infection. When there are parasitic, viral, bacterial, yeast and fungal activities, the body breaks down and experiences degeneration and deformity. Infections and infestations can be removed through the lymphatic system.

The Central Nervous System

The nervous system is the most sensitive part of the body and consists of the Brain, Mind and Spinal Cord. It governs, manages and controls all the functions of every part of the body; organs, glands, muscles, bones, biological and biochemical processes to keep it in perfect health.

Signals are sent from the brain to the body via the spinal cord and nervous system, instructing every part of the body how to respond. Messages are sent back from the body which are then interpreted - a two-way communication system. This communication system includes the brain, the mind and the mind's connection with the outside world. It records every physical, mental and emotional event that is experienced.

Although complex, the body functions like a super-computer, being either switched on or off, strong or weak to any given issue. Miscommunication of the spinal cord to the body or the body to the spinal cord leads to neurological mismanagement of the body.

It is the neurological mismanagement, specifically of the lymphatic system, that results in body pain. The connection to the painful body part must be reset to "re-communicate" with the spinal cord. When communication is re-established in both directions, the body pain will reduce or disappear.

The spinal cord may not be communicating because of stress, anxiety, tension and the inability to relax. Toxicity may cause the spinal cord to be confused. Chemicals, such as medications, food colouring, preservatives and cellular waste can accumulate in the spinal fluid and block or reduce communication. Detoxifying the spinal fluid and strengthening the connection from the brain to the spinal cord to the nerves will re-establish communication.

The nervous system needs instructions on what to do, especially when it comes to self-repair. It is the instruction from the nervous system that initiate changes and all healing processes come only from the nervous system.

Frequent Healing

Frequent Healing is a gentle energetic, holistic approach that bridges the worlds of conventional and complementary healthcare. By blending anatomy, physiology, structural analysis, quantum physics and Chi (energy) to work with the subconscious mind, the body and the emotions, we stimulate, repair and reconnect the natural communication systems to directly activate the body's own self-healing capabilities and bring about healing of the human organism on the mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, psychic and psychological levels.

When the 'switches' have been reset, the communication re-established and the body is energetically supporting these corrections, healing is experienced at a deep and profound level of the Mind, Body and Spirit.

All this is done:

o Without drugs
o Without herbal infusions
o Without electrical stimulation
o Without any physical manipulation

By all means be skeptical... but don't be left in pain!

Gastric Bypass Surgery Additional Benefits For People With Disabilities

Yes, gastric bypass surgery is a wonderful option for any person who needs to lose weight. But, did you know how the end result of that surgery can also help a disabled person beyond losing weight? Read the following information to learn how and let it help you - whether you are a person with a disability or not. It's motivational for all wanting to lose weight.

The information below is an example of how a person with limited mobility due to the disabling spine issues of severe degenerative disk disease, lumbar spondylosis disease and spinal canal stenonis as well as arthritis can get aditional benefits from gastric bypass surgery. Such disabilities can greatly contribute to weight gain thus further limiting mobility. The person who can barely get in and out of a wheelchair by themself to sit on a sofa, get into bed, into a car, etc. could eventually not be able to manuever their heavier body even that much. But with gastric bypass surgery, their weight loss can increase their now limited steps to eventually include going outside to get their mail and being able to attend some social functions they hadn't been able to walk to. Even being able to once again stand long enough at the kitchen sink to wash dishes can increase their sense of independence thus creating a certain sense of joy.

Even while still sitting in a wheelchair an example of simple exercise that can be done is using a resistance band. Some bariatric doctors send a band home with their gastric bypass patients. This is a good way to strengthen arms and legs at a pace that, if done sensibly, shouldn't aggrevate the spinal issues mentioned above.

As weight loss and exercise continue, a disabled person can feel strong enough to get out of that wheelchair and onto an exercise bike. Even if it's just 10 to 15 minutes of riding the bike, that's toning a body that hasn't had much if any toning in a while. It's strengthening muscles that haven't been used for just as long. It's HOPE for a better quality of life thanks to the decision to have gastric bypass surgery. Sure, it's possible their weight loss may be taking longer than for a patient able to exercise more strenuously for longer periods of time. But the rewards will eventually be just as great......if not more so.

With that kind of motivation, the disabled person will continue to lose weight far beyond the bariatric doctor's estimation. He or she will once again be able to walk their dog, even if it's just around the yard instead of a brisk jog through the park like in years past. But that short walk and renewed interaction with the dog is even more meaningful to a person with limited mobility. Also, do you know dog owners live longer! Mentally as well as physically, that person's outlook on everyday life is improved!

Now, because the disabled person who previously was unable to barely walk is exercising, however limited, their heart and lungs are functioning better too. Even when just sitting and visiting with friends, the labored breathing of an overweight, non-exercising person is no longer heard from across the room. The wide smile on his or her face when responding to friends questions of how they're doing is truly genuine! Daily life, in many more aspects, is good - thanks to gastric bypass surgery. Many of the disabled person's prayers are being answered thanks to the surgical gift their bariatric surgeon was blessed with. That person with a disability feels life more worth living DESPITE that disability.

Arthritis of the Spine - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Care For Arthritis

Arthritis of the spine is usually a degenerative disease that affects the vertebrae. It is very painful and occurs generally in people in the age group of 40-50 yrs. When symptoms occur, these should be attended to immediately to avoid progression resulting in surgery. Although medicine has advanced considerably, and surgery has become more easy and accessible, it should be resorted to only as a last resort.

Symptoms

o Stiffness in the back
o Back pain at intervals
o Painful, numb and tender neck
o Pain in shoulders, hips, knees or heels
o Pain and difficulty in bending or walking
o Deformation of spinal bone

Diagnosis:

o Physical examination by a reputed orthopedic
o Blood test
o X ray
o MRI
o Cat Scan
o Myelogram

Cure:

o Rest: Severe cases may require bed rest, sometimes for 1-3 days.
o Braces: Temporarily wearing braces is helpful in reducing pain but long term use weakens spine muscles.
o Acupuncture: It is done by inserting small needles at specific points determined by experts; the needles may be electrically stimulated or warmed to increase the effect and help in reducing inflammation and pain.
o Medication: Acetaminophen, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiods are some of the commonly used drugs. Cortisone Injections are also available as pain relievers.
o Heat Treatment: Heat penetrates and reduces pain and stiffness.
o Spinal Decompression: It is the linear force which pulls the body to create negative pressure. This pressure helps the dislocated or misaligned vertebras back in the proper place creating sufficient space between them, so that more oxygen and blood can get into this area.
o Massage: It benefits the flexibility and range of motion.

Understanding Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal resulting in a lack of space to accommodate the nerves.

The spinal canal contains the nerves that connect to the skin and muscles of the legs. A normal size canal has sufficient space to hold these nerves. But, as a person ages, the canal is subject to narrowing. The narrowing may not always result in problems. But if the narrowing causes pinching of the spinal nerves, problems will develop.

Spinal stenosis isn't always caused by degeneration due to age. It can also be due to tumors, herniated discs, and injuries resulting from accidents. Spinal stenosis can even be present at birth but this is rare.

The symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending upon the location of the compressed nerve. If the nerves in your neck or shoulder are pinched, you will experience pain in this area.

If the pressure is on the nerves that control your balance, you will tend to be clumsy or fall easily.

When the stenosis results from a herniated disc, the pain will begin in your hip or buttocks and travel down the back of your leg. In this case, the pain is confined to one side of your body but increases when you sit.

If the pinched nerves are in your lower lumbar region, you can have a condition known as false claudication. People with this problem have pain and cramping in their legs make it difficult to stand straight in one position for long periods of time. Sitting down relieves the discomfort. Walking is easier when bending forward which is why many people with spinal stenosis prefer to shop at stores that have shopping carts. Leaning forward on the cart makes walking much easier. False claudication also makes downhill walking difficult.

There is another form of claudication called vascular claudication, which is a blockage in the arteries in the legs. This also causes pain and cramping but unlike false claudication, it gets worse when walking up hill and gets better when you stand still.

Other symptoms of spinal stenosis are numbness in the arms, hands, feet, or legs and loss of bladder or bowel control. People who experience the numbness need to be careful, as it is possible to injure the body part and not be aware of it due to reduced sensitivity.

Anyone have problems with bowel or bladder control need to consult their physician immediately.

Doctors use radiographs and MRI's (magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose spinal stenosis. The radiographs show whether arthritis is present and if there is any slippage of the vertebrae. The MRI scan is needed to detect whether or not there is any pinching of the nerves. There are also special tests available for people who cannot have an MRI.

There are two basic types of treatment for spinal stenosis - surgical and nonsurgical.

Nonsurgical treatments involve physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and epidural steroid injections.

People need to be cautious about the anti-inflammatory medications as many of these have serious side effects. They should be thoroughly discussed with the doctor prior to taking the medications.

The steroid medication is injected directly into the nerve roots within the spinal canal. There are less side effects with this treatment and sometimes it will allow patients to avoid surgery.

The non-surgical treatments are only useful for providing relief from symptoms. They do not decrease the narrowing of the canal.

There are two types of surgical treatments. One, called decompression, consists of removing the bone and soft tissues that are pinching the nerve.

The other involves a spinal fusion during which two or more vertebrae are permanently fused together.

Surgery is usually viewed as a last resort to be attempted when all other treatments fail. However, if there is loss of bladder or bowel control, surgery will be performed immediately.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Spinal Decompression Therapy

This article answers the question "what conditions can be treated with spinal decompression therapy?" This therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment for back or neck pain resulting from degenerative disc disease, sciatica, a bulging or herniated disc, and facet syndrome. The therapy works by distracting the spine's vertebral segments to generate a negative pressure, or in the discs between the vertebrae. The created negative pressure enables nutrients and water to be delivered to the needed regions.

FDA Approved, Safe and Effective Treatment

Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is an FDA approved therapy proven that is effective and safe in treating chronic lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck) conditions. The success of the treatment for a patient would vary with the patient's particular condition, his willingness to follow the recommended treatment plan, how long he has been affected by the disorder, and other factors.

Some of the conditions that can be treated with this therapy are described below:

Spinal Stenosis which is stenosis or abnormal narrowing of the spinal column and is a condition which may occur in any area of the spine. The usual reason for the problem is spinal degeneration that comes about with aging.

Degenerative Disc Disease is a natural outcome of the aging process. With the passage of time, people demonstrate changes in their discs because of a small or great degree of degeneration. The disease varies in nature.

Pinched Nerves are a condition resulting from injury or damage to the nerve from compression or direct compression that makes the nerve incapable of properly sending its signal. The reason for a pinched nerve depends on where the nerve is located.

Sciatica results from compression of a spinal nerve root in the lower back. It affects the hip, back, and outer side of the leg.

Failed Back Surgery - A second spinal surgery is not advisable for a person with failed back surgery syndrome after spinal surgery. So, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is an option that can be considered.

Facet Syndrome - It is a condition where the joints in the back of the spine deteriorate and consequently cause pain. Facet joints are located at all levels, on either side of the lumbar spine. They are responsible for about 1/5th of the general stability in the low back. The facet joints are so positioned as to provide whatever support is required particularly with respect to rotation.

Arthritis - It is a disorder marked by inflammation of one of more joints. The result is swelling, restricted movement, pain, and stiffness.

Promising Alternative to Medication and Surgery

It can be concluded that there are a number of conditions that can be effectively treated with spinal decompression therapy. The therapy is indeed a viable alternative to surgery and medication.

Chiropractic For Seniors: Seven Outstanding Benefits

Many seniors are unaware of the outstanding benefits that are possible through regular chiropractic care. I have compiled a list of seven of the most frequent benefits that chiropractic care provides for seniors.

1. Pain Relief

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective and safest forms of health care to treat pain due to spinal related conditions. Chiropractic is so effective because most causes of spinal disorders are related to abnormalities of the spine and the surrounding soft tissue structures. Doctors of chiropractic are specifically trained to identify and treat subluxations (misalignments of the vertebrae) and their subsequent effect on the central nervous system. Anti inflammatory medication and pain relievers merely mask the symptoms and have many undesirable side effects.

2. Increased Range of Motion of the Spine and Extremities

Chiropractic care has been shown repeatedly to increase not only the range of motion of the spine but also in the extremities. Increasing a person's range of motion can positively and drastically affect lives in many ways. For some, an increased range of motion means being able to bend down to pick up their grandchildren. For others, it means they can garden without pain or get an extra 40 yards of distance out of their driver on the golf course. In many cases, an increase in range of motion immediately follows chiropractic adjustments. This is one of the reasons why many top professional sporting teams have team chiropractors.

3. Increased Balance and Coordination

Many problems in balance and coordination in the aging population have been shown to come from injury or degenerative changes to the cervical spine (neck region). Structures known as mechanoreceptors are located in the posterior (back) joints of the cervical spine and are responsible for providing the brain with essential information important for balance and coordination. Mechanoreceptors in cervical posterior joints provide major input regarding the position of the head in relation to the body. With aging, mild defects impair mechanoreceptors function and results in a loss of proprioception (sense of body awareness). With decreased proprioception, body positioning in space is impaired and the patient becomes reliant on vision to know the location of a limb. To compensate for the loss of proprioception (sense of body awareness) in the legs, the feet are kept wider apart than usual. Steps become irregular and uneven in length. As impairment increases, the patient becomes unable to compensate. With severe loss of proprioception, the patient is unable to get up from a chair or rise after a fall without assistance.

Studies have shown that chiropractic care can help restore balance and coordination by stimulating the joint receptors (mechanoreceptors) in the cervical spine. This stimulation is thought to restore or normalize joint receptor functioning which leads to improvements in balance and coordination. (Caranasos, MD, Isreal, MD. Gait Disorders in the Elderly. Hospital Practice. 1991; June 15:67-94.Guyton, MD. Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th edition. WB Saunders, Philadelphia 1996; 714.)

4. Decreased Joint Degeneration

A subluxated (misaligned) spine is much like a misaligned wheel on an automobile. This misalignment will cause the spine (and the wheel) to wear out prematurely. Since all moving parts will eventually wear down over time, it is very important to get your spine aligned periodically. Chiropractic care decreases spinal degeneration and other arthritic changes by normalizing the spinal alignment and reducing spinal stress.

5. Increased Health and Well-Being

We commonly ask our patients what changes they notice once they are put of pain. Here are some regular responses we hear every day:
I feel great!

I can sleep through the night!

Now I can play in the garden!

I have so much energy!

Life is worth living now!

Yes, chiropractic is far more than mere pain relief.
Feeling good, staying healthy and doing the things that make us happy are what keeps us looking forward to each new day. Regular chiropractic care increase the quality of life and increase health and well being.

6. Decreased Incidence of Falling

Injuries due to falling are extremely common in the elderly population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are responsible for 90% of the 850,000 bone fractures which occur annually among Americans past the age of 65. Chiropractors reduce the risk of falls by normalizing the mechanoreceptors of the cervical spine by administering chiropractic adjustments. They also prescribe stretching and exercise programs to increase strength, flexibility, mobility, balance and coordination.

7. Keeps Seniors Out of Nursing Homes

While studying at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, I had the opportunity of meeting the president Dr. Ian Coulter. Dr. Coulter was involved with many research projects studying the benefits of chiropractic care and exercise.
In 1996, he published an interesting study in the Journal, "Topics of Clinical Chiropractic" called "Chiropractic care for the Elderly."
The key points he noted in this study were:

o 44% of those who used chiropractic care reported having arthritis compared with 66% in the non-chiropractic care group

o those who used chiropractic care were more likely to do strenuous levels of exercise

o at three years follow-up, less than 5% of those who used chiropractic care lived in a nursing home while a staggering 48% of those who did not use chiropractic care did live in a nursing home

o at three years follow-up, only 26% of those who used chiropractic care were hospitalized compared with 48% of those in the non-chiropractic group

There is no need for seniors to suffer needlessly. Chiropractic provides amazing benefits and has an outstanding record of safety and effectiveness. Ask your family and friends for a chiropractor that they recommend. Take action now and make an appointment to see if chiropractic can help you!

The Science Behind Chiropractic Care

The modern chiropractic profession has been treating patients for a variety of health conditions since 1895. That is when Daniel David Palmer adjusted the spinal column of Harvey Lillard and restored his hearing. Mr. Lillard had loss his hearing when he was kicked by a horse. Daniel Palmer reasoned that if a blow to the spine caused the hearing loss, then that blow caused something in the spine to dislocate and cause the problem. He thought that a movement in the opposite direction would restore normal positioning and the hearing would return. He was right.

Since that first chiropractic 'adjustment' many scientific experiments have been conducted try to prove ( and many projects trying to disprove) chiropractic treatment. The studies have been conducted by chiropractors, neurologists, osteopaths, clinical researchers, and physiologists. The evidence is overwhelming that the chiropractic theory has a solid scientific basis.

The chiropractic theory states that the all of the systems of the body are controlled by the nervous system. Any disruption in the communication of the nervous system can lead to physical disease (literally dis-ease). Pain, illnesses, disease processes, and other physical ailments are all possible conditions that result from nervous system disruptions.

The main pathway for the communication between the brain and the rest of the body is the spinal cord, the main nerve that runs down the spinal column. Any external pressure on the spinal cord can affect the flow of nervous energy and cause miscommunication within the body. A classic example of nerve interference is the condition called 'sciatica'. In this physical condition the sciatic nerve, which is the main nerve running down the back of the leg, is compromised (often said to be 'pinched') where it exits the spinal column in the lower back. Sciatic pain can be very debilitating. Your neighborhood chiropractor, Dr. Jeffrey Roistacher will adjust the lumbar vertebrae, releasing the pressure on the sciatic nerve, and relieve the pain. In this example the nerve that is being compromised is a sensory nerve conducting pain. There are many nerves travelling throughout the body that all have different functions, though their main job is communication. The results on any nerve that is being compromised as it exists the spinal column can be dramatically affected by chiropractic adjustments to relieve this pressure, just as the pain being conducted by the sciatic nerve is reduced through chiropractic spinal adjustments.

You can learn about this and other chiropractic topics by talking to

Stop Arthritis Pain

Arthritis

Arthritis is the common name given to a host of conditions that affect the joints. More than 50 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. We're born with lots of different joints in our body that allow us to move about easily, but when arthritis hits, the characteristic stiffness and pain can simply stop you in your tracks.

There are a number of different types of arthritis, including:

Osteoarthritis. Average age at onset: Over 40. Characteristics: Gradual stiffness and pain, enlargement of the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis. Average age at onset: 25-50. Characteristics: Autoimmune condition (immune system cells kill body cells), inflammation of the joint and neighboring tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Spondyloarthropathies. Average age at onset: 20-40. Characteristics: Spinal inflammation and pain, often causing postural changes.

Gout. Average age at onset: 40-43. Characteristics: Sudden severe pain and swelling of a large joint, usually the big toe.

Lupus. Average age at onset: 18- 50.Characteristics: Fever, weakness, facial and joint pain.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Average age at onset: under 18. Characteristics: Autoimmune condition, stiffness often in the knees, wrists, or hands. May involve kidneys, heart, lungs, and nervous system.

Infectious arthritis. Average age at onset: Any. Characteristics: Body aches, chills, fever, low blood pressure, swelling and pain that spreads to other joints.

Kawasaki syndrome. Average age at onset: 6 months to 11 years. Characteristics: Fever, joint pain, and rash on palms and soles, heart problems.

Oriental Aids for Arthritis

Arthritis in its many forms is a common condition to be treated by oriental medicine. Your acu-pro will determine which environmental factor you have: wind (moving pain), damp (localized heavy ache), cold (worse from cold), or heat (skin is swollen, inflamed, and hot to the touch). He or she will treat the specific areas of your complaint and help to improve your general health to keep you feeling good.

Acupuncture is widely used for arthritis and has served my patients well over the years. There are currently studies being conducted on several sites of arthritis being treated by acupuncture such as knee osteoarthritis. I use a a diverse mix of acupuncture techniques including the traditional needle system, electro and electromagnetic acupuncture. All have their place in a series of treatments when determining which one or combination will give the most relief. Moxibustion is used to warm acu-points and channels, relieving the cold aches, while acupuncture in all its forms moves stuck blood and qi to increase flexibility and decrease pain.

Acupressure and Tui-Na massage will use firm pressure over tender arthritic nodules and sore ashi points along the muscles and joints. Nodules are the hard lumps you find in muscles, and ashi acu-points, which can be anywhere, determined by any tender areas.

Qi Gong exercises are often taught to patients. The slow, gradual movements and deep breathing help keep joints moving and increase circulation. Foods and Chinese herbal medicine are effectively used to nourish your body, treat any underlying problems, and keep you feeling good. Arthritis is one of the conditions that oriental medicine has been treating for centuries. See us to discover what kind of help is waiting for you.

Oh No! I Am Pretty Sure I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

You have pain in your wrist. Its been like this for a while, but you ignore it and hope it just goes away. It gets worse when you hold the computer mouse at work. Your thumb and index finger have been going numb lately and you almost dropped your coffee cup again this morning! The pain keeps waking you up at night and it's starting to make its way up your arm. And why do you have that neck pain and tension across the top of your shoulders? Could you have carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common injury suffered by workers in an office environment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "disorders associated with repeated trauma account for about 60 percent of all occupational illnesses." Of all these disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome is the condition most frequently reported. What, exactly, is "carpal tunnel"? What are the causes and what are some effective treatment options? Are there any options besides surgery?

Carpus is a word that is derived from the Greek word "carpos", which means "wrist". The wrist is made up of 8 individually moving bones called the carpals. They are surrounded by a fibrous band of tissue that supports them, called the transverse carpal ligament. Together, these bones and the ligament, form a tunnel for the median nerve to pass through. Irritation to the median nerve causes numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness of the wrist, thumb, index, and middle fingers, which, as some of you will attest, can be quite debilitating. I've heard some of my patients with this condition say that it decreases their productivity at work, keeps them awake at night, and even causes them to drop things (like, heaven forbid, their coffee cup!). So, how does the median nerve get irritated? Let's explore two of the most common reasons.

Each of the carpal bones in the wrist is designed to move individually. One or more of these joints can become stuck like a couple of suction cups. This is usually due to repetitive stress injuries which occur during such activities as typing and use of a computer mouse for prolonged periods. When the joints get stuck, the joint surfaces become irritated (a.k.a. arthritis) and the soft tissues that surround the joints become inflamed and swollen. It's this swelling into the tight space of the carpal tunnel that causes compression and irritation of the median nerve. Therefore, it is logical to assume that if we can restore normal motion to the individual joints of the wrist, the swelling and inflammation will resolve, the nerve will be decompressed, and the symptoms will be relieved.

Research is proving this to be the case. One study published in the journal Manual Therapy (by Tal-Akabi A, Rushton A., 2000 Nov; 5(4):214-22, Bern Switzerland) shows that, on average, chronic carpal tunnel syndrome patients get 70% improvement in their symptoms following three weeks of specific wrist manipulation. It also demonstrated that 86% of the control group (the group that did not receive any manipulative treatment) went on to have their scheduled surgery, whereas only 14% of the group who received manipulative therapy, went on to have their scheduled surgery. Therefore, while a small percent of patients may still need surgery, it makes sense to try an effective, less painful, and much safer conservative treatment, like specific wrist manipulation, before making the trip to the surgeon.

But, that isn't the whole story. The nerves that exit between the joints of the lower region of the neck and upper back control all of the functions of the shoulders, arms, wrists, and fingers. Where these nerves exit between the neck bones is the first place that there can be interference between the brain's communications with the arms. Like vines that form smaller branches, these spinal nerves extend through the arms to the wrist and hand, one of which becomes the median nerve. It is vitally important that we trace any form of interference back to its source, usually at the spine; otherwise results from any form of treatment will only be temporary. Like the wrist bones, the spinal joints also need to move individually. Otherwise, inflammation and swelling of the soft tissues around the joint can cause pinching, choking, or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness anywhere along the branches of the shoulder, arm, wrist, or hand. That is why it is so important to have your neck examined and treated, as well as your wrist.

Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in the restoration of normal joint motion, most commonly in the spine. Some chiropractors also perform specific manipulation of the extremities, such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers. To treat carpal tunnel syndrome most effectively, I suggest you find a chiropractor who manipulates extremities as well as the spine. Also, ask your potential chiropractor if they perform exercise therapy, utilize therapeutic modalities such as electric muscle stimulation and cervical traction, and prescribe nutritional supplements to help treat your condition. In my experience, a well-rounded approach will give you the best chance of faster, longer lasting relief.

Don't Take Arthritis Lying Down - Chiropractic Care For Arthritis

Many of us will suffer with "arthritis" sooner or later in our lives. The word arthritis means "joint inflammation" and is usually used in reference to rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases include over 100 different conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout.

The most common age at onset is middle age and is more prevalent in old age, but it can also start as a child. This is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of joint range of motion. The symptoms often present symmetrically, for example both wrists or both ankles. The joint symptoms can resemble the symptoms of an infection in that there is redness, tenderness, swelling and heat. The wrists and proximal finger joints are the most often afflicted but spinal joints in the neck, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle and the joints of the feet can be affected too.

Rheumatoid arthritis is variable in its presentation. The symptoms can flare-up and then have periods of time when they go completely away. There can be systemic symptoms of fatigue and the disease can effect other parts of the body, not only the joints. In severe forms joint damage can result resulting in permanent disability.

Exercise is extremely important to help manage this disease and its effects on your joints. Exercise helps maintain flexibility, muscle strength, joint mobility, endurance and helps to control weight.

When acute flare-ups occur treatment should be directed a reducing joint swelling, inflammation and controlling joint damage. This could involve periods of rest and immobilization of a joint. However, as soon as possible patients should be directed toward exercises that will help maintain normal joint movement and increase joint flexibility. Range of motion exercises like stretching can be done daily and should be done at least every other day.

Strengthening exercises can be done every other day in the absence of severe pain and swelling. Using light weights or resistance bands can help improve muscle strength which is important to support and protect joints affected by arthritis.

Swimming is an excellent form of aerobic exercise to help improve the cardiovascular system, increase muscle tone and control weight-all with less stress on the joints. Walking and bicycle riding are also good alternatives. Aerobic exercise should be done for 20 to 30 minutes three times per week in the absence of severe symptoms.

Any increases in fatigue, weakness, loss of range of motion, joint swelling or pain lasting more than an hour after exercise should be evaluated by your health care provider.

Your chiropractic for arthritis is also well trained in nutrition for the arthritis patient. Proper nutrition can play a role in controlling inflammation. Eating foods high in the right kinds of fatty acids can reduce joint pain and swelling. Salmon, tuna and halibut are some foods rich in fatty acids. Spices like turmeric and ginger have been shown to reduce inflammation. Eating foods that don't trigger an allergic response and diets that are vegetarian can also help control the pain of arthritis.

Pain Between Shoulder Blades Explained

The shoulder blades are triangular in shape and are located at the back of the shoulder. The medical name is known as the scapula. It forms the shoulder joint along with the humerus (arm bone) and clavicle (collar bone). The muscles attached to the scapula are involved with neck and shoulder movement as well as mobility in the back.

Often times, people will experience pain and discomfort between the shoulder blades without having any prior injury. This may leave them wondering as to what could be the cause of their pain. Since there are many factors which can produce pain between the shoulder blades, this article will examine the possible factors involved.

Here is a list of causes for pain between shoulder blades:

Injury or Trauma: Injuries such as auto, sports, work, lifting or even falling down can affect the spinal column and the surrounding soft tissues. This can lead to weakness and injury to the ligaments and muscles that attach to the scapula and spine. In some cases, x-rays and MRI may not be able to visualize the exact cause of spinal and soft tissue injuries.

Posture: If you work long hours in front of a computer, you may have noticed pain and tension in your neck, around the shoulders and along the upper back. Often times, the cause of this pain is from poor posture and improper positioning of your hands, arms and feet. Basically, the human body is a kinetic chain, in which one area of your body can affect another region. For instance, slouching in your chair forces the neck and shoulders to lean forward. Maintaining this position for prolonged periods can generate stress and tension on the musculature of your neck, trapezius muscles, shoulders, upper back and pain between shoulder blades. It is in your best interest to practice proper ergonomics when working on the computer for long durations.

Gallstones: In general, gallstones may not cause any signs or symptoms. However, when a gallstone becomes lodged in a duct and creates a blockage, symptoms may result which include pain between shoulder blades, right shoulder pain and abdominal pain.

Disc Degeneration: When the disc substance degenerates, the spacing between the vertebrae shrinks, which can cause inflammation to the surrounding joint structures and soft tissue. This can manifest as an achy or dull pain between shoulder blades. Factors that can cause disc degeneration include injury, trauma, aging, infection and disease.

Disc Herniation: There are 4 different stages of disc herniation, which include disc degeneration, disc prolapse, disc extrusion and sequestered disc. In any of these stages, it is possible to experience localized or radiating pain between shoulder blades. In addition, inflammation can occur to the surrounding soft tissue and joint, which can also cause pain. Disc herniation can develop from injury, trauma, infection and disease.

Overuse: It's possible that if your work involves constant use of lifting objects over your head, this type of activity can cause fatigue and spasms. Consequently, this may cause pain between shoulder blades. In addition, activities such as rowing or shoulder motions that are similar to rowing can also cause discomfort between shoulder blades.

Kyphosis: This is a spinal condition in which the region between the scapula has an abnormal curve. This disorder affects children and adults and can cause a deformity known as "hunchback" or "humpback." This condition can result in pain between shoulder blades. The causes for a kyphotic spine include: neuromuscular disorders, congenital (being born with it), Scheuermann's disease, trauma, tumor, infection and arthritis.

Orthokine - Treatment of Arthritis and Spinal Disorders

Orthokine is an antilogous concept that is used for the treatment of arthritis and spinal disorders. Osteoarthritis, the loss of cartilage in the joint has many causes. The factors like being overweight, predisposition, heavy load by work, etc are the main causes for osteoarthritis. In western countries there is about ten percent of the populations suffering from osteoarthritis. A protein named interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays a crucial role in the development of osteoarthritis and destruction of cartilage. Osteoarthritis patients will have too much IL-1 present in their joints. IL-1 is a most prominent active agent which damages the cartilage and so the natural shock absorber in the joint loses its function.

The therapy of osteoarthritis is done using IL-1 blocker which is known as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). IL-1Ra is anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and also protects the cartilage. The orthokine procedure is done by taking blood from the patient using a special syringe called orthokine syringe. The orthokine syringe is approved in the EU and Australia. The blood taken from the patient is an antilogous injection solution and it is called as orthokine serum. The Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is naturally present in the blood. However, with the production of orthokine, it is produced and extracted in higher concentrations. So, to increase the concentration of IL-1Ra, blood samples are taken from the arm vein using special EOT syringe. The glass beads in the syringe induces the blood cells to synthesize increased amounts of protective proteins. The temperature of 37'c in the incubator is the optimum environment for protein synthesis.

During incubation, the white blood cells present in the bloods are stimulated immediately to produce IL-1Ra and other anti-inflammatory and regenerative proteins. They are increased in concentration and the "Antilogous Conditioned Serum"(ACS) is injected into the joint. A centrifuge separates the blood clot from the amber serum, containing the protective proteins in high concentration. The protective protein IL-1Ra displaces the damaged protein IL-1 and the inflammation process is blocked. Subsequent therapy includes about six injections that will be given once or twice weekly.

The orthokine procedure is used throughout the world by orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists. This procedure cannot be compared to treatments using the patient's own blood that is often used in alternative medicine. In Germany alone there are over 20,000 patients have been treated by this orthokine treatment. The advantages of this treatment is, pain in the joints will be reduced, improves the joint function and mobility and the continuing process of cartilage destruction will be blocked. This treatment is very efficient and safe.

Treating Lumbar Facet Joint Pain With Radiofrequency Ablation (Radiofrequency Neurotomy)

Of the millions of chronic back pain sufferers in America, just less than half (45%) have the facet joints as their pain generator. This is termed facet joint syndrome. Facet joint injections are the most common interventional pain management procedure by far in the US. They work well about 80% of the time.

Making the diagnosis of facet joint syndrome is difficult with simply a history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Similar to arthritis seen in other body joints like the knee and hip, the presence of arthritis does not mean the patient will have pain. Endstage degenerative arthritis may be present with the patient experiencing minimal pain.

The best method available for determining whether or not a patient has facet joint syndrome is a diagnostic injection into the joint. This injection is when a pain doctor performs a diagnostic injection of numbing medicine around the facet joint to numb up the small nerve endings supplying sensation to the joint (and pain). If the patient's pain is substantially relieved from the numbing injection, then the diagnosis of facet joint syndrome is cemented.

Facet joint intra-articular injections and medial branch blocks have been shown to provide on average five to seven months of pain relief. When the pain wears off, the injections can be repeated with similarly successful results.

In the 1970's and 80's, radiofrequency denervation was developed for the first time and modified as it became more successful. It has grown in popularity as clinical research studies have shown very good outcomes with the procedure.

Radiofrequency ablation involves putting a catheter in the same area as where a medial branch block is performed. Rather than injecting the numbing medicine at that point, the tip of the catheter is heated with radiofrequency waves and the tiny little nerve endings are deadened.

Results of studies that have been done looking at radiofrequency neurotomy have been encouraging. Good to excellent results after RF procedures have been 70-90% for a year with pain being relieved for up to 2 years. This is much longer than facet joint injections. Eventually the medial branches that were deadened will regenerate and the pain may return. At that point the procedure may successfully be repeated. The RF procedure may allow patients to decrease their pain medication needs substantially.

It should be noted that patients may temporarily see increased pain after a radiofrequency ablation. This may be due to muscle spasms from the procedure. Typically within a week the pain relief will begin and the benefits will be noticed.

RF procedures are performed in an outpatient setting. They can be done under local numbing and/or IV sedation. The procedure is predominantly safe with a low risk profile, but there are potential complications. Those include dural puncture, spinal cord trauma, infection, painful dysethesias/hyperesthesia, or increased pain.

Arthritis Treatment: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs - Cons and Pros

One of the most common chronic ailments worldwide is arthritis. The term "arthritis" is derived from the Greek... "arthron" meaning joint, and "it is" meaning inflammation. It is used to refer to a group of more than 100 different conditions.

Arthritis remains the leading cause of disability in the United States.

One of the most common treatments used for arthritis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These drugs reduce pain and inflammation. Their mechanism of action is through the blockade of enzymes called cyclooxygenase. Cyclooxygenase (there are two types- COX 1 and COX2) is key to the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that have many physiologic effects. Some prostaglandins cause inflammation, some are responsible for mucus production to protect the lining of the stomach, some are responsible for normal functioning of the kidneys, and some are responsible for clotting.

As a result of these myriad actions, blockade of prostaglandins can also cause a multiplicity of effects and side effects.

Side effects of NSAIDS can limit their use and effectiveness. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal irritation and the development of ulcers in the stomach and small bowel. This side effect can be mitigated by using NSAID that selectively block COX 2 only since this is the type of cyclooxygenase that specifically channels inflammation and has less of an effect on mucus production in the stomach. Also using proton pump inhibitors- drugs that protect the stomach- along with an NSAID is another effective strategy.

Patients with kidney issues should not take NSAIDS since these drugs can significantly alter kidney function. NSAIDS also cause fluid retention.

Less common side effects include liver damage, bone marrow abnormalities, and allergic reactions.

The major concern is the increased risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks associated with all NSAIDS regardless of whether they are COX-2 selective or not. These drugs should not be used in patients with recent coronary bypass. A major ongoing clinical trial, the PRECISION study, is seeking to answer the question as to whether some NSAIDS are riskier than others.

One option that can reduce the likelihood of NSAID side effect is to use topical (rub-on) NSAIDS. Examples are Pennsaid and Voltaren gel.

So what are NSAIDS good for? I'm going to stop beating up on them and talk about the potentially good things. Obviously, they are excellent analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

In addition, there is accumulating data indicating that NSAIDS may be effective anti-cancer agents. One study published in Cancer Prevention Research showed that former smokers who took Celebrex, a COX-2 inhibitor had reduced levels of Ki-67, a marker of potential tumor growth. Other studies suggest NSAIDS may be protective against colon cancer. And the dermatology literature has suggested that low dose aspirin may reduce the risk of melanoma.

Swimming And Its Tremendous Therapeutic Benefits

Swimming is actually a skill that has many therapeutic benefits from children with sensory impairments and teenagers suffering from depression to adults suffering from arthritis.

In order to achieve a healthy and balanced lifestyle, one should eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep about 6 to 8 hours a day, and engage in physical activities.

Private and public pools have exercise programs that can help different conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, degenerative joint disease, and more.

Water aerobics is a good starting point for beginners then once you are confident in the water, you can engage in a more advanced exercise regime which will enhance your cardiovascular strength, endurance, and mobility.

Here are some tips to get the most benefits in swimming:

1) Use a wet suit especially if you tend to get cold easily

2) Wear goggles and bathing cap to help protect your eyes from your hair and water and to foster proper breathing techniques.

3) It's easy to get carried away in the water. Think about what you are doing first so you can be coordinated. Your breathing, the movements of your arms and legs as well as your body position should all move towards the same direction.

4) Learn to relax and enjoy your swimming lessons.

Swimming requires the use of your lungs and your heart in order to meet the increased demands of oxygen to your body. It is indeed an excellent aerobic exercise that promotes muscular strength and flexibility.

Any aerobic activity helps lower your heart rate, increases the ability of your muscles to use oxygen, lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as increase the capacity of your blood to carry oxygen to all parts of your body.

Swimming thus improves your aerobic capacity in such manner that your heart muscles get stronger enabling it to pump more blood per beat which in return increases your blood circulation.

People who live a sedentary lifestyle are likely to develop diseases such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and joint problems.

People who are active in swimming, sports, and fitness programs are less likely to develop the above diseases and rather have better endurance, muscle strength, range of motion, and improved tome and posture.

Should You Have Surgery For A Spinal Burst Fracture?

The thoracolumbar junction in the spine describes the joint that forms between the lowest thoracic vertebra and the highest lumbar vertebra. This is a transitional area in the spine, joining the rigid thoracic spine with the more mobile lumbar spine. The joint acts as a hinge between the two, making it particularly susceptible to injury.

One type of injury common to this spinal segment is the burst fracture. A burst fracture occurs when the entire vertebral body is fractured in all directions. This crushing of the vertebra causes bone fragments to spread out from it, both inward toward the spinal column and outward. Burst fractures are dangerous because they put your spinal cord at risk; bone fragments jutting into the spinal column could cause nerve impingement and even paralysis depending on the extent of impingement.

Burst fractures usually occur at the thoracolumbar junction due to trauma, such as a car accident or hard fall. Nerve impingement in this area often causes sharp, severe pain down the leg. The pain may wrap around to the groin region. Severe pain will also be experienced locally around the fracture.

Surgical Vs. Non-Surgical Treatment

Treatment for burst fractures is a topic of controversy. One thing is certain: Treatment is always needed, as this type of injury doesn't just heal on its own. Many, but not all, burst fractures require surgery. How to decide which fractures do and which don't require surgery is the subject of debate.

One main indicator for surgery is neurological deficit. If you have pain, weakness, numbness or loss of function along the nerve path, you have neurological symptoms. Injury to the thoracolumbar nerves can cause symptoms in the legs as well as loss of bladder and bowel control. If you don't have neurological symptoms, you may still require surgery.

The other treatment criterion to keep in mind is spinal stability. This has different definitions, but the most generally accepted definition of an unstable burst fracture is one that involves injury to the posterior portion of the vertebra and disc as well as the posterior ligament. Instability is generally considered grounds for surgery.

Spinal fusion is the surgery of choice for thoracolumbar fracture. Impinging bone fragments are removed and the unstable spinal segment is fused to prevent movement and nerve compression. After surgery, bracing and physical therapy are required. When surgery can be avoided, bracing for a period of 8-12 weeks followed by physical therapy is necessary.

The question of whether or not to receive surgery for burst fracture can be a hard one to answer. If you have no neurological symptoms but some instability, for example, which option is best? The review of the literature at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989512/ promotes the generally accepted opinion that, when instability is identified, early surgical treatment is best.

However, some in the medical field disagree with conventional wisdom. The definition of instability is vague, and a review of a number of control trials reveals that non-surgical treatment often has results on par with surgical treatment for burst fractures without neurological symptoms, with less financial expensive and risk of complications. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2899715/ for an in-depth counterargument to surgery for unstable burst fractures.

Sometimes choosing what treatment to receive is hard, and this is the case with thoracolumbar burst fracture. While it is generally agreed that neurological symptoms indicate surgery, instability is questionable criteria for immediate invasive treatment. You will be best prepared to make a decision in your own case if you review the arguments for and against surgery and discuss your questions and concerns with your doctor.

Surgery of Conservative Pain Management Treatment for Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

In America, the most common reason for spine surgery in individuals over the age of 65 is lumbar spinal stenosis. What is it? Spinal stenosis represents a narrowing of the area available for the dural sac (spinal cord remnant) and the nerve roots emanating from it. Typically, there is plenty of room for both the dural sac along with the bilateral nerve roots coming out at every level of the spine. There is actually enough room for these to be bathed in cerebrospinal fluid and be comfortable.

As people age, arthritis sets in. Along with that arthritis in the spine, there can be an overgrowth of both the bone along with the soft tissues of the spine due to this. This overgrowth may start to impinge on the amount of space available for the dural sac and the nerve roots. If severe enough, pinching can occur, and patients may start to experience, back, buttock, and/or leg pain. This becomes a mechanical problem. Fortunately, most patients who have spinal stenosis do not have debilitating painful symptoms as a result.

Symptoms may result when the overgrowth causes reduced blood flow or nerve root excitement from inflammation. This can be in numerous anatomic areas. Symptoms are variable between patients depending on the area of pinching and the particular individual's reaction. Regardless of all this, it is the most common reason for surgery in people over the age of 65.

What if pain exists, should surgery be done? This question has been debated for decades since spinal stenosis really is a quality of life condition. It doesn't kill anyone, and the severity of symptoms should guide treatment. If the symptoms do not improve despite nonoperative pain management for 3 to 6 months, a decompressive surgery may be considered. Some evidence has shown limited effectiveness overall for this surgery.

A recent review in Spine looked at over 10 high quality studies to determine the effectiveness of decompressive surgery for stenosis. The results overall showed that in patients who had failed conservative treatment for 3 to 6 months, surgery improved function, pain, and quality of life more than conservative measures. It did not, however, statistically improve walking ability.

These benefits were noted to decrease over time but not go away completely, even up to 10 years. Over ten year results were not established. These results were in place regardless of advancing age, obesity, lung issues, several levels, or other medical problems. Concomitant medical problems do increase the risks of complications, so they should be weighed against the benefits in deciding whether to have the surgery or not.

The results were similar among all the studies evaluated whether or not the patients had spondylolisthesis, which is one vertebra having slipped on another. The overriding factor is that it is a quality of life decision, and considerable conservative treatment should be attempted first.

The risks of surgery cannot be ignored in the patient population over the age of 65. At that point of failed conservative treatment, however, multiple studies now support the decision for a simple decompression procedure (laminectomy).

My Son Has A Stiff Back When He Gets Up in the Morning - Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis is one of the more common forms of arthritis affecting about 0.5% of the population. It affects men more often than women in a ratio of about 2.4-5:1. The disease is categorized as a "spondyloarthropathy"... a type of arthritis that preferentially affects the spine. It usually starts in the sacroiliac joints- the joints that join the pelvis to the low back- and spreads upwards to involve the rest of the spine. Peak age of onset is between 15 and 30 years.

Typically, a patient will complain of stiffness in the low back or neck or both that is worse with rest and better with activity. Often, a young person will pursue sports as a way to relieve the pain they have! Stiffness during the day after inactivity is also common. Other joints affected include the hip, knee, wrists, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. Typically, patients will have not only joint symptoms but they will also have enthesopathy... meaning inflammation at points where tendons connect to bones. Fatigue is a very common symptom. Occasionally low grade fever, appetite loss, and weight loss may be seen.

Patients will sometimes present with the extra-articular (outside of the joint) symptoms. Examples include inflammation of the eye, lungs, and rarely, the heart. The most common extra-articular symptom is eye inflammation which occurs in about 40% of patients and must be diagnosed and treated aggressively. Blindness is a dreaded complication.

The physical exam will show limitation of range of motion in the low back. Chest expansion is also restricted since many patients with AS will have limited ability to expand their lungs due to involvement of the thoracic spine.

Occasionally, women with AS will have more symptoms in the neck than the low back.

Laboratory testing will show abnormalities that indicate the presence of inflammation. Patients with AS will also have the genetic marker HLA B27 in about 90% of cases.

Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging will show the presence of inflammation in the sacroiliac joints. Inflammation of the tendon insertions at different affected joints will also be evident.

Treatment goals consist of relieving pain and stiffness as well as maintaining function.

A comprehensive program consists of a combination of anti-inflammatory medicines to help with symptoms as well as disease-modifying therapy to slow down the rate of progression. Examples of anti-inflammatory drugs are drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosys), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), meloxicam (Mobic), and celecoxib (Celebrex). Disease-modifying drugs that are used extensively for this condition are sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and methotrexate. Biologic therapies like etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humnira), and infliximab (Remcade) are considered important for inducing remission. A solid program of physical therapy to help with range of motion is also mandatory.

For patients with suspected eye disease, close supervision by an experienced ophthalmologist is also recommended.

Patients with far-advanced disease may suffer complications including compression of the spinal cord (cauda equina syndrome), and fractures of the neck. In particular, care should be exercised in preparing patients with AS for surgery. Intubation (placing a breathing tube into the airways) for general anesthesia carries the risk of inadvertent spine fracture.

Surgery is reserved for far advanced cases that have not responded to medical therapy.

The clinical course and prognosis is highly variable and also highly dependent on the rapidity of diagnosis and the effectiveness of therapy.

Everything You Need to Know About Spinal Cord Arthritis

The biggest challenges faced by patients, researchers and physicians are the distinction of unusual diseases. As a matter of fact, it is often heard from mass media that scientists are researching on the cancer treatment. However, it needs to be mentioned that there are different forms of cancer which include colon cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer to name a few. Each kinds of this disease comprises of various treatments and symptoms. Hence, these diseases are in need of different cures. In the same manner, there are numerous variants of the disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, reactive and psoriatic arthritis. The other variety of it is the spinal cord arthritis.

Spinal stenosis or spinal cord arthritis comprises of the backbone narrowing and its manifestation with the strain on the spinal cord and on the roots of the nerves as well. Spinal cord arthritis mainly attacks the three regions of the spine, namely, the gaps between the spine's bones from which the nerves leaves the spine and then extends towards the other parts of the body, nerve base canal which expands from the spinal cord and also those tubes in the centre column of the bones from where the base of the spinal cord and the root moves ahead. This tapering includes either a tiny section or a huge section of the spine. A spinal cord arthritis sufferer is likely to feel lack of feeling or pains in the shoulders, legs or neck.

The Age Factor: Most of the sufferers of spinal cord arthritis include men and women above fifty years of age. However, younger people who may have had some sort of spinal damage also tend to suffer from spinal cord arthritis. Apart from this, those people born with a spinal channel contraction are also wrecked by the disease.

In case the area in the spinal channel is narrowed, the patients of spinal cord arthritis may not show any symptoms. However, if such contraction result in a stress to the spinal cord or nerve roots then symptoms of spinal arthritis such as weakness, aches in arms and legs, lack of sensation and spasms may occur. In addition, in case the narrowed region of the spine pressurizes along the base of the nerve, then the sufferers may get soreness on their legs. Such people need to undertake strengthening exercises, sitting, lower back stretching and bending exercises.

Most Recommended Treatments:

When a spinal cord arthritis sufferer does not experience deterioration or remarkable nerve connections, the following treatments could be recommended:-

Spinal cord arthritis patients need to exercise or undergo physical therapy for increasing the stamina, strengthening the stomach muscles and the back with continuous motion of the spine. This would lead to a more secure spine. Another option on the cards would be aerobic activity. Apart from that, there are corticosteroid injections which can be injected in the innermost membranes that cover the spinal cord and nerves for lessening the inflammation and treating the spiky pain which spreads till the hips and the legs.

These patients can also embark on the regular intake of anti-inflammatory medicines devoid of steroids which includes various prescriptions of ibuprofen such as Mortin, Nuprinl, Advil and aspirin for reducing the aches and lowering the swelling. Apart from that, spinal cord arthritis patients can also look forward to restrict their activity depending on the condition of their nerves. Intake of analgesics such as Tylenol for reducing the pain, anesthetic injections which are also called as nerve blocks can be opted for temporary reduction of pain to the nearby affected nerves.

In case, if all the non-persistent cure procedures fail to alleviate the suffering of the spinal cord arthritis patients, then the best option is to go under the knife. The main objective involved behind such procedures is the lessening of the pressure of the nerves or the spinal cord and also the restoration and sustenance of the vigorousness and arrangement of the spine.

Till date, spinal cord arthritis has remained one of the most devastating variant of the disease from which people can suffer. Luckily, researchers and physicians have continued to improve the treatment for the mitigation of pain of the sufferers.

Sciatica Syndrome

Pain across the low back, mid-back (lumbosacral), or on the low broad bone (sacrum), or in the joints formed by the sacrum and the hip bone (ilium), the sacroiliac joints, can precipitate an acute sciatic attack. This occurs when there is a severe trauma, a wrong movement, or anything that can cause an irritation or pinching of the nerve roots involved. When the low lumbar and the higher sacral roots that form the sciatic nerve are involved, the back, buttocks and the outer border of the thigh and the calf will be extremely painful. If the lesions involve the more numerous nerves of the lower sacral plexus (Cauda Equina), it may produce symptoms bilaterally (both buttocks), and of the lower extremities. The symptoms may also affect the groin, and can also produce sexual dysfunction.

The incidence of sciatica can increase with age and at age 60 can be as high as 50% for those with low back problems. These problems can be of many varieties. The most prevalent causes of low back pain that can result in sciatica are due to degenerative joint disease. Other causes can be; congenital defects (Spina Bifida, a defective closure of the spinal column), bulging or ruptured discs, inflammation, pinched nerve, tumor, forward slippage of a vertebra on the one below (spondylolisthesis), and osteoarthritis are but few of the possible precipitating factors of the onset of sciatica.

If any of the above conditions are present, they may remain dormant until there is a trigger mechanism that will set off an acute attack of sciatica. That trigger can be a trauma, such as a fall, golf or tennis swing, wrongly lifting an object (no matter how light or heavy), reaching for an object above your head, a minor auto accident, or any overexertion of the back that causes a severe sprain/strain. Another less obvious trigger can be such an innocuous thing as keeping a thick wallet in your back pocket and constantly sitting on it. That will cause a pressure on the sciatic nerve where it exits from the spine into the buttock area inflaming the nerve, thus precipitating an acute attack.

Misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine is one of the greatest causes of sciatic syndrome. The misalignment reduces the foramina (opening) between the vertebrae where the sciatic nerve exits the spine, causing a pinching of the nerve. The pinching results in inflaming the nerve and causing an acute attack. Poor posture over the years can also place stress on the spine with the same result. A Chiropractor can generally correct these anomalies with manipulation of the spine.

A severe sciatic attack will also affect deeper lying tissues, such as the paravertebral muscles and ligaments (the muscles and ligaments alongside the spinal column), causing inflammation, pain and muscles spasms. The severity of the muscle spasms will determine the amount of limitation of motion of back movement. In severe cases the patient will be unable to move without eliciting sudden severe, sharp, stabbing pain. The patient will present "Antalgic Posture" (bent over and unable to move). Coughing, straining or sneezing will cause a sudden sharp stabbing pain. Your Doctor will refer to this as the "Valsalva's maneuver. Lifting the leg straight up while lying on your back will increase the pain in the leg and back.

A less common form of sciatica can be due to "Spinal Stenosis" This form of sciatica resembles a circulatory condition in that it will involve the nerve roots and manifests itself by causing pain in the buttocks, thighs and or calves when walking, running or climbing stairs. Here again the causative factors can be pinching of the nerve as it exits the spine. The numbness and tingling may be more pronounced here. At times rest will alleviate the pain, but not the numbness and tingling. Another causative factor can be toxic inflammation due to alcoholism or diabetes. Although rare, diabetes can cause a diabetic neuritis.

Seeing your Chiropractor or Physician can help determine the causative factor of your condition. The Chiropractor, once the condition is diagnosed, can correct any spinal misalignment or imbalance that causes a pinching of the nerve. He will also use several modalities, consisting of physiotherapy that will reduce muscle spasms and reduce the inflammation. There are also many things that you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of sciatica. Sufficient rest is of the utmost importance. Prevent overexertion of the back in any form, such as lifting, excessive bending at work or sports. Over the counter pain relievers can take the edge off the pain. Using analgesic gels will aid in reducing the pain. Taking hot showers and the use of a heating pad can be soothing to the back.

When symptoms permit, the individual can start walking for short distances, but should be using the proper back brace to prevent further muscle injury at this time. The patient with vertebral joint arthritis may also respond to a proper back support. Wearing of a proper back brace will help the muscles that have become spastic to relax and limit motion by splinting them. Mild exercises can be started when symptoms permit. Exercise will help strengthen the back and abdominal muscles that maintain the integrity of the spinal column. Lumbosacral flexion exercises should be avoided if they make you feel uncomfortable, as they can also aggravate the condition. The overweight or seriously obese individual should make every effort to lose weight. The extra pounds place an enormous amount of strain on the spinal column.

In conclusion, the condition of sciatica can be an extremely painful and debilitating as previously stated. Do not ignore it, but make every effort to help yourself. An acute flare-up of sciatica when ignored can easily become a chronic condition that will plague you for life. Follow the previous suggestions and life will be more bearable. And remember, in the final analysis, when symptoms permit start your exercise program to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, which in the future will help prevent recurrences.