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Dear Hubby is Hurting:
Back pain is a problem
that is rapidly getting worse in this country. It is estimated
as the number one cause of disability for people between ages
19 and 45 and is the second-most common cause of missed
workdays in the US. The most important considerations when
treating back pain is first of all…what caused the pain I
have? The causes range from acute injuries and medical
conditions to chronic overuse problems and medical conditions.
The second question that needs to be asked is who are the
people I want to get involved in my healing? These can range
from the obvious primary care provider to your massage
therapist, acupuncturist, physical therapist, chiropractor and
herbalist. TOP
With that said, back pain
should first and foremost be evaluated by a primary care
physician. There are numerous medical and surgical causes for
back pain, ranging from acute medical problems such as urinary
infection or stones, possible cancer in the Gastrointestinal
tract, prostate cancer to common musculoskeletal problems with
a herniated disk, osteoarthritis, fractures, and a host of
other problems. However, once all or any medical issues have
been cleared by the physician, there are extra helpful
adjunctive tools and providers that can be of utmost help.
If your back pain is something from an acute incident,
such as a fall, sprain, accident of some sort, than a
trip to a chiropractor, an osteopathic physician who
specializes in manipulation, (similar to an MD +
physical therapist), or an acupuncturist would be
helpful. Many times the pain from an acute injury
leads to inflammation, or joint dysfunction that would
benefit from manual treatment that a “hands-on”
practitioner can provide. TOP
However, after the acute
episode has been treated by the physician and a physical
therapist, it is time to think about how to rehabilitate the
chronic condition which we refer to as “chronic back pain”.
Here are some practical suggestions:
Exercise-related
regimens:
¨
Swimming: I cannot emphasize enough the value
and wonders that non-weight bearing activity that strengthens
the entire torso and conditions the muscles can do as this
simple (and cheap) exercise. Swimming offers conditioning,
strength and flexibility to help realign your entire body, and
a key point is also that the cardiovascular workout is key to
getting your circulation back in shape. Without the pounding
of the joints that other sports has, it is also
joint-friendly. TOP
¨
Pilates: This is a relatively old exercise
treatment technique that requires the supervision and
instruction of someone is has trained in Pilates. Primarily it
is a series of mat-based and machine (called the reformer)
exercises that focus of alignment and stabilization of the
spine. It is now quickly becoming very very popular because
the benefits include improved posture, and proper
stabilization of many of the muscles that cause back pain.
¨
Yoga: No secret to the wonders of the yoga. As
with Pilates, it is a movement oriented discipline taught to
help the individual meditate. Though it was originally part of
ayurvedic medicine and philosophy, it is now becoming the most
popular workout for those who want to focus on flexibility and
conditioning. Keep in mind, both Pilates and Yoga will not
improved cardiovascular fitness the way swimming can.
¨
Qi(chi)-Gong: This is to traditional Chinese
medicine what Yoga is to Indian ayurvedic medicine. This
movement discipline is highly effective in producing motion
and meditation for all sorts of health benefits. The poses and
postures are taught by a chi-gong master, and these
individuals may be found at martial art schools, and
increasingly at fitness centers as well. (Just of note: the
character Liam Neeson played in “Star Wars: The Phantom
Menace”, was also named Qi-Gong). TOP
Acupuncture/Acupressure:
If you haven't looked
into it, acupuncture is extremely effective in the treatment
of all sorts of pain, back pain especially. Keep in mind that
the needles used are sterile, FDA approved, and that we are
just on the verge of learning about this 5000 year old medical
system. Acupuncture and acupressure are techniques to restore
the “chi” (or vital energy). The “chi” is a vital force with
two components, “yin/yang”, and the goal in traditional
Chinese medicine is to restore the body’s innate ability to
heal itself. Though the medical community is just now trying
to substantiate the value of acupuncture and traditional
Chinese medicine, numerous studies have documented the wonders
acupuncture can provide for pain management.
TOP
Herbal
Remedies:
Before I can give any
recommendations on herbal remedies, if you are taking a
prescription pharmaceuticals, first consult you physician
about any possible interactions between the medications you
are on, and the herbs you hope to take. If your physician
cannot give you any information, then he/she should be able to
refer you to a herb specialist or resource where you can get
the needed information. However, I will try to the best of my
abilities to provide you with this information.
TOP
1.Crampbark (Viburnum
opulus) + prickly ash (Zanthoxyluamericanum):
Make a decoction using 15g of crampbark and 5g of prickly ash
bark to 3 cups of water. Strain and rub into the affected
area, or use 1 tbsp of tincture and apply in the same way.
This is highly effective for tight neck and lumbar regions.
TOP
2. Thyme (thymus
vulgaris):
25 grams of herb to 3 cups of water and strain into a bath.
Soak for 20 minutes.
3. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum
perforatum) + lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
+ pepper + crampbark.
Take 2 tbsp of sunflower oil or St. John’s Wort infused oil,
10 drops each of rosemary and pepper essential oil, and 1 tsp
of crampbark. Shake and rub into tense areas, either after a
bath or after a warm towel. Especially useful for sciatica and
other back problems with radiating nerve pain. Also good for
rheumatic problems, and chronic muscle ache.
TOP
4. White Willow (Salix
alba) + crampbark (Viburnum opulus) + devil’s
claw (Harpagophytum procumbens):
Mix equal parts of each root and make a docoction. Divide into
6 doses and take over 2 days. If there is no improvement after
7 days, divide the decoction into 3 doses and take daily for
up to a week. Note: do NOT take devil’s claw during pregnancy.
Back pain is a problem of
many dimensions, with many causes that are often all
interrelated to each other. Take the time to learn about the
various options and individuals at your disposal, and you will
find your way on to not only back recovery, but a renewed
sense of vigor you never imagined possible.
Good luck! Dr. Jason
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