Spinal Decompression for Diabetics

Today, people suffering from diabetic neuropathy may also benefit from spinal decompression. As you may be aware, high blood sugar levels can cause all kinds of peculiar symptoms. In particular, people with diabetes must often deal with chronic pain that comes from the destruction of nerve, bone, and organ tissues. While getting blood sugar under control is a key element to controlling pain, there will also be times when the damage requires some other type of treatment.

Interestingly enough, diabetic neuropathy also includes situations where the blood supply may be cut off to certain parts of the spine, or the cartilage in the spine. This, in turn, can cause swelling that will pinch on a nerve, or create enough pressure to cause a disc to slip out of position. Typically, pain killers and other forms of treatment will not work in these situations. In most cases, if the disc remains out of place, it will cause the surrounding tissue to swell even more. As this unending cycle continues, it will lead to more and more pain, as well as loss of flexibility and mobility.

Aside from not having to worry about postoperative spinal decompression treatments will directly address the mechanical causes of the pain. For example, if there is swelling within a disc, the vacuum pressure created by the traction weights will help relieve it. As the pressure elves are further manipulated, the disc will slip back into an optimal position. Once the muscles and cartilage readjust, you can look forward to complete pain relief.

Anyone that is diabetic can tell you that neuropathy can cause an enormous amount of pain all over the body. On the other hand, if the damaged area happens to be in the spinal column, computer generated traction can help alleviate the situation. At the very least, this form of treatment will not cause blood sugar levels to rise because of infections that may occur at a surgical site.

If you are diabetic and have chronic back pain, sciatica, or pinched nerves, you may want to ask about alternatives to painkillers and chiropractic services. Without a question, if you are already at a risk for developing kidney disease, you will need to find some way to alleviate your pain without taking medication. Today, spinal decompression can offer you a safe, non-invasive way to cure back pain, as well as avoid diabetic complications that tend to occur with other forms of therapy.

How Can I Get Taller Fast? Natural Ways to Get Taller Fast

There are many ways nowadays to get taller. But not many people in search for a few more inches know how to take advantage of them, or what answers to look for. "How can I get taller fast" was the question I was asking myself as well, until a while ago, but the answers were quite at hand.

So, I'm going to give a few answers to the question How can I get taller fast? by natural and handy means, without treatments, pills or painful procedures.

One of the best natural ways to get taller fast is by exercising and sports . I'm pretty sure that you've noticed by now that most for the athletes have imposing statures which is not a coincidence. Exercising or playing sports stimulate the emission of growth hormone into the human body. However some sports and groups of exercises have a better impact on the growing process than other. Swimming, volleyball or stretching exercises are excellent choices to begin with if you want to increase your height.

Another good answer to the question How can I get taller fast? stands for sleeping . This may sound awkward, but the highest amount of growth hormone is released into your bloodstream during your sleep. So, if you're not sleeping well or enough, the whole growing process is hindered.

The way you sleep is important too. To stimulate the growing process, sleeping on your back is recommended, to ensure a better decompression of the spinal column and the rest of the skeleton, which will help you grow taller. A firm mattress is also indicated.

These are a few natural ways grow taller fast.

How Simple Is a Lumbar Laminectomy Procedure?

Undergoing a lumbar laminectomy procedure involves removing a little bit of bone to free up a nerve root that is getting pinched. It is also a procedure that is performed to free up multiple nerve roots that are being pinched as is commonly seen in spinal stenosis.

In the world of spine surgery, undergoing a laminectomy is a minor procedure. Granted, anytime surgery is being done to you it should not be considered minor, but in the scheme of overall magnitude of spine surgery it is in fact considered minor. After having a laminectomy, most patients are able to go home the next day. When you look at who has spinal stenosis, most patients are in an older age range between the 50s to the 80s. Because of this most patients find it is better to stay in the hospital for one night.

What are the reasons that patients need a laminectomy,? Well the first reason as mentioned is spinal stenosis which involves typically arthritis having extra bone and soft tissue formation and causing nerves to get pinched and pain flareup.

With this, what you have is a quality of life decision where patients need to decide if conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain medications, epidural injections, chiropractic treatment, spinal decompression therapy, are working and if not a laminectomy may be in order. Another reason to undergo a laminectomy is for a herniated disc. A herniated disc procedure does involve removing a little bit of bone in order to safely pull the nerve root that's getting pinched out of the way and remove the piece of disk that has herniated. So in actuality when people undergo a discectomy it really is a laminectomy/discectomy.

As mentioned the most common reason for having a lumbar laminectomy procedure is to fix up nerves that are being compressed due to spinal stenosis. The typical procedures lasts under an hour, however if the procedure is being performed in conjunction with a spinal fusion with screws and rods then that will increase the procedure time and risks substantially.

What are the risks of a lumbar laminectomy?

The risks of undergoing a lumbar laminectomy include the risk of anesthesia complications, bleeding risk, infection, injury to the nerve that is being decompressed, and if too much bone is taken the patient may end up with spinal instability and increased pain. A lot of patients with spinal stenosis have minimal back pain and only leg pain from the pinched nerves. Studies have shown that 50% of patients will end up with back pain and stiffness after a laminectomy procedure. Thankfully it typically is not overly severe.

A laminectomy procedure continues to be the gold standard for a lot of spinal conditions patients suffer from. There are some newer types of minimally invasive surgeries to have a laminectomy performed, and that should be discussed with your surgeon prior to your procedure if one becomes necessary.

Lumbar Decompression - What is It?

Lumbar decompression refers to a group of surgical procedures whose primary goals are to provide pain relief and bone stability in those who have suffered injury or disease involving the lumbar portion of the spine.

The lumbar spine consists of five individual vertebra and begins at the last vertebra that is attached to a rib and ends at the top of the pelvis. Between each vertebra is a structure that serves as a "shock absorber" called an intervertebral disc, or simply a disc. The disc also provides a space between the vertebra where the spinal nerves emerge before branching out into other areas of the body.

Due to its location and the fact that we humans walk upright, the lumbar spine is subjected to considerable stress and strain throughout our lives. In many cases the lumbar spine survives these stresses and strains without problem by repairing itself. However, trauma and disease may cause damage to a vertebra and/or disc that the body is incapable of repairing. In these cases lumbar decompression surgery may be necessary.

In many cases of lumbar spine disease the spinal nerve is compressed between two vertebra. It is this compression that causes the symptoms of spinal disease such as pain or loss of sensation in the legs. Surgical treatment of lumbar spine disease is targeted at relieving this compression and preventing its recurrence.

Traditional lumbar decompression surgery usually involves removal of tall or part of he disc and the insertion of a piece of bone to stabilize the position of the vertebra. Occasionally "hardware" such as screws or metal rods will be necessary to fully stabilize the spine. This is known as lumbar laminectomy and spinal fusion. There are a number of variations of this surgery that can be tailored to the needs of the individual patient.

More recently, lumbar decompression has been accomplished by what are known as minimally invasive surgeries. These procedures seek to relieve pain by directly focusing on the small areas that are responsible for the patients symptoms. A special instrument called an endoscope is used to visualize the area responsible for the patient's symptoms and the necessary surgery, including the insertion of screws or plates, is done "through the 'scope."

Minimally invasive procedures include:

-mini-laminectomy: only the portion of the disc that is directly compressing the nerve is removed via a small incision in the back

-chemical laminectomy: a special chemical compound is injected directly into the disc causing the disc to "shrink" or dissolve

-mini-fusion: similar to the traditional fusion operation but done through an endoscope and using smaller hardware

Some cases of lumbar disease are due to damage to the vertebra itself. The "collapsing" vertebra commonly seen in osteoporosis and the lumbar compression fractures seen in professional truck drivers are particular examples of these conditions. These two conditions are now being treated with a procedure known as vertebroplasty.

In vertebroplasty a special "bone cement" is injected directly into the veretbra itself to prevent further collapse. This is usually done after other corrective procedures such as laminectomy or fusion have been completed. Many patients report a dramatic decrease in pain following vertebroplasty.

Further information on lumbar decompression is available from your personal health care provider.

Inversion Chair Vs Inversion Table - Which is Best For You

Which would be better for you - using an inversion chair or an inversion table to reduce your back pain, increase the blood flow to your brain, and help you increase your overall health each and every day? Or, would you be better off using another type of inversion therapy equipment?

When deciding which equipment to buy, it's important to understand the differences between these three options. While all three will give you many of the same benefits, there are some key differences that you need to be aware of before you go and spend $150 or more on the equipment.

First, you need to realize that the differences between inversion chairs, tables, and gravity boots really comes down to one thing - stability. If you were to look at it in terms of a stability scale, the inversion chair would be the most stable, the inversion table in the middle, and the gravity boots would be the least.

This does not mean, however, in way shape or form that the inversion chair is the best option for you. If you are someone who has certain specific back problems or heart problems that would prevent you from using an inversion table or gravity boots, then yes, choosing the chair might just be the best option for you. Just make sure you talk to your doctor and get his or her approval before you start any type of inversion therapy.

However, if you have your doctor's or physical trainer's permission then you may wish to consider using either the inversion table or gravity boots, as they will allow you to hang more freely and stretch your back and body out better. If you are a superb athlete, then you may want to just go with the inversion gravity boots, as you can also perform inverted crunches and squats.

What Can Cause Paresthesia?

You may be familiar with the medical word: paresthesia. It isn't actually a condition or a disease, but essentially a symptom that appears in a wide range of medical conditions. If you're not yet sure what it is, the sensation is one of numbness, pins and needles, tingling, etc. Sometimes it is described as a crawling feeling on the skin.

Before we begin the part related to some potential medical causes of paresthesia, let's get one point out of the way. Please do not take what you read on this page in the way that you would information from a doctor. I'm not able to give you advice or assistance on the level of a medical professional. What you find here is merely intended to be general in nature, not to be used as a substitute for a doctor's advice. Don't go out and try to treat a supposed condition or make a diagnosis based on anything you read here. Don't miss out on seeking assistance from someone with qualifications due to reading this page, either.

As for possible medical reasons for paresthesia, one of them is multiple sclerosis (MS). There is no cure for this disease, however, it can be treated and managed. It involves something known as demyelination, in which the myelin sheaths found in the spinal cord and brain are damaged. The possible causes of multiple sclerosis are unknown, although some factors that are thought to contribute have been noted.

Fibromyalgia, which is known as FMS, is another potential medical reason for paresthesia. As with MS, there is no particular cause that has been identified, nor is there a known cure for the condition.

Can a Chiropractor Fix a Bulging Disc?

Many people are intimidated by chiropractors because they don't really know very well what chiropractic specialists do and if they can actually fix their bulging disc. Chiropractic care was basically invented to help you eliminate or diminish back pain. But will a chiropractic specialist be able to really fix a bulging disc?

The short answer is yes, a chiropractor can help fix a bulging disc, if additional treatments are employed. The big bonus that chiropractors come with is that they completely focus on your back only. A chiropractor understands nearly anything there is to comprehend concerning the back discs, the spinal cord, the nervous system structure as well as the biochemical processes going on in the back. That is actually the key motivation why many people consider chiropractic specialists not alone to obtain assistance but also for a diagnosis.

Another important detail would be that chiropractors don't use any kind of medications plus they never perform any surgical procedures. They will aim to solve the condition in non invasive approaches and whenever they may discover that the ways that they employed didn't work, a good chiropractor is going to send you to someone else who they think are more suitable to fix your back problems.

Most people are introduced to chiropractors because they have been involved in some kind of injury, generally a vehicle accident. More often than not a car accident that has hurt the back may bring about a painful bulging disc, and soreness in the muscles and joints that are connected to the spinal column. A chiropractor in many cases can take care of it through focusing on the right places around the spinal column. An excellent chiropractor will also continue working on your back for an extended period of time and maintain the alignment of the vertebrae so that you can keep your life quality.

Despite the fact that chiropractic specialists are completely accepted as health specialists by all health care institutes and physicians it is still part of what has become known as alternative treatment and usually employed in cases where the standard medication couldn't help. You will find that numerous medical practitioners might send you to the chiropractor after they detect the condition you have and realize that the standard medications will fail to benefit. Oftentimes the hospital will have its very own chiropractor staff members who can provide you with help even at the clinic itself.

Chiropractic treatment can help fix bulging discs, but it should always be utilized in addition to further effective treatment options for disc dysfunctions. Seeing that each back condition is different, this mix of therapies has to be fitted to the specific disorder of the affected individual. Alternative therapy possibilities like acupuncture, massage therapy, and physical exercise are extremely good solutions to make use of in combination with chiropractic care.

Chiropractic Treatment For Spinal Decompression

Chiropractic treatment has gained immense popularity for musculoskeletal cure in the recent past. Over the years, there have been critics and medical practitioners who have rejected the use of this treatment for medical sciences. But times are changing and people now understand its relevance and worth in the medical professional and pain relief in today times.

This form of nonsurgical treatment is effective in gaining relief in back pain, spine-related problems, lower back pains etc. In Vancouver, there are specialists performing this form of treatment on individuals complaining of muscle and joint pains and lower back problems. There are practicing chiropractors and chiropractic centers located in Vancouver offering medical services in diagnosis, treatment and care for diverse back-related problems, Disc bulge, Disc Herniation, Sciatica, and Stenosis in the back area.

The chiropractic treatment is an efficient technique in gaining relief in spine-related problems through spinal decompression. Spinal Decompression or the relief of pressure and pain in the spine cord can be achieved clinically through two major methodologies. One of the methods is surgical which can be performed surgically by aligning the spinal cord. This method is effective in curing of Slip Discs and Imbalance in the back area and nerves related to this area. The second form of method used to gain relief is nonsurgical and mostly employs traditional chiropractic form of treatment.

This form of treatment is useful in curing back pain and spine-related problems through traditional chiropractic methods. It employs pressure therapies, manual therapies and a lot of impetus is giving to healthy lifestyle and the importance of exercise in gaining good health. It is also a preventive form of treatment which not only diagnoses, treats but also prevents future disorders through musculoskeletal treatment of back pain, neck pain, headache etc. It offers relief from pain and ensures healthier life ahead with its relief therapies, exercises etc.

The treatment of spinal problems and other musculoskeletal pains through this treatment has gained acceptance in current medical world and is preferred by most patients. Today, Vancouver is a popular place for Chiropractors and chiropractic treatment of muscle, joints and related pains and disorders.

An Overview of Open and Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

Over 350,000 people in the US have a carpal tunnel release done each year. Carpal tunnel syndrome represents one of the most common causes of work absence in the US each year.

The open tunnel release procedure is performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve, alleviating the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Normal sensation is restored typically to the hand and fingers.

The surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis. The surgeon creates a tiny incision between 1 and 2 inches in the palm of the hand to expose the transverse carpal ligament, which overlies the carpal tunnel.

A metal guide is placed between the transverse carpal ligament and the median nerve. A surgeon carefully cuts above the guide through the transverse carpal ligament to create more space in the tunnel. The median nerve is then free to "breathe" and subsequently regenerate with less pain and better sensation and motor function resulting.

Once the ligament is cut, the incision is closed with sutures, a splint is applied to the wrist, and the patient is usually allowed to go home as soon as the anesthetic wears off. Within a couple weeks, patients often begin hand therapy to regain lost strength and for effective pain control post-operatively.

The endoscopic technique is also performed on an outpatient basis. It is designed to create less pain and scarring from traditional open surgery and tries to provide for a shorter recovery.

The incision is smaller than the open surgery and a metal guide is inserted above the median nerve, similar to the open technique. At this point the surgeon inserts a video camera which sends images to a television monitor in the operating room. The surgeon can visualize the inside of the wrist and hand.

Using these images,, the surgeon cuts the constricting transverse carpal ligament, relieving the median nerve pressure. The instruments are removed, and the wound is closed. A splint may be applied and hand rehabilitation may be begun as with open surgery to recuperate wrist and hand strength.

Numerous studies have been done looking at outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic carpal tunnel release versus open release. The endoscopic variety appears to provide a faster recovery to operated patients in the short term with faster relief of pain and faster improvement in functional abilities. Long term the results appear to be equivalent.

Both surgical methods have shown equal efficacy in relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome overall. Whether or not the increased cost of endoscopic surgery makes the modest benefits appropriate is unclear.

Fibromyalgia and MS - Understanding the Difference

Both autoimmune diseases, Fibromyalgia and MS are consistently crossing paths with each other. Autoimmune diseases often come in twos and threes so those that are diagnosed with one will often have another. Many times these two diseases are confused with each other, or sometimes fibromyalgia will precede a multiple sclerosis diagnosis by a few years. They share many similar symptoms however there are clear difference between these two diseases.

Fibromyalgia and MS share much of the same symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle stiffness, and loss of muscle function. Both conditions can be debilitating in their own way, and both share the tendency for sleep difficulties and fatigue. This can make it difficult sometimes to make a diagnosis, and for doctors that do not always do their homework often a misdiagnosis can occur for either one.

 Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia to date does not include any visual tests such as MRIs or blood tests, but is based on patient history, symptoms and the tender points test. This test identifies 18 tender points that are highly sensitive and painful when pressure is applied.

This is one of the places where fibromyalgia and MS differ; MS is a degenerative disease that is usually visibly detectable in MRIs and other tests. Multiple sclerosis causes damage to the myelin sheath around the spinal cord and this eventually causes nerve damage. This disease is usually progressive leaving some people unable to walk and the damage is permanent.

For those with fibromyalgia there is no collateral damage of this type, and while the symptoms are very real and painful, it is not degenerative in anyway. The real damage of fibromyalgia comes from the debilitating pain that can lead to a lack of activity, which along with depression can often lead to a slow progression of other disease processes that have recently been linked to fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and MS often run in the same families, which is another reason they can be misdiagnosed. If you think you may have one disease or another be sure to see your doctor and work with him to get an accurate diagnosis, since the medical treatments for each disease are different it is important you get an accurate diagnosis. Thankfully both diseases respond well to treatment and changes in diet and exercise.

Both autoimmune diseases, Fibromyalgia and MS are consistently crossing paths with each other. Autoimmune diseases often come in twos and threes so those that are diagnosed with one will often have another. Many times these two diseases are confused with each other, or sometimes fibromyalgia will precede a multiple sclerosis diagnosis by a few years. They share many similar symptoms however there are clear difference between these two diseases.

Fibromyalgia and MS share much of the same symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle stiffness, and loss of muscle function. Both conditions can be debilitating in their own way, and both share the tendency for sleep difficulties and fatigue. This can make it difficult sometimes to make a diagnosis, and for doctors that do not always do their homework often a misdiagnosis can occur for either one.

 Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia to date does not include any visual tests such as MRIs or blood tests, but is based on patient history, symptoms and the tender points test. This test identifies 18 tender points that are highly sensitive and painful when pressure is applied.

This is one of the places where fibromyalgia and MS differ; MS is a degenerative disease that is usually visibly detectable in MRIs and other tests. Multiple sclerosis causes damage to the myelin sheath around the spinal cord and this eventually causes nerve damage. This disease is usually progressive leaving some people unable to walk and the damage is permanent.

For those with fibromyalgia there is no collateral damage of this type, and while the symptoms are very real and painful, it is not degenerative in anyway. The real damage of fibromyalgia comes from the debilitating pain that can lead to a lack of activity, which along with depression can often lead to a slow progression of other disease processes that have recently been linked to fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and MS often run in the same families, which is another reason they can be misdiagnosed. If you think you may have one disease or another be sure to see your doctor and work with him to get an accurate diagnosis, since the medical treatments for each disease are different it is important you get an accurate diagnosis. Thankfully both diseases respond well to treatment and changes in diet and exercise.

Amniotic Fluid Based Stem Cell Injections As Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative Medicine is now possible for soft tissue injuries and defects with amniotic fluid based treatments.

In the past couple of years, stem cell therapy has been brought to the forefront of medicine. Most therapy is done through a technique called Platelet Rich Plasma, better known as PRP. This technique is drawing the patients own blood and running it through a centrifuge to collect the available cells in the blood draw. After collection and processing, the concentrated blood is re-injected into the designated site for therapy. PRP therapy usually consists of a series of injections, approximately 3, over a designated time frame.

While this therapy has some success, there are some drawbacks with this technique. The number of stem cells possible with the technique is much less than what is available with other injection substances. Also adult cells do not always maintain the potential to differentiate into all types of human tissue, such as cartilage, muscle, tendon, and bone.

Each person is born with a level of stem cells in their body. At birth, the stem cell level is at its' peak with about 1 in 10,000 cells. This level progressively declines with age. As a teenager the number drops to 1 in 100,000 cells. At age thirty it continues downwards to 1 in 250,000 cells. At age fifty the amount is 1 in 400,000 and finally by age eighty it is a paltry 1 in 2,000,000 according to Caplan, A. Clinics in Plastic Surgery 1994.

Amniotic fluid based treatments are the next evolution in regenerative medicine. Not only does amniotic fluid contain an immense amount of stem cells, it also contains a whole biological system that adds to the benefits. Amniotic fluid has been shown to be a rich source of proteins, growth factors and multipotent stem cells essential for fetal growth and development. Medical research demonstrates that the presence of these cells provides ancillary clinical benefits by enhancing the body's natural regenerative process while filling soft tissue defects.

No fetal tissue exists in amniotic fluid, avoiding the ethical concerns of embryonic cells while maintaining the existence of multipotent cells. These cells still are undifferentiated and have the capacity to change into cartilage, bone, or muscle cells. Embryonic cells may overdo it and form too many cells creating tumors, while the stem cells in amniotic fluid do not have this quality.

Current medical literature demonstrates that cytokines, growth factors, hyaluranic acids and stem cells present in amniotic tissue and fluid stimulate the repair of tissues or modulate the local microenvironment by enhancing the body's natural regenerative process and potentialy allow damaged tissue to undergo regeneration.

Right now treatments offered consist of tissue repair or removal, such as with surgery or letting the body try and heal itself. For instance, with a cartilage defect in the knee the natural process is for it to fill in with fibrocartilage. This is not real cartilage and does not maintain the same protective qualities as such. Utilizing an amniotic fluid based stem cell injection could potentially allow real cartilage to fill the defect and prevent subsequent post-traumatic joint degeneration. Another example would be a meniscal tear, where the most well known treatment is arthroscopic surgery and removing the tear. The meniscus is the shock absorber for the knee, and taking out too much can lead to premature arthritis. It would be better to promote regeneration, not removal.

There are many potentical clinical treatment options with stem cells, and the multiple benefits seen with amniotic fluid's ingredients may provide a key treatment option for regenerative medicine.

Using Arnica to Reduce Back Pain - Even After Back Surgery

For people suffering with back pain, one of their main concerns is reducing the inflammation and muscle spasms that accompany the discomfort and returning to a normal life. While various exercises and chiropractic adjustments can help the healing process, people are also interested in doing whatever they can to reduce the pain by taking supplements or applying a topical cream to the site of pain to reduce the inflammation. One such supplement that may help back pain sufferers is arnica, which has been found to be somewhat effective for reducing pain and soreness.

Arnica is an herb that grows in mountains and meadows in North America and Europe, and it has been used as a natural healing aid for hundreds of years. For over four hundred years, the herb has been used to treat bruising, muscle sprains and soreness, insect bites, and even swelling due to broken bones or fractures. Thus, the herb can also be used to treat back pain and soreness that is being caused by degenerative discs, strained ligaments, or muscle spasms, among other conditions that may cause injury to the tissues of the spine.

There are two ways to take arnica, and many natural food stores or vitamin and supplement shops sell both versions. First, it comes in a cream or gel that can be used topically at the site of injury, similar to many analgesic products found in pharmacies that are used to reduce pain. Second, arnica can also be taken orally as a homeopathic remedy. This means that the herb is extremely diluted to an amount that will not cause harm or injury to the body, but which may promote healing and a reduction of inflammation.

Multiple studies have been done with arnica for different types of pain. Oddly enough, some studies have shown positive effects from using the herb, while others have shown no effect in reducing pain. For instance, a 2003 study on marathon participants showed that a homeopathic remedy using arnica provided positive effects on sore muscles after running the race. Arnica may best be used when pain and bruising is present, as the studies done on muscle soreness and damage seem to indicate arnica can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Scientists believe that the substance in the herb that provides the positive effects is helenalin, which may be a powerful ant-inflammatory substance. Helenalin acts on the NF-kappa B immune chemical. This immune chemical is involved with the inflammatory response in the body, among other roles that it performs. If it is the case that arnica acts to reduce the effect of NF-kappa B, then it may very well provide an anti-inflammatory response in the body and can help those suffering from back pain and stiffness during work or other activities.

Especially interesting for people undergoing back surgery is that arnica has been found to reduce pain and swelling in people who are operated on. Studies have been done on people getting plastic surgery that show a significant reduction in swelling within eight days of taking arnica after surgery compared to a control group. For people desperate enough to seek relief from back surgery, taking an appropriate amount of arnica after the operation may lead to an improved recovery time, less pain, and a quicker return to normal movement.

Sciatica - Causes and Treatment Methods

Sciatica is a condition involving pain down the sciatic nerve-- the largest peripheral nerve in the body.  Although sciatica is more common in the older population, it can also affect younger people as well.  It is characterized by a sharp, focal pain in the lower buttock, very close to the part of the pelvic bone that we sit on (called the ischial tuberosity).  In some cases, it can travel down the back of the thigh, all the way to the back of the calf.  Sciatica is usually unilateral (one side only), but can also be bilateral (both buttocks/ legs affected).  It may  be accompanied by lower back pain; and numbness, tingling and weakness in the lower leg.

The sciatica patient will report intermittent pain in the buttock, and may show labored gait.  Sitting for more than a few minutes aggravates the condition, so the patient will favor standing when possible.  The condition usually is not so severe that it causes disability (the need to stop working).  It is more of a "significant annoyance"; most sciatica patients can still walk about, and even engage in light sports.

There are several, known causes of sciatica:

(1)  Disc herniation:  when a spinal disc herniates (ruptures or bulges outwards), it does so in the posterior (rear) direction, where the spinal cord and nerve roots reside.  This is because a very strong ligament called the anterior longitudinal ligament covers the front part of the spinal column, preventing disc movement in that direction.  If the bulge presses against one of the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve, it can cause radicular pain that travels down the buttock and leg.  The L3,  L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3 nerve roots branch in pairs from the sides of the lumbar (lower) spine and sacrum (triangular bone at the base of the spine that connects to the flat pelvic bones) and eventually combine to form the sciatic nerve, which starts in the gluteal area and travels down the leg.

(2)  Spinal stenosis:  older people often suffer from degenerative disc disease (DJD).  DJD involves thinning discs, hypertrophic (thickened) ligaments, and spondylosis (bone spurring/ thickening).  All three of these things can result in the narrowing of the spinal canal-- the space between the vertebral bodies and facet joints and spinous processes.  The spinal canal is where the spinal cord and nerve roots reside.  As the space narrows, cord material can get compressed or irritated by frequent contact with bone, ligament, or disc.  Imagine years of moving your back, causing the cord to rub against hard, bony material.  Over time, it can adversely affect nerve function, permanently.  Spinal stenosis is usually the cause of the chronic, unrelenting form of sciatica.

(3)  Piriformis Syndrome:  the piriformis muscle is one of the deep gluteal muscles responsible for hip movement.  It is attached to the side of the sacrum on one end, and the greater tuberosity of the same side femur bone (hip).  The piriformis muscle turns your hip outwards.  The sciatic nerve passes between the piriformis muscle and adjacent muscles as it makes its way down the gluteal region to the thigh.  If the piriformis muscle spasms, it can effectively "pinch" the sciatic nerve, causing buttock pain and posterior thigh pain.

(4)  Pelvic unleveling:  the pelvis is made up of two flat bones (named "ischium"), and the sacrum.  The femur heads of the femur bones insert into the ischium bones.  Under normal conditions, when standing on a flat surface, the femur heads and tops of the pelvis should be exactly parallel to the surface.  If for some reason one side is higher than the other, it can cause a shearing force in the gluteal muscles.  This can irritate one or several gluteal muscles, and can affect the sciatic nerve as well.  Pelvic unleveling can be the result of a hard fall on one buttock and other trauma to the spine and pelvis; uneven leg lengths (one leg physically shorter than the other); foot problems, knee reconstruction, and fractures or bone diseases that result in loss of bone in the femur or tibia.

Treatment Options

Sciatica, depending on the cause, can be very difficult to resolve.  In some cases, it resolves on its own with rest.

If the cause is related to a disc herniation, treatment geared towards reducing the disc herniation should be considered.  This includes surgery, physical therapy, and non-surgical spinal decompression.

If the cause is related to spinal stenosis, the goal of treatment would be pain alleviation.  If the stenosis is multiple-level, surgery may not be an option.  For these cases, pain medications, nerve blocks/ cortisone injections, and epidurals may be helpful.  Hotpacks, icepacks, and gentle stretching of the gluteals can help as well.

If the cause is due to piriformis syndrome, measures to reduce the piriformis muscle spasm would be appropriate.  This includes massage therapy, ice and heat, joint mobilization, chiropractic adjustments, and muscle stim.

If the cause of the sciatica is pelvic unleveling, chiropractic adjustments to restore pelvic alignment could help.  If the pelvic unleveling does not correct all the way, then shoe orthotics with a heel lift can help keep the pelvis even when standing; thus reducing the shearing force to the gluteal muscles.

In summary, sciatica, while not a very serious condition can adversely affect quality of life by limiting mobility.  Self help measures include gently stretching the gluteal muscles, and applying ice and heat.  Wear comfortable shoes, and be careful not to walk on uneven surfaces for extended periods (hill, beach, etc.).  If it does not go away on its own, visit a qualified health professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Choosing Between Spinal Decompression and Surgery

If you have been told that you need surgery for spinal nerve release, you may want to consider having spinal decompression therapy first. Today, a sizable number of people have obtained relief from sciatica, pinched nerves, and slipped discs without having to deal with all the post operative complications that can come with even the most minimal types of spinal surgery. 

For example, even if you are in good health, there is no such thing as a nerve that will completely heal from a surgical procedures.

When you have surgery sciatica, or some other type of radiating pain, you may wind up with some loss of sensation, as well as complete numbness in certain areas. While you may think this will be better than having to put up with chronic pain, you may find out that numbness is far worse.  Chances are, if you think about that awful dead feeling that comes when your feet fall asleep, you will get some idea of what it can be like to deal with numbness after nerve release surgeries. 

Even though some people have obtained relief from surgical procedures designed to treat nerves and other tissue in the spine, they can still cause all kinds of other problems.   

If the procedure does not relieve your pain, it may also lead to other issues that will cause you just as much misery.  While these problems do not always last forever, you may never feel completely recovered.  On the other hand, if you go for spinal decompression, you will not have side effects, let alone worry about long term damage to your body. 

Upper Back Pain Treatment - Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Can Help You

Contrary to what others think, back pain and its treatments are not centered solely on the lower back area. As treatments vary, so does the location where the pain is felt.

Hence upper back pain treatment does not necessarily adapt to the same treatments available for lower back disorders. Nevertheless even if they are diagnosed differently some forms of general back pain therapy can also be applicable as a means for temporary relief.

Unlike before, medical experts of today no longer recommend x-ray to determine the cause of a back ailment. Whatever fracture, herniation, compression or degeneration present in a person's back area is not always comprehensively visible enough as basis for diagnosis.

Information as to when, how, for how long and what have you done so far are more important factors considered by your doctor in evaluating the extent of the back pain. Hence, it can be determined whether the pain is originating from the upper back or middle back or the lower back. Only then, will a treatment or medication be recommended.

The most common causes are activity related injury, muscle strain, poor posture, spine degeneration and herniated discs. The last two are the most complicated, which if not treated can lead to the impairment of spinal nerves.

Hence, a recently approved sophisticated treatment is now widely used because of its simplicity, safety and non-invasive procedures and it is called Non-surgical Spinal Decompression.

This treatment has gained good ground as an effective treatment based on its following procedures and Characteristics:

1. Treatment is available for disc injuries both in the neck and low back areas.

2. It makes use of FDA clinically tested and approved equipment applied to the spinal apparatus with confirmed precision and by gradation.

3. Its treatment promotes the retention of water, oxygen and nutrients in the inner discs. These three substances allow the nourishment of torn and distressed tissues in order to heal.

4. It also allows the gradual release of pressure affecting the vertebral bones and discs.

5. It is safe and non-surgical because the main method used is the application of decompression forces.

6. In case the patient becomes uncomfortable, he may be allowed to defer the treatment process for another session and is provided with access to a safety switch attached to the decompression table to stop the process.

This non-surgical upper back pain treatment may be just the therapy you are searching for to end your back pain suffering. You could probably ask your doctor whether this Non-surgical Spinal Decompression treatment is suitable for you and your kind of back pain.

The Sciatica Story

Learning the cause of any type of pain is a critical step in the healing process. This is especially true for the tricky yet oh so painful sciatica. But what is Sciatica? How is it diagnosed? Can it be healed?

What is Sciatica?
Many folks confuse sciatica to be a diagnosis. It's not. It's a symptom of a different problem. But finding the problem can be…well, a problem. Think of it this way: You pull out a string of Christmas lights to put on your tree. You plug it in to be sure they work…but they don't. So you check the fuse. It's good. Now what? You systematically start looking at each bulb to find the one that is missing or burned out. It's a painstaking process of hit and miss. That's the same kind of problem doctors are facing—albeit much more intricate and critical—when they are trying to pinpoint the cause of sciatica.

Finding the source of sciatica can be difficult at best because it can be caused by a number of different conditions anywhere along the roots of the five sciatic nerves. The roots stem from the lumbar and sacral nerve lines which string down the spine in the L4 to the S3 vertebrae regions. Just about anything can go wrong in that area and cause sciatica to manifest itself in your buttocks, leg, knee or foot. You'll know it when it occurs because it hurts! But moderate to severe pain is not the only challenge. Numbness, tingling, pins and needles and muscle weakness are signs of sciatica as well.

The most common culprit behind sciatica is nerve pinching. Nerves can get pinched in a variety of ways ranging from lumbar misalignment, a sacroiliac joint misalignment, Piriformis syndrome, greater Trochanteric Bursitis and most commonly, disc herniation.

How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
The standard protocol no matter what kind of doctor is consulted is for an examination to be performed first. If the sciatica does not extend below the knee, it is less likely that it is due to a disc problem, and it's more likely that it's due to a lumbar misalignment, a sacroiliac joint misalignment, Piriformis syndrome or Greater Trochanteric Bursitis. However, it is more likely due to a disc lesion if the sciatica extends below the knee.

Once the examination is performed the next steps differ depending on what type of doctor is doing the examining. If it's a chiropractor, it is most likely that after the examination he will take an x-ray to rule out any kind of pathological process (such as bone cancer), and then treat the patient with chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy. If the patient does not respond favorably within a week or two to this conservative approach, then the doctor will request pre-authorization from the insurance company for an MRI. It is unlikely that an insurance company will approve an MRI until after conservative treatment has been tried first and failed.

If however the patient is complaining of neurological symptoms such as numbness in the leg or weakness of any of the muscles of the leg, particularly the inability to walk on their heels (a condition called foot-drop), or loss of control of bowel or bladder function, then those neurological signs justify immediate approval and performance of an MRI. To not do an MRI in such a case could constitute negligence and could jeopardize the patient's life, if not their ability to walk normally for the rest of their life.

An MD will approach things a little differently than a chiropractor. An MD will likely first prescribe some pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicine. If that doesn't work then they'll prescribe physical therapy. An MRI will be ordered if the therapy fails to relieve the pain. Unless of course the patient demonstrates neurological signs and symptoms in which case the same urgency exists as in the above paragraph.

It is important to note that X-rays do not show whether or not a disc is bulging or ruptured. They only show the disc space, showing if it's normal-sized, or thin. If it's thin it may or may not show signs of arthritis. Occasionally an inflamed disc can show up on an x-ray as somewhat thicker than usual.

MRI's and CT's both show discs and will differentiate a normal healthy disc from an unhealthy one. They will also show if a disc is bulged or herniated and will show how well hydrated it is. Generally speaking, CT's are best to show hard tissues such as bone, and MRI's are best to show soft tissues like discs and nerves. So if arthritis or fractures are suspected by the ordering physician, a CT is ordered. If a disc bulge or herniation is suspected, then an MRI is ordered. Other diseases can also show up on CT's and MRI's such as spinal cord tumors, bone cancer, bone abscesses, meningeoceles, etc.

Can Sciatica be cured?
The more correct question is, "Can sciatica be relieved?" Remember sciatica is a symptom not a diagnosis. So whether or not sciatica can be relieved depends on whether or not the cause of the sciatica can be fixed.

The good news is that since the most common cause of sciatica is an impinged nerve usually resulting from a herniated or bulging disc, the answer is yes: Sciatica can be relieved with a fairly high success rate depending on how the problem is addressed. Many successful tactics can be implemented by your chiropractor or MD. They range from spinal decompression to surgery on the extreme end to core muscle strengthening, stretches, yoga and acupuncture on the more conservative end.

If the diagnosis is something other than a disc problem, the treatments can vary quite a bit…more than can be covered in this article.

Conclusion
The cause of sciatica can be very hard to diagnose. Seek help today if you or someone you know is suffering. Visit your chiropractor or MD, based on your preference. To do nothing may cause irreversible damage that may affect your ability to walk. Rest assured, help is out there. Relief is within reach.

Spinal Decompression Is the Non-Invasive Solution to Back Pain

Spinal Decompression Therapy is means of treating disc pain without surgery. There are no needles involved and you are not required to be unclothed. It is not a time consuming procedure nor does it come with a hefty price. The most important thing is that it is successful.

People who experience neck pain, back pain and lower back pain are most likely to feel numbness together with tingling sensations and reduced functioning of both the upper and lower limbs. It is a condition that is highly debilitating affecting ones sleep patterns, work and everyday activities.

Extreme cases start occurring once the central disc material which is medically referred to as Nucleus Pulposus breaks through the protective barrier of the outer discs and starts encroaching on the space occupied by the nerves. These nerves are put under pressure and because they run through the entire body you will definitely start feeling the horrendous effects.

There is much skepticism around the successfulness of Spinal Decompression. Is there really relief from back pain without having to undergo a painful and highly expensive surgical procedure? The answer is a resounding yes but please note that everyone is different and results will vary depending on the individual's specific case. Spinal Decompression causes traction. Both chiropractors and physical therapists employ the use of traction during their treatment. Note that Spinal decompression does not use traction rather the technique yields traction.

If you have had enough of drug and physical therapy and are clearly distressed over these failed attempts then you are a likely candidate for Spinal Decompression. Having to undergo surgery is frightening and nobody wants to do it unless it is absolutely imperative then thankfully there is an alternative for you. Get a consultation and give Spinal Decompression a try to save your self from further pain and worry.

Remember that with every procedure whether it is a surgical or non-surgical procedure there are always risks. A proper physical exam needs to be undertaken with the need for x-ray and MRIs so that one can see if the Spinal Decompression treatment is appropriate course of action for you. Pain can make people desperate and so it is advisable no to start any treatments at home or in professional environment without first identifying what the problem is. You really don't want to make matters worse.

How to Avoid Surgery for Arthritis in Your Neck

On a daily basis in America, neck pain affects millions of Americans. Most commonly this is coming from arthritis in a person's neck either at one particular level or it may be coming from multiple. This causes pain in the neck itself that may radiate out into the shoulders and may also cause significant headaches. Also, patients who have been in a car accident with whiplash often end up with arthritis problems in the neck.

This pain may bother an individual daily, with the analogy being the same as if you have a pebble in your shoe that bothers you every day. Surgery for neck arthritis is usually a terrible idea, and here are 5 ways to avoid it.

1. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment- the patient has arthritis in the neck, the joints there have cartilage just like any other joint. So the theory with physical therapy is that strengthening and stretching the muscles around the neck can help unload those arthritic joints. It is been shown in research studies to work really well and so has chiropractic treatment. Arthritis can cause misalignment in the joints of the neck, and chiropractic treatment can help put those back into proper position.

2. Medications- anti-inflammatory medications along with Tylenol can be extremely helpful at alleviating neck pain. Make sure to take them according to the manufacturers recommended dosing or otherwise a person will risk injury to their liver, kidney, or get an ulcer. These medications can allow patients to concentrate better, work more, play with their kids, and avoid depression that comes with the chronic neck pain of arthritis.

3. Cervical traction- cervical traction for arthritis has an excellent track record. Unlike lumbar traction, traction in the neck has been shown to have great benefits and it can be done a couple of times a day. There is an apparatus that provides traction for the neck with a rope and pulley system going over a door, and there's also one where the patient can wear a neck brace that pumps up and separates the area of arthritis. These give temporary relief as gravity will bring the joints back down but they may provide pain relief in the meantime (that's why it should be repeated daily). There is also an intermittent traction technique called spinal decompression therapy which has also been shown in the neck to help a lot.

4. Facet injections and medial branch blocks- these interventional pain management treatments are shown to work really well for neck arthritis. One involves placing steroid medication directly into the arthritic joint. This can be repeated every few months if they're working well. Medial branch blocks are injections that do not go inside the joint but go around it in the area of the tiny little nerve endings that cause joint pain. These also can provide pain relief for months and can then be repeated.

5. Radiofrequency ablation- also called radiofrequency neurotomy, this procedure represents a revolutionary technology in pain management and one of the best procedures that exist for neck arthritis. This involves burning the tiny little nerve endings that supply pain to these joints may provide pain relief for upwards of 2 years in affected individuals. It's really impressive what this procedure can do for patients who have had no other relief or only temporary relief but the other treatments mentioned.

Surgery for neck pain from arthritis that does not radiate out into the arms from radiculopathy has never been shown to be a great idea unless there's instability of the neck from trauma or extenuating circumstances for the procedure.

Lower Back Pain Therapy - How To Find Relief With Lower Back Pain Therapy

If you suffer from lower back pain, and a doctor has recommended spinal surgery, you should seriously consider trying non-surgical lower back pain therapy first. This type of therapy is administered by a chiropractor, and the advantages of lower back pain therapy may outweigh any advantages of any type surgery, including minimally invasive back surgery.

In fact, when it comes to surgery, there really are no advantages, but there are plenty of disadvantages. These disadvantages include extensive recovery time, the risk of paralysis, risk of infection, the build up of scar tissue, nerve damage, tissue damage, blood clots, and more. In the end, this type of surgery rarely resolves the problem, and only creates more problems.

On the other hand, lower back pain therapy performed by chiropractors, known as spinal decompression, is not only a safer alternative to back surgery, but it is also usually more effective. This form of therapy is completely non-invasive. This type of therapy is virtually painless, and most patients notice a real difference in how they feel right away. There is no extensive recovery period for spinal decompression as there is with back surgery, and most patients report increased mobility immediately following each therapy session.

Spinal decompression is done with the use of a decompression table. This table is specifically designed to move your body in such a way that the discs are slowly decompressed and reshaped, and the spine is essentially repositioned, or realigned. A computer is used to ensure that your body is being moved correctly and safely, and this is referred to as Computer Guided Spinal Decompression. This type of therapy usually takes more than one session to be fully effective, but this only makes the therapy safer. This form of therapy has been approved by the FDA.

When it comes to comparing lower back pain therapy to surgery, you will find that chiropractic spinal decompression costs a great deal less than back surgery. Spinal decompression is performed in the chiropractor's office, so there are no costs for hospitalization on top of the doctor's or surgeon's fees, and most insurance policies will cover chiropractic therapy, including spinal decompression to help defray the costs.

You will also be able to effectively reduce the amount that you spend on medications that you have been using to control your lower back pain when you start lower back pain therapy. This type of therapy offers relief to the degree that pain killers are usually no longer necessary. With surgery, on the other hand, you are most likely to continue using pain killers for years, which can do massive damage to your organs and can even lead to addiction.

In the end, the advantages and benefits of lower back pain therapy far outweigh anything that you will gain in terms of relief from invasive or minimally invasive back surgery, including laser back surgery. Before you consent to back surgery, you should visit a chiropractor for a consultation and discuss how spinal decompression can help to resolve your lower back pain.

The Skinny On Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement

Cervical artificial disc replacement has come about after lumbar artificial discs were FDA approved back in 2004. The neck implants were FDA approved around 2008. The idea is to preserve motion, since spinal fusions weld bones together and send the stresses that used to be absorbed above and below. This can create adjacent level problems post-operatively. The neck implant is designed to replace a damaged or diseases intervertebral disc in the neck. This can be seen with degenerative disc disease, a herniated cervical disc, or maybe a post-traumatic issue.

This disc problem then creates a situation where pinched nerves occur. Nerves may be pinched directly from disc material that has extruded into an area where it's not supposed to be. Or with a degenerative disc height in the disc space is lost to such an extent that nerves are compressed indirectly as they try to exit from the spine.

The neck artificial disc surgery is done with a surgical approach through the front area (just off to the side) of the neck. Neck muscles are not split, but separated from each other, making the post-operative pain very tolerable in most cases.

Once the spine is reached, a device is put in to keep the esophagus, vessels, and musculature to the sides and the complete diseased disc is then removed. Once the complete disc is remove, the vertebral bodies are spared except for some shaping that needs to be done to accept the implant.

Instruments are used to size for the cervical disc replacement, and then the metallic implant with a plastic spacer is implanted. There are a few different kinds of neck disc replacements, with some being "press-fit" while others actually have a screw above and below into the bone to keep it more stable. A real time x-ray machine, called fluouroscopy, is used to make sure the implant is centered properly. This is key, as it is important to have the implanted centered to try as best as possible to recreate physiologic range of motion.

Patients usually leave the hospital within 24 hours and the pain relief and complication profiles have shown similarity to regular neck fusions.

Cervical disc replacements have shown equivalency so far to cervical fusions. Cervical fusions from the front have been an extremely successful operation by and large with over a 95% success rate. Cervical disc replacements cost more however, so long term studies are necessary to see if the cost benefit is present when compared to clinical outcomes.

Cervical Spondylosis - Factors, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Cervical spondylosis is manifested by neck stiffness with pain in the neck, weakness, tingling, numbness in the upper limbs, burning, feeling of "power" in the neck, shoulders and upper limbs, headaches that start in the neck and get to the front of the head. Physiotherapy for cervical spondylosis treatment by acting directly on the degeneration of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae and help them rehydrate. Medical fitness to lead to cervical spondylosis regaining joint mobility, increase the amplitude of joint and muscle tone and bone spurs produce beneficial effects on improving the general condition of the body. Spondylosis usually presents as a degenerative spine manifested by pain and reduce its mobility. It can occur while on the roots of spinal cord compression. This condition is "distributed" throughout the column from top to bottom, the most common on the low back and cervical and thoracic region does less. Is manifested by calcium deposits around joints or on the edges of plateaus disc. Deposits they produce some formations known in medicine as the "parrot beaks". Their appearance shows that it is a chronic degenerative process of the column, due to two key issues namely: -

Narrowing the spinal canal is the spinal cord and nerves, and the conjugation of holes where the nerves exit the spinal and distributed to the lower limbs and upper limbs. Each hole must fit a nerve and narrowing these holes produce terrible pain and sometimes unbearable. - Narrowing of the spinal canal completely (spinal) cause disease called spinal myelopathy (spinal cord diseases general name), took place compression that creates problems with the blood marrow. While ventral Bone spurs develop, spinal cord space shrinks, causing myelopathy Cervical spondylosis myelopathy is the result of several pathophysiological factors. These factors include:

a) static-mechanical factors,
b) dynamic-mechanical factors
c) lesions stretches
d) spinal cord ischemia

The phenomenon of degradation in this disease is predominantly the result of cervical spine bone degeneration, process what that advance patient grows older. Other changes associated with the disease, such as abnormal growth of bone (bone spurs) may lead to increased pressure on spinal nerves and sometimes even the spinal cord. This disorder is a chronic and in most cases is determined by age. Although it affects both sexes, in men occurs earlier than women. Some studies show that 75% of women and 80% of men around the age of 60 years, making a radiograph can be diagnosed as having significant manifestations of cervical spondylosis. Evolution is slow and prolonged cervical spondylosis and patients may have no symptoms or may show slight neck pain. It happens that the disease was stagnated, but there are cases where the disease can worsen to an advanced stage and the patient may become addicted to shopping cart with wheels. Symptoms In the cervical vertebral corpus exists in a side channel through which pass the vertebral arteries and helping to transport blood to the brain. If these channels are compressed, the amount of blood supplying the hindbrain is reduced. Thus it might appear a deficit of blood to the cerebellum and brainstem deficiency is manifested in the occipital area by dizziness, abnormal gait, headache and muscle strength decrease. This disease through its semiology, is an unpleasant disease, but patients will have to understand that we mean a disease that can live if properly treated or at least controlled. Local pain is felt in the joint capsule, the paravertebral ligaments in inflamed synovium or periosteum. Causes Nobody knows for sure what is causing spondylolisthesis, but are taken into account: patient age, genetics, mechanical stress and metabolic problems, not least the patient.Damage to spinal joints that are specific to aging is the main cause of cervical spondylosis. More staff, after the age of 35 years, signs of changes in the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves, but the manifestation of disease occurs much later.Age are among the risk factors and leads to wear her column joints (cervical, thoracic or lumbar), thus causing pressure in the neck with repercussions on the column. If pain is not diminished with proper medication if pain persists or worsens numbness occurring in the upper limbs and lower limbs then it is imperative to introduce ourselves to physician specialty. These symptoms, in association with medical history and clinical analysis may lead us to a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis.

Risk factors for cervical spondylosis

This condition primarily affects the patients in the office working and the pain becomes stronger if associated with cold. Those working in the office in front of a computer and have the disorder, will be sometimes to interrupt work for a short time, to change mode or to change their jobs. It is recommended to take frequent breaks from work and take a sitting posture. Correct medication, physiotherapy and chiropractor (medical fitness) can help treat it, but you can get to surgery if the disease is not treated in time. Another risk factor is old position of the spine and therefore must take care as the patient sits in the office, in bed, the chair and the couch watching TV. Pain is worse when cold or if exercising. Pain is accompanied by lack of joint mobility and may disappear after 10-15 minutes of movement, rotation and bending of the neck. Obese people who suffer from this disease must take to follow a hypocaloric diet and physical therapy programs (medical fitness). Treatment Treatment of both cervical spondylosis and lumbar spondylosis follows the first pain relief, stop disease progression and development of joint mobility. Massage therapy performed on the spine affected is a treatment often used in treating this disease. Fair treatment significantly improves symptoms. Physical therapy can be used to relieve pain even more acute in a state of disease, provided that the current form chosen and done, be done with a good knowledge of physio-pathological mechanisms of pain transmission and production. Therapist task is to educate the patient regarding posture control regardless of the position of the patient (Sitting, standing, supine or prone).

Consistent Lower Pain - Treatment Options For Consistent Back Pain

Was today just like the day before and the day before that? Did you wake up so stiff it was hard to get out of bed or put on your clothes? Were you so sore that the pain in your lower back was the first thing you thought about and it the now constant reminder as you sit and fidget in your chair looking for just the right spot that will give you some relief? Perhaps the worst of all is that you probably don't even want to be active with your friends, your kids, or your spouse and it feels like you are missing out on life because of your consistent lower back pain.

If any of the above sounds familiar then you are probably on the quest to make the constant lower back pain stop once and for all. There are generally a few options people consider. The first of which is surgery and as many know is dangerous, expensive, not to mention the long recovery time. The problem with surgery is that with all the cost and time it isn't guaranteed. The thought of someone cutting on me with no guaranteed results was enough to make me look elsewhere, and a growing number of others are doing the same.

Some have just decided to medicate their pain and pop endless streams of ibuprofen or naproxen. You can get some temporary relief but you are only treating the symptom and not actually addressing the underlying problem. You are essentially prolonging the inevitable need to for change not to mention that all of those pain killers and give you stomach and liver damage and then you could really have problems.

As a previous consistent lower back pain sufferer I found that the secret to making the non stop throbbing and soreness stop was actually a combination of factors. Many have got their life back again by following a few simple rules that just about anyone can follow.

Low Back Pain Treatment - Is Acupressure Effective As a Low Back Pain Treatment Therapy?

Almost 8 out of 10 people suffer from slipped disks at one time of their lives or another. Some recovered with no further recurrence whilst other experience chronic backache for the rest of their lives. With this burden, some people cannot live the active lifestyle they once have. It is not uncommon to see people becoming depressed, even quitting their job to cope with this lumbago problem.

Sufferers look for low back pain treatment eg. herniated disc treatment or bulging disc treatment or even treatment on their pinched nerve back.There are many treatments available for the sufferer. Back pain medication like painkillers, chiropractic adjustment, lower back pain exercises, massage, acupuncture, acupressure and even surgery.

I personally have suffered from sciatica for 12 years. I have tried every method listed above and I almost had surgery. Surgery, in particular, is a major decision. It is important to know that research studies have been done on how patients fare years after surgery. 2 groups of patients were monitored ie one which had surgery while the other group opt for other treatments. Statistics have shown that 10 years after surgery, the conditions of both sets of patients were similar. In my case, when my specialist advised me for surgery, I actually seek a second opinion. The second doctor had a different approach and told me the above statistics. Although I had L4-L5 Herniated Disc, instead of suggesting surgery, he sent me to a therapy school where I learned all kinds of lower back pain exercises as a low back pain treatment and therapies to strengthen the muscles. Though I improved, my lumbar back pain became chronic.

It was by accident that I discovered acupressure and gave it a shot. It is a natural treatment and unlike acupuncture, no needles are applied on the body. All you do is to identify spots (called acupoints) on various parts of the body and apply acupressure techniques to press on these acupoints. My first treatment lasted only 10 minutes and it gave me immediate pain relief. I felt pain no more. Because I felt so good after the treatment, I did 6 years of intensive research on this natural healing technique. It has since become my low back pain treatment choice.

I have since recovered and have not had any more aching recurrence thanks to the acupressure treatment knowledge that I had. It is simple and easy to learn. Also, it can be self administered. You can do it anytime and anywhere. There are also no drugs, painkillers or special equipment involved. Unlike surgery, it is not invasive.

While this traditional acupressure knowledge is originated from Asia (China, India), it is gaining popularity, slowly but surely.I have since used the same techniques to help different people and all have shown good improvements.

The principle of Acupressure is simple. The body consist of different meridian lines along which lay many acupoints. Energy flows along these meridian lines. Each of these acupoints correspond to a certain part of a body. For example, an acupoint on the toe corresponds to the head. When a person is unwell or stressed, the acupoint will act like a switch and become cloaked with toxics. By pressing these acupoints with certain acupressure techniques, you basically remove these toxics. So, the task here is to treat acupoints that corresponds to the spine. When toxics are removed, the energy flow enhances and the person feels better and recovers from spine problems

So, if you are looking for a natural solution to cure your painful backache problems, acupressure might be right for you to heal your spine problems.

The Chiropractic Experience

Everyone has been to see a doctor at some point in their life. Not everyone has been to see a chiropractor. Some processes are the same while others are totally different. Chiropractors are specialists in pain, and thus you know why you're going to see one. But what will happen?

First, like every other doctor's office, you're going to give them a lot of information. You'll start with demographic information, then medical history. Hopefully you've already contacted your insurance company to make sure your services are covered but if not they'll do that for you.

Next you'll see your chiropractor, and you'll start off with a conversation about your physical history and the history of the pain you want to address. The doctor will be trying to determine if there was a specific event that might have triggered the pain or see if there might be something you mention that might help explain why you're suffering the kind of pain you're in.

After that it's time for the real exam. You'll lie down on a table with your clothes on; a chiropractor rarely asks you to take your clothes off, although they might ask you if they can touch your skin in some instances. No matter where you say your pain is, they will examine your entire body, since where you say the pain is and where it might be originating may not be in the same place.

What you'll feel may not be what you're expecting to feel, at least initially. For instance, many chiropractors don't rub on the body to determine what your issues are. They will probe, which might be a series of pushing their hands into your body in certain places. They might just lay their hands on you in certain places.

What you may or may not be prepared for is the sudden push on the body that may produce a crack, which is what everyone's heard of. That can be jarring the first time, though some chiropractors will warn you its coming. A truth is that if you're tense you can repel the push, but it's best to trust your chiropractor because everything they do is to address your pain.

A few cracks and that may be that. You won't walk out of your first appointment feeling like a million dollars. Chiropractic services take time to work, along with exercises they'll give you to do, but at the end of a series of treatments you will feel better, be in less pain, and wonder why you didn't start with a chiropractor.

Sciatica Treatment: Where To Go

Given the lack of a one-size-fits-all cure for back pain, treatment can drag on. The difficulty level of back pain treatment is attested to by the fact that many doctors have no idea how to find the cause. If you wish to avoid medications that only mask the pain, surgery that could make it worse and running to dozens of appointments with no results, it is best to educate yourself on your condition, its possible causes and its most effective treatments.

Sciatica is a very painful condition characterized by the impingement or irritation of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. This nerve, the largest in the body, travels from the lumbar spine to the foot on each side of the body. Sciatic impingement entails sharp lower back pain that travels along the nerve path into the leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness and tingling.

Before knowing where to go for sciatica treatment, it is important to know what the cause is. There are four main causes of sciatica: disc degeneration, vertebral misplacement, piriformis syndrome and sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction.

Note: True sciatica is identified as compression of the nerve root as it exits the spine (at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae [L4 and L5]); conditions that irritate the nerve at another location are not technically considered to be true sciatica. For the purpose of this article, all instances of sciatic impingement will be called sciatica.

Disc and Vertebral Causes

As we age, our spinal discs wear. These gel-filled cushions can dry up, or uneven pressure placed on them can cause the exterior to weaken and the gel to be pushed to one side; this is called a bulging disc. If the gel breaks through the exterior, this is called a herniated disc. A bulging or herniated disc at L4 or L5 can compress and irritate the sciatic nerve. MRI testing can detect most disc abnormalities.

Discs that are drying up shrink in size. This changes the space between vertebrae, creating spinal jarring and increasing the risk of vertebral misplacement (subluxation or spondylolisthesis). If a lumbar vertebra moves out of alignment, it may press on the sciatic nerve. Misalignment can also occur due to injury or years of poor posture.

Chiropractic care is the best bet for people with sciatica caused by spinal misalignment, which can generally be detected by MRI testing or a trained professional performing a physical exam.

Some doctors are quick to prescribe surgery for bulging or herniated discs. More conservative treatments should be sought first, however. Exercises to ease the pain of this type of sciatica can be found here: http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/exercise-sciatica-a-herniated-disc. Having sessions with a physical therapist who can guide you in additional exercises and stretches would be beneficial. Another option to consider is spinal decompression treatment. There are home devices that can be purchased, or you can find a chiropractor whose office is equipped with a decompression machine. Spinal decompression consists of increasing the space between vertebrae to allow for disc re-expansion and re-absorption of lost fluids.

Muscle and Joint Causes

The piriformis muscle lies deep within the buttocks, and its role is to rotate the thigh laterally. Due to its location, this muscle is rarely stretched. It can become tight and inflamed in various ways, from sitting for long periods of time to athletic activities like running and cycling. The sciatic nerve runs past the piriformis in the buttocks. If the muscle is overly-tight, it will shorten and inflame. This causes irritation of the nerve.

SI joint dysfunction is a change in the range of motion of the SI joint, which is located where the sacrum meets the large hip bone at the base of the spine. The joint becomes inflamed if it is too stiff or too mobile. As the sciatic nerve travels by the joint, it can become irritated by this inflammation.

Piriformis syndrome is hard to diagnose; a physical therapist trained in muscle imbalance identification may have the best luck. People with piriformis syndrome generally have tight hip flexors and hamstrings and weak gluteal muscles. Piriformis syndrome treatment may be as simple as learning some new stretches, like the ones here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/36814-piriformis-stretches/. Prolonged tightness of the piriformis will require forced relaxation. A technique called self-myofascial release employs a foam roller to elongate and relax the muscle.

SI joint dysfunction can be diagnosed by moving the leg through the SI joint's range of motion. Certain positions will trigger pain if the SI joint is injured. Hypermobile joints will need to be stabilized by exercise therapy and possibly the use of a belt. Hypomobile joints can be loosened by a chiropractor.

Sciatica treatment is a process. Even with education and the best medical team, resolving back pain can take months if not longer. That is why it is important not to waste time in and out of appointments with those who can't help you. Don't be afraid to assist your doctor in a diagnosis or to ask for specific referrals based on your own knowledge.

The Origins of Psychology - Psyche and Logos

From two Greek words: psyche, which means the mind or the soul and logos, which means study, the science of Psychology has been studied and defined by many people throughout the ages. Hilgard, Morgan, Silverman, and Schlesinger are just a few. A careful analysis of their foregoing definitions of psychology reveals common points: Psychology is the scientific study of the behaviors of living organisms; the term behavior must not be solely attributed to man's physical reactions and observable behavior; and thoughts, feelings, and attitudes are also connected to the term behavior.

The primary goals of Psychology are mainly to describe, identify, understand and explain behavior, to know its factors, and to control or change behavior. Psychologists often apply their knowledge and understanding of human behavior to solve issues and help in our society. Different areas of specialization in Psychology are studied to provide better understandings of this science.

Among these are the traditional fields consisting mainly of: Clinical Psychology which deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of psychological problems. It also relates to Psychiatry which pertains to more serious problems; Counseling Psychology which deals with administering, storing, and interpreting psychological exams; Educational or School Psychology which deals with students' learning and adjustment; Community Psychology which deals with problems of the aged, prisoners, and other problems in the community.

It also focuses on providing accessible care for these people; Social Psychology which deals with the behavior of man individually and in groups; Industrial or Organizational Psychology which deals with issues of people in the workplace; Personality Psychology which is concerned with the uniqueness of a person; Developmental Psychology which deals with factors affecting human groups; Experimental Psychology which focuses with the basis of scientific research; Physiological Psychology which is concerned with the functions of the brain; and Comparative Psychology which targets the differences of the species.

Aside from these, several branches of Psychology were discovered during the 70's. Forensic Psychology deals with legal, judicial, and correctional systems. Environmental Psychology is primarily concerned about issues relating to the environment. Computer Science, on the other hand, uses computer programming for behavioral analysis. There is also Engineering Psychology which seeks to make the relationship between man and machines; and Psychopharmacology which deals with the relationship of behavior and drugs.

Furthermore, the latest fields of Psychology that were recently developed consist of: Health Psychology which focuses on multidimensional approaches that emphasize lifestyle and health care systems; Sports Psychology which applies psychological principles to improve performance and enjoy participation; Cross-culture Psychology which examines the role of culture in understanding behavior, thoughts, and emotions; and Women Psychology which emphasizes the importance of promoting research and study of women.

Chiropractic Practice Marketing - How to Create New Patient Referrals Through Patient Satisfaction

On the seemingly endless quest for new patients and new sources of referrals, Doctors of Chiropractic often forget to show existing patients how much they appreciate them. Although usually an honest mistake, it is also a very serious one. Although I say this frequently it bears repeating, one of the best sources of new patients are the happy and satisfied patients already present in your practice. Take these easy steps to ensure you have happy patients who look forward to visiting your office. Focusing on creating happy and healthy patients may be the best chiropractic marketing you've ever done!

There is an old saying in chiropractic: "Take care of your patients and they will take care of you".  It is very true that satisfied patients will happily pay for services rendered. Even more importantly, they will be more likely to refer new patients to your practice. They will send new patients that you can help lead down a path to health and wellness. The monetary gains are just icing on the cake!   When an existing patient refers a new patient it is an opportunity to begin educating, adjusting, and improving the health of that patient. Focusing on improving the health of patients and creating satisfied patients is imperative. This ensures the best interests of the patient are always the driving force of care. When this satisfied patient gets the opportunity, they too will refer a new patient. Practices that create happy and satisfied patients simultaneously build an internal and self driven new chiropractic patient referral source on autopilot!    This is a winning scenario for everyone involved. Patients get healthy and doctors get the opportunity to improve quality of life while making a living. Now that you see the value in creating satisfied patients, let's discuss five easy ways to establish the highest level of patient satisfaction in your practice.  

1. Make the patient comfortable.


2. Listen.


3. Maintain reasonable office procedures and policies.


4. Go the extra mile.


5. 
   Show patients how much you appreciate them. 

Let's take a look at each step individually.  

1. Make the Patient Comfortable

Every single step in your new and existing patient procedures should be designed with patient comfort and convenience in mind. You've heard this tip before, but when was the last time you've actually critically analyzed patient procedures in your practice? Although there are times when the needs of the practice will override the comfort of the patient, these should be the rare exceptions and not the rule.  

New patients should be treated like the valuable practice members they are. The minute the patient walks in the door they should be greeted by a warm front office staff. Offer the new patient a beverage or other healthy refreshment while completing the new patient paperwork. Much of their basic contact information should already have been pre-filled on the paperwork for them.   

Examination procedures should minimize the need for the patient to change positions frequently. Try to organize all standing, seated, supine, and prone examination procedures together. Exam rooms should be located either in, or immediately adjacent to, x-ray rooms.  

Consider something as seemingly insignificant as patient gowning. Do your patients have a private and comfortable area to disrobe? Do patients have a safe area to put their clothes and possessions? Make sure to have a variety of sizes of patient gowns available. It's also a good idea to explain to the patient how to put the gown on correctly! I even allow those shy and embarrassed patients to put two gowns on, one with the opening in back, the other in front if they feel more comfortable.   

Good communication with your patients is another way to make new patients comfortable. Explain what is going to happen. New patients like to know what is going to happen next, so keep them informed of what to expect and provide them with general estimates of how long it will take.  

Don't forget the comfort of established patients either! It probably does more damage than good to your practice if you pamper new patients while ignoring established ones. Offer established patients a beverage or other healthy snack. Go out of your way to make sure they are just as comfortable as someone visiting your practice for the first time.  

Although I could give you many other tips, consider going straight to the source; ask your patients. One of the best ways to make sure your patients are comfortable is to ask them. You'd be amazed how much constructive feedback you can receive just by asking your patients what you can do to create a more comfortable practice. One easy way to do this is to create patient satisfaction surveys or even suggestion boxes in the waiting room or checkout area. Regardless of how you ask, make sure you act on the good suggestions. The first step to happy patients is to make them comfortable.  

2.  Listen

This one is pretty self explanatory, but it is often forgotten in the daily hustle and bustle. When a patient talks you should listen! One of the most common patient complaints is that patients feel their healthcare provider doesn't listen to them. Take an extra minute or two with your patients and listen.  

Don't just pretend to listen, make an effort to be an active listener. Repeat things back to a patient to let them know you were listening and understanding them. For example, say something like, "Mr. Jones what I hear you telling me is when you bend to your left like this it causes increased pain, and pain shooting down your left leg. Do I have that correct?"  

Take this a step further and listen when a patient mentions something not directly related to their treatment. Although writing down everything isn't possible, try making a note of what is going on with the lives of your patients outside of your practice. This really helps in going the extra mile, which we will talk about in tip number 4. Patients truly appreciate when you listen to them and see them as a real person and not just another chart number.  

Take the time to close your mouth and open your ears. You always have to keep efficiency in mind, but not at the expense of patient rapport. Balancing listening and efficiency with a talkative patient can be a difficult challenge, but it is just one of the wonderful challenges that must be met to be a successful Doctor of Chiropractic!  

3.  Maintain Reasonable Office Procedures and Policies

No one likes a dictator. Although you must have office procedures and policies in effect to maintain order, you don't need to make them unreasonable. You can and should make exceptions to the rules when they are warranted.   

Let's take one rule as an example. Let's discuss missed appointment fees. Missed appointments are indeed a wrench in the works of an efficient practice. Charging a missed appointment fee has become an acceptable method of deterring patients from missing appointments. I know a doctor in the Midwest who rules his practice with an iron fist. He's close to retirement and probably isn't as concerned with new patients as his younger colleagues. However, as long as I have known him he has pretty much had a zero tolerance approach to his office procedures. If a patient misses an appointment without 24 hour notice they are charged a $25.00 late fee, end of story.  

Maintain order with rules and policies, but also use common sense and good judgment. For example, if single mother Mrs. Jones who works 2 jobs to get by forgets her appointment, you should cut her some slack. Be reasonable and your patients will do the same. 

4.  Go the Extra Mile

The main goal here is simple: give your patient more than they would get at the practice down the street. The numbers of ways you can achieve this goal are endless!   Use your imagination and do what you can to go the extra mile for your patients.   

Who doesn't love to get more than they've paid for? Who doesn't like to be treated like royalty? Is there anyone who doesn't like to be pampered? I don't think so. Make this an open discussion at your next staff meeting. Have your staff list ways to pamper patients and give them more than they pay for. Everyone should try to come up with a way to make every procedure more efficient and less work for the patient. Try and create ways where you can simply knock your patients' socks off with the quality of your service.  Dream up creative, low cost ways to pamper your patients! Not only will you have fun, but you'll be amazed at how many missed opportunities exist to create happy patients. I love this topic so much I won't reveal any tips here. Look for tips on going the extra mile in a future article!  

5.  Show Patients how Much you Appreciate Them.  

You may be thinking that going the extra mile everyday already expresses your appreciation of patients. You need to remember that going the extra mile is now part of your daily procedures! You now provide the best and your patients expect it. (Who said life at the top was going to be easy?) We need to go the extra two miles here and set aside specific events for declaring our appreciation for patients. 

There are several easy ways to do this. One of the most common ways is by holding a special patient appreciation event.   Pick a day, week, or whatever duration you choose for your patient appreciation event. I prefer to set aside a certain day about twice a year and call it "Patient Appreciation Day". (Original huh?) The name isn't important. What IS important is what happens during your patient appreciation event. 

You can't simply take an ordinary day with scheduled visits and slap a "patient appreciation day" label on it. Passing out a coupon or a free prize here or there won't do.  To make a patient appreciation event truly effective you need to make it special. You need to design contests and other interesting events. This has to be a memorable EVENT. Planning a patient appreciation event requires that you invest some time and money, but the results will be well worth it.  

This is another topic we are going to cover in depth in a future article. Watch for our article about creating the perfect patient appreciation day. Until then, try one of the following 10 suggestions to help express your patient appreciation.  

1.      Send out birthday cards to patients.

2.      Send patients postcards for the holidays.

3.      Send a new patient a welcome letter along with a new patient "welcome kit".

4.      Send a postcard for a patient's "anniversary" with your practice.

5.      Did a patient mention their son just won the little league championship, or that their daughter made the school honor roll? Send that son or daughter a congratulatory card or letter, even if they aren't one of your patients!

6.      Send valuable patients an appreciation letter with a small gift, coupon or gift card.

7.      Thank existing patients for referrals.

8.      Make up clever little patient appreciation cards, similar to business cards and hand them to selected patients. 

9.       Find small, unique, and affordable gifts to give patients for each major holiday or just because.

10. Create a "patient appreciation" bulletin or dry erase board. 

My practice has a patient appreciation dry erase board in the reception area which we update weekly. At the top is the phrase "We appreciate our patients because:". We regularly update the board with a new reason. "We appreciate our patients because they are committed to optimum health", "We appreciate our patients because they are kind, caring, and punctual", "We appreciate our patients because they appreciate the power of chiropractic are", are just a few examples.  

The preceding tips are just the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to creative ways to generate patient satisfaction in a chiropractic practice, the possibilities are seemingly endless. There are hundreds of low cost and unique ways to show patients you appreciate them. Come up with more of your own, or if you don't have the time simply watch our website. We offer exciting and affordable products along with free ideas and resources which will help automate patient appreciation and do 90% of the work for you!    Whether you let us help or not, make sure you show your patients how much you appreciate their commitment to both your practice and their health. When you make patient satisfaction a top priority in your practice you may just discover it is the best chiropractic marketing you've ever done!

Protandim and Oxidative Stress

Your body receives a constant supply of oxygen as you breathe and your cells use that oxygen in various chemical reactions along with the vitamins and minerals, and the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates consumed in the foods you eat, to produce energy and keep you healthy. As a consequence of this metabolic activity, highly reactive molecules are produced known as free radicals. Free radicals can be thought of as similar in many ways to the exhaust from your automobile; that is, the energy released from the combustion of gasoline and oxygen is desirable, but the resultant exhaust is toxic and harmful.

A free radical is a molecule missing an electron and it will strip an electron from another molecule to become "whole". This damages that molecule which in turn becomes a free radical beginning a chain reaction. Once the process is started it escalates throughout a lifetime and is thought to be one of the primary determinates of aging. Damage enough molecules and you damage the cell, damage enough cells and you damage the tissue or organ system. Damage to tissue in excess of the body's ability to repair that damage is called disease. All antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons ending the "electron-stealing" reaction. The antioxidants themselves don't become free radicals when they donate an electron because they are stable in either form.

All aerobic organisms (those that require oxygen for life), including mankind, produce this harmful "exhaust" as a result of normal cellular metabolism as described above and have evolved to handle and dispose of it. But, if the antioxidants needed for this process are unavailable, or if free-radical exposure becomes excessive, damage occurs. In our modern society there is both less availability of antioxidants due to the diminishing quality of our food sources, and more exposure to free-radicals due to increasing pollutants in our environment. Many of the foods past generations relied upon to supply naturally occurring antioxidants have been processed and now contain preservatives, and have been canned, frozen, or micro-waved negating much of their antioxidant properties. Worse, much of what we consume has been exposed to herbicides and pesticides which far from reducing oxidative stress actually contributes to it. These same herbicides and pesticides contaminate our ground water as well. Environmental pollutants found in our air and water such as emissions from automobiles and industries, radiation, asbestos, and many others all contribute to the production of free radicals. Smoking, alcohol, and pharmaceuticals also contribute to the production of free radicals. Thus, this society is exposed to more free radicals than any before in the history of man.

Oxidative damage and chronic inflammation has been implicated in the cause of many diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, fragile X syndrome, Sickle Cell Disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and others. It has, as well, an impact on the body's aging process. It is no small matter.

What Can You Do?

Diet is, of course, an important consideration.

• Berries - Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries are among the top sources of antioxidants.


• Beans - Small red beans and kidney, pinto and black beans are all choices rich in antioxidants.


• Fruits - Many apple varieties (with peel) are high in antioxidants, as are avocados, cherries, green and red pears, fresh or dried plums, pineapple, kiwi and others.


• Vegetables - Those with the highest antioxidant content include artichokes, spinach, red cabbage, red and white potatoes (with peel), sweet potatoes and broccoli. Although the effect of cooking on antioxidant levels varies by cooking method and vegetable, one study showed that cooking generally increased levels among select vegetables.


• Beverages - Green tea may come to mind as a good source of antioxidants, but other beverages have high levels, too, including coffee, red wine and many fruit juices such as pomegranate.


• Nuts - Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds are some of the top nuts for antioxidant content.


• Herbs - These may be unexpected suppliers of antioxidants, but ground cloves, cinnamon and ginger, dried oregano leaf and turmeric powder are all good sources.


• Grains - In general, oat-based products are higher in antioxidants than are those derived from other grain sources.


• And for dessert - A piece of dark chocolate ranks as high or higher than most fruits and vegetables in terms of antioxidant content.

How Does Protandim Help?

Vitamins C and E are thought to protect the body against the destructive effects of free-radicals too. The trouble is that one such antioxidant molecule from whatever source can neutralize only a few free-radical molecules before it is depleted. In our modern society, a good diet alone is simply no longer enough. The most effective way to fight free radicals and reverse the spread of oxidative stress and the chronic inflammation they cause is to trigger the body to produce its own free-radical fighting enzymes. That information is stored in our genes. Protandim is specially formulated to induce cells to produce more of these genetically encoded catalytic defense enzymes which have been named Superoxide Dismutases (SOD). Every enzyme molecule produced by this approach can eliminate up to 1 million free radicals before being depleted. When the protein messenger (Nrf2) is activated, it enters the nucleus of the cell and turns on hundreds of the body's survival genes that code for these enzymes. These genes enable cells to survive in the face of several different kinds of stress, especially oxidative stress. Nrf2 also affects hundreds of other genes, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes, by turning them down.

Thus, Protandim is a master regulator of the aging process and an Nrf2 synergizer which activates survival genes, including antioxidant genes, that keep us safe from free radicals and oxidants and their harmful effects. It also turns down genes that perpetuate inflammation, and genes that encourage slow, progressive fibrosis to take place. Together these actions provide a remarkable promise of protection from many kinds of age-related health conditions.

Protandim was developed by Joe McCord, Ph.D.

Dr. McCord holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Rhodes College (graduated 1966) and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Duke University (graduated 1970), where he also conducted postdoctoral research. Dr. McCord has held biochemistry faculty positions at Duke University Medical Center and University of South Alabama. He currently serves as a professor in the department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Genetics at the University of Colorado Denver. He has received several awards and honors for his research and discoveries in the field of free radical biochemistry, is a past recipient of the Elliott Cresson Medal, the Discovery Award from the Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine (SFRBM), and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oxygen Society. He has been a member of the board of directors of the LifeVantage Corporation (makers of the dietary supplement Protandim) since 2006.

More Information

The battle between those with a vested interest in the status quo and those who advocate non-pharmacological solutions to the health ailments of man will continue to rage. What is certain, however, is that LifeVantage Corporation has recently been granted a fourth patent for its flagship product Protandim?簿聶翻?簧 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is further certain that the U.S. government-funded National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), whose mission is to develop new information technologies to aid in the understanding of fundamental molecular and genetic processes that control health and disease has published twelve (12) research articles on PubMed, a service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, and that many more studies are currently being conducted by several major universities. In addition, a Primetime Live Investigative Report by ABC News which aired in 2005 found scientific merit to the claims.

PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=protandim

ABC News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_mGXV6KAx0