Back Pain Treatments

Complementary Back Pain Treatments

There are several other back pain treatments you can try.

• Acupuncture. An expert inserts tiny needles in your skin at specific points to relieve pain. Studies have found that acupuncture can help some people with back pain.

• Electrical stimulation. This involves sending harmless levels of electricity to the nerves in order to ease pain. The most common form of this treatment is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS.)

• Massage. One study found that massage helped reduce back pain and improve function faster than regular medical care alone. Be sure to tell your massage therapist about your back pain and any injuries.

• Spinal Manipulation. An expert will press against a joint in your spine with hands or a device. The idea is to relieve pressure and realign the joints and muscles. Spinal manipulation is also called chiropractic adjustment. Studies have found the approach can help with back pain.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain

• Seek support from your furniture. Sit in chairs with good back support. Make sure your desk is at a comfortable height.

• Have good posture. Try not to slouch when you're sitting or standing. Keep your shoulders back when sitting at a desk. Don't let your shoulders creep up toward your ears.

• Lift carefully. Don't try to pick up things that are too heavy. When lifting, bend from your knees, not your waist.

• Sleep on your side with your knees bent. It puts less stress on your spine. Try not to sleep on your stomach. If you sleep on your back, put pillows under your lower back and knees.

• Stretch. Before you work out or do anything strenuous, stretch first. It lowers the risk of a strain or sprain.

WebMD 2013

Oh My Aching Back

Oh My Aching Back

By Karen Benford Smith

The cause of lower back pain can range from mechanical problems, injuries, or acquired conditions or diseases according to WebMD. Understanding back pain will help a patient decide, which method of pain relief is necessary.

 Mechanical problems with back pain can be diagnosed by the physician and involves the failure of the discs located at the base of the spine deteriorate until they stop functioning.  This is usually a commonality with age.  The cushion between the vertebrae begins to deteriorate causing much pain because of bone on bone.  Other types of mechanical failure in the back are felt through spasms, muscle tension, and discs that become herniated.  Spasms and back tension may often result from overuse of the back or stress placed unnecessarily on back. 

Back injuries may either be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-term). Often time acute pain can transfer to chronic pain if the individual is not careful to provide ice upon first feeling the injury and rest.  Sprains and spasms in the spine can often occur from a simple twist of the spine.  Remembering to use good body mechanics when lifting items up from the floor by incorporating muscles in the legs versus the lower back will help alleviate back pain.  Many injuries are sustained in the workout areas because individual are not properly trained in how to perform exercises such as squats and leg baring weight exercises. This is especially true with individuals who garden and are lifting and carrying items from the car to the area of the yard.   Falls and accidents can also trigger lower back pain.  Physical pain resulting from stress placed on the back can also be generated from stress.  Stress is often the culprit in long term back pain and with relaxation methods can easily relieve the pain in the back.  Paying attention to how you lift and twist using the back may save many weeks of pain and therapy.

A trained massage therapist will help any individual who is feeling lower back pain.  A good licenses massage therapist will understand how the hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and lower back muscles  work together.  Receiving a massage for acute back pain may help an individual avoid major physical therapy down the road.  Receiving a massage once a month and can help deter back pain for anyone who suffers from acute or chronic back pain, back muscle spasms, or just discomfort in the lower back region.  As the picture indicates below, a pinched Piriformis can create major lower back pain.  If the onset of a pinched Piriformis happens ice immediately for the first 24 hours and then follow three minutes of heat and 30 seconds of ice for three consecutive times.  Massage may be advisable but if the pain continues for more than two weeks seek the knowledge of a healthcare professional.

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Griffin, R. M. (2013, July 24). WEbMD. Retrieved from What's Making Your Back Hurt?: http:/www.webmd.com/back-pain/america-asks13/why-your-back-hurts

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83 My Life With Tea, Part One Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.  ~Chinese Proverb I have written about the health benefits of green tea for more than 30 years, and it is possible that in some small way I have helped this wonderful beverage become popular in the United States. I hope so, because today, thousands of scientific studies confirm what the ancient Chinese knew through simple observation - green tea is perhaps the most healthful beverage human beings can consume. Studies either strongly suggest or confirm that the antioxidants in green tea can reduce LDL cholesterol, promote fat burning, reduce the risk of several forms of cancer, and alleviate depression. But tea is much more than the healthful compounds in it. It is an experience, and for me, a personal story of discovery that continues to this day. Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world.  ~T'ien Yiheng When I was growing up in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s, my parents drank coffee exclusively - black and unsweetened. I did not like it (and still don't). The only tea we knew about was the stuff from the supermarket in tea bags. Old and sick people drank hot tea.  My parents and I drank iced tea in the summer, much sweetened. Then, after graduating from high school in 1959, I had a life-changing experience. As part of a remarkable institution known as the International School of America, I traveled around the world in nine months with a group of fellow students. In Japan, I was exposed to sencha - the everyday green tea drunk by all Japanese. More significantly, I experienced matcha, the powdered green tea, as part of a true Japanese tea ceremony. Many Americans have heard of, or even taken part in, this ceremony today, but in 1959, it was virtually unknown to most of the western world. The idea of using a food - tea - as a ceremonial object of focus and meditation fascinated me and made a strong impression. Later on that same trip, I had a chance to drink tea in other Asian cultures as well as in middle Eastern and European countries, and by the time I returned to the U.S. to attend  Harvard College, I was a confirmed tea aficionado and experimenter. In the early 1960s, I recall in particular a period of enthusiasm for lapsong souchong, a Taiwanese tea that is smoked over pinewood fires, imparting a rich, dark color and a complex, satisfying flavor. If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty.  ~Japanese Proverb In the 1970s and 80s, I became concerned about widespread coffee addiction in America. Many of my patients had longstanding disorders - such as chronic stress, insomnia, or gastrointestinal conditions - and had been to dozens of doctors, taken many medications, but found no relief. I was nearly always the only doctor who 1) asked them if they drank coffee, and 2) told them in no uncertain terms to stop drinking it for at least two months to see if the problem resolved. This simple counsel was amazingly successful. My files are full of accounts of chronic health problems  that resolved completely when people stopped drinking coffee. In many cases, these patients became tea drinkers, and found the experience satisfying and healthful. Also in those decades, I went to Japan many times, and was fascinated by the true depth and richness of the green tea culture there. I became familiar with some of the finest varieties of green tea, and soon began to drink these daily.

Essential Oils

Essential Oils and Herbs

By Karen Benford Smith

The fifth tenant of Traditional Chinese medicine is herbs and essential oils, which are found naturally in the plants on the planet.  Essential oils were first noted on a painting in a cave in France, the painting depicting the use of the plants primarily for the healing properties.  Around the world essential oil were found in such places as Egypt, China, India, Greece, Rome, Persia, and European continent.  Egyptians used essential oils as far back as 4500 b.c. cosmetically.  The oils and pastes from plants were created to aid in fighting everyday illnesses.  Chinese usage dates to 2697 b.c. during the reign of Yellow Emperor, Huang, Ti.  The emperor devised oils used in cures for internal problems in the human body.  The book can still be found today and is called “The Yellow Emperor’s Book”.  India used Ayur Veda for more than 3000 years.  The culture incorporates essential oils in the healing process of daily living.  During the Bubonic Plague, Ayur Veda essential oils replaced antibiotics and came to the aid of all those who were suffering from this illness.  The Indian culture also uses oils in spiritual healing and awareness.  The Greek soldiers of 400 b.c. carried the essential oil Myrrh into battle to combat infections.  Ali-Ibn Sana wrote a book in 980 a.d. that offered how to retrieve the oils from plants by a distillation method.  This method is still in practice today.  Today, essential oils are finding a way into many American homes.

Essential oils have so many different uses, oral care, healthy cooking, cleaning, and home purification.  Oil of clove is beneficial in relieving tooth pain until an individual can seek dental assistance. Calendula tincture placed directly on the gums will reduce inflammation and pain.  Some effective gum massages to control pain are eucalyptus, and goldenseal-Myrrh.  As a recent recipient of TMJ I can assure you that these essential oils helped alleviate and resolve my problem with TMJ. For healthy cooking add the following oils to your food to encourage extraordinary flavor peppermint, basil, lemon, and nutmeg.  Peppermint is a wonderful essential oil to have handy when experiencing stomach aches.  Adding drops of lavender, lemon, pine, or cinnamon to a bucket of vinegar will freshen stale countertops, floors, and areas of the home that have a stale smell. 

My favorite consideration for essential oils is the aromatherapy’s ability to reduce stress and calm the nervous system.  Elevating the spirit and calming the mind can be found in essential oils such as lavender, marjoram, sandalwood, and clary sage.  The specific essential oils for alleviating depression are bergamot, geranium, lemon, Neroli, jasmine, and Ylang Ylang.  If an individual needs motivation and energy the following essential oils will accomplish this:  Lavender, Cypress, ginger, rosemary.

Always read the label and never directly ingest an essential oil.  Always use a diffuser to initiate the oils.  When the oils are inhaled the release of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that result in pain or pleasure, are reduced.  Some essential oils have antibiotic properties.  Other essential oils have properties that contain natural antioxidants.  Lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme encourage immunity. Grapefruit, lavender, cypress, basil, and juniper berry improve skin tone.  Eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, peppermint, and pine are natural expectorants.  There are so many different essential oils that can help an individual work with problem areas in his/her life. Try a natural approach and see the difference in the healing process of the body.

Page, L. (2000). Healthy Healing. San Francisco: Traditional Wisdom, Inc.

The Third Tenant of Chinese Medicine - Massage

 

 

 

The Third Tenant of Chinese Medicine

By Karen Benford Smith

The third tenant of traditional Chinese medicine is massage.  Massage is professional, licensed, and structured touch.  Therapeutic touch is provided by a licensed massage therapist who has study the art and service of massage for the benefit of the receiver.  Receivership of quality touch brings the anatomy and physiology of an individual together through deeper sensory stimulation, resulting from touch of the skin but also delving deeper to the layers of muscles.  Since the skin is a major organ of the body, which is the chief sensory organ of the body. Skin permits the individual to feel not only topically but internally.  Muscles, lungs, heart and digestive organs all launch awareness to the skin by sending signals of good or bad feelings.  Touch also is necessary to all human beings for survival.  Touch can relieve stress, calm a bad attitude, and change the reaction in the central nervous system because of a negative situation.  Best of all massage reorganizes the wiring in our body to achieve vitality and happiness.  In 2000 B.Sc. the first massage was recorded.  Massage has been around for many years for beneficial reasons.

Massage will encourage the mind, body, and spirit to work harmoniously.  When the mind goes into overload the body reacts in specific ways such as muscle aches, headaches, illness, and chronic pain.  The mind is sending message to the body that the pain is within because of emotional problems.  The spirit takes over by providing ways to renew the mind with positive energies.  Sometimes the spirit requires a simple stimulus found in touch that offers the mind a renewed sense of spirit, which will also influences the bodies healing.  Touch also supplies the human individual with a need; a need is something that sustains life.  An athlete needs a massage to keep his/her muscles fine-tuned.  Massage unites an athlete’s mind, body, and spirit so peak performance can be attained.  The CEO of a company needs a massage to keep the stress levels at bay and also promoting clear thinking so that management duties can be his/her ultimate best.  Massage will also reduce stress related illness brought on by an increased load until the individuals maxed out of their reserve capacities.  Massage will offer reduction in cardio problems, hypertension, ulcers, and respiratory diseases.  The benefits are endless for receiving a massage health benefits by preserving a sound mind, body, and soul.

Stress Reduction

Stress Reductions

                                                              By Karen Benford Smith

 

Asian theory or traditional Chinese Medicine believe in seven tenants or rules that aid in maintaining and balancing individuals.  These seven rules follow an order: 1) diet, 2) exercise, 3) massage, 4) meditation, 5) herbs, 6) acupuncture, and 7) surgery.  Diet is being professed in every magazine, commercial, and topic on the television.  Finding the diet that is right for each individual is a push with diet fads and miracle cures placed before our eyes daily.  Therefore I am not going to enter the diet zone.

Second on the list is exercise.  The Chinese believe you should wake up and stretch or practice some form of yoga, Qigong, or Taijiquong (shadow boxing).  As the old saying “An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening," Beginning the day with exercise whether it is stretching for 15 to 20 minutes, taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes, or practicing yoga will increase life span and offer you a better attitude each day.   The desire to work out in the evening can be plagued with stopping at the grocery, making dinner, or just trying to unwind from the days activities.  Make it a point to start your day with exercise to open up the channels in the body and gets the blood flowing.

Here are some easy yoga stretches that will help remove the morning blues and start your day with a fresh outlook.

 

Yoga Poses

www.yogajournal.com

TMJ

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, which stands for  temporomandibular joint.

What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side and enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control the position and movement of the jaw.

What Causes TMD?

The cause of TMD is not clear, but dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the parts of the joint itself.

Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash – can cause TMD. Other possible causes include:

·         Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ

·         Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket

·         Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ

·         Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

People with TMD can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. More women than men experience TMD, and TMD is seen most commonly in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Common symptoms of TMD include:

·         Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide

·         Limited ability to open the mouth very wide

·         Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position

·         Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain) or chewing

·         A tired feeling in the face

·         Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly

·         Swelling on the side of the face

·         May occur on one or both sides of the face

Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis)

How Is TMD Diagnosed?

Because many other conditions can cause similar symptoms to TMD – including a toothache, sinus problems, arthritis, or gum disease – your dentist will conduct a careful patient history and physical examination to determine the cause of your symptoms.

 

Web Md 2013

I have recently suffered the unyielding pain of TMJ.  As a result of trial and error I have found several things that help relieve the pain.  First and foremost was training myself to sleep on my back because any added pressure to the jaw from grinding at night can inevitable cause great pain in the morning.  The other items I have added to my own therapy are acupuncture, which eased the tension in the jawline.  In the evening I take a shower or bath in Epsom salts to relax the body and ease the mind.  Before bed I drink Kava tea which can be purchased almost anywhere.  Finally I apply clove bud to the affected jaw area to release any pain the gum and tooth area.  The treatment I have outlines for myself may benefit others who are suffering from TMJ, which happens to be almost 70% of Americans.