Why are so many to experience pain, especially in the lower back? Doctors and patients ask, with a variable degree of frustration. I would like to propose here another way of looking back pain, from the perspective of Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine is an old Eastern practice that has seen a renewed interest in the Western world in recent decades. It includes acupuncture (ak-u-punk-chur), herbal medicine, the moxabustion (mox-ah-bust-shun), and Tui-Na (toui-nah) or therapeutic massage, and It often includes nutritional and respiratory therapies (Qi-Gong, pronounced "chee-gong").
In November 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health issued a statement saying he had consensual enough concrete evidence of the effects of acupuncture to support the practice (in some cases). Further study of its physiology and clinical value still has been encouraged, and promising results have emerged regarding its effectiveness in treating low back pain. I would also point out that the practice of acupuncture does not exclude that, concurrent Western therapeutic methods, and in many cases, successful treatment of a patient is the result of their combination.
Theory of traditional Chinese medicine
Where in the medical Western is diagnosed in an individual a "back problem", be it spondylosis, spinal osteoarthritis, prolapse of a disc or the elongation of a muscle or a lumbar ligament, therapy focuses so exclusively on the lower back region, and processing solutions are implemented in the range of therapies spinal surgery, physical therapy, pharmaceutical intervention or injections of cortisone or epidural type. These methods are quite acceptable, but what interest if they do not reduce the pain? Above all, what do we do the underlying cause of low back? Can we not build the hidden Achilles heel? Consider this possibility in terms of Chinese medicine.
Even if, in its way, the traditional Chinese medical system is logical and scientific, while separating it from the modern Western system and it is not always easy to explain rationally through the eyes of Western medicine. To our mind can assimilate the system of traditional Chinese medicine, which has paid off, open the way we see things and consider each of these two systems as valid, while learning to accept the similarities and differences .
We can consider that Chinese medicine sees its origin in the theory of Ying and Yang. In addition to describing all that exists in nature, the Ying and Yang apply fully to all parts and body functions. Indeed, they are in a constant state of dynamic equilibrium, and when this balance is threatened, the disease becomes possible. Consider an example in nature: the dynamic equilibrium characterizing the solar cycles (Yang) and lunar (Ying). In a 24 hour period, each cycle is unique, replaces the other and needs him to find an overall balance (in perspective, of course, purely earthly). The Ying and Yang each have a personal role in the body, yet one can not exist without the other, for example, the Ying is stillness, shape and blood while Yang is active, according and Qi.
Qi needs the blood that feeds it, as the blood needs Qi to move around. Qi can be defined as energy, material force, electromagnetic current, material, ether, life force or life force. Qi travels the entire body through channels or meridians that reaches every corner. Understand that these channels have nothing to do with the trajectories of the networks nervous, vascular and lymphatic systems of Western medicine. Basically, it is assigned at birth a subject of Qi, and when the tank is empty, our life force has left us: in other words, you die. This reserve, according to the theory of Chinese medicine, is implanted in the body system of the kidneys, and distributed in all organs, glands and ducts in a very systematic. Because of the complexity of this channel through the body, the evocation of an organ such as the kidneys includes much more than the only body to the strict anatomical sense. Each body system has its representations of Ying and Yang, its own hormonal balance, and Qi and blood specific functions, which play a vital connection, via channels, with other systems and the rest of the body, and make it a holistic system. In other words, it is impossible for traditional Chinese medicine, to treat an organ or body part in isolation, without considering the system of the body as a whole. Wondering the report of this with your back pain?
Archive for the category Chiropractic
This solution has been adopted by millions of patients. Chiropractors are professionals who specialize in the treatment of cervical problems without surgery, through gentle methods and fast addressing mechanical causes (that is to say related to the movements of the spine) and neurological (related to nerves) of neck pain.
Who should seek a chiropractor
These practitioners are highly trained in the diagnosis of different types of neck problems and, from there, the definition of an adequate therapeutic response to these problems.
The chiropractor is a specialist in spinal manipulation, a medical technology designed to make manual in column motor skills: by covering its normal mechanisms, it allows a relaxation of muscles and the end of pain. A reduced mobility of the spine (that is, if she can not move as easily as it should) can cause neck pain.
Chiropractic has developed a range of complementary therapeutic approaches of traditional spinal adjustments. These different approach allows the chiropractor to deal with a large register of cases of neck pain.
Among the situations covered by the chiropractic include:
• The whiplash
• syndromes limiting the possibilities of spinal joints
• Sprains facet joint
• The neck injury
• The damage of the cervical discs do not require surgery
• The acute torticollis (muscle contraction because of the neck which can get stuck), the stiff neck
• A joint syndrome, degenerative neck
• Different types of chronic neck pain
Before determining the approach or (s) to implement in your case, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the specific cause of your pain.
Diagnostic approach of chiropractic neck pain
Even if you complain of neck pain only, the chiropractor will examine the spine as a whole, it will control the area of your neck (cervical spine), mid back (thoracic spine or thoracic) and lower back ( lumbar spine). It is important to conduct a comprehensive review of the column, because even if only the neck is painful, it is possible that other regions are affected.
The practitioner will locate areas of reduced joint motility, damaged disc, muscle spasm and injury to the ligaments. The methods used include the dynamics of movement and palpation palpation static techniques to chiropractic which consist, by touch, to assess sensitive areas and contractions, and appreciate the good traction the vertebral joints. (For more information on the dynamic and static palpation, click here).
Second, your approach, your overall posture and curvature of your spine will be studied. These details will enable the chiropractor to determine the mechanisms of your body and the operating condition of your spine.
It will also turn your medical history, in addition to a complete checkup. Of imaging (radiography, MRI, ...) may be ordered to clarify the diagnosis.
Following these steps, it will know more about your illness and can develop a tailored treatment program.
The different methods of care
The detailed treatment will depend on the diagnosis and it will combine the use of spinal manipulation manual techniques and medical devices.
Accuracy of spinal manipulation: it is a safe method for treating neck pain, a recent report from the literature on a possible link between spinal manipulation and the risk of stroke was ruled out any significant relationship of cause and effect.
Here are some techniques spinal manipulation:
• The specific spinal manipulation: the practitioner locates the ability to move joints reduced or disrupted (known as subluxation) and restores their functionality using a manual technique: moderate pressures on soft tissue stretch and stimulate the system nervous to go to the full capacity spine movement. It is a beneficial technique in case of lower cervical joints and functional abnormalities of the motor.
• The technique of flexion-distraction, gentle handling calls that is not pressure, is used for disc protrusions and herniations. However, before agreeing to treat cervical disc injury, the chiropractor will ensure that the problem is not surgical in nature, otherwise you will be returned to a surgeon.
Flexion-distraction is a manual technique, the chiropractor is assisted by a specialized table, but uses a pump stroke on the hard question, rather than direct force.
• The instrument assisted manipulation does not use pressure. With an instrument directed manually, the practitioner can apply a force without exerting pressure on the spine, which is particularly appropriate in elderly patients with degenerative joint syndrome.
We can also use manual therapy to treat damaged soft tissue such as ligaments and muscles. Some examples:
• Therapy of the "trigger point" after identifying the specific muscle hypertonic points responsible for pain, the chiropractor carries with fingers direct pressure to ease the tension.
• Manual techniques of stretching and strength of joints and
• Therapeutic massage
• The soft tissue therapy assisted instruments: includes the use of special instruments to diagnose and treat the targeted muscle dysfunction (also called restrictions), by repeated blows on small areas.
In addition to spinal manipulation and manual techniques, the chiropractor uses various tools to treat muscle inflammation and relax muscles. For example:
• Ultrasound: by increasing blood flow, they reduce muscle spasms and cramps, swelling, stiffness and pain. To provide the necessary heat to the body and promote healing, they send sound waves within the muscle tissue.
• Electrostimulation: the muscles are stimulated by an electric current of low intensity.
Strengthen mechanisms for joint (and go to the original column mobility), therapeutic exercises will be prescribed.
The usefulness of chiropractic for neck pain when
It can promote a rapid return to normal activities, and a life without pain, finding a response to mechanical causes (related to the mobility of the spine) or neurological (nerve related) underlying this pain.
Prevention and comprehensive care
For a chiropractor, neck pain each is unique, and each patient must be treated individually, in all its needs. Therefore it does not focus solely on the pain, but trying to correct the patient's diet, stress management and its way of life: all this affects the neck pain, we must take into account if you want pain relief.
Prevention is an integral part of good health in the long run, that's why chiropractors focus on this aspect. By learning to avoid straining your neck through a good gesture and maintaining correct posture, you will make a great service to your body for years. This particular interest in prevention, this requirement of self-care, chiropractic further illustrates the design of a comprehensive treatment not only limited to pain.
Chiropractic and back pain: definitions
January 8
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice that originated in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the implantation of needles at specific points of the body, supposedly to facilitate the flow of vital energy (or "qi" - pronounced "chee") and thus allow the body to regain a healthy and keep.
Chronic pain is a transient pain (less than 3 weeks) or is severe.
Alternative medicine is a medical system based on a whole system of theories and practices, these groups have often evolved in parallel with the conventional medical approach leading authority in the United States, and so earlier. Among existing examples include, in Western culture, naturopathy, and for the non-Western culture, traditional Chinese medicine.
A healer is a practitioner (not necessarily a licensed physician) whose task is to replace broken bones or dislocated.
The syndrome of the cauda equina occurs when the nerves of the cauda equina (a set of spinal nerves extending packet beyond the spinal cord) are compressed and damaged. Symptoms include weakness of the leg, a deterioration of bowel function, bladder, and / or sexual, and altered sensation around the rectum or genitals.
Chronic pain is pain that is long term (over 3 months).
A clinical trial is a scientific study consisting of testing on people a treatment or therapy to test its safety and effectiveness. The clinical trial is a milestone in the process of determining whether a treatment works or not and why the results are also contributing to advancing the knowledge of diseases and medical problems.
A complication is a disease or a secondary problem developing during the initial pathology, or as a result of treatment.
A controlled clinical trial is a study based on a control group for comparison, and receives a placebo, a different treatment, or even nothing at all.
A comprehensive report is an analysis that summarizes and interprets information from different studies and on the basis of which conclusions are established.
Hippocrates: Greek physician born in 460 BC. AD, considered the father of Western medicine.
Homeopathy and Homeopathic medicine is an alternative practice invented in Germany, based on the principle of similarity ("Similia similibus curantur") that inoculation with small doses of highly diluted substances medicine can cure symptoms that they themselves cause if they were administered in larger amounts or over concentrated.
Handling means a passive mobilization of joints forced beyond their usual game. Prefer the chiropractic adjustment term.
The massage is a therapeutic practice of manipulating the muscles and connective tissue to optimize their function and promote relaxation and well-being.
Meta-analysis is a form of scientific study that uses statistical techniques to analyze the results of a corpus of isolated studies.
Mobilization is a technique used by chiropractors and other health professionals, consisting in a joint work passively in his usual possibilities of play
Myofascial therapy is a process that involves physical therapy to stretch and massage.
Naturopathy is an alternative medicine based on the healing forces present within the body, helping it to treat disease and stay healthy. Practices include among others, changes in diet, massage, exercise, acupuncture, and minor surgery.
The observational study is to observe or measure some individual results without seeking to influence it (for example, are not given treatment).
An orthopedist, MD, is a surgeon specializing in disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Osteopathy is a medical practice that emphasizes unconventional, among others, the diseases that develop in the musculoskeletal system, according to an underlying belief was that the functioning of all body systems are connected, and that malfunction of one of them can affect the function of another body part. Most osteopaths practice osteopathic manipulation, which is a set of manual techniques for the whole body to relieve pain, restore function and promote good health and well-being.
Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass resulting in possible to promote fracture, even after a minor shock as a simple fall.
Similar to placebo treatment studied in a clinical trial, except that it has no active ingredient, for example, a "pill" that would actually be a sweet pill. By administering to a group of volunteers a placebo and active treatment to another, researchers can compare the reactions of these two groups and thus be a more accurate picture of the effects of active treatment. In recent years it has expanded the definition of placebo with other elements that may affect the effectiveness of care, such as how a patient perceives care and hope he puts it.
A prospective study following participants over time to assess the effects of medical treatment.
A randomized double-blind clinical trial is one in which we randomly separated the participants into groups to compare different treatments. Neither the researchers nor the participants can decide on the composition of the groups, so by assigning people randomly to groups, they will be equivalent and can be compared treatments objectively. At the time of the study, it is not known which treatment is best. Note that patients in these studies are volunteers.
A review see the articles overall report, meta-analysis and systematic review.
Treatment device or "ghost" ("sham" in English) is the same approach as the placebo. For example, the chiropractor places the patient and the "handles" to simulate an actual treatment, whereas it is not.
Subacute pain lasts a little longer than acute pain (eg, more than a few days or weeks), without going to become chronic.
A systematic review is to collect and analyze the results of a range of studies on a given issue or topic, and draw a critical review.
Chiropractic is a type of medical care that focuses on the relationship between bodily structure (primarily the spine) and function. Chiropractic specialists, called chiropractors or chiropractic, a therapeutic practice called "manipulation" (or "fit"), which is the heart of their treatment protocol. Out differences of opinions and approaches within the profession, this research will focus on providing an overview of chiropractic, to review research findings on chiropractic treatment of back pain, and indicate other sources of information. Hyperlinks on some terms refer to their definitions in the dedicated section of this report.
Key points
• We chiropractic uses primarily to treat musculoskeletal disorders, that is to say the problems with muscles, joints, bones and connective tissues such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
• Scientific studies on chiropractic treatment of low back pain have so far been uneven in terms of quality and insufficient to draw firm conclusions. Nevertheless, the general idea is that for back pain, chiropractic treatment and conventional medical treatments proved about as effective as one another. It is more difficult to draw conclusions about the relative value of chiropractic for other clinical conditions.
• The risk of complications from chiropractic adjustment of the lower back seems very low. However, there appears to be higher within a neck adjustment.
• It is important to keep all your health care provider when you follow a treatment plan or whatever, and this also applies to chiropractic. Thus, each provider can ensure that different treatment approaches are compatible.
1. What is Chiropractic?
The term comes from the Greek cheir (hand) and praxis (practice), and designates a care "by hand". This is an alternative medicine and its approach to diagnosis, classification and treatment of health problems is different from that of conventional medicine (see box).
We can describe the concepts at the base of chiropractic as follows:
• The body has a powerful ability to self-medicate.
• The structure (primarily the spine) and function are intimately linked, and this relationship has an impact on health.
• We use chiropractic in order to standardize the structure / function relationship and assist the body in its healing process
2. When and how chiropractic care she was discovered and used?
• This is a form of manipulation of the spine, forming one of the oldest healing practices, spinal manipulation was described by Hippocrates in ancient Greece (1-3). The modern profession of chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. He was a self-taught healer who was studying medical philosophies of his time. He noticed the body's natural ability to heal, capacity controlled, he believed, by the nervous system. He also believed that subluxations, or spinal misalignments (a concept that existed already in the tradition of the healer and osteopaths) came to interrupt or interfere this "nerve flow." Palmer suggested that if a body is not fueled by nerve impulses, it can become sick. This line of thought that led him to develop a procedure to "adjust" the vertebrae, the bones of the spine in order to correct subluxations.
• Some still consider chiropractors subluxation as central to chiropractic treatment. However, others see today's theory of subluxation as a universal theme of good health and disease, nor as a basis for their practice. Other theories on the chiropractic approach have been developed.
3. Who uses chiropractic? For what problems?
In 1997, an estimated nearly 192 million annual number of Americans visiting the chiropractor more than 88 million of these visits were motivated by a neck or back pain. A recent study shows that over 40% of patients receiving chiropractic care are treated for back problems or back pain. More than half of them said about chronic symptoms. Among the problems commonly treated by chiropractors include back pain and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries and strains repeatedly. But other problems are pushing patients to seek treatment against pain, like arthritis
Low back pain is a common condition that affects each year to a quarter of the population. Most people at least once in their lives experience a significant back pain. Several recent studies have shown that in most cases, an acute crisis dissipates in a few weeks regardless of treatment. Often the cause is unknown, and how evil is seen, firstly, and secondly he is diagnosed, the range at all, which makes its study challenging.
