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Arthritis Pain Solution
But what is Glucosamine, and how does it work to relieve arthritis? In this article, I’ll introduce you to this new treatment and provide you with the pros and cons of its use. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll be able to make...
Chiropractic Care: A Benefit to the Well Individual?
We don't often think of the chiropractor until some part of our
body isn't functioning as it should, most often our back. But
what about chiropractic care for the well individual? Is it a
benefit to the well person, to visit a chiropractor when...
Depression: Nothing to Sneeze At
How common is depression? So common that it is thought of as the common cold of mental illnesses. However, this is not to understate the severity of depression which is one of the leading indicators of suicide. By some estimates depression costs the...
The Value of Cord Blood in Medicine Today
The blood that remains in the umbilical cord and in the placenta after a child's birth is called cord blood. The composition of cord blood contains a great number of very important cells for the human organism (stem cells). In fact these cells...
Ulcerative Colitis and IBD
Ulcerative Colitis: Due to the regular nature of human digestion
and the essential function of digestion for human survival, it
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colitis to heal once they have become irritated and...
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Will surgery help my back pain?
Everyone experiences back pain at some time in their life. In
fact, it is in the top three complaints that people bring to the
doctor's office.
In most cases there is soft tissue inflammation, muscle spasms,
or degenerative arthritis. These respond well to conservative
treatments such as anti-inflammatory medicines, stretches, and
osteopathic manipulative therapy. Physical modalities such as
heat or cold, massage, and acupuncture are also helpful.
So when should you worry? Any loss of bowel or bladder control
needs immediate attention. Surgery can release the pressure on
the nerves and full function usually returns.
The longer the loss of bladder or bowel control continues
without treatment, the higher the risk of permanent damage. This
also includes weakness of any muscles in the legs or feet. Plus
you can reduce the risks of falls and fractures.
Contrary to popular opinion, a thorough history, neurological
and structural exams, plus basic X-rays of the spine can
diagnose the problem 80-90% of the time. Expensive MRI studies
certainly can be helpful looking at the cross-sections of the
spine into the discs and spinal cord. But, in most cases it will
not change the eventual conservative treatment anyway.
Consider an MRI if surgery is likely. Certainly if
there is no
improvement in your symptoms after several weeks or there is
worsening of your pain.
Besides the obvious causes of low back pain from muscle spasms,
degenerative discs and osteoarthritis, chronic structural
imbalances play a major role. Wear and tear to the spine from
old trauma, sports, and obesity cause the discs to lose their
cushioning ability. They also may bulge or protrude backwards.
Over 50 years of age almost everyone has changes I the discs
loosing height and acquiring some bone spurs. However, not
everyone has pain. Again, unless the nerve root coming out of
the spinal cord or the spinal cord itself is squeezed, surgery
will not help. Even radiating leg pain called sciatica along
with numbness and tingling in the legs can go away over time
with proper treatment that includes osteopathic manipulation
therapy.
Studies show that back pain sufferers who have surgery have no
better pain relief or function than those who didn't have
surgery after five years passed. Certainly if surgery is
recommended it is wise to get a second opinion.
About the author:
Author: Katherine A Martin, D.O. - Board Certified Family
Practice Physician. Medical Coaching and Consulting. Health for
the whole person. Visit my web site at
http://www.DO-Medicine.com
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