Pain Management and Alternative Medicine

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Pain Management and Alternative Medicine

 

Acute and chronic pain effects over 100 million people in the United

States each year. While pain is best known and characterized as

subjective, meaning only the person who is experiencing it can

explain what it feels like, pain is often called the Universal

equalizer. Pain affects people differently. What may be perceived as

only a minor nuisance to one person, may be completely debilitating

to someone else. Pain is a warning that something isn't quite right.

Pain is not a disease in itself but the result of an underlying

condition or due to injury. Pain is not just a physical sensation or

psychological event, but a combination of these and other components.

 

Pain can be caused by a variety of situations such as accidents,

musculoskeletal disorders, improper lifting, bending, sports

activities, misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine and disease.

It can also appear out of nowhere with no obvious cause. A viral

illness may possibly be a cause, or emotional trauma, such as fear or

resentment. n the vast majority of cases, pain is caused by stasis of

blood and or our body's energy resulting in muscle spasm, trauma and

immobility.

 

From a healthy heart to a good sex life, the proper flow and

circulation of blood in our arteries is one of the most important

things we can do to maintain good health, a pain free life and push

back the aging process.

 

There is a common denominator between good arterial health and pain

disorders such as heart attack, obesity, diabetes and high glucose

levels, as well as sexual health. That common denominator is blood.

 

Pain is a vicious cycle: spasm and inflammation lead to more spasm

and inflammation. Although the cycle can develop due to injury, the

ultimate cause is often in the brain, which can interfere with muscle

physiology through the spinal cord. Chronic (long term) and acute

back (and neck) pain are common expressions of stress and emotional

stress. This demonstrates the true complexity of the mind/body

interaction. Many times it is the brain's distortion of muscle

function that sets us up for pain by preventing muscles from

responding freely to physical stresses.

 

Acute pain can result from disease, inflammation, or injury to

tissues. This type of pain generally comes on suddenly, for example,

after trauma or surgery, and may be accompanied by anxiety or

emotional distress. The cause of acute pain can usually be diagnosed

and treated, and the pain is self-limiting, that is, it is confined

to a given period of time and severity. In some rare instances, it

can become chronic.

 

Chronic pain is widely believed to represent disease itself. It can

be made much worse by environmental and psychological factors.

Chronic pain persists over a longer period of time than acute pain

and is resistant to most medical treatments. It can often cause

severe problems for patients.

 

In assessing pain, a useful approach is to assess pain intensity

(sensory), pain relief (cognitive), pain location, pain distress

(affective), behavioral patterns or other similar sensory aspects of

pain.

 

Without a doubt, added stress and strains can take its toll on your

spinal and nervous system. Maintaining a physically fit body,

awareness of body positions, a clean and detoxified internal system,

keeping fears, stress and insecurities in check and careful execution

physically, through each day are all great ways to avoid daily aches

and pains.

 

 

Common Pain Syndromes

 

1. Inflammation can be caused by injury, joint diseases, tumors,

infection, abscesses, misalignment. The cause is usually clearly

defined and is medically classified as Calor, dolor, rubor, and

tumor: Heat, pain, redness, and swelling. The four classical signs of

inflammation.

 

2. Physical Injury are defined as cuts, broken bones, sprains and

strains and can manifest as intense burning pain or deep aching pain.

 

3. Widened Inflamed Blood Vessels considered migraines, headaches or

temporal arteritis. This is defined as pulsing, throbbing intense

pain and localized to the area of inflamed blood vessels.

 

4. Insufficient Blood Flow considered angina, leg pain, pain from

exercise or in some cultures the definition of pain itself; blood

stagnation.

 

5. Nerve Pain expressed as shingles, diabetic neuropathy and

sciatica. This sensation is that of tingling or burning pain and may

radiate along nerve pathways.

 

6. Toxemia, which is caused by the ingestion and accumulation of

substances which are foreign to the body and toxic in nature, such as

chemicals, drugs, etc. These produce irritation, inflammation and

pathology in bodily organs and systems. Toxemia, which is also due to

the accumulation of toxic wastes resulting from the food and

beverages we eat and drink; unnatural food or natural food in excess

beyond what the body can use at the moment.

 

7. Deficiencies: The insufficiency of necessary food substances, such

as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, enzymes etc.,

lead to breakdown of cells, tissues and organs which is given names

of diseases, according to its location.

 

8. Enervation is the reduction or loss of energy due to the lack of

rest or sleep, or the excessive use of emotion, negative thoughts,

worry, stress, or the overdoing of physical actions, overeating etc.

Enervation leads to a reduction of the body's ability to digest,

absorb, assimilate and excrete body wastes - thus leading to a

retention of wastes in the cells and tissues and thereby causing

disease.

 

 

Source of Relief from Pain

 

1. Cold Applications This application often feels best on acute

injuries, where the pain is often hot to the touch or has a feeling

of heat radiating from it. Ice numbs the area, reducing pain. It also

constricts blood vessels, limiting blood supply to the injured site.

This action decreases swelling. Ice can also decrease muscle spasms.

If an area is painful to move or swells after exercise, use ice.

Apply ice or a frozen object, such as a bag of corn from the freezer,

to the injury. Be sure the area is protected from the cold

application and not applied directly to the skin. The cold will

reduce swelling and pain at the injured site. This step should be

done as soon as possible. Apply the frozen object to the area for 20

minutes, every two to three hours for the first 48 hours.

 

2. Hot Applications This application is often most affective for

chronic injuries or pain that is cold to the touch or has cold

radiating from it. It is very useful with injuries agitate by cold or

damp weather. Heat increases local blood supply, bringing healing

cells to the area and potentially relaxing tight muscles. Use moist,

hot towels or microwavable heat packs for no more than 10 to 15

minutes several times a day. Never sleep on a heating pad.

 

3. Anti-inflammatories from aspirin to herbal compresses, anti-

inflammatory applications can reduce the recovery time by half if

done within the first 24-48 hours of an injury or painful attack.

 

4. Lancing or Draining Abscesses, reducing swelling from painful

sprains and strains and toxic swellings from insect bites are all

very important reasons for lancing and draining an injured area. In

, cupping is done after the lancing to draw out the

blood from the area. This is a very affective method used to decrease

the amount of time it takes for the area to heal.

 

5. Rest This can be the best medicine for any condition from a cold

to a broken bone. Rest rejuvenates, repairs and reassembles. For

acute injury, rest and protect the injured area. If it hurts to bear

weight on the injury, use crutches, if it hurts to move the area

immobilize it with a splint.

 

6. Compression and elevation tend to go hand in hand. Compress the

injured site by applying an Ace bandage. This will decreases swelling

of the injured region. Although the wrap should be snug, make sure it

is not too tight as this can cause numbness, tingling, or increased

pain.

 

7. Elevation of the injured area above the level of the heart as much

as possible. This technique will also assist in reducing the amount

of swelling to the injured site.

 

8. Exercise conditioning and stretching certain pains can improve

from stretching such as painful stiff muscles and joints by

increasing blood flow to these areas. Weight baring exercises are

beneficial for improving strength and bone density. Restoring

movement and normal function to an injured area is critical. Learn to

stretch to improve your flexibility.

 

9. Dietary Changes So many aches and pains can be eliminated by the

proper foods we choose to eat. Weight gain affects our joints, heart,

circulation and blood pressure among other conditions. Change your

diet and change your life.

 

10. Root Cause Treatment Pain is the result of injury or disease.

With acute pain, the cause is often obvious. A fall resulting in a

painful scrape or twisted ankle. In chronic pain, often the pain has

been with you for so long, it is hard to pinpoint the real cause or

root cause of the disorder. Most alternative health therapies see the

occurence of disease as the results from an imbalance. The treating

of the root of primary cause of disease is what makes a root cause

treatment very affective in the long term. It does not just treat the

symptoms of that disease.

 

 

Managing Your Pain

 

R.I.C.E.

 

RICE is the acronym used for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. It

is used as the best initial treatment of soft tissue injuries such as

sprains, strains, and contusions. The combination of RICE helps

reduce inflammation that occurs after acute injury. It is important

to remember that the earlier this treatment is put into place, the

more effective it is.

 

Aspirin Therapy known as acetyl-salicylic acid, aspirin is the oldest

and most widely used pain medication. Aspirin works by suppressing

the product of prostaglandins. These hormone-like substances

stimulate the nerve endings that send pain messages to the brain.

Long term use of aspirin may also cause unwanted side effects, such

as: stomach bleeding, bleeding in the brain, kidney failure, and

other kinds of strokes.

 

There may be a benefit to daily aspirin use if you have some kind of

heart or blood vessel disease, or if you have evidence of poor blood

flow to the brain. Consult your doctor before you begin any aspirin

therapy regimen. Aspirin should not be given to children under the

age of 18 because of an increased risk of Reye's Syndrome.

 

NSAIDS - Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs are also prostaglandin

inhibitors. These are promoted as stronger, yet gentler alternatives

to aspirin. People can often tolerate these better because they are

given in smaller dosages. NSAIDS seem to be more effective against

bone and dental pain. These drugs include: ibuprofen, naproxen and

ketoprofen.

 

COX2 Inhibitors work by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2,

or COX2. These enzymes produce the prostaglandins that cause

inflammation.

 

 

Pain Cycles

 

For some people, pain can be tolerated at high levels; this is

someone who has a high tolerance for pain, and others have a very low

tolerance. For most people, pain is cyclical. Pain produces anxiety

and this can intensify the pain. Fear and anticipation of physical

problems can also heighten the pain leading to feelings of depression

and helplessness. When one experiences this pain, we tend to limit

our activities which can lead to a chronic " pain cycle " . This will

adversely affect one's confidence and self-esteem. Being aware of a

chronic pain cycle and understanding its psychological effects, can

help you avoid being drawn into the cycle.

 

In this cycle, which tends to begin with long periods of rest and

inactivity, this causes a loss of physical strength, flexibility and

endurance. As a result, you begin to lose confidence in your ability

to do things, which causes you to lower your personal goals.

 

The inability to do your usual activities, then allows you feelings

of frustration as you see yourself now as being unproductive which in

turn, lowers your self-esteem and may further lead to depression.

 

When the lower end of the cycle comes around and you are feeling th

pain less than usual, we then have a tendency to overexert ourselves

in an effort to prove to ourselves and others that we are still

capable of doing the things we could do before we had the pain.

 

As a result of the overexertion, the pain tends to return more severe

than before. Discouraged and in pain, you begin limiting your

activity again, therefore the cycle begins once more.

 

 

Herbal Remedies

 

The medicinal benefits of herbs have been recorded for centuries. Herbs were

extensively used to cure practically every known illness and has been documented

by Egyptian, Roman, Native American, Persians and Hebrews alike. Many herbs

contain powerful ingredients that, if used correctly, can help heal the body. By

using herbs in their complete form, the body's healing process utilizes a

balance of the ingredients provided by nature.

 

Herbs and herbal formulas can be taken in a variety of ways.

 

*You may steep herbs as teas in order to release their healing properties.

 

* Herbal supplements in pills and capsules are another form. These are herbs

ground into powder. Herbal formulas tend to be created for a single problem or

nest of related problems and their specific pattern of disharmony.

 

* Tinctures. Herbal remedies are also prescribed in tincture form and are the

previously fresh herb in well preserved, highly concentrated form. This liquid,

as well as, concentrated forms of extracted herbs are preserved in their

freshest form.

 

*Steam distillation or cold pressing results in herbs as essential oils.

 

* Plasters are ingredients such as oils, herbs and other pain relieving herbs

combined into an easy to use stick on strip or patch.

 

* Poultice are macerated or chopped herbs that are placed directly on the skin

and a hot, moist bandage is applied.

 

* Infusions are used when you are working with the most delicate part of the

herb-the leaves flowers, fruits and seeds.

 

* Decoction is used to extract the tougher part of the herb-bark, berries and

roots.

 

 

It is also important to note that since herbs contain active ingredients, be

aware that some elements may interact negatively with prescribed medications!

Therefore, your healthcare professional must be notified if you have any

questions about safety. As a general rule: most of the bitter tasting herbs are

medicinal herbs and the pleasant tasting herbs are less toxic and can be used

more often. Also, some herbs in any form, should not be taken for more than

seven days at a time. Others herbs are more beneficial with time. The fresh

leaves, bark, and roots of herbs can be used in their natural form or can be

found in dried form and used in capsules, tablets, tinctures, essential oils,

powders, creams, lotions, and salves.

 

Herbal medicine is a wonderful solution for pain and trauma injuries.

Complications can arise when taking herbal medicine and allopathic drugs

internally, which your doctor has prescribed. Great caution should be used

especially if you are on blood thinners, diuretics or heart related medication.

Consult your doctor with any questions you may have, before taking additional

herbs or supplements, internally.

 

 

Arnica Suave is a rich blend of quartz silica, amber resin and the

pain-relieving power of arnica in a special massage-in suave designed by Andrew

for his practice and is a part of his new " Crystal Inspirations " product line.

 

Boswellia has unique anti-inflammatory action, much like the conventional

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used by many for inflammatory

conditions. Unlike NSAIDs, however, long-term use of boswellia does not lead to

irritation or ulceration of the stomach.

 

Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single substance, but a

group of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple juice and in the stem of

pineapple plants. Local swelling is the releasing of histamines in a localized

area causes the vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels.

Bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective treatment for

Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams three times a

day on an empty stomach at least ninety minutes before or three hours after

eating. Discontinue use if you develop any itching or rash.

 

Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin) A cream containing small amounts of Capsaicin can

help relieve pain when rubbed onto muscle pain and arthritic joints, according

to the results of a double blind study. It does this by depleting the nerves of

a pain-mediating neurotransmitter known as substance P. Although application of

capsaicin cream may initially cause a burning feeling, the burning will lessen

with each application and soon disappear for most people. A cream containing

0.025–0.075% of capsaicin can be applied to the affected joints three to five

times a day.

 

Devils Claw: An analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Dosage: one to two grams, three

times daily.

 

Ginger: An anti-inflammatory. Ginger has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese

medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Taking 6–50 grams of fresh or powdered ginger

per day indicated that ginger might be helpful. Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of

powdered ginger daily

 

Ginger Tea: Add one grated teaspoon of fresh ginger to a cup of hot water. Take

two times daily.

 

Glucosamine sulfate (GS), a nutrient derived from sea shells, contains a

building block needed for the repair of joint cartilage. GS has significantly

reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis. All published clinical investigations on the

effects of GS in people with osteoarthritis report statistically significant

improvement. Most research trials use 500 mg GS taken three times per day.

Benefits from GS generally become evident after three to eight weeks of

treatment. Avoid if you have any allergic reactions to shell fish.

 

Glucosamine stimulates the production of the specific elements of cartilage and

protects them. It helps your body repair worn cartilage, reduce pain and improve

function. Chondroitin attracts fluids into proteoglycans, the molecules

dispersed through out the cartilage that give the tissue its shock-absorber

quality, and protects the cartilage against breakdown. These are substances the

body already produces for itself in small amounts.

 

Glucosamine is found in almost all tissue; it has a role in the repair and

maintenance of joint cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is a major component of

cartilage and is thought to inhibit the enzymes that contribute to the breakdown

of cartilage.

 

S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) possesses anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and

tissue-healing properties that may help protect the health of joints.SAM-e is

derived from methionine, an essential amino acid; it may promote cartilage

formation and repair. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are usually sold

together. In clinical studies, the supplements had to be taken for several weeks

before providing any pain relief. Don't forget the truly natural and proven

methods for battling osteoarthritis, lose excess weight and exercise.

 

Licorice root: An anti-inflammatory. Long-term use can elevate blood pressure

and increase potassium loss. Dosage: one-eighth to one-quarter teaspoon of a 5:

1 solid extract up to three times daily.

 

Turmeric: An effective anti-inflammatory. Dosage: 400 mg three times daily; take

on an empty stomach and combine with 1,000 mg of bromelain

 

White Willow Bark: Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. White Willow

bark has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Extracts providing 60–120

mg salicin per day are approved for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Although

the analgesic actions of willow are typically slow-acting, they last longer than

aspirin.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/pain.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit