Reflexology is an alternative medicine that focuses on pressure points in the body.  It may be a helpful adjunct to traditional therapies in resolving patient complaints.

The Basics and History of Reflexology

Reflexology, also called “zone therapy”, utilizes pressure that is applied to the ears, hands, and feet.  It is not massage, as it doesn’t use oils or lotions.  It is meant to trigger certain systems of the body.  There are various points on the hands and feet that are said to coordinate with particular organs or body systems.  The feet are the primary area of focus.  It is thought that life force (“Qi” or energy field) might be blocked, and that may prevent patients from being able to heal themselves.  Another belief is that stress and pain can be reduced by foot manipulations.  It is possible that pain signals from the feet can be adjusted so that chemicals in the brain (endorphins) can be released.  Reflexology is an ancient medicine.  It may have been used as early as over 2000 years BCE.  The United States started using reflexology in the early 1900s, when Dr. William H. Fitzgerald introduced it for its anesthetic effect.  Eunice D. Ingham, a nurse physiotherapist, renamed the practice from zone therapy to reflexology, and she “mapped the entire body into reflexes”.¹  One example would be that the arch of the foot is thought to correspond to the bladder.  Applying pressure to such a point can affect the functioning of that organ.²  Detailed maps are available online.³  Although there is not universal agreement among reflexologists on all points, there is general agreement on “major reflex points”.⁴

Reflexology Today

Not all countries regulate or license reflexologists.  There are some places that provide certification.  The American Reflexology Certification Board “requires 110 hours of instruction”, as well as “100 hours of hands-on work with a qualified supervisor”, with exams, and some research and training.  Only 2 states (North Dakota and Tennessee) license reflexologists.⁵  The Reflexology Association of America is a professional organization for practitioners. They hold events and compile information on laws, standards, schools, research, and professionals.⁶ Some reflexologists treat athletes and other performers, as well as people ranging in age from childhood to the elderly.  Others treat specific conditions, such as lymphatic imbalances, musculo-skeletal pain, reproductive issues, sinus pressure and allergies, headaches, and arthritis.⁷  Some practitioners use reflexology as a complementary medicine to treat conditions such as asthma, cancer, anxiety, cardiovascular problems, kidney issues, and diabetes.  Reflexology is not massage.  What makes it different is that massage manipulates soft tissue with kneading, stroking, friction, or tapping to relax the muscles.  Reflexology, by contrast, focuses on the “reflex maps of points and areas of the body”, mainly in the feet, hands, and ears, by using “micro movement techniques”.  They don’t work from the “outside in”, as massage therapists do.  They work from the “inside out”, releasing tension via nervous system stimulation.⁸  Some chiropractors may assist patients with learning reflexology techniques to use at home.  Chiropractors may focus on head and neck pain methods, for example.  Practitioners can help clients manipulate pressure points in a safe manner.⁹

References:

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology

2,4,5,8 http://takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology

3, 7 http://www.thirdcoastreflexology.com/about.html

6 http://www.reflexology-usa.org/

9 http://healthsourcechiro.com/news/2010/01/neck-pain-relief-use-reflexology-to-feel-better/index.html

Many patients who visit chiropractors appreciate the natural ability of the body to heal itself.  Sometimes, during treatment, there may still be some sore areas, and patients may not be inclined to take internal over-the-counter or prescription medications, due to the risks of side-effects.  There are medical topical creams and ointments that can be used, but there are products that provide a more natural alternative to those:  Biofreeze and Sombra.

What are Biofreeze and Sombra?

Biofreeze is a gel that contains menthol as well as homeopathic ingredients.  Biofreeze is used to relieve sore muscles and sprains/strains, as well as neck and shoulder pain, and to reduce discomfort in joints in the knee, hip, elbow, and ankle.¹  Sombra also sells topical relieving products, including warm and cool relieving gels, oils, and lotions.  Massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors may recommend Sombra products, too.²   Both products can only be purchased through hands-on healthcare professionals.

Why Choose Biofreeze?

The latest formula of Biofreeze is “more natural than ever” and contains no parabens.  It now also contains even more botanical ingredients, including the following:  arnica, aloe, boswellia, calendula, green tea, burdock, and lemon balm.  There is even a dye-free version available.  The latest formulation has a higher percentage of menthol, and it includes vitamin E.  It is a vegetarian-friendly product.³  It works so effectively because it not only helps to manage minor pains, but it does so in a targeted way, in order to reduce the risk of toxicity and drug interaction.  Biofreeze has been around for over 20 years, and it can help people reduce pain and continue a “healthy lifestyle”.  It uses “cold therapy”, via the ingredient menthol, because the sensation of cold can inhibit the pain signals from reaching the brain, reducing pain perception, and it allows patients relief while they are recovering from injury and healing with therapy, such as chiropractic.  Biofreeze is superior to ice, because ice can cause “stiffness, skin irritation, temporary pain and numbness, and requires (the) patient to remain stationary”.  It is nearly two times as effective as ice in reducing pain, it is more comfortable, and its effects last longer than ice.  These results were found in a 2009 study called “Effects of Biofreeze vs. Acute, Non-Complicated Neck Pain”.⁴  It is important to remember that when using Biofreeze, patients should not combine it with a heating pad because it works by cooling the area, and patients could inadvertently burn themselves by applying too much heat.  Patients should also not bandage the area where Biofreeze is applied.⁵ 

Why Choose Sombra?

Sombra products include a variety of topical relievers.  There is the Original Warm Therapy, which is used to help with muscle and joint pains from injury, strains, or arthritis.  It can be used in ultrasound.  It contains camphor, menthol, and a variety of natural and botanical ingredients, such as aloe, capsaicin, grapefruit seed, green tea, orange peel, queen of the prairie, rosewater, yucca, and witch hazel.⁶  There is a Cool Therapy, which uses just menthol, with the natural ingredients, and no capsaicin.⁷  Sombra also sells Massage Gel Oil, Massage Lotion, and Massage Crème, which also contain many natural ingredients.⁸  Like Biofreeze, Sombra cooling products should not be combined with heating pads.  Sombra can, however, be used with breathable wraps and combined with ice.⁹

References:

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofreeze

2 http://www.sombrausa.com/

3,5 http://biofreeze.com/page/en/faqs-consumer.aspx#faq_47

4 http://www.biofreeze.com/page/en/How-It-Works.aspx?parent=23

6 http://www.sombrausa.com/products/warmtherapy.htm

7 http://www.sombrausa.com/products/cooltherapy.htm

8 http://www.sombrausa.com/products/massage_ingredients.htm

9 http://www.sombrausa.com/faqs/pros.htm

Many people may think of massage as something that occurs at a spa, after some form of sports injury, or to periodically reduce tension in muscles.  Two other kinds of massage can be incredibly helpful, however:  massage during pregnancy and massage for infants.

Pregnancy Massage

Prenatal massage can alleviate many of the physical discomforts that come with the pregnancy territory.  Special training is needed to make sure that the mother and unborn child are safe during massage.  Some massage therapists are actually certified in prenatal massage.  The American Pregnancy Association sees many benefits of prenatal massage.  Obviously, anxiety, depression, and stress are reduced at the same time as pains in the joints and muscles are alleviated.  According to the APA, Swedish massage, which improves circulation and reduces tension in the muscles, is the “recommended prenatal massage method…because it addresses…skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts”.  Studies have actually shown that cortisol and norepinephrine (“stress hormones”) are reduced.  This can benefit not only the mother-to-be, but there may also be fewer birth complications and less risk of low birth weight and other problems.  Pregnancy massage can help to treat edema (joint swelling) by stimulating soft tissues to release fluids.  The lymphatic system will also remove waste more efficiently.  Massage can be helpful in treating sciatica nerve pain, caused by the uterine pressure.  There are even a few other side benefits from prenatal massage, including “improved oxygenation” and “better sleep”.  Of course, high-risk pregnancies, hypertension, pre-term labor risk, and severe swelling would require consultation with a medical professional before seeking massage therapy.¹

Infant Massage

While a professional masseuse can be sought for infant massage, it is also something parents can incorporate in their own child care regimen.  Daily massage for an infant is good for bonding, can help the baby sleep and relieve colic, and may also “enhance an infant’s immune system, motor skills, and intellectual development”.  Gentle stroking motions and working section-by-section are key elements.  Simple techniques can be taught by video, and they can give a new parent the confidence they need in massaging their baby at home.  The abdomen can be stroked in a clockwise motion, the baby can be rocked gently side-to-side, the head and face can also be massaged, and the parents can finish off with the chest, arms, back, and legs.  Building massage into the daily schedule, just a few minutes at a time, can be beneficial.²  If parents prefer to seek a professional to massage their infant, there are organizations that specialize in this.^3,4,5

Massage and Chiropractic

Massage can be a complementary procedure to go with chiropractic care.  Chiropractors also treat pregnant women and infants.  DCs can use special techniques to help women pregnant with a breech-positioned baby, for example.  Other types of chiropractic procedures include special positions used for pregnant women.  The moments after birth can also be treated with chiropractic care, both for the mother and child.  Massage is a wonderful companion therapy that can be used in these special times of life.

References:

1 http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/prenatalmassage.html

2 http://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/how-to-massage-baby/

3 http://infantmassageinstitute.com/

4 http://www.liddlekidz.com/infant-massage-certification.html

5 http://lovingtouch.com/training_details

Spondylosis and spondylolisthesis can be extremely painful conditions.  Many treatments are available, including chiropractic.

What are Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylosis is a form of degenerative osteoarthritis of the vertebral column.  It can cause muscle weakness, motor and sensory disturbances, and paresthesia and pain, due to the pressure on the nerve roots.  In a severe case, the patient may end up with loss of bowel/bladder control, loss of balance, and “global weakness”.¹  Spondylolisthesis is the posterior or anterior displacement of the vertebra relative to the vertebrae below. It can be referred to as “slips” in the lumbar spine.  Patients suffering from this may have a stiff back and hamstrings, giving them a waddling gait and causing them to lean forward.  This leads to “shocks of shooting pain” from the buttock down to the lower leg, via the sciatic nerve.  There can also be numbness and tingling.²  These disorders are different than spondylitis (a vertebra inflammation and “a form of spondylopathy”)³ and spondylolysis (a vertebra defect in the “pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch”)⁴.

Causes and Diagnoses

Repetitive stress injury can trigger spondylosis.  RSI can be caused by poor ergonomics at home, work, during a commute, using a computer, or other lifestyle choices.  It can typically be caused by degeneration related to age, although people of any age can get spondylosis.  It can only be scanned by MRI, not by X-rays.  Other forms of diagnostic tests include Lhermitte sign (a “feeling of electrical shock with neck flexion”) and Spurling’s test, where head rotation with pressure can show “neck or shoulder pain on the ipsilateral side”.⁵  Repeated hyperextension, such as the type shown in regular athletes, can cause spondylolisthesis.  Heredity also plays a role in that it runs in families.  There are 5 different types of spondylolisthesis: “Dysplastic, Isthmic, Degenerative, Traumatic, and Pathologic”.  These categories refer to how the disorder developed (congenitally, during childhood years, during elder years, from injury, or via disease).⁶

Medical Treatments and Chiropractic

Typical medical courses for spondylosis include anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs, Tylenol, etc.) and behavior/activity modifications.  Surgery is a last option.⁷  For spondylolisthesis, the treatments are similar, and there may also be steroid injections and the inclusion of orthosis devices.⁸  Because medications and surgeries introduce risk, alternative therapies may benefit people with spondylosis.  Yoga, acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care can provide patients with relief.  The degeneration cannot be cured, but pain relief can be achieved.  Posture modification can help patients benefit from the adjustments, flexibility exercises, and decompression treatments (i.e., traction and manual mobilization).⁹  In the case of spondylolisthesis, chiropractic care can also help with posture and flexibility, and it can help treat movement compensation and associated tightness.  Chiropractors may employ techniques such as “thermal treatment, electrical stimulation and lumbar traction”, and therapeutic exercises.¹⁰

References

1,5,7,9 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spondylosis

2,6,8,10 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spondylolisthesis

3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spondylitis

4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spondylolysis

Depending on the type of chiropractor one visits, the expectations about the treatment procedures differs.  Then end result, however, should be that the patient finds that proper alignment can reduce symptoms, and perhaps help the body heal itself.

Types of Chiropractors

In general, there are two types of chiropractors:  straight and mixed.  The straight chiropractor believes that misalignments, or subluxations, can interfere with nerve impulses, and that can affect the brain’s ability to regulate all of the body systems.  Symptoms may subside, but that doesn’t mean that the subluxations have been resolved.  Additional treatment, monitored by x-rays and computerized tests will be done until the subluxations are corrected.  Mixed chiropractors will work to resolve symptoms and provide pain relief, as the spinal manipulations re-align the spine.  They will decompress the joints through a variety of techniques, from manual adjustments, to electrical stimulation, to various exercises and therapies, and they may even include other alternative and complementary techniques in their practice, such as massage and acupuncture.¹

The Exam

In general, chiropractic exams include consultation, case history, a physical examination (that may include x-ray), and an assessment of the areas of pain and pain duration.  Chiropractors will determine what makes the pain feel better or worse.  Occupational, psychosocial, family, and dietary history will also be discussed.  The chiropractor will manually palpate the spinal segments (static and in motion) to determine which areas are fixated, or restricted.²  A typical exam may last 45 minutes, during the initial consultation process.  The DC may also perform general tests, such as ones for respiration, pulse, blood pressure, and reflexes.  They will also assess the range of motion, muscle tone and strength, and neurological integrity.  By the end of the exam, it can be expected that the condition will be diagnosed, a determination will be made if the situation can be treated with chiropractic care, a treatment plan will be introduced, and possibly the estimated duration/time-frame of chiropractic treatments will be discussed.³

The Treatment Plan

Most chiropractors will begin treatment at the first visit.  Recommendations for future treatments will likely focus on particular joint dysfunctions, as well as soft-tissue work.  That may include methods to help the soft tissues heal and to reduce pain.  Electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and traction are common soft tissue therapies.  Chiropractors will also recommend exercises patients can do at home, so that continued work can be done and maintained between adjustments.  Patients will be educated in various ergonomic and posture choices.  There may be dietary and supplementation suggestions.  Patients may be advised on seating and sleeping arrangements.  During the treatment, chiropractors may employ heat and cold, as well as massage therapy.  Patients can expect short-term goals, such as restoring movement and pain relief, as well as long-term goals, which can include maintenance and normal functionality.  Typically, chiropractic treatments can range from 1-3 visits per week for about a month, to less frequent follow-up visits over a longer period of time.⁴  This can vary, depending on the condition and the type of chiropractor seen.

References:

1 http://www.wellnesschiro.com/2_types_of_chiropractors.htm

2 http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-examination

3 http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/what-expect-first-chiropractic-consultation

4 http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-treatment-plan

Essential oils have been used historically for a variety of alternative treatment methodologies, but they are also now being sold for home users in mainstream retail outlets.  These oils can be used both topically and for aromatherapy purposes.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated aroma compounds that are plant-based.  They are sometimes called “ethereal oils” or “volatile oils”.  The reason they are called essential is because they carry the “distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant”.  The oils are collected through steam distillation.  Mainstream uses of essential oils are in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, to scent cleaning products, and to flavor drinks and foods.  They are also used in alternative care practices for medicinal uses.  Because some oils could have pesticide residues, many aromatherapy practitioners will only use oils that are organically produced.¹

Why Use Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils help dilute the essential oils, as some can cause skin irritation in their “undiluted or neat form”.  There can be allergic reactions as well, so carrier oils do need to be blended in.  Carrier oils are vegetable-based, and they are typically olive, almond, grapeseed, and hazelnut, as these are more neutral oils.  The general ratio is “0.5-3% (of) essential oil disbursed in a carrier oil”.²

Alternative and Chiropractic Uses for Essential Oils

Aside from flavoring or scenting commercial products, essential oils are used in the field of aromatherapy.  They can also be placed in carrier oils and used in massage, candles, incense, or diffused in air nebulizers.  Essential oils are not typically meant to be consumed orally, as many of them can be dangerous when they are concentrated.  The most popular essential oils in medicine are menthol, capsaicin, anise, camphor, and eucalyptus oils.  They can assist with medical problems such as bronchial and respiratory problems, as decongestants and expectorants, and as local anesthetics.  Other oils, such as agathosma and juniper are used as diuretics.  Camphor and turpentine oil can create a numbing sensation on the skin, while menthol can have a cold/heat sensation.  Clove and eugonol can also be local anesthetics; they and thymol are also known as antiseptics.  Lavender is popular in aromatherapy for relaxation.  Rose oil is a common scenting agent.  Medical advice should be consulted in the case of using essential oils during pregnancy and with epileptic patients, and essential oils can be toxic to animals.  Some oils, such as citrus, are “photosensitizers”, which can increase the risks when skin is exposed to sunlight.³  Because chiropractic is one of the fields that is based on the body’s ability to heal itself, some chiropractors may use or recommend essential oils.  The range of uses includes massage, skin care, vaporization, hair care, foot/hand baths, compresses, and air freshening.  Of course there are many recipes patients can use at home to create products with essential oils, and safety recommendations can be provided.⁴

Research on Essential Oils

Dr. Robert Pappas, an essential oil chemist, founded Essential Oil University, EOU, which tests essential oils analytically in order to report their breakdowns.  Dr. Pappas provides an “online chemical reference database” for the essential oils.  The hope is that this free resource will not only educate people on essential oils, but that development of “therapeutic grade” standards can be achieved.⁵  Dr. Pappas has published research on some of the essential oils in recent journals.⁶

References:

1,2,3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil

4 http://www.essentialoils.co.za/chiropractic.htm

5 http://essentialoils.org/

6 http://essentialoils.org/research/

Hydrotherapy (water therapy) can be a wonderful addition to other forms of treatment, from the medical, to the chiropractic.  It has many holistic benefits.

What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy (which was also called hydropathy) encompasses a wide variety of therapies which are used in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic care to utilize water for pain relief.  This can be done by varying the water pressure or temperature, and it can employ massage or even “stimulate blood circulation”.  It may be done with water jets, mineral baths, hot tubs, or cold plunge.¹  It is thought that stimulating the nerves with heat, cold, and pressure can, in turn, stimulate the immune system, help with stress hormones, assist with digestion and circulation, and make pain sensitivity decrease.²

Hydrotherapy History

Hydrotherapy has ancient roots.  Egyptians used essential oils, Romans had public baths, Japan had hot springs, and even Hippocrates prescribed “bathing in spring water for sickness”.  Eventually, hydrotherapy moved from the use of cold water to employing heat.  While Europeans enjoyed hydrotherapy in the 19^th century, but the US did not have this as a common practice until about 1840.  “Water-cures (were used) during the American Civil War”.    Cryotherapy (cold water or ice bath) is still in use in sports rehabilitation and by physical therapists to stimulate blood flow and the lymphatic system.  Some alternate cold and hot during the same session.  Hydrotherapy has many medical and therapeutic applications, and it is still available in “spa towns”, where there are natural occurrences of “mineral-rich or hot water”.³

Types of Hydrotherapy and Benefits

External hydrotherapy immerses the patient in water.  Temperature-based hydrotherapy uses hot water to relax the muscles (i.e., to treat poor circulation, sore muscles, arthritis, and rheumatism) and cold water to stimulate blood flow.  Sitz baths are for submersion of the patient to treat menstrual cramps, prostate swelling, and hemorrhoids.  Motion-based hydrotherapy uses water pressure to massage the body.  It can help with injuries and stress.  Internal hydrotherapy includes colonic irrigation or steam baths.⁴  Not only can hydrotherapy enhance circulation, but it can increase endorphin production, which can benefit the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve mood and energy.  In fact, hot tub hydrotherapy has been found to lower the sugar in diabetics, decrease blood pressure, and alleviate the symptoms of other disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, scoliosis, tendonitis, and fibromyalgia).  Vaporizers and hot tubs can be effective treatments during upper respiratory illnesses.⁵  Chiropractors also employ hydrotherapy; some use hot baths, saunas, whirlpools, or wraps to promote blood flow and healing, and these therapies also reduce back pain.⁶  Other chiropractors have water massage tables, which use heat and pressure to help patients.

References:

1,3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrotherapy

2,4 http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/hydrotherapy

5 http://suite101.com/article/medicinal-benefits-of-hydrotherapy-a40905

6 http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/physiologic-therapeutics-and-chiropractic-care

Aromatherapy uses natural oils to help people achieve relaxation, energy, or other forms of self-healing.  Many of the same essential oils can be used by massage therapists topically, as well, in order to enhance their therapy.

Uses of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can be used for medicinal purposes.  It should be noted that ingesting essential oils should never be done without consulting a medical practitioner, or someone who is licensed in their use, as many of them can be toxic.¹  The essential oils (which are concentrated plant oils), can be used for air freshening, for hygiene care, in saunas and showers, during therapies, and to inhale through steam or vaporization.²  People seeking alternative treatment for a wide variety of ailments may find aromatherapy helpful.  The conditions treated can range from headaches and heartburn to nausea, digestive problems, flu, cold sores, leg cramps, ear infections, pneumonia, and more.³

How Aromatherapy Works

The essential plant oils can help patients achieve relaxation, stress relief, and other therapeutic benefits.  While they are generally not taken internally, the oils can be applied via “massage, inhalation, bath, creams, (and) compresses”.  It is believed that the oils “interact with the body chemistry”, and that helps the patient self-heal for a variety of conditions.  In addition, the immune system can be boosted.⁴

Essential Oils Used in Massage

Massage therapists may use essential oils in two ways:  topically and aromatically.   When using essential oils on the skin, carrier oils are used to dilute the concentrated plant oils.  These can include many neutral plant oils, such as wheatgerm, sunflower, peach kernel, soya, olive, hazelnut, grapeseed, avocado, almond, and apricot kernel.  Some of the carrier oils have added benefits, themselves, including vitamins A, B, C, E, fatty acids, etc.  This can assist patients who have brittle nails and hair, psoriasis, and eczema, those with dandruff and acne, and people with scar tissues and stretch marks.⁵  During the massage, the therapist may also employ “oils for the mind”, which would help clients, via aromatherapy, with various conditions.  Patients may report relief from anxiety or depression, reduced irritability and fatigue, and decreased stress.⁶

Research

Traditional medicine has been catching up with Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in recent research.  One study examined the benefits of aromatherapy and massage in relieving the symptoms of cancer patients.  The rationale behind the research was to explore if patients had an improved “quality of life” and reduced “psychological stress”.  Short-term benefits were found for some of the patients, especially in the area of anxiety.  There were variable other benefits and results; more research, with longer follow-up, will be necessary.⁷  Another study explored aromatherapy/massage effects, combined with music, on the stress levels of emergency nurses, especially during the winter.  The results were promising: “Aromatherapy massage with music significantly reduced emergency nurses’ anxiety”.⁸  Yet another interesting study showed that aromatherapy and massage reduced the amount of anesthesia needed during labor and childbirth.  This not only benefits the mother, but it improves the child’s situation, as there are risks associated with anesthesia.⁹

References:

1,4  http://www.essentialoils.co.za/aromatherapy.htm

2 http://www.essentialoils.co.za/why.htm#

3 http://www.essentialoils.co.za/treatment/index.htm

5 http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/essential-oils-massage.htm

6 http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/essential-oils-mind.htm

7 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15106172

8 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17727588

9 http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=13312

See more info on essential oils.

Patients suffering from arthritis have pain and difficulty during daily tasks.  While medical science has provided many types of prescriptions, chiropractic care can offer those with arthritis alternative or complementary care.

Types of Arthritis

Inflammation at the point where two bones meet, the joints, is arthritis.  Cartilage, which protects a joint, breaks down with arthritis.  If the bones rub together, swelling and stiffness occur.  There are actually about 100 kinds of arthritis caused by a variety of factors, including the following:  broken bones, wear-and-tear of the joints, bacterial or viral infection, and autoimmune (the body attacks itself).  Some arthritis goes away on its own, while other types are chronic.  The most common variety is osteoarthritis, but other kinds are gonococcal, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, psoriatic, rheumatoid (in children or adults), scleroderma, and lupus.  Severe complications can arise beyond limited movement and pain.  Patients can end up with joint deformity.¹

Traditional Treatments

Most arthritis patients cannot expect a cure; however, there are more conservative treatment options that don’t involve medication.  Those with arthritis can make lifestyle changes, such as including range-of-motion, low-impact aerobics, and strength exercises into their routine.  Repetitive motions should be avoided.  For more serious cases, physical therapy, with heat/ice, splints, orthotics, water therapy, and massage can be helpful.  Getting enough sleep, avoiding stressful positions, installing assistance devices in the home, reducing stress (i.e., yoga, meditation), and using capsaicin cream can also benefit those with this disease.  Dietary changes are also recommended, including weight loss and eating omega-3 fatty acid foods, such as flaxseed, soybeans, and walnuts.  When these treatments don’t provide enough relief, doctors may prescribe medications such as non-aspirin (acetaminophen), NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), biologic drugs, corticosteroids, DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), or immunosuppressants.  All medications carry side effects, and some can be severe and cause long-term issues.  If the prescriptions don’t work enough, doctors may try more dramatic and permanent treatments, including surgery.  Arthroplasty is used to rebuild the joint, and some patients may receive joint replacement.  If nothing else works, long-term chronic pain and disability may be the result.²

Chiropractic Help

Patients may have arthritis as a result of misalignments of the bones.  Even the small joints can be damaged by rheumatoid arthritis.  Chiropractors can manipulate the spine to help patients get relief.³  In fact, a recent study found that “63% of people who visited a rheumatologist for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia (reported that)… Chiropractic (was the complementary and alternative medicine) found to be most helpful for these conditions.”⁴  Chiropractors will also tend to recommend stretching, strengthening, and endurance exercises.  They may suggest fatty-acid supplements and dietary recommendations, as well as turmeric, ginger extract, nettle leaf extract, and a “vegetarian or low-allergen diet”.  Chiropractors can be very helpful in restoring range-of-motion, improving flexibility, and increasing strength and muscle tone.⁵

References:

1,2 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002223/

3 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/57468.php

4 http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=36338

5 http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=62

Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) encompass many different types of practitioners.   They take a non-Western approach to healing.  Chiropractic is often thought to be a part of these forms of treatment.

CAM and Western Medicine

CAM is a broad field of many diverse systems, operating differently than the (Western) medicine model; however, some medical practices have come to integrate CAM into their treatment plans.  CAM, when it is used at that same time as Western medicine, is called “complementary medicine” (i.e., using acupuncture to reduce pain during treatment).  When CAM is used instead of Western medicine, it is called “alternative medicine”.  Sometimes CAM and Western medicine are combined together in “integrated medicine”.1

Types of CAM

CAM can include mind/body therapies (the holistic model), as well as natural products and body manipulation practices.  CAM practitioners may use herbal remedies, minerals, vitamins, and other supplements, such as probiotics and digestive enzymes.  Mind/body therapies include yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.  There are other mind/body practices as well, such as tai chi, deep-breathing, and hypnotherapy.  Many of these treatments are over 2,000 years old.  Body-based practices include spinal manipulation and massage therapy.  In fact, many traditional medical offices now include these latter practices.  Other types of CAM can include “movement therapies”, such as Pilates and Rolfing.  Traditional and indigenous “healers” are also considered part of CAM (i.e., Native American medicine man).  Magnet and light therapy, Reiki, and qi gong, which manipulate energy, are also CAM practices.  There are older medical systems that are now considered CAM, including Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines.   Homeopathy and naturopathy are more modern CAM systems.2

Is Chiropractic CAM?

There is some disagreement over whether or not chiropractic should be considered part of CAM.  According to Dr. Lon Morgan, DC, DABCO, the effectiveness of the various CAM treatments is “controversial”.  Some chiropractors wish to be part of CAM, even though Morgan feels “CAM approaches conflict with chiropractic ‘philosophy’”.  If chiropractors are considered the same as naturopaths and energy healers, or if the treatment methods and “notions of the causes of disease” are so diverse and conflicting, it may not always benefit chiropractic, per Morgan.  The chiropractors who wish to be considered CAM share the “Us vs. Them” commonality with the other practices (i.e., “CAM vs. medicine”).  Morgan feels that the “schizophrenic approach to a chiropractic identity serves no one” since some alternative practices do not have the same rigorous standards that it takes to become a chiropractor.3  The American Chiropractic Association acknowledges that it can be positive that chiropractic is considered alternative healthcare because it is “one of the top two providers of choice”, which helps insurers respond to “public demand for alternative care”.  With regard to insurance, however, the ACA recognizes that it may not be beneficial for chiropractic to be considered just alternative care.  If chiropractic is part of mainstream insurance, patients will have better coverage for their chiropractic care.  If insurers choose the “affinity product”, treating chiropractic the same as any other alternative provider, then the patient is left to pay a discounted, but cash, rate.  The ACA opposes excluding chiropractors and does not support the affinity product.  “Chiropractic care should be a benefit within all third party payer plans or programs”.4  The Affordable Care Act (healthcare reform law), which was upheld by the Supreme Court, contains a “provider non-discrimination provision”.  ACA President Keith Overland, DC stated, “That makes it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against doctors of chiropractic… the non-discrimination provision, when it is fully implemented, will extend the availability of chiropractic services”.5

References:

1,2 http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam

3 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1839911/

4 http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=613

5 http://www.acatoday.org/press_css.cfm?CID=4891