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

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/

Massage therapy is often incorporated into traditional medicine, as well as chiropractic offices.  It can provide a beneficial adjunct to a patient’s spinal manipulation and holistic care.

Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is widely considered to be an alternative medicine.  There are many types of massage therapy.  One type, Swedish Massage, is the most commonly used one in the United States.  Therapists uses kneading, circular motions, and “long smooth strokes”, with lotion or oil, on “superficial layers of muscle”.  Aromatherapy Massage includes essential scented plant oils to help the client feel energized or relaxed, or for balancing and stress-reduction.  Hot Stone Massage incorporates the used of heated stones on certain body points.  It is a lighter massage for muscle tension.  When the therapist targets deep muscles with slower strokes and friction, that is considered Deep Tissue Massage.  Shiatsu is a Japanese massage that uses “finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence”.  Thai massage also “aligns the energies of the body” with pressure points, stretches, and compressions.  The therapist in this type of massage stretches the client into a “sequence of postures…like yoga”.  Pregnant women can also have a special type of massage, with modified positions and techniques.  A type of foot massage is Reflexology, which involves pressure points that match up to organ systems in the body.  Sports Massage is for any physically active person, and it includes faster strokes than Swedish massage and “facilitated stretching” to increase flexibility.1

Training for Massage Therapists

Training for therapists varies.  37 states have laws about massage licensing, and some cities have individual requirements.  Legal minimum education “can range from 330 to 1000 contact hours”, and the education can require weeks to two years.  It is important to note that in states that have no requirements, some practitioners of massage can have no training.2  Massage therapists can practice in public and private locations, including hospitals, offices, spas, and even shopping malls.  Typically, they have a “postsecondary non-degree awared”.3  There are some rigorous training programs available to massage therapists.   The National Holistic Institute, for example, has a “Core 900 Hour” curriculum and offers an “Advanced 450 Hour” program as well.4  Their program is nationally accredited.  “The accreditation process is to provide a professional judgment as to the quality of …program(s) offered, and to encourage continual improvement.”  Because of the various state requirements, some massage therapists may have significantly more training than others.  Illinois, for example, requires 500 hours of training and an “approved certifying exam” with 24 hours of biennial maintenance.6

Massage in Chiropractic Offices

Some massage therapists opt to work in chiropractic offices.  This provides a partnership that can benefit both types of practitioner, each helping the other to build clientele.  Massage therapy can be an excellent complement to spinal manipulation therapy.  Some chiropractic offices offer therapeutic and relaxation massage.   Carson Chiropractic, in Illinois, has highly trained, licensed massage therapists in its practice, who focus on “trigger point, therapeutic and deep-tissue massage therapy…[and are] trained in pregnancy massage”.  The practice believes “strongly in the positive benefits of massage therapy…when paired with chiropractic care”.7

References:

1 http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage_types.htm

2 http://www.naturalhealers.com/qa/massagecareers.html

3 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm

4 http://www.nhi.edu/articles/massage-therapist-training.html

5 http://www.nhi.edu/articles/massage-certification.html

6 http://www.massageregister.com/massage-license-requirements

7 http://www.carsonchiropractic.com/staff.html

Do you see a Chiropractor regularly for treatments?  Do they perform mechanical traction for Corrective Care?  There are essentially three types of care within a Chiropractic office and they include relief care, corrective care, and wellness care.  The second phase of care tends to be the longest in duration because it can take an undetermined amount of time to correct someone’s spine.  Mechanical traction allows the ligaments surrounding the spine to stretch and allow the bones to shift into their normal position.  A patient lies on a mechanical traction unit for at least six minutes in duration and this is slowly increased in increments until twenty minutes of stretch is performed.  Mechanical traction should be performed a minimum of two to three times per week so a constant stretch on the ligament is the key. Because ligaments are resilient to stretching they have a tendency to spring back quickly.

Types

When an individual has a reversal in the cervical spine he/she will perform a weighted type of traction called two-way.  In this particular traction there will be sand bag weights pulling the head forward and backwards.  The maximum amount of time spent on this traction is only ten minutes due to the pressure it generates on the cervical spine.  After all mechanical tractions the patient is instructed to ice for a minimum of twenty minutes with a lapse period of sixty minutes following and then repeated as necessary.  Ice is used to control the inflammation that the traction causes.  As with any traction the patient can expect to be sore following.  The best example of reshaping the spine is like wearing braces on the teeth.  Fortunately, the process of reshaping the spine typically doesn’t take as long as braces and the results are astonishing.  So what kind of individuals does this help with?  Patients suffering from headaches, past whiplash, migraines, radiation referral down the arms and/or legs, trauma, scoliosis, and more.  The most common types of traction are blocks, rolls, side-lying, walking, and weighted.  The two most common groups that perform mechanical traction are Pettibon and Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP).  Both of these groups are very similar in nature in their mechanical traction attempts as well as the outcome.  Some perform static traction while others perform active with movement.  Talk with your primary care provider today about your options for mechanical traction.  Without traction the patient cannot achieve the best results with Chiropractic care.

Muscle Strain

A pulled muscle, or muscle strain, indicates that some damage has occurred to a muscle or the tendons attached to the muscle. This damage can be the result of too much pressure or force applied to a muscle. The muscle fibers and tendons can partially or completely tear as well. There are two types of muscle strains, acute and chronic. Acute muscle strains occur when a muscle is pulled past its normal ability of movement or if it is pulled quickly and abruptly, or both. Chronic muscle strains are strains that occur due to repetitive or prolonged movements. These strains are common in certain sports such as golf, tennis and gymnastics or in jobs that require repetitive movements of certain muscles. If a muscle is strained, depending on the location and severity of the strain, there can be pain and weakness, redness and bruising, swelling and possibly the inability to put any weight on the muscle. Two of the most common areas to sustain a muscle strain are the low back and also the hamstring muscles located in the thigh. Minor strains can be cared for at home using the P.R.I.C.E. approach; protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. For more serious strains, a chiropractic physician or physical therapist can help with these steps.

Muscle Spasm

A muscle spasm is an episode of involuntary contraction of a muscle, also known as a cramp. These episodes occur suddenly, end quickly and are generally quite painful. Muscle spasms can occur in any area of the body where muscle is involved. Muscles may be more prone to spasm when they are overworked or tired. It is thought that a muscle may involuntarily contract when it is dehydrated and lacking in electrolytes. When this happens, the muscle runs out of water, electrolytes and energy and begins to forcefully contract. Skeletal muscle may spasm when athletes exercise extensively in hot environments for prolonged periods of time. It is typically successful to care for a muscle spasm at home, as they do not last long and do not pose a great health danger. However, if muscle spasms become frequent and become more severe, medical care may be indicated. Also, if muscle spasm is due to injury or trauma to the muscle, medical help or medication may be needed if the pain is bothersome and frequent. The best advice when dealing with skeletal muscle spasm is prevention. Staying hydrated and stretching and warming up muscle groups before and after exercise are helpful in avoiding muscle spasm.

References Cited in this Article

www.mayoclinic.com

www.medicinenet.com

Check out this info on muscle spasms.

One of the most common complaints during the later months of pregnancy is experiencing back pain. Typically, during pregnancy the pain is felt in the low mid back and pelvis areas. Because this back pain can remain once the pregnancy is over, it is important to seek treatment to prevent the pain from becoming too severe. The mid back pain and pelvic pain can be felt on only one side or be felt in the middle of the back. This pain can be felt throughout the day or only during the evening and at night. The causes of mid back pain during pregnancy include the additional weight of the growing baby, hormone levels, body mechanics, circulation and the amount of activity during the day. Strengthening and stretching exercises are important during pregnancy because of the change in hormones. A hormone present during pregnancy is relaxin, and this hormone helps to relax the pelvis for increased flexibility during labor. Because relaxin loosens the pelvic joint, the sacroiliac joint can become less stable and pain can be felt at the SI joint and other joints along with spine. Other hormones can cause back pain during pregnancy as well because as the hormones increase, water retention in the soft tissues and ligaments puts additional weight on the spinal joints.

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Some causes of back pain during pregnancy, such as hormonal changes, cannot be controlled or prevented to avoid back pain but some causes can be improved. Body mechanics and the amount and type of activities during the day can be altered to help decrease back pain and possibly avoid an increase in the severity of the back pain. Practicing good posture, sleeping on your side with a pillow placed between the knees, lifting small items while squatting and using your legs, using maternity belly support belts and wearing appropriate footwear with good arch support will all help with prevention of back pain while pregnant. Massage therapy, when indicated during pregnancy, and chiropractic care can also provide pain relief for mid back and pelvic pain. Aside from manipulations, a chiropractic physician can offer stretching and strengthening exercises for the back and abdominal muscles. Strengthening these areas will provide greater stability to help fight the effects of the hormone relaxin. These exercises may also provide more strength and endurance during the course of labor and delivery as well.

References Cited in this Article

www.familyeducation.com

www.mayoclinic.com

There is more information on chiropractic care in pregnancy.

One of the many causes of low back pain is ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic form of arthritis that is present in the spine. It can appear at any level of the spine as well as the chest wall, hips, knees, wrists, hands, feet and heels. There is no known cause for this disease and it is generally a hereditary condition that affects men more often than women. It typically appears in young people under the age of 35. The disease can vary in severity from moderately mild to quite severe. In cases of severe ankylosing spondylitis, the vertebrae in the spine can actually fuse together, causing marked stiffness at that location of the spine. This spinal fusion can be seen with diagnostic imaging. Unfortunately, this fusion appears in later stages of the disease, after many years of pain felt by the patient. Also present in severe cases of ankylosing spondylitis is inflammation of the iris of the eyes (iritis) and difficulty in breathing if the walls of the chest become stiff. In very severe cases, this inflammation can also affect the valves of the heart as well as the aortic artery, the lungs, kidneys and the intestinal tract. There is no cure for this disease but treatment options are available to help control the symptoms and to possibly prevent the arthritis from worsening, allowing the patient to continue with their daily activities.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

It is not quite clear as to how much benefit a patient who presents with ankylosing spondylitis will receive from chiropractic care. Some patients experience incredible pain relief and increased motion in joints affected by the disease while others find no improvement following a program of chiropractic care. It is important that the chiropractic physician be informed that the patient is presenting with low back pain caused by ankylosing spondylitis if previously examined by another physician. If the patient has not been to any other doctor for their low back pain, a complete health history and physical, as well as imaging, will be done to assess the condition of the spine for a proper diagnosis. Based on the specificity of the disease, a treatment plan can be made to address the common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Gentle chiropractic manipulations as well as gentle massage therapy and modalities such as heat and ice, ultrasound and electrical stimulation may be used to keep the symptoms of the arthritis under control. The progression of the disease cannot be reverse but it may be slowed and under brought under control with the use of chiropractic care.

References Cited in this Article

www.webmd.com

www.ankylosingspondylitisguide.com

www.nih.gov

See more information about low back pain and chiropractic care.

]]> http://www.echiropractor.org/low-back-pain-and-ankylosing-spondylitis/feed/ 0 http://www.echiropractor.org/leg-pain-and-growing-pains/ http://www.echiropractor.org/leg-pain-and-growing-pains/#comments Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:10:55 +0000 echiropractor http://www.echiropractor.org/?p=5652

Leg pain can appear for any number of reasons in adults and it can also be common in children. Most of the time, leg pain in children is not due to a serious condition and the pain can be managed with medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. There are some conditions in which a serious underlying cause of the pain may be present. Some children may have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis of the knee joint, rheumatic fever, trauma that may be damaging the growth plates of the bones or an infection to the knee joint itself. Sometimes when a child is seen by their pediatrician for complaints of leg pain, after a thorough examination and health information provided by a parent or guardian, serious conditions can be ruled out. If the child is experiencing no other symptoms, no fever or illness, then it is usually determined that the leg pain is being caused by growing pains. Although referred to as growing pains, the pain may be from intense physical activity during the day as well. It may also be caused by the long bones of the legs growing while the muscles and tendons near that bone growing tight. Growing pains generally feel very throbbing and sharp, appearing at the end of the day or during the middle of the night. This pain can be quite sudden and strong as to wake a child while they are sleeping.

Growing Pains

Between the ages of 3-5 and 8-12, 25 to 40% of children experience some amount of leg pain due to growing pains. If this pain is not accompanied by redness, swelling, fever and does not limit movement or affect gait, then it is considered growing pains and is not serious. Growing pains will often respond well to massage and this also proves that the pain is not a result of acute trauma or a serious medical condition. In general, these growing pains will be sporadic and eventually go away on their own. In order to try and prevent future episodes of growing pains, it is recommended that fluid intake be increased as well as daily stretching both during an episode of pain and also when no pain is present, to help stretch and warm the muscle and tendons that are being pulled from the growing bones. Daily gentle massage therapy to the thighs and calf muscles can help to warm and relax the muscles and tendons as well. Luckily, after time and as the muscles and tendons grow and stretch and adapt to the longer bones, the episodes of growing pains will end.

References Cited in this Article

www.emedicinehealth.com

www.drgreene.com

See more information about leg pain treatments.

Knee pain is a common result from an injury or certain medical conditions such as arthritis, gout and some infections. Some injuries to the knee include a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a meniscus tear, bursitis and tendonitis of the patella. There are several types of arthritis that can cause knee pain and these include gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and septic arthritis. If there is any injury or inflammation in areas near the knee, such as iliotibial band syndrome, this can cause pain to the knee as well. Mechanical problems such as one leg being longer than the other, being overweight or having a pervious knee injury can pose a higher risk of future knee injury. If the knee pain is not from a serious condition, many times the pain can be alleviated with at-home care in a short amount of time. In very serious conditions, surgical intervention may be required. Depending on where the injury is located and the severity of the injury or medical condition, knee pain may vary. There can be redness and swelling, warmth felt during palpation, difficulty in straightening the leg, stiffness, the knee may become unstable and not able to bear weight and crunching or popping noises may be heard during movement.

Chiropractic Treatment

In some instances, chiropractic care may be indicated for the treatment of some causes of knee pain. During an initial visit with a chiropractor, a health history will be obtained and a physical examination performed to determine the cause of the knee pain. The chiropractic physician may watch while the patient walks to observe how the knee is tracking and to check for gait and any improper mechanics of the lower extremities, such as hyperpronation of the foot. If it is determined that the cause of the knee pain is not severe and there is no tear to any of the tendons, ligaments or to the meniscus of the knee, chiropractic care will be indicated. If any inflammation is present, icing the area and rest will be advised. Manipulation and gentle massage therapy may help to reduce any discomfort in the area and foot orthotics may be casted if any mechanical problems such as hyperpronation or fallen arches are noted. Supportive footwear is essential in helping to prevent knee injury. It is important to communicate with the chiropractic physician whether or not any improvement is being made. If no improvement is noted after a certain period of time, a referral may be made for another specialty to treat the injury.

References Cited in this Article

www.mayoclinic.com

www.chiropracticnow.com