What are Kidney Stones? The presence of kidney stones within the body can cause extreme pain to the patient. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat and prevent the development of kidney stones. Kidney stones, otherwise known as renal lithiasis, are made up of mineral and acid salts. They develop in the kidneys, but their habitation within the body can affect the entire urinary tract. The … [Read more...]
Uses for the Dermatome Map
The dermatome map shows the spinal nerve relationships to specific skin. This map may or may not aid in treating pain. What is the Dermatome Map? Spinal nerves cause sensation to certain known areas of the skin. Because of these, dermatome maps have been created so that care providers can understand which nerves cause particular areas of pain.1 There are five sacral, five lumbar, twelve … [Read more...]
Thecal Sac Impingement and Effacement
What is the Thecal Sac Effacement and Impingement? Thecal sac effacement / impingement or thecal sac indentation will often lead to painful conditions, and it is itself probably just an irritating symptom of another condition. The thecal sac is filled with CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), and it is a protective membrane which covers the both the spinal cord and other important neurological structures … [Read more...]
Lumbosacral Spondylosis
Lumbosacral spondylosis has many treatment options. What is Lumbosacral Spondylosis? Spondylosis is a degenerative problem, and when it occurs in the spine, it is commonly called osteoarthritis. Lumbar refers to the lower back, so lumbosacral spondylosis concerns “degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis…and degenerative disc disease” in that region of the spine.1 Spondylosis of the neck is … [Read more...]
Animal Acupuncture
Animal acupuncture is a service some veterinarians offer. What is Animal Acupuncture? Animal chiropractic and animal massage are therapies performed by veterinarians as well as other trained professionals. Another option, veterinary acupuncture, is a service of performing acupuncture therapy on animals. Veterinary acupuncture emerged more widely in the United States in the 1970s. It was … [Read more...]
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is a CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) treatment. What is Cupping? In cupping therapy, cups of earthenware, glass, or bamboo are placed on the skin to create suction so that blood flow is mobilized to promote healing of ailments. Ancient Middle Eastern, Egyptian, and Chinese cultures used cupping. There are a couple of types of cupping therapy, including wet cupping … [Read more...]
First Acupuncture Appointment
People may not know what to expect from their first acupuncture appointment. Acupuncture History Acupuncture is believed to have been started in China, although the term was invented by a Dutch physician in the 17th century. The practice is anywhere from 2000-4000 years old. In the “Taoist concept of health”, health is a harmony of the Yin and Yang opposing forces, and “disharmony brings … [Read more...]
Treating Back Spasms and Pain with Stretches
Back spasms are caused by many factors; stretches, exercises, and chiropractic can help relieve the pain. Causes and Symptoms of Back Spasms Electrolyte abnormalities and dehydration can be culprits behind the spasms of skeletal muscles. Stretching the muscle may provide immediate relief for abrupt pain.1 The contraction of the muscle in spasm, especially around the nerve roots or spinal cord, … [Read more...]
Massage and Acupuncture for Whiplash
Whiplash injuries are not something to ignore. Fortunately there are alternative treatments for this condition. What is Whiplash? Typically caused by automobile collisions, whiplash is an injury to the neck. The neck becomes injured when it is suddenly moved back and forward, stretching ligaments and muscles out of their usual range of motion. Icing the neck muscles, taking pain relievers, … [Read more...]
Alternative Treatments in Hospice Care
Hospice treatment, for the seriously and terminally ill, can also include alternative care options. What is Hospice? Hospice care provides treatment and palliation for patients who have serious or terminal illnesses. “Emotional and spiritual needs” are also addressed in this “philosophy of care”. Modern hospice treatment was pioneered by Dame Cicely Saunders in the 1950s, but hospice-type … [Read more...]