Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
07/03/10 15:06 Medical
People who are experiencing unexplained sudden and intense pain in their arms or legs, with associated burning with pins and needles may be suffering from a complex but increasingly common illness. Triggers set off these abnormal sensations, which are then amplified throughout the brain’s processing centers. These episodes can be set off by quite trivial events such as minor jolts, stretches or awkward twisting movements.
We first came across this condition several years ago having reviewed ‘Whiplash Injuries’ by Jack Rook who described the condition and how to diagnose it. As with other syndromes such as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) there are some authorities who have suggested it’s not a real illness, but simply a psychological condition. Only with reliable tests has ME been recognized as a genuine illness, and a treatment strategy to help sufferers. It’s similar with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or its other title of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS).
Functional MRI which shows the brain’s anatomy, but also a visual map of what happens when it’s working in the world. The blood flow patterns seen in the living brain show that certain regions of the brain become active when stimulated. For example when we hear someones voice or listen to music, the temporal lobe at the side of the brain becomes active and then begins to send signals to some of the central structures located deep within the brain, such as the limbic system and the thalamus.
The current research in this complex illness is now assisting in understanding other severe or chronic pain pattern illnesses such as migraine, facial pain (Bell’s palsy), shingles (post herpetic neuralgia) and chronic post operative pain syndromes.
Chronic pain conditions affect many people in the UK. Many of the clues on what CRPS is, how it presents and how best to treat those affected, will help with other painful conditions. Some of the clinical approaches used to treat chronic pain recognize that there are general biochemical changes and irregular levels of neurotransmitters seen in many patients. These include poor breathing function, irregular sleep patterns, and poor nutritional factors. There is invariably a history of an inability to exercise regularly which brings with it poor posture and muscle tone.
Osteopathic treatment which incorporates an integrated physical therapy including acupuncture and nutritional approach can be helpful in managing CRPS, and has none of the side-effects seen in patients who have been prescribed long term anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory drugs from their GP.
We first came across this condition several years ago having reviewed ‘Whiplash Injuries’ by Jack Rook who described the condition and how to diagnose it. As with other syndromes such as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) there are some authorities who have suggested it’s not a real illness, but simply a psychological condition. Only with reliable tests has ME been recognized as a genuine illness, and a treatment strategy to help sufferers. It’s similar with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or its other title of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS).
Functional MRI which shows the brain’s anatomy, but also a visual map of what happens when it’s working in the world. The blood flow patterns seen in the living brain show that certain regions of the brain become active when stimulated. For example when we hear someones voice or listen to music, the temporal lobe at the side of the brain becomes active and then begins to send signals to some of the central structures located deep within the brain, such as the limbic system and the thalamus.
The current research in this complex illness is now assisting in understanding other severe or chronic pain pattern illnesses such as migraine, facial pain (Bell’s palsy), shingles (post herpetic neuralgia) and chronic post operative pain syndromes.
Chronic pain conditions affect many people in the UK. Many of the clues on what CRPS is, how it presents and how best to treat those affected, will help with other painful conditions. Some of the clinical approaches used to treat chronic pain recognize that there are general biochemical changes and irregular levels of neurotransmitters seen in many patients. These include poor breathing function, irregular sleep patterns, and poor nutritional factors. There is invariably a history of an inability to exercise regularly which brings with it poor posture and muscle tone.
Osteopathic treatment which incorporates an integrated physical therapy including acupuncture and nutritional approach can be helpful in managing CRPS, and has none of the side-effects seen in patients who have been prescribed long term anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory drugs from their GP.
Detox For Health
17/01/10 14:26 Naturopathic
Detoxing for Health
Detoxing isn’t just all about following one of the many diet regimes on the market. An effective detox involves ridding the body of unwanted toxins. Each of us have an individual system unique to ourselves, so what suits one person may not be appropriate for another. A qualified practitioner can carry out an assessment to provide an appropriate regime taking into account individual factors that are essential to health.
A few of the main areas to consider are: digestive tract health, allergies and underlying medical conditions.
Exercise is an extremely important factor in successful detoxing. Regular exercising results in the substantial increase in levels of detox enzymes in the system. The form of exercise undertaken should be appropriate for each individual.
Some vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are good sources of compounds that induce the production of detox enzymes as well as boosting antioxidant activity.
Garlic, leeks and onions are also well known for their cleansing ability.
Dietary fibre is also important as it may help bind to toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and aid in their excretion.
Milk Thistle, Vitamin C, and selenium are useful supplements in aiding detoxification and liver support.
Green Tea has also been shown to be useful alternative to regular tea and coffee. It aids in the metabolism of toxins in the liver into inactive forms that are more easily excreted.
Seaweeds and alginates have also been shown to help draw toxins out of the system and prevent their absorption. Take care to buy these from a reputable source, as unfortunately not all waters are free from pollution.
Most individuals benefit from cutting down on the amount of bread and other carbohydrates consumed in the normal diet.
It is important to remember that when detoxing, some symptoms of toxicity such as mild headache or thirst develop to indicate that you are ridding the body of unwanted chemicals. These may be part of the withdrawal phase of the return to health phase.
Lymphatic drainage techniques, a form of osteopathic treatment to stimulate the spleen and general lymph system, can be introduced as part of the treatment strategy.
Remember the adage ‘you may get worse before you get better’.
Please also get advice from a healthcare practitioner if you are planning to detox for the first time, or if you have any underlying condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure where special guidance is essential.
Detoxing isn’t just all about following one of the many diet regimes on the market. An effective detox involves ridding the body of unwanted toxins. Each of us have an individual system unique to ourselves, so what suits one person may not be appropriate for another. A qualified practitioner can carry out an assessment to provide an appropriate regime taking into account individual factors that are essential to health.
A few of the main areas to consider are: digestive tract health, allergies and underlying medical conditions.
Exercise is an extremely important factor in successful detoxing. Regular exercising results in the substantial increase in levels of detox enzymes in the system. The form of exercise undertaken should be appropriate for each individual.
Some vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are good sources of compounds that induce the production of detox enzymes as well as boosting antioxidant activity.
Garlic, leeks and onions are also well known for their cleansing ability.
Dietary fibre is also important as it may help bind to toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and aid in their excretion.
Milk Thistle, Vitamin C, and selenium are useful supplements in aiding detoxification and liver support.
Green Tea has also been shown to be useful alternative to regular tea and coffee. It aids in the metabolism of toxins in the liver into inactive forms that are more easily excreted.
Seaweeds and alginates have also been shown to help draw toxins out of the system and prevent their absorption. Take care to buy these from a reputable source, as unfortunately not all waters are free from pollution.
Most individuals benefit from cutting down on the amount of bread and other carbohydrates consumed in the normal diet.
It is important to remember that when detoxing, some symptoms of toxicity such as mild headache or thirst develop to indicate that you are ridding the body of unwanted chemicals. These may be part of the withdrawal phase of the return to health phase.
Lymphatic drainage techniques, a form of osteopathic treatment to stimulate the spleen and general lymph system, can be introduced as part of the treatment strategy.
Remember the adage ‘you may get worse before you get better’.
Please also get advice from a healthcare practitioner if you are planning to detox for the first time, or if you have any underlying condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure where special guidance is essential.
Aspirin
29/09/09 13:40 Medical
Daily dose of aspirin … a sensible prescription?
His findings challenge calls for people over 50 to be prescribed aspirin as a matter of course because of its blood-thinning properties. It was found that instead of bringing about a significant reduction in heart attacks, a daily dose of aspirin increased the risk bleeding in the stomach.
He said: "Our research suggests that aspirin should not be prescribed to the general population, although it does have benefits for people with established heart disease or other conditions." At least six previous studies have indicated that frequent doses of aspirin could lower the risk of heart attacks and have prompted many of the "worried well" to take the pills.
Taking an aspirin a day appears to increase a person's risk of dangerous gastric bleeding as much as it decreases their risk of heart attack or stroke.
The Clinical Trial Service Unit at Oxford University came up with similar findings:
Health experts have been recommending for more than a decade that people considered at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (due to high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity, advanced age or other risk factors) take one aspirin pill per day, as the medicine has been clinically shown to reduce the risk of serious vascular events in those people. This strategy, treating people with no symptoms of heart disease, is known as "primary prevention." An example of a serious vascular event is a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death. Many health agencies however, such as the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), have shied away from issuing official recommendations. "There is no definitive guidance," said Steve Field, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, "and it makes it bewildering when you have a series of papers which then hint it would be beneficial to take aspirin." According to Mr Field, many patients are attracted to aspirin as a way to stave off heart attacks because the over-the-counter pills are very inexpensive. But the findings of the newest study, published in The Lancet, suggest that the risks of aspirin match the benefits in cases of primary prevention. Only in patients who have already had a heart attack or stroke does the benefit appear to outweigh the risk. "This important study does suggest people shouldn't take aspirin unless indicated by a confirmed diagnosis of heart disease", Field said.
Because people who had already experienced a heart attack or stroke had such a heightened risk of further vascular events, however, the benefits exceeded the risks in that group -- roughly 150 serious vascular events prevented per year for every 10,000 people treated, with the same three extra gastric bleeds and one stroke from bleeding.
Comment
What would be enormously valuable is a long-term study comparing those taking asprin with another ‘Usual Suspects’ group who have made changes to their diet and lifestyle. Separate studies claim increasing omega 3 & 6 fats (oily fish and olive oil); selenium and other anti-oxidants; cruciate vegetables such as cabbage and brocolli; garlic and allium herbs; pomegranate, tomatoes, capscicums and foods with high lycopene content … all help reduce the levels of risk factors of heart disease… and without needing medication.
Regular moderate to vigorous daily exercise of 30 minutes such as cycling, swimming or power walking has also been shown to increase not only feelings of general well-being, but at the same time reduce stress and cardio-vascular risk.
His findings challenge calls for people over 50 to be prescribed aspirin as a matter of course because of its blood-thinning properties. It was found that instead of bringing about a significant reduction in heart attacks, a daily dose of aspirin increased the risk bleeding in the stomach.
He said: "Our research suggests that aspirin should not be prescribed to the general population, although it does have benefits for people with established heart disease or other conditions." At least six previous studies have indicated that frequent doses of aspirin could lower the risk of heart attacks and have prompted many of the "worried well" to take the pills.
Taking an aspirin a day appears to increase a person's risk of dangerous gastric bleeding as much as it decreases their risk of heart attack or stroke.
The Clinical Trial Service Unit at Oxford University came up with similar findings:
Health experts have been recommending for more than a decade that people considered at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (due to high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity, advanced age or other risk factors) take one aspirin pill per day, as the medicine has been clinically shown to reduce the risk of serious vascular events in those people. This strategy, treating people with no symptoms of heart disease, is known as "primary prevention." An example of a serious vascular event is a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death. Many health agencies however, such as the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), have shied away from issuing official recommendations. "There is no definitive guidance," said Steve Field, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, "and it makes it bewildering when you have a series of papers which then hint it would be beneficial to take aspirin." According to Mr Field, many patients are attracted to aspirin as a way to stave off heart attacks because the over-the-counter pills are very inexpensive. But the findings of the newest study, published in The Lancet, suggest that the risks of aspirin match the benefits in cases of primary prevention. Only in patients who have already had a heart attack or stroke does the benefit appear to outweigh the risk. "This important study does suggest people shouldn't take aspirin unless indicated by a confirmed diagnosis of heart disease", Field said.
Because people who had already experienced a heart attack or stroke had such a heightened risk of further vascular events, however, the benefits exceeded the risks in that group -- roughly 150 serious vascular events prevented per year for every 10,000 people treated, with the same three extra gastric bleeds and one stroke from bleeding.
Comment
What would be enormously valuable is a long-term study comparing those taking asprin with another ‘Usual Suspects’ group who have made changes to their diet and lifestyle. Separate studies claim increasing omega 3 & 6 fats (oily fish and olive oil); selenium and other anti-oxidants; cruciate vegetables such as cabbage and brocolli; garlic and allium herbs; pomegranate, tomatoes, capscicums and foods with high lycopene content … all help reduce the levels of risk factors of heart disease… and without needing medication.
Regular moderate to vigorous daily exercise of 30 minutes such as cycling, swimming or power walking has also been shown to increase not only feelings of general well-being, but at the same time reduce stress and cardio-vascular risk.
Vitamin D
23/05/09 15:51 Naturopathic
There has been a lot of interest recently in the vital role that Vitamin D plays in the regulation our immune function and the prevention of many illnesses. Many of these illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, heart disease, stroke, autoimmune diseases and many cancers, have been on the increase in our society in recent years. The correlation between this and the scares relating to sun exposure are not coincidental. We must also take into consideration the good old Scottish weather!
The importance of maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D should not be underestimated.
Check out the links below for more information.
www.vitamind3uk.com
www.vitamindcouncil.org
The importance of maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D should not be underestimated.
Check out the links below for more information.
www.vitamind3uk.com
www.vitamindcouncil.org
Lowering cholesterol naturally
01/04/09 09:40 Naturopathic
Lowering your cholesterol and avoiding high blood pressure is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Most people discover their LDL cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein) to HDL cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein) ratios when applying for health insurance or medical insurance. But lowering your cholesterol with a prescription from your doctor is not always the best way. Try the below natural methods for lowering your cholesterol and living a healthier lifestyle.
Regular Exercise - With regular exercise you can help your body to reduce stress, lose weight, increase metabolism, burn more calories, and more. Steady and regular exercise has been found to help lower cholestrol and reduce triglyceride levels. With regular exercise you can lower your body mass index and achieve a healthy weight. This helps you to reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
2. Cut Out trans-fats - Trans-fats are found mostly in fried foods, pastries, cookies, and other similar foods. Avoiding these types of foods limits your calories, fat intake, and helps lower your cholesterol. The American Heart Association`s Nutrition Committee recommends limiting trans-fats to one percent of your daily calorie intake.
3. Remove Stress From Your Life - Stress and anxiety cause chemicals to be released into your body, raise your blood pressure, and reduce blood flow to your heart. Avoid stressful situations and use techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and other similar techniques. This helps your body to deal with stress and minimize the effects on your body.
4. Lose Weight - Being Overweight changes your metabolism and the way your body deals with fat and cholesterol. Losing weight in a slow and steady manner improves your health and lowers your cholesterol. Natural dieting results in consistent weight loss and reduces your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
5. Emphasize Healthy Social Relationships - Focus on stress-free, fun and relaxing family and friendship activities. These should fit with a healthy lifestyle and steer away from unhealthy and stressful social behaviors including arguments, drinking, inactivity, and overeating.
6. Getting a Pet effects Oxytocin production- A number of high quality studies have shown that caring for a pet reduces stress. A 10 year study performed at the Stroke Research Center at the University of Minnesota found that owning a pet lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, helps with depression, and reduces risks of dying from a heart attack or other diseases.
7. Avoid Red Meat, Eggs, & Whole Milk - Red meats, whole milk, and egg yolks are concentrated cholesterol foods. They should be avoided and replaced with some of the healthier foods that are low in cholesterol. Some examples can be found below.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Stock up on foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids raise HDL and lower LDL cholestrol levels. Some good sources include salmon and herring fish, walnuts and almonds, dried cloves, and flaxseed oil. Many of these foods also contain antioxidants and vitamins.
9. Try Oat Bran & Brown Rice Bran - Both oat bran and brown rice bran contain high levels of soluble fibre, for example porage oats. Soluble Fiber binds fats and absorbs cholesterol.
10. Blueberries, Garlic, & Apples - These three foods are tasty and can be easily combined with many other foods in home-made recipes. Garlic and Blueberries lower both blood pressure and cholesterol when combined with the other activities we have included. The fiber pectin in apples decrease the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver, mainly by reducing the initial uptake of fats from food eaten in a meal. Using these ingredients in your meals can make a healthy impact on your cholesterol.
Regular Exercise - With regular exercise you can help your body to reduce stress, lose weight, increase metabolism, burn more calories, and more. Steady and regular exercise has been found to help lower cholestrol and reduce triglyceride levels. With regular exercise you can lower your body mass index and achieve a healthy weight. This helps you to reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
2. Cut Out trans-fats - Trans-fats are found mostly in fried foods, pastries, cookies, and other similar foods. Avoiding these types of foods limits your calories, fat intake, and helps lower your cholesterol. The American Heart Association`s Nutrition Committee recommends limiting trans-fats to one percent of your daily calorie intake.
3. Remove Stress From Your Life - Stress and anxiety cause chemicals to be released into your body, raise your blood pressure, and reduce blood flow to your heart. Avoid stressful situations and use techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and other similar techniques. This helps your body to deal with stress and minimize the effects on your body.
4. Lose Weight - Being Overweight changes your metabolism and the way your body deals with fat and cholesterol. Losing weight in a slow and steady manner improves your health and lowers your cholesterol. Natural dieting results in consistent weight loss and reduces your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
5. Emphasize Healthy Social Relationships - Focus on stress-free, fun and relaxing family and friendship activities. These should fit with a healthy lifestyle and steer away from unhealthy and stressful social behaviors including arguments, drinking, inactivity, and overeating.
6. Getting a Pet effects Oxytocin production- A number of high quality studies have shown that caring for a pet reduces stress. A 10 year study performed at the Stroke Research Center at the University of Minnesota found that owning a pet lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, helps with depression, and reduces risks of dying from a heart attack or other diseases.
7. Avoid Red Meat, Eggs, & Whole Milk - Red meats, whole milk, and egg yolks are concentrated cholesterol foods. They should be avoided and replaced with some of the healthier foods that are low in cholesterol. Some examples can be found below.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Stock up on foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids raise HDL and lower LDL cholestrol levels. Some good sources include salmon and herring fish, walnuts and almonds, dried cloves, and flaxseed oil. Many of these foods also contain antioxidants and vitamins.
9. Try Oat Bran & Brown Rice Bran - Both oat bran and brown rice bran contain high levels of soluble fibre, for example porage oats. Soluble Fiber binds fats and absorbs cholesterol.
10. Blueberries, Garlic, & Apples - These three foods are tasty and can be easily combined with many other foods in home-made recipes. Garlic and Blueberries lower both blood pressure and cholesterol when combined with the other activities we have included. The fiber pectin in apples decrease the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver, mainly by reducing the initial uptake of fats from food eaten in a meal. Using these ingredients in your meals can make a healthy impact on your cholesterol.
Liquorice
08/03/09 15:54 Naturopathic
Liquorice contains substances called glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid. These are similar in structure to the natural steroids produced in our body.
Chinese herbal medicine has been using this herb extensively for thousands of years.
It has been found that the active components of liquorice are highly effective in treating individuals suffering from many conditions including auto-immune diseases, gastric ulcers, viral infections, allergic disorders, herpes and asthma.
As with any supplementation it is important to consult your practitioner prior to taking them, as there can be cautions in certain individuals that need to be taken into consideration.
Chinese herbal medicine has been using this herb extensively for thousands of years.
It has been found that the active components of liquorice are highly effective in treating individuals suffering from many conditions including auto-immune diseases, gastric ulcers, viral infections, allergic disorders, herpes and asthma.
As with any supplementation it is important to consult your practitioner prior to taking them, as there can be cautions in certain individuals that need to be taken into consideration.