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Comprehensive medical treatments
for patients with chronic back pain are frequently indicated.
Increasingly, alternative medical methods are being employed.
Fifty percent (50%) of all patients in the United States use
alternative medicine (survey, Archives of Family Medicine). Annually,
US visits to alternative medical providers are 425 million compared
to 338 million visits to primary care physicians (N.E. Journal
of Medicine, David Eisenberg, MD). Acupuncture and herbal treatments
are some of the most popular and effective methods used. Several
of these are discussed here.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of pain
relief using the insertion of small needles at precise points
on the body. In medical acupuncture, points are chosen that frequently
correspond to standard medical/anatomical locations. Highly skilled
medical acupuncturists use locations to treat nerve roots in
the cervical and lumbar spine in a manner similar to an epidural
injection. One advantage of this technique includes no side effects
from medication, as no medication is used. The needles are of a
much finer gauge and therefore less traumatic than standard epidural
injection needles.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbal medicine is used by 80%
of the world's population. People in the US are increasingly
accepting it. In fact, it is now a 3.87 billion dollar industry
in this country. It is growing at the rate of 25-50% each year.
In Germany, since 1974, Commission E, a division of the German
Federal Health Agency, has had the responsibility of reviewing
herbal medicines including chemical analysis, traditional usage
and scientific studies of toxicology, pharmacology and epidemiology.
In many countries, even where
rigorously tested pharmaceuticals are available, the costs of
such medicines are too prohibitive for many patients. Therefore,
the worldwide use of herbal medicines and vitamins and supplements
is not only commonplace, but continues to increase. Listed here
are a few herbs and supplements, which are indicated for back
and spinal problems.
Capsaicin (Cayenne pepper)
Research studies have indicated
that topical application of this herb will decrease the pain
associated with peripheral neuropathy and low backache. Neuropathy
is a degenerative condition affecting nerves that branch into
the body's extremities such as the hands and feet. Spinal nerve
injury can be one of the causes of this disorder. Capsaicin is
believed to act by depleting substance "P" which is
involved in the pain response. Initial application may cause
an increase in burning for several days. It must be applied 4-5
times a day. It can take several weeks to gain the full effect.
Glucosamine-Chondroitin Sulfates
These two substances have become
very popular in the treatment of degenerative arthritis. When
the articular cartilage of the joints of the body breaks down,
we begin to experience aching, cracking sounds and pain. Glucosamine
and chondroitin occur naturally healthy cartilage. Veterinarians
have successfully used these substances for years in the treatment
of horses and dogs.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are
natural food supplements. Toxicologists have determined them
to be safe. Studies have shown that the combination of 1000-2000
mg of glucosamine per day plus 800-1600 mg of chondroitin per
day, along with proper diet and regular exercise can be generally
effective in controlling the symptoms of arthritis. Fifteen European
and Asian studies have shown this treatment to be effective.
These studies were double-blinded and placebo controlled. American
medical journals have published and referenced this research.
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