American Chiropractors Directory and News

– Treating chronic back pain with an alternative to pills and surgery

Back pain is one of the most common reasons that people visit a doctor, or miss work. Back pain can be a dull, constant pain or a sudden, sharp, or shooting pain.

There are two types back pain: acute or short-term pain that lasts from a few days up to a couple of weeks. Self-care usually helps it resolve on its own in a few days and there is no permanent loss of function. Chronic back pain is defined as pain that persists for more than 12 weeks, even after the initial injury or underlying cause has been treated.

Dr Janice Simmonds-Fisher is the chief executive officer and founding director of Bio-Regeneration Integrated Medical Centre. She says chronic back pain can be debilitating and have a significant impact on a person’s life.

Back pain is chronic if it persists for three months or more. It can come and leave, bringing temporary relief followed by frustration. “Dealing with chronic back pain is especially difficult if you don’t know the cause,” said Dr Simmonds Fisher.

The conventional management of chronic back pain includes long-term pain medications, steroid injections and physical therapy. Surgery is also an option. Dr Simmonds Fisher indicated that traditional treatments like medication, physical therapy and surgery may not be effective at treating the underlying causes for chronic back pain.

She recommends Platelet Fibrin Therapy (PRF injections), a relatively new option that has shown promising outcomes in treating back pain.

“Platelet rich fibrin (PRF), injections are used to relieve pain and promote healing throughout the body. “PRF is a platelet concentrate derived from the blood of a patient, and is thought to have many benefits in terms of relieving pain and promoting recovery,” Dr Simmonds Fisher said.

She said that the main ones they target are structural abnormalities in the spine caused by back injuries, accidents, and ageing, which can result in arthritis, slipped disks, and pinched nervouss.

“There are repair factor in the blood which creates a scab if there is a cut or broken vessel, or damaged tissue.” We can activate these repair factors and place them in areas where healing is delayed to promote faster healing,” Dr Simmonds Fisher said.

“Sometimes, the area was not healing because of infection, scar tissues, poor blood circulation, bad diets, chronic illness and chronic inflammatory diseases.” She added that the repair factors would reduce scarring, improve blood flow and improve healing signals.

The PRF injections may offer many benefits to people who suffer from chronic pain. They are also an option for those who want to relieve pain and discomfort throughout the body.

It is important to remember that the effectiveness and safety of PRF injections can vary depending on each individual and the condition being treated. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional prior to starting any new treatment regimen.

“The procedure is not only revolutionary, but it also treats pain. It can stop degenerative processes that cannot be cured by any other treatment. Non-surgical treatments are available for patients who cannot use painkillers due to side effects. Braces and painkillers are not effective in relieving pain for a long time. Many patients can return active lifestyles with minimal downtime and low side effects, Dr Simmonds Fisher said.

The latest t Global Burden of Disease Study published at the end of 2012. has highlighted the immense global burden of low-back pain. Low back pain, which was previously ranked 105th out of 136 conditions in the previous study, is now the leading disability cause globally, ahead of over 290 other conditions.

ONE OF THE BENEFITS FROM PRF THERAPY FOR BACK PAIN IS:

* Long-lasting pain relief: Unlike other pain treatments, which may only provide temporary pain relief, PRF therapy can provide pain relief that lasts up to a full year. This is because the procedure targets both the cause and the symptoms of the pain.

* Non-invasive : PRF therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that does not require any surgery. The procedure can be performed in a doctor’s office or outpatient facility, and patients are usually able to go home that same day.

* Low risk. PRF therapy injections have a low risk and do not carry the same risks as surgery or long-term medication use. There is a very small risk of infection and bleeding, but it is rare.

* Improved mobility – Chronic back pain can severely limit a person’s ability to move around and perform daily tasks. By reducing inflammation and pain, PRF therapy injections help improve mobility. Patients can resume normal activities.

* Customisable Treatment: PRF therapy can be tailored to the needs of each patient. The treatment can be tailored for the specific area in the back that is causing pain, improving the effectiveness of treatment.

* Cost-effective – PRF therapy injections can be a cost-effective option for chronic back problems. The procedure is less costly than surgery and provides long-term pain relief. This reduces the need for further treatments.

BioRegeneration Integrated Medicine Centre specializes in Platelet Fibrin Therapy, using your own platelets. This treatment is performed locally by Dr Simmonds Fisher, who has pioneered the regenerative medicine field in Jamaica for more than a decade. It provides a life-improving therapy that enjoys a success rate of over 90% in our population.

BioRegeneration can be found at 15 Haining Road in Kingston. You can reach them at 876-552-2484. For any questions, email [email protected] or visit www.kingstonpainrelief.com.

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Lower back pain is any discomfort or pain in the lumbar spinal region, which is located between the ribs of the lower back and the pelvis. Pain can range in intensity from mild up to severe. It may be caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, herniated disks, poor posture and other illnesses.

Lower back pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. It can be acute, lasting a short time, or chronic, lasting longer than three months. People with lower back pain can find relief through medication, physical therapy or exercise depending on the severity and underlying cause of the problem. [1]

Lower back pain causes

There are different types of lower back pain depending on the symptoms and causes. Below are some common causes of lower-back pain:

• Mechanical lower-back pain: The commonest type of lower-back pain is caused by a strain or injury in the muscles, ligaments, or joints of the lower spine. This causes localized pain that gets worse when you move.

• Lower Back Pain: This form of lower back discomfort is caused by the compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the lower spine. The pain can be intense and may even go down to the leg. Sciatica is a different name for it.

• Referred Lower Back Pain: This lower back pain is caused by other parts of the body such as the hip, pelvis or abdomen. It can be difficult to identify the discomfort because it may be dull or achy.

• Wear-and-tear of the spine:Lower Back Pain that is Degenerative is caused by the wear-and tear of your spine, such arthritis or a herniated disk. The discomfort may be persistent and worsen over time.

• Injury or strain: Lower-back pain that is sudden and usually caused by an injury or a strain is called acute lower-back pain. Even though the pain may be intense, it usually subsides in a few weeks or days. [2]

• Chronic Pain: Lower Back Pain that is chronic can last longer than three months. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including underlying medical conditions or degenerative diseases.

Consult a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause of your lower back pain. They can then create a treatment plan that is suitable for you.

How to relieve lower back discomfort

Here are some tips to help you relieve lower back pain.

Take over-the counter pain relievers

Over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or naproxen, which reduce inflammation and discomfort, can help to treat lower back pain. It is important to follow the dosage recommendations on the label. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have about the dosage. Overusing painkillers may have negative side effects, and may not treat the underlying cause for your lower back pain.

Use heat and ice therapy

Heat treatment can be very effective if you suffer from chronic or persistent lower back pain. It works by improving the blood flow and relaxing the muscles. You can use a heating mat, a hot-water bottle, or heated bath to apply heat treatment. Heat therapy should be used for no longer than 20 minutes to avoid burning the skin.

Ice treatment can relieve lower back pain that has an abrupt or rapid onset. Use frozen vegetables, ice packs, or ice wrapped in a towel to relieve discomfort. Apply for no more than 20 minutes at a given time.

Stretching

Regular stretching and exercises can help reduce lower back pain by improving the flexibility, strength and mobility of the back. [3] Start with easy exercises and stretches, and then increase the intensity as you get stronger and more flexible.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise or stretching program. This is especially true if you have had lower back pain or an accident in the past.

Maintain good posture

Good posture can help ease lower back pain by reducing the strain on the muscles, ligaments and vertebrae in the lower spine. Poor posture can cause your lower spine to curve excessively. This puts additional strain on your muscles, discs and vertebrae. This can cause lower back pain and stiffness.

Proper posture allows your lower back muscles to work more efficiently and with less effort by distributing your weight evenly. Good posture not only keeps your spine in neutral alignment but also reduces the risk of spinal misalignment, and back pain.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic treatments can effectively treat lower back discomfort. Chiropractic doctors are medical experts who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment musculoskeletal disorders, including lower back pain.

Chiropractic treatment for lower back discomfort may include spinal adjustments, which are gentle manipulations of vertebrae that can realign them, increase joint mobility and reduce pain and swelling. Chiropractors may recommend alternative treatments such as massage, stretches and exercise to treat lower back pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical practice, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific body sites. Acupuncture is believed to ease pain by activating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Acupuncture can be used to treat lower back pain. Acupuncture, it is said, increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and releases endorphins that act as natural pain relievers.

In studies, acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for persistent lower-back pain. In one study, people who received acupuncture to treat lower back pain reported greater improvement in pain and functional ability than those who received conventional medical treatment.

Herbal remedies

Herbal treatments can relieve pain and inflammation by numbing this area. Many herbal medicines contain anti-inflammatory components that can reduce swelling and discomfort of the muscles and joints in the lower back. Some plants, such as white willow and devil’s paw, contain chemicals similar to aspirin that can reduce pain and inflammation.

Some herbs, such as ginger and turmeric, contain substances that can help boost circulation and promote healing in the affected area. [4] Lower-back discomfort and stiffness can be reduced as a result.

It is important to remember that herbal therapies are not for everyone. It’s important to consult a doctor before using any herbal remedies. They may interact with other prescriptions, or have unwanted side effects. Herbal medicine should be used in conjunction with other treatments prescribed by a doctor, including dietary changes, physical activity and other therapies.

Stretching

Stretching can help to reduce lower back pain. These stretches may be helpful to you:

Stretching from the knee to the chest

Steps:

• On a soft surface such as a yoga mat, carpeted flooring, or a mat, lie on your stomach.
• Bend both knees and place your feet on the ground.
• As you exhale, bring your knee up to your chest.
• Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds.
• Extend the opposite leg after releasing the first leg.
• Repeat the stretch on each side two to three more times.
• As you become more familiar with the stretch, try bringing both knees up to your chest at once.

Cat-cow Stretch

Steps:

• Place your wrists and knees under the hips, starting from a kneeling stance.
• Take a deep inhale as you lower your belly down to the floor, arch your back and raise your head and tailbone up to the ceiling. The cow stance should be as shown.
• Exhale while curving the spine, bringing your stomach button up into your back, and tucking in your chin to your chest. The cat stance should be as shown.
• Continue to move with your breath between the cow and cat. Inhale for the cow pose and exhale for the cat position.
• Repeat this as many times as you feel comfortable, for 5 to 10 deep breaths.
• You can also alternate between the cow and cat positions, incorporating a mild hip movement.

Child pose

Steps:

• Place your knees and wrists underneath your hips, starting from a kneeling position.
• Bring your hips toward your heels while keeping your arms in front of you.
• If you find it more comfortable, place the block or cushion beneath your forehead.
• Take a few deep breathes and let your chest fall toward the floor. As you do this, you should feel a slight stretch in your thighs and lower back.
• Hold the stretch as long as you feel comfortable, between 30 to 1 minute.
• To exit the pose, slowly roll up into a sitting position.

Piriformis stretch

Steps:

• On a soft surface such as a yoga mat, carpeted flooring, or a soft floor, lie flat on your back.
• Bend both knees and place your feet on the ground.
• As you cross one knee over the other, your ankle should be just above the other.
• Stretch your buttocks and outer hips of the crossed leg using your hands. Gently draw the uncrossed foot towards your chest.
• Repeat the stretch on the opposite leg.
• Repeat the stretch on each side two to three more times.
• You can deepen the stretch by bringing the uncrossed knee closer to your chest and gently pressing the crossed knee with your hand.

Hamstring stretch

Steps:

• On a soft surface such as a yoga mat, carpeted flooring, or a yoga mat, lie on your stomach.
• Keep your foot flat while bending your knee.
• Wrap the ball of the other foot with a cloth or a strap.
• Slowly straighten your leg towards the ceiling by gently pulling your foot towards your head using the strap.
• Keep your other leg at an angle that is comfortable and your lower back on the floor.
• Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds to feel a stretch in the back of the leg and calf.
• After releasing the strap, stretch the opposite leg.
• Repeat the stretch on each side two to three more times.
• Try extending your foot towards your head while holding the strap. This will make the stretch deeper.

[1] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007425.htm

[2] https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/what-helps-with-lower-back-pain

[3] https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/movement-exercise/stretches-lower-back-pain

[4] https://www.spine-health.com/blog/7-ways-relieve-back-pain-naturally

– 4 Natural Back Pain Reliefs, Science Says

Back pain can make it difficult to enjoy the spring. About 39 percent of US adults suffer from back pain. This likelihood increases for women over 65. A scientific review of 35 studies reveals that non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Tylenol may not provide the relief we had hoped for. They can cause stomach ulcers and “leaky-gut” – a condition where toxins from the intestines spread into the bloodstream, causing fatigue, weight gain, and tiredness. The natural remedies below may help relieve pain.

Note: Many conditions can cause back pain. From muscle and ligament strains to arthritis, to a ruptured or bulging disc. Visit your doctor to ensure that your back pain isn’t caused by a serious problem.

Best Drink: Sweet Ginger Tea

Ginger tea sweetened with honey can help reduce back pain. According to doctors from the Spine Clinic of Leicester, England, ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may help relieve persistent aches and discomforts. The reason? Plant compounds in Ginger may inhibit prostaglandins or hormone-like molecules which help drive inflammation in areas of damage to the body. (Prostaglandins can be an important part of your immune system, and can help heal injury, but they can also cause chronic pain if they’re in overdrive.)

A 2014 study also found that honey 1) reduced painful inflammation and 2) stimulated receptors in nerve cells that reduce pain signals in animals.

Best Body Movement: A Foot Massage

The Journal of Medical and Dental Science published a study that found evidence that a foot reflexotherapy can relieve low back pain. The study involved 14 patients who rated their low back pain on a scale of 1-10 before and after receiving foot reflexotherapy, a type of massage. The average score prior to the massage was 8.12. After the massage? The drop was 4.34.

Why might a foot massaging help? The authors of the study explain that the technique involves applying pressure to certain points on the feet that stimulates the parasympathetic nerve system ,a part of the nervous that calms down pain signals. Follow along with this 10-minute Foot Massage Reflexology video tutorial for an easy how-to.

Feel too tired to reach your feet right now with your hands? Instead, roll a tennis or wine cork under the soles of your foot. Try a foot massager.

The Best Topical Treatment is a Heat Wrap

Heat can help reduce chronic pain. In a study conducted by Johns Hopkins researchers in 2005, participants who wore heated patches on their backs for three consecutive days and eight hours each day experienced significant pain relief compared to those that did not wear the patches.

Why is a heat patch a useful at-home treatment? The authors of the study noted that heat increases healing blood flow in sore tissues. Plus, it eases muscle spasms and activates thermoreceptors — temperature-sensitive structures on nerve endings that block pain signals. We recommend ThermaCare Advanced Back Pain Therapy heatwraps, which are available at CVS for $8.49. These were used in a 2005 study.

Best Supplement: An Herbal Trio

Combining curcumin with black sesame and boswelia oil may help reduce back pain. In a study from 2020, scientists found that 66 percent of people who took 1,000 milligrams of the combination experienced complete pain relief within six hours. It is believed that compounds like curcumonoids , sesamin , and boswellic acids , may reduce inflammation and inhibit pain-triggering enzymes. Try Terry Naturally CuraMed Pain Relief (Buy at Vitacost for $41.56).

Note: Consult your healthcare provider prior to supplementation.

This content does not replace professional medical advice or diagnoses. Consult your doctor before beginning any treatment plan.

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This article was originally published in Woman’s World, our print magazine.