If the Symptom Can't Come From the Diagnostic Finding, Don't Get the Surgery

I feel I must comment to people about the fact that surgeries are being recommended for structures showing up as positive findings on tests like x-rays or MRIs but can not possibly create the pain that the peson is experiencing. This is a very scary trend. Since the lay person has no capacity to know if the diagnostic test positive finding such has a herniated disc, arthritis, stenosis, meniscal or rotator cuff tear is capable of creating the pain they are experiencing where they are experiencing it, they have only faith to cling to to hope that an unnecessary surgery is not being performed. Two examples of this horror can be seen here.

A gentleman I just met told me that he had a total hip replacement on the left side due to pain he was experiencing. He told me an x-ray indicated he was bone as bone as defined by his physician. 5 months since that surgery he is now getting pain at the right side and is told he now needs a total hip replacement at the right hip. I asked him where the pain is on the right side and he pointed to his gluteal region or buttock. Folks, it is critical that you recognize that that is not your hip joint. The hip joint is where the femur or thigh bone enters the pelvis. To find this point, put your hands on the top of your waist. This is the top of your pelvis. Now lower your hands down your side from the waist. You will feel a depression until you reach a round bone sticking out. That is the hip joint. For most people, they would never guess that is where their hip joint is located.

If the physician told you that you were bone on bone in your hip, this is the location where you should have pain. I asked this guy if the place where he had pain at the right side was the same as the left side and he said yes. So he ends up getting a total hip replacement due to pain at the gluteal region which could never come from bone on bone at the hip joint. Now either the physician is completely inept in differentiating the cause of symptoms or he maliciously performed a joint replacement he fully knew was unnecessary. And is now convincing this defenseless fellow to get another unnecessary hip replacement on the right side for a symptom that could never come from being bone on bone at the hip joint.

I explained this point to this guy and he was shocked to hear that his symptoms could never come from the hip and therefore most likely had an unnecessary surgery and was being recommended another unnecessary surgery. He is expected to come for therapy at my office where I will identify the true cause of this gluteal region pain and resolve it. I am saddened that he got unnecessary hip replacement but at least I can stop him from getting another one.

In another case, I woman had a fracture ankle and months later ended up with pain at the bottom of her foot. The physician tried to convince her that the pain under her foot was due to a torn ligament at the ankle that had not healed and that an orthotic should be tried and if this failed, possible ankle fusion would be necessary.

Luckily for this woman, here boss was coming for therapy at my facility and recommended she come to me. I immediately diagnosed her pain as plantar fasciitis coming from a strained hip muscle which was altering her weight bearing through the foot creating irritation of the plantar fascia. To think that this woman could have ended up with an ankle fusion for no reason is chilling.

Whether it is knee pain around the knee cap coming from a meniscal tear which can never create pain around the knee cap, gluteal region pain being caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar region which has no nerve pathway to the gluteal region or numbness in the whole hand coming from carpal tunnel syndrome which can only possibly affect the first three fingers, diagnoses of causes of symptoms that can never create the symptom is rampid. The medical establishment simply uses a diagnostic test and gets positive findings and presto, they have a diagnosis. If the diagnosis can't possibly create the symptom, it appears that is not important. As long as they seem to have something to treat, they are very happy. Unfortunately for the layperson, they are 100% defenseless to know the difference. And every bit of evidence is showing that surgery is being performed and pain is not being resolved. It should be obvious that this result indicates that surgery is not being performed on the true cause of symptoms.

Studies showing the results of surgeries performed to resolve knee pain due to osteoarthritis and back pain due to vertebral fractures as defined by the medical establishment via x-rays and MRIs as the cause of these symptoms showed absolutely no decrease in pain whether the actual surgery or a mock surgery was performed. These findings are eye opening and should put a halt to surgery until these findings can be investigated.

Even one unnecessary surgery is one to many. Don't become a statistic. Understand what your symptoms are and what the potential cause of these symptoms can be. You must take responsibility for your health. Getting a surgery must become as much your decision as the physician's decision. If they are not willing to attempt to correlate your symptoms to a legitimate cause, you had better.

Is It Whiplash?

You've been in a fender bender that didn't seem that bad at the time. You dealt with the other driver, the traffic cop and the insurance company that day. Maybe you even drove home. But today, you feel terrible! What happened? While severe neck pain is sometimes considered the tell-tale sign of a whiplash injury, there is a wide variety of other symptoms including headaches, fatigue, upper back and shoulder pain, cognitive changes and low back pain. There are so many factors that contribute to a whiplash injury such as direction of impact, speed of the vehicles involved, as well as sex, age and physical condition, that each person's combination of symptoms is unique. That is why it is vital to take a holistic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of whiplash injuries. Holistic doctors of chiropractic treat victims of traffic accidents on a regular basis. We understand the complex nature of whiplash injuries and know many ways to help your body recover from them.

Many different parts of your body may hurt or feel numb and tingly besides your neck. That is because whiplash involves damage to the vertebrae, nerves, discs, muscles, and ligaments of your neck and spine. Your spine contains your spinal chord which connects your brain to most of the nerves in your body. These nerves pass between vertebrae on their way to your arms, legs and other parts of your body. When spinal injury occurs, the gaps between certain vertebrae can become too small. This pinches the nerves, causing pain, numbness and/or weakness in other parts of your body. The tendons that surround the neck and spine are also full of nerves which can be damaged during whiplash trauma. This is why holistic doctors are committed to the long-term care of each whiplash injury sufferer. They know how to treat the long-term affects that whiplash injuries have throughout the body.

Even if the wreck happened weeks or months ago, you may begin to feel pain in many places. Whiplash symptoms are often not obvious on the day of the accident. In fact, very often, they are not felt until the next day. Sometimes, it takes weeks or even months for all the injuries that resulted from the whiplash trauma to become obvious to you. The techniques that holistic doctors of chiropractic use in examinations often help them find problems that you may not feel symptoms from yet.

Learn more about the affects of whiplash injuries and how Dr. David B. Cohen, D.C. can help you recover from them at http://drcohenonline.com.

Lupus: It's Not Just All In Your Head - Solving The Riddle That Has Befuddled Millions

My aunt was always plagued with joint pain. Whether it was her hands, her knees or her hip, the pain just never seemed to go away. Doctors and specialists could not figure out what medical condition that she could possibly be suffering from. It was horrible watching her suffer from joint pain without any relief day after day. It seemed almost impossible to diagnose her condition and without a proper diagnosis it was impossible for her to receive the proper treatment! Little did we know that the identity of her medical condition is a systemic autoimmune disease that is prone to occur nine times more often in women than men called Lupus.

My aunt was constantly in pain all over with an "unknown" disease ever since I could remember.Lupus is also known as the great imitator due to its ability to imitate other medical conditions. This is due to the various symptoms it can show which make the medical condition even more challenging to figure out for its patients. Basically for the medical condition Lupus, the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissues which then results in inflammation all over the body particularly within the joints. There are numerous other side effects and my aunt suffered from them not knowing the exact medical disease she had.

Although I have never experienced it myself, the pain that plagued my aunt was heartbreaking to watch. Lupus has periods of illnesses that occur without warning. Basically all the symptoms just flare up for no reason. My aunt would be fine one day and then too sick to leave her bed for the next day. I would watch her wither in pain without the ability to get up or partake in any activity. The disease took a huge toll in her life and it hindered her from doing all the things that she loved like baking, gardening and even teaching. She often compared it to me as if her whole body was being torn apart and she could feel pins and needles piercing through to the core of her body.

Although Lupus is treatable through addressing the pain and symptoms that appears, there is absolutely no cure yet. Even though this is the case, I still wish that my aunt's medical condition could have been diagnosed earlier so she could have enjoyed the benefits of the treatments earlier instead of having to suffer all those years.

Joint pain all over the body or targeted areas only is the number one symptom of Lupus but that's not all. Victims of Lupus often find that they will begin developing rashes and have dermatological problems. In addition, haematological symptoms like anaemia, pulmonary and cardiac symptoms like endocarditis or pulmonary haemorrhage or neurological symptoms like cognitive dysfunction are prone to develop in patients suffering from Lupus. The numerous amounts of symptoms that are caused by Lupus only makes the experience that much more painful, troublesome and tough to diagnose.

My aunt had most of the symptoms that I described and was suffering from more medical conditions than just joint pain. After running numerous tests and examinations and finally diagnosing her medical condition, she finally received the type of treatment that was necessary for her to find relief. Although she still has Lupus today, by diagnosing the symptoms of the illness she is able to better her life by easing the pain. She is no longer hindered as much as before and I can watch her enjoy all of the daily activities she once did which bring me back to the reason of why it is crucial to be able to be diagnosed with the proper medical condition in order to receive the relief necessary.

How to Tell If You Have a Torn Rotator Cuff

A rotator cuff is an important part of the mechanics of the human body. When a person raises up their arm straight out, up, or in, along with flexing the elbow, it is shoulder related. This is because there are a group of tendons and muscles that make this happen. When this area is torn or damaged, it will no longer work properly, or at least it won't work without pain.

Shoulder injuries can be somewhat bothersome or can be extremely painful. The reason is because of a bone spur. When the tendon rubs it for a while, it will tear. A person may only be bothered when trying to sleep at night and it feels like something is stuck or is painful lying on it although I have found that the pain with pressure comes after it gets worse, not in the beginning.

Depending on the size of the tear of the rotator cuff, exercise and therapy is almost always required for recovery. Rest, Ice, Cortisone Injections and massage might also be used. If the tear is large, surgery will be needed along with physical therapy. It takes a really long time to heal from shoulder surgery so you'll want to avoid it if it's at all possible.

If a person has a torn rotator cuff and does not do anything at all to treat the problem, then eventually with time the shoulder will deteriorate. There will be weakness in the arm. Eventually you will see a loss of muscle in the shoulder and will have the inability to do many basic things, some as simple as combing your hair.

The causes of a torn rotator cuff besides bone spurs can be an accident, a person becoming older, and a bone disease-because of tiny bone fractures, diseases, and other causes. The real truth is that in any given time and place, almost anything can cause a rotator cuff tear.

If anything just does not feel normal in the upper arm area or shoulder, or even both when you need to reach high for something or lift something, it's advisable to get it checked by a doctor. Some people will hear a popping sound in their shoulder, feel pain, or loose strength. All of these are signs that something is wrong.

The good news is that most torn rotator cuffs can be repaired with exercise and therapy as long as you start treatment early. Letting it go, will only make things more difficult.

Microwave Slippers

HotSlippers

For those cold winter days and nights or for curling up with a good book or perhaps in front of the television to watch your favorite show or movie, HotSlippers are the perfect choice for warming your feet. These slippers are great for even spending the day around the house and are microwavable which creates the warmth. The slippers are easy enough to use, just put them in the microwave for ninety seconds to two minutes. They will provide warmth and a soothing comfort to your feet.

These HotSlippers are wonderful for ridding one of pain or aches due to putting in a hard day of work. These slippers are filled with wheat grains, which help to hold in the heat, and lavender is infused into them to provide a great smelling fragrance. The materials these slippers are made from are a pile faux fur that is of excellent quality and will provide your feet with even more warmth.

HotSlippers come in a variety of assorted colors such as red, lilac, brown, hot pink, beige, aqua, and cream. They come in a size that will fit most people's feet; their sizes range in adult sizes three through seven. These slippers will feel like a total luxury to your feet and are great not only for yourself but make a great gift as well for anyone who wants to keep their feet warm. They are perfect for a day of relaxation and to unwind with but are only able to be worn indoors.

These slippers are perfect for any adult and are ideal as a gift especially for those who want warm feet and love the scent of French lavender that is added into the slippers. Or for anyone who wants a slipper that is made of good quality materials that are super soft and comfortable to wear.

They are manufactured from a company in the United Kingdom that restocks their products daily and have other products available as well such as cute novelty slippers that appeal to children. So whatever the reason may be whether it is to relax and pamper your feet with a feeling of luxury or to soothe away your aches and pains from overworked feet from a long day on the job; these slippers will make a great purchase.

Shoulder Pain - Causes and Treatment

Shoulder Pain can be caused by a wide range of injuries or conditions. The shoulder joint itself is an extremely mobile joint with very low stability, leaving it open to injuries such as dislocations. The shoulder girdle (the joint itself, plus the AC joint, Scapula and surrounding muscles/ligaments/tendons) is also heavily involved in upper back and neck posture and so postural problems and muscle imbalances are also common shoulder issues.

In general, shoulder injuries can be divided into two categories:
Acute (traumatic) injuriesOveruse/postural injuries

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are those that occur as a result of a sudden force or movement at the joint. The individual will usually know exactly when the injury happened and can often describe the event. They often describe a sudden pain and sometimes a clicking or popping sensation.

Acute injuries may include:
Shoulder dislocationsAC joint injuriesRotator cuff tearsGlenoid labrum injuriesClavicle fractures

Treatment of an acute injury should involve immediate rest and the application of cold therapy, in the form of an ice pack or wrap. Taking the weight of the arm off the shoulder using a sling may also be recommended. Medical attention should then be sought to determine the nature of the injury and the appropriate course of treatment.

Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries are those where shoulder pain develops over a period of time, gradually becoming worse until the individual seeks medical attention. They usually cannot pin-point a specific incident which caused the pain and quite often the pain is not easy to pin-point, with no specific tender area. Overuse injuries are usually related to either poor posture or poor sporting technique (or any other activity), or both!

Common overuse injuries include:
Impingement syndromesRotator cuff tendinopathyBursitis

Treatment of an overuse injury is often more difficult than an acute injury. Initially the aggravating activity should be ceased to allow the tissues involve to rest. Soft tissue treatments and electrotherapy may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as breaking down scar tissue and increasing muscle flexibility.

Once pain and inflammation have subsided, an exercise rehabilitation programme is usually implemented to address any postural problems and muscle imbalances which may have contributed to the injury. Other factors such as poor technique, training errors and unsuitable equipment should also be corrected.

Radiating Pain Due To Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) generally affects woman more than it would men. It occurs most often in the 35 to 55 age group. Thoracic outlet syndrome has to be differentiated from other conditions that may simulate the symptoms found in this condition. Thoracic outlet syndrome can be attributed to two different categories, neurogenic or vascular. Neurogenic, possibly the most prevalent is due to entrapment of nerves and can be due to various causes. The vascular type is due to obstruction of blood vessels emanating in the neck, shoulder, armpit (axilla), and upper arm.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) can be due to a congenital condition or a trauma to the neck or shoulder. A trauma such as a whiplash injury sustained in an automobile accident or a severe fall, or an injury sustained in contact sports can be such a causative factor. Any such trauma can affect the cervical spine or muscles, tendons and ligaments in the neck and shoulder. Any individual displaying neurogenic (nerve) or vascular (circulatory) symptoms should consult a Chiropractor or Physician for a comprehensive examination. His/her examination will include various orthopedic tests, x-rays, and possibly an MRI if indicated. There may also be other tests, such as an EMG to evaluate the normal function of the nerves.

The nerves that will be affected are the 8th cervical (C8) to the 1st thoracic (T1) found in the base of the neck and the spine, between the shoulder blades (scapulae). The nerves can be compressed or tractioned (pulled) at several sites, due to a variety of reasons. A congenital condition such as "cervical ribs" may be causing pressure on nerves or blood vessels. A cervical rib is an enlargement, or an overgrowth of the transverse processes of the 7th cervical vertebra or 1st thoracic vertebra. If the cervical rib is abnormally enlarged, surgical intervention may be necessary. If the patient can obtain relief with other treatment methods, that of course would be the best course to adopt.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) will present such symptoms as pain, numbness and tingling (neurasthenia) in the neck, with pain, numbness and tingling radiating into the armpit (axilla), upper arm, forearm and hand. The fingers are also involved and usually affect the 4th and 5th, or the 1st and 3rd fingers. As the condition progresses there will develop a weakness in the arm and hand. Further progression will cause atrophy of the muscles and a greater weakness, interfering with the normal use of the arm, hand and fingers.

Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) will affect the blood vessels in the neck, shoulder, armpit, arm, forearm and hand. The vessels that are usually affected are the subclavian or the brachial plexus. Any compression of these vessels, whether due to bone, muscle, inflammation, or scar tissue will cause an impairment of the circulation. The vascular changes will be most apparent in the hand. There will be loss of circulation causing a blanching (cyanosis) and swelling. Severe cases can cause a condition known as "Raynaud's phenomenom. Raynaud's phenomenom generally causes a burning sensation in the hand. The blanching occurs intermittently and is usually triggered by cold. Usually Raynaud's is secondary to thoracic outlet syndrome. If left untreated a rare result may occur that will result in a distal gangrene.

On rare occasions, another class of symptoms may occur. When the subclavian artery is blocked near the origin of the vertebral artery, there can occur a reverse blood flow to the brain causing cerebrovascular symptoms. This is not the usual thoracic outlet syndrome we are discussing at this time. This is another condition that is due to the correlation of pressure on the subclavian artery.

Thoracic outlet syndrome, like any other condition that affects the nerves, muscles and blood vessels, needs to be treated as soon as symptoms become apparent. Visiting their Chiropractor or physician as stated earlier in this article, should be their first order of business. In most instances the Chiropractor is best suited to treat the nerve impingement that is certainly present. He/she will find the cause of impingement and treat the patient to remove the causative factor. He/she will also treat the patient with adjunctive therapies, such as, electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound, trigger point massage therapy and diathermy,

The patient will generally respond well to this therapy and Chiropractic treatment. However, it is up to the patient to help in their treatment. With home healthcare, they will speed their recovery while alleviating the pain that will be ongoing as they receive treatment from their Chiropractor or their Physician. Using a good analgesic gel can relieve pain and muscle spasms. The use of a vibrator that has hot or cold can add to therapy adjuncts and. can be very soothing. The alternate use of hot and cold in conjunction with the vibration will also be beneficial in increasing circulation and removing toxins from the muscles. It will also relieve the spasms that may be present. Maintaining an exercise program, will prevent muscle atrophy, keeping the muscles strong and flexible.

Taking charge from the very onset of this condition will help the individual to attain the relief from pain and disability that will return them to a happier, pain-free existence. The homecare can be the most defining factor in obtaining a speedy recovery, or for not, allowing this condition to progress to a point where there will be ongoing pain and muscle atrophy. Should it reach that stage, normal life will not be the same. Everyday activities, such as household chores, work, and sports will not be part of the normal daily activities, and enjoying life will not be possible to the fullest extent that it can be.