Wellness: A new look at back pain, ADHD and other problems
Dr Arien van der Merwe, medical doctor with extensive experience in natural medicine, offers some advice on solving back problems the non-conventional way. Relaxation and visualisation techniques, and correct supplementation can go a long way to help.
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Conventional medicine offers few solutions for back problems: painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, in some cases corticosteroids, physiotherapy, a few exercises and then the only answer is major surgery such as spinal fusion, with a success rate of 50-60 %.
It is essential for conventional doctors and complementary health care providers to work together to the benefit of all parties, especially with the ailing and unhealthy state humankind is in today. Back problems are good examples of the many health problems where different therapeutic disciplines can support one another and work together to ensure optimal health and wellbeing.
The following measures have solved many patients’ lower back problems:
The awareness and recognition that stress plays a major role in any back problem. Financial, safety, security and relationship issues will manifest in the first and second chakras, (also known as electromagnetic fields), correlating with the adrenal and sexual glands in the body. These chakras have to do with our sense of security and our relationships in the physical world and are situated in the coccyx and lower back area.
Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and meditation, as well as specific gentle yoga and Pilates exercises are very helpful in managing chronic back pain. Inactivity is the cause of most of the disability associated with lower back problems. Get moving as quickly as possible!
Visualisation techniques in which you can imagine yourself dancing or jumping, and at other times in a peaceful country scene, reinforce the message of healing and balance. Once the period of denial and suppression of negative emotions has passed, the healing process can begin.
I recommend a diet consisting of lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, with nuts, seeds, wholegrain products and fish, to alleviate the chronic constipation often associated with the nerve compression and inactivity of lower back pain.
The following Ayurvedic recipe (and grandma's!) works well for severe constipation: 1 tablespoon of castor oil before bedtime in a quarter of a glass of hot water containing a pinch of ginger and a few drops of lemon juice (it also takes away the oily taste). Drink this for one or two evenings and then again after a week. You should not do this more than once a month.
Supplementation
Correct supplements to restore the functioning of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems included the following:
Calcium, magnesium, vitamins D and C, B-complex, potassium, zinc, copper, boron, silica and manganese.
Essential fatty acids (gamma linolenic, eicosapentanoic and docosahexanoic acids in the form of evening primrose oil capsules (2 000 mg a day) and salmon oil capsules (1 200 mg a day).
Antioxidants with vitamins A, E and C as well as selenium and the herbs cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa), Pycnogenol, ginger, turmeric, white willow bark, kava kava and pineapple extract with bromelain. Ginger, turmeric, bromelain and white willow bark are also natural anti-inflammatories and pain killers. Glucosamine and chondroitin will also help in the recovery process.
Improve your muscle spasma
Deep therapeutic back massage, reflexology and chiropractic, acupuncture and ultrasound therapy by a qualified physiotherapist, a therapeutic masseuse and a careful, gentle chiropractor will improve the muscle spasm and the misaligned vertebrae.
Chiropractic eases the vertebrae back into position through corrective manipulation. Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, pine and camomile can be used in a grape or almond seed carrier oil when massaging. Add them to your bathwater to promote relaxation of the muscles and generally help you to unwind.
The correct exercises for the tummy muscles, upper thighs and buttocks gradually strengthen and balance the back muscles to improve support of the vertebrae. Walking regularly is also excellent.
Chronic lower back problems mean you will probably always have to be careful. Even after months of regular exercise, correct eating and stress management, it is easy to forget your good habits - in as little as two weeks! Lifestyle adaptations are obviously essential, but it is not easy to change habits and make them a permanent part of your life. Be patient and keep at it!
For more information, consult the book 'Health & Happiness' (Tafelberg Publishers 2000) and the CD-Rom 'Choose Wellness' both by Dr Arien van der Merwe.
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