Spinal Fusion?

This morning I've been surfing sites on the spine and fusion, and came across an alternative offered for spinal fusion! My own spine had to be fused from the thoracic area down, and this creates inflexibility and discomfort. My daughter worked with a woman whose fusion was failing repeatedly after her scoliosis surgery, and she was in misery. She was having to undergo follow up surgery to try to correct it. I do not know if it ever did prove successful.

The procedure written of on the site I am looking at is arthroscopic laser surgery. It's minimally invasive and the patient walks out the same day. It appears they treat degenerative disc disease (one of the conditions I had), bulging or herniated discs. I'm interested whether any of you have had this procedure or know someone who has? If so, please share your experience here and I'd like to print your story for others.

You can read more about this procedure here:

http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/spinal_orthopedic_procedures/spinal_fusion/

Chiropractic and Scoliosis

My niece has been having her scoliosis curve treated by a chiropractor for several years. The chiropractors seem to have done a good job at keeping her curve in check. However, I have unable to find any long-term studies done on chiropractic and the treatment of scoliosis. I’d like to share the facts I have found out about this topic, though.

It is highly recommended that a child with scoliosis see an orthopedist, even if they are going to visit a chiropractor. There is anecdotal evidence, such as my niece’s, indicating chiropractic can be effective in treating scoliosis, but there is no reliable long-term scientific study available, which gives one pause.

When a chiropractor does treat scoliosis, they usually do so with a combination of techniques. These include exercise, spinal manipulation, shoe lifts, stretching, massage, electro stimulation and sometimes limited traction, or “weighting.” There is usually a lot of postural therapy done. Home exercise programs seem to be crucial. Commonly used are isometric and Pilates methods of exercise.

I’m interested in hearing from those who have had chiropractic treatment for their scoliosis. I have asked my niece to send a brief summary of her treatment. But she is a busy young lady!

NASTY COLDS! FLAXSEED OIL REPORT! GEM THERAPY!

My folks and I are all recovering from terrible colds that we had. We're all much better, but I didn't know there could be so much, um -- material in the human head. Well yes, I knew from the last sinus infection, but it has been awhile.

The flaxseed oil has proved wonderful for me, along with the calcium & magnesium. I urge everyone with chronic pain problems to at least try it!

I studied some more about gem therapy but have yet to really try it. I have posted waiting for feedback at my discussion group myLot, and I'll come back and report on what people say. Here is just a little information that I gleaned from how gems are used in therapy:

Methodologies:

1. Wearing Gems:

The warding off of demons or bad auras by wearing of crystals and stones was a common practice in ancient societies throughout the Eastern world. The practice extended into the western world with the shamans, although there are variations in belief as to which gems held which powers.

In modern times, the common belief is that you must wear pure and not synthesized gems in order for their healing power to take hold. Also to this end they need to be kept pristinely clean. They should be removed during strenuous athletic activity.

It is predominantly recommended that the healing stone be worn around the neck. However, you may also wish to wear stones closest to the body area to which you need the healing aura to apply.

It is important to remember as you put on the jewelry, to concentrate and focus mentally on its power and the specific effect you want the gem to have on your body. A gemstone therapist can assist in recommending cuts of stones, although the purity of the stone itself is the most important aspect. In selecting necklaces, you will probably want to select jewelry with a strong thread so that you can wear it when sleeping.

2. Heating and Application

Many gemstone therapies also include the heating and application of the stones. This therapy commonly makes use of lamps and/or heated3. moisture treatments.

The lamps include special areas where the gems are contained, and then the rays of the lamp are directed at the section of the body that needs healing. The intention is to directly effect the cells in that location. The gems are carefully selected for quality and color, depending on what condition needs to be treated.

Heated moist packs containing the gemstones are often applied to specific afflicted areas of the body in gemstone therapy. Sometimes the polished gems are placed in hot water and the area of affliction is soaked directly in the water.

3. Oils and ointments

Most gemstone therapists make use of herbal oils and ointments in combination with their use of the wearing of gemstones and heated application. However, some make use of finely ground gemstones into topically applied remedies. Amber, crystals and topaz are the most common minerals used in such pastes.

4. Meditation

Spiritualism is often referred to as central in combination with the physicality of actual gemstones when using them to heal. Yoga techniques are often taught by gem therapists to assist in concentration towards the stone’s power. This is because the internal energy or spirit of the person is thought to be reflected by the stone. It is for this reason the sufferer’s mental attention should be directed toward the stone and condition while it is being worn or applied to him.

Just snippets of what I learned while researching today. Any experience with gemstone therapy? Please feel welcome to leave your feed back, I would love to have it! I'm also going to explore the expense of various kinds of gemstone therapy and what is required to become a practitioner of it.

FLAXSEED OIL , PAIN, SHOPPING!

Today I admit I'm a bit all over the place with my topics. Yesterday I went shopping with a friend for a few hours. My body isn't used to that much "out and about", because I sit here much too much at my computer every day to earn money. Today I vow to get up and walk and/or do other exercise every single hour!

However, while I was out to Trader Joe's and various other places yesterday, I bought some flaxseed oil and have added a couple of daily dosages of it to my diet. I am told it may take a couple of months for this to do me much good. But I know it may help the strength of cartilige and ligaments, so I am very much looking forward to that! I'm aware after my scoliosis surgery those are things that need all the healing help they can get.

When shopping, most of my pain comes from standing. I find I have to pace around and move quickly rather than standing there perusing the shelves. I always think I must look ridiculous pacing all the time. People will think (well -- know!) that I'm a little crazy!

Also I have come to the realization I need pain medication again in order to be more functional. When taking tramadol or hydrocodone I can get much more done and feel less depressed as well. You always hope you are going to conquer the need for these drugs. I guess I may be needing to take them the rest of my life. But I keep trying.

If you are not familiar with my story, it can be hard to switch back through archives and find it so please read here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/137103/how_scoliosis_changed_my_life.html

I'M LOOKING FOR YOU!

Today I'm looking to exchange links with individuals who have their own blog or website dealing with chronic pain, back pain, scoliosis, spine issues, back surgery, etc. Also if you write for Associated Content or Hubpages I would be happy to consider exchanging links leading to your content pages. Keep in mind it does need to be a site where you will be able to place my link in exchange.

If you have these types of sites and are interested, please write to me here:

cremechese@gmail.com

GEMSTONES FOR YOUR BACK PAIN?

If you suffer from chronic pain in your back, you may find yourself turning to the unique wonders of alternative medicine.

We who hurt chronically go through drugs, heat therapy, vitamins & minerals, massage -- anything we can think of just to try to feel better. There is a power in denial and distraction, in the power of positive thinking, the power of prayer. Therefore, one wonders how much positive thinking enters into the possibilities of healing through use of gemstones.

This is not to say I discount the possibilities. Today I’m researching and writing about the various gemstones which have a widespread reputation for combating chronic pain. Any feedback or helpful comments or experiences from readers will be chronicled in future blog entries. I want to hear from you!

The gemstones that are commonly believed to assist in the relief or prevention of pain are:

Amethyst: to assist in nerve damage, nerve pain,or neuralgia.

Carnelian: acts against arthritis and rheumatism.

Garnet: controls inflammation and promotes heat to affected areas.

Jasper: decreases pain in any area of the body.

Lapis Lazuli: lessens pain of neuralgia.

Malachite: to ward off rheumatism.

Sapphire: for general health.

Topaz: cures gout.

A gem I found recommended widely for pain of any and every kind is sapphire. My thought is: I have to get me some of those!

The use of gemstones in treating pain is introduced in several ways. Some require just wearing them as jewelry, but some treatments include using electronics in their application, oils, ointments, and/or meditation with use of the gemstones. Over the next several days I will be researching and reporting on the various methodologies that I find using the healing properties of gemstones.

And you dear reader I hope will send me your own research and knowledge and feedback. Anyone who has your own related blogs or websites, I welcome you to send your link and I will share it with all my readers!

OUR BACKS AND HEALTH AND HEAT
WELCOME MYLOT COMMUNITY

This morning I've added a free article feed to the lower section of my blog. The articles are all health related, however they are not all related to spine,back pain or scoliosis, so I may need to go back and fine-tune this addition.

The highly anticipated heating pad has arrived, and I must say it makes a lot of difference to how I feel here in this chair! This is a Sunbeam with six settings and the auto-off option. Along with my great adjustable high-backed office chair, I am quite comfortable at the moment.

Today I will be researching and posting more information regarding the healing power of stones. I am always glad to hear from you if you have expertise in such a topic. I love to learn at least one new "gem" of information every day!

My blog has been added to the myLot community, and I would like to thank myLot for not only adding to my income and daily pleasures but helping now to add to the web traffic of myLotians!

If you have arrived here from other locales and are curious, myLot is an online forum which pays its community to post and contribute discussions. It is great of them to share their revenue for helping to draw traffic. If you would like to join, of course it is free to do so and I have a link to myLot in My Favorite Links.

Can you imagine someone blogging about a heating pad? I'm going to! I've ordered a Sunbeam Supersized heating pad. It has six settings and a timer, as I've been instgructed I should not be leaving heat too long on my back!

Anyway, it's crazy that I should be so excited about the impending arrival of a basic product like this, lol. But it should arrive tomorrow or the next day and I am jazzed! I have found that heat works better than almost anything for my daily pain. I have backrests to put in my office chair which vibrate and also have a heat option. But I find the heat settings are too low on those to do me much good.

As soon as the pad arrives, I'll come back and report on it. You may see a recommendation here. Also, please check my links as I have added a dollar store to my many online moneymaking activities. You may want to mark it and go back for gifts or any items you might be needing in the future. I don't know about you, but I love dollar stores and thrift shops. Also shopping from home works well for many of us who don't get out and about as much as we used to.

I am getting ready to go see my kids and I'm so happy! They seem to be the best pain relief of anything! My exhusband is coming up also, strangely enough he's a good friend. People always think that's odd. Okay, well some of us are just hard to live with, lol. That would be mainly me.

It's my son in law's 40th birthday! You can see how old that must make me!

I've added "Grumpy, Gimpy, and Gay" to my favorite links, and I hope you'll visit there as the blogger is one of my favorite writers (and people.)

Everyone enjoy their day and -- peace out!

Magnesium For Nerves and Muscles!

I have a good friend who is always lecturing me on the benefits of vitamins and minerals. I have always taken a daily multivitamin but have never really concentrated on any other supplements. Well the other day I was getting a lot of nerve pain in my lower back. For once I tried what my friend suggested and took a couple of magnesium tablets (250 mg each). In a little while, the pain was not only gone but I felt invigorated all over!

Magnesium is essential along with calcium for bone and nerve health.It relaxes the muscles. It helps process the calcium we should all be getting through diet and/or supplement. Because my friend Joanne is a believer in natural medicines, I’m exploring this much further after my magnesium success! I found the following article with many interesting ideas, and I will probably try them all!

Back Pain - Natural Supplement Treatments
Rene Graeber

There are a number of different ways you can treat your back
pain naturally: vitamins, minerals, herbs, nutrition, and
homeopathy medicine.

Some will help heal your back pain and others are dangerous, so
it’s best to consult with a physician or nurse practitioner
before taking anything and never, ever exceed recommended
dosages.

The FDA has no control over natural supplements, so it does not
recommend them.

Since supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied
by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the
statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is
not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."


That doesn’t mean, though, that all supplements are bad. Some
medications turn out to be unsafe, too, despite rigorous trials
and testing. The bottom line is to research every product you
consider taking and make sure you get supplements from a
reputable source, like a health food store.

Everybody’s chemistry is different and reacts differently, so
if you are considering taking a supplement equivalent to a
pharmaceutical, you may still have some side effects.

There are many natural supplements that can be found in
supermarkets and drug stores. You may have to check health food
stores for more obscure supplements. Like any kind of medication
that you buy over the counter, you’ll have a choice between the
store brand and name brands.

Store brands are perfectly safe to use and are less expensive
because you don’t have to pay for advertising. You can also buy
supplements over the internet, but you should be sure you buy
from a reputable source so you know exactly what you are
getting.

Do some research and ask around to find out which online
suppliers are the best and most reputable.

Listed below are some natural supplement treatments that have
been publicized to help alleviate back pain. When dosages are
listed, you should know that if you are particularly thin or
heavy, you should consult an expert before taking the
supplement.

And remember, natural supplements will not relieve pain
immediately, but have to be taken for weeks or sometimes even
months before you see results.

Vitamins and Minerals

VITAMIN E-400 IU daily; anti-inflammatory
VITAMIN C-250-500mg twice daily
ZINC-30 mg twice daily; anti-inflammatory
CALCIUM-600mg daily; strengthens bones
BORON: 1-3 mg daily with food; helps the body absorb calcium
and magnesium
MAGNESIUM- 250 mg daily; strengthens bones and relaxes muscles

COPPER: 2 mg daily
GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE: 500 mg. three times daily. Can rebuild
cartilage in joints and has been studied by the American
College of Rheumatology as an effective treatment for
rheumatoid arthritis.
NIACINAMIDE: 500 mg three times daily; anti-inflammatory and
heals damaged cartilage. Can cause liver damage and aggravate
diabetes, low blood pressure, ulcers, and glaucoma, so have a
doctor monitor you if you take this supplement.

Herbs

Herbal supplements can be found in capsule or powder form, or
as teas. If you are making your own herbal tea, use 1 tsp. of
herb per cup of hot water. Cover mixture and steep for 5-10
minutes, or 10-20 if you are using roots. You can safely drink
3-6 cups of tea daily.

Muscle Relaxants

KAVA KAVA: Recognized by some doctors as a safe alternative to
Xanax and Valium.
BLACK HAW: relieves muscle spasms and is similar to aspirin
VALERIAN ROOT: Widely researched and documented as a sleep aid,
valerian has been given a number 1 rating for safety by The
American Herbal Products Association.
WILD YAM: Long used to treat menstrual cramps; generally taken
as a tea.
JAMAICA DOGWOOD: Used to treat muscle inflammation and spasms;
little research has been done on it and excessive amounts can
be toxic. Do not use with sedatives.

Anti-inflammatories

BROMELAIN: 500 mg three times daily
BOSWELLIN: 150 mg three times daily. Has been proven in
clinical trials to help alleviate low back pain
CURCUMIN: 400-600 mg three times daily; sometimes mixed with
ginger, curcumin has not been studied in clinical trials, but
herbalists use it as an anti-inflammatory.
MSM: Has not been researched, but herbalists use it as an
anti-inflammatory.
ST. JOHN’S WORT: 300-500 mg capsule three times daily;
interacts with a wide variety of medications and should only be
taken under the advisement of an herbal specialist.

Pain Relief

WHITE WILLOW BARK: effects are similar to taking aspirin
DEVIL’S CLAW: 400 mg three times daily. Used to treat
arthritis, research shows devil’s claw may boost the
effectiveness of conventional drugs.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a practice of medicine that has been around for
about 200 years. It is based upon what is called the Law of
Similars and works on the same principle as do immunizations:
give someone a small dose of what would make them sick to cure
their sickness.

Treatments have been proven in clinical trials, and are
prepared by a homeopathic pharmacy under FDA guidelines.
Researchers don’t completely understand how homeopathic
medicines work, but the evidence is clear that they do.
Homeopathy has been popular in Europe and India for a long
time, and is gaining popularity in the United States.

Many practitioners are doctors or have some other kind of
medical degree, perhaps in nursing or psychology. The legal
issues surrounding homeopathic practitioners that do not have
medical degrees is unclear, but most homeopathic remedies are
sold over the counter and do not need a prescription.

Here are some natural homeopathic remedies that are helpful in
alleviating back pain:

AESCULUS: used for dull, nagging pain
ARNICA MONTANA: used in cases of trauma to the back
COLOCYNTHIS: used for weakness and muscle cramps in the lower
back
GNAPHALIUM: used to treat sciatica, which is often associated
with back pain
LYCOPODIUM: used to treat burning pain
RHUS TOXICODENDRON: used for lower back stiffness and pain

About The Author: Rene Graeber graduated from the University of
Munic in Educational and Sports Science and from the Paracelsus
School of Medicine in Hamburg from Naturopathic Medicine. If
you’re looking for the latest, helpful information about
alternative medicine the visit his website in Germany at

http://www.naturheilkunde-preetz.de

Happy Friday! Yesterday I was very busy researching and writing articles for Associated Content and Constant Content. I wrote one article on my birthstone, the garnet. I learned a lot! Did you know that there are green and yellow-brown garnets as well as the red, pink, and purplish ones? I also learned about the metaphysical and physical healing powers of the garnet. This is just a snippet of what I learned:

If you are wearing a garnet ring, garnet necklace, or garnet charm bracelet, you are wearing a metaphysically powerful as well as physically warming stone.

According to ancient Egyptians and Greeks, as well as New Age and Crystal healers, this gemstone has many of the highest healing qualities. Garnet is said to have restorative properties which are recommended in the healing of toxicity and blood poisoning as well as circulatory dysfunction. The garnet is also widely revered as helpful in arthritis and muscle pain due to its warming energy.

The several shades and qualities of garnet are purported to promote differing powers in spiritual and mental states. If you were to be suffering from stress and worry, you would want to wear a garnet charm bracelet of the more purple gemstones. The purple garnets include Grape and Mozambique.

Those who are experiencing a lack of purpose and focus may want to wear their birthstone ring of green garnet. Andradite and African Jade are beautiful examples of the green garnet family.

Orange shaded garnets are known to symbolize commitment and you may want to choose a beautiful Mandarin orange or Malaya garnet necklace as a gift for your special loved one.

Yellow-brown garnets, known as Hessonite, come mainly from Sri Lanka. Although these are thought to be of lower quality (their name comes from the Greek word “hesson” meaning inferior) they can be quite beautiful. The Hessonite is known for aiding in overcoming addiction and promoting stability and security.

Garnets, with their traditional warming powers, are also known to promote sensuality, passion and fertility. These are the jewels you will want to wear most often with your soul mate and special friends to enhance your feelings of intimacy and kinship.

This all led me to the conclusion that I should be wearing more garnets than just the one birthstone ring I wear daily!

In the course of my research, I ran across a beautiful website by intuitive jewelry artist Robyn Harton. She makes her crystal and gemstone jewelry by hand, and it is gorgeous. There is plenty of information about the healing powers and lore of gemstones and crystals here, and beautiful handcrafted items you'll want to share with your loved ones. Please visit Robyn here or visit my favorite links:

http://www.crystalsandjewelry.com/

Good morning, my friends! Well, this morning we have snowin Paradise, California. It's so beautiful! I can say that because snow very seldom interferes with our lives here at 1700 feet. It began yesteray and apparently continued in the night and it's just gorgeous!

I want to share some information with you today in keeping with the theme of exercises for scoliosis. I myself have not yet tried yoga, but found an interesting article for those of you who may be interested. My personal recommendation would be to consult your doctor about your spinal condition before attempting any particular exercise, as needless to say *I* do not know what positions may or may not be recommended for you.

Thank you to the author Saurabh Jain and Article Alley for this free reprint article! (Please see my favorite links!)


Yoga: The Most Effective Scoliosis Exercise
01st April 2006
Author: Saurabh Jain | Views: 189

Before we understand about scoliosis exercise let us have a brief overview of what scoliosis is.Scoliosis is a back condition in which a person has side-to-side spinal curves in addition to the normal curves through which the lower portion of the human back curves inwards. This condition can result in severe deformity of the back and cause back pain. There are surgical interventions for curing this problem. The most effective remedy for such a condition are Scoliosis exercises. Although many exercises help in reducing the Scoliosis-related problems, yoga is improving the problem of uneven curves and it is considered the best Scoliosis exercise. Yoga postures are helpful for providing relief from scoliosis because they enable us to stretch our body and help regain the normal shape of the spine.

The most effective yoga exercises for the treatment of Scoliosis-related problems include the Crocodile twist, the Supine knee chest twist, the passive back arch and the one leg up-one leg out posture. These exercises are very helpful in raising one's lowered shoulder and reducing the back pain.

The Passive back arch scoliosis exercise has been found to be helpful in not only reducing scoliosis-related pain, but also providing relief from the problems related to condition called pectus excavatum (sunken chest). Pectus excavatum is generally caused due to tight muscles across one's chest and back and soft bones in the rib cage and spine.

The One leg up and one leg out scoliosis exercise have been found to be very effective in reducing muscular tension in legs.

The Seated twist is a good remedy for the treatment of thoracic twist. This exercise also helps to rectify the alignment of the body and is simple to perform.

The Joint freeing series of scoliosis exercises are particularly helpful for people suffering from scoliosis with tight shoulder muscles. The Head to Knee pose helps in maintaining the alignment of the body and straightening of the spine. The spinal and the abdominal twists result in the stretching of muscles in the shoulder.

This article is free for republishing

Source: http://www.articlealley.com

Occupation: Writing
Saurabh Jain is the Executive Editor of Online Back Pain Resource. He has developed this site to provide valuable information to people suffering from back pain. This site enumerates different causes and factors related to back pain. The site is a free online resource for back pain and its remedies. The visitors can also find valuable information and reviews about the different equipments and therapies for back pain relief.

Visit www.backpain-resources-online.com for more information.

http://www.backpain-resources-online.com

Today's a fine day, so far!. I got up early (5:45 am) and got a couple of articles written and submitted. Hoping they do well! I love the research and writing, so I finally feel like I am accomplishing something and enjoying it at the same time.

Parents may be wondering if their child with scoliosis should be doing a special set of exercises to address his scoliosis. Here is a general statement from the NIH regarding scoliosis and exercise:

"Can People with Scoliosis Exercise?

Although exercise programs have not been shown to affect the natural history of scoliosis, exercise is encouraged in patients with scoliosis to minimize any potential decrease in functional ability over time. It is very important for all people, including those with scoliosis, to exercise and remain physically fit. Girls have a higher risk than boys of developing osteoporosis (a disorder that results in weak bones that can break easily) later in life. The risk of osteoporosis is reduced in women who exercise regularly all their lives; and weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, running, soccer, and gymnastics, increases bone density and helps prevent osteoporosis. For both boys and girls, exercising and participating in sports also improves their general sense of well-being."

http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/scoliosis/scochild.htm#exercise

I would appreciate any feedback from parents who have had success with actual correction to their child's curvature through exercise. It would seem to me development of the muscles on the other side would help, but this article seemed to contradict that. I know the exercises my son was given did not affect the curve, but we were not diligent with the process.

I will be doing some further research on this aspect of developing scoliosis and posting it here soon.

Did everybody enjoy the Academy Awards broadcast? I thought some of it was puzzling, as it usually is: what the heck was up with those bizarre dancers acting out icons for the movies, lol? I just don' tknow why they have to throw that stuff in. I thought Ellen deGeneres was fantastic -- she always is! The spots with Al Gore were amusing. Mellis Etheridge was *outstanding*! And none of the acceptance speeches made me crazy!

Hello, everyone! I am finally back after my long absence. It was not due to physical difficulties, but rather my very slow dialup connection which did *not* afford me any ability to multitask. Multitasking is essential when you live on your computer!

I have started making a meager living through online paying forums and writing sites. This is really exciting for me, as I am not good at business networking but I can do my bit at writing!

Please, if you are needing supplemental income, I can recommend all of these sites. They are all paying, legitimate businesses. On top of that, this is much more fun than promoting a lot of businesses for which there is very little return when you are *not* a good salesperson! Please consider visiting my links and signing up if you are interested.

After turning it around in my mind, I have also decided to place a "donations" link on this site. If you do contribute, it will be warmly appreciated.

Life here with my elderly parents has been an altering experience. I was able to help my mother out after all of the kindness and generosity she has extended to me while I have been needy. My mother had a knee replacement in October. While she was hospitalized , she had a mild heart attack. It of course terrified us all but she is now doing well but taking many medications. She's a trooper! At 86 it only took her a couple of months to want to be up and start doing chores again. It probably made her crazy seeing how I did them, lol!

I still have some severe pain at times but I am able to give it the old "mind over matter" treatment a bit better than I used to. However I am interested in trying a legal alternative to marijuana, which is called satvia. If anyone has had experiences with satvia, please feel free to message me with your tales.

I am going to begin publicizing my blog again, so if there is anyone with spine-related or other chronic pain related blogs, I would love to link to yours. We should all be helping eachother out! This is my small effort for today, so I go to relax and keep my mother company on this nice rainy Sunday. Thanks to all of you for coming back to see me!