In my last two posts I discussed chronic pain and what it does, not only producing the interference with daily activities, but also how it can actually affect the brain. In this newsletter I’d like to address the ways to combat this; the traditional way and the right way.
Nerves from the brain travel through the spinal column to all parts of the body. Without this nerve supply you could not function. This includes all muscles, joints and internal organs. These nerves carry information to the body on how to act and re-act to our changing environment. There are nerves that carry information from the body to the brain. They tell your brain how your body is functioning, so the brain can make decisions on what to tell the body to do. These nerves to the brain send pain signals when there is some pressure or damage to a body part.
There are different ways to deal with this. Many people use drugs to block the pain. These do nothing for the underlying condition, kind of like turning off the smoke detector when there is a fire in your house, then going back to bed. Muscle relaxants help prevent muscle spasm that accompanies pain; nothing is done for the cause of the spasm. Steroids (prednisone) reduce inflammation, but not the cause of the inflammation.
Pressure and misalignments of joints cause nerve irritation and pain. Pain signals to the brain cause improper information from the brain which causes incorrect muscle, joint or organ function that produces pain signals sent back to the brain: a vicious cycle.
Over time this cycle produces permanent changes and damage to your body and, now we know, to your brain. Too many people have relied on pain killers and muscle relaxants to deal with pain; damage has occurred and it can be permanent. To continue with the same treatment approach is to perpetuate the cycle. Regular chiropractic treatment is very different and effective in eliminating pain or controlling it without drugs.
If you are currently being treated for a problem or flare up, be sure to continue your treatment schedule as recommended. If you haven’t been adjusted in the last month, please call to set up an appointment for an adjustment – you need it to prevent problems or a flare up.
I would like to close with this list of benefits and side effects.
TREATMENT BENEFITS SIDE EFFECTS
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Pain killers
(ibuprofen, Aleve, Celebrex, etc) Temporary pain relief Stomach pain, ulcers, bleeding, dizziness, headaches, ringing in the ears, kidney and liver damage, HEART ATTACK OR STROKE
Muscle relaxants
Temporary spasm relief Fatigue, dizziness, depression, hard to think, addiction
Steroids (prednisone)
Reduces inflammation temporarily Water retention, diabetes, cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, Immune suppression
Opioids
Temporary pain relief Very addictive
Chiropractic adjustments Eliminate or reduce pain, spasm and inflammation,
Restore function Increase mobility, return to activities with family, friends and work
If you have a family member, friend or co-worker who is having a health issue or has a pain problem, be the one who provides the help he or she needs by referring them to me for a no cost phone call to discuss the health issue. Best Wishes, Dr. James Cross 224-788-9949