The Spinal Column

Spinal Manipulation Proves Equally Beneficial as Surgery in Sciatica Treatment

 

In a recent study, “Manipulation or Microdiskectomy for Sciatica? A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study,” (Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, October 2010), researchers concluded that spinal manipulation was just as effective as microdiskectomy for patients struggling with sciatica caused by lumbar disk herniation (LDH). The patient population studied included people experiencing chronic sciatica (symptoms greater than six months) that had failed traditional medical management. Overall, 60 percent of patients who received spinal manipulation benefited to the same degree as those who underwent surgery.
 

“To our knowledge, this is the first, randomized trial that directly compared spinal manipulation, which in this study was delivered by a doctor of chiropractic, and back surgery, two popular treatment choices for this prevalent health condition,” says Dr. Gordon McMorland, who co-authored the paper with neurosurgeons Steve Casha, MD, PhD, FRCSC, Stephan J. du Plessis, MD, and R. John Hubert, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS. “Sciatica is a serious spinal condition that causes pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs. Many times when symptoms become debilitating and without further help, surgery is prescribed to alleviate discomfort. But surgery is not without financial and physical drawbacks.”
 

According to the study, “Outpatient Lumbar Microdiskectomy: A Prospective Study in 122 Patients”, more than 200,000 microdiskectomies are performed annually in the United States, at a direct cost of $5 billion, or $25,000 per procedure. In this year-long study, consenting participants were chosen randomly to receive either an average of 21 chiropractic sessions over a year or a single microdiskectomy, both with the additional integration of six supervised active rehabilitation sessions and a patient education program. If cost is assumed at $100 per chiropractic visit, there is a direct, total savings of $22,900 per manipulation patient. System-wide, this could save $2.75 billion dollars annually.
 

“After a year, no significant complications were seen in either treatment group, and the 60 percent patients who benefited from spinal manipulation improved to the same degree as their surgical counterparts,” says Dr. McMorland, who also points out that, “The 40 percent of patients who were not helped by manipulation did receive subsequent surgical intervention. These patients benefited to the same degree as those that underwent surgery initially, suggesting there was no detrimental effect caused by delaying their surgical treatment.”
 

“Our research supports spinal manipulation performed by a doctor of chiropractic as a valuable and safe treatment option for those experiencing symptomatic LDH, failing traditional medical management. These individuals should consider spinal manipulation as a primary treatment, followed by surgery if unsuccessful.”  

 

Omega 3’s reduce anxiety as well as inflammation

 

New research shows that healthy young people who consumed more omega-3 fats showed a marked reduction both in inflammation and, somewhat surprisingly, also in anxiety.  Omega-3's such as EPA and DHA have long been considered positive additives to the diet. Psychological surveys clearly showed an important change in anxiety among the students: Those receiving the omega-3 showed a 20 percent reduction in anxiety compared to the placebo group. (Brain Behavior and Immunity July 19, 2011)

NSAID’s increase risk of cardiovascular mortality

There are many known adverse effects associated with NSAID use and each year research identifies new dangers. A new study in the American Journal of  Medicine (2011 May 17) finds that folks with hypertension and coronary artery disease who take NSAIDs regularly have a significantly increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, which is already the leading cause of death in the U.S.  Commonly used NSAIDs include ibuprofin (Advil and Motrin) and Aleve (naproxen sodium).

 

Survey: Chiropractic Care Outperforms All Other Back Pain Treatments, Including Medication

ACA Suggests Conservative Care Before Prescription Drug Use

 

In a new survey, chiropractic care outperformed all other back-pain treatments including prescription and over-the-counter medications, deep- tissue massage, yoga and Pilates. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), this news reinforces the use of conservative care options as a first line of defense against pain.
 

The survey, released by a leading consumer product rating and survey publisher in late July, found that 65 percent of those surveyed using chiropractic care for back pain said it helped a lot. Only 53 percent of respondents using prescription medications found them as helpful.
 

Additionally, about half of those surveyed who are using deep-tissue massage, yoga or Pilates said those treatments helped a lot, and only 28 percent of respondents using over-the-counter medications reported that they helped a lot.
 

Current evidence-based guidelines support the use of conservative care such as chiropractic for conditions such as chronic lower back pain. In 2007, the Annals of Internal Medicine published low back pain guidelines developed by the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians. Those guidelines recommended that, for patients who do not improve with self-care, doctors should consider non-pharmacologic therapies such as chiropractic care, massage therapy and acupuncture.
 

The issue of pain relief has gained visibility recently with the release of a government report which found that while the use of some illegal drugs has diminished, the abuse of prescription medications has sharply increased-- particularly prescription opioid pain relievers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin. The report points out that unintentional opioid overdoses (once almost exclusively the fate of heroin abusers) are today increasingly caused by prescription painkiller abuse.
 

“As this latest survey helps to demonstrate, chiropractic care is an evidence- based and effective treatment that can prevent patients from resorting to powerful drugs with potentially harmful consequences,” said ACA President Dr. Rick McMichael. “I urge health care providers, whenever possible, to recommend drug-free, conservative care interventions for their patients before prescribing medications that may be associated with negative side effects. Patients deserve to know their options.”
 

Source: The American Chiropractic Association

 

5 Reasons to Drink Green Tea

from Dr. Andrew Weil www.drweil.com

 

Looking for a simple resolution to improve your overall health? Start drinking green tea. My beverage of choice, green tea is a potent source of catechins - healthy antioxidants that can inhibit cancer cell activity and help boost immunity. Need more reasons to drink green tea? It can also:
 

1. Lower cholesterol levels and rates of heart disease

2. Help protect against bacterial infections

3. Promote joint health and stronger bones

4. Reduce inflammation

5. Enhance the effects of antibiotics, even against drug-resistant bacteria   and  "superbugs"
 

Green tea is available in a wide range of varieties - introduce yourself by substituting a cup of green tea for a cup of coffee, or add a glass of iced green tea to your afternoon ritual and you will soon be enjoying the health benefits of this delicious beverage! Learn to appreciate the subtle fragrance of good-quality green tea and use teatime to unwind, meditate and take respite from your stress du jour.