An experienced physician knows that medical knowledge is not only derived from studying and analyzing a multitude of scientific facts but also from observing patients closely and listening to them carefully. There is much to be learned from the patient who lives day to day with chronic conditions. Adjusting to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, accidental or sports related injuries can be difficult and may require prolonged specialized treatments..
Most injuries occur when an unusual demand is placed on bones, muscles, ligaments and other tissues. Localized pain in muscles followed by swelling and tenderness can lead to chronic problems if not treated. Neck Injuries cause tense muscles to restrict movement to avoid further damage. Tense muscles can cause spasm and radiating pain along the corresponding muscles and ligaments.
Similarly an elbow joint injury can cause inflammation in the joint muscles, ligaments and other tissues. Repeated injuries to the elbow become chronic and more difficult to treat if adequate rest and appropriate treatment are not given in a timely manner. The injured ligaments have poor blood circulation and are difficult to heal.
Patellar tendonitis is an injury that many athletes are prone to and results in pain at the front of the knee. It is usually the result of overuse or a misalignment issue rather than a single traumatic event like a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis, gout, infection or trauma can be attributed to the cause of pain. The pain may be constant or may appear when running, jumping or climbing stairs. A torn ligament is a common form of knee injury that causes swelling, pain, makes popping sounds and there is a sensation of a snapping and locking of the joint.
Low Back Pain
Lumbar strain is considered one of the most common causes of low back pain, due to trauma, improper use or overuse. Soft tissue injury is commonly classified as acute if it has been present for a day to weeks. An injury is considered to be chronic if it persists for more than three months, does not heal itself and may come and go depending on if the back has been cared for or been strained repeatedly.
Treatments for Pain
Various treatments are used to control pain. Acute pain is a signal that is useful to protect the body. However chronic pain does not offer any clear purpose. Pain is an individual experience and even if there is no physical explanation found the pain is still felt and is real to the patient. People who suffer from chronic pain can feel helpless if told they have to live with it. This can also cause a feeling of resentment, increase anxiety, nervousness mental anguish and muscle tension.
Pharmaceutical drugs that are used to treat chronic pain works well to alleviate pain and discomfort but can have undesirable side effects when used for long periods of time. Some of the drugs can also have an adverse affect on people who are at risk for drug dependency.
Alternative Treatment for Chronic Pain
Complementary medical practitioners recognize the complex issues of chronic pain and employ a wide variety of treatments. Individually based dietary changes, vitamin and herbal supplements, Intramuscular and Intravenous therapies are used to enhance nutrition. In our clinic we have successfully used these treatment methods to alleviate pain, People suffering from a variety of conditions including chronic arthritis and gout respond well to dietary changes and enhanced nutrition. There are certain foods that cause allergies and inflammation. Eliminating these foods and using supplements with proven pain and anti inflammatory properties can help relieve pain. A number of supplements that are helpful are: Boswellia, Gugglu, Fish Oil, Ginger, Vitamin C, E, Magnesium Glycinate, Glucosamine Sulphate and MSM. Good nutrition plays an important role in supporting the physical and emotional health and well being of everyone. As the need arises we can provide intravenous Vitamins and Minerals to assist in the healing process and to promote building immunity, decrease pain, inflammation and is especially beneficial to individuals who are nutritionally depleted. Acupuncture, Prolotherapy and (PRP) Platelet Rich Plasma Injections are very effective for chronic pain relief.
Prolotherapy
This treatment is very useful for musculoskeletal pain including Arthritis, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia, Whip Lash, Torn Ligaments, Degenerated or Herniated Discs and other sports injuries. Ligaments when injured become weak and due to a lack of sufficient blood supply may not heal back to their original strength. Prolotherapy uses various remedies that are injected at the site where ligaments and tendons attach to the bone. These injections cause some localized irritation and increases the blood supply and then the nutrients flow to the area resulting in stimulation of tissue repair. The number of treatments can vary accordingly. To achieve good results at least 4-6 treatments are necessary.
PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
There is an increasing trend to use concentrated platelets to facilitate the healing of chronic pain. Platelets play a significant role in the healing of tissue. Reintroducing a high concentration of platelets directly into the site of injury enhances the healing process. In order to do this the patient's blood is drawn and centrifuged to separate the components of the blood. The platelet rich plasma is then withdrawn with sterile equipment and then injected to the injured area.
Dr. Rakhra is a Naturopathic Physician, serving Calgary
for more than twenty years and practicing Complementary Medicine since 1964. He is a
Member of Alberta Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Dr. Rakhra's clinic is located at 121 - 14 Street North West in Calgary, Alberta. You
can reach his office at 403-270-7033. Visit his website at: www.aynh.com.
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