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What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

What is Myofacial Pain Syndrome?Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder.  With myofascial pain syndrome, the pain affects the connective tissue (fascia) of a muscle or group of muscles. With myofascial pain, there are areas called trigger points. A Trigger Point is a hyper-irritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle or muscle fascia which is painful on compression. These trigger points can refer pain to other areas and often restrict the flexibility of the affected muscle.  If left untreated, they can create new trigger points.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of myofascial pain syndrome is ongoing muscle pain, in areas such as the low back, neck, hips, and shoulders. You might feel the pain or the pain may get worse when you press on a trigger point. Symptoms of myofascial pain may include:

  • A muscle that is sensitive or tender when touched
  • Muscle pain that happens when pressure is placed on a trigger point
  • Pain that is aching, burning, stinging, or stabbing
  • Reduced range of motion in the affected area

People with myofascial pain syndrome often have other health problems, such as tension headaches, depression, sleep problems, and suffer from fatigue.

New Ways to Treat Myofacial Pain: 

eToims ~ Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intra-Muscular Stimulation (eToims) is aimed at alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury.  It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate or excite the deep fibers of a muscle.  Basically “jump starting” the muscles to release, relax, and allow blood to follow to the muscles and nerve so that they can “breathe”.

Class IV K-Laser ~ Laser Therapy or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. During each painless treatment laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area.  This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.  As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

IMS ~ Trigger point dry needling, also referred to as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and/or intramuscular therapy (IMT) is an invasive procedure in which an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle. Intramuscular therapy has been very successful for patients with chronic low back pain and sciatica symptoms.

Physiotherapy | Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to the trigger points for a sustained period, followed by passive and active stretch and heat where indicated. The goal is to deactivate the trigger points and teach the patient how to prevent and manage recurrences. When these approaches are combined with mobilization and posture retraining techniques provided by a physiotherapist they provide a long-lasting and patient-managed way to reduce pain and improve function.

Myofascial pain often goes away with appropriate treatment and life style changes. Please contact our healthcare practitioners and discuss what treatment is right for you.

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Living Without Chronic Pain

Living Without Chronic PainYour quality of life can be a constant struggle if you are dealing with chronic pain which can lasts for weeks, months, even years. Combining lifestyle changes with treatment will help manage your pain, and in many cases eliminate the pain all together.

Lifestyle Tips:

Deep breathing and meditation are techniques that help your body relax, which eases pain.

Listening to soothing music can lift your mood, reduce stress and make living with chronic pain more bearable.

Exercise will increase your endorphins, and these “brain chemicals” will help to improve your mood while also blocking pain signals. Exercise has another pain reducing effect — it strengthens muscles, helping prevent re-injury and further pain.

Pain makes sleep difficult, however, alcohol or prolong use of sleep aids can make sleep problems worse.  Try a warm bath or shower before bed.

Find a friend, family member or support group that understands what you’re going through; you’ll feel less alone.

Keep a journal of your daily “pain score” use a pain scale from 1 to 10. This will help you track your pain and will be very useful when consulting a practitioner.

Treatment Options:

Massage is a therapeutic method that involves muscle manipulation and pressure to promote deep tissue and muscle relaxation, improved blood flow, and the release of stress and tension.  Massage for chronic pain works by releasing trigger points, restoring normal movement and removing harmful toxins from the body.

Acupuncture is a therapeutic method that involves the whole body. Pain is a feeling triggered in the nervous system, and alerts us to injuries and illnesses that need attention.  Acupuncture can help reduce your pain and will release body toxins, stress and tension.

eToims is aimed at alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury. It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate the deep fibers of a muscle.

The electric current produced by the eToims Technique penetrates deep enough at the trigger point to produce a strong contraction in the muscle. Basically “jump starting” the muscles to release, relax, and allow blood to follow to the muscles and nerve so that they can “breathe”.

Chronic pain is a vicious cycle that creates painful trigger points, and shortened muscles that lead to more pain.  Please speak with one of our health care practitioners to discuss what type of therapies will work for you.

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Diversified Health Explains Sprains & Strains

Diversified Health Explains Sprains & StrainsDiversified Health Clinic explains the difference between a sprain and a strain; which is one of the most frequently asked question regarding an injury.

Sprains:

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bone. Ligament injuries involve a stretching or a tearing of this tissue.

A sprain typically occurs when people fall and land on an outstretched arm,  land on the side of their foot, or twist a knee with the foot planted firmly on the ground. This results in an overstretch or tear of the ligament(s) supporting that joint.

The usual signs and symptoms of a muscle sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and the loss of the ability to move and use the joint.

Strains:

A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon which are the tissues that connects muscles to bones. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or it can result in a partial or complete tear.

A strain is caused by twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon. Strains can be acute or chronic. An acute strain is caused by trauma or an injury such as a blow to the body; it can also be caused by improperly lifting heavy objects which over stresses the muscles. Chronic strains are usually the result of prolonged overuse or repetitive movement of the muscles and tendons.

The usual signs and symptoms of a strain include pain, muscle spasm and muscle weakness. There can also be localized swelling, cramping, inflammation and some loss of muscle function.

Now that Diversified Health Clinic explains the difference between a sprain and a strain, remember to treat the injury as soon as possible with Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury.

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Diabetes – The Silent Killer

Diabetes is a chronic condition that stems from the body’s inability to sufficiently produce/properly use insulin which the body needs to use sugar as an energy source. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death.

Complications from diabetes can include; blindness, numb and tingling feet, poor circulation, slow-healing wounds, gangrene, amputation, heart disease and death.  However, in most cases diabetes can be controlled with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet.

Risk factors for diabetes:

If you are aged 40 or older, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.  If any of the following risks factors apply to you, please talk with your health care practitioner.

  • A parent, brother or sister with diabetes
  • Health complications that are associated with diabetes
  • Had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
  • Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose
  • High blood pressure/High cholesterol or other fats in the blood
  • Being overweight

Symptoms for diabetes:

Signs and symptoms of diabetes can include the following:

  • Unusual thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight change (gain or loss)
  • Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent or recurring infections
  • Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.

How is diabetes treated?

People with diabetes need to make a lifelong commitment to their health, which includes the following:

  • Education: Be informed about your condition.
  • Physical Activity: Regular physical activity lowers your blood glucose levels, promotes weight loss, and enhances overall health.
  • Nutrition: What, when and how much you eat play an important role in regulating blood glucose levels as well as maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Medication: Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is managed through physical activity and meal planning.
  • Lifestyle: Learning to reduce your daily stress level, including maintaining a blood pressure level at or below 130/80.

If you are living with diabetes, become a fact finder! Knowing as much as possible is your best defence against diabetes. Find out how your body uses food and what role insulin plays in this process and build a team of experts with your health care practitioners to help you win the fight!

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Are your holiday decorations making you sick!

Are your holiday decorations making you sick! During the winter months most of us spend more time indoors, which exposes us to allergens and irritants like dust mites, pet dander, and household cleaners; and for individuals who suffer from allergies, this can make their lives miserable.

For most of us, the holiday decorations are up for several weeks during December collecting dust and mold spores and then are placed back in their boxes , only to collect more dust the next year.

To keep the allergens to a minimum, take the artificial greenery, including the tree, outside and give it a good shake (or vacuum) before packing it away.  Be sure to remove the dust from all other holiday decorations, with a quick wipe with a damp cloth.

Besides dust mites, mold spores can cause additional problems for allergy suffers, because mold spores can grow anywhere that has moisture and oxygen.

Here are some suggestions to keep mold and dust allergies in check during the winter months.

~Turn on exhaust fans when taking a shower to reduce humidity. When using a humidifier or dehumidifier make sure that you maintain an indoor humidity level of 30 – 40 percent.

~Use a HEPA vacuum to reduce pet allergens and remove dust mites.

~Change the furnace filters regularly, this will help prevent the recirculation of indoor pollutants such as dust mites.

~Wash sheets, including the pillow cases and pajamas in hot water to kill dust mites.

~Wash your hands after playing with pets, and avoid having your pets sleep on the bed.

~Check for signs of mold and identify areas that smell musty or may be at risk for mold growth, such as shower curtain or window frames.

If the allergy symptoms continue, talk to your health care practitioner about treatment options.

During the winter months, make a commitment to vacuum and dust at least twice a week, change the bed linen once a week, change your pillowcase twice a week, use eco-friendly cleaners and brush your pets 3 to 4 times a week. This commitment will keep the allergens in your home to a minimum, and ensure that your home is a happy and healthy place this holiday season.

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Building the Evidence Base for Complementary & Alternative Medicine

As an acupuncturist, everyday I hear the same questions over and over again; and guess what? I’d like to be able to answer them.

The truth is, to date, we don’t have a definitive answer to explain how acupuncture works in terms of modern science, but we’re working on it!  Below is an article written by Josephine P. Briggs, M.D. from the National Centre for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine.

“As I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many of our stakeholders over the past 6 months, I have learned a lot. I’ve gained a greater appreciation of the complexities of studying CAM, the challenges to conducting rigorous research, and the need for setting clear priorities for the years ahead.

I’m proud of the work the Center has done in its first 10 years. Establishing a viable research enterprise in this field is a daunting task. We have attracted outstanding investigators from the leading academic institutions, established collaborative partnerships with CAM practitioners, and created training programs to expand the capacity for research in the years ahead. These are all fundamental steps to ensuring that the science of discovery on CAM will grow and mature.

These are important steps. But the public is often impatient, and we frequently hear “But what are the answers? What works, and what doesn’t?” News stories on CAM are numerous, but individual stories and even single research reports do not constitute an evidence base. Evidence-based medicine relies instead on careful, systematic reviews of the entire body of scientific literature using methods of information technology and statistics. One index of progress for NCCAM is an assessment of where we stand in the development of the evidence-base for CAM.

Acupuncture provides a telling example. American interest in acupuncture was piqued in the early 1970s with President Nixon’s visit to China. The press corps included New York Times correspondent James Reston, who, following emergency appendectomy surgery in Beijing, reported that acupuncture treatment had relieved his post-surgical pain and discomfort—a report that made headlines far beyond the New York Times. But Reston’s experience was met with skepticism and did not lead to changes in patterns of post-op pain management.

But things are changing. NCCAM has been steadily building a portfolio of basic and clinical research to understand acupuncture’s mechanisms of action. Basic studies have probed local effects of traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and also laser acupuncture, as well as exploited brain imaging techniques to show, for example, that acupuncture affects structures of the limbic system involved in the affective/suffering components of pain. Neurochemical studies are revealing the effects of acupuncture on neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline and endogenous opioid peptides that are associated with descending endogenous pain-modulating systems. Other neurochemical studies are exploring whether acupuncture increases nonenzymatic nitric oxide generation and the role that may play in acupuncture effects, such as inducing noradrenaline release.

Clinical research is also keeping pace. A systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture for postoperative pain, published in the August 2008 issue of the British Journal of Anaesthesia, demonstrated that acupuncture had clear value, that it decreased pain intensity and lowered opioid side effects. Recently, the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians published new clinical treatment guidelines for persistent back pain that now include acupuncture as a treatment option.

The promise that Mr. Reston saw in this traditional practice is becoming a part of the portfolio of tools that providers can use to care for patients. Our job at NCCAM is to apply rigorous science in the pursuit of such areas of promise, and steadily build an evidence base.”

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Autumn & Acupuncture | acupuncture victoria bc

In Autumn, we observe nature withdrawing inward.  We see leaves wither on the branch as the trees gather energy inward and down to the deep center and roots to protect and guard vitality, like a precious secret, throughout the winter months.

As winter draws near, we notice a similar process in our own bodies. Our skin become pale and dry. Our energy draws inward to protect vital organs from the dampness and cold. We develop the urge to be quiet, sleep and stay indoors more than in the warmer months.

Our modern, urban lifestyle often prevents most of us from the luxury of indulging our natural instincts to hibernate when winter arrives. Exposing ourselves to the elements and over-spending energy during cold months can compromise the immune system, leaving us vulnerable to viruses that cause influenza and the common cold.

For those of us who are unable to spend the winter in Mexico, here are some tips on how to protect your immune system:

Never leave the house with wet hair

Dampness allows cold to penetrate more deeply. It’s especially important to prevent the neck and head from becoming exposed to harsh elements. This is usually the first area to be effected by colds and flu. Most infectious illness in winter begin with a stiff neck and headache.

Avoid eating too many cold foods

In winter, our bodies are using energy to warm our internal organs. Help your body in this regard by eating healthy cooked cereals, soups and stews. Fresh fruit and vegetables are important too, but are to be consumed in much smaller quantity than in summer months. Root vegetables, brown rice and carefully chosen protein sources can be a staple.

Try not to eat too much spicy foods

Even though spicy food is great for warming our bodies, it’s too ‘hot’ in nature to be useful in winter. Spicy foods are used in hot climates to promote sweating in order to cool the body and are delicious, however, spicy foods are an inappropriate choice for use during cold weather.

Wear a scarf and cover your legs

Even those of us who don’t feel the need to cover our necks and legs in winter need to avoid exposing bare skin. A light scarf, thin gloves and tights can be enough to guard against the elements.

Try acupuncture to boost your immune system

There is scientific and clinical evidence to support claims that acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraines and headaches.; as well as getting rid of lingering symptoms of colds and flus that are prevalent this time of year.  Acupuncture works by regulating circulation to the internal organs which in turn allows the immune system to work as nature intended to heal the body.

Written by: Victoria Spaurel, R.Ac., Registered Acupuncturist

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Acupuncture Provides True Pain Relief in Study

acupuncture victoria bcA new study of acupuncture — the most rigorous and detailed analysis of the treatment to date — found that it can ease migraines and arthritis and other forms of chronic pain.

The findings provide strong scientific support for an age-old therapy used by an estimated three million Americans each year. Though acupuncture has been studied for decades, the body of medical research on it has been mixed and mired to some extent by small and poor-quality studies. Financed by the National Institutes of Health and carried out over about half a decade, the new research was a detailed analysis of earlier research that involved data on nearly 18,000 patients.

The researchers, who published their results in Archives of Internal Medicine, found that acupuncture outperformed sham treatments and standard care when used by people suffering from osteoarthritis, migraines and chronic back, neck and shoulder pain.

“This has been a controversial subject for a long time,” said Dr. Andrew J. Vickers, attending research methodologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the lead author of the study. “But when you try to answer the question the right way, as we did, you get very clear answers.

“We think there’s firm evidence supporting acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain.”

Acupuncture, which involves inserting needles at various places on the body to stimulate so-called acupoints, is among the most widely practiced forms of alternative medicine in the country and is offered by many hospitals. Most commonly the treatment is sought by adults looking for relief from chronic pain, though it is also used with growing frequency in children. According to government estimates, about 150,000 children in the United States underwent acupuncture in 2007.

But for all its popularity, questions about its efficacy have long been commonplace. Are those who swear by it experiencing true relief or the psychological balm of the placebo effect?

Dr. Vickers and a team of scientists from around the world — England, Germany, Sweden and elsewhere — sought an answer by pooling years of data. Rather than averaging the results or conclusions from years of previous studies, a common but less rigorous form of meta-analysis, Dr. Vickers and his colleagues first selected 29 randomized studies of acupuncture that they determined to be of high quality. Then they contacted the authors to obtain their raw data, which they scrutinized and pooled for further analysis. This helped them correct for statistical and methodological problems with the previous studies, allowing them to reach more precise and reliable conclusions about whether acupuncture actually works.

All told, the painstaking process took the team about six years. “Replicating pretty much every single number reported in dozens of papers is no quick or easy task,” Dr. Vickers said.

The meta-analysis included studies that compared acupuncture with usual care, like over-the-counter pain relievers and other standard medicines. It also included studies that used sham acupuncture treatments, in which needles were inserted only superficially, for example, or in which patients in control groups were treated with needles that covertly retracted into handles.

Ultimately, Dr. Vickers and his colleagues found that at the end of treatment, about half of the patients treated with true acupuncture reported improvements, compared with about 30 percent of patients who did not undergo it.

“There were 30 or 40 people from all over the world involved in this research, and as a whole the sense was that this was a clinically important effect size,” Dr. Vickers said. That is especially the case, he added, given that acupuncture “is relatively noninvasive and relatively safe.”

Dr. Vickers said the results of the study suggest that people undergoing the treatment are getting more than just a psychological boost. “They’re not just getting some placebo effect,” he said. “It’s not some sort of strange healing ritual.”

The NewYork Times | Health & Science                                                                                                                                                              By Anahad O’Connor

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Be Prepared for Your Health Appointment

Before your visit to a doctor or health care practitioner, be prepared for your appointment by making sure that you take all the important information with you including your medical records.

  • Dates and results of checkups and screening tests
  • List of shots you’ve received (and the dates you got them)
  • Medicines you take, how much you take, and why you take them (including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins)
  • Any health conditions you have, including allergies
  • The name and phone number of a friend or relative to call if there’s an emergency
  • A list of other doctors, dentist, practitioners or specialists you are seeing.
Be prepared for your appointment

Be prepared for your checkup

Make a list of any important changes in your life or health. Changes especially stressful ones can have a direct effect to your overall health.  Be sure to include things like:

  • Becoming unemployed
  • A death in the family
  • A serious illness
  • Surgery
  • A medical condition
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Pain or discomfort

The health history of your family is an important part of your personal health record so keep track of conditions that run in your family.

Don’t forget to take a notepad and write down the answers so you remember them later. You may also want to take a friend for support, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of question or have the health practitioner  repeat specific information that you are not sure about.

Staying healthy means taking care of yourself all year long.  Your plan may include getting more active, eating healthy, or watching your weight.  Whatever your health goal, remember to be prepared for your appointment and let your health care practitioner be part of your health team.

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