Jorden Gold is an internationally recognized expert on stretching, and is the founder/creator of the Stretch Zone in Miami Florida. His link is always included in my recommended sites. Here I present the first in my series of experts in the fields of fitness & wellness, and see how their expertise can be extended into the world of back pain.
Thanks for your time Jorden.
Be Well!
The other day I was having a long talk with a friend about a whole host of things- we started discussing the economy, this lead to health insurance, and that of course lead to health care reform and prescription drug benefits. Nothing like a nice relaxing set of topics, no?!?!?!
In any case, we talked a little about the drug companies, who in response to the bad economic conditions have offered to provide certain medications for free- the first two I saw adds for were Lipitor and Viagara- I am glad that drug companies will occasionally take some social responsibility. I can only hope that drug companies, insurers, lawyers, and doctors will finally be motivated to do something productive to reduce health care costs while maintaining quality care to all Americans, and still making sure I can pay my bills (well- of course I mean all physicians.)
In any case, this lead me to think about the way the economy has effected my patients- I can think of at least 30 patients who have lost their jobs, their insurance, or both- and as a result they have not been coming to the office for follow ups, and several have told me they have discontinued their medications.
This is problematic for so many reasons: Some of these medications can be life sustaining, some cannot simply be discontinued without potentially serious side effects, and in the case of my practice- the discontinuation of medications can have direct consequences on both an individuals quality of life, and their ability to remain at work as their pain returns.
If you are faced with discontinuing your medications due to fiscal circumstances, I have a few suggestions:
1) Check with your physician before discontinuing your medications. Me sure there is no recommended protocol for stopping their use.
2) Ask your physician if there are substitute medications which could be used which may have a lower copay/deductible, or could be outright purchased for less.
3) Contact the manufacturer of your medications and see if they have any discount programs available- Some companies have temporary plans available to get people medications during economic hardship.
4) Keep careful records of all of your drug expenses, and be sure to deduct them at the end of the year- at least you know you will get some of the money back.
I know we will all get through this difficult time. Please share some of your thoughts and suggestions on how you are dealing with the recession- I know my viewers will appreciate it.
Be well.
Sciatica can come from lots of causes, and what may work to relieve one individual’s pain, may be completely ineffective for another. Here is a viewer question about sciatic pain and the use of McKenzie exercises.
Robin McKenzie, a physiotherapist from New Zealand, created a series of exercises designed to relieve back and neck pain. His approach suggests that all back pain is discogenic or, caused by discs. This physician strongly disagrees- there are several causes of back pain, and while McKenzie exercises are appropriate for many types of pain, most back pain seems to be caused by an amalgam of several causes- physiologic, psychological, and ergonomical. Only with a comprehensive approach including this trinity of factors, can you really find long term relief. Look for an overview of the causes of sciatica some time in May.
Thanks for the question, and as always- please keep those cards and letters coming!
Ok folks- sorry for the delay here in posting. I want to always keep you updated with new material & information, but Kevin & I were dealing with some pretty complicated technical issues, which thankfully, have been largely resolved.
Stacy sent in a question about the Back Together techniques:
“My mother is being treated for breast cancer, and she has really bad back pain. In your book, you say that these techniques should not be used on people with cancer. Why is that?”
First of all, please wish you mother well. I don’t know what type of breast cancer she has, or how advanced it is, but regardless- that is a difficult disease to deal with no matter what the context.
The reason the Back Together techniques should not be used on persons with cancer is twofold: First of all, many types of cancer spread, and the disease takes advantage of the network of ‘pipes’ in the lymphatic system. Now, while elements of your lymphatic system are supposed to fight off cancer, it is not always successful- and the cancer uses the network to spread. Several of the soft tissue techniques in Back Together stimulate movement through the lymphatics, and in theory, could aid the cancer’s spread. The second reason is that some cancers can spread to bone, destabilizing the bones, and the pressure on affected structures could result in a fracture.
Depending on the state of her cancer, you could show the book to her treating physician, and see how he feels about utilizing the hands-on techniques. That being said, the ergonomic, and psychological strategies could still be of some use to your mom.
Again, my best wishes to you and your family. Please keep me posted on her recovery.
Thank you for your question.
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