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Last week, one of our readers asked: “Is there anything naturopathic
medicine can do to address chronic pain?” In part one, inflammatory causes
of chronic pain were discussed. Today, we conclude our answer with
information on additional contributors to chronic pain. Specifically, musculo-skeletal balance, arthritis, hormonal
influences, nutritional factors, and emotional/spiritual connections.
One of the most common causes of chronic pain occurs if the musculo-skeletal system is not in balance. Muscle tension
due to either weakened or overly tight muscles may require rehabilitation
by a trained specialist. Joint restriction from injury, postural imbalance
or tension could benefit from either chiropractic care or yoga-type
exercises. Injuries or repetitive stress to ligaments can result in chronic
instability, leading to the development of degenerative arthritis.
Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT or prolotherapy)
helps to strengthen ligaments and stabilize joints, thereby improving
arthritis and reducing pain. Early arthritis, or
arthritis in many joints may also be an indicator of food allergies or
imbalanced dietary choices.
Nutritional influences on chronic pain can include deficiency of essential
nutrients such as B12, magnesium, and vitamin D. These deficiencies are
common with aging. Low B12 status can contribute to nerve pain (neuropathy)
in the arms and legs, low energy, and altered mood. Magnesium deficiency
can cause of muscle tightness and spasm. Vitamin D deficiency is especially
common in northern climates and is one of the most common causes of chronic
pain, especially back and leg pain. Checking vitamin D levels before taking
amounts in excess of 800 IU per day is recommended. As mentioned
previously, dietary excess of pro-inflammatory foods can decrease the
body’s ability to heal. A pro-inflammatory diet is one that is high in
meat, dairy, sugar, and white flour, and low in vegetables, whole grains,
and plant sources of protein such as nuts, seeds and beans. Sugar,
while temporarily decreasing pain sensitivity, increases pain
levels overall, especially in inflammatory states. Insufficient water
results in sub-optimal healing and function. It is recommended to drink
one-half your body weight in ounces of pure water per day. Excess
caffeine can be too stimulating for some people and causes
vasoconstriction of blood vessels leading to increased muscle
tension. Pain due to poor circulation, or
nerve injuries may respond to certain botanical or homeopathic medicines.
It should also be noted that, constipation is a cause of systemic
congestion and recirculation of toxic metabolites contributing
to slower healing ability.
The hormones estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid, if
out of balance can contribute to chronic pain. Low thyroid function causes
sluggish circulation and joint pain. Low testosterone causes loss of muscle
mass and decreased joint stability, predisposing to injuries. Conversely,
excess testosterone can be a cause of muscle tension and headaches. Both
estrogen and progesterone, if deficient cause decreased ligament
flexibility, predisposing joints to injury and pain. Good hormone
balance, in general, promotes a sense of well-being overall.
It is important to remember that chronic unresolved emotional or
spiritual pain can contribute to chronic pain. This becomes obvious when we
are in a stressful situation and we get a stomachache or a headache. Our
muscles tense (even the muscles of the intestines) causing decreased
circulation and movement. Our bodies recognize that this is an untenable
situation physically, so pain is produced. Sometimes emotional pain can be
overwhelming, even pain experienced many years ago. This is where
counseling can be most beneficial. We often don’t have the tools,
emotionally, to deal with the traumatic events that happen in our lives. A
counselor or pastor can help you better understand how these emotional
pains may still be held in the body creating constriction, tension, and
physical pain. Fear not only causes tension and contraction, it causes us to
breathe more shallowly. “Breath is life”, and this
is why, when we breathe deeply during fearful or anxious state, tension in
the body is reduced. It is impossible to hold excess tension while
breathing deeply.
Forgiveness can be one of the most powerful acts of healing people
can give to themselves. A wise person once said that to forgive a person is
not to condone their action, but to wipe the slate clean, so to speak, and
not hold it against them anymore. Carolyn Myss,
PhD notes “people who are stuck in the past are hampered in their ability
to live…. They can’t retrieve their energy from history, and their lack of
energy keeps their minds, bodies, and spirits from working together; it
also makes them slower to heal.” When emotional pain is overwhelming, faith
and a spiritual live can literally be a lifesaver. “What serves the spirit
serves the body.” Faith doesn’t eliminate pain, but it can give us a focus
and a higher understanding of meaning in our lives. This understanding
often gives people the strength to address that, which in their lives is
causing pain. Once again, a minister, pastor, counselor, or spiritual
advisor can be extremely helpful in these situations.
As you can see, there may be many contributing factors in a case of
chronic pain. A detailed history, physical exam, and some lab-work will
usually be necessary to help pinpoint which factors are present in each
individual case. Addressing the underlying cause(s) as promptly and
thoroughly as possible will insure the best results.
Yellowstone
Naturopathic Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655
ync@180com.net
Dispensary
406·254·9682
dispensary@yncnaturally.com
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