by Dan Perez, D.C.

From my casual observation as a clinician, about 80% of people suffering from back pain fit a certain demographic profile:

1. Male
2. Age 35-60
3. 10-20+ pounds overweight
4. Works in manual labor or;
5. White collar- prolonged sitting
6. Sedentary or moderate physical activity

Of secondary association, there are these traits:

1. History of past injury
2. History of contact sports or sports involving jumping (i.e. gymnastics)
3. Familial history of back pain
4. Smoker
5. Stressed
6. Insufficient sleep
7. Unbalanced diet:  junk food, excess carbs, insufficient vegetables

Now of course there are people who have back pain who don’t have any of these characteristics, but those individuals are a very small minority.

If half of these factors apply to you, there is a good chance you have back pain in some form.

The problem with “non-specific” chronic back pain that is not associated with a single-event trauma like lifting something heavy is that, by the time you feel the pain, the internal structures that are causing it have degenerated to a point where it is difficult to completely resolve.  And, males in general usually defer seeing a doctor or specialist when they feel the first signs of something wrong; they are more likely to ignore it until it gets to a level where it interferes with their activities in some way.

Non-specific low back pain is often difficult to diagnose because there are usually multiple things happening simultaneously:

• spondylosis (bony projections indicative of joint degeneration)
• stenosis (narrowing of spaces where nerves pass through)
• arthritis (inflammation within the joint surfaces)
• vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis; retrolisthesis)
• disc degeneration
• ligament calcification
• sometimes osteopenia (loss of bone mass)
• sometimes paraspinal muscle spasms/ hypertonicity
• sometimes spontaneous fracture

There is a lot of debate among physical therapists, chiropractors and orthopedic specialists regarding how far can a degenerated disc and associated spondylosis recover, and if it is even possible at all.   Is it “once you have it, you have it for life?” or is there still a miraculous chance that your body can repair degenerated areas in the spine if you just give it the right conditions?

The answer has big ramifications; after all, getting diagnosed with chronic pain due to lumbar degenerative disc disease at age 40 can be devastating if it means that you have to live the rest of your life with low back pain.  We all want not just to live, but to live with vitality; right?    We don’t want to go through life sitting down, watching everybody else have fun; we want to engage life and live it to its fullest.

What we do know is that once you develop osteophytes (spondylosis)– those bony spikes that protrude from the edges of vertebral structures– they do not resorb, no matter what.  Thankfully, they are “slow growing,” and it is possible to stem that growth by doing things like losing weight if you’re overweight, eating healthy, exercising and strengthening your back and core muscles to improve support.  But once they reach a certain point and obstruct nerve passageways, you’re looking at surgical intervention (spinal decompression surgery), which often works but also often causes new problems, or provides temporary results as the osteophytes resume growing.

But with discs, there is more hope.  Discs are mostly water.  If you can re-hydrate your discs and get them healthy, they will increase in thickness and in the process create more space between your vertebrae, potentially relieving pressure from pinched nerves and impacted facet joint surfaces.  However, some people have passed the point of no return where the disc is functionally “dead” (looks solid black on MRI).   In these situations, the vertebrae eventually fuse together which accelerates stenosis, requiring surgical decompression.

So, if you have chronic back pain, your alternatives are to engage in lifestyle modification habits that strengthen the body and promote healing; work with a chiropractor, physiatrist or other rehab specialist to see if improving joint movement and muscle balance are enough to resolve the problem; or consult with an orthopedic MD and see if you are a candidate for surgery.

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by Michelle Warner, Certified Ayurvedic Specialist

Ayurvedic therapies are known to:

• Optimize digestion and metabolism
• Increase immunity and resilience to stress
• Strengthen vitality and energy levels
• Bring calmness, clarity, and contentment to the mind
• Reduce toxicity
• Teach you to understand your unique requirements for health Ayurveda

Ayurveda, “the knowledge of life", is the traditional medicine of India that has been successfully practiced for over 5000 years.  It is a holistic science of longevity with a focus on creating a vibrant state of mind, body, and spirit based on individual constitution.  As each person is unique, each path toward balance must be unique as well.  Ayurveda treats the person, not the disease by seeking to correct imbalance at the root level rather than only at the symptomatic level.

This ancient science encourages living in harmony with the seasons, as well as our unique body/mind constitution through proper use of diet, herbs, lifestyle practices, seasonal cleansing, yoga, breath work, and meditation. 

Through Ayurveda, the body is given the optimal environment in which to heal by balancing digestion, reducing toxicity, nourishing deficiencies, fortifying immunity and calming the mind.

Ayurvedic Consultations

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is a detailed look at your health history, as well as any current health concerns you may be experiencing. We will determine your Ayurvedic body type, the nature of any imbalances, and the factors which may be contributing to them. Recommendations for restoring well being may include the use of herbs, dietary and lifestyle changes, cleansing, and therapeutic bodywork. 

Follow-up visits

Client check-in visits to evaluate progress and implement further recommendations to restore balance. 

Pancha Karma (Seasonal Cleansing)

Pancha Karma translates as “the five actions”. It is the traditional Ayurvedic method of detoxification and rejuvenation. It is a gentle but very effective way to cleanse and strengthen the system, benefiting body, mind, and spirit.

Each program is individually designed, lasting from 4 days to 2 weeks, and consists of a healing diet, supportive herbs, and body therapies. The goal of pancha karma is to eliminate toxins, reset digestive and metabolic strength, and then rebuild and strengthen the body tissues and the immune system.  It is most beneficial to do twice a year, toward the beginning of Spring and Fall. Milder versions of it may be done at different times of year as needed.

Seasonal cleansing promotes increased energy levels, greater mental clarity, resolution of various health challenges, and improved mood, sleep, and stress response.

Body Therapies

Abhyanga

A full body relaxation massage using warm, herbalized oil which nourishes and enlivens the skin and deeper tissues of the body. Abhyanga enhances circulation of the blood and lymphatic system, aiding cellular detoxification and renewal, and balancing metabolism. It normalizes prana, the flow of life energy in the body. Abhyanga promotes longevity, flexibility and youthfulness, improves sleep, overcomes fatigue, strengthens immunity, relieves pain, regulates the digestive system and calms the nervous system.

Shirodhara

Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy given by gently pouring a steady stream of warm, herbalized oil over the forehead and scalp. This treatment synchronizes brain waves and profoundly coordinates and calms the mind, body, and spirit. It is a specific treatment for anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, headache, poor memory/focus, and any condition involving stress and the nervous system.  Shirodhara is deeply

Bliss Therapy
Abhyanga followed by shirodhara and an herbal steam.  A truly restorative treatment.

Marma Point Therapy

Marmas are special points of concentrated life force located throughout the body. Each marma is a receptor site on the skin that relates to bodily organs and tissues, and through which vital energy currents pass. Activating these energy rich points is highly therapeutic and supports the body's quest for healing. 

Nasya Treatment

includes facial massage, and marma point therapy of the shoulders, neck, face, and head

Application of medicated oil to the nostrils quickly harmonizes any imbalance above the neck. This treatment is very helpful for sinus congestion, allergies, and pain in the neck, head, or shoulders. Nasya benefits the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. It also clarifies and calms the mind.

Bastis

includes marma point therapy

A treatment using a raised circle of dough pooling warm, medicated oil over specific areas of pain or dysfunction in the body.

Kati (back): Applied to the lower back to alleviate pain and stiffness.

Netra (eye): Cleansing and nourishing to the eyes. Helpful for dryness, burning, and strain from overuse.  

Heart: Benefits the physical and emotional aspects of the heart, using warm milk, ghee, and heart supportive herbs.

Vishuddha (throat): Benefits disorders of the thyroid gland, as well as difficulties with speech or self-expression.

Adrenal Basti: Nourishes the kidneys and adrenal glands to support balanced energy and decreased stress levels.

Chakra Basti: Chakras govern physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of our being. A basti may be applied to one or more chakras to nourish and strengthen their functions.

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