Millions of people in this country suffer from some level of acute or chronic pain. Pain can affect a person's sense of well-being and the level of day-to-day activities, which in turn has a negative effect on the quality of life. As a practitioner for the past 17 years, I have treated both acute and chronic pain quite successfully using nutrition therapy, low dose naltrexone, acupuncture, and interventions such as Trigger Point Therapy and Prolotherapy.
Nutrition:
Patients suffering from chronic pain, especially when it is an autoimmune problem, sometimes respond to changes in diet. The three areas of focus are to increase the intake of anti-inflammatory foods, eliminate all grains, and consider incorporating the FODMAP food approach.
Anti-inflammatory foods include capers, red onions, elderberries, blueberries, strawberries, kale, apples, spinach and red grapes. A more complete list can be found in my article about the "Mind Diet" with Massage Magazine by
clicking here.
Elimination of grains goes beyond a gluten-free approach. Avoid all grains for 30 days and then add rice as the first grain. Elimination of all grains has been especially helpful when people have symptoms of gas, bloating, abdominal pain, or loose stools. This elimination diet is also very good for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease). For those individuals that have tried the gluten- and grain-free diet approach, but continue to have gas and bloating, the FODMAP diet is the next step.
Lifestyle:
Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise are extremely helpful in painful conditions. Of course, this is easier said than done, and the type of exercise tolerable is very individual. It is important to establish realistic goals for both weight loss and exercise, and then stay with the program. Start with an activity that is simple, such as walking or swimming. For those suffering from pain, exercise can be difficult and may need to be modified.
Start with a short daily 5 to 10-minute walk and do this for two to three weeks, then build up the time slowly. If you don't like walking outdoors, go to the mall and walk around that area. The YMCA in Prescott also has exercise programs for all age groups, and for special conditions such as arthritis.
Regarding weight loss, I always start with a lemon water fast for three to seven days and then slowly utilize a low-calorie juice and protein powder program for two to three weeks. Any fasting program needs to be supervised and can be emotionally challenging. Using stress reduction techniques during this time such as HearthMath can be very helpful. My wife and I are both certified in HearthMath training. HeartMath Website:
https://www.heartmath.com
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN):
Naltrexone is a medication that was approved in 1984 for the treatment of opioid addiction. The typical dose used for pain management is 50 to 300 mg a day. This medication is called an "opioid antagonist," which decreases the dependence on opioids for pain relief. I have never used this medication for opioid or alcohol addiction and do not plan to do so because of the mixed, conflicting research results. However, I have used LDN in doses of 1.0 to 4.5 mg for several patient pain complaints and conditions.
LDN has been one of the most exciting discoveries in my clinical practice in the past five years. At first, I was very skeptical of the use of this therapy. Then a dear friend told me of her amazing results for an autoimmune condition she had been suffering from for years. One of the first times I used this treatment was with a 56-year-old woman with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Her hands were so inflamed she could not even close her grip. After three weeks of treatment she could grasp things in her hands freely and her inflammatory blood markers went to normal.
I use this treatment for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, colitis, fibromyalgia, Lupus, adjunct cancer care, and multiple sclerosis. There is a lot of research going on using it for cancer, Parkinson's and post-traumatic stress. LDN works in the following ways:
- Causes a reduction of inflammatory cytokines (Interleukins IL6 and IL12, TNFα, NF-ĸB) thus reducing inflammation and oxidative stress on the body. Patients with fibromyalgia have been shown to have increased inflammatory cytokine activity.
- Aids in the repair of wounds
- Restores T-helper/CD4 levels (important in immune system)
- Restores the balance between Th1 & Th2 lymphocytes (imbalance has been associated with autoimmune conditions)
- Increases cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells to enhance immune responses
- Regulates cell growth and may inhibit tumor growth
- Reduces apoptosis of the myelin-producing oligodendrocytes (associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis)
- Stimulates mucosal healing (lining of bowel)
Acupuncture:
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain can occur when there is a stagnation or blockage in qi (the body's vital energy) or blood (circulation). Depending on the symptoms and pattern of the pain, specific acupuncture points on the body are chosen and needles are inserted into these points. Treatments are usually weekly at first and then adjusted after improvement occurs. Sometimes using a low voltage current attached to the needles can improve the results. Acupuncture can also be combined with other treatments such as trigger point therapy or prolotherapy.
Trigger Point Therapy:
Trigger points are localized spots or "knots" on muscles that cause pain. These knots or trigger points usually refer pain to another area when pressure is applied to the area. For example, pressing on the upper scapula often causes pain to the head. I find that tenderness to this location on the upper back is often present in patients with chronic headaches. Rubbing these spots on the upper back can help provide temporary relief, however, therapy should be directed toward more longstanding relief. Injections to the areas of pain with therapeutic exercises have been as effective as acupuncture in my clinical practice. I use various solutions including lidocaine, Sarapin, homeopathic Traumeel and Vitamin B12.
Prolotherapy:
The basic mechanism of Prolotherapy is simple. Prolotherapy solutions are injected into your painful areas to begin a reparative action. The injection creates a localized inflammation, triggering the immune system to create the building blocks of ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bone. Injections are spaced every three weeks and the average number of treatments is about five, although it will vary. I will discuss your individualized plan directly with you at the first visit.
Supplements Recommendations:
Omega-3 Oil: 1200 to 2400 mg per day may reduce arthritic pain
- Vital Nutrients Fish Oil 700 Enteric (2 capsules per day)
- Seroyal Super EFA (1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day)
B-Vitamins: essential for numerous functions and Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are especially important to reduce pain.
- B-Complex #6 by Thorne Research: 1-2 capsules each morning
InflamAway by Natura: a combination of Boswellia, Feverfew, Magnolia, Andrographis, Skullcap, Ginger and Bromelain. Take 2 capsules each day.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): recent studies show that taking MSM after exercise reduces muscle and joint pain. The dose is 3 grams post exercise.
- MSM Powder by Jarrow: 3 scoops (3 grams) 1-2 times daily
