According to Fox News today, 80% of persons suffering from back pain can achieve lasting relief from chiropractic and acupuncture and massage; yoga and other exercises can be recommended if the person is familiar with doing yoga with similar potential benefit. What this means is that people do not have to reach for the pill bottle or go to their MD to get a prescription nor surgery as a first step to dealing with back pain- one of the major scourges of our society.

Back pain can come on slowly or suddenly. It can be caused by years of poor posture and or by a sudden twisting motion or an accident, or other issue. Regardless of the cause, pain in the back indicates that something has gone awry with the support structure for the body and the spine which protects the all-important nervous system. Back pain is a sign that demands attention to get better.

I’m not a natural doctor who hates medications and surgery- don’t get me wrong. I appreciate all that modern medicine has accomplished to keep our society healthy and we are better off for it in many cases- it has its place. However, I recognize that medications and surgery can have serious side effects that can lead to a downward spiral of health concerns and consequences. The opioid epidemic is one example of this concern. Additionally, I recognize that medications do not fix the cause of the back pain problem and, as such, cannot have a lasting effect. Surgery frequently opens up a new array of problems and, as such, should only be considered as a last resort.

I am a natural doctor who helps people achieve better health with less pain using non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approaches; and I’m glad that Fox News has highlighted a these options. Find a gentle chiropractor or acupuncturist who helps you understand the cause of the pain you experience. Work with this practitioner to develop a plan to heal.

There are many causes of back pain and it’s nice to know that there are successful treatments available out there.

Call your chiropractor and/or acupuncturist today if you have back pain to see what we can do for you. If you’re in the Durham/Chapel Hill area, call me.  (919) 929-1400

I’m listening to The Peoples’ Pharmacy right now on NPR as they interview Dr Andrew Weil about his new book ‘Mind Over Meds’. I’m struck by his thoughtful, science based evaluation of modern medicine’s prescription of drugs to treat common maladies. He points out that many people are given prescriptions for drugs to treat problems that could be treated effectively using safer, natural methods. If a health condition requires treatment, he suggests that people try  gentle approaches first- herbal tinctures, diet and exercise changes, meditation, etc. before resorting to harsher treatments. Realize that an OTC packaged treatment isn’t necessarily ‘safe’ just because it doesn’t require an MD’s prescription or come with legible warning labels. Also, realize that Direct to Consumer TV and magazine advertisements of medications may have created the idea that you may need a treatment for a ‘condition’ that is not real.

Have faith in your ability to make a science based evaluation of any health condition- do you actually have a problem that needs treatment? Can you make lifestyle changes first? What’s the lowest dose for any drug you could take? You can look for answers to these questions online or ask your healthcare professional.

My husband and I had lunch yesterday in the new restaurant Living Kitchen and were impressed with the big beautiful space. I had the Vietnamese Pho and Kale salad which was loaded with meaty mushrooms and veggies and pretty tasty. David had a veggie burger and beat salad.  I hope this restaurant can survive as it offers unique fare- largely vegan raw dishes. What we tried was good. Raw vegetable-based food is a healthier choice than many restaurants offer because nutrients aren’t lost in the boiling or heating process; it’s good to pair with a warm beverage to keep the earth channel happy.