Back Pain; A New Therapy

A new non-surgical treatment for back pain has been given clinical trials at
several teaching hospitals. These trials were done on people who had been
referred to a neuro-surgical department because other, non-surgical, treatment
had been ineffective.

This new therapy is vertebral axial decompression therapy [VAX-D] and has been
issued a new U.S. patent. VAX-D is a therapeutic table, invented by Dr. Allan
Dyer, former Deputy Minister of Health, Ontario, and who is the pioneer in the
heart defibrillator research.

The VAX-D table has been proven to be a reasonably effective means of
decompression therapy for managing herniated and/or degenerative lumbar discs.
In the research trials, the degree of significant remission of symptoms attained
after 10 daily therapy sessions was 70 % - after other procedures, including
physical and chiropractic treatment, had failed.

A follow-up of patients, up to 12 months, did not find any unexpected level of
relapse.

VAX-D is not a cure-all for all back problems but surgery should be used for
patients failing to respond to this more conservative approach.

While the majority of patients find this VAX-D procedure effective, and are able
to regain a functional level of activity after 15 to 20 sessions, there are some
that fail to respond. This treatment is quite safe, without complications, once
abnormal conditions, i.e. fractures or congenital defects requiring other
procedures, have been ruled out.

Most people with low back pain and sciatica experience relief of pain and are
able to return to their usual activities after therapy. This usually consists of
18 sessions of 30 minutes each on the VAX-D Therapeutic Table.

Some more difficult cases may require ongoing VAX-D maintenance.

Patients with such conditions as tumors, fractures, severe osteoporosis or other
defects are not candidates for this therapy.

This therapy is available throughout the U.S. and Canada at VAX-D clinics.
Resource: Tim Emsky, Back Centres, Inc.

Margot B is a writer on the subjects of health, environment, fashion.
She writes childrens' stories, is a proofreader.
Margot specializes in Web design and genalogy.

Your Monthly Aromatic Horoscope, January 2002Francoise Rapp

Create your own unique aromatherapy blend developed especially around your monthly horoscope. Use these recipes to enjoy more energy, more laughter, and less stress this month. Each recipe should be made by pouring the oil essences into a 10-ml bottle, and then adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAPRICORN!
********
Network and socialize this month...the more you do, the more you open yourself to new opportunities. The planets are supporting your growth throughout the month.

-4 drops Peppermint
-4 drops Orange
-3 drops Rosemary

Anoint the throat, neck and shoulders. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply.

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AQUARIUS
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The New Year brings about a new you! You are now in charge to take action in your life. Your efforts and motivation will pay off very well!

-5 drops Grapefruit
-2 drops Jasmine Otto
-3 drops Frankincense

Anoint the solar plexus and heart chakra. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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PISCES
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You have to put forth a little effort to see the results you expect. Be patient and consistent. Organize your life, solutions will appear and everything will clear up in all areas of your life!

-6 drops Rosemary
-3 drops Cypress
-3 drops Cedarwood

Anoint the sacrum, solar plexus. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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ARIES
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Plan, prepare and focus on your goals. A lot can be accomplished in all areas of your life if you stay on track.

-7 drops Bergamot
-4 drops Orange
-3 drops Frankincense

Anoint the solar plexus. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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TAURUS
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Open your heart and relax! Love is surrounding you this month, but be open to it otherwise you may miss it. Be grateful for your friends and family who have always been there for you.

-1 drop Rose Otto
-3 drops Patchouli
-3 drops Orange

Anoint the solar plexus and heart chakra. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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GEMINI
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Finish up what you started last year. Avoid putting too much pressure on your shoulders...it will only lead to frustration and anger.

-2 drops Roman Chamomile
-4 drops Lavender
-4 drops Petitgrain

Anoint the solar plexus and abdomen. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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CANCER
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This month is about evaluation and making the right choices. See clearly what does and does not fit your needs and wants...and move on. You have all the strength to clear any obstacles and be assertive about your future.

-3 drops Cedarwood
-3 drops Frankincense
-5 drops Juniper

Anoint the solar plexus and third eye. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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LEO
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You may have trouble making decisions this month. If you delay, you will certainly be left behind. Your attitude will determine the mood for the entire year, so be centered and focus on what's best for you.

-3 drops Patchouli
-3 drops Cinnamon
-5 drops Sandalwood

Anoint the solar plexus and sacrum. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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VIRGO
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Do not be too anxious if things do not work out the way you expected. Consistency and patience will lead toward success and financial rewards! You are on the right track, so keep moving forward!

-4 drops Ginger
-4 drops Grapefruit
-2 drops Jasmine Otto

Anoint the abdomen. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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LIBRA
********
You have a lot of projects that may seem overwhelming at times. Take it easy and tackle them one at a time. Focus your efforts to harvest the rewards. If you do not, you will feel frustrated and left behind.

-4 drops Peppermint
-3 drops Basil
-4 drops Grapefruit

Anoint the solar plexus. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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SCORPIO
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This month is about defining your goals. Take it easy and slowly; everything will be fine. Focus on the substance and content, not just on the outcome of your projects.

-4 drops Basil
-6 drops Orange
-3 drops Rosemary

Anoint the third eye, throat, neck and shoulders. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

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SAGITTARIUS
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Excitement and adventure are alive this month! Be ready for the roller coaster and enjoy a great ride! But stay alert and be ready to compromise as well...otherwise you will face chaos and discord.

-1 drop Jasmine Otto
-3 drops Cedarwood
-4 drops Marjoram

Anoint the solar plexus, sacrum and heart chakra. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour up to 10 drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
www.aromalchemy.com

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2001. Discover the life-transforming power of aromatherapy! Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise through aromatherapy classes designed for working adults and in her free weekly ezine, The Arom'Alchemy Newsletter. All this and more can be found at www.aromalchemy.com

Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Franoise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom'Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Why Do I Have Back Pain?

Solutions for Your Aching Back

Are you over the age of 30 and experiencing back pain every day? Do you find yourself wondering when and why this aching pain started, and how you can get it to stop? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from excruciating back pain every day with little or no hope for a cure. While some of these conditions are serious and need special medical care, most back pain can be relieved with a few simple behavioral modifications. Read on for helpful tips on alleviating your aching back pain.

1. Do you sit for long periods of time?
Sitting is hard to avoid these days. We commute through traffic in our cars, we sit for hours at our desks, and then we commute back home in our cars. Most of the population sits for at least 8 hours a day. All of this sitting could be taking a toll on your back. It is important to get up at least once every 2 hours to avoid adverse effects on your back. Get up and take a walk around your office, or walk around the block on your break. If you are in your car all day make sure to make a stop every 2 hours to stretch your muscles. If you spend a lot of time on the phone stand for at least 10 minutes every hour while you talk. Pay attention to the length of time you spend sitting each day, make sure that you are not sitting for long stretches at a time.

2. Do you practice proper lifting techniques?
Since most back injuries occur during an attempt to move a large or heavy object, it is very important to practice proper lifting techniques. The proper way to lift an object is to first bend your knees, grasp onto the object, and then straighten your knees while keeping your back straight. Make sure that you are not bending over at your waist, as this will put unnecessary strain on your back. Practice proper lifting techniques even when the object that you are lifting does not seem very heavy to protect your back from injury.

3. Do you have weak back muscles?
Weak unconditioned back muscles account for many peoples aching back pain. Protect your back against unwanted pain by regularly strengthening your stabilizing back muscles. You can strengthen these muscles by doing the following exercise right in your own home. The Superman Pose: Lie on your stomach with your arms and legs stretched out on the floor (as if you were Superman flying through the air). Exhale as you raise your right arm up until it is even with your shoulder and simultaneously lift your left leg up off of the matt. Hold this position as long as you can. Repeat on the other side. For a more advanced pose, start on your hands and knees, rather than on your stomach.


4. Do you have poor posture?
Your mom was right when she told you not to slouch! Having poor posture is another classic reason that people suffer from back pain. While sitting keep your head and shoulders erect with your feet on the ground, make sure that your lower back is supported, and that the chair is not pressing into the backs of your knees. Keep yourself aware of your posture throughout the day to avoid slouching. If you continuously find yourself slouching place a mirror at your eye level while sitting properly, and periodically check to see if you are aligned with it or not.

5. Do you have tight or stiff muscles?
Do you find it hard to touch your toes? Do your legs and lower back feel stiff and unmovable at the end of the day? Limbering up your tight muscles is a great way to relieve back pain. Make it a habit to reach down towards your toes to stretch out your hamstrings. You should hold this for at least 30 seconds. For another good stretch, sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Lean forward at your waist, keeping your back straight, and reach toward your toes. Exhale and reach even further.

You dont have to suffer from back pain any more. Make the decision to change the behaviors that cause your back pain. Exercise regularly, making sure to get at least 30 minutes of continuous activity 3-4 times each week. I wish you the best in your quest for a healthy pain-free back!


Diana Keuilian, Certified Personal Trainer, and author of Avoid The Freshman Fifteen, has a proven method for avoiding college weight gain. Visit www.AvoidTheFreshman15.comto learn more. She is also the head Fitness Trainer for the nations leading online fitness site www.HitechPersonalFitness.comand board member of www.HitechTrainer.comLearn more at www.Keuilian.com


Fitness and Weight Loss Pointers Diana KeuilianWho among us can truly say that they are as lean and toned as they ever want to be? Most people, even the fitness buffs, are in a constant fluctuation between their ideal body and a body that is not quite ideal. So how do we sway this struggle in our favor? Quite often the difference between the body that you have today and the body that you wish you had is made up of simple daily decisions. Read on for simple fitness and weight loss pointers that could very well turn the body you have today into a masterpiece tomorrow!

Eating small meals every 2-3 waking hours will increase your metabolism and reduce fat storage. Make sure that these are healthy meals containing protein, carbohydrates and fat.
The easiest way to effortlessly lose weight is to not eat three hours before bed. It has been proven that not eating three hours before bed reduces fat storage throughout the night.
Eating a balanced diet is key in maintaining a healthy body weight. The American Council on Exercise suggests that this balance break down into 12-20% protein, 55-65% carbohydrates, and 25-30% fat.
The average Venti sized Frappuccino weighs in at 530 calories. This staggering number equals 2.5 bagels, or one third of the recommended daily calories for an average woman. Beverages such as this contain high amounts of sugar should be consumed rarely since the extra calories they contain are readily stored as fat.
Desserts should be eaten sparingly at an average of no more than two each week. If you have an insatiable sweet tooth, try munching on unsweetened dried fruit, or sugar free Jell-O.
Eat a small meal and wait 20 minutes before deciding if you need more food. This will give your stomach and brain time to communicate. If have eaten enough food, your brain will alert your body and you will find that you don't desire anything more. If you are still hungry after this period, eat a small amount more and wait another 20 minutes.
Fat free foods, when eaten in excess, will still be stored as fat! Fat free cookies and crackers are made up of a whole lot of SUGAR! Yep, the secret is out! Sugar is just as fattening of a substance than fat itself, when eaten in excess.

Take the time to incorporate these tips into your daily lifestyle, and you will be pleasantly surprised with your results! Remember that healthy weight loss takes time, so be patient! Make an effort towards your goal everyday and dont get discouraged!

Diana Keuilian, Certified Personal Trainer, and author of Avoid The Freshman Fifteen, has a proven method for avoiding college weight gain. Visit www.AvoidTheFreshman15.comto learn more. She is also the head Fitness Trainer for the nations leading online fitness site www.HitechPersonalFitness.comand board member of www.HitechTrainer.comLearn more at www.Keuilian.com

Lose That Back Pain!

Copyright 2005 MHG Consulting

Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments people suffer from and approximately 8 out of 10 people will deal with back pain at some point in their life. That's a lot of people are you one of them? I am. I have bulging, herniated discs and have had low back spasms (that knock me to my knees) and sciatica. I have been on all kinds of pain killers, including narcotics which only mask the problem and is by no means a permanent solution.

I have avoided back surgery like the plague as there are so many with horror stories. The only relief I have found is with the proper exercise and stretching. I can assure you will find back pain relief if you do this regimen the correct way, do it the wrong way and you might up under the knife!
Out of all of the various forms of back pain, lower back pain is by far the most common and there's a good explanation for this.

Any idea why? It's not car accidents, it's not work-related injuries, and it's not a lack of prescription medications either. Lack of movement and use is the number one cause of lower back pain! I bet your orthopedic specialist or chiropractor didn't tell you that, did they? It's the lack of movement in various muscles over years that leads to muscle imbalances and uneven wear and tear on your body, especially the spine. For example, how many times a day are you bending, leaning, or twisting? Here's what the typical person's day is like:

- Wake up
- Eat breakfast (hopefully)
- Drive or ride to work
- Sit at desk
- Eat lunch
- Sit at desk some more
- Drive or ride home
- Eat dinner
- Sit on couch and watch television
- Go to bed

Notice the trend here? That's an awful lot of sitting and not moving. Well, this is what leads to serious muscle imbalances and so what do we do, we go to the gym and perform exercises that only make the imbalances worse! The key to eliminating lower back pain (nearly any ache, pain, or injury for that matter) is to identify the muscle imbalances that are pulling the spine, bones, and joints out of place and then stretch the tight muscles while strengthening the weak muscles.

How do I know this? Well, as certified personal fitness trainer and post-rehabilitation specialist, I have worked with hundreds of individuals with back pain and the conditions that ranged from sciatic pain, to bulging discs, to spinal fusion, and others. In working with these individuals I discovered some startling facts.

1. Many people who seek professional help are often mis-diagnosed and end up following a treatment plan that fails to eliminate the cause of their back pain.

2. Nearly all of the individuals I worked with were able to eliminate their back pain, or significantly improve their condition even though all of the traditional treatments failed them (physically therapy, chiropractic care, cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, back surgery, etc). Even more amazing is the fact that most of these individuals were able to eliminate their back pain in a matter or days or weeks simply by performing a handful of exercises and stretches! These weren't your basic exercises or the standard back stretches and stomach exercises most "experts" recommend - these were specific exercises and stretches prescribed based on the individual. Many of these people had suffered for years and years with aches, pains, and stiffness and lived inactive lives because of their back pain.

3. Most back pain treatments offered for lower back pain only address the symptoms and don't address the cause, which usually delivers just temporary relief for the individual. In addition to helping hundreds of others eliminate lower back pain, I also have had personal experiences with back pain and other various conditions such as sciatic pain, tendonitis, muscle strains and sprains, and more. In every single situation the traditional treatments did nothing but treat the symptoms (often times not successfully) and the only approach that gave lasting improvements and relief was targeted stretches and exercises.

Have you tried traditional treatments and found little relief? I am not saying these treatments are not effective at temporarily reducing the pain or inflammation, but I am saying nearly all fail to get rid of the underlying cause of the problem.

I wish you the best and remember, the key to a healthy back is movement!

You can get more information on back pain relief with our new 7 part series, Lose The Back Pain, go to:http://www.endbackpainnow.net or send any email to:ReliefNow-SUBSCRIBE@isoresponder.com

How To Eliminate your Back and Neck Pain by Changing the Chair you sit in!

The ergonomic kneeling chair actually encourages you to sit with an upright posture, which leaves your back, shoulders and neck aligned correctly. Your hips are in a forward tilt position, which allows you to sit in a more upright way. When we sit at the computer for long stretches of periods hunched over the keyboard we are at high risk of damaging our backs. Doing this makes us more susceptible to strains, headaches and body aches. I am sure you know what I am talking about. Especially if you are in front of the computer working for hours at a time like I am. The ergonomic kneeling chair actually starts to give you the relief you have been looking for all of these years. There is no choice, if your business is on the internet, or your working 8 hours or more a day in front of a computer or desk, why suffer if there is a solution. Nobody wants to feel these aches and pains that's why they designed ergonomics.
Sitting for Long Periods of time Makes Your Back and Shoulders feel Weak. The Ergonomic Knee Chair Can Help.
Believe it or not this weak feeling can be because of your posture, the way that you sit. I am not a doctor so I am in no way telling you that this is the cause of all your back, shoulder or neck pain. But I will tell you about the way that we sit that can cause these types of pain. When you sit in that slumped over way that you sit, your muscles are tighting up to prevent us from falling over. You are basically, working out your muscles, but not in the way that you would want to. Your necks natural position is to go down. This will then cause the shoulders to follow and then of course your back. Doing this leaves you sitting the way that you don't want to be sitting, hunched over. Sitting this way is the cause of the all the pain. Look at it this way, when you work out your muscles work out what happens? They become sore! You also run the risk of straining a muscle when you work out as well, don't you? Yes! Well you run the same risk of straining muscles from sitting the way that you are probably sitting right now as you read this. Neck forward, shoulders pulled down and your back is arched.
Well sit up straight, pick up that neck and keep it straight, keep your back touching the back of the chair, bring those elbows in, and square out those shoulders. It would be nice if you could stay that way, without the need to buy a new chair. Not that it is not possible, but trust me I know how hard it is to sit up straight, that's work enough. You eventually end up feeling worse then you did before, but that's only temporary. You need to train yourself to sit up with good posture and it will take some time to get use too. And most of us don't have the time or the patience to do things like that. This is what the ergonomic kneeling chair does. It's an aid to help you to sit up straight, right away. There is no practice there is no time consuming procedure. It's such a great thing. This ergonomic chair has no back, you sit on it and then there is a cushion that you rest your knee's on. It's unconventional, but very effective. You may look at this ergonomic chair and say to yourself, or maybe even out loud, "This chair can't be what you are raving about!". Well it is! These ergonomic chairs are referred by physical therapists, doctors and ergonomists. I would highly suggest taking a test drive on this ergonomic chair. You may just be as surprised as I was, and you may just find the relief you have been wishing for. You have nothing to lose but the nagging pain in your back, neck or shoulders, by checking into it.
So go and start searching for this ergonomic kneeling chair. I would suggest that you come to your own conclusion from your own research, but I can almost guarantee that you will be as amazingly and delightfully surprised, just like I was and still am. For once you need to invest in something that will help you to feel better. It's not a selfish act if the ultimate goal is to have a clear mind to accomplish your goals of the day, pain free. Something that will give you the relief that you have been searching for even if you didn't know it was going to be in a chair. Now stop with those hand-me-downs from your family and friends, splurge on for your own chair this time. I believe that your office chair is the most important piece of furniture in your office; this is not an area that you want to skimp out on. Think about it you spend on average 7 hours a day in your chair, 35 hours a week if you work only a 5 day week. That's an awful lot of sitting. So take your friends filing cabinets, your brother's printing stand, but pass on the brown leather executive chair, and get yourself into an ergonomic office chair, preferably the ergonomic knee chair.
What is ergonomics? And the reason we need them.
Ergonomic is (also known as human factors engineering), is the science of refining the design of products to optimize them for human use. Basically ergonomic chairs are designed to fit your body type, your size and designed to make you comfortable. Ergonomic was intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. So why would you want to go with any other chair, but the ergonomic chair. It would be crazy if you did.
Nobody wants to work, but we don't really have a choice. Do we? So choosing an ergonomic chair will make the time, well... less painful. I can not ask this enough, "Why suffer if you don't have too?" Ergonomic chairs offer many adjustments that can make the chair just right for your needs and your body. These ergonomic chairs are well designed to support your body and does not restrict your movement, with built in pressure points for the best support possible. The seat and back offer much support that is necessary for your back and lower limb, without this you will suffer from lower back and shoulder pain. People have been known to get migraines from the bad posture due to the lack of proper support.
Sitting with good posture without the ergonomic knee chair is possible. Just relax your shoulders, keep your wrists straight, your legs must remain in contact with your seat, your feet must be on the floor (both of them) at all times, your back will have to touch the chair's back, keep your elbows at right angle's while typing (this will help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome), your upper arm's and elbow's need to remain close to your body, and your head and neck must be straight. It's not an easy task as I have mentioned before, but these are effect techniques. At first it will feel weird sitting this way but with some practice this will become a natural way of sitting, and your back, neck, and shoulder pain will be a thing of your past.
Check out http://www.allmyofficestuff.comYou will find many tips and resources to make your home office efficient, stylish and comfortable. This website offers detailed reviews of office chairs and is full of articles, news and many resources.