Low Back Pain

About 85 percent of the population will experience disabling low back pain at least once during their lives! That's almost all of us. The problem is so bad that at any one time, according to one researcher, 6.8% of the U.S. adult population is suffering from an episode of back pain lasting more than two weeks. That's a lot of bad backs. The estimated cost of this problem in the U.S. is over $50 billion a year.

The standard medical approach to back pain varies depending on the severity of the condition. Muscle relaxers, painkillers, rest and physical therapy such as traction, diathermy, ultrasound, hot packs and cold packs are sometimes used. This approach has not been found very helpful, however. If the problem doesn't improve or worsens, then surgery may be performed.

The medical approach is at times necessary - even back surgery has a place. But according to some studies, most spinal surgery for acute lower back problems should be rarely performed. Many people who have had back surgery report a recurrence of their symptoms within a year or two of the operation and may return to the operating table. In some cases the surgery makes no difference whatsoever.

As a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of back pain. After a thorough neurological examination, I determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly. In many back pain patients, I find a high mesencephalic output.

There are three parts to the brain stem: top, middle and lower. The mesencephalon is the top part of the brain stem. A high output of the mesencephalon will cause an increased pulse and heart rate, the inability to sleep, or a waking, fitful sleep. Other symptoms might include urinary tract infections, increased warmth and sweating, and sensitivity to light.

Along with a high mesencephalic output, the back pain patient may present with a decreased output of the cerebellum. The cerebellum controls coordinated movement and al of the muscles of the spinal column.

No matter what the condition, it is imperative that the chiropractic neurologist performs a thorough and comprehensive examination to determine the exact nature of the patient's condition.

Dr. Michael L. Johnson is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, one of only 700 in the country, with over twenty years of experience in private practice. He has completed over 850 hours of neurological studies and 3800 hours of postgraduate education. His book "What Do You Do When the Medications Don't Work? - A Non-Drug Treatment of Dizziness, Migraine Headaches, Fibromyalgia, and Other Chronic Conditions" outlines his groundbreaking work in the treatment of chronic pain and is a national best-seller. It is available wherever books are sold.

© 2005 Michael L. Johnson, D.C., D.A.C.N.B.

---

Frequency Specific Microcurrent Offers New Hope For People With Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from a condition known as... Read More

Types of Hair Loss Treatment Currently Available

The hair loss treatments outlined here cannot provide definitive cures... Read More

Constipation Relieved Naturally

Constipation is a problem that affects many Americans every day.... Read More

You Cant Fool Mother Nature

In the 1970's, there was a margarine commercial with the... Read More

Prenatal Massage

What is prenatal massage? Prenatal Massage is a form of... Read More

You Can Stop Biting Your Nails, Heres How!

Are you tired of being self-conscious about your hands and... Read More

Constipation: the Fast, Easy Answer to Something No One Talks About

Everyone jokes about constipation, but it's no joke if you're... Read More

Sweet Sustenance

"The difference between sugar addiciton and narcotic addiction is largely... Read More

Lemon and Parsley Home Remedies

You might think of lemon and parsley as great garnishes... Read More

Purchasing Essential Oil

Tips on Purchasing Essential OilsIt is important to purchase your... Read More

Healing the Elements

The Nature Elementals, most commonly known as Faeries, are the... Read More

Crystal Healing

Ask and you shall receive!! Persuaded by popular demand, I... Read More

Natural Alternatives vs. Prescription Drugs

Natural Alternatives: A growing phenomenon across this world which... Read More

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils for Physical and Psychological Well-being

What is Aromatherapy?It is the practice of using volatile plant... Read More

Aromatherapy Favorites - Beautiful Rose Oil

Ah, Wonderful Rose OilIf there's an aroma that more individuals... Read More

An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part I ? The Twelve Healers

What are Bach Flower Essences?Pioneered by Dr. Edward Bach in... Read More

Herbs ? Natures Potent Remedies

Use of herbs for health and as a medicine has... Read More

Holistic Methods: Color Therapy and Aura Soma in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The human body is recognized as a series of colors,... Read More

Maintaining Healthy Vision Naturally

The training of our eye doctors in this country is... Read More

Spring Cleaning with Nontoxic Cleaners

Spring cleaning goes beyond normal everyday cleaning. It's a major... Read More

What Organic Really Means in 2005

The term "organic" is used everywhere. What exactly does that... Read More

Discover The Missing Key to Improving Your Health

Do you know the top ten causes for death? You... Read More

Tai Chi Breathing Reduces Residual Air in Ineffective Retention Space

Breathing is the source of life: if breathing stops, do... Read More

Do-Sa-Do: Square Dancing and Mindfulness

When I was 12, one of my best friends was... Read More

Cold Laser Therapy: Hope for Arthritis

Having had the rare, first-hand opportunity to observe cold laser... Read More

Bladder Infections

"If you let that fiery wise blood just sit there... Read More

Myofascial Release

What is MYOFACSCIAL RELEASE? Myofascial release is a tender mixture... Read More

Stuttering Child

Children can develop a stutter at an early age and... Read More

Digestive Distress

Step 1: Collect InformationAs the mix of hormones in your... Read More

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine used for over... Read More

Some Smells Cause Headache

Did you know that some smells cause headache?Its true, the... Read More

Boost Self Confidence Through Hypnotherapy

What is self confidence and how do you get it?... Read More

Alternative Medicine is Holistic, Western Medicine is Reductionist

The major difference between alternative medicine, or what I'll call... Read More