Natural Approaches To Managing Back Pain and Neck Pain

Staff Writer

The statistics are shocking:  85% of the US population will experience back or neck pain at some point in their lives.  31 million Americans suffer from specific low back pain. In addition, back pain is the leading cause of disability in Americans “under” 45 years old and is the most common reason for people missing work. It’s also the third leading cause of disability in people “over” 45 years of age.

More Facts…

  • More than 26 million Americans between the ages of 20-64 experience frequent back pain.
  • Back pain is the second most common reason for seeing a doctor in the US.
  • Back pain is the third most common reason for surgery.
  • Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain.
  • Most cases of back pain are mechanical and are not caused by serious conditions such as arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

With fewer than five percent of people with back pain being good candidates for surgery, there is a significant demand for natural alternative approaches. If you’re suffering from back pain, consider trying one of these common alternative health care options, they are all proven techniques to not only help manage pain, but also get to the root cause.

  • Chiropractic
  • Naturopathy
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Physical therapy

An Emerging Science for Natural Back Pain Relief

Sometimes, a more aggressive,natural approach to back pain is needed. Short for “proliferation therapy,” Prolotherapy is a method of injection treatment designed to stimulate healing. By injecting proven, safe solutions into problem areas, Prolotherapy works by causing temporary, low-grade inflammation at the injection site.  Subsequently, fibroblasts are activated and precursors to mature collagen begin to form. It has been well-documented that direct exposure of fibroblasts to growth factors (either naturally occurring or added) causes new cell growth and collagen deposition.  Ultimately, damaged connective tissue is reinforced and healing occurs.

Typically, Prolotherapy is used for musculoskeletal pain that has lasted for more than 8 weeks and has been proven to be effecting in treating common issues such as:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Chronic sprains and/or strains
  • Whiplash injuries
  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow
  • Knee, ankle, shoulder or other joint pain
  • Chronic tendonitis/tendonosis
  • Musculoskeletal pain related to osteoarthritis.

Types of Prolotherapy

Originated in the 1930’s, there several options back pain patients can choose from. Three of the more popular include:

  • Dextrose Prolotherapy – In this original method, concentrated sugar water (dextrose), salt water (saline), or other natural substances are used as irritants to stimulate a mild inflammatory response that triggers natural healing mechanisms in the body.
  • Platelet Rich Plasma Prolotherapy - Also referred to as PRP, this newer method came out in the 90’s and has been credited by Takashi Saito, closing pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers, and golfer Tiger Woods in getting them back to the game quicker. PRP capitalizes on the effects platelets have on wound healing and is used when enhanced healing is needed.
  • Biocellular Prolotherapy – If cellular depletion has occurred, local repair stem cells will not be available or the available ones will be used up within a few treatments of dextrose and/or PRP Prolotherapy. Taking healthy cells from either the bone marrow or the adipose tissue, this form of Prolotherapy is employed in some of the most severe cases.

If you have tried the non-invasive options for your back pain and have not experienced relief consider Prolotherapy. Prices range depending on your situation and insurance provider, so make sure you are familiar with your policy.

Sources for this article include:

  • www.prolotherapy.com
  • www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview
  • www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases/sciatica/849
  • www.spinemedtherapy.com/pub/Back-Pain-Stats
  • www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=68
Visit HolisticCarePros.com to learn more about natural, proven specialized treatments and therapies that can help prevent, treat and heal chronic pain, diseases and conditions. Find naturopathic and osteopathic doctors in your local area that provide these specialized treatments and therapies. Find natural healthy diet and nutrition information that can improve both your physical, mental and emotional health.
       Email this page
Share this article
  • Facebook
  • Google Plus
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Delicious
  • Technorati
  • StumbleUpon
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • RSS

This entry was posted in Back Pain, Health and Wellness, Neck Pain and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
Disclaimer: This blog post/article is written by a guest writer or professional in our directory and does not necessarily state the views of HolisticCarePros.com or any of its affiliates.