Prelude Scientia Chiropractic
(Seeing
is Believing Ultrasound Spine Scan
Diary)
Volume5
(04/23/07 –05/31/07)
A journal documenting advanced
ultrasound scan observations from 2cm through 15 cm deep in the spinal and
paraspinal tissues in
two and three
dimensions:
The Rochester
Spine Care
&
Alternative
Healing Clinic
493 37th.
Street N.E. ,Rochester, Mn. 55906
Dr.
John D. Reid,
D.C.
507-281-4040
O.K., I DO GET JADED ONCE IN AWHILE AFTER 30 YEARS OF PRACTICE AND 19 YEARS USING ULTRASOUND SPINE SCAN.
It occurred to me yesterday while I was treating a patient with a Spring allergies histamine syndrome that it was something I was privy to easily observe, but which syndrome might be a mystery to other doctors who do not have the advantage of ultrasound spine scan. What I have observed repeatedly over the years in some patients is a flare up of ALL the soft tissues usually in the Spring of the year. The signs are those of hyper histamine levels everywhere due to allergic reactions. On the video screen of the scanner EVERYTHING IS MILDLY TO MODERATELY INFLAMED EVERYWHERE (not just restricted to the spine region of pain origin). I also have two VERY unfortunate patients who have a flare of allergy related histamine in conjunction with a flare of uric acid levels and gouty arthritis pains.
The defining point in the histories for these histamine affected patients who often times present year after year, about the same time each year, is that they repeatedly claim they did "nothing unusual". That is the salient point. February lift 100 Lbs. no problem, April lift 100 Lbs and POW one or more subluxations! The mechanism seems to be a softening of the spinal ligaments and tendons due to the edema inducing effects of histamine. In February we find a strong dry spine with strong dry ligaments. In April as allergies hit, we find water logged softened weak ligaments and POW! SUBLUXATIONS.
Knowing this , that the patient is histamine affected and delicate, the doctor should moderate his or her adjustment power downward as well as encourage good allergy control via avoidance, herbals, nutrition, and visceral adjustments oriented toward Liver and Thymus. The patient benefits from advice re: "This is a seasonally related condition, this season is truly dangerous for the spinal integrity since the spine is truly weakened by histamine, and after the season continuing care with a preventative strengthening program would be wise. "
My two unfortunate patients who have a flare of allergy related histamine in conjunction with a flare of uric acid levels and gouty arthritis pains are seriously in pain in the Spring Time. Help has to begin prior to Spring as they lower their salt (sodium) intake and raise their fruit and vegetable (potassium foods) intake to sharpen up the immune system. I try to encourage 150mg sodium maximum unless they work in boiler room heat. The potassium to sodium tissue ratios are the key. Sodium dulls the immune system, potassium sharpens the immune system. A super intelligent immune system usually can differentiate between harmless pollen verses real pathogens. A tiny bit of confusion and the default action is to attack, so allergies go wild. Once a patient enters the full blast allergic phase however, physical ministrations become very difficult due to pain so wide spread and so severe strong men can faint just from rising to stand from a sitting position. It is important for the chiropractic doctor to refer the patient if necessary to medical management) for darvocet or tylenol 3 with codeine, or even a morphine pump I.V. until the syndrome calms. Anti gout herbals such as celery seed extract combined with magnesium hydroxide and calcium supplementation seem to help by neutralizing the uric acid. For these tri part gout complicated syndrome patients turkey, spinach, alcohol, asparagus, sea food, and aspirin are best avoided since for 90% of these unfortunate pain patients these factors worsen the pain. Since the condition is inflammatory active heat is usually contra-indicated, but since uric acid crystals tend to precipitate more readily in cool tissues cold packs are also contra-indicated. The side effects of stronger uric clearing agents such as allopurinol are a medical/patient decision and outside chiropractic's scope, however allopurinol is NOT totally benign (fatal aseptic necrosis of the epidermis in some patients) and kidney stone problems can develop in the first two weeks of prescription, so a bit of caution is wise. (Remember the core clinical problems set is usually three part, physical subluxation stress, allergic histamine, PLUS uric acid high gouty related inflammations. Thus strong rapid and dramatic dropping of the uric acid levels (by flushing it all through the kidneys) may not provide the hoped for magic.)
In the early stage adjustments rarely can be expected to "hold" since the spine is so terribly unstable. Pain levels are so severe manual manipulation is usually not tolerated twice. In the late stage (usually 14 days past onset) as the spine loses edema and consolidates chiropractic manual work is of inestimal benefit since without chiropractic the spine can easily consolidate in a spine stressed profile which can lead to later failed discs. Chiropractic work can bring the spine pattern home to a beautifully pain free and strong consolidated profile.
I hope this is helpful for those mysterious (I did nothing unusual, it just came on) Lumbalgia NOS Spingtime patients.