What is Flexion-Distraction?

Flexion-Distraction is a therapeutic technique used to treat people with a variety of pain syndromes that have not responded to other treatment approaches. Until recently, I never heard of this treatment option. This painless non-invasive procedure is performed using a special treatment table that allows the practitioner to gently stretch and bend the back in various directions while he/she adds gentle pressure to different parts of the spine. There are no jerking movements at all. The table moves in a smooth rhythmic fashion as the practitioner moves his/her hands into different positions.

Since I started receiving this treatment 3 times a week, I have noticed a significant improvement in comfort and mobility. In addition, the pain which often shot through my hips and into my legs has almost completely resolved. With the increased comfort and mobility has come a new sense of hope and I have to ask why this procedure was never recommended or tried during the 20+ years I have had back problems.

Because I was not familiar with Flexion-Distraction, I began reading about it. I visited a couple of websites (Dr. Mitchell and Drs. Jeff and Karen Pracella) that seem to do a nice job of describing the treatment and the uses and benefits of it.

Like anything, this treatment is not for everyone. And there is no guarantee as to if, when or how much a person may or may not improve by receiving it. However, I feel it is worth it to look at a variety of non-invasive alternatives and view them with an open mind. Attached are a couple of websites with some very good information about this non-invasive treatment option for people with pain syndromes.

Related Topics:

• WebMD Video: Finding the Right Chiropractor
• WebMD Video: The ABCs of Back Pain

Technorati Tags: Flexion-Distraction, back pain, chiropractor, health and wellness

The Meaning of Commitment and Kindness

Photo Credit: Gary Minnaert

Recently my husband and I had the great opportunity to have breakfast with some fellow cruisers. We shared it was our honeymoon and everyone got excited and chatty around the table.

One couple shared they have been married for 65 years. How wonderful! I asked what their secret was. The husband said "kindness" is what keeps them together. He said that some days you have to give 115 percent and you may not get anything back that day. But the next day is a new day to start another 115 percent. Being kind in every way i.e., respect, cooperation, consideration, etc., is what makes a relationship work. He also stated that many folks today do not understand the real meaning of commitment and are too quick to bail out of a relationship. Relationships take a lot of work.

Another couple at the table had experienced life-altering challenges and they also demonstrated much love and commitment. With challenged speech the gentleman told us that the important things that have kept he and his wife together include talking to God. When they argue or fight, they then go to their separate space and talk to God. They stay separate until they have had a chance to calm down and think about things. Then they reunite and discuss things. He said it is important to keep communication open and resolve issues promptly. Don't let them fester and build because they sometimes become very difficult to resolve. His wife agreed.

I felt it was a blessing for my husband and I to share breakfast with these lovely couples. They both wished us much love, commitment and longevity in our marriage. I walked away from our meal with a sense of excitement and hope for my own new marriage.

Many folks with chronic pain and disease are not fortunate to have the love and support of loved ones. Many families are tested to the limit and do not pass the test of durability to sustain their relationship through the storms of life and they crumble.

It may be beneficial for counseling in the early stages of disease or life altering change to be a more standard component of treatment. It is evident that pain, disease and disability effect every part of person's life to some extent. And this includes the life of all people who are close to that person. Counseling may help families to develop methods and ways to overcome the challenges and keep the vital component of communication open.

Related Topics:

• Love in the Real World
• Love & Survival

Technorati Tags: kindness, commitment, love, support, pain management, chronic pain, health and wellness

Preparing for Surgery

Sometimes surgery is the best path to relieving chronic back, hip or knee pain. Usually a lot of care and instructions go into preparing for surgery, but often the time just after surgery when you return home is neglected. Here are some steps you can take to help you feel better after surgery:

• Take care of any pressing issues so you won't be rushed to deal with them when you come home.
• Grocery shop ahead of time.
• Prepare meals in advance and freeze them.
• Use this pre-surgery preparation time to work on some non-medicinal relaxation exercises.
• If you have a heating pad and/or ice pack, make sure they are in working order and easily accessible.
• Treat yourself to some aroma therapy candles and have them ready for when you come home.
• Get a tape or two of nice soothing music or nature sounds to help you relax.
• Get a book or two to read that is inspiring and stock up on some hobby things you can work on while you are less active.

Everything you think and do is either going to help or hinder how you feel and how your meds work. The key is to create as positive an experience as you can. Plan to rest as you need to and don't push. That means accepting help from others and planning ahead for how the household chores can be covered while you're recovering.

These are a few things that come to my mind. Tell me what worked for you!

Related Topics:

• WebMD Video: Interbody Spinal Fusion
• WebMD Video: Knees Replacements With More Flexibility

Technorati Tags: surgery, back pain, knee pain, hip pain, health-and-wellness

A Daughter's Special Gift

Stu Spivack

Several months ago, a dear friend and the organist at our church passed away suddenly. It was a loss felt by everyone who knew her; yet it was also an opportunity to celebrate her life and all that she gave to those around her through her kindness and gifts of music.

This morning I had the opportunity to hear her daughter play The Old Rugged Cross. It was a touching experience, and for a moment it brought tears to my eyes as I remembered her mom sitting at that same organ for years playing for the services at the church. And as I listened, it also brought a smile to my face as I began to see another generation of music coming forth.

I am so glad to see my friend's daughter continue taking lessons after her mom's death. That must have been a difficult thing to do - find someone who could teach and support as specially as her mom did. But she continues to learn and her efforts are revealed through the music she plays.

I truly believe that up there in heaven, my dear friend must have been mighty proud of her daughter as she played today. And I think if she listened closely enough, she will have heard a little familiarity in the style in which her daughter played. It was a tribute to her teaching and showed the love and thanksgiving of a beautiful daughter for her mom.

I look forward to hearing this beautiful young lady continue to share her gift of music. It will always remind me of the dear mom she had and the dear friend I had. I am so thankful!

Related Topics:

• The Heart Speaks (Are You Listening?)
• WebMD Video: Music Therapy - Helping Hospital Patients Heal

Technorati Tags: grief, loss, music, healing, health-and-wellness

Happy National Nurses Week!

Next week is National Nurses Week and since I will be away from the boards, I wanted to take a moment now to say, "Congratulations" to my fellow colleagues all around the nation!

Many of us have experienced changes in our nursing career. Many of us performed bedside nursing for years before some life-changing event caused us to leave that path. For many of us, we have found other ways to practice our profession. Thank goodness that it is one with great opportunities.

But for those who haven't, you still have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people. A nurse's foundation of knowledge is vast and our experiences bring us keen insights that we can learn from and share. The saying "Once a Nurse - Always a Nurse" is very true. Feel proud of your accomplishments. Seek creative ways to continue making a difference.

Happy Nurses Week!

Related Topics:

• Nurse Practitioners Providing Primary Care
• WebMD Video: PDA's for Nurses

Technorati Tags: National Nurses Week, nursing, health-and-wellness

Coping with Loss - Media Impact

As a person grieves and eventually heals from a tragic loss, there will be times when a single thought or memory may trigger emotions of sadness and for a short time a reminder of the hurt will be again felt. This is normal and healing returns and life does go on. Anniversary dates of tragic events and special holidays are common times when this experience occurs.

What bothers me is seeing tragedies played and replayed over the media days, weeks, months, and years later. It is understandable that there is a significance around many tragic losses. I don't discount that. However, for the families left behind, it is difficult enough to heal only to have the tragedy brought back before their eyes and ears all over again. Breaking open the pain and suffering they so try to move past.

Here are some thoughts to ponder:

• At what point should the media back away; should every newscast reference a tragedy?
• At what point should photos of tragedy be set aside for something new or positive?
• Why is it that printed media sells better when there is something tragic on the front page?
• Does a person have to view tragic photos and hear tragic information to remember the significance that surrounds the tragedy?
• Do folks in the media feel that if they don't write or speak about something it somehow loses its importance or meaning?

I am not blasting media by any means. It is important to be informed about what is going on in the world around us.

I am just seeking understanding when, from a professional viewpoint and my understanding of grief and healing, I can see how it can negatively impact a person's ability to cope, heal and move on with life.

Related Topics:

• The Aftermath of Tragedy
• How Much is Too Much News?

Technorati Tags: grief, tragedy, media, news