Michigan Spine & Pain

Mt. Pleasant, Gaylord, & West Bloomfield, MI


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Why a Physiatrist?

When you get injured, your first thought may be to make an appointment directly with an orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor or sports medicine physician. However, a physiatrist helps a wide range of patients, including those suffering from injury, disease or musculoskeletal pain.

Physiatrists prefer to take a non-surgical approach to rehabilitation and are dedicated to problems of the musculoskeletal system. Consulting with a physiatrist before seeking surgical treatment can be a valuable decision. Physiatrists offer big-picture insight to help patients understand their full spectrum of treatment options.

The Big Picture

Physiatrists study the big picture and, because their training is broad, it allows them to look at the total body rather than just one organ. By considering other areas of the body, physiatrists can be helpful for pinpointing difficult-to-diagnose pain by examining the relationships of all the moving parts of the body. A physiatrist’s goal is to restore functionality in patients living with injuries, diseases and disorders.

Physiatrists often act in concert with a patient’s other physicians, such as primary care doctors and neurologists — or even spearhead a team of medical professionals to optimize a patient’s treatment.

By having a physiatrist assume a central role in your recovery, they will create your step-by-step plan for rehabilitation, orchestrating the entire therapeutic team. Physiatrists enlist the support of many experts, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, care managers, and other needed physicians and professionals.

Physiatrists can use non-surgical procedures to treat injury and illness, and manage pain. This can involve a range of therapies, including prescribing adjuvant and analgesic medications to help with function recovery, strength and flexibility exercises; aids such as braces and wheelchairs are often employed. For those needing surgical procedures, consulting a physiatrist before and after surgery can be can be very helpful in speeding up recovery and maintain functionality. (See last week’s blog.)

Because a physiatrist focuses on functional wellness, they tailor your treatment to your needs. If you simply want to climb the stairs or be able to play on the floor with your children, your treatment program may be different than an injured Olympic athlete hoping to compete professionally again. Whatever your needs, a physiatrist can help get you there.

What Procedures do Physiatrists Perform?

  • Electromyography (EMG): Inserting fine needle electrodes into muscles to measure the performance of muscles and nerves. This helps physiatrists discern if weakness is due to dysfunction of the muscles or nerves.
  • Nerve conduction studies (NCS): Using electrodes to establish the location of a nervous system injury.
  • Peripheral joint injections: Injecting bone and soft tissues to help diagnose and treat disorders.
  • Trigger point injections: Using lidocaine or dry needling on trigger points to ease soft tissue pain.
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound: Using internal imagery through an ultrasound to evaluate soft tissue abnormalities, and to guide injections.
  • Spasticity management: Using oral antispasticity agents to treat spasticity after CNS injury (stroke, cerebral palsy, etc.), and to help relieve pain.

Physiatrists may also provide treatments such as image-guided spinal diagnostics and injections, epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation; and other procedures like acupuncture and stem cell treatments.

If you or someone you know is suffering from musculoskeletal pain, injury, or disease, talk to your physician about being referred to a Michigan Spine and Pain physiatrist. We strive to be a model physiatrist practice through continual education and dedication to providing quality care.

Filed Under: News

Is Pain Making You Tired?

Pain and fatigue often go hand in hand, especially when there is chronic, long-term pain. The exhaustion and weakness that can accompany pain may develop slowly or appear suddenly. When developing a pain management strategy, coping with fatigue should also be part of the plan.

Here are some factors that contribute to the pain/fatigue cycle, and tips for how to break free:

Physical Stress

Use it or lose it…

Reducing your physical activity because of pain can weaken muscles and make you tire more easily. Talk with your pain management team and work out a realistic exercise and activity plan.

Tip: Enlist friends and family to help you achieve your activity goals and help you regain your confidence. A walk with a friend seems shorter than a trudge alone. Just remember to be realistic and tell them when need to stop and rest.

 You don’t move like you used to…

Whether you’re limited by an injury, living with arthritis pain, or recovering from surgery, pain can cause you to adjust the way you move. This can create unusual stress on muscles and joints and cause more pain – and more fatigue.

Tip: Be aware of how you position your body whether you are moving or at rest.  If, for example, you are favoring an injured knee, be aware that the other knee is now taking on more than its usual share of the load and will tire more easily – and be more prone to injury.

Play now, pay later…

Overdoing it can increase both pain and fatigue. Learn your limits and adjust your activity accordingly.  Don’t let overexertion on a “good day” lead to a series of “bad days.”

Tip:  Pay attention to the signals your body sends you and don’t try to push past your limit. Discuss any problems or setbacks with your medical team. Don’t wear yourself out trying to prevent fatigue!

Emotional Stress

Emotional stress can also contribute to fatigue. Injuries can change your everyday life in an instant. You feel a loss of control and the burden of adjusting your lifestyle during treatment and recovery. Long term pain can be emotionally as well as physically draining. Depression is a common, and serious, side effect of chronic pain. Depression can contribute to fatigue and fatigue can feed the powerless feelings that lead to depression. It’s important to break that cycle.

Tip: Do what makes you happy. Stay connected with family and friends.  Continue activities that give you joy. If you find yourself avoiding the people and activities that you previously enjoyed, talk to your doctor right away. 

Hidden dangers…

Finally, keep an open dialogue with your doctor about any new (or increasing) weakness or fatigue to make sure there aren’t any underlying illnesses or health conditions responsible. Don’t assume that pain alone is the culprit.

Pain and fatigue often go hand in hand, especially when there is chronic, long-term pain. The exhaustion and weakness that can accompany pain may develop slowly or appear suddenly. When developing a pain management strategy, coping with fatigue should also be part of the plan.

Here are some factors that contribute to the pain/fatigue cycle, and tips for how to break free:

Physical Stress

Use it or lose it…

Reducing your physical activity because of pain can weaken muscles and make you tire more easily. Talk with your pain management team and work out a realistic exercise and activity plan.

Tip: Enlist friends and family to help you achieve your activity goals and help you regain your confidence. A walk with a friend seems shorter than a trudge alone. Just remember to be realistic and tell them when need to stop and rest.

 You don’t move liked to… you use

Whether you’re limited by an injury, living with arthritis pain, or recovering from surgery, pain can cause you to adjust the way you move. This can create unusual stress on muscles and joints and cause more pain – and more fatigue.

Tip: Be aware of how you position your body whether you are moving or at rest.  If, for example, you are favoring an injured knee, be aware that the other knee is now taking on more than its usual share of the load and will tire more easily – and be more prone to injury.

Play now, pay later…

Overdoing it can increase both pain and fatigue. Learn your limits and adjust your activity accordingly.  Don’t let overexertion on a “good day” lead to a series of “bad days.”

Tip:  Pay attention to the signals your body sends you and don’t try to push past your limit. Discuss any problems or setbacks with your medical team. Don’t wear yourself out trying to prevent fatigue!

Emotional Stress

Emotional stress can also contribute to fatigue. Injuries can change your everyday life in an instant. You feel a loss of control and the burden of adjusting your lifestyle during treatment and recovery. Long term pain can be emotionally as well as physically draining. Depression is a common, and serious, side effect of chronic pain. Depression can contribute to fatigue and fatigue can feed the powerless feelings that lead to depression. It’s important to break that cycle.

Tip: Do what makes you happy. Stay connected with family and friends.  Continue activities that give you joy. If you find yourself avoiding the people and activities that you previously enjoyed, talk to your doctor right away. 

Hidden dangers…

Finally, keep an open dialogue with your doctor about any new (or increasing) weakness or fatigue to make sure there aren’t any underlying illnesses or health conditions responsible. Don’t assume that pain alone is the culprit.

Filed Under: Chronic Pain, Depression, Fitness and Exercise, Healthy Living, News

Why You Should Include a Physiatrist on Your Medical Team

Study Shows Net Benefits Physiatrist Consultation on Surgery Rates for Back Pain

Results of a 2013 study published in the medical journal Spine demonstrated a dramatic correlation between patients referred to a physiatrist and a significant decrease in spinal surgery.

The study, developed to determine whether an insurer rule requiring physiatrist consultation before non-urgent surgical consultation would affect surgery referrals and surgery rates, was dramatic, according to the study’s authors, Dr. John Fox; Dr. Andrew J. Haig; Brian Todey; and Sastish Challa.

While spine surgery rates vary, efforts to curb excessive reliance on surgery versus alternate treatments have been spotty, according to the authors. As nonsurgical spine experts, the study posits that physiatrists often are effective in providing patients with a different perspective on treatment options.

The study, conducted in 2007, included the requirement by insurers that patients with non-urgent spine surgical consultations in a specific geographic region first had to consult with a physiatrist (who received extra compensation for the assessment).

Both surgical consultations and surgical rates results were then compared between 2006–07 and 2008–10. A survey of patients evaluated by physiatrists was subsequently performed to assess patient satisfaction and the results were telling.

The study concluded that physiatry referrals increased 70 percent while surgical referrals decreased 48 percent, and the total number of spine operations dropped 25 percent, with an incidental decrease in overall costs as an added benefit to both patient and insurer. (Although spinal fusion rates dropped, the percentage of fusion operations increased from 55 percent to 63 percent of all surgical procedures.)

Of 740 patients surveyed (a 48 percent response rate), 74 percent were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the physiatry consultation. However, only 40 percent of patients who underwent previous spine surgery were satisfied. Although surgical rates decreased at all regional hospitals and throughout all surgical groups, there were substantial shifts in market share.

The study concluded that a physiatrist consultation prior to surgical consultation resulted in decreased surgical rates and continued patient satisfaction across large segments of the public.

To read more about this study, click here.

For more information on how a physiatrist can benefit your diagnosis and treatment options, contact the professionals at Michigan Spine and Pain at online or call (800) 586-7992 to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: News

Pain from Car Accidents

Experiencing an auto accident can be very traumatic. Nobody wants to be in a car crash! After a crash there are so many symptoms that may occur as a result, both psychological and physical. It can be difficult for people to gather themselves emotionally after an auto accident; they may feel flustered, scared, have difficulty remembering, be panicked or have difficulty focusing.

There may be physical effects that are obvious after a crash such as broken bones, wounds, cuts or scrapes, bruises and the like.  There are however many physical issues that are not obvious on the surface, and many that are not obvious until some time has passed after the accident. In fact, there are often physical injuries that are not detectible for weeks and never to the naked eye and which require sophisticated medical diagnosis techniques to be found.

Some injuries may be treated with physical therapy, massage or other therapeutic techniques.  Injuries such as whiplash are an example of this type of injury. If pain is prolonged however, more than a month or so, these types of injuries may need more medical attention. In either case, it is wise to first consult a pain specialist for proper diagnosis and prescribed treatment.  At Michigan Spine and Pain we can prescribe appropriate physical therapy, massage or other treatments as necessary for whiplash or other similar auto injuries.

After an accident people sometimes consider calling an attorney to discuss insurance and monetary claims. We encourage people to seek legal counsel if they believe their case may warrant legal help, but calling an appropriate doctor ought to be one of the first calls a person makes and such a call doesn’t preclude legal representation. 

If a person has been in a car accident and feels any of the following symptoms s/he should call a doctor immediately:

  • Headaches
  • Back pain
  • Neck or shoulder pain
  • Stiffness in the shoulder or neck
  • Numbness in the arms or hands
  • Psychological or personality changes
  • Swelling or pain in any part of the body including the abdomen

Michigan Spine and Pain is a multidisciplinary pain clinic that is supervised by a Board Certified M.D. in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Board Certified in Pain Medicine. Many attorneys who specialize in automobile injuries recognize the expertise of the team at Michigan Spine and Pain and Dr. Marvin Bleiberg.  Many physicians refer their patients for pain management and relief to our team. Please call 88.586.7992 or contact us HERE with any questions or to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: Automobile Accidents, News Tagged With: auto accident, auto accidents, automobile accidents, car accident, car crash, pain after car accident, pain from car crash, whiplash

Golfing Injuries from Head to Toe

The unique twisting motion of the golf swing can cause injuries from head to toe. Here’s a rundown of some common golf injuries and tips on how to avoid them.

Neck

As you swing, that twisting motion can lead to spasms, chronic neck pain and even pinched nerves. The more you swing, the worse it gets. Warming up with neck exercises before you practice or play will increase strength and flexibility – and reduce your risk of injury.

Shoulders

It’s no surprise that shoulder injuries are common among golfers. Strength training and adjustments to your swing can help you avoid tendonitis, bursitis and rotator cuff injuries. Don’t forget to handle your golf bag with care; just yanking those heavy clubs out of the car can injure your back or shoulder.

Elbows

Golfer’s Elbow is a painful irritation and inflammation of the outer or inner elbow tendon. This can result from repetition – or even from hitting the ground instead of the ball. Moderation is key.  Don’t wait until you feel pain to call it a day.

Wrists and Hands

Wrist and hand injuries are often caused by repetitive movement. Wrist Tendonitis is a common and painful injury which can take months to heal. Learning the proper grip and avoiding long practice sessions can help you avoid wrist and hand injuries.

Back

Back pain is frequently seen in golfers. Whether you’re swinging a golf bag or a golf club, herniated or slipped discs, muscle strain and ligament damage are all “par for the course.” It’s best to schedule a doctor’s visit for any type of back pain. What seems like a minor problem could be an indication of a larger medical problem. Warm ups and strength exercises can help prevent back injuries.

Hip

The pivoting motion of repeated golf swings is hard on the hips and can result in hip injuries similar to rotator cuff tears. Taking time to warm up, and incorporating a regimen of exercises that build strength and flexibility, can help you support the muscles that surround the hip joint and prevent painful and disabling injuries.

Knee

Uneven ground, a poor stance and the stress on your knees during the golf swing can all contribute to knee injuries. Our knees really aren’t designed for the rotation and side-to-side movement required to swing a golf club successfully. To help protect your knees, follow an exercise plan designed to keep the muscles in your hips, lower back, and mid back flexible and also strengthen the muscles around your knee joint.

Ankles and Feet

Ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, swollen feet and blisters are all common golfing injuries. Proper shoes and strengthening exercises will help you stay on your feet without pain or injury.

Take proactive steps to prevent pain and injury

Your swing is everything!

Proper technique will not only improve your game, it can help prevent painful and potentially serious injuries. Without it, the stress you place on your body is likely to lead to discomfort and pain.

Know when to stop! 

Adjusting your technique to “play through the pain”, doesn’t work. You’ll just transfer the same physical stresses to other areas of your body and increase your chances of multiple injuries and even more pain.

More than an ounce of prevention

A regimen of preventative measures like warming up, wearing the right shoes, strength exercises and learning the proper swing technique will help you avoid injuries and concentrate on enjoying the game. Check out these tips from the Mayo Clinic for proactive steps you can take to avoid painful golf injuries.

Know when to call you doctor

As always, you need to “listen” to your body.  Sometimes personal prevention or mediation measures don’t do the trick.  We are always available to answer your questions and if your pain does not improve, or gets worse, you should be in touch with a doctor.  Feel free to reach out HERE if you would like to have your questions answered, or if you need to make an appointment.

Filed Under: Back Pain, Golf Injury, News Tagged With: golf and low back pain, golf injuries, golf injury, golf pain, preventing golf injury, preventing sports injuries

Chronic Headaches and Migraines

There are millions who suffer with migraines or chronic headaches.  Headaches are a very specific type of pain, no two headache sufferers are alike.  At Michigan Spine and Pain we approach each headache and each person as an individual and with a fresh multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.  Every patient is evaluated fully to determine the root cause of the pain and to determine the best course of curative and restorative action.

It is very common for headaches and migraines to be incorrectly diagnosed.  There are many variable and different causes of headaches.  In our e-book (click HERE) we discuss several different types of headaches and their symptoms and possible treatments.

We urge you to take your headache seriously and to know that we will do the same.  Please call 800.586.7992 or contact us HERE anytime with questions or to schedule a consultation.  We look forward to helping your relieve your pain.

Filed Under: Headaches, Migraines, News Tagged With: headache, headache support, headache type, headaches, migraine, migraine treatment

Invisible Pain and Society Reactions

Oftentimes there is lifestyle difficulty that comes with chronic pain.  People have difficulty with the expectations put upon them in society, and they also have to deal with their personal pain and suffering.

Many are taught to push aside illness and to “grin and bare it,” especially when the problem is not visible to the outside world.  We often deal with invisible sources of pain—at least to the naked eye. A person suffering with chronic pain may look completely healthy to the outside world, yet be suffering terribly.  Additionally, pain levels are not always static; one day may bring terrible pain and the next may be tolerable or very little.  Sometimes it is one activity versus a different activity that causes a variance in pain.

There are many stories of isolation due to pain.  Both physical isolation because of physical limitations and emotional isolation. Often a patient becomes isolated or depressed because their non-visible pain is mocked, or disregarded by family, friends and associates.

People may have the best of intentions, however in the general population, the concept of pain is one that is caused by an illness or injury, and then dissipates when the patient is cured or healed. This is not the case with chronic pain sufferers. Their pain may not leave and may worsen. This seems illogical to people and it may cause them to be insensitive.

Furthermore, neither age, nor race, nor socioeconomic status is a determinant of chronic pain.  Anyone may suffer, although society tends to expect certain populations, such as the elderly, to be those typically suffering with pain.

We can help anyone with their pain related problems.  At Michigan Spine and Pain we have a tremendous amount of resources to help patients with pain that is chronic, visible, invisible….anything.  Let us help you reduce your pain.  Call us anytime at 800-586-7992 or contact us HERE.

Filed Under: Chronic Pain, Depression, News Tagged With: chronic pain, depression and pain, invisible pain

5 Types of Headaches and the Best Ways to Get Rid of Them

MISP_Blog_20_569070106Is there anyone in the world who has never had a headache? In some cases, we can solve this pesky problem by ourselves, yet sometimes we should see a doctor immediately.

With this in mind, the experts at Michigan Spine and Pain have put together a quick reference guide to help you identify the type of headache you have and the best strategy for pain relief.

TENSION HEADACHE

This is the most frequent type of headache in the world: everyone has experienced it at least once in their life.

Symptoms: Usually, this is a mild non-throbbing pain. Tension headaches often cause a pressure sensation that feels like you’re wearing a tight band around your forehead. Most often, the intensity of the pain increases from morning to evening.

CAUSES: Factors that seem to contribute to tension headaches are severe stress, fatigue, poor posture, and holding the head in an improper position for a long time. Chronic tension headaches are rare and are often associated with head or neck injuries.

TREATMENT: There are many over the counter medications that effectively mitigate a tension headache. However, this should only be used occasionally. If headaches occur frequently and last for a long time, consult your doctor. Also, try to be physically active, stretch your shoulders and neck regularly, and spend more time outdoors.

SINUS HEADACHE

This type of headache is caused by sinusitis. It is often accompanied by fever, facial swelling, and tension in the forehead and cheekbones.

SYMPTOMS: Typically, you’ll feel a deep pressure, and pain in your forehead in the area of the eyebrows and under the eyes. The pain usually gets stronger when you move your head sharply. You may also have a running or blocked nose and feel tired.

CAUSES: Sinus headaches are caused by sinusitis. They are also a common complication after having a cold or are the result of a seasonal allergy.

TREATMENT: Sinus headaches rarely go away on their own. If you have an allergy, antihistamines may help. In other cases it’s best to see a doctor who will most probably prescribe antibiotics, if you have a sinus infection.

MIGRAINE

All symptoms of this severe headache occur during a migraine attack that progresses through four main stages. Different people report various symptoms of these headaches.  Not all migraines are experienced identically.

CAUSES: A migraine is often associated with a violation of the metabolic processes and dilation of blood vessels in the brain. A person also may inherit a genetic predisposition for developing migraines.

TREATMENT: There’s currently no cure for migraines, although a number of treatments are available to help ease the symptoms. You need to see your doctor to choose the right medication. Moreover, regular exercise will help you improve your health significantly.

CLUSTER HEADACHE

Cluster headaches are rare, affecting less than 1 percent of the population. They are five times more common in males than females.

SYMPTOMS: A cluster headache may cause a stabbing pain behind or around your eyes, usually on one side of your head. It frequently develops during sleep. Symptoms may also include redness of the eyes, sensitivity to light and eye tearing. The pain usually lasts from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

CAUSES: Scientists don’t know exactly what causes cluster headaches. They are most often linked to disruptions in the body’s biological clock.

TREATMENT: Treating a cluster headache can be tricky because the pain appears and disappears spontaneously and at a moment’s notice. Only a doctor can help you solve this problem.

HANGOVER

CAUSES: We hear many different versions about why people often have a headache after drinking alcohol. One of them suggests that alcohol causes blood vessel dilation and affects serotonin levels in the body. Moreover, alcohol promotes water loss and dehydration — major migraine triggers.

TREATMENT: The best remedy is to take an over the counter headache medication, drink plenty of water and get some good sleep. You should take a hangover seriously. If you have a headache after consuming even a small amount of alcohol it may indicate that you’re suffering from a mild form of migraine.

Filed Under: News

Can Acupuncture Offer Pain Relief and Reduce Opioid Use?

MISP_Blog_19_530740945A new study will seek to determine whether access to acupuncture as a pain management tool for chronic pain could help prevent patients from becoming addicted to opioids.

The state of Vermont is seeking to answer that question by funding a study to see if making acupuncture accessibly to Medicaid patients could be useful in treating chronic pain, as a way to avoid or reduce reliance on opioid medicines and is both feasible — and useful.

Since acupuncture is increasingly considered a viable option for pain relief, Vermont legislators have made clear that they want to explore how it could impact the lives of others — particularly those living below the poverty line.

Robert Davis, a neuroscience professor at the University of Vermont Larner School of Medicine, is running the study. During the three-month study, different acupuncturists in three different Vermont cities will offer free sessions to qualifying Medicaid patients with chronic pain.

Davis acknowledged in an interview with Vermont’s National Public Radio that people who often seek out acupuncture are those who can afford it, but he says it often doesn’t mesh with the larger trend toward including non-pharmaceutical options for treating pain and other illnesses.

“For example, the Joint Commission, which is a nonprofit organization that credentials hospitals and health organizations, they made it clear that you can’t just rely on pharmacologic treatments for pain,” Davis said in the radio interview. “You should also consider non-pharmacologic treatments, and they specifically mentioned things like acupuncture, massage, mindfulness.”

While not without controversy, there is growing evidence that acupuncture can be effective for some types of pain relief. In 2010, 93 percent of deaths from opioids in Vermont involved overdosing on prescription medicine, according to the state’s Department of Health. That percent has since decreased as use of heroine has risen. But misuse of prescription opioids continues to be a problem. Addiction issues stemming from prescription medicines are still a significant part of the opioid epidemic.

The Legislature-funded study is looking to see if acupuncture could provide an alternative, or a complement, to prescription opioids. It isn’t evaluating the science of acupuncture; there won’t be any comparing its effectiveness to a placebo — and there’s already evidence it can provide pain relief.

Instead, the research project is set up to see just how feasible it would be for Medicaid patients to use acupuncture. And what impact it might make on their lives.

“One of the things that we’ll learn from this study is: Will these people utilize acupuncture if offered?” Davis asked in the interview.

The study will also measure if people’s pain was reduced, and will look at a whole range of health measures, from the ability to do daily activities to the patient’s psychological status to whether his or her use of painkillers decreases.

The study is even measuring how acupuncture might impact the patient’s use of other health services.

“In other words, we’re interested to see: Did it affect the amount of times that people went to the emergency room? Did it affect how often they went to doctor, or filled prescriptions, or things like that?” Davis asked.

If early indications hold any weight, there’s certainly interest in acupuncture among people suffering chronic pain. The trial just began soliciting volunteers a few weeks ago, and already 75 people have been processed and enrolled, according to Vermont NPR.

The study will continue through April 2017 and the results will be submitted to the Vermont legislature later this spring.

Filed Under: News

6 Healing Herbs for Your Medicinal Garden

Medicinal plants (either grown in your garden or purchased) can reduce your dependence on drugs and while some plants are used for treating specific ailments, others have a generalized positive effect on our health. Many herbs belonging to the latter group have since found their way into our culinary scene as flavoring agents.

Here’s our practical guide to a few of the accessible herbs that have stood the test of time:

  1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is well known as a skin-friendly plant and is one medicinal plant people really make use of, since it is generally safe and requires no processing before use. It is a must-have in every garden whether you grow it in pots or in the ground.

Aloe Vera plants grow well in a sunny location in warmer areas where there is not much danger of killer frosts. Being a succulent, this drought resistant plant requires very little care and thrives in poor soil. It suckers freely, so you can start with just one or two plants sourced from a reliable supplier. Note: there are several aloes around and not all of them are edible, or have the medicinal properties attributed to Aloe Vera.

The jelly-like, colorless pulp of mature leaves can be applied to minor cuts and burns and to dry, inflamed, or damaged skin due to eczema or other skin conditions. It’s an excellent moisturizer with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial effect. The leaf pulp can be eaten too. Regular use can prevent constipation and relieve other digestive problems, including ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

  1. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

This natural hybrid of spearmint and watermint is widely used in dental hygiene products, mouth fresheners, soothing balms and candies. Quite possibly the oldest medicinal herb to be used by man, there’s evidence that peppermint has been used for thousands of years. Grow it in a part of the garden where the plants are assured of water and give it plenty of room to spread.

Sip a tea made of a handful of peppermint leaves to calm stomach upsets and relieve pain and discomfort due to gas. Carry a few sprigs of peppermint when you travel.  Sniffing on it every now and then will prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.

The active ingredient found in abundance in peppermint is menthol (as well as in many other aromatic members of the mint family) and has a cooling effect on the skin. Make a poultice of the leaves and apply it on the skin to relieve itching and burning resulting from skin allergies and inflammatory conditions. (A poultice is a soft, moist mass of plant material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation and kept in place with a cloth.)

  1. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

This perennial herb with tiny, aromatic leaves is easy to grow in a sunny location and thrives between rocks and boulders, braving summer heat and winter freezes. The characteristic scent of thyme comes from the volatile oil containing thymol, which gets released at the slightest touch. Many herbs contain this powerful antiseptic phenolic compound, but thyme oil has more than 50% thymol content.

Use an infusion of thyme as a gargle to get rid of bad breath and mouth sores. It can help with tonsillitis and laryngitis. Crushed fresh thyme applied on the neck is said to reduce throat infections. Inhaling the vapors reduces nervous exhaustion.

The most important use of thyme is to treat respiratory tract infections. Thyme extract is taken orally to relieve symptoms of bronchitis, chest congestion and mild asthma.

  1. Rosemarymisp_blog17b_533425873

Rosemary is more of a woody shrub and although it doesn’t look anything like other mint plants, it belongs to the same plant family. In your medicinal garden, rosemary is stocked for general health and wellbeing rather than for specific problems.

  1. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile flower heads can be made into a soothing tea that can calm a troubled mind as well as a colicky baby. Its widespread use across many cultures and for myriad ailments is time-tested, safe and effective.

There’s more than one type of chamomile, but we’re going to focus on the Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile. This hairy plant has finely divided leaves and white daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers, and looks similar to German chamomile, which is why scientific names are important for identifying medicinal plants.

You can make a tea from fresh flower heads or dry them for later use. Take a handful of flowers in a bowl and pour boiling hot water over them. Allow steeping for 15-20 minutes and drain. Have a cup of this soothing brew when you feel anxious or unsettled, or before bedtime in case you have difficulty falling asleep.

Use it as gargle to relieve mouth ulcers. Bathe the skin affected with eczema several times a day with cooled chamomile tea.

  1. Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)misp_blog17a_534027754

Pot marigold with its yellow and orange flowers is a delightful addition to any garden. Not very finicky about soil fertility or pH, it can be grown easily from seeds and can be treated as an annual or perennial depending on your growing zone.

The edible flowers can be used to treat almost any problem related to skin. Use a poultice of the petals to relieve sunburn and to clear up acne and blemishes on the skin. Use it as an antiseptic on cuts and bruises. It stops bleeding and reduces inflammation when applied on nicks and cuts. Many skin ointments contain pot marigold extract as the active ingredient.

A tea made of the flowers can be ingested to ease digestive problems.

While none of these herbs should supplant your medicinal regimen prescribed by your physician, it’s always nice to know Mother Nature can be a source for some home remedies.

 

NOTE: Speak with to your physiatrist to make sure none of the above herbs inadvertently have an antagonistic effect on current medications you may be taking.

Filed Under: News, Treatments for pain Tagged With: herbs, home remedies, managing pain, natural remedies, pain and diet

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