Dead Sea Herbs

If you have pain in your back, knee, ankle, or other body part, whom should you turn to for help?
We’re often taught to go to the top of the diagnostic chain, the orthopedist. But the truth is that most orthopedic surgeons, unless they [have some particular interest or specialty], don’t want to see patients unless it’s a surgical case. Otherwise, it’s just evaluating and referring out. A good manual therapist who will refer out when it’s necessary–whether a chiropractor, a physical therapist, or an internist who works with manual therapy–is a good port of entry.

But some of the indications to see an orthopedist [first] include tingling and numbness, an extremity with swelling or redness, edema, or pain in the area that really limits your range of motion. And anything that’s a result of an acute injury should be checked out. You should immediately seek medical help if you have any injury or trauma in the vicinity of the spinal cord, progressive muscle weakness in any part of your body, or a change in your bowel or bladder function. Heat and fever are also symptoms that should make you head to a doctor.]

Are there easy ways to deal with back pain on your own?
You can definitely loosen up the quadriceps, the hamstrings, and the glutes [by self-massage and stretching]. (Check out the New Rules of Stretching.) Unfortunately, the most important thing--the psoas–you cannot self-treat. That’s in the front of the lumbar spine and should be left to the experts. Lotions and ointments are helpful. There are many available but we suggest all natural stuff.

Herbal remedies have gained popularity as a natural approach to other arthritis treatments. Herbs are the basis for many traditional medicines. Keep in mind some natural healing herbs are often questioned about their efficacy and safety. Ironically, however, many people will use commercial remedies that have chemicals and could worsen your condition.