Archive for the 'Neck Pain' category
Usual Care for Low Back Pain Doesn’t Align with Guideline Recommendations
Archives of Internal Medicine article (Free)
Archives of Internal Medicine commentary (Subscription required)
American College of Physicians/American Pain Society guideline on managing low back pain (Free)
General practitioners rarely follow guidelines when managing new episodes of low back pain, reports the Archives of Internal Medicine. (The analysis was conducted in Australia, but the guidelines assessed match those in the U.S.)
Researchers examined data on some 1700 visits to GPs for new low back pain from 2005 to 2008, after national guidelines for treating musculoskeletal pain were released. Among the findings:
Although guidelines recommend acetaminophen as a first-line analgesic, it was prescribed for only 18% of patients. NSAIDs and opioids were prescribed for 37% and 20%, respectively.
- One fourth of patients were referred for imaging, despite guidelines advising against routine referral.
- Only one fifth of patients received advice and education as recommended.
These findings were similar to those from the period before guideline publication.
The authors conclude: “The results indicate that in most cases, usual care is not evidence-based care and so is not likely to provide the best outcomes.”
Dr. Alaimo gave me 10 years back!
Bilateral Hand Numbness Gone!! Finally Can Sleep!
Can Lasers Heal a Herniated Disc?
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Can Lasers Heal Herniated Discs? |
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Many practitioners use lasers over herniated and inflamed discs. However, there has never been a scientific study that demonstrated accelerated disc healing with LLLT (low level laser therapy). In this study (Biomed Sci Instrument 2008;44:34-40) done at University of Mississippi Medical Center, the researchers investigated the effects of low power laser on the healing process of a traumatized disc in an animal model.
The rats received 830 nm wavelength laser treatment for a period of 4 weeks. The results of this study indicated that the discs of the laser treated animals healed more effectively than the sham group. Image analysis revealed that there was more disc formation in the laser irradiated animals than the sham.
In conclusion, data obtained from this study demonstrated that laser irradiation delivered on traumatized discs resulted in a remarkable increase in discs regeneration and healing following trauma. When researchers describe the results as “remarkable” it is worth watching. This is especially true in light of the research that shows that photons do penetrate deeply into the disc and spinal cord.
However, because the disc is very deep, a powerful, cold laser would probably be required for consistent success. |
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Which Modality is More Effective, Laser or Ultrasound? |
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There is a lot of research on laser and ultrasound, but there is very little information comparing laser to ultrasound. In this study (Photomed Laser Surg 2009 Jan 26), the researchers investigated the effectiveness of splinting, ultrasound (US), and low-level laser (LLL) in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study is important because of the frequency of CTS and the fact that there is no consensus about the best way to manage CTS.
Patients were randomly allocated to three groups that receive either splinting only, splinting plus US, and splinting plus LLL therapy. The study was completed with a total of 100 hands of 50 women patients with bilateral CTS. It appeared that the combinations of US or LLL therapy with splinting were more effective than splinting alone in treating CTS. However, LLL therapy plus splinting was more advantageous than US therapy plus splinting, especially for the outcomes of lessening of symptom severity, pain alleviation, and increased patient satisfaction.
This again supports prior research that documents that, although ultrasound has some healing effects, there is little doubt that laser is significantly more effective at stimulating healing, while increasing healthy tissue proliferation, than ultrasound. |
No More Tingling in My Arm!
I came in to see Dr. Alaimo for unrelenting neck pain and tingling, going all the way down to my left elbow. I have herniated discs at C4, C5 and C6. I tried chiropractic, acupuncture and massage, no help. I was recommended steroid injections by my MD, but decided against that. I am glad I did. After just 6 treatments, including oxygen therapy, laser and spinal decompression, my arm tingling is gone and I feel much better. His wealth of knowledge and expertise is definately worth what I paid, I feel like I am getting my life back. I would recommend Dr. Alaimo to anyone who wants an effective way to avoid surgery and injections and regain their life.
Paul Boroznoff
Wilmington, NC
“I had severe neck and arm pain 3 weeks ago!”
“I had given up hope of ever resolving my neck pain,”
explained Ray Daughty, New Bern, resident.
Mr. Daughty found himself between a rock and a hard place when it came to his neck pain. “I couldn’t work or do anything and the steroid injections didn’t work”. Finances were an issue as well. I traveled 2 hours each way to visit with Dr. Alaimo, DC.. When he explained his treatment protocol and demonstrated it on me, I knew that’s what I needed. Within 1 treatment session, my neck and arm pain were greatly reduced, and guess what, it never returned.” “While Ray’s speedy recovery was not usual, most patients do experience relief rather quickly,” explained Dr. Alaimo, director of Alaimo Spinal Care and Rehab. More than anything, what people want is to finally end their back or neck pain. Mr. Daughty took advantage of our 2 FREE trial sessions which lead to the first step toward becoming pain free. For more information, visit www.251DISK.com or call 910-251-DISK.
Cervical disc herniation with shoulder pain
“My name is Jason Brock. I am 31 years old. I was involved in a motor vehicle collision on May 25, 2007. My main complaints were neck pain, left shoulder pain and severe stiffness in my neck. It affected my work and personal life significantly. I began to receive chiropractic care and therapy from Dr. Alaimo. I felt a little better; however, I never fully recovered. After about 2 months Dr. Alaimo suggested I get an MRI to further evaluate my condition. I agreed. The MRI revealed a left paracentral disc protrusion at C5-C6 which involved the left exiting nerve root. This explained why I hurt so much. After 3 treatments with Dr. Alaimo I began to feel much better. After 6 treatments my shoulder pain was relieved. The treatments were gentle and very effective. I certainly would recommend this office to anyone suffering with disc injuries and wants to avoid surgery.” – Jason Brock 8/15/2007
“I don’t want surgery”
“My name is Tammy Hinson. I am a 41 year old wife and mother. My original symptoms when I came to Alaimo Spinal Care in May 2007, were severe neck pain and left shoulder radiculopathy (nerve pain down my arm). I have been suffering since April 2007. Prior to this episode, I had a 9 month bout in 2005. It was severely affecting my family and daily activities. April and May were completely lost. I couldn’t function at all. My prior treatments in 2005 included traction and physical therapy which didn’t work I just suffered through it. l was taking all kinds of pain meds and anti-inflammatories. My MRI revealed degenerative disc disease (DDD) at CS-6 and C6-7. I had a large left posterolaterai C5-6 disc herniation with significant pressure on the C6 nerve. It also showed a moderate disc bulge at C6-7. At this time surgery was recommended. I was truly at the end of my rope when I saw Dr. Joe. I can’t even explain the pain that I was in. When he explained the procedure, I have to admit, I was skeptical. I really wasn’t sure if it would work for me, but it was my only hope. I am so glad that I gave it a shot. After about 20 treatments, I began to feel some relief. After about 28 treatments my arm pain was gone. The treatments were gentle, effective and affordable. I would highly recommend this office to anyone with, neck and back pain that doesn’t want to go through surgery. Alaimo Spinal Care and Dr. Joe have truly given me back my life.” – Tammy Hinson 7/31/2007



