I had been to
three different physicians. The car accident in 1990 had left
me with terrible back pain. The only option offered to me was
prescription medication. For three years I lived with chronic
pain – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The prescription drugs helped relieve some of
the discomfort, but I had to stop taking them when I began getting
sick to my stomach – which was often worse than the pain
itself. Time and again I thought, “This can’t be the
only choice. There must be another alternative.”
It wasn’t until 3 years later that I heard
about magnetic therapy from a friend, and decided to try it. With
nothing to lose, I used a magnetic pad on my back during the day
and slept on a magnetic mattress pad every night. Much to my surprise,
after two weeks my back felt much better. After a few months,
the pain was completely gone!
My wife, who had a back problem caused by herniated
disks, woke up every morning with pain and stiffness. Not long
after sleeping on the magnetic pad, the stiffness began to subside,
and she was soon waking up pain-free as well.
Although skeptical at first, I was amazed at
the effectiveness of magnetic therapy, and began to intensely
investigate the field of biomagnetics. Since my initial experience,
I have had the pleasure of helping many people achieve similar
results, enhancing the quality of life of those suffering from
chronic conditions and injuries.
Now I’d like to take the opportunity to
help those of you who may be suffering from chronic back pain,
and to tell you how to better prevent it.
Back pain is the number one form of pain experienced
by people in the U.S. It accounts for 20% of all injuries and
illnesses in the workplace, and is responsible for as much as
$50 billion in diagnosis and treatment each year [1]. The National
Institutes of Health estimate that 4 out of 5 Americans will experience
back pain at some point in their lives. Not a pretty picture from
any standpoint.
The majority of back pain occurs in the lumbar
region of the spine [2]. Here, most of your body’s weight
is placed on the lowest 5 of the 24 vertebrae (bones) that make
up the spine. Considering all the other muscles, tendons, ligaments,
joints, disks, and major nerves that are also a part of or connected
to the spine, it’s no surprise that there are so many ways
to injure your back as you twist and bend them [3].
Pain is considered chronic if it’s recurring,
lasts more than three months, and can seemingly be stimulated
by any small movement (for whatever reason) [4]. In the 21st century,
we’re finally realizing that drugs and surgery are not always
the answer for treating chronic pain or other musculoskeletal
conditions & injuries.
The future lies in an integrative approach to
promoting the body’s own healing ability by using non-invasive,
safer treatments. Acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic and
osteopathic care, and certain physical therapy exercises are just
a few options to help with back pain.
Following an individualistic approach to treatment
is key. A particular therapy that may work for one person may
not work as well for another. Often it’s necessary to try
a combination of treatment methods to begin feeling significant
improvements.
For true recovery of back injuries and disease,
pain and inflammation need to be reduced, proper function and
strength restored, and further injury prevented [4]. With this
in mind, let’s discuss how magnetic therapy can help.
One of the primary benefits of magnetic therapy
is the reduction of inflammation. Localized inflammation following
an injury is a natural protective reaction. It creates an imbalance
in sodium and potassium ion (charged particle) concentrations
at a cellular level. As a result, fluid accumulates in the cells,
causing the injured tissue to become inflamed. (Think of it as
retaining water after eating salty food.)
If there’s no intervention, the body will
eventually heal itself and the inflammation will subside. However,
this process can be very slow and painful. Because of this, treatments
that can safely speed the overall process are needed--particularly
in the case of chronic conditions like arthritis.
Applying a bio-north magnetic field safely rebalances
electrochemical ion concentrations. Excess fluids and toxins are
flushed from the cells and removed through the lymphatic system.
As a result, healing time is often reduced by as much as 50%.
Since major nerve bundles run through the spine,
it’s obvious why back pain is so common. Pain is caused
by an electrochemical signal sent to the brain. The normal electric
potential of a neuron (nerve cell) is around -70mV when in a resting
state. When injured, a neuron’s charge becomes positive
due to a shift in chemical ion balances. This triggers a pain
signal to be sent to the brain.
Applying a bio-north (negative polarity) magnetic
field lowers a neuron’s electric potential, bringing it
closer to its normal, negative state. As a result, the pain signal
diminishes faster, and in most cases, will eventually stop.
Another important goal when recovering from back
injuries is restoring mobility. Magnetic therapy helps relax muscle
tissue, thereby increasing flexibility and reducing the incidence
of muscle spasms.
About four years ago, researchers in Italy tested
the effects of a magnetic seating system on several volunteers.
Each person participated by either driving or remaining seated
at a computer workstation for prolonged periods--both with and
without the magnetic system.
“The results showed a decreased myoelectric
(neuron) activity both at shoulder and lumbar level by using the
magnet-based sitting system for prolonged seated work tasks...The
system appears to be an effective tool in preventing muscle contractures
secondary to prolonged, constrained positions” [5].
Because it can be so difficult and painful to
move, many people feel they need to rest for a few days after
injuring their back. But did you know that bed rest should really
be minimized or avoided? According to David Lehrman, M.D. (chief
of orthopedic surgery at St. Francis Hospital and founder of the
Lehrman Back Center in Miami, FL), “for every week of bed
rest, it takes two weeks to rehabilitate” [3].
A 1995 study in Helsinki, Finland found that
out of 186 subjects, those who went about their daily activities
as tolerated had greater flexibility and less pain than those
who underwent back-mobilizing exercises. The *slowest* recovery
was seen in subjects that were prescribed two days of bed rest
[6].
While an interesting fact, it’s one that
some of us may grumble about. Bear in mind we still have to sleep
and give our bodies a chance to heal and recuperate. As I found
out years ago, sleeping on the proper magnetic mattress pad will
help speed the healing process and can significantly reduce chronic
pain over time.
Back in 1990, a 12-month clinical test on the
effects of magnetic mattress pads was conducted in Tokyo, Japan.
The study, led by Dr. Kazuo Shimodaira, involved 431 subjects.
375 of them received full-sized magnetic pads and the remaining
subjects received sham mattress pads for control. (Each magnetic
pad contained 124 permanent ferrite magnets with field strengths
of 750-950 Gauss.)
Here are the results of the yearlong
test:
On average, 53.3% of the subjects realized the
effect of the magnetic mattress pad within 3 days, and over 70%
within 5 days. What’s more is that thorough testing for
side effects was conducted and none were found [7].
(Note: The magnetic mattress pads used in this
study did not produce very strong magnetic fields. As stronger
magnetic fields are more effective, a higher energy pad would
improve results even further.)
Supporting these findings, a 1997 Johns Hopkins
pain center treatment study compared magnetic therapy for chronic
pain with a placebo therapy. It concluded that people using the
magnetic therapy showed a dramatic improvement, whereas the placebo
group improved only minimally. Again, there were no side effects
detected [8].
Since the vast majority of adults are not in
‘ideal’ physical condition, the risk of back injury
for them is greatly increased.
If you’re out of shape and are planning
an activity that requires lifting, bending or twisting, it’s
a good idea to take steps that can help prevent injury in the
first place. Magnetic therapy is an excellent way of accomplishing
this.
There are three primary actions that take place
when using magnetic therapy for prevention. The first two are
its ability to increase circulation and to relax muscles. The
effects are similar to warming up and stretching before a strenuous
workout. It’s really the third action that sets magnetic
therapy apart from anything else though. Magnetic therapy can
effectively control energy flow along the body’s acupuncture
meridians (energy channels).
Placing a magnetic pad or support over an area
channels the body’s energy directly to that location. Increased
energy availability, combined with improved circulation, significantly
extends the amount of time that one can exert themself before
muscle fatigue sets in. In turn, this reduces the likelihood of
muscle strain.
The combination of improving blood flow, relieving
muscle tension, and reducing pain makes magnetic therapy ideal
for treating back conditions and preventing further injury. While
effective on its own, magnetic therapy is also an excellent adjunct
to other treatments. Whether chiropractic, acupuncture, therapeutic
massage, or another method, it can help improve and prolong a
treatment’s positive results.
The next time you’re out and about, make
use of a high-energy magnetic support or back pad. It’s
a simple and effective way to continue through the day with less
pain and a greater range of motion. Trust me. Your back will thank
you!
SOURCES:
1 - Centers for Disease Control – National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, June 19, 1999.
2 - Pain Central: What Causes Back Pain?
3 - Pain Foundation: Back Pain
4 - National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke: Low Back Pain Fact Sheet
5 - PubMed: Efficacy of a chair with magnets
in the prevention of musculo-skeletal disorders caused by prolonged
sitting.
6 - PubMed: The treatment of acute low back pain--bed
rest, exercises, or ordinary activity?
7 - Summary of a 12-month double-blind, clinical
test of magnetic mattress pads. Kazuo Shimodaira, M.D. Tokyo Communications
and Kouseikai Suzuki Hospitals, Tokyo, Japan. 1990.
8 - "Use of magnetic therapy for chronic
pain" by Joseph Kandel, M.D. and David B. Sudderth, M.D.
The Arthritis Solution.
TIPS & GUIDELINES FOR A HEALTHIER
BACK
The National Institutes of Health provides guidelines
for maintaining a healthier back. Following these and a few other
tips will greatly increase your chances of preventing further
injury while strengthening your back muscles.
When Standing:
·Keep your weight balanced on your feet.
Your back supports weight most easily when curvature is reduced.
·Don’t slouch when standing or sitting.
(Keep your hands lightly clasped behind your lower back. This
improves posture for your neck, shoulders and upper back, and
reduces muscle tension.)
·Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
When sitting:
·Make sure your work surface is at a comfortable
height for you.
·Sit in a chair with good lumbar support
and proper position/height for the task. (Use a pillow, rolled
towel, or lumbar cushion if needed.)
·Switch sitting positions often and periodically
take a short walk or light stretch to relieve tension and restore
blood circulation.
·If you must sit for a long period of
time, rest your feet on a low stool or a stack of books.
When lifting:
·Don’t try to lift objects too heavy
for you!
·Pull in your stomach muscles, keep your
head down and in line with your straight back, and lift with your
legs.
·Keep the object close to your body.
·Do not twist when lifting.
·Do not carry an object in one hand if
it causes you to lean to one side. (Use both hands, or carry an
additional item to balance the load.)
Exercise:
·Always warm-up and stretch before exercise
or other strenuous activity.
·Following a prolonged period of inactivity,
begin a program of regular low-impact exercises. (Ask a physician
or orthopedist for recommended exercises appropriate for your
age and requirements.)
·Speed walking, swimming, or stationary
bike riding for 30 minutes a day can increase muscle strength
and flexibility.
·Yoga or Tai Chi can help stretch and
strengthen muscles, and improve posture.
Everyday habits:
·Maintain proper nutrition and diet to
reduce and prevent excessive weight (especially around the waist
area).
·If you smoke, quit. Smoking reduces blood
flow to the lower spine and causes spinal disks to degenerate.
- Magnetic Advantage -
Your source for magnetic therapy news,research,
and natural pain relief
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