Mirror Athlete Blog Articles

January 22, 2009

Fibromyalgia Relief an Unexplained Pain Disorder

Filed under: Chronic Pain, Depression, Fibromyalgia, Fitness, Mental Health, Treatment, immune system, manage depression, pain, tips — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Marc Woodard @ 17:04

Unexplained pain disorder diagnosis is commonly & medically transcribed “characteristic of fibromyalgia pain.” However, the worse thing about unexplained pain depression is not knowing where the pain disorder originates and how to effectively alleviate, or remove the pain. So we seek medical help to resolve our pain disorder issues commonly treated with strong “mental health” prescription drugs.

In this case, instead of “status quo” pychosomatic (mind-to-body) pain connection; a “not so well known” reversal of “undiagnosed (not medically substantiated)” neurological soft tissue damage creates the opposite pain pathology… In which physical pain can cause great depression effecting mental health. This my friends is much harder for medical specialist to diagnose and agree upon actual causes of any particular “unsubtantiated pain disorder(s).” And in many cases, unexplained physical pain disorders are now receiving a fibromyalgia diagnosis which is an easy out for much of our medical community; good for the pharmaceutical companies and horrible for these unique pain disorder outpatients.

In otherwords, it’s much easier “in many cases, not all” for physicians to prescribe psycotropic drugs for mental health conditions believed to be the cause of physical pain (mind-body neurological pathology connection). But when unsubstantiated physical acute pain becomes chronic… Much pain depression occurs from the body-mind connection pathology. This in turn causes depression of the mind originating from the body (non diagnosed origin).

In many of those suffering from physical pain seek pain alleviation to no avail because the pain never originated from a mental health cause pathology problem. Now if this undiagnosed physical problem continues on too long without the necessary intervention; a mental health ill-health condition begins to surface, then “can cause” phycosomatic health issues. The bottom line… substantiated pain origins must be determined to not worsen encompassing health issues in these unique outpatient situations.

This is a whole different ballgame for which our HMO’s don’t handle well. I know this from personal experience. I know our medical community has the technology to provide appropriate diagnosis in many pain disorder cases. However, HMO specialist disagree all to often and always seem to subjectively diagnose, label and prescribe medications all too often that are not effective and potentially cause further harm to patients. Once given a “labeled” diagnosis through subjectivity makes it very hard for some patience to receive further appropriate and timely referals; and other necessary help, i.e., further safe/healthy treatment, state services, e.g., Financial disability assistance, etc.

Tell your story in the comments section about pain depression, fibromyalgia experiences/connection, disability support, or lack thereof so we can help steer each other to pain free bodies and minds. If interested in a fresh chronic pain forum to discuss this issue I can start one under a unique Face Book discussion topic (Click on MA Blog Article at Top of this page, click on FB Fan Badge and start a topic of interest, or chime in here.   

Fibromyalgia Basics:  Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain and stiffness in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.  Although an exact cause of this condition has not been directly identified, it is thought that a major player to this chronic condition resides within the brains serotonin levels which affects mood.  Lower levels of serotonin are known to stimulate depression and with depression psychosomatic illness occurs (we get depressed for long periods of time, our bodies get sick & physical illness often ensues).  There seems to be a direct correlation between depression, lack of sleep, restlessness, disturbances in bowel function and super sensitivity with touch and key trigger point pain receptors transmitted via the central nervous system (brain).  Fatigue combined with depression can trigger infection, or other trauma and disease to the body. 

    This condition is tough for many physicians to nail down and diagnose as fibromyalgia.  This is because unlike rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus there is no swelling, external-internal tissue damage, or joint-muscle deformity.  The patient is healthy otherwise but suffers from chronic muscular pain and stiffness without swelling, deformity or bruising.  Apparent common denominators of those that suffer from fibromyalgia are as follows.  Researchers find elevated levels of “Substance P” (Chemical Nerve Signal) and “Nerve Growth Factor” (Found in the spinal fluid) and lower levels of “serotonin” (Brain Nerve Chemical) from laboratory specimen fluid samples.  The effected populace tends to be women between the ages of 35-55.  This condition rarely takes a toll on men, the elderly or children, although it does occur.  Women with fibromyalgia in the U.S. represent over 80% of those diagnosed with this condition.  The total populace affected by fibromyalgia in the US represents 2% of our population.  Fibromyalgia was formally known as fibrosistis (a group of disorders characterized by widespread body aches and pains in muscle, connective tissue, joints and bone).   Other triggers that can activate the fibromyalgia condition include exposure to dampness, or cold and certain infections.  Pain is usually worse in the morning. Fibromyalgia is not considered a psychological disorder.

Recommendations
1.     See your doctor if you experience any/combination of the conditions listed above, or below.
        a.     Chronic body pain for more than 3 months above and below the waist.
        b.     Feel pain in at least 11-18 possible tender points when light pressure is applied.
        c.     Where depression and thoughts of suicide are common (psychosomatic illnesses).
2.     If family member exhibits: Panic attacks, hostility, restlessness, hyperactivity, sleeplessness, etc.
3.     If prescribed anti-depressants, a family member should watch for adverse character changes.
        a.     Adverse behavior risk is more prominent within adults under 24 and children.
        b.     A 2 month watch if prescribed anti-depressants to combat fibromyalgia is recommended.
4.     Hot showers-spray localized area, use heating pads, whirlpool, hot compresses, gentle message.
5.     Stretching and conditioning, relaxation, alleviate stress, biofeedback for contracted muscles.
6.     Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cortisone and local anesthetic injections “trigger points.”
7.     Antidepressants – Per doctor recommendations, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI).
8.     Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these interfere with sleep.
9.     Prevention – Get adequate sleep and general conditioning and exercise, proper nutrition.

 Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2009 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

   

 
 
 
 

 

New Year’s Resolution, “Activate Addictive Healthy Chemicals”

Filed under: Anti-Aging, Chronic Pain, Depression, Diet, Exercise, Fitness, Mental Health, Natural Chemicals, Weight Management, Wellness, addiction, holiday, manage depression, new year, obesity, resolution, stress, tips — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Marc Woodard @ 16:50

 The secret to living a long healthy life is to learn how to apply positive healthy activities to your lifestyle in order to generate the body’s natural release of these addictive healthy chemicals.   Of course eating a healthy diet is very important to your health.  Nutrition is covered in many other articles I write so this will not be the focus here.  Instead, I will focus on the addictive chemicals produced by the body to further stimulate will power, whereby activity is a “Major” component to healthier happier living and living longer!

You’re body produces natural and addictive chemicals that are optimally activated during exercise, or during increased activity:   1) Adrenaline a neurotransmitter and hormone produced by the adrenalin gland just above the kidneys, also known as norepinephrine and epinephrine (provides attention focus in brain).  Together these chemicals activate your fight or flight stimulation designed to get the body out of a stressful situation, or survive an injury scenario.  It acts as a natural pain killer, boosts oxygen and glucose fuel to brain, muscles and suppresses depression.  2)   Dopamine is produced and synthesized in the brain which boosts positive behavior, cognition, motor activity, motivation, sleep, mood, learning and attention.  3)  Serotonin is synthesized within the CNS (Central Nervous System).  This chemical is also found in many mushrooms, plants, fruits and vegetables.  Research shows Serotonin plays an important role in liver regeneration and induces cell division throughout the body (important for repair and healing of the body).  Serotonins role as a neurotransmitter of the brain is to modulate anger, mood, aggression, sleep, sexuality, appetite and metabolism.

 How does one find the will power to activate the body’s natural addictive health hormone chemicals and stick to a healthy activity lifestyle?  I’ve been managing chronic pain and bodyweight challenges for the last 10 years and enjoy a quality of life that would not be possible without daily activity.  I do realize what works for me may not work for you.  But with a little more insight provided to you through my example, maybe I’ll provide a plan that will resonate where other fitness activity plans have failed.

 As I stated at the beginning of this article, the secret to a healthy life plan is to develop an addictive healthy life program where natural release of feel good chemicals will make exercise and/or activity a joy instead of a burden.  Increased activity through behavioral change will trigger your addictive chemical release within 1-4 weeks, thereby increasing your will power to stick with a fitness program.  This is because each one of us has a different metabolism that may, or may not respond to activity hormone stimulation immediately, thereby challenging your will power until natural addiction occurs due to increased activity.  The requirement to maximize a healthy life program and live longer requires application of three behavioral change categories.  1)  Stop substance abuse.  2)  Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.  3) Become addicted to your body’s natural producing chemicals through exercise.  The increased activity in my life does not require a lot of will power, but does require effort; hence a small amount of will power is required.  By finding a motivator to get you moving and by slowly increasing activity activates powerful feel good and healthy chemicals.  Once you find an activity, or exercise you can start with, you can become addicted to a routine that makes you feel good on a daily basis and wanting more!  I will now provide an example of a healthy annual resolution plan I put into practice daily to improve my overall health, better quality of life, and the will power to positively motivate continuation of this process indefinitely.

 Six years ago for example, my New Year’s Resolution was to begin a walking program.  This is because that was the year I collapsed a hip during military training.  Instead of nursing my injuries for months and beginning a “cautious” low activity lifestyle, I decided this was not the direction I wanted to take and was not in my best health interest.  Without increased blood circulation and activity, pain becomes greater due to the bodies inability to stay on the mend, weight increases and then you become susceptible to all types of health risks.  Five years ago my New Year’s Resolution was to further exercise my medical health benefits and visit my primary care physician getting referrals to specialists that would provide valuable insight, tests, consulting and therapy to further learn how I could improve my physical health situation while continuing my walking exercise program.  There are a lot of people out there suffering that have benefits where further referral work could be accessed and never used, this is a big mistake!  Take your health into your hands and do something about your illness or disease before it’s too late!

Four years ago I purchased a gym membership and stuck to an aerobics and stretch program after my first hip surgery and shoulder injuries.  This was a very tough year for me that pushed my physical limits in terms of sheer willpower not to be defeated mentally.  Three years ago my New Year’s resolution was to give up drinking alcohol (not that I consumed a lot of alcohol) and substitute an electrolyte drink, or regular soda once and awhile (not diet – Never Drink Diet – See my article on Aspartame the Silent Killer at the sites Health Repository).  Any alcohol with regard to my predicament was going to be a detriment to my health.  I also continued to participate in a daily walking, gym aerobic and stretch program.  Two years ago I resolved to plan and prepare for a total hip surgery on my other injured hip.  I also decided I would not have a scheduled shoulder surgery.  I instead would do the best I could to naturally rehabilitate my two shoulders through exercise therapy and nutritional supplementation (See our Wellness Company Wholesale products program).

 Last year my New Year’s Resolution was to apply all the physical therapy resources at my disposal to rehabilitate myself after a total hip replacement.  This meant being consistent with my in-home therapy exercises, to include using crutches and cane while on the mend.  I continued to go to the gym for stretching activity and instead of walking, used crutches to make small distances each day while managing pain.  I also began a total supplemental pack loaded with natural supper food quality nutrients to my daily diet (see our Wellness Wholesale Company).  Although pain management is not discussed here (visit our Chronic Pain Center) if you have acute or chronic pain, use of pharmaceuticals and natural supplementation within a pain management program can be a positive-negative experience.  The trick to good pain management using pain killers and muscle relaxants during increased activity is “not” to become addicted to these substances while managing appropriate dosages, while minimizing further health risk!

Realize there is a health risk even with moderate use of pharmaceuticals.   If you become addicted to your prescriptions, get help from your health provider!  Always consult with your physician if you will be actively conditioning your body while on the mend and using pharmaceuticals.  This year my New Year’s resolution was to get back into a fitness center as my past years membership expired.  I just signed on to a fitness membership at the beginning of the year.  When in the fitness center I work various resistive weight, stretch techniques and aerobics equipment.  Almost everyday I ensure I walk at least 30 minutes and break to do stretch exercises.

An annual healthy life resolution plan has allowed me to manage weight, pain and while significantly improving life style on a daily basis.  Achieving longer-healthier living while aging is to tap all health knowledge information and apply it to your particular situation.  Find an addictive activity passion!  If you can do this, you can stay on the mend naturally. Be excited about your life while enjoying life to the fullest!  Keep your New Year’s Resolution focused on your health each year.  Healthy body, mind and soul success will be the result of your efforts.  Now go get addicted to the natural healthy drugs produced by your body and reap the enhanced will power, longer living and happier-healthy daily rewards!

 Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright, All rights reserved.  Mirror Athlete Enterprises Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com, Sign up for your free monthly eNewsletter.

December 23, 2008

What Is Dementia, Can Anything Be Done?

Filed under: Anti-Aging, Cancer, Mental Health, Natural Chemicals, Prevention, Treatment, disease, manage depression, mind, mortality, tips — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Marc Woodard @ 17:07

Our family has been blessed as we’ve not know dementia.  I’ll make a slight correction to this statement.  My grandmother before she passed at 92 years of age appeared to have had signatures of some form of dementia beginning in her eighties.  Dementia is defined as a cognitive function decline beyond what might be expected as normal aging.  It is a disease that destroys brain function within various centers of the brain by way of many possibilities. Cognitive memory & brain function loss is not solely a cause and effect of Alzheimer’s disease.  Alzheimer’s is the most common and familiar form of cognitive brain function degradation loss.  This disease becomes more of a risk for those after age 60.   I wrote an earlier article on Alzheimer’s disease with strong ties to aluminum as one of the cause pathologies that put healthy brain function at risk (In Our Health Repository).      

While Alzheimer’s affects approximately 4.5 – 5 million people in the United States by gradually destroying one’s memory; fortunately, current treatment can slow down the progression and destruction of brain functionality dramatically.  Alzheimer’s is also the most common form of dementia and leading cause of death in the United States.  Those once diagnosed have an average mortality rate of 10 years.  However, there are those that beat these statistical mortality averages by living more than 20 years after being diagnosed.   Our younger population is not immune from Alzheimer’s.  Those at greatest risk for developing some form of Dementia are those 65 and older.

Dementia pathology (disease cause, progression and development), impacts the cortical and sub cortical brain function and can manifest its symptoms and disease through known and unknown cause agents.  Nutrition, diet and/or behavioral deficiencies leading to and/or influenced to cause dementia are “lightly” noted within this article.   Key pathologies and nutritional deficiencies that lead to Dementia: Alzheimer’s, Alcohol-Induced Dementia, Frontal Lobe Degeneration, Huntington’s, Hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s, Vitamin B1, B12, Folate Deficiency, Syphilis, Hypoglycemia, AIDS Dementia Complex, Severe Depression, End Stage Renal Failure, Cardiovascular Disease, etc.   It is beyond the scope of this article to list all potential Dementia cause pathologies.  Instead, awareness to possible cause pathologies and recommendations will assist you and your family in prevention, recognition, awareness and immediate attention to treatment.  There is an extensive list of pharmaceuticals that appear to slow down the progression of any one of these cause pathologies leading to dementia.  There is no cure for dementia, prevention is the best course. 

Recommendations:
1.  See Geriatric Psychiatrist-Neurologist if patient is forgetful, confused, doesn’t recognize people.
2.  If diagnosed with a form of dementia – Seek medication to slow down the progression.
3.  Dementia Prevention – Live an active mental-physical lifestyle, read books, work puzzles, get involved in community activities, services, volunteer work, etc.,  aerobic daily walking, etc.
4.  Studies show moderate (1-2 Drinks/day) consumption of beer, wine, or distilled spirits may help.
5.  Low blood pressure medications appear to have a dementia health benefit per medical studies.
6.  Mediterranean Diet – Consume plant foods (fruits and Vegetables), olive oil, cheese, yogurt, fish, poultry, no more then 1-4 eggs/week, keep total fat intake at 25%, consume less red meat.
7.  Supplement diet with a quality daily mineral-vitamin and cognitive brain complex supplement (see our Wellness Company Program).

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @ www.mirrorathlete.com,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.
 

November 18, 2008

Need Help to Relieve Migraine Headaches?

Filed under: Environmental Toxins, Men's Health, Mental Health, Prevention, Treatment, Women's Health, how to, pain, tips, well-being — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Marc Woodard @ 06:46

 Q.  How can I relieve myself of migraine headaches?

A.  Migraines impact approximately 30 million people in the U.S per year. Migraines break out as a vicious and excruciating attack where there is severe pain and is often disabling.  A perplexing fact with regard to those suffering with migraines is the headache associated with migraines is often misdiagnosed as a sinus or stress headache where ineffective treatment is applied.

Typical warning symptoms of a migraine prior to migraine manifestation:  Flashes of light, tingly sensation in arms or legs, or seeing blind spots.  Sensitivity to light or sound often precedes a migraine.  Suffers of migraines typically experience episodes ranging from 4 – 72hours and can occur monthly or as little as a few times per year.  Although suffers of migraine experience uniquely different migraine scenarios including frequency, duration and pain intensity, they do agree on the following sign & symptom commonalities.   Pain becomes worse with physical activity, bright lights or loud sounds.  Symptom migraine onset includes drowsiness, depression, and irritability, also feelings of energy or extreme thirst.  There also can be a craving for sweets.

There is no cure for migraine headaches, but with preventative management and proper treatment of the symptoms effective pain management is possible.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
1.  Seek your physician’s recommendation to assist in pain management of migraine headaches.

2.  Pain Relieving Medications – 1) NSAID’s (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory).  2)  Fever and inflammation reduction drug – Triptans (migraine and cluster headaches).  3)  Anti-nausea medication.

3.  Alternative Treatments – Biofeedback (relaxation to control tension); Massage (release tension through muscle relaxation); Acupuncture (Neutralize pain with needles by rerouting nerve pain away from brain). Vitamins, herbs and minerals (May prevent or reduce migraines – See our site Wellness Company Wholesale program to meet all of your supplemental needs based on natural ingredients).

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright, All rights reserved.  Mirror Athlete Enterprises Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com, Sign up for your free monthly eNewsletter.

October 25, 2008

Aging Gracefully is it Possible?

Filed under: Anti-Aging, Dare to Walk, Depression, Exercise, Fitness, Men's Health, Mental Health, Natural Chemicals, Prevention, Women's Health, body activity, how to, manage depression, resolution, secrets, tips, well-being — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Marc Woodard @ 07:02

To answer a question such as “how does one age gracefully” can be for some as perplexing as what is the meaning of life? Or how far does space and time reach? Is there a God? Are we the only life force in the universe? And so on.

For each one of these questions and many more like them seem to have more questions arise when attempting to answer without a solid conclusion. I find it interesting and fascinating to witness these time old adages continue on with todays youth as did with our ancestors. There is absolutely no difference in the types of questions and answer sessions as when I was a kid “these questions are universal within all languages and cultures.” To understand and attempt to find answers to perplexing and mind boggling unknowns outside of our sphere of control is a normal process from childhood through adulthood. Ask a family member, or friend any one of the proverbial questions and you’ll quickly see the curiosity and willingness to chime in on the topic if you don’t catch them in a rush. Now not everyone will find these time old adages of any consequence. For those few, “I believe they have the mind and body functioning without a finely tuned soul.” Remember, my mirror athlete philosophy incorporates the soul with mind and body to balance all good things in life, including our health and ability to make the most out of our lives and others around us.

Just yesterday, my daughter mentioned how she and friends were having a great discussion on attempting to understand the meaning of the universe, God, extraterrestrials, and such. Boy did this hit a cord with me and my childhood. The body, mind and soul are in an “ever quest” to find the meaning of life, “in this case at the ripe old age of thirteen!”  We are at our greatest intuitive state in our early developing years. Some how we understand and relate to our soul as a critical support function to mind and body. I believe with children, this is true because they are born innocent and then influenced negatively by a culture where values and beliefs are tough to maintain discipline. I must point out, because of our fast pace culture a lot of people tend to tune out the communicative soul port in the teen phase through our working years. This is mostly due to a “Me First,Win American culture,” where wants rule.Most of us… Once we receive our wants tend to further enhance & develop our health & spiritual needs looking for centurion healthy goal answers.

The mind thinks with the souls influence then controls the body. Without a soul the mind and body relationship “CAN” create havoc [toxic and unhealthy activities] within the other two components of “being.”  Many negative stresses [physical, greed, addiction, emotion, stress on all planes, etc.,] could occur within “being” if maintenance of the soul is not in sync with life events. Without development and proper maintenance of these 3 very important components making up “being,” a person will experience less quality of life, and less healthy as one would otherwise. As we age, development of this “Triassic” (body, mind, soul) relationship must occur, or we simply deal with our own present mortality in a “less” healthy way due to improper stress coping techniques. I believe, if this Triassic relationship is not learned at an early age and developed into adulthood, some of us unintentionally ostracize ourselves from our greatest life potentials!  I know this sounds heavy and this type of philosophy could go wild in discussion, however, I will only brush the possibilities within the Triassic and health context with my take on how to age gracefully making my point.

Without closure to mortality questions where man can not provide definite answers to, “you simply must find answers by-way of the soul to fulfill this unknown” thirst for knowledge. Including, “what does it mean to age gracefully?”  There are those that can answer these types of questions with absolute certainty because their constitution is better than blind faith. This is because the day they were born, intuitively they knew they had purpose and there was something much bigger then any one of us!  And with this inner connection breeds “healthy calm” as the universe makes sense learned first at a very young age.  Everyone is in search of answers that can not readily be provided by a man made answer, or solution. Man looks for a scientific explanation for everything, but even man will “never” unlock God’s universal secrets. Instead, each one of us can unlock every proverbial secret that the soul “will, can and does bear.”  Each and everyone of us has the ability to tap into the soul where all answers are provided. It is through the Triassic connection we begin to understand the universe, our place in it and existence in life followed by the next.

It takes a life time to understand how each one of these questions applies, or does not apply to each one of us. I began by asking the question “How does one age gracefully?”  I can not provide a single answer as a fit for all. Each one of you will have to examine your own beliefs, connection and reality within your being. Instead, I can only paint one meaningful relationship that I understand to be an answer to this question without digging myself deeper into a never ending quagmire. It should be understood with age comes limitations of the mind, body and “NOT soul,” the soul never dies. Every decade and every 5 years after 25, one must examine their lives course. The “Triassic Being” and healthy proverbial development as we age is an important relationship as to how we see ourselves and the value perceived by all influences (Triassic Being, families, friends, employers, etc.) and the effect it has on our bodies health and souls mindset. If who you are now defines you 10 years from today without significant adjustment to mental, physical and spiritual stress planes as you age, can you age gracefully? “Ah, that is the question!”

Maybe, yes, maybe no. It depends on how your body, mind and soul are holding up. If ANY of these three elements are “breaking, or are broke,” one must change the game plan. To not change the way one operates within this worlds reality creates a health risk due to negative stress forces on any, or all 3 planes which make up “being.”  Without reexamination of our lives every 5-10 years (and more frequent review as we age) and not making healthy life choice decisions in tune with our “Triassic Being,” we put great stress on our mind, body and soul. To risk “being” without periodic examination of the Triassic relationship “is not to age gracefully!” And not to age gracefully, is not the philosophy, or mindset of a Mirror Athlete!

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing, www.mirrorathlete.com,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

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