Mirror Athlete Enterprises Articles

February 7, 2010

“Dare To Walk,” TV Reality Game Show

Filed under: Anti-Aging, Dare to Walk, Exercise, Fitness, Health, Natural Chemicals, Prevention, Wellness, body activity, how to, manage depression, obesity, pain, posture, tips, well-being — Marc Woodard @ 18:54

See MAE Video \”Dare to Walk,\” Stay Fit, Alleviate Pain, Save American Families One Step at a Time!\

“The original Concept “Dare to Walk another Day” came from a 20 chapter Mirror Athlete manuscript (currently seeking publication).  The 20 chapters encompass preventative exercise and pain alleviation modalities known as “Mirror Athlete Science,” fitness and pain management philosophy.

“Dare to Walk” another Day is devoted to 2-3 chapters in the manuscript.  It explains the importance of this game concept in the last chapter and why this fitness and pain management philosophy would be of great interest to all Americans, including the politics centered around preventative health and Medicare issues.  The intended audience (70 million baby boomers) and family interest in this type of Reality TV Game show would be huge, also educational.  This show could put our nation’s health first by using walking as the preventative health outreach initiative through a competitive and exciting walk Reality TV game show. Those that manage pain effectively and walk show you “how they do it!”  The globe would benefit and the audience would expand immensely by the second year of production because of the shows promotional unique appeal and draw to boomers and families of all ages throughout the world.  “Dare to Walk” SITE ,” WGAW Registry #1409703, Feb 2010 (“Dare to Walk,” TV Reality Game Concept).  Copyright Mirror Athlete Enterprises, All rights reserved 2010.

Read the Full Story - ”Dare to Walk,” Reality Heals a Nation’s People in Pain! See how the origin of this concept began.   You’ve read nothing like this, nor have you heard of any TV reality concept that comes near this caliber of entertainment.  Read the full story and ”Dare to Walk, another day!”

Participation Interest – If interested in a TV reality game show based on content from Read the full story link above, simply visit the Mirror Athlete home site .  Once at home site, enter your email address into the “Dare to Walk” subscription box to receive updates on the Reality TV Game concept and production interest.”  If there is enough interest in this concept there is good likelihood this show will be produced and you will have first dibs at qualifying for the first season and selected to participate and “Dare to Walk” to win prizes.  I will use this email list to provide a tally of interest to producers and provide you updates.

Tell your walking clubs and walking partners to visit MirrorAthlete.com and sign up as a free subscriber of interest.  The goal is to get 10,000 interested fellow walkers while officially submitting the full pitch concept to Reality TV producers.  This concept has been registered under intellectual property register WGAW#1409703, 2 Feb 2010. 

Subscribe for updates/Qualify for game:  When you subscribe to this listing for updates, you’ll also receive the “Free” MAE Health monthly eNewsletter.  Two subscriptions are received by subscribing to one list (“Dare to Walk” email updates and MAE eNewsletter mind, body & soul fitness and pain management articles). 

 It is a good time to start getting indoctrinated if you want to qualify for the games.  Much like an instructor would tap a foot, or overemphasis “pay attention.”  Other listings that receive MAE eNewsletter’s articles won’t read anything into this emphasis.  It will read like it belongs.  Only you know “pay attention,” or “I can’t emphasis enough” “Real Important” applies to hidden philosophy and knowledge game tactics that will improve your qualifying chances of selection and receive greater reward in the game (if the game is produced).  MAE eNewsletter articles will mention nothing “directly” of ”Dare to Walk” Reality TV production submission to producers, etc.”  Only those on “this list” (“Dare to Walk” Subscribers) can submit to qualify and possibly get on the first game show if produced.  Players needed for the game, around 20 but could be more.  Timelines: Looking to shoot a 6-8week production.  Where:  Anywhere in the world.  Awards: Every ones a winner but those that play the game best reap greater reward.  Amount:  Depends on production budget.

 How to Qualify:  Enter email address into Subscription box at mirrorathlete home site, also found through my hubpages profile.  Watch for “emphasis” in any newly written article from MAE eNewsletters published NLT 25th of each month.   Updates “emphasized in MAE articles can start as early as Feb 2010.  Make sure you subscribe to stay on top of the secret “emphasis found in MAE monthly health articles.”  If you miss a month, or lose the email; not to worry, visit MAE Health Repository .  Articles published from the eNewsletter are posted 30 days here after monthly circulation.  Or subscribe to a RSS reader to get all current articles.  Be sure if your email address changes, update it, or you will not receive the subscription and possibly miss the opportunity of a lifetime to possibly play in the ”Dare to Walk,” Reality TV Game.

Desired Qualifying Physical Attributes:  Desired walker qualifications for all practical purposes are normal walkers with typical aches and pains but know how to exercise and warm up prior to walking, not necessarily know how to pain manage.  They may be out of shape but walk well.  Others may appear to be in great shape, but know how to pain manage and exercise well.  Selectees cannot be competitive walkers (speed walking), or on a competitive walking team.  The perfect age demographics are ages: 35-68 for all that want to apply for this game show.  Each one of these players should have a medical acute or other pain challenge with daily fitness routines to alleviate and manage pain.  Most desired qualifying “pain challenges” are those that experience back, neck, shoulders, feet, hips, knee pain problems, etc.  And these pain challenges are diagnosed as soft tissue and nerve pain issues, successful back surgery, or prosthetics (hip, knee replacement).  Excess weight creates pain on posture bearing musculoskeletal structure which is also a good pain qualifier.   Many Americans are obese.  Borderline obesity is a good qualifier if these selectees are already on a walking program.  A good variety of demographic qualifiers and pain challenges will be added to the mix.

Guarantee Game Participation – There is “no guarantee” you will qualify, or be selected to compete on the show if it is produced.  With that said, there is also no guarantee MAE will be able to find a producer with interest or budget to produce this  type of TV reality show.  But with your support there is a good possibility of production and better potential for selection to compete since you are on this list and able to pre-qualify by reading special emphasis in MAE articles related to ”Dare to Walk.”  We simply must show producers that ”Dare to Walk,” Reality TV game is of interest to many that want this production as home family entertainment and profitable for the production company.

 Personally, the concept is so good I would select viewing a show of this caliber over travel, discovery channels, Big Brother, Survivor, etc., type shows.  Plus a number of other reality TV game shows, simply because there has been nothing produced like it.  My advisement team believes this concept has a strong potential to capture a production studio to produce this show.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime, subscribe now and be part of history gone mad.  To receive all necessary updates and to pre-qualify for ”Dare to Walk,” Reality TV Game show enter your email address in mirror athlete home site subscription box.  Thank you for your support, now let’s make it happen!

See other Mirror Athlete Enterprise projects you may be interested in, such as “Viking Carnivores” Reality TV Game Show.”

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.

September 22, 2009

What to do About Bunions?

Filed under: Feet, Health, Men's Health, Surgery, Women's Health, pain, posture, remedies — Marc Woodard @ 16:21

What exactly is a bunion?  A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe joint which becomes enlarged and points inward toward the other toes.  The medical term used for this condition is hallux valgus.  Other symptoms aside from the bony bump: Thickening skin at the base of the toe with redness, swelling and soreness.  People with weak or flat feet including the improper use of foot wear (high heels, tight fitting shoes) and genetically predisposed to inherit the bunion often experience this painful condition.  Most bunion avoidance or relief once bunion is established can be achieved through shoe modification and anti-inflammatory (aspirin and ibuprofen) to assist with swelling and general pain management.  You can relieve pressure on the big toe by wearing shoes that are comfortable and don’t create pressure at this area, and/or by placing a pad on the bunion to reduce friction.  For women they must avoid wearing pointed high heeled shoes. 

 Improper shoe wear creates most bunion issues by rubbing the bony areas of the toe creating a tender red and swollen area where a thick calloused skin covering grows over this heated contact point.   Since bunions never go away once created surgery may be necessary if pain is unmanageable.  Should pain worsen your doctor may recommend a bunionectomy.  This is where the swollen tissue is taken out and/or the toe is straightened by taking out part of the bone and/or permanently joins bone at the affected joint.

 Bunionectomy Surgical procedure:  A general anesthesia will be given prior to the procedure to make you feel as if you are asleep while pain is subdued during the operation.  The doctor will make a cut over the bump, removing excess tissue and may reposition the toe in a more natural position by removing bone.  Recovery time after surgery is typically around 2 months.    Hospital stay after the surgery is really dependent on severity of bunion and how a patient responds to the surgery.  Most patients go home the same day with a foot brace, or special shoe. 

 Recommendations, Prevention and Bunion Pain Management

 Wear roomy shoes that are comfortable and does not irritate, or cramp your feet.

  1. Keep swelling down with anti-inflammatory.  Keep pressure off of affected toe.
  2. See primary care physician if pain worsens.  Get x-ray of joint, see foot specialist.
  3. Wear a thick felt-ring around bunion to alleviate pain.
  4. Get the bunion removed through a surgical procedure (see above – bunionectomy).
  5. Ensure you arrange for care after bunionectomy as walking will be limited for 2 weeks.
  6. Custom made orthotics may reduce bunion pain See Mirror Athlete Press Release .

Benefits of surgery – Your toe won’t hurt, shoes may fit better.  Risk after surgery – Your bunion could come back.  Nerves and arteries could be damaged.  Toe may remain stiff.  Toe could lose blood supply.  Infection and bleeding may occur.

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

March 19, 2009

Alleviate Pain-Movement Based Therapies

Filed under: Exercise, Fibromyalgia, Fitness, Prevention, Wellness, body activity, pain, posture, tips, well-being — Marc Woodard @ 14:58

In many of my articles I have stated the importance of movement specifically through physical exercises or activity.  For without movement activities, the body and mind will quickly deteriorate creating more aggravating pain while increasing risk for more illness or disease.  There is a direct connection between the mind-body (psychosomatic) neurological meridian connections.  I like to refer to these meridians as the “health highways” electrical conduits throughout the body.  This is because mobility or lack of it can have an impact on positive “healing” nerve-holistic body stimulation, delay, or worsening of the healing process through these connections.

There are two fronts where lack of motion or mobility can impact overall health byway of these health highway connections.  1)  Mind-Body connection – Depression can and does contribute to pain disease if you allow it to motivate a sedentary lifestyle; opposed to pain tolerance learned and applied appropriately provide greater mobility and health benefit.  On the flip side, 2) Body-Mind – You “may not” be depressed but have severely limited your activities due to body function pain.  In either case, lack of activity creates a negative impact on motivation, self-esteem, disease mitigation, quality of life and other health risks.  Both ends of the “mind-body/body-mind” connection can turn full circle limiting activity, causing depression and can cause serious or grave harm to your overall health.

You must never give up on finding some form of activity, therapy and/or exercise within your day to offset further body degradation while maintaining a pain management program.  Depression is a pain patient’s worst enemy (MAE Health Blog, “Dealing with Depression,” M.T. Woodard, 25 Aug 08).  In my opinion, incorporation of a movement based therapy program is essential toward a holistic pain healing, or health maintenance program.  For without a daily movement program it is very difficult for a pain patient to thwart off depression and worsening of pain!  I do realize there are some that are completely incapacitated where my recommendations to increase activity or mobility may not be practical.  However, I encourage and highly recommend you consult with your doctor, or specialists to see if they could assist, direct, or refer you toward specialized movement based therapy resources relative to your chronic pain condition.

Some examples of non-specialized movement based activities if your pain tolerances will allow full or partial participation:  Gym membership, task specific exercise, i.e., walking, riding a recumbent stationary bike, low impact aerobics, e.g., treadmill, hand pedal stationary unit, bicycle and daily stretching exercise, etc.  Hobbies/social – Camping, fishing, community involvement, church choir, hiking, travel, home and garden, etc.  Find something that will get you excited about life and within acceptable pain tolerance that does not cause severe aggravation, or further damage to existing pain problems.  Discuss these movement based activities with your pain specialists, etc., to assess your pain conditions before you incorporate any of these recommendations into your pain program.  Just because you have varying levels of chronic pain, does not mean you are 100% “movement” disabled (MAE HealthBlog, “Disabilities & Public Perception,” M.T. Woodard, 7 July 2008).

Listed below are specialized movement based therapies to further your research and consideration of such program (s) within a customized pain management program while working with pain specialists and/or doctors.

1.  Physical exercises or activity.  Physical activity provides benefits to strengthening muscles, joints, ligament, tendons; oxygen-enriched blood to all cellular structures; improved structural alignment and release of natural feel good endorphins.

“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.”  (MAE HealthBlog, “An Addictive Chemical to Stimulate Will Power,” M.T., Woodard, 22 Jan 2009).

“I know a lot of you out there are hurting with disabling pain thinking there is nothing more you can do to increase your physical activity, receive further health benefits and/or improve your health condition, or quality of life.  There are solutions, but you have to want to become a mirror athlete as your number one goal.  Remember a mirror athlete will use health management techniques customized within a pain management program to improve posture, alleviate pain, while improving, or contributing to overall health through daily activities and/or exercise maintaining a healthy mind, body and soul.”

My contention, if you can move segments of your body, you “can” receive a health benefit.  If you suffer from depression, there is group support within the medical community and much information to be found in libraries or the Internet.  If you’re on a pain management program, you “may be able” to reduce your daily pain prescription to allow focus on activities for periods of time in a day.  (MAE HealthBlog, “Disabilities & Public Perception,” Woodard, 07 July 2008).

2.  Physical Therapy – Since movement is central to good health, physical therapy focuses on rehabilitation, promotion of body movement, or exercise.  The major pain alleviation modalities are manual handling, electrotherapy, massage, physical medicine, ultrasound, etc.   Other areas of physical therapy specialization include:  Health limitations due to cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopedic, pediatrics problems, burn patients and post surgical treatment in assisting with focus in habilitation, or rehabilitation (enable take care of oneself; restore to former state).  Physical therapy includes the use of many variations, or singular pain treatment modalities to assist and stimulate healthy movement, while working through pain issues, recovery, rehabilitation, etc.  Other areas of physical therapy specialization focus on psychological and emotional well-being activities.  Therapy is performed by a licensed physical therapist (PT) or an assistant acting under PT direction.  Offices and practices vary by demographic and specialties mentioned above, settings include:  Hospices, industrial workplaces, outpatient clinics, offices, inpatient rehab facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, and education, also research centers.

3.    Specialized and assisted movement programs.

a.  Yoga, Indian meditation posing and stretching – Purification of the physical body or mind to strengthen the body, or well being as a whole unit.  I will not go into the detailed specifics behind various Yoga philosophies as this is beyond the intent of information I’m providing you.  If you want to learn more about Yoga philosophy and techniques I highly recommend you contact a Yoga studio, read books on Yoga, or research the Internet to become better informed how Yoga could benefit your well being.  Yoga posing and stretching techniques have positive health benefits on the mind and body while alleviating pain.  Positive mind focus through concentrated and careful body movement focuses energies on piece of mind while stimulating the natural physical healing cycle of the body.

b.  Pilates, strengthening core muscles through resistive exercise routine – The premise of Pilates uses the mind to control the muscles.  Since the program focuses on postural muscles; abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks, there is great benefit in body balance through strengthening these “core” major muscle groups which is essential to spine health.  This program concentrates on breathing ensuring proper alignment of the spine while strengthening deep torso muscles.  Pilates breathing techniques teaches the importance of continuous and deep breathing techniques as essential to remove toxins and provide oxygen enriched blood to maintain overall health and pain alleviation.  Those with disabilities can apply a customized Pilate’s program to better aid in and improve overall function.  One should “only” participate in a Pilate’s program while under the supervision of a certified instructor.  If interested in learning more about the Pilates program research the largest certified Pilates program worldwide, Stott Pilates.  Also see Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), which is an umbrella organization attempting to standardize certification worldwide.

c.  Tai Chi, Chinese practice of slow movement and focus on balance.  This program makes use of Soft Chinese internal martial arts where “chi” energy makes use of an opponent’s strength against them – Instead of using overpowering muscular force and strength to defend against an opponent, the body’s chi energy is effectively tapped where brute force is not necessary to protect oneself.  The opposition’s strength is applied against forced assertion through focus and fluid motion during the defense.  Tai Chi has many health benefits associated with this form of concentrated, low impact and fluid motion just through practicing concentrated movement techniques.  The health and fitness benefits of Tai Chi exercise are well recognized worldwide without the physical strains associated with intense exercise.  The benefits associated with the practice of Tai Chi’s relaxed movement techniques:  Lowers stress levels, slows down aging, improves postural alignment, better breathing technique, pain alleviation, improved blood circulation, flexibility, etc.  Disease prevention and/or health disorder mitigation: Arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular, etc.  The theory of Tai Chi is based on traditional Chinese medicine, through the body’s electrical Chi meridians (neurological “health highways”) much in the way acupuncture is used to remove blockages that create pain in order to heal disease.  Tai Chi exercises can be used to achieve the same results.

d.  Feldenkrais – Efficiency of movement through specialized therapy. Physical well-being is established through movement patterns.  Therapy focuses on assistance in re-learning more proficient movement behaviors as opposed to inefficient and negative health impact movement that may lead to further body degradation.  Moshe Feldenkrais believes the mind and body are inseparable and as such every action is a single process of thinking, feeling, sensing and moving.  As each action impacts ultimate health transmitted through the nervous system, therapeutic movement can reinforce, or even reinstate better health and well-being by activating healthy movement patterns by triggering past feeling and thinking behaviors.  By shaping the body through active movement the whole (holistic) body, mind & soul receive the benefit.  As prior to therapy, one may have been confused, fixated and maybe lacked purpose of being.  Through Feldenkrais exercises a more relaxed and stress free holistic body creates a greater zest for life.

Common exercises include stretching, strengthening and aerobics.  However a fundamental drawback is these exercises… They do not effectively improve our characteristic movement.  In other words, you may be able to go through exercise where precision and exact movement may not be fluid, or within your pain range tolerance to perform certain moves, or movement characteristic of an unimpeded person.  However, you do receive a health benefit by participating!  General exercise routines very rarely improve useful functionality, while often aggravates habitual movement throughout the day.  Inefficient action or movement can lead stiffness, aches and pains, arthritis, fatigue and limitations.  Pain alleviation through Feldenkrais bases exploration of movement possibilities integrated with flexibility, strength and cardiopulmonary health is well worth consideration as a movement therapy incorporated into your pain management program.

By learning to sense self through proper relaxed movement one can sense proper balance, articulation, felt movement, tissue tension, pressure and pain.  Hence if tension and aggravation is felt through improper movement, one can learn to correct the pattern that is creating pain through sensory feedback to the brain.  Since Feldenkrais derives effortless pleasure in motion and holistic improvements compared to conventional stressful exercise those that participate in a program such as this want to continue to improve their abilities and overall well-being.

The key point I want you to take away from this read… Stay active; find an alternative movement based therapy, hobby, or interest to improve your quality of life through motion and/or exercise.  Although there is a balance of pain tolerance one must learn to overcome during movement based therapies… Specialized movement techniques are well worth the exploration and research to consider participation.  Through movement, one can relearn to mobilize and heal themselves through acceptable, low impact pain sensory rehabilitative feedback exercises, and/or activity.   I believe any movement therapy, or activity has a direct connection between the mind and body through neurological “Health Highways” establishing healing energy (Chi) to damaged tissues while alleviating pain and mitigating illness and disease.  Using non-stressful movement techniques or other activity participation “in my opinion” will improve well-being and should be included within any pain management program if at all possible.

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

February 23, 2009

Sciatica Causing Back Pain?

Filed under: Chronic Pain, Dare to Walk, Feet, Men's Health, Prevention, Surgery, Treatment, Women's Health, back, body activity, pain, posture, tips — Marc Woodard @ 18:52

I have been asked the question, how do you deal with sciatica pain?  Sciatica can be caused through genetic disease, incorrect posture, injury or overuse of back muscles when the vertebra disc’s (shock absorbers) are defective or inefficient at absorbing vertebrae structural stress.”  Pain and numbness symptoms of sciatica impact the lower body, such as low back, buttocks, back thigh, calves, feet and toes.  Causes of sciatica symptom irritation include tumors, overworked muscle, internal bleeding, infections, injury and other pressure causes.  Sciatica isn’t actually a condition, but instead a medical term used to describe symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, prickly sensation and shooting pain down your leg.

The cause of sciatica varies in pathology but can be effectively alleviated without surgery, or nonintrusive surgery in most cases!  The six most common spinal disorders that cause spinal nerve compression and sciatica lumbar radiculopathy (radiating pain) are:  1) Bulging or herniated disc (The gel-like center of the disc mal-forms creating nerve compression and swelling around the sciatica nerve).  2)  Spinal stenosis (nerve compression through narrowing or clogged nerve pathway – brought about by standing or walking and relieved by sitting down).  3)  Spondylolisthesis (Characterized by slipping and displaced vertebrae – acquired at birth and developed through childhood, trauma or physical stress.  4)  Trauma (accident injury, sports, weight lifting, etc.).  5.   Piriformis syndrome (named for the low back piriformis muscle impinging and irritating the sciatic nerve.  This condition is also very difficult to diagnose and treat due to lack of findings through x-ray and MRI findings).  6.  Spinal tumors (although tumors are rare in the lumbar region, benign or cancerous (malignant) tumors can develop creating nerve compression.  Fortunately, this is a rare.

Sciatica in the lower extremes is caused by injury, poor postural alignment, bad genetics that cause compression, or impingement.  Predominately L4-L5 or S1-S3 vertebrae that create swelling and triggers transmitted pain; including potential damage to the sciatica nerve itself.  Sciatica can be diagnosed through use of x-rays, CAT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography – 3 dimensional, multiple cross-sectional picture technology) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Magnetism produces images of body structure).

Those that first begin experiencing sciatica may not even connect the back pain condition as the root cause of the pain being experienced in the leg for example.  Your back does not have to be in severe pain to experience sciatica symptoms down the leg.  Although stiffness and/or feeling of swelling and pain in the lower back is usually associated but not necessarily noticed by the patient.  When I was younger, I use to associate the numbness in my right calf and foot with uncomfortable military boots.  It seemed this inconvenience went with the territory for a lot of soldiers “foot discomfort leading to consequential back pain!”  There was much conversation between soldiers regarding military issue boots, foot, calf overall leg and back pain.   A military issued boot has no posture, or padded insoles and the leather requires much work to make it pliable, or comfortable around the foot.   I highly recommend if you are serving in the military, get a pair of Danners (best military boot) thermal water resistant quality.  Also be sure to add our “Posture Control Insoles,” found within our chronic pain center (foot, skeleton, or posture link image).  Discard your basic issue boots as these can only harm your anatomical posture creating many acute and chronic pain problems down the road for you.  This is especially true if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of foot or back pain I just mentioned.

One would think with the science behind many related back problems due to incorrect foot posture, the military would issue boots with insoles that would mitigate foot, knee, hip and back pain-injuries.  Until a military boot or “almost any” shoe is broken in, your feet experience many hot spots, blisters and muscle fatigue within the feet, which may also include partial, or overall pain throughout the calf, knee, leg and back.  Improper foot ware “not corrected” is responsible for years of bad posture body realignment.   This is because your body’s posture works to align itself around pain conditions where the foot is placed under daily stress.  Why do you think some reasons people might limp… Could it simply be due to incorrect foot ware and/or the brain telling the body to shift the walking posture to alleviate uncorrected foot pain?  Absolutely, and what will happen if this limping continues too long without correction?  The body begins to self correct by realigning the posture placing more stress in other areas of the muscular-skeletal structure to alleviate pain and possibly create more injuries up line.  At this point your body is susceptible to further injury because your anatomical posture is now compromised!

In this case, the pain and postural problem is caused from bad foot ware.  And even though soldiers are treated for many foot problems while visiting sick call the standard treatment is moleskin (adhesive pad to cover blisters) on foot and rest.  Thereafter the soldier is sent back out in the field with the same foot ware that caused the sick call treatment in the first place.  Folks, this is a repeat problem for our military men and women… I just don’t get it.  I guess this is one of those cost cutting exercises at the expense of the soldier and tax payers!  It is ironic, we as civilians have all types of federal laws that require businesses to comply with work ergonomics and ADA (American Disability Act) compliance, but completely disregard the science of correct body posture starting at the feet which is creating other health issues for those impacted, leading to service connected and social security disability benefits paid by the tax payer.  It seems to me, a great return on investment would be to pay pennies on the dollar for proper foot ware versus a life-time service connected foot-body postural injuries.

If you have mild forms of sciatica pain symptoms, the condition as you age will worsen much more quickly if foot posture and weight management is not maintained, or corrected.  This is because structural misalignment and added weight contributes to compression and impingement of the spin, causing degenerative and painful effects on muscle, nerves, ligaments and tendons.  Most people that suffer sciatica symptoms experience numbness, tingly to prickly sensation to excruciating sharp- jolting pain.  I liken this sensation as a numbing, achy, sharp to jolting extreme pain experience.  For me sciatica feels like being zapped, or electrocuted for fractional to extended periods of time with numbness and prickly sensation before and after the experience.  Also, when you have an advanced stage of back disorder, there is also swelling with immediate pain in the lower back.  If the pain and swelling is too severe, you will not be up on your feet for a couple of days as a severe back/sciatica episode will completely incapacitate you with excruciating pain where it is difficult to straighten your back.

There is also the term radiculopathy which is used to describe radiating pain caused by a root nerve impingement near the spin.  Radiating pain is caused from a trigger point, or point of nerve impingement through compression.  To make a point-and-case for example, let’s say L5-S1 vertebrae has nerve impingement on the right side of the lower back which creates pain and/or numbness down one side of the back of thigh-to-foot.  Although there is quite a distance from the back problem origin (low back vertebras, L5-S1), it may, or may not be obvious to the patient the low back is creating the pain in the right thigh-calf and/or foot.  Infrequent episodes of sciatica pain can mask an underlying back disorder as it advances in severity through the years.  You can go many years down a quick “back fix” path of medical convenience (muscle relaxants, injections, pain killers, anti-inflammatory, rest, exercises, etc.), and never address the root cause of an insidious back disorder that’s just waiting to take you out of action as you age.  Don’t let surgery be your only option!  Back surgery success to significantly alleviate pain and not create another problem is statistically low.  However, there are now new non-invasive back intervention and alternative treatments that look hopeful for many back pain cases.  Look for non-invasive surgical information in our health repository.

Whenever you begin feeling pain down your leg, calf, foot or big toe to include numbness, tingling, prickly, hot sensations, you should see a physician to address these symptoms and get proper medical diagnosis, advisement and referrals.  Patients that would ignore infrequent episodes of back pain, or sciatica symptoms without proper diagnosis could create an irreversible medical condition that could have been preventable.  Especially when pain alleviation and correcting posture at the feet in “most cases” is the solution!  However, even with this being said, there is no guarantee as you age that your sciatica symptoms-back disorder “will not” become worse.  We are talking about pain prevention and proper anatomical alignment not to create, or worsen a back disorder pain condition.  Recall, 95% of all back problems can be corrected without surgery!  If you currently have sciatica you can greatly alleviate pain by using “Posture Control Insoles,” visit our home site or chronic pain center and click on the skeleton, postural, or foot image link to get the science behind the claim.

“Dr. Bernard Filner, MD, says, a significant number of people, including many of his patients, contemplate surgery because they hurt so badly – but most of the time, by using the Posture Control Insoles can alleviate the pain and avoid surgery.  Posture Control Insoles do what surgery and custom orthotics cannot do – provide the proper sensory feedback from your feet to your brain. Your feet play an integral role in maintaining a pain free posture, including proper curvature of the spine.  Modest changes in your posture provide the potential for complete relief of low-back pain. If you are in pain, even if you have tried custom orthotics without success, please try Posture Control Insoles before you try surgery, said Dr. Filner.”

The posture you place your body in at work is also critical in preventing short-long term repetitive muscles strains & sprains responsible for sciatica symptoms.  Although our main focus is posture correction at the feet to alleviate sciatica symptoms there are other stress forces at work that contribute to sciatica pain.  You’ll want to ensure your mattress has proper surface support as sleep posture is also very important.  If you toss and turn throughout the night and/or you never feel rested, or your back aches in the morning it may be time to start looking at a Posturepedic mattress or other similar posture manufactured mattresses.

The low back is also placed under stress while in resting positions such as office administration, or general lifting throughout the day, etc.  This is why ergonomic office work and good lifting posture regardless of job type also must be part of the overall good posture, pain alleviation plan.  As stated earlier, surgery should be the last option as 95% of all back pain candidates are not good prospects for surgery, but instead should be treated to correct posture alignment, including applied daily exercises.  Most back pain can be resolved without surgery if both doctors and patients are willing to try other treatments that basically help the back to heal itself (Dr. Richard Deyo, University of Washington, and Consumer Health Interactive Magazine).

Also read MAE Press Release, Jan 25, 2009, “Heal Back Pain with out Surgery – Embryonic Stem Cell Update!” This article can be found at our Chronic Pain Center  and visit our CleanGreen Wellness Wholesale Company.

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.

June 25, 2008

How to Work Around Chronic Pain?

Filed under: Chronic Pain, Dare to Walk, Diabetes, Exercise, Fibromyalgia, Fitness, Pancrease, Surgery, back, body activity, disability, disease, how to, obesity, osteoporosis, pain, posture, tips — Marc Woodard @ 08:58

Q.   I was curious, how do you work around chronic pain.  After visiting your chronic pain center, I read your introduction.  You mention a pain management philosophy, or exercise application around pain.  I can’t find anywhere in your articles, or section that address this topic in detail.  Is there an article you have written on this topic?  If so, where can I go to read it?A.    This is a very good question.  The work outs, or fitness programs around chronic pain will be presented in some of the monthly excerpts from Mirror Athlete with Chronic Pain Chronicles.  Since you have seen the summary at our chronic pain center, you also understand most of this information will be released once the chronicles manuscript is published as a book.  Although I have not provided any detail on how Mirror Athletes that are-aren’t disabled work around chronic pain and specific techniques applied to stay relatively active & fit… I can say this is a work in progress (I will write some articles outside the chronic pain articles revolving around overall fitness and exercise program).   I can also tell you I can provide tidbits of information that you can use now to incorporate into a fitness exercise program to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.  For example,A very important key to exercising, or performing activity if you have chronic pain, or are basically disabled because of your chronic pain, you first must understand what triggers your pain [I like to analyze the "what, when, where & how pain is triggered].  You need to learn to do the same thing.  This physical pain analysis prior to activity, or exercise work outs is critical.You also must have a good understanding of your medical & health condition, goals and activity risks by working with your primary care physicians and/or medical specialists ensuring you understand how a pain condition  could be aggravated to become more chronic.  Keep in mind what I’m presenting here is not a complete medical, health, or history audit checklist before exercise activity commences.   These general bullets are instead the basic rudimentary steps required to understand how you can stay active even with disabilities without risking further aggravation and harm to your body.  Since exercise and activity are key ingredients to my healthy life program, it is essential that all walks of life looking to improve their health condition apply an activity, exercise, pain management program that makes sense for their overall health management program.

In other words, if an activity creates pain beyond a manageable level of pain tolerance, I’d say relative to your pain and health management program this is not good for your body and could cause serious harm to a preexisting condition.

Also visit our site Wellness Company page.  We offer excellent “NATURAL” products scientifically formulated to remove chemical toxin allergies from your home.Thank You for your patronage, please subscribe to your free monthly eNewletter at our home site.

Marc T. Woodard, Health & Fitness Consultant, Publisher, Mirror Athlete Enterprises @  www.mirrorathlete.com
2007-2008 Copyright Mirror Athlete Enterprises, All rights reserved. 

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