Remember my article on chinese unicorn ants of herbal medicine? I wrote on the medicinal properties of cordyceps in chinese medicine. This herb has been used to treat a myriad of conditions including cancer, chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, blood sugar regulation, sexual dysfunction in men and women, as well as many other disease states.
Boing, Boing! (one of my favorite blogs) did a quick piece of cordyceps found on a tarantula. YEESH!
This paper on traditional uses of cordyceps is a very interesting weekend read. Get smart!
Recently the dangers of CT scans have been all over popular news sites like NPR and The New York Times. A recent research paper has been published exposing the risks of CT scans resulting in increased risk of cancers, particularly leukemia, in children.
Example of a CTPA, demonstrating a saddle embolus (dark horizontal line) occluding the pulmonary arteries (bright white triangle)
CT scans, or computed tomography, generate 3-D images from multiple 2-D X-Rays taken around a single point. The CT scan was introduced in the 1970s as a tool throughout the medical community to diagnose diseases and abnormalities of the soft tissue that a 2-D X-ray would not be able to discern. CT scans have the ability to show abnormalities in organs, muscles, nerves, tissues (as well as bones), through the use very precise, multiple imaging. Without CT scans it would be very difficult to diagnose early stage cancers, tumors, hemorrhages, strokes, head traumas, or embolisms.
A CT scan is considered a moderate to high radiation risk due to the multitude of X-Rays being taken of one location. This radiation exposure could be 10 to 100 times that of a normal X-Ray. Radiation risk is assessed based on location of the imaging, amount of radiation a person has been exposed to (previous CT, X-Rays, environmental exposures), patient age, patient build (a small child vs an NFL football player), and precision of desired image quality (discerning the border of a palpable tumor vs trying to locate a small cerebral aneurysm).
The research paper suggesting that CT scans create an increased risk of brain cancers and leukemias in children could create a fear based back-lash against this amazing diagnostic tool that could prevent the diagnosis of disease or injury. There are two critical points to remember in regards to this paper.
1. Leukemias are primarily a cancer of children. Suggesting that CT scans foster an increased risk of a cancer that already has a higher incidents in children that do not have CT scans is flawed researching. There is no way, based on the methodology of this paper, to prove that the children exposed to the CT scans would not have leukemia regardless. There are a number of variables to consider. The subject population in the research article were already a sick sample study. These children were included in the study because they had no prior cancer diagnosis but still received a CT scan before the age of 22. This does not account for any other variables that could increase the likelihood of cancer in this population. If anything, it should be more closely inspected because the sample population already had conditions warranting medical intervention.
2. CT scans are a diagnostic tool and not a toy. CT scans have been used in diagnostic medicine more and more frequently in incidents where simple X-Rays, bloodwork, or proper medical intakes would suffice. The Center for Radiologic Research published a paper critiquing the use of CT scans in asymptomatic patients and its relationship to cancers in all patient populations. This research paper suggests that 1/3 of ALL CT scans are unnecessary.
Perhaps it is due to the litigious nature of our society that physicians are using CT scans to diagnose conditions do not warrant the risk of exposure to radiation. Dr. Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, stated that “young people were often given CT scans to diagnose kidney stones, appendicitis and dental problems, and that some of those scans could have been avoided by using other methods, like ultrasound or conventional X-rays.”
Ultimately, throwing such a revolutionary and invaluable diagnostic tool “under the bus” by using buzz words and headlines creating a fear based environment that CT scans are increasing cancers in children is bad reporting, bad science, and bad press. Unnecessary CT scans are exactly that, unnecessary, and not without their risks. However, it is the invention and implementation of CT scans that will save the lives of young children who would die without the advantages of modern medicine in the diagnosis of many conditions.
When treating my patients I put great emphasis in a thorough medical evaluation with an exhaustive medical history. A good medical history by a trained medical practitioner will steer most patients in the direction of health and well-being. A great medical history will determine whether or not further diagnostic tools are required. It is important in the medical community that physicians do not become complacent in connecting with and listening to their patients. CT scans are not a replacement for good traditional medicine, they are a supplement when more investigation and other diagnostic tools have been exhaustive.
It’s the middle of marathon season and a number of my patients have been limping through the door with pain at the outside of their knee or hip. The most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners is Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome.
Location and Function
The IT band, and the pain associated with it’s inflammation, is the kink in a runner’s stride. The IT band begins at the external iliac crest (Hip Bone) and ends at the lateral condyle of the tibia (outside of the knee on the lower leg). The IT band stabilizes the knee during the stride and is usually aggravated in individuals who are overtraining, overpronating (rolling on the outside your foot when you walk) in their stride, or have oppositional workout to work habits.
This last little bit is seen in someone who is working at a desk the majority of the day then goes for a long run in the evening. The muscles that are long and stretched when running are short and tight when you are sitting for long periods of time. This is also seen clinically in triathletes that are training for long rides on their bikes and then run. In situations like this stretching throughout the day while at your desk is integral in recovery of IT band pain. In cyclists, making sure your bike is properly fitted so your leg extension is appropriate and your toes do not point inward.
WHAT IS GOING ON?! MAKE IT STOP HURTING!
With IT Band Syndrome, ITBS, the IT band is rubbing at the hip or rubbing at the knee and creating an inflammation of the tendon and surrounding tissues. IT band pain may be most noticeably after running, or engaging in the offending activity, for a period of time with the trigger spots being at the outside of the knee, hip or the line connecting the two.
Problems:
•Running around a track, the shoulder of the road, or a banked surface
•Tight muscles, as mentioned for the desk worker
•Increasing Distance, Duration, or Intensity of workout too quickly
•Over-pronanting at the food strike in running
•Toes facing frame in cycling
How do I know if I have a problem?
•Do you have pain when you press along the outside of your thigh with moderate pressure while your leg is extended?
•Do you have a noticeable wear pattern on the outside heel of your running shoe?
•Do you feel like you have a weak core or weak back?
•Is the pain worse midway through your run?
•Do you notice a “snapping hip” where it feels like the muscle or tendon is crossing the outside of your hip can be felt while you run?
•Do you have a slow pace or a short stride?
Treatment
Ok, ok, I have a busted IT band. HELP!
Getting evaluated by a licensed and experienced practitioner can make all the difference in the world with ITBS but there are a few things you can try doing at home first.
STRETCH (we will come back to proper stretching techniques)
ICE/HEAT (ice for 20 minutes post workout; use heat prior to workout and after icing)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
Getting on a good Omega-3 Fish Oil protocol of approximately 3-4g a day will help mitigate inflammation
NSAID, like Ibuprofen, can help but may have side-effects to consider
SLEEP: this is when your body heals itself. You have to be getting adequate sleep
SUPPLEMENTAL THERAPY
Find an acupuncturist, chiropractor, massage therapist, or physical therapist trained and experienced with athletes
SOAK in a hot bath with Epsom Salts
Evaluation
Some of the things a practitioner will look for in ITBS are muscle imbalances.
•Hip abductor weakness can cause pain because the thigh bone, femur, has a external force acted on when the foot strikes the ground. This will push out on the hip creating more strain on the IT band if the muscles on the inner thigh aren’t strong enough to prevent excessive force on the outside of the hip
Physical Assessment Tests
•Tight hip flexors (iliopsoas), extensors (gluts), and rotators (piriformis) can all put excessive strain on the muscles of the inner thigh, the hip abductors
•Noble Test: positive test when patient has pain at 30 degrees flexion
•Thomas Test: positive test of the iliopsoas and/or IT Band when the patient can’t achieve 90 of knee flexion and neutral angle of hip flexion in relation to the table
Returning to Activity: Don’t Always Run Through It
Pain is the message our body gives us to knock off whatever we are doing. There is a fine line between discomfort, pain, and injury. Sharp pain needs to be taken seriously and evaluated. Once you feel like you have your pain under control be careful when you return to running. Take the following steps to prevent your return your sport from being painful or premature
Equipment Check. Make sure your shoes aren’t worn and are appropriate for your foot type
Muscle Check. Incorporate strength training of the inner thigh, buttocks, and core to ensure proper biomechanics in your stride
Body Check. Make sure your body is well rested, well hydrated, stretched and not inflamed
Stride. Overthinking your stride can create more harm than benefit but making minor tweaks to your length and speed can make all the difference
Train smart. Never increase more than one variable at a time in training
Distance (mileage), Duration (minutes actually exercising), Terrain (pavement vs. trail vs. track), Intensity (hill workouts vs. normal workouts)
Augment your stride to prevent exasperation of symptoms.
“The angle of the knee during faster-paced running is beyond the friction point of ITBFS, so the patient should start with easy sprints on even surfaces, no more than every other day at first. The patient may gradually increase distance and frequency according to tolerance. Time to return to sports depends on the initial severity. Patients who return must first perform all strength exercises and stretches without pain. Running Times also suggests running faster as a method of preventing aggravation to the IT band.
Strength Training and Flexibility
Working to rehab or prevent ITBS is a combination of stretching and strength training.
Strength Train:
•Walking Lunges: it’s important to have good form and go to muscle fatigue, not muscle pain. If you’re feeling pain adjust the depth and length of your lunge
•Resistance Band Leg Raises: Lay on your side with your knees bent at a 45 degree angle. Have a snug resistant band around both legs and lift the leg you’re not laying on towards the ceiling. Do approximately 15 reps on each side with 2-3 sets (note that in the video the legs are straight, this an acceptable adjustment)
•Side Steps Resistance Bands: fix the resistant band around your ankles and step sideways, 15 reps on each side with 2-3 sets
•Squat Leg Raise: Stand on the resistant band and go into a squat (remember to not let your knees go over your toes). When you come up from the squat, with alternating legs, bring one leg out to the side. Alternate and do 15 reps on each side with 2-3 sets
Stretch:
Stretching needs to become part of your life, not just before and after runs. If you’re like the majority of the population you are sitting for the majority of your day. Set and alarm to get up EVERY 30 MINUTES and stretch your hips.
When all else fails, rest. Overtraining an area is not going to make you reach your goals quicker. If a certain run-time or distance is a goal, work on other aspects of your fitness to help you get there while you recuperate your injury. Constantly reevaluate and reassess your training, fitness, and goals. Working with a trained therapist can provide an unbiased and honest opinion of your injury and recovery while facilitating the healing process.
I recently asked my followers on my Facebook page to let me know what articles about health, wellness, and chinese medicine they would like to read about. A long time friend made the first comment, “Zombies”. Challenge accepted Dan. Challenge Accepted.
Chinese Medicine has existed for thousands of years and seems to be a separate entity from recognized and more “modern” Western Medicine. Though the concepts, treatments, and ideologies are very foreign to the average person, the method for arriving at the treatment strategies is the exact same as the principles every esteemed modern scientist follows.
Step 1. Observation.
Picture this. A young man, in the mountains of Tibet in the 15th century
happened to look down and notice a long, white unicorn-horn looking thing sticking out of an ant’s brain. This ant was acting very peculiarly. Every ant in the little ant line was heading south, but this unicorn ant broke free from the line and moved towards a small bush. This little unicorn ant started climbing, climbing, climbing until it reached the top of the bush. The ant grasped hold of the tip top brach, held tight, then died.
Our 15th century Tibetan man was shocked by this and since it’s a bazillion years before iPhones, the interwebs, and tv he decided to do a little experimentation. Whatever made that little horn pop out of the ants head, change his behavior, make him branch off from the herd and walk like a zombie away from everything his instincts would have normally dictated might have a very entertaining effect on this our Tibetan. What else does he have going on?
So, Mr. Tibet pops the ant in his mouth and sits back and waits. And waits.
The cordyceps fungus attacks the ant’s exoskeleton, infects the ant’s body, then its brain. This brain infection causes the ant to climb the rainforest vegetation until it dies at a height above the forest floor, providing a biological advantage for the spread of the fungal spores. This family of fungi is also of great medical interest: providing metabolites such as Cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplantation.
Then all of the sudden he starts noticing a few things. The first thing he notices is that he feels a great sense of happiness (but perhaps he’s just relieved the ant wasn’t poisonous). It seems that we are off to a good start in the observation of the ingestion of the unicorn ant. Secondly, he notices that perhaps due to his good mood, he feels the need to head back in town in search of some female companionship. Could he have found a secret aphrodisiac?! This could make him reach and famous because just like the bigwigs over at Viagra will attest to, sexual health is a billion dollar industry!
What our Tibetan man doesn’t realize is that the ant had been infected by a parasitic fungus known as Cordycepts sinensis, or in Chinese Medicine, Dong Chong Xia Cao. The fungus attacks a host caterpillar or ant, invades the insect and then begins the take-over. Some of the cordyceps species have been known to effect their hosts behavior for their survival which accounts for the zombie-like behavior that our Tibetan man saw.
Our Tibetan man, Zurkhar Nyamnyi Doje, became famous for his discovery and wrote a medicinal text explaining the tonic properties of this little fungus. According to the Materia Medica of Chinese Herbal Medicine, this herb works as an adaptogen to increase energy, enhance stamina, and reduce fatigue. In Western Medicine is is used during organ transplants as an immunosuppressive drug. It is also being researched for it’s anti-cancer properties. Cordyceps has polysacchariedes and cordycepin that have been shown to have anti-cancer components.
Another new area of research worth noting in these large waisted times is cordyceps effects on insulin resistance. Preliminary research have found a hypoglycemic affect from ingesting cordyceps! That little zombie ant might be able to help us fight the battle of the bulge!
Treating conditions with Chinese Medicine isn’t as simple as chasing down zombie ants. Finding a licensed practitioner who can assess and diagnose the root cause of a particular condition is going to dictate the success of the herbs. Who knows, you might not need to be popping zombie ant fungus, you might need some dragon’s blood.
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:
Addiction
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chronic fatigue
Colitis
Common cold
Constipation
Dental pain
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestive trouble
Dizziness
Dysentery
Emotional problems
Eye problems
Facial palsy
Fatigue
Fertility
Fibromyalgia
Gingivitis
Headache
Hiccough
Incontinence
Indigestion
Irritable bowel syndrome
Low back pain
Menopause
Menstrual irregularities
Migraine
Morning sickness
Nausea
Osteoarthritis
Pain
PMS
Pneumonia
Reproductive problems
Rhinitis
Sciatica
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Shoulder pain
Sinusitis
Sleep disturbances
Smoking cessation
Sore throat
Stress
Tennis elbow
Tonsillitis
Tooth pain
Trigeminal neuralgia
Urinary tract infections
Vomiting
Wrist pain
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Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.
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Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.
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Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
Do not eat large meals just before or after
your visit.
Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.
I went to get acupressure because I was past my pregnacy due date, but after the appointment I felt like I was walking on air. I had a lot of energy, my pains were gone, and I realized I needed it more than I really knew. She is understanding and very professional. I would definitely recommend Dr. Graves.
-S.S
Dr. Carrie Johnson is what all physicians should be–knowledgeable, concerned, and caring. She listened and worked with me as an individual. She took me from a life of fear of exacerbating the already constant pain to a life where I can be physically active because the pain can be eliminated by her skilled treatment. Not only did she provide healing with accupuncture to relieve TMJ and radiating nerve pain, she also taught me two simple exercises that extend the effect
I am a sr citizen and have been going to Dr. Carrie for a year and am hooked on acupuncture!! She helped me with losing weight and lowering my blood pressure. A great way to stay well and maybe someday all insurance carriers will see to it to cover acupuncture as a medical treatment.
I am a fitness freak: I like cross-country running,cycling, weight lifting, playing basketball and racquetball. But at a certain point I started having severe back pains, spasms and hamstring tightening which sidelined me for quite a while as I tried physical therapy but I did not get immediate relief I was looking for. Then I visited with Dr Carrie Johnson for initial visit and analysis of my condition, at first I was skeptical but Dr Carrie Johnson made me a believer of Acupuncture and Active release techniques. Thanks
Let me start by saying I am a certified CrossFit trainer with multiple specialty certifications and I am also a USAW certified Sport Performance Coach. I have dealt with minor injuries before but nothing that forced me to consider some type of rehab or treatment plan. While training high volume or a competition I suffered a low back injury. After months of rest and self prescribed rehab I wasn’t getting back to the shape I wanted and my symptoms persisted.
Augment your stride to prevent exasperation of symptoms.
