Some Simple Suggestions

1. Helpful dietary supplement suggestions are:
   • MSM, Glucosamine, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, Potassium, Chondroitin Sulfate, Cetyl Myristate, and Cetyl Myristoleate
   • Perhaps the most helpful of all of these is MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane). MSM is not a medicine, a drug, or a food additive. It is a food. MSM is an organic form of sulfur that can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
   • Since sulfur is a component of all cells, it is essential that the body have a plentiful supply of this mineral in its usable form. There is a positive synergistic effect on building healthier cells when MSM is taken in combination with vitamin C. The new cells are more pliable and permeable, allowing fluids to pass through the tissue more easily. Internally this means more efficient elimination of toxins, a reduction in inflammation and pain – so you feel better. On the outside it shows up as a softer, smoother complexion, stronger hair and nails – so you look better.
   • Approximately half of the total body sulfur is concentrated in the muscles, skin and bones. One of the most significant uses of MSM as a supplement is its demonstrated ability to relieve pain and inflammation. When rigid fibrous tissue cells swell and become inflamed, pressure and pain result. Since MSM can restore flexibility and permeability to cell walls, fluids can pass through the tissues more easily. This helps equalize pressure and reduce or eliminate the cause of pain. Harmful substances such as lactic acid and toxins are allowed to flow out, while nutrients are permitted to flow in. This prevents the pressure buildup in cells that causes inflammation.
   • MSM has shown a remarkable ability to reduce or eliminate muscle soreness and cramps both in geriatric patients and in athletes. It’s even given to race horses before a race to prevent muscle soreness, and afterward to reduce the risk of cramping. People with arthritis report substantial and long-lasting relief with MSM supplements. Taken along with glucosamine, a key substance in the process of rebuilding cartilage, MSM can relieve pain and help repair worn or damaged cartilage in joints, ligaments and tendons with healthy, flexible new cells.
   • The body uses MSM along with Vitamin C to create new, healthy cells, and MSM provides the flexible bond between the cells. Without proper levels of MSM, our bodies are unable to build good healthy cells, and this leads to problems such as lost flexibility, scar tissue, wrinkles, varicose veins, hardened arteries, damaged lung tissues, dry cracking skin, digestive disorders, joint problems, and inability to defend against allergic reactions to food, animals and plants.
2. Homeopathic remedies (either topically applied or taken under the tongue in pill or drop form) that have been helpful to many for back pain are:
   • Arnica: for pain in muscles;
   • Bryonia: for pain in joints and bursa [if better by rest];
   • Rhus toxicodendron: for pain in ligaments and joints [if better by motion];
   • Hypericum: for pain in nerves;
   • Ruta: for pain in cartilage, tendon, or periosteum (membrane around the bones);
   • Bellis perennis: for deeper pain in muscles, nerves, and joints that is from trauma, overuse, sprains, and bruises.
3. In chronic, recurring, or severe back pain, you might want to try chiropractic treatment for six sessions. If there is no improvement, then you may want to consider that chiropractic (or at least that doctor’s method of chiropractic) is not appropriate for you. You should also seriously consider getting an M.R.I. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) exam.

Other Reading of Interest

MSM: The Natural Pain Relief Remedy
by Deborah Mitchell and Steven J. Bock

Treat Your Back Without Surgery: The Best Non-Surgical Alternatives to Eliminating Back and Neck Pain
by Stephen Hochschuler and Bob Reznik

Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain
by Pete Egoscue