Monday, September 12, 2011

Legacy of failure - History of Scoliosis Treatment

History of the scoliosis management is as old treatment of the idiopathic scoliosis itself. First known scoliosis treatment come from Greeks in 400BC and Galen who coined the word “scoliosis” between 131 to 201AD. From ages the scoliosis treatment has gone through its share of originality and viciousness. During the mid evil times this treatment used gravity and extension of scoliosis spine for treating the curvature. Other methods consisted of forcing rotation from the scoliosis spine, and historical record also shows attempts to set straight your scoliosis spine through use of this rack.

Scoliosis is not the disease or diagnosis; rather it is the term that is used to describe the abnormal curvature of spine. This condition is caused by many factors congenital, degenerative or developmental problems- though majority of the cases don’t have any apparent cause and are termed as "idiopathic" scoliosis.

Brace Treatment - Does it work?

Brace treatment for the Idiopathic Scoliosis has got NO effect on natural course of the Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Creators of Scoliscore genetic exam plot the results of the brace treatment for scoliosis against the predicted hereditary course of condition.

This condition generally develops in upper back, however can be found in the low back or mid-back. The spine curvature is side to side, and is present as the double S shaped curve or single C shaped curve.

Growing kids are often treated with the back brace, but because of the skeletal maturity, adult treatments are more complicated. Most commonly used scoliosis treatments include clear institute, schroth method, chiropractic care, bowen, yoga/pilates, medication, modality physical therapy, exercise therapy, and injections. But some of these treatments for Scoliosis are said ineffective. Around 68 patients get at least one of these treatments while fifty five patients got no treatment. The surveys demonstrated not any significant advantage based on the change in HRQOL procedures over the 2 year of period.

Conclusion

For all reader who are still not convinced I highly recommend they read this research for more information: http://drkevinlau.blogspot.com/2010/01/weak-evidence-of-benefit-for-scoliosis.html

About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

Brace Treatment - Does it work?

Conclusion

For all reader who are still not convinced I highly recommend they read this research for more information: http://drkevinlau.blogspot.com/2010/01/weak-evidence-of-benefit-for-scoliosis.html

About Dr Kevin Lau

By Dr Kevin Lau

One common misconception for the people with the back conditions like scoliosis is they must avoid any kind of physical activity. In reality, some exercises will help to relieve this pain linked with the condition and that is characterized by abnormal and sideways curve in spine. Scoliosis patients must avoid some movements, which will worsen their condition and pain.

The high impact exercise needs both your feet to get lifted off the ground at the same time. Some examples will include jumping, running, and jump rope. The high impact activities or exercises do strengthen your bones and develop more power, endurance, agility as well as coordination than the low impact conduct, but keep these for later program once your curve has improved below twenty degrees, and when you have fallen in the routine with your exercise program.

When doing these exercises mentioned, if any deformity gets visually worse, then these exercises must be avoided immediately. Avoid any type of he back bending exercises like "Prone Cobra" position done in yoga. These might cause severe stress on your spine and might worsen your problem.

Some Exercises to Look at:

Weight Lifting

Suppose you are suffering from scoliosis, curve in the spine might have pulled your muscles in back and move in various ways. It means the traditional weight lifting exercises will cause more hurt and put pressure on your back, especially if you are using heavy weights.

Yoga Back Bends

According to Scroth Method site, some yoga postures will cause pain by putting dangerous pressure on back of somebody with scoliosis. And this includes any pose where you have to bend backwards, like the cobra, you lie on your stomach and curve your back for lifting the chest off the floor.

Wheel is one more posture to get avoided, says Scroth Method website. And this pose involves lying on your back and pushing it up on feet and hands so you are bent in the U shape. It is recommended that you speak to your physician prior to starting any type of yoga and advising your yoga mentor of your state so you will be able to sit out on the harmful positions.

Squats and Lunges

Exercises, which work on your lower body will place pressure on the injured back. It is the case with lunges, standing squats, and hamstring curls. These exercises want you to tight and work on your spine and targeted muscle group. You need to avoid any lower body work out that causes you back pain and ask your expert for variations that you can do when sitting and lying down to decrease the pressure on spine.

Shoulder stand

Head in a shoulder stand position is bent sharply forward that overstretches your neck muscles. It will support forward head position and cervical kyphosis. Furthermore, your whole body weight lies on shoulders, and will enormously increase the rib hump formation.

Twisting Exercises

Central segment, rib hump, is engorged when it rotates backwards in to the existing curvature, no matter whether the rotation is on right or left side.

About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is a Singapore chiropractor and the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to:

Website - http://www.hiyh.info.
ScolioTrack Website - http://www.ScolioTrack.com.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HealthInYourHands.
Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/DrKevinLau.
Twitter - http://www.Twitter.com/DrKevinLau.

By Dr Kevin Lau

Some Exercises to Look at:

Weight Lifting

Yoga Back Bends

Squats and Lunges

Shoulder stand

Twisting Exercises

Central segment, rib hump, is engorged when it rotates backwards in to the existing curvature, no matter whether the rotation is on right or left side.

Trap-Neuter-Return

Gunther I, Finkler H, Terkel J: Demographic differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1134, 2011.

There have been few studies conducted to investigate the effects of neutering on free-roaming cat populations. This study observed over a one year period 184 free-roaming adult cats and 76 kittens living in 4 feeding groups in an urban area of Israel. Cats in two groups were subjected to the trap-neuter-return procedure (TNR) and the other two groups were left untreated. It was noted that the two neutered groups increased in size significantly because of higher immigration (cats moving into the groups) and lower emigration (cats moving away) rates than in the unneutered groups, in which the number decreased. It appears the neutered cats formed a stable feeding core, resulting from the decreased roaming and increased survival rates of cats after neutering. Sexually intact cats also immigrate into the neutered groups more readily. Kitten survival rates were significantly higher in the neutered groups. The study concluded in part that to maintain a high proportion of neutered cats in such cat groups, persistent TNR campaigns are considered necessary. [VT]

Related articles:

Finkler H, Gunther I, Terkel J: Behavioral differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1141, 2011.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Related articles:

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Kettlebell Exercises for Lower Back Pain

Overview

Lower back pain can hinder a person from performing daily tasks properly and without stress. Certain kettlebell exercises can help alleviate pain in the lower back by assisting posture and improving weak or tight muscles. Perform the kettlebell swing, the kettlebell Turkish get-up and the kettlebell snatch to decrease pain and assist these imbalances.

Kettlebell Swing

The kettlebell swing targets the hamstrings, the glutes and the muscles of the spine. Begin by standing with your feet hip-distance apart. Press your hips and glutes back with the kettlebell on the ground between your feet. Grab the kettlebell with a firm grip on both hands and lift it up to the front of your hips. When the kettlebell is at the top of the swing, your knees should be in line with your ankles. As the kettlebell comes down and returns back towards the floor, bend your hips and knees back.

Kettlebell Turkish Get-Up

The kettlebell Turkish get-up targets the muscles of the lower back, shoulders, neck and core. Begin by lying on the floor while holding the kettlebell over your head. By lifting with your abs and not swinging with your legs, slowly rise as you come to a full standing position. Return to lying back on the floor by keeping the kettlebell elevated above your head as you slowly lower yourself down to sitting, but consciously tuck your navel in toward your spine. Sit up tall and do not lean forward or slouch your shoulders.

Kettlebell Snatch

The kettlebell snatch is an explosive movement that elevates the heart rate and requires tall posture to strengthen the muscles of the spine. Begin with your feet turned away from each other slightly wider than hip-width apart. With the kettlebell placed between your legs, grasp it with one hand and lift it above your head using the muscles in your legs while jumping both feet off the ground. Press your chest forward and not down toward the floor to ensure proper posture. Slowly control the kettlebell down as you press your glutes behind you into a squatting position. Repeat this movement with the kettlebell in your opposite hand.

Tips

When you begin these exercises, do not focus on how many repetitions you perform. Focus on controlling the kettlebell and having the correct form. Do as many as you feel comfortable to start and after you master the technique you can try to add repetitions. Always bend your knees when lifting the kettlebell off the floor. Always keep your wrists neutral during these exercises. Check with your doctor before you try working with the kettlebell.

About this Author

Angela Raizis was a writer and editor for the "HMSLS Happenings" newsletter. She is a certified personal trainer through the National Exercise Trainers Association, as well as a certified instructor of Zumba, Drums Alive, Yoga-Pilates Blend and kickboxing. With a Master of Education in physical education from Bowling Green State University, Raizis now serves as the fitness director for a Texas country club.

Overview

Kettlebell Swing

Kettlebell Turkish Get-Up

Kettlebell Snatch

Tips

About this Author

MRSA in Cats

Loeffler A, Pfeiffer DU, Lindsay JA et al: Prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA carriage in companion animals: a survey of dogs, cats and horses, Epidemiology and infection 139:1019, 2011.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant health concern in people. Little is known about carriage of these bacteria in companion animals. The investigators tested healthy as well as ill animals at various animal facilities in the greater London area for MRSA. Out of nearly 1700 animals tested, including 540 cats, only 26 animals were found to be colonized with MRSA; of these, 8 were cats. In evaluating risk factors among animals for carriage of MRSA, the investigators found that it is rare among companion animals. They also concluded that animals from which MRSA can be cultured are likely contaminated from their human companions, and do not serve as reservoirs for the bacteria. [MK]

Related articles:

Weese JS: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals, ILAR journal / National Research Council, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources 51:233, 2010.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Loeffler A, Pfeiffer DU, Lindsay JA et al: Prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA carriage in companion animals: a survey of dogs, cats and horses, Epidemiology and infection 139:1019, 2011.

Related articles:

Weese JS: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals, ILAR journal / National Research Council, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources 51:233, 2010.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
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The Hazards of Hospitals

Created by: Medical Billing and Coding

By Enrique Rivero
erivero@mednet.ucla.edu

UCLA-Harvard study highlights 3 types of confusing outcome measures

Studies about medications published in the most influential medical journals are frequently designed in a way that yields misleading or confusing results, new research suggests.

Investigators from the medical schools at UCLA and Harvard analyzed all the randomized medication trials published in the six highest-impact general medicine journals between June 1, 2008, and Sept. 30, 2010, to determine the prevalence of three types of outcome measures that make data interpretation difficult.

In addition, they reviewed each study's abstract to determine the percentage that reported results using relative rather than absolute numbers, which can also be a misleading.

The findings are published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

The six journals examined by the investigators— the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, The Lancet, the Annals of Internal Medicine, the British Medical Journal and the Archives of Internal Medicine — included studies that used the following types of outcome measures, which have received increasing criticism from scientific experts:

Surrogate outcomes (37 percent of studies), which refer to intermediate markers, such as a heart medication's ability to lower blood pressure, but which may not be a good indicator of the medication's impact on more important clinical outcomes, like heart attacks.

Composite outcomes (34 percent), which consist of multiple individual outcomes of unequal importance lumped together — such as hospitalizations and mortality — making it difficult to understand the effects on each outcome individually.

Disease-specific mortality (27 percent), which measures deaths from a specific cause rather than from any cause; this may be a misleading measure because, even if a given treatment reduces one type of death, it could increase the risk of dying from another cause, to an equal or greater extent.

"Patients and doctors care less about whether a medication lowers blood pressure than they do about whether it prevents heart attacks and strokes or decreases the risk of premature death," said the study's lead author, Dr. Michael Hochman, a fellow in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA's division of general internal medicine and health services research, and at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Los Angeles Medical Center.

"Knowing the effects of a medication on blood pressure does not always tell you what the effect will be on the things that are really important, like heart attacks or strokes," Hochman said. "Similarly, patients don't care if a medication prevents deaths from heart disease if it leads to an equivalent increase in deaths from cancer."

Dr. Danny McCormick, the study's senior author and a physician at the Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School, added: "Patients also want to know, in as much detail as possible, what the effects of a treatment are, and this can be difficult when multiple outcomes of unequal importance are lumped together."

The authors also found that trials that used surrogate outcomes and disease-specific mortality were more likely to be exclusively commercially funded — for instance, by a pharmaceutical company.

While 45 percent of exclusively commercially funded trials used surrogate endpoints, only 29 percent of trials receiving non-commercial funding did. And while 39 percent of exclusively commercially funded trials used disease-specific mortality, only 16 percent of trials receiving non-commercial funding did.

The researchers suggest that commercial sponsors of research may promote the use of outcomes that are most likely to indicate favorable results for their products, Hochman said.

"For example, it may be easier to show that a commercial product has a beneficial effect on a surrogate marker like blood pressure than on a hard outcome like heart attacks," he said. "In fact, studies in our analysis using surrogate outcomes were more likely to report positive results than those using hard outcomes like heart attacks."

The new study also shows that 44 percent of study abstracts reported study results exclusively in relative — rather than absolute — numbers, which can be misleading.

"The way in which study results are presented is critical," McCormick said. "It's one thing to say a medication lowers your risk of heart attacks from two-in-a-million to one-in-a-million, and something completely different to say a medication lowers your risk of heart attacks by 50 percent. Both ways of presenting the data are technically correct, but the second way, using relative numbers, could be misleading."

Still, the authors acknowledge that the use of surrogate and composite outcomes and disease-specific mortality is appropriate in some cases. For example, these outcomes may be preferable in early-phase studies in which researchers hope to quickly determine whether a new treatment has the potential to help patients.

To remedy the problems identified by their analysis, Hochman and McCormick believe that studies should report results in absolute numbers, either instead of or in addition to relative numbers, and that committees overseeing research studies should closely scrutinize study outcomes to ensure that lower-quality outcomes, like surrogate makers, are only used in appropriate circumstances.

"Finally, medical journals should ensure that authors clearly indicate the limitations of lower-quality endpoints when they are used — something that does not always occur," McCormick said.

About Dr Kevin LauDr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.