Osteopathy Health Dictionary

The passive movement (frequently forceful) of bones, joints, or soft tissues, carried out by orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists (see PHYSIOTHERAPY), osteopaths (see OSTEOPATHY) and chiropractors (see CHIROPRACTOR) as an important part of treatment – often highly e?ective. It may be used for three chief reasons: correction of deformity (mainly the reduction of fractures and dislocations, or to overcome deformities such as congenital club-foot – see TALIPES); treatment of joint sti?ness (particularly after an acute limb injury, or FROZEN SHOULDER); and relief of chronic pain (particularly when due to chronic strain, notably of the spinal joints – see PROLAPSED INTERVERTEBRAL DISC). Depending on the particular injury or deformity being treated, and the estimated force required, manipulation may be used with or without ANAESTHESIA. Careful clinical and radiological examination, together with other appropriate investigations, should always be carried out before starting treatment, to reduce the risk of harm, or disasters such as fractures or the massive displacement of an intervertebral disc.... manipulation

A chronic inflammatory condition attacking joints of the spine and sacroiliac resulting in fixation by bony ankylosis. Intercostal joints also at risk. Bamboo spine. Poker spine. Genetic factor involved. Abnormal immune response to infection. Sometimes associated with anaemia, ulcerative colitis or psoriasis. Neglected symptoms degenerate into ‘an old man with a hoop’.

Symptoms. Persistent stiffness and pain in buttocks and low back. Poor chest expansion. Worse on rising and after inactivity. Rigidity develops over many years in neck and back.

The patient should be examined for bloodshot eyes. In the formative stages iritis is a classic diagnostic sign. An iritis which does not cause eyelids to be stuck down in the mornings is to be regarded with extreme caution. See: IRITIS.

Treatment. Anti-inflammatory analgesics: Guaiacum, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.

Teas. Bogbean, Celery seeds, Devil’s Claw root, German Chamomile, Meadowsweet, Prickly Ash bark, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Devil’s Claw, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam, Bamboo gum.

Formula. White Willow 2; Celery 1; Black Cohosh half; Guaiacum quarter; Liquorice quarter. Mix. Dose: Powders – 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 15-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily.

Topical. Liniment. Tincture Black Cohosh 2; Tincture Lobelia 2; Tincture Capsicum quarter; Alcohol to 20.

Cold packs: See entry.

Aromatherapy. Massage oil: 6 drops Oil Lavender in 2 teaspoons Almond oil. Jojoba, Aloe Vera, Thyme, Peanut oil.

Diet. See: GENERAL DIET. Avoid lemons and other citrus fruits.

Supplements. Daily. Pantothenic acid 10mg; Vitamin A 7500iu; Vitamin B6 25mg; Vitamin E 400iu; Zinc 25mg. Cod Liver oil: 1 dessertspoon.

General. Graduated exercises to promote good posture and free breathing. Swimming; walk-tall; sleep with board under mattress; hot baths. Gentle osteopathy to delay consolidation of vertebrae. ... ankylosing spondylitis

Osteo-arthritis. Erosion of cartilage of a joint with pain and stiffness. “Wear and tear” arthritis of the over 50s, affecting hands, knees, spine or hips. Biochemical changes in the cartilage stimulate overgrowth of bone cells (hyperplasia) which is an effort by the body to correct the disturbance.

Common in the elderly and menopausal women. Calcium salts may be laid down in a joint believed to be due to errors of diet. Small crystals of calcium hydroxyapatite have been observed to form in cartilage and synovial fluid. (Research group: St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London)

The aged sometimes suffer from diminished supply of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and which is necessary for normal calcium metabolism. An effective substitute is 2 teaspoons cider vinegar in a glass of water sipped before or during meals.

Alte rnative s. Black Cohosh and Meadowsweet (natural sources of salicylic acid), Asafoetida (inflammation of connective tissue), Hawthorn (efficient circulation of the blood), Poke root, Bladderwrack, Guaiacum, Devil’s Claw, Bogbean, White Poplar bark, Yucca leaves.

Tea. Celery seeds. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water. Infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup, 2-3 times daily, before meals. Comfrey tea.

Alternative formulae:– Powders. White Willow 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Black Cohosh half; Guaiacum quarter. Mix. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily in water or Nettle tea. Liquid extracts. White Willow 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Bogbean 1; Fennel 1; Tincture Capsicum quarter. Mix. 1 teaspoon thrice daily in water or Nettle tea.

Tinctures. Bogbean 2; Meadowsweet 2; Black Cohosh 1; Guaiacum quarter; Peppermint quarter. Mix. Dose: 2 teaspoons thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules: Devil’s Claw, Wild Yam, Ligvites.

Cod liver oil. Chief of the iodised oils. Can reach and nourish cartilage by the process of osmosis. Its constituents filter into cartilage, imparting increased elasticity which prevents degeneration. Known to soften-up fibrous tissue. 2 teaspoons once daily. Also helps correct uric acid metabolism.

Topical. Physiotherapy. Osteopathy. Jojoba oil packs. Capsicum Cream. Hot and cold compresses twice daily – followed by a cold compress at night, leaving on when in bed. Hot Epsom salt bath twice weekly. Diet. Oily fish: see entry. Low fat. Low salt. High fibre. Avoid lemons and other citrus fruits. Lemon juice may remove some calculi from the body but later begins to remove calcium from the bones. Supplementation. Pantothenic acid 10mg; Vitamin A 7500iu; Vitamin B6 25mg; Vitamin E 400iu; Zinc 25mg.

General. Warm dry climate often relieves. Surgery may be necessary. Herbs Pleurisy root, Comfrey root and Bryonia, sustain the constitution and promote tissue healing after joint replacements with ceramic substitute after the famous Charnley operation. The condition is disabling but it is possible to manage successfully, maintaining normal activities with minimum difficulty. ... arthritis – osteo

Salve for rheumatic joints, stiff muscles, lumbago, backache and to prepare the spine or skeleton for manipulation as in osteopathy.

Ingredients: Cayenne pods 2oz (or Tincture Capsicum 60 drops); Camphor flowers quarter of an ounce; Peppermint oil 20 drops; Cajuput oil 50 drops; Eucalyptus oil 20 drops; Beeswax 2oz. Sunflower seed oil 16oz.

Method: Gently heat Sunflower seed oil. If Cayenne pods, are used: add pods, steep for one and a half hours. Stir. Strain. Over gentle heat add wax stirring gently until dissolved. Add other ingredients (including Tincture Capsicum if used), stirring well. Pour into jars while fluid. ... golden fire

Back pain may arise from different causes – from prolapsed disc to a diseased vertebra requiring hospital treatment. For specific treatments reference should be made to appropriate entries: rheumatism, arthritis, fibrositis, lumbago, osteoporosis, sciatica, myalgia, ‘slipped disc’, etc.

Pain in upper spine and right shoulder: investigate for gallstones. Thousands suffer chronic back pain because of an enzyme defect in the blood. Such defect is the cause of an inability to clear fibrin, a protein which repairs damaged tissue.

Alternatives:– “Whole in One” Tea. Mix, equal parts: Hops, Valerian, Buchu, 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water: infuse 15 minutes; 1 cup 2-3 times daily. Pinch Cayenne pepper enhances action. Decoction. Mix, equal parts: Valerian, Juniper, Black Cohosh. 2 teaspoons to each cup water simmered gently 20 minutes; half cup 2-3 times daily.

Powders. To alleviate low backache accompanying fluid retention. Dandelion leaf 60. Uva Ursi 15. Couch Grass 15. Buchu 10. Dose: half a teaspoon after meals thrice daily: children over 12 years. Tablets/capsules. Prickly Ash bark, Devil’s Claw, Juniper.

Tinctures. Mix, Juniper 2; Black Cohosh 1; Guaiacum quarter. 15-60 drops 2-3 times daily.

Topical. Analgesic cream, Olbas oil, Golden Fire, Stiff Neck Salve, Epsom salts soaks. Aromatherapy: mix essential oils, Rosemary 1 drop, Juniper 1 drop, Thyme 2 drops: add to 2 teaspoons Almond oil. After massage, wrap affected area with damp hot towel.

Diet. High fibre, low salt, low fat, Dandelion coffee.

Supplements. Vitamin B-complex, Niacin, Vitamins C, E. Dolomite. Evening Primrose oil capsules. Two Garlic capsules at night. Chiropractic. Osteopathy. ... backache

Pain in the ‘tail bone’ at the base of the spine. Cause usually ascribed to referred pain from lumbar disc tissue, neurosis or spasm of muscles of the pelvic floor. May be due to osteoporosis, old fractures, bony spurs or necrosis of blood vessels. The coccyx receives its blood supply from the median artery, damage to which contributes to avascularity of the coccyx.

Treatment. Osteopathy or plaster jacket immobilisation.

Alternatives. Ladyslipper, Barberry, Valerian, St John’s Wort, Cramp bark.

Powders. Mix, equal parts: Barberry, Valerian, St John’s Wort. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Formula. Equal parts: Hops, Valerian, St John’s Wort. One 5ml teaspoon thrice daily, in water. Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium: 3-5 drops in water when necessary. For pain. ... coccydnia

Luxations. Displacement of a structure, usually bone, as in an osteopathic lesion. May occur spontaneously as a result of weak ligaments or from injury, posture. Common in the shoulder. Many dislocations of the spine and skeleton are resolved by osteopathy.

Alternatives. To strengthen ligaments: Comfrey (topical). Wild Yam, Irish Moss, Slippery Elm bark, Horsetail, Fenugreek seeds. St John’s Wort, Ginseng.

Supplementation. Calcium and Zinc, Vitamin C (1 gram thrice daily).

DISMUTASE ENZYMES (SOD). A dismutase enzyme is a biologically active enzyme complex present in most human cells and capable of converting tissue-damaging oxygen free radicals (highly reactive cellular toxins) into less harmful chemical substances that can be excreted from the body through the usual eliminatory channels.

Evidence shows that a number of chronic diseases including MS, diabetes, arthritis, even cancer, are the result of free radical damage. SOD is derived from a natural wheat sprout extract from specially cultured wheat that is hypoallergenic. It stimulates and supports the immune system, neutralises toxins, and minimises tissue damage in wasting diseases and organ transplantation. Protecting oxygen levels in body cells, it allays the ageing process and alleviates circulatory disorders. ... dislocations

(Metatarsalgia)

Causes: foot-strain, deformity, osteoporosis, high heels throwing the body out of its normal posture, tight shoes.

Feet are often painful because one or more of the bones are out of alignment and which may be adjusted by simple osteopathy. The process can be assisted by foot-baths of Chamomile flowers, Arnica flowers, or Comfrey to relax muscles and tendons.

Alternatives. Alfalfa, Chaparral, Ligvites, Prickly Ash.

Topical. Aromatherapy. (Sensitive feet) Oils of Pine, Eucalyptus or Thyme – 6 drops, any one, to 2 teaspoons Almond oil. Warm. Massage into foot and wrap round with damp hot towel.

General. Acupuncture. Shoes should be bought in the afternoon, particularly if feet swell during the day. Shoes that fit well in the morning may have become too tight by tea-time. ... feet – pain in

combining form denoting 1. disease. Examples: nephropathy (of the kidney); neuropathy (of nerves). 2. therapy. Example: osteopathy (by manipulation).... pathy

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Iceland disease. Post Viral Fatigue. A chronic neuromuscular illness with psychological disturbance ranging from depression to severe behavioural abnormality. Follows persistent infection by enteroviruses with viral material in the muscles. May follow influenza and so-called ‘burn-out’. While virus enters the body through the intestines, it tends to invade the central nervous system and depress the immune system. Occurs chiefly in women and young energetic executives pursuing vigorous activity when a feverish condition is latent.

Exercise worsens symptoms by reduced muscle tissue oxygen. (Swedish study)

The function of the immune system is to arrest the action of viruses and bacteria, but when it ceases to act the body intelligence cannot tell the difference between a normal reaction and an alien one. It begins to attack its own weapons of defence – the antibodies.

Symptoms. Exercise-induced muscle fatigue and weakness after walking or other activity. Movements are slow. Headache, dizziness, chest pain, difficult breathing, sore throat, swollen glands, stomach unrest. Mental weariness. “Cannot fight back”. Wants to sleep all the time. Difficulty in finding the right words, to remember things, to concentrate on problems and has to force the brain to work. He or she looks basically healthy but is unhappy and may awake crying in response to the pressures of life.

Treatment. Lymphatics, hepatics, nervines, oral anti-fungals (anti-candida).

Alternatives. Clivers, Galangal, Gentian, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Milk Thistle, Liquorice root, Garlic, Astragalus radix, Poke root, Shitake Mushroom, Wild Indigo, Wormwood.

To enhance immune response: Echinacea.

Of value: Ginseng (anti-depressant), Evening Primrose (GLA), Vitamin E (antioxidant).

Formula: Tea: equal parts Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Caraway. One teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily.

Formula. Echinacea 2; Astragalus 1; Ginseng 1. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Diet. Low salt and fat, high fibre. Wholegrains, sprouting seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish oils. Avoid sugar, yeast and dairy products.

Supplements: daily. Beta carotene, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Magnesium asparate 1g, Potassium 1g, Zinc. Contra-indications: tranquillisers that decrease physical and mental activity.

Evening Primrose. Clinical trials (Efamol) prove to help treat symptoms, especially when in combination with fish oils.

Supportive: cranial osteopathy. Aromatherapy massage. Complete rest, with long sleep periods.

Information. MEA, Stanhope House, High Street, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex SS17 0HA, UK. Send SAE. ... myalgic encephalomyelitis (me)

A distinct system of healing – a philosophy, science art and practice which seeks to promote health by stimulating the body’s inherent power to regain harmony and balance. It regards as self- evident laws:

(1) only nature heals, providing it is given the opportunity to do so;

(2) let food be your medicine and medicine your food; (3) disease is an expression of purification; and

(4) all disease is one.

The philosophy of Naturopathy is based upon two basic principles. The first principle is that the body possesses the power to heal itself through its internal vitality and intelligence. All the practitioner does is to create the most favourable conditions to stimulate and enhance this healing power of nature.

In 1964 a Naturopathic Commission drafted a definition of Nature Cure and defined the therapies of dietetics, fasting, structural adjustments, hydrotherapy, natural hygiene and psychotherapy to be of primary importance.

Naturopathy enlists the aid of water, light, air, diet and manipulation. Mechanical factors to be rectified are spinal mal-alignments and muscular tensions due to occupational or postural causes. Address: British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy, 6 Netherhall Gardens, London NW3 5RR. Tel 071-435-8728.

See also: BASTYR COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE. ... naturopathy

Local parasthesia. Pins and needles. Mild weakness of a limb. Most cases are due to prolonged pressure; a neuralgia as when falling asleep with legs crossed, or from wearing tight jeans. Where persistent, may be due to nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical rib or other conditions from pressure. Osteopathy may resolve.

Simple temporary numbness: Tea: equal parts, Nettles, Skullcap, St John’s Wort. Singly, or in combination. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup when necessary. Persistent, but of no known cause: Liquid Extract Asafoetida: 1-3 drops in honey thrice daily. Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium BPC (1973). Dose: 0.3ml (5 drops). ... numbness

Pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The pain usually affects the buttock and thigh, sometimes extending down the leg to the foot. In severe cases, the pain may be accompanied by numbness and/or weakness in the affected area. The most common cause is a prolapsed intervertebral disc pressing on the nerve root (see disc prolapse). Other causes include a muscle spasm, sitting awkwardly for long periods, or, less commonly, pressure on the nerve from a tumour. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

Treatment of sciatica is with analgesic drugs. If the pain is severe, a short period of bed rest may be helpful, although prolonged rest may cause the condition to worsen. Physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic may help in some cases. It is important to maintain a healthy posture and weight.... sciatica

various forms of therapy that are viewed as complementary to conventional medicine. These include (but are not confined to) *osteopathy, *acupuncture, *homeopathy, *massage, *aromatherapy, *reflexology, and *reiki. Previously, complementary therapies were regarded as an alternative to conventional therapies, and the two types were considered to be mutually exclusive (hence the former names alternative medicine and fringe medicine). However, many practitioners now have dual training in conventional and complementary therapies. There is very limited provision for complementary medicine within the National Health Service.... complementary medicine