Vaughn Lawrence. Naturopath & Herbalist PAIN I. PAIN - DEFINITIONS

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1 Vaughn Lawrence Naturopath & Herbalist PAIN I. PAIN - DEFINITIONS A. Localized physical suffering associated with bodily disorder (as a disease or an injury); also : a basic bodily sensation induced by a noxious stimulus, received by naked nerve endings, characterized by physical discomfort (as pricking, throbbing, or aching), and typically leading to evasive action Merriam Webster Dictionary B. Acute mental or emotional distress or suffering Merriam Webster Dictionary C. From Medical Dictionary Definition Pain is an unpleasant feeling that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons. The discomfort signals actual or potential injury to the body. However, pain is more than a sensation, or the physical awareness of pain; it also includes perception, the subjective interpretation of the discomfort. Perception gives information on the pain's location, intensity, and something about its nature. The various conscious and unconscious responses to both sensation and perception, including the emotional response, add further definition to the overall concept of pain. Description Pain arises from any number of situations. Injury is a major cause, but pain may also arise from an illness. It may accompany a psychological condition, such as depression, or may even occur in the absence of a recognizable trigger. Acute pain Acute pain is the initial feeling of pain from the onset of an injury. Acute pain often results from tissue damage, such as a skin burn or broken bone. Acute pain can also be associated with headaches or muscle cramps. This type of pain usually goes away as the injury heals or the cause of the pain (stimulus) is removed. To understand acute pain, it is necessary to understand the nerves that support it. Nerve cells, or neurons, perform many functions in the body. Although their general purpose, providing an interface between the brain and the body, remains constant, their capabilities vary widely. Certain types of neurons are capable of transmitting a pain signal to the brain.

2 Chronic and abnormal pain Chronic pain refers to pain that persists after an injury heals, cancer pain, pain related to a persistent or degenerative disease, and long-term pain from an unidentifiable cause. It is estimated that one in three people in the United States will experience chronic pain at some point in their lives. Of these people, approximately 50 million are either partially or completely disabled. Chronic pain may be caused by the body's response to acute pain. In the presence of continued stimulation of nociceptors, changes occur within the nervous system. Changes at the molecular level are dramatic and may include alterations in genetic transcription of neurotransmitters and receptors. These changes may also occur in the absence of an identifiable cause; one of the frustrating aspects of chronic pain is that the stimulus may be unknown. For example, the stimulus cannot be identified in as many as 85% of individuals suffering lower back pain. II. MAJOR TYPES OF PAIN A. Arthritis. Inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes; also : a specific arthritic condition (as gouty arthritis or psoriatic arthritis) Merriam Webster Arthritis actually refers to over 100 diseases affecting joints and connective tissues. 40 million Americans have a crippling condition related to some type of arthritis and it is the #1 crippling disease. It affects over 80% of people over 50. These are the options that conventional medicine offers: 1) Drugs: Cover up the pain (steroid injections, NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). NSAIDS send 76,000 people to the hospital and kill over 10,000 people every year. 2) Surgery: When covering up the pain is no longer an option and physical activity is affected beyond their ability to function. Osteoarthritis. This is the most common form of arthritis causing degeneration of the joints. This usually involves cartilage damage and hardening, followed by bone spurs. Sometimes it is characterized by morning stiffness in damp weather. As we age, the body has less ability to repair itself, so we must work extra hard to prevent injuries and repair damages before it becomes debilitating. Aspirin, NSAIDS like Motrin and other drugs actually promote the progression of damaged cartilage by inhibiting normal collagen structures. Rheumatoid Arthritis. This affects 6 million Americans, mostly women. This is an auto-immune inflammatory disease where immune system cells attack the synovial membrane that cushions the joints. It then damages nearby bones and cartilage and eventually inflames blood vessels. People often feel sick and feverish often. RA is often associated with various other health related issues such as infection, anemia, cholitis, lung problems, liver problems, etc. The cause is usually related to a combination of mineral deficiency, adrenal fatigue, prolonged use of aspirin and steroids, and poor diet. This leads to a weakened immune system, which triggers the condition. Almost always the spleen is weak and needs attention in these issues. B. Myalgia (Fibromyalgia). This is a condition where excess acid often settles in the joints and fibrinolytic tissue builds up within the muscles. This results in pain, muscle stiffness and soft tissue tenderness. It is critical to remove the toxicity of the excess acid and fibrin (which is a protective mechanism because fibrin is actually built up scar tissue trying to repair damage).

3 III. MASKING THE PAIN THE DANGERS OF PAIN DRUGS A. Pain medications are sometimes necessary. Nobody wants necessarily to take pain medications, but they are sometimes necessary post-surgery, having a tooth pulled or even just a debilitating headache when you have to work. B. It has been discovered that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS such as Cox-2 inhibitors Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex, lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. However, it turns out that these prescription drugs are not the only painkillers that should be avoided: The FDA has urged the public to limit the use of over-the-counter pain medications and to use them in strict accordance with the label directions. Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers to be Wary of: Aleve, Aspirin and Ibuprofen Aleve (made by Bayer) is the first non-prescription NSAID to be added to the list of painkillers associated with heart attacks and strokes. In fact, Aleve is so detrimental to one's health that those who have been taking the drug for nearly three years have been advised to stop using it, while those who opt to continue taking it should take no more than two pills a day for no longer than 10 days (unless otherwise advised by a doctor). People taking the prescription version of Aleve, Naprosyn, are also being directed to take the drug with extreme caution. Further, a study administered to discover whether Aleve or Celebrex could prevent Alzheimer's disease showed that those taking Aleve had an estimated 50 percent higher risk of heart attacks and strokes than those taking a placebo. USA Today December 20 and 23, 2004 B. Dr. Mercola's Comment: Now, it appears that all NSAIDs may be problematic, not just the COX-2 inhibitors. The NIH told us that the popular over-the-counter pain reliever, Aleve, has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The director of the FDA's drugs division, said consumers should take Aleve only as directed on its label: No more than two pills a day. Aleve is the first OTC drug to enter the NSAID mess, but it is still available as prescription strength. The deputy director of the FDA's Office of New Drugs said of Aleve: "This is a very confusing situation... there is little data about the long-term effects of naproxen or any other related pain reliever." The FDA has finally admitted that the entire class of drugs known as NSAIDs is expected to fall as a result of this new information. So that means that if you are taking Advil or any other NSAID, you will want to consider finding a healthier option ASAP, as the drug you are taking could actually take your life.

4 C. NSAID Full Listing of which to be aware Generic name Aspirin Choline and magnesium salicylates Choline salicylate Celecoxib Diclofenac potassium Diclofenac sodium Diclofenac sodium with misoprostol Diflunisal Etodolac Fenoprofen calcium Flurbiprofen Ibuprofen Indomethacin Ketoprofen Magnesium salicylate Meclofenamate sodium Mefenamic acid Meloxicam Nabumetone Naproxen Naproxen sodium Oxaprozin Rofecoxib Salsalate Sodium salicylate Sulindac Valdecoxib Brand name Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Excedrin CMT,Tricosal, Trilisate Arthropan Celebrex Cataflam Voltaren, Voltaren XR Arthrotec Dolobid Lodine, Lodine XL Nalfon Ansaid Advil, Motrin, Motrin IB, Nuprin Indocin, Indocin SR Actron,Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail Arthritab, Bayer Select, Doan's Pills, Magan, Mobidin, Mobogesic Meclomen Ponstel Mobic Relafen Naprosyn, Naprelan Aleve, Anaprox Daypro Vioxx Amigesic, Anaflex 750, Disalcid, Marthritic, Mono-Gesic, Salflex, Salsitab various generics Clinoril Bextra

5 IV. HOW TO LIVE PAIN FREE A. Remove the obstructions. All pain in the body is a cause/effect relationship. There is always a reason we have pain. Obstructions can cause the pain, or more often, they limit the body from proper healing of the pain. Here is a list of the most common stressors in the body related to pain: 1. Poor diet. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is almost exclusively a pro-inflammatory diet. It is filled with processed, nutrient devoid packaged foods. Foods can create pain by depositing toxins in joints, the colon, the liver, etc. Here is a list of the worst offenders: corn, wheat and all gluten containing grains, processed dairy products, nightshades (tomato, potato, eggplant, peppers), sodas, processed and packaged foods, processed sugar, soy, processed deli meats (cold cuts, bacon, hot dogs, sausage), shellfish, caffeine, bad fats (hydrogenated oils, margarine, vegetable cooking oils), fried foods, alcohol (straight sugar) and any other food to which you know you have allergies or sensitivities. 2. Synthetic pharmaceutical drugs. There is a reason all man-made synthetic chemicals have various side effects. They were not designed to go into the human body. They mask symptoms and create long-term damage to other organs. In addition, by masking your pain, the joint, cartilage, muscle, etc. continues to get worse and weaker until you lose total usage or surgery becomes inevitable. Using pain pills may be necessary for short-term relief, but always seek the underlying issue needing to be corrected. 3. Toxins and Chemicals. Toxins are everywhere, including our food and the drugs listed above. However, we are also dealing with toxic cleaning products, deodorant and other personal care items, pollution and smog, perfumes and synthetic fragrances, beauty salon chemicals, etc. Any of these can build up in the body and cause pain. Work slowly to remove chemicals from your life and use God s gifts instead. 4. Heavy Metals. Mercury toxicity is a major concern, especially considering mercury fillings are still legal in the United States. Aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and other metals can all cause long-term pain related issues. 5. Infections. Many people have chronic stomach pain, chest pain, liver pain, etc. from infections related to bacteria, fungus, candida, viruses and/or parasites. The body is busy fighting infections and the body can t heal properly. The infection can also set up shop in people s lungs, liver, spine and other areas of the body. 6. Spine related issues, alignment issues and scars. Chiropractic care, physical therapy and pilates are critical to proper movement, structure and stability of the body. Make sure you find a practitioner that understands movement and long-term corrective care as opposed to short-term pain relief only (although this is also important). Having a strong, internal core and having a properly aligned spinal cord are key to long-term health. Scars can cause electrical disturbances in the body which can be corrected as well. 7. Cleanse what needs to be cleansed. Simply removing the obstruction from the body will work for many people, however not all. Many people will need to cleanse themselves from decades of poor food choices built up in the colon, liver and other organs. Others will need to learn how to detoxify from heavy metals, chemicals or rid the body of systemic infections. B. Consume proper building blocks. The vast majority of people are nutrient deficient, especially in westernized cultures. We eat lots of food with very little that the individual cells, tissues, bones, joints, muscles, organs and glands actually need to function properly. Here is a list of the most basic components needed:

6 1. Minerals. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground Genesis 2:7 We are minerals. Minerals, water and oxygen makes up our physical bodies. America is chronically mineral deficient. Even eating well and organic does not solve the problem. I firmly believe people must supplement today with quality minerals in order to have the building blocks need for life and proper function. Not only do we not consume enough quality minerals, but the foods we eat and lifestyle choices we make literally rob our bodies of minerals. This is the number one reason for pain in America. Sugar, soda, caffeine, coffee, alcohol, processed packaged foods, etc. all steal minerals from our body, resulting in pain and degeneration. 2. Healthy Fats. Healthy fats are big news these days for good reason. They are anti-inflammatory, critical for the nervous system and muscles, and lubricate our joints. We must consume quality healthy fats like cod liver oil, fish oils, coconut oil, raw butter, avocado, nuts, seeds and their various oils. We must avoid the bad fats like vegetable cooking oils, tarns fats, hydrogenated fats in packaged foods, fried foods and margarines. These have the opposite effect on the body resulting in pain, inflammation, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. 3. Water. We must be hydrated and drink quality water. This is critical for proper function as well. Mineralized water is very important, which means avoiding contaminated water like tap water. 4. Greens. One of the most powerful tools against pain, inflammation and arthritis conditions is green foods. These cleanse the blood, cleanse toxins from the joints, reduce inflammation and act like a blood transfusion to the body. Juicing is especially amazing for this. A good greens powder, fresh veggies, vegetable juices or blended smoothies are all great options. 5. Probiotics. We are also composed of trillions of living healthy bacterial organisms. Repopulating these colonies (which antibiotics, drugs, sugar and processed foods destroy) is the key to a strong, healthy immune system. A strong, healthy immune system is key to many pain related conditions. C. Other amazing strategies. Most critical is above, to eliminate obstructions and build a strong foundation for health. Here is a list of some other amazing and more specific strategies: 1. Earthing. Connecting to the earth that God created us for is simply one of the easiest things you can do to rid pain from the body. The earth resonates at the exact same frequency of healthy cells in your body. You can spend time outside in nature, or purchase technology that works in your home today. Both are strongly encouraged. 2. Systemic enzymes. These are miraculous for pain, especially Fibromyalgia pain. The combination of high protease (proteolytic) enzymes, serrapeptase enzymes and nattokinase can help with many pain related issues in the body. One function they serve is to eat up excessive fibrin trapped in the muscles of those suffering from fibromyalgia. 3. Collagen. It s time to start making grandma s real chicken soup recipe again! Chicken bones, cartilage and their fats are the healthiest part of the animal to restore connective tissues. Yes, the fats and bones are the healthiest parts, not the flesh. These are naturally high in glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. Eggshells are a rich source, farm fresh of course. Don t eat the eggshells, but you can throw them in soups and stews to extract the healthy components. You can also supplement collagen which will rebuild cartilage.

7 4. Anti-oxidants. What are the most powerful? Astaxanthin from red algae leads the pack right now. Green tea, turmeric, ginger, oregano, resveratrol, grape seed, cinnamon and various berries are all fantastic as well. Raw cacao is one of the most powerful antioxidants known. 5. Magnesium foot baths and full baths. Magnesium is the #1 mineral deficiency in America and can help people with many pain related issues immediately. It also will help with cramping, sleep, stress, anxiety and various other conditions. Soaking your feet in magnesium chloride is miraculous for many! 6. Deer Antler. This works for all types of pain, especially neurological. It helps regenerate the spine and new nerve tissues, as well as joints, muscle, ligaments and cartilage. It is high in minerals, hyaluronic acid and growth factors that promote the growth of healthy, new cells. 7. Essential Oils. Different essential oils are a great gift from God. These concentrated plant oils can work immediately for pain. Some of the best are lavender, peppermint, wintergreen and eucalyptus. There are hundreds of others that can be beneficial depending on the exact issue or concern. V. FINAL THOUGHTS A. Have a long-term goal. Simply getting out of pain is only the beginning. I encourage you to seek long-term health as a permanent lifestyle! B. Don t stop moving. Many people develop pain or arthritis and stop moving completely. This is a big mistake. Although rest may be good short term, you want to get moving again as quickly as possible. Keep in mind you may need to adjust your activity choices and level of activity, but don t stop moving! C. Get a pain plan! Depending on your type of pain, we must consider all of the above factors. Find a professional that can get you out of your pain, specific to your condition. For example, strategies for someone who had a car accident versus someone with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis will be very different.