The little brain that could

Life has been amazing and I wanted to update those who have wondered what happened to me.

I matriculated at Oxford October 15th. As the physician from Cambridge standing beside me so aptly stated, it was my ultimate screw you, I made it anyway statement to the world… from a person with a TBI… Others can make it too, the race does not always fall to the fastest and the brightest. The determined ones that persevere also have a place but they procure it at great cost, almost never without opposition and always with help from those that surround them with hope and compassion. The greater price in my eyes was to remain a dependent victim without respect or autonomy. I was spurred on to not accept the victim mentality but to reach higher just as I was until I could do better, with the help of God I shall continue… Really thankful to Oxford for accepting me, their kind ,helpful support is awesome…

I got here through some unusual circumstances which just goes to show that even when you think it is over destiny  is waiting to be claimed.

My first challenge  came when I was dumped without pay by a spinal organization who decided to focus on being a patient’s rights org to promote non FDA approved  stem cells paid for by vulnerable patients. There was ethical  disagreement and I was devastated. I was later to take neuroscience, genomics, bioethics  and some cell biology  courses where I learned how fortunate I was to escape. At the same time the university I applied to had funds cut and the department that welcomed me was phased out.

My sponsors and friends urged me to apply to Oxford. At first I was too discouraged to try but then  I saw the Center for Evidence Based Medicine. This was exactly what I was looking for  as I determined to find ways to put evidence into practice. I applied and was accepted.

It is interesting here at Oxford, they are gracious and incorporate an atmosphere of learning without disdain. It is a haven for curious outspoken people to share ideas and an Oasis for those of us who want to do science and medicine with ethics and excellence.

Aaron and Thomas, our classmates arranged for us to go to a lovely dinner at St Cross…my first. I ended up sitting next to the college Master,  Sir Mark Jones,  he was a great dinner companion and very charming. His friend was a medical professor who has also taken some EBM classes. We shared with them that EBHC was positioned to benefit and influence the world even to third world countries.

From this meeting I learned ways in which insulin could be kept cold in villages in Asia with no electricity. We can build solar refrigerators for very little money and the people can run them. It will save lives. In my life patients, principles and people matter.

Those of us from EBHC shared how we got there and some of our backgrounds it was beautiful to see how each of us will have the opportunity to be a change maker in our corners of the world.

I want to encourage you all to follow your dream and  remember there is a place for you!

The lack of movement in the sacroiliac joint is a myth. When walking the pelvis moves obliquely to the line of travel, to increase the length of the stride. The sacrum moves on the asymmetric pelvis to drive counter rotation of the trunk to decrease loading forces. Pelvic dynamics has profound effects on normal gait.  

The joint is vulnerable to injury through minor trauma only in anterior rotation of the innominates on the sacrum.  Idiopathic low back pain is a commonly overlooked, reversible dysfunction in anterior rotation, usually bilateral.   A diagnosis of dysfunction can be made simply by identifying a single painful point at the posterior inferior iliac spine that is caused by a vertical shear on the conjoint origin of the piriformis muscle and tearing of the capsule at S3. See pain patterns here. The anterior rotation will loosen the iliolumbar ligaments, destabilize L4,5-S1 and increase shear and torsion shear to the disks.  Correction restores stability.

Full correction in posterior rotation will provide immediate relief of pain.  More than three treatments are seldom necessary.  Stabilization of the unstable SIJ can be obtained with five to six sessions of prolo specifically to the long posterior sacroiliac ligaments.  Prolo to the iliolumbar ligaments without correction of the SIJ first can tighten the joint in the uncorrected position and may prevent correction.

Anyone not properly treating dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint is perpetuating chronic low back pain.  X-rays of innominate movement on the sacrum are published on-line at www.thelowback.com/how.htm#movement

Figure 1 A&B are control animals C&D are CR all at 27.5 years (Colman et al 2009)

 By Amy Price PhD  

Regenerative and preventive medicine can have an impact on quality of life by reducing neurodegeneration, optimizing the genetics we are dealt and by giving us the best shot at deflecting the damage trama has created. It appears that balance provides keys to longevity. It is tempting to chase after the newest ‘super antioxidant’ , cell treatment, medical device  or pharmaceutical in hope of the cure. The most exciting concept is the power of the human body to heal from the inside out. I have noted  the mostly  mediocre results  of multitudes of  patients  who have tried to juice their way to health, get injections of souped up grown out stem cells, live life in altered oxygen environments and inject chemical concoctions in hopes of staving off destruction.    

Recently I was invited to  join the herd of hardcore calorie restriction regimes. I did a little study on this and the results were interesting. There may be a slight bias here since I possibly value dark chocolate above hard science and only wish it was included as a food group! The study of interest was not hard core starvation but simply allowed animals to eat without limits and then the maximum amounts were reduced by 30% over a lifetime. None of the animals were underweight, they were allowed what was optimal for survival nothing more. A team of miners trapped underground in Chile were fed the same way and when they were rescued they were in remarkably good shape.  The impact of diet restriction and not starvation is illustrated by the monkey study below:    

The longitudinal Rhesus monkey (RM) study is an adult-onset study from 1989+ which explored the effects of 30% Caloric restriction (CR) without malnutrition on RM (Colman, Anderson, Johnson, Kastman, & Kosmatka 2009). Metabolic disorders and rising obesity incidence rates are complicated by the drive to eat until satiation is reached. Sedentary lifestyles, stress and environmental are contributing factors (Mattson, & Magnus, 2006). Resistance to age related illness and mortality in RM was addressed. A 5 page journal submission necessitates sharing selectively when considering research spanning 20 year+. Earlier CR research used rodents, mice, worms, flies, and yeast, however small human studies name CR as a factor for cardiovascular benefits (Colman et al, 2009).   

The 30 mature male monkey study (1989) was expanded to include 30 females and an additional 16 males (1994) to increase statistical power and enable gender CR effects. RM matures at 7-14 years with mean lifespan of 27 years in captivity and 40 years in the wild. In 2009, 50% of controls and 80% of the CR group were still alive (Colman et al, 2009). CR was found to delay onset and reduce incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and specific grey matter (GM) brain atrophy. Slowing or reversing the ageing process as evidenced by CD, metabolic disorders and neoplasms could benefit the economy. CR induced metabolic reorganization and regulation may reveal significant cross species metabolism regulatory factors and inform future research on life-span and quality life.    

Ageing effects in yeast, worms, flies or mice CR studies indicate molecules responsible for signalling including mTOR,PGC-1a and SIRT1 are sensitive to nutrient changes (Colman et al, 2009). These mechanisms were introduced but not addressed in the study. They are thought to optimize mitochondrial function by improving synaptic function. These findings will  be important if found to apply to primates and then  humans (Colman et al, 2009) CR animals (below) looked younger and healthier at 27.6 years than  controls as noted by thicker fur, elastic skin, posture, eye clarity, skin colour oxygenation, bone density seen through shoulders/hips/spine/jaw and less joint swelling in CR animals. See photo top left. 

Subjective evidence was augmented by decreased mortality rates and age related conditions in CR protocols for RM. Figure 2 shows glucose impairment was not present in CR animals,  cancer and CD were reduced. CR reduction correlating with lower glucose impairment/neoplasia/CD rates would be valuable to determine for later correlation in human studies. Diagram B (3) shows CR age related deaths 1:3 ratio. Figure C (4) shows all deaths. The higher non disease related deaths of CR animals to approximately age 20 is of concern and may be why CR effects on overall mortality failed to reach significance (p=0.16). The ratio of age related differences in mortality in contrast to this insignificance warrants further investigation.  

Age associated diseases in RM are consistent with human ageing processes specifically glucose impairment, cancers and heart disease. Assessments included nutrient intake, BMI, blood pressure, activity levels, endocrine, serum, glucose level profiles and necropsy. Animals were observed 2x daily. They had regular electrocardiograms, brain MRs, and x-rays (Colman et al, 2009). Inclusions of EEG, echocardiogram and MRI colonoscopy could yield improved preliminary disease results. Stress echo may yield early cardiac valve impairment and angiography stroke inducing blockages. EEG could measure temporal aspects of brain function and determine if impaired timing resulted in attention, coordination or processing deficits. Colonoscopy could explore whether early treatment or CR affected survival rates.    

Lean muscle mass and metabolic function was preserved in CR animals. Pre-diabetic conditions at baseline resolved in the CR condition. Neoplasm incidence and cardiovascular disease were reduced by 50% with CR. Human age related brain atrophy isn’t accurately replicated using small animals (Colman et al, 2009). Higher cognition, state/trait differences, working memory capacity and variances in somatosensory architecture complicate parallels between animal and human studies (Yankner& Loerch,2008). Common grey matter atrophy patterns exist so (GM) volume was measured. Age related cortical and temporal atrophy was resistant to CR.  Significantly less age related atrophy was found in areas of executive function and motor pathways (Colman et al, 2009).   

It is not known if genomics were applied to recruit genetically dissimilar animals to constitute a random population although animals were assigned to CR or control in a random manner. Diet was individualized in reference to volume consumed. We are not told if animals were allowed to graze or if food was given at specific times nor was there information given on sleep times and cycle differences (Froy & Miskin, 2010). This may influence insulin levels, circadian rhythms and preferred amount consumed per meal (Mattson, Chan, Duan, Aging, Joseph, Cole, G., et al. 2009). Nutritional needs over lifespan and personal variations in nutrient type were not identified (Mattson & Magnus, 2006). In animals requiring medical treatment, information was not forthcoming in relationship to drug/strategy interactions on factors measured (Heading, 2008). Libido/fertility levels with CR and CR effects on offspring DNA were not discussed.   

Identification of longevity factors for RM not in captivity and whether CR benefits are tied to lifetime commitment or are developmentally sensitive would be useful for future study. Specific restriction of foods/groups such as high fats and sugars may be as beneficial as CR (Molteni, Barnard, Ying, Roberts & Go, 2002). Linking CR application to specific phenotypes may increase CR effects (Prolla & Mattson, 2001). The higher incidence of premature deaths in CR animals could be investigated by comparing vestibular and motor function of CT animals with controls.   

Although this study may inform human ageing research, cross-species generalizations need cautious application. Human variations in genomics, phenotypes, complex cognition, stressors, diet, social responsibilities and exercise may mean successful RM studies do not transfer to humans (Carlson, 2007). It still may be reasonable to consider CR in order to enjoy the possible subjective and objective benefits described in the study.   

 References:   

 Carlson, N. R. (2007) Physiology of Behaviour, 9th edn, Pearson International, Allyn & Bacon, Boston.   

Colman  RJ,  Anderson  RM,  Johnson  SC,  Kastman  EK, Kosmatka  KJ,  Beasley  TM,  llison  DB,  Cruzen  C,  Simmons  HA, Kemnitz  JW,  Weindruch  R.  ‘Caloric  restriction  delays  disease onset and mortality  in rhesus monkeys’. Science. 2009; 325:201‐204   

Froy, O., & Miskin, R.(2010). Effect of feeding regimens on circadian rhythms : Implications for aging and longevity. Review Literature And Arts Of The Americas, 2(1), 7-27.   

Heading, C, (2008)  ‘Addiction potential of medicinal drugs’, GUIDE TO ADDICTION, 1-47.SD805 (eds) ,2009, Open University, UK, Milton Keynes   

Mattson, M. P., & Magnus, T. (2006). ‘Ageing and neuronal vulnerability’. Neuroscience, 7(April). doi: 10.1038/nrn1886.   

Mattson, M. P., Chan, S. L., Duan, W., Aging, B., Joseph, J., Cole, G., et al. (2009). Modification of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders by Genes , Diet , and Behavior. Physiological Reviews, 637-672.   

Molteni, R., Barnard, R. J., Ying, Z., Roberts, C. K., & Go, F. (2002). A High-Fat , Refined Sugar Diet Reduces Hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor , Neuronal Plasticity ,. Science, 112(4), 803-814.   

Prolla, T. A., Mattson, M. P., Prolla, T. A., & Mattson, M. P. (2001). Molecular mechanisms of brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders : lessons from dietary restriction. Review Literature And Arts Of The Americas, 24(11), 21-31.   

Yankner BA, Lu T, Loerch P. Annu Rev Pathol 2008;3:41.   

Figure 1 A&B are control animals C&D are CR all at 27.5 years (Colman et al 2009)Figure 1 A&B are control animals C&D are CR all at 27.5 years (Colman et al 2009)

 

Pool Spine Workout

By Amy Price PhD

Chronic pain and balance can be improved with water exercise. Exercise releases feel good chemicals in the brain that are powerful mood booster and pain fighters. These neurochemicals help balance mood swings and the other benefits are looking better and having a body that burns fat more effectively. Many spinal patients can’t get the exercise they need because they find exercise painful torture so they lied down on the couch with a snack until feelings (mostly guilt) about exercise go away. This perpetuates the cycle as muscles and joint get stiff and lose flexibility, loss of muscle means less fat is burned and guilt and low energy levels steal that feel good feeling.  

Water provides a safe medium for joints and working in water improves balance. Be sure to choose a warm place for your water workout to avoid muscle spasms.  Afterwards a hot bath with a couple of cups of epsom salts included can provides an inexpensive muscle soothing experience. The NCPAD  has some great information on how to get started and exercise in water safely. Here are more aquatic exercises   . If you are a swimmer add some power to your water workout with swim fins for the feet and  hands.  

The buoyancy of water reduces the “weight” of a person by about 90%, (at least while in the water!) which means that the stress on weight bearing joints, bones and muscles is lessened. That’s why aqua exercies are good for people with arthritis or back problems. You still get a great work out, it just doesn’t hurt! Water exercise can encompass all of the components of fitness: cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. And, when done regularly, water exercise can help reduce body fat 

Need some help with diet too? Check out this information on diet for pain relief and clear thinking here 

Be Nice To Volunteers...They Live Long Lives!

DAVID FAWCETT, PhD, LCSW

                Did you know that giving your time and effort on behalf of someone else can actually improve your mood and overall health?  Although it sounds too good to be true, that is the conclusion of a number of studies on a variety of populations from around the world.  Scientists are still unraveling the specifics, but there are some intriguing clues documenting the health benefits of volunteering.

                First, there are positive physical health effects.  Volunteering was associated with reduced mortality risk in a number of studies, especially in persons aged 60 and over, although the benefits appear to hold true for all ages.    Simply put, persons who consistently give their time on behalf of others lived longer than those who did not.  More surprisingly, the health status of the volunteer didn’t matter.  Even if they had a serious medical condition themselves, volunteering provided a protective factor for their own physical wellbeing.

                Volunteering was also associated with increased positive emotions and a significantly-improved  sense of purpose.   It increased access to social and psychological resources which countered negative moods such as depression and anxiety.  People who volunteered reported a greater degree of overall happiness, with improved social support and cohesion that benefits both the individual and the community.  Finally, volunteering has been shown to improve self-satisfaction and mastery of new skills, both of which reinforce a positive self-image.

                These studies also reveal interesting ways to maximize the positive effects of service work.  The total number of volunteer hours per week was not as important as consistency and length of service.  That is, just one hour a week was more effective at promoting the health and wellness of the volunteer than lots of hours, as long as it was consistent over a period of months or even years.    Studies also revealed that there are health benefits even if the service work is informal and privately arranged, such as spending time with a homebound neighbor each week.  Volunteer work doesn’t have to be “official” to benefit, just consistent.

In the end, these studies showed that “mattering” was the crucial link between volunteering and wellbeing.  By moving beyond our own needs and helping others, we begin to make a difference and “matter” to both our community and ourselves, and we get the bonus of being healthier and happier.    

              This article was used by permission of Dr Fawcett  and originates from The Fusion group  

Vote Now and Help
AFSP Win $1 Million

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is doing something about suicide. It is preventable, If you or a loved one is depressed and do not know where to turn, confidential and professional help is available on their website. Depression is most successfully treated with early intervention. AFSP is initiating a program that will make suicide prevention available on college campuses with an interactive screening program and treatment help. Clicking on the link will take you to a page where you vote for free via facebook. AFSP can win 1 million dollars and your vote could be the tie breaker!  If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Most suicidal individuals give some warning of their intentions. The most effective way to prevent a friend or loved one from taking his or her life is to recognize the factors that put people at risk for suicide, take warning signs seriously and know how to respond.

Know the Facts

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

More than 90 percent of people who kill themselves are suffering from one or more psychiatric disorders, in particular:

• Major depression (especially when combined with alcohol and/or drug abuse)
• Bipolar depression
• Alcohol abuse and dependence
• Drug abuse and dependence
• Schizophrenia
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders

Depression and the other mental disorders that may lead to suicide are — in most cases — both recognizable and treatable. Remember, depression can be lethal.

The core symptoms of major depression are a “down” or depressed mood most of the day or a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed for at least two weeks, as well as:

• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Change in appetite or weight
• Intense anxiety, agitation, restlessness or being slowed down
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Decreased concentration, indecisiveness or poorer memory
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, self-reproach or excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

PAST SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Between 25 and 50 percent of people who kill themselves had previously attempted suicide. Those who have made suicide attempts are at higher risk for actually taking their own lives.

Availability of means

• In the presence of depression and other risk factors, ready access to guns and other weapons, medications or other methods of self-harm increases suicide risk.

Recognize the Imminent Dangers

The signs that most directly warn of suicide include:

• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself (weapons, pills or other means)
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• Has made plans or preparations for a potentially serious attempt

Other warning signs include expressions or other indications of certain intense feelings in addition to depression, in particular:

• Insomnia
• Intense anxiety, usually exhibited as psychic
• pain or internal tension, as well as panic attacks
• Feeling desperate or trapped — like there’s no way out
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling there’s no reason or purpose to live
• Rage or anger

Certain behaviors can also serve as warning signs, particularly when they are not characteristic of the person’s normal behavior. These include:

• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
• Engaging in violent or self-destructive behavior
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends or family

Take it Seriously

• Fifty to 75 percent of all suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
• Imminent signs must be taken seriously.

Be Willing to Listen

• Start by telling the person you are concerned and give him/her examples.
• If he/she is depressed, don’t be afraid to ask whether he/she is considering suicide, or if he/she has a particular plan or method in mind.
• Ask if they have a therapist and are taking medication.
• Do not attempt to argue someone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know you care, that he/she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary and that depression can be treated. Avoid the temptation to say, “You have so much to live for,” or “Your suicide will hurt your family.”

Seek Professional Help

• Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately.
• Individuals contemplating suicide often don’t believe they can be helped, so you may have to do more.
• Help the person find a knowledgeable mental health professional or a reputable treatment facility, and take them to the treatment.

In an Acute Crisis

• If a friend or loved one is threatening, talking about or making plans for suicide, these are signs of an acute crisis.
• Do not leave the person alone.
• Remove from the vicinity any firearms, drugs or sharp objects that could be used for suicide.
• Take the person to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital.
• If a psychiatric facility is unavailable, go to your nearest hospital or clinic.
• If the above options are unavailable, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Follow-up on Treatment

• Suicidal individuals are often hesitant to seek help and may need your continuing support to pursue treatment after an initial contact.
• If medication is prescribed, make sure your friend or loved one is taking it exactly as prescribed. Be aware of possible side effects and be sure to notify the physician if the person seems to be getting worse. Usually, alternative medications can be prescribed.
• Frequently the first medication doesn’t work. It takes time and persistence to find the right medication(s) and therapist for the individual person.

Haiti Children Earthquake relief

By Amy Price PhD

We have great friends Dr. Evan and Dr Donna Morgan who build wells, orphanages, churches and schools for people in Haiti. We have known them for thirty years. There is a little about the work at Http://cupofcoldwater.org  They have made an appeal for assistance in rebuilding families after the earthquake. I have included a story of one of the survivors. The address to send help is included. Please consider sending help if you are unable to go yourself.  Aid will go to help those who need it regardless of religion or nationality. This is the story of a young father who survived. 

Dear Friends:
Finally, we have word directly from Benite! As you read through this letter you will see why he has not been able to communicate with us. My heart aches for the plight of this community of Vignier.
Thank you to those of you who have already contributed toward this project. Your gift is such a huge blessing.
To those of you who would now like to make a donation, you can either phone me directly (902-471-3333) to give a credit card donation; or you can send a cheque/money order to:Fellowship of Christians, 147 Chandler Drive, Lr Sackville, NS   B4C 1Y3
All funds (100%) will go to Haiti for rebuilding and restoring the Vignier compound, as well as for immediate relief for the community.  You will receive a tax deductible charitable receipt.
Here is the report in Benite’s own words:
It was 4 :53 when I was getting ready to attend a conference at 5PM with a professor. Sunddenly, I heard a great noise and a big shaking. I run to open the door to go outside. I stand in front of the door and a voice told me not to open it and I went to hide under the desks in the room and in seconds the heavy concrete ceiling fell down. Dust, breathing hard, thinking about my family, my wife, my little Daisie, I could hear the others crying already  for help. It reminds me instantly about what had happened when a school collapsed in Port-au-Prince 2 years ago where children stayed there for 2, 3 days under the rubbles. I thought that It was going to be the same happenning to me.

The country has lost a lot, it country to rebuild. We lost human ressources, professors, entrepreneurs, teachers, workers, students, etc. According to the last estimates some 150,000 or more have died and more than 250,000 are wounded. Thousands of houses are destroyed, either in Port-au-Prince  or outside of Port-au-Prince.

Richard Don Tigny , used by permission

Richard DonTigny SI Solutions used by permission

This  SI Joint information was graciously supplied by  Richard DonTigny, a well known leader in this field from Havre Montana.  Many individuals constantly go to a chiropractor to have them adjust this area but it can be very effective to learn how to gently and accurately self correct with the advantage of bringing almost immediate pain relief. Richard DonTigny has a great website where you can get detailed well explained  information and even purchase  video materials on how to get these corrections working for you.  

On the right are basic  techniques to reset the SI area. The first one will look familiar to those of you familiar with post-isometric relaxation or muscle energy technique. This series of images, shows different positions in which to do the same basic exercise. They can even be done standing up in an airplane corridor! 

 The instructions are to bring your leg up to the chest, grasp the leg with both arms, and push outward with the leg against resistance. DonTigny recommends pushing outward hard for five to 10 seconds, then alternating legs, doing each side three to five times. Note that this can be done supine, sitting, standing using a chair, or in a doorway 

 The next offering is a self traction correction.  I like this one as it can even be done lying in bed. When doing any of these exercises in the supine position be certain to hold your abdominal muscles tight when raising or lowering your leg to prevent anterior rotation of the pelvis.  There is a first class video  available for Richard Don Tigny with print out exercises which is available from the  Dynamic Core Program CD for patients. 

 Richard DonTigny  makes excellent additional  seldom heard points regarding SI dysfunction.1)Periarticular injections are superior to intra-articular injections for diagnosis of SIJ dysfunction.(2) Murakami Fukushima (3) found that many times cervical strain will not release until the SIJ is corrected. (I have certainly found this to be accurate) 

 The last form of correction is in the color photo on the left hand side. You can  self-correct any time during the day no matter what position he happens to be in at the time. Just by pulling the knee into the axilla or bringing the axilla down to the knee. Stretch firmly several times on each side, alternating sides each time. Remember to hold those abdominals tight as you raise and lower your leg for protection against an anterior pelvis rotation. 

  Stretching the psoas is usually counter productive as a dysfunction of the SIJ will cause the psoas to become tight while correction of the dysfunction will loosen it.  If you stretch the psoas you will increase the dysfunction in anterior rotation of the psoas. Similarly the SIJ dysfunction will cause a vertical shear on the piriformis at the S3 segment. Correction of the dysfunction corrects and relieves the vertical shear.  The piriformis, the G. max and the iliacus all have origins on both the sacrum and the ilia.  The shear is the cause of the piriformis syndrome.   Similarly the sacral origin of the G. Max will tend to separate from its ilial origin and the ilial origin of the iliacus will tend to separate from a small slip on the sacrum. 

 References: 

 1.DonTigny, RL: A detailed and critical biomechanical analysis of the sacroiliac joints and relevant kinesiology: the implications for lumbopelvic function and dysfunction.  In Vleeming A, Mooney V, Stoeckart R: Movement, Stability& Lumbopelvic Pain: Integration of Research and Therapy. 2nd edition. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone, 2007, Chapter 18, pp 265-278 

 2.  Murakami E, Tanaka Y, Aizawa T, Ishizuka M, Kokubun S: Effect of periarticular and intraarticular lidocaine injections for sacroiliac joint pain: Prospective comparative study.J of Ortho Science  12(3):274-280, May 2007 

 3.  Fukushima M: Radiographic findings before and after manual therapy for acute neck pain. International Musculoskeletal Medicine, 30(1): 1-19, 2008

By Amy Price PhD

SI Pain is often caused by sacroiliitis (inflammation of the SI Joint) and can cause low back pain which often hurts on one side. The pain can be extreme aching sensation which is referred to the low back, buttock or thigh.  This is called  sacroiliac joint (SI) dysfunction The reason it hurts is because there is too much or too little movement in the joint which  causes strain because the bones are not adequately supported and the anatomy becomes  asymetrical. It is estimated this area is painful for as much as 15% of the population at any one time. 85 % of us will experience significant back pain in our life times

The sacroiliac joint or SI joint is the joint in the bony pelvis between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis. The joint is a strong, weight bearing synovial joint. These joints are shaped much like kidney beans.The joints are covered by two different kinds of cartilage; the sacral surface has hyaline cartilage and the ilial surface has fibrocartilage.  Prolotherapy is often used to strengthen the cartilege and provoke a healing process, it is important that the joint is mobilized and positioned correctly before prolotherapy and that prolotherapy be guided by flouroscopy so that treatment is accurately placed. The dermatome map can show pain patterns   Cortizone  injections are sometimes used to treat this area but release can be short lived unless the structural problem is addressed.

There are other conditions such as disk herniations, lumbar nerve compression,  hip degeneration or sensory  motor  proprioception deficits that can mimic this difficulty so it is important to be examined and treated by a qualified medical professional.  With an SI joint dysfunction present it is not a good idea to do psoas stretches as this can increase movement and instability.

 Richard Don Tigny has developed some excellent methods for treating this problem through correct positioning and strengthening exercises. I have personally found this method very beneficial. I was erroneously treated for piriformis syndrome and other things for years before I finally found relief using these simple effective corrections I could do myself. I know of several individuals who were recommended for surgical procedures, tried this method instead and became pain free without surgery. Don Tigny has validated his method with research. There is a video available for purchase by patients and professionals which is well worth the investment. He has granted permission to show three corrections and there is also a link  supplied to his website. He has made available multiple materials, research links, explanations and solutions. A link to his site and some useful corrections are available here.

Brain and Body Repair Together

By Amy Price PhD

 

 

 Brains can be empowered and grow with healthy lifestyles and targeted training. The stemcells of the body are mobilized into action by creating favorable conditions and a climate for growth. Like wise pain, social rejection and inflammation can slow improvement in healing factors and getting a head start by cultivating health brain and body lifestyles has been shown to stave off the onset of certain dementias

Research on cognition that shows transfer of training and increase in quality of life  can be very successful when individual differences are professionally assessed and programs targeted to individuals.  This is why one size fits all ‘brain training’ shows limited success. The brain requires novelty and positively graded accomplishment to reach full potential. [1-4].  

Brain age related deficits are noticed primarily in the prefrontal and parietal cortical regions  which tend to shrink as individuals age with men exhibiting more extensive shrinkage than women [5]. These areas are crucial for planning and for connecting input from other brain areas. The areas of shrinkage initially demonstrate increased regional activation. This may be a time sensitive window where neuroplasticity growth factors can be leveraged to best advantage. Combining several strands of behavioral and neuro-imaging evidence, the argument can be made that functional plasticity has the capacity to alter the course of cognitive aging. Losses in regional brain integrity may drive functional reorganization through changes in processing strategies and domain specific cognitive training.

These same deficits can be present in brain injured persons but the route to successful training would take a different though just as effective path.

Factors such as cognitive training, regular exercise, nutrition enrichment and  positive relationships can increase Cortical thickness . These findings were first published on animal studies but are also noted in human studies [5-10].  A combination targeted personalized brain and physical training produces specific volume changes in white and grey matter [9]

Physical exercise boosts the brain’s rate of neurogenesis throughout life, while mental exercise increases the rate at which those new brain cells survive and make functional connections into existing neural networks.[7-10] Both physical exercise and the challenge from mental exercise increase the secretion of nerve growth factor, which helps neurons grow and stay healthy.[8-10] This makes sense if we think of how exercise helps to clean out the sludge and provide oxygen so the body can make more effective use of tissues needed for regeneration and repair.  In fact scientists are now finding compounds that can increase our stem cells within the body and even then are finding that targeted solutions are needed for optimum stem cell growth health and production [14]

Nyberg found that although older brains exhibit less plasticity than do young brains overall, the benefits of training—particularly domain-specific training—can be substantial and durable [13]. Studies are showing these gains to be of 5 years + More- over, the training benefits were found to be similar to the amount of decline anticipated over 7–14 years [3, 12, and 13].

References

1.            Posner, M., & Rothbart M. Educating the human brain. Washington, DC US: American Psychological Association.; 2007:189-208. doi:10.1037/11519-009

2.            Jaeggi SM, Buschkuehl M, Jonides J, Perrig WJ. Improving fluid intelligence with training on working memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2008;105(19):6829-33. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18443283

3.            Willis SL, Tennstedt SL, Marsiske M, et al. Long-term effects of cognitive training on everyday functional outcomes in older adults. JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association. 2006;296(23):2805-14. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17179457

4.            Gordon E, Arns M, Paul RH. Research Report THE INTEGRATE MODEL OF EMOTION, THINKING AND SELF REGULATION: AN APPLICATION TO THE “PARADOX OF AGING”. Thinking. 2008;7(3):367-404.

5.         Greenwood PM. Functional plasticity in cognitive aging: review and hypothesis. Neuropsychology. 2007;21(6):657-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17983277

6.            Joseph J, Cole G, Head E, Ingram D. Mark P. Mattson, Sic L. Chan and Wenzhen Duan. Physiological Reviews. 2009:637-672.

7.            Kramer AF, Bherer L, Colcombe SJ, Dong W, Greenough WT. Environmental influences on cognitive and brain plasticity during aging. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. 2004;59(9):M940-57.: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15472160.

8.            Kramer, AF; Erickson KI, Colcombe SJ (2006). “Exercise, cognition, and the aging brain”. J Appl Physiol 101 (4): 1237–42. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00500.2006.

9.             Valenzuela MJ, Sachdev P, Wen W, Chen X, Brodaty H. Lifespan mental activity predicts diminished rate of hippocampal atrophy. PloS one. 2008;3(7):e2598. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18612379.

10.          Ernst C, Olson AK, Pinel JP, Lam RW, Christie BR. Antidepressant effects of exercise: evidence for an adult-neurogenesis hypothesis? Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN. 2006;31(2):84-92. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16575423

11.          Ball K, Edwards JD, Ross La. The impact of speed of processing training on cognitive and everyday functions. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences. 2007;62 Spec No(I):19-31.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17565162.

12.          Willis, SL; SL Tennstedt, M Marsiske, et al. (2006). “Long-term effects of cognitive training on everyday functional outcomes in older adults”. JAMA 296: 2805–14. doi:10.1001/jama.296.23.2805.

13.          Nyberg, L. (2005). Cognitive training in healthy aging: A cognitive neuroscience perspective. In R. Cabeza, L. Nyberg, & D. Park (Eds.), Cognitive neuroscience of aging: Linking cognitive and cerebral aging. New York: Oxford University Press.

 14.         New Scientist http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16383-drugs-unlock-the-bodys-own-stem-cell-cabinet.html}