What's the Scoop on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
by Caryl WashburnThompson

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has been the number one work-related injury reported since 1990. It has resulted in surgeries, redone surgeries, adjacent site surgeries and other interventions, including cortisone shots, splints and work station modification. In 1990, the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome was 51% and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated the global cost of one surgery at $225,000. That is not a misprint!

The BLS estimate of $225,000 included all costs of having one worker off work for several weeks due to a work-related injury. This figure not only figures medical costs (including surgery), but it also includes the cost of losing an experienced employee. There are the added costs of documentation, including initial injury and medical reports, filing worker compensation claims, verification of injury and medical intervention, worker compensation benefits claims, as well as the cost of a temporary employee, or the cost to the company when another employee(s) has to pick up the injured employee's work load. Additional costs may include long-term disability benefits, social security supplemental benefits for total disability, or retraining costs where possible. And these are just some of the costs that go into that 1990 figure!

Do Ergonomics Help?

Since 1990, an estimated one trillion dollars have been spent by industry on ergonomics. In 1997, the incidence of reported carpal tunnel syndrome had risen to 67% of work-related reported injuries. More claims were surfacing as health-related claims, as opposed to work-related injuries. In 1998, the incidence reported by BLS dropped to 66% with the commentary that the decrease in reporting the injury as a work-related claim accounts for the decrease, not an actual decrease in incidence.

So, what about the people who have the carpal tunnel symptoms of numbness, tingling of the forearms and hands, loss of strength, loss of grasp and loss of function? Do they have CTS? If so, what, if anything, can be done?

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an isolated diagnosis in which the median nerve is trapped, compressed or crushed by the connective tissue bands, bony structures, or swelling in the carpal tunnel at the wrist. It affects the thumb, index and portion of the middle finger, and can cause swelling, extreme pain, numbness, tingling, burning, decreased strength and loss of function. Sound familiar? The cause can be bone fractures, a compression or crush injury, repetitive stress, or structural anomaly. The treatment has typically been nighttime resting splints, anti-inflammatory medications, time off work and surgical release of the entrapped nerve. The reports of success are mixed at best.

The problem with this scenario is that the problem, or cause, is not at the wrist. This is by definition a problem of connective tissue. Connective tissue (fascia) is the largest structure of the human body. A connective tissue cell connects every other cell muscle, bone, organ, etc., to itself and other structures. Fascia cells consist of elastin and collagen and are exactly the same wherever they are located in the body. These cells exert 2000 pounds of tensile strength per square inch. They hold the memory cells, are very strong, yet very forgiving. When pressure is exerted or applied at one point of the system, it is translated (and increases) to the opposite point of the system. This means that the wrist bone is connected to the elbow bone and the elbow bone is connected to the shoulder bones, which are connected to the neck bones. It also means that the pain experienced when a toe is stubbed can translate through the system and cause a headache. This is because the fascia system is a closed system. Thus, a force exerted at the neck or between the shoulder blades is transferred through all the muscles, bones and supportive tissues to the wrist and hand.

The memory portion of the fascia cells records all happenings. When the memory cells fill up and the cumulative stress or pressure goes beyond the flexibility of the system, the sum total of the stress applied is felt at the farthest point of attachment -- in this case, the wrist and hand.

The force and stress can be muscular, structural (bone), vascular and nerve in nature, all translating to the opposite end of the system. The cause can be physical force, strain, mechanical restrictions (scars), or physiological caused by an internal safety mechanism called FIGHT OR FLIGHT. When the human system perceives it is threatened or compromised, it shifts blood supply to the legs for FLIGHT or the trunk structures for FIGHT. When the body is not allowed to run away or physically stand and fight, all the excess energy that would have been expelled in either one of these activities is stored in the cellular tissues. This is called freeze frame in the animal kingdom. When an animal is about to die, it often freezes in place. If it survives, it shakes itself or trembles, thus dispelling the excess energy. The mechanism is the same in the humans except that humans don't generally have a healthy mechanism for dispelling unused energy, or the stressor. This means that the fascia, which has thickened when stressed, retains the memory and stores it. Over time, this causes shortening of the elastin fibers in the fascia cell, exerting a pull against the farthest most structures.

What Can Be Done?

So, what does all this mean? Basically, it means that when a person sits in the same posture for a long time (more than 30 minutes) and there is stress present, the fascia becomes compromised. It tightens down, or shortens, and the muscle and fascia in the back, shoulders blades, neck, shoulders and upper arms all pull on the attachment at the wrist.

In short, the solution to resolving this huge costly problem can be very simple. It involves several steps:

1. The industry has to be proactive, not reactive in implementing programs.
2. The programs must be preventive.
3. The programs must be carried out be the employee, not necessarily the employer.
4. The programs must be simple, easily understood, easily done, unobtrusive, not distract from the work at hand, not involve expensive, or distant equipment, and must elicit interest from fellow workers.

In addition, the programs must address the neck and back structures and posture first to gain any resolution in the wrist. This fact is supported by a statistic printed in the Yearbook of Hand Surgery. Associated with carpal tunnel syndrome are other diagnoses, such as deQuervain's Syndrome, thumb pain and dysfunction, radial nerve compression, elbow pain and dysfunction syndromes, other hand involvement, and neck pain with many more surgeries associated with these as the intervention travels backward from the wrist to the neck. Other complaints, not usually involving surgery, include migraines, other types of headaches, digestive troubles, constipation, weight gain, disturbed sleep, and anxiety.

The rate of a second surgery is expected within five years of the first surgery if the individual returns to the same job, even with adaptation. After the second and third surgery, the rate of total disability escalates -- another contributing factor in the high cost of this problem.

Additional solution to the programs mentioned above may include a few simple actions that are easy to implement and known to help:

	Increase water intake
	Increase breaks to every thirty minutes in order to stop work and have a thirty-second stretch break
	Improve diet
	Decrease caffeine and sugar intake

It is estimated that only two percent of all carpal tunnel syndrome diagnoses are actually CTS. The rest are cumulative trauma dysfunction, which is the more accurate phraseology.

If you believe you have CTS, what can you do? You have a choice to follow these few easy steps along with a habit adjustment in postural shifts, or to continue with the disabling, painful, anxiety producing, costly syndrome masquerading as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Caryl A WashburnThompson, MA, OTR/L can be reached at 907-344-8891.

Looked Into Your Colon Lately?
Are Colonoscopies accurate or not?
by Amie Mosley

 

If one does not remove the old, there is no room for the new.

Does a colonoscopy accurately reflect the health of your colon? To find the answer, let's begin by taking a look at how the colon works.

The body is always in survival mode; it does not know health or sickness. Because the body will not commit suicide, it adjusts to what we put in it. For instance, if we ingest a poison, the body will adjust because it recognizes the substance as toxic. In an effort to get rid of the poison as fast as it can, the body will either throw it up or expel it through violent diarrhea. A similar thing happens when viruses and bacteria are ingested. In the process of getting rid of the virus or toxin, the body will produce mucus to use as a tool to help expel this unwanted invader. That is why when we "catch a cold," the body will produce a lot of mucus. We may have a lot of coughing, spitting and blowing of the nose -- and what comes out? Mucus! Where did it come from? Naturally, from the body's own defense system. The mucus was produced for one reason: to assist in evacuation of poisons.

Now let's look at how the body helps to eliminate undigested food as well as poisons that may be found in our food. The body continually produces a mucus lining to assist in the removal of fecal material as well as toxins. If you have ever been to a colon therapist, you probably saw a lot of this mucus expelled. Similarly, people who use a lot of bowel softeners (such as Metamucil) may witness a lot of mucus being expelled during a cleansing program.

Why do we so often hear that the body needs to have a lot of fiber? Most every doctor will tell you that you need fiber. Why? Firstly, fiber helps with peristaltic action. It also acts like a brush to help remove mucus from the intestinal walls, which helps in the evacuation of unused foodstuffs. Remember that this mucus lining is something the body creates naturally to help with elimination. Therefore, if we do not have enough fiber in our diet to scratch all of this lining off, there will be a slow but certain build-up of mucus.

So, what is really going on when one has a colonoscopy and the report finds all is normal? You may even see the nice pink, healthy looking bowel wall in the video? First of all, prior to the test, you are given a harsh laxative to clear out all new fecal material. This promotes a generous amount of mucus production so that when the scope is inserted, the picture is of a nice pink mucous lining, just freshly made to assist in evacuation of the harsh laxative. What the test shows is the condition of the mucus lining of the bowel -- not the health of the bowel itself.

Day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year, if the bowel is not eliminating properly, there will be a build-up of fecal matter that will line the bowel walls, somewhat like stacking sheets of saran wrap one on top of the other. In his book Iridology: The Science and Practice in the Healing Arts, Dr. Bernard Jenson states that when John Wayne died of bowel cancer, his lower bowel weighed over 40 pounds. The normal healthy lower bowel weighs only 5 pounds! And yet what did the video show? Nice, healthy, pink mucus lining freshly made to help with the natural evacuation of waste material. The build up is behind the new pink mucous. This build-up is what constitutes the extra weight of the bowel. Can you imagine that the extra bulk in the bowel could be the reason we have some extended looking stomachs?

The solution to this problem is not to use a Band-Aid approach, but to make sure we have adequate fiber in our diet. We must consistently cleanse the bowel and, indeed, all other tissue as well. We are constantly exposed to and accumulating toxins every day. This drastically weakens the body. Just as we eat, drink and breathe every day of our lives, so do we need to cleanse every day. We take a shower every day to clean the outside of our bodies. Doesn't it make sense to clean the inside too?

As an Iridologist, I study the iris of the eye, which reveals the tissue condition of the organs of the body. When we see a darkened bowel area, German scientists and doctors alike agree that it is an indication of unhealthy tissue caused by a build-up of old fecal material. We find proof of this both through cleansing programs and autopsies. This is the reason that Iridologists focus on cleansing the body. If one does not remove the old, there is no room for the new. In other words, the body cannot build healthy new tissue unless the old toxic settlements are eliminated -- wherever they accumulate in the body.

We could ingest all the vitamins and minerals in Anchorage, but only so many will fit in a body that is half filled with toxins. And so it is: we are what we eat, from our heads to our feet. Actually, we are what we can assimilate. And a body half-filled with toxins cannot assimilate or function properly. The point is to keep the body clean, inside as well as outside, so what we put in can be assimilated and utilized for the health and happiness that we all so richly deserve.

Amie Mosely offers Cleansing Programs and Iridology Analysis in the Anchorage area. Mention this article for a 10% discount on analysis. Amie can be reached at 561-3469 or e-mail eyes@gci.net

High Colonic Irrigation
by Amie Mosely

"Colonic what?" I exclaimed. "I don't think so!"

"Colonic irrigation," my mentor, Ben, explained. "It's like an internal bath to wash the poisons out of your system. You already know about all the unwanted food additives in our diets, and just think of those not listed on the label -- the pesticides sprayed on your fruit and vegetables, the hormones and antibiotics fed to your beef and poultry. And then, if you want to talk about pollution..."

"All right, Ben," I capitulated. "So what happens when you're irrigated?"

"Simplicity itself. Water -- purified water, preferably --is gravity-fed into the colon, our large intestine."

"An enema?" I gasped.

"In a way. But more water -- an average of 5 gallons -- is used, and, with only the gentle pressure of gravity, it travels and cleanses the entire length of your colon, washing out all the stale bile and putrefied waste poisoning your system. A colonic only takes an hour and is completely painless. You might even sleep through it."

Hmmmm, not likely, I thought. Still, I had to admit that colon cleansing with herbs had certainly made life worth living again. That evening, I thought about how herbal colon cleansing had improved my life: improved complexion and hair; higher energy levels; clearer thinking; the elimination of severe abdominal pains. Why not go all the way? I wondered. It made sense that colonics was part of an overall healing solution. Through my studies in Iridology, I already knew that no one therapy was the complete answer. So, even though it sounded ghastly, I was willing to incorporate something new -- even high colonic irrigation.

What It Does
The indigestible portion of the food you eat lodges in the large intestine and stays there until eliminated in a bowel movement. Infrequent movements or periods of constipation can, however, result in a partial decomposition of these waste substances, which encrusts the colon and further hinders elimination. These toxins are then reabsorbed into the bloodstream, lowering the body's defense against bacteria and viruses. The body strains to fight against the poisons. If the effort is too great, various organs or even whole systems can break down. The early indications of this futile war against waste may include sallow skin, nervous irritability, coated tongue, bad breath, offensive body odor, headaches, bloating, poor appetite, indigestion, and stomach heaviness.

Aftermath
When I finished my colonic, I felt wonderful. My energy level was high, and overall I felt positive and strong. Before I left his office, Ben reminded me to include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of bulk, and that I stay away from refined or processed foods. These changes would improve bowel functioning, he said, and lead to better overall health as well. I left feeling both peppy and inspired.

A few hours later, however, my high had completely faded. I was nauseous, dizzy and nervous as I called Ben. He was not just reassuring, but positively congratulatory as I reeled off my symptoms.

"That's the body continuing where the treatment left off," he told me. "The irrigation obviously stirred up a lot of poison. Drink plenty of pure water, rest, and come back in a few days for another treatment." Ben added that my feelings were not the norm. Many people do not experience these symptoms due to body constitution, cleanliness of the body, and prior cleansing. I was the lucky one!

I now continue colonic treatments at home. Colonics have propelled my health to a new level. My appearance and energy levels are both radically improved. No more dragging mornings or late-afternoon slumps. The bags under my eyes have disappeared entirely, and the blemishes that had spoiled my skin have been replaced by a healthy glow. I think more clearly now, and I need less sleep.

I couldn't be more enthusiastic about colonics and recommend it to all who are seeking improved health!

FAQ's about Home Colonics

Why should I buy a home-cleansing unit?
It's an investment in health! In the long run you will save hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Why not make an investment in your health that will last a lifetime?

Is a colonic painful or embarrassing?
You are in control of the situation at all times and alone in the privacy of your own bathroom. You may wish to read during your colonic or relax to soft, soothing music. Although people are often needlessly fearful of taking colonics, after the actual experience, the standard comment is, "Why, that wasn't at all the way that I imagined it!" In fact, most people look forward to their next one!

How is a colonic different than an enema?
An enema removes only new waste from the last section of the large intestine. A colonic removes wastes from the entire large intestine. A colonic also eliminates the need to hold the water for any length of time.

How long does it take to do a colonic?
The first few colonics can take 40 minutes to an hour. After that, colonic sessions can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.

Is it painful?
The pliable colonic tip is smaller than a pen and is inserted by you. Who knows your body better than you? Only you can tell how much lubrication is needed and how much pressure is needed to insert the tip. Also, since you have control, you can stop the flow of water at any time if you feel uncomfortable. You are in control at all times, thereby eliminating uncomfortable situations.

What are the benefits of colonics?
Colon irrigations have too many benefits to be listed here, as they work on raising the level of the functioning of the whole body. As previously stated, response to treatment is quicker and more effective after the administration of a series of colonic irrigations. A few of the many common benefits of colonics include:

	hastens healing of the colon and, thereby, healing elsewhere in the body;
	anthelmintic action (removes worms or parasites);
	increases circulation and elimination through bowels and kidneys;
	assists the efficiency of the cardiovascular and circulatory system;
	helps to tone the colon and promote peristalsis;
	can help to calm the nervous system, improve the memory, and many other excellent results.

 

Amie Mosley, Certified Iridologist, provides colonics and teaches how to use the home colonic system in her practice. For more information, call (907) 561-3469, e-mail eyes@gci.net, or visit http:/home.gci.net/~eyes.

Stress, Fatigue, and Adrenal Glands
by Lori Zitzmann

 

Many people suffer from stressed-out, tired adrenal glands, though don’t understand the implications of this common problem.

Do you need coffee to kick start your day or to keep your energy levels high? Do you feel more tired after strenuous exercise instead of energized? Do you seem to catch every cold or flu that is going around? If so, your adrenal glands may be run-down and in need of support.

Many people suffer from stressed-out, tired adrenal glands, though don’t understand the implications of this common problem. Often we attribute ongoing fatigue and declining stamina to the aging process and accept a lower level of vitality as part of “getting older.” There may be more to this picture than simple aging, however. Other typical symptoms associated with adrenal stress include allergies, hypoglycemia, chronic headaches, inflammation such as aches and pains, and autoimmune disorders. Weak adrenals can cause or aggravate many other health problems in an individual.

What are the adrenal glands?

The adrenal glands are endocrine organs that sit on top of the kidneys. They regulate many processes in the body. Most commonly known as the “flight or fight” glands, they produce hormones which propel us into action when we are under stress. During acute stress, the adrenal medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are released in response to overwhelming fear, anger, or potential danger. They serve to “super-charge” the body for action. Excessive release of these hormones over time can accelerate aging and increase risk for chronic degenerative disease.

The adrenal cortex responds to more chronic stress – that is, all stressors on the body other than immediate ones. For example, lack of sleep, skipping meals, abuse of drugs, chronic grief or worry are all stressful to the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is a major producer of steroid hormones. Cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, cholesterol, pregnenolone, progesterone, and aldosterone are all hormones manufactured in the adrenal cortex. Among these hormones, cortisol and aldosterone are uniquely produced by the adrenal glands.

Cortisol has many important functions such as regulating blood sugar, affecting the conversion of fats and protein into energy (and the distribution of stored fat in the body), proper cardiovascular and gastrointestinal function, and immune system balance. Aldosterone is a mineralcorticoid that regulates fluid, sodium, and potassium levels which affects energy.

What causes weak adrenals?

In healthy people, adrenal glands are loaded with cortisol and aldosterone. When there is stress, and more energy is needed, increased hormones are released. However, when stress levels exceed the adrenals ability to respond, they make and release all the hormones they can. Higher cortisol levels have been associated with more rapid aging and cognitive decline. This is one way in which stress affects our ability to think clearly.

With ongoing stress, the adrenal glands ultimately become depleted and we become exhausted. We may recover with a few days of rest, but the cycle often repeats itself.

After a few months or years of chronic stress, the adrenal glands become weakened and are unable to do their job. Chronic fatigue and immune disorders may develop.

It matters not to the body what kind of stress is involved. This means that physical, emotional, or psychological stressors all have the potential to weaken the adrenal glands. Common causes of weak adrenals include prolonged physical illness, poor diet, drugs (recreational or prescription), excessive sugar, caffeine or alcohol, job stress, relationship disharmony, and financial worries.

What to do about it?

Medical opinion can be polarized on the subject of adrenal function. Many physicians view a person as either normal or as having Addison’s disease (complete adrenal failure), with nothing in between. Other, more holistic-minded health care providers can recognize the signs and symptoms of weak adrenals and offer accurate testing and safe treatment. Many effective treatments exist to help the person with weak adrenal glands. Often, when the adrenals are supported with a comprehensive protocol aimed at strengthening adrenal function, other chronic health conditions improve as well.

Lori Zitzmann is an adult nurse practitioner in private practice at Avante Medical Center. Prevention and treatment of chronic illness in adults is integral to her practice. Call 907-770-6700.