Transcript Press here to see a presentation regarding Arthritis and Back pain.

The Treatment of
Arthritis & Back Pain
With Chinese Medicine
by: Effi Kfir M.Sc., L.Ac.
A Licensed Acupuncturist
Arthritis
• There are over 100 different types of
arthritis
• Over 66 million people in the USA are
diagnosed with some form of arthritis
(Nearly 1 in 3 adults!)
• Effects women more than men
What is Arthritis ?
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied
by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting
from infection, trauma, degenerative changes,
metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It
occurs in various forms, such as bacterial
arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid
arthritis.
Types of Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
• Fibromyalgia
8 Causes of Back Pain
• Degenerative Disc
• Sciatica
• Spinal Osteoarthritis
• Bone Spur
• Scoliosis
• Muscle Strain
• Injury
• Prolapsed Disc
Osteoarthritis
A degenerative joint disease in which the
cartilage that covers the ends of bones in
the joint deteriorates.
Rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune disease in which the joint
lining becomes inflamed as part of the
body’s immune system activity.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most
serious and disabling types, affecting
mostly women.
Normal and Arthritic Joints
Ankylosing spondylitis
A very common type of arthritis that affects
the spine. As a result of inflammation, the
bones of the spine fuse together.
Muscle Strain
• 80% of back pain is
•
•
due to muscle strain
Causes muscles to
spasm and cramp.
Requires an increase
in circulation. Done
very naturally with
Acupuncture.
Sciatica
• Sciatic nerve is
impinged by Lumbar
Vertebrae - causing
radiating pain down
the legs and maybe
to the feet.
Examples of Disc Problems
Fibromyalgia
A recent diagnosis in which widespread pain
affects the muscles and attachments to
the bone. It affects mostly women.
Most Common Treatments for
Arthritis and Back Pain
• Pain Killers
• Antidepressants
• Cortisone
Injections
• Fusion Surgery
• Laminectomy
• Hip and knee
Replacement
Most Common Treatment
for Arthritis
• Anti Inflammatory Drugs – NSAID’s
• Cox 2 Inhibitors
• Steroids – Cortisone Shots
• Surgery
Chinese Medicine’s Treatment
• Acupuncture
• Herbs
(internal/external)
• Nutrition
• Lifestyle Changes
How Does Acupuncture Work?
• Increases circulation
• Releases endorphins
• Releases
•
•
neurotransmitters
Moves stagnant
energy
Reduces pain
Chinese Herbal Formulas
• Du Huo Ji Sheng
Tang
• Shu Feng Huo Xue
Tang
• Juan Bi Tang
• Xuan Bi Tang
Anti-inflammatory Diet
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Avoid refined and processed foods in
general.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables from all parts
of the color spectrum.
• Add ginger and turmeric to your diet or
take them as supplements.
Lifestyle Changes
• Weight loss
• Physical activity
• Moving to a dry
weather area
• Dietary changes
The Acupuncture Experience
• Diagnosis by Effi Kfir L.Ac
• Traditional Chinese Medicine full
body diagnosis - using tongue
and pulse reading
• Acupuncture Treatment
• Herbal Recommendation for
homecare
21
Time to Heal
• Appointments available in the Tel
Aviv clinic at Sderot David HaMelech
57 (next to Ichilov Hospital and
Weitzman City Mall)
Please call: 054-4804538
• Consultations available Sunday and
Wedensday 8 am to 7 pm.
• We speak English and Spanish.
• Tourists are welcome.