Chronic Pain
ABOUT
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a common reason for patient visits to doctors or other healthcare practitioners. Fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are two of the more common causes of chronic pain, and finding an effective treatment solution is not easy. These two conditions share many symptoms, to the extent that some references believe they are on the same spectrum of a single condition. In FMS, pain is the main concern, while in CFS, low energy is more dominant. Other common complaints are receiving a non-restorative sleep, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), headaches, impaired cognition and mood concerns including anxiety and depression.
A variety of medications are often used to treat these conditions including muscle relaxants, antidepressants, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, steroids and even anti convulsion medications. The results are mixed however and no standard treatment is available thus far.
TREATMENTS
NATURAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
Stress management and lifestyle changes
Stress seems to be a part of our lives in many different ways. It is present at work, home, in our relationships and also brought on by life events. It’s true that some stress can be good, but when we are experiencing it in a few different areas of our life at once, it can be difficult to manage. We cannot always eliminate the circumstance causing our stress and at times it can become overwhelming, but lifestyle counselling can help teach the tools needed to get through these difficult times by providing an outlet to help us cope with the stress of everyday life and specific life events. With practice, and support we can keep our stress at healthy levels that keep us alert and motivated to face challenges.
There are several signs and symptoms of stress including the following:
Physical: Fatigue, headaches, nausea, chest pain, muscle spasms and numbing
Mental: Forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, inattention, poor problem solving
Emotional: Anxiety, depression, hopelessness, worry, anger
Behavioral: Isolation, diminished sexual drive, sleeping/eating less or more
Understanding Your Stressors:
Before implementing any coping strategy, lifestyle counselling can be beneficial to help determine what your stressors are. Once you become aware and are able to identify and understand the triggers in your life, learning coping skills and developing a coping strategy becomes much easier.
Stress Management Techniques
There are many effective ways to manage your stress, but the best one depends on you. Try out the following to see which technique you connect most with:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Listening to music
- Going for a walk
- Talking to a trusted friend
- Engaging in a hobby you enjoy
- Going for a walk
- Exercise: e.g. Yoga, Qi Gong
Diet and nutrition
Food is the best medicine and this is a cornerstone of naturopathic and holistic nutritional practice. Many medical conditions can be improved more with therapeutic foods and nutritional supplements than they can by other means, with fewer complications and side effects.
Naturopathic doctors use dietetics, cleansing and nutritional supplementation to establish a proper nutritional foundation for their patients. Read more about our Naturopathic Doctors or book a consultation with one to ask any questions you may have.
Vitamins and natural supplementation
- Metagenics
- NFH
- Pure Encapsulations
- Seroyal/Genestra
- St. Francis botanicals
These are the types of supplements we have available for purchase:
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Vitamins and Mineral formula’s
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Omega-3 Fish Oils and other essential fatty acids
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Probiotics
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Botanicals/Herbal Formulas
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Homeopathics
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Protein Powders and bars
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Fiber bars
Herbal medicine
Plant substances are powerful medicines used to treat a variety of illnesses. Where single chemically-derived drugs may only address a single problem, botanical medicines are able to address a variety of problems simultaneously. Their organic nature makes botanicals compatible with the body’s own chemistry; hence, they can be gently effective with few toxic side effects.
Botanical medicine is provided our Naturopathic Doctors.
IV Vitamin Drips
KIH Clinic’s IV Drip Menu
- Immune Boost
- Post Infection Boost
- Myers Cocktail Drip
- Pick Me Up Energizer
- Tranquility
- Hydration
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Detox Drip
- Cancer Support
- Vitamin BD/B12 Injections Treatment
For patients who are new to the clinic and IV therapy, an initial 30-45 minute assessment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors is required. This will include a health history review, brief physical exam and a plan to obtain your most recent blood test results. After your initial assessment, the length of your IV treatment will depend on the type of IV formula selected for you. The majority are between 35-60 minutes long.
Acupuncture
Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
Chinese medicine is led by a complimentary healing philosophy used by both Chinese and Naturopathic Doctors. The meridian theory offers an important understanding of the unity of the body and mind, and adds to the Western understanding of physiology. Acupuncture provides a method of treatment which can unify and harmonize the imbalances present in disease conditions, which if untreated, can result in illness.
ADDITIONAL INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES
Unsure which therapy to choose? Schedule a free meet and greet with our clinic director, Dr. Susan Slipacoff, ND below and she will help you to decide which approach, or combination of approaches is best for you.
Chiropractic Medicine
If pain is present, consider making an appointment with our Chiropractic doctor. Dr. Galati uses a combination of soft tissue therapies and manipulations to correct vertebral and muscular misalignments. He also uses other natural acupuncture with electro-stimulation and active release therapy as indicated with his patients.
Osteopathic manual therapies
Very helpful in treating acute and chronic pain. Osteopaths use more subtle techniques and adjustments to rebalance the patients musculoskeletal and physiological systems.
Registered massage therapy
A common treatment used to relax tense muscles including muscle spasms.