DearPharmacist » PAIN

More Support for Candida Sufferers Part 3

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:45:55 +0000

This column is the third (and final) in the series I promised you for the subject of yeast overgrowth (Candida albicans) which can cause many diseases. Thousands of you have written and although there were many good queries, here are the two most frequently asked questions I received, along with my answer.

What are Candida die-off symptoms and how can I minimize the discomfort? Candida die-off is also known as the Herxheimer reaction. As large amounts of yeast die, the organism dumps it’s toxic contents into your system, thereby overloading your detoxification pathways. This causes some pretty challenging symptoms including brain fog, intense sugar cravings, fatigue, headache, joint and muscle soreness, gas/diarrhea, blurry vision, irrational anger or flu-like symptoms. Itchy, irritated, inflamed skin is quite common, and maddening. One of the most comprehensive formulas I have found is Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis Plus which contains Brazilian propolis (bees make it) along with flax oil, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamin E and a powerful body-cleanser called astaxanthin. The combination can be soothing for anyone with irritated skin.

Enzymes that help break down the yeast and rid the body of toxic by-products can be enormously helpful for individuals experiencing Candida infection and/or die-off reactions. The formula that I recommend for this is Enzymedica’s Candidase which is sold at health food stores nationwide. It contains cellulase which is an enzyme the body needs (and does not make) which kills yeast by destroying the cell wall, composed of cellulose. Candidase also contains protease, known worldwide to support the body’s healing process by getting rid of yeast and immune complexes which cause illness and inflammation.

What foods should I avoid and how should I eat?

-Anything with sugar, because sugar is food to fungus.

-Anything made with yeast such as bread, muffins, pastries, etc.

-All grains and starches (at least at the outset of your diet) such as pasta, rice, corn, wheat, quinoa, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, oats and barley.

I recommend the diet plan outlined by one of the world’s leading authorities on fungus, Doug A. Kaufmann, who wrote eight books on it! He’s also the host of one of the most popular holistic health shows in America, “Know the Cause.” Doug has researched the subject of fungus-induced disease and mycotoxins for decades and helped millions of people get back to health so I always tell people to follow his Phase One diet plan explained in The Fungus Link and eat recipes in the book, Eating Your Way to Good Health which he authored with Jami Clark, RN. There are free recipes and television programs about Candida archived at his website, knowthecause.com. Check out candidasupport.org and for more healthy recipes try Candida Albican Yeast-Free Cookbook by Pat Connolly.

Did You Know?

United States health officials are warning doctors and patients about Lamictal, a drug used to treat bipolar and seizure disorders. Apparently, there is some evidence that suggests it may cause aseptic meningitis.

Candida Treatments and Tests Part 2

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:43:42 +0000

Dear Readers,

Last week I answered a question for a person who kept going to the doctor and being told that nothing was wrong with her. She did some reading and learned that her symptoms were tied to a fungus and started to self-treat. This is part 2 in the series I promised you regarding her story of Candida albicans. My first article is now posted on my website (dearpharmacist.com) and I’ve also posted a link to teach you how to do a saliva test at home to see if you have Candida. Up to 85 percent of people do. There are also stool tests available from Genova and Metametrix Labs.

Candida albicans is one of many yeast organisms that is natural to the human gut flora. For many people, especially those who take medications routinely, or eat processed foods and sugar, the gut flora loses it’s camp of healthy micro-organisms, and the Candida (or other pathogens) take over. Most often people get thrush, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections and chronic fatigue to go with a lot of GI distress (you name it). Once the yeast leaves your digestive tract, you get sicker and may develop cystitis, headaches, itchy skin, PMS and anxiety or depression. The other ‘diseases’ that Candida (it’s toxic break down products) cause are numerous, and were outlined in last week’s column.

To regain health, you must first destroy the offender. The absolute best way to kill Candida is to stop ingesting fast food, or anything processed or containing sugar. Eat more raw food (think salads, juicing, fresh veggies) and lean proteins. If you don’t eat meat, supplement with hemp or rice protein shakes. Ease up on carbs, and no refined white bread, white rice or white sugar. No more white!

Doctors can prescribe nystatin, an anti-fungal drug that stays in the gut and kills Candida. Diflucan (fluconazole) is a medication that works systemically (in your blood). There are OTC formulas available for all of you. With any anti-Candida protocol, there could be a “die-off” reaction (you get worse before getting better) so give these products a chance.

Phytofuge- This contains a fabulous blend of botanical herbs that work synergistically to improve the health of your digestive tract. The product contains Pau D’Arco, wormwood, black walnut, and undecylenic acid, all of which have anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal effects. Buy it online, or ask your health food store or physician to acquire for you.

CandidaClear by NSI- Another blend of incredible anti-Candida herbs and vitamins including grapefruit seed, garlic, caprylic acid and biotin. I found this one at vitacost.com

Probiotics- These replenish gut flora with healthy strains of bacteria. The following have a nice blend of strains and are sold nationwide: Pro-Bio, Kyo-Dophilus, Culturelle, Pearls IC, Probiotic All-Flora, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics 12.

Pancreatic enzymes- An overlooked, but absolutely crucial step in improving gut function by helping you digest food. You may also need betaine hydrochloride, a natural digestive acid.

Natural Protection for Nerve Pain

suzy — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 04:24:18 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

Please help me with pins and needles and burning. I have diabetes and it feels awful now. I take metformin and glyburide. What can I do? –S.L. Boulder, Colorado

Answer: Millions of people have painful nerve sensations -termed neuropathies- and there are many causes for this including diabetes, shingles, Celiac, heavy metal toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and neurological conditions.

Other neuropathy symptoms include burning, shooting pain, tingling, numbness, feeling like you got stabbed by an ice pick, cystitis, urinary urgency, vibration/buzzing sensations, erectile dysfunction and loss of bladder control. Other symptoms include poor coordination, muscle pain, weakness, trigeminal neuralgia, dizziness when standing up. There are medications, just make take the lowest effective dose, so as to minimize side effects.
The number one thing you can do to reduce pain is to lower your blood sugar so please read my Diabetes Without Drugs book (Rodale 2010). Also, see if you take a statin cholesterol drug which is known to cause neuropathic sensations. Right now, I’d like to offer you a few inexpensive over-the-counter solutions to ease the pain. The supplements that I recommend help shuttle more oxygen to your cells, reduce inflammation, protect the myelin wrapper around your delicate nerves, quench toxic free radicals and reduce protein kinase C (PKC). These could all be taken together:

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)- This antioxidant squashes free radicals that attack your myelin sheath and ‘fray’ your nerve wiring. You may notice effect in a few days, though most people require several weeks. Try 200 – 250 two to four times daily or half that dose if you take R lipoic acid. To boost this antioxidant’s effect, take it with fish oil, krill oil or DHA extract about 500 mg with food.

Curcumin- Found in the spice turmeric and it reduces blood sugar. Curcumin chases away a pain-causing chemical TNF as well as nitric oxide. It helps to cool the burn you feel in your nerves. Cook with turmeric spice, but also take a supplement, 500 mg twice daily. Effects take about a month.

Methylcobalamin (B12)- When your body starves for B12, you lose the myelin sheath and your nerves short circuit. This can cause neuropathy and depression. There are dozens of drug muggers of B12, including the diabetic medications that you take as well as processed foods, sugar, antibiotics, estrogen hormones and acid blockers.
Thiamine- A glass of wine every night can steal this nerve-protective nutrient. Candida overgrowth can snatch it too. Run low on thiamine and you will absolutely suffer with bizarre neuropathic sensations. I’d suggest about 50 to 100 mg daily for a few months, along with a low dose B-complex so you have all the other Bs on board.
Neuragen- It’s a topical ointment sold at pharmacies and online. A study showed that it might be helpful for shingles neuralgia, diabetic or HIV neuropathy or trigeminal neuralgia.

Did You Know?

A natural plant-based bug spray is now available, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Pump Insect Repellant.

Relieve Sore, Achy Muscles Fast

suzy — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:43:18 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I moved some furniture last weekend and my muscles are still sore. This happens every time I exert myself, even from walking around the block. My muscles aren’t as resilient as in years past. What can I do or take? –M.J. Decatur, Illinois

Answer: Regular muscle pain is fairly easy to remedy. If it were me, I’d take a hot bath with Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties relieve fatigued muscles. I might also take ibuprofen, or natural Zyflamend by New Chapter whichever I could find first.

The pharmacist in me wants to share some OTC products that can help temporarily. Let’s talk about them and how they work:

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication: The three most popular options here are acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). These reduce inflammation within an hour or two. I recommend you take these with food. Keep in mind, acetaminophen is harder on the liver, while ibuprofen and naproxen affect the stomach and intestines more so ask the pharmacist which is better for you. Natural anti-inflammatories won’t work as quickly; these include omega 3 fish oils, krill oil and bromelain (from pineapples).

Ben Gay Moist Heat Therapy Pads: These non-medicated, odorless pads are air-activated and they get nice and toasty on your skin, very similar to the moist heat of a shower. They help ease muscle/joint aches or pain associated with PMS, overexertion and strains for up to eight hours.

Icy Hot Medicated Patches: Menthol usually comes in cream form, but these patches contain menthol in a patch which causes a unique sensation on the skin for up to 8 hours.

Kink-Eaze: Formulated by a pain-specialist, David S. Klein M.D., this contains menthol and 10 times the amount of MSM found in other products. It could help improve flexibility, relieve muscle spasms, minor joint pain, achy muscles and knee pain because the MSM goes through right the skin. Available at www.stages-of-life.com

Capsaicin: It’s the active ingredient in chili pepper and you can buy it at pharmacies nationwide. I suggest the patches or roll-on for ease. These work fabulously with repeated applications.

Do you suffer with chronic muscle soreness? If so, look in your medicine cabinet. Statin cholesterol drugs and blood pressure pills are well-known culprits to cause muscle pain. The remedy for drug-induced myopathy of this sort is Coenzyme Q10, see my Drug Mugger book for more.

People who have mercury overload, or chronic fatigue syndrome have poor mitochondrial function and may benefit from apple extract called “malic acid.” This substance jumps right into your Krebs cycle to help your mitochondria. Long story short, with malic acid supplementation, you produce energy and relieve tenderness. I think it could help fibromyalgia, especially when combined with magnesium, whey (or hemp) protein, or creatine.

Did You Know?

Corticosteroids are drug muggers of calcium, you may need to supplement if you take these medications long-term.

Send Your Poisons Packing with Natural Supplement

suzy — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:32:08 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I have fibromyalgia, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts and endometriosis. I fired my old doctor, because I wasn’t getting any better. My new doctor prescribed bio-identical hormones, iodine tablets, and a strong multi-vitamin. I’m eating ground flax seeds thanks to your recent column. Am I missing something? I’m still uncomfortable. –E.W. Sacramento, California

Answer: You’re doing great and healing is in progress. You have a lot of symptoms tied to “estrogen dominance” (also called progesterone deficiency). I sent you my e-book as a gift for submitting this excellent question which speaks to so many people. There is a dietary supplement called Calcium D-glucarate which studies show can help all of your symptoms. Despite the name, it’s not used for bone building.

D-Glucaric acid is a natural substance found in fruits and veggies. We make small amounts in the body during a process called “glucuronidation” which is how our body scrubs itself clean. Too bad we don’t make more. Calcium D-Glucarate or “glucarate” is the calcium salt of D-glucaric acid and this patented supplement helps our body keep toxins ‘packaged’ tightly so the bound up garbage can go through the digestive tract and get excreted.

Without enough glucarate, our neatly packaged poisons come unravelled and re-enter our circulation, like a thug breaking in twice! Some of you need physician’s approval for OTC supplements in which case explain that “America’s Pharmacist Suzy Cohen told you glucarate blocks the enzyme beta-glucuronidase and this supports glucuronic acid conjugation.” Glucarate is an affordable way to bolt the door from thugs. Consider it great insurance for a major detoxification pathway in the human body.

Glucarate has no known major side effects and is safely taken in combination with antioxidants, protein shakes or medications. Dosages vary from 500mg – 3,000mg total per day. Calcium D-glucarate may also help:

Estrogen removal: Many toxic chemicals in our home and garage increase xenoestrogens which are estrogen-like chemicals. These disrupt hormone balance in men and women Glucarate facilitate estrogen removal, and improves estrogen by-product formation so it may ease prostate conditions, PMS and other hormonal concerns.

Bodybuilders: Glucarate improves physique by reducing total estrogen load; means it can lessen fluid retention and reverse gynecomastia (a.k.a. man boobs).

Cholesterol lowering: Preliminary results in humans show that glucarate can significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides.

Cancer prevention: Animal studies suggest glucarate not only reduces risk, but may prevent tumor growth in the skin, breast, liver, colon and lung. Women with estrogen-dependent tumors (and men with prostate cancer) should absolutely ask about taking glucarate since it can reduce total estrogen load and improve estrogen metabolite ratios.

Detoxification problems: People riddled with heavy metals/plasticizers and those with multiple chemical sensitivity, auto-immune disorders or fibromyalgia- the detoxifying effect of glucarate offers great housekeeping and by reducing total toxin burden. Glucarate helps us properly eliminate used up medications.

Did You Know?
Cooking with grape seed oil (rather than olive oil) allows you to use medium-high temperatures, without losing all the antioxidant benefits.

How Drug Muggers Can Slowly Steal the Life Out of You

suzy — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:52:12 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I bought your Drug Muggers book and learned that coffee is stealing iron from my body. I’ve had chronic fatigue for years, and now that I’m supplementing with the iron, I’m feeling MUCH better, so thank you! I’m not giving up coffee though. Suzy, would you be willing to share more drug muggers, as a public service, because some people can’t afford to buy your book, but they really need your help. –K.M., Kansas City, Kansas

Answer: Yes, of course and I’ve been sharing this information freely since 1999. The drug mugging effect can explain everything from nagging aches to life-threatening diseases. Replenishing the missing nutrient(s) might be just what the doctor should have ordered!

Most people don’t know this but years ago, I asked major publishers to make a book out of this information, but none understood the importance of it, and some felt it would step on pharmaceutical toes. So I spent my own savings to publish “Drug Muggers” and now that book is sold at Amazon.com, NaturalNews.com and my own website, www.DearPharmacist.com where I offer free articles on the topic. For now, here are some very common ‘diseases’ that might be due to to the drug mugging effect:

Depression, osteoporosis or irregular heartbeat- It could be caused by a deficiency of the mineral magnesium. Common drug muggers include female hormones, diuretics, raloxifene, tea/coffee, anti-inflammatories and aspirin.

Bald patches, loss of taste/smell, erectile dysfunction or chronic diarrhea- It might be zinc deficiency. Common drug muggers are anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, antacids, ulcer/heartburn meds, diuretics and estrogen drugs used for birth control and menopause.

Leg cramps, muscle spasms, memory loss or fatigue- May be a deficiency of CoQ10 (ubiquinol). This life-sustaining antioxidant gets demolished by hundreds of medications including statin cholesterol drugs, metformin, anti-depressants, beta blockers and diuretics. I’ve posted a “Big List of Drugs that Mug CoQ10” for free at my website.

Cell damage, high homocysteine, cataracts, macular degeneration, liver problems- It could be tied to low glutathione, a powerful antioxidant needed to detoxify poisons in your body. Acetaminophen is a possible drug mugger of glutathione.

Pins and needles nerve pain, depression, fatigue, anemia, weight gain- This could be related to a deficiency of B vitamins. Your stash gets depleted by female hormones (menopause and birth control), antacids, ulcer meds, diuretics, raloxifene, cholestyramine, diabetic drugs, tea/coffee.

If you read this and just said, “Aha!” then get approval from your doctor to supplement, or order “micronutrient” testing. For pennies a day, you can get your life back! If you decide to wait and see if I’m right (and not replenish what the drug mugger is stealing), then expect these so-called side effects to get diagnosed as a new disease. You’ll get on a medication merry-go-round and it’s a hard ride to get off.

Did You Know?
Dulcolax Balance is a new OTC product used to promote regularity and it’s similar to Miralax.

Fountain of Youth Waters Ease Aches & Pains

suzy — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:50:02 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,
I saw your facebook pictures of hot springs in Utah and you said that you’d actually fly to hot springs to get their healing benefits. This may be personal, but are you sick? What’s in the water that is so healing? I’m curious because around here, hot springs are for hippies only.
–E.W., St. George, Utah

Answer: Hippies? I am an Aquarian, so perhaps I qualify, LOL. The mere thought of hot springs brings a rush of peace into my body and a deep breath. I prefer undeveloped hot springs that are nestled deep in the woods, or amidst a waterfall.

That facebook picture is me soaking at Pah Tempe in Hurricane, Utah which sits at the bottom of a red rock canyon (www.pahtempe.com). Another favorite is Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat, Colorado (www.strawberryhotsprings.com) which is heavenly, when the snowbanks are covered, and the hot springs are steaming. Some places are more developed, and water is piped to a jacuzzi-like tub. There are thousands of hot mineral springs all over the world.

Hot spring waters are a “fountain of youth” and are legendary when it comes to stories of healing. When I visited the Blue Lagoon in Iceland (www.bluelagoon.com) another American tourist said she flies there every month because the waters take away her Rheumatoid arthritis pain. A Russian woman told me she cured herself of cancer, I didn’t ask what type. I know one man who cured himself of psoriasis.

The waters contain minerals and sulfur compounds which go right through your skin to soothe aching muscles, ease joint pain, improve circulation, relieve skin irritations, boost immunity and ease breathing difficulties. Sulfur-based compounds help unstick dangerous pollutants. The experience can create harmony because you are soaking up healing nutrients from ancient waters bubbling up from the Earth’s core, and you absorb energy from the fresh air, the Earth, the trees and the sun.

I realize some of you cannot travel so next week, I will provide a list of natural, dietary supplements that detoxify you AS IF you were in a hot spring. It will be my ‘hot springs in a pill’ column.

You asked if I am sick. I don’t mind answering that since I’m considered a ‘health coach’ to millions of people worldwide. The answer is no, I am healthy at 45, 115 pounds, size two. Personal enough for you? It’s not entirely because of hotspringing, I eat an almost vegan diet, and avoid junk, boxed food and everything artificial. I do Pilates and Zumba dance, plus I take antioxidants. The biggest health ‘insurance’ I have is my state of mind. I focus on my blessings and avoid playing the tape of sad stuff to anyone in earshot. A clean diet, exercise, gratitude and positive thoughts go a long way at keeping disease (and wrinkles) at bay.

Did You Know?

Thyroid medications won’t work well if you are deficient in trace minerals.

New Discovery: Liberation Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

suzy — Sat, 01 May 2010 21:49:32 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I have a friend with multiple sclerosis (MS) who lives overseas. She used to be disabled, and she tells me she is cured after vein surgery in her neck. She said she had CCSVI whatever that is. I also have MS, but I can’t find a doctor in Florida who knows anything about this. Can you help? –A.L. Miami, FL

Answer: The procedure is dubbed “The Liberation Treatment” and it’s still experimental here. Our medical establishment moves painfully slow and there’s little incentive to embrace this. Need I say more, or can I just bite my lip?

Allow me to introduce you to Dr. Paolo Zamboni, a Professor at the University of Ferrara in Italy. Have you ever been inspired to learn more about a medical problem because someone you love was sick? That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Zamboni who was trained as a vascular surgeon. A disability now prevents him from working in that capacity. Little did he know that his educational training would save his beloved, and potentially millions more in years to come. Desperate to find a cure for his MS-stricken wife, Zamboni discovered that people with MS have a higher incidence of constricted veins in their neck! Dr. Zamboni’s research is turning the MS world upside down because MS is thought to be an auto-immune disease, not a vascular condition.

CCSVI stands for Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency. This medical term just describes a situation of narrowed veins. Doctors can see the veins with a non-invasive test such as a Doppler ultrasound. Think of your garden hose. If it’s squeezed off, water doesn’t flow. Same with your azygos vein, or your jugular veins. If restricted, circulation is compromised, then blood (and iron in the blood) slowly reflux, and accumulate in your brain and spinal cord, resulting in neurological issues. The excess iron load damages cells. I suspect that other dangerous metals accumulate too, such as cadmium, lead or mercury, but this is just my theory.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo found that people with MS have about 2 and a half times higher incidence of stenosis- narrowing of their extracranial veins. I realize we need more studies, but this one gives many people hope. And hope is my middle name.

Zamboni’s liberation procedure takes the kink out of the hose and allows proper blood (and iron) to flow out of the brain, which explains why symptoms might improve within hours. The ‘before and after’ footage of people who underwent the treatment are jaw-dropping! Here’s the television program which you can view on your computer: http://bit.ly/9V3stp

Treated patients experienced better coordination and balance, more energy, fewer muscle spasms and a better quality of life. Learn more at: www.liberation-treatment.com.

Watch my YouTube on this subject CLICK HERE

Did You Know

You can tame your hair, and remove buildup of hair spray and mouse by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your favorite shampoo.

Many Medicines Spark Nasty Sunburns

suzy — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:23:29 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I just started taking “doxycycline” for acne. The prescription label says to “avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight” and the guys in my apartment are razzing me because I won’t play tennis with them anymore. My room mate says he took doxycycline before going on a cruise and nothing happened to him. He bet me $100 to go outside for an hour, to show me that I won’t get a sunburn reaction. Should I? CN, Gainesville, Florida

Answer: Don’t take the bet because if you lose, you lose big time. Only you, not your room mate, run the risk of turning into a blistering red-faced Gator. Photosensitivity is a fairly common skin reaction that is sparked by taking medicine that interacts with the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It happened to me, luckily just on the top of my hands and I can tell you the burning pain of it, and associated pins and needles sensation rendered me out of writing commission for two days.

Photosensitive reactions are very unpredictable. Some people get severe sunburns and brown splotches in their skin, some get redness, tenderness, a rash, hives, or other types of inflammation (such as swelling or generalized pain), while others, like your goading buddy, experience no reaction whatsoever. Some skin reactions are permanent. Also, just because you do not have a problem with medication now, doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing every time you take it. See why I told you not to take the bet?!

There are hundreds of other offender drugs, here are some relatively common ones:

Antibiotics: Sulfa drugs, tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds: Elavil, Norpramin, Sinequan, Effexor, Zoloft, Remeron and Xanax

Accutane and Retin A used to improve skin

Allergy meds: Zyrtec, Benadryl, Claritin

Blood pressure pills: Capoten, Vasotec, Accupril, Altace, diltiazem, nifedipine

Diabetic drugs: Glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide, glimepiride

Birth control pills or menopausal drugs

Statin cholesterol drugs: Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor

Diuretics: HCTZ or furosemide

Anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs: Ibuprofen, naproxen and prescribed agents

If you are taking a medication that causes photosensitivity, please plan ahead by using sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats as well as clothing that covers you up well. If you happen to get a mild reaction, and it’s a small area, try applying aloe right from the plant. You can also rub pure essential oil of lavender on it. This almost instantly relieves the pain and speeds healing. Make a cool compress with a few drops of lavender oil in it, or a compress with baking soda to help take the sting out of the burn. You can bathe in oatmeal (Aveeno bath packets) or apply a pain-relieving spray like Solarcaine or Dermoplast.

Did You Know?

Cooking with fresh rosemary herb could very well protect against breast cancer and reduce inflammation.

Botox Bacteria May Help Back Pain

suzy — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:40:47 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,
I have a long history of back problems and I’ve been to every conceivable doctor, therapist and healer. Is there anything new that can help?
FD Naples, Florida

Bacteria may help. The same bacterial toxin that causes food poisoning, botulinum (pronounced botch-you-line-um) may also be the relief that many back pain sufferers have been praying for. We’ll call it Botox for short. Researchers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center found that people who received injections of the Botox bacteria felt better for up to 4 months. The study was small, consisting of 31 people who had back problems for about 6 years. But to the 90 percent of Americans who buckle or go numb at the slightest strain, this is no small study. The American economy loses about $50 billion dollars each year as a result of back pain. After three weeks, 73 percent of the study group said their back pain diminished by at least half. Repeated injections were necessary to maintain comfort, but aside from mild flu-like symptoms, the treatment was well tolerated. Using Botox as medicine is nothing new. As a matter of fact, Botox is currently used to treat muscle spasms, migraines, and wrinkles. For physicians interested in this study, look in the May issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology.