FACT SHEETS

JOINT AND MUSCLE PAIN

The most frequent cause is bones out of alignment.

When bones get out of alignment you'll feel the pinch on ligaments, tendons and muscles around the joint. The bones will start rubbing on each other - and the ends become inflamed - arthro (joint) itis (inflammation) - arthritis.

PRINCIPLES OF MUSCULO-SKELETAL DYSFUNCTION

1.	Bones do what muscles tell them to do. When muscle action is uneven, bones move out of alignment. The result, joint pain. restore muscle function with a regular and systematic strength and flexibility program and bones move back into alignment. bingo! No more joint pain. All you need to do is find the right exercises.

2.	The cause of the pain is rarely located at the site of the pain. Muscles which pull joints out of alignment are usually located away from the actual site of the pain. For instance a crook lumbar spine may be caused by tight calves, hamstrings, buttocks and leg adductors that pull the pelvis out of alignment. The bones of the vertebrae just about it are forced out of alignment as well. This is where you feel the pain. Sore necks and shoulders are also frequently caused by a pelvis that tilts back and causes the head and shoulders to slump forwards.

3.	It's a big ask expecting to get better by having someone do something to you. The rub down, bone crunch and hot blanket are unlikely to contribute to the long term repair of your dysfunction. Sooner or later you have to do something to yourself.

So going out for a rub down, crunch, hot wheat bag, electric shock and swallowing a bucket of Celebrex won't fix the problem.

The most common cause of lower back and neck pain is tight calves, hamstrings and buttocks. Fix that and you'll stand up straighter. Pain goes away. Sitting down is a killer.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?

You need to find out the right set of strength and flexibility exercises to do to get your p[elvis and the bones above it back in alignment. Do that and you'll be pain free.

You need to do the strength and flexibility exercises that restore the body to correct alignment and correct function.

I highly recommend the book Pain Free by Pete Egoscue.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

1.	Brassica Juncea oil, in capsule form A naturally occurring vegetable extract, developed by the CSIRO and containing a high component of omega 3 essential fatty acids. Reportedly a good treatment for osteoarthritis and management of joint pain generally.

2.	Calcium and magnesium supplement If you have joint pain, particularly arthritis and heel spurs, lack of calcium and magnesium may be contributing factors. You'd better make sure you're getting enough.

3.	Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate Reportedly good for joint problems and increasingly backed by research. Certainly worked on my heels which were tender to the touch and are now perfect. It acts to build the end of bones — a bit like friction-proofing your car engine.

4.	Vitamin B5 Reportedly a good treatment for back pain and sciatica.

5.	Celery seed oil Reportedly a good supplement for joint pain, alone or in combination with omega 3 oils and other natural remedies.

6.	Flaxseed (linseed) Contains the three principal essential fatty acids. Recognized as a good joint lubrication food

7.	Tumeric

DIET

If you have joint and muscle pain, look carefully at your diet. It may be exacerbated by allergic reactions to some foods, particularly wheat, dairy, and salicylate-containing products) and an internal reaction to candida, which in turn is fed by a diet high in the monosaccharide and polysaccharide foods (sugar and starch foods with a high glycaemic index - high in my estimation being over 50).

THE EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION

The Exercise Prescription stands head and shoulders above all other prescriptions to enhancing your musculo-skeletal status. There is a good chance your dysfunction has been brought about by motion starvation. ie By allowing yourself to become weaker and tighter, you've set yourself up for mechanical dysfunction. Weak and tight muscles draw the pelvis and the bones above it out of alignment. Ligaments, tendons and muscles are stretched beyond their pain threshold. Discs herniate.

Te key to good musculo-skeletal health is loosening tight muscles and strengthening weak muscles, thereby getting the skeleton into good alignment and the body strong enough to do every tasks without breaking down.

A FINAL WORD

Ask people what they did to fix themselves up. Experiment with a range of treatments. One or more of them may work for you. (They may not work for someone else.)

Miller Health

7 Salvado Place, Stirling (Canberra) ACT 2611 Australia

(02) 6288 7703