Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

[Luke S]

I figure, that before, this forum gets bogged down with desparate folk who have be told they need surgery for their low back/disk problem, I'd just swoop in & offer my humble opinion.

Before I drag my soap box out, I feel it only fair to point out that I am an osteopath, amongst other things and that my view, like anyone one's, is open to bias. Also, I would
like to say that I work both privately and for the NHS.

1 - It is relatively rare that a disk injury (even a full prolapse) requires surgery.

2 - Over 90% of us will have a disk injury before we expire, which means you are actually abnormal if you don't get one. It's just that in some people they cause a lot more problems/pain than in others.

3 - A disk prolapse can be a serious condition & aught to be checked out by an appropriate primary health care practioner. Signs of when it is an emergency - see below.

4 - Surgery may actually make matters worse in the short & long term & there's is a distinct lack of research on this matter. I welcome any if you can find any, also I am happy for you if you've undergone surgery for this problem & it has resolved the matter.

5 - You may find that a 'private' consultant is more keen to operate than an NHS one. It's a complex issue, including insurance, fees, cost & necessesity, but do ask yourself why.


Hospital is indicated if any of the following are present:-

Large areas of numbness in the leg/s and especially around the anus and genitalia.

Incontinence of bladder/bowel.

Inability to urinate/defecate - that is not solely due to pain of ‘forcing’ or constipation, such as, from taking pain-killers/anti-inflammatories.

Loss of power in the leg/s - that is not solely due to pain. This may present as 'foot drop' where you are having to drag your foot because you're unable to flex the ankle.

Address for article on low back problems in general -

http://fp.osteopath.plus.com/articles/advice_4_back_pain.htm

Will get back to you when I've thrown together more info on the nature of disk & other low back problems, but you'll find more info on this issue on my vital-osteopathy web site.

Before I go - I will say that typically - disk prolapses & herniations give more pain in the leg than in than in the lumbar spine itself. Disks, themselves, have little or no pain sensory nerves. Also, the degree of pain experienced bears little or no relation to the seriousness of the condition. The truth is that the more minor low back problems seem to cause a great deal more pain locally.

Other than in the exceptional cases noted above - I would suggest you get to see your local osteopath, but then, as I say I am not without bias. Like anything some are better than others, but at least you can rest assured that since regulation came in by the General Osteopathic Council - they will, at the very least, be safe. Osteopaths are now recognised as Primary Care Practitioners, which puts them on a par with GP's - the difference being is that osteopaths actively treat people with these sort of problems every day and don't just treat the symptoms.

Do bear in mind that if it is a severe disk injury, even with treatment it may take a few months to settle down. Although pain killers/anti-inflammatories are not without their side effects, they may mean that you can get some sleep. Natural alternatives - we'll do another day.

Whatever else you do (if you don't have any of the serious symptoms noted above) - Keep moving as best you can. Movement will help clear the inflammation, which is the major case of pain.

It took a long time for them to get there, but western medicine has finally recognised that bed rest is the last thing you do. Unfortunately some GP's still haven't caught up on that one.

 

[Corodoleiz]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Dear Anahata [sm=kiss.gif]
EXCELLENT! Move to the top of the class!
I have to repeat myself due to recent circumstances
In my personal & limited opinion, the most intimate yet briefest relationships that one has, should be that with one's health care providers, simply because, if their 'jobs' are done properly, there shouldn't be reason to prolong these relationships. There are no 'patients', only 'clients' - who are the ones required to have the most patience. All healthcare providers should have printouts pertaining to their 'speciality' which should also include general guidelines for one's wellbeing & maintenance - including a recommended diet & the most common Do's & Dont's. I also pray for the day when these will include a mention of the power of prayer/faith/belief/positive thinking, or whatever each wishes to refer to this, the most powerful 'healing tool' as.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
Bless you,
@nnie

 

[Fayola Annon]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Thank you @nnie!

I wouldn't put a limitation on your opinion, if I were you, so long as it's coming from the right place.

As to how brief an encounter with your health care practitioner goes, in an ideal world I agree, but how it is at the moment, then some folks need more care than others. And I don't imagine that we're likely to have a full understanding of the most complex organism in the known universe for quite some time, if ever. [sm=cry.gif]

On the patient versus client issue - it is very complex - best I can do now is give Chambers dictionary answers.

Patient - noun - a person who is being treated by or registered with, a doctor, dentist, etc.

Doctor - 14c - originally meaning a very learned person - Latin - teacher

Client - noun - 1) someone using the services of an professional institution eg bank, a law firm, an estate agent, etc. 2) a customer 3) someone looked after by a social worker, etc.

I am reliably informed that the last example is now regarded as a 'sevice user'.

It's a case of how far you stretch political correctness before it becomes a nonesense. [sm=jump1.gif]

Personally I spent 5 years getting my degree, so I feel I've earned the right to use the word patient. If I lived in the US then I would be called doctor, in the UK we osteopaths are medico-legally on a par with GP's, dentists, vets, etc. I used to feel mildly insulted when patients called me doc - truth is I'd rather be treated by a vet, but I'll save that on for another day.

I am not under the illusion that we can fix anyone - the self can only cure the self.

Do's & don'ts - well we can only advise, the responsibility of what folks do or don't must be theirs.

As for the client thing - the definition covered most of my pet hates - banks, lawers & estate agents - now do you see where I'm coming from? [sm=jump2.gif]

I agree that health care providers should furnish there patient/clients with there background information - I always do my best on that score. But specialty is another issue, which is one of the inherent problems with 'modern medicine'. It's based on a reductionist method looking at, or specialising in increasing smaller areas, with little comunication between them & losing the ability to see the big picture - the whole person.

A nice example.

A lady I was treating was concerned about her sister, who was having recurrent nose bleeds & she had always bruised easily. A surgeon had cureterised her nose twice without any benefit. I suggested she take a copper supplement, as copper (& vitamin C) is essential to maintain the integrity of our blood vessels. This was a few weeks ago. The lady in question called me this week to thank me - not only had the nose bleeds stopped, but she had bashed her hand a few days earlier and instead of the usually bruising she just briefly had a red mark.

My point - they've known for decades that the trace mineral copper saves the lives of countless animals that are prone to aortic anyurisms, such as turkeys. To farmers losing them would be a great finacial loss. But are the human medics interested? [sm=banghead.gif]

It appears that if it looks like a nose preoblem, then they'll treat the nose - a nose that is too close to the issue to see the big picture.

I think I've ranted enough for one night.

Thank you for your kind words & bearing with this & you do get a bonus - a book that I suspect is right up your path.

God, Faith and Health - Jeff Levin, PhD - says it explores the latest compelling evidence of the connectione between health & spritual beliefs & practices.

Sounded so good I bought it, just dunno when I'll get time to read it.

 

[pregnant...]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Hi Andrew
Thanks for your response. I had actually wanted to mention the words "alternative" and "holistic", but then feared that I could push some buttons inadvertently. As for the "client" vs "patient", I was being a bit 'naughty' here - because I find that too many medical professionals make use of anti-biotics or other powerful drugs far too often, knowing that these will (more often than not) take the current symptom away, yet seldom address the root cause of the problem - consequently, their 'client' will no doubt be back for future visits, invariably suffering from the same symptom or another, directly related to that. Depending on the time between these visits, there's invariably a 'new' anti-biotic or drug to offer their 'client' and so the cycle of 'visits' goes ... & the general health of the 'client' doesn't necessarily improve, as their systems have to learn how to overcome the long term side-effects of the 'drugs' .... or God forbid, cope with a potential dependency []
Here in SA I'm often riled when I learn that GPs have given patients (those not on any medical aid scheme & with limited financial resources) medication without even taking the time to explain what the problem was, nor the properties of the medication prescribed. On questioning these people, they all say that they were too embarrassed to ask any questions. Often others in the same financial situation have teeth which only require a tiny filling, extracted unnecessarily, & this really makes me see RED! Is it that these particular healthcare providers do not see any long term financial benefit in maintaining a relationship with such patients (clearly not clients).
I'm waffling now [] SORRY [&:]
Nice pic Doc
@nnie

 

[ooethupeifiigtece]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

I also heard from a doctor who trains student doctors, that they are planning to reduce doctors training by one year, can you imagine due to the lack of doctors available. Also they only receive 2 hours training in nutrition.

I chose the Chiropractor for my lower back problem, flower essences and a lot of self development and healing. After six months I thought I would just get it checked out by the doctor and I was referred to hospital for physio well one session and I could not work for three months, when I raised this with the doctor she confirmed that there have been excellent and mediocre results with all the therapies including your own and, she said that it seems to be that a therapy will work well for one person but not necessarily the same for another person. Which makes sense to me because that is the same with all therapies.

We are all different and what works for one will not work for another.

The doctor also recommended that I look at my posture so have been seeing an Alexander Technique practitioner and I have to say that I most impressed. I dropped the Chiro and went for AT and Aromatherapy as well.

The good news is that I am back at work now and feel great.

And thanks for sharing all the information please keep it coming. The more we learn about all the different types of help available the more informed choices we can make and help others to make too!

blessings in abundance


Kim xx

PS www.fredsworld.com for Alexander Technique information

PSS Another doctor said that our backs were not built for 'working' or 'walking in shoes' hence the back problems, lovely man. I remember when we discussed skin problems he said 'well if I had it I would move to a hot country like Spain'. Big smiles! At least there are some good ones around.

 

[Alex ?]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Dear Believer,
inadvertent button pushing is an great attribute. So long as you're not intentionally setting out to rub folks up the wrong way. The only way not to upset someone is to never express yourself and then hey - some will think you're ignoring them. So doing our best to be ourselves with all it entails is all we can do.
Many that I've inadvertently rubbed up the wrong way have thanked me for it. Sometimes years later. Same goes for us too - if somethin someone has said upsets us, then why. Is it our stuff or theirs. If theirs dismiss it, if ours, then work towards sorting it.

[sm=jump2.gif]

The Holism & Alternative issues I'm just warming up for. In meantime there's an article on our www.Holistic-Centre.org web site. On the 'Issues' page. So many that use the word Holism don't really know what is means. The word was coined by a South African - Jan Smutts - I think he was prime minister early 20th Centrury. Could you find a little info on him for me please?

The whole Dr issue is another can of worms, which will no doubt inspire me to drag out the ol soap box. Paricularly the older generations tend to have that 'Dr knows best' mentality. Even my parents have it! It was only when I noticed my dad limping & asked him what the problem was he said - oh can you do something about that then. It was a heel spur, no the Dr didn't help & within a couple of weeks we had him right as rain.

Change of attitude takes time, often generations - something I suspect your very aware in your culture.

Will dig out link on MORA machine but there should be a link on above site. Will be under therapies - Allergy Testing or Aqua Detox. There's also the BEST machine, which I suspect is better & cheaper. Will get back to you on other issues in email.

RE: The tooth issue - some of the more sensitive types may be better off with distraction, cos if they do a filling it's only gonna be mercury amalgam ones. So may save them from a lot more sinister problems. If you want the gen on that on check book - It's All In Your Head - The link between mercury fillings and Illness - Dr Hal A. Huggins - published by Avery. [:-]

Dear Sacredstar - Dr's & backs continued,

Nice to know someone who knows who they are.
It's true a degree in medicine in the UK requires only one lecture in nutrition. For something so essentila to helath, it would be laughable until you consider they're the primary health care providers of the large majority of the nation by mandate.

But of course it says on the container of natural supplements - if in doubt ask you Dr.
If they say it's fine to take, then they are liable if it goes horribly wrong. If they say don't take it, you might not get better, but at least they're not liable.

I like the US system, but then I don't have to live with it, but there Naturopaths, Herbaists, osteopaths, psychologists, chiropractors, etc are all regarded as Drs, by its original meaning, presumably. The down side is that in the '60's osteopaths were forced by the AMA to join mainstream medicine, which the judicious useage of cortizone. Apparently US osteo's regard UK osteo's as being to it's original ethos.

I am concerned that it took 6 months for your back to reslove, but if it's okay then hey.

Good luck with the AT - I know it takes a lot of dedication.

Would say our backs are built for manual work, but not to be sat on our bums all day in offices. If you prescribe to the theory of evolution, then you have to accept that it is extremely slow, especially in complex organisms. And they don't get more complex than peeps.

If at some point someone has said we have back & disk problems cos we stand upright, that's also a large assumption. Certain quadrapeds are prone to disk injuries.

Time to go.

 

[tttusgmu]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Oh Andrew I had a giggle when I read your "So doing our best to be ourselves with all it entails is all we can do." & was dying to slot in the word "entrails" somewhere too [sm=nuts.gif] Jan Smuts (only one 'T' - not quite as in [sm=dogrun.gif] like many of our other 'leaders' of the past!) You've taught me something here - shall have to look it up (or ask Dad for help here) & get back to you - I wasn't huge on OUR history in my day - it was all ONE SIDED & mostly untrue!
MORA - ok! ok! as in Quantum - I get it now - thanks I thought this much, but just wanted to double check with you [sm=scratchchin.gif]
Do so hope that you write a word or 2 on behalf of Dr Clark [sm=ladys-man.gif] If anyone has saved lives (for no $$$ gain) it's her, and the FDA haven't even let her begin the real HEALING party yet [sm=mecry.gif]
Love your posts [sm=jump1.gif]
@nnie[sm=jump2.gif]
http://www.drclark.net/news/ezine030916.htm just in case you missed it elsewhere[sm=idea.gif]

 

[AbbbeyV]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

such a brilliant thread. so many people undergo back surgery because it is the only option given by most doctors. the truth is yoga, and other alternatives can assist greatly. why is it the NHS dont employ us yoga therapist. so many would benefit and i am fed up with sending letters to them to ask if i can work with them. one day they will see the light and stop endless suffering.

ps how do you get the pretty pictures under your name!

tammyx[&o]

 

[lysistrata411]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

just testing my picture is now sorted? sorry guys!

tamx

 

[Amy Miller]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

After much trepidation - always wondered what that means - I have managed to update our website, so there are a couple more related articles there. The direct link to the Articles page is below & includes subjects like:

Osteopathy & Back Pain

Low Back Pain Advice

Joint Pain & Stiffness

http://fp.osteopath.plus.com/holistic-centre/articles/articles.htm

And I said no more late nights

Edited web link as old one now defunct - And.

 

[SkyXVll]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Dear Believer

RE: Dr Clark - I think she's as mad as a fish, in the nicest possible way - my kinda people. Have book on shelf - one of the ones that's been largely read.

Interested to know about your Rife machine. The main issues seem to be:-

Much disagreement about frequencies used &

The amount of power output required.

I got half way thru building one - it's still in the garage & will get around to finish.

A simple Zapper (which I did finish & played with for some time) doesn't really have much oomph (technical word). The rpoblem with this & the direct cantact method is that electricity takes the easiest most conductive path. So when it comes to hollow organs, such as the gut, blood vessels, etc, then it tends to travel around there structure & doesn't penetrate the substance within. Apparently - makes sense though.

A strong electromagnetic field is better, because it penetrates right through the tissues.

Links I promised

The company in Germany that make the MORA machine

http://www.med-tronik.de/html/grundlagen-e.html

The company in the UK that make the BEST machine


http://www.biotechhealth.com/equipment/index.htm

They're both very expensive, which tends to reflect on the price of treatment. They work in slightly different ways & do slightly differnet things. I suspect the BEST is better from a theoretical point of veiw, although I have felt great benefit from the MORA.

Something else that miay be of interest - The Aqua or Bio Detox machines.

There's a link on our www.Holistic-Centre.org website, under allergy tests and a site with some back ground info is


http://www.aquadetoxuk.com/


[sm=wave.gif]

 

[The Reverend Soleil]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

WOW! Thanks Andrew I have a pile of documentation on the BEST system, given to me by a local importer .... but their systems cost almost the price of my home [>:]
Oh! Come on - finish building your Rife machine! I'm met lots of 'fundis' who could help if you get stuck! The list of frequencies that I prefer using is CAFL - regularly updated - but you're so right about the 'confusion'. I'm often frustrated by it. http://www.electroherbalism.com/Bioelectronics/FrequenciesandAnecdotes/CAFL.htm
Shall write some more via email sometime - in fear of anyone thinking that I'm advertising for self gain here [&:] Prices are slowly becoming more competitive due to growing interest - AT LAST! The best zappers in my personal opinion are the 'automatic' ones, which mine isn't - and I find the timing 'thingy' 7 on 20 off etc etc a schlep [] Shall invest in an auto model soonest - I swear by these! [X(]
Thanks again [8D]
@

 

[SMARTi3 - H0W U DURRiN!!!]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Thanks for your kind words Andrew!
Can't recall whether I mentioned anywhere above that last week, my parents gave me an Acuhealth Pro 900 (Electro Acupuncture device) for my 50th B'day .... 2 months too early, but having received it from Oz, they were too excited not to pass it on ASAP I feel as tho' I'm repeating myself now ... forgive me! [&:] Dad's had one for YONKS and swears by it - (together with his huge collection of 'related' devices .... Med Eng ... what else can one expect!) The downside with this, is that it requires 'hands on' like Reiki and other therapies, which inhibit my 'clothing biz' activities that pay the bills! The beauty with Rife, is connecting the client and leaving them to watch something on TV, video or to read if they choose to opt for the foot pads whilst I sit in my office nearby .... listening out for the timer ... which, most often, WAKES THEM UP from a comfie nap Would love to take a look at that website if & when it 'jumps' out at you again [:-] I'll ask my 'folk' to remind you [sm=idea.gif]
Bye now [sm=wave.gif]
@[sm=jump2.gif]

 

[TEL BOY]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Don't set 'de family' on me - I surender - here it is -

http://www.ycyhealth.com/index.php

the english on the site is a bit, well Chinese, but they're very helpful & ship internationally. May help me if you drop name if you do any shoping. They've loads of stuff at good prices.

RE: your shiny new Electro Acupuncture device - if you've no previous experience - book on acupressure may be a good starting place. []

There a many different approaches to electro/needle acupuncture/pressure. Roughly grouped :-

There's the traditional approach (TCM) that invloves a full case history, examination, including tongue & pulse diagnosis, then treatment to restore the balance of chi in the meridians. It also involves lots of college study & practice. I have a lot of respect for this system & have often considered studying it, but felt that I couldn't afford the time out at present. The best compromise I found was an online study, in units, then a month or two intensive in China via the MedBoo site below.

http://www.medboo.com/eng/

Or the western/medical approach, which is largely for painful conditions where there is little doubt of the benefits of acupuncture. This appraoch varies from just treating focus/source of pain, muscles in spasm, course of 'nerve' pain, etc with a few important traditional points, such as - The 4 Gates (both Liver 3 & Large Intestine 4 points) or both Spleen 6.

There's also a kind of 'cook book recipe' approach with lists of conditions with common points used to treat these. These are often by chinese authors & can be picked up cheap on Ebay. I like these - the only downside being - because they're often translated diectly from chinese, they usually don't have an alphabetically ordered index or contents. Just adds to the mystique! [sm=scratchchin.gif]

I worked in industry for 10 years before I stepped out & found what it was that I really wanted to do. It involved large debts, adverse circumstances, etc, but I don't have a single regret. I figure it's because I'm an idealist & wasn't able to accept my lot & just do a job for a pay cheque at end of day. Also, I would like to say that my AK teacher was well into her 60's when she started studying the subject - so I believe it's a matter of - if you've a mind to do something, then do it! It won't necessarily be easy, but knowing your doing what you want to do seems more important - to me at least.

[sm=wave.gif]

 

[tflxzohw]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Hello Anahata!

A million thanks for all your help. I've read everything you wrote about the condition. You don't know how much I appreciate it! I was getting desperate... and really depressed. You see, I have never heard of prolapsed discs before. I thought my life was over...

I was told not to move and lay flat on my back and avoid movement at all cost. I did that for almost 2 weeks. I hope I haven't made matters worse.

I've noticed that my right leg (that is where the pain is) is a little smaller than my left one. I've already lost a bit of muscle.

You will think I'm some kind of idiot but... I really didn't know what an osteopath was. I've never been sick nor injured, that's probably the reason?

Funny thing about pain (I had so much time to reflex on the matter!)... first it takes all the room... slowly invades your life... and soon enough takes over you. Not too long ago, I felt I was just this big blob of pain.

For a few days now I've been hobbling around the house. With the help of meds and hot baths with Epsom salts it's not as bad as it was. Another strange thing : when I put a bit of my perfume I feel much better! Maybe it gives me the impression I'm being my old self again???

I'm sooooooooooooo glad we can all communicate and share via the Internet. Without all this info, I'd be pretty miserable. Again, thanks to all of you and especially you Anahata.

Have a great day all!

Thursday Oct 2nd - UPDATE **** I had the MRI results. It is indeed a prolapsed disc. Because I'm in a lot less pain today and I do show signs of improvement, I will see the doc Oct 30th for a reassessment of the situation. He is confident I should recover in a few weeks, without injections or surgery. My mood just got a wonderful boost today. I'm so happy. Funny how good news can make you feel so good... Byyeeeee!!!

 

[RanMariuoe]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Dear Marie

It's good to hear you're on the mend. I seemed to have acquired a talent for killing threads, so it's nice to knw my intention is not wasted.

At this stage I wouldn't rule out Inversion therapy - hangin upside down, as an idea to minimise need for surgery, but would still advise getting offending vertebral segment mobilised when stable for long term health.

Feel free to email if any concerns or complications.

I trust your told the consultant about loss of muscle tone/bulk. If it's a generalised thing it's normal, but if it's only a few specific muscles it may be a sign of a loss of nerve function & is more serious.

 

[Conway Twitty]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Hi folks... as anyone mentioned Bowen Technique yet? It certainly my choice treatment for back problems and is known to have great effects of slipped discs etc..

 

[Daniel Moll]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Hi

can anyone tell me what is the treatment for slipped disc. I have been in agony for 4 days. I can hardly walk when I sit I can harldy stand. doctor said its mechanical and put me off work for 2 weeks when he wants to see me again. I dont know how this happened. The day before it happened I was moving furniture at work at the request of my manager. I should have known better because under health and safety I should not be doing this. However, at the time I felt no pain, could that happen and then the next morning I took a sudden sharp pain in lower back which brought me to mt knees.

Please,please advise.

 

[globeweasel]

Low Back Problems & Prolapsed Disks.

Anahata - it's good to see this subject as a sticky (but it still doesn't seem to have stopped the individual threads on this subject). As well as being painful it is also a very emotive subject, the public must remember that most of the stories that are being told on here are by members who have not yet managed to cope with or get rid of their symptoms - the majority of back pain sufferers become completely painfree between episodes and life totally normal lives.

 

[Crimson Rebirth]

Agreed entirely with Kaz (welcome fellow newbie btw; I'd noticed the lack of physio forum too); also might be worth mentioning that there is a case for maintenance care between episodes for those with chronic/recurrent problems too, but should be offered on a case by case basis

My general advice for disk injuries:
Seeing a chiropractor or osteopath is exactly the right thing to do; you'll be having a clinical history and physical examination by an expert in the field. They ought also to keep your GP informed of their findings. They may or may not then recommend an MRI scan - as mentioned elswhere, there are reputable options around the £200-£250 region, and the chiro/osteo should explain fully the results of this scan to you, if done.
Most disc injuries don't need to be scanned, though it's generally a good idea; and can be treated conservatively; the chiro/osteo should go through a couple of treatment options with you, and discuss the risks and prognosis associated with each, though prognosis is often simply "guarded" (ie, fairly unpredictable, but worth a trial of care).
In my personal opinion, I would avoid spinal manipulation until it stabilises to a degree, I always start out with mobilisation techniques such as flexion-distraction, and I can only think of 1 patient where this has let me down; though there are, of course, many options.
Whatever treatment option is recommended and taken, various exercises should be introduced at the appropriate stages, to help strengthen the back again; this may be McKenzie exercises, rehab, pilates, yoga etc etc as is appropriate for the individual patient. I personally use McKenzie and co-contraction then refer for rehab/pilates, but wish I had facilities to do the rehab properly myself.
Another useful tool is a portable TENS machine, purely for pain management, very effective, and without the nastier potential side effects of medication; you'd probably need a physio to explain it properly though, as electrotherapy is an area traditionally ignored/looked down on by chiropractors, and I believe osteopaths too (I'm correcting this for myself, but holds true as a generalisation)

Hope that helps
Aidan (DC)