6 B
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Help for spinal
stenosis pain
DEAR DR. ROACH: I enjoyed
your informative article on spinal
stenosis. I also have acute and chron-
ic pain in my lower back. I am 75
years of age and have had vertebro-
plasty on seven vertebrae. I realize
that my back will not be normal
again. I am currently working with a
doctor who uses osteopathic manipu-
lation. He is suggesting prolotherapy
in conjunction with the manipulation.
I have tried the prolotherapy previ-
ously without any relief of pain.
What is your assessment of pro-
lotherapy therapy, or would you
advise me to go to a pain clinic? The
pain level in the lower back usually is
about 6 or higher on pain scale of 1 to
10.
I walk 3 miles every day in a gro-
cery store using a small grocery cart.
I am trying other exercises, even
working on a balance ball. But it just
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) An
unexpected problem should be handled
as quickly as possible so that it doesn’t
cause too much of a delay. Someone
who knows what you’re facing could
provide needed advice.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) An
unsettling situation seems to be taking
forever to be resolved. Fortunately,
your Bovine aptitude for patience is
strong this week, so you’ll be more
than able to wait it out.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
Taking a stand against an uncalled-for
situation involving a friend or co-work-
er isn’t easy, but somehow you’ll rise to
the challenge and do it. Rely on advice
from someone you trust.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) There
are still some questions on all sides that
need to be dealt with in order to allow
does not seem to improve. I would
greatly appreciate any advice you
could give me. — D.R.
ANSWER: Prolotherapy is the
injection of an irritant solution into a
space, designed to stimulate healing
and reduce pain. However, if it hasn’t
worked for you in the past, it is
unlikely to work for you again. On
the other hand, some studies have
shown prolotherapy to be modestly
effective when combined with spinal
manipulation.
A pain clinic has several modalities
available, including steroid injections
and pain medications. Unfortunately,
steroid injections have been shown to
be ineffective in back pain that is due
to spinal stenosis lasting beyond six
weeks.
It sounds like you are doing what
you can with exercise. I think contin-
uing with the manipulation and pro-
lotherapy as a trial of six weeks or so
is reasonable, and at that point you
can continue if it begins helping. If
not, you can try a pain specialist, as
there are effective non-narcotic med-
ications that may be of help, in com-
bination with your continued exer-
cise.
However, I think that an experi-
enced physical therapist may be able
to guide your exercises more effec-
tively.
DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband
drinks tonic water with quinine every
day because he was told that it will
help alleviate his leg cramps. He
drinks as much as 1 1/2 quarts a day.
Is that much safe? If not, what is a
safe amount? — D.V.
ANSWER: Many people have
found that quinine relieves leg
cramps. However, the Food and Drug
Administration banned sales of qui-
nine for leg cramps due to unproven
effectiveness and the possibility of
side effects. Quinine in large doses
can cause abnormal heart rhythms,
blood problems and even organ fail-
ure.
However, the amount of quinine in
tonic water is quite small, compared
with quinine tablets. One common
brand has 17mg in a liter, so your hus-
band is getting about 25mg. The qui-
nine tablets formerly prescribed for
leg cramps were 200mg. Toxic effects
are unlikely at the dose in quinine
water. Some people are allergic to
quinine, in which case even the small
dose in tonic water could potentially
cause problems.
Your husband can keep on as he’s
been doing if he finds that it helps.
hurt feelings to heal. Get your work-
place tasks done early so that you can
devote more time to loved ones.
LEO (July 23 to August 22)
Consider a new spring makeover that
will show all you Leos and Leonas in
your best light. A new hairdo and some
fashionable new clothes can help put a
fresh glow on your image.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Some stormy, emotional weather
can blow up in the workplace when an
irate co-worker has strong words for
you. But if you believe right is on your
side, you’ll be able to ride it out.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) Creating more balance in your life
is especially important now so that
you’re not distracted when you get into
projects that will make demands on
both your physical and mental ener-
gies.
SCORPIO
(October
23
to
November 21) As much as you enjoy
being right when others are not, show
your generous side by offering to use
what you know to everyone’s benefit.
This way, you gain admirers and avoid
resentment.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) This is a good week for
the Archer to aim at healing relation-
ships. Whether it’s at home, at work or
among your friends, get everyone to set
things straight and make a fresh start.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Although you like things
done your way, this is a good time to
listen to ideas from others. You might
even find yourself agreeing with one or
more of their suggestions.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) Aspects favor positive
action to reclaim your ideas from
someone who might want the glory
without doing any of the work. Expect
to find many people rallying to support
you.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
You might feel uneasy about taking
that step forward at work or in your pri-
vate life. But who knows better than
you that while treading water keeps
you afloat, it doesn’t get you anywhere.
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