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Chronic Pain: Integrative Strategies for Relief

Chronic Pain: Integrative Strategies for Relief

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Finding relief from chronic pain may feel like a never-ending, uphill battle. Maybe you’ve been prescribed a medication or you’ve tried some type of therapy to address your most debilitating symptoms only for your pain to eventually return. Or, maybe you’ve gotten to the point of accepting life with it. Many people can’t even fathom attempting to get rid of it because it’s physically and emotionally exhausting to try. Indeed, your chronic pain may never fully go away, but if you are living with chronic pain you must understand the following:

  1. Chronic pain will generally get worse over time and the longer it is neglected the more complex the healing process can be. If you have chronic pain, that means you have been living with a condition for months at minimum, and more likely for years. You may not feel ready now, but the longer you wait to address your condition, the longer the treatment process can be.
  2. Chronic pain is not just physical discomfort, it is intricately tied to our emotional well-being. It is estimated that 60% of patients who have chronic pain, also have depression and this relationship is bidirectional (meaning that depression can cause pain and vice versa). Research also confirms that the more severe your pain is, the more severe your depression becomes, with the reverse also being true. The longer you live with chronic pain the higher your risk of developing anxiety or depression.
  3. Chronic pain is a symptom of inflammation. Inflammation can stem from any number of conditions that are taxing to the body such as an illness or disorder, an injury, infection, toxicity, or nutritional deficiencies, and can be cumulative in their inflammatory effect. Heightened inflammation can affect the nervous system and undermine the function of your immune system exacerbating both physical and emotional pain. Without addressing the underlying source(s) of inflammation, your chronic pain will not get better or go away. Once the inflammation is addressed, the severity and frequency of symptoms can improve, sometimes drastically and sometimes completely.

How We Can Help

Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals who specialize in treating chronic pain is key. You want a pain specialist who will 1) uncover ALL of the reasons why your body is inflamed and in pain, and 2) offer you a comprehensive and multifaceted treatment so your healing is as complete as it can be. This functional medicine approach is centered on improving the function of your body as a whole. This may not mean living completely pain-free, it means getting back your energy to reengage in life and feel good both mentally and physically.

Our team is made up of physicians, nurses, PTs, a nutritionist, a psychotherapist, and an acupuncturist so that the most appropriate treatment for you is available under one roof. We will take time to explore the onset of your pain, the specific nature of your symptoms, and the overall status of your health. Once accurately diagnosed we’ll work with you to come up with targeted solutions that suit your lifestyle and your preferences.

Our Integrative Treatments

Integrative medicine combines the best of conventional and alternative treatments to get the outcome you need to live with less pain and an improved quality of life. Your chronic pain could be treated by one or a combination of the following,

  • Manual Therapies (osteopathic manipulative medicine, physical therapy)
    Osteopathic techniques restore function to an unbalanced and restricted musculoskeletal system. Gentle stretching and manipulation can improve the mobility of your muscles, soft tissues, and joints, for an improved range of motion. In the same vein, physical therapy will employ exercises to restore function to a particular area. When manual therapy is recommended, you and your provider will discuss which type is most appropriate for your condition.
  • Injection Therapies (prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma/PRP, perineural injections/PIT, trigger point injections, steroid injections)
    Depending on the nature and location of your pain, injection therapy may be recommended. While all injection therapies deliver some type of solution to a targeted area, some are used to treat musculoskeletal injuries, and others are used for treating neuropathic pain.
  • Nutrition and Lifestyle Modifications
    Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in managing chronic pain. Certain foods and beverages, such as inflammatory foods, caffeine, and alcohol, may exacerbate pain symptoms, while others, such as anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants, and vitamins, can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. If inflammation in the gut or food sensitivities are identified, it’s even more crucial to make changes to your nutrition right away to control the inflammation they may be causing.
  • Detoxification Therapy
    When toxins accumulate in the body over a long period, it can cause damage to your tissues and organs and a toxicity disorder can develop. Unidentified pain can sometimes be caused by such disorders. If toxicity is suspected and confirmed via testing, medications may be prescribed to bind to and eliminate the harmful toxins from your body.
  • Acupuncture, Biofeedback, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
    Therapies based on the connection between the mind and body can greatly influence our physical health and emotional well-being. Practices such as acupuncture, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals with chronic pain learn to manage their symptoms more effectively.
    ♦ Acupuncture – involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing
    ♦ Biofeedback – teaches individuals to control physiological responses such as heart rate and muscle tension through relaxation techniques
    ♦ Cognitive-behavioral therapy – helps identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to chronic pain
  • Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
    Chronic pain and stress often go hand in hand, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates discomfort. Learning to manage stress and incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine can help lower inflammation (this is proven!) and reduce your perception of pain. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation can promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and foster a sense of well-being, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or connecting with nature, can also help to distract you from pain and improve your overall outlook on life.
  • Exercise and Movement
    Physical activity is crucial for managing chronic pain since it helps strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and release endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers. While it’s essential to choose activities that are gentle on your body and appropriate for your condition, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can have significant benefits. This may include activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi, which promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall physical function. Start slowly, listen to your body, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as tolerated.

The complexities of chronic pain are not just in its causes but in its effects. It can lead to decreased mobility, a constant state of alertness, and emotional distress. We can help you. We understand that your chronic pain is as unique as you are. We also understand that how and when you choose to address your pain is no small decision. Our team is ready to support you every step of the way.

If you have been experiencing chronic pain and need help managing the condition, be sure to speak to one of our experienced nurses today. Please give us a call at 703-532-4892.

References:

Roughan WH, Campos AI, García-Marín LM, Cuéllar-Partida G, Lupton MK, Hickie IB, Medland SE, Wray NR, Byrne EM, Ngo TT, Martin NG, Rentería ME. Comorbid Chronic Pain and Depression: Shared Risk Factors and Differential Antidepressant Effectiveness. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Apr 12;12:643609. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643609. PMID: 33912086; PMCID: PMC8072020.

Drug Free Migraine Treatments

5 Ways to Treat a Migraine without Drugs

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As migraine sufferers will attest, a migraine headache can be caused by any number of factors, meaning that there is no one-size-fits-all remedy. Therefore, keeping an open mind and exploring some alternative treatments could actually be the key to becoming migraine-free. Fortunately, people seeking migraine relief have a wide range of treatments available to them, outside the realm of conventional medicine, that are clinically-proven to help reduce migraine frequency and severity.

Here are 5 drug free migraine treatments that can help keep your migraine at bay:

1. Craniosacral Therapy — By using a gentle, “light-touch” to help release both emotional and physical imbalances that have been stored in the body’s membranes and connective tissue, craniosacral therapy allows the body to respond and relax. Practitioners trained in craniosacral therapy are able to feel and monitor changes in the body by placing their hands in the areas that are the source of dysfunction, following the body’s cues as it works to release the tensions that are causing pain. Over time this non-invasive touch helps decrease the symptoms of headache and migraine.

2. Acupuncture — According to a review of 22 clinical trials studying more than 4,000 migraine sufferers, acupuncture was found to be as effective as medication – and sometimes even more effective than medication – for preventing migraines.

Questions? Give Us a Call!

703-532-4892 x2

3. Nutritional Supplements — People who suffer with frequent migraines often look to vitamins and/or supplements in place of prescription medication. Riboflavin (vitamin B2), magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have all demonstrated protective effects against migraines.

Although side-effects are generally milder than those from prescription medications, supplementing is not risk free. Make sure to buy from a reliable source and talk to your doctor about dosages and possible interactions with other medications.

4. Trigger Point Therapy — Sometimes headache pain can be caused or worsened by trigger points or a strain/sprain located in the neck. If this is the case, trigger point injections can be very effective in relaxing tight areas in the neck and back, thereby reducing the incidence and severity of migraines.

5. Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy — Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT), also known as Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), is a non-invasive, manual therapy that relieves tense muscles, tendons, and ligaments to allow the body to work more efficiently. A number of studies have shown that the hands-on techniques used in OMT, including massage, soft tissue and muscle stretching, and joint mobilization, are particularly effective for preventing migraines.

When it comes to migraines, symptoms vary from individual-to-individual, so prevention and treatment options may have mixed levels of success depending on an individual’s medical condition, history, and specific needs. Thinking outside-the-box when considering treatment options is the best approach when searching for relief from migraine symptoms.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

This article originally appeared in Dr. Kaplan’s column on MindBodyGreen.com. It was reviewed and updated on 4/4/2023.

 

acupuncture_for_allergies

Acupuncture for Allergies

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Warm weather means flowers, gardens, and outdoor activities for most people but for those suffering from allergic rhinitis or “hay fever”, it means familiar but unwelcome symptoms. One in five people in the United States has some type of allergy whether they are environmental allergies such as trees, grass, or pollen, or indoor allergies like dust, animal dander, and molds.

The Lung System

In Chinese medicine, the lung includes the organ along with its corresponding energetic system. The lung is responsible for respiration, dispersing energy from the breath throughout the body, and protecting the body through the immune system. Allergies are considered a weakness of the lung system resulting in symptoms of the nose and throat, which are considered an extension of the lung. This is the same mechanism that can leave people vulnerable to colds and flus, including COVID-19. Just as in Western medicine, the defense against pathogens is in a hyper-alert state causing an immune response to a substance that is usually not harmful. By strengthening the lung, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can modulate the immune system affecting or normalizing the response to such triggers and offering better protection against pathogens.

Making a Diagnosis

Diagnosis in Chinese medicine is based on a collection of signs and symptoms from multiple systems throughout the body. The respiratory system is just one place where we might find these clues to determine the unique pattern. If you see an acupuncturist, they will ask a series of questions to identify the diagnosis. In addition to the classic allergy symptoms, it’s important to know what else is happening in the body. Symptoms such as fatigue, frequent sweating, digestive problems, food allergies, and even emotions can be important in making a diagnosis. By viewing the body in a holistic way, the root of the problem can be addressed without simply focusing on the individual symptoms.

Treatment

For allergies, a typical acupuncture treatment will strengthen the lung through the lung meridian with acupuncture points located on the wrist and chest. Acupuncture points over the sinuses can reduce secretions and drain congestion. Chinese herbal medicine is very useful to reduce inflammation, decrease sinus congestion, and address deficiencies in the immune system. Each individual is different, and herbal formulas and acupuncture treatments are customized for each person.

Acupressure, which targets the same acupoints as acupuncture, can also be an effective remedy for relieving sinus pressure. For some simple DIY acupressure techniques, see Rebecca’s video below!

Research Studies:

Within the last decade randomized controlled studies have concluded that acupuncture helps with allergy symptoms compared to control groups. Early reviews of clinical research showed insufficient evidence for acupuncture’s effect on allergic rhinitis, mostly due to poor studies. While the exact mechanism is unclear, acupuncture is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. It can decrease histamine production, downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, neuropeptides, and neutrophins.

In sum, if allergy symptoms are not relieved using conventional medicines, acupuncture and Chinese herbs may be a good alternative or adjunct treatment.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

Kilimanjaro closing ceremonies

Road to Kilimanjaro: It’s a Wrap!

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In January Rebecca Berkson successfully climbed the highest single free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro! Congratulations, Rebecca, on this amazing accomplishment!

We’re so happy that Rebecca decided to share her experience with us. Watch all her updates from her first days of training (see playlist at the bottom of this page) right through to the Closing Ceremonies.

Descent, Closing Ceremonies, and Safari

Though Rebecca’s Kilimanjaro adventure has come to an end, her memories will last a lifetime! Rebecca shares her final thoughts about her experience – the highs and the lows – and some great moments from the Closing Ceremonies and her post-climb safari.

Day 6: The Summit

After months of physical training and mental preparation Rebecca met her goal of climbing to Kilimanjaro’s summit! A true testament to what we can accomplish when we put our minds to it. Bravo, Rebecca!

Playlist – You can view all of Rebecca’s previous updates here:

 

 

Chronic Back Pain with Acupuncture

Relieve Your Chronic Back Pain with Acupuncture

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Back pain affects 70% of Americans in their lifetime and is currently the leading cause of disability. With the limited options typically offered for pain management by medical professionals, many of those who suffer from back pain find themselves depending on prescription painkillers, despite their many negative side-effects and the risk of addiction with long-term use. Acupuncture, on the other hand, is a non-narcotic and VERY effective treatment for chronic back pain – and it’s a treatment method that we use frequently at The Kaplan Center.

Acupuncture involves the placement of fine needles on the body for the purpose of reducing pain and treating various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. It is thought to work by blocking pain messages to the brain with competing stimuli through the release of endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers – and the secretion of neurotransmitters, which affect one’s perception of pain.

Questions? Give Us a Call!

703-532-4892 x2

While acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, it is also standing the test of modern research. In 2007 the results of a large study of over 1,100 patients with chronic back pain was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. After 10 treatments, the group that received acupuncture had a 47% improvement in pain and functioning after six months, compared to a 27% improvement among those who received more conventional care involving medications and physical therapy. (Unfortunately, while there are also studies focusing on spinal lumbar stenosis, they are inconclusive due to poor methodologies and research biases.) The American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guidelines in 2017 and the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain in 2016 both recommended acupuncture in place of opioids as non pharmacological interventions along with massage therapy, spinal manipulations, and yoga.

At The Kaplan Center, a patient’s initial visit includes a complete health assessment covering the history of the pain, as well as other potential health concerns such as sleep, digestion, and additional musculoskeletal issues. A holistic approach is used to provide maximum pain relief and healing – even in complex cases of postoperative pain and arthritis. It is recommended to do a course of at least 8 acupuncture treatments, which may include adjunct treatments, such as heat therapy or “moxibustion,” Chinese herbal medicine, and electro-acupuncture. Most patients report benefits after a few sessions though many notice changes immediately following the initial visit.

In sum, acupuncture is a low risk, nonpharmacological intervention that is effective in reducing pain, helping to improve the quality of life for chronic pain sufferers.

– Rebecca Berkson, L.Ac, Dipl. O.M.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

Infertility

Using Acupuncture to Boost Fertility

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– Are you over 35 and concerned about your ability to become pregnant?
– Are you under 35 and having difficulty conceiving?
– Do you have a condition that may be undermining your ability to become pregnant?

Dealing with infertility can be frustrating, financially draining, and in some cases, can lead to feelings of hopelessness. The problem of infertility is far from rare, however; according to an often-cited research study, fully 10-15% of couples in the US have difficulty conceiving.

Fortunately, medical breakthroughs including new medications, and high-technology treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), have helped many couples overcome fertility problems. But unfortunately, IVF and/or IUI can be a difficult journey for couples when the expected results are not achieved.

Medical research has demonstrated that acupuncture, which has been used for thousands of years to alleviate pain and boost the body’s immune system is a safe and clinically effective treatment for boosting fertility.

How does acupuncture help to improve fertility in women?

To date, most of the research on acupuncture and infertility has examined the effect of acupuncture when administered at or near the time of the IVF embryo transfer. As noted above, however, acupuncture elicits several beneficial physiological responses in the body, so it can be an effective, low-cost, and safe treatment not only for women undergoing IVF but for anyone wishing to get pregnant.

  1. Acupuncture increases uterine and ovarian blood flow.
  2. Acupuncture increases oxygenated blood flow and thickens the uterine lining, increasing the chance of conceiving.
  3. Acupuncture modulates the body’s neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system is the combination of the nervous and endocrine systems.
  4. Acupuncture stimulates the brain to release hormones that then stimulate the ovaries, adrenals, and other organs involved in reproduction.
  5. Acupuncture decreases the body’s stress response. Stress can contribute to infertility, and acupuncture mitigates the body’s stress response.

Overall, the research is very strong

Numerous studies have shown that pregnancy success rates increase when acupuncture is provided in conjunction with IVF (a process where the woman’s eggs are removed, fertilized with the man’s sperm, and then the healthy embryos are then implanted in the woman’s uterus).

In general, a woman may be up to 65% more likely to become pregnant if she is receiving acupuncture combined with IVF treatments, as compared to receiving IVF treatments alone.

Of course, men also can have infertility issues, and although there are fewer studies examining male infertility and acupuncture, the existing research suggests that acupuncture also plays a positive role in improving male fertility.

Finally, and just as important, the research indicates that there are no adverse side effects associated with using acupuncture to treat infertility.

Each couple’s infertility situation is unique

In women, medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) can affect ovulation and thereby undermine their ability to conceive.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excess alcohol use, stress, poor diet, excessive athletic training, and maintaining an unhealthy weight can create obstacles to getting pregnant.

Finally, age also plays a prominent role in fertility. As the years pass, a woman’s ovaries gradually become less able to release eggs, and the eggs produced are fewer and less robust. This said it is still very possible to have a healthy baby (or babies!) at an older age. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of women have their first child after age 35!

If you are under 35 and have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a year or more, talk with your physician to determine what fertility treatments would be most effective for you.

If you are over 35 and interested in getting pregnant, fertility experts recommend not waiting more than 6 months before seeking professional, medical assistance. Your doctor should administer fertility tests to determine the root of the problem. Identifying the cause of infertility will help determine the best course of action.

Most importantly, don’t lose hope.

At The Kaplan Center, we can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan, paying special attention to any chronic medical issues you may have, measuring your intracellular magnesium and vitamin-D levels, assessing your hormone balance, and helping you manage any situational stress you may be experiencing. We will partner with you to create a treatment plan that includes acupuncture, and we will be happy to coordinate your care with your fertility specialist or aid you in choosing a specialist.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

Moving Forward with Back Pain

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Has living with chronic low back pain affected your productivity, mobility, and overall ability to enjoy life?

In the United States, it’s estimated that nearly 16 million adults experience chronic back pain, making it one of the most costly health expenses annually and one of the most common complaints heard in doctors’ offices. Causes can include injury, disease (i.e. arthritis, cancer), obesity, poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, even infection.

Patients with acute and sub-acute cases (pain that goes away within 3 months) may find that their pain improves over time without treatment of any kind. But not everyone has the ability to simply wait it out. In these cases, and when the pain becomes chronic, the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends that non-invasive and non-drug therapies like exercise, acupuncture, massage, yoga, and other mind-body therapies should be the first line of treatment over surgery and narcotics, and we agree!

Remember, chronic pain, including low back pain, is a symptom of inflammation. Without targeting the root cause of the inflammation and treating it, your pain symptoms will not improve. Mind-body therapies help calm the inflammatory process in the body, promote healing, and present little to no risk to the patient.

Here are a few common misconceptions about treating back pain that can contribute to a slower recovery.

Myth: Exercise makes back pain even worse

Putting the brakes on exercise may seem like a good idea when you’re feeling pain symptoms, but research shows that the opposite is true. Strengthening and stretching exercises combined with aerobic activity will improve back pain symptoms by increasing blood flow, improving range of motion and flexibility, and strengthening core muscles.

· Physical Therapy is a great place to start if you’re concerned about further injuring or straining your back. Physical therapists have outstanding manual skills with a comprehensive understanding of body mechanics. They can work with you to decrease pain, improve movement, and provide instruction on how to continue moving safely in your everyday life.

· Going for a walk is one of the easiest ways to stay active. Try taking a short walk every day to keep your heart pumping and blood flowing.

· The poses, controlled breathing, and meditation involved in the practice of yoga can not only improve symptoms of chronic low back pain but can lower instances of depression and use of medication. As reducing back pain requires improving core strength, yoga is great for increasing core stability and strength while increasing awareness of other areas that may need stretching and strengthening.

Watch: Sun Salutations A & B with Dr. Lisa Lilienfield

Questions? Give Us a Call!

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Myth: NSAIDs can’t hurt

Occasional use of NSAIDs can certainly be helpful if patients have seen little improvement with non-invasive treatments. But a big misconception about these OTC (over the counter) painkillers is that they’re completely safe and harmless. Regular use of NSAIDs can lead to problems with gut ulcers, liver damage, and kidney damage. Ironically NSAIDs can even heighten one’s sensitivity to pain. People who take them more than once a week should discuss this with their physician.

Myth: Mind-body therapies are unscientific

Dismissing the benefits of mind-body therapies is at the least, misguided. There is a mountain of evidence that supports the use of alternative therapies for pain management.

· Acupuncture: This 2000-year-old practice is thought to work by blocking pain messages to the brain with competing stimuli that cause an increase of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and the secretion of neurotransmitters, which affect one’s perception of pain.

In 2007 the results of a large study of over 1,100 patients with chronic back pain were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. After 10 treatments, the group that received acupuncture had a 47% improvement in pain and functioning after six months.

Read: Relieve Your Chronic Back Pain with Acupuncture

· Massage Therapy: A 2011 study concluded that people who were treated with massage therapy, whether relaxation massage or structural massage (deep tissue massage), for their chronic back pain, saw benefits that lasted at least 6 months.

· Meditation: A study reported in the Journal of Neuroscience showed that patients who had received only a little more than 60 minutes of meditation training were able to dramatically reduce their experience of pain. Patients experienced a reduction in “pain intensity” of about 40 percent and a reduction in “pain unpleasantness” of 57 percent. According to the lead author of the study, Fadel Zeidan, “Meditation produced a greater reduction in pain than even morphine or other pain-relieving drugs, which typically reduce pain ratings by about 25 percent.”

Bottom line

Whether you have an acute, sub-acute, or chronic case of low back pain, the first line of treatment should be a therapy that can help calm the body’s inflammatory process naturally and safely. While there is unquestionably a time and a place for surgery or narcotics, medical evidence indicates that conservative treatment of low-back pain is often as effective.

If low back pain is interfering with your quality of life, please give us a call to learn more about how we can help with these wonderful and science-based therapies that can benefit your mind, body, and soul.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options

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Anxiety is loosely defined as an emotion that is characterized by feelings of tension and worried thoughts. Family, finances, health or relationships are all things that we experience anxiety over. This is normal. However, anxiety that starts to overwhelm an individual or affects how they live their day to day life can be harmful.

At the Kaplan Center, we think about anxiety a little bit differently. A growing body of research suggests that it might not be a mental disorder in and of itself, but rather a symptom of physical inflammation stemming from the brain. Celiac disease, an unhealthy diet or thyroid disease are just a few conditions that may be related to anxiety. By recognizing these connections, we are able to take a broader approach to diagnosing and treating anxiety.

Symptoms of anxiety

It is important to separate the normal anxiety that we all experience from a more serious anxiety disorder. Some of the following are things to look for:

  • Worry and fear that are constant and overwhelming.
  • Responding to certain events or situations with extreme fear or dread. This may be accompanied by physical signs of anxiety such as a pounding heart, trembling and sweating.
  • Anxiety that interferes with your day-to-day activities or stops you from carrying out routine tasks.
  • Edginess and restlessness.
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Diagnosis of anxiety

The diagnosis of anxiety is one that should be made by a healthcare professional. At the Kaplan Center, we recognize that the causes of anxiety revolve around an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and feelings. In almost all instances, diagnosing anxiety does not require any invasive medical tests.

Our doctors take the time to speak to patients about these issues and allow them to discuss their anxiety as they experience it. To help diagnose anxiety we’ll ask you a few questions about:

  • Past medical history
  • Family history
  • Medication history
  • Social history

Treating anxiety

The under-recognition and under-treatment of anxiety is a widespread problem. Because anxiety can have physical symptoms, it makes the treatment somewhat challenging for traditional medicine to deal with.

At the Kaplan Center, after diagnosing anxiety our goal is to offer treatments that help address the root causes of the condition. Therefore, we offer a wide range of treatment options tailored to each individual. This may include:

We work with patients to create a personalized treatment plan that’s suited to their needs.

In many cases, anxiety is not a single-treatment condition. A holistic approach, such as the one we favor at the Kaplan Center allows us to look at the whole patient. We may suggest one or more of the treatments listed above or include other elements that fit your lifestyle.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4610617/
https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/

 

 

Why You Should Get Your Shingles Vaccine

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According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 1 out of 3 people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime. Shingles is a painful viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the very same virus that causes chickenpox. The reason for this is that the virus never completely leaves the body, instead, it remains inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain and years later it may reactivate as shingles.

What do you need to know?

  1. Most cases of shingles occur in people who are over 50 and the risk continues to increase as you get older.
  2. A weakened immune system may also put you at higher risk.
  3. Shingles can cause severe pain. The most common symptom is a painful skin rash that usually appears on either side of your torso or can affect the trigeminal nerve around and over the eye. The rash and accompanying symptoms can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks and unfortunately for some, the pain can last for months, or even years, after the rash goes away. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of shingles, affecting approximately 10-15% of shingles cases. Integrative treatments that can help ease the pain of PHN include acupuncture, medications, stress reduction techniques, and IV therapy.
  4. You can get shingles more than once. If you have had shingles you should not assume that you will not have it again!
  5. In 2017, the Food & Drug Administration approved a new, more effective vaccine called Shingrix. This new vaccine is reported to be more than 90% effective when taken as recommended according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This is a far higher effectiveness rate than the old vaccine, Zostavax. For maximum effectiveness, the vaccine is given in two shots, 2-6 months apart.

Who should get the vaccine? 

Adults over 50 years old who:

  • have had chickenpox or can’t remember if they have had chickenpox
  • have already had shingles
  • have already been vaccinated with the Zostavax vaccine

If you meet the criteria above or have questions about the vaccine, talk to your primary care physician right away.

Getting vaccinated will significantly reduce your risk of getting shingles and the complications that it may cause.

If you have questions about the Shingrix vaccine or if you are not sure if you are a good candidate, ask them if it’s right for you. You can also visit https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/index.html for more information from the CDC.

If you currently have shingles and would like to talk to a nurse about our treatment protocol, call us today at 703-532-4892.

woman getting an acupuncture treatment

5 Things You Didn’t Know Acupuncture Could Treat

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Acupuncture and pain relief go hand in hand. Every month new research is published confirming that acupuncture can effectively relieve a variety of pain conditions from migraines to back pain. In fact, there has been so much research in support of its efficacy that in the battle to fight opioid dependency, some major medical organizations are now rewriting their directives to recommend acupuncture and other non-pharmacological treatments along with, or in place of, more conventional treatments.

  • As of January 1, 2018, the Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, mandated that accredited hospitals are required to provide acupuncture and other non-pharmacological pain management modalities as a strategy option for managing pain.
  • The guidelines of the American College of Physicians’ (ACP), updated in 2017, now “strongly recommend” physicians to look first at non-drug therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and other mind-body techniques, for treating acute, sub-acute and chronic cases of low back pain.

Acupuncture treatment, which involves inserting very thin needles under the skin, is especially appealing because it is relatively safe and has very few side effects. And while most people are most familiar with its role in treating pain, there are also many lesser-known conditions that acupuncture treats effectively.

Here are 5 conditions you didn’t know that acupuncture could treat:

1. Environmental Allergies
An article in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy recommended acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for allergic rhinitis. The sniffling, sneezing, and runny nose that some people can experience in one season, or even all year long, can sometimes be managed with antihistamines. But for those who are not satisfied with conventional medicine or suffer from side effects of medications acupuncture can be beneficial. Studies have shown people with acupuncture had reduced allergy symptoms and required less antihistamine medication compared to control groups. Studies have even shown that acupressure on specific points on the face and ears can be helpful with no needles at all.

2. Symptoms of Menopause
Acupuncture can reduce the frequency of hot flashes and night sweats, symptoms that the majority of women experience during the period of menopause. A recent study showed a reduction in symptoms by 40%. Maximum benefits are experienced after eight treatments, and the benefits lasted for 6 months after the treatments stopped. While acupuncture alone can help reduce the symptoms of menopause, some cases may require a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for increased effect. The hormone balancing effect of acupuncture can also help with other symptoms of menopause including insomnia and mood changes.

3. Healing Scars
There are several ways to heal scars using Chinese medicine. Acupuncture needles can stimulate healing, and moxibustion, a warming treatment, can increase circulation. Liniments (soothing lotions to reduce pain) such as Zheng gu shui, aloe vera, or Vitamin E can be applied to encourage healing.  Older scars and scar tissue can also be worked on even if they are decades old. This can help with increased mobility and decreased appearance. Direct scar treatments should not be used until after 1 month after an injury or post-surgery to avoid infection.

4. Stress Reduction
We don’t need to explain the experience of stress. Unfortunately, this is all too common for most Americans. It is at the root of a whole host of problems from digestive problems, menstrual cramps, depression, and chronic pain.  Acupuncture has long been known to produce relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and increase mood. Recent studies have shown in biological models exactly why this is happening. We know that acupuncture releases endorphins, our body’s natural opioids. These are largely responsible for the pain-relieving effect. But these neurotransmitters also produce a relaxation response. Researchers at Georgetown University have shown that acupuncture in clinical models releases endorphins and lowered stress hormones including the sympathetic NPY peptide pathway. This is important evidence that suggests acupuncture can protect against the stress response.

5. Reduce Wrinkles
Cosmetic acupuncture* (also known as facial rejuvenation) is for people who are looking for a natural, alternative way to reduce the signs of aging and improve inner vitality for a healthy appearance to their face. Acupuncture provides a non-toxic, non-surgical way of looking and feeling your best at any age. The main benefit is a brighter and healthier-looking complexion. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin by increasing circulation to the face, nourishing the skin and stimulating natural collagen production. It relaxes tension in the facial muscles for a more relaxed face. It’s not just a cosmetic process, you also get the benefits of an acupuncture treatment that has been shown to boost the immune system, reduce pain, relax and calm the body. Initial visits are ninety minutes and follow-up sessions are one hour. It generally takes six sessions and one month to start building collagen. Many report a glow to the skin after the first session. It’s recommended to get a series of twelve sessions, with weekly visits initially, and then every other week or once per month for maintenance. Acupuncture can be a complement to other cosmetic treatments, but people should consult their providers as to how long to wait after fillers, injections, and other dermatological treatments. A 30-minute consult is available for more information.

* Cosmetic acupuncture patients must have received a diagnostic exam by a licensed physician within the last 6 months and provide a documented recommendation for the treatment.