Archive for the ‘Musculo-Skeletal’ Category
Acupuncture for Elbow and Knee Pain
Chief Complaint: Chronic left elbow and knee pain
Western Diagnosis: Left triceps strain and left knee sprain
Medical History: Patient is a 37 year old female with a significant family history of arthritis, alcoholism and diabetes. Patient is married with two children, ages 5 and 2. Patient enjoys a well-balanced diet and would like to resume a regular workout activity. Patient complains of constant pain in left elbow and knee.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · 
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Tags: Acupuncture, arthritis, elbow, knee, pain · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal
Acupuncture for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Chief Complaint: neck and shoulder pain since 16 years
Medical History: young woman, 35, refugee immigrant from Cuba, married with one daughter; gave history of persistent neck and shoulder pain of 16 yrs duration which came and went and tended to become persistent; worse at end of day, post-stress. works hard at a job and homemaker; non-smoker drinker etc. Indigenous- American diet; obviously overworked; has been to hospitals, has had X rays, medications, to no avail. Heard of our Community Acupuncture Clinic Refugee Component and came for help.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, neck, pain, shoulder · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal
Acupuncture Treatment of Low Back Pain
Chief Complaint: Pain in lumbar region and back for 10 months, aggravated by turning body and not relieved by lying down
Medical History: 45 years male teacher smoker well-built, generally well, weight 95 kg and height 170 cm, with truncal obesity and sedentary way of life,MRI for lumbar region normal,
Questioning exam: his pain is worse in rainy days
and is more severe at night. but better with medication (analgesics).
Pulse exam: on examination locally tender areas at the back at level of lumbar vertebrae 3,4,and 5 no swelling or discoloration in the skin
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, low back pain · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal
The Oriental Medicine Treatment of Low Back Pain & Sciatica
Chief Complaint: lumbago (lower back pain) and sciatica on the left side
Western Diagnosis: lumbago, sciatica
Medical History: Patient is a 49 year old Caucasian female that has lumbago and occasional sciatica on the left side which is chronic (for 4-5 years) but can vary in intensity depending on various factors. Bloating and flatulence are an ongoing problem as is chronic sinus congestion, bad breath, vaginal discharge, depression, PMS and sore throats. Patient works for a legal firm as an a paralegal and has to work overtime weekly. She is Divorced with 2 younger children and 1 older child. Patient usually has only coffee and a bagel for breakfast, fast food for lunch and eats a late dinner past 8 o’clock in the evening. She lists chocolate as one of her favorite foods and she does light exercises (e.g walking) about 1 hour a week. Most of her free time is spent with her children and family events. She rarely has any “alone-time.”
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, Herbs, low back pain, sciatica · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal, Neurological
Acupuncture and Herbs for Muscle Spasms
Chief Complaint: muscle spasms
Medical History: Patient presents as 37 year old female. “Perfect health” until onset of current symptoms 5 months ago. Active lifestyle- feels best after exercise. Well balanced and moderate diet. Non-smoker, occasional wine, coffee daily.
Questioning exam: Onset of Symptoms: 5 months ago (symptoms started appearing shortly after giving birth). First symptom was closing of the eyelids. She was forced to hold her eyelids open with her fingers about 70% of the time. A few weeks later, her vocal cords tightened over the trachea and restricting breath. On her third trip to the ER, she was given a tracheostomy tube which she is still breathing through. Her vocal cords were then injected with botox in attempt to relax them. She then began suffering from dystonias in her neck, causing intense pain, rigidity, and a “bobble-head” appearance. She has seen 5 neurologists, who have prescribed a myriad of drugs from anti-anxiety to muscle relaxants to more botox. The drugs did not help her, but did cause unpleasant side-effects.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, Herbs, spasms · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal
Acupuncture Treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture
Chief Complaint: pain in left wrist and unable to fully extend fourth digit of that hand
Western Diagnosis: Dupuytren’s Contracture (palmar fibromatosis)
Medical History: Pleasant 39 year old female. Patient’s left fourth digit was flexed 45 degrees at the PIP joint, and not able to straighten or fully flex. Surgeon explained she would need surgery for the Dupuytren’s Contracture and may want to consider it for probable Carpal Tunnel problems, for these were not responding to past anti-inflammatory and conventional physical therapy. Patient is an active female bicyclist for over 20 years. Patient also has 20 year history of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Very stressed lifestyle, including great anxiety and physical challenges caring for a sick and elderly mother. Chronically stressed individual who generously cared for other people, but never took time for herself.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, Dupuytren's Contracture · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal
Acupuncture Treatment of Pain and Tightness in Legs
Chief Complaint: Pain and tightness in legs
Western Diagnosis: Sciatica, scoliosis
Medical History: Acid reflux (possible hiatal hernia),
GI sensitivity to meds, Lactose intolerance, does lots of physical labor at home,
Western meds and supplements
Celebrex: 50 mg
Synthroid
Glucosamine / Chondroiton sulfate
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, legs, pain · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal
Traditional Asian Medicine for Back and Neck Pain
Chief Complaint: back and neck pain
Western Diagnosis: myofascial pain syndrome, “herniated and bulging discs”
Medical History: The patient came for treatment in 2001.
The patient is female, 25yrs old.
5′ 6″ 160lbs
2 children ages 3 and 6
Employed in Customer service fora Medical Clinic
Severe pain began following MVA in 1987. Subsequent MVAs in 97, 98, 99, 00, and 01. Surgery on RS knee 3X.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, allergies, back pain, neck, pain · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal
Acupuncture Treatment of Ankle Pain
Chief Complaint: Decreased ROM and pain in ankle
Medical History: Patient had sprained her right ankle 6 months previous to first appointment. She had been to physiotherapy for 5 months without much improvement. ROM was limited to only 20% of normal ROM in both plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. Inversion was limited to about 30% of normal ROM. Pain was rated with testing movements at a grading of 4-5 out of 10. Pain increased with movement and this was particularly difficult as she is a swimming coach and a soccer player. Some swelling was also obvious around the external malleolus.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, ankles, pain · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal
Herbs and Acupuncture for Hip Cramps
Chief Complaint: Right hip/side cramps. Secondary complaints: low immunity, left tooth abscess (upper molar #16).
Medical History: Patient involved in MVA at age 14. She was a pedestrian hit by car. Multiple surgeries to repair fractured left femur and pelvis. Removal of left kidney and spleen. Currently, patient takes Chinese herbal supplements only.
Questioning exam: Patient is friendly and always smiles. Her voice sounds apologetic and she seems not comfortable in her body. When asked to show her tongue, patient always coughs, apologizes and says “ah”. Coping style is focused on removing herself from situation with girlish laugh and voice, and apologies.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, cramps, Herbs, hip · Posted in: Musculo-Skeletal
