Back Pain & Z-Joints - Acupuncture Health Minute
Facet joints connect one vertebrae to the next, are support structures, and assist in rotational motion of the spine. They are also known as zygapophyseal or apophyseal joints, or Z-joints. The facets work in tandem with the intervertebral disc, which is a spacer and provides support to motion between the vertebral bodies. Each vertebral joint comprises of two facets and one disc creating a tripod of stability. Degeneration or damage to one will affect the other. Aging and traumatic injury are the number one cause of degeneration and damage to the disc and facet joints causing back pain anywhere along the spine. This is commonly known as facet joint syndrome.
Integrative Medicine has a lot to offer people who are suffering from Facet Joint Syndrome. Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, and Massage therapy are a trifecta for pain relief. There are other adjunctive therapies that can also reduce pain and promote healing: BEMER therapy and homeopathic injection therapy.
The Hua Tuo Jia Ji points are comprised of 48 points in total that are located half an inch to an inch (0.5-1 cun) bi-lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of each vertebrae in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Acupuncture at these points innervates the deep paraspinal muscles. This stimulation of the muscle and the vertebrae directly affect the health of Kidney qi (energy) and jing (life essence).
In Chinese Medicine the Kidneys rule the bones and their health through Kidney Qi and Jing. The stimulation of the qi and jing can support the healing and strengthening of the bones and joints. Electrical Stimulation Acupuncture can increase the effectivity of the treatment.
Physiologically the close proximity of the medial dorsal primary nerve in the paraspinal area is located in the same area as the Hua Tuo Jia Ji points. The stimulation of this nerve through acupuncture could create a sedative effect to the nerve thereby relieving pain.
BEMER therapy works synergistically with Acupuncture to relieve pain and heal bones and joints. It increases the flow of blood through the smallest vessels by 29%. See the two minute video by Dr. Burka. You can enjoy an 8 minute BEMER treatment with Dr. Kitt at her St Armands location during a free 15 minute consultation.
Acupuncture point injection therapy can be a powerful adjunctive therapy to assist in the healing and pain relief of facet joint syndrome. Homeopathic injectable solutions such as Zeel® and Traumeel® made in Germany by a company Heel, Healthcare Designed by Nature. Zeel® Injection Solution is a homeopathic drug product indicated, in combination with Traumeel® Injection Solution, for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthrosis/osteoarthritis and/or rheumatic joint diseases, and for the relief of symptoms including pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.
If you live local to Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, St Armands Circle, Siesta Key, or Anna Maria Island please feel free to set up a 15 minute free consultation to discuss your condition with Dr. Kitt.