Use more sophisticated methods

Tue., Oct. 12, 2004

Peter Gott United Media

Dear Dr. Gott: I worked at a nursing home for nine years and we had a unique way of healing bedsores, which are so common among the infirm. We cleansed them with peroxide, filled the ulcers with sugar and placed the affected part under a heat lamp for 10 minutes, without the lamp being too close. Many people experienced relief this way and it may help some of your readers.

Dear Reader: I have been taken to task in the past, by specialists in wound care, when I endorsed the kind of simple strategy you describe for treating bed sores. I was told in no uncertain terms that such “home remedies” have been completely superseded by more sophisticated methods, of which there are several commercial varieties.

Bedsores can best be treated by frequently repositioning the patient. If the skin continues to break down, despite repositioning and good nursing care, techniques such as the Scott Protocol System (which uses special coverings and gels) are more appropriate than peroxide, sugar and heat. Sorry! Time marches on.

Dear Dr. Gott: I have an arthritic calcium growth on the second vertebra up from the base of my spine. I have severe pain in my neck, lower back and upper legs. Painkillers don’t stop the pain. Would it be beneficial to receive chiropractic treatment?

Dear Reader: Possibly. Calcium deposits may cause pain primarily by initiating muscle cramps and spasm that can be relieved by chiropractic manipulation.

In contrast, some calcium deposits can actually press on nerves, causing discomfort that cannot be cured by chiropractic therapy.

I see no reason why you should not try a chiropractor and if, after about two weeks, your pain has not subsided, then see an orthopedic surgeon for more definitive treatment, such as removal of the calcium spurs.

Back pain like yours is usually the consequence of abnormalities (such as a herniated disc) in the lower spine.

Therefore, along with addressing your neck problem, you and your doctors should also pay attention to the lower spine, where something might be awry, namely the calcium deposit. X-rays or an MRI of the area may solve the puzzle and enable you to receive therapy that is appropriate for your condition.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Managing Chronic Pain.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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