Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that people who have undergone a traumatic, dangerous or extremely stressful event, such as soldiers and rape victims, can develop. Witnessing traumatic incidents or hearing about them can also cause PTSD. Most people will experience some form of trauma in their lifetimes, and almost one out of 10 pople will develop PTSD, according to the Canadian Medical Health Association.

Causes
The underlying cause of PTSD is that there has been a change in the normal “fight-or-flight” response in the brain, causing anxiety even after the danger has passed. The danger can be either psychological or physical, and both children and adults are susceptible. In addition, evidence supports a genetic predisposition to PTSD.

It’s important to clarify here that it is entirely normal for people to take time to cope after experiencing trauma. But when traumatic reactions persist or worsen or cause conflicts in your life, that’s when you may be suffering from PTSD.

Symptoms
There are three major groupings of PTSD symptoms: emotional numbness, anxiety and intrusive memories. Again, your symptoms have to persist, at least for 1 month, for your doctor to diagnose you with PTSD, but in some cases it is possible not to experience any symptoms for years after the incident.

If you have experienced a traumatic event, these symptoms may indicate that you have PTSD:

• Re-experiencing the traumatic event mentally in the form of flashbacks or nightmares
• Bleak outlook for future
• Self-destructive behavior
• Overpowering feelings of emotion such as guilt or shame
• Memory blocks
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia
• Hypervigilance
• Functional impairment in important areas of your life such as relationships and occupation.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms a month after a traumatic event, see a professional to find out if you may be suffering from PTSD.

Treatment
Treatment for PTSD can include medication and psychotherapy, and has been shown to help people feel like they’re in control of their lives again and learn mechanisms to help cope. It’s normal to feel like your life is out of your control after a traumatic event. But if this persists for more than a month then it’s time to see a medical professional. As with many disorders, getting help as early as possible can stop the problem from worsening and lower the chances of long-term harm.

Therapies that can help with PTSD include cognitive therapy, a type of talk therapy and exposure therapy, in which you confront the source of your trauma in a safe manner. Medication that can help includes anti-anxiety medication and Prazosin, a drug that can help with flashbacks. But what works for one person won’t necessarily work for others. It’s important to remember that trauma is a personal thing, and the therapy for it is likely to be personal as well. Talking with loved ones can help, but don’t feel that you have to talk about things that are hard for you to tolerate emotionally. For some people, talking is the answer. But for others it won’t help, and that’s just fine. In addition, this is another one of the many areas in medicine where exercise can help improve your symptoms. We all deal with trauma differently.

Sometimes PTSD can be so severe that emergency care is required. If you’re considering hurting yourself or others call 911 or ask a friend or family member for help.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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Sadly, misconceptions about drug use abound, and all too often these become obstacles on the path to recovery or drive people to abuse drugs in the first place. Without further ado, here are some of the most common myths concerning drug use:

Myth #1: Drug abuse is limited to illegal street drugs.
Fact: People all around you abuse and get addicted to prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, caffeine, and even food!

Myth #2: All drug use is drug abuse.
Fact: While the slippery slope of drugs is quite real, some people manage to use drugs in moderation. And depending on which drugs these people use, this may not be unhealthy for them.

Myth #3: Drug addiction is not a disease.
Fact: Studies show that drug addiction is in fact a neurological disease—caused by drug use. Many people suffering from addiction think their problem is a symptom of poor will power or a character flaw. Depending on how you define character flaw, that may be. But drug addiction is a real and physical pathological dependency that changes the way your brain works in crucial ways, and in many cases makes getting drugs the primary driver of a person’s behavior.

Myth #4: You have to hit rock-bottom and really want drug treatment for it to work.
Fact: This is patently false. Did you know that most people undergo drug abuse treatment because of court orders or pressure from loved ones? (Yes, interventions do sometimes work!) Unfortunately, the fact is that rock-bottom is actually six feet lower than expected for many drug abusers.

Myth #5: Once an addict, always an addict.
Fact: Actually, the science is still out on this one, but it sadly appears to be true in most cases. Many people successfully recover from addiction through drug rehab programs, counseling, and in few cases, on their own. However, some of us in the medical community, including former FDA commissioner David Kessler, believe that once the circuitry of addiction has been embedded into the brain, the only way to recover is to learn new behaviors to overlay the old circuitry. The problem is that when people with addictions receive drug-related cues or triggers, whether from being around drug users, doing activities or being in places where you have used drugs, or spying a tempting cheesecake, it can be hard to resist once the circuitry of addiction is in your brain. According to this school of thought, the best treatment, not cure, for drug addiction is to find a way to cool the stimulus by introducing new and healthy habits and activities into your life. Regardless of whether this is the only possible treatment, it is certainly helpful in most cases.

Myth #6: If you really wanted to quit drugs you could do it on your own.
Fact: This is false in an overwhelming majority of cases for the aforementioned reason: Using drugs over an extended period of time can change your neurological circuitry, making the dependency stronger. Furthermore, children get addicted much faster than adults, making it especially urgent to address drug use as early as possible.

Myth # 7: Illegal drugs are the most dangerous.
Fact: This is another gray area. Illegal street drugs like cocaine, heroin and meth can be fatal in single doses, and since there’s no regulation on this market, you also run the risk of using drugs that are laced. However, millions of people are also abusing legal drugs such as prescription drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Ironically, alcohol—a legal substance—is the highest cause of drug-related death. At the same time, studies show that alcohol can be heart-healthy in moderation. Again, the answer isn’t a satisfying yes or no. We have to take into consideration the type of drug and the level of abuse. For instance, abuse of marijuana, a substance that’s illegal in most of America, is far less dangerous than the abuse of alcohol, a legal drug.

Myth # 8 Marijuana is safe and not addictive.
Fact: The most commonly abused drug in America, marijuana is not nearly as harmful as other illegal drugs. But make no mistake about it that marijuana is an addictive substance, at least for 10%, of Americans according to the latest info from The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Edition), and numerous studies have found a connection between chronic marijuana use and depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Regarding the effect of marijuana on lung health, no connection  has been made between marijuana use and lung cancer, despite what common sense might tell you.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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Halitosis can come from many sources. It is important that a patient does see a dentist if he has bad breath to find the exact cause of the problem, and to eliminate possible oral sources. After that, if it is determined that the source of the odor is coming from the lungs or from the stomach, which is the most likely, then the patient will be referred to the appropriate specialist.

Causes of Halitosis

However, most of the time, halitosis emanates from the structures in the mouth, usually due to a periodontal problem, or gum disease, and/or a problem with the irregularities of the surface of the tongue that trap and harbor bacteria and trap food. In fact, the bad odor could be coming from the tongue itself.

Treatment always depends on where and why this is happening. Once you know that, you can let the dentist take care of individual problems. If the problem is a periodontal one where odor is coming from bacteria harbored below the gum line, it is cleansed initially with deep cleaning. Then the patient must continue to practice good oral hygiene at home.

This type of hygiene differs from normal hygiene in preventing decay as it focuses more on the cleansing of the area of the mouth below the gum line. Then it is beneficial to use a water irrigating device, to apply germ killers, and to flush out bacteria below the gum line. Several irrigating devices are on the market that you can try.

Don’t Be Shy

People always are embarrassed about seeing a specialist about halitosis. But they have to realize that a doctor is there for that precise purpose. If you have an emotional problem, visit a psychiatrist; a genital problem go to the appropriate physician; and if you have  a dental problem see a dentist, who is a doctor or physician of the oral cavity.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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Cold sores are the result of the herpes simplex virus, or HSV and are common. Usually it starts in childhood because a child probably has some predisposition to cold sores, then catches one from a relative who gives him an innocent kiss on the cheek. For the rest of his or her life, that child will have cold sores, which will come out every month or every year, depending on the person.

The virus, which is contagious through contact, lives in your nerves and is with you forever. The thing which brings out cold sores or fever blisters, hence the name, is that they usually emerge when you are run down or ill. When your immune defenses are down, you are more likely to see a cold sore erupt.

What’s interesting is that if you do the blood test looking for antibodies for the herpes virus that causes cold sores, you’ll find that 80% to 90% of people will test positive, which means they have the virus or have been exposed to it. Only a fraction of them, however, actually get cold sores.

Effective Treatment

The most effective treatment is oral treatment pills. There are two ways in which these pills can be effective:

• Prophylactic: These measures are good for people who get roughly six cold sores a year or more, which is an arbitrary cut-off the medical profession has come up with. Simply take a pill every day to prevent outbreaks.
• At the first tingle: We also prescribe medication for use when you first feel a cold sore coming on, at the first tingle. The two types of medication we prescribe for this are Famvir and Valtrex, and what you will take usually will depend on your insurance coverage. It’s important that you take a big dose the second you feel the tingle, and that you catch is within the first 24 hours when the virus is replicating.

Topical creams are also an option, but in my opinion oral medications work better. Topical creams can decrease the duration of a cold sore for about 12 hours, which means you would have a cold sore for four and half days instead of five. The two medications we prescribe are Denavir and Zovirax, although you can buy Abreva without a prescription, which may be superior to the prescription products.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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As scientific technology advances, genetic testing will undoubtedly become even more of an integral part of modern medicine.

In recent decades, significant advances have been made in the detection and diagnosis of specific genetic diseases and abnormalities. These scientific and technological advances have allowed doctors and patients an opportunity to get out in front of certain genetic issues, allowing for earlier treatment and a better quality of life for those affected. As we progress further into the 21st century, gene testing will undoubtedly increase in importance as scientists develop new ways to predict a patient’s potential for developing certain kinds of disease. However, one need not wait for the future to see how gene testing can benefit them and their loved ones: Many services offering gene testing to those who need it.

What Is Gene Testing?

Gene testing is a sophisticated technique where a person’s DNA is examined for genetic disorders. Gene testing usually involves the collection of blood, tissue or other bodily fluids. Evaluators generally look for overexpressed genes; missing, transposed or inactivated chromosomes; or a missing or altered chemical base within a cell. Genetic screenings also use biochemical tests that look for the presence or absence of certain proteins which can sometimes point toward genetic abnormalities.

Who Needs Gene Testing?

Gene testing can be beneficial to those who fear they may carry hereditary genes that could potentially lead to debilitating, life-threatening diseases. Genetic screenings can alert patients that they are probable candidates for developing diseases like Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of cancers long before symptoms emerge. Positive test results can help a person prepare for the potential onset of a particular disease and can alert physicians to be on the lookout for potential symptoms, which can allow them to prepare early treatments when necessary. In addition, prenatal and newborn diagnostic testing can prompt doctors to watch for specific genetic problems in babies and can help parents make educated decisions on whether or not they should attempt to have children.

What Are The Benefits of Gene Testing?

Gene testing can be beneficial for those trying to conceive and who may have incompatible genes that could result in potential diseases in a newborn child. As in the case of cystic fibrosis, where two copies of genes result in the disease’s expression, gene testing can confirm whether or not the cystic fibrosis-causing gene is present in both parents, one or none. If gene testing results confirm that the gene that leads to cystic fibrosis is present in both parents, doctors and parents will know that there is a relatively high probability that a child might be born with cystic fibrosis. This knowledge can help potential parents gauge the risk of attempting to bear children, parents know what lies ahead for them and  also help doctors prepare the care and treatments that might be necessary upon delivery.

In addition, gene testing can help to confirm a tricky diagnosis on a patient demonstrating confusing symptoms. Gene testing is also useful for confirming paternal identities and helping investigators to identify victims of violent crime.

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Reflexology may be greeted with a great deal of skepticism by those that are more comfortable with western medicine.

The natural healing method of reflexology views the feet as a treasure map of the entire body. The method was used as long ago as Egyptian times when footwork practices were used for comfort and ceremony. In the last century in Russia and Europe,  stimulating one part of the body to effect another part was used as a therapeutic tool. In addition to pressure, researchers used heat and cold, and herbal compresses to effect corresponding areas of the body. While it is still not commonly accepted as a medical practice in the United States, it has slowly gained popularity over the course of the last century.

What Is It?

The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as “A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.”

Among practitioners, few agree on one theory as to how reflexology actually works. It is this bit of mysticism associated with it that makes traditional medicine skeptical of its benefits. At best, they believe it offers only a placebo effect and that anyone believing a procedure will offer them comfort will indeed be comforted.

However, practitioners do agree that many medical conditions are caused by a blockage of energy fields in the body. It is this blockage that many alternative therapies seek to alleviate. By using reflexology as a complementary treatment, patients can receive the medical attention they need while also gaining the comfort of touch therapy. Regardless of whether doctors believe there is scientific evidence to back up the theories of reflexology, all would agree that touch is an important part of healing and human growth.

Who Needs It?

Reflexology can be beneficial to everyone. Those suffering from chronic conditions often find the practice helpful in easing their pain and reducing their symptoms. Anyone that has considered acupuncture but is concerned about the safety and pain of the needles may find that reflexology offers many of the same benefits without facing the fear. Because this is an alternative treatment, it may be challenging for some to accept its healing power. In order to gain the most from the treatment, try to approach it with an open mind. Those that are skeptical may shut themselves off to the healing messages that are being communicated through the nerve endings to the brain during the procedure.

Benefits

While widely accepted scientific evidence is still inconclusive concerning reflexology, a number of practitioners and recipients believe it works wonders. Those receiving reflexology claim to feel increased relaxation, reduced pain, and improvement of blood flow. It sometimes accompanies other medical treatments such as cancer care. People have reported relief from physiological issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, reduced post-operative pain, balanced mental health, and ease of child birth.

One of the greatest benefits of reflexology is the ability to use it on oneself. Simple techniques with the hands and feet may alleviate pain elsewhere in the body. While severe medical conditions would be better left to treatments given in a spa setting by a trained professional, minor physical annoyances can be treated with self care.

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Dandruff is a potentially-embarrassing condition that can be treated painlessly by a dermatologist.

Many people experience dandruff at some point or another in their lives, and for a majority, the problem is one that goes away as quickly as it comes on. Plenty of over-the-counter shampoos are available to treat dandruff in as little as a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, these products aren’t always effective in treating the more extreme cases of dandruff. If you find that you just can’t seem to shake those little white flakes, then contact a dermatologist to discuss your options for dandruff treatment.

What is dandruff treatment?

Often confused with the term “dry scalp,” dandruff is a condition that involves the scaling of the scalp’s skin, resulting in noticeable white flakes that often appear on the afflicted person’s shoulders and back. On top of being unattractive, dandruff can be cause itching and discomfort.

There are many causes of dandruff, and for this reason, a dermatologist is often needed to evaluate the suffering patient and determine the best possible treatment based on the cause of the dandruff. While dandruff is often times the result of an oily scalp in desperate need of a few extra shampoo sessions a week, it can also come as a reaction to certain hair care products, or be the result of an underlying dermatological condition such as psoriasis or eczema. A dermatologist will evaluate your condition, as well as your medical history, to determine the cause and subsequent treatment for your dandruff.

Many dermatologists will treat their patients with stronger prescription shampoos to combat the problem. If these don’t work, then a steroid cream might be prescribed. As part of the treatment, your dermatologist will also discuss the things that you, as a patient, can do to reduce your chances of having the dandruff recur. These suggestions might include washing your hair at certain intervals with certain products, using a specific type of hairbrush, and avoiding the hair dryer unless absolutely necessary. Stress can also play a significant role in dandruff flare ups, so your dermatologist might recommend that you pursue different methods of stress reduction to minimize your chance of a dandruff recurrence.

Who needs dandruff treatment?

Anyone who is unable to nip his dandruff problem in the bud by using over-the-counter dandruff treatments or shampoos should contact a dermatologist to discuss dandruff treatment. Most over-the-counter treatments will at least begin to work after four to eight weeks of proper use. If your condition hasn’t improved after a couple of months, then it’s time to seek the help of a dermatologist who can identify the cause of the dandruff and then offer more advanced and effective dandruff treatment options.

Benefits of dandruff treatment

The primary benefit of dandruff treatment is pretty evident: no more dandruff. In other words, no more itching, no more unsightly white flakes grazing your shoulder blades, and no more embarrassing moments in black. The proper treatment can make your dandruff a thing of the past.

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No matter what type of hyperpigmentation problem you are dealing with, chances are, there’s a treatment option for you. Speak with your doctor and do some investigating of your own. Make sure that you’re prepared for the cost and side effects of the treatment path you choose, and read up on recent research.

Hyperpigmentation can be an embarrassing and frustrating problem. Unsightly spots and discolorations appearing on the skin may be a source of constant self-consciousness. While each person’s pigmentation is different, almost all sufferers of hyperpigmentation are eager for a cure, or at least effective treatment.

As modern skin science reaches the cutting edge and more and more people avoid other skin problems and signs of aging, will hyperpigmentation soon be a thing of the past as well?

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin, usually caused by increased melanin (dark skin pigment). This may occur in the outer layer of skin (epidermis), deeper layer of skin (dermis), or both. Hyperpigmentation may be caused by melanocytes (melanotic hyperpigmentation) or proliferation of active melanocytes (melanocytic hyperpigmentation).

Hyperpigmentation may cause localized “spots” on the skin (i.e. age spots), or may appear in a more diffuse manner with a variety of areas being affected. Although hyperpigmentation can affect any area of the body, different varieties do tend to appear on certain areas more- for example, melasma generally occurs on the face, while other varieties may target the hands or torso.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation may be caused by sun damage, inflammation, or other skin injuries, including those related to acne. People with darker skin tones are also more prone to hyperpigmentation. This is especially true if they have been exposed to excess sunlight.

Hyperpigmentation is also related to a large number of other disorders, including (but not limited to): Addison’s Disease, fungal infections, Cushing’s Disease, Smoker’s melanosis, and Melasma.

What Treatments are Available to Treat Hyperpigmentation?

Hydroquinone is one of the most well-established topical agents used in treating hyperpigmentation, with a considerable number of clinical studies documenting its effectiveness in skin lightening. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is key in the production of melanin. Hydroquinone does not destroy previously synthesized melanin and therefore does not bleach skin.

Although Hydroquinone is considered by many to be the most effective treatments against hyperpigmentation, it also has its disadvantages. It usually takes several weeks after treatment to see real results, because skin must go through its natural exfoliation process in order to allow the existing melanin to migrate out of the skin. This process could be quickened with the use of powerful exfoliating agents, like alpha-hydroxy acid, but since both Hydroquinone and skin exfoliants have the potential to irritate skin, combining them greatly increases the risk of irritation. More seriously, Hydroquinone treatments have been linked to certain types of cancer in some studies, although the results remain inconclusive.

Somewhat similar to Hydroquinone are two other hyperpigmentation treatments: Arbutin and Kojic acid. These two treatments are similar in that they also block the enzyme tyrosinase in order to halt the production of melanin, but each is unique. Arbutin offers a somewhat gentler option, slowly releasing Hydroquinone for a treatment that seems to have less side effects. It remains unclear whether Arbutin is as effective as Hydroquinone, however, especially since many companies are using Arbutin-contaning plant extracts in place of pure Arbutin in order to avoid patent issues. Kojic acid is a naturally occurring substance produced by fungi species and it has been shown to be as effective as Hydroquinone in treating hyperpigmentation, but it too as been linked to some forms of cancer by clinical studies.

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring chemical, classified in the group of dicarboxylic acids. While it is commonly prescribed to treat various forms of acne, azelaic acid has also prescribed off-label to treat hyperpigmentation, especially in cases where the patient has an unfavorable sensitivity to Hydroquinone. While azelaic acid is an appealing option for many and in some cases has been shown to be even more effective than Hydroquinone, it is not effective in treating freckles or age spots.

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Generally, the Fotofacial procedure itself lasts around 20 minutes and does not require any anesthesia whatsoever.

What is a Fotofacial?

A Fotofacial is a new cosmetic treatment an increasing number of dermatologists are using to rejuvenate the faces of aging patients. Unlike more traditional facials—which involve painful extractions—Fotofacials work with the use of an intense pulsed light (IPL), which shoots high intensity pulses of light into the deepest parts of the skin even while leaving the layers closest to the surface untouched.

Unlike laser resurfacing, which uses a narrow band of light that is too harsh for many skin types, Fotofacials do not damage the surface of the skin and are the perfect option for patients suffering from delicate or sensitive skin issues. Patients should seek a consultation with their dermatologist to ensure a Fotofacial is the best form of treatment before undergoing the procedure, since different individuals may react differently to the intense pulsed light.

Generally, the Fotofacial procedure itself lasts around 20 minutes and does not require any anesthesia whatsoever. Nearly all patients are able to resume their full activities immediately after completion of the treatment, making Fotofacials a popular option for anyone looking for a lunchtime touch up.

Who are the best candidates for Fotofacials?

Although Fotofacials can be the ideal solution for a number of people with various cosmetic facial issues, it works best on patients with moderate sun damage who are tired of the appearance of aging skin. In addition, the best candidates for the procedure are generally those looking for a technique that requires little to no downtime, since that is one of the biggest advantages the Fotofacial can offer patients over other facial rejuvenation techniques.

Other common symptoms that Fotofacial candidates commonly asked to have fixed include redness of the cheek or facial flushing. It should be noted, however, that patients suffering from these conditions should consider undergoing a complete medical evaluation prior to have a Fotofacial done, since redness and flushing can be symptoms of other health-related problems that no cosmetic treatment will be able to fix.

Finally, Fotofacial candidates should have realistic expectations as to the outcome of the procedure. Anyone with illusions of grandeur who believes the lunchtime facial will drastically change the overall look of their face should think twice before undergoing the procedure, since they are likely to be disappointed when the results do not meet their lofty expectations.

What are the benefits of Fotofacials?

For patients experiencing irregular pigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, enlarged poors, or a number of other facial flaws that are seen as signs of aging, Fotofacials can have the effect of restoring youthfulness to the face. Not only can candidates expect to see a decrease in overall facial redness, but many will also see a marked decrease in wrinkles and pore size as well.

Of course, full effects of the treatment will not be seen immediately by most patients, who should expect to see gradual improvements over time once the procedure is completed. For an even better look, many Fotofacial patients choose to have the procedure done again, since it is recommended that patients undergo five treatments within a three week period for the most dramatic results.

In addition, the procedure can be used to treat more serious cosmetic conditions as well, such as rosacea, in many patients. In fact, a number of patients suffering from rosacea have been able to cease using their breakout medication entirely thanks to the positive effects of the Fotofacial treatment.

What risks are involved?

Despite the positive effects a Fotofacial can have on patients, there are also a number of risks that are involved in the procedure. Possible side effects of the Fotofacial include bruising, blistering, scabbing, and changes in the skin’s pigmentation. Generally, these side effects will disappear within a matter of days. Should they persist for longer, however, patients should contact their dermatologist or primary care doctor to rule out infection or other medical condition caused by the intense pulse light.

With that said, however, patients should feel comfortable knowing that the risks involved in Fotofacials are much less than many other cosmetic rejuvenation techniques, since there is no skin removal, abrasive technique, or harsh chemicals used during the procedure.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

If you are considering laser hair removal, check out the following links to find laser hair removal specialists in your area:

Atlanta Dermatologists | Boston Dermatologists | Charlotte Dermatologists | Chicago Dermatologists | Dallas Dermatologists | Los Angeles Dermatologists | Miami Dermatologists | Minneapolis Dermatologists | New York Dermatologists | Philadelphia Dermatologists | Phoenix Dermatologists | San Francisco Dermatologists | Seattle Dermatologists | Washington, DC Dermatologists | See More Cities

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While insurance will probably not cover CST to treat CP, if the condition was a result of an accident at birth, your pay-out may be able to cover it.

Sometimes a light touch is all you need. At least, that’s what proponents of craniosacral therapy believe. This relatively new type of massage, which has only been widely used in the alternative mainstream for about 30 years, works to alleviate problems associated primarily with pain and loss of function. It does this by applying very light pressure to evaluate and this correct the body’s craniosacral system — connected to the brain and spinal cord.

While the people who seek out cranisosacral therapy are sometimes disabled individuals or parents of babies who have undergone some type of birth trauma, it is also recommended for people who suffer from migraines, tension, anxiety and other relatively minor disorders. People who have it often report a variety of benefits, including improved sleep, better mobility and increased energy.

Unlike many other alternative treatments, there is lots of anecdotal evidence that craniosacral therapy can work – at least in very disabled patients. However, there is very little scientific evidence to back that up. And whether it will help you to sleep better, or make your baby’s colic go away or feed better, it’s still up for discussion.

How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?

Also known as CST or cranial osteopathy, this therapy centers around a very light massage on the craniosacral area, working the spine and the head together to realign bones, allow the spinal fluid to flow unrestricted, and reduce pain. Like many alternative therapies it claims to help the body heal itself, and says that by doing so it can bolster our ability to fight disease and help treat a variety of problems associated with either dysfunction or pain.

While having someone play around with your brain and spinal cord may sound a bit dicey, the massage is actually completely non-invasive and quite relaxing, involving a cranial osteopath gently manipulating your skull as you lie on a massage table and try not to think of Frankenstein.

It all started thanks to one Dr William G. Sutherland, who believed that the bones in the skull were pliable, and that by gently moving them and touching the membranes, muscles and tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, other bodily functions could be fixed, enhanced and improved.

According to one massage website, “when blockages occur in spinal fluid, an inharmonious balance in the body can occur, resulting in muscle and joint strain, emotional disturbances, and the improper operation of the body’s organs and central nervous system.”

Sutherland died in 1954, but he began teaching his ideas in the 1930s, and established the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation a year before his death. His work was carried further by John Upledger DO, who has even founded his own institute called, immodestly, the Upledger Institute.

Since then his methods have been expanded on, and while several big academic treatises have been published expanding the technique’s merits, others have claimed that there is little scientific evidence to back them up.

One reason that may be the case is because of the wide spectrum of ailments craniosacral therapy claims to be able to treat. They include everything from chronic fatigue to colic to scoliosis, and also include autism, learning difficulties and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Benefit to Babies
Craniosacral therapy has long been seen as a way to relieve minor problems in newborns and infants. It is thought that during delivery the head and muscles near the head may be traumatised, especially if there has been an aided birth using forceps or ventouse suction.

While there is no evidence that CST can help, no adverse effects have been reported and the vast majority of babies – and their parents – find the whole affair a calming, relaxing experience.

Reasons parents take their babies to a craniosacral therapist include:

• Reflux/colic
• Sleeping problems
• Feeding problems
• Inability to breastfeed properly
• Excess crying
• Asymmetrical head shape

Please note that if you decide to take your baby to a craniosacral therapist yo may be able to get help from your insurance company to pay for it, so get a referral before you go.

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