Can SCENAR Be Used for Headaches & Migraines?

Can SCENAR be used for headaches and migraines?  The immediate answer is "yes!"  It is a very effective pain relief technology and it is FDA cleared for pain treatment.   Why would you see if it reduces or eliminates your headaches and migraines?  Keep reading!

I wouldn't trade places with anyone who has chronic headaches or migraines and I FEEL for you and just want to take away the pain.  After recently seeing another young girl truly suffering with migraines I feel compelled to write this.  This is often how a blog post comes to be.  Seeing someone in pain have their life changed with SCENAR vs drugs.

It is appalling that over 30% of people have missed one or more days of work or school in the past 3 months due to migraines and that 24% have had to go to the ER with a severe migraine.*

We know they are difficult to medically manage and that is what we see as a big part of the problem - the medical management, namely drugs.  

Migraine Triggers

From most of the migraine and headache sufferers we meet it is clear that identifying the underlying cause and/or trigger and then ameliorating it doesn't happen consistently.  There seems to be a easy reach for a prescription pad in our society. 

Some of the top triggers are:

• Stress
• Overuse of pain meds (analgesics)
• Disturbances in sleep
• Food additives
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Perfume
• Changes in weather
• Bright lights
• Dehydration
• Too much caffeine

Isn't it interesting that "over use" of pain meds can actually lead to chronic migraines?   It isn't really clear why over use leads to more pain or makes symptoms worse but it is clear that analgesic rebound headaches need to be addressed.

Our first recommendation

Each person really needs to have their life fully reviewed and triggers like the ones above and others removed.  This takes far more time than the average doctor is allotted for seeing patients.  And it is so important!

Now, Let's Look at Drug Side Effects

In addition to the fact that overuse of pain meds can lead to more pain, one must also be aware of drug side effects.  The most common drugs prescribed for headaches and migraines are the NSAIDS and triptans.   Current over-the-counter NSAIDS include:

• Aspirin compounds (such as Anacin®, Ascriptin®, Bayer®, Bufferin® and Excedrin®)
• Ketoprofen (such as Orudis KT®)
• Ibuprofen (such as Motrin®, Advil®, Nuprin® and Medipren®)
• Naproxen sodium (such as Aleve®) 

PLEASE NOTE:  Over-the-counter NSAIDs are effective pain-relievers, but they are MEANT for short-term use. When taking them for long periods of time, you should be carefully monitored by your doctor so he or she can detect the coming on of harmful side effects and modify your treatment plan as necessary.

The Cleveland Clinic also has an additional TWENTY prescription level NSAIDS on their list here.  

So what are they side effects? The most frequently reported side effects GI symptoms, like:

• Gas and bloating
• Heartburn and/or stomach pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea and/or constipation

These side effects can usually be be relieved by taking ANOTHER DRUG!   Don't you hate when they tell you that?  Take this....and if this happens take this.....and if this happens....take THIS!

OK, some other side effects of NSAIDs include:

• Dizziness
• Feeling lightheaded
• Problems with balance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mild headaches

OK, then there are the triptans.  

Triptans are serotonin receptor agonists.  Brand names like Axert, Frova, Maxalt, Imitrex,  Alsuma, and Zomig.  It isn't clear how they stop a migraine.  They do constrict blood vessels in the brain and relieve swelling.  They can be useful and effective.  And, do you really want to manage your life around drugs?

Given we regularly use the SCENAR, which doesn't have a side effect profile like drugs, this list of side effects and contraindications for the triptans concerns me.

So, what are we saying?

• Figure out and know your triggers, then eliminate them.  
• We have a number of times needed to recommend some neuro-psychology techniques and processes in order to help manage, reduce and eliminate certain triggers.  Be open.
• A recent study by the New York Headache Center suggests that a magnesium deficiency may contribute to or cause migraines.  In trials, sufferers responded to a daily dose of 400 t o 600 milligrams of magnesium.  Consider this - try it.
• Don't take drugs long term given their side effect profile and that they aren't taking care of the underlying cause long-term.
• Learn about SCENAR medical technology.  Have a diagnostic assessment.  Under the guidance of an experienced SCENAR therapist have a series of SCENAR sessions and evaluate the results.  SCENAR is FDA cleared for pain treatment.  Don't you owe it to yourself?  
• Given SCENAR is an active biofeedback device and how it physiologically affects the body it is aligned with biofeedback which the American Medical Association has "approved" for headaches as biofeedback helps control the functions of the central and autonomic nervous system. 

Here's to seeking and achieving pain relief!
Kay
Pain Treatment Consultant

*Chris Iliades, MD Brigham Young University, The Migraine Study II

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When Your Pet is Hurt SCENAR Can Help

It is not always so easy to tell when your furry kids are in pain, is it?  Of course, like we humans, they may really let out a yelp or be more vocal with whining, growling or other sounds. And, if they are really more vocal than normal you know something is quite wrong.  There are also other obvious as well as more subtle signs that tell you something may be wrong even if they aren't "telling you so."

Today's post (October 16, 2015) is about our two dogs, Darcy and Hunter, and two different signs of pain - a fresh injury and a chronic issue.  It is also about what we are doing to make them both better with our RITM SCENAR.  At the bottom you will find an update from October 21, 2015!

Let's start with Darcy.  We aren't absolutely sure what happened because we didn't witness it and yet we think we have a good idea. It all started when we heard her let out a blood curdling scream/whine in the bedroom upstairs and do it again as she came down the stairs. We suspected she misjudged her jump off the bed and landed wrong.  It was clear that walking was VERY painful as the sounds she was making were painful to hear.  She would especially yelp/cry loudly every time she had to stand up...the act of pushing up was painful.  Once she was up she could walk though she wanted to avoid stairs.

Thankfully we have a Pro Plus SCENAR device. 

We immediately used it to identify the areas of tissue damage (the device has an assessment mode to get initial response numbers). Using a "comb" probe with teeth, which gets through the hair to the hide, we could measure and find the area of greatest injury and irritation.  The SCENAR told us specifically where the problems were!

We then treated.  We have done this three times per day for the past two and a half days and will continue till she is healed.  The measurement numbers were highest right in the hind leg joints and the numbers are going down!  As well, she now stands up without crying or sign of pain.  She is still hesitant with a deeper stair but small/short ones are ok.  She is progressing!

Now if this was not improving we have an ace up our sleeve!  We have trained a wonderful veterinary physician in the use of SCENAR and she has fully adopted it into her vet hospital.  If needed we would take Darcy right down to see Dr. Jacque McAndrew at South San Diego Vet Hospital.

Thank you for SCENAR in our house!

OK, so Darcy's injury is fresh.  Hunter, on the other hand, has been giving us signs of a more chronic pain issue in his hips.

What are the signs to notice that tell you your furry kid may be in pain or uncomfortable?

1. Constant or excessive grooming in a particular area.  For Hunter it has become the right back hip area.
2. Changes in their sleep, difficulty resting, lack of appetite or not eating, and less drinking.  No change here for Hunter - he is the first to always clean his plate and ask for more!
3. Withdrawing or seeking affection.  Here is where there has been a big change for Hunter.  We now find him out by the side of the house in the alley for hours on end. And, he is backing up for "butt rubs" more often - more aggressively.
4. Aggressive behavior
5. Other general behavior changes - ask yourself "what's changed?"

Once we became really aware of these changes happening we took to finding the issues and treating Hunter with the Pro Plus RITM SCENAR.  It is such a great "go to tool" to have in your home.

Peter always says "biology is biology" and whether the pain is in a human or animal - it can be identified and resolved.  Ask us about owning a SCENAR for your pets today!  Call 619-501-3752.

UPDATE on October 21, 2015.

Today we are delighted to report that with twice daily home SCENAR treatments Darcy has progressed significantly.  The numbers are lowering and more importantly - when we went looking for her this morning DOWNSTAIRS (because she hasn't climbed the stairs in a week) she popped her head around the corner at the TOP of the stairs and came running down!  All without a peep!  Yes, she climbed this full set of stairs during the night and came back down this morning.  We are happy parents!

Ask us about SCENAR for your household.  Get a free demonstration on you or your pet by calling 619-501-3752 and referencing "Darcy"....we will come to you if you are in San Diego County.

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RITM SCENAR Helps With Fall Sports Injuries

What's your favorite fall sport?  What about your children?  Soccer, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, football, swimming, hiking or cross country running?  Regardless of what it is we know you all want to stay in the game through the full season!

To do that we encourage you to take the time to refresh yourselves on injury prevention tips and tools and start learning for the first time if you have young kids new to leagues.  You also want to consider having a SCENAR in your home to treat issues as they arise instead of reaching for ibuprofen, Tylenol or other over the counter pain-killers and anti-inflammatories with their host of side effects.

Whether you are the athlete, parent or coach you want to make safety and optimal health your first priority!

 If you are wearing your parent or coach hat - keep these things in mind:

• Have your kids get in for their pre-participation physical exam if they haven't yet done so
• Instill in them the mindset that "warming up properly" before practice as well as the game will serve them well
• Make sure to cool down and take breaks if you are in climates like we are here in San Diego, CA and Southern CA - as it is still HOT and HUMID deep into September!
• Have your kids hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  No sodas or sugary juices - plenty of water!
• Teach your kids how to become mindful of their body  - it's simple really.  Have them close their eyes. Ask them to reflect on where their feet are, their legs are, their arms are, their head etc.  Ask them to notice what they feel.  Have them describe what they feel.  This kind of body awareness relies on receptors in their joints, muscles, ligaments and other soft tissue.  We aren't aware of our body unless we actively think about it.  You want them to tell you if they have headaches, pain, weakness, stiffness etc., all warning signs of injury.
• Have them wear recommended protective gear
• Be mindful of  fresh and "overuse" injuries and use your home unit SCENAR to reduce pain and inflammation in the soft tissue.  Be consistent. 

If you are the adult athlete you know that SPEED and DIRECT CONTACT are the two most common causes of injury. Some of the common fall injuries are:

• Traumatic injuries to knee ligaments or the shoulder joint
• Overuse injury to the back
• Concussions.
• Heat injuries are issue an issue here in SoCal

If a fresh or chronic injury is impeding play in your household or on your team call us.  Learn more the RITM SCENAR can get you back in the game.  Ph. 619-501-3752.

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SCENAR Made the Difference - More Than Just Pain Relief Says Client

Keith Cammell found Peter Lathrop and the RITM SCENAR in 2012, years after his horrific motorcycle accident on the LA freeway in 2007. 

By the time he did, he was in a wheelchair most of the time or "crutching it" to get around.  See pictures below.  He had no nerve signal down the major nerve in his left leg, atrophied muscles, paralysis and significant pain.

He was told by others "there is nothing we can do" (to help you) and his family was encouraging him to go back to school and get on with his life.  

He continued to look for answers and found them with Peter Lathrop and the RITMSCENAR.  He recently recorded a short video of what happened next.  Take a look.  

Please note that the RITM SCENAR is a Class II medical device and is cleared by the FDA for the relief and management of chronic and acute pain and the management of post-surgical and post-traumatic pain.

Here are a couple of pictures of Keith before the healing journey:

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35 Reasons to Try SCENAR for Pain Relief This Summer

1. You were told your painful injury/condition is permanent or won't get better!
2. THEY say it's "chronic pain" and "live with it"
3. You've tried standard "pain management" and it isn't working for you
4. Same old, same old doesn't work for you.  YOU search for new solutions
5. SCENAR activates your body's known pain relieving, self repair mechanisms
6.  You consistently take drugs to make or dull your pain
7. Your pain/pain meds are affecting your concentration, memory, and critical thinking abilities
8. Pain meds may be causing or contributing to constipation, sleep-disorder breathing, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysregulation, and overdose (1)
9. Chronic pain has damaging efffects on the brain (2)
10. Use of SCENAR may likely reduce or eliminate your need for pain meds
11. SCENAR has no side effects and is non-addictive
12. SCENAR has been show to be more effective than pain meds in back pain multicenter study (3)
13. SCENAR gets at the underlying cause of the pain unlike pain meds or TENS
14. Pain lowers your motivation to move and exercise
15. Your injury is not healing "fast enough" for you, YOU want back in the game!
16. Pain has caused you to lose physical functions, athletic abilities, your favorite hobbies
17. You like to take action to achieve the results you desire!
18. You can see a practitioner for SCNENAR sessions to accelerate relief or learn to use SCENAR at home like Julie and many others do
19. SCENAR is small and portable - it fits in a purse, briefcase, tennis bag, gym bag, golf bag, any sports bag
20. Pain is affecting your significant other relationship
21. Pain is EXHAUSTING and robbing you of a good sleep, sex and intimacy
22. Pain is affecting your connection to your kids (you know it is - no denying!)
23. You WON'T let this problem get in the way of your relationships
24. You are one who is on the lookout for new concepts and solutions
25. One SCENAR can treat the whole family - it isn't person specific
26. Pain is causing more frustration, anger, anxiety and depression in your life
27. Pain is driving you into social isolation and feeling lonely
28. You DESERVE a happy, pain free life!
29. Pain RELIEF gets you back on the path to active life
30. Pain is affecting your work performance, your productivity, your career
31. SCENAR's biofeedback relates to the communications systems in your body:  your brain, nervous system, hormonal system, skin and meridians and makes the work together better
32. Pain relief comes with SCENAR therapy as it stimulates the body's own "internal pharmacy"
33. SCENAR is cost effective - no ongoing prescription costs or monthly fees
34. SCENAR helps pain associated with most conditions like:  Back Pain, Arthritis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Herniated/Bulging Discs, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, Musculoskeletal/Soft Tissue Pain, Joint (shoulder, hip, knee, ankle) Pain, Neck Pain, Neuropathy, Sciatica, Spinal Cord Injury, TMJ, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Whiplash
35. SCENAR relieves post-surgical pain without drugs
36. BONUS REASON:  Pain keeps you from playing on the beach and in the waves with us! 

(1)  Baldini A, Von Korff M, Lin EHB. A Review of Potential Adverse Effects of Long-Term Opioid Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide. The Primary Care Companion to CNS Disorders. 2012;14(3):PCC.11m01326. doi:10.4088/PCC.11m01326.
(2)  Northwestern University. (2008, February 6). Chronic Pain Harms The Brain. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 3, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080205171755.htm

(3) Back Pain and SCENAR – Prehospital Pain Relief.  Multicenter Comparative Study.  A.V. Tarakanov, A.A. Tarakanov. A. A. Yakushev, I.D. Hatisova.  Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, State Healthcare Institution ‘City hospital № 21’, Saint-Petersburg.  2011.

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Keep safety in mind playing summer sports

Summer generally means more time being outdoors, and playing sports outdoors.  Many people we know are also gearing up for fall races.  With all the increased activity comes an increased risk for injury.  Many sports injuries are from overuse or acute trauma.

You are probably already seeing it - people around you with some of the common summer sports injuries:

• runner's knee
• tennis elbow
• tendonitis
• neck and shoulder pain
• back injuries
• rolled ankles

BE PROACTIVE!  Take time to take care and be safe.  You only have one body, treat it with care.  Here are the tips you know and yet might just need to see again:

•  Warm my your body and as a part of that learn the best ways to warm up for your particular sport, it isn't a one size fits all!
• Get the proper equipment, and especially shoes for your sport and level of activity
• Know your limits and mind them
• Hydrate!  Drink plenty of water.  Your tissues should be like a full sponge and not a dried out one on the kitchen sink
• Allow your body time to recover after activity
• Seek expert attention when needed

HOME SCENAR DEVICES:  In addition, a number of our clients have the RITM SCENAR Sport D at home and use it regularly as a part of being active.  Ask us if you are interested in learning more.  619-501-3752.  Ask for Kay or Jack.

Watch and share this brief video where Julie shares what she is now able to do because of SCENAR (things she couldn't 3 years ago!).  This could be just the solution you or someone you love needs.

EnJOY these beautiful summer days!

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Layers of injury start to go away with use of RITM SCENAR Sport D

Time and again we have clients like Julie Kidder tell us about how consistent use of their RITM SCENAR Sport D at home reduces their pain, and improves their mobility and life.  Listen as she shares about how the "layers of her injury" have gone away and what she was able to do for the first time in three years while she was in Boston recently!  Thank you Julie for sharing your story!

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