HEALTH & FITNESS
iternatives

Detoxify Because You Deserve It

T

he significance of a
ing the outsides of our bodies
"fresh start" for 2008
yet we seldom pay attention
can be no better real-
to the accumulation of an
ized than through one of the
unclean environment on the
most time-honored of all health
most important inside.
regimens — a detoxification.
A period of detoxification is
Most often if I mention detoxi- re
designed to provide a needed
fication, I get the proverbial "deer
rest, rejuvenation and purifi-
in the headlight" look. After all,
cation of the tissues designed
isn't detoxification reserved for
to keep us healthy.
those with hopes of recovery
We live in a very toxic world
D r. Jeff
from an addiction? While detoxi-
nowadays! Toxins surround us
Ros enberg
fication may mean different
in the food we eat, the water
Col umnist
things to people, our discussion
we drink, the air we breathe
today will reveal its benefits as
and the products we use on
a highly beneficial activity to enhancing
a daily basis. Even the most health-con-
health. Let me share some of the ins and
scious of us, one who consumes purified
outs of this all-important practice.
water and organic meats and produce,
A program of detoxification may also
is still subject to some toxicity through
be referred to as a cleanse or purification.
environmental sources, stressful living,
In either case, it is the process of an inter-
medication and the body's natural pro-
nal cleansing, or removal, of "junk" that
duction of toxins as a by-product of cel-
is stored within tissues of your body. We
lular metabolism.
spend so much money and energy cleans-
Pesticides, heavy metals, chemicals,

caffeine, pollution and preservatives are
just some of the toxins we are regularly
exposed to today. It is the job of the liver,
lymphatic system, kidneys, lungs, intes-
tines, blood and skin to filter these toxins
and attempt to eliminate them from the
body.
However, at some point, the body might
be overloaded by a toxic burden and lose
its ability to eliminate and thus compro-
mise our health.
Some signs of a toxic overload include
weight gain, fatigue, poor digestion, diffi-
culty sleeping, moodiness, mental fog, low
libido and food cravings. Quite honestly, a
periodic detoxification is something each
and every one of us could benefit from in
today's world.
As the body begins to remove sludge
from its tissues through the organs of
elimination, you may experience some
unwanted symptoms. Fatigue, muscle
ache, flu-like symptoms, irritability,
changes in digestive function, etc., some-

times accompany detoxification, depend-
ing on the severity of toxicity. Don't worry,
you are not getting worse: You are on a
path to renewed health!
Typically these symptoms are short-
lived and followed by improved energy,
digestion and an overall sense of well-
being. Try to relax, eat a clean diet, drink
plenty of water and enjoy the process of
gaining a fresher start on the inside.
It is always advised to follow a detoxifi-
cation program under the guidance of an
experienced health care provider who may
also recommend the appropriate program.
The nutrition industry is still highly
unregulated, so the quality in products
available still varies. In general, a program
done two-four times annually is a wonder-
ful step toward improved vitality. ❑

Dr. Jeff Rosenberg is a chiropractor and a cer-
tified digestive health specialist. His Vitality
Center is in Birmingham: (248) 540-1340,

docjrdt@gmail.com or www.pathtovitality.com .

The Facts About Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis

Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis is a narrowing in the lumbar spinal
canal, a very small space in the lower spine that carries nerves to the
legs. After many years, this space can become even smaller, if the
surrounding bone and tissue begin to grow.

Neural Claudication is relatively easy to diagnose. Physicians can usu-
ally determine if a patient has the condition by asking a battery of
questions. However, special tests and x-rays of the spine are often
required.

Arthritis, falls, accidents and wear and tear on the bones and joints
in the spine also play a part in Stenosis. As the lumbar spinal canal
shrinks, the nerves within it become squeezed and can cause chronic
back and leg pain, as well as leg weakness.

STENOSIS VS. RUPTURED DISC: "Many patients confuse Stenosis
with a ruptured disc," says Dr. Radden. "However, they are not the
same thing." A ruptured (or herniated) disc usually pinches one or two
nerves at a time. The resulting pain, called Sciatica, is caused by a
pinched nerve in the lumbar spine and causes back pain that shoots
down one leg. This pain can happen any time, not just when standing
up or walking.

The pain and weakness associated with Stenosis is usually described
as a burning or prickly feeling which begins in the buttocks and
spreads down to the feet when standing up, walking or exercising.
Unfortunately, many adults suffer from this condition.

OTHER FACTORS: "Legs might also feel cramped, tired, or weak,"
says Dr. Louis Radden, D.O., a St. Joseph Mercy Oakland orthopedic
surgeon. "This usually points to a condition known as Neural Claudi-
cation of the legs. For patients with Stenosis, the Claudication starts
when standing up. Pain may worsen when walking, but will most likely
get better when walking stops."

Also, crouching down or lying in a fetal position has been shown to re-
lieve symptoms, since it's believed that these positions open the lum-
bar canal and take the pressure off the nerves that go to the legs.

6621 W. Maple Rd.
West Bloomfield
248-661-4700

A36

January 31 • 2008

TREATMENT OPTIONS: Several treatment options are available for
Stenosis and Neural Claudication, depending on the extremity of
symptoms. If the pain is mild and hasn't been present for long, an
exercise or physical therapy program to strengthen back muscles and
improve posture is usually effective. A physician may also prescribe
medication for inflammation in the backbone.

Dr. Radden notes that with severe back pain and Neural Claudication,
however, spinal surgery may be required to take the pressure off the
nerves in the lower spine.

SPINE SPECIALISTS OF MICHIGAN P.C.

Dr. Louis N. Radden

RECONSTRUCTIVE SPINE SURGERY

30055 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 270
Farmington Hills
248-865-4262