Thursday 15 September 2011

Role of Homeopathy in Bone Diseases


Bone, is a constantly changing tissue and has several functions. The bones give us the basic structure of the body and the joints give us the flexibility. This assembly gives us both firmness and suppleness. Bones also protect the delicate internal organs of the body.

Bones also play a major role in maintaining the body’s calcium levels. In children some bones have areas known as growth plates till the time the child attains full height these grow and when the full height is achieved they ossify or close. After this the bones will grow in thickness based on the body’s need for bone strength. Along with this the bone also provides a space for the bone marrow which is an important part where blood cells are developed.

Bones are majorly of two shapes

·         Flat
·         Tubular

Flat bones such as the plates of the vertebrae and skull
Tubular bones like the Humerus (arm bones) and Femur (Thigh bones etc.)

The bone structure of all the bones is essentially same. It is divided into the cortical bone which is the hard outer part which consists mostly of proteins such as collagen, and a substance called hydroxyapatite which is mainly of calcium and other minerals. This mainly gives the strength and density to the bones.

The trabecular bone which forms the inner part of the bone is softer, less dense then the outer part. The spaces in the trabecular bone are filled by the bone marrow. The bone marrow contains specialized cells including the stem cells that produce the blood cells. The bone is supplied by blood via the blood vessels and also the nerve supply surrounds the bone.

Some of the amazing facts are that the bone structure adjusts throughout the life to the activity and the stress that the body undergoes. The bones undergo a process of remodeling in which the old bone tissue is gradually replaced by new bone tissue. The body requires adequate supply of calcium, vitamin D, and a balanced release of hormones like the growth hormone, parathyroid hormone, calcitocin, testosterone, and estrogen.

With a balanced release of hormones, vitamins and minerals the trabecular bone develops into a complex lattice structure which is lightweight and strong.

Periosteum is a thin membrane which covers the bone. In this layer the nerves are located and when there is injury to the bone the pain will be transmitted thorough these nerves. Also blood enters bones through blood vessels that enter through the Periosteum.


Role of Homeopathy in Bone diseases

The role of homeopathy lies in the fact that it can bring back the lost balance in the human body which is in a diseased state. Homeopathic remedies act at the Psycho-Neuro-Endocrinal axis. In other words it stimulates the human body which in turn will take care of the disease.

So the first step in treating any Bone disease is a correct case history. Human body is a complex network and the human mind can play a major role in defining any disease. So we have to know the emotional nature in details all the events that have happened which have affected the patient have to be mentioned in details.

The patients should give all the details avoiding any conflicts. As the homeopath believe to treat the man in disease and not the disease in man. The emotional aspect, intellectual attainments any conflicts have to be explained to the best of patient’s ability. As it is important to know the causative factor that has brought in the present situation.

Homeopathy has excellent scope in the maintenance of this firmness and suppleness of bones and joints. Following is the brief explanation of role of Homeopathy in bone diseases.

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

One of the most common complaints seen of bones is Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. Calcium and phosphorus are the major constituents of bone. Homeopathic remedies increase the absorption of calcium into the bones thereby increasing the calcium content of the bones. It thereby decreases its susceptibility to fractures. One of the important remedy in our materia medica is Calcarea phos where we see intense aching boring pain in the long bones and it also helps in healing non union fractures. The scope of homeopathy in fractures is undeniable. Homeopathic medicines like Symphytum play a major role in the course of bone healing and normal bone fusion

Calcaneal spur
Another very common condition frequently seen in women of middle and older age group is Calcaneal spur. Homeopathic remedies when accurately chosen and administered reduce the inflammation in the surrounding tissues caused by the spur. It also stops further growth of the bone. In many cases it has been observed that this spur also dissolves under homeopathic medication. Some of the useful remedies for calcaneal spur are Calcarea flur, Hypericum, Rhus tox.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of joints is also very common in the middle and older age group. If treated in the early stages, homeopathic medication arrests the degenerative process in the cartilage and synovial tissue. Thus the pain and inflammation reduces. If treated at a later stage, it can prevent disability and improve movement.
Prolapsed intervertebral disc                                                                                     Homeopathic remedies work effectively in cases of prolapsed intervertebral disc. If there is slight herniation of the pulp, the medicines help that part to regress back into its original place and also helps strengthen the ligaments. If the herniation occurs with damages to the ligaments, then the medicines reduce the impingement of the pulp on the nerves and also helps heal the ligaments. Thus the medicines also help in decreasing the pain and inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Along with homeopathic medicines, rest and other lifestyle changes is very important in the management of PID.
Tumors
A strong family history of diseases of the musculoskeletal system is also instrumental in the manifestation of various bone diseases. Homeopathy has very effective treatment in the removal of theses genetic hurdles that often tend to hinder the process of treatment.

Tumors of the bone are also frequently seen now-a-days. They could be noncancerous or cancerous. Inherited gene mutations, radiations or trauma could be the possible causes. Homeopathic medicines help to reduce the size of benign tumors and the effects associated with it are also managed well. Homeopathy can also be hugely effective in treating bone cancers.
In cancer, there is an uncontrolled and erratic multiplication of the cells of the bone. The immune system that seems to have been subdued or gone dormant due to various factors is aroused up by the homoeopathic medicines. They thus stimulate the cells to grow, develop and multiply normally. In cases where surgical removal of the cancerous focus has been done, the homoeopathic medicines rectify the defect in the system and help to prevent further metastasis.
A feeling of despair, depression and hopelessness, anxiety, mood changes often accompany a cancer patient. Homoeopathic medicines also deal with this disturbed mental state associated with cancer.
Bone infections
Infections of bones may spread to the bone from nearby skin or muscles, or from another part of the body through the bloodstream. People who are at risk for contacting bone infections include those with poor circulation, recent injury or diabetes. The ability of an infection to persist and spread indicates an incompetent immune system. So when the immunes system cannot function up to its capacity, these infections get a chance to feast further and involve other tissues. The homeopathic constitutional remedy acts on this very crippled immune system and strengthens it to fight against the bacterial, fungal or viral infection.

Homeopathic remedies can also be used effectively in the acute stages of bone infections to reduce the pain, fever and other subjective symptoms of the patient. When high blood sugar levels are the cause of bone infections, homeopathic remedies can also help to reduce the sugar levels in the blood effectively. Homeopathy along with proper diet and lifestyle changes can help to control diabetes.
Thus Homeopathy being a holistic method of treatment and has proved its scope in every type of bone disease. Homeopathic medicines should be taken under supervision of a qualified homeopath.
So we have to understand that the homeopathic remedies act at a very deep level and if the line of treatment is managed properly we can get amazing results.
Important Points to remember:
·         Bone diseases can be effectively handled through right Homeopathic medicines
·         A complete case history of the patient is a must to achieve the desired results
·         Acute pain can also be handled through the acute phase remedies
·         Constitutional Homeopathic remedies can be useful in reducing the hereditary diseases

Patient on homeopathic medicine feel effectively better not only in their symptoms related to Bone diseases but also at emotional and physical aspects and brings a general wellbeing in the true sense.

Article written by
Experts at Basil wellness
Ph: 022 41227500/01





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