Merck plead guilty to having illegally promoted Vioxx for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis before it was approved for that use in 2002. In 2004, Vioxx was withdrawn from the market after it was found to cause heart attacks, strokes and death. Additionally, Merck agreed to pay more than $600 million to the federal government, 43 states and the District of Columbia for other improprieties.

Merck & Co. has been fined about $1 billion dollars for criminal activity. Vioxx generated nearly $2.5 billion dollars in sales each year it was able to be sold. Merck may think of this as the cost of doing business. But there were many thousands of patients that died.

The FDA estimates that between 1999 and 2003 Vioxx may have contributed to 27,785 deaths. Other studies estimate the number of deaths from Vioxx at 55,000. It is believed that over 100,000 patients suffered strokes or heart attacks after taking Vioxx.

So why couldn’t the FDA look at this information, and why did it take so long for the FDA to order the removal Vioxx from the marketplace? There is a funding relationship between the FDA and companies such as Merck, and there is a pattern of some who had worked for the FDA to then work for pharmaceutical companies. There appears there could be a back door relationship between pharmaceutical companies and the FDA.

If you have to take a prescription medication, it is important to research how the drug works and the potential adverse effects. Do your research and have your questions ready for a good conversation with your doctor. There are often options other than drugs.

Really look into your diet – try to keep your foods as healthful as possible, stay hydrated and drink a lot more water, and of course, exercise. It is a great time to plant a garden.

Busch Chiropractic Pain Center offers the drug-free DRS Protocol ™treatment for back and neck conditions and offers nutritional evaluation and anti-inflammation diets for our patients.

The narrowing puts pressure on your nerves and spinal cord and can cause pain. Spinal stenosis occurs mostly in people older than 50. Younger people with a spine injury or a narrow spinal canal are also at risk. Diseases such as arthritis and scoliosis can cause spinal stenosis too.

Symptoms might appear gradually or not at all. They include pain in your neck or back, numbness, weakness or pain in your arms or legs, and foot problems. The wear-and-tear effects of aging can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, a condition known as spinal stenosis. 

Narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal pinches the nerves that go to the skin and muscles of the legs. Sometimes, the pinched nerves become inflamed, causing pain in the buttocks and/or legs. Most often as a result of degeneration, there can be inflammation and swelling pushed into the soft tissue structures on the front and the back of the inter-vertebral canal causing inflammation of the ligament on the back side of the spine, which can be referred to medically as “hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum”. This in conjunction with degeneration and minor disc bulges can cause a narrowing of the intervertebral canal also known as stenosis.

 Most patients with spinal stenosis can be treated with the nonsurgical, pain-free DRS Protocol™ offered at the Busch Chiropractic Pain Center.

Scientists involved with the development of the vaccine plan larger trials in patients to prove it can be effective against a range of different cancers.  They believe it could be used to combat small tumors if they are detected early enough or to help prevent the return and spread of disease in patients who have undergone other forms of treatment such as surgery.

Cancer cells usually evade patient’s immune systems because they are not recognized as being a threat. While the immune system usually attacks foreign cells such as bacteria, tumors are formed of the patient’s own cells that have malfunctioned.

Scientists have, however, found that a molecule called MUC1, which is found in high amounts on the surface of cancer cells, can be used to help the immune system detect tumors.

A statement from Vaxil Biotheraputics said: “ImMucin generated a robust and specific immune response in all patients which was observed after only 2-4 doses of the vaccine out of a maximum of 12 doses. “In some of the patients, preliminary signs of clinical efficacy were observed.”

The results are still to be formally published but if further trials prove to be successful the vaccine could be available within six years.

As a therapeutic vaccine it is designed to be given to patients who are already suffering from cancer to help their bodies fight off the disease rather than to prevent disease in the first place.

In a safety trial at the Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem, ten patients suffering from multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, have now received the vaccine.

Seven of the patients have now finished the treatment and Vaxil reported that all of them had greater immunity against cancer cells compared to before they were given the vaccine.

Vaxil added that three patients are now free of detectable cancer following the treatment.

Cancer charities have given the vaccine a cautious welcome, but warned further testing was needed before it could be approved for widespread use.

There are currently a number of other therapeutic vaccines against cancer being tested, but they have met with limited success.

Dr Kat Arney, science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “”These are very early results that are yet to be fully published, so there’s a lot more work to be done to prove that this particular vaccine is safe and effective in cancer patients”.

The Federal Government contends that everyone must purchase health insurance, because if someone doesn’t buy insurance and they get sick or injured, the cost of their care must be divided among all of those that have purchased insurance already. The only exceptions are those granted by politicians to certain companies for reasons unspecified, and perhaps Congress itself.

In theory, the Federal Government is controlled by the Constitution. At issue is whether or not the Individual Mandate is in line with the Constitution. The Government is assuming it has the right to force you to buy health insurance based on the Commerce Clause, a few sentences in the Constitution that give the Government the right to act in cases that affect trade “between the several states.” This is a powerful club. The Commerce Clause is what gives ERISA laws their teeth. The states had better state their cause pretty effectively, because the Federal Government has ridden the Commerce Clause horse pretty hard in the past.

Back in 1942 there was an Iowa farmer who wanted to plant some extra wheat. But as Ohio farmer named Roscoe C. Filburn would find out when he sued to overturn a 1938 law regarding what he could and could not grow on his own land, the Government can have strong opinions. In 1942 the SCOTUS ruled that if Filburn grew as much wheat as he wanted, even if he did not sell it, but used it for his family, and if others did the same, that it could affect the market for wheat. Activities that affect markets in one state could conceivably affect markets in other states, thereby influencing interstate commerce. The Court ruled, therefore, that the Government could tell Roscoe exactly how much wheat he could plant, and fine him if he exceeded the quota, and do so in the name of the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Back in the day, the New York Times had this to say about the decision: “If the farmer who grows feed for consumption on his own farm competes with commerce, would not the housewife who makes herself a dress do so equally? …The net of the ruling, in short, seems to be that Congress can regulate every form of economic activity if it so decides.”

Roscoe Filburn argued that a decision against him would move the nation toward a centralized Government and “nullifications of all constitutional limitations.” The Supreme Court’s ruling against him was unanimous.

So this case, known as Wickard v. Filburn, commonly called “Wickard,” may be the defining law regarding how much power the Federal Government has over the individual, including whether or not it can offer us insurance we can’t refuse.  Reprinted from March 28, 2012,  online ChiroCode Insittute

What are your thoughts on our Constitution and ObamaCare?

DRS Protocol is drug-free!

This month the FDA released a another consumer alert about , “Mercury Poisoning Linked to Skin Products.” Federal health officials are telling people not to use skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, or lotions that might contain mercury. A majority of these  products are manufactured abroad and sold in the U.S. illegally. if any skin product contains mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio, or mercury stop using it.

Dr. Charles Lee, a senior advisor to FDA stated, “Exposure to mercury can have serious health consequences. {Mercury} can damage the kidneys and the nervous system and interfere with the development of the brain in unborn children and very young children.”

If the FDA is concerned about mercury poisoning, then what about vaccines preserved by mercury such as the flu vaccine and mercury dental fillings?  Of course we have been told to limit the amount fish we eat, especially white tuna and swordfish.

Let us know what you think about mercury fillings and vaccines preserved with Mercury.  Have you ever been tested or had your fillings replaced?

Chronic back pain can affect your blood pressure

Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.  If the body is dehydrated this raises your blood pressure and water helps our arteries and flushes salt.

Eat a fiber-rich diet:  fresh vegetable, fruits and whole grain.

Eliminate refined foods as much as possible.  Make the effort to eat foods that are as close to their original form as possible.

Cut down or eliminate soft drinks.

Work on losing weight.  For every 20 pounds lost, it is possible to see a 5 to 20 point drop in your systolic blood pressure

Watch your stress levels – there is a direct link to high blood pressure.  There are natural supplements that are very calming such as valerian root.   Really try to avoid prescription medications, if possible.

Taking something for chronic, ongoing pain can affect your blood pressure. Many over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers can push your blood pressure higher.  In fact, many remedies for colds, sinus problems, and even heartburn contain the same ingredients.

Exercise at least 3 times a week.  This can be easy as a 30 minute walk 3 times a week.  Studies show this can reduce systolic blood pressure significantly.

Check out natural alternatives that are known to help lower blood pressure.  Increase potassium intake, eat a banana a day.  The vegetable that is in most of our refrigerators – celery – may help, and check out of concentrated celery seed powder. 

There are others alternatives to look into, however never change the amount of or discontinue your medications without talking with your prescribing doctor.

It is always good to work from the natural, drug-free aspect, if possible.  Busch Chiropractic Pain Center offers drug-free, pain-free treatment – The DRS Protocol™ – successfully treating since 1996 chronic and severe disc conditions such as herniated or degenerative discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis and facet syndrome.  Busch Chiropractic Pain Center also treats the pain and symptoms of neuropathy with the Busch Neuropathy Protocol.  Also pain-free and drug-free.  No concern about bad side effects and drug interactions.

DRS Protocol is drug-free & pain-free!

The FDA has recently announced an alert about the safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).  The following is a list of common products warned about. 

• AcipHex (rabeprazole sodium)
• Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
• Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium)
• Omeprazole (omeprazole) Over-the-Counter (OTC)
• Prevacid (lansoprazole) and OTC Prevacid 24hr
• Prilosec (omeprazole) and OTC
• Protonix (pantoprazole sodium)
• Vimovo (esomeprazole magnesium and naproxen)
• Zegerid (omeprazole and Sodium bicarbonate) and OTC

These are medications are for treatment of Gerd/reflux esophagitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers and other gastric problems.

The FDA warns that using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea – this is a diagnosis for patients who may have an onset of diarrhea that won’t improve.

The bacteria C. difficile can infect the colon and cause severe, life-threatening diarrhea. Out of over three million cases of diarrhea in the US annually, approximately 1-4% of patients with C. difficile die from the illness. There is a rise in the cases of infection as there is a rise in the use of PPIs. 

There are many medications, both over-the-counter and prescriptions that can cause acid reflux and Gerd. NSAIDS such as Motrin, Advil, Nuprin and Aleve can contribute.  The following are others:

• Calcium channel blockers – used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
• Anticholinergics – used in drugs that treat urinary tract disorders, allergies and glaucoma.
• Beta adrenergic agonists – used for asthma and obstructive lung diseases.
• Dopamine – used in Parkinson’s disease.
• Bisphosphonates – used to treat osteoporosis.
• Sedatives
• Antibiotics
• Potassium
• Iron pills

For those who are attempting to stop smoking by taking Chantix – just know that this drug is also known for causing Gerd.  Then a PPI is prescribed for this side-effect.

When a patient is prescribed a PPI, long-term use should be avoided and taking a good probiotic may help with the problems D.difficile.

 Busch Chiropractic offers the DRS Protocol, a successful drug-free, pain-free treatment for herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatic pain and other back and neck conditions.

The DRS Protocol is safe and drug-free - no worry about drugs

The Food and Drug Administration last week issued two additional warning about statin drugs.  The warnings were about the definite risk of getting diabetes and about having mental confusion.  Now all statin drugs must carry warning labels about elevated blood sugar and memory and cognitive problems.

From the beginning there were many reports about mental confusion and cognitive problems.  Statins actually poison a vital enzyme, HMG-CoA reductas, that is part making use of cholesterol and aids in CoQ10 production.

Our brains are made up of cholesterol.  The action of statins causes a decline in our brains’ functions.  Many patients taking statins will suffer memory loss, higher anxiety, and other brain-related problems.   

Patients should educate themselves about what statins do as far as bad side effects – others can be muscle weakness and pain – and look for more natural approaches to lowering cholesterol.  This would include weight-loss and exercise. 

Busch Chiropractic offers drug-free, pain-free treatment – the DRS Protocol – for treating patients with back and neck disc problems.  It safe even for senior patients.

Back or Neck Pain? Treat with the DRS Protocol. Drug-free, Pain-free and safe for Seniors!

Pain pills, antihistamines such Benadryl and many antidepressants and other mood altering drugs can affect the way our brain functions.  It is reported that even statins can affect memory. Many people buy over-the-counter products from the drugstore and some of the products with regular use can impair thinking and cause loss of memory. Elderly people can be most affected. 

Certain drugs will block a vital neurotransmitter that affects functions in the body, memory and cognitive functions are some. The drugs are called anticholinergic, and the effects will build up. Anticholinergic means an inhibition of cholinergic neurotransmission at muscarinic receptor sites.)

 Some of the symptoms are as follows:

 -Blurred vision

- Confusion, disorientation, memory impairment

- Dizziness when standing

- Drowsiness or sedation

- Nervousness, agitation or anxiety

- Hallucinations and delirium

- Reddening of the face (flushing)

- Fever

- Dry lips, mouth, and throat, speech difficulties, trouble with dentures, chewing and swallowing

- Nausea

- Constipation

- Rapid heart rate

- Weakness

- Trouble urinating or emptying bladder

 Senior patients are most vulnerable because they tend to take more medications, in general.

There are now many new research studies about the affects of ant cholinergic medicine because of the finding of British study on men and women 65 years or older.  The study followed 13,000 patients who were taking more than one anticholineric drug.  These patients scored lower on cognitive function test than those who did not take this type of drug.  Also it was found that the death rate of those who were taking many anticholineric drugs was 68 percent higher.

So far it can’t be determined why the death rate is higher except the commonality of anticholineric drugs. Some professionals suspect the drugs affect organs and the cardiovascular system.  Yet there are no studies to prove it.

Twenty percent of patients over 65 are taking at least one anticholinergic drug.  A study of 4000 seniors was performed in Indianapolis IN, and it found those that were taking three or more anticholinergic drugs for 90 days were three times more likely to be diagnosed with cognitive impairment as compared to those in the study who did not taken type of drug.

Still, there is already a consensus in the scientific community that anticholinergic compounds should be prescribed with caution, especially for the elderly

It is shown in studies that 25% of patients treating for memory disorders have reversible problems.  Those patients taking a combination of medications may become better once their medications are assessed and replaced with those that are not anticholinergic.

This is why it is vital to tell your doctors about all the drugs you take and about all over-the-counter products.  There may be no adequate substitutes for some essential anticholinergic drugs. However, taking multiple drugs that have the potential for these side effects should be assessed: especially, when it comes to treating problems such as the common cold or taking other over-the-counter remedies.  Do not stop medications on your own without consulting with your doctor.

When patients treat at Busch Chiropractic Pain Center with the DRS Protocol for painful spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosisand other back or neck conditions they do not have to worry about taking addictive or impairing medications.  The DRS Protocol is nonsurgical and pain-free and there is no worry of drug interactions. 

Rick had talked with a lot people and decided to call Busch Chiropractic Pain Center.  When Rick came to be examined by Dr. Busch he had bad pain from sitting.  In fact, sometimes he wasn’t even able to sit for 10 mins before his pain became unbearable.  So traveling for him was a nightmare.  Also, sleeping was a big problem. Rick would wake up many times a night because his back pain. He was also worried because he taking ibuprofen so much of it each day, just to keep going.

After examining Rick and reviewing his film, Dr. Busch felt he was a candidate for the DRS Protocol™ and Rick began treatment.  Rick is ecstatic!  He didn’t have to take addictive medications or have surgery. He is sleeping great, and he has been on several long international business trips and has done very well with his travels. Rick feels the DRS Protocol™ is amazing, and he is so thankful Dr. Richard Busch was able to help him keep working get his life pain-free life back!