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 In 2004, Vioxx was withdrawn from the market after it was found to cause heart attacks, strokes and death.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.

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. 

Originally, Greg had been getting by on NSAIDS and muscle relaxers, however now he was facing surgery based on what his surgeon recommended. Greg wanted no part of surgery and was looking for alternatives.

When he went to see Dr. Richard Busch, his pain was sharp and shooting.  Normal activity just increased the pain level.  He would greatly set himself back, if he really worked normally. After treating with the DRS Protocol™, Greg is back to all activities and goes days and weeks with absolutely no pain.  He is no longer taking medications and is thrilled with his great outcome.  He is so happy he treated with the non-surgical, drug-free DRS Protocol.  He tells everyone surgery is not the only option.

DRS Protocol is drug-free & pain-free

Prescription drugs according a former drug czar is the biggest and fastest-growing part of America’s drug problem. According to the CDC the misuse of prescription medication causing fatal overdoses has shown a drastic increase.  It is a good thing gone awry and now is an unrecognized epidemic.  And is the 10^th leading cause of death in the US.

The number of deaths from opioid painkiller – such as morphine and codeine – have more than tripled from 1999 through 2006. To put it into perspective, it could be a yearly death toll of a hundred 757s crashing and killing everyone.  That would really make the news.

About 120,000 people a year have to go to the ER because they overdosed. In past years, most cases of overdose were to illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine, but now prescription opioid painkillers have taken the lead.

The DRS Protocol which can successfully treat herniated and degenerative discs at the Busch Chiropractic Pain Center is pain-free and DRUG-FREE.  Prescriptions pain pills are addictive and can kill.

Busch Chiropractic Makes Pain Go Away!

When you do something well, word travels fast and that is exactly how Joe heard about the Busch Chiropractic Center.  Joe had definitely heard about Busch Chiropractic Pain Center, and even though he lived 2.5 hours away, he was willing to make the drive, if Dr. Busch thought he could help Joe. 

Joe had suffered from a low back condition (degenerative disc disease) and had tried conservative care such as chiropractic, physical therapy and pain medications.  When that didn’t work, he gave up and had a spinal fusion.  For the last two years, he continually suffered from moderate to severe low back pain, left hip and thigh pain. 

Joe absolutely did not want to have another surgery, because his recovery was so difficult and he ended up right back where he started.  So he decided to use the internet to research options other than surgery.  When Joe got to Dr. Busch he was miserable with constant pain and was having difficulty standing, sitting and walking.  He was also having cramping in his leg.  He was constantly taking one prescription or another trying to get some relief.  He took Norflex, muscle relaxers, Tylenol or whatever was available at the time.  Joe was relieved when Dr. Busch said he was confident – after a thorough examination and a review of Joe’s films – that the DRS Protocol™ would help him. 

With a willingness to stay in a hotel during the week, Joe began treating and today he is walking and moving much, much better. The 2.5 hour car ride was not an issue.  Joe is doing better than he ever expected.  And he is so happy he didn’t have to have another surgery.  His wife is also very happy to have him back to being able to walk and be active, because she was getting bored shopping by herself while they were in town!