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Practice of Osteopathy
DISEASE AND ITS TREATMENT
DISEASES
SPINAL CURVATURE.
We frequently find very serious cases of spinal curvature which may be cured or greatly benefited by Osteopathic treatment. There must be a process of building up muscles and ligaments, of restoring and strengthening wasted parts. At the same time other muscles and ligaments must be relaxed. Where the spine is ankylosed, that is, where the vertebrae have practically grown together, it can not be straightened but a false ankylosis, due to rigidity of the surrounding parts, may be straightened, where there is a curvature. The operator should remember that nearly all spines have a little lateral curvature in the dorsal region, and in right-handed persons this curvature is directed to the right, and in the case of left-handed individuals the curvature bends toward the left. The more muscular a person is and the more the arms are used the more pronounced will we find this curvature. This is due to over-developed muscles pulling the spine to one side. This will be true of numerous occupations which tend to develop one side of the body more than the other. For this reason we always ought to know the occupation of the patient and use this information in determining the form and force of treatment needed. Of course if both sides are equally developed muscularly there will be no lateral deviation of the spine. In some cases of spinal curvature, in addition to the Osteopathic treatment, it will be well to give the patient some muscular exercises to develop the muscles on the concave side of the curvature and thus help to straighten the spine. There are three forms of spinal curvature, or scoliosis:
Functional, which is the result of faulty positions, assumed as a habit
or occupation, or as a result of a weak eve or ear. It may also be
caused by some deformity in some other part of the body. This often
appears before the age of ten. There are no pronounced symptoms and
it is often discovered accidentally. One of my cases had been under
treatment for a number of years, by a regular physician, for various troubles,
when her mother, in giving a bath, discovered a severe case of spinal curvature.
This first class of spinal curvature may be easily cured but if left, it
becomes Transitional curvature, when the case is progressing into what,
is called Structural curvature, in which the shape of the vertebrae is
changed. On account of this change in the structure and shape of
the bones which form the spinal column such
Many cases require a long course of treatment. A great deal of preliminary work must be done. Where the tissues are contracted in the back they must be loosened by some of the treatments, as Nos. 34, 36, 44, 43, 58, 59, 60. The vertebrae must be frequently worked over into their proper position. See Nos. 45, 57, 38, 39. It is often well to begin at the lower vertebra that is out of position, and force it over. Then the next and so on up the spine as far as the curvature extends. Do not attempt to do too much at a time, but it will be necessary in most cases to continue the work for from one to three years, treating most of the time from two to three times per week. Special attention must be paid to the ribs in many cases. See the examination and treatment of the ribs. In cases where the spine is too flexible it may be
necessary to use appropriate exercises to
In many cases of Pott's disease, where the destructive processes have ceased and left the spine in a very stiff condition, much can be done to correct the deformity and to restore the health. If one wishes to be better informed on this subject
it will be well to secure Lovett's work on "Lateral Curvature of the Spine."
Many cases of structural Curvature require some form of casts or braces
to hold improvement gained, and this book enters into detail respecting
the treatment.
Kyphosis. This is a curvature of the spine directed backwards. We find this condition in many elderly persons, in persons who are naturally weak, and in children who have the rickets. We must distinguish this condition from the sharp angle of Pott's disease. The treatment will be given as indicated in Nos. 34, 43, 37, 35, 38, 50. It will be necessary to give the treatment for some time twice per week; later once per week will do. In elderly people we may not expect to straighten the spine to a marked degree, but the work will greatly improve the health, by securing a better blood supply to the spinal cord. Lordosis. This is an exaggerated curvature
of the lumbar region, the curve of which is directed forward. It
is frequently seen in women who have had frequent pregnancies and, those
who have dropsy. The treatment is directed to strengthening the ligaments
and muscles and the gradual correction of the curvature. See Nos.
64, 57, 63. Also see kyphosis.
This is a chronic inflammation of the spine in which there is pain of a varying nature. There is rigidity and deformity. The intervertebral disks atrophy and firm, bony unions form between the vertebrae, which gradually extend to the whole spine. The muscles atrophy and there is a forward bending of the whole spine. The pain varies greatly and in some cases amounts to a severe neuralgia. This is caused by the pressure of the vertebrae on the nerve roots, which they are allowed to do on account of the absence of the intervertebral disks. This disease is caused by violent injury to the spine, from falls, blows and carrying heavy burdens when too young. Gonorrhoeal infections and articular rheumatism act as causes. When the spine has grown quite rigid from ankylosis
I have failed to loosen the joints, but the treatment has built up the
muscular tissue and has helped in overcoming pain. In cases where
such bony union had not taken place it could be prevented and the case
cured. The treatment consisted in a thorough spinal manipulation
three times per week, with a general treatment. See general treatment.
One case in which a number of vertebrae had become ankylosed I sent where
three Osteopaths could treat him at one time. He was very strong
and could stand heroic treatment. The vertebra were loosened in thirty
treatments, and after following up this treatment for some months, at intervals,
a good cure was effected.
OSTEOMALACRA.
This is a disease in which pain first appears in
the bones and is at first often mistaken for
The symptoms begin with pain in the back of the neck, thighs and sacral region. Then weakness develops in, the legs, so that the person desires help in walking. After the deformity appears in the lower limbs there is danger of spontaneous fracture. There is a peculiar, uncertain, wabbling gait. The pelvis will be found to be deformed. Later the whole skeleton is deformed. Some writers claim that the urine has an excess of calcium salts. In cases that I have treated Osteopathically the
disease was arrested and the patients enjoyed a fair degree of health afterward.
The cause of the disease is uncertain, and why the disease was arrested
under treatment I can only conjecture. A normal nerve and blood supply
was secured to all parts. A general treatment was given as far as
possible.
Many cases are bedridden. They die from general
debility and pneumonia. Much can be
AESTVO-AUTUMNAL FEVER.
This type of fever occurs in temperate climates, chiefly in the late summer and autumn. We find the more severe forms in the Southern States and in tropical countries. There may be a tired, weak feeling with a running off at the bowels for a few days before the appearance of the fever. The symptoms are very irregular. The paroxysms of fever average above twenty hours, instead of ten or twelve as in malarial fever. It may be distinguished from typhoid fever by the sudden rise and fall of the temperature at varying intervals. There may or may not be a chill after the first preliminary weakness. The urine is highly colored. There may be jaundice. The tongue is furred and heavily coated. There is vomiting, in which there is very much bilious matter. The patient looks very ill. The treatment should be a general one (see general
treatment) paying considerable attention to the upper lumbar region and
the entire dorsal. Treat two or three times per day until the patient
is much better; then once a week for a while.
Typhoid fever is an infectious, variable disease, caused by the bacillus of Eberth. This bacillus maintains its existence for one or two weeks in water. It multiplies in water and milk, and in these mediums it has been conveyed into the human system, causing the disease. The bacillus may live for months in the soil and in ice, as freezing does not kill it, but it may be destroyed by boiling for from fifteen to thirty minutes. Persons with spines which are stiff and in a posterior position in the lumbar region are predisposed to this disease. This condition of spine weakens, through the nerve supply, the lymphatics and drainage of the bowels and creates a lodging place for the proliferation and development of these disease-producing germs. The first stage of the fever comes on gradually. There is oftentimes a general feeling of ill health for some time prior to the more pronounced symptoms. There may be nosebleed, sense of chilliness, slight fever, backache, sore throat. The fever rises day by day, each succeeding day higher than the day before, until in four or five days the highest is reached. The highest will be 103 to 105 degrees. The tongue is furred. There is no appetite. Constipation is present, though it may alternate with diarrhea. The pulse is 90 to 110 per minute. The patient is thirsty. There is headache and the skin is hot and dry. The secondary stage of the disease begins on the fifth day and lasts about two weeks. The general symptoms are more marked, the fever is high and continued, the pulse is faster and the headache disappears, but there is mental dullness and there may be delirium. The abdomen is tender, and about the eighth day rose-colored spots appear on the trunk. The second week of this period is the most dangerous, but varies with the severity of the case. Complications may now set in, as lobar pneumonia, perforations and peritonitis. If the disease is following a favorable course the stage of decline in the fever begins on or about the twenty-first day of the disease. The symptoms begin to disappear and the temperature drops each day about one degree until the normal is reached. In the treatment of this disease we must be very careful that the utmost cleanliness prevails. The stools, urine, vomit and sputum should be treated with a five per cent solution of carbolic acid in order to destroy the bacilli, All clothes should be changed daily and treated to a dip in the same solution, after which they should be boiled for half an hour. During an epidemic it will be well for all water and milk to be boiled, especially that used for drinking purposes. All foodstuffs should be carefully cleaned. Typhoid fever to a certain degree is contagious, and it is advisable to keep the rest of the family, as far as possible, away from the patient. The bed should have a rubber sheet beneath the linen or cotton sheet, and the patient should be in a well-aired, sunny room. The patient should not arise from the bed, so a bed pan and urinal are absolutely necessary. The mouth should be washed two or three times daily with a three per cent solution of boric acid. The throat may be occasionally sprayed with the same. When the lips, mouth and tongue are parched they may be moistened with equal parts of glycerine and water. In case there is danger of bedsores the back, hips and heels may be moistened with diluted alcohol in which there is a mixture of alum and salt. Afterwards dust the parts with talcum powder or boracic acid powder. The diet should be liquid. The principal part of it should be milk. It may be diluted with water or with lime water. A feeding of milk would be four ounces, diluted with two ounces of lime water. This may be given every four hours. Albumen water may be given every four hours, which makes the time of feeding every two hours. In making the albumen water the whites of one or two eggs may be used and about the same amount of water. It may suit the taste of the patient better if the juice of half a lemon or orange be added or it may be flavored with vanilla. Sometimes the milk may be flavored with a little tea, coffee or brandy. A small cup of coffee may be given to the patient in the morning. Buttermilk or peptonized milk may be substituted if the milk can not be taken or the milk is not properly digested. Allow the patient all the ice water he wants. As much strong lemonade may be given as the patient may desire, but use very little sugar in it. As an agreeable change a cup of bouillon or strained vegetable soup may be given. Ice cream may be given. When the fever subsides the greatest care must be exercised in the diet, as a return to solid food at too early a date may result in a serious relapse. It is unsafe to allow any solid food for ten days after the temperature has become normal. The intestines are in a greatly weakened condition, ulcers have not healed and perforations may result from the ingestion of solid food. The diet should be gradually changed, still using the milk until it is replaced by solid food. The following may be gradually and carefully introduced: Mutton or chicken broth, junket, a very small piece of cream or milk toast, baked custard, strained vegetable soup, wine jelly, the soft parts of three or four oysters, meat soup thickened with egg, blancmange, calves' foot jelly, chicken jelly. Two or three of the above articles of food may be allowed daily with the milk. Treatment. Osteopathic treatment may
be administered with very gratifying results. If begun early the
fever may often be aborted. If it is begun later the disease shows
favorable symptoms immediately. The musculature of the back should
be thoroughly but gently loosened. See Nos. 61, 62, 32, 53.
The spine may be gently sprung from the lower part to between the shoulders.
See Nos. 57, 61. The tissues in the neck must be relaxed
Give strict attention to diet, bathing and the above treatment, and many of the bad after effects of the disease will be overcome. The drug treatment has been left out of this article, as drugs sap the vitality of the patient and do no good. The greatest living authority among the medical doctors of today says, "A great many of my cases do not receive a single dose." The use of water, both externally and internally, has been found to be very beneficial, in its effects on the nervous system, the kidneys, the heart, and decreasing the liability to bedsores. It also assists in the reduction of the fever. In using the cold pack the patient is placed in a sheet wrung out of water at a temperature of 65 degrees, The water may afterwards be sprinkled on the sheet. This treatment may be prolonged for twenty minutes or more at a time. In using the cold sponge bath a piece of gauze or old toweling is better than a sponge. One portion of the body may be bathed and dried at a time, beginning with the head. The water may be as near ice-cold as the patient can stand it. Twenty minutes or more should be consumed in giving the bath, and it should be thoroughly done. When the temperature is 102 or more the patient may be placed in the full bath, with the temperature at eighty degrees. This should gradually be reduced to seventy degrees. If the bath is given in an ordinary bath tub canvas supports should be arranged to comfortably support the patient in the water, every part being covered but the head. The patient may remain in the water for fifteen minutes, unless there are signs of his being too cold, when he should be removed. A little stimulant and food should be given after the bath. While the patient is in the water the limbs and trunk should be thoroughly rubbed. When taken out wrap the patient in a sheet and cover with a blanket. Should constipation be present an enema should be
given every third day.
MALARIAL FEVER.
This is an infectious disease, in which there is fever every second, third or fourth day. Sometimes there is a continuous fever, with remissions. The disease is caused by a specific microorganism, often transmitted to man by the bite of a mosquito. The preventative treatment calls for protection from mosquitoes. Have the house well screened. Have all marshes, ponds, and all stagnant water drained. In the malarial season petroleum should be used freely on all stagnant water. This kills the larvae of the pest. Marked bony lesions are found oftentimes in persons suffering from the disease. Great improvement follows their correction. A thorough spinal treatment, giving special attention to the portions between the shoulders and the center of the back, should be given. See Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 34, 35, 36, 37, 43, 44, 47, 48, 50. The abdominal treatment should be given with vigor, as it assists in equalizing the circulation. A general treatment may be given. See general treatment. Osler claims that quinine is a specific for the disease,
and recommends that a person going to a malarial district should take ten
grains of quinine daily. When the fever is present he recommends
twenty or thirty grains daily for the first three days, to be given in
divided doses, and then continue in smaller doses for the next two or three
weeks. He further recommends that quinine should be given every spring
and fall for several years afterwards. Others claim good results
from the administration of two or three grains of quinine three times per
day. Quinine pills and tablets are not recommended, but it should
be taken in either a capsule or in solution.
Scarlet fever is an acute, infectious disease with a general scarlet eruption, with high fever and sore throat. The fever begins from two to four days after exposure to the disease, though it may be from one to seven days. The fever may reach 104 to 105 degrees on the first day. The eruption may be seen on the second day, though sometimes it appears on the first day. The skin is dry and very hot, tongue furred, throat is dry and face flushed. The rash is scattered, red points on a red flushed background, appearing first on the neck and chest and spreading rapidly to the entire body. At its height it is a bright scarlet. This persists for five or six days and then the skin begins to scale off. This period lasts from eight to twenty days. Treatment. The patient should be carefully isolated and when possible other children should be sent from home. The disease can not be cut short. The bowels should be kept open and a light diet of broths, milk and fresh fruit should be given. Let the room be well ventilated. As the patient gets better, the fever becoming lower, the diet may be increased, but milk should largely predominate to avoid the danger of Bright's disease, which sometimes attacks the patient when convalescence is well under way. When the skin begins to scale off it should be thoroughly rubbed with sweet oil or carbolized vaseline each day. Should the fever reach 103 a sponge bath is indicated.
If the fever be higher the child may be placed in a warm bath and the water
gradually reduced in temperature to 80 degrees. When there is delirium
present a cold pack is very beneficial. A rubber sheet is placed
on a thick layer of blankets, a sheet is wrung out of cold water and the
child wrapped in it and wrapped in the blankets. The cold water may
be renewed from time to time. An ice cap should be applied to the
head when the fever is high. None of this is necessary unless the
fever is high. A thorough relaxation of the muscles and other tissues
of the back and neck will be very helpful. See Nos. 5, 10, 13, 14,
31, 47, 50, 53.
La grippe is a very contagious disease. It spreads with remarkable rapidity, and the symptoms begin in from one to four days after exposure. It begins abruptly with fever and a profound feeling of prostration. The majority of cases begin with a cold in the bead, with a profuse discharge from the nostrils. After these catarrhal symptoms bronchitis may set in and the fever increase. There is a tendency to pneumonia, which is a very dangerous complication. In some cases the catarrhal symptoms are absent, but there is pain in the joints, headache, and backache in the lumbar region. In other cases there are severe stomach and intestinal symptoms with vomiting, pain in the abdomen and diarrhea. In some epidemics many patients have as a complication
heart trouble (pericarditis and
Treatment. A warm bath should be given and the patient placed in a warm bed and confined there until the fever has entirely left. An enema, in which there is a tablespoon of salt to a quart of water, should be given and the patient instructed to retain it as long as possible. If this cannot be done either Epsom or Rochelle salts should be given. Some medical authors' advise a grain of calomel to be taken, one-fourth of a grain each hour until the grain has been taken. Then the salts should be taken after this, say about six hours. The neck and back on palpation will be found to be
very tender, and a thorough osteopathic treatment will be the best possible
treatment. It prevents all of the many complications, such as heart
trouble and pneumonia, and quickly reduces the fever. In cases the
author has handled the patients were usually at their accustomed vocations
in two to three days, while the ordinary run of cases were being kept in
from ten days to two weeks under the ordinary treatment. The neck
tissues are to be thoroughly loosened. See Nos. 1, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11,
13. The tissues of the back must be relaxed. See Nos. 34, 36,
37, 38, 40, 43, 47, 50. Give strong stimulative treatment for the
fever at the base of the skull in suboccipital fossae. See No. 7.
Stimulate in the upper dorsal region as in Nos. 50, 53, 56. Raise
the ribs. See Nos. 81, 82, 84, 86. Work over the abdomen as
in Nos. 94, 95, 100. The treatment should be given two or three times
per day at first, and as the fever subsides and the patient is better,
once per day will be sufficient. When the fever is high an ice bag
should be applied to the head. The food should be liquid and nourishing.
Chicken pox is an acute, contagious disease. It is characterized by a papular eruption, commencing with a slight fever and a feeling of illness. The temperature may reach 103. The papules soon become vesicles and may be umbilicated as in small pox, holding a cloudy or clear fluid. These dry and form a crust, which drops off, leaving no scar. In severe cases when the true skin is involved scars may remain. The eruption in chicken pox first occurs on the trunk and neck, not on the forehead and face. The vesicles break easily and form successive crops, so that papule, vesicle and crust may be seen in the same locality at the same time. The papules do not feel like small shot and do not disappear on pressure. After exposure the attack may be expected in from fourteen to sixteen days. Treatment. The bowels should be kept open. A warm bath should be given when the eruptions first appear. Avoid taking cold. Should the itching prove troublesome apply carbolized vaseline. Keep the skin clean and do not allow infants to scratch.
If the eruption is troublesome use a wash of a two per cent solution of
chlorate of potassium. Apply cold cream to the vulva if necessary.
Small pox is an acute, contagious and infectious disease. In from nine to fifteen days, generally twelve days, after exposure, the patient may be seized with a chill, which may be repeated during twenty-four hours. Children sometimes have convulsions as an initial symptom. Headache, pain in the lower part of the back, and vomiting are common, while the fever rises to 103 or 104. If the fever runs high there may be delirium and a flushed face, with clear bright eyes. In other cases there may be sweats. The symptoms are not always constant, but vary in the extreme. Accompanying the fever there may be a red rash resembling that of scarlet fever. In other cases it may assume a macular or measly form. In some cases it may be altogether absent. Usually on the fourth day macules begin to appear on the forehead, and within twenty-four hours may be seen on the face and other parts of the body. There may be quite a few on the upper part of the back, the hands and feet. They are a bright red color and disappear on pressure. They feel as if a small shot was hidden beneath the skin. On the fifth or sixth day these papules change to vesicles. The summits are clear, elevated and circular, with a small depression in the center, termed an umbilication. These change on the eighth or ninth day to pustules. They become more elevated and the depression disappears, and the appearance is a grayish-yellow from the contained pus. The skin about the pustules becomes red and swollen. There is a painful pulling sensation in the face, and the eyelids in a severe case are closed. The secondary fever arises and the first symptoms return but the fever does not remain high longer than twenty-four hours. In many cases it is entirely absent. The pustules dry rapidly in the order of their coming and form scabs. The small pox patient has a very peculiar odor, which is a help in diagnosing doubtful cases. Confluent Small Pox. The symptoms are the same as above but of much greater severity. The macules are set closer together. They are more abundant on the face, hands and legs. The temperature does not entirely leave after the breaking out and when the change is made to pustules the temperature rises to 103 to 104 with the pulse from 110 to 120. The pustules have a tendency to run together and to form large superficial abscesses. Haemorrhagic Small Pox. In this form the blood runs into the eruptions and is a very dangerous type of the disease. Its severity depends largely on the early appearance of this symptom. If it appears later in the disease there is much less danger. Varioloid is not a different disease, but is a very modified form of small pox. Even in mild cases the early symptoms may be severe. The fever may rise to 103. The papules appear on the third or fourth day and the fever drops and does not again appear. The patient feels well and the papules and vesicles begin to disappear with the drop in the fever. Treatment. Drugs should not be given to reduce the fever, as they greatly weaken and depress the patient. When tee temperature is high, a cold sponge bath may be given and an ice bag applied to the head. The diet should be light, mostly fluid, consisting mostly of milk and soups. When there is no fever, poached or soft-boiled eggs and toast may be added to the diet, with either tea or coffee. A gauze mask may be worn on the face, kept moist with cold water containing mercuric bichloride enough to make a 1 to 5,000 solution. When the crusts form they should be kept moist with vaseline. The eyes should be kept clean with a salt or boric acid solution. More than enough boric acid crystals than will dissolve may be kept in the water for this purpose. The mucous lining of the nose should be kept moist with vaseline. If the patient is constipated a salt water enema should be given every other day. At the onset of the disease, if no other treatment is available, a thorough purge with calomel may be taken. A half grain in one-tenth grain doses at intervals of an hour should be sufficient, in ordinary cases. Bed clothes should be soaked in a 1 to 4,000 solution of mercuric chloride, before going through the laundry. All surplus furniture, such as rugs, curtains, etc.,
should be removed from the room.
CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER.
This is an infectious disease, caused by a specific microorganism, the diplococcus introcellularis. The coverings of the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal meninges) are affected. The course of the disease is very irregular. There is severe headache, pain in the back and upper part of the spine, contraction of the muscles in the back of the neck, and delirium. There is a malignant type of this disease which proves rapidly fatal. It comes on suddenly with violent headache, chills, muscular spasms, light fever, but slow pulse, being 50 to 60 per minute. A purple rash may develop slightly raised places on the skin which fills with dark blood. The common form sets in suddenly, usually between noon and midnight, with a chill. There may be convulsions with headache. There is pain in the back of the neck and sensitiveness to light and noise. 'There is great rigidity of spinal muscles and loss of control of bladder and rectum. There are convulsions, delirium and set eyes. The skin has various symptoms. Sometimes a dusty mottling may be present, again rose-colored spots, as in typhoid fever. A purple rash, as spoken of above, may appear. The disease may last from a few hours to several months. Favorable symptoms of the disease are apparent when the temperature falls. Muscles become less rigid and intelligence returns. There is an abortive type which sets in as above, but the case begins to improve in a day or two and the patient is soon well. Treatment. Use an ice bag or an ice coil on the head. Use warm mustard baths for the feet and cold sponge baths for the rest of the body. An enema of salt water should be given daily, using a tablespoonful of salt to a quart of water. If vomiting distresses, one drop of tincture of iodine, in sweetened peppermint water, may be given every two hours. Let the food be liquid or semi-fluid and nourishing. Have the sick room quiet and let it be darkened. The patient may be greatly benefited and the course
of the disease shortened, with the prevention of the usual bad after effects,
by thoroughly, gently and persistently loosening the musculature of the
back, and especially of the back of the neck. See Nos. 5, 9, 11,
7B, 10, 13, 14, 47, 48, 50, 53, 57, 61. The abdomen may be thoroughly treated.
It will draw the blood away from the congested spine and spinal coverings.
See Nos. 94, 95, 98.
The author of this book fears a cold more than many of the diseases that are regarded as being serious. Never be afraid of breathing cold air or night air. Pure cold air will never cause a cold. Nansen, the arctic explorer, said that there were no colds among his officers or crew while they were in the Far North in the regions of ice, but when they returned to civilization they nearly all contracted severe colds. Those leading an out-of-door life, though exposed to the elements, seldom contract colds, but the persons who spend much time in illy-ventilated rooms, which are overcrowded and overheated, frequently have colds; or when these conditions exist, without the overcrowding, in the houses of the rich, we find the inmates are very susceptible to colds. When we are exposed to draughts while we are sitting still the tissues of the upper part of the back and the neck become contracted. This interferes with the circulation and any latent germs readily find a lodging place. When a person is overworked, either mentally or physically, or is suffering from some chronic illness he is more predisposed to a cold. The symptoms of a common cold are varied. There may be pain on swallowing, loss of voice or severe hoarseness, cough and expectoration, a slight fever with headache and a general aching over the body, sneezing and running of the nose. In treating a cold it is best to give a general treatment
rather briskly. Take a hot foot bath, an injection of warm salt water,
a tablespoon of salt to a quart of water, a hot lemonade and go to bed.
It will be best to remain in bed as long as the fever lasts. The
treatment equalizes the circulation. If you are liable to colds it
will be better to sleep in a cold, well-ventilated room. See that
the bowels have a free movement once each day. Take a daily cold
sponge bath each day. Discard furs and neck mufflers and. wear thin
underwear, keeping warm by the use of heavy outer garments. My objection
to the furs is that we are liable to leave them off on some occasion and
thus contract a severe cold. It would be well for those liable to
colds to take a course of Osteopathic treatments, build up their constitution,
and thus avoid colds.
LOBAR PNEUMONIA.
This is an acute, infectious disease which produces an inflammation of the lungs. It usually begins with a chill and the fever rises rapidly to 104 or 105. Some of the factors that predispose to the disease are weakness of the lung tissue, caused by lesions to spine and ribs, affecting the circulation which nourishes the substance of the lungs, old age, injuries, operations, overwork, exposure, alcoholism, influenza, diabetes, tuberculosis and colds. The immediate cause is the diploccocus lanceolatus, a specific microorganism which is found in a very large percentage of the cases. Symptoms. On inspection we note that the patient has a very bright eye, dilated nostrils, pale face or mahogany flush on the cheek. 'The skin is harsh and dry. The respiration runs from 30 to 60 in an adult and from 60 to 90 in a child per minute. The inspiration and expiration are both brief, yet often separated by a long pause. There is deficient expansion on the affected side, and a pain stabbing in character beneath the nipple or axilla. The cough is short, dry and painful. It sets in early and is usually attended with a rusty or blood-stained sputum. It may be white, glairy and scanty at first. In elderly persons this disease is peculiarly dangerous. The prostration is marked, but the fever is irregular and is not high, the cough, pain and expectoration are very slight and may be altogether absent. The disease may seem light, but with persons sixty years of age the mortality rate is 60 to 80 per cent, under the regular medical treatment, while at all ages Osler says that it is the most fatal of all acute diseases. Treatment. The osteopathic treatment, as outlined below, is very successful in the subjection of this disease. If the patient is taken in hand early we may expect to abort the case. At any stage it gives great relief. The patient may be turned on the sound side and a very thorough relaxing treatment be given to all the muscles of the back, particularly on the affected side. See Nos. 53, 57, 59, 61. The spine should be worked upon and sprung from one end to the other. See No. 57. When this is accomplished turn the patient on the back and treat the neck, both front and back, for the purpose of relaxing all the tissues, both deep and superficial. See Nos. 4, 5, 9, 18. Raise the clavicles. See No. 70. Depress the first ribs, as in No. 76. Treat in the suboccipital fossae for the purpose of reducing the fever. See No. 7B. Raise the ribs on both sides. See Nos. 86, 87. Give a thorough abdominal treatment. See Nos. 94, 96, 100, 101, 102. This helps to draw the blood away from the lungs. This treatment may be given in full once per day, but the ribs may be raised, treatment for the fever and some relaxing work over the chest and abdomen may be given three or four times per day. Very quick improvement is expected under this treatment. The treatment should be moderate in strength when the patient is weak. Dr. Osler says that there is no specific treatment for the disease, and cautions that patients are more often damaged than helped by the promiscuous drugging that is only too prevalent. Some medical writers recommend when the symptoms of pneumonia are present to give a laxative and tonic composed of Calomel.................... 5 grains.
to be given in one dose, and to give a warm mustard foot bath. Should the heart be weak, good whiskey may be given at intervals during the day. It is both a food and a stimulant and if necessary from one fourth to a pint may be given in one day. It must be given to those who have been drinking it prior to the attack of the disease. Cold packs are splendid in their efficacy. When the temperature is above 102 they should be applied every half hour. When below that point every hour, and discontinued when the temperature is at 99 1/2. The compress should consist of three layers, when applied, of old linen, cut in such a way that it will fit the entire chest, both front and back, from the neck and over the shoulders and down to the umbilicus. A piece of flannel should be so cut as to cover the linen. 'The linen is wet in water at 60 degrees and applied and covered by the flannel and pinned with safety pins. There should be two compresses, using one after the other. Diet. The diet should consist largely of milk,
soft-boiled eggs, meat juices and egg albumen. Give plenty of cold
water, lemonade and soda water.
BRONCHO PNEUMONIA.
Broncho pneumonia is an acute disease, in which there is an inflammation of the terminal bronchus and the air vessels connected with it. The condition is due to an infection, which is allowed by a weakened condition, which may be brought on by a number of causes. There are two forms recognized. The primary form sets in with a chill and a cough. A child may have convulsions. There may have been no previous sickness, but there may have been a cold. Fever rises rapidly and ranges from 102 to 104. The skin is dry, hot and harsh. The cough is hard and painful. Breathing is difficult. Respiration may be 60 to 80 per minute. The face may become dusky and the finger tips and lips blue. The expectoration is white, glairy, tenacious and is often tinged with blood. The secondary form follows some other illness and is the more common of the two. It is most frequently met with in children. The symptoms are usually veiled by the previous sickness. The initial chill is rare. The fever develops or increases suddenly. Respiration quickly jumps to 60 to 80 per minute. The pulse is high. Fever is 102 to 104. It may last from one to eight weeks. Treatment. We may expect great relief and a speedy recovery of the case by giving the osteopathic treatment as outlined in lobar pneumonia. This is the best possible treatment. In the case of children good hygiene and careful nursing are of the utmost importance. Let there be plenty of fresh air. If possible let the child be in one room while the other is being thoroughly aired. Change the position frequently. Do not allow the patient to lie on the back for too long at a time, as this predisposes to congestion of the lungs. A warm bath and an enema should be given at the first symptoms. When the nose and throat are dry pour into the nostrils 10 to 15 drops of salt water, three or four times per day from a teaspoon. When the digestion is poor and the tongue is coated the following has been recommended: Dilute hydrochloric acid .... one dram.
Give a teaspoonful four times per day. If the osteopathic treatment is properly given no
drugs are ever necessary in any case.
Calomel.................... 5 grains
The patient may have whiskey, as indicated in lobar
pneumonia. In case there is trouble in raising the phlegm, raise
the foot of the bed six or seven inches.
Diphtheria is an acute, infectious and contagious disease caused by the Klebs-Loeffler bacillus, without which it is a simple membranous inflammation. The disease is characterized by a fibrinous exudate or grayish-white membrane in the throat, extending over the tonsils and soft palate. There is irregular fever and great prostration. In many cases the fever may not be above 102 or 103, while the pulse is from 100 to 120. As the disease advances the urine becomes highly colored and scanty. The mind may sometimes remain clear, but as the poison generated by the disease becomes more abundant the patient become dull and listless. Osteopathic treatment is very successfully given in this disease. The tissues of the neck, both front and back, should be kept thoroughly loosened. See Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7B, 8B, 10, 11, 13. The clavicles should be raised. See Nos. 72, 73. The first ribs should be depressed. See No.
76. Relax the tissues back of and beneath the
For cleaning the nostrils and pharynx a salt solution may be used, a teaspoonful to a pint of water. A little of this may be poured into the nostrils from a spoon every two hours. Should the nostrils be stopped it may be necessary to use a syringe. For this same purpose a mercuric bicloride solution may be used, in water 1 to 10,000. When the digestion needs aid the following prescription is sometimes given: Essence of pepsin.......... 2 ounces
Give a teaspoonful three times per day. When a stimulant is needed one-fiftieth of a grain of strychnine three times per day, or give whiskey or Tokay wine. In case there is incessant vomiting, give one to two drops of tincture of iodine in sweetened peppermint water every two hours until the stomach is quiet. The diet is important. It should be nutritious
and easy of digestion, custard, eggnog, cornstarch. If the bowels
are too active give burnt flour soup. In addition there may be given
pineapple juice, milk, cocoa, eggs, cream and farina.
This term is from a Greek word, meaning to boil over. There are a number of varieties of the disease. Several types may be present at once or they may appear one after the other. There is intense itching, burning, redness and swelling of the parts affected. The skin is harsh, dry and thickened. The parts may become scaly. On scratching, as the result of irritation, there is inflammation and crusting of the surface. There is a papular type in which there is a number of closely set, bright red papules, particularly about the joints, and the itching is intense. The vesicular type begins with pinpoint vesicles, very closely set together. Solid sheets of eruption form, the vesicles break and there is a raw weeping, sometimes spoken of as weeping eczema. Among the causes ascribed are rheumatism and gout, digestive disturbances, general debility and a poor nerve supply; immoderate use of food and drink, alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee drinking; exposure to heat and cold, and overwork of a mental character. In treating, the Osteopath has splendid success with
this disease. The treatment is thoroughly given, paying considerable
attention to that region of the spine from the atlas to the first lumbar
vertebra. With the heel of the hand the entire fascia of the spine
is relaxed from sacrum to occiput. See Figs. 48, 50 and 51.
Give a general treatment.
The diet should be plain and nutritious. Avoid
all meat, gravies and pastries, cheese, condiments and sauces. It
will be better to avoid tea and coffee, and all alcohol must be left alone.
Out of doors in good weather is best. The prognosis is very favorable.
The onset of catarrhal croup is sudden. It comes on mostly at night. Generally it is preceded by a slight cough and running at the nose the preceding day. The cough is very characteristic, harsh, dry, metallic, loud and hoarse. The fright of the child in having difficulty in breathing adds to the severity of the symptoms. The lips and nails become bluish in color. The symptoms during the following day have almost disappeared or are much milder. Treatment. The osteopathic treatment is the same as for diphtheria, which see. An emetic, promptly administered, will generally relieve the symptoms. The following is frequently used: Triturate of antimony, 1-100 of a grain.
Give one every fifteen minutes until the patient vomits. Give one every four hours during the day. Coal oil, fifteen to twenty drops on sugar, given every fifteen or thirty minutes, sometimes proves to be of great value. This may be also used as an external application on the chest and throat. Give the child plenty of fresh air and bathe the
child's chest with cold water.
ERYSIPELAS.
Erysipelas is an acute, contagious disease characterized by inflammation of the skin, which is red, tense and shining. Spots form, which are reddish in color, which coalesce and small blisters appear. There is a rapidly-rising temperature, often preceded by a rigor. The constitutional symptoms are often marked. There may be delirium, dry tongue and feeble pulse. The disease is often confined to the face, but may wander (erysipelas migrans) to the neck, chest and other parts of the body. No medical treatment has any effect on the disease. A two per cent solution of carbolic acid in cold water may be used, but cold water is as good as any local application. The disease is caused by a poor circulation in the part affected, and a lowered vitality which allows the direct exciting cause of the disease (the streptococcus erysipelatosus) to gain a foothold. The quickest way to rid the patient of the disease,
if in the face, is to relax all the tissues of the neck. See Nos.
1, 3, 5, 8B, 9, 10, 11. Spring the lower jaws against resistance.
See No. 8. Give a thorough spinal and abdominal treatment, to quicken the
action of the bowels and kidneys and to aid in carrying off the poisons.
See Nos. 31, 32, 34, 35, 43, 48, 50, 94, 97, 100. Give a salt water
enema. Furnish the patient with a good, nutritious diet. As
in most acute cases, the patient should receive the osteopathic treatment
daily.
This is an inflammation of the tonsils which may result in a cure, suppuration (quinsy), or in chronic enlargement. This disease is contagious and is often a forerunner of rheumatism. It affords a medium of entrance for various microorganisms. It is preceded by a pain in the back and limbs, with a rapidly rising fever. The tongue is coated and furred. Swallowing is difficult. The urine is dark. The tonsils, which may be felt below the angle of the jaw, are swollen and tender. On inspection they may seem to nearly close the throat. They are red, with a glazed surface at first, but later are covered with a thin layer of pus. This in some cases may assume a grayish hue. If it spreads over the throat and upwards on the roof the mouth diphtheria may be suspected. See diphtheria. Treatment. The best possible treatment is osteopathic. All the tissues of the neck are relaxed, both front and back. See Nos. 1, 3, 5, 8B, 9, 10, 11, 13. The clavicles are raised and corrected. See Nos. 72, 73. The first rib is lowered. See Nos. 75, 76.
Many cases will be helped by a general treatment, which see. All
the above will insure a good circulation to the affected parts. All
neck lesions are to be removed, as in this portion of the spine arises
the nerve supply to the tonsils. In ordinary practice in (treating
tonsillitis one attack predisposes to another, but the author has treated
a number of patients osteopathically for the trouble and the disease did
not return. Of course the lesions affecting the circulation were
removed. Keep the bowels open. Salt water enema will be beneficial.
Drop salt water into the nostrils every two or three hours. Cold
compresses will prove helpful, placed on the throat. See cold compresses.
QUINSY.
The inflammation is more deeply seated than in acute
tonsillitis. The patient is greatly prostrated. A high temperature
of from 104 to 105 degrees is common. The tendency is for the glands
to suppurate. The treatment will be the same as for acute tonsillitis.
The only difference is that hot fomentations will be better than the cold
pack in the latter stages. The glands should be opened early.
If taken early with osteopathic treatment the case may be aborted.
CHRONIC TONSILLITIS.
Enlarged tonsils are found in many children following tonsillitis, diphtheria or some of the eruptive fevers. This condition, in many cases, causes mouth breathing. The sense of taste, hearing and smell is often impaired. In cases that are very marked the mental faculties are impaired. Such patients take cold easily and are susceptible to diphtheria. The osteopathic treatment is the same as outlined in acute tonsillitis, with the exception of cold packs. It should be given three times per week. When the case is better, then twice per week for a while. In the chronic condition the tonsils may be manipulated with benefit. See No. 8B. In addition to the above treatment it will be well to use pressure with the flat of the hand on the front and sides of the neck for the purpose of opening up and freeing all vessels to and from the tonsils. If these channels had been free there would have been no chronic trouble with the tonsils. Most Osteopaths give a general treatment, giving attention to the excretories. The prognosis under Osteopathic treatment is very favorable. The Osteopath keeps the drainage of the venous blood in good condition and thus speedily cures the case. Of course quicker results are secured in acute cases than in chronic ones. Some persons are subject to attacks of tonsillitis
every year, developing into quinsy. In such cases when I commenced
treating them soon after the yearly attack began I found that the quinsy
wag aborted and the tonsillitis soon cured. But what was still better
the yearly attacks ceased entirely,
This is an acute, infectious, very contagious disease. Before the eruption there will be a cough, cold in the head with running at the nose and fever. This will be followed by a brownish-red eruption at the end of the fourth day of the sickness. It appears first on the neck, then on the face, forehead and trunk. One or more papules may be seen on the hard palate twenty-four hours before it appears on the face. Small red spots with a minute bluish-white center may be seen on the inside of the lips and checks, from one to three days before the eruption is seen on the body. This is known as Koplik's sign. If the rash is slow in appearing a general spinal
treatment should be given, paying particular attention to the upper part
of the neck. See Nos. 1, 5, 9, 10, 36, 43, 48, 50, 53. The
author has caused the rash to appear very quickly with one treatment, as
indicated above. This causes the headache and fever to disappear.
Treat the head, Nos. 14, 16; neck, Nos. 4, 6, 7B; throat, No. 8B; first
rib and clavicle, Nos. 76, 75, 72, 73. Raise the ribs to guard against
pneumonia, Nos. 81, 86, 87. Other than this nothing can be done to
lessen the severity or shorten a case of measles. It is best to have
the room darkened on account of the dyes. If the eves are sore, keep
clean with a saturated solution of boric acid. Cover with cloths
wet with ice water. The food should be liquid and light. When
the itching is troublesome anoint with plain or carbolized vaseline.
When the rash has abaied a warm bath should be given daily. Be careful
of the eyes for several weeks after convalescence.
GERMAN MEASLES.
This is a very mild, contagious disease. It spreads with great rapidity. There is a very mild fever and there is a headache, pain in the back and limbs and sore throat, with swelling of the cervical glands. The symptoms are very mild, and it is much less serious as a disease than measles. There is a macular rose-red eruption on the throat, which extends to the face and chest and then to all parts of the body. Sometimes the eruption is confined to the upper part of the body only; again it may even invade the soles of the feet, and the palms of the hand. The rash reaches its height on one part of the body while it fades on another. Its duration is from two to five days or longer. When the rash leaves, the skin is pigmented with a brownish color, which disappears in a few days. It is well for the patient to remain in bed. The diet should be light. Drink plenty of water for the sake of the kidneys. Keep the bowels open. The tissues about the
neck and throat should be relaxed. See Nos. 1, 5, 6, 8B, 10, 7B.
The entire musculature of the back should be relaxed and a spinal treatment
given. This helps in keeping the skin more active, which aids in
bringing the disease to a speedy termination. For the spinal treatment
see Nos. 34, 36, 43, 48 49, 52, 59, 61.
This is a very highly contagious disease, caused by a specific microorganism. It is characterized by a catarrhal inflammation of the respiratory passages, with a peculiar series of spasmodic coughs, which end in a long-drawn inspiration, or "whoop." In infancy it is a very severe disease, but in childhood it is mild. The nervous symptoms may become so severe as to become apparent in convulsions. Broncho pneumonia is one of the frequent complications. There is no remedy in the drug line for this disease.
Holt says that much harm is done by
Should the case be severe the tissues in the neck, both front and back, should be carefully loosened. The first rib should be depressed and the clavicle, or collar bone, raised. See Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8B, 9, 72, 73, 75, 76. The other upper ribs should be raised. See Nos. 86, 82. This stimulates the lungs and eases respiration,
and prevents pneumonia by keeping up a good circulation. Thorough
and careful manipulation of the tissues of the back will benefit the case,
See Nos. 34, 43, 44, 47, 48, 50. Keep the hyoid bone free. See No.
6.
Tuberculosis is the greatest scourge and most widespread malady of the human race. It has aptly been termed a social disease, for it prevails more largely in the great cities and in those spots where humanity has been crowded together. According to the United States census report of 1900 more than ten per cent of deaths were attributed to the White Plague. More than 150,000 in our country die annually of this dread disease. So prevalent is the disease, that no less an authority than Dr. William Osler says that few persons reach maturity without infection and that none reach old age without a focus or infected area somewhere. When we consider that every tubercular patient, when the disease is active, throws off countless millions of the germs of tuberculosis daily, that these germs have extraordinary vitality, and can withstand freezing, that they may survive months in water, and have great power to resist active chemical agents, even nitric acid, and still retain power to infect for mouths, when we further consider the carelessness, both of the public and the victims, it is a wonder that we are not all infected early in life and the earth swept clean of mankind. As it is one-seventh of all deaths, the world over, are the result of these germs. The parts of the body most frequently attacked are the lymphatic glands,
the lungs, the intestinal tract, bones, skin, brain, joints, uterus, Fallopian
tubes, spleen and testicles.
CHRONIC TUBERCULOSIS.
The disease may be latent in the system for some time in the form of rniliary tubercles, which are small, gray, hard nodules ranging in size from a mustard seed to a bean. These break down and scatter the bacilli through the system, which sets up new points of infection. An injury, a severe cold or some acute disease may cause them to break up and disseminate. Some of them may lodge in weakened lung tissue. The infection may come from without and the onset, whether it be abrupt or gradual, will depend on the number and activity of the bacilli at work and the weakness of the tissues which they attack. When the onset is sudden the symptoms may resemble those of lobar pneumonia, only the fever is more irregular, the expectoration is more abundant and blood-stained and the bacilli are present. Chills and fever may be the first symptom noted, and in malarial regions mistakes in diagnosis are frequently made. The first warning may come with hemoptysis (a bleeding from the lungs), which is bright red in color and is to be distinguished from blood from the stomach, which will be dark in color. In many cases much blood will be lost and frequent hemorrhages follow, but after the first there may be an absence of this symptom for years. Every case exhibiting this symptom should be regarded as having tuberculosis, and treatment should be commenced and every precaution taken to ward off the disease. The disease may come on gradually with symptoms of bronchitis, p ,pleurisy, stomach and intestinal disorders. About one-third of all cases of pleurisy terminate in tuberculosis. The stomach and intestinal disturbances cause loss of weight and general debility, which lowers the resisting powers of the body. Cough. In a very few cases this symptom may be absent. In the beginning of this disease it is dry and hacking and is most pronounced on retiring and rising from bed in the morning. The cough in some cases becomes very distressing and weakening, and may be so pronounced as to cause vomiting. Pain. This symptom varies considerably. Pain in the chest may be absent, or it may be an early and nagging symptom. It may be sharp and stabbing and more or less constant, or only present when coughing. Sputum. This varies in character as the disease progresses. At first it is white, glairy and scanty. Later it may be tinged with blood. As the case advances there are larger quantities and it becomes more purulent, with greenish gray masses and sinks in water. Expansion. There should be a difference of not less than three inches in the measurement of the chest in inspiration and expiration. Less than this points to tubercular tendencies. Fever is often an early indication of the progress of the disease. The high temperature occurs about five o'clock in the afternoon, the low about five in the morning. It should be taken on rising and every two hours afterwards until retiring. This should be done for several successive days. A part of the time it may fall below normal. If it rises to 99.6 F. at night for several successive evenings the diagnosis of tuberculosis. is strongly confirmed. Emaciation. On account of the fever, loss of appetite and cough, the loss of flesh, both fat and muscle, is oftentimes rapid and may be marked early in the disease. This symptom with the cough, expectoration, fever and the flattening of the chest on the affected side, loss of expansion and dullness on percussion just above, over or below, the clavicle are the principal points of diagnosis. To be certain of the diagnosis in the early stages the bacilli must be found by microscopic examination. This can only be done in a well equipped laboratory. Treatment. Preventative measures are of the greatest importance. Children of families in which there is a taint of the disease should be taken in hand early and every effort made to build them up in order to resist the inroads of the bacilli. If there are any anatomical deviations from the normal they should receive osteopathic treatment. This will insure the proper nourishment to the part, or parts, liable to be infected. Particular attention should be paid to catarrhal troubles. Let the child be out of doors as much as possible. The underclothing should be woolen. Have the diet plain and substantial, with plenty of milk and fat. Those suffering from the disease should not be allowed to spit anywhere but in some receptacle, which can be thoroughly cleaned and the contents burned. Paper receivers have been recommended. The utmost cleanliness, in this respect, is necessary for the welfare of the patient. He should never swallow any of the sputa, as he is liable to start new foci of infection. The open-air treatment is of great value. This has been emphasized in the case of rabbits which have been inoculated. Those confined in cellars died, while those allowed to run out recovered. Fresh air and sunshine are invaluable. The patient should remain out most of the day. If he has fever he must be quiet, but still he may be out of doors. Cold should not be allowed to drive him in, and arrangements should be made for sleeping out of doors. If he must stay inside let him sleep alone in a large, well-ventilated room. Osteopathic Treatment. Its value can hardly be overestimated. The nerve supply to the lungs, of course, governs the blood supply to the lung tissue. When the spine is rigid in the upper dorsal region, or when the vertebrae are misplaced, or when the ribs are out of proper relationship with the spine, or too close together, or twisted, or drooping, they press upon and interfere with nerves closely related with the vasomotor nerves of the lungs and pleura. When derangements occur, as spoken of above, other organs, as heart, stomach, liver, bowels, kidneys, etc., may be affected, and this in turn weakens the general system and has an indirect effect on the lungs. We cannot be too careful of the general health. To build up the resisting power of the patient is of the greatest importance. The spine should be carefully examined, paying particular attention to the dorsal region. Examine the ribs and clavicles. The work should be directed to the removal of all lesions found. In the general treatment of this disease a thorough spinal treatment should be given for the purpose of toning up the entire system. See treatments Nos. 32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 43, 51, 53, 57, 47. The ribs should be raised, giving special attention to the first and second ribs. See Nos. 78, 80, 81. Raise the clavicles. See Nos. 72, 73. All tissues of the neck should be thoroughly relaxed. See Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8B, 9, 10, 11, 13. The abdomen should be treated as in Nos. 94, 95, 96, 98, 100. The treatment should be given gently and carefully at first, and its severity increased as the patient grows stronger and is able to stand it. About three times per week is sufficient in most cases, for the treatment Drugs. Medical texts are almost in accord as to the uselessness of drug therapy. The cough is nature's effort to expel a foreign substance, but when it becomes irritating at night and exhausts the patient by preventing sleep a fourth of a grain of morphine is frequently advised or one-tenth of a grain of heroin. Before resorting to drugs for this purpose use osteopathic measures as advised in Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8B, for treating the throat and hyoid bone. Deep Breathing. It will be well for
the patient to secure all the oxygen possible. At the same time the
muscles of the chest may be built up and its capacity greatly enlarged.
Proper breathing will help. To do so properly your clothing must
he loose. Relax your muscles. Stand easily with the hands on
the abdomen. Now take a full, deep breath slowly, allowing the abdomen
to swell out. Then exhale slowly, forcing the abdomen in. The
abdominal type of breathing brings into full play the diaphragm, which
increases the capacity of the chest and aids in expelling the air.
When you can breathe correctly in this manner, and it will take practice,
you may inhale a long, deep breath, bringing the arms slowly from the sides
until they meet over the head, at the same time rising on the
Diet. The diet should be nourishing and ample. The battle against the disease depends largely on the ability of the patient to digest his food. It should consist largely of the following: Oyster, clam, barley, bouillon and chicken soups. Also heavy soups made of peas, beans, tomatoes, celery, flavored with meat extracts. Rare roast beef, beefsteak, lamb or mutton, chicken, turkey, eggs, ham, tongue, oysters, herring, cereals of all kinds, butter, olive oil on lettuce or raw tomatoes, cream on everything with which it is palatable, fat bacon, potatoes, green peas, string beans, spinach, cauliflower, asparagus, onions, green salads, milk, buttermilk, honey, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, puddings, ice cream, etc. Keep the bowels open, eat five times per day, not
too much at a time. Five drops of dilute
This is a specific, contagious disease characterized by pain, swelling and inflammation of the parotid glands. This gland is located on the side of the face, immediately below and in front of the external ear, the lobe of which is lifted up when the swelling occurs. The pain is increased by chewing, swallowing and taking acid substances into the mouth. The pain often precedes the swelling. Both sides may be involved at the same time. It may occur in only one, or one may be several days later than the other. The symptoms generally last for from three to five days, as the disease is self-limited. If the pain is severe, apply warm applications. The hot water bottle or bag is the best. The diet should be liquid. The gland may be supported by cotton held in position by a bandage. Keep the bowels open and the room well aired. Osteopathic treatment is excellent in this disease.
It adds to the comfort of the patient and shortens the malady. The
spine should be thoroughly treated, paying especial attention to the neck.
See Nos. 1, 5, 9, 34, 36, 43. Very careful, relaxing work may be
performed over the glands. Have the patient open and close the mouth
against resistance. See No. 8.
AUTUMNAL CATARRH.
This is an affection of the upper air passages, not unlike a bad cold in the head, with varying symptoms, often with asthmatic attacks. It occurs mostly in the warm weather, generally in the late summer. It occurs each year at about the same time, often to the very day. It is very abrupt in its attack. There is a copious, thin, watery discharge from the nose. The eyes are red, swollen and suffused. The sense of taste and smell may be impaired. The appetite is poor and there is frequently a slight fever. The attack continues for from four to six weeks, or until a hard frost appears. The first cause is an impairment of the circulation
to the mucous membrane of the upper air passages, and is generally caused
by lesions in the neck, upper dorsal, clavicle and ribs, as low as the
fifth, affecting the vaso-motor and sensory nerves and also the blood vessels.
Have the patient avoid overwork. Treat three
times per week. Treatment should be commenced a month or more before
the attack is expected.
ACUTE CORYZA.
This trouble is an inflammation of the upper air passages, accompanied by a catarrh. It sometimes precedes another disease, as in measles. It is often epidemic and there is supposed to be a specific microorganism as the cause. When the disease is frequent it leads to chronic catarrh. Treatment. A general osteopathic treatment
should be given with vigor. See general treatment. Give special
attention to the bowels. See Nos. 94, 95, 100, 97. Such a treatment
will keep the cold from becoming serious and will abort a case of la grippe
or pneumonia. Special attention should be given to the head and neck
treatment. See Nos. 1, 5, 7, 9, 14, 7B. It will be well to
take a hot lemonade on retiring. Some writers recommend snuffing
from the hand every two or three hours some witch hazel (fluid extract
of hamamelis), or Pond's extract. The bowels should be kept open.
This disease is an acute inflammation of the Mucous membrane lining the larynx. It often appears with cold in the head, or may appear as a result of a blow or the effects of burning by hot drinks or poisons. Or it may be the result of the over use or improper use of the voice. It is very frequently due to lesions affecting the nerve and blood supply of the larynx. The above causes are then the secondary causes. Treatment. The specific lesion must be removed as soon as possible. All of the tissues of the neck must be thoroughly relaxed. See Nos. 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 8B, 7B. The muscles of the upper part of the chest and back must be manipulated for the purpose of restoring them to normal, that there may be no pressure on nerves and that the circulation may be free. See Nos. 34, 36, 43, 86. Open the mouth against resistance. See No. 8. Work deeply along the trachea and larynx. See Nos. 6, 8B. If there is an irritating cough at night some medical
authorities would give ten grains of Dover's powder.
SPASMODIC LARYNGITIS.
This trouble is often associated with acute laryngitis
in children, and has its origin in an affection of the nerves. The
osteopathic treatment should be a relaxing one and should follow that for
laryngitis. By inserting the finger into the throat and tickling
the fauces the patient may be made to vomit, which will prove helpful.
A warm bath will assist in breaking up the spasm. A cold sponge bath
should be given daily. The treatment should be directed to building
up the general health of the patient. See general osteopathic treatment.
In ordinary cases it should be given twice per week. When the patient
is better once per week will be sufficient.
This disorder is a catarrhal inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It follows coryza (cold in the head), and is often a continuation of that cold by a continuity of tissue. It is frequently called "cold in the chest." The Osteopath looks for tightened tissues in the upper part of the back and neck and finds them. The tissues of the neck, both front and back, are thoroughly relaxed. See Nos. 1, 5, 9, 10, 11, 8B, 7B. The muscles and ligaments of the back are well loosened. See Nos. 34. 34, 36, 43, 44. Relax all the tissues over the chest. The ribs are to be raised. See Nos. 62, 86. The clavicles should be adjusted, generally by raising them. See Nos. 72, 73. In a severe case of bronchitis, with coughing, an ice bag applied to the spine from the fourth dorsal to the first lumbar will prove helpful. A hot mustard foot bath, with a mild mustard plaster on the chest, will also give relief. Give hot lemonade. Some medical authorities would recommend a laxative
and at bedtime a ten grain Dover's powder for the cough.
The aged are afflicted with this disease when there
has been a number of attacks of the acute form. The osteopathic treatment,
as outlined for acute bronchitis will be found very helpful. It may
be given twice per week.
Asthma is a chronic affection of the bronchi, in which there are paroxysms of difficult breathing, supposed to be due to the muscular contraction of the smaller bronchial tubes. It may last for a few minutes or for several hours, and often occurs nightly for a few days or up to two weeks. Some patients have warning symptoms peculiar to each, while in other cases the attack comes suddenly, without warning. Asthma is supposed to be a nervous affection. Heredity plays an important part. There are many exciting causes acting as irritants, such as reflex irritations from other parts of the body, as stomach, bowels, ovaries, uterus, etc. Chemical vapors, dust, fog, smoke, the smell of certain animals, as cat, horse, dog, also the pollen of plants, also colds, anger and fright may also excite the disease to activity. The real cause of the disease is to be found in anatomical derangement of the spine and ribs. This is proven by the fact that many who have had the disease for years and have tried everything in the form of treatments, without benefit, were cured when the anatomical maladjustments were removed. There will generally be found in the neck, clavicles, first to the sixth ribs and corresponding vertebra some lesion that will account for the disease. When we wish to relieve the patient the spinal muscles are relaxed, as are the tissues of the neck. See Nos. 1, 5, 7B, 9, 10, 11, 13, 34, 36, 43, 44. The clavicles and ribs are raised. See Nos. 72, 73, 82, 83, 88. Great relief should follow at once. When there is no paroxysm the treatment may be given once in ten days. Find and remove any vertebral or rib lesion present. See treatment of spine and ribs. See Nos. 52, 53, 57, 58, 86. Give the relaxing treatment as above. In addition to this a thorough general treatment may be given. Medical Relief. A few whiffs of chloroform will give temporary relief. The patient may inhale a solution of nitrite of amyl, three to four drops on a handkerchief. For the prevention of the disease fifteen grains of iodide of potassium, given three times per day, is recommended. Hot coffee or hot whiskey toddy will (sometimes) ward off an attack. Tobacco smoke inhaled has proven helpful. If the attack is caused by overeating or a disordered condition of the stomach or bowels or both they should be emptied. Diet. It will be well to be careful
with the diet. The heavy meals should be taken not later than noon.
The sweets, or any article of food that tends to form gas in the stomach,
should be interdicted.
The blood vessels of the lungs are engorged. This causes difficult breathing, with coughing, during which bloody sputum is raised. The active form may be caused by over-exertion or exposure to the extremes of heat and cold. The passive form may be secondary to a weak heart, or to valvular heart trouble, or to continued lying on the back. The Osteopath finds lesions in the upper dorsal vertebrae and upper ribs. The treatment is directed to a stimulation of the
nerves by a thorough treatment of the upper dorsal vertebrae. See
Nos. 43, 50. Relaxing of all tissues of the chest, especially between
the ribs, also the tissues of the upper part of the back. See Nos.
1, 5, 34, 36, 37, 43. Raise the ribs. See Nos. 82, 84, 86.
The pneumogastric nerve and the superior cervical sympathetics should be
treated. See Nos. 7, 7C. Let there be thorough work over the
abdomen. Nos. 94, 96, 100. This will assist in drawing the
blood away from the lungs to the vessels of the bowels. Flex and
rotate the limbs. Immediate relief may be expected.
In this trouble there is a transudation of the serum
from the capillaries into the air cells. The prognosis is not favorable.
The treatment is the same as for congestion of the lungs. In acute
cases medical treatment calls for a free movement of the bowels.
This disease is an abnormal condition of the lungs, in which air has been retained, weakening the lung cells. The vesicular, or hypertropic form of the disease, is when the cells and smaller tubes have been stretched by pressure of the air and consequently weakened. The chest is enlarged and the breathing is difficult. On percussion the note is hyperresonant. The disease comes on gradually. It may be well advanced before it is noticed. A shortness of breath, a slight lividity, may be noticed on slight exertion. The chest presents a barrel shape and in respiration moves as if it were in one piece. The heart sounds are weak. Bronchitis and asthma are often associated with this disease. These are frequently the cause of the most distressing symptoms. The tendency is for the patient to grow worse as cold weather advances. The disease also grows worse as the patient grows older. In interstitial (interlobular) emphysema the air escapes from the ruptured vesicles into the interlobular tissue. Treatment. The patient's condition may
be improved under osteopathic treat ment, but not cured. Osler says,
"No remedy is known which has any influence over the progress of the condition
itself." Of course this refers to drugs. The osteopathic treatment
will be the same as for bronchitis, with the addition of a stimulating
treatment between the second and seventh dorsal to improve the heart action
and help the circulation. See Nos. 34, 37, 43. It will help
the patient to raise the ribs when he is taking a full breath and to compress
the thorax as he expels the air. See Nos. 82, 86. Stimulate
the vagi nerves. See No. 7. Treat three times per week.
There are two main forms, which may be specified as dry or adhesive pleurisy, and pleurisy with effusion. The disease is an inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the lung. In the dry pleurisy a friction murmur may be heard. There is a slight fever and pain in the side over the point of inflammation. In pleurisy with effusion there is frequently a chill, followed by a fever which rises to 102 to 103 and remains for a week or for several weeks. The pain is very sharp and may be referred to the nipple, or to the axilla, or to the back, or to the abdomen. There is difficult breathing and the pain is aggravated on coughing. Treatment consists in the removal of all vertebral and rib lesions. Clavicle and rib lesions are often the actual cause of the disease. All of the spinal and intercostal muscles should be relaxed. See Nos. 34, 36, 40, 43, 44, 53. The tissues of the neck should be thoroughly treated. See Nos. 1, 5, 7B, 6, 8B. Ribs and clavicles should be raised. See Nos. 72, 73, 82, 84, 86, 88. A thorough spinal treatment should be given, with special attention to the tenth. eleventh and twelfth dorsal vertebrae. See Nos. 49, 50, 57, 48, 51, 52. Give a treatment over the bowels. See Nos. 94, 96, 100. The treatment may be given daily for a while. The chronic case may be treated for about three times per week. Hot water bottles or bags should be applied over the seat of the pain. Some cases are benefited by wearing a moist compress, wrung out of cold water and changed every two hours. Under medical treatment the patient who has pleurisy
with effusion is given saline purges in the hope of reducing the fluid.
This failing the patient is tapped.
PNEUMOTHORAX. HYDROPNEUMOTHORAX. PYOPNEUMOTHORAX. HYDROTHORAX. HEMOTHORAX. In all of the above conditions in which there is air or gas, water and gas, pus and, gas, water or blood in the pleural cavity the osteopathic treatment will be the same, which is the same practically as for pleurisy. The relaxation of muscular tissues, both front and back of the chest. See Nos. 34, 36, 40, 43, 44, 53. Raise all the ribs and clavicles. See Nos. 72, 82, 84, 86, 88. Give a thorough spinal treatment. See Nos. 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 57. All of this work will give more room for the lungs and make the breathing much easier. In many of these cases there is some disease acting as a primary cause. It may be of the lungs, kidneys, liver, blood or heart, or it may be the result of some accident. In such cases the primary disease needs treatment in connection with the active symptoms caused by it. These cases are very serious and may need the assistance
of the surgeon.
This is an infantile disease, in which the body is poorly nourished and changes appear in the growing bones, which tend to deformity. The disease comes on slowly about the time of teething. Restlessness at night, sweating of the head, constipation and beading of the ribs are early symptoms. The beads spoken of are at the junction of the costal cartilages and the ribs. If the child has walked he does not want to walk now. The body is sore and he does not wish to be moved. There may be a slight fever. The skin is pale, the tissues are soft and flabby. The sternum projects, causing the child to become chicken-breasted. The head is larger than it should be, owing to a thickening of the bones. The face looks small, the forehead is broad and square. In some cases there is a deformity of the bones of the arms and legs, and in some cases there is not a bone in the body that escapes. Some children grow thin, some fat, but in the latter case the flesh is soft and flabby. Osteopathic treatment will stop the deformity and give better nutrition. The treatment is general in its scope, with special attention paid to reducing the deformities and removing spinal and rib lesions. See general treatment. Some medical writers recommend one-one hundred and twentieth of a grain of phosphorus dissolved in olive oil, given twice per day. Cod liver oil in teaspoonful doses is also recommended. Diet. Do not allow candy, sugar, etc., but give eggs, milk, cream and good meat. The child should be in the open air as much as possible
and have a warm bath about three times per week.
Obesity is an excessive amount of fat, that not only becomes an inconvenience but seriously impairs the health by infiltrating and weakening the heart muscles, also the lungs, liver and kidneys. The controlling factors may be heredity, bad habits of eating and drinking, lack of exercise, and spinal lesions which interfere with the proper work of the liver, pancreas and lymphatic system. This condition must not be overcome too suddenly. The lesions may be removed as soon as possible. The clavicles are to be raised and the first rib lowered. See Nos. 72, 73, 75, 76. A thorough spinal treatment must be given for the stimulation of the liver, pancreas and kidneys. See Nos. 32, 43, 57. Vigorous treatment over the fat tends to its absorption. Give a general treatment, which see. Diet. The diet must be restricted.
Starches, fats and sweets are to be eliminated as much as possible.
The use of water is to be restricted and alcoholic drinks are to be prohibited.
Some medical authorities give from three to five grains of the dry, powdered thyroid gland, three times per day. It must be discontinued when it causes any heart disturbance. , It should not be taken if there is any heart trouble. My experience in treating obesity along Osteopathic lines has been very satisfactory. One lady about twenty-four years of age, who was a teacher, weighing over two hundred pounds, had a valvular heart lesion and I concluded that her weight ought to be reduced. The patient was put on a diet as follows: For breakfast and supper, one soft-boiled egg and one piece of toast, and for dinner the same, with the addition of some green vegetable which grew above the ground. This diet was adhered to with Osteopathic treatments three times per week for two months. In this time the patient lost fifty-two pounds. Her appetite was too large before she began to diet, and she had considerable trouble in adhering to the menu. As the odor of cooking food made her ravenous, she left the house while meals were being prepared. At about the end of two months she asked if she could have all the hot biscuits and honey she wanted. The request was granted, the food prepared, and her capacity was one half a biscuit. She ate what she desired afterward. Her appetite was more moderate and she still holds her light weight, though she is married and has one child. She was treated four years ago. Another case was that of a lady about thirty.
She weighed something over three hundred. She had apparent good health
and was quite muscular. This patient was put on a restricted diet
by simply telling her to eat much less. The Osteopathic treatment
was given about three months. The patient lost some during the treatment,
but lost more after the treatment. In six months her loss in weight
was sixty pounds, which made a great change, for the better, in her personal
appearance. In both of the above cases the good results were secured
by improving the lymphatic circulation. This is done by raising the
clavicles and lowering the first rib and paying considerable attention
to the spinal treatment in the upper dorsal region. In addition to
this a general treatment was given. In giving Osteopathic treatment
for different troubles you will find that if the treatment is adapted to
each case in a proper manner, it tends to restore the patient to the normal
in weight as well as restore the health. A thin person would take
on flesh and a heavy one
This is a chronic condition, in which large quantities of urine are passed daily of low specific gravity, and without sugar or albumen. While the disease occurs most frequently among the young, there has been no definite cause given by medical writers. It is often accompanied by nervousness and may be caused by an injury to the spinal cord or brain. As in diabetes mellitus, the disease may come on suddenly as a result of fright or injury, but generally it is gradual in its appearance. There is great thirst and the patient drinks great quantities of water. The skin is dry and harsh and the appetite is good, and the general health does not seem to be impaired. It is incurable from the medical standpoint, but cases have been greatly benefited and many have been cured under osteopathic treatment. Lesions are found in the middle of the back, from
which the kidneys are enervated. The neck also furnishes some lesions
where the medulla would be affected through nerves in that region.
The treatment should be a thorough general one, as in neurasthenia, paying
especial attention to the lesions in the middle of the back and in the
neck. See Nos. 34, 36, 37, 43, 48, 51, 52, 1, 4, 5, 7B, 9, 11, 13.
See general treatment.
This a constitutional disease, characterized by a copious amount of urine, in which there is a large percentage of sugar. A disordered nutrition allows the sugar to accumulate in the blood, from which it is eliminated by the kidneys. It is not a disease of the kidneys. It is claimed that in some cases it is hereditary. Males and Jews and the better classes are afflicted with the disease more frequently than others. The real cause is unknown from the medical standpoint. It often follows worry, Mental shock, and severe nervous strains and diseases or injury to the spinal cord. Some writers believe the disease to be conta-gious. Osteopaths find lesions in the middle and lower part of the back with occasional neck lesions. Symptoms. An unusual thirst and the passing of urine frequently are generally the first symptoms noted. The onset of the disease is gradual, but may be sudden, following fright, shock, etc. The tongue is dry, red and glazed. The gums are tender and bleed easily. The appetite is enormous. Patient grows progressively weak and thin. Skin is dry and harsh. The urine may amount to two or three quarts or as high as four or five gallons daily. Boils, carbuncles, eczema and gangrene, associated with arteriosclerosis, constipation, enlarged liver and profuse sweating are some of the complications of the disease. Treatment. The osteopathic treatment is most valuable. It should be general and thorough, suited to the strength and requirements of the patient. See general treatment. The lesions are generally in the lower and middle part of the back and sometimes in the ribs, over the liver. Spinal lesions must be removed. See Nos. 34, 36, 43, 51, 52, 57, 58, 98. Diet. The diet is of the utmost importance.
All starches and sugars in all forms should be
Avoid potatoes, peas, beans, turnips, cauliflower.
The patient must not eat oysters, clams or liver. Avoid sweet fruits,
chestnuts and peanuts, beer and sour wine.
Good Things to Eat. Clear soups made of any kind of meat. Eggs in all styles. Fresh fish. Fresh meats of all kinds except livers. Fats of all kinds. Vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, cress, radishes, asparagus, cucumbers and celery. Fruits. All acid fruits. Drinks. Lemonade, tea, coffee, chocolate, cocoa. The above may be sweetened with saccharin, but no sugar. Buttermilk and sour milk may be used. Bread. Gluten and bran bread and breads made
of aleuronat and reborat flours are to be
In families predisposed to the disease, starches
and sugars should be interdicted. The patient should avoid worry
and colds. Lukewarm or cold baths may be taken daily.
RHEUMATIC FEVER.
This is an acute, noncontagious fever, most likely caused by a germ, and manifesting itself by an attack on one or more joints. In the joint afflicted there will be heat, pain, redness and swelling, the fibrous tissue being inflamed. The disease sets in quickly, though it may be preceded by slight, irregular pains in the joints, sore throat and tonsillitis. The fever rises to 102 to 105, the pulse is generally above 100 and one or more joints become very painful. The urine is highly colored, scanty and acid. There is a very profuse, acid, sour-smelling sweat, which has a very characteristic odor. The tenderness, redness and swelling subside in one joint as the pain begins in another. There is prostration, loss of appetite and considerable thirst. The most serious complications of this fever are the heart affections, endocarditis, pericarditis and myocarditis, inflammations of the inner and outer lining and heart muscle, respectively. Osler quotes several writers who say that it is a self-limited disease and that medicine has no influence on its duration or course. Treatment. Osteopathic treatment performs wonders in cases of rheumatism. The treatment begins at the nerve supply of the joint affected, which is in the lower part of the spine in case the joints of the lower limbs are affected, and in the neck and upper dorsal region in case the joints of the arms are attacked. In case the knee joint was the part that suffered the most, the treatment would begin in the lower dorsal region and lumbar region of the spine, thoroughly loosening the muscles and working there as in Nos. 61, 48, if possible. Then work gradually down the limb, as in Nos. 113, 116. When you reach the knee it will be generally ready for a firm, careful, relaxing treatment. Loosen all the tissues about it and end this part of the treatment by grasping the calf of the leg and the tissues below the knee with both hands and giving the leg a careful pull, thus stretching the joint and allowing a better circulation. After this is completed a general treatment will be in order, giving attention to the middle of the back, in the lower dorsal and lumbar regions. See general treatment. Raise the ribs. See Nos. 86, 87. Give a stimulating treatment in the upper dorsal region for the purpose of stimulating the heart. This treatment, given in connection with the compresses, spoken of below, will be found to be satisfactory and no drugs will be needed. On account of the profuse sweating, flannel night-gowns should be worn and blankets used instead of sheets. The diet usually used in fevers is best, being sure that the foods are light and nutritious. Lemonade and oatmeal water may be very freely used. Cold compresses are used with a great deal of satisfaction in Germany. Old linen or worn-out cotton sheeting should be so folded that when applied there will be only three or four thicknesses of the material. This, wet in very cold water, placed snugly on the joint and covered closely with flannel. To avoid changing too frequently the flannel may be removed and cold water allowed to drip on the bandage, after which the flannel is replaced. Another treatment is the hot fomentation. Preparation
is made for by securing two pieces of old woolen blanket, fifteen to eighteen
inches square. One of these is to be used at a time and is to be
saturated in boiling water. That it may be wrung out well, so that
but little water will remain, take a strong crash roller towel. Fasten
two strong sticks at either end of the towel and place the blanket between
the layers of towel. Immerse in boiling water and remove, wringing
as dry as possible by twisting on the sticks. Place the blanket on
the joint and cover with another piece of blanket. The part to receive
the hot application should be anointed with olive oil or vaseline.
The compress should be renewed every fifteen minutes for an hour, when
the part should be carefully dried and
Another treatment: If the pain in any joint is severe, hot cloths wrung out of the following solution may be applied: Carbonate of soda 6 drachms.
Chloroform liniment is also recommended as an external application. The medical internal treatment is very unsatisfactory.
The best for the pain and for general relief is salicin, twenty grains
of which may be taken every hour and a half until the pain is reduced.
Another treatment is twenty grains of salicylic acid, given every two hours
in a capsule until the pain is relieved. Still another is twenty
grains of salicylate of soda, every two hours until the pain is reduced,
and then every five hours after until the temperature begins to be reduced.
Still another, in case any of the above are tried and fails to agree, is
twenty minims of oil of wintergreen given every two hours in milk.
ARTHRITIS DEFORMANS.
Rheumatic arthritis is a chronic disease of the joints. The disease is believed to originate in the spine. The fact that after making an attack on any particular joint of one hand it will next attack the corresponding joint of the other hand, indicates that the disease is of central origin, which is referred back to the spine. Another theory is that the disease is caused by a specific microorganism and is the result of this infection. The bone in the joint enlarges. The cartilages and the muscles waste. The skin becomes pigmented and glossy, which intensifies the appearance of the deformity. In most cases there is intense pain, while in others the disease may progress and the deformities increase with little or no pain. In the early stages the disease often resembles acute articular rheumatism, but the disease persisting in joints first attacked is an important point in the diagnosis. The disease is rarely curable, but is not dangerous to life. Treatment. Any lesion found in the spine
should be removed. The articulation should be kept pliable, and the
joints affected should be stretched to facilitate circulation. When
the joints are inflamed, cold compresses should be applied. When
taken off the parts should be thoroughly massaged. This tends to
reduce the swelling and builds up the wasted cartilages and muscles.
In addition to the above a general treatment should be given to build up
the system. See general treatment. The patient should have
a generous diet, as much as can properly be digested of wholesome, nutritious
food, such as roast beef, beefsteak, mutton, chicken, eggs, milk, cod liver
oil, olive oil, butter, cream, etc. Alcoholic beverages in small
amounts may be taken with the meals for their tonic effect, and malt liquors
are allowable. Of course alcohol in any form is not admissible in
Gout is a nutritional, constitutional disease, accompanied by attacks of inflammation of the joints. Most generally only the joints attacked are those of the great toe, but the joints of the ankle, knee, hands and wrist may be attacked as well. The disease is often hereditary, generally on the male side. Alcohol, rich food and lack of exercise are predisposing causes, though poor food and bad hygiene, with an excess of malt liquors, may cause what is known as "poor man's gout." If a person is susceptible to the disease it may be brought on by worry, fright, mental shock, or surgical operation. The attack usually comes on at night or early in
the morning. There is insomnia, fever and
The Treatment. The spine should receive a treatment, especial attention being paid to the lower and lumbar region. The kidneys should be stimulated. See Nos. 34, 43. A general treatment should be given in many cases. See general treatment. If the great toe is painful begin the treatment in the lower part of the back and work slowly, carefully, and thoroughly down the limb to the toe. See Nos. 113, 116, 117, 118, 119. Move all the tissues to the bone to assist circulation. The joint may be gently manipulated from side to side and carefully stretched. This, if carefully done, will eliminate the pain and assist the circulation to carry away the deposit in the joint. The part in which the pain is present should be carefully protected from the cold and kept elevated. Those who are susceptible to this disease should be very careful with the diet, and should abstain from alcohol in all its forms. An outdoor life, with plenty of exercise, is best. Keep the skin active by frequent bathing. If the patient is strong, have him use cold baths in the morning, followed by a vigorous friction with a coarse towel. If the patient is weak, warm baths should be taken on retiring at night. Straining efforts, both mental and physical, must be avoided. Flannels should be worn next to the skin at all times. A glass or two of water, taken on retiring and the same on rising, helps to rid the system of waste material. Plenty of water should be taken during the day. The great value of the various mineral waters is the water and not the substance it contains. If one will drink the same amount of water at home the benefit will be the same. Of course the change in environment is often desirable. The diet should be restricted, as overeating and drinking and the indulgence in meat, rich food and liquors, predispose to the disease. Let the living be plain. Meat once per day, with vegetables preponderating, will be best. String beans, salads, cabbage, spinach, peas, fresh green vegetables, fruits, except bananas; tomatoes, strawberries, farinaceous foods, as rice, hominy, sago, tapioca, cracked wheat, butter, milk and stale bread, are all good and indicated for use for one subject to gout. Avoid highly seasoned foods, pastry and sweets. When there is fever use milk, farinaceous foods and
plenty of water. Peppermint water may be given.
The mouth should be kept clean. Left to itself it is the foulest cavity in the body. A dirty mouth is a prolific cause of disease, by harboring germs that cause constitutional diseases. We should do this when well, but should be doubly sure to keep the mouth absolutely clean when sick. Take good care of the teeth, and do not kiss on the mouth, nor allow children to be kissed there. Stomatitis Acute, resulting from local irritation or intestinal disturbances, may affect the gums or the entire surface of the tongue or mouth. At first there is heat, redness and dryness, followed by active secretion and swelling. There is often pain in mastication. Cleanse the mouth frequently with a two percent boric acid solution. Stomatitis Aphthous is a more severe form than the above. Vesicles appear and there is considerable pain. The following washes will prove efficient: Alum one teaspoonful.
Or the following: Tannic acid one drachm.
Use thirty drops of this to a wineglass of water. Geographical Tongue (ecz |