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Are people under chiropractic care healthier?

Answer: Not only healthier but happier too!

Making chiropractic care a regular part of your life will help you and your family on many levels. Keeping your spine and nervous system free of subluxations (nerve interference) is good for your brain, organs, and entire body and mind.

Studies reveal that people under chiropractic care experience wellness in many areas of their lives. For example, chiropractic patients in two studies reported improved physical and mental/emotional health, better ability to deal with stress and more life enjoyment. (1-2)

Another study revealed that chiropractic patients reported improved physical functioning, less bodily pain, improved general health, greater vitality, better social functioning and improved mental health. (3)

Chiropractic has been especially effective with improving the life of the elderly. In one study of people 75 years of age and older, those under chiropractic care enjoyed better overall health, fewer chronic conditions, less days in nursing homes and hospitals, more mobility and were less likely to use prescription drugs than non-chiropractic patients. 87% of chiropractic patients described their health as excellent compared to just 67.8% of non-chiropractic patients. (4)

What can YOU expect?

Chiropractic care is individualized; the care you receive will be unique for your body and needs and the benefits you receive will be unique for you. Be sensitive to your body and communicate with us – tell us what changes you experience after your visits.

Marino MJ, Phillippa ML. A longitudinal assessment of chiropractic care using a survey of self-rated health wellness & quality of life: a preliminary study. JVSR. 1999; 3(2):1-9.
Blanks RHI, Schuster TL. A retrospective assessment of network care using a survey of self-rated health, wellness and quality of life. JVSR. 1997;1(4):1.
Owens EF, Hoiriis KT, Burd D. Changes in general health status during upper cervical chiropractic care: PBR report. Chiropractic Research Journal. 1998;V(1):9-16.
Study associates chiropractic with better health in the elderly. Today’s Chiropractic. November/December 1996. Originally published by the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research.

The Magic of Chiropractic

The magic of the chiropractic adjustment

At the moment that you receive a chiropractic adjustment to correct your subluxations, hundreds, if not thousands, of your body functions and activities are affected. The flow of nerve impulses over your brain, spinal cord, spinal (and other) nerves to your internal organs and tissues is normalized, and your body begins to re-balance, renew, and rebuild itself.

Many patients report a feeling of relaxation, or a warm soothing feeling in various parts of their bodies. Some feel very relaxed or energetic, or both! Most people find that the health conditions that brought them to their chiropractor soon begin to lessen. Some people however, may initially feel no difference. A person may initially feel muscle soreness or some other uncomfortable feeling after an adjustment.

What causes these reactions?

Some reactions are a detoxification; it’s good to drink a lot of water afterwards. Sometimes weak, underused muscles may become sore for a brief period as they strengthen.

Old injuries that haven’t healed completely may “reawaken” for more complete healing. Memories and feelings associated with the original injury may also come to the surface. This phenomenon is known as “retracing” and is part of the healing process.

Some people are in such good general health that they may feel no difference, while others may feel no difference for the opposite reason – they are so ill or toxic that they have lost sensitivity to their body.

As you continue your care…

You may begin to notice:

Better balance, smoother movement and more energy.
Increased awareness of your spine and body stress.
Increased ability to breathe more deeply.
An increased desire to exercise, go for walks, and play.

The most important benefits

The true benefits of the adjustment are usually found below the level of consciousness. It is when the nerve communication to the heart, lungs, joints, sexual organs, skin, eyes, ears, and the brain itself are improved that the true benefits of chiropractic are experienced.

Schedule an appointment today and start an incredible journey to feeling the best you can possible be!

517.627.4547

Researching Chiropractic: PVCs, GER, & Migraines

There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? Probably most of them.

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)

Two women complaining of PVC and other symptoms began chiropractic care. PVCs are extra heartbeats that begin in the heart’s two lower pumping chambers (ventricles) disrupting heart rhythm. It is sometimes felt as a fluttering or a skipped beat.

The first patient was a 26-year-old woman suffering with daily headaches, TMJ, neck pain, midback pain, bilateral wrist pain, shortness of breath with rib pain, irregular heartbeats, lower back pain, hip and knee pain. These complaints had been present for approximately two years.

The other woman was 72-years-old. She was told her PVCs would never stop because they had followed a stroke. Other symptoms included 6 months of pain in the left ring finger that interrupted her sleep. In addition, she also had complaints of knee pain, neck pain, headaches and lower back pain.

Each woman was assessed for vertebral subluxations using various chiropractic procedures. Vertebral subluxations were found in their cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal regions.

Chiropractic care was individualized for each patient; they were adjusted for their subluxations. No other therapies or modalities were employed. Each showed complete resolution of the PVCs and complete resolution of or great improvement in their other symptoms. (1)

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)

A six-month-old girl was suffering from GER since birth. Milk, soy and bananas worsened her GER while a hypoallergenic formula helped decrease the frequency of the GER attacks.

She received chiropractic adjustments for her subluxations. Her care plan consisted of two times per week for four weeks and then one time per week for six weeks. She responded to care with complete resolution of her GER and associated symptoms. (2)

Migraine, neck and lower back pain.

A 23-year-old woman had been suffering from ten years of chronic migraines, neck pain and low back pain. She was given prescription medications (i.e., fluoxetine, Synthroid® and fioricet) that were ineffective. After 10 weeks of continued chiropractic care, she reported that all her presenting complaints of chronic migraines, neck pain and low back pain had completely resolved and all medication was discontinued. (3)

Hoying M. Resolution of premature ventricular contractions after undergoing chiropractic care: a case series. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. June 24, 2019:83-89.
Egan A, Alcantara J. Resolution of gastroesophageal reflux in an infant following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: a case report & review of literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. May 27, 2019:46-54.
Richerson A, Varnum C., Alcantara J. Resolution of chronic migraines & neck pain in a 23-year-old female following chiropractic care for vertebral subluxations: a case study & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. July 1, 2019:90-103.

Tomato Salad with Feta and Pistachios

4 servings

Serve this salad as soon as it is assembled so all of the tomato juices and flavor stay where they belong.

Kosher salt
freshly ground pepper
¼ cup Basic Lemon Vinaigrette
¼ cup chopped parsley, plus leaves for serving
¼ cup crumbled feta
3 Tbs pistachios
1 pound mixed baby tomatoes-some sliced some diced some whole

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Toast pistachios on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 6–8 minutes. Let cool, then chop.
Arrange tomatoes on a plate; season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix vinaigrette, ¼ cup parsley, and two-thirds of pistachios in a small bowl. Drizzle over tomatoes. Top with feta, parsley leaves, and remaining pistachios.

Basic Lemon Vinaigrette

Pour into sealable jar and shake well

⅔ cup olive oil
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
freshly ground pepper

Chiropractic, CTS and TOC: Where is your carpal tunnel?

You won’t find the carpal tunnel on any map-it’s in your wrist. Your carpal (wrist) bones form a tunnel-like structure-the carpal tunnel-through which pass tendons and the median nerve.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the occupational disease of the 21st century. Sufferers experience tingling and numbness in the hands, fingers and wrists; blanching (whitening upon pressure) of the hand; pain so intense that it awakens you at night and more. (1-2)

Who gets CTS?

Years ago, telegraph operators, seamstresses, carpenters and meat cutters were the CTS sufferers. Today office workers, computer operators, musicians and assembly line workers are more prone to it.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

A similar condition is thoracic outlet syndrome. TOS affects the nerves in the upper back as they exit the neck. The symptoms include pain, weakness and numbness or tingling in the arm. (3)

The Medical and Chiropractic Approaches

The medical approach to persistent symptoms may include corticosteroid injections or surgery. For over a hundred years, however, Doctors of Chiropractic have been adjusting people’s spines to release stress from their nervous systems. Clinicians, researchers and patients have reported relief of classic carpal tunnel symptoms and improvement in overall body function after chiropractic adjustments. (4-5)

Davis L, Wellman H, Punnett L. Surveillance of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome in Massachusetts, 1992-1997: a report from the Massachusetts sentinel event notification system for occupational risks (SENSOR). Am J Ind Med. 2001;39(1):58-71.
Verghese J, Galanopoulou AS, Herskovitz S. Autonomic dysfunction in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Muscle Nerve. 2000;23(8):1209-1213.
Narakas AO. The role of thoracic outlet syndrome in the double crush syndrome. Annales de Chirurgie de la Main et du Membre Superieur. 1990;9(5):331-340.
Bonebrake AR et al. A treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: evaluation of objective and subjective measures. JMPT. 1990;13:507-520.
Davis PT, Hulbert JR, Kassak KM et al. Comparative efficacy of conservative medical and chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. JMPT. 1998;21(5):317-326.

Coffee Is Good for You

Up to 25 Cups of Coffee a Day Is Safe for Heart, Says New Study

A British Heart Foundation funded study found that drinking five cups of coffee a day, and even up to 25, was no worse for your arteries than drinking less than one cup a day. Further, coffee won’t increase stroke or heart attack risk. (11)

Drinking Coffee Could Lead to A Longer Life, Scientist Says

Whether it’s caffeinated or decaffeinated, coffee is associated with lower mortality, which suggests the association is not tied to caffeine.

Drinking coffee was associated with lower risk of death due to heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. People who consumed a cup of coffee a day were 12 percent less likely to die compared to those who didn’t drink coffee. This association was even stronger for those who drank two to three cups a day – 18 percent reduced chance of death.

Gunter M et al. Coffee drinking and mortality in 10 European countries: a multinational cohort study. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017;167(4):236-247. doi: 10.7326/M16-2945

BACK TO SCHOOL AND BACKPACK SAFETY

Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes and help kids of all ages express their own personal sense of style. And when used properly, they’re incredibly handy.

When worn correctly, the weight in a backpack is evenly distributed across the body, and shoulder and neck injuries are less common than if someone carried a briefcase or purse.

As practical as backpacks are, though, they can strain muscles and joints and may cause back pain if they’re too heavy or are used incorrectly.

Problems Backpacks Can Pose

It is recommended that kids carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their packs. But many carry a lot more than that. When a heavy backpack is incorrectly placed on the shoulders, the weight’s force can pull a child backward. To compensate, the child might bend forward at the hips or arch the back. This can make the spine compress unnaturally, leading to shoulder, neck, and back pain.

Kids who wear their backpacks over just one shoulder — as many do, because they think it looks better or just feels easier — may end up leaning to one side to offset the extra weight. They might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck.

Finding a Safe Backpack

Look for the following to choose the right backpack:

a lightweight pack: get one that doesn’t add a lot of weight to your child’s load; for example, leather packs look cool, but they weigh more than canvas backpacks

two wide, padded shoulder straps: straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders

a padded back: it not only provides increased comfort, but also protects kids from being poked by sharp objects or edges (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack

a waist belt: this helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the body

multiple compartments: to help distribute the weight throughout the pack

Using Backpacks Wisely

To help kids prevent injury when using a backpack:

Lighten the load. No matter how well-designed the backpack, less weight is always better. Use the bathroom scale to check that a pack isn’t over 10% to 15% of your child’s body weight (for example, the backpack of a child who weighs 80 pounds shouldn’t weigh more than 8 to 12 pounds).

Use and pick up the backpack properly. Make sure kids use both shoulder straps. Also tighten the straps enough for the backpack to fit closely to the body. The pack should rest evenly in the middle of the back and not sag down to the buttocks.

What Kids Can Do

A lot of the responsibility for packing lightly — and safely — rests with kids:

Encourage kids to use their locker or desk often throughout the day instead of carrying the entire day’s worth of books in the backpack.

Make sure kids don’t tote unnecessary items — laptops, cellphones, and video games can add extra pounds to a pack.

Encourage kids to bring home only the books needed for homework or studying each night.

Picking up the backpack the right way can help kids avoid back injuries. As with any heavy weight, they should bend at the knees and grab the pack with both hands when lifting a backpack to the shoulders.

Use all of the backpack’s compartments, putting heavier items, such as textbooks, closest to the center of the back.

What You Can Do

Involving other parents and your child’s school in solving students’ backpack burdens might help to lessen kids’ loads. Some ways the school can get involved include:

giving students more time between classes to use lockers

using paperback books

adding school education programs about safe backpack use

putting some curriculum on the school’s website, when possible

Researching Chiropractic: ADHD, Meniere’s Disease, Pins-and-needles

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?

Probably most of them.

If you know anyone suffering from any of the following conditions, please share this article with them and encourage them to give us a call. We can help. 517.627.4547

A child with headaches, autism, ADHD and OCD

An 11-year-old boy diagnosed with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and headaches affecting his school attendance and sleep was brought in for chiropractic care.

A chiropractic analysis showed that he had subluxations in his left hip, sacrum, occiput (back of the skull) and neck and mid back vertebral subluxations (C1, C2 and T8).

The boy’s subluxations and structural distortions were addressed. His headache symptoms improved as did his behavioral problems and his quality of life. (1)

Meniere’s Disease

A 55-year-old man had been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. He was experiencing constant dizziness, occasional vertigo (sensation of spinning), earache, ear noise and occasional deafness. His symptoms continued to worsen over eight years.

The patient was evaluated using chiropractic methods and found to have a subluxation in his upper neck (C1 vertebral subluxation).

He had his first chiropractic visit and adjustment and had an immediate improvement. After two weeks his condition completely resolved. (2)

Chronic migraines, pins-and-needles and disability

A 35-year old man with a history of sports injuries presented himself at a chiropractic clinic. His complaints included neck pain and stiffness, pins and needles into his left shoulder, low back pain and difficulty sleeping. The patient had a previous history of chronic headaches and migraines.

Over an eight-week period he received 24 chiropractic adjustments for vertebral subluxation correction. In addition to resolution of his pain, the patient-centered outcome assessments revealed improved physical, social and psychological functioning and decreased disability. There were improvements in cervical curve and reduction of anterior head carriage. (4)

Pubic pain in a pregnant woman

A 28-year-old who was in her 20th week of pregnancy was suffering from symphysis pubic dysfunction. The pubic bones are in front of the pelvis. She was experiencing pain at the pubic bone region and in both inner thighs for the prior three months.

She had one previous pregnancy and had experienced mild pubic pain, but with this pregnancy the pain was much worse.

Her spine and structural system were analyzed using chiropractic procedures. Her upper neck vertebra (C1), coccyx (tail bone) and right inferior pubic bone were found to be subluxated. All were corrected using chiropractic techniques and after three visits her pain abated and she had full mobility. She felt fine during the rest of her pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby boy. After birth (postpartum), she reported greater comfort while walking. (5)

Stone LL, Alcantara J. Resolution of chronic headaches, improved sociability, health & physical behavior in a child with autism, ADHD and obsessive compulsive disorder following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: a case report & review of literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. June 17, 2019:63-70.
Fraser J. Resolution of symptoms in a patient with Meniere’s disease following upper cervical chiropractic care: a case report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. May 30, 2019:36-41.
Spriggs M. Resolution of chronic migraines & disability with improved physical, social and psychological functioning following chiropractic care using CBP® protocols: case study & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. May 19, 2019:66-78.
Shtulman I, Miller H, Alcantara J. Resolution of symphysis pubic pain & dysfunction following chiropractic care in a pregnant patient: case study & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. April 18, 2019:36-40.

Chiropractic and Disc Problems

You have discs – spongy pads found between most of your vertebrae (spinal bones), in your jaw joint (TMJ) and between your pubic bones (in women, they separate a little during the birth process).

The discs help give your spine its curves and flexibility and make it better able to withstand stress. Discs also prevent your vertebrae from crashing into each other (that would hurt a lot!). And they also help create spaces (foramina) through which your nerves travel on their way to your internal organs.

But there are times your discs can cause you pain. If your discs flatten out, are twisted or bulge or are otherwise distorted, you can suffer from a lot of neck, back, leg and other pain.

Do You Have a “Slipped” Disc?

A disc cannot “slip” since it is knitted into the vertebrae from both above and below. What sometimes do slip are the vertebrae, which may stress the disc and contribute to its damage. Many “slipped discs” would be more accurately called slipped vertebrae or subluxations.

Disc damage may be due to an accident or fall (called macro-trauma) or from doing the same thing over and over (called micro-trauma). In addition, long-standing subluxations (tiny spinal distortions) can cause disc damage.

Disc damage may cause pain. The pain can get so bad people have resorted to surgery. But there’s another approach to disc problems – chiropractic!

Chiropractic has been a blessing to millions of people with spine and disc problems, often saving them from neck or back surgery (which has a very high failure rate, meaning the patient is as bad or worse after the surgery). (1)

Chiropractors have various techniques to restore the natural curve to your spine, take pressure off of discs and begin a process of healing. Before anyone you know considers back surgery, please tell them about chiropractic care. (2-3)

Amirdelfan K, Webster L, Poree L et al. Treatment options for failed back surgery syndrome patients with refractory chronic pain: an evidence based approach. Spine. July 15, 2017;42:S41-S52.
Robinson GK. Reabsorption of a herniated cervical disc following chiropractic treatment utilizing the Atlas Orthogonal Technique: a case report. Abstracts from the 14th Annual Upper Cervical Spine Conference, Nov. 22-23, 1997. Life University, Marietta, GA. Chiropractic Research Journal. 1998;5(1).
Ben Eliyahu DJ. Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical follow-up: study of 27 patients receiving chiropractic care for cervical and lumbar disc herniations. JMPT. 1996;19(19):597-606.

Researching Chiropractic: Rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, VBAC

Probably most of them.

Rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and neck pain.

A 59-year-old man suffering from headaches, neck pain, and rheumatoid arthritis began chiropractic care. Over a period of 10½ weeks he received eight chiropractic adjustments. He reported complete resolution of his headaches and neck pain following the first adjustment. In addition, his rheumatoid arthritis symptoms decreased to such an extent that he was able to discontinue his medication. (1)

Post traumatic epilepsy (PTE).

PTE sufferers have recurrent seizures following an injury to the brain. These injuries are often the result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a brain operation. A 19-year-old man was diagnosed with post traumatic epilepsy. He had a traumatic brain injury six months prior to coming to a chiropractor’s office.

His vertebral subluxations as revealed by X-ray were corrected. Almost immediately the frequency of his seizures began decreasing and then completely resolved. Additionally, the headaches and dizziness from which he suffered also improved. He remained seizure free in a 10-year follow-up. (2)

Vaginal birth of twins after a cesarean (VBAC).

A 34-year-old woman 16 weeks pregnant with twin girls began chiropractic care. Her chief complaint was severe left sacroiliac, hip and buttock pain. She had been suffering for 3 weeks. She also mentioned that she wished to have a natural childbirth since having had a pregnancy and cesarean birth two years prior.

Over a period of 19 weeks she received 18 adjustments. Her sacroiliac, hip and buttock pain abated and at 36 weeks’ gestation, she successfully delivered twins via vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). (3)

1. Slagel J. Resolution of headaches & neck pain in a 59-year-old male with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care: a case report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. March 14, 2019:19-27.
2. Null SA, Null LA. Resolution of post-traumatic epilepsy, headaches & dizziness following upper cervical chiropractic care in a 19-year-old male: case study & review of the literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. March 4, 2019:11-18.
3. Spear M, Alcantara J. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) with twins following chiropractic care: case report & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. November 5, 2018:145-149.