Greetings from Charmaine: July/August 2019

Greetings all,

I hope those of you who have taken a vacation enjoyed your time away. It’s always good to let go of day-to-day worries and cares and take time to recharge our batteries.

I find it hard that this country has such apparent “disdain” for the vacation. In South Africa, we all got 3 weeks’ vacation from day one of working and it is said you need all three….one week to unwind, one to relax and one to slowly get prepared for going back to work. Norway gets 6 weeks a year and is one of the happiest places in the world!

It is not something to brag about “I don’t need a vacation”……YES you do- unless you happen to work only half days and have a phenomenal sense of balance and spend at least an hour or two each day on self-care. That’s why so many executives and “high powered” administrators end up with all these nasty things like cancer and heart attacks…they have not taken time to recharge their batteries and have a life of balance….a lot of these “millennial” startup companies have the right idea about bringing your dog to work, having a gym on the premises, fresh food cafeterias and goof off rooms, etc.

Sages have said that we should spend a little time each day going on vacation. Every day we should do something that we especially love to do, something that’s deeply true to our purpose in life. Whether that’s making music, meditating, praying, exploring, learning, sharing heartfelt time with someone or another healthy diversion, it should be done every day. Why? So our lives will have balance.

Enjoy the summer and remember…. as the kids go back to school and get into sports….chiropractic care will keep them functioning at their best!!!

See you on the table, on the yoga mat, under the barbells or just walking around town!

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.

BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD

Servings: 8

Author: Elizabeth Lindemann

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons honey
zest and juice of 2 limes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Salad:

45 oz. canned black beans (3 small cans) drained and rinsed
16 oz. frozen corn (3 cups) thawed and patted dry
2 jalapeño peppers de-seeded and diced
1 bell pepper diced (I used 1/2 red and 1/2 orange for color)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
1/2 cup red onion diced

Instructions

Whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
Add remaining ingredients to bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Mix and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Serve cold.

GREEN GODDESS PASTA SALAD

serves 6-8

1 lb gemelli cooked according to package instructions, drained
6.35 ounce Pesto Basil Pesto
1/2 cup vegan Mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/2 cups frozen peas cooked according to package instructions
2 cups steamed asparagus chopped
1 1/2 cups chickpeas drained
3/4 cup pine nuts

While pasta is cooking, stir together the pesto and mayo until smooth.
Combine hot pasta, pesto, salt, peas, asparagus, chickpeas, and pine nuts in a large bowl and stir to toss.
Sprinkle with chives and serve!

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.

Latest News from Charmaine: July 2019

Greetings all!

We are back from our adventure packed trip to Norway and Mr. Alfred and his parents. It was a great time, but flying these days is not as nice as it was once upon a time.

This newsletter is going to be a combo June and July issue and I hope you will find the articles interesting.

I am hoping to get to my first farmers markets before this actually hits your hands. What with travel and the way wetter and cooler weather, the farmers are struggling to get produce out and I have had no opportunity to get out to them (not a huge fan of schlepping around in driving rain).

I will be competing in the Michigan Senior Olympics in early August and hope to do a competition in September to qualify for State level competition in December.

This past June 14th Dr. Ray and I Celebrated 39 years since graduation from Chiropractic College and by totally randomness ended up in Grand Ledge on 6/14/89 and fell seriously in love with the community. We have been extremely grateful for the opportunities to help guide local residents on the path to health and for the many opportunities to serve the local community as well.

SEE YOU IN THE OFFICE, ON THE TABLE, ON THE MAT OR UNDER THE BARBELLS

Taco Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Note from Dr. C I made this with brown rice instead and it was awesome! Sitting outside in our gazebo eating theses on a yummy spring evening was AMAZING!

Taco vegetarian lettuce wraps with quinoa and black beans put a tasty spin on tacos that will actually keep you full with 16 grams of protein per serving!

Ingredients

1/2 cup quinoa
3 ears of corn, shucked (or 1 cup frozen)
1 15 oz. can black beans
1/2 Tbsp. coconut oil
2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 lb. mushrooms, washed and sliced
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, split in half
3/4 cup salsa
1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese ( I have used feta too!)
1 head of lettuce (I like butter leaf), washed and leaves separated
1 avocado, diced

Instructions

Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat.
Rinse quinoa and add to pot. After quinoa has boiled for about 5 minutes, add corn cobs. Continue boiling for another 10 minutes until both quinoa and corn are fully cooked (if using frozen corn just hold off and add it with the peppers).
Remove from heat and pull out corn cobs. Drain quinoa and set aside. Use a sharp knife to scrape the corn kernels off of the corn cobs.
While quinoa and corn cook, melt coconut oil over high heat. Add onions and bell pepper and sauté until peppers start to brown.
Add garlic and mushrooms and continue cooking until veggies are cooked and lightly browned.
Stir in salt, chili powder, paprika, cumin, half of the chopped cilantro, and 1/4 cup salsa. Add quinoa and black beans. Stir and remove from heat.
Serve veggie filling, grated cheese, additional salsa, cilantro, and avocado to lettuce wraps.

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.

Can a chiropractor see things that I can’t?

Questions and Answers About Chiropractic

Question: Can a chiropractor see things that I can’t?

Answer: Yes!

Chiropractors are always “checking people out.” We can’t avoid it because we know what it means and we know we can help!

When you see people walking down the street, do you notice if their shoes are pointed in the same direction or does one stick out or in more than the other?

Do you notice if their heads are balanced front to back, side to side, on their necks?

Do you notice if one hand seems to be a little lower on the body than the other hand?

Do you notice if one arm swings a little more than the other?

If the hip swings more on one side than the other when a person walks? If, when lying down, one leg appears shorter than the other?

These, and other seemingly minor differences are common and can be very important. Yet most people don’t notice or appreciate them. But your chiropractor often notices them and sees the tremendous importance in body balance and symmetrical movement.

Now you know why top professional and Olympic athletes visit chiropractors – for better balance, coordination and movement plus more energy and efficiency of motion.

If you notice any of these things in you, or in someone you know, we can help!

517.627.4547

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

Spring is to be celebrated, and lemon asparagus risotto is the meal to do it with.

Ingredients:

5 cups vegetable stock divided
1 lb thin asparagus stalks, ends removed
5 tbsp unsalted butter
2 large leeks, sliced (about 3 cups total)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2/3 cup dry white wine
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp lemon zest
tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ cup soft cheese like ricotta
1 cup (4 oz) grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided

Directions

Bring stock to a simmer in a medium-sized saucepan .Slice asparagus into pieces about 2 inches in length.
In a large saucepan, melt butter on medium heat. Add sliced leeks and saute for about 8-10 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir in rice and cook for about 2 minutes to toast the rice. Stir in white wine and cook until about half of the wine is absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
Add 1 cup warmed stock and stir, making sure to scrape up any browned pieces, or fond, from the bottom of the pan.
Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, after about 3-5 minutes, add another cup of stock. Continue to stir constantly until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this step once more. Add the asparagus to the pan when most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add another cup of stock, and stir in the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give the risotto a few stirs, and check the rice for doneness. If the rice isn’t done, add the final cup of stock and continue to cook until liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked through.
Stir in parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the grated cheese. Gently fold in ricotta. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano Reggiano and a grind of fresh black pepper.
Serve immediately.

Lanjopoulos Chiropractic

Chiropractics, Yoga, Tai Chi, Healthy Living