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Researching Chiropractic: Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)lupus

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.


A 34-year-old woman with SLE went to a chiropractic office for detection of subluxations. Her symptoms included constant chronic pain; constant fibromyalgia-related symptoms; chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression-related symptoms; stiffness in the neck; thyroid problems; menstrual disorder; stomach disorder; mid back pain; irritable bowel; numbness in her feet; low back pain and leg pains.

Using chiropractic analysis, several vertebral subluxation complexes were located.

She received 11 spinal adjustments over the first twelve visits and upon re-examination, she was “much improved.” Her right and left leg pain and numbness in her feet completely resolved and her menstrual disorder completely resolved. In addition, her stomach disorder, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, systemic lupus erythematosus related symptoms and ADD/ADHD related symptoms were much improved. At her next re-examination, her Raynaud’s, systemic lupus erythematosus, depression and nausea were all completely resolved. She also stopped taking seven medications including hydrocodone, tramadol, flexeril, gabapentin and Wellbutrin®.

Her blood work revealed resolution of systemic lupus erythematosus. (1)

  1. Harden J, Baggett BA. Resolution of systemic lupus erythematosus following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation utilizing the Pierce Results SystemT: a case report & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. December 18, 2017:297-311.

What No One Ever Told You About the Flu and Your Immune System

  By Dr. Navaz Habibflu

This article was originally published on The Hearty Soul.

There is no such thing as Flu season.

Contrary to popular belief, Influenza viruses do not go on vacation in the summer and check back in with us in the fall. The viruses are opportunistic, which means that they are simply waiting to attack us when our immune systems become weaker. This year, let’s start Immune Booster season, making our immune systems strong year round so that the opportunistic bad bacteria and viruses don’t have as much of a chance to spread.

We have all heard of the immune system. This system is the second line of defense that our bodies have to invaders (the first line is our skin and gut lining). If an invader gets through our skin or through our gut lining and into our internal environments, then the immune system is activated to protect us from the effects of these invaders.

Our immune system is constantly active, fighting off potential invaders. A well-functioning and BALANCED immune system is very important in our overall health and well-being. If our immune system is weak, invaders such as viruses and bacteria can get in and spread, causing infections. If the immune system is too overworked, it can make mistakes and start attacking our own cells. This is called autoimmune disease, and can include conditions like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac disease.

Imagine for a moment that the immune system is the security staff at an important government building. Lazy security personnel that don’t do their job correctly could let invaders enter, which can cause problems for the government – in the same way, a weak immune system cannot stop all the opportunistic viruses and bacteria from potentially causing infections in our sinuses, lungs, blood vessels etc.

If the security staff are too overwhelmed and not well trained, they may start to incorrectly attack internal problems in the government building. This would cause chaos inside the government building leading to many issues internally. In the same way, autoimmune disease is our defense system, fighting against our own cells, leading to chronic inflammatory conditions.

So how do we make sure that our immune system is working well and is balanced?

Not so well known fact: 70-80% of your entire immune system is located in your gut lining. When the immune system is not functioning correctly, the cause can often be attributed to the gut and our digestive function. Improper gut function is a common cause of immune system imbalance.

Here are some steps to fix our gut health, and boost our immune system function:

  1. Eat Healthy, REAL Foods

These foods include lots of vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato and squashes) and some fruits (high in antioxidants)    Aim for 3-4 servings of fruit and 4+ servings of vegetables daily.

  1. Drink plenty of CLEAN Fluids

Water is the most important fluid that our body requires. In the colder months, a nice glass of water, a warm herbal or green tea or homemade soup or broth is a great way to get important fluids and stay warm. If possible, filter your water and avoid high sugar fruit juices and soda.

  1. Avoid Sugar and Processed Foods

Sugar and processed foods which contain sweeteners have been shown to depress the immune system for hours after they are ingested. This means staying away from candy, chocolates, cake and holiday sweets as they can, and will cause immune system depression. Also cut down on gluten and dairy products, which have been shown to cause leaky gut syndrome and dysfunction in the gut lining.

  1. Add a little Spice to your Life!

There are certain spices that help to boost your immune system function. These spices include garlic, ginger, oregano and turmeric. Garlic and onions actually have

  1. Have Protein at every meal

Proteins are the building blocks of the body, including your immune and detoxification systems. Organic, clean and lean animal protein as well as plant-based protein (legumes, nuts, seeds) are important to have at each meal and can even be a great snack option.

  1. Get Plenty of High Quality SLEEP

Sleep is our bodies way of repairing and restoring our body to optimal function. Our terrible sleep habits are often contributing to high emotional stress levels as well as improper function of our bodily defenses. Try to get 7-8 hours of high quality sleep and awake feeling rested and ready to go!

  1. Get Regular Exercise

30-45 minutes of mild to moderate exercise has been shown to help boost immune system function. Avoid overexerting yourself as high stress exercise can decrease immune function.

Beat Sciatica Naturally

Try these Drug-Free Cures for Sciatica Sciatica

Step away from the medicine cabinet and into natural solutions for sciatica nerve pain. Try these three easy (and drug-free) methods for managing sciatica that do not involve prescription pain pills.

#1 Consider your stressors.

Many low back issues can be related to emotional issues. Take inventory of your emotional well being and see if you can pinpoint any areas of your life that are making you feel unsupported or stressed.

#2 Stay active

As much as you may want to sit or rest as a result of sciatic nerve pain, make sure you’re attempting regular walks or exercise each day. Too much rest can actually result in weaker muscles and even more sciatic pain.

#3 Schedule an appointment with us.

We can help pinpoint the areas of your spine that need adjusting to help remove nerve pain and interference that can lead to sciatica.

Call us today! (517) 627-4547

What Do Doctors of Chiropractic Do?

slide4Have you ever been treated by Doctors of Chiropractic?

Doctors of chiropractic promote physical and emotional well being. Chiropractic has become the largest natural, drug-free healthcare system in the US (and world) because chiropractors perform a unique service.

Doctors of chiropractic are able to locate and correct subluxations, a condition that damages nerves, muscles, fascia, meninges and other tissues. Subluxations cause joints to “freeze” or lose normal movement, causing damage to the involved area.

Subluxations cause imbalance, weakness, pain, inflammation, abnormal body function – and much more. 

Under chiropractic care your head is more balanced, your hips and shoulders are more level and stress is taken off the joints and muscles throughout your body. Because less of your energy goes into supporting an unbalanced spine and skeleton, you may immediately discover more energy, greater ease in movement and improved relaxation.

A healthy spine and structural system can make the difference between a life of pain, suffering and disability and one of ease, healing, happiness and freedom. Subluxations may be caused by stress that overwhelms us. For that reason, it is important to see your chiropractor to be “de-stressed” periodically.

Why wait? Come in before it causes damage. And bring your family so everyone can enjoy a healthier 2018. Call us today! (517) 627-4547

Chiropractic Case Study: Blindness

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.

Resolution of blindness in an 18-year-old.  blindness

An 18-year-old woman was complaining of migraines; seizures; mid-back, neck and low back pain; shoulder pain and numbness and tingling in both arms and into her left leg and foot. She had suffered a stroke four years prior and had brain surgery. Immediately following the surgery, she reported blurry vision and a loss of the lateral portion of the visual field of her left eye which continued to diminish before becoming completely blind. She suffered from migraines and seizures as well.

Immediately after the adjustment was given the patient reported seeing “sparkles” in the left eye. She was left to rest on the table. After approximately 15 minutes of rest, the patient experienced a full resolution of the vision loss in her left eye.

After 11 weeks care her eyesight was still intact and her migraines and seizures reduced in frequency and severity. Her neck and back pain resolved and her arm and foot symptoms continue to improve.

Reference: Saffron B, Murdock B. Resolution of vision loss in a teenage girl following upper cervical chiropractic care: a case study & review of the literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. July 24, 2017:40-44.

Chiropractic Case Study: Breech Delivery with Twins

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.

Breech delivery turned with chiropractic.  breech delivery

A 38-year-old woman pregnant with twins began chiropractic care in her 30th week of pregnancy. The twins were breech, in a “footling” presentation.

Over a two-week period, she received five chiropractic visits that included correction of a sacral subluxation, following the principles of the Webster Technique. Both turned to normal vertex presentation and the woman was able to have a successful vaginal birth of the twins without medication.

Shtulman I, Alcantara J. Resolution of double footling breech presentation and successful vaginal twin birth following adjustment of vertebral subluxation. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic.2017;4:185-188.

Chiropractic Case Study: Multiple Sclerosis

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.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and chiropractic Multiple Sclerosis

A 39-year-old wheelchair bound woman with a 20-year history of Multiple Sclerosis wished to begin chiropractic care. MRI confirmed her diagnosis revealing that she had multiple brain lesions. The patient had been under medical care and was experiencing increased disability with multiple movement and sensory deficits. She also had pain, visual loss and inability to walk.

Vertebral subluxations were located. X-ray and other analysis revealed C2 and C3 (upper neck) subluxations. Chiropractic adjustments were given only at the C2 vertebral segment level. The patient’s care plan was over 18-36 months.

A follow-up MRI revealed no active plaques in her brain. Concurrently she experienced decreased multiple sclerosis symptoms. She had improved function that included the ability to walk.

Reference: Tabick C, Quintero-Villa J. Improved health outcomes in a multiple sclerosis patient undergoing chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation: a case report & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 9, 2017:221-231.

Our Unique Heritage

America’s Heritageheritage and constitution

America is a unique nation with a unique heritage– founded on the recognition that all people have inalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

But what does inalienable mean?

It means that the government doesn’t give us those rights; we have them by right of birth. Our founders understood that our rights are derived from our Creator; they are our natural rights.

The American government was founded to protect our inalienable rights.

Government, kings, potentates, parliaments, committees, politicians, dictators, etc. can take our natural rights away. History is replete with such abuses. The American government was founded to protect our inalienable rights. Government, laws and courts are created to protect those rights. Once our unique constitutional system was put into place, the definition of that principle, and its limits, needed to be understood by all.

For example, in his famous 1790 letter to the Jewish congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, President George Washington went out of his way to set up a critical distinction between a false type of tolerance – by which “one class of people” might condescendingly extend certain privileges to another, inferior class – and the American system, in which all enjoy “their inherent natural rights” equally, provided only that they “demean themselves as good citizens.”

How Does Our Heritage Relate to Healthcare?

The more we give politicians, bureaucrats and “professionals” permission to control and manage our lives, the less free, the more dependent and the less capable we become.

As the Elders of the Oraibi Arizona Hopi Nation remind us:

“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

The world-renowned sociologist Ivan Illich, Ph.D. applied this understanding to health in his famous book Medical Nemesis:

A world of optimal and widespread health is obviously a world of minimal and only occasional medical intervention. Healthy people are those who live in healthy homes on a healthy diet in an environment equally fit for birth, growth, work, healing, and dying; they are sustained by a culture that enhances the conscious acceptance of limits to population, of ageing, of  incomplete recovery and ever-imminent death. Healthy people need minimal bureaucratic interference to mate, give birth, share the human condition, and die. (1)

1. Illich I. Medical Nemesis: the Expropriation of Health. New York: Bantam Books, 1977.

Researching Chiropractic: Heart rate variability

Heart rate variabilityWhat is heart rate variability?

The timing between heart beats should vary beat-to-beat. That is called heart rate variability (HRV). The more HRV, the greater a person’s health. Low HRV has been linked to physical and emotional dis-ease or body malfunction.

Heart rate variability has been used to evaluate the nervous system

Analysis of the beat-to-beat intervals (heart rate variability) has been used to evaluate the nervous system balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Analysis of beat-to- beat variability is a simple, non-invasive technique to evaluate autonomic dysfunction and may be a tool to assess the changes in autonomic activity associated with the reduction and correction of vertebral subluxations. A search of the relevant literature found that some controlled studies suggest that very thing: chiropractic care may improve heart rate variability in a positive way – meaning that nervous system function improves.

The author writes, “Vertebral subluxations may result in altered autonomic nervous system activity. Heart rate variability is a reliable and valid tool that may be used to assess the changes in autonomic activity associated with the reduction and correction of vertebral subluxations.” (1)

  1. Kent C. Heart rate variability to assess the changes in autonomic nervous system function associated with vertebral subluxation. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. October 16, 2017:201-208.

Researching Chiropractic: Placental insufficiency

Placental insufficiency and fetal growth restrictionPlacental insufficiency

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.

A 29-year-old female, who was 32 weeks pregnant, presented for chiropractic care because she was concerned about a diagnosis of placental insufficiency and delayed fetal growth that was given after an ultrasound examination. There is no medical treatment for this condition.

However, chiropractic analysis revealed subluxations in her cervical spine (neck), sacrum and pelvis. She had eight visits over a three-week period to correct her subluxations. On the day after her first visit she had another ultrasound that revealed normal placental blood flow and normal fetal growth rate. She was able to carry the baby to 37 weeks permitting the fetus 3 to 4 more weeks of growth. (1)

  1. Rashid M, Heyns SB, Findlay M et al. Reduction in placental insufficiency and normalized fetal growth rate in a pregnant patient following chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation: a case report. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;4:178-184.