RESEARCHING CHIROPRACTIC: Migraines, Hypnic Headaches, Ear Infections, Tic Douloureux

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 positively to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, reliant on medication and drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? Probably most of them.

Migraine and Hypnic Headaches.

For 15 years, a 59-year-old woman had been experiencing migraines and hypnic headaches, which occur during sleep, along with nausea and skin rashes. Migraines are a significant global health concern with a prevalence of 10%, ranking seventh in leading causes of disability. Hypnic headaches, however, are less common. Despite taking prescription drugs RelpaxT, TylenolT, and receiving massages for her migraines, the patient found no relief. It’s worth noting that the patient’s mother also experienced the same issues during menopause. After three months of twice-a-week chiropractic care, followed by six weeks of once-a-week visits, the patient found relief from her headaches and experienced additional health improvements. (1)

Neck pain, Ear Infections, and headaches in a young girl.

A 9½-year-old girl went to a chiropractic clinic because of chronic ear infections, neck pain, and headaches. Upon examination of her cervical spine, the doctors found hyperlordosis, hypertonicity of paraspinal musculature, lymphadenopathy, decreased ROM, positive orthopedic tests, and chiropractic subluxations. She was scheduled to receive three treatments per week for three weeks, and afterward, her otolaryngologist reported a 95% reduction in her hearing loss. Her scheduled tympanostomy tube surgery was canceled due to her improved condition. (2)

Tic douloureux. 

A 62-year-old woman had suffered from an intense, persistent, and often disabling form of facial pain known as “tic douloureux,” or Trigeminal neuralgia, for two years. Commonly referred to as the “suicide disease” due to its extreme pain, the woman had endured three separate car accidents in the past 27 years before the onset of symptoms; however, they did not appear until after a dental procedure on a wisdom tooth on the right side of her face. To alleviate her suffering, the woman had tried numerous prescription drugs and alternative supplements prescribed by multiple physicians and specialists, spending over $9,000 of her own money in the process. After receiving 26 chiropractic adjustments, the patient reported a significant reduction in the frequency and duration of her pain. (3)

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

 

  1. Niddery E, Alcantara J. Resolution of chronic migraines and hypnic headaches in a 59-year-old female: a case report & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 2, 2019:117-126
  2. O’Connor K, Schneider G, Alcantara J. Resolution of otitis media, improvement in hearing & avoidance of myringotomy tubes following chiropractic care in a child: a case report & selective review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2014;3:47-54.
  3. Cramer J, Persky A. Reduction of chronic trigeminal neuralgia following upper cervical specific chiropractic care: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. September 9, 2019:56-62.

RESEARCHING CHIROPRACTIC: Bedwetting

Researching Chiropractic. How many people who are suffering, reliant on medication on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?  Probably most of them.

Bedwetting in an 8-year-old Child: A Chiropractic Perspective

bedwetting

Bedwetting, medically known as nocturnal enuresis, is a common concern among parents. While many children outgrow this phase by age 5, some continue to experience it beyond that age. In the context of an 8-year-old child, bedwetting can be particularly distressing for both the child and the parents, often leading to embarrassment and frustration. While various causes can lead to bedwetting, from developmental delays to urinary tract infections, a chiropractic approach offers a unique perspective.

From a chiropractic standpoint, the spine plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the body. Misalignments, or subluxations, in the lumbar spine, may interfere with the nerves that control bladder function. When these nerve pathways are impeded, it can reduce bladder control, potentially leading to nocturnal enuresis.

A study by Reed et al. (1994) found a significant relationship between bedwetting and vertebral subluxations, suggesting that chiropractic care might benefit children suffering from nocturnal enuresis (1). In the study, many children who received chiropractic adjustments experienced a marked reduction or complete resolution of their bedwetting symptoms.

While chiropractic care is not a guaranteed cure for bedwetting, it presents a non-invasive, drug-free approach that may benefit some children. If your child is struggling with nocturnal enuresis, it’s essential to consult with a professional chiropractor to determine if this approach is right for your child.

Do you know someone with this issue?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

1. Reed, W. R., Beavers, S., Reddy, S. K., & Kern, G. (1994). Chiropractic management of primary nocturnal enuresis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 17(9), 596-600.   

The Diseases of Civilization

The “diseases of civilization” are those diseases or conditions that were rare or didn’t even exist until modern times. Ironically, we have these diseases even though we live in lands of plenty, clean water, abundant food and drink, and refrigeration! We are also blessed with hot and cold running water indoor plumbing (no outhouses), and we no longer live with cows, pigs, and horses in our homes (thieves would run off with them otherwise).

We are so blessed!

In the olden days, there was much sickness from all the filth. Babies rarely made it past their first month of life. Plagues carried away multitudes! Those good old days were not so good.

New Diseases

While the old diseases and plagues are mostly gone, we now have new diseases: cancer, heart disease, autism, ADD, dyslexia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and many others. What caused this new epidemic of chronic illness?

Our Modern World

Our modern world is full of poisons our ancestors were never exposed to. There are at least 80,000 chemicals in our environment, including toxins from plastics, pesticides, and herbicides such as glyphosate (RoundupT), arsenic, mercury, lead, aluminum, phthalates, cleaning products, soaps, and many others.

Dental fillings such as amalgam (mercury), fetal ultrasound (radiation to the developing brain), and many prescription drugs cause damage immediately or years later. 

We should have the healthiest population. Instead, in the US, over half of our children have a chronic illness, 

What to do? 

Start before birth – parents-to-be should detoxify with an organic healthy diet, pregnant women should avoid ultrasound and vaccines, and eat traditional high-fat foods, grass-fed meats, and dairy products. Every day you should have food that is good for your gut (fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, yogurt, and other probiotics). 

Avoid Frankenfoods (unnatural laboratory creations)

Don’t eat foods our grandparents (and great grandparents) never ate vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, safflower, canola, and soy that are produced at high temperatures and pressure and are unnatural to our body function (physiology). Other oils include partially hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils such as margarine, CriscoT, and similar products.   Avoid all GMO foods (genetically modified). Avoid conventionally grown foods and go organic. White sugar wasn’t known until a few hundred years ago – it didn’t exist. Highly processed products give us almost no nutrition and even take essential minerals out of our bodies as they are digested and assimilated. 

Go to www.westonaprice.org to learn about traditional diets and foods.

What do I do now? Detoxify!

Traditional ways to get rid of poisons or detoxify are sunbathing, fasting, sauna, exercise, massage, herbs, gallbladder, and liver flushes. See below for an inexpensive universal detox – clay. 

Don’t forget chiropractic adjustments. From infancy to older people, our body detoxes better when it’s subluxation-free. Talk to us.

Call today for an appointment. 627-4547

Researching Chiropractic: Migraines, Drop Attacks, & Seizures

Researching Chiropractic. How many people who are suffering, reliant on medication on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?  Probably most of them.

Migraines in a 16-year-old Girl

A 16-year-old girl had been complaining of migraines since kindergarten.  She was experiencing migraines 1-2 times per week, each attack lasting approximately 2-3 hours. Under medical care, she had an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), a CT scan (computer axial tomography), and a dental consultation. Nothing was found. 

She consulted with a chiropractor. Chiropractic analysis revealed an atlas (C-1) subluxation. The patient received five adjustments to the atlas. She was able to stop using medications as her headaches reduced to 2-4 per month. (1) 

Drop Attacks on a 23-year-old Man

A 23-year-old male complaining of drop attacks and daily nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, and back pain for five years began chiropractic care.

After one month of care, the patient reported a resolution of drop attacks, daily vomiting, and other symptoms. (2) 

Seizures and Delays in Cognitive Development in a Two-Year-Old Boy

A 2-year-old boy suffered from seizures, behavioral disturbances, and cognitive developmental delays following a head trauma. 

He was experiencing 1-3 seizures per week and sometimes up to 3 seizures per day. In addition, he was combative, angry, and uncooperative with his parents and had a developmental delay in his language use. 

His parents brought the child in for chiropractic care fifteen months after his injury. A chiropractic examination revealed a subluxation of the C1 (atlas) vertebra. The patient had a total of seven visits over a five-and-a-half-month period. 

There was an improvement and eventual cessation of his seizures and an improvement in the patient’s behavior and cognitive development. (3)

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Bernard M, Alcantara J, Pierce, GS. The Care of a Teenage Girl with Migraine Headaches with the Advanced Orthogonal Procedure: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ January 24, 2013 ~ Pages 14-19.
  2. Berner N, Meuleman CJ. Drop Attacks, Daily Vomiting & Headaches Resolved Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume 2023 ~ July 3, 2023. Pages 13-22 Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, Volume 2023
  3. Komarek AJ, Tedder N, Tedder A, Cessation of Seizures, Behavioral Disturbances and Improvement in Cognitive Developmental Delay Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care in a 2-Year-Old: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ May 14, 2015, Pages 14-18.

How Can Chiropractic Help with Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are a class of injuries that stem from the chronic overuse or misuse of particular body parts. Often associated with occupational tasks, sports, or other repetitive motions, RSIs can manifest as conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, or trigger finger, to name a few. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, with inflammation and limited motion. As these injuries have grown increasingly common in the modern workplace and athletic fields, the need for effective treatments has become paramount. One such healthcare modality is chiropractic care, which offers multiple therapeutic approaches for managing and alleviating RSIs.

Understanding Repetitive Stress Injuries

RSIs result from repeated microtrauma to the tendons, muscles, and nerves at their core. Over time, these minor, repetitive injuries can lead to inflammation, pain, and decreased function. Typically, RSIs develop when there’s an imbalance between the physical demands on a body part and its ability to cope with those demands.

Chiropractic’s Role in Treating RSIs

Chiropractic care is a holistic healthcare discipline that removes subluxations (nerve interference) and allows the body to heal. Here’s how chiropractic care can aid in managing and treating RSIs:

Spinal and Joint Adjustments: Chiropractors can restore proper spine and joint mobility and alignment through controlled and targeted adjustments. This not only helps alleviate pain directly but also aids in optimizing nervous system function, which can promote the body’s natural healing processes.

Ergonomic Advice: Chiropractors can provide guidance on workplace ergonomics, posture, and movement patterns. By making subtle adjustments to one’s workstation or daily routines, it’s possible to decrease the strain on affected body parts and minimize the risk of developing RSIs.

Therapeutic Exercises: Chiropractors often prescribe exercises designed to strengthen weak areas and improve flexibility to complement hands-on care. By incorporating these exercises into their daily routine, patients can expedite their recovery and reduce the likelihood of injury recurrence.

Holistic Approach: Unlike some holistic healthcare that focuses solely on symptom relief, chiropractic care considers the whole individual. By addressing underlying issues and promoting a holistic approach to health, chiropractors can treat RSIs and enhance their patients’ overall well-being.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation found that chiropractic care, including manual adjustments and stretching exercises, offered significant relief for those suffering from work-related upper limb disorders, including many RSIs (3). This evidence and patient anecdotal reports underscore the potential benefits of incorporating chiropractic care into a comprehensive care plan for RSIs.

Given their chronic nature, repetitive stress injuries require a multifaceted approach for effective management and care. Chiropractic philosophy, with its holistic methodology and variety of therapeutic techniques, can play a pivotal role in this process. Those suffering from RSIs might find it beneficial to consult with a chiropractor to explore how this healthcare can aid their recovery.

Your Blood – the River of Life

What exactly is your blood? It is billions and billions of cells floating in a liquid called plasma. Blood is like a river that flows to every part of your body through your arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Your Blood - the River of Life

The red cells in your blood are like delivery trucks. They bring oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body tissue and take waste gas (carbon dioxide) from your tissues back to your lungs.

Your white cells are like warriors. They are always on guard to gobble up germs and anything that shouldn’t be in your blood and tissues.

Your blood contains platelets that join together to close cuts so you don’t bleed out. Platelets form tiny threads called fibrin, which trap red cells to form a clot or dam.

A single drop of blood contains about 5,000,000 red blood cells, 7,000 white blood cells, and thousands of platelets. 

Your blood is constantly being replaced. A red blood cell lives only about four months, and in that time, it makes about 300,000 trips through your bloodstream. About 10 million red blood cells wear out each second. Fortunately, new red cells are constantly replenishing in your blood. 

The approximately 25 trillion red cells in your blood would reach nearly halfway to the moon if lined up side-by-side.

You are indeed a mystery and a universe unto yourself.

Contact us at 517.627.4547 to schedule an appointment. 

Researching Chiropractic: Tourette’s, Ear Infections, Meniere’s Disease

Researching Chiropractic. How many people who are suffering, reliant on medication on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?  Probably most of them.


Tourette’s Syndrome in a nine-year-old boy

The child suffered from Tourette’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, asthma, insomnia, and headaches since age 7. 

Forceps were used during his delivery. He was fully vaccinated. His medications included AlbuterolT, DepakoteT, WellbutrinT, and AdderallT. 

Chiropractic care corrected and stabilized the patient’s subluxation. After six weeks of care, all six conditions were no longer present, and all medications were discontinued, except for a half-dose of WellbutrinT. 

After five months of care, all symptoms remained absent. (1) 

Head tilt, ear infections, and other problems in a seven-month-old boy

This is the case of a 7-month-old boy with significant head tilt from birth, ear infections, flattening of the left side of his face, spitting up 15 times per day, projectile vomiting (about once each week), and muscle spasms. The child cried frequently and rarely laughed. 

Chiropractic adjustments were performed three times a week for three months. After five months of chiropractic care, the child’s head tilt and associated muscle spasms were absent, dramatically improving the child’s general demeanor. Regurgitation became much less frequent, with some residual facial asymmetry remaining. (2) 

Meniere’s disease (MD) in a forty-eight-year-old woman

Forty-eight-year-old woman, a retired registered nurse, was diagnosed with right unilateral Meniere’s Disease (MD) in 1995 that started going bilateral in 1998. Her symptoms included multiple vertigo episodes with nausea and vomiting (including drop attacks), low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus, and pain. Other MD symptoms include dizziness, imbalance, hearing distortion, hyperacusis, nystagmus, BPPV, brain fog, severe sweating, severe depression, anxiety with panic attacks, IBS, TMJ dysfunction, migraines, headaches, chronic fatigue, eustachian tube dysfunction, neck, and low back pain.

Chiropractic care consisted of twelve visits over six days. All her complaints were resolved except hearing loss though it did improve. She returned for a reevaluation four years later. All of her complaints continued to resolve except for partial hearing loss. (3) 

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Elster E. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care For A Nine-Year-Old Male With Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Asthma, Insomnia, and Headaches: A Case Report July 12, 2003, p 1-11 J of Vertebral Subluxation Research 
  2. Toto BJ. Chiropractic correction of congenital muscular torticollis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1993:16(8):556-559.
  3. Resolution of Long Standing Intractable Bilateral Meniere’s Disease & Multiple Health Challenges Following Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Care: A Case Report.  Burcon MT, Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume 2023 ~ March 21, 2023,  ~ Pages 1-12

Chiropractic and Childhood Sports Injuries

Childhood Sports Injuries

Participation in sports is highly beneficial for children, promoting physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork skills. However, it also carries the risk of injuries, which can significantly impact a child’s overall well-being. Chiropractic care has emerged as a valuable complementary approach for managing childhood sports injuries. 

Childhood sports injuries can range from sprains and strains to more severe conditions like fractures and concussions. 

Chiropractic care focuses on but is not limited to musculoskeletal disorders, including sports injuries. Chiropractors employ a holistic approach to care, aiming to restore proper alignment and function of the spine and other joints in the body. By doing so, they alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote the body’s natural healing process.

Several studies support the efficacy of chiropractic care in managing childhood sports injuries. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined the effects of chiropractic intervention on ankle sprains in young athletes. The results indicated that chiropractic treatment significantly improved pain reduction, range of motion, and functional ability compared to a control group (6).

Chiropractic care offers a holistic and evidence-based approach to managing childhood sports injuries. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, chiropractors can help children recover from injuries, prevent future occurrences, and enhance their overall sports performance. However, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each case.

A NOTE FROM Dr. C.  As sports season is now underway..take a moment to have your child evaluated to make sure your child is in good shape.  Then plan on having checks through the season to nip any issues in the bud.

Contact us at 517.627.4547 to schedule an appointment. 

What foods cause a heart attack?

Most cases of heart disease today involve a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI) -a blood clot in a coronary (heart) artery causing a blockage and death to the heart muscle. 

Most people don’t realize that MI was almost nonexistent around 1910. That’s right – nobody was having heart attacks. However, by the year 1930, MI caused a total of 3,000 deaths. Then, by 1960 that number reached 500,000! At this time, MI was the US’s #1 cause of death. Stroke rates also increased; the cause of MI and stroke is similar: blockages in the large arteries supplying the heart and brain. 

Why did this happen?

Nutritional changes in the American diet.

Paul Dudley White, MD, “the father of modern cardiology,” helped found the American Heart Association and introduced the electrocardiograph machine to America. He made these remarks at a 1956 American Heart Association televised fund-raiser: 

Heart disease in the form of myocardial infarction was nonexistent in 1900 when egg consumption was three times what it was in 1956, and corn oil was unavailable…I began my practice as a cardiologist in 1921, and I never saw an MI patient until 1928. Back in the MI-free days of 1920, the fats were butter and lard. And I think we would all benefit from the kind of diet we had when no one had heard the word ‘corn oil.’ 

The changes in diet were two-fold: firstly, people began consuming fewer protective fats like eggs, lard, butter, and tallow (beef fat) and generally began avoiding animal fats. Secondly, the consumption of trans fats skyrocketed!  At the time, they were primarily found in margarine, corn, and vegetable oils that were barely used until the 1920s. Now, trans fats are found in most commercial junk foods. It is because of trans fats that a Twinkie can last for a decade- bacteria are unable to break its chemical bonds. 

Your body can’t digest trans fats, which become toxic to your liver and other internal organs, especially your heart. Avoid trans fats and eat natural, healthy fats to have a well-functioning heart and avoid heart disease and stroke.

Interestingly, the Framingham heart study found that those who ate the most saturated fat, calories, and cholesterol were the most physically active. They also weighed the least and had the lowest levels of serum cholesterol!