Researching Chiropractic: Numbness & Tingling, Nursing Issues, and Doggy Chiro

How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?  Probably most of them. The following are 3 case studies of people just you who were helped by chiropractic care. Do you know someone who might benefit from our care? Please share this with them.

Pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the armpalm-1590162_1920

Two months before starting chiropractic care a woman began experiencing radicular symptoms in the form of pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in all the fingers in her right hand. 

Prior to seeing the chiropractor, the patient saw a medical doctor who took X-rays as well as prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and a steroid injection. In addition, a physical therapist was seen three times per week for finger rehabilitation. Her condition did not change.   An MRI revealed multilevel disc protrusions in her neck, spondylosis and spinal stenosis. It was recommended that she have a surgical evaluation. She refused. 

After 26 visits, over a period of 100-days, improvements were observed on both X-ray and MRI along with a reduction in all her symptoms. (1)

Inability to nurse twinsbaby-507335_1920

Two weeks after the birth of twin girls the new mother was seen for care. She complained of an inability to initiate a let-down reflex and was not producing enough milk. She also complained of neck, shoulder pain and vasospasms (an arterial spasm restricting blood flow) in her breast.

Chiropractic examination revealed subluxations in her upper thoracic (mid back) region and cranial restrictions.

Adjustments were delivered to the thoracic area (T3-T5). The mother immediately felt more sensation in her breast, specifically the nipple and areola. She also reported the ability to relax her shoulders and achieve deeper inhalation during nursing. She produced double the amount of breastmilk as she had previously. She was feeling emotionally more stable and even optimistic about maintaining her nursing schedule with the twins. An updated exam at ten months postpartum showed that she was still successfully nursing both twins. (2)

Cauda equina syndrome in a 7-year-old dachshund.foxhound-53951_1280

All animals with a spine can develop vertebral subluxations. Like their humans, dogs have subluxations too. In this case a 7-year-old dachshund was experiencing a decrease in appetite, defecation issues, decreased reflexes in his hind legs and could not do a full body shake. Similar symptoms occur in humans with herniated discs and it’s called “cauda equine syndrome.” X-rays confirmed that this dog had an L1/L2 (upper lumbar) disc herniation.

The owner described the dog as always being “a very active dog and still is. He would jump everywhere….” One day the dog started whining and would not jump onto the couch, but rather would lay on the floor and did not eat much. The dachshund had two chiropractic adjustments and all the symptoms were alleviated: hind leg reflexes returned, as did his appetite, and (to the relief of the owner) bladder and bowel control. 

After the second visit the owner of the patient reported the dog was “totally back to normal;” he was able to do a full body doggy shake. (3)

Do you know anyone with the above issues?

Please refer them to us. We can help! 517.627.4547

  1. Cunico C, Badiou M. Improvement in symptoms and spinal alignment following the pierce results system in a patient with cervical radiculopathy & intervertebral disc derangement: a case study & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. February 12, 2020:11-25.
  2. Baum A. Resolution of milk ejection reflex dysfunction & increased breastmilk supply following chiropractic adjustment in a nursing mother of twins: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. March 10, 2020:7-11.
  3. Stone-McCoy P, Friedrich S. Resolution of cauda equina syndrome following chiropractic care in a 7-year-old dachshund with lumbar disc herniation: a case study & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. February 27, 2020:26-32.

Strengthen Your Immune System With Chiropractic

Good Health is Easy; Sickness Takes WorkImmune System

You are the product of hundreds of generations of strong, healthy, intelligent ancestors. Think about it-every one of your many ancestors needed to be healthy to live long enough to at least reach puberty; every ancestor needed to be attractive enough to find a mate; every ancestor needed to be smart enough to survive in this difficult world and be able to raise heirs.

You have inherited a wonderful body designed to keep you going for (believe it or not) over a hundred years in perfect physical and mental health. 

But it doesn’t always seem that way. A lifetime of physical, mental and chemical stress can weaken us and cause our bodies to malfunction. One of the most serious forms of stress you can have in your body is the subluxation.

What is a Subluxation?    

A subluxation is a tiny distortion in your spine that causes nerve damage. Subluxations create disharmony in your body, a precondition for sickness and disease of all kinds. Subluxations have been linked to internal organ weakness as well as abnormal stress on your muscles, cartilage and discs. Subluxations have also been linked to arthritis, spinal degeneration, lowered resistance to disease, premature aging, loss of height, unbalanced posture, weakness and pain.

Often Unnoticed for Years          

Most people have subluxations and don’t know it since they are often painless; you may suffer from them for years before symptoms appear. However, all the while your health is deteriorating.

Chiropractic Care

Doctors of Chiropractic specialize in locating and correcting subluxations, releasing this deep stress that has been interfering with your ability to function at your best, to heal at your best, to think at your best.

Chiropractic promotes balance, resistance to disease and improved function. That is why you’ll find people with all kinds of health conditions in a chiropractor’s office.

Health Optimization        

Chiropractic is not just about helping us when we get sick. Chiropractic promotes wellness, wholeness and optimal function. Chiropractic patients report improved physical and emotional health, less stress and more enjoyment of life. (1-7).

  1. Meade TW, Dyer S et al. Randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatients management for low back pain results from extended follow up. BMJ. 1995;311:349-351.
  2. Blanks RHI, Schuster TL, Dobson M. A retrospective assessment of network care using a survey of self-rated health, wellness and quality of life. JVSR. 1997;1(4):1-17.
  3. Marino MJ, Phillippa ML. A longitudinal assessment of chiropractic care using a survey of self-rated health wellness & quality of life: a preliminary study. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. 1999;3(2):1-9.
  4. Owens EF, Hoiriis KT, Burd D. Changes in general health status during upper cervical chiropractic care: PBR Progress Report. Chirop Res J. 1998;5(1):9-16. 
  5. Hoiriis KT, Owens EF, Pfleger B. Changes in general health status during upper cervical chiropractic care: a practice-based research project. Chirop Res J. 1997;4(1):18-26.
  6. Gedinab F, Danski FG, Egmared T et al. Patient-reported improvements of pain, disability, and health-related quality of life following chiropractic care for back pain – a national observational study in Sweden. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2019;23(2):241-246.
  7. Coulter ID et al. Study associates chiropractic with better health in the elderly. Topics in Clinical Chiropractic. 1996:3(2):46-55.

Latest News from Charmaine: May 2020

Greetings all,photo3-300x198


Well, I think Spring has decided that the odds of it happening are finally settled.  We have had some delicious days recently, which, hopefully has taken a little of the edge off the Stay at Home- Stay Safe Cabin Fever so many are suffering from.

Essentially, as I sure you have come to realize is that a NEW NORMAL is settling in and we can now forever be guilty of saying “Before Covid 19- we did…”  

Trust you have all enjoyed the tulips that Brenda worked so hard to get planted and I am sure, that after she visits Holland, Michigan- we are in for more.  I must say, their Tulip Time is always a glorious display.

I see that our Farmer’s Markets will be opening soon.  Big YAY!   for that…  I love my Saturday/Sunday ritual that involves getting fresh veggies and other delights straight from the person who was involved in the whole process…another great way to connect to the land.

STAY SAFE, GET FRESH AIR, EXERCISE, DRINK H2O, GET CHECKED!

SPICY BUTTER BEANS ON TOAST

A great (and nutritious) comfort food! beans on toast

  •  olive oil                                                    
  • 1 garlic clove crushed
  • 400 g can of butter beans drained and rinsed
  • 400 g tinned tomatoes                              
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 pinches chilli flakes                                
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp tamari                                             
  • handful spinach
  • pinch salt and pepper                                
  • bread for toasting

Directions

  1. To a pot add a glug of olive oil, 1 crushed garlic clove and the drained and rinsed butter beans and stir.    
  2. Now add the tinned tomatoes, 2 tsp paprika, 2 pinches chilli flakes, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp tamari and stir. 
  3. Cook on a high heat for about 7-8 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
  4. Take off the heat, add the spinach and stir though until it wilts. 
  5. Scoop on toast and enjoy.

 

ONE-POT VEGAN WHITE BEAN SHAKSHUKA

ONE-POT VEGAN WHITE BEAN SHAKSHUKA

Serves 4SHAKSHUKA

 Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 head kale, destemmed and chopped
  • 28 oz diced or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt & pepper
  • pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
  • 15 oz can cannellini beans
  • Vegan/regular cream cheese and handful of chopped fresh parsley for topping

Directions

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until transparent. Add the garlic and cook for a few more minutes, until fragrant. Then add the kale, cover and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until wilted down.

To the skillet, add the tomatoes and their juices. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt & pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Stir to combine and allow the sauce to come to a simmer. Add the white beans and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Top with dollops of  vegan) cream cheese then sprinkle with pepper and chopped parsley.

Serve warm with toasted bread and enjoy!

Note: I substitute baby spinach or kale for the head of kale (5-8 ozs works!)

Researching Chiropractic: Crohn’s, AIS, and Fainting

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

Crohn’s disease and chiropracticabdominal-pain-2821941_1920

A 60-year-old man diagnosed with Crohn’s disease was suffering from abdominal pain and cramping, stiffness all over his body, diarrhea and a generalized feeling of sickness and malaise. His symptoms had begun six years prior and developed gradually. 

When he began chiropractic care, he was taking multiple medications for his condition that he felt were not helping. He was unable to go more than one hour without experiencing symptoms. 

Chiropractic examination revealed subluxations at multiple levels as well as a poor diet. Subluxation-centered chiropractic care was initiated and his diet was addressed to restore proper intestinal gut flora. The patient reported immediate relief following his first and second adjustments with complete resolution of Crohn’s disease over the course of care. He was able to stop taking all medications after nine months of care. The patient’s complete remission was confirmed by his endocrinologist. (1) 

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)woman-837156_1920

A 21-year-old woman began chiropractic care complaining of low back pain and of radiating numbness into her legs and feet. X-ray and other analysis revealed a left-sided scoliosis (her spine was twisted to the left) plus an exaggerated mid-back (thoracic) and lower back (lumbar) curve. 

She was analyzed for subluxations. Her chiropractic care addressed and corrected her subluxations and over a period of five months of care (a total of 62 visits) her left-leaning scoliosis reduced from 20° to 12.5°. Additionally, her mid-back curve reduced from 63° to 40° and her low-back curve reduced from 70° to 65°. 

By seven months of care she experienced improvement of over 50% in well-being and a 50% reduction of her physical complaints. (2) 

Faintingfriends-3042751_1920

A 57-year-old woman complaining of sudden blackouts (fainting) was diagnosed with “vasovagal syncope” (VVS), a sudden, brief, temporary loss of consciousness (LOC). She also had constant neck pain primarily on the right and inability to turn her head fully to the right. 

She had tried prescribed medication and her MD recommended surgically implanting a pacemaker to regulate her nerve function. She refused. 

Chiropractic examination and X-ray analysis revealed vertebral subluxations of the upper neck or cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2). 

Her VVS completely disappeared and never returned after her first visit. By her fourth visit her neck pain and limited range of motion greatly diminished. (3)

Do you know anyone with the above issues?

Please refer them to us. We can help! 517.627.4547

  1. Phillips MA, Wilt TB. Complete remission of Crohn’s disease following subluxation centered chiropractic care: a case report & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research.March 10 2018, 2018:38-47.
  2. 9.Fox M, Tveitnes E-B. Reduction of idiopathic scoliosis and musculoskeletal complaints & improved state of well-being in a 21-year-old following chiropractic: a case study & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. January 25, 2018:12-22.
  3. Friedman R, Friedman A. Resolution of vasovagal syncope (VVS) following upper cervical chiropractic care: a case study & review of the literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. February 8, 2018:1-12.

Crispy Veggie Taquitos

This recipe for Crispy Veggie Taquitos was adapted from Ela Vegan

Ingredients:

 

  • 2 medium-large potatoes, peeled and chopped

    Photo by Ela Vegan

    Photo by Ela Vegan

  • 1/2 Tbsp oil
  • 1 medium carrot, grated or finely diced
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup peas, frozen
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp sea salt, more or less to taste
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 5 oz  cheese of choice
  • taco seasoning, to sprinkle on top of taquitos (optional)
  • 8–10 tortillas

Directions:

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes and cook in a pot with boiling water and salt until fork tender which takes about 12-15 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with a potato masher. You can add a splash of plant-based milk for a creamier result. Set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a pan/skillet over medium-high heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, then add the grated carrot, minced garlic, all spices and sauté for a further minute.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth, add peas (frozen), put the lid on and cook for a few minutes until the carrot is softened. If you use frozen peas, make sure to let them thaw completely. If using canned peas, drain and rinse (no need to cook, add them in the next step). Turn off the heat.
  4. Add the mashed potatoes and cheese. Use a fork or a potato masher to combine everything.
  5. Taste the veggie mixture and adjust seasonings. Add more salt/black pepper/spices to taste. If you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes to taste.
  6. Preheat oven to 410 F (210 C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Place about 2-3 Tbsp of the filling onto each tortilla and roll them up tightly. Place every tortilla seam-side down on the baking sheet, next to each other. Brush with a little vegetable oil (to make them even more crispy) and sprinkle with some taco seasoning.
  8. Bake in the oven for about 17-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Broil for a few extra minutes (optional).
  9. Serve with salsa, sour cream, queso or guacamole.
  10. Enjoy!

HOW TO SURVIVE THE LOCKDOWN

We are all finding different ways to survive these weird times. Here are some suggestions, but please note that you don’t need to put extra pressure on yourself to use this time wisely. Our mental health and physical well being are the most important.

Relax…don’t watch the news all day every day!!! Honestly life at the moment is stressful enough without having to dwell in the trenches. how to survive the lockdownFind something to watch that is educational…there are plenty of channels for that. Or just binge watch something (keep the other suggestions in mind though!).

Get out of your pajamas!!!  Honestly making a change of clothing just changes your mindset which is really important right now.

Breathe in some fresh air! Get outside as much as you can in the fresh air…be it your balcony, garden or going for a walk/bike ride ( I swear there are more people walking their dogs in Grand Ledge than I have seen in many years and I do not believe it’s because of a population explosion…We need exercise and fresh air!!

Exercise As I said above….walk your dog, do yoga ( I am currently teaching my students remotely), follow any of the exercise videos you have always wanted to, dance like nobody Well except family) is watching!

Play games. Set up game night…fun bonding times (even can be done remotely I am sure!)

Meditate/spend time in contemplation. Take time for yourself…even if it is sitting somewhere quiet with a liquid refreshment of choice and maybe write down things that you are grateful for…it can change your perspective.

Learn something new.  A new language (me!) a new hobby (quilting/knitting)  or something you haven’t had time for up till now.

Read….obvious one… Kindles may come into their own now as we are limited to what and where we can get something…check with friends…have them leave it on your porch and you do the same maybe for them!

Sleep well.  I listen to a variety of podcasts to talk me to sleep if I am struggling.  Your body needs rest to keep your immune system strong!

If I’m feeling fine do I really need chiropractic care?

Questions and Answers About Chiropracticdo I need chiropractic care

Question: If I’m feeling fine do I really need chiropractic care?

Answer: More than ever. Why? 

By the time a person has symptoms they may have been in a weakened, dis-ease state for a long time. Don’t wait until you have serious symptoms; chiropractic can locate hidden blockages or interferences to proper function (subluxations) now before they become more obvious and painful or disturbing later. 

It’s sometimes helpful to think of chiropractic as you would dental care. For example, you may have dental cavities, an infected root canal or other dental infections and yet you may feel no pain. All the while, there is a problem silently festering, sometimes for years, that may be affecting your entire body and can ultimately ruin your health. You get your teeth checked periodically – what about your spine and structural system? That’s where chiropractic comes in. 

You can also think of chiropractic care as similar to good nutrition – always important to maintain good health and absolutely necessary if a person has a health problem. 

Want to make sure you are healthy? Visit your chiropractor for a checkup on a regular basis. 

So even though you might be feeling fine you may be carrying in your body serious stress causing dis-ease preventing you from functioning at your potential. 

So, do you really need to come in for chiropractic care if you aren’t in pain or suffering from a disease? Absolutely. Don’t wait until there is long-standing stress and possible damage. Make an appointment today.

Tell your friends too!

Contact us   517.627.4547 for and appointment. 

Latest News from Charmaine: April 2020

Greetings all!February 2019

There is a song that goes April showers brings May flowers….but what the heck does this chilly weather bring?   MOTHER Nature is sorely testing our patience, isn’t she? …Spring is so close and yet so far away. And, of course, being the human creatures we are, we will probably soon be whining about how hot it is.

Under the current situation, life as we know it has been sorely tested and people are suffering from various degrees of emotional stress which is creating physical stress in the form of subluxations.  We need to make sure everybody who can get to our office in time of need can and we have really focused on social distancing, appointments only schedule and tons of cleaning (I am so starting to intensely dislike the smell of Clorox …anybody else there too?) 

I have included some lockdown suggestions in this newsletter and also some ideas of how to use pantry staples to provide nutritious meals as we limit our shopping to bare essentials.

In the meanwhile, breathe, smile, move and know that this too shall pass!