The chiropractic profession that was founded by Dr. DD Palmer in 1895 is based on the fact that internal structural distortions called subluxations can cause serious health problems.
Subluxations stress your nervous system and interfere with communication among your organs, glands, muscles, and other body parts – including your brain and your immune system.
Subluxations can be caused by any trauma: difficult birth, falls, accidents, emotional upset, chemical toxicity, overwork, or a combination of factors (i.e. physical, chemical or emotional stress while you are tired, overworked, malnourished, etc.).
People sometimes ask how chiropractic can improve their health. The answers depend on whom you ask. For example, a woman now free of monthly pain may say, “Chiropractic is for menstrual problems.” A pregnant woman may say, “Chiropractic is for a comfortable pregnancy.” A mother whose child was helped may say, “Chiropractic is for ear infections (or fevers or asthma or colic).” A teacher may say, “Chiropractic is for dyslexia, vision, and learning disorders.” Another person may say “Chiropractic is for headaches,” while still others may declare chiropractic is for backaches, hearing problems, disc problems, arthritis, high or low blood pressure, or a host of other problems.
Others use chiropractic as a way to maximize sports performance, improve overall health, and enhance balance, strength, and fitness.
In addition to all of the above, chiropractic can help everyone live a drug-free, healthy lifestyle. Subluxations are epidemic in our society; most people have subluxations and don’t know it. For that reason, everyone needs periodic chiropractic checkups.
Chiropractic care can help your body function in many ways. Chiropractic can help promote detoxification, relaxation, emotional healing, and a deeper connection to oneself and others.
Chiropractic care helps people become more physically balanced. This often increases their energy and permits them to relax – both physically and emotionally.
The mental/emotional benefits of chiropractic have been noticed since chiropractic’s inception. Correcting subluxations was noticed to improve mental function and relieve depression.
One of the most powerful phenomena of healing is retracing, – where old pains, diseases, or trauma come “to the surface” to be released. Retracing is one of the signs of complete healing and even though it may be (temporarily) uncomfortable, it leaves in its wake a stronger, healthier, happier person.
Start (or jump-start) your healing journey with chiropractic to begin a healthier all-around lifestyle. Let your chiropractor be your healthy lifestyle coach.
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.
Balance, coordination, and neurological problems
A 65-year-old retired man was suffering from balance and coordination problems. He was given neurological tests that confirmed nervous system stress.
He sought out chiropractic care where he received a spinal analysis. It revealed the presence of vertebral subluxations. The patient received chiropractic adjustments to release/reduce his subluxations and began to show immediate improvements in balance, coordination, and ability to complete neurological tests. He had been unable to complete the tests during the initial exam. (1)
Woman with trigeminal neuralgia
A 30-year-old woman was suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (also known as tic-douloureux). Trigeminal Neuralgia is an extremely painful condition in which the facial nerve is highly inflamed. It has been called the “suicide disease” because the extreme pain has led some sufferers to take their own lives!
The patient visited a chiropractor that reduced her vertebral (atlas or C-1) subluxation. The patient reported that by her tenth visit she was no longer suffering from TN. (2)
Lower back pain and degenerative joint disease
A 59-year-old man diagnosed with degenerative joint disease and suffering from chronic lower back pain visited a chiropractor. The Doctor of Chiropractic used various spinal adjustment techniques to correct his subluxations. The patient showed improvement in all his subjective and objective findings within six visits, better immune function, increased energy as well as an increase in his disc height at multiple spinal levels. (3)
If you know anyone who may be experiencing these issues, please share this article with them and encourage them to make an appointment with us. Call 517.627.4547 today!
Scheer A. Improvement in Balance and Coordination in an Elderly Patient Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume 2021 ~ December 6 ~ Pages 68-75.
Sweat M & McDowell B Reduction of Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms Following Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Care: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ June 23, 2014, Pages 34-41.
Syn G, Harper JD, Fedorchuk C. Increase in Disc Height and Autonomic Function in a 59-year-old Male Undergoing Chiropractic Care. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ April 13, 2015, Pages 34-38
Absolutely – all children (including babies) benefit from a chiropractic check-up, and, if needed, adjustment/correction. What can cause a child’s spine to have subluxations? Let us count the ways: first, there is the stress of being in the womb. If the mother’s pelvis is not properly balanced the baby may not be able to turn and a breech presentation may occur. That’s why pregnant women find that getting chiropractic care can help turn the baby, so it is in the best possible position for a healthy delivery.
Then there’s the trauma of birth. Some deliveries are not as natural as they can be. Sometimes forceps are used or too much stress is placed on the baby’s spine. Chiropractic care should be employed immediately after birth.
Of course, there’s the stress of learning to walk, falls, accidents, and life’s bumps – childhood can be a very traumatic time. For these and many other reasons, all children need chiropractic care. Why wait until adulthood to correct their spinal subluxations?
Regular chiropractic visits can actually help fibromyalgia patients adhere to long-term physical-therapy programs, thereby ensuring that patients receive the full benefits of exercise.
In a 2009 study (1), 55 women with fibromyalgia ages 21-59 years old were divided into two groups: some completed resistance training and the others received chiropractic adjustments in addition to doing resistance training. Both groups improved significantly with increased upper and lower body strength, decreased pain and tender points, and an improved ability to perform everyday tasks. But the patients who received chiropractic care were more likely to follow the exercise program consistently. They also had more significant improvements in functionality, balance, flexibility, and endurance.
This study confirmed the power of exercise and resistance training to ease the pain of fibromyalgia. At the same time, it demonstrates that combining chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy may enhance the benefits of both treatments.
Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, et al. “Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15.3 (2009): 321-328.
There seems to be no end to the conditions that respond to chiropractic care – physical as well as psychological conditions.
That is because chiropractic does not “treat” a particular condition. Chiropractic care “corrects” a serious interference to the brain, nervous system, and energy function known as the subluxation.
No matter what condition you or a loved one may have, you and they will always function better when free from subluxations. Chiropractors are uniquely trained to locate and correct subluxations. Enjoy this month’s cases and see more next month.
Low back pain, headaches and fibromyalgia
A 31-year-old female with low back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia began chiropractic care; she was seeking an alternative to pharmacological pain medications.
Spinal analysis established the location of the patient’s subluxations and she received five specific adjustments in the span of 18 months. The patient reported a decrease in fibromyalgia symptoms after two months of care and recently reported that she is no longer taking any medications. (1)
Chiropractic and ADHD, depression and learning disabilities.
An eight-year-old boy was brought into the chiropractor’s office for care. The child was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability regarding working memory and processing speed. The patient’s mother said that his medications were ineffective, causing nausea, heart palpitations, and low appetite. She brought him in for chiropractic care for an alternative treatment plan to manage these concerns.
The child was analyzed for subluxations and care was initiated to reduce and correct them using spinal and cranial techniques. He had significant improvements in irritability, mood swings, social interaction, temper, energy, memory, and immune function. After eight months of care, he continued to progress as evidenced by positive reports from his teachers and parents. (2)
If you know anyone who may be experiencing these issues, please share this article with them and encourage them to make an appointment with us. Call 517.627.4547 today!
1. Soriano W, Apatiga A. Resolution of fibromyalgia & polypharmacy concomitant with increased cervical curve & improved quality of life following reduction of upper cervical subluxation: a case study. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. October 21, 2014:61-67.
2. Zielinski BA, Mankal K. An epidemiological approach to the effects of subluxation-based chiropractic care on the management of ADHD, depression and learning disabilities in an 8-year old: a case study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 15, 2014:153-160.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a psychological condition in which those affected experience depressive symptoms during specific periods of the year. Thought to affect approximately 6% of those in the US, this condition can be alleviated by a range of natural remedies.
What is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder is a recurrent major depressive disorder that has a seasonal pattern specifier, which means symptoms are usually experienced during the fall/winter months and remit in the spring/summer months.
The condition varies in severity. Some patients have milder symptoms and will subsequently be diagnosed with a subsyndromal type of SAD (S-SAD) commonly referred to as the “winter blues”. A different seasonal pattern may also be observed, where individuals experience depressive episodes during the spring/summer months and remission during the fall/winter months.
Symptoms and causes of SAD
Typically, those with SAD will experience some of the following symptoms:
Low mood
Weight gain due to overeating
Sleeping more often than usual
Lack of enjoyment in activities normally found pleasurable
Irritability
Those with S-SAD may experience weight loss due to lack of appetite, issues sleeping or insomnia, and feelings of anxiety. There are several proposed theories to explain SAD, most of which come from a biological perspective. These include a lack of vitamin D and serotonin and overproduction of melatonin.
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder
There is a range of options widely used to treat SAD (some of which include drug treatments such as antidepressants, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy). Alongside these treatment methods, patients may benefit from a range of natural remedies that can be used to manage and prevent symptoms.
Light therapy
Light therapy is a common natural remedy used to treat seasonal affective disorder and is characterized by the use of a lightbox to replace the lack of sunlight in the fall/winter months. The light emitted from the box is approximately 20 times brighter than typical indoor lights. Its use is recommended for approximately 30 minutes to two hours per day, early in the morning.
In order to prevent potential symptoms from developing, users are suggested to start light therapy before the winter months begin. Furthermore, results are normally seen in a few weeks. Activities such as reading and eating are permitted while using the box, as long as light enters the pupils.
Light therapy may not be appropriate for everyone though. For example, its use is not recommended for photosensitizing medication such as antipsychotics and phenothiazines. Potential side effects for others may include headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision.
Exercise
Exercise is known to have a myriad of health benefits. It is linked to the prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and muscle bone and joint diseases. The effectiveness of exercise interventions has been observed in those with non-seasonal major depression. As a consequence, these are being investigated for their usefulness in SAD.
Research investigating the impact of light therapy and aerobic exercise on symptoms of SAD found that 20 minutes of pedaling on a stationary bike was as effective as light therapy in producing a significant reduction in symptoms. Furthermore, it is suggested that regular exercise can increase serotonin levels in the brain. This finding could be beneficial to those with SAD, who typically have lower serotonin levels during depressive episodes.
The timing of exercise is important. For those with SAD, exercising at night is not recommended because it could cause a phase delay in the onset of melatonin release during the following night. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is involved in the regulation of wakefulness. If the cycle of melatonin production is disturbed by night-time exercise, individuals may struggle to sleep the following night.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin following exposure to sunlight and is believed to play a role in serotonin activity. Those with SAD have been found to produce less vitamin D, and its deficiency has been associated with clinically significant depressive symptoms.
There are two natural remedies with the potential to address this. Firstly, those with SAD could spend more time outdoors. They should plan winter vacations to sunny climates before winter starts since after this period they lose the motivation to do so. Secondly, vitamin D supplements could be taken to increase levels. If taken before winter darkness begins, it may prevent the onset of symptoms.
Diet
Research has found that implementing diet changes may have a positive impact on reducing the onset and severity of symptoms in those with SAD. Specifically, patients should cut out nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol consumption, while maintaining a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet.
The consumption of processed food should be avoided due to the lack of vital nutrients including folate in such foods. Folate is found in a variety of vegetables including broccoli and Brussel sprouts, as well as legumes. Low levels of folate have been found to be associated with an increase in the onset of depressive symptoms.
Self-help
Finding ways to reduce stress is also of benefit in preventing the symptoms of SAD or at least in reducing their severity. Some methods could include meditation on deeper truths, walking, and intentionally focusing on the beauty and detail in ordinary things.
Over a century of success in helping children regain and retain their health has made chiropractic the healthcare of choice for millions of parents and their children throughout the world.
The Earliest Years
Chiropractors have helped babies suffering from nearly every condition imaginable: colic, vomiting, sleeping problems, tonsillitis, vision and hearing problems, and many, many others.
Toddlerhood Through Childhood
Toddlerhood through childhood is a very physical time. Those first hesitant steps soon evolve into jumping and running, with falls and accidents accompanying each new skill. Even a small fall can cause damage with potential long-term consequences.
Ear infections, asthma and allergies, and constipation have responded to chiropractic care.
In addition, there are reports of chiropractic care helping children suffering from autism. Some children were later re-diagnosed as normal after chiropractic care
Improved Academic Performance
Chiropractic care has been a blessing to many children (and their parents) who were experiencing learning problems.
Both clinical reports and research validate chiropractic’s success with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), lack of energy or “low mental stamina”, anxiety, behavioral problems, and other learning disabilities. Researchers, as well as parents, have reported improvements in both grades and IQ as a result of chiropractic care. (
Chiropractic Checkups Are Vital
All children, especially if they are ill, need bodies free of blockages to the flow of energy and information in his/her nervous systems. It might make the difference between a life of strength and health and a life of weakness and illness.
Many people turn to drugs. While necessary at times, in most cases drugs merely cover up or suppress symptoms but do not promote healing. You may feel a little better, but you are still sick – you just aren’t experiencing the pain or other warning signs your body is giving you. If drugs healed then those taking the most would be the healthiest. But aren’t they the sickest?
Surgery may be necessary at times. This is a serious intervention as every surgery is fraught with risks and dangers. In addition, you’re never the same after you’ve had organs tampered with or removed.
The chiropractic approach
Many people are exploring safer, natural, drug-free methods before resorting to more extreme procedures; many make the chiropractic choice.
Chiropractic is not only a great way to get your body working properly; it is a great way of KEEPING your body working properly. Why wait until you are sick to do something about your health? Chiropractic helps you prevent health problems and to feel your best every day of your life!
How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractors locate and correct subluxations in your body.
Subluxations are internal distortions that weaken your body, unbalance your skeletal system, put stress on your brain, nerves, and organs, lower your resistance to disease and sap your energy.
Subluxations are unfortunately very common – and painless! You could have multiple subluxations in your body and have no idea something is wrong – until disease or illness “suddenly” strikes you. Even babies, from the stress of birth, may have them.
It takes time to get sick
No one goes from perfect health to illness overnight – it takes time. The first stage is dis-ease: your resistance is lowered, your body may be accumulating toxins and you’ve lost that healthy bounce to your step. Your body is slowly breaking down. Now is the time for a chiropractic visit!
Stay subluxation-free
It is important to keep yourself subluxation-free. Since you don’t necessarily know if you have subluxations, periodic chiropractic checkups will help you maintain your improved health and continue the healing process that you’ve already begun. Most people wait until they are ill before addressing their health. Why not work to prevent disease, to prevent deterioration, to maintain and optimize your health? That is the goal of chiropractic.
You deserve it
You deserve to live the rest of your life in the best possible health, tapping into your full potential, maximizing your life expression.
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.
Improvement of a patient with essential tremors.
A 58-year-old woman with a 40-year history of diagnosed essential tremors (ET) without relief began chiropractic care. ET is the constant, rhythmic movement of a body part, usually the upper extremities or the head. In this case, the woman had ET in both arms. ET is 20 times more common than Parkinson’s Disease. There is no known cause or cure. In addition to the tremors, she suffered from headaches, mid and low back pain, hip pain, sciatic pain, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and challenges with self-motivation.
She was found to have vertebral subluxation in her upper neck (upper cervical or C-1) spine. Chiropractic care addressed her C-1 subluxation.
She reported an 80% improvement of ET immediately after her first adjustment. Over a period of 4 months, she received 4 adjustments to her C-1 vertebra with 95% improvement of ET. In addition, her headaches were reduced by 95%. Her mid and low back pain improved by 80% with associated hip pain improving by 90% and a complete resolution of her sciatic pain. She also reported a 90% improvement in brain fog with an increased ability to concentrate and be self-motivated. (1)
High blood pressure, ringing in the ears, and arthritis.
A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, ringing/buzzing in the ears, and numbness/burning in his shoulder sought out chiropractic care. He was on blood pressure medication for one year prior to care.
For the next three months, the patient received chiropractic analysis and correction (adjustment) of his vertebral subluxations.
Over that period, his blood pressure decreased, he reported improvement in his arthritis, ringing/buzzing in the ear, and shoulder numbness/burning. A self-survey showed additional improvements in emotional/mental state, stress, and life enjoyment. (2)
Upper back pain, numbness, and “nerve feelings” in the hands (T-4 Syndrome).
A 64-year-old woman came in for care to a chiropractor’s office. The symptoms of those suffering from T-4 syndrome typically include upper thoracic (upper back) pain, and odd nerve feelings, and numbness in the hands. The cause appears to be from upper thoracic subluxation (T-4 stands for 4th thoracic vertebra).
Chiropractic adjustments were administered to reduce vertebral subluxations; by the fifth visit, the patient reported complete remission of thoracic pain and hand numbness. (3)
Do you know anyone suffering from these things? Please share this article with them and gently suggest they make an appointment to see us. 517.627.4547
Berner N. Resolution of essential tremors in a female patient undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. 2021:35-42.
Van Dyke V, Russell D, Alcantara J. Resolution of hypertension in a 72-year-old male following subluxation-based chiropractic care: a case report & selective review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 12, 2015:172-177.
Librone P, Kalantarov E. Resolution of T4 Syndrome following chiropractic care: a case report. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 29, 2014:161-168.
I was in a huge amount of pain and nothing the MD’s gave me relieved it. I saw 3 MD’s in 2 days and then 2 friends told me about your office. Dr. Charmaine was wonderful and even volunteered to come in on the weekend to adjust me. No pain after a couple of visits. Hooray!
Chiropractic allows him to keep active from sunup to bedtime and that he sleeps great at night.” He also reports having “lots more energy, enjoys life more and has way more patience.
