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Researching Chiropractic: Disabled

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.

100% disabled before chiropractic carediabled

A U.S. military veteran had been suffering from severe low back and neck pain for the past 12 years. Due to his pain he was considered 100% disabled by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

During his six months of care the patient was continually re-evaluated as care progressed. The patient’s Lumbar Oswestry, Neck Disability Index, vitals, range of motion, orthopedic and neurological findings all improved under care. By this time, the patient was able to walk without assistance and regained the ability to perform many activities of daily living. (1)

  1. Dick J, Hock S. Improved health outcomes in a military veteran following vertebral subluxation based chiropractic care: a case report. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 7, 2017:147-151.

Researching Chiropractic: Ejaculatory Pain

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.

Ejaculatory pain in a 25-year-old.cEjaculatory pain

A 25-year-old male suffering from 1½ years of pelvic floor muscular pain, ejaculatory pain and ringing in the ears sought chiropractic care for the relief of pain and associated symptoms.

The patient had 41 office visits and received an adjustment by hand or instrument on 38 of these visits. Upon X-ray re-examination, the patient’s spinal curves had improved. Subjectively, the patient reported “much improvement” in the pelvic floor pain, with both the ejaculatory pain and the ringing in the ears described as “totally better.” (1)

  1. Harden J, Smith B. Remission of ejaculatory pain in 25-year-old male using the Pierce Results SystemT: a case study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 18, 2017:152-161.

Researching Chiropractic: Asthma

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.


asthma Asthma in a six-year-old. A 6-year-old boy had a four-year history of asthma, suffering from nightly attacks. He was taking FloventT, AlbuterolT, OrapredT and FlonaseT. Chiropractic analysis revealed subluxations in his cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal regions and in his sacroiliac joint region?

The child had chiropractic care three times per week and was re-examined every 30 days. On re-evaluation, his mother reported continued decrease in medications and improved sleep. (1)

  1. Swift C, Wetterlin K, Alcantara J. Improved health outcomes in an asthmatic child following chiropractic care with bio-geometric integration: a case study. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;3:151-156.

Why do so many people use chiropractic for back and neck pain?

Questions and Answers About Chiropracticspinal surgery

Question: Why is chiropractic considered a treatment for back and neck pain by many people?

Answer: It’s a matter of real estate, i.e. location.

Back and Neck Pain

Doctors of Chiropractic work on your spine and structural system in order to release nerve interference or nerve stress (subluxations). We work on that part of the body because that’s where the nerves are. Because chiropractors work on the spine it is assumed we are treating spinal pain. But why do children with asthma, bedwetting and allergies respond to chiropractic care? Why do women with menstrual cramps or those with headaches and migraines respond to chiropractic care? Why is there better sports performance and improved balance, vision and hearing?

That’s because nerves from your spine are like telephone wires connecting your brain to your internal organs, glands, muscles and many other body parts. They need to communicate with no static or interference. spinal surgeryHowever, if your spine has subluxations (distortions affecting nerves), your communication system breaks down, affecting your entire body and that can affect the organs your nerves connect to. See the illustration showing how nerves from the spine (and brain) connect to your organs, etc. Chiropractic is good for your whole body – it’s wholistic.

After all, chiropractic was discovered by DD Palmer when a patient’s hearing returned after a spinal adjustment.

So yes, nerve-muscle-spine (neuromusculoskeletal) pain responds very well to chiropractic adjustments but chiropractors work on the spine to help the whole body. Don’t limit chiropractic care to aches and pains – it can help people in many ways.

Opioids and Chiropractic – Hope for Recovery?

America is experiencing an opioid epidemicopioids

America is experiencing an opioid epidemic or crisis due to the increase in the use of prescription and non-prescription drugs that act on the opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. These drugs include painkillers such as OxyContin®, Percocet®,Vicodin® and fentanyl. They are strong, and also addicting, and can cause fatal overdoses. The drug sedates that part of the brain that regulates breathing which can cause respiratory failure and death.

According to the U.S.Drug Enforcement Administration the opioid problem has reached “epidemic levels.” Nearly half of all opioid overdose deaths in 2016 involved prescription opioids. Is there something that could be done? How about a drug-free approach to healthcare? How about chiropractic?

Although it’s only a single case report, this can be an inspiration for others who are hooked on prescription and recreational drugs of all kinds. In a study published in the journal Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research we see the clinical case of a 21-year-old man under chiropractic care who was an opioid addict.

The 21-year-old came to a chiropractic office suffering from opioid addiction, anxiety, depression, insomnia and cluster headaches. His medical doctors had placed him on four different medications in an attempt to manage his symptoms and withdrawal. This approach had interfered with his life; he had dropped out of college 11 months prior due to the adverse effects on his daily life as well as the destructive coping mechanisms he had adopted.

The chiropractor examined the young man, took x-rays and found structural/spinal distortions in his neck, mid-back and low back that can cause nerve interference (subluxations). In addition, x-rays also revealed scoliosis and a loss of the normal curve in his neck.

Chiropractic Care for Opioid Addiction

Chiropractic care was begun to reduce his vertebral subluxations with the result that the patient recovered from opioid addiction and was able to stop all prescribed medication. His headaches, anxiety, depression, and insomnia resolved completely.

Prior research has shown that chiropractic can have a profound effect on:

  • brain function
  • mental health
  • ADHD
  • pervasive developmental disorder
  • Tourette’s Syndrome
  • obsessive compulsive disorder
  • other neurodevelopmental disorders (1)
  1. Labelle S, Steiner M. Resolution of Anxiety, depression, insomnia, scoliosis & cluster headaches, in a patient with opioid addiction undergoing chiropractic care to reduce subluxations: a case study & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. October 4, 2017:176-188.

Researching Chiropractic: Multiple Sclerosis

A 26-year-old with Multiple Sclerosismultiple Sclerosis

A 26-year-old patient with multiple sclerosis, numbness and neck pain sought chiropractic care. A complete history and objective examination revealed several vertebral subluxations and a reversed neck (cervical) curve.

He was seen twelve times in one month while receiving nine adjustments for vertebral subluxation correction. His neck curve improved 60%, and neck pain, headaches and numbness greatly improved. His multiple sclerosis symptoms dramatically reduced.

Do you know anyone who has multiple sclerosis? Please share this article with him or her and encourage them to seek chiropractic care, if they aren’t already. We can help!

Jaszewski E, LaVallie C. Improvement in cervical curve, dysautonomia and quality of life in a patient with multiple sclerosis using the Pierce Results SystemT: case study & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. August 7, 2017:131-141.

Researching Chiropractic: Constipation

constipationChronic constipation in a 5-year-old

A 5-year-old girl suffering from abdominal pain (gastritis) and chronic constipation began chiropractic care. MDs could not find any cause. A high fiber diet and laxative use as directed by her medical doctor was not effective.

Chiropractic care was initiated. She was seen and adjusted two times a week for two weeks, followed by one visit a week for 10 weeks.

At visit number 12, the patient no longer complained of abdominal pain and the patient’s mother reported an improvement in the patient’s demeanor as well as a complete resolution of her chronic constipation.

Do you know someone who suffers from constipation and isn’t finding relief? Please share this with them. We can help!

Wilson J, Duncan J. Resolution of chronic constipation in a 5-year-old female following chiropractic care: a case study & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;3:141-146.

Researching Chiropractic: Autism, Seizures and Vaginal birth (after Cesarean)

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.

Improvement in a child with autism following chiropractic careautism

A 6-year-old autistic boy with aggressive behavior, hindered social and physical activities, poor eating habits and sleep difficulties was brought in for chiropractic care. The boy was previously diagnosed with autism by a neurologist.

The child was assessed for vertebral subluxations and his subluxations were addressed. He had 15 visits to correct his subluxations over a 6-week period..

The child improved in the following ways: he would fall asleep in less time after being put to bed and his sleep quality and sleep time increased. His aggressive behavior decreased and he exhibited increases in alertness, focus and school work. The parents were especially happy to see their child was able to discontinue use of prescription medications he had been prescribed. (1)

Vaginal birth after multiple cesareanscesarean section

A 39-year-old woman wanted to have a vaginal birth after three prior caesarean sections. She was referred for chiropractic care initially for pregnancy-related low back pain. However, she was pleased to know that chiropractic care could increase her chances.

Following the spinal examination, specific chiropractic adjustments were initiated. She came in for 14 visits over an 8-week period prior to giving birth.

The woman was happy to deliver her baby vaginally.(2)

Resolution of seizures in a 20-year-old maleseizures

A 20-year-old man had been suffering from seizures of “unknown origin.” The seizures had been occurring for the prior 10 months. He was also reporting anger and aggression. He reported having night tremors and waking up multiple times per night.

The seizures were so bad that he was hospitalized three times over the course of a one-year period. He also suffered from severe neck and low back pain.

A case history and physical examination including spinal and structural analysis revealed right head flexion and left posterior pelvis rotation as well as moderate to severe muscle spasms in every area of the spine with limited range of motion and pain/tenderness. After the analysis subluxation-based chiropractic care (spinal adjustments) were initiated.

After the patient’s first week of chiropractic adjustments, he reported that he no longer experienced any seizures, he also reported sleeping better. The patient remained seizure-free and was eventually taken off all seizure medications by his neurologist after 13 weeks of chiropractic care. (3)

  1. Boman C, Wasem A.Improvement in a child with autism following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxations: case study & selective review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;3:109-118.
  2. Stone-McCoy P, Speller A.Vaginal birth after multiple cesareans following subluxation-based chiropractic care: case study & selective review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic.2017;3:119-127.
  3. Hafer J, Foltz J.Resolution of seizures in a 20-year-old male following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: a case study & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research.July 20, 2017:122-130.

Chiropractic Care and Spinal Surgery: Is it safe?

Questions and Answers About Chiropracticspinal surgery

Question: Can I receive chiropractic care even if I’ve had spinal surgery, a spinal fusion or have implanted rods?

Answer: First let us say that anyone who is told they need spinal surgery such as a spinal fusion or “disc” operation should first see if they are a good candidate for chiropractic care. For over a hundred years Doctors of Chiropractic have saved people from unnecessary back and neck surgery.

In fact, the majority of spinal fusion operations (the most common form of spinal surgery) are unnecessary and even worse, end up as failures – the pain comes back, except this time the spine is weakened from the surgery, there may be internal scar tissue and there may be incomplete healing. (1)

But sadly, many people don’t know about the chiropractic alternative and submit to spinal surgery. In so many cases the pain returns after a few months or years. They may be advised to have a second operation, or a third.

Can they receive chiropractic care after spinal surgery? spinal surgery

Yes! Can they receive chiropractic care even if they have metal rods or screws in their spine? Yes!

Low back surgery has a terrible success rate. Before anyone rushes in to this procedure they should read this and then come see us!

P.S. Feel free to write to us with any more questions.

  1. Fritsch EW1,Heisel J,Rupp S. The failed back surgery syndrome: reasons, intraoperative findings, and long-term results: a report of 182 operative treatments. Spine.1996 Mar 1;21(5):626-633.

How Do the Elderly Benefit from Chiropractic Care?

Elderly Chiropractic Care Could Replaces Some Drug Therapieselderly chiropractic care

The elderly are among our most drugged citizens. It is not unusual for an elderly person to be taking many different medications and suffering from serious reactions to them.

In fact, drugs can interact in many unusual ways that are more damaging than if they are taken individually. The side effects are sometimes addressed by giving the patient more drugs. This is known as polypharmacy.

Chiropractic offers a drug-free alternative to an over-drugged population.

Why? Because your body is the world’s greatest drugstore, able to make every drug and chemical you need. Chiropractic helps turn on this internal pharmacy.

Studies show that the elderly benefit very much from chiropractic and take fewer drugs, are more active and see doctors and hospitals much less. (1-2)

Comment from Dr. C:  If you have a spine you need to get checked.  Being free of subluxations can improve the quality of life and also help to arrest to some degree any spinal degeneration.

Prevacid(TM), Prilosec(TM), Nexium(TM)elderly chiropractic care

Speaking of dangerous drugs. There is a type of drug referred to as a proton pump inhibitor or PPI – drugs that are commonly used to mask the symptoms of heartburn, ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. These PPIs have been found to increase the risk of death by 50%, according to a new study carried out at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Millions of people take these drugs. They are easily obtainable as non-prescription, over-the-counter drugs marketed as PrevacidT, PrilosecT, and NexiumT. They are not safe.

In addition to increased death rates, these heartburn medications are linked to an increased risk of kidney damage, bone fractures and dementia. (3)

  1. Rupert RL, Manuello D, Sandefur R.Maintenance care: health promotion services to US chiropractic patients aged 65 and over, Part 11. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.2003;23(1):10.
  2. 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.
  3. Xie Y, Bowe B, Li T et al. Risk of death among users of Proton Pump Inhibitors: a longitudinal observational cohort study of United States veterans.BMJ Open.2017;7(6):e015735. DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015735