Tag Archives: chiropractic care

Researching Chiropractic: Tremors, Breech Baby, Headaches

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, or facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? 

Probably most of them.

Essential tremors in a 75-year-old.

Essential tremors are one of the most common forms of involuntary movement disorders. They are most noticeable when eating and writing. This is not to be confused with Parkinson’s Disease where the patient’s movements occur while they are resting. According to some sources, approximately 5% of people over the age of 65 suffer from essential tremors

In this case, a 75-year-old man was suffering from essential tremors that were getting progressively worse over the prior four years. A chiropractic examination using radiographs (X-rays) and neurologic and orthopedic tests revealed vertebral subluxations in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

The patient’s subluxations were addressed (adjusted). He had three visits a week for four weeks and then was reevaluated at the 12th visit. 

At the reassessment, the patient reported that his tremors had improved by 50% since beginning care. The patient stated he was now able to write more efficiently and was now able to eat cereal with a spoon more easily. He continues chiropractic care with the hope that his tremors will eventually completely resolve. (1)

Breech Presentation.

A 30-year-old woman who was 39 weeks pregnant had a breech birth presentation (confirmed by ultrasound). She came to chiropractic care. She had never been to a chiropractor before but was referred to a pediatric chiropractic office because of the positive results another patient had seen from getting adjusted while pregnant. 

The Webster Technique was administered to her which consisted of a sacral adjustment and round ligament trigger point release.  The mother noted significant movement from the baby after the second adjustment. The fetal presentation was confirmed to have changed from frank breech to vertex position via an ultrasound done by her OB/GYN.

The patient came in a total of four times and received the exact same adjustment each visit. 

The patient went into labor within 48 hours after her last adjustment and gave birth to a baby girl through normal vaginal birth. There were no complications. (2)

Chronic headaches in a six-year-old. 

A 6-year-old boy had been suffering from chronic headaches for two years. He experienced these headaches every day or every other day. reported experiencing headaches described as stabbing and intense. 

Medical doctors could find no cause and prescriptions for ibuprofen were ineffective.  The pediatrician subsequently referred the patient to the nearest children’s hospital for further medical workup. 

The child was given an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and a CT scan (computer tomography) to access the cause.  All findings were negative. Referrals were also made to a “concussion specialist” and a neurologist without much help. The patient and his mother returned to his pediatrician who suggested chiropractic care. 

At the chiropractic office, subluxations were discovered in the child’s cervical spine (neck). The subluxations were corrected (adjusted). The child had10 visits over a 2-month period. After his 5th visit, his headaches disappeared and did not return.  10.6% of children experience headaches and few ever know about or receive chiropractic care. Most are placed on drugs and the cause (the subluxation) is never addressed. (3)

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Bielke S, Britt J. Reduction of Essential Tremors in a 75-Year-Old Male Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study & Review of the Literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ May 24, 2022 ~ Volume 2022 ~ Pages 71-78
  2. Poirier N, Loranger C. Resolution of Breech Presentation Confirmed by Ultrasound Following Webster Technique: A Case Report & Review of Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ May 13, 2022 ~ Pages 51-56
  3. Olsen R, Alcantara J. Resolution of Chronic Cervicogenic Headaches in a 6-Year-Old Male Following Care Directed at Vertebral Subluxations: A Case Report. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. Vol 2014, # 4. Pp. 81-86. Dec. 12, 2014

Are MRIs accurate?

Do you think MRI findings are reliable and accurate?  Think again. 

Your MRI (as well as CT scan, X-ray, and lab work) shows something suspicious. However, you are fine. You got a “false positive” and it’s surprisingly common. (1) 

MRI

Chiropractors may hear a patient was told they need surgery because they are in pain and their MRI shows spinal degeneration or disc herniations. The surgeon is sharpening his scalpel. 

But MRI findings may have nothing to do with pain. It may be a coincidence. An MRI may reveal back, disc, or hip degeneration but no pain. Conversely, an MRI may show a normal spine, but the patient may have lots of pain. (2) 

And yes, people with terrible-looking MRIs can have lots of pain but that doesn’t mean the pain is due to what the MRI finds. It may be coincidental, not causative. That is why approximately half of spinal surgery fails (FBSS – failed back surgery syndrome). 

One research paper concluded: “False positive MRI scans may lead to unnecessary surgery.”  Recent research reveals that nearly 70% of all body MRI interpretations have at least one discrepancy (diagnostic error). (3,4)

What do we suggest?

No matter what the MRI, CT or other examinations show begin chiropractic care immediately. Many times, patients who were told they needed surgery responded beautifully to chiropractic adjustments and were saved from surgery and drugs.

Remember, your body has a powerful self-healing ability. Let us help open your healing channels and get your functioning as close to your ideal as possible so your body can heal itself. 

Call us today to make an appointment!

517-627 4547

1.Chambers S, Cooney A, Caplan N et al. The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting meniscal pathology. J R Nav Med Serv 2014;100(2):157-60.
2.Brinjikji, W, Luetmer, P. Comstock, B., et. al. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic. populations. American Journal of Neuroradiology, 36(4), 811-816. 2015.
3.Kostrubiak DE, DeHay PW, Ali N. et al. Body MRI Subspecialty Reinterpretations at a Tertiary Care Center: Discrepancy Rates and Error Types. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2020;215: 1384-1388. 10.2214/AJR.20.22797.
4.Palmer, WJ. Discrepancy Rates and Errors a Bigger Problem with Body MRI Than Realized. October 16, 2020.5.5. Cod Liver Oil: The Number One Superfood by Krispin Sullivan, CN., JANUARY 4, 2021https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/cod-liver-oil-the-number-one-superfood/

Chiropractic Discovery: Where did modern chiropractic come from?

We say “modern chiropractic” because spinal care is thousands of years old and found in cultures all over the world.

But this natural, drug-free, powerful, and yet safe healing art was, as happens too often, lost amidst the sands of time. Mankind then became infatuated with drugs, chemicals, and surgery.

Spinal care was rediscovered in 1895 by Dr. Daniel David Palmer who practiced in Davenport, Iowa. DD Palmer was a magnetic healer (energy healer), scientist, and researcher who “accidentally” restored a man’s deafness by adjusting his spine. This discovery was the seed from which modern chiropractic grew.

This newspaper ad, “Are You Sick and Disheartened”, was one of a series of broadsides from the turn of the century. Dr. Palmer describes his old/new discovery and invites the public to discover for themselves this amazing drug-free, natural, safe, and powerful healing art, science, and philosophy. The list of people suffering from nearly every condition who benefitted from his “hand ministrations” (his original name for chiropractic) was impressive. Many people traveled far and wide to experience and benefit from DD Palmer’s discovery.

Dr. Palmer opened a school to teach others; soon his students spread to all parts of the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond.

This made-in-America healing art has brought relief, health, and healing to millions of people from infants to the elderly and everyone in between. Please tell your friends and relatives that there is a safe alternative to drugs and surgery that has no side effects – except satisfaction!

Posture and Depression

Research shows that poor posture or abnormal spinal alignment can take years off your life! And create stress associated with mental depression and other disorders. If that doesn’t tell you posture is important, what does?

For over a century chiropractic care has been improving posture and function. As you continue through your care in our office you will notice drastic improvements in your posture as well as your overall health. Including your mental attitude. There have been many studies relating posture to physical and mental health.

posture and depression

Depression

Researchers found that people who were depressed experienced an improved mood after they changed their posture to be more upright. In one study sixty-one men suffering from mild to moderate depression were chosen to sit with their usual posture or upright posture. Changes in facial expression, fatigue, and speech were assessed. 

Results

Those who assumed better posture had less fatigue compared to those keeping their usual posture. Also, the upright group exhibited less negative affect and lower anxiety. It seems that developing good posture habits can help you feel more confident, energetic, and happy. If you’re slouching as you read this, pause and pull your shoulder blades back and together, relax your shoulders down away from your ears, and look up. The more you work on it, the easier it will get, and simple changes like this can result in a noticeable difference in how you feel day in and day out.  (1, 2)

Severity of Depression

It was found that there was a relation between the severity of depressive symptoms and the degree of spinal curvature. This was especially noticed in working environments. (3) 

Chiropractic helps promote a natural body alignment. Do you know anyone who is miserable and sad all the time?  Send them our way.

Call us to make an appointment today!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Wilkes C, Kydda R, Sagarb M, Broadbenta E. Upright posture improves effect and fatigue in people with depressive symptoms. Psychiatry, Vol. 54, March 2017, Pp. 143-149. 
  2. Canales JZ, Fiquer JT, Campos RN et el. Investigation of associations between recurrence of major depressive disorder and spinal posture alignment: A quantitative cross-sectional study. Gait Posture, 2017 Feb; 52:258-264.
  1. Kim YK. The Association between Working Posture and Workers’ Depression Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Mar 3;10(3):477.

Do people sometimes feel worse after a chiropractic adjustment?

This is a common question we get asked in our office.

ANSWER: As deep stress is released people may experience “retracing.”

retracing

Retracing is a beneficial healing phenomenon that is seen when there is deep stress release.  It may make patients think they are getting worse – they are, in fact getting better. Chiropractic care wakes up your inner healer and that often results in relaxation, a decrease in pain, comfort, balance, and more energy. Retracing may cause the patient to think they are getting worse when the opposite is happening.

For example, old injuries that haven’t healed completely may “reawaken” for more complete healing.  

As your body rebalances it begins to use muscles differently and you might temporarily feel “charley horse” or muscle soreness.

Some people may experience diarrhea or even a dormant cold may come to the surface. This is usually a cleansing (detoxification) of the body which is a good (though temporarily uncomfortable) reaction. An extra glass or two of water, a bath with Epsom salts, or a sauna may help flush the toxins. 

Memories and feelings associated with an injury may come to the surface. 

Dreams may be unusual, intense, or revealing aftercare. 

The Most Important Benefits

The true benefits of the adjustment are usually found below the level of consciousness. It is when the nerve communication to the heart, lungs, joints, sexual organs, skin, eyes, ears, and the brain itself are improved that the true benefits of chiropractic are experienced.

Call us to make an appointment today!

(517) 627-4547

Are you adapting? What is adaptation? 

Have you ever coughed or sneezed? Did you ever have a fever? Do you sweat when hot? Shiver when cold? Do you get out of breath after you run? Do you get hungry? Thirsty? Do you run from danger?

What are these questions about?

Adaptation.

adaptation

Adaptation is your ability to respond to changes in the environment physically and mentally, internally, and externally to maintain your balance or homeostasis (a word coined by the great American physiologist Walter Canon.) (1)

Adaptation is terribly complex and can involve all your organ systems. It is of supreme importance. Your ability or inability to adapt can make the difference between health and sickness, even life and death. Some of the ways you adapt are by ridding your body of toxins, (coughing, sneezing, fever).  Another way you adapt is by utilizing oxygen and food for energy, digestion, ridding your body of wastes, and hundreds if not thousands of other day-to-day functions you probably don’t think about.

You don’t have to, your body’s wisdom takes care of your many needs. Simply put, the better you can adapt to change the better off you are in
every aspect of your life.

Your nervous system

The key to adaptation is your nervous system. Your brain, spinal cord, and nerves are the most sophisticated communications system in the universe!

Every moment billions of messages are streaming into your brain and spinal cord from the world around you and from the world inside you – cells, pores, blood, glands, muscles, joints, organs, and other body parts.  At the same time, billions of messages are being sent out from your brain and spinal cord along your nerves to every cell, pore, gland, muscle, joint, organ, and body part.

The better you are at adapting to change, the healthier you are. That means higher resistance to disease, better ability to neutralize germs, viri, poisons, drugs, pharmaceuticals, cancer cells, malformed cells, genetic mutations, and more!

Keep your nervous system free of stress.

Chiropractic care helps keep your communication lines open and free from stress, so messages can travel without interference. Your ability to adapt is at its optimum. Adaptation is the key to health and life.

The Subluxation

There is a condition that causes stress to your nervous system and prevents it from communicating, it’s called the subluxation. Subluxation is a distortion that can cause nerve interference, “static” over your communication lines (nerves). Subluxations can be due to a difficult birth, chemicals, toxins, drugs, pharmaceuticals falls, accidents, or emotional stress.

Chiropractors spend years learning how to locate and correct (adjust) subluxations.

Come in for a chiropractic check and correction (adjustment) and bring your family too so you all can adapt as fully as possible to all the stresses in your life.

Call us to make an appointment today!

(517) 627-4547

  1. What is homeostasis? Scientific American.  Jan. 3, 2000. 

Researching Chiropractic: Migraines & Asthma

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

Chronic Migraines in a 15-Year-Old

A 15-year-old boy came to the chiropractic office complaining of migraine headaches.  They began when he was three years of age! At that age, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident. When he came to our office, he was averaging one migraine every 3 weeks. Research has revealed that 10% of school-age children and 28% of adolescents (i.e., between 15-19 years of age) experience migraine headaches.

X-rays revealed a possible upper cervical (upper neck) vertebral subluxation involving C-1, the first vertebra beneath the skull, and C-2, which lies below C-1. 

On the first visit, the patient was adjusted to remove/reduce his subluxations. Immediately the sharp pressure he was experiencing prior began to alleviate. Over the next 24-months, he experienced only 5 migraine headaches. (1)

Asthma in a two-year-old

Asthma in children is very prevalent in the general population with 9 million U.S. children under 18 being diagnosed with asthma. In 2005, an estimated 22.2 million people in the U.S. suffered from asthma. Asthma is the leading cause of school absence in the United States.

 

In this case, a twenty-four-month-old boy suffering from asthma, chronic colds, and respiratory issues since birth was brought in by his mother for a chiropractic evaluation.  When he came in for care he was taking two medications prescribed by his pediatric pulmonologist, Flovent and Singulair, daily. 

The child was delivered prematurely at 31 weeks by emergency cesarean section. 

At the initial chiropractic examination, the patient was “fully vaccinated.” 

Both upper and lower spinal areas showed evidence of subluxations. 

Multiple subluxations and the subluxations were adjusted. The child’s care plan was initially set at 2-3 times a week for the initial four weeks however after the 4th visit, the mother stopped giving her son the prescription medications due to his improvement in symptoms. As of this writing in the past two years, the child has had no asthma symptoms and has reported only one cold. (2)

Numbness and Burning in the Arm, Stiffness in the Neck

The patient suffered from chronic progressive cervical radiculopathy (pain and numbness radiating from the neck) for two months prior to seeing a chiropractor. The patient had numbness and a burning sensation in the right arm and stiffness in the lower cervical spine.

The patient received chiropractic care to adjust vertebral subluxations. After 11 visits the patient reported a significant improvement in numbness and tingling in her arm and an improvement in quality of life. (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!

  1. Esarco J, Alcantara J. Resolution of Chronic Migraines in a 15-Year-Old Male Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume 2022 ~ January 11, 2022  ~ Pages 1-6. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, Volume 2022
  2. Davis H, Barley A. Correction of Subluxation and Alleviation of Asthma Symptoms in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Study. Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – July 19, 2012
  3. Davis H, Barley A. Correction of Subluxation and Alleviation of Asthma Symptoms in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Study. Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – July 19, 2012.  Lorigan AL, Smith S, Bennett JL. Resolution of Cervical Radiculopathy in a 61-Year-Old Female Receiving Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Report. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ September 9, 2015 ~ Pages 154-156.

Why is Your Nervous System Important?

The goal of Chiropractic is to locate and correct subluxations to release stress from your nervous system. Why is that important?

Why is your nervous system important?

Without it you’d be in the ultimate sensory deprivation tank – not be able to connect with anything or anyone not seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, or moving. You’d be completely alone inside yourself. 

It’s your connection to your inner and outer worlds – to all your body parts.  You need it so all your body parts and cells (billions and trillions of them) will work together in a coordinated, harmonious manner.

Your nervous system is made up of your brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and more!  You’ve got billions of nerve fibers – and they make up the most powerful communications system in the universe – and it’s inside you.

A healthy nervous system is needed for your entire body and mind to work at their optimum. A subluxation is a distortion in your body structure that stresses your nervous system and interferes with its function. This interference can cause dis-ease (body-mind-energy malfunction) and dis-ease can in time result in disease. Your Doctor of Chiropractic is an expert at locating and correcting (adjusting) subluxations helping your nerve system/communications system function without interference. The result is an improved function in every system of your body.

Call us to make an appointment today!

(517) 627-4547

Researching Chiropractic – Food Intolerances, Seizures, Ear Issues

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. 

Resolution of Food Intolerances in a 24-Year-Old Male

A 24-year-old male with low back pain and food intolerances to wheat, garlic, onion, and dairy began chiropractic care.  In the past, he had been hospitalized due to digestive issues, abdominal pain, bloated abdomen, excessive hunger, and depression.

Chiropractic analysis revealed subluxations at C1 and C5 (neck/cervical vertebrae).  The patient had a series of corrections/adjustments. By his 9th visit, after three months of care, he had no more digestive issues and was able to eat foods that were previously deemed intolerant. In addition, his mood had also improved. (1)

Seizure Reduction in a Two-Year Old

A two-year-old boy with seizures, and hypotonia (weak muscles or lack of muscle tone), diagnosed with MMPSI (similar to infantile spasms) was brought in for chiropractic care. He was on numerous prescription drugs.

He was having 15-20 seizures per day and exhibiting poor eye gaze/tracking, arms flailing, screaming, and uncontrolled movements. He was not able to hold up his head, sit up, and vocalize. 

Spinal and cranial examination revealed multiple areas of vertebral subluxation that were addressed (adjusted).

Over the 13-month period of being checked and adjusted for vertebral subluxation (22 office visits), there were significant improvements his quality of life and function. A 24-hour EEG reported ZERO seizures, and under the guidance of his primary care physician, he stopped all medications. (2) 

Ear Surgery Scheduled for A Four-Year-Old

It is estimated that approximately 40% of children suffer from ear infections (otitis media or OM) before the age of five. OM is often recurrent, and pediatricians often put the suffering child on numerous antibiotic prescriptions and sometimes do ear surgery and put tubes in the child’s ears (which often fail).

In this case, a four-year-old boy with a history of failed ear-tube surgeries, and numerous ear infections was scheduled for yet another surgery. His parents decided to first bring him in for chiropractic care. 

The chiropractor located vertebral subluxations and adjusted the child’s cervical and thoracic spine. 

After the first adjustment, the child felt immediately better. He was also sleeping better and in a better mood. By the 3rd visit, the mother canceled her son’s scheduled surgery her child’s ear pain, fever, and hearing resolved. (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!

  1. Herman D, Allen T. Resolution of Food Intolerances in a 24-Year-Old Male Undergoing Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Case Report & Review of the Literature Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ August 4, 2020 ~ Pages 15-27
  2. Turo D, Demczar C. Significant Motor Development and Quality of Life Improvement in a Rare Seizure Condition (MMPSI) Following Vertebral Subluxation Reduction: A Case Study.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic Vol. 2022.
  3. Feranti, M, Alcantara J, Brinkley C. Chronic Otitis Media, Failed Tympanostomy Tube Surgery & Resolution Following Adjustment of Vertebral Subluxation. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2016 ~ Issue 1 ~ Pages 5-8  

Chiropractic for the Entire Family?

Absolutely! Infants, babies, pregnant women, young, old, athletes, students – everyone can benefit from chiropractic!

It’s easy to see. Walk into the waiting room of a busy Doctor of Chiropractic and you’ll notice a surprising variety of people coming in for care; people suffering from nearly every condition under the sun.  

You may meet a woman telling you her headaches, migraines, or menstrual problems cleared up or that chiropractic helped her with fertility. You’ll meet others whose neck and back pain, digestion, and elimination were helped.

You’ll hear parents tell you their child’s asthma, ear infections, dyslexia, allergies, attention deficit disorder, or other conditions improved or completely resolved!

Others may tell you their athletic workouts are easier, and they have better balance and coordination. (Note: That is why many professional athletes including golfers, tennis, football, soccer, etc. Chiropractic improves their game, helps prevent injuries, and speeds recovery from injuries.)

Why do so many varied conditions respond to chiropractic care? The reason is that chiropractors do not treat individual conditions. Chiropractic works on your entire body to release deep stress from the nervous system. The result: your body functions betters, your brain works better, you heal quicker, have more energy, and are more connected. It’s been said that DC can also stand for “Doctor of Cause” as well as Doctor of Chiropractic.

Now you know why chiropractic has become the most popular drug-free, non-surgical healing profession in the world today. Most people notice positive, even dramatic changes after their very first visit. If you feel no change that does not necessarily mean you are not receiving any benefit; healing may be occurring under the surface. 

Millions of people visit their neighborhood Doctor of Chiropractic for hundreds of different reasons. Is anyone you know missing out on this safe, effective, and gentle art, science, and philosophy? Please have them contact our office. 

Call us to make an appointment today!

(517) 627-4547