Tag Archives: chiropractic care

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!

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.

Why do chiropractors spend so much time working on my back?

Because that’s where the nerves are.How many joints are in your spine?

There’s a common misconception that because chiropractors work on the spine their care is limited to spinal pain and spinal problems such as backache, disc problems, sciatica, hip or neck problems. 

But that is an incomplete way of looking at things. We chiropractors locate and release spinal nerve pressure. Your body functions in a more balanced manner, with less stress on the entire system especially your internal organs. So you can heal yourself, no matter what the condition.

That’s why you’ll see children in our office with asthma, allergies, ear infections, pneumonia, colds, flu-and adults with immune conditions, headaches, migraines, infertility, menstrual problems and more!

Check out our series of Case Studies to learn more about all the ways Chiropractic care can help you and your family.

We work on your spine, because that’s where the nerves can get irritated and interfere with the information going to (and from) the internal organs. That’s why we give you adjustments there.

 

Researching Chiropractic: Depression and Anxiety, paralysis, and Diabetes

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.

anesthesia-4677401_1920

Depression and Anxiety

A 30-year-old woman who had a clinical diagnosis of depression and anxiety presented for chiropractic care. She was analyzed using x-ray and heat scanning for subluxations and adjusted where and when needed.

Her depression and anxiety resolved. Her sleep, energy and quality of life improved and she was able to cease taking medications. Her spinal imbalance, neck curve and overall nervous system imbalance greatly reduced. (1)

Dogs with hind end paralysis

24 dogs with hind end paralysis and inability to walk were found to have intervertebral disc disease by their veterinarian. Rather than have an MRI to be followed by surgery, the owners wanted to explore a different route. Each dog was evaluated and adjusted using chiropractic techniques approved by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Each dog eventually regained the ability to walk. The amount of time needed to recover varied by the severity of the spinal damage in each dog. (2)

Diabetes and mid-back pain

A 26-year-old man with chronic mid-back pain for 9 years and type 1 diabetes mellitus began chiropractic care. X-ray and MRI imaging revealed flattening of the curve of the mid-back (hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine) with spinal misalignment consistent with vertebral subluxations.

The patient reported improvement in his mid-back pain and quality of life. X-rays showed normal mid-back curve. Glucose monitoring showed a dramatic drop in blood glucose immediately after each visit. The patient reported he reduced his insulin by half during chiropractic care. (3)

Do you know anyone with the above issues?

Please refer them to us. We can help! 517.627.4547

Sources:

  1. Ochsner A, DelVicario J. Resolution of anxiety and depression along with decreased medication usage in a 30-year-old female undergoing chiropractic care: case report & review of literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 12, 2018:152-159.
  2. Cole C, Tully G. Reversal of paraplegia secondary to intervertebral disc disease in 24 canines with vertebral subluxation: a retrospective of outcomes following chiropractic. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 26, 2018:173-179.
  3. Fedorchuk C, Lightstone DF, Comer RD et al. Improved glycosylated hemoglobin, hyperglycemia, and quality of life following thoracic hypokyphosis vertebral subluxation correction using Chiropractic BioPhysics®: a prospective case report. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 19, 2018: 160-172.

 

 

Researching Chiropractic: Migraines, Torticollis, & Tic douloureux

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

Migraine and hypnic headachesheadache

A 59-year-old woman suffered from chronic migraines and hypnic headaches (headaches that wake people from sleep) along with nausea and skin rashes. Migraine has a global prevalence of 10% and is the seventh leading cause of time spent disabled. Hypnic headaches are less common.

The patient’s migraines began 15 years prior and significantly affected her quality of life. During that time, her care consisted of RelpaxT, a prescription drug, massage and TylenolT. Her headaches continued unabated. She also recalled that her mother had migraines that began around her menopause.

Chiropractic care of two visits a week for 3 months and then once per week for 6 weeks resulted in resolution of her headaches as well as additional health benefits. (1)

Torticollis, cranial distortion and difficulty feedingbaby-303068_1920

A 13-day-old boy and his twin sister were brought in for chiropractic evaluation and possible care. The boy had torticollis, difficulty latching to his mother’s left breast and cranial distortion. The parents reported that the baby was very gassy and seemed uncomfortable daily. The pediatrician could offer no options. 

The parents reported that the boy was in the head down position for most of his time in utero with the weight of his sister on top of him.

After analysis for subluxations of his spine and skull, the boy was adjusted while he was lying on a pillow on his back or on his mother’s chest while she was lying on her back on the chiropractic table. 

The child had seven visits over 6 weeks with continued improvements. He was able to latch onto both breasts, the gassiness had decreased and the torticollis had resolved. Improvements were noticed by his third appointment. (2)

Tic douloureuxperson-2438587_1280

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as “tic douloureux,” is a chronic nerve disorder characterized by intense, persistent and often debilitating shooting sensations of pain in the face. The pain is so intense people have killed themselves and for that reason it is sometimes called the “suicide disease.” 

A 62-year-old woman came to a chiropractic clinic with a chief complaint of chronic right-sided facial pain of 2 years’ duration which she said felt like stabbing and throbbing, “like a bunch of pitch forks.” 

She had experienced three separate automobile accidents over the past 27 years but had no residual symptoms. The pain began four months after she had had a dental surgical procedure, either a filling or root canal on a wisdom tooth on the right side of her face. Over the course of two years, numerous prescription drugs and alternative supplements had been prescribed by multiple doctors and specialists. She had spent over $9,000 in personal funds seeking relief.

Over the course of six months, the patient received 26 chiropractic adjustments. As a result, she experienced significant reductions in frequency and duration of pain. (3)

  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. Green S, Alcantara J. Resolution of torticollis, breastfeeding difficulties & cranial distortion in a twin infant undergoing chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. July 10, 2019:78-81.
  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.

Headaches and Chiropractic

What Puts the Ache in Headache?headache

The ache in headache does not come from your brain-your brain cannot feel pain. For example, during brain surgery a patient may be wide awake, talking to the surgeons while his brain is being operated on (a local anesthetic numbs the scalp). What puts the “ache” in headache? Stretched, compressed, irritated, inflamed or infected blood vessels, membranes and cranial nerves.

The Chiropractic Approach

Millions of headache sufferers turn to the natural, drug-free chiropractic approach to health. (1)

Why?

Because chiropractic has a unique approach-chiropractors are the only health professionals trained to analyze your body for a serious and often ignored condition that can damage your nerves, inflame your tissues, cause muscles to tighten and knot, weaken your body, cause fatigue and set the stage for sickness and disease: the subluxation. A subluxation is a tiny distortion or misalignment in your spine that stresses your nervous system, the system that controls your body.

Patients who received chiropractic showed significant improvement, on a par with those given a powerful prescription drugs and without the side effects. (2) 

Anyone suffering from headaches (and any other condition) should make sure they are free from subluxations-for the health of their whole body, not just certain parts.

The day science begins to study non-physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence. To understand the true nature of the universe, one must think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration. Nikola Tesla

  1.  Nilsson N, Christensen HW, Hartvigsen J. The effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of cervicogenic headache. JMPT. 1997;20:326-330.
  2. Nelson CF, Bronfort G, Evans R et al. The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for prophylaxis of migraine headache. JMPT. 1998;21(8):511-519.

Researching Chiropractic: Migraines, Pregnancy Trauma, & Large Tonsils

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.

Pregnant patient with a history of traumapregnant case study

A 36-year old pregnant woman who was 33-weeks’ pregnant started chiropractic care suffering from worsening intense pain in her hips, lower back and pubic area. Two weeks prior she had fallen down 15 steps. At her first visit, she was in severe pain and had significant difficulty walking. 

She had ten chiropractic spinal adjustments over a 4-week period. With each visit she experienced increased relief from her symptoms and was ultimately able to deliver a healthy baby. (1)

Child cannot sleep because of large tonsilslarge tonsils

A two-year-old girl was suffering from excessive snoring, choking, mouth breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. She was waking up three times per night. MDs diagnosed her with oversized adenoids and tonsils (adenotonsillar hypertrophy).

Her MD prescribed fluticasone spray followed by a referral for surgical intervention if that didn’t help. 

After researching the medication, the infant’s mother decided to take her child to a chiropractor who discovered a subluxation at the atlas and right ilium. 

After her first chiropractic adjustment, the child had less snoring and was not waking up as frequently. After 15 visits over a 12-week period, a pediatric examination found normal sized tonsils and adenoids. Surgery was no longer discussed. (2)

Migraines in a 52-year-old womanolder woman numbness case study

A 52-year-old woman had been suffering from migraine headaches 2-3 times a week for ten years. She also suffered from neck pain and spinal pain that radiated to her arms and legs for over 20 years. A neurologist said the cause of her migraines was “unknown.” Her problems worsened after a motor vehicle accident two years prior to her chiropractic visit. 

She was prescribed Prozac®, Synthroid® and Fioricet®. They were ineffective.

By her 3rd chiropractic visit, she excitedly reported she had not experienced any migraines since her first visit the prior week. A month later she remained completely migraine-free. After 10 weeks of continued care, the patient reported that all her presenting complaints of chronic migraines, neck pain and low back pain had completely resolved. All her prescriptions were discontinued. (3)

Do you know anyone with the above issues?

Please refer them to us. We can help! 517.627.4547

  1. Marjerrison EC, Alcantara J. Trauma during pregnancy: resolution of hip, pubic, and low back pain following chiropractic care in a pregnant woman: a case study & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. August 5, 2019:91-94.
  2. Shtulman I, Collins C, Alcantara J. Resolution of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, associated sleep disordered breathing & avoidance of surgery following chiropractic care: a case study & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. August 14, 2019:95-99.
  3. Hickman W, Alcantara J. Resolution of chronic pain & migraines following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: a case study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. June 10, 2019:79-82.

The Goal of the Chiropractor

If you spent the day in our waiting room you’d meet people coming to see us who have all kinds of health problems:

  • allergiesthe goal of the chiropractor
  • asthma
  • headaches
  • migraines
  • vision and hearing problems
  • digestive problems
  • immune system issues
  • pain in all kinds of places: back, hip, neck, shoulder, legs, arms;
  • people who’ve had sport injuries
  • so many others

But the ultimate goal of the chiropractor is to keep people so healthy that they don’t get sick in the first place! 

Good Health Is Easy: Sickness Takes Work

We are born with such wonderful bodies designed to last us over a hundred years in perfect physical and mental health. But a lifetime of physical, mental, and chemical stress and abuse wears us down, weakens us, and causes our body to malfunction. 

Chiropractors are the only professionals that are trained to locate and correct a serious deep stress most people have inside their body that can damage their ability to fight disease and stay healthy: a subluxation. It is usually painless and usually found in your spine.

When your body is free of subluxation stress you are better able to function at your best, to heal at your best and to think at your best because stress that has been sapping you of your life energy is now gone or reduced. Chiropractic promotes balance, resistance to disease and improved function. (1)

No matter what the disease or condition, you need a subluxation-free body to keep your healing ability at its optimum. That’s why you’ll find people with all kinds of health conditions in a chiropractor’s office. (2)

Call and schedule an appointment today! 517.627.4547

  1. Blanks RHI, Schuster TL. A retrospective assessment of network care using a survey of self-rated health, wellness and quality of life. JVSR. 1997;1(4):1.
  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.

Are people under chiropractic care healthier?

Answer: Not only healthier but happier too!happy man

Making chiropractic care a regular part of your life will help you and your family on many levels. Keeping your spine and nervous system free of subluxations (nerve interference) is good for your brain, organs, and entire body and mind.

Studies reveal that people under chiropractic care experience wellness in many areas of their lives. For example, chiropractic patients in two studies reported improved physical and mental/emotional health, better ability to deal with stress and more life enjoyment. (1-2) 

Another study revealed that chiropractic patients reported improved physical functioning, less bodily pain, improved general health, greater vitality, better social functioning and improved mental health. (3) 

Chiropractic has been especially effective with improving the life of the elderly. In one study of people 75 years of age and older, those under chiropractic care enjoyed better overall health, fewer chronic conditions, less days in nursing homes and hospitals, more mobility and were less likely to use prescription drugs than non-chiropractic patients. 87% of chiropractic patients described their health as excellent compared to just 67.8% of non-chiropractic patients. (4)

What can YOU expect?happy woman

Chiropractic care is individualized; the care you receive will be unique for your body and needs and the benefits you receive will be unique for you. Be sensitive to your body and communicate with us – tell us what changes you experience after your visits.

  1. Marino MJ, Phillippa ML. A longitudinal assessment of chiropractic care using a survey of self-rated health wellness & quality of life: a preliminary study. JVSR. 1999; 3(2):1-9.
  2. Blanks RHI, Schuster TL. A retrospective assessment of network care using a survey of self-rated health, wellness and quality of life. JVSR. 1997;1(4):1.
  3. Owens EF, Hoiriis KT, Burd D. Changes in general health status during upper cervical chiropractic care: PBR report. Chiropractic Research Journal. 1998;V(1):9-16.
  4. Study associates chiropractic with better health in the elderly. Today’s Chiropractic. November/December 1996. Originally published by the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research.