Traditional Eating: Eat Organic Foods in the Winter Months

Organic food has become increasingly popular recently, with many people choosing it for its health benefits and environmental sustainability. Particularly during the winter months, incorporating organic foods into one’s diet can have numerous advantages.

Organic foods are known for their higher nutritional value. Studies have shown that organic fruits and vegetables tend to have higher levels of certain nutrients, including antioxidants, compared to their conventionally grown counterparts (1).

During winter, when the body’s immune system often needs extra support to combat colds and flu, these additional nutrients can be particularly beneficial.

Another merit of eating organic food in winter is the reduced exposure to pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. These chemicals, commonly used in conventional agriculture, can have various adverse health impacts. By choosing organic, individuals reduce their intake of these potentially harmful substances. This is especially important in the colder months when the body might already be dealing with additional stress due to the harsher climate.

Moreover, eating seasonal and local organic produce can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transport. During winter, this means focusing on root vegetables, winter squashes, and hardy greens, which are typically available from local sources. This not only ensures freshness but also supports local economies.

Consuming organic food during winter offers several benefits, including higher nutritional content, reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, support for sustainable farming practices, and a lower carbon footprint. As awareness of these advantages grows, more people will likely turn to organic food options, particularly during the challenging winter season.

  1. Baranski, M., et al. (2014). Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses. British Journal of Nutrition, 112(5), 794-811 

Chiropractic Care for Menstrual Cramps: A Natural Remedy

Menstrual cramps, medically termed dysmenorrhea, is a condition experienced by many women around the world. These painful sensations in the lower abdomen or pelvis are often accompanied by aches in the lower back and thighs, affecting the daily life and well-being of countless individuals. While over-the-counter medications can provide some relief, an increasing number of women are turning to alternative therapies, like chiropractic care, for a holistic approach to their discomfort.

menstrual cramps

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine’s structure and the body’s function, regulated by the nervous system. A misaligned spine can interfere with this connection, potentially leading to various health concerns, including menstrual discomfort. A chiropractor’s primary objective is to correct these misalignments, known as subluxations, through spinal adjustments.

There are several ways in which chiropractic care can benefit those suffering from menstrual cramps:

Improved Nervous System Function: The spine houses the spinal cord, a crucial part of the central nervous system. By realigning the spine, chiropractors can enhance nerve function, ensuring that every body part, including the reproductive system, works optimally.

Enhanced Pelvic Alignment: A misaligned pelvis can exacerbate menstrual pain. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct any misalignment in the pelvis, which can alleviate tension and pain during menstruation.

Reduced Muscle Tension: Chiropractic care often incorporates soft tissue techniques and stretches, which can relieve muscle tightness in the lower back and abdomen associated with menstrual cramps.

Research indicates a positive correlation between chiropractic care and reduced menstrual discomfort. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that many patients experienced relief from dysmenorrhea after spinal adjustments (2).

Chiropractic care can serve as a safe, natural, and effective alternative to traditional medications, offering relief to many who suffer from the recurring pain of menstrual cramps.

Call us to make an appointment today! (517) 627-4547

Why Should You Return to See a Chiropractor?

The importance of maintaining optimal spinal health cannot be overstated. Many individuals experience immediate relief after their initial chiropractic session, but it’s essential to recognize that consistent chiropractic care offers long-term benefits that go beyond momentary comfort.

Regular chiropractic adjustments can help in preventing future injuries. Just as we exercise to keep our muscles robust and engage in activities promoting cardiovascular health, ensuring our spine is in its best condition is equally vital. Chiropractors emphasize the proactive maintenance of spinal health, which can prevent the onset of issues before they become more pronounced and difficult to correct.

Moreover, consistent chiropractic visits can improve posture, especially for individuals who spend extended periods sitting or engaging in repetitive tasks. Poor posture not only affects our appearance but also leads to an array of health issues, such as back pain, neck pain, and decreased lung capacity. Regular adjustments can help realign the spine and promote better postural habits.

Another noteworthy benefit is the enhancement of the body’s overall function. The nervous system is the primary communicator within our body, and any misalignment can hinder this communication, leading to decreased bodily function. Chiropractic care ensures that the spine, which houses the nervous system, functions optimally, ensuring the entire body operates at its peak.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can boost the immune system, which is crucial for fighting illnesses and infections (1).

While immediate relief from pain or discomfort following a chiropractic adjustment is undoubtedly beneficial, the long-term advantages make regular visits invaluable. Whether you’re aiming to prevent future injuries, improve your posture, enhance your body’s overall functionality, or boost your immune system, returning to see a chiropractor is a decision that can significantly improve your quality of life.

Call today for an appointment. 517–627-4547

1.Teodorczyk-Injeyan, J. A., Injeyan, H. S., & Ruegg, R. (2006). Spinal manipulative therapy reduces inflammatory cytokines but not substance P production in normal subjects. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 29(1), 14-21  

RESEARCHING CHIROPRACTIC: Migraines, Hypnic Headaches, Ear Infections, Tic Douloureux

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

Migraine and Hypnic Headaches.

For 15 years, a 59-year-old woman had been experiencing migraines and hypnic headaches, which occur during sleep, along with nausea and skin rashes. Migraines are a significant global health concern with a prevalence of 10%, ranking seventh in leading causes of disability. Hypnic headaches, however, are less common. Despite taking prescription drugs RelpaxT, TylenolT, and receiving massages for her migraines, the patient found no relief. It’s worth noting that the patient’s mother also experienced the same issues during menopause. After three months of twice-a-week chiropractic care, followed by six weeks of once-a-week visits, the patient found relief from her headaches and experienced additional health improvements. (1)

Neck pain, Ear Infections, and headaches in a young girl.

A 9½-year-old girl went to a chiropractic clinic because of chronic ear infections, neck pain, and headaches. Upon examination of her cervical spine, the doctors found hyperlordosis, hypertonicity of paraspinal musculature, lymphadenopathy, decreased ROM, positive orthopedic tests, and chiropractic subluxations. She was scheduled to receive three treatments per week for three weeks, and afterward, her otolaryngologist reported a 95% reduction in her hearing loss. Her scheduled tympanostomy tube surgery was canceled due to her improved condition. (2)

Tic douloureux. 

A 62-year-old woman had suffered from an intense, persistent, and often disabling form of facial pain known as “tic douloureux,” or Trigeminal neuralgia, for two years. Commonly referred to as the “suicide disease” due to its extreme pain, the woman had endured three separate car accidents in the past 27 years before the onset of symptoms; however, they did not appear until after a dental procedure on a wisdom tooth on the right side of her face. To alleviate her suffering, the woman had tried numerous prescription drugs and alternative supplements prescribed by multiple physicians and specialists, spending over $9,000 of her own money in the process. After receiving 26 chiropractic adjustments, the patient reported a significant reduction in the frequency and duration of her pain. (3)

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

 

  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. O’Connor K, Schneider G, Alcantara J. Resolution of otitis media, improvement in hearing & avoidance of myringotomy tubes following chiropractic care in a child: a case report & selective review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2014;3:47-54.
  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.

RESEARCHING CHIROPRACTIC: Bedwetting

Researching Chiropractic. How many people who are suffering, reliant on medication on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?  Probably most of them.

Bedwetting in an 8-year-old Child: A Chiropractic Perspective

bedwetting

Bedwetting, medically known as nocturnal enuresis, is a common concern among parents. While many children outgrow this phase by age 5, some continue to experience it beyond that age. In the context of an 8-year-old child, bedwetting can be particularly distressing for both the child and the parents, often leading to embarrassment and frustration. While various causes can lead to bedwetting, from developmental delays to urinary tract infections, a chiropractic approach offers a unique perspective.

From a chiropractic standpoint, the spine plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the body. Misalignments, or subluxations, in the lumbar spine, may interfere with the nerves that control bladder function. When these nerve pathways are impeded, it can reduce bladder control, potentially leading to nocturnal enuresis.

A study by Reed et al. (1994) found a significant relationship between bedwetting and vertebral subluxations, suggesting that chiropractic care might benefit children suffering from nocturnal enuresis (1). In the study, many children who received chiropractic adjustments experienced a marked reduction or complete resolution of their bedwetting symptoms.

While chiropractic care is not a guaranteed cure for bedwetting, it presents a non-invasive, drug-free approach that may benefit some children. If your child is struggling with nocturnal enuresis, it’s essential to consult with a professional chiropractor to determine if this approach is right for your child.

Do you know someone with this issue?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

1. Reed, W. R., Beavers, S., Reddy, S. K., & Kern, G. (1994). Chiropractic management of primary nocturnal enuresis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 17(9), 596-600.   

The Diseases of Civilization

The “diseases of civilization” are those diseases or conditions that were rare or didn’t even exist until modern times. Ironically, we have these diseases even though we live in lands of plenty, clean water, abundant food and drink, and refrigeration! We are also blessed with hot and cold running water indoor plumbing (no outhouses), and we no longer live with cows, pigs, and horses in our homes (thieves would run off with them otherwise).

We are so blessed!

In the olden days, there was much sickness from all the filth. Babies rarely made it past their first month of life. Plagues carried away multitudes! Those good old days were not so good.

New Diseases

While the old diseases and plagues are mostly gone, we now have new diseases: cancer, heart disease, autism, ADD, dyslexia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and many others. What caused this new epidemic of chronic illness?

Our Modern World

Our modern world is full of poisons our ancestors were never exposed to. There are at least 80,000 chemicals in our environment, including toxins from plastics, pesticides, and herbicides such as glyphosate (RoundupT), arsenic, mercury, lead, aluminum, phthalates, cleaning products, soaps, and many others.

Dental fillings such as amalgam (mercury), fetal ultrasound (radiation to the developing brain), and many prescription drugs cause damage immediately or years later. 

We should have the healthiest population. Instead, in the US, over half of our children have a chronic illness, 

What to do? 

Start before birth – parents-to-be should detoxify with an organic healthy diet, pregnant women should avoid ultrasound and vaccines, and eat traditional high-fat foods, grass-fed meats, and dairy products. Every day you should have food that is good for your gut (fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, yogurt, and other probiotics). 

Avoid Frankenfoods (unnatural laboratory creations)

Don’t eat foods our grandparents (and great grandparents) never ate vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, safflower, canola, and soy that are produced at high temperatures and pressure and are unnatural to our body function (physiology). Other oils include partially hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils such as margarine, CriscoT, and similar products.   Avoid all GMO foods (genetically modified). Avoid conventionally grown foods and go organic. White sugar wasn’t known until a few hundred years ago – it didn’t exist. Highly processed products give us almost no nutrition and even take essential minerals out of our bodies as they are digested and assimilated. 

Go to www.westonaprice.org to learn about traditional diets and foods.

What do I do now? Detoxify!

Traditional ways to get rid of poisons or detoxify are sunbathing, fasting, sauna, exercise, massage, herbs, gallbladder, and liver flushes. See below for an inexpensive universal detox – clay. 

Don’t forget chiropractic adjustments. From infancy to older people, our body detoxes better when it’s subluxation-free. Talk to us.

Call today for an appointment. 627-4547

Researching Chiropractic: Migraines, Drop Attacks, & Seizures

Researching Chiropractic. How many people who are suffering, reliant on medication on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?  Probably most of them.

Migraines in a 16-year-old Girl

A 16-year-old girl had been complaining of migraines since kindergarten.  She was experiencing migraines 1-2 times per week, each attack lasting approximately 2-3 hours. Under medical care, she had an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), a CT scan (computer axial tomography), and a dental consultation. Nothing was found. 

She consulted with a chiropractor. Chiropractic analysis revealed an atlas (C-1) subluxation. The patient received five adjustments to the atlas. She was able to stop using medications as her headaches reduced to 2-4 per month. (1) 

Drop Attacks on a 23-year-old Man

A 23-year-old male complaining of drop attacks and daily nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, and back pain for five years began chiropractic care.

After one month of care, the patient reported a resolution of drop attacks, daily vomiting, and other symptoms. (2) 

Seizures and Delays in Cognitive Development in a Two-Year-Old Boy

A 2-year-old boy suffered from seizures, behavioral disturbances, and cognitive developmental delays following a head trauma. 

He was experiencing 1-3 seizures per week and sometimes up to 3 seizures per day. In addition, he was combative, angry, and uncooperative with his parents and had a developmental delay in his language use. 

His parents brought the child in for chiropractic care fifteen months after his injury. A chiropractic examination revealed a subluxation of the C1 (atlas) vertebra. The patient had a total of seven visits over a five-and-a-half-month period. 

There was an improvement and eventual cessation of his seizures and an improvement in the patient’s behavior and cognitive development. (3)

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Bernard M, Alcantara J, Pierce, GS. The Care of a Teenage Girl with Migraine Headaches with the Advanced Orthogonal Procedure: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ January 24, 2013 ~ Pages 14-19.
  2. Berner N, Meuleman CJ. Drop Attacks, Daily Vomiting & Headaches Resolved Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume 2023 ~ July 3, 2023. Pages 13-22 Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, Volume 2023
  3. Komarek AJ, Tedder N, Tedder A, Cessation of Seizures, Behavioral Disturbances and Improvement in Cognitive Developmental Delay Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care in a 2-Year-Old: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ May 14, 2015, Pages 14-18.

How Can Chiropractic Help with Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are a class of injuries that stem from the chronic overuse or misuse of particular body parts. Often associated with occupational tasks, sports, or other repetitive motions, RSIs can manifest as conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, or trigger finger, to name a few. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, with inflammation and limited motion. As these injuries have grown increasingly common in the modern workplace and athletic fields, the need for effective treatments has become paramount. One such healthcare modality is chiropractic care, which offers multiple therapeutic approaches for managing and alleviating RSIs.

Understanding Repetitive Stress Injuries

RSIs result from repeated microtrauma to the tendons, muscles, and nerves at their core. Over time, these minor, repetitive injuries can lead to inflammation, pain, and decreased function. Typically, RSIs develop when there’s an imbalance between the physical demands on a body part and its ability to cope with those demands.

Chiropractic’s Role in Treating RSIs

Chiropractic care is a holistic healthcare discipline that removes subluxations (nerve interference) and allows the body to heal. Here’s how chiropractic care can aid in managing and treating RSIs:

Spinal and Joint Adjustments: Chiropractors can restore proper spine and joint mobility and alignment through controlled and targeted adjustments. This not only helps alleviate pain directly but also aids in optimizing nervous system function, which can promote the body’s natural healing processes.

Ergonomic Advice: Chiropractors can provide guidance on workplace ergonomics, posture, and movement patterns. By making subtle adjustments to one’s workstation or daily routines, it’s possible to decrease the strain on affected body parts and minimize the risk of developing RSIs.

Therapeutic Exercises: Chiropractors often prescribe exercises designed to strengthen weak areas and improve flexibility to complement hands-on care. By incorporating these exercises into their daily routine, patients can expedite their recovery and reduce the likelihood of injury recurrence.

Holistic Approach: Unlike some holistic healthcare that focuses solely on symptom relief, chiropractic care considers the whole individual. By addressing underlying issues and promoting a holistic approach to health, chiropractors can treat RSIs and enhance their patients’ overall well-being.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation found that chiropractic care, including manual adjustments and stretching exercises, offered significant relief for those suffering from work-related upper limb disorders, including many RSIs (3). This evidence and patient anecdotal reports underscore the potential benefits of incorporating chiropractic care into a comprehensive care plan for RSIs.

Given their chronic nature, repetitive stress injuries require a multifaceted approach for effective management and care. Chiropractic philosophy, with its holistic methodology and variety of therapeutic techniques, can play a pivotal role in this process. Those suffering from RSIs might find it beneficial to consult with a chiropractor to explore how this healthcare can aid their recovery.

Your Blood – the River of Life

What exactly is your blood? It is billions and billions of cells floating in a liquid called plasma. Blood is like a river that flows to every part of your body through your arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Your Blood - the River of Life

The red cells in your blood are like delivery trucks. They bring oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body tissue and take waste gas (carbon dioxide) from your tissues back to your lungs.

Your white cells are like warriors. They are always on guard to gobble up germs and anything that shouldn’t be in your blood and tissues.

Your blood contains platelets that join together to close cuts so you don’t bleed out. Platelets form tiny threads called fibrin, which trap red cells to form a clot or dam.

A single drop of blood contains about 5,000,000 red blood cells, 7,000 white blood cells, and thousands of platelets. 

Your blood is constantly being replaced. A red blood cell lives only about four months, and in that time, it makes about 300,000 trips through your bloodstream. About 10 million red blood cells wear out each second. Fortunately, new red cells are constantly replenishing in your blood. 

The approximately 25 trillion red cells in your blood would reach nearly halfway to the moon if lined up side-by-side.

You are indeed a mystery and a universe unto yourself.

Contact us at 517.627.4547 to schedule an appointment. 

Researching Chiropractic: Tourette’s, Ear Infections, Meniere’s Disease

Researching Chiropractic. How many people who are suffering, reliant on medication on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?  Probably most of them.


Tourette’s Syndrome in a nine-year-old boy

The child suffered from Tourette’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, asthma, insomnia, and headaches since age 7. 

Forceps were used during his delivery. He was fully vaccinated. His medications included AlbuterolT, DepakoteT, WellbutrinT, and AdderallT. 

Chiropractic care corrected and stabilized the patient’s subluxation. After six weeks of care, all six conditions were no longer present, and all medications were discontinued, except for a half-dose of WellbutrinT. 

After five months of care, all symptoms remained absent. (1) 

Head tilt, ear infections, and other problems in a seven-month-old boy

This is the case of a 7-month-old boy with significant head tilt from birth, ear infections, flattening of the left side of his face, spitting up 15 times per day, projectile vomiting (about once each week), and muscle spasms. The child cried frequently and rarely laughed. 

Chiropractic adjustments were performed three times a week for three months. After five months of chiropractic care, the child’s head tilt and associated muscle spasms were absent, dramatically improving the child’s general demeanor. Regurgitation became much less frequent, with some residual facial asymmetry remaining. (2) 

Meniere’s disease (MD) in a forty-eight-year-old woman

Forty-eight-year-old woman, a retired registered nurse, was diagnosed with right unilateral Meniere’s Disease (MD) in 1995 that started going bilateral in 1998. Her symptoms included multiple vertigo episodes with nausea and vomiting (including drop attacks), low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus, and pain. Other MD symptoms include dizziness, imbalance, hearing distortion, hyperacusis, nystagmus, BPPV, brain fog, severe sweating, severe depression, anxiety with panic attacks, IBS, TMJ dysfunction, migraines, headaches, chronic fatigue, eustachian tube dysfunction, neck, and low back pain.

Chiropractic care consisted of twelve visits over six days. All her complaints were resolved except hearing loss though it did improve. She returned for a reevaluation four years later. All of her complaints continued to resolve except for partial hearing loss. (3) 

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Elster E. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care For A Nine-Year-Old Male With Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Asthma, Insomnia, and Headaches: A Case Report July 12, 2003, p 1-11 J of Vertebral Subluxation Research 
  2. Toto BJ. Chiropractic correction of congenital muscular torticollis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1993:16(8):556-559.
  3. Resolution of Long Standing Intractable Bilateral Meniere’s Disease & Multiple Health Challenges Following Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Care: A Case Report.  Burcon MT, Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume 2023 ~ March 21, 2023,  ~ Pages 1-12