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Spinal Adjustments for Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief

sciatic nerve pain relief Sciatic nerve pain can disrupt daily life, radiating from the lower back through the hips and legs. For those experiencing this discomfort, spinal adjustments offer a reliable path to relief by targeting the underlying cause of the irritation.

Chiropractic care addresses sciatic nerve pain by focusing on spinal misalignments, often in the lumbar region. Misaligned vertebrae can place pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to pain, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities. Restoring proper alignment reduces nerve compression, alleviating symptoms and promoting improved mobility.

The research underscores the benefits of chiropractic adjustments for managing sciatic nerve pain. A study published in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulations provided significant pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with sciatica. These adjustments are effective and noninvasive, appealing to individuals seeking alternatives to medication or surgery.

Another study highlighted in Spine demonstrated the efficacy of manual therapies for patients with lumbar disc herniation causing sciatic nerve pain. The research revealed a notable decrease in pain intensity and an increase in daily activity levels following targeted spinal adjustments.

Patients often notice an immediate difference in pain levels following their first adjustment, with continued sessions providing cumulative benefits. Spinal adjustments improve joint movement and stimulate the nervous system, which can help reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve.

Chiropractors customize care to suit individual needs, ensuring adjustments are precise and safe. This patient-centered approach enhances recovery and minimizes recurrence. Those seeking relief from sciatic nerve pain can experience improved quality of life with regular care, often regaining the ability to move comfortably and engage in everyday activities.

Chiropractors help patients achieve long-lasting relief by addressing the root causes of sciatic nerve pain through targeted adjustments. With consistent care and attention to spinal health, many individuals find the support they need to return to a pain-free lifestyle.

Call us today to make an appointment and be pain-free!

(517) 627-4547

Chiropractic Myths vs. Facts

chiropractic myths

Despite its growing popularity and recognition within the health community, chiropractic care is still surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Let’s debunk some of the most common chiropractic myths and provide evidence-based information to clarify the facts.

Myth 1: Chiropractors Are Not Real Doctors

Fact: Chiropractors are highly trained healthcare professionals who undergo rigorous education and training. A Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree in the United States requires at least seven years of higher education, including undergraduate study and four to five years of chiropractic college. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, neurology, radiology, and diagnostic imaging coursework, followed by clinical internships. Chiropractors must also pass national board exams and obtain state licensure to practice.

Myth 2: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous

Fact: Chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective when performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor. The risk of serious adverse effects is extremely low. Research has shown that chiropractic care can effectively help patients with acute and chronic low back pain, neck pain, and certain types of headaches, in addition to much more. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation is associated with minimal risk and can significantly relieve musculoskeletal pain. (2)

Myth 3: Chiropractic Care Is Only for Back Pain

Fact: While chiropractic care is well-known for addressing back pain, it is not limited to this condition. Chiropractors also address issues related to neck pain, headaches, joint problems, and musculoskeletal injuries. Additionally, they often provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to promote overall health and well-being.

Myth 4: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful

Fact: Most patients feel relief rather than pain during chiropractic adjustments. The techniques used are typically gentle and tailored to the individual’s needs. Patients may experience a mild soreness like that felt after exercise, which usually resolves quickly.

Myth 5: Once You Start Chiropractic Care, You Have to Keep Going Forever

Fact: The frequency and duration of chiropractic care depend on the individual’s condition and health goals. Some patients may require a short series of appointments for acute issues, while others may benefit from ongoing care for chronic conditions or preventive maintenance. Chiropractors work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that align with their specific needs.

If you are interested in discovering Chiropractic Care, give us a call! (517) 627-4547

 

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  

Chiropractic and Childhood Sports Injuries

Childhood Sports Injuries

Participation in sports is highly beneficial for children, promoting physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork skills. However, it also carries the risk of injuries, which can significantly impact a child’s overall well-being. Chiropractic care has emerged as a valuable complementary approach for managing childhood sports injuries. 

Childhood sports injuries can range from sprains and strains to more severe conditions like fractures and concussions. 

Chiropractic care focuses on but is not limited to musculoskeletal disorders, including sports injuries. Chiropractors employ a holistic approach to care, aiming to restore proper alignment and function of the spine and other joints in the body. By doing so, they alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote the body’s natural healing process.

Several studies support the efficacy of chiropractic care in managing childhood sports injuries. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined the effects of chiropractic intervention on ankle sprains in young athletes. The results indicated that chiropractic treatment significantly improved pain reduction, range of motion, and functional ability compared to a control group (6).

Chiropractic care offers a holistic and evidence-based approach to managing childhood sports injuries. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, chiropractors can help children recover from injuries, prevent future occurrences, and enhance their overall sports performance. However, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each case.

A NOTE FROM Dr. C.  As sports season is now underway..take a moment to have your child evaluated to make sure your child is in good shape.  Then plan on having checks through the season to nip any issues in the bud.

Contact us at 517.627.4547 to schedule an appointment. 

Chiropractors Do Something Unique

We, chiropractors, do something other primary healthcare providers aren’t trained to do. We are specially trained to locate stress in your body that can interfere with your health. These stressors are called subluxations. Subluxations are tiny, commonly occurring misalignments or distortions of your spine and structural system that can interfere with the nerves that carry messages throughout your body. 

Subluxations are dangerous because they may impinge (“pinch”) the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord to your muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, discs, glands, and other internal organs. This can diminish your overall body function.

How can you tell if you have a subluxation? Some subluxations are associated with pain or malfunction, but many don’t cause pain or apparent symptoms. 

For example, imagine you have a vertebra out of position, causing nerve pressure that affects nerves going to the stomach. Your digestion may be impaired, your stomach may be “nervous,” and you may have ulcers or other conditions, yet you feel no back or spinal pain. This is because not all nerves carry pain messages.

Your heart, lungs, kidneys, intestines, bladder, eyes, ears, throat, and other internal organs are connected to our brain by many nerves that emit from your brain and spine. The connected systems will suffer if these nerves are irritated by a subluxation.

For over a hundred years, the recorded benefits of subluxation correction include the successful treatment of ear infections, asthma, allergies, cancer, heart disease, ADHD, autism, headaches, backaches, digestive problems, vision, and hearing problems, as well as improvement of overall immunity, balance, brain function, concentration, IQ, energy-and many more.

Contact us at 517.627.4547 to schedule an appointment. 

Researching Chiropractic: Fibromyalgia, Scoliosis, & Meniere’s Disease

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There is no limit to the health problems that respond positively to chiropractic care. 

Fibromyalgia in a 64-year-old

A 64-year-old woman with fibromyalgia was medically diagnosed 6 years before beginning chiropractic care. In addition, she complained of sleep apnea, loss of coordination, glaucoma, degenerative disc disease, and changes in bowel habits. 

Using X-ray and other tools, an upper cervical subluxation was discovered at her atlas (C1) vertebrae. 

She received upper cervical care for three months. At the time of this study, she reported 80% relief from symptoms and an improvement in energy level. (1)

Scoliosis in a 10-year-old girl

This was the patient’s first time under chiropractic care. Analysis revealed a 16.2-degree right thoracolumbar scoliosis, measured from her 12th thoracic vertebra to her 6th lumbar vertebra.

She was adjusted for three months. X-rays, taken at 3 months, showed a 28.4% improvement in her scoliosis (a decrease of 4.6 degrees). (2)

Meniere’s Disease 

A forty-eight-year-old woman, a retired registered nurse, was diagnosed with right unilateral Meniere’s Disease (MD). Her symptoms included many episodes of dizziness with nausea and vomiting as well as drop attacks. She also had low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sense of ear fullness with pain. 

Chiropractic care consisted of twelve visits over six days. She returned for a reevaluation four months later. All her complaints were relieved, except hearing loss, though it did improve. (3) 

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

Sources:

  1. Bennett CB, Tedder NT. Improvement in a Patient with Fibromyalgia Following Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific Care: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Issue 1, March 15, 2012, Pp. 27-30
  2. Michael T. Burcon. Resolution of Long Standing Intractable Bilateral Meniere’s Disease & Multiple Health Challenges Following Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Care: A Case Report Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, Volume 2023Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume 2023 ~ March 21, 2023  ~ Pages 1-6
  3. Fedorchuk C, Wetterlin JK, McCoy M. Correction of Subluxation Using CBP Technique and Improvement of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Report

Researching Chiropractic: Correcting issues in toddlers

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. How many people suffering, on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?   Probably most of them.

Autism in a 3-year-old

The child was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. He had delayed developmental milestones, an inability to eat solid foods, was unable to gain weight, and had a limited vocabulary of a few words. Additionally, he had an aversion to being touched, had sleep deprivation, and suffered from constipation. Past history included a difficult pregnancy, labor, and delivery for the patient’s mother. The child was fully vaccinated. 

Vertebral subluxations were found upon examination and corrected by the chiropractor. 

By his third chiropractic visit, he was comfortable with the doctor touching him and his parents reported that he is not usually comfortable with even his grandmother touching him. His parents reported that he had been trying to say his first words and had improvements in constipation, behavior, and sleep habits.

Adjustments continued and over a 2-month period, the child continued improvements in sleep patterns, behavior, sensitivity to touch, expansion of vocabulary, constipation, and retained primitive reflexes following chiropractic adjustments. The patient continues chiropractic care. (1)

A two-year-old boy with Developmental Delays and Otitis Media

A two-year-old boy was first brought in for chiropractic care because of an altered ability to crawl and developmental delays. He also had a middle ear infection with effusion (OME). His birth had been traumatic and he had been fully vaccinated.

Positive responses to care began after six visits. His mother reported he began climbing a lot more and that he also had started using pronouns. He began pointing to things and tried to say the name of them. His vocabulary had exploded since beginning chiropractic care. The child’s speech and movement improved after being adjusted over a two-year period. His ear infection resolved. (2) 

A Five-Year-Old with Sensory Modulation Disorder and Constipation

The patient is a 5-year-old girl with a history of birth trauma, developmental delays, sensory processing, sleep difficulties, and other functional disorders.  The child had been fully immunized.

Following chiropractic adjustments, the patient’s nervous system was able to function at a higher level, resulting in improved bowel function, mood, ability to concentrate and engage with her environment, less-fragmented more-restful sleep, improved mood, and ability to focus. (3) 

Dr Charmaine here: recently had a 2 yr old girl come to the office for digestion and sleeping issues. After her second adjustment, her mom was reporting that she was a much happier child and the initial issues were now resolved.

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

Sources:

  1. Drew R, Scupham EM. Improvement in a 3-Year-Old Boy with Autistic Spectrum Disorder Undergoing Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Study & Review of Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2023 Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Feb. 1, 2023 ~ Pages 7-13
  2. Adams-Sajdak T, Resolution of Otitis Media & Developmental Delays Following Chiropractic Care in a Boy with Birth Trauma: A Case Study & Review of the Literature Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2023 Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ February 21, 2023 ~ Pages 14-20
  3. Yoshimura R, Lathrop JM. Improvement in Sensory Modulation & Functional Disorders in a Female Pediatric Patient Undergoing Chiropractic Care. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. May 5, 2015, Pp 108-118.

 

Researching Chiropractic: Hearing Loss, Speech Difficulty, Acid Reflux, and more

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. How many people suffering, on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?   Probably most of them.

Hearing loss and Speech Difficulty

A boy with mild to moderate hearing loss was falling behind in class. As a result, his speech was difficult to understand. MDs recommended tympanostomy (ear) tubes to be surgically inserted. The parent decided to see if chiropractic care would help.

The parents brought in their child for chiropractic care. Subluxations were located and corrected. After two adjustments his hearing deficits resolved In addition, his speech and school performance greatly improved. 

Acid Reflux in a Two-Month-Old 

A two-month-old baby had severe acid reflux and constipation since birth. Her pediatrician prescribed Prilosec for her acid reflux which did not help. The infant was unable to eat without spitting up, unable to sleep because of pain, and was visibly straining and in pain while trying to defecate. 

The patient was brought in for chiropractic care. She had 12 chiropractic visits over 6 weeks. Her acid reflux, constipation, and sleep difficulties were completely resolved. 

Seizures in a 3-year-old 

A 3-year-old had a history of absence seizures (staring into space for about 15-20 seconds). He had up to five seizures a day since age one. After age two he began to have clonic seizures where he would stare off and his arms would quickly jerk back and forth bend at the elbows and go and forth across his body for 15-20 seconds. 

He also exhibited self-aggressive behavior when he would hit his head with his fists 5-10 times a day. The parents could not recall any trauma that their son may have experienced in the past however the child was fully vaccinated. Seizures are reported as an adverse effect of vaccination.

A chiropractic examination revealed the patient had an atlas subluxation. The child received a total of 10 spinal adjustments over the eight-week period. After his first adjustment, he experienced only two clonic seizures per day. At eight weeks, his parents reported that their son was having one absence seizure every other day (down from five a day) and his self-aggressive behaviors had stopped altogether.  

Scoliosis is a 5-year-old

A 5-year-old girl with thoracolumbar (mid and lower back) scoliosis began chiropractic care. In addition to scoliosis, she suffered from poor sleep and headaches.

The child’s spine was analyzed; vertebral subluxations were located in her cervical (neck). She received adjustments to eliminate the subluxations. 

Twenty-eight days after beginning care, her thoracolumbar scoliosis decreased from 130 degrees to 00 degrees. The patient received no traction, nor did she perform any corrective exercises. There was also a reduction in headaches and an improvement in sleep. 

 Breastfeeding, Other Difficulties, and Chiropractic

13 case reports, 5 articles, and 3 literature reviews were reviewed.  

Chiropractic care was reported to help many infant nursing and other difficulties such as problems with latching, reflux, regurgitation, poor sleep, excessive gas, vomiting, refusal to nurse, cranial plagiocephaly, and torticollis, excessive crying.

Difficulty with breastfeeding and infant digestive and other issues affect all socioeconomic groups and cultures. Chiropractic care provides numerous benefits for an infant’s health as well as for the mother in the long and short-term. 

Difficulty conceiving a child

A 29-year-old woman with a 3-year history of infertility began chiropractic care. She had failed attempts with intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. She had taken estrogen modulators for 5 months clomiphene citrate (Clomid) with no success. Additionally, she reported experiencing 3-4 headaches per week. She had been in a major car accident five years prior.

Vertebral subluxations were found at different segments in the spine. Adjustments were made at the sites of vertebral subluxations. During the course of the first two months of care, her headaches resolved. After a later visit to an obstetrician, her pregnancy was confirmed.  Vertebral subluxations were adjusted throughout the remainder of her pregnancy, and she was able to have a successful vaginal birth. 

After multiple failed conventional medical treatments, 16 chiropractic adjustments over a span of 55 days resulted in a once-infertile female being able to conceive a child and carry the baby to term. 

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

Sources:

  • Ng K. Resolution of Hearing Loss, Improved Speech & School Performance Following Chiropractic Management of Vertebral Subluxations in a Male Child: A Case Study. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2018. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ July 16, 2018 ~ Pages 77-83
  • Bryant B, Alcantara J. Resolution of Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Constipation in an Infant Following Chiropractic to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ November 19, 2019 ~ Pages 129-133.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2019
  • Sigmon P, Hudson M, Alcantara J. Reduction of Seizures & Self Aggression Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Upper Cervical Subluxation in a 3-Year-Old Male: A Case Study & Review of the Literature, J. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research – April 5, 2018 p. 13-18
  • From Wealth Weekly by Tomas McFie, DC. https://wealthweekly.substack.com/p/inherent-dangers-hidden-in-indexed?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
  • https://www.statista.com/statistics/953104/pharma-industry-tv-ad-spend-us/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
  • Hansen ML, Gunn PW, Kaelber D. Underdiagnosis of hypertension in children and adolescents. JAMA. 2007;298(8):874-879.
  • Schatz IJ. Cholesterol and all-cause mortality in elderly people from the Honolulu Heart Program: a cohort study. Lancet. 2001;358(9279):351-355.
  • Dr. Marcia Angell, NY Review of Books, January 15, 2009, “Drug Companies & Doctors: A Story of Corruption.”
  • Cooper J. Resolution of Pediatric Thoracolumbar Scoliosis Using the Pierce Result System: A Case Report. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2022 Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ September 19, 2022 ~ Pages 75-85
  • Dalton M. Resolution of Breastfeeding Difficulties Following Chiropractic Care:  A Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2023 Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. January 16, 2023 ~ Pages 1-6
  • Ebert C, Brettingen P. Resolution of Infertility Following Subluxation Centered Chiropractic Care: A Case Study and Selective Review of Literature Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ March 12, 2018, Pages 1-6

How Will I Feel After Getting a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Why is chiropractic the most popular non-surgical, non-drug healing art in the USA and the world? Because it works!  People feel better and get better under chiropractic care. The adjustment that is meant to correct subluxations (blockages/distortions/stress) can benefit your entire body, all your organs, even your brain and nervous system as well as body structure.

How do people feel after chiropractic care? It depends. Some feel an immediate difference, some feel different over time. Here are some common responses: 

  • I feel taller
  • I feel lighter
  • I feel more stable, more balanced
  • Wow, walking is easier
  • The pain is gone!
  • I can take a deeper breath
  • Why do I feel like crying?
  • I can walk straighter
  • I can sleep better
  • I feel more connected
  • I feel like a weight just lifted from my body
  • Can I bring in my wife/husband/children?
  • and the list goes on and on.

Sometimes healing doesn’t always feel great – sometimes as you heal you release old injuries or detoxify to release poisons. You need that for complete healing (referred to as retracing). If you experience retracing, you may feel yucky (for a relatively short time). Be patient and as a general rule, do not take drugs to relieve symptoms because that may prevent complete healing.  

Uncomfortable symptoms may include the pain of old injuries finally healing completely, fever, diarrhea, skin eruptions, rashes, and even vomiting. If retracing does occur (usually on the initial visit) don’t worry, it is good for you, and don’t worry, it is usually temporary.

Schedule an appointment with us today!

(517) 627-4547