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Your Sleep Quality and Mental Health

Sleep and mental health are deeply intertwined, with each influencing the other in complex ways. Chiropractic care, often associated with pain relief and spinal alignment, also plays a significant role in enhancing both sleep quality and mental well-being.

Many patients have trouble sleeping due to physical discomfort or stress. Spinal misalignments, also known as subluxations, can disrupt the nervous system’s normal function. This disruption can lead to heightened stress levels, resulting in difficulty falling or staying asleep. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, helping the nervous system function more efficiently, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep.

In one study, researchers found that regular chiropractic care, focusing on spinal alignment and nervous system function, significantly improved sleep quality in patients suffering from insomnia. The study observed that after just a few weeks of consistent adjustments, patients reported falling asleep faster and enjoying longer, more restful sleep periods. This improvement in sleep quality had a direct positive effect on their mental health, as better sleep is associated with reduced anxiety and depression levels (5). This underscores the importance of regular chiropractic care in maintaining good sleep and mental health.

Mental health is closely tied to the body’s overall condition

Chronic pain, poor posture, and physical stress can all contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Chiropractic care addresses these physical stressors by improving posture, reducing pain, and enhancing overall bodily function. As physical symptoms improve, many patients notice a corresponding improvement in their mental outlook.

A review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine underscores the potential of chiropractic care to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by addressing the physical discomfort often associated with these mental health challenges. The review emphasizes that when patients experience relief from chronic pain or discomfort, their mental health often improves, leading to a better quality of life (1).

Chiropractors also often incorporate lifestyle advice into their care plans, including recommendations for exercise, nutrition, and stress management techniques. These elements contribute to a more comprehensive approach to improving sleep and mental health. For example, regular exercise and a balanced diet are known to enhance mood and reduce stress, which further supports better sleep and mental health.

Personal Stories

Many patients have shared personal stories of how chiropractic care has changed their lives, not just by alleviating pain but by restoring their ability to sleep well and feel mentally refreshed. One patient, for instance, struggled with insomnia and anxiety for years before seeking chiropractic care. After a few months of regular adjustments, they reported sleeping through the night and feeling less anxious and more positive during the day.

In summary, chiropractic care offers more than just physical relief. Addressing the underlying causes of sleep disturbances and physical stress helps patients achieve better sleep and improved mental health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Call us today for an appointment! 517.627.4547

1.”The Impact of Chiropractic Care on Anxiety and Depression: A Review.” *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine*, vol. 25, no. 3, 2019, pp. 176-182.

What is a Subluxation?

From a chiropractic perspective, a subluxation is defined as a misalignment of the vertebrae, regarded as a key cause of health problems through its impact on the nervous system. Unlike the medical definition, which emphasizes partial dislocation of any joint, chiropractic subluxation focuses specifically on the spine and its influence on overall health. Chiropractors believe that these spinal subluxations can interfere with the body’s self-healing capabilities by disrupting the flow of nerve impulses between the brain and the rest of the body.

Subluxations are thought to result from various stress factors that can be physical (such as poor posture, accidents, or repetitive motions), chemical (like poor nutrition or substance abuse), or emotional (stress, anxiety). These stressors can lead to changes in the spinal tissues, causing vertebrae to move out of their normal position and potentially affect nerve function.

Symptoms of a subluxation may not be as immediately apparent as those of a medical subluxation and can vary widely among individuals. Some may experience back or neck pain, while others may have systemic issues such as digestive problems, headaches, or fatigue, suggesting that the effects of subluxations can extend beyond the immediate area of misalignment to influence overall health.

The chiropractic approach to removing subluxations is through adjustments, a specialized technique designed to correct vertebral misalignments, thereby restoring proper nerve function and promoting the body’s natural healing processes. Chiropractors use their hands or specific instruments to apply controlled force to the spine, aiming to realign the vertebrae to their proper position.

Research and clinical studies support the chiropractic assertion that addressing spinal subluxations can have a positive impact on overall health. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics highlights the potential benefits of chiropractic adjustments in improving nerve function and reducing pain (3).

In summary, from a chiropractic standpoint, a subluxation is not just a physical misalignment but a significant health concern with the potential to affect the nervous system and overall well-being. Chiropractors emphasize the importance of correcting these subluxations to maintain health and prevent disease.

How can chiropractic care enhance childhood development?

D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, posited that many health issues stem from misalignments in the spine (subluxations), which can impede the flow of innate intelligence or the body’s natural healing capability. For children, ensuring that the spine is properly aligned is believed to support the body’s natural development processes and overall health. Traditional chiropractic care aims to correct these subluxations through specific adjustments, thereby enhancing the nervous system’s function.

One of the primary ways chiropractic can enhance childhood development is by improving nervous system functionality. A healthy spine is crucial for a well-functioning nervous system, which in turn is essential for the growth and development of children. The nervous system controls and coordinates all the body’s organs and structures and plays a key role in developmental milestones such as walking, talking, and fine motor skills. By ensuring that there are no spinal misalignments, chiropractic care can support the optimal functioning of the nervous system, facilitating better health and development outcomes for children.

Additionally, chiropractic care has been associated with improvements in specific childhood issues such as colic, asthma, and ear infections, which can affect a child’s overall development and quality of life. A systematic review published in the “Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics” highlights the potential benefits of chiropractic interventions in reducing colic symptoms in infants, suggesting a positive impact on early developmental stages (1).

Furthermore, research documented in the “Chiropractic & Manual Therapies” journal indicates that chiropractic care may improve behavioral and emotional health outcomes in children, pointing to its holistic benefits on childhood development. These studies underline the significance of a well-aligned spine for general health and development, echoing D.D. Palmer’s foundational principles of chiropractic care.

Make an appointment with us today. 517-627-4547

[1] American Chiropractic Association. “What is Chiropractic?” Accessed April 2023. This reference provides a foundational understanding of chiropractic care, its principles, and its practice, highlighting the importance of continued care for overall health and wellness.

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.

Chiropractic can help you run faster, jump higher, and be stronger

Top athletes from all over the world rely on chiropractic to keep their body structure balanced, their nerve system healthy and their muscles and joints functioning at their peak.

Name the sport: golf, tennis, baseball, football, soccer, track, swimming, hockey, martial arts, wrestling, and all the others – chiropractic is used by top players in all these fields to give them the winning edge. Why? Chiropractic promotes better balance, improved coordination, increased strength, and vitality. Athletes are fine-tuned and very sensitive to their bodies. That’s why they make some of the most grateful chiropractic patients.

Because of the above benefits, Chiropractic can help prevent sports injuries and can also help an injured player return to the game or competition faster. (1,2,3)

Of course, you don’t need to be an Olympian or a professional athlete to go to a chiropractor; anyone who uses his/her body needs it to function at its peak. That means everyone. Even computer users, even kids on their smartphones (they especially need chiropractic structural care).

Are you an athlete? Got any student-athletes in your home? Make an appointment with us today!

517 627-4547

Haldeman, S Spinal manipulative therapy in sports medicine Clinics in Sports Medicine 1986;5:277
Lauro BM Chiropractic effects on athletic ability Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigations 1991;6(4):84-87
Interview with Nick Athens, DC Chiropractic Achievers November/December 1989;38

Getting Sick May Prevent Cancer and Heart Disease

This may seem a bit crazy or at least questionable but stick with us, there’s a method to our madness.

The school of Natural Hygiene is humanity’s traditional healing system, it is thousands of years old. It is based on ancient wisdom learned from experience. It understands that acute symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, sneezing, and coughing are mechanisms the body uses to detoxify, cleanse, rebalance, strengthen and heal.

The medical model is largely based on the suppression of uncomfortable symptoms with drugs. Suppression prevents the body from externalizing disease and drives disease deeper into the body. Suppression has been linked to chronic (more dangerous and long-lasting) illness.

For thousands of years, using natural hygiene, humanity, when clean food and water were present, was healthier than people are today. Chronic illness such as heart disease and cancer has exploded in the past 100 years. Modern medicine’s obsession with drugs and vaccines (along with poor nutrition) is a major reason why nearly everyone is so sick and over half of all Americans (of all ages) are suffering from chronic illness.

Letting people get sick is beneficial. For example:

Heart disease

At an international conference of pediatric oncology, the following was reported (see the link for more):

Having two childhood viral infections reduces the risk of developing heart disease later in life by 40%; four infections were associated with a 60% decreased risk, and six infections lowered the risk of heart disease by 90%. (1)

Cancer

Measles, mumps, chicken pox, the 24 or 48-hour “virus, the “stomach bug going around” and other things that result in fever are protective against cancer:

Febrile infectious childhood diseases are associated with lower cancer risk in adulthood. (2)

A history of common colds or gastro-enteric influenza…was associated with a decreased risk of stomach, colon, rectum, and ovarian cancer. (3)

Hay fever, Asthma, and Eczema

Lack of hay fever, asthma, and eczema is credited to early exposure to normal childhood diseases. (4)

Having many older siblings; attending daycare at an early age; growing up on a farm and in frequent contact with cattle, poultry, and cats; and having childhood measles and orofaecal infections…are all helpful…in promoting normal immunological maturation and in preventing atopic disease. (5)

Why?

As mentioned above, fever, sweating, vomiting, skin eruptions, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, and many other symptoms are how the body detoxifies, cleanses, and heals. A cleaner body is protective against all diseases while suppressing symptoms with drugs drives disease deep into the body and causes chronic illness

Retracing

Retracing is part of the healing process. It occurs when old pain, injuries, or trauma (emotional or physical) surface after chiropractic and/or natural care.

Old injuries that haven’t healed completely may “reawaken” for more complete healing. Memories and feelings associated with the original injury may also come to the surface. Retracing may not only surface as a conscious memory – old energy may release in dreams. Chiropractic patients have at times noticed that their dreams are unusual, intense, or revealing aftercare.

Some may experience detoxification or cleansing of the body such as a fever, rash, or vomiting.

Sometimes muscle soreness is caused by underused muscles working to realign your body. This “charley horse” is usually brief.

Some people are in such good general health that they may feel no difference, while others may feel no difference for the opposite reason-they are so ill or toxic that they have lost sensitivity to their bodies.

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 is improved that the true benefits of chiropractic are experienced.

1. Erkki Pesonen, MD. University Hospital in Lund, Sweden. Presentation at IV World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 9/23/2005

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/9454821/ns/health-heart_health/t/childhood-infections-may-prevent-heart-disease/#.W-OYn3pKgWo

2. Albonico HU, Braker HU, Husler J. Febrile infectious childhood diseases in the history of cancer patients and matched controls. Medical Hypotheses. 1998;51(4):315-320.

3. Abel U, Becker N, Angerer R, et al. Common infections in the history of cancer patients and controls. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 1991;117(4):339-344.

4. The Lancet. February 6, 1999, and. Vol 359. February 16, 2002.

5. Johnston SL, Openshaw PJM, The protective effect of childhood infections. British Medical Journal 2001 Feb 17; 322(7283): 376-377.

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)

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/

MOTHER NATURE IS BEYOND AMAZING

MOTHER NATURE IS BEYOND AMAZING AND HOW SHE TAKES CARE OF HER CREATURES IS JUST INCREDIBLE.

At the end of March, we snuck away for a weekend to surprise my dearest friend. En route, we listened to a fascinating interview on Terri Gross’s show on NPR. It was an interview with author Scott Weidensaul about his book, A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds.

How often do you even take note of the birds above your head? Ever wonder where they come from and where they are going?

This book by Scott Weidensaul, details how Mother Nature has adapted birds to be able to endure incredible long flights over oceans (17days for one of them) with no outside food or water and no place to sleep among many other feats that little fluff balls we don’t even really pay attention to, should never normally encounter. This bird apparently stuffs itself in Alaska in preparation for the trip and then, during the trip, their hearts and stomachs decrease in size and their bodies metabolize the stored fat into water and energy for the bird for the duration of the trip. ( As the author quipped…. we humans need that metabolizing capability!)

Birds apparently Hemi-sleep…..that is one side of their brains shut down at a time and they flip flop between hemispheres on long trips (and even when sleeping on trees), anyway…kinda like sleeping with one eye open! The stories were incredible and each time we were looking at each other and going…” good grief Innate is incredible marvelous”. Innate, that little speck of Mother Nature/The Divine that manifests itself in each and every living thing and makes the science of bird migration something to really read about and marvel at. We will have the book at the office when Ray has finished reading it.

“Many mysteries of birdlife and migration are revealed in this compelling and illuminating in-the-field narrative complete with maps and photographs” starred review Booklist

Researching Chiropractic: Shoulders, Vertigo, Breast Feeding

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.

Shoulder problems in two patients.

A 45-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man had complaints of shoulder pain and restriction. Both reported falls and accidents two months prior. Over-the-counter medication and physical therapy were ineffective.

Both patients received upper cervical (upper neck) chiropractic adjustments. Significant improvements in shoulder range of motion and decreased pain occurred in both patients. (2)

Vertigo, hearing, and quality of life.

A fifty-one-year-old woman was diagnosed with Chiari malformation (CM), a structural defect where the brainstem is below its typical/normal position. CM can cause headaches, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, dizziness, neck pain, unsteady gait, poor hand coordination, numbness and tingling of the hands and feet as well as speech problems.

This woman suffered from Meniere’s disease, migraine, concussion, whiplash, upper cervical subluxation, and TMJ dysfunction.

She had previously received skull and neck surgery to address her symptoms. She experienced only temporary relief.

She began chiropractic care. At a two-year follow up she reported that her vertigo number went from 10 to 1 (occasional imbalance but no dizziness) and her hearing was restored. Her tinnitus was replaced by an occasional humming sound. She reports she has her confidence back, can drive and shop again and her sleep has improved. (3)

Breastfeeding difficulties.

A 9-day-old girl with a history of birth trauma was brought in for chiropractic care. Her mother reported that her daughter had breastfeeding difficulties and failure to gain weight. Breastfeeding was so painful that a lactation consultant recommended a nipple shield.

The child had chiropractic adjustment to her atlas (C-1 vertebrae) and sacrum along with cranial care. She had four visits in two weeks and after each visit, the mother reported more comfortable breastfeeding and an increase in weight gain. (4)

Do you know anyone suffering from these things? Please share this article with them and gently suggest they make an appointment to see us. 517.627.4547

Shin M, Alcantara J. Resolution of adhesive capsulitis following subluxation-based chiropractic care: a case series & selective review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. October 19, 2015:167-171.
Burcon MT. Resolution of vertigo restored hearing & improved quality of life in a patient with Meniere’s disease & failed craniectomy: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. May 10, 2021:10-19.
Williams-Libs S, Alcantara J. Resolution of breastfeeding difficulties and concomitant weight gain following chiropractic care in an infant with birth trauma: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. June 1, 2021:46-52.

What part of your body does this?

It deactivates drugs – without it, a few ounces of alcohol could keep you drunk for life; a moment’s adrenaline rush would go on and on; pharmaceuticals would never stop altering your body chemistry.

It helps life-sustaining nutrients to get to your cells.

It converts food into nutrients.

It stores fats, sugars, iron, and vitamins for later use by the body

It is the most amazing juggler in existence – creating and balancing over 13,000 chemicals and hormones.

It keeps your blood sugar levels within a safe margin and balances vitamins and minerals so your bones will stay strong and won’t deteriorate.

It clears out inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed (through the skin) toxins, chemicals, and pollution. Without this constant detoxification of waste and toxins, you’d be dead in less than a day.

It works 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and doesn’t take off for holidays.

With the exception of your skin, it is the largest organ in your body and performs more than 500 functions to keep you healthy.

If you guessed your liver……… go to the head of the class.

When your liver is not functioning properly you may feel sluggish and possibly nauseous. Many of your organs are affected by an unhealthy liver – your eyes can be bloodshot, you can have bad breath, abdominal bloating, poor digestion, fatigue, a coated tongue, a sluggish metabolism, excessive body heat, sugar cravings, and inability to lose weight. A sluggish liver stresses the kidney, heart, and brain.

This is one very important organ.

An important way to keep your liver healthy is to make sure your spine is healthy. Why? Because your liver, as well as your other organs, needs constant communications from your spine. A subluxation could block essential communications between your brain and body, potentially affecting liver function.

Please share this article with someone who may need this information!

Lanjopoulos Chiropractic

Chiropractics, Yoga, Tai Chi, Healthy Living