Tag Archives: chiropractic care

Researching Chiropractic: Scoliosis, Parkinson’s, and Post neck fusion

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.

Post neck fusion adjustmentPost neck fusion adjustment

This is the case report of a 43-year-old woman suffering from neck and mid-back pain and stiffness, migraines, shoulder pain, low energy and decreased performance of activities of daily living. She had undergone a surgical fusion of her neck (cervical spine) to help her symptoms, but after the surgery her symptoms remained.

The woman received chiropractic care over 3 months and follow up X-rays showed improvement in neck curve and posture. Her head was sitting atop her spine in a more balanced position.

She reported improvements in neck and mid-back pain/stiffness, shoulder pain, energy levels, performance of activities of daily living, and frequency, duration, and severity of migraine episodes. (1)

Scoliosis reduction in a 7-year-old boy Scoliosis reduction in a 7-year-old

A 7-year-old boy was brought in by his parents because of a recent diagnosis of scoliosis. His mother was worried about the diagnosis especially since the orthopedic surgeon told her that he should wear a brace because the curve was worsening: the angle of his scoliosis (Cobb angle) was measured at 25°. The mother decided to seek an alternative approach. The child had no pain or other complaints.

Chiropractic examination revealed subluxations in the cervical and thoracic spine as well as in the sacrum. The child was seen three times a week for a total of 16 visits.

After the adjustments, he was X-rayed again. His scoliosis (Cobb angle) decreased over 50%, from 25° to 11°. In addition, his high left shoulder was level and the muscle tone in his mid-back was more relaxed (less hypertonicity). The child continues to receive weekly chiropractic visits and future improvements are expected. (2)

Parkinson’s and chiropractic careparkinsons and chiropractic

Parkinson’s is the second most common Neurodegenerative  disease after Alzheimer’s. Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly a source of suffering and death. Can chiropractic help?

This is the case of a 76-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease. He came to the office with right-sided tremors, memory loss, balance issues, constant leg pain, occasional poor circulation, and decreased muscular strength. He needed to use a walker. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by his neurologist in 2010 and was taking 10 doses of leva-dopa a day.

A chiropractic analysis revealed the patient to have many postural distortions in addition to an upper cervical (C-1) subluxation that was affecting his brain stem.

After the first adjustment, the patient no longer needed a walker and his tremors decreased.

He continues care and his tremors and other Parkinson’s symptoms continue to lessen. His neurologist decreased his medication by 50%. He remains under care. (3)

  1. Fedorchuk C, Lightstone, DF, Andino H. Failed neck surgery: improvement in neck pain, migraines, energy levels, and performance of activities of daily living following subluxation correction using Chiropractic BioPhysics® Technique: a case study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. May 18, 2017:93-100.
  2. Tokar CS, Moore RT. Reduction of scoliosis in a 7-year-old male following chiropractic care: a case study & selective review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;2:65-73.
  3. Friedman R, Powers S. Improvement in Parkinson’s disease symptoms following upper cervical chiropractic care: a case study & selective review of the literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. June 5, 2017:22-30.

Researching Chiropractic: Studies in helping people

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.

Chiropractic Care and Breech Birthchiropractic care

A 35-year-old woman was 34 weeks pregnant when she came in for chiropractic care. She had a history of breech births and cesarean sections. This time she wanted a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). She had heard chiropractic care can help a baby turn from a breech presentation to a more natural position.
Over the course of two weeks of care she had four chiropractic adjustments. The baby turned in a normal vertex position for a vaginal delivery and the patient went on to have a successful, natural, vaginal birth process with no reported complications. (1)

Chiropractic Care and Stroke

A 58-year-old male presented to a chiropractic office complaining of left hip pain. He had suffered a stroke 18 years earlier (at age 40!) and still had been experiencing residual paralysis in both hands and widespread muscle spasticity. His right hand was involuntarily contracted in a complete fist. The patient’s medical doctor told him that these problems were permanent.chirorpactic care

After 13 months of chiropractic care addressing his vertebral subluxations, the patient had improved control of fine motor skills, decreased muscle spasticity and was able to turn pages of a book with his right hand and lay his hand flat on a table with no assistance. The patient was also able to move well enough to put on his own jacket, button and zip it, with no assistance. He can now exercise on his Pilates machine, which he had been unable to do since before his stroke. Incidentally, the patient has not had to increase his eyewear prescription since beginning chiropractic care. (2)

Chiropractic Care and Seizures in a four-year-old

A four-year-old boy was brought in for chiropractic care with the following symptoms: eye rolling, pursing of the lips, loss of balance, delayed speech and up to three seizures per day. chiropractic care

His neurologist diagnosed him with intractable frontal lobe epilepsy at the age of eighteen-months. He had been on antiepileptic drugs without improvement. The neurologist recommended that a frontal lobectomy be performed.

Chiropractic analysis revealed a subluxation of the C1 (atlas) vertebra that was corrected on his first visit.

At his second visit three days later the mother stated that he had not experienced any seizures since the first adjustment.

He has been under care for seven months and his parents report significant improvements in their son’s balance, speech and a significant decrease in eye rolling as well as significant improvement in coordination and overall quality of life. His seizures have decreased to about three a week so far. (3)

Resources:

  1. Drobbin D, McClain B.Resolution of breech presentation and successful VBAC in a patient undergoing Webster Technique: a case study & selective review of the literature. J Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;2:44-53.
  2. Dunton T, Pallis RJ. Improvement in major residual effects of stroke followingchiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research.April 17, 2017:64-71.
  3. Lieberman B, Hapner-Petron S.Reduction of seizures in a four-year-old male with intractable frontal lobe epilepsy following upper cervical chiropractic care: a case study. J Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;2:57-64.

What’s so bad about spinal back surgery?

Spinal back surgery, also referred to as spinal fusion, is used to relieve back pain. Surgeons fuse the bones together in an operation that can last up to four hours.

The Dangers of Back Surgery back surgery

Spinal surgery is very dangerous, it can cause blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs. It can also cause:

  • infection
  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • damage to your spinal nerves
  • pain
  • loss of sensation
  • weakness
  • trigger more problems later on

But what’s even worse is that back surgery rarely cures chronic back pain. (1)

Chiropractic should be explored before anyone considers back surgery.

A NOTE FROM DR. C

Statistically the odds of a repeat surgery goes up as structures that are somewhat mobile become fixated after surgery, and areas above and below have to take up the slack…look at Tiger Woods…he has just had his fourth back surgery!!!

Resource:

  1. Whoriskey P, Keating D. Spinal fusions serve as case study for debate over when certain surgeries are necessary. Washington Post. October 27, 2013.

Asthma and Chiropractic

Can chiropractic help with asthma?asthma

About one in 12 people in the United States now has asthma, a total of 24.6 million people, and an increase of 4.3 million since 2001…. The increases come, surprisingly, despite improved air quality throughout most of the country and widespread decreases in smoking.

What happens during an asthma attack?

During an asthmatic “attack” the little tubes that transport the air in your lungs (bronchioles) become swollen, go into spasm and fill with mucous. Asthmatics struggle for every breath, literally gasping and wheezing for life during an attack.

For some unfortunate individuals wheezing, gasping and struggling go on continuously and long-time sufferers may develop a barrel chest. Attacks may be triggered by allergic reactions, emotional stress, physical exertion or irritants like cigarette smoke.

The most dangerous form of asthma, status asthmaticus, is so severe it can result in death.

Asthma is a chronic conditionAsthma

Asthma was almost never a fatal disease; medical folk-wisdom used to hold that no child ever died of asthma, but now asthma kills over 5,000 a year. It is the most common chronic condition in children.

Medicine offers no cure for asthma. Patients are told to avoid physical or emotional irritants and are given temporary relief with cortisone, inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators that prevent or reduce swelling inside the bronchi. These drugs may cause severe side effects including addiction.

Is a lifetime of drugs the only answer?

The Chiropractic Approach to Asthma

Chiropractic is not a treatment or therapy for asthma and yet for over a hundred years asthma and sufferers of all types of respiratory conditions have sung the praises of chiropractic care.

Typical among case histories is that of an 8-year-old diagnosed with asthma at age five who was using BecloventT and AlbyterolT 1-3 times per day. After eight chiropractic adjustments over a period of 2½ weeks, the child had stopped inhaler use, wheezing had ceased, he could run without gasping and was free of asthmatic attacks without medication.

Anyone with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other chronic lung conditions needs to ensure their lungs and bronchi are receiving uninterrupted nerve communication from their spines.

Chiropractic is a healing art dedicated to keeping the nerve passages between the lungs, bronchi and other structures of the respiratory system open and unobstructed, thus permitting them to heal and to function at their utmost. 

Resources:

  1. Maugh TH. Asthma rates increasing in U.S., despite less smoking and decreased air pollution. Los Angeles Times. May 3, 2011.?
  2. Leboeuf-Yde C,Pedersen EN,Bryner P et al. Self-reported nonmusculoskeletal responses to chiropractic intervention: a multination survey. J Manipulative Physiol Ther.2005 Jun;28(5):294-302; discussion 365-366.
  3. Peet JB. Case study: eight-year-old female with chronic asthma. Chiropractic Ped. 1997;3(2):9-12.

Chiropractic – Many Levels of Healing

Chiropractic care can help your body function in many chiropractic can jump start your healthways.

Chiropractic can help promote detoxification, relaxation, emotional healing and a deeper connection to oneself and others.

Chiropractic care helps people become more physically balanced. This often increases their energy and permits them to relax – both physically and emotionally.

The mental/emotional benefits of chiropractic have been noticed since chiropractic’s inception. Correcting subluxations was noticed to improve mental function and relieve depression.

Retracing

One of the most powerful phenomenon of healing is retracing, – where old pains, diseases or trauma come “to the surface” to be released. Retracing is one of the signs of complete healing and even though it may be (temporarily) uncomfortable, it leaves in its wake a stronger, healthier, happier person.

Start (or jump start) your healing journey with chiropractic to begin a healthier all-around lifestyle. Let your chiropractor be your healthy lifestyle coach.

Give us a call and start your journey now!

What diseases do chiropractors treat?

The answer is: None of them and all of themPalmer

Chiropractic is not a treatment for named diseases but should be sought out no matter what conditions or diseases a person suffers from or is diagnosed with – back pain, depression, cold. flu, cancer, autism, allergies, asthma – everything from A to Z.

How can that be?

Chiropractic’s purpose is to release subluxations – blockages or interferences in your body that prevent you from functioning at your best.

Think of chiropractic subluxation correction as you would good nutrition. What diseases do you need good nutrition for? All of them!

The chiropractic message is simple: do not live with subluxations and do not let your children, your spouse and your friends and relatives live with subluxations.

One day going to the chiropractor for a subluxation checkup will be done by most everyone on a regular basis. We need to start more conversations with, “Hey, did you see your chiropractor this week?”

Have you?

Stress and Chiropractic Care

Q: When should I come in for care?a man looking stressed out

A: There is no “one size fits all” schedule but there are general guidelines you can follow.

Under Stress

Definitely come in when you are under a lot of stress. Why? Because stress – whether it is physical (from accidents or falls), chemical (toxicity in our foods and environment) or emotional (family stress) – causes subluxations in your body. You may not feel any pain, but they are there and sapping your energy.

Did you know there is macro-stress, for example, getting hit by a car or falling, and micro-stress, for example, using a mouse or sitting in a bad position. Both can cause damage – micro-stress takes longer of course – but in time both cause subluxations. It’s the same with emotional and toxic stress.

That’s why we will often tell you to come back even if you have no pain or other symptom so we can find subluxations before the pain and suffering and before real damage has occurred.

Latest News from Charmaine: January Newsletter: Intentions

Greetings all!

Well, our happy news that ended 2016, was that we became first-time grandparents to a bouncing 10lbs 8 oz baby boy, Alfred.  Damaris and Anders and Alfred are all doing well and by the time this letter is published, I will have been to Norway to see him and to help out the new mother.   Needless to say, I am sure our life is going to change “a bit” (LOL).  We will both be going over for his christening in April/May.

Meanwhile, life here continues.  Please make sure that we are current and up to date with ALL your pertinent information:

  • address
  • phone numbers
  • insurance info

It helps keep the systems flowing in the office.

This newsletter will talk about Intentions instead of Resolutions, will include a few funnies and some recipes. If there is ever anything you would like a bit more information about, talk to me and I will see what I can do for you.

See you in the office, on the mat or under the barbells!!

Researching Chiropractic: Case Studies in Trigeminal Neuralgia, Asthma and headaches, and Constipation

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.

Case Study for Trigeminal Neuralgia (tic douloureux)case-study-trigeminal-neuralgia

For seven years a 77-year-old woman suffered from severe right-sided face pain (trigeminal neuralgia or TN). Her pain was made worse by chewing, talking, and smiling and when her symptoms were at their worst, she was unable to eat or talk well for up to 4 days. Medication gave temporarily relief and at times did not help at all.

When she began chiropractic care she rated her pain 10 out of 10, describing it as a constant hot, throbbing, burning sensation that progressively got worse. Subluxations were located at C1 (upper neck) as well as other areas. The patient was put on a protocol for subluxation adjustment/correction.

After six visits of subluxation correction there was a significant reduction in pain; after four months of care she went off her medication and after 6 months of care was pain free. (1)

Case Study in Asthma and Headaches

A 15-year-old boy was suffering from asthma and headaches. He began specific chiropractic care for correcase-study-constipationction of his subluxations.  His asthma and headaches resolved completely following care. (2)

Case Study in Constipation in an eight-month old

An 8-month-old baby boy was suffering from constipation. When the mother brought him in for care he had not made a bowel movement for five days. Increased fluid intake was unsuccessful.

Within a short period of his first adjustments, the infant proceeded to have a very large bowel movement while sitting in his car seat. Two hours later additional bowel movements occurred. The mother also stated that her child was of a much happier disposition. (3)

  1. Zielinski E, Mankal K, Pirini J. Resolution of trigeminal neuralgia following chiropractic care utilizing Chiropractic Biophysics and diversified techniques: a case study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 6, 2014:177-183.
  2. Jaszewski E, Willard A. Resolution of asthma in a teenager following subluxation-based chiropractic management utilizing the Pierce Results System: a case study & selective review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2016;3:84-91.
  3. Miceli J, Alcantara J. Resolution of constipation in an 8-month-old child following adjustment of vertebral subluxation. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2016;1:14-17.

How did D.D. Palmer Discover Chiropractic?

Palmer

Dr. Palmer makes a discovery

In 1895 Dr. Daniel David Palmer, a popular magnetic (energy) healer, discovered a spinal “bump” on a deaf individual. It appeared as if the spinal bone were out of place. Upon questioning, Dr. Palmer learned that the man had bumped his head seventeen years prior and became deaf shortly afterwards.

Palmer reasoned that the accident may have displaced a vertebra in the man’s spine, hence the slight bump, and that re-aligning the vertebra may give relief.

A slight adjustment

Using his hands, he “adjusted” the bone back into alignment and after 17 years the man could hear again. Shortly thereafter a patient with a heart condition was similarly found to have spinal displacements. When they were adjusted the heart condition improved.

Palmer reasoned that if two conditions so different, deafness and heart disease, could be caused by displaced vertebrae in the spine, could not other conditions be related to spinal displacements (later called subluxations)?

So began the discovery and evolution of chiropractic.