Tag Archives: chiropractic

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: 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.

 

Survival – Ashes to Ashes….how to make the space between awesome!

For a while onlookers stand about the corpse marveling at its silence, its stillness, its apparent peace, it is performing its own ancient ritual of death. Its complex systems, organs, tissues, and cells are decomposing, disintegrating, and returning to the simpler forms from which they arose.

There is no stopping this process for the great force, energy, and wisdom that kept this body in constant organization, complexity, and regeneration are gone. What remains is the universal tendency of the complex to return to the simpler, like a delicate house of cards collapsing upon itself.

Now there is no resistance to the onslaughts of the elements. The dead no longer shiver from the cold of night, nor perspire from the heat of the day. The sun dries the skin to dust, and the wind blows the dust away. Our body returns to the earth from which it sprang forth to become part of a greater whole. As a Navajo proverb declares “The earth is a mother who never dies.”

Yet we die. Inevitably. It is no miracle that death ultimately overtakes us; the miracle is that life can, even briefly, flourish, that we are able to resist the law of entropy, the tendency of the organized to irreversibly become disorganized; to return to the earth.

What buoys us up on this hostile sea of existence and mocks the universal forces around us? How do we maintain our inner uniqueness, our multitude of complex molecular and biological forms and activities, and stubbornly refuse to merge into the elements?

That is the miracle of life. All living beings possess the ability to maintain inner complexity, to adapt to the environment.

How is this done?

We are filled with adaptation mechanisms. For example, body temperature must hover around 98.6 degrees F. for our chemistry to function properly no matter what the outside temperature or how active or inactive we are.  

On a torrid 110-degree August day you walk into a frigid 65-degree supermarket, yet your body temperature remains the same. How is this done?  Adaptation mechanisms such as shivering, or perspiring keep our body temperature within a safe range.

Adaptation mechanisms keep us floating upon the sea of existence. They balance blood sugar, blood pressure, and hormone levels, and respond to thousands of physical and emotional stresses every day. They all say the same thing – survive! Survive and thrive amidst life’s challenges.

You’re at war

Your world is constantly assaulting you with physical, emotional, toxic, environmental, and chemical stresses. We are fighting a constant war of adaptation. It is a war of high stakes – your life and health! Life requires constant adaptation.

How is this war fought?

Symptoms are the mechanisms your body uses to bring you into balance (or homeostasis). Symptoms may be uncomfortable, but they are necessary. These include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, sneezing, coughing, sweating, shivering (as mentioned above), mucus and pus, skin eruptions, fatigue, lack of appetite (natural fasting), and many more. These are natural ways you cleanse, detox, and heal. 

Symptoms are not diseases; they are the cure for diseases. Suppressing symptoms can lead to deeper health problems. Whether or not you’ll get symptoms and how quickly they go away depends on your ability to respond to and adapt to challenges. 

Adaption is Emotional as Well as Physical

Two people may experience great emotional stress such as divorce or death in a family. One will grieve for a short time and recover while the other may fall into a long depression. Why? It depends on how well they can adapt.

Chiropractic for Adaptation

Your nervous system: brain, spinal cord, and billions of nerves that travel to every nook and cranny in your body continuously transmit information. Adaptation is dependent upon this communication. You need a healthy nervous system so it may send messages all over your body so you may adapt most efficiently, 

Structural subluxations can interfere with your nervous system, weakening you on many levels. Subluxations may stress your brain, spinal cord, and outlying nerves. Chiropractic care is dedicated to locating and correcting your subluxations, permitting your nervous system to operate with less stress – helping you adapt physically, chemically, and emotionally.

Keep yourself and your family adapting at their peak – get regular chiropractic care for your brain, spinal cord, and nervous system health.

Make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

Researching Chiropractic: Meniere’s Disease, Autism, Allergies

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, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?  Probably most of them.

A 59-year-old woman with Meniere’s Disease

This woman had left ear hearing loss, extreme vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), brain fog, and pressure in her forehead area.

Medical doctors gave her three steroid injections, but she had no relief.  She sought out chiropractic care as a last resort. 

Upper neck (cervical) subluxations (atlas and axis) were found on analysis. An atlas correction (adjustment) was performed.  She did not need another correction for 72 days!

Her vertigo resolved immediately; her tinnitus went from a 10 to a 2 on a scale of 0-10 with 10 being the worst. Her brain fog and forehead pressure went away, and her hearing was restored. 

She was soon able to go for long walks, drive, exercise, and work. Her overall health and well-being greatly improved after being under care. (1) 

Improvement in the language of an autistic boy

A 17-year-old boy with autism, altered behavioral patterns, language deficits, sleeping problems, constipation, and earaches was brought in for chiropractic care. 

He was under care for 24 months during which time chiropractic adjustments to reduce subluxation were administered.  

The patient responded favorably to chiropractic care. He demonstrated a decrease in the frequency of earaches, normalized sleep patterns, and improved language development, behavioral patterns, and digestion. (2) 

Allergies and asthma in a 38-year-old

A 38-year-old woman was suffering from allergy-induced asthma since she was a teenager. She also complained of allergies, chronic sinus issues, headaches, and numbness in her right leg. 

Adjustments were delivered to subluxations within the spine over the course of six months. Various analysis procedures such as surface electromyography (EMG) and thermography (heat reading) were used to monitor her progress. 

After six months of care, the patient reported complete improvement in her asthma and allergies as well as improvement in her other complaints. (3) 

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

 

  1. Belcher J, Barnes N. Resolution of Meniere’s, and Restoration of Hearing Following Reduction of Vertebral Subluxation Utilizing Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Adjustment: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume 2022 ~ December 19, 2022. Pp. 13-15
  2. Herring RD, Marcell JL. Reduction in Autistic Behavior & Improvement in Language Development, Sleeping, Constipation, and Ear Infections in a 17-Year-Old Male Following Chiropractic Care:  A Case Study. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ December 1, 2022, Pp. 114 -118.
  3. Wozniak J, Kim S. Resolution of Allergic Asthma in a 38-Year-Old Female Undergoing Chiropractic Care for Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Study & Review of Literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ January 3, 2023, ~ Volume 2023 ~ Pages 1-10

Chiropractic for Change in Seasons

What season causes people to get sick the most? The answer may surprise you – it’s not any particular season, it’s the change of seasons.

When seasons change, we must adapt to changes in temperature, humidity, light, energy levels, activity, and more. Adaptation requires a healthy nervous system. That is why you should especially see your chiropractor when the seasons change. Chiropractic keeps your nervous system free of stress so you can adapt to your fullest.

Chinese medicine for winter change

The change of seasons affects our health, and each season has its own way of affecting us. Did you ever wonder why you feel more tired in the winter? 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is a time of cold, darkness, dampness, and inactivity.  It is a time of rest and restoration. In winter you should recharge your batteries as you prepare for Spring. Early to bed and late to rise is best, as is a minimum of spending energy.

TCM considers the kidneys as a source of all energy (Qi) within the body. Your kidneys store all your reserve Qi so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal, prevent illness, and age gracefully.

So during the winter months, it is important to nurture and nourish your energy. If you are less active it’s wise to reduce the amount of food you eat, to avoid gaining weight. Avoid raw foods during the winter as much as possible, as these tend to cool the body. Warming foods for winter include warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts to warm the body.  Sleep early, rest well, stay warm, relax, and stay warm by the fire.

Need a Chiropractic Adjustment Tune-Up? Call us today for an appointment! 517 627-4547

 

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) 

MRI

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/

Chiropractic Discovery: Where did modern chiropractic come from?

We say “modern chiropractic” because spinal care is thousands of years old and found in cultures all over the world.

But this natural, drug-free, powerful, and yet safe healing art was, as happens too often, lost amidst the sands of time. Mankind then became infatuated with drugs, chemicals, and surgery.

Spinal care was rediscovered in 1895 by Dr. Daniel David Palmer who practiced in Davenport, Iowa. DD Palmer was a magnetic healer (energy healer), scientist, and researcher who “accidentally” restored a man’s deafness by adjusting his spine. This discovery was the seed from which modern chiropractic grew.

This newspaper ad, “Are You Sick and Disheartened”, was one of a series of broadsides from the turn of the century. Dr. Palmer describes his old/new discovery and invites the public to discover for themselves this amazing drug-free, natural, safe, and powerful healing art, science, and philosophy. The list of people suffering from nearly every condition who benefitted from his “hand ministrations” (his original name for chiropractic) was impressive. Many people traveled far and wide to experience and benefit from DD Palmer’s discovery.

Dr. Palmer opened a school to teach others; soon his students spread to all parts of the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond.

This made-in-America healing art has brought relief, health, and healing to millions of people from infants to the elderly and everyone in between. Please tell your friends and relatives that there is a safe alternative to drugs and surgery that has no side effects – except satisfaction!