Tag Archives: chiropractic

Is That a Snake Down Her Back?

We often like to show you the picture of the woman on the right.

People have asked, “Is that a snake on her back?” “No, it’s her spinal column (backbone)” we say.

We’ve also been asked:

“What’s with the chiropractic fascination with the spine?”

“How does the back make me sick?”

“How does the chiropractor working on my back make me healthy?”

Good questions. Let’s answer them:

Your brain controls your body. How? Your brain has a marvelous communication system-the nervous system. Billions of nerves leave the brain in a bundle known as the spinal cord and travel down your spine.

Millions of nerves from the spinal cord branch off between your spinal bones.

Your spinal cord and nerves send your brain’s messages to all your internal organs: heart, lungs, stomach, liver, intestines, etc., and all your muscles, joints, glands, blood vessels, and more!

For you to be healthy your spinal bones (vertebrae) must be in a healthy alignment or your nerves may be irritated and that can cause a lack of proper communication between your brain and your body.

That’s where your chiropractor comes in. Your Doctor of Chiropractic locates distortions where the nerves are impinged or stressed (subluxations) and corrects or “adjusts” your spine to relieve this distortion.

For a healthy body, for ideal function, for a strong terrain, you need a healthy spine. A healthy spine helps ensure a healthy nervous system. That’s the role of your chiropractor.

Click HERE to make an appointment or call 517.627.4547

Latest News From Charmaine: February 2021

Well, we are well into the heart of winter! Trust you are making time to enjoy it, even if it is only from behind a window.
But seriously, getting out into the “chilly” weather is good for your immune system and also helps to fend off the very real weight gain that happens when you combine major sports events, the ritual eating that goes along with such events, chilly weather, and being somewhat sedentary.

I am back to playing with heavyweights after a long covid layoff and I must say the body does thrive with being challenged.

Please watch out for the ice that is to be found at this time of year because, as one practice member said, his wife was stargazing in broad daylight! I really love Yak Trax or similar gadgets that give you a little more traction right now…but it definitely does not mean you are fireproof (or fall-proof!!)

SEE YOU IN THE OFFICE/STUDIO/UNDER BARBELLS

Drs. Ray & Charmaine

Click HERE to contact us or call 517.627.4547

Chiropractic Healing from the Past

DD Palmer discovered chiropractic in 1895. He saw its potential as a powerful drug-free natural healing art, a rediscovery of ancient practices going as far back as ancient Egypt and Greece. With his understanding of anatomy and physiology, Palmer developed a system of natural care he called CHIROPRACTIC.

Palmer divided his discovery (or re-discovery) into two parts:
1. A procedure to locate nervous system interference or blockages in a person’s spine and
2. A procedure to release or unblock the flow of nerve energy.
The nervous system blockage he called a subluxation, the procedure used to release this blockage he called an adjustment. While these are common terms today, used by chiropractors throughout the world, they were a breakthrough in his day – and quite controversial. But that
didn’t matter because it worked! It worked very well.

Palmer founded a school to teach his new method. Initially, he would only teach people who were themselves health care professionals. His first students were doctors of osteopathy, naturopathy, and medicine. Later, seeing a great need, he expanded the curriculum and
permitted non-professionals to enter the Palmer School of Chiropractic and learn this new science, art, and philosophy.

Palmer’s writings inspired many. Below is one of his more famous selections. It is as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1910. In the dim ages of the past when man lived in rude huts and rocky caves, even up to the present time, he resorted to charms, necromancy, and witchcraft for the relief of mental and physical suffering. His whole object was to find an antidote, a specific for each and every ailment which could and would drive out the intruder, as though the disorder were a creature of intelligence.

In his desire to free himself from affliction and prolong his existence, he has searched the heavens above, he has gone into the deep blue sea, the bowels of the earth, and every portion thereof. He has tried animal and mineral poisons, penetrated the dark forest with superstitious rite and incantations, has gathered herbs, barks, and roots for medical uses. In his frenzy for relief … he has slaughtered man, beast, and bird, making use of their various parts alive and dead. He has made powders, ointments, pills, elixirs, decoctions, tinctures, and lotions of all known vegetables and crawling creatures….(1)

In his maddening search for something out there, something outside of his body to heal him, man forgot to look inside – where health and healing truly arose. Dr. Palmer’s words were a wake-up call to humanity. He was crying out: “Look within; what is preventing proper function? What is interfering with healing? Release the blockage and health will be restored.”

Such was the message of his new discovery, chiropractic, which was to bring to suffering humanity. This natural healing art, science, and philosophy – Chiropractic – has saved untold millions from drugs and surgery.

It continues to do so today.

Your Listings: How are yours?

We’re not talking about your listing in the phone book (do people use them anymore?) or whether your boat is tilting in the water. When chiropractors use the word “listing” it’s used to describe the direction your vertebrae or spinal bones are subluxated or out of position.

For example, let’s say you’re told your listing is “C-1 right.” What does that mean? Well, C1 is shorthand for your first cervical (neck) vertebra. It’s located just underneath your skull. “C-1 right” means that C1 is shifted to the right. C-1 RA means that the vertebra is shifted right and has rotated anterior (or forward) on the right.

If we said that your C-2 is left that would indicate that your second cervical vertebra is shifted left. Your seven cervical vertebrae are named C-1, C-2, C-3 all the way to C-7.

You also have 12 thoracic vertebrae named T-1 to T-12. You have five lumbar (lower back) vertebrae named L-1 to L-5.

Your vertebrae can misalign in many individual directions – left, right, inferior (down), superior (up), rotation, anterior (towards the front), posterior (towards the back), medial (towards your center), lateral (away from your center) – and many combinations of directions. There are also different listing systems based on the various adjusting techniques chiropractors use.

It can get very complicated.

How do doctors of chiropractic determine what your listing is? X-ray analysis is a common tool that is used but there are others in use in the profession.

To discover if you have any listings, schedule an appointment with Dr. Charmaine or Dr. Ray. Please Contact us or call 517.627.4547

Strengthen Your Immune System With Chiropractic

Good Health is Easy; Sickness Takes Work

You are the product of hundreds of generations of strong, healthy, intelligent ancestors. Think about it-every one of your many ancestors needed to be healthy to live long enough to at least reach puberty; every ancestor needed to be attractive enough to find a mate; every ancestor needed to be smart enough to survive in this difficult world and be able to raise heirs.

You have inherited a wonderful body designed to keep you going for (believe it or not) over a hundred years in perfect physical and mental health.

But it doesn’t always seem that way. A lifetime of physical, mental and chemical stress can weaken us and cause our bodies to malfunction. One of the most serious forms of stress you can have in your body is the subluxation.

What is a Subluxation?

A subluxation is a tiny distortion in your spine that causes nerve damage. Subluxations create disharmony in your body, a precondition for sickness and disease of all kinds. Subluxations have been linked to internal organ weakness as well as abnormal stress on your muscles, cartilage and discs. Subluxations have also been linked to arthritis, spinal degeneration, lowered resistance to disease, premature aging, loss of height, unbalanced posture, weakness and pain.

Often Unnoticed for Years

Most people have subluxations and don’t know it since they are often painless; you may suffer from them for years before symptoms appear. However, all the while your health is deteriorating.

Chiropractic Care

Doctors of Chiropractic specialize in locating and correcting subluxations, releasing this deep stress that has been interfering with your ability to function at your best, to heal at your best, to think at your best.

Chiropractic promotes balance, resistance to disease and improved function. That is why you’ll find people with all kinds of health conditions in a chiropractor’s office.

Health Optimization

Chiropractic is not just about helping us when we get sick. Chiropractic promotes wellness, wholeness and optimal function. Chiropractic patients report improved physical and emotional health, less stress and more enjoyment of life. (1-7).

Meade TW, Dyer S et al. Randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatients management for low back pain results from extended follow up. BMJ. 1995;311:349-351.
Blanks RHI, Schuster TL, Dobson M. A retrospective assessment of network care using a survey of self-rated health, wellness and quality of life. JVSR. 1997;1(4):1-17.
Marino MJ, Phillippa ML. A longitudinal assessment of chiropractic care using a survey of self-rated health wellness & quality of life: a preliminary study. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. 1999;3(2):1-9.
Owens EF, Hoiriis KT, Burd D. Changes in general health status during upper cervical chiropractic care: PBR Progress Report. Chirop Res J. 1998;5(1):9-16.
Hoiriis KT, Owens EF, Pfleger B. Changes in general health status during upper cervical chiropractic care: a practice-based research project. Chirop Res J. 1997;4(1):18-26.
Gedinab F, Danski FG, Egmared T et al. Patient-reported improvements of pain, disability, and health-related quality of life following chiropractic care for back pain – a national observational study in Sweden. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2019;23(2):241-246.
Coulter ID et al. Study associates chiropractic with better health in the elderly. Topics in Clinical Chiropractic. 1996:3(2):46-55.

Why do chiropractors spend so much time working on my back?

Because that’s where the nerves are.

There’s a common misconception that because chiropractors work on the spine their care is limited to spinal pain and spinal problems such as backache, disc problems, sciatica, hip or neck problems.

But that is an incomplete way of looking at things. We chiropractors locate and release spinal nerve pressure. Your body functions in a more balanced manner, with less stress on the entire system especially your internal organs. So you can heal yourself, no matter what the condition.

That’s why you’ll see children in our office with asthma, allergies, ear infections, pneumonia, colds, flu-and adults with immune conditions, headaches, migraines, infertility, menstrual problems and more!

Check out our series of Case Studies to learn more about all the ways Chiropractic care can help you and your family.

We work on your spine, because that’s where the nerves can get irritated and interfere with the information going to (and from) the internal organs. That’s why we give you adjustments there.

Researching Chiropractic: Migraines, Torticollis, & Tic douloureux

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

Migraine and hypnic headaches

A 59-year-old woman suffered from chronic migraines and hypnic headaches (headaches that wake people from sleep) along with nausea and skin rashes. Migraine has a global prevalence of 10% and is the seventh leading cause of time spent disabled. Hypnic headaches are less common.

The patient’s migraines began 15 years prior and significantly affected her quality of life. During that time, her care consisted of RelpaxT, a prescription drug, massage and TylenolT. Her headaches continued unabated. She also recalled that her mother had migraines that began around her menopause.

Chiropractic care of two visits a week for 3 months and then once per week for 6 weeks resulted in resolution of her headaches as well as additional health benefits. (1)

Torticollis, cranial distortion and difficulty feeding

A 13-day-old boy and his twin sister were brought in for chiropractic evaluation and possible care. The boy had torticollis, difficulty latching to his mother’s left breast and cranial distortion. The parents reported that the baby was very gassy and seemed uncomfortable daily. The pediatrician could offer no options.

The parents reported that the boy was in the head down position for most of his time in utero with the weight of his sister on top of him.

After analysis for subluxations of his spine and skull, the boy was adjusted while he was lying on a pillow on his back or on his mother’s chest while she was lying on her back on the chiropractic table.

The child had seven visits over 6 weeks with continued improvements. He was able to latch onto both breasts, the gassiness had decreased and the torticollis had resolved. Improvements were noticed by his third appointment. (2)

Tic douloureux

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as “tic douloureux,” is a chronic nerve disorder characterized by intense, persistent and often debilitating shooting sensations of pain in the face. The pain is so intense people have killed themselves and for that reason it is sometimes called the “suicide disease.”

A 62-year-old woman came to a chiropractic clinic with a chief complaint of chronic right-sided facial pain of 2 years’ duration which she said felt like stabbing and throbbing, “like a bunch of pitch forks.”

She had experienced three separate automobile accidents over the past 27 years but had no residual symptoms. The pain began four months after she had had a dental surgical procedure, either a filling or root canal on a wisdom tooth on the right side of her face. Over the course of two years, numerous prescription drugs and alternative supplements had been prescribed by multiple doctors and specialists. She had spent over $9,000 in personal funds seeking relief.

Over the course of six months, the patient received 26 chiropractic adjustments. As a result, she experienced significant reductions in frequency and duration of pain. (3)

Niddery E, Alcantara J. Resolution of chronic migraines and hypnic headaches in a 59-year-old female: a case report & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 2, 2019:117-126.
Green S, Alcantara J. Resolution of torticollis, breastfeeding difficulties & cranial distortion in a twin infant undergoing chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. July 10, 2019:78-81.
Cramer J, Persky A. Reduction of chronic trigeminal neuralgia following upper cervical specific chiropractic care: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. September 9, 2019:56-62.

Researching Chiropractic: Migraines, Pregnancy Trauma, & Large Tonsils

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.

Pregnant patient with a history of trauma

A 36-year old pregnant woman who was 33-weeks’ pregnant started chiropractic care suffering from worsening intense pain in her hips, lower back and pubic area. Two weeks prior she had fallen down 15 steps. At her first visit, she was in severe pain and had significant difficulty walking.

She had ten chiropractic spinal adjustments over a 4-week period. With each visit she experienced increased relief from her symptoms and was ultimately able to deliver a healthy baby. (1)

Child cannot sleep because of large tonsils

A two-year-old girl was suffering from excessive snoring, choking, mouth breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. She was waking up three times per night. MDs diagnosed her with oversized adenoids and tonsils (adenotonsillar hypertrophy).

Her MD prescribed fluticasone spray followed by a referral for surgical intervention if that didn’t help.

After researching the medication, the infant’s mother decided to take her child to a chiropractor who discovered a subluxation at the atlas and right ilium.

After her first chiropractic adjustment, the child had less snoring and was not waking up as frequently. After 15 visits over a 12-week period, a pediatric examination found normal sized tonsils and adenoids. Surgery was no longer discussed. (2)

Migraines in a 52-year-old woman

A 52-year-old woman had been suffering from migraine headaches 2-3 times a week for ten years. She also suffered from neck pain and spinal pain that radiated to her arms and legs for over 20 years. A neurologist said the cause of her migraines was “unknown.” Her problems worsened after a motor vehicle accident two years prior to her chiropractic visit.

She was prescribed Prozac®, Synthroid® and Fioricet®. They were ineffective.

By her 3rd chiropractic visit, she excitedly reported she had not experienced any migraines since her first visit the prior week. A month later she remained completely migraine-free. After 10 weeks of continued care, the patient reported that all her presenting complaints of chronic migraines, neck pain and low back pain had completely resolved. All her prescriptions were discontinued. (3)

Do you know anyone with the above issues?

Please refer them to us. We can help! 517.627.4547

Marjerrison EC, Alcantara J. Trauma during pregnancy: resolution of hip, pubic, and low back pain following chiropractic care in a pregnant woman: a case study & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. August 5, 2019:91-94.
Shtulman I, Collins C, Alcantara J. Resolution of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, associated sleep disordered breathing & avoidance of surgery following chiropractic care: a case study & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. August 14, 2019:95-99.
Hickman W, Alcantara J. Resolution of chronic pain & migraines following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: a case study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. June 10, 2019:79-82.

The Goal of the Chiropractor

If you spent the day in our waiting room you’d meet people coming to see us who have all kinds of health problems:

allergies
asthma
headaches
migraines
vision and hearing problems
digestive problems
immune system issues
pain in all kinds of places: back, hip, neck, shoulder, legs, arms;
people who’ve had sport injuries
so many others

But the ultimate goal of the chiropractor is to keep people so healthy that they don’t get sick in the first place!

Good Health Is Easy: Sickness Takes Work

We are born with such wonderful bodies designed to last us over a hundred years in perfect physical and mental health. But a lifetime of physical, mental, and chemical stress and abuse wears us down, weakens us, and causes our body to malfunction.

Chiropractors are the only professionals that are trained to locate and correct a serious deep stress most people have inside their body that can damage their ability to fight disease and stay healthy: a subluxation. It is usually painless and usually found in your spine.

When your body is free of subluxation stress you are better able to function at your best, to heal at your best and to think at your best because stress that has been sapping you of your life energy is now gone or reduced. Chiropractic promotes balance, resistance to disease and improved function. (1)

No matter what the disease or condition, you need a subluxation-free body to keep your healing ability at its optimum. That’s why you’ll find people with all kinds of health conditions in a chiropractor’s office. (2)

Call and schedule an appointment today! 517.627.4547

Blanks RHI, Schuster TL. A retrospective assessment of network care using a survey of self-rated health, wellness and quality of life. JVSR. 1997;1(4):1.
Marino MJ, Phillippa ML. A longitudinal assessment of chiropractic care using a survey of self-rated health wellness & quality of life: a preliminary study. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. 1999;3(2):1-9.

Are people under chiropractic care healthier?

Answer: Not only healthier but happier too!

Making chiropractic care a regular part of your life will help you and your family on many levels. Keeping your spine and nervous system free of subluxations (nerve interference) is good for your brain, organs, and entire body and mind.

Studies reveal that people under chiropractic care experience wellness in many areas of their lives. For example, chiropractic patients in two studies reported improved physical and mental/emotional health, better ability to deal with stress and more life enjoyment. (1-2)

Another study revealed that chiropractic patients reported improved physical functioning, less bodily pain, improved general health, greater vitality, better social functioning and improved mental health. (3)

Chiropractic has been especially effective with improving the life of the elderly. In one study of people 75 years of age and older, those under chiropractic care enjoyed better overall health, fewer chronic conditions, less days in nursing homes and hospitals, more mobility and were less likely to use prescription drugs than non-chiropractic patients. 87% of chiropractic patients described their health as excellent compared to just 67.8% of non-chiropractic patients. (4)

What can YOU expect?

Chiropractic care is individualized; the care you receive will be unique for your body and needs and the benefits you receive will be unique for you. Be sensitive to your body and communicate with us – tell us what changes you experience after your visits.

Marino MJ, Phillippa ML. A longitudinal assessment of chiropractic care using a survey of self-rated health wellness & quality of life: a preliminary study. JVSR. 1999; 3(2):1-9.
Blanks RHI, Schuster TL. A retrospective assessment of network care using a survey of self-rated health, wellness and quality of life. JVSR. 1997;1(4):1.
Owens EF, Hoiriis KT, Burd D. Changes in general health status during upper cervical chiropractic care: PBR report. Chiropractic Research Journal. 1998;V(1):9-16.
Study associates chiropractic with better health in the elderly. Today’s Chiropractic. November/December 1996. Originally published by the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research.

Lanjopoulos Chiropractic

Chiropractics, Yoga, Tai Chi, Healthy Living