Depression helped with Chiropractic

A documented case study appearing in the April 23, 2008 issue of the scientific periodical, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, showed the improvement of a patient with major depression with chiropractic care. In this case study a 46-year-old man suffering from his third bout of major depression, presented himself for chiropractic care.

In addition to the diagnosis of depression the man also had many symptoms related to his depression such as generalized bilateral neck and low back pain, anxiety, fatigue, and a small appetite. He was also suffering from the effects of the medications he was taking, which included a decrease in sex drive, dizziness, overall muscle weakness, and insomnia.

A standardized questionnaire known as the SF-36 was used to determine the patients initial status as well as his responses to chiropractic care. The SF-36 is a health survey questionnaire with 36 questions. It has been tested by the federal health authorities and is used to predict quality-of-life improvement after a particular healthcare treatment or intervention. The average American scores a 50 on the SF-36 test.

The case study notes that Mood disorders affect 18.8 million American adults (9.5% of the population) in any given year. The study points out that clinical depression is quite different than just feeling depressed. They note that most everyone occasionally has such experiences, in times such as grieving for the death of a loved one.

As noted in this case a 46-year-old occupational software support engineer presented for chiropractic care with the diagnosis of major depression and with the intention of improving his overall health. He was currently suffering his third bout of depression and was on medical leave due to this situation. The severity of his situation was highlighted by the addition of many symptoms related to his depression which included loss of appetite, malaise, fatigue, joint stiffness, neck pain, low back pain, as well as thoughts of suicide and anxiety. He was taking the medication Paxil which then added the symptoms of decreased libido, increased perspiration, weakness, and dizziness.

His self rating according to the SF-36 initially showed a score of 40 for physical component summary, and a score of 25 for mental component summary, compared to the average of 50. The patient's initial chiropractic evaluation consisted of x-rays and a number of tests and procedures that revealed multiple findings of vertebral subluxations.

Specific chiropractic adjustments were initiated to correct the subluxations. He received a total of 34 adjustments over an 11 month period. After just three visits, the patient reported a decrease of anxiety and fatigue and an increase in muscle strength. Over the course of his care his low back and neck discomfort had resolved. He no longer experienced dizziness. His depression improved considerably, according to his SF-36 scores and his Global Wellness Scale scores.

The author of the case study concluded, "This report details the life history and symptomology of a 46-year-old man suffering with major depression; the 11 months of chiropractic care; and the man’s physical, social and mental response to correction of vertebral subluxations. This report supports the previous literature written regarding correction of vertebral subluxation, and it’s positive effect on physical, mental and social well-being.

Source:Now You Know Newsletter

Going Green with Chiropractic

You recycle glass bottles and newspapers. You bought a canvas grocery tote to replace plastic bags. You drive a hybrid vehicle. Yet every time you purchase over-the counter and prescription medication, you are most likely contributing to the contamination of our national water supply—and you never even knew it.

In 2007 a study sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the American Pharmacists Association found that many public water supplies around the U.S. were contaminated with pharmaceuticals.

A study of Lake Michigan water samples found traces of ibuprofen, Tylenol, beta blockers from heart medication and birth-control pill hormones. An examination of treated drinking water in the Grand Rapids, MI area contained the anti-seizure medication carbamazepine.

Medications get into the water supply every time we throw medication in the trash or flush it down the toilet.

Researchers acknowledged that at this time, the drugs found in water samples were measured in parts per trillion, and were not considered to be a threat to human consumption. However, these scientists also agreed that no one knows the dangers associated with being exposed to low dose medications over a lifetime.

The aquatic life in these lakes and streams are not as fortunate. Already scientists have discovered male fish that grew female ovarian tissue due to their long-term exposure to birth-control hormones in the water. Here’s a bigger question, are we eating these fish?

Consumers are advised to be warned about taking medication. Not only could you hurt your body with unforeseen side effects, but your demand for these medications will be taking a toll on the environment.

Give your body, and your water supply, a “going green” makeover. Treat your health concerns naturally—through chiropractic adjustments and a healthy diet. It’s that simple.

[Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service article “Improper Disposal of Unused mediation Inspired New Awareness Program” www.fws.gov]

Chiropractic helps your body resist disease

Exactly how powerful is the experience of receiving a chiropractic adjustment? New evidence suggests that chiropractic care does much more than alleviate back pain—it positively affects body chemistry all the way down to the cellular level. In a nutshell, chiropractic adjustments strengthen the body, making cells and DNA more resistant to disease.

In March 2006, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a landmark study that offered a long-awaited scientific explanation for why chiropractic patients experience positive health benefits. The article stated that chiropractic care could stimulate basic physiological processes that help diminish bodily stress and enhance DNA repair.

In the study, a diverse group of 76 people were divided into three categories. Group one received short-term chiropractic care. Group two received long-term chiropractic care. Group three was the control group that did not receive chiropractic adjustments. Results indicated that long-term chiropractic care of two or more years produced healthier bodies. Age, sex, nutritional supplements and prior health conditions did not hinder or enhance these results. Basically stated, chiropractic adjustment improved the overall health of everyone in groups one and two.

To look at the study results on a deeper, more scientific level, let’s examine the average human body. Everything from your career, to your family dynamic, to your eating and sleeping habits produces physical, chemical and emotional stress in your body. These stresses can obstruct and negatively affect your nervous system, which in turn hinders your body’s ability to produce naturally occurring antioxidants that fight off disease and other illness.

However, chiropractic adjustment works to remove obstructions to the nervous system. This allows internal body processes to begin functioning at normal levels, thus enhancing the body’s ability to produce healthy chemicals that work to protect cells and DNA from becoming mutated by disease.


[Source: Medical News Today, March 2006]

Sciatica

The sciatic nerves are the largest and longest nerves in the body. They exit your lower spine and group together in the pelvis, then split off into two branches, with a branch running down the back of each buttock, leg and into the foot.

When one of these nerves becomes inflamed, the condition is called sciatica. Symptoms include pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock and down the back or outside of the leg. The pain can come on suddenly, like a lightning bold, or it can present itself as a dull, nagging toothache type of pain.

Often times sciatica is caused by a misalignment in the lower spine. If a vertebrae shifts out of place, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which results in irritation and inflammation. The good news is that this type of sciatica can often be successfully treated through a series of painless chiropractic adjustments.


[Source: ChiroCommunity.com]

Vertigo

Yesterday a lady came in with extreme vertigo (dizziness). She had been referred to us by another patient.

She had been in the hospital for 3 days, but all sorts of tests, scans could not find the cause.

When she walked in , she had to be assisted with walking. I checked her, and her Atlas (C1 Vertebra) was subluxated.

After the adjustment, she could immediately walk without help! The people in the waiting room (and even my staff) were shocked!

Chiropractic Works!

Birthing Trauma

One of the most traumatic events of your life was most likely your birth and it may be responsible for your “bad back” or other less than desirable physical conditions you’ve been experiencing.

During a normal birth monitored by physicians in a hospital it’s common for extreme measures to be taken in an effort to pull and pry the baby out of the mother (think forceps and suction.) When these processes occur, the baby’s neck and spine are being pulled and stretched with forces up to 70 pounds!

A study examining the ability of a newborn’s spine to resist injury from over stretching has shown that 90 pounds of pressure was enough to completely separate and dislocate vertebrae in the neck and spine. Less pressures (as used in most hospitals) have the ability to cause mild to severe soft tissue, spinal cord and/or brainstem injury.

In Australia it’s somewhat common practice for a chiropractor to be on staff in the delivery room. Immediately upon birth the baby is examined for misaligned vertebrae and gently adjusted by the chiropractor, thus giving the baby the best head start in life it could possibly receive—a spinal cord free from obstruction so that the brain can fully communicate with, and continue to properly develop, the rest of the body.

No child is too young to receive these gentle chiropractic adjustments. Make sure your child or grandchild is receiving the head start in life they deserve. Have their spine regularly evaluated and adjusted (when necessary) by a chiropractor.


[Source: Chirotips.com/birth_trauma.htm]

Feel Fabulous After 50

A research poll conducted by the makers of Tylenol and supported by the Arthritis Foundation found that a majority of baby boomers feel that 50 is the new 40, even though 8 out of 10 said their bodies can no longer do many of things they could do ten years ago. To help prevent the onset of aches, pains, joint stiffness and health threats, there are several beneficial things people over age 50 can do to maintain their youth.

If you are overweight, losing just 10 pounds can lessen the stress on your knees and hips and help reduce arthritis pain. For every 11 pounds you lose, you could reduce the risk of joint pain and stiffness by 50 percent!

If you need to lose weight, look for small ways to cut calories from your daily eating habits. Cutting just 250 calories from your daily diet will result in losing half a pound a week. Here are some easy ways to achieve this goal. Drink water instead of juice or soda. Switch to non-fat or low-fat dairy products. Eat fruit as a snack, instead of potato chips and candy. Think about what you’re eating. Are you really hungry for a second helping or dessert?

Commit to a schedule of regular chiropractic adjustments. Everyone needs a healthy spine in order for brain signals to reach every area of the body. When misalignments in the spine block brain signals, your immune system becomes suppressed, opening a door for sickness, pain and loss of some types of mobility. Through chiropractic adjustments, you will enable your body to function at its maximum capacity and help maintain your health and active lifestyle.

Muscles are the shock absorbers for your joints. If you have weak muscles, you’ll more likely to suffer with joint pain or stiffness. Start doing simple strength building exercises—get moving!

Joint stiffness is a symptom of arthritis that gets worse if you don’t exercise. Make time to bend and stretch each day to obtain maximum flexibility and reduce symptoms of arthritis.

This is just a small list of things you can do to help restore and maintain your lifestyle. Consult your family doctor and doctor of chiropractic for more health tips that can be specifically customized for you.

[Source: http://www.after50health.com]

Chiropractic Adjustments—NOT Antibiotics—Cure Ear Infections in Kids

In October 2007 a TV news station KDKA reported that something unusual was happening at a local pediatric office—the doctor was prescribing “chiropractic adjustments” to his patients suffering with chronic ear infections.

According to this pediatrician, when trying to clear up an ear infection, the use of antibiotics usually has little to no effect on the condition. Ear tubes, which require a local anesthesia and often fall out, were just an ineffective. So he started referring his troubled patients to the chiropractor.

Doctor of Chiropractic, Richard Rafferty, says that just 12 to 18 chiropractic adjustments in a period spanning one to two month should correct the problem and eliminate reoccurring ear infections. His adjustments have come with such success that the word has spread quickly among parents. On a weekly basis Dr. Rafferty now adjusts between 50 and 100 children suffering with chronic ear infections.

So what exactly is an ear infection, and how does chiropractic cure this condition?

When children (and adults) suffer from an ear infection, it is due to a misalignment in the vertebrae of the neck. These out-of-position vertebrae allow abnormal fluid drainage into the middle ear. That fluid is where bacteria grows, causing a painful infection. In order to cure the problem, chiropractors gently realign the vertebrae in the neck. They use a small instrument called an activator, which delivers a light tap, gently nudging misaligned vertebrae back into place, and thus curing the problem.

The full story can be seen on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ThriveChiropractic

Chiropractic proven to enhance wellness

Long-term chiropractic patients have been found to have higher levels of blood chemicals associated with effective DNA repair and exhibit an overall healthier state of being—this according to the February 18, 2005 issue of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.

A retrospective analysis carefully examined 46 people, all over the age of 40, who participated in regularly scheduled chiropractic adjustments for the short term (8-52 weeks) or the long-term (52-312 weeks). A control group of people who had not received chiropractic treatment was also included in the analysis.

In the beginning of the test, researchers conducted blood tests on each patient to determine serum thiols levels—a chemical in the blood that helps block and repair the damaging effects of stress on DNA. Serum thiols are measured in terms of ‘nM cysteine’.

Researchers found that non-chiropractic treated patients in the control group had serum thiol levels of 124 nM cysteine while those being treated by chiropractic adjustments has much higher levels. Non-chiropractic patients actively battling a disease generally had levels below 90 compared to similar patients under long-term chiropractic care who had healthier values of 146.

The article concluded by saying, “The results clearly support the recommendations being made for wellness care by chiropractors. In addition, it should be stated that these results occurred under normal practice conditions and indicate what most chiropractors are likely achieving when performing long-term care. Also, it refutes earlier views that five to seven years of care was necessary to optimize human health status, as indicated by serum thiol levels. Our sampling indicates that this can occur in a time frame approximately half that period. Finally, there is no doubt that chiropractic care was the dominant factor in being able to realize thiol values that in some cases have not been seen in nutriceutical testing, the only other intervention shown to improve thiol values.”

In short, this scientific study proves yet again that receiving a regular schedule of chiropractic adjustments will have a direct and positive impact on your health and quality of life.


[Source: Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 2/18/05]

Blind Man Suddenly Sees Again

Greetings!

Twelve years ago Doug Harkey's left eye suddenly stopped working. "I woke up one day and I didn't have vision in one eye," he said.

And as quickly as he lost sight, he got it back after a trip to the chiropractor. Click here to watch his wonderful story.

Amazing stories of healing such as this aren't all that rare. The first chiropractic patient (112 years ago) was a deaf man whose hearing was restored after his own chiropractic adjustment.

Sounds crazy - I know... At one time I would have agreed with you. But such is the power of the human nerve system. When it's irritated or impinged, health problems occur... but when that irritation is corrected, the healing possibilities are endless.

This also happened when i was on a mission trip to Honduras, when an elderly lady regained her eyesight there

Can I tell if I have a subluxation without consulting a chiropractor?

Not always. A subluxation or nerve pressure is like a dental cavity - you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That's why periodic checkups are so important. One common symptom of nerve stress is fatigue. Unbalanced body structure causes you to lose energy - you may feel like you don't get enough sleep or you wake up tired. Although it may be possible to know you have spinal nerve stress, it is rarely possible to be sure you don't. An occasional spinal checkup is always a good idea.

Montel Williams' Chiropractic Testimonial

Most people that follow entertainment news are aware that Montel Williams, daytime talk show host , has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Well, here is a wonderful testimonial from the talk show host regarding his chiropractic care and how it has helped him.

I'm not certain because I haven't done the scientific research on it to know if this can work for everybody else out there, but I want to tell you I suffer from MS (multiple sclerosis), I have extreme neuralgic pain in the lower extremities, I'm in pain 24 hours a day seven days a week 365 days a year, and then I go to see this doctor, I've had pain in my feet, I've struggled with my balance, so Dr. Erica set me to see a man who I will tell you now, 12 days ago... and there's not a person that knows me who will not confirm this, if you just ask them, everybody who sees me, I am walking differently, my pain is less, I have already regained strength in my left leg, my left leg has dropped because I found out that my pelvis was tilted, it's dropped back down, they are now the same length, it's the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me, take a look at this...

Doctor of Last Resort

Last week a patient came in saying that he did not know what he was going to do-he had spent over $30,000 in treatments and diagnostics to figure out what was wrong with his back. He was distressed and depressed amd about to give up.

One of his friends apparently told him to come see me. Since he had tried chiropractic in the past, he didn't feel that I could help, but came anyway.

I checked him and found many subluxations an an incredible amount of twisting (torque) in the spine. I proceeded to adjust him by hand and with the Arthro-Stim.

When he sat up, there was a strange look on his face -I asked him if he was still in pain. He said no... but had to check in different positions. He was amazed at how quickly the pain has gone. Frankly, so was I. Disc issues normally take several visits to see a nice change.

The reason I write this is eo let people know that even if you feel there is no hope for your particular condition, try something else. It may work.

For a directory of chiropractors using the technique KST, click here

Spinal Adjustment Can Lower Blood Pressure

The above headline came from a January 4, 2008 TV and online article from the NorthWest Cable News seen in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and western Montana. This TV and online story interviewed Dr. Marshal Dickholtz, the chiropractor who was involved in the original study linking high blood pressure with spinal misalignments (subluxations). The online news story and video of the TV story can be seen here.

The original scientific study authored by George Bakris, MD, was conducted at the Hypertension Center at the University of Chicago Medical Center and published in the March 2, 2007 issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension.

This most recent NorthWest Cable News TV and online story interviewed the chiropractor who rendered the specific adjustments that were used in the groundbreaking study. Dr. Dickholtz has been in practice for over 50 years and focuses exclusively on the top bone in the neck called the atlas. He commented, "Think about it. If your neck is not balancing your head, it's like blowing a fuse. Your wonderful brain does not control your body as well."

In the original study at the University of Chicago doctors showed that chiropractic could lower blood pressure by 17 points. Dr. Dickholtz explained how this works by saying, "When you have a pinched brain stem, it closes out your arteries. If the arteries close down, the blood pressure has to be higher to go through those arteries."

The news story interviewed two patients of Dr. Dickholtz. Because she received chiropractic care, one 80-year-old patient, Maribeth, is now off her blood pressure medication. She commented, "At my age, to be on no medication is almost a miracle I think.". A second patient, Denise, had an initial blood pressure of 144 over 98 before her chiropractic care. After care, she reported, "After one treatment, my blood pressure was 115 over 76.".

In the news story, Dr. Dickholtz summed up the importance of this study and chiropractic care for those with high blood pressure by saying, "In our high blood pressure research, the average age was 53 and they had 40 years of damage in their spine that could have been taken care of years before and maybe never had high blood pressure.".

Facial Paralysis

A gentleman came in the other day- he had Bell's Palsy (facial paralysis). No complaints of back or neck pain, he just heard that I might be able to help.

On his second visit he reported 80% improvement. (even though I still saw some muscles that were not responding)

third visit-he said numbness is all gone (again-when he ran through some facial expressions, you could still see some weakness)

I will keep you posted of the improvements.

Asthma Helped by Chiropractic

A Case Study:

A case study published on November 26, 2007 in the scientific periodical the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented the case of a 7 year old asthmatic girl whose life was changed with chiropractic. This documented case followed the care of this little girl who had suffered from chronic asthma since age two.

The study noted that by the age of 4, she was diagnosed as having asthma. Her mother reported that almost anything from dust to cold drafts would trigger an asthmatic attack. Her asthma was so bad that the 7 year old girl was taking oral medication twice a day and utilizing three different inhalers four times per day each, for a total of 24 inhalations per day.

As a complication to her asthma, she was suffering from a cough and persistent fevers. Because of this, she was using more than ten other medications to attempt to manage the cough and fever. Even with this extensive level of medications, this little girl's life was problematic. The study noted that she experienced daily attacks, almost constant wheezing and coughing, and a persistent tight and heavy chest. As a result, she was unable to engage in any physical activities. Her condition was so severe that she would be forced to go to the emergency room for treatment approximately five times per year.

Finally at age seven, the child was brought into an office for chiropractic care. A chiropractic examination showed the presence of vertebral subluxations, and care was initiated. She was seen and given specific chiropractic adjustments for 2-3 times per week for an initial period of 3 weeks.

The results for this little girl were life changing. After just the first adjustment, the case study reported that she had a noticeable reduction in her symptoms that evening, with the cough discontinuing. Over the next three weeks of care, she experienced no asthma attacks and no coughing. Additionally, her wheezing, and chest tightness and heaviness had subsided.

The girl's mother reported that her daughter was able to increase her activity without the usual increase in symptoms. Three months following the start of chiropractic care, an examination with the girl's medical doctor documented a significant improvement in respiratory function. Her pediatrician was elated with her progress and attempted to give credit to the medications. When the girl's mother explained they had stopped giving her several of the medications prescribed and that she was receiving chiropractic care, the pediatrician did not approve and terminated his care thus forcing the parents to change pediatricians.

In the conclusion of the case study the authors summed up this case by stating, "We presented the chiropractic care of a patient with severe asthma and chronic cough. Perhaps this case will encourage future testing and screening for subluxations which could potentially cause dysponesis, resulting in a variety of symptoms that include asthma.

from NowYouKnow NEWS

Poor Posture Increases Blood Pressure

Read this article that reports a link between poor posture and high blood pressure.

This is the stuff that we chiropractors have been saying since 1895.

Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

Over the decades hundreds of healthcare studies have been conducted. Time and again research shows that chiropractic adjustments are beneficial in multiple ways.

The following is a brief overview of the benefits of chiropractic that have been determined by medical and chiropractic health studies:

• Significantly lower costs of injury care and medical care.
• Decreased number of days missed at work due to injury or illness.
• Less dependence on medication.
• Improved overall health
• Improved quality of life.
• Less time spent at the Chiropractor’s office compared to the amount of time spent at a medical doctor’s office.
• Decreased feelings of pain and discomfort.

Researchers and chiropractic experts have also found other beneficial things that you can do in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments to improve your health:

• If you lose just one pound, you will take 10 pounds of stress off your lower back.
• Quit smoking. Smoking causes the discs between vertebrae to degenerate faster.
• Don’t sleep on your stomach, it contributes to misalignment of neck vertebrae.
• Keep your wallet out of your back pocket to help maintain equilibrium throughout your spine and back muscles.

[Source: Article “Work Comp Study: Chiropractic Less Expensive, More Effective Than Medical Care,” from Dynamic Chiropractic, Nov 2004]

An adjustment makes all the difference

Today, I was feeling incredibly uneasy and frustrated. I know I was driving Kim nuts. I couldn't even stand myself-I figured I needed to get out of the house.

I went to have coffee with my friend Dr. Juan Rodriguez. He was having some aches and suggested that we stop by his office and I would adjust him and he would return the favor.

WOW! As soon as I got my adjustment-I felt myself returning to normal, my mood changed, the anxiety left, and the heartburn that I had been experiencing for the past three days was GONE!

Now, I was pretty sure that I was subluxated (out of alignment), but had no idea of the effect it was having on my mood. Another good reason to visit your chiropractor even when you are not feeling any pain.

Blood Sugar Improvement

A patient today told me that he went from "over 400" to "about 120" in his blood sugar levels.

Only thing he has done differently is chiropractic. NO Drugs. NO Kidding,

Diabetes-Natural Alternatives Books and Info

Chiropractic for more than Back Pain

If you have family members and friends suffering with painful physical conditions and illness, encourage them to give chiropractic adjustments a try. Here’s what they probably don’t know.

A vertebral subluxation is a misalignment of the spine that many times goes unnoticed, yet causes many bodily discomforts and physical aliments. When a vertebra in the spine goes out of alignment it can interfere with nerve, brain and spinal cord communication, causing various body parts to stop functioning as they should, and instead, experience pain and deterioration.

For example, a misalignment in the spine can do the following things:

• Disrupt the function of your internal organs, glands, muscles, joints and discs
• Cause pain not only in the back region, but anywhere in your body
• Induce headaches
• Accelerate joint aging
• Cause osteoarthritis
• Open the door to disease, by lessening your body’s ability to adapt to stress and heal itself
• Drain you of energy

Prescription drugs can’t remedy the root of the problem, they only mask symptoms. Encourage your family and friends to take their ailments to a chiropractor where they can start to enhance their health and quality of life the safe and noninvasive way.

Nasty Fall

Today, as most Sundays, I serve at Oak Leaf Church. As I was walking backstage, I tripped over a storage container and took a nasty fall. It was pretty funny. A few minutes later, I started having intense pain in my neck and a stabbing behind the eye.

I knew something wasn't right. Fortunately, I knew there was a fellow chiropractor in church and after a quick adjustment- I was back to where I could function.

Even a minor trauma can affect your skeletal and nervous system. If you experience trauma, definitely have your spine checked by a chiropractor. It makes all the difference in the world.

Chiropractors Help Pregnant Women With Pain

The above headline comes from the August 14, 2007 issue of the Dallas Morning Star. In this article, Special Contributor Kathleen Green, starts off by stating, " Moms-to-be once resigned themselves to nine months of misery. But, frankly, they've had enough." She continues, " More women are exploring options and seeking alternatives to ease back pain, headaches, exhaustion and much more. One place many are finding relief is at a chiropractor's office."

The article follows several chiropractors and their pregnant patients and views their reasons for choosing chiropractic and their results. One such patient was Teresa Seymour, who started chiropractic treatment during her first pregnancy with her daughter who is now 2 years old. Teresa said, "If there were times when I could feel that I was starting to get sore in the back, I would go to the chiropractor." During her second pregnancy, she reported, "Just picking up my daughter could knock a hip a little bit the wrong way and kind of pinch a nerve," she says. "I went to [my chiropractor], and he'd adjust my back and my hips." <

The article interviews Dr. Ken Wilson, a chiropractor who sees a lot of pregnant women in his practice and estimates that about 20 percent of his patients are pregnant. He stated, "My focus has changed more to pregnant moms and kids nowadays. My wife had to go through the constant low back [pain] and headaches and really being uncomfortable all of the time. I wanted to help her personally."

Chris Burfield, an educational director with Dr. Wilson added, "When spinal bones get pulled out of place, those bones push up against or irritate the nerves. Those nerves will start to send pain signals off to the brain to let the brain know there's a problem."

Sara Townsley, a former high school science teacher received chiropractic care two years ago during her first pregnancy. She recalled, "If I do a lot of cleaning, like bathroom cleaning where I'm bending over, when I'm pregnant, that's usually when I have my sciatica." She continued, "Ella [her daughter] really sat on my hips, and it helped to have them aligned regularly to relieve some pressure and nerve pinching."

The article also interviews a medical physician, Dr. Walter Evans, an obstetrician-gynecologist in private practice at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. According to the article, Dr. Evans acknowledges a chiropractor's potential in prenatal care, sometimes referring patients with lower back pain to chiropractors. He states, "I've had good luck working with some chiropractors with patients who have low back pain during pregnancy."

Autism and Chiropractic Care

From the British publication, the Manchester Evening Star, comes an August 13, 2007 article about an eight-year-old boy Daniel, whose life has been changed for the better by chiropractic.

The story starts with Daniels mother, Susan Crisp taking Daniel to the chiropractor (Evening Start picture right) and notes that Susan and her husband, Gary, firmly believe that this care has been key to the recent improvements they've seen in Daniels development. "His communication has improved tremendously," says Susan.

Susan Crisp chronicled Daniel's progress by stating, "He has started putting three or four words together and it is not in response to questions from us. It's spontaneous. At one time, if he wanted something out of the fridge he would drag me to it and point. Now he'll say, `Mummy, I want'. "He doesn't seem so closed in as he once was and is interacting more with his three older sisters." The article reported on another instance where a television reporter Quentin Willson had done a story on his own son's improvement with chiropractic.

The article noted that it was this television story that prompted Susan to take her son, Daniel to see a chiropractor. Susan recalled, "It was a coincidence that I saw it. I had the TV on and it really caught my eye because there were so many similarities between what he was talking about with his son and Daniel." She continued, "It stayed on my mind. I told Gary about it and we felt we should give it a try. We thought, `If nothing happens, that's the worst that can happen'. At the time, Daniel was walking on his tip-toes and his feet were pointing inwards when he walked - which can be symptoms of autism. I was worried about it and we thought that the chiropractic might be able to help with his posture."

Daniel's success adds weight to two separate papers published in two scientific journals in March of 2006 where studies documented a significant improvement in autistic children under chiropractic care. In one of those studies involving 14 children, 12 showed significant improvement and two of the children improved so much that they no longer met the criteria to be classified as autistic.

The British article concludes with comments from Daniel's mother, Susan, where she notes how he enjoys the care, "But it's not just a matter of Daniel enjoying it. Within four to six weeks we noticed a huge improvement in his condition. "We took him in June and by August people who don't see him regularly commented that his speech had come on tremendously. He started to initiate sentences - it was a real surprise, to us." She concluded by saying, "The chiropractic was like turning a key, opening the door and it all came out of him. "It's not a cure but it can alleviate some of the difficulties."

Mississippi

I am always honored when someone travels a long way to come see me. Last week, a couple drove all the way from Mississippi to come and get an adjustment. I assumed that they were visiting family or friends and someone recommended they see me before they return home, since that happens often.

This couple had HEARD about me from someone living here , but they got in their car and drove almost eight hours for ONE adjustment.

Then they got in their car and drove eight hours back.

Laura Bush

Laura Bush had surgery in her neck to relieve pinched nerves that were causing numbness and pain in her hands and arms. story

With all the "experts" around her, how come no one recommended her to see a chiropractor and avoid the surgery?

Chiropractic relieves pinched nerves-"subluxations" without the need for surgery. Thousands of adjustments are performed safely ever day in this country.

The Chiropractic Way

Chiropractic Research

No matter what condition a person may have they need chiropractic care to ensure their body is working without subluxations. If you have any specific questions please feel free to contact us.

Bedwetting, menstrual cramps and stomach problems.
Patients suffering from bedwetting, menstrual cramps and ulcer pains/indigestion were given chiropractic care. MDs performed pap tests, pelvic exams and upper GI studies but could find nothing wrong.
From the study:
“A total of eight subjects in each category were selected and two in each category were not treated (to be used as control cases). No one in the study had any back pain.
“All cases of pelvic pain and severe cramping of the uterus had stopped. All women experienced three menstrual cycles through the duration of this study. “The bedwetting category demonstrated 50% of the children had stopped bedwetting early in the program, 25% of the children had a 50% reduction in the frequency of occurrences and 25% showed no improvement.
“All the patients in the gastric category except one responded to chiropractic care.” (4)

Improved quality of life.
This preliminary study revealed that those under chiropractic showed significant improvements in physical well-being, mental/emotional state, stress management, life enjoyment and overall quality of life, during an average of 5.5 months of chiropractic care. (5)
sources:
1. Coulter HL. Vaccination, Social Violence and Criminality. Washington, DC: North Atlantic Books, 1990.
2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=75333. July 13, 2007.
3. Kamp Dush CM and Amato PR. Consequences of relationship status and quality for subjective well-being. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. 2005;22:607-627.
4. Regan KJ. Enuresis, spasmodic dysmenorrhea and gastric discomfort: a vertebral subluxation complex entity. Digest of Chiropractic Economics. March/April 1990;32(5):110.
5. McAllister W and Boone WR. Changes in physical state and self-perceptions in domains of health related quality of life among public safety personnel undergoing chiropractic care. JVSR. August 6, 2007;1-7.

Chiropractic Improves Depression

Overcoming depression and boosting your mood may be just a few chiropractic adjustments away.

According to an a November 2005 research article, 15 adults who were clinically diagnosed with depression and also suffered from upper cervical spinal misalignment were given chiropractic adjustments on three different occasions. Before and after the adjustments, each patient was given the Beck Depression Inventory test to determine their level of depression.

Results from the depression test show that patients experienced a significant reduction in feelings of depression.

This is great news, but what’s even better news is that chiropractic adjustments can do so much more than help people suffering from depression. Chiropractic adjustments help improve your body’s overall ability to fight off sickness and improve your quality of life.

[Source: Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, November 2005]

Psychotherapractor

Today, a patient came in saying they felt no improvement- this had been their third visit. And now this person was afraid that since we had no improvement, and no improvement with the three other chiropractors, and half-dozen medical doctors visited, then this was hopeless.

Now, I don't think I am the greatest thing since sliced bread...but by the third visit, I definitely see improvements - Unless.... there is an underlying emotional component.

Now, I suspected this on the last visit, because this person reported no improvement at all. And I probably should have addressed it then, but didn't.

I asked this person some questions regarding stress in their life, and just listened. Most of the time, the patients will tell you the underlying cause if you just listen long enough. This person went on to tell me how the pain increased when they were feeling anger.

A-ha! The answer! After addressing this issue with questions, I got a rather big emotional release from them...and a decrease in the pain.

Pretty cool. There are some good books by Candace Pert- Molecules of Emotion and Your Body is your Subconscious Mind

Homer Simpson goes to the chiropractor!

Hey watch this old Simpson's clip "Chirotown" see how many chiro stereotypes you can count,

ADD and ADHD

Usually when a patient comes in with a child, I ask them if they want the child to be checked. If we find subluxations, then I suggest the child get adjusted. This is not to increase my business, since I don't charge for kids under 12 (as long as the parent is a patient). Sometimes people say yes, sometimes they say no, and sometimes they are surprised that we adjust children.

The other day I adjusted a little boy and his mom and grandmother were amazed at the difference that ONE adjustment hade made in his behavior. The kid was diagnosed with ADD and ADHD.

He was on medications-and although it's still too early to tell what will happen, not the parents see that there are other avenues of treatment that were not open to them before.

Feel better, faster-with chiropractic

If you experience recurring discomfort, such as backaches, neck pain, headaches and health problems -- regular chiropractic adjustments will most likely provide the relief you’re looking for.

Every chemical process, function and action your body takes begins as a message sent from your brain. Each message travels through your spinal cord to the appropriate destination. But when a subluxation (misalignment of the spinal vertebrae) occurs in your spine, it places undo pressure on the nerves. This nerve interference can partially or totally block important messages from the brain, often leading to minor and major discomforts and health problems.

Chiropractic adjustments work to reposition your spinal vertebrae naturally, like orthodontics for the spine. Chiropractic adjustments correct structural imbalances to restore normal joint and muscle movement, nerve flow, and immune system operations. Chiropractic adjustments allow your body to operate at its fullest capacity and heal naturally.

If you’re not happy with your current comfort and health situation, seek regular chiropractic adjustments and watch your health and comfort levels begin to rise.

[Source: the book by Dr. John Madeira, D.C. “Setting Things Straight”]

Chiropractic adjustments help earaches

Researchers have uncovered proof that chiropractic adjustments can help earaches more effectively than medication.

In a six-month study, 57 children with recurrent ear infections were divided into two groups. One group received medical care and the other group received chiropractic adjustments.

The group that underwent chiropractic adjustments had fewer earaches and was less likely to need ear tubes than the group using medicine.

How is this possible? Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine into proper position, allowing a clear flow of messages from the brain, down the spinal chord, to every area of the body. These messages help the immune system operate at maximum capacity, fighting off illness, upholding health, and maintaining proper function and movement.

[Source: Online Chiropractic Community: http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/11/12/23.html ]

PMS and spinal misalignment

Check out this study on the relationship between PMS and subluxation (spinal misalignment).

Now guys, don't all of you send me messages telling me that your wives need an adjustment!

Kids

I always love it when existing clients bring in their kids to get adjusted. Number one it means that they get it-that chiropractic is for much more than just pain relief.

And number two, It honors me when they trust me with the care of their children. In the office, we don't charge for adjustments on kids under 12 (as long as the parent is getting adjusted)

We feel it's that important.