Pain Relief Chiropractic

Continuing this topic from last month, we are discussing various vitamin, nutriceutical, and dietary approaches that show promise with some published evidence to benefit those of us struggling with allergies.

The next herb to consider is: 6) Tinospora cordifolia as this can reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal discharge. 7) Combination allergy supplements include a number of natural allergy remedies that contain a blend of botanicals, of which one containing a combination of European elderflower, sorrel, cowslip, verbena, and gentian root help those with chronic sinusitis from allergies and also for those with bronchitis and acute sinusitis. 8) Other allergy supplements: While there are MANY supplements commonly used to treat allergies, there is less evidence to support their use in allergy management. The list includes Echinacea, grape seed extract, pycnogenol (pine bark extract), vitamin C, EPA, honey, cat’s claw, albizzia (Albizzia lebbeck), baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), goldenseal, and spirulina.

In addition to the precautions discussed at the conclusion of last month’s health update (pregnancy, breastfeeding, under 18 years old), keep in mind that long-term use of both supplements and drugs can increase the potential for developing a tolerance or even cause toxicity and harm. If you develop an allergic reaction, that is a clear indication to STOP taking the allergy supplement. Sometimes removing ALL the suspected supplements may be needed to properly identify a toxicity that has developed. TALK TO US (as well as your primary care physician and pharmacist) about any unusual symptom or signs that you may have developed! Also, remember to PLAN AHEAD, as most of us do not think about our allergy symptoms until they begin, and once an allergy symptom starts, it’s VERY HARD TO STOP (with medications as well as supplements). Try using these approaches four to six weeks BEFORE the allergy season comes or at least a few weeks before visiting your relative with six cats! And, during the ragweed season or when you’re at the six-cat aunt’s house, take these FIRST THING IN THE MORNING so the histamine reaction DOESN’T start – it’s MUCH more effective!

Remember, we are all different, and combinations of these things may be needed to get the best result. WRITE down the different combinations you try and your response (positive and negative) for future reference, knowing that while the same response may not be exactly the same every time, at least you’ll know what usually works for you! When adding supplements like quecetin or butterbur, you may have to lower your prescription or OTC drug dose (work with the physician who prescribed the medication and your pharmacist).

Other allergy approaches that have been found helpful include: 1) Reduce the allergens in your home (especially the bedroom). 2) Nasal irrigation using luke-warm distilled water (do not use water straight from the tap), non-iodized salt, baking soda, and for some, a few drops of eucalyptus one to three times a day REALLY HELPS. 3) Use HEPA filters in your AC units and vacuum cleaners. Wear masks when working outdoors. 4) Acupuncture is showing promise as well! We as chiropractors can guide you in this process of allergy management!

Chiropractic has been utilized to treat many ailments, including allergies. Though large-scale, randomized controlled trials are lacking in regards to chiropractic treatments and allergies, case reports and other research show promise. The concept of managing allergies may include diet management and/or a multi-disciplinary approach to obtain optimum outcomes.

When a patient presents for chiropractic care, we evaluate the entire person. The workup includes a review of the past medical history such as hospitalizations, illnesses, current/past conditions, medication history, allergy history, vaccination history, injury history, a review of psychosocial factors and habits such as smoking history, caffeine and alcohol intake, exercise utilization, sleep quality, and a review of your systems: musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, genitor-urinary, endocrine, and more. When reviewing this information, we will frequently find various aspects that may require further investigation and potentially co-management strategies with other healthcare providers.

Although spinal and cranial sinus manipulation can be highly satisfying, it has got to be clear that manual therapy alone may NOT bring about satisfying relief of the signs and symptoms of allergies. The use of a multi-modal approach, often including lifestyle changes, is generally needed to bring about SIGNIFICANT improvement in allergy sufferers. A general overview of self-help strategies was recently aired on “THE WEATHER CHANNEL” (see the video: 4-10-14, http://www.weatherchannel.com/allergies). Here, Dr. Taz Bhatia, an integrative medicine specialist, shows the audience a simple approach based around three goals: 1) To stimulate the immune system; 2) Eat foods that fight the allergic response; and 3) Improve your environment to avoid a histamine reaction. Specific recommendations include: 1) Lower intake/exposure to sugar and dairy, consider adding Black Seed Oil, honey, and taking a probiotic; 2) Eat the following foods: pineapple (contains bromelain), apples (contains pectin and quercetin), garlic, and onions. Vitamin/nutriceuticals and/or, a homeopathic remedy that contain these ingredients was also commented on; 3) Environmental controls included washing pollen off of pets, clothing, hair, our sinuses (nasal rinse approaches: Netti Pott, Nasaline, and others are options), and using HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners.

Here are some nutritional options that are often recommended to facilitate in the battle against allergies: 1) Butterbur: Sometimes referred to as, “…the Singulair of the herbal world,” reportedly works as a “leukotriene inhibitor” (blocks some chemicals that trigger nasal passage swelling. 2) Quercetin: This is found in fruits, vegetables, and wine and may work as a “mast cell stabilizer” blocking histamine release that causes the nasty allergy symptoms. 3) Stinging Nettle is a common allergy aid that contains carotene, vitamin K, and quercetin. 4) Bromelain: Studies show benefits by reducing nasal swelling and mucous thinning and hence, helps breathing. 5) Phleum pretense: A few studies reported a sublingual tablet reduces some pollen allergy symptoms including eye irritation, in people with asthma, and hayfever symptoms, and allowed people to reduce their allergy medicine(s) dose. Before concluding PART 1 of this topic, it MUST be mentioned that these are GENERAL recommendations and each person should discuss their personal situation with their chiropractor, primary care doctor, pharmacist, and READ the label on the bottle for specific risks and interactions. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and / or under 18 years old, additional considerations are appropriate.

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend, or family member requires care, we would be honored to render our services.