Pain Relief Chiropractic

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.

One of the tenets of chiropractic care is to manage the health and restore function of the patients entering our office, not limited to any one system of the body but rather manage …THE WHOLE PERSON. With this primary care responsibility, knowledge and understanding of the patient who presents with either controlled or uncontrolled blood sugar abnormalities is necessary, as it is a very important aspect of their health and well-being. How does the blood sugar level affect the body, and what can chiropractic do in the management of the patient with blood sugar abnormalities?

Glucose (sugar) is the primary source of energy for our body’s cells, and the level that exists in our blood is tightly regulated by insulin produced by the pancreas. Essentially, when we eat carbohydrates (simple or complex), the blood sugar level goes up and triggers insulin to increase, which in turn lowers the blood sugar level to keep it in a fairly tight range (usually within 80-110 mg/dl, with a mean of 100). Your blood sugar level is typically lowest in the morning, which makes it the best time to check the level BEFORE EATING (called “fasting” blood sugar or, FBS) as it will elevate after eating for an hour or two and then gradually normalize. It can dip down below the “fasting” level usually in the third to fourth hour after eating, at which time symptoms of low blood sugar or, “hypoglycemia” can occur (tired, difficulty concentrating, light headed, rapid heart rate, etc.). In a “normal” person, the peak of blood sugar after eating usually reaches a maximum of 140 mg/dl (with 125 being the limit in a non-fasting sample) vs. the “controlled” diabetic who peaks out <180mg/dl, above which glucose will start showing up in the urine and is detectable with a urinalysis (dip sticks can be purchased at any pharmacy). When the blood sugar is high, the term “hyperglycemia” is used (too low = “hypoglycemia”). In general, we can tolerate levels that are too high better than levels that are too low, so IF you ever find a person passed out and they are wearing a bracelet indicating diabetes, you must ASSUME that they are hypoglycemic first as levels below 40 mg/dl can be life-threatening and a sugar-rich drink or food is appropriate (if they are conscious of course – if not, call 911!). Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed when the fasting blood glucose level are persistently high (the fasting range allowed for a “controlled diabetic” is 90-130 mg/dl) and is the most common cause of hyperglycemia.

In patients with diabetes mellitus, the blood sugar literally makes the blood thicker (think of molasses) making it hard for it to pass through the smaller blood vessels (called capillaries). This is why the eyes, kidneys, and the toes / feet are so susceptible to damage, as blood can’t get through the small vessels in these locations. Though larger scaled studies are needed, numerous case studies have been published that report success in reducing A1C levels, blood glucose levels, and the amount of insulin needed in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients of various ages, including a four-year-old type 1 diabetic. There are several published case reports showing that chiropractic adjustments applied to the upper neck and mid-back regions, the areas where nerve supply to the pancreas, have benefited diabetics. Nutritional recommendations have also been reported as beneficial in many case reports. The authors of these case studies have recommend larger studies to investigate the efficacy of these treatments.

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.

Chiropractic adjustments are traditionally aimed at restoring function and reducing pain in various locations of the body, particularly spine-related complaints. The focus is on the neuro- (nerves), musculo- (muscles), -skeletal (bones and joints) system and their related ailments like neck, mid-back, low back, and pelvic area pain. The problem is that every day patients come to us with MANY health problems that go beyond spinal pain; therefore, we have to treat the WHOLE PERSON. Because chiropractic care is about restoring overall general health and well-being, and since the body cannot be segregated into only one system (like only the neuromusculoskeletal), the rest of the body including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, nervous, and the rest of the “systems” sometimes have to be addressed in order to improve the patient’s complaint(s). This month, let’s take a look at the current approaches utilized to control cholesterol and how chiropractic fits into the picture…

As you’ve probably heard, the prescription rate of statin medications (drugs that lower cholesterol such as Lipitor) has gone gangbusters in our society in the last decade. Ironically, one of the most common and debilitating side effects of the statin group of medications is generalized, sometimes disabling, muscle pain caused by something called “rhabdomyolysis.” Since chiropractors treat MANY patients with muscle-related pain, it’s quite common for these people to visit chiropractic offices for help managing their general muscular pain, not considering the cause of their pain may be from the side-effects of their medication! Discontinuing the statin medication may be the only way to stop this very painful and fairly common side-effect. That is, if it isn’t too late and the muscle pain has not become permanent!

In November 2013, The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology released NEW cholesterol drug guidelines. These guidelines use a special calculator that takes into account these lifestyle factors: 1) Weight of the patient; 2) The patient’s age; 3) Cholesterol / LDL numbers; 4) Blood pressure; 5) smoking habits; and 6) Use of blood pressure medications. The new focus is on exercise, losing weight, eating the right foods, and being aware of the risks. Statins are recommended for people already diagnosed with heart disease, those with extremely high LDL’s (bad cholesterol), middle-aged type 2 diabetics, and those between 40-70 whose estimated 10-year risk is calculated at 7.5% or higher. Some experts criticize that the calculator overestimates how many people need statins and caution is recommended to NOT depend solely on this approach. The ultimate goal is to reduce bad cholesterol by 50% for those with high risk and 30-50% for those with moderate risk, of which studies report that this will reduce the chance of having a heart attack. The shift to include lifestyle changes and to NOT only focus on one number (cholesterol level) is a step in the right direction, especially for those who can’t tolerate statins due to the sometimes significant muscle pain side effects.

In respect to whole person care, chiropractors manage aspects that negatively affect health, and that includes cholesterol management. Dietary approaches include, not only guidance in eating the right foods, but also in recommending specific nutrients that can lower cholesterol. For example, studies show eating fewer processed food reduces “trans-fats,” (which increase LDL’s and reduces the “good” HDL cholesterol), and saturated fat. This is reportedly MORE helpful than eating less cholesterol-rich foods! Nutrients like Red Rice Yeast can help reduce cholesterol without the side-effect risks. Weight loss, blood pressue control, and smoking cessation are other ways we can help you win this war! We want you to live longer with a higher quality of life!

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.

Chiropractic care has helped countless people, including many world-class professional athletes and celebrities!

Chiropractors are musculoskeletal system experts, and since animals and horses have musculoskeletal systems, why wouldn’t Chiropractic care also help them?

Well, according to USA Today, Larry “Thumper” Jones has been helping horses with Chiropractic care for years.

Years ago, Jones suffered a hockey injury and had back surgery.  His rehabilitation was unsuccessful, and it wasn’t until a Chiropractor treated him that he got better.

For 30 years now, Jones has been treating horses as an equine Chiropractor.  He has worked with top racehorses such as $5.2 million dollar winning horse, Lava Man. He recently worked on I’ll Have Another the week before the 15-1 long shot won the Kentucky Derby.

According to USA Today: “Jones, 53, describes I’ll Have Another as a ‘yoga specialist’ who has complete range of motion in his joints. He laughed, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if the horse could put his leg behind his head. As a result, I’ll Have Another should be able to take long strides, using less energy to get around the track.

“Keeping horses limber, relaxed and mobile is important, Jones said, as for any athlete. He said he uses instinct to know when a horse needs treatment, saying the animals often indicate the areas where they have tightness or pain.

“This week, I’ll Have Another will get some massages, done with a vibrating machine that helps to loosen muscles and increase blood flow.”

It looks like Jones was right.  I’ll Have Another did take some long strides and won the Kentucky Derby! (Editor’s note: After this article was written, I’ll Have Another also won the Preakness Stakes, the 2^nd leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, but suffered a career ending injury on the eve of the Belmont Stakes.)

If Chiropractic care is good enough for top professional athletes and Kentucky Derby winning horses, then it just might be good enough for you too!

And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.