Adolescents
Asthma
Breech Births
Carpal Tunnel
Cluster Headaches
Ear Infections
Headaches
Leg Pain
Migraines
Neck Pain
Pinched Nerves
Sciatica
Whiplash
Work Injuries
| Everybody wants to
go to heaven, but nobody wants to die to go there. Everybody wants to be healthy but nobody wants to pay the price. The price is simply regular Chiropractic adjustment. |
Adolescents
Let's face it, adolescents these are doing more extra curricular activities, more homework and carrying more books than ever before. Have you watched your teenager study or carry his/her backpack? Any idea how heavy that backpack is? The stresses of growing up, the pressures of school, poor posture and heavy backpacks can cause excessive wear and tear on the spine and lead to spinal misalignments. How often does your teenager have a headache or back pain? Rarely, should a healthy child experience these problems. Although it is becoming more and more "common", it is not "normal" for a child to be taking pain medications on a regular basis. If they need a lot of medication now, what will happen as an adult when their body becomes immune to the "regular" dose? Medication can only cause temporary relief of symptoms and taken long-term can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver. Why not take care of the cause? Get your child or teenager checked now by a chiropractor. They can remove the nerve interference from your child's spine, allowing for an improved quality of life.
| When you come in for
chiropractic care, don't leave your kids at home or they may grow up with the same problems that you have. |
DeMent Family Chiropractic Philosophy - "Money is NEVER a reason to deny your children the chiropractic care that they need." The doctors at DeMent Family Chiropractic will happily work out a financial plan that is affordable in order to include the entire family.
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Asthma
Although asthma can be just as dangerous for adults, it is most heartbreaking to see a young child, wheezing and struggling for air. Unfortunately, asthma is now one of the leading causes of acute and chronic illness in children (3) and it is on the rise in both children and adults. (l)
Asthma may be defined as a constriction of the airways due to smooth muscle contraction, increased mucous secretion, edema and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the airways. Many things can trigger asthma such as allergens, stress and exposure to cold. (3)
| 2,894 patients with
asthma, allergies and hayfever had their spines adjusted and 92% of these patients had greatly improved or totally corrected their condition! |
The Human Engineering Spine Posture Institute - Japan
Unfortunately, there is very little that the medical profession can due except to prescribe drugs and help the patient avoid asthma triggers. Although children can sometimes be lucky and "grow out of it", usually children and adults must rely on bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs. These can provide temporary relief, however they can also cause some long-term and serious side effects. Not only can the body build up an immunity to them, leading to the need to constantly increase dosages (3) but other side effects can result such as mood swings, behavioral changes, increased appetite, hypertension, osteoporosis, cataracts and electrolyte abnormalities. (6)
Chiropractic has provided drug-free relief to many asthma sufferers. Although few scientific studies have been conducted, many case studies have shown that patients under chiropractic care have received partial or complete relief of their asthma. (2-6) (Please see Dr. Melody's page.) It is important to note that the vagus nerves and some of the spinal nerves (T2-T5) provide nerve supply to the lungs and the trachea. If there are vertebral subluxations that are preventing these nerves from functioning properly than removal of these misalignments by a chiropractic adjustment will help improve nerve supply to these areas. A better nerve supply will help improve the function of the trachea and lungs. Spinal misalignments are common in these areas and often result from birth trauma, falls, accidents, poor posture and stress. Although chiropractic can not promise to cure asthma, the asthmatic patient will definitely benefit from a healthy nerve system. Try chiropractic care. Tell your friends. It's well worth it.
| Research shows that
every disease process has some sort of nerve interference involved. |
| References | |
| 1. | Bronfort, G. Asthma and chiropractic. European Journal of Chiropractic, 1996; 44: 1-7. |
| 2. | Cashion, T. The case management of a pediatric asthmatic patient. Today's Chiropractic, 1997; pp.74-75. |
| 3. | Fysh, P.N. Childhood asthma. ICA Review, 1996; October:36-39. |
| 4. | Gioia, A.V. Chiropractic treatment of childhood asthma. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, 1996; October:35-36. |
| 5. | Marko, S.K. Case study: ten year old male with severe asthma. Chiropractic Pediatrics, 1997; 3(2):6-8. |
| 6. | Peet, J.B. Case study: eight year old female with chronic asthma. Chiropractic Pediatrics, 1997; 3(2):9-12. |
Breech Breath
It is important that a baby is born in a headfirst position for many reasons. It is easier on the mother, it decreases the need for a C-section and allows for the proper development of the baby. By being in the head down position prior to birth, the baby engages with the cervix, allowing for proper molding of the cranial bones. Many nerves exit from between these bones and if they are out of alignment due to improper molding, nerve interference will occur. In other words, the baby's developing body will not have the proper nerve supply that it needs to grow properly.
A breech birth prevents this head molding from occurring and this can result in deformity and developmental abnormalities. A baby that delivers in a breech position may also have to deal with the possibility of the cervix tightening around it's neck or having its head rapidly compressed leading to intracranial hemorrhage. Breech births are also know to cause spinal cord and brainstem damage which can in turn cause respiratory distress. Other serious consequences of breech births include fractures, dislocations, and subluxation can also be serious consequences of a breech birth.
C-sections should not always be the solution to a breech presentation especially if a method is available that can gently turn the baby in the womb prior to birth. Such a technique is available and can be performed by some chiropractors including those at DeMent Family Chiropractic. This technique is called Webster In-Utero Technique.
If the sacrum and pelvis are misaligned, a baby will not have room to turn in the womb and this can result in the breech presentation. The Webster In-Utero Technique can gently adjust the sacrum and relax the ligaments connected to the uterus to allow for the pelvis to open up and allow the baby to turn. The Webster Technique has been proven to be 82% effective in comparison to the 50% success rate that medical professionals get with external manipulation. There is also no risk of uterine rupture or damage to the placenta with the Webster Technique. The technique may take up to 3 to 10 visits to be successful but it is definitely worth the time to try it and give a mother and child the best chance at a natural birth.
| Think of the human
body, composed of almost 100 trillion cells: cells so small that it would require 64 million of them to fill one square inch, each one under control of the brain and nervous system. |
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Every day, assembly line workers, keyboard operators, grocery store clerks and many others receive microtraumas to their hands and wrists. Vibration and repetitive motions can result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal "tunnel" is formed by bones in the wrist. The median nerve, tendons and blood vessels pass through this opening. If one or more of the bones forming this tunnel should collapse, inflammation, nerve pressure and painful symptoms in the wrist area can result.
The median nerve is the major nerve controlling the thumb, index and parts of the middle and ring finger. From the tip of your fingers, it travels through the bones in your wrist, past your elbow, up your arm, through your shoulder and finally to the neck. The median nerve then connects to the spinal cord through openings between several bones in the lower neck. If inflammation occurs around the nerve anywhere along the median nerve's route or the bones of the neck move out of position and put pressure on the nerve, problems can occur in the fingers and the wrist. A pseudo carpal tunnel syndrome can then result.
It is important to determine where the problem is occurring as surgery on the carpal tunnel will not fix a problem that may be occurring in the neck. Surgery is also not a good solution for true carpal tunnel as scar tissue can build up after the surgery resulting in compression of the carpal tunnel and reoccurrence of the symptoms.
After a thorough examination, your chiropractic doctor will perform specific adjustments where needed to help normalize structure and reduce nerve irritation. When given time, conservative chiropractic care has produced excellent results with carpal tunnel and similar problems without drugs or surgery.
References | |
| Bonebrake, A., D.C., Fernandez, J., D.C., A Treatment for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Results of a Follow-up Study, Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics. 16:125-139, 1993. | |
| Cailliet, R., M.D., Hand Pain and Impairment, 3rd edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1983. | |
| Cailliet, R., M.D., Pain; Mechanisms and Management, F. A. Davis Company, 1993. | |
| Kendall, F., McCreary, E., Muscle Testing and Function, 3rd edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1983. | |
| Kirk, R., D.C., Lawrence, D., D.C., Valve, N., D.C., States' Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extravertebral Technics, 3rd edition, National College of Chiropractic, 1991. | |
| Norkin, C., P.T., Levrangie, P., P.T., Joint Structure and Function. A Comprehensive Analysis, 2nd edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1992. | |
Ear Infections
| Antibiotic therapy
is not an effective treatment against ear infections and rates of recurrent infections are significantly higher in children who have been treated with antibiotics. Prescribing antibiotics for colds, upper respiratory tract infections or bronchitis does little or nothing to treat the problem. These conditions are caused by viruses and antibiotic drugs have little to no effect on viruses. |
Journal of the American Medical Association, Dec. 18, 1991
Unfortunately, ear infections tend to be a common childhood diagnosis. However, "up to 80% of children diagnosed with ear infections don't actually have them." (1) It is also important to know that "only two-thirds of ear infections are caused by bacteria and only one-third are treatable through antibiotics." (1) In other words, according to these statistics, less than 7% of children with ear pain can be helped with antibiotics. Then why do most children, who have ear pain, are prescribed antibiotics by their medical doctor? Unless fluid is extracted from the middle ear and cultured, diagnosis is only "guesswork." However, this process is painful, expensive and results are not immediate which encourages doctors to immediately prescribe drugs. Parents are often anxious for their child and will try to demand a prescription. However, "70% of ear infections will improve on their own within 72 hours." (1) Rather than overdose our kids on needless and harmful drugs, shouldn't we try some more conservative approaches? Here are a few:
| 1) | Prevent your child from being exposed to second-hand smoke. Nasal congestion and irritation of the lining of the ears can make ears susceptible. |
| 2) | Breasted your baby if possible to increase their natural immunity. When bottle feeding, feed the baby in an upright position to avoid the baby from sucking milk into its nasal passages. |
| 3) | Avoid the use of pacifiers. They increase the incidence of ear infections due to an increase in exposure to bacteria and they prevent proper functioning of the ear canal. |
| 4) | Don't be so quick to have your child's doctor prescribe drugs. If the ear is red and has clear fluid in it, this may be a sign of allergies, not an infection. |
| 5) | Have your child checked for vertebral subluxation complexes. This will improve the functioning of the nervous system and hence, overall health. The nerve system is directly connected to the immune system. Also, a child's ear canal tends to be more horizontal that an adult's which is vertical. The horizontal position prevents proper ear drainage. The muscle attached to the ear canal, the tensor veli palatini, if functioning properly can help pull the ear canal into a more vertical position. However, to do this, it needs a proper nerve supply. Have your child adjusted to remove nerve interference to these muscles! |
| The American
Association of Poison Control Centers figures for 1996 show 31,511 children younger than 6 suffered from acetaminophen (Tylenol) exposure, causing liver damage; some were life threatening. |
| References | |
| 1. | Squires, S. Now hear this. Child. October 2000, pp.86-89. |
Headaches
If you suffer from headaches, a chiropractic spinal checkup is one of the best things you can do. Chiropractic's safe, gentle, drug-free methods have helped millions of headache sufferers over the years. Yet chiropractic does not claim to be a headache treatment and cure; it has a different approach to health care. Doctors of chiropractic free your body from the vertebral subluxation complex that has the power to destroy your health. It affects millions of us; it is a hidden epidemic. When freed of subluxations your body works more efficiently to use its natural energies to heal itself. How is this accomplished? Read on.
Muscle Tension Headaches - Many things can cause a headache: strong smells, intense lighting, sinus trouble, high blood pressure, dental problems, ear/eye or vision conditions, fevers, infections, tumors, seizures, lumbar punctures, alcohol usage, drugs, accidents and many other causes. You can get a headache just worrying about all the things that cause them and that leads us to the most common headache of all: the muscle tension, worry or "stress" headache that makes up 90% of all headaches.
What Puts The Ache In Headache? - The ache in headache does not come from the brain. In fact, your brain can feel no sensation whatsoever. Even during brain surgery the patient is often wide awake feeling no pain, even talking to the doctors while his/her brain is being operated upon, with a local anesthetic numbing only the scalp. Then, what puts the "ache" in your headache? Veins and arteries inside the brain and skull, membranes that wrap around the brain and certain nerves in the head called the cranial nerves. When these are pulled, stretched, compressed, irritated, inflamed or infected, headaches often result.
Treatment - Headache treatment depends on what caused it. A headache arising from visual problems can often be cured by eyeglasses. An infection headache of the sinuses or ears is relieved when the infection subsides. However, the most common headaches are usually treated with painkillers. The hundreds of millions of dollars spent each year on everything from aspirin and Tylenol™ to prescription drugs may provide blessed relief but the cause of the headache is not corrected. That is why we may see millions of people swallowing pills for years, possibly suffering from the side effects of long-term medication and not getting any better, only temporarily feeling better. Surely, that is not a healthy way to live.
The Chiropractic Approach - Millions of headache sufferers are turning to the natural, drug-free chiropractic approach to health. Chiropractors are the only healing professionals who are trained to analyze and correct the vertebral subluxation complex: a spinal distortion that can damage your nerves, inflame your tissues, cause muscles to tighten and knot, weaken your body, cause fatigue and set the stage for sickness and disease. It is truly a hidden epidemic.
The Chiropractic Checkup - Just as you may have a cavity in your teeth and be unaware of the damage it's causing, so the vertebral subluxation complex may be causing serious harm to your body, sometimes for years and without your knowledge.
Using his/her hands, X-ray and other instruments to analyze your spine, the chiropractor will determine if you have vertebral subluxation complex. Then, using special techniques, your chiropractor will perform a chiropractic spinal adjustment to correct the vertebral subluxation complex, removing the nerve pressure and spinal distortions.
To Restore Itself - Remember, the purpose of the chiropractic spinal adjustment is to remove the nerve and spinal stress caused by the vertebral subluxation complex. This permits your body to restore itself to a greater level of health and wholeness. In effect, to allow the body to better heal itself.
The Spine & Headaches - Researchers have often noted the relationship between the spine and many types of headaches. (l-4) For example, one study of 6,000 long-term (two to 25 years) headache sufferers revealed that neck injury (whiplash, falls) was the most important factor in the cause of the headache and "should be suspected in every nonspecific case of headache." (5) For over one hundred years, doctors of chiropractic have observed an intimate relationship between the spine and headaches. Many migraine patients (both adults and children) have claimed relief under chiropractic care. (6-7) In other words, if you suffer from headaches, make sure your spine is healthy. See your chiropractor.
| The chiropractic
spinal adjustment permits your body to restore itself to a greater level of health and wholeness. |
Postscript - No matter what disease or condition you have, you can benefit from a healthy spine. Spinal health can be as important for your overall healing as proper nutrition. Are you and your family carrying the vertebral subluxation complex in your spines? Only a chiropractic spinal checkup can tell. Among the many things contributing to your health (air quality, balanced diet, clean water, stress management, inherited weaknesses and strengths, drug usage, level of exercise and relaxation), a healthy spine is absolutely essential. In some people it is a major factor and can make the difference between a life of health, strength and vitality or a life of disease, weakness and disability. A healthy spine can improve your life. See your chiropractor for periodic spinal checkups.
| Chiropractic's safe,
gentle, drug-free methods have helped millions of headache sufferers over the years. |
| References | |
| 1. | Seletz, E. Whiplash injuries. JAMA, Nov. 29, 1958, pp. 1750-1755. |
| 2. | Bogduk, N. Cervical causes of headache and dizziness. In G. Grieve (Ed.). Modern manual therapy of the vertebral column. Churchill Livingstone, 1986, pp. 289-299. |
| 3. | Bogduk, N. The anatomical basis for cervicogenic headache. JMPT, Jan. 1992, pp. 67-70. |
| 4. | Kreeft, J. Headache following whiplash. In Spine: State of the art reviews: Cervical flexion-extension/whiplash injuries, Sept. 1993, p.395. |
| 5. | Braaf, M. M. & Rosner, S. J. Trauma of the cervical spine as cause of chronic headache. Trauma, 1975, 15, pp. 441-446. |
| 6. | Whittingham, W., Ellis, W. B. & Molyneux, J. B. The effect of manipulation (toggle recoil technique) for headaches with upper cervical joint dysfunction; A pilot study. JMPT, 1994, 17(6), pp. 369-375. |
| 7. | Turk, Z. & Ratkolb, O. Mobilization of the cervical spine on chronic headaches. Manuel Medizin, 1987, pp. 15-17. |
Migraines & Cluster Headaches
Few of the millions who get occasional headaches have it as bad as the migraine sufferer. Far from being a minor annoyance these headaches can ruin lives.
The migraine is a special type of headache: a vascular headache (as opposed to the more common tension headache). A migraine includes a collection of symptoms (a syndrome) that appear before the headache pain itself hits. Examples are: spots, lines of colored lights before the eyes, redness, swelling, tearing, muscle contraction, hallucinations, irritability, depression, numbness, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes even a feeling of wellbeing!
As the warning symptoms leave, the headache itself hits. It may range in severity from minor discomfort to immobilizing agony and may last from minutes to days. A few of the most common expressions of it are:
- The pain most likely occurs on only one side of the head.
- Nausea and vomiting are usually associated with it.
- Nausea and vomiting are usually associated with it.
- The throbbing eventually evolves into a dull steady pain.
Because other members of the family may also have headache problems, some researchers believe migraines may have a hereditary component but there are many things you inherit from your parents that have no genetic component which may be related to headache formation: how you deal with stress, anger and tension and how you hold your body (posture). Genes usually give us tendencies, not the condition itself. No "migraine gene" is known.
| Chiropractic is a
method of removing spinal damage so your body may work better and heal itself. |
The Cluster Headache - Cluster headache attacks seem to mostly affect men between 20 and 40. They come on abruptly with intense throbbing pain arising high in one nostril and spreading behind the eye on that side of the face. The attacks tend to occur from once to several times daily in clusters lasting weeks or even months. Without apparent reason the cluster subsides as quickly as it began.
Headache Treatment - The treatment for a headache depends, of course, on what has presumably caused it. A headache arising from visual problems can often be cured by eyeglasses. An infection headache of the sinuses or ears is relieved when the infection subsides but the most common headaches are usually treated with painkillers. The hundreds of millions of dollars spent each year on everything from aspirin and aspirin substitutes to codeine and prescription drugs may provide relief from headache, but does it correct the cause?
The Chiropractic Approach - Millions of headache sufferers are turning to the natural, drug-free, chiropractic approach to health. Chiropractors are the only healing professionals who are trained to analyze and correct the vertebral subluxation complex, a spinal distortion that damages the nerves. It is a very common, often painless condition that weakens the body, causes fatigue, lowers vitality and sets the stage for sickness and diseases.
Chiropractic is a method of removing spinal damage so your body may work better and heal itself. Chiropractors do not treat headaches and yet millions of headache sufferers have benefited from the safe, natural, drug-free, chiropractic approach to health care. By correcting your vertebral subluxation complex, your body, with its magnificent natural healing ability, is better able to address your overall needs.
The Chiropractic Checkup - Using his/her hands, X-ray and other instruments to analyze your spine, the chiropractor will determine if you have any vertebral subluxations in your body. Then, using special techniques, your chiropractor will perform a chiropractic spinal adjustment to correct the vertebral subluxation complex, removing the nerve pressure and spinal distortions.
Please keep in mind that the purpose of the chiropractic spinal adjustment is not to cure your headache but to remove the nerve and spinal stress caused by the vertebral subluxation complex. This permits your body to restore itself to a greater level of health and wholeness to better heal itself.
The Spine/Headache Relationship - It was once believed that the structures of the neck were not related to headaches, however that is no longer the case. Now there is a special term for those headaches that originate in the neck: the cervicogenic headache. As Dr. Howard Vernon (D.C.) concluded in reviewing the literature on the spine/headache relationship, "The body of literature supporting a [spinal] origin of headache... is substantial." (2)
It appears that there are many pain-sensitive structures in the neck. The joints, discs and even ligaments that may be related to problems that whiplash and accident victims often report: headache, dizziness and other problems. (3-6) In fact, a study of 6,000 people who suffered from recurring headaches for two to 25 years showed that spine injury was the most important factor in the cause of the headache and should be suspected in every nonspecific case of headache. (7)
Can Chiropractic Help You? - Chiropractors have, for over a century, observed that after chiropractic spinal care, children and adult migraine sufferers report improvement or alleviation of their condition. (8-10)
Postscript - No matter what disease or condition you have, you can benefit from a healthy spine. Spinal health can be as important for your overall healing as proper nutrition. Are you and your family carrying the vertebral subluxation complex in your spines? Only a chiropractic spinal checkup can tell.
Among the many things contributing to your health (air, food and water quality, stress management, inherited weaknesses and strengths, drug usage, exercise regimen and relaxation), a healthy spine is absolutely essential. In some people it is a major factor and can make the difference between a life of health, strength and vitality or a life of disease, weakness and disability.
A healthy spine can improve your life. See your chiropractor for periodic spinal checkups.
| References | |
| 1. | Diamond, S. & Medina, J. I. Ciba Clinical Symposia: Headaches, 1981, 332, pp. 2-4. |
| 2. | Vernon, H. T. Spinal manipulation and headaches of cervical origin, JMPT, 1989, 12, pp. 455-468. |
| 3. | Bogduk, N. Cervical causes of headache and dizziness. In G. Grieve (Ed.). Modern manual therapy of the vertebral column, Churchill Livingstone, 1986, pp.289-299. |
| 4. | Bogduk, N. The anatomical basis for cervicogenic headache, JMPT, Jan. 1992, pp.67-70. |
| 5. | Kreeft, J. Headache following whiplash. In Spine: State of the art reviews: Cervical flexion-extension/whiplash injuries, Sept. 1993, p. 395. |
| 6. | Braaf, M. M. & Rosner, S. J. Trauma of the cervical spine as cause of chronic headache, Trauma, 1975, 15, pp. 441-446. |
| 7. | Results of manipulative treatment on childhood migraine, Hippocrates, 1963, pp. 308-316. |
| 8. | Milne, E. The mechanism and treatment of migraine and other disorders of cervical and postural dysfunction, Cephalgia 9 suppl., 1989, 10, pp. 381-382. |
| 9. | Turk, Z. & Ratkolb, O. Mobilization of the cervical spine in chronic headaches, Manuel Medizin, 1987, pp. 15-17. |
| 10. | Tissue near skull's base is tied to some tension headaches, The New York Times "National," Feb. 19, 1995, p. 26. |
Neck Pain
Is it hard to look over your shoulder? Is there a constant throbbing in your neck? Do you notice a "grinding" sound as you turn your head? Your neck has to balance and support the equivalent of a 10-13 pound bowling ball!
A popular response to neck pain is taking drugs to cover up the problem (aspirin, analgesics, pain pills) or treating its symptoms (muscle relaxers, massage, hot packs). But neck pain isn't caused by a lack of aspirin or drugs! The chiropractic approach to neck pain is to locate its underlying cause. This begins with a complete case history and thorough examination. Special attention is given to the structure and functoin of the spine and its affect on the nervous system.
Is the proper spinal curve present? Are the nerve openings between each pair of spinal bones free and clear? Is the head balanced? Are the shoulders level? These and other considerations are used to create a plan of specific chiropractic adjustemtns to help improve the motion and position of spinal vertebrae. With improved structure and function, neck pain often diminishes or totally disappears without drugs or harmful side effects!
| References | |
| Breig, A., et al., Effect of Mechanical Stresses on the Spinal Cord in Cervical Spondylosis, Neurosurgery, 25:45-56, 1966. | |
| Harrison, D., D.C., Spinal Biomechanics: A Chiropractic Perspective, Journal of Clinical Chiropractic, 1992. | |
| Kirk, R., D.C., Lawrence, D., D.C., Valvo, N., D.C., States' Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extravertebral Technics, 3rd edition, National College of Chiropractic, 1991. | |
| Maynard, J., D.C., Healing Hands, 4th edition, Jonorm Publishing Company, 1991. | |
| McAlpine, J., D.C., A Discussion of the Dentate Ligament Nerve Traction Mechanism, International Review of Chiropractic, October-December 1980. | |
| Schafer, R., D.C., Faye, L., D.C., Motion Palpation and Chiropractic, 2nd edition, Motion Palpation Institute, 1990. | |
| Strauss, J., D.C., Chiropractic Philosophy, 3rd edition, Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Education, 1994. | |
Pinched Nerve
A Pinched Nerve Can MakeYour Life Miserable - Often, a pinched nerve cause severe, intense pain. A pinched nerve can occur anywhere along your spine. (l) It can affect nerves that go to your arms, fingers, wrist, neck, back, shoulders, head, legs, muscles or an internal organ. It can affect your general health, posture, energy level, resistance to disease, even your emotional health. A pinched nerve can make your life miserable.
The Term "Pinched" - There are many terms that chiropractors prefer to use rather an "pinched": vertebral subluxation complex, nerve impingement, nerve irritation, foramina compression, chronic proprioceptive sensory-bed disturbance, nerve-meningeal tension and spinal stress. However, people like the word pinched because it is so descriptive. Even some health professionals use it. Patients sometimes enter a chiropractor's office saying their medical doctor told them they had a pinched nerve that required chiropractic care.
The Nervous System - There are billions of long nerve cells in your body that comprise your bodies nervous system. In fact, your spinal cord itself is a large bundle of nerve cells that sends sensory and control function signals back and forth from your brain to your body. Nerves exit your spinal column through openings between the vertebrae of your spinal column. After leaving the spinal column, the nerves separate into smaller and smaller bundles and travel to every nook and cranny of your body.
Nerve Function - Nerves regulate your breathing, sweating, shivering, internal organ function, heartbeat, blood supply and control of blood pressure, digestion and excretion. Nerves also send more than electrical impulses. It is now known that chemical nutrients, necessary for muscle health, travel over the nerves.
Your Need For Healthy Nerves - Without healthy nerves the body is weakened, not able to adapt to environmental stresses and becomes a candidate for physical and mental diseases. The most common form of nerve damage is the so-called "pinched" nerve. It can affect the health of the nerves and the entire body.
How Nerves Become Impinged Or "Pinched" - When the nerves come down from the brain they travel through a bony canal formed by vertebrae. If the vertebrae misalign slightly they may cause the nerves to be irritated, compressed or stretched (2,3) along with blood vessels, discs, ligaments, joints, muscles, fascia, tendons, meninges, lymphatics and fat tissue. (4)
A fall or an accident, even a very mild one that happened years ago, may be enough to misalign your spine. Some common causes are unnatural sleeping positions, bad posture, fatigue, dental work, a difficult birth, emotional stress, poor nutrition or a combination of stresses.
"Pinched" Nerves Cause Dis-ease - When the nerves are compressed, their impulses may be altered and this affects the entire body. Dis-ease, a general weakening of your body, may result. Dis-ease sets the stage for diseases of all kinds. Chiropractors have observed that physical and emotional conditions of many kinds have been related to the improper functioning of the nervous system, among them ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, lung conditions such as asthma. fevers, headaches, seizures, allergies, bed-wetting, colds, hearing, vision and a host of other problems. When the spinal column is misaligned the entire skeletal system is thrown off balance which can cause fatigue and exhaustion (common early signs of spinal problems).
Most "Pinched" Nerves Do Not Hurt - Most people with "pinched" nerves are not in pain. People with painful "pinched" nerves might be considered the lucky ones, for they know they have a problem in their spine and can seek chiropractic care. However, those without pain require education concerning vertebral subluxations and their need for periodic spinal checkups. Only doctors of chiropractic are able to analyze the spinal column for "pinched" nerves or vertebral subluxations. Using the art of the chiropractic spinal adjustment, the doctor of chiropractic then begins a process of correcting the spinal distress. No painkillers, muscle relaxants, other drugs or medical procedures can do it. No surgery can do it. "Pinched" nerves (vertebral subluxations) will not go away by themselves. Anyone suffering from " pinched" nerves needs a proper chiropractic spinal analysis and spinal adjustment to relieve their body of vertebral subluxations. Nothing else will do. (5-7)
Postscript - No matter what disease or condition you have, you can benefit from a healthy spine. Spinal health can be as important for your overall healing as proper nutrition. Are you and your family carrying the vertebral subluxation complex in your spine? Only a chiropractic spinal checkup can tell.
Among the many things contributing to your health (air, food and water quality, stress management, inherited weaknesses and strengths, drug usage, exercise regimen and relaxation), a healthy spine is absolutely essential. In some people it is a major factor and can make the difference between a life of health, strength and vitality or a life of disease, weakness and disability.
| References | |
| 1. | Davies, D.V. (Ed.). Gray's anatomy (34th ed.), p. 1186. |
| 2. | Mainge, R.M.D. Orthopaedic medicine - A new approach to vertebral manipulations. (W.T Liberson, Ed. and trans.) Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 1972, p. 40. |
| 3. | Hadley, L.A. Intervertebral joint subluxation, bony impingement and foramen encroachment with nerve root changes. American Journal of Roetgenology and Radium Therapy, 1951, 65(3), pp. 377-402. |
| 4. | Ibid. |
| 5. | Lantz, C. The vertebral subluxation complex, part 2: The neuropathological and myopathological components. Chiropractic Research Journal, 1990, 1(4), pp. 19-38. |
| 6. | Dishman, R. Static and dynamic components of the chiropractic subluxation complex: A literature review. JMPT, 1988, 11(2), pp.98-107. |
| 7. | Hubka, M. Another critical look at the subluxation hypothesis. Chiropractic Technique, 1990, 2(1), pp. 27-30. |
Sciatica & Leg Pain
Sciatic Nerve - Your sciatic nerve is your longest and largest nerve. It is made up of five roots that leave your low back, join in your pelvis and then travel to the muscles and joints of your thigh, knee, calf, ankle, foot and toes.
What Is Sciatica? - If your sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, the condition is called sciatica (pronounced sigh-ad-i-ka). The pain can be severe and can travel down the back of your thigh, calf, ankle, and foot. The pain can also radiate to your back. Occasionally, the pain can occur in the front of the legs or hips. The pain can also occur in both legs. Along with sharp pains, you may also feel nerve sensations such as pins-and-needles, tingling, prickling, crawling sensations or tenderness. Your leg may also feel numb!
The type of the pain may vary. There may be constant throbbing or a temporary knife-like pain. Sometimes postural changes, like lying down or changing positions, affect the pain and sometimes they do not. In severe cases, sciatica can cause a loss of reflexes or even a wasting of your calf muscles. For sciatica sufferers, a good night's sleep may be a thing of the past. Simple things like walking, bending, turning, sitting or standing up can be difficult or impossible.
| Think of your spinal
cord as a "super highway". If traffic is slowed due to an accident (interference), how long does it take to get home? Subluxations in your spine also slow nerve conduction resulting in a multitude of problems. |
Causes Of Sciatica - Like most other conditions, sciatica has a wide variety of causes but an unhealthy spine with a protruded or ruptured disc can irritate the sciatic nerve causing sciatica. Sciatica has been reported following accidents, injuries and childbirth, usually due to spinal misalignment. (1) However, advanced diabetes can also cause sciatic nerve irritation, as can arthritis, constipation, tumors and even vitamin deficiencies.
The Medical Approach - The medical approach is to treat the symptoms with painkillers, muscle relaxers and orthopedic devices such as traction and physical therapy. As with all painkillers, there is a risk of drug dependency. Orthopedic surgery may also be a possible approach if the drugs bring little or no relief.
The Chiropractic Approach - Chiropractors check the spine for vertebral subluxation complexes and remove them through a chiropractic adjustment. By doing this, chiropractors relieve stress on the spinal nerves, joints and discs. Just as you get your car's alignment checked and corrected, so you should periodically get your spine's alignment checked and corrected. Is chiropractic spinal care a treatment for sciatica? No, it is a procedure for the analysis and correction of spinal nerve stress and yet, if you do have sciatica and it is caused by vertebral subluxation complexes, then a chiropractor can help remove the spinal misalignments. However, regardless of the cause, a chiropractic spinal adjustment is very important, as everyone needs a healthy spine.
| Every 120 days the
spleen breaks down and rebuilds all 4 trillion blood cells in your body. A 1% error factor would result in 40 billion blood cells being missed. Keep your spine clear of subluxations to prevent this. |
Chiropractic Results - For over a hundred years, doctors of chiropractic have given spinal adjustments to millions of patients, many of them sciatica sufferers.
Many sciatica sufferers have reported dramatic relief of their condition after chiropractic care. (2) Many sciatica and leg pain sufferers have found that chiropractic was superior to traction and pain injections, often saving them from the prospect of surgery or having to live with pain. (3-6)
| Chiropractic correct
the vertebral subluxation complex which causes poor spinal alignment and nerve pressure. |
Don't Wait - Chiropractic care appears to have the most effect on sciatica when problems first occur. However, even in those who have suffered for longer periods and have been through the "medical runaround" (from specialist to specialist), chiropractic may provide excellent results. Too many people, who suffer from sciatica, lower back pain or disc disease think the only sources of help are drugs, physiotherapy and painkillers. Think again! Chiropractic care is the drug-free, natural alternative. In many cases of severe health conditions, it is not too late to enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care but please... don't wait! Throughout your life, you have your teeth, blood pressure and eyes checked... Why not your spine?
| References | |
| 1. | Fonti, S. & Lynch, M. Etiopathogenesis of lumbosciatalgia due to disc disease; chiropractic treatment. In J. Mazzarelli (Ed.), Chiropractic Interprofessional Research. Torino. Italy: Edizioni Minerve Medica, 1983, pp. 59-68. |
| 2. | Johnson, E. W. Sciatic nerve palsy following delivery. Postgrad. Med., 1961, 30(5). |
| 3. | Livingston, M. Spinal manipulation: A one year follow-up study. The Canadian Family Physician, July 1969, pp. 35-39. |
| 4. | Mathews, J. A. et al. Back pain and sciatica: Controlled trials of manipulation, traction, sclerosant and epidural injections. British Journal of Rheumatology, 1987, 26, pp. 416-423. |
| 5. | Osterbauer, P. J. & Fuhr, A. W. Treatment of chronic sciatica by mechanical force, manually assisted, short lever adjusting and a video assisted stretching program: A quantitative case report. Proceedings of the Consortium for Chiropractic Research Conference on Research and Education, 1992. Palm Springs, CA. |
| 6. | Cox, J. M. & Shreiner, S. Chiropractic manipulation in low back pain and sciatica: Statistical data on the diagnosis, treatment and response of 576 consecutive cases. JMPT, 1982, 7, pp. 1-11. |
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs to a great number of people. The most common victims of whiplash are drivers or passengers in an automobile collision. However, you can also experience whiplash in falls, sports and even riding on a roller coaster!
Insurance companies wince at the use of the term "whiplash." The common stereotype is that of an uninjured person who fraudulently tries to obtain a settlement in court. Yet, those who have truly experienced whiplash know of the suffering that results. More than simply being painful, whiplash can be dangerous. (1)
The jolt causes the victims' head to pop back and forth whip-like. There are seven vertebrae in the human neck (seven small, movable bones, stacked one atop the other), supported solely by muscles and ligaments. (2) They serve as a flexible pedestal for the head. Whiplash, causes those vertebrae to shift and/or pull apart (to subluxate). The muscles and ligaments try to pull them back together but not necessarily to their normal position.
Whiplash may strain a ligament. It may cause displacement of a vertebra. This may irritate, pinch, or put undue pressure on a nerve. (3) Sometimes it causes immediate pain. Other times, weeks may pass before the victim experiences any number of the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, nervousness, nausea, depression or visual disturbances.
| After any accident,
you should visit with a Doctor of Chiropractic for a complete examination. |
More than 600 insurance companies recognize the benefits of chiropractic care in the correction of whiplash. Chiropractors are specially trained to locate spinal misalignments. They are experts in delivering a gentle and specific adjustment needed to restore proper alignment, improve nerve flow and allow the body to heal.
| After any mishap,
or when you experience any symptoms that could be a result of whiplash, see a chiropractor promptly! |
| References | |
| 1. | Lee A. Hadley, M.D., Anatomico-Roentgengraphic Studies of the Spine, pp. 119-132, Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, Ill., 01979. |
| 2. | Anthony and Kolthoff, Textbook of Anatomy and Physiology, p. 82, C. V. Mosby Co., St. Louis, Mo., 01977 |
| 3. | Dorland's Medical Dictionary, pp. 352, 353, W. B. Saunders Co., 01977. |
Work Injuries
| We are now facing an
epidemic of lower back disability in all western societies... and there is now sufficient evidence to
demand the fundamental reappraisal of our basic strategy of management for low back pain. (1) - Gordon Waddell, M.D. (orthopedic surgeon) 1993 |
Hurt on the job? You're not alone. Millions of people are suffering from all types of job injuries including falls, physical strain from working in a bad position, improper lifting or other trauma. Among the most common on-the-job injuries is spinal injury.
That is one of the reasons why 85% of the population will experience disabling low back pain at least once during their lives! That is almost all of us. The problem is so bad that at any one time, according to one researcher, 6.8% of the U.S. adult population is suffering from an episode of back pain lasting more than two weeks, (2) with the estimated cost of lower back problems in the U.S. being over $50 billion a year. (3)
| Keep the life channels
open all your life for yourself and your family. |
Workers' Compensation Plans - Workers' compensation plans reveal that more than twice as many claims are filed for back "sprains and strains" than any other category of injury. Although 30% of all claims are for back problems, the chronic (long-term) nature of these conditions gives rise to 6O% of all compensation paid. (4)
The Standard Medical Approach - The standard medical approach to back pain varies depending on the severity of the condition. Usually muscle relaxers, painkillers and rest are prescribed sometimes in conjunction with traction, diathermy, ultrasound, hot packs, cold packs and other procedures.
Surgery - Surgery may be resorted to if all else fails. The medical approach is at times necessary. However, according to some studies, more than half of all spinal surgery for lower back problems should never have been performed. Many people who have had back surgery report a recurrence of their symptoms within a year or two of the operation and may return to the operating table. In some cases the surgery makes no difference whatsoever.
| The poison Control
Centers figures for 1996 show 1,600 children dies per year from aspirin, making aspirin the second leading cause of accidental death among children. |
The Chiropractic Approach - Chiropractic has been a blessing to millions with back problems, often saving them from pain, disability, drugs and surgery. Yet chiropractic is not a treatment for back problems. The chiropractor's job is to make the spine healthier by correcting vertebral subluxations and relieving spinal nerve damage. This may make the difference between health and disability, comfort and pain.
| Funny how people
have more faith in man-made drugs... than they do in the creators wisdom of creating man with built in resistance to disease. |
What Do Workers' Compensation Studies Reveal? -
Florida Study (5) - Claims from 10,000 cases (1985-86) showed: under standard medical care the patient was disabled for 59 days; under chiropractic: 39 days. Due to the shortened disability time, the average cost of chiropractic care was less than half that of medical care for the same conditions.
Utah Study (6) - A study of 3,062 back injury claims revealed chiropractic cost a fraction of what medical care would have cost. People under medical care returned to work after 21 days; those under chiropractic returned to work after 3 days.
Oregon Study (7) - An Oregon study revealed that under medical care 41% could return to work after one week but under chiropractic care 82% were able to return to work after one week.
California Studies (8) - C. Richard Wolf, M.D. compared 500 people sent to medical doctors and 500 sent to chiropractors. The chiropractic patients returned to the job after 15.6 days while those under medical care remained disabled 32 days.
The Facts Speak For Themselves - "Scientific studies show that doctors of chiropractic relieve chronic and severe pain, both immediate and long term, in one half the time it takes medical physicians not trained in chiropractic procedures; empirical studies can and have been conducted. There are now in excess of 60 scientific studies which demonstrate the value of manipulation: a most effective and cost-effective form of care for dysfunctional problems in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines." (9)
| The presence of
symptoms does not mean that you are sick, the absence of symptoms does not mean you are well. |
Conclusion - Studies have shown chiropractic to be more beneficial and cost effective than standard American medicine for lower back complaints. Therefore, a doctor of chiropractic should always be consulted before resorting to medical treatments. Unlike pain killers, muscle relaxers, physical therapy and surgery, chiropractic corrects vertebral subluxations. No matter what disease or condition you have, you can benefit from a healthy spine. Spinal health can be as important for your overall health as proper nutrition. Are you and your family carrying the vertebral subluxation complex in your spine? Only a chiropractic spinal checkup can tell.
| A healthy spine will
improve your life. See your chiropractor for periodic spinal checkups. |
| References | |
| 1. | Waddell, G. Simple low-back pain: Rest or active exercise. Annals Rheum Dis., 1993, 52, pp. 317-319. |
| 2. | Deyo, R. A. Description epidemiology of lower-back pain and its related medical care in the Untied States. Spine, 1987, 13(3), pp. 264-268. |
| 3. | Low Back Pain, The $50 Billion Problem. Conference sponsored by the Institute for Low Back Care. Minneapolis, MN: Abbott Northwestern Hospital, September 30, 1982. |
| 4. | Burton, C. V. & Cassidy, J. D. Economics epidemiology and risk factors. In W. H. Kirkaldy-Willis & C. V. Burton (Ed.), Managing low-back pain (3rd ed.). NY: Churchill Livingston, 1992. |
| 5. | Wolk, S. Chiropractic vs. medical care: A cost analysis of disability and treatment for back-related workers' compensation cases. Arlington, VA: Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research, September 1988. |
| 6. | Jarvis, K., Phillips, R. & Morris, E. Workers' Compensation Fund of Utah, 1991. |
| 7. | A study of time loss back claims. Portland, OR: Workmen's Compensation Board, State of Oregon, March 1971. |
| 8. | Wolf, C. R. Industrial back injury. Arlington, VA: International Chiropractors Association, 1110 North Glebe Road, Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22201, (703) 528-5000, December 1972. |
| 9. | Kirkaldy-Willis, W. H. American Back Society Newsletter, Spring 1989,5(2). |