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  • Multiple Problems After Failed Back Surgery Helped by Chiropractic

    Multiple Problems After Failed Back Surgery Helped by Chiropractic

    On January 1, 2025, the first-quarter issue of the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study showing chiropractic helping a patient who was suffering with a variety of pain issues in her lower back, legs, shoulders and neck. The patient had undergone unsuccessful spinal surgery in their lower back five years previously.

    Failed back surgery is a common problem in healthcare. A report published by the National Library of Medicine’s National Center for Biotechnology Information states that “Failed back surgery syndrome is reported to affect between 10 to 40% of patients following back surgery.”

    The authors of this study also highlight the issue of failed back surgery by quoting the editors of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Georgetown Medical Center in Washington, DC, “The world of spinal medicine, unfortunately, is producing patients with failed back surgery syndrome at an alarming rate. There is growing frustration over the lack of progress in the surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease. Despite a steady stream of technological innovations over the past 15 years, from pedical screws to fusion cages to artificial discs, there is little evidence that patient outcomes have improved.”

    In this case, a 52-year-old woman who had undergone spinal laminectomy surgery at the lower spine five years previously, sought chiropractic care for relief from her variety of symptoms. At that time, she was suffering with pain in her left hip, buttock, groin, leg, calf and ankle that had been present for five months. Additionally, the woman was suffering with painful plantar fasciitis and frozen shoulders for the prior three years.

    The woman stated that sitting for too long made her pain unbearable. She rated her back, hip, leg and foot pain as a 10 out of 10 and said that she suffered with these problems for “7 days out of the week.” Prior to her problems, the woman was very active but was now unable to participate in many of the activities she enjoyed.

    After a detailed chiropractic and orthopedic examination, specific forms of chiropractic care were started. The study recorded that within a four week period and after five chiropractic visits, the woman reported that all of her symptoms had been resolved and she only had some minor residual stiffness. A follow-up two years later showed that none of her symptoms had returned, and she was once again able to engage in the life and family activities she enjoyed.

    The authors of this study highlight the importance of chiropractic care being tried before irreversible spinal surgery is considered. “Most importantly, this case report demonstrates the continued ineffectiveness and overuse of spine surgery. More people need to understand the risks and costs before embarking on a path to potential failed back surgery. People also need to know there is a better solution, chiropractic care, that is getting the recognition it has long deserved. Around the world there are millions people who are now addicted to strong medications for their chronic back pain from failed back surgeries.”

  • Pain, Headaches, Sleep, and Anxiety Helped by Chiropractic

    Pain, Headaches, Sleep, and Anxiety Helped by Chiropractic

    The 2024 fourth-quarter issue of the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study documenting the improvement, under chiropractic care, of a postpartum woman who was suffering with a variety of quality-of-life issues including spinal pain, migraine headaches, sleep problems, and anxiety.

    The postpartum period is after a woman gives birth when her body is returning to a pre-pregnancy state. Postpartum usually lasts six to eight weeks after childbirth. Anxiety and depression are among a number of prevalent health issues during this timeframe.

    In this case, a 27-year-old nurse presented herself to the chiropractor with her primary issues of low back, hip, and neck pain. The woman explained that the pain had been getting worse since she gave birth a few months earlier. She described her pain as constant and said it was made worse by house chores and working out at the gym.

    Additionally, the woman also reported that she was experiencing headaches twice per week and migraine headaches about twice per month. She also stated that she was having mental focus and memory issues, as well as feeling anxiety and experiencing restless legs with calf cramps. She noted that she would wake up stiff in the morning.

    A full chiropractic examination and spinal x-rays was performed and revealed that the woman had multiple vertebral subluxations. Based on these findings, specific forms of chiropractic care were started where the woman would be seen twice per week for the first twelve weeks.

    The study documented that within a short period of time the woman showed positive results from her chiropractic care. The woman stated that she could focus better, had more energy, less anxiety and was able to handle stress better. She reported that she had a 50% reduction in the frequency of her headaches and was no longer getting any migraine headaches. She also experienced a 50% reduction in her hip pain and complete resolution of her neck pain.

    In summing up this case and the woman’s positive response to chiropractic care, the authors of this study wrote, “The patient reported significant improvement outcomes across all measures, especially quality and quantity of sleep, focus, anxiety, and ability to handle stress. This was concomitant with a complete resolution of migraines and neck pain, and a significant reduction in headache and other musculoskeletal pain.” They continued by suggesting, “Assisting new mothers in regaining adaptability postpartum may be a significant aspect of chiropractic care. An aspect of subluxation during this time may include poor sleep quality and quantity, which may impact other areas of life, including migraine, headache, energy, focus and mental health.”

  • Reduction in Seizure Activity in an Epilepsy Sufferer Under Chiropractic Care

    Reduction in Seizure Activity in an Epilepsy Sufferer Under Chiropractic Care

    The Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study in their 2024 fourth-quarter journal that documented the improvement in the number and severity of seizures for an epileptic patient after receiving chiropractic care.

    The Epilepsy Foundation defines epilepsy on their website by stating, “Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world. If you have epilepsy, surges of electrical activity in your brain can cause recurring seizures.” They go on to explain, “Seizures are sudden surges of abnormal and excessive electrical activity in your brain and can affect how you appear or act. Where and how the seizure presents itself can have profound effects.”

    In this case, a 24-year-old woman went to the chiropractor to see if she could get help with her epilepsy. At that time, the woman was having regular seizures that interfered with her daily life in a profound way. She had been diagnosed with epilepsy since birth when she was experiencing “extreme infantile spasms.”

    The woman reported that her seizure frequency was impacting her ability to participate in most normal social activities. She also noted that her seizures prevented her from engaging in exercise and she could not gain employment due to her condition. The study reports that the woman felt that her life was completely controlled by her seizures.

    The woman was on a number of medications to treat her condition. She felt that the medications she was given were excessive and that the side effects were often worse than the seizures. When she was about to suffer a seizure, the woman said that her eyes would feel heavy, her memory would become worse, and she would become very moody. She was encouraged by her medical professionals to accept her health situation saying that her condition was probably “as good as it gets.”

    A comprehensive examination and spinal x-rays showed multiple vertebral subluxations and a reversal of normal neck curvature. With these findings, regular specific chiropractic adjustments were started. Due to the seriousness of her condition and how the seizures were affecting all areas of her life, the woman was seen three times per week in the beginning of her chiropractic care. She was periodically re-evaluated to monitor her progress.

    The study records that, as a result of her chiropractic care, the seizures discontinued. The only times that the seizures would reoccur was when she was traveling with her mother for extended periods of time and was unable to receive her chiropractic adjustments. During those breaks from care, her seizures were still less frequent and less severe.

    As the woman continued with her chiropractic care on a less-frequent maintenance schedule, she was able to resume normal life activities. The study noted that the woman was able to go for walks and ride a bike. She could also now go for a swim, an activity she was previously afraid to do for fear of having a seizure and drowning. She stated that she was able to look for employment and for the first time she felt that she was able to take control of her life.

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Insomnia, and Long-Term Neck Pain Helped by Chiropractic

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Insomnia, and Long-Term Neck Pain Helped by Chiropractic

    A documented case study showed that a chiropractic patient was helped with chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, and chronic neck pain. The study was published in the fourth-quarter issue of the Asian-Pacific Chiropractic Journal. This study notes that someone can only be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome if that person has been suffering with debilitating fatigue for more than six months and experiences no improvement from rest.

    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control describe chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), on their website as “ME/CFS is a biological illness that affects many body parts. It causes severe fatigue not improved by rest, problems thinking and sleeping, dizziness, pain, and many other symptoms. People with ME/CFS may not look sick but can’t do their normal activities. ME/CFS may get worse after they do any activity — physical or mental.”

    The CDC website also discusses the impact that CFS has by stating, “It’s estimated that up to 3.3 million people in the United States suffer from ME/CFS. More than 9 in 10 people with ME/CFS have not been diagnosed by a doctor. ME/CFS costs the U.S. economy about $18 to $51 billion annually in medical costs and lost income.”

    In this case, a 60-year-old woman presented herself for chiropractic care. She was seeking help with her chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, and long-term worsening neck pain. All her problems seemed to have started three years ago following a motor vehicle accident. She reports that she no longer had the energy to complete her daily activities or engage in recreational activities she liked such as horseback riding. The woman had been irregularly attempting a variety of forms of care with no help.

    After a thorough chiropractic examination and spinal x-rays, the patient was started on a concentrated chiropractic care plan. The study records that over that four-week period of care, the woman experienced significant results. During this time, the woman saw complete resolution of her chronic fatigue syndrome as well as a complete resolution of her insomnia. Additionally, her neck pain was completely corrected. As a result of her improvements, the woman said she had more energy and was able to return to riding horses and working full-time.

    The authors of this study summed up this case by saying, “This case report details the improvement in CFS, insomnia, and neck pain symptoms and an overall improvement in quality of life following a series of concentrated Chiropractic care programs.”

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Helped with Chiropractic

    Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Helped with Chiropractic

    On November 4, 2024, the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published the results of a case study documenting the resolution of a case of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) after chiropractic care. The Merck Manual describes this condition by saying, “Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common disorder causing short episodes of vertigo (a false sensation of moving or spinning) in response to changes in head position that stimulate the posterior semicircular canal of the inner ear.”

    The author of this study begins by noting that while there is no difference in the incidence between male or female, vertigo is linked to increased age. He states, “Research has indicated that vertigo does not discriminate in gender but does have a higher prevalence with increased age. In several studies it has been noted the correlation between vertigo and age. As there was an increase in age there was an increased incidence of vertigo.”

    In this case, a 75-year-old woman sought out chiropractic care for help with a variety of complaints. At that time, she was suffering with vertigo, aching and stiff neck muscles and throbbing pain in her lower back. On a scale of 0 to 10 with 10 being the worst, the woman rated her vertigo at 10 and her neck pain as a 7.

    The woman reported that she started experiencing her problems after falling out of bed onto a concrete floor and landed on the left side of her head and jaw. She had seen an E.E.N.T. (ears, eyes, nose, throat) specialist where she was diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and given medication.

    Upon arrival at the chiropractic office, it was noted that she was walking slowly. She reported that normal house chores, or moving her head, or even sitting made her problems worse. Her vertigo episodes would last between 10 and 60 seconds. Resting was difficult as certain positions would make her feel like she was falling out of bed.

    After a chiropractic examination, it was determined that multiple vertebral subluxations were present. With this finding, specific chiropractic adjustments were started to address the subluxations.

    The study reports that after the woman’s sixth adjustment, she was no longer experiencing any symptoms of vertigo. Additionally, the study notes that her other symptoms had also resolved.

    In this study’s conclusion, the author notes, “With a greater understanding of the mechanism of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, chiropractors can better manage these patients who may be suffering from this disorder.” He continued, “Chiropractic care was shown to be beneficial to a patient with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and cervical pain.”

  • Functional Improvement and Pain Reduction in a Patient with Fibromyalgia Undergoing Chiropractic Care

    Functional Improvement and Pain Reduction in a Patient with Fibromyalgia Undergoing Chiropractic Care

    The above title comes from the October 21, 2024, issue of the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. The National Institutes of Health describe this condition by saying, “Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping.”

    The author of this study began by noting that “Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that presents with chronic widespread pain usually accompanied by stiffness, fatigue, headaches, poor sleep, paresthesia, anxiety, cognitive difficulties and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fibromyalgia is one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.”

    The study reports that approximately 5 million adults are diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the United States. Although this condition can occur in children and adolescents, there is an increased prevalence of fibromyalgia with aging with the median age being 56 years old. Fibromyalgia is ten times more likely to be diagnosed in women than in men. When men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, the symptoms are more severe accompanied by higher depression levels, sleep apnea and worse overall health outcomes.

    In this case, a 56-year-old man sought chiropractic care for his health concerns. At that time, the man was suffering from back pain and neck pain. He had been medically diagnosed one year previously with severe debilitating fibromyalgia. Additionally, he also complained of pain and tingling in his arms and forearms as well as a tingling sensation in his thighs that got worse with certain movements. His condition had an effect on his sleep and his daily activities. He would occasionally experience blackouts and, because of his pain, was unable to walk more than a few feet without having to stop and rest.

    A chiropractic examination and spinal x-rays were taken. During the examination, the man was experiencing significant pain, and he exhibited a significant reduction in his ranges of motion. The conclusion of the examination was that the man had multiple vertebral subluxation complexes with a variety of additional components of subluxations. With this information, a series of specific chiropractic adjustments was started.

    As his chiropractic care progressed, the man noticed ongoing improvement in all his symptoms. The study records that, eventually, he no longer needed his cane to get around and had an overall increased mobility. He stated that his adjustments “helped him function from day to day.” The study also documented that the man could stand upright without assistance, and he could now stand and sit for longer than thirty minutes at a time. His tingling stopped in his arms and significantly reduced in his thighs. He also no longer had the blackouts he was experiencing before starting chiropractic.

    In summing up this case, the author wrote, “This paper describes improvement of function, mobility and decrease in pain in an adult male with fibromyalgia related symptoms that presented for chiropractic care. The findings presented in this case study suggest chiropractic adjustments may benefit patients who suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome.”

  • Motor Tics Helped by Chiropractic in Two Published Case Studies

    Motor Tics Helped by Chiropractic in Two Published Case Studies

    The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published the results of two case studies on October 7, 2024, documenting the improvement of two patients with motor tics being helped by chiropractic care. Web-MD describes “tics” by stating, “Tic disorders are conditions involving your nervous system. They cause you to make repetitive, sudden, rapid sounds or movements, and you may struggle to control yourself when they happen.”

    This study reports that “Individuals with tics are unable to stop these uncontrollable movements or sounds.” Tics are more common than most people realize. This study reports that “Tics vary widely in severity and occur in an estimated 20% of children. Many children go undiagnosed because of the mildness of their particular condition.”

    In the first case, a 7-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor by his mother. The boy was suffering with motor tics. The boy’s mother stated that her son was having twitches in his neck for several weeks. These twitches would occur about five times per minute and would last the entire day while the boy was awake. The boy also had some non-related congenital developmental anomalies which caused him to frequently fall and required him to walk with crutches.

    The second case in this published study involved a 27-year-old man who sought chiropractic because he was suffering with motor tics in his neck. His tic was present for the past ten years. They started when he was in high school and spent multiple hours playing saxophone with a strap wrapped around his neck. By the time the man was out of high school, the tic was present every day and occurring about 10 times per minute. His neurologist prescribed medication that made him sleepy which interfered with his profession as a teacher and would cause him to fall asleep in class.

    Both subjects of this study received various forms of chiropractic examinations. In both cases, it was determined that subluxations were present in their spines. Each of these two patients then received specific chiropractic adjustments according to the care plan they required.

    In the first case, the 7-year-old boy saw results from his chiropractic care almost immediately. On his third visit, his mother reported a significant reduction in the frequency of his tics. By his fourth visit, the boy was no longer having tics. A week later, he did sustain a fall due to his congenital defects, and his tics resumed in a much milder fashion. When he got adjusted again, his tics stopped. From that point forward, the boy only experienced tics after a severe fall, which would stop again after an adjustment.

    The 27-year-old man also noticed some immediate results after starting chiropractic care. The study reports that after three weeks of chiropractic care his motor tics were reduced to just a few tics a day. After two months of chiropractic care, the man reported he could go for a month or more and not experience a tic.

    Both patient continued care and would only have a slight reoccurrence of their tics if they went for over a month without chiropractic, and some other stress or trauma was present. The authors of the study summed up these cases by saying, “Both patients reported reduction in symptoms following chiropractic care. When compliant with the doctor’s recommended care, the patients could remain symptom free except when falls would occur or excessive emotional stress.”

  • Hemiplegic Migraines and Drop Seizures Resolved Under Chiropractic Care

    Hemiplegic Migraines and Drop Seizures Resolved Under Chiropractic Care

    The 2024 fourth-quarter issue of the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study documenting the resolution of hemiplegic migraines and drop seizures in a patient undergoing chiropractic care. The patient unsuccessfully tried to get help using traditional medical care before turning to chiropractic.

    According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine, “A hemiplegic migraine is a rare form of migraine in which the migraine headache attack is accompanied by unilateral weakness.” This unilateral weakness often causes the patient to collapse which is referred to as a drop seizure. Drop seizures, also known as “drop attacks” or atonic seizures is when parts of a person’s body suddenly lose tone causing the person to suddenly collapse.

    In this case, a 23-year-old woman, who had never been to a chiropractor, decided to see if chiropractic could help her with her health issues. The woman had previously received a medical diagnosis of hemiplegic migraines, drop seizures, extreme fatigue, and leg and back spasms.

    The woman reported that a few years earlier, when she was in college and was a runner, she would experience episodes where her legs would buckle, and she would collapse. As her condition worsened, her legs would suddenly stop working, and she would collapse on the floor, unable to get up. She would need assistance to be helped up onto a couch or bed where she would be unable to move for several hours. She would then need several days to recover.

    Eventually, the woman’s condition progressed to the point she was having “big” episodes and was becoming completely disabled. The authors describe her state, “These big episodes, which were followed by falls, impacted the patient’s overall health, causing increasing brain fog, memory loss, full-body weakness, depression, anxiety, difficulty talking, and an inability to make decisions.” She had gotten so bad that she was no longer able to drive and could not live on her own.

    The woman had been referred to 11 medical specialists for medical care. However, medical care could not help her, and her condition continued to get worse and become more debilitating. She was labeled as permanently disabled and had been told by multiple medical professionals that she had no potential for a normal life in her case.

    On her first visit to the chiropractor, a full chiropractic examination was performed which included spinal x-rays. From the examination and x-rays, it was determined that multiple spinal subluxations were present as well as a reversal of the woman’s neck curve.

    Based on the findings of multiple subluxations, specific chiropractic was started. The study reports that after her first week of chiropractic care, the woman’s drop seizures had decreased from once a week to approximately one per month. Additionally, her drop seizures decreased in severity to where she would recover in a matter our hours as opposed to the days of recovery she needed prior to chiropractic.

    The woman continued to improve as she continued with chiropractic care. The study reports that because of her chiropractic care, the woman was able to return to work and exercise regularly. In the authors’ conclusion they stated “… this case suggests an alternative path forward for those navigating the labyrinth of medical referrals, demonstrating the potential benefit of concentrated Chiropractic care for chronic and complex health concerns.”

  • Epileptic Seizures and Nystagmus Helped by Chiropractic

    Epileptic Seizures and Nystagmus Helped by Chiropractic

    The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study September 16, 2024, documenting the improvement of epileptic seizures and nystagmus in a child undergoing chiropractic care. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Nystagmus is a condition where the eyes move rapidly and uncontrollably.”

    The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describe epilepsy by stating, “Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder in which groups of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes send the wrong signals and cause seizures.” They further explain that “During a seizure, many neurons send signals at the same time, much faster than normal. This surge of excessive electrical activity may cause involuntary movements, sensations, emotions, and/or behaviors.”

    In this case, an 11-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor. The boy was suffering with epileptic seizures and rapid side to side movements of his eyes. According to the boy’s mother, the seizures started a year and a half earlier. She reported that her son was having about six seizures each day with each of the seizures lasting about 10 to 15 seconds. The boy’s mother did not know how or why the seizures suddenly started and she could not identify any activity or events that would trigger the seizures. The boy was taking a daily medication which had little effect on his condition.

    A chiropractic examination was performed with the focus being on spinal positioning and movement. From this examination, it was determined that multiple areas of vertebral subluxations were present. After consultation with and consent of the boy’s mother, a specific series of chiropractic adjustments was started.

    After six chiropractic adjustments, the boy’s mother reported that she noticed a slight decrease in her son’s eye movements. By the 8th chiropractic visit, the boy’s seizures had decreased from 6 per day to only one per day. By the 14th chiropractic visit, the boy’s mother reported that her son had not had any seizures for the previous two weeks. By the 22nd visit, the boy’s seizures had decreased from 6 per day to only one per month.

    In the study conclusion, the authors of this study stated, “This case described the outcomes experienced by a pediatric patient with a history of epileptic seizures undergoing chiropractic care.”

  • Sleep Apnea Helped by Chiropractic

    Sleep Apnea Helped by Chiropractic

    The Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study on October 1, 2024, documenting the improvement under chiropractic care of a patient suffering with obstructive sleep apnea.

    According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by episodes of a complete airway collapse or a partial collapse with an associated decrease in oxygen saturation or arousal from sleep.” The NCBI goes on to explain that obstructive sleep apnea can cause a loss of quality of sleep resulting in a variety of other health issues.

    This study begins by noting that “Sleep loss has been associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular morbidity, impaired mood and cognition, and increased age-specific mortality.” The authors further explain the importance of finding solutions for OSA when they say, “Current treatment options for OSA include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, oral appliances, and surgery.” They continue, “With many of the treatments being invasive and the outcomes unreliable, there is a significant need for alternative and effective management options for individuals with OSA, not only to improve their quality of life day-to-day but also to avert the potentially serious long-term effects of inadequate sleep.”

    In this case, a 26-year-old man who was employed as a bartender, presented himself for chiropractic care due to sports injuries he suffered previously that were causing chronic ankle, shoulder, and elbow pain. His history revealed that, several years earlier, the man had been diagnosed with OSA and had been using a CPAP machine. His CPAP monitoring showed he was having about thirty episodes each night where he would go from three to forty-nine seconds without breathing.

    A chiropractic examination revealed the presence of multiple vertebral subluxations. Based upon the findings of subluxations, chiropractic care was started at the rate of two or three visits per week for the initial seven weeks. According to the study, “The care plan aimed to detect and correct chronic subluxations, and to support recovery from musculoskeletal pain due to sports injuries.”

    After seven weeks of care, the man reported that he had a significant increase in his range of motion and his pains were significantly reduced allowing him to engage in sports related activities. Additionally, it was noted that his CPAP machine reported a 50% reduction in his sleep apnea episodes, and he reported that he was experiencing better sleep as well as waking feeling rested.

    In the study discussion, the authors commented that, “This case details the successful management of a patient with obstructive sleep apnea through a course of Chiropractic care. The patient reported a 50% decrease in sleep apnea episodes, as recorded by his CPAP machine, and noted more restful sleep. There was also a concurrent reduction in pain and an improvement in function when playing sport, as reported by the patient.”

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