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  • Chiropractic Helps Patient with Chronic Lower Back Pain and Scoliosis

    Chiropractic Helps Patient with Chronic Lower Back Pain and Scoliosis

    On September 1, 2024, the research site Cureus published the results of a case study documenting the improvement through chiropractic of a patient with scoliosis who was suffering with chronic lower back pain. MedLine Plus describes chronic lower back pain by stating, “Low back pain refers to pain that you feel in your lower back. You may also have back stiffness, decreased movement of the lower back, and difficulty standing straight. Low back pain that is long-term is called chronic low back pain.”

    The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases describes scoliosis by saying, “Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. Everyone has normal curves in the spine, and when looked at from behind, the spine appears straight. However, children and teens with scoliosis have an abnormal S-shaped or C-shaped curve of the spine.”

    In this case, a 34-year-old man was suffering with chronic pain in two areas, his neck and lower back. The man attributed his pain to very hard labor from his employment of being a heavy equipment manufacturer in the mining industry. In addition to his employment, the man had also played competitive rugby for 12 years and was involved in martial arts for the past 4 years.

    Four days prior to seeking chiropractic care, the man had a neck injury while being engaged in marital arts. The man was experiencing neck pain that radiated from his neck into his right hand, along with tingling and a minimal loss of his right-hand function. The pain was so severe it affected his sleep and could compromise his safety at work.

    In addition to his recent injury, the man also suffered with long term lower back pain that radiated into his right knee. He also reported a loss of sensation in his feet which he noted were cold much of the time. He also suffered with regular nose bleeding and had problems with frequent urination.

    A chiropractic examination and spinal x-rays were performed. The x-rays revealed a moderate lower back scoliosis. Based upon the finding of the exam and x-rays, a plan of specific forms of chiropractic were started. The man was initially seen three times per week for his chiropractic care. After ten weeks of care, the patient was re-evaluated to determine the progress of his condition and his spine.

    At his re-evaluation, the man reported significant improvement in his lower back and neck pain of between 85 and 90%. He also reported that he was no longer having a loss of sensation in his feet, as well as no longer experiencing cold feet. Additionally, his nose bleeding and frequent urination had resolved. Additionally, on follow-up x-rays, it was demonstrated that the man had a 30% improvement in his scoliosis.

  • Chronic Migraine Headaches and Neck Curvature Helped with Chiropractic

    Chronic Migraine Headaches and Neck Curvature Helped with Chiropractic

    A case study published on September 22, 2024, on the research site Cureus documented the case of patient, who was suffering with chronic migraine headaches, being helped by chiropractic. The study also documented improvement in the patient’s neck curvature.

    The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke define migraine headaches by saying, “Migraine is a type of headache characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head.” They note that these types of headaches can be characterized by an increased sensitivity to light, noise, and odors, and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

    The authors of this study note that chronic migraine (CM) headaches affect about 1%-2% of the global population. They also report that “Migraine causes significant human suffering and dysfunction, reduces productivity, and increases the years lived with disability.”

    In this case, a 29-year-old man went to the chiropractor to see if he could get help with his headaches. The man had been suffering with migraine headaches for 19 years which started for no apparent reason when he was age 10. Prior to suffering a migraine episode, the man would experience an aura which would include visual, and auditory altered sensations which could last up to several hours. His aura was always followed by intense face and head pain. His migraines would get so severe that he would be unable to function and was forced to lay in bed in a dark room for hours or even days.

    The man had been to numerous medical professionals been prescribed a variety of medicine, was taking large amounts of over-the-counter medications, and had tried physical therapy. None of these approaches as given any significant or long-term relief.

    A chiropractic examination and spinal neck x-rays were performed. The side view x-ray of the neck showed a reversal of a portion of the normal curvature and an overall forward projection of the head. Based upon the findings, a plan of specific chiropractic care was started.

    After 24 chiropractic visits, a re-evaluation was performed. At that time, the man reported that his migraines had improved by 90%. Additionally, he also reported that his other initial symptoms of muscle weakness, numbness, and loss of function had totally resolved. The study also reported that the man’s neck range of motion had improved. Follow-up x-rays documented that his neck curvature and forward head projection had significantly improved.

    The authors of the study summed up the benefits of chiropractic for migraines by saying, “This study reports a case of successful non-drug treatment of CM in a 29-year-old male. Migraine affects a significant portion of the population, and the CM subset condition has significant implications for patients including loss of quality of life, decreased work productivity, and a contribution to the GBD (global burden of disease). Conservative treatment options are few beyond medication, and this study provides clinicians, physicians, and therapists an option with potentially beneficial effect.”

  • Sciatica, Sleep Issues & Shoulder Pain Helped by Chiropractic

    Sciatica, Sleep Issues & Shoulder Pain Helped by Chiropractic

    On July 24, 2024, the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published the results of a case study that documented the improvement with chiropractic of a patient suffering with sciatic pain, shoulder pain and sleeping problems. According to the Mayo Clinic website, “Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the buttocks and down each leg.”

    The study begins with the study author pointing out that “Shoulder pain, sleep problems, and sciatica pose significant challenges to daily life, often resulting in disability. While numerous medical treatments are accessible, their outcomes remain inconsistent.”

    In this case, a 33-year-old man presented himself for chiropractic care in the hope of gaining relief from multiple issues. At that time, the man was suffering with right shoulder pain, sciatica pain down the back of both legs, poor posture, and decreased sleep quality.

    His history revealed that he was also having digestive issues and was under an “unbearable” amount of stress. His shoulder pain was constant while standing for extended periods, causing him to slouch resulting in his poor posture. His sciatica pain would occur when he sat or stood for extended periods of time without moving.

    A chiropractic examination with spinal x-rays was performed. The results of these showed that vertebral subluxations were present. Based on this finding, specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were started to correct the subluxations.

    The results of the care showed that the man improved is all areas. His pains were initially rated on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being the worst. Initially, he reported that his neck pain was a 4, his mid back at 2, headaches at 6, right shoulder at 6, low back at 7, sciatica on the left side at 5, and sciatica on the right side at 4.

    After months of chiropractic care, the man’s progress showed that his right shoulder pain was reduced to 0, his neck pain down to 1, headaches at 0, mid back at 1, low back at 0, and left and right-side sciatica at a 0. The study also reported that the man was experiencing better sleep, better digestion, and an overall improvement in his quality of life.

    In the study conclusion, the author discusses the advantage of a drugless approach like chiropractic, as compared to medical management for pain. “When determining the most suitable approach for addressing sciatica and shoulder pain, it is imperative for healthcare providers to engage in open dialogue with their patients, especially when contemplating the use of medications. Providing comprehensive information regarding the potential risks and adverse reactions associated with prescribed medications is of utmost importance.”

  • Infant with Neurological Problems Who Could Not Lift Head Helped by Chiropractic

    Infant with Neurological Problems Who Could Not Lift Head Helped by Chiropractic

    The third quarter of 2024 issue of the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal documented a case study showing chiropractic helping an infant who could not lift her head up, retained primitive reflexes, and was behind in developmental benchmarks.

    According to the National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Primitive reflexes are involuntary motor responses originating in the brainstem present after birth in early child development that facilitate survival. Several reflexes are important in the assessment of newborns and young infants.” Many of these reflexes should disappear within a short time after birth. When certain reflexes remain present longer than normal, it could be an indication of neurological and developmental issues.

    In this case, a 15-week-old infant girl was brought to the chiropractor by her parents. They described their infant daughter by saying that she was “not adapting well to life outside the womb.” The infant’s muscle tone was below normal. She could barely lift her head up and had trouble responding to caregivers. The infant also looked lethargic and did not respond well to stimuli.

    The history revealed that the infant was born prematurely at 36 weeks into the pregnancy. After her birth, she favored her head to one side which created issues with tummy time and breast feeding as well as creating a problem with head asymmetry.

    A chiropractic examination confirmed the weakness of the muscle tone and reported that the infant was approximately 7 weeks behind on normal developmental milestones. Multiple subluxations were determined to be present that were affecting the child’s nervous system. Appropriate to age, size, and weakness, specific chiropractic adjustments were started initially at the rate of three times per week.

    The study reports that as care continued and assessments were performed, the parents initially reported that their infant’s sleeping pattern and quality had improved. They also noted an improvement in the girl’s head shape. The parents also reported an improvement in their daughter’s bowel function and noted that she had become much more active.

    As chiropractic care continued, the infant girl’s parents continued to notice improvements in every area of their daughter’s life including posture, strengths and motor skills. At one point, the study records that they parents mentioned that they were “absolutely blown away by the changes” and could not believe that this was the same child compared to before chiropractic care.

    In the discussion portion of this study, the authors gave an overview of this case and the important role of chiropractic care for this baby, “This case illustrates the profound impact of Chiropractic care in supporting the developing nervous systems of infants, even those who are failing to thrive. Here, we have a child whose trajectory could have been completely different. With the lack of responsiveness the patient showed at the start, it is possible that, without Chiropractic care, she may not have been able to adapt and function at her best.”

  • Chiropractic Helps Infant with Multiple Problems

    Chiropractic Helps Infant with Multiple Problems

    The Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study in their third quarter 2024 edition documenting the improvement under chiropractic care of an infant suffering from multiple physical health and developmental issues.

    The authors of this study begin by explaining why infants are taken to chiropractors by their parents. “One of the most common reasons for infants to be brought to a Chiropractor is for difficulty with tummy time, low muscle tone, and torticollis. In recent years a new approach to these cases has emerged, now the focus is not limited to the changes in torticollis and poor muscle tone symptoms but also considers improvements in feeding and digestion, posture, developmental delay, and sleep.”

    In this case, a 12-week-old infant girl was brought to the chiropractor by her mother. The infant girl had a strong dislike to tummy time and would scream and cry when placed on her stomach. She also had difficulty lifting her head and could not push herself up with her arms. She was also suffering with explosive bowel movements as well as random gagging when placed on her back while sleeping. When awake, the infant preferred to be held upright.

    The case history noted that although the birth was not difficult, the pregnancy was. The mother experienced significant sickness and was in bed and vomiting every day until she went into labor. During her pregnancy, the mother was hospitalized for IV infusion several times and was on limited food intake for months.

    A chiropractic examination of the infant showed that her range of motion was limited, and her head was mis-shaped with a flattening in the right rear area. The examination also showed abnormal primitive reflexes as well as shoulder function. It was determined that multiple areas of subluxations were present in the infant girl’s spine.

    Chiropractic care appropriate to the infant’s size and age was started at the rate of two visits per week. After eight visits, an evaluation showed that the girl had improved significantly with her tummy time ability and function. The girl’s family also commented that she was better able to lift her head and was sleeping and feeding better.

    Additional improvements included an increase in her range of motion, as well as an improvement in the infant’s gagging during sleep. She was no longer having reflux or vomiting from the gagging and was not crying when placed on her tummy. The infant showed improvement in her reflexes and was overall much more relaxed. Her parents also reported that their daughter had caught up to her peers with her developmental milestones.

  • Chiropractic Shown to Affect Brain Function in Study

    Chiropractic Shown to Affect Brain Function in Study

    On June 11, 2024, the Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience journal published the results of a study that showed chiropractic care had a positive effect on brain function. The brain function was measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG). This study looked at the EEG readings of patients who were under chiropractic care and were experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

    According to the Mayo Clinic website, “Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the stage between the expected decline in memory and thinking that happens with age and the more serious decline of dementia. MCI may include problems with memory, language or judgment. People with MCI may be aware that their memory or mental function has ‘slipped.’ Family and close friends also may notice changes. But these changes aren’t bad enough to impact daily life or affect usual activities.”

    The purpose of the study was to see if chiropractic care had an effect on brain function of patients with MCI. The researcher explained this study by saying, “In this study, the aim is to investigate the changes in neural activity using the EEG signal pre- and post-chiropractic or control intervention in participants with MCI.” This takes on an even more important purpose as the researchers noted that MCI often progresses to Alzheimer’s disease, a much more serious cognitive condition.

    In this study 26 participants who had been diagnosed with MCI were randomly divided into two groups of 13 participants. One group would receive chiropractic care, while the other group would not, and were used as a control group. All participants were between the ages of 58 and 68 years old. All participants received an EEG examination at the beginning of the study to establish a baseline for comparison later.

    All the participants would receive two EEG examinations on each visit. For the chiropractic group, an EEG would be performed before a chiropractic adjustment, and a second EEG would be performed after the chiropractic adjustment. The control group would also receive two EEG examinations. One would be performed at the beginning of the visit, while the second would be performed after a “Sham adjustment” in which the participant was put through the same positions as an actual adjustment, but without an adjustment being administered.

    The results of the study showed that the group that received chiropractic adjustments had positive changes in their EEG studies as tested immediately after the adjustment. The control group showed no change in any of their EEG examinations.

    In summing up the results of this study the researchers stated, “Comparison of the results obtained from chiropractic intervention and previous studies shows that chiropractic intervention can have a positive effect on MCI disease and using this method may slow down the progression of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease.”

  • Spondylolistheses, Low Back Pain, and Urinary Function Helped by Chiropractic

    Spondylolistheses, Low Back Pain, and Urinary Function Helped by Chiropractic

    The Journal of Clinical Medicine published the results of a study on March 30, 2024, that showed chiropractic helping three patients who had health issues resulting from spondylolistheses. According to the National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs when one vertebral body slips with respect to the adjacent vertebral body causing radicular or mechanical symptoms or pain. It is graded based on the degree of slippage of one vertebral body on the adjacent vertebral body.”

    This study begins by explaining the impact that spinal pain can have on the overall quality of life and the residual effects the pain can have on organ functions. The authors also report that “Degenerative spondylolisthesis is prevalent in 6–31% of the United States population, with an elevated prevalence from 50 to 90 years of age and where the female to male ratio is 5 to 1.”

    This study reports on a case series involving three patients who went to a spinal rehabilitation facility for low back pain. All three patients had the following findings on their initial chiropractic visits: All three had significant lower back pain, and suffered from urgency of urination issues. Additionally, all had x-rays that showed an increase in their lower back curvature along with the visible presence of spondylolistheses. Included in this study was a man, age 68, and two women, ages 71 and 69.

    All three patients were initially asked to fill out a 36-question health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaire that could be compared to the same form later in their chiropractic care. This HRQOL is then scored from 0 to 100 with 100 being the highest rating of a good quality of life. This rating is divided into a physical component score (PCS) with a normal rating of 46.8, and a mental component score (MCS) with the normal being 52.8 out of 100.

    Specific forms of chiropractic care were performed on the patients for between a 12 and 41 week dependent upon their specific spinal findings. The initial scores for the PCS and MCS were compared to those after the chiropractic care program as well as over a year after the care was rendered.

    The man had initial scores of 21.8 for his PCS and 42.2 for his MCS score. After care the man’s scores increased to 44.1 for his PCS and 62.7 for his MCS. The 71-year-old woman’s initial PCS score was 32.6, which increased to 51.7 after care. Her MCS score went initially from 53.8 to 57.5 after care. The other woman, who was 69 years old, had an initial PCS score of 35.0 which raised to 54.8 after chiropractic care, while her MCS score went from 43.5 to 52.7. Over one year after chiropractic care had started, all three patients maintained higher scores in both categories.

    In addition to the self-reported benefits in pain and quality of life as shown in their scores, all three patients also had improvements in their spondylolistheses as shown on their x-rays. Additionally, all three reported improvements in their urinary function issues.

    The authors of the study commented on the success of chiropractic care in these cases by stating, “This case documents the first recorded long-term successful treatment of three senior patients (two females and one male) aged 68 to 71 years showing improvements in back pain, QOL, and urinary dysfunction following the correction of lumbar lordosis and reduction in lumbar spondylolistheses…” They also added, “This study adds to the growing body of research for healthcare providers and educators who can benefit from a better understanding of the impact of spinal health on human physiology and potential treatment options.”

  • Mood, Sleep, Digestion, and Emotions Improved in a Child Under Chiropractic

    Mood, Sleep, Digestion, and Emotions Improved in a Child Under Chiropractic

    On June 28, 2024, the Asian-Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study documenting the dramatic improvement of a young child under chiropractic care, who was previously suffering with mood issues, sleep problems, digestions, social interactions, and a variety of other developmental problems.

    This study begins by explaining the importance of the Vagus nerve. The Vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve and is the longest. It may well be the most important of the 12 cranial nerves. This nerve is responsible for a large portion of the autonomic nerve system function which controls many internal organs. There has been much recent research concerning artificial stimulation of the Vagus nerve for medical treatment of conditions like depression and epilepsy. This type of treatment is invasive and carries risks.

    Recent chiropractic research has shown that non-invasive chiropractic care has a positive effect on Vagus nerve function and has been linked to health benefits such as lower blood pressure. The authors of this study note that proper function, referred to as “tone”, of the Vagus nerve is critical for an infant’s emotional and social development as well as system functions such as digestion.

    In this case, a 19-month-old infant boy was brought to the chiropractor by his mother because her son seemed to be constantly emotional and agitated. Initially, the boy’s mother assumed her son was just going through a phase. However, as the problem continued, she also noted that her son never smiled and had issue with moody reactions, sleep problems, poor neck movement and position, difficulties with digestion and feeding, as well as some difficulties with crawling and walking. He also pointed out that her son’s head shape was not asymmetrical.

    The mother reported that from his very first day, the infant boy would wake up screaming. He would only be calm for a few hours during the day, but then would appear to be in pain as he constantly seemed agitated, with whining and crying.

    An examination revealed a number of primitive reflexes that should only be present in the earliest weeks of life. This reinforced the presence of a nervous system issue. Subluxations were determined to be present, and a plan of specific and age-appropriate chiropractic adjustments were started.

    Periodic re-assessments were performed several weeks into the boy’s care. At that time, it was noted that the boy showed improvement in sleep quality, mood and general behavior, as well as a large improvement in his ability to deal with stress. Additionally, he showed improvement in his posture, coordination, body symmetry, balance, and he had a significant decrease in the amount of time he spent crying.

    As care progressed, the boy continued to show improvement in all areas. At one point, his mother commented that she was “thrilled to have her son back.” The boy’s parents also said that because their son had received chiropractic care, their son seemed to be, “a completely different child.”

  • Chiropractic Helps Baby Boy with Digestive, Sleep, and Mood Issues

    Chiropractic Helps Baby Boy with Digestive, Sleep, and Mood Issues

    On June 27, 2024, the Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study documenting a baby boy’s improvement with issues of sleep, muscle strength, mood, and digestion. Chiropractic care for infants and babies has become more widespread over the past several years.

    The authors of this study begin by explaining the need for chiropractic care for infants by saying, “While the uninformed may assume there is no need for Chiropractic care in an infant, the plethora of data available in case reports shows there is cause for further investigation as supporting infant neurodevelopment and nervous system optimization [sp] is important during this time of neuronal proliferation and growth.”

    In this case, an 8-month-old baby boy was brought to the chiropractor by his mother. She reported that her son suffered from severe gagging and vomiting with soft foods that she had introduced just six weeks earlier. The boy could tolerate firmer foods, but he would gag on soft foods and rejected spoon feeding. The baby was having trouble sleeping and was hypersensitive to being touched.

    A chiropractic examination was performed, and a chiropractic care plan was created. Initially, the baby boy was to be adjusted for subluxations twice weekly for four weeks, and then once per week for two weeks.

    After the initial eight visits, the parents reported that their son seemed much happier. His gag reflex seemed to be closer to normal and the baby was no longer spitting up or vomiting since the first week of his care. Overall, the parents reported that their baby boy improved with sleeping patterns, his crawling and walking ability, his coordination and balance, and he looked more relaxed and was moving better.

    In the discussion portion of this study, the authors summed up the results of this case by commenting, “This case details the care plan and outcomes of an infant receiving Chiropractic care for sleep issues, digestion and feeding, muscle strength, and general discontentedness. Notable improvements were reported by the mother of the infant, with his ability to eat safely, sleep quantity, mood, and overall quality of life for both the mother and child.”

    In the study’s conclusion, the authors added, “This case highlights the broad benefits Chiropractic care can have beyond ‘pain and movement’ especially in the very young. As we work with optimizing nervous system function across the lifespan through Chiropractic care a person’s resilience and adaptability can and does improve. This case is evidence of the profound impact Chiropractic care can have on well-being concerns in infants.”

  • Improvements in Anxiety and Suicidal Inclinations in a Young Girl Undergoing Chiropractic

    Improvements in Anxiety and Suicidal Inclinations in a Young Girl Undergoing Chiropractic

    The Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study on June 27, 2024, that documented the dramatic improvement with chiropractic of a young girl who was suffering with severe anxiety, and who had suicidal inclinations.

    The authors of this study begin by noting how common mental health issues are in the adolescent population, and why chiropractic can play an important role. “Current statistics indicate that one in seven adolescents aged between 10 and 17 suffer from a mental health condition, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. This statistic alone provides a solid impetus to understand how Chiropractic care may support adolescents undergoing mental health challenges or distress.”

    In this case, a 14-year-old girl was brought to the chiropractor for the first time to see if she could be helped with her severe anxiety disorder with suicidal ideation. The girl was initially diagnosed with anxiety at the age of five. When she reached puberty, she began having suicidal thoughts. The girl also suffered with developmental apraxia, a condition which makes it difficult and frustrating to speak. The girl was also having trouble in school and had been mandated to enroll in counselling since the fifth grade.

    A chiropractic examination was performed which determined the presence of vertebral subluxations and ligament instability in her neck. Due to the girl’s severe anxiety and fear of being touched, an intensive course of light-force chiropractic care was chosen where the girl would receive a high number of gentle chiropractic adjustments concentrated into a five-day period. The care was focused toward correcting the underlying subluxations that were determined to be present.

    The results of the chiropractic care were profoundly positive. Approximately four weeks following her week-long chiropractic program, the girl had the opportunity to address her parents and church congregation. From the stage, the young girl told the congregation that she no longer had any urges or inclinations to end her life.

    The girl’s mother also reported significant decreases in her daughter’s anxiety. The mother noted that her daughter could now participate in normal activities, such as talking and socializing with adults as well as assisting in her church’s daycare program. Her mother reported significantly fewer mood swings and that her daughter was sleeping much better. The girl had also lost her fear of having any physical contact with another person.

    In the discussion of the results of this case the authors added perspective by stating, “This case adds to the growing body of case report evidence supporting Chiropractic care’s positive mental health impact. The patient received 104 specific and gentle Chiropractic adjustments focused on correcting subluxation in the spine to enhance the overall function of the central nervous system.”

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