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Resolution of Hearing Loss, Improved Speech & School Performance Following Chiropractic

On July 16, 2018, the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study showing the resolution of hearing loss along with the improvement in school performance in a child who underwent chiropractic care.

According to the study, “Hearing impairment refers to the loss of a person’s ability to hear tones at a normal level and this can be a partial or total loss of the ability to perceive acoustic stimulus.” The study points out that hearing is typically measured at specific frequencies, commonly 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 Hz as these are the frequencies that our ears are especially sensitive to. A loss of hearing is expressed as decibels of hearing loss (dB) when compared to the hearing of the average person.

It is interesting to note that the very first chiropractic adjustment given in Davenport, Iowa, on September 18, 1895, was given to a man who had lost his hearing 17 years earlier. That first adjustment, given by Dr. D.D. Palmer, to a janitor, Harvey Lillard, restored the man’s hearing, and thus the profession of chiropractic was born.

In this case, a boy was brought to the chiropractor for a series of visits when the boy was 6-years-old, and again when he was 8-years-old. On each of those occasions, the boy was suffering from moderate hearing loss.

Prior to the child’s initial visit to the chiropractor, he had his hearing tested using Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) to ascertain the level of hearing loss. The results of this test are given in decibels (dB) of pure-tone thresholds (PTTs), which indicate the softest sound the person being tested can hear at least 50% of the time. When first tested, the boy showed between a 30dB and 50dB hearing loss at various frequencies which classified him as a mild to moderate hearing loss. The medical recommendation made for the child was surgery to implant tubes into the ear canals. The parents rejected this recommendation and sought chiropractic care instead.

It was also noted that prior to the discovery of boy’s hearing loss, his teacher told his parents that their son was falling behind in class and that his speech was difficult to understand. The boy had been getting speech therapy for over a year with limited results.

Chiropractic care was started on the boy to specifically correct vertebral subluxations that were determined to be present. After 12 weeks of chiropractic care, the boy returned to an ENT specialist to have a follow up assessment of his hearing. On that test, it was determined that his hearing had improved to where the loss was only measured from between 5dB and 20dB leading the ENT to declare that they boy’s hearing had returned to normal.

After this episode of chiropractic and hearing recovery, the boy received infrequent chiropractic adjustments over the next two years. At that point, he was tested, and it was noted that there was once again a mild hearing loss. Because of this, more regular chiropractic care was restarted, and the boy’s hearing again returned to normal.

In their discussion the study authors note, “The association of chiropractic with hearing started back in 1895 when the first chiropractic adjustment was reported to have cured deafness.” They further concluded, “The patient’s hearing loss reversal in this study is consistent with the findings of the numerous papers published and the mechanisms discussed. This study demonstrates that chiropractic care may benefit/reverse hearing loss. Specific chiropractic adjustments to the spinal column to correct the vertebral subluxation can have positive effects on auditory processing.”

September 11, 2018
Neck Curvature and Autonomic Nervous Function Improved Under Chiropractic Care

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study on June 28, 2018, documenting the long-term improvement of neck curvature and the improvement of autonomic nerve system function in a patient undergoing chiropractic care. The purpose of this study was to examine changes to the neck curvature because of chiropractic care and the resulting changes to autonomic nerve system function.

The study begins with an explanation of the importance between proper biomechanical structure and body function. “The normal alignment of the spine and its complex biomechanics have been subject to investigation in the past decades. There is now a large body of evidence suggesting that the disruption of its alignment has both physiological and anatomical consequences in the human organism.”

A normal upright human spine should have four curves when viewed from the side on x-rays. These curves include a forward curve in the neck, and curve backward in the upper mid spine, and inward forward curve in the lower back, and a forward curve of the base and tail section at the bottom of the spine. An x-ray from the front or back of the spine should show a spine that is straight with little or no deviation to either side.

The curve that seems to be the most susceptible to change and has drawn the most attention in chiropractic is the neck curvature. According to the study, neck curvature loss has been associated with conditions such as ADHD, otitis media, respiratory conditions, neck and upper back pain, low back pain, sinus infections, vertigo, nausea as well as vascular, migraine and tension headaches.

For the purposes of this research, only the objective biomechanical and functional results were reported in this case study. In this case, a 26-year-old man presented himself to the chiropractor for a several musculoskeletal complaints. No previous surgical interventions or medications were reported. Upon meeting the criteria for inclusion of this study, the man underwent a case history interview as well as chiropractic examination using video-fluoroscopy, static film x-rays as well as infrared thermography heat studies.

The static x-rays of the man’s neck showed a reversal of the cervical curvature with an abnormal forward tilting of the man’s top neck bone, called the atlas. Video-fluoroscopy, also known as motion x-rays, of the man’s neck showed multiple locking-type areas of restricted or reduced movement. These two types of x-ray findings verified a structural problem within the man’s spine.

Infrared paraspinal thermography was also performed to record heat variations along the spine from side to side as well as one spinal level to the next. The variations present, along with a consistent pattern of the variation in this man’s spine, demonstrate an effect on the autonomic nervous system which controls heat levels by varying body surface blood supply.

After a period of time of specific forms of chiropractic care being rendered, motion and static x-rays were performed and compared to the initial studies. Periodic infrared paraspinal thermography scans were also performed and compared to the earlier studies.

The results of these follow-up procedures showed improvements in the curvature of the man’s neck to where it changed from a reversed curvature to a slight forward curvature. Additionally, the motion x-rays showed improvement in segmental motion. These x-ray findings document and confirm an improvement in the biomechanical structure of this man’s spine.

The follow-up thermography scans no longer showed an abnormal pattern, and overall showed a reduction toward normal of heat variations. This demonstrated a positive change in the man’s autonomic nerve system function.

August 13, 2018
Resolution of Immunodeficiency in a Child Undergoing Chiropractic Care

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a study on July 5, 2018, documenting the case of a child who was suffering with a compromised immune system being helped by chiropractic. Having a compromised immune system means that the body does not fight off bacteria and viruses, leaving the person more susceptible to infectious disease and illness.

The authors of the study begin by explaining the function, and importance of the immune system. “It is understood that as we develop and throughout life our bodies will need to be overcome immune challenges. Every day we are exposed to innumerable microorganisms that have the potential to cause illness. The immune system is primarily responsible for keeping us well and for attacking microbial invaders when necessary. Getting infections when we are young primes our immune system to deal with future instances of infection more efficiently and more rapidly than the first time.”

In this case, a 5-year-old girl who was suffering with recurrent respiratory illnesses related to dysfunction of the immune system, was brought to the chiropractor. The girl’s mother reported that since her birth, her daughter had repeated episodes of coughing every 2-4 weeks during the winter months with frequent pneumonia often occurring three times per year. The girl was currently suffering with congestion for the past two weeks before her visit to the chiropractor. She had been prescribed a variety of medications, mainly antibiotics, for her problems, in addition to other daily medications for allergies and asthma.

The girl’s history showed that she was regularly on antibiotics since birth, A prior full blood work-up determined that she was borderline immuno-deficient. As a baby, she had suffered with constipation and constant ear infections which eventually led to surgery to have tubes placed into her ears.

A chiropractic examination along with spinal x-rays of the girl’s neck were performed. The x-rays showed that the girl had a severe decrease in what should be the normal forward curve of the neck. From these procedures, it was determined that multiple areas of vertebral subluxation were present in the girl’s spine. With this information, specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were started.

After chiropractic adjustments had been started, the girl’s mother commented that her daughter had remained symptom-free for the majority of her time since starting chiropractic. According to the girl’s mother, this represented the longest time her daughter had gone without getting sick since birth. It was also reported that the girl was also able to get off all of her medications with the exception of her inhaler for allergies and asthma, which she only rarely used at night.

It was reported by the mother that the girl missed very few days of school, was able to concentrate more efficiently, slept better, was behaving better both at home and at school, and she noted an increase in energy levels. Four months after starting chiropractic, a follow-up set of neck x-rays showed that the girl’s neck curve had improved from severely decreased to only mildly decreased.

In explaining the premise of how chiropractic could have a positive effect on the immune system the authors wrote, “Chiropractors often contend that many adult conditions originate in the childhood years due to nervous system interference and resulting aberrations of physiology. Previous research has identified chiropractic care as an effective treatment option for childhood conditions, including but not limited to respiratory illnesses, which are directly related to the functioning of the immune system. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that chiropractic intervention has the potential to benefit cases of childhood immuno-deficiency.”

In their conclusion, the authors summed up this case by saying, “This case study provides supporting evidence on the benefits of chiropractic care in increasing immune system function in the pediatric population. By identifying the vertebral subluxation complex and correcting it through chiropractic adjustments, neurological function may be improved which can effectively restore balance to the immune system.”

August 13, 2018
Resolution of Bedwetting and Constipation Following Chiropractic Care

On June 25, 2018, the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study showing the resolution of bedwetting and constipation after chiropractic care. The clinical name for bedwetting is enuresis.

There are two types of enuresis. Nocturnal enuresis is bed-wetting at night and is the more common type of elimination disorder. Daytime wetting is called diurnal enuresis, and can occur by itself or in conjunction with nighttime bedwetting. Clinically, both nocturnal enuresis and diurnal enuresis are only considered to be a diagnosis if there is no other underlying organic disease, and after a child is five years of age.

The study points out that enuresis and constipation are very common conditions for children. Nocturnal enuresis is thought to affect up to 20% of children up to the age of seven. About 15% of the cases seem to correct themselves each year. Daytime, or diurnal enuresis is less common but commonly seen with the nighttime condition as well.

Constipation is defined as two or fewer bowel movements per week. It is the most common digestive symptom of the general population. Approximately 3 to 5% of all pediatric office visits are for child for constipation problems. The study notes that about 28% of adults in the United States suffer from constipation. Children are also commonly affected, with around 9-13% of pediatric cases that suffer from constipation being also associated with bladder symptoms, such as enuresis.

In this case, a 9-year-old girl was brought to a chiropractor for an evaluation and possible care. She was suffering with diurnal enuresis, nocturnal enuresis and chronic constipation. The history revealed that the girl was intolerant to red dye and suffered from digestive issues. She regularly experienced infrequent bowel movements that were difficult to pass.

An examination was performed which included a postural analysis and bilateral weight scales. Range of motion of her spine was evaluated. Additionally, palpation of the spine and adjacent musculature was performed. Thermography studies were also conducted to determine heat differences along the spine. Surface Electromyography (sEMG) studies were used as an assessment tool to measure the electrical activity of the girl’s paraspinal muscles. From these tests, subluxations were determined to be present and specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were started.

The results of the chiropractic care were almost immediate. It was reported that after the girl’s first adjustment, she experienced several bowel movements and remained dry for three consecutive nights. Four weeks after starting chiropractic care, the first re-assessment was performed to evaluate the girl’s progress. At that time, she reported having only one wet night in the past week. During the second re-assessment, it was reported that the girl had not had either a daytime or nighttime leakage of urine and was having regular bowel movements about twice per day.

In their discussion, the authors of the study explained how subluxations could have created problems such as enuresis, as well as how correction would allow the body to heal itself. “The nervous system controls and regulates every organ, gland and tissue of the body and controls all bodily functions to maintain a proper bodily homeostasis.31 This regulation is done through direct nerve innervation to all organ systems of the body. When there is malposition of a vertebra in the spinal column there can be negative effects on the neurological signal of the nerve in the involved area, which is called a vertebral subluxation.

August 13, 2018
Neck Pain and Hand Numbness Helped by Chiropractic

The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published the results of a case study on July 9, 2018, documenting the improvement under chiropractic care of a woman who was suffering with neck pain and numbness in hands.

This study begins by noting that neck pain is common. Statistics show that 37.2% of the population will experience neck pain lasting over one year’s duration. Over 50% of the population suffers some form of neck pain in their lifetime. Additionally, neck pain is the fourth leading cause of years lost to disability. Women more commonly suffer with neck pain then men.

In this case, a 46-year-old woman with chronic neck pain and left-hand numbness presented herself to a chiropractic clinic. The neck pain was long-term, and the woman could not recall when and how the problem first started. The numbness she was experiencing in her left hand was intermittent with no defined pattern or timing. She had not seen any other type of doctor for these conditions prior to her visit to the chiropractor.

She described the pain as achy and stiff. She initially rated the pain as a 4 out of 10 initially on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 is no pain. She noted that her pain worsened after working long hours or traveling for work. However, she reported that none of her daily activities were affected. Massages did give her some short-term relief for the pain.

In addition to her primary complaint of neck pain and hand numbness, she also reported that she experienced low back pain and tingling, and numbness into the toes. She had previously been diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation and was treated by a physical therapist.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included spinal palpation, range of motion, relevant orthopedic and neurological exams, thermographic heat scans, and a postural analysis. Spinal x-rays of her neck were also performed. The x-rays showed moderate degeneration of mid-neck area.

Based upon the examination and x-rays, specific chiropractic care was started. She was initially seen twice per week and adjusted based upon an evaluation performed each visit. After two months of chiropractic care the patient reported a total resolution of her neck pain and the numbness she was experiencing in her left hand.

Neck pain is one of the more common conditions for which people seek chiropractic care. The authors of the study noted, “Chiropractic care has been used to manage numerous musculoskeletal conditions including neck pain. Neck pain accounts for 25% of the initial consultations and examinations rendered at chiropractic offices.”

August 13, 2018
Study: Spinal Manipulation Helps Patients with MRI-confirmed Lumbar Disc Herniation

A study published on May 17, 2018, in the journal Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, showed that spinal manipulation helped patients who had MRI confirmed disc herniations and sacro-illiac problems. The study, which did not involve chiropractors, showed that generalized spinal manipulation helped subjects suffering from back pain who had a disc herniation.

The study starts by noting that low back problems commonly include disc prolapse, spinal stenosis and low back pain. Disc herniations can be categorized into three types. The first is a disc protrusion without tearing of the fibers holding the interior of the disc intact. The second type is an extrusion, where the interior of the disc is pushed out of the disc, but is held in place by the ligaments behind the disc. The third type is called sequestration. This is where the disc materials escape into the spinal canal. Approximately 95% of all low back disc herniations occur at the last two discs in the spine, the L4-L5 level or the L5-Sacrum level.

This study was conducted by the Physical Therapy Department, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, in Iran. The spinal manipulation applied to the subjects was given by physical therapists.

In this study, 11 men and 9 woman who had MRI confirmed disc herniations were included. All subjects had been suffering with pain in their lower back or down their leg for between one and ten months. Prior to any treatment, all patients were examined and rated for pain intensity and functional disability. All patients in this study also had restriction of movement in their sacrto-illiac joints as measured by orthopedic and functional testing.

After the initial examination, the patients received five sessions of spinal manipulation delivered by therapists on alternate days. The type of manipulation given was a generalized, non-specific twisting thrust to the lower spine that can create a popping sound. The outcomes of these treatments were evaluated after the 1st and 5th visits, and then again at a 1-month follow-up.

The results showed a statistically significant improvement for both pain and functional movement seen at the 5th visit, as well as at the 1-month follow-up visit. The orthopedic tests performed also documented objective improvements in the patients.

In their discussion, the authors of the study noted, “Our findings suggest that five sessions of lumbar and SIJ (sacro-iliac joint) manipulation can lead to statistically significant improvement in pain and functional disability, which in turn may restore normal SIJ mobility in these patients.”

The authors of the study also noted that spinal manipulation was much safer than other forms of treatment for lower back and leg pains. They reported that “Compared to common treatments for LDH, SMT is reported to be 37,000 to 148,000 times safer than nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs and 55,500 to 444,000 times safer than surgery.”

Dr. Robert Braile, a chiropractor and past president of the International Chiropractors Association commented about this study. “The spinal manipulation in this study was non-specific and not applied by trained Doctor of Chiropractic. Even with this limitation, the results showed that the procedure was effective and safe. One can only imagine the added benefit that would have resulted if trained chiropractors, applying specific spinal adjustments, were utilized in this study. The results would have been even more profoundly positive.”

July 12, 2018
Doctor Burnout Widespread, Helps Drive Many Medical Errors

The headline above comes from a July 9, 2018, article on HealthDay, and is based on a study published the same day in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The Mayo Clinic Proceedings study is titled “Physician Burnout, Well-being, and Work Unit Safety Grades in Relationship to Reported Medical Errors” and listed the study objective as “To evaluate physician burnout, well-being, and work unit safety grades in relationship to perceived major medical errors.”

An ABC News article, also on the same day, reported that according to the Institute of Medicine, medical errors account for between 100,000 to 200,000 deaths per year. They define burnout as emotional exhaustion or depersonalization and note that it occurs in more than half of the over 6600 doctor’s surveyed.

Lead study author Dr. Daniel Tawfik, an instructor in pediatric critical care at Stanford University’s School of Medicine stated, “Burnout is a reversible work-related syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion and/or cynicism, often featuring decreased effectiveness.” He added, “Although not unique to physicians, it is particularly common in occupations like medicine that feature high levels of stress and intense interactions with people.”

In this study, researchers stated that they, “…conducted a population-based survey of US physicians in active practice regarding burnout, fatigue, suicidal ideation, work unit safety grade, and recent medical errors.” Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine collected data from an anonymous survey of 6,686 physicians who were in practice and responded to the survey. The doctors were asked to complete questionnaires that included questions about their levels of burnout, well-being, fatigue and symptoms of depression. They were also asked to grade the safety of their workplace and anonymously give information on any major medical errors they may have made.

The results of the study were shocking. Over 10% of the responding doctors claimed they had made a major medical error in the past three months, with 1 in 20 of these errors being fatal. The study itself reported, “Of 6695 responding physicians in active practice, 6586 provided information on the areas of interest: 3574 (54.3%) reported symptoms of burnout, 2163 (32.8%) reported excessive fatigue, and 427 (6.5%) reported recent suicidal ideation, with 255 of 6563 (3.9%) reporting a poor or failing patient safety grade in their primary work area and 691 of 6586 (10.5%) reporting a major medical error in the prior 3 months.”

The medical errors that can occur from medical burnout are not insignificant. Dr. Tawfik noted that, “When a physician is experiencing burnout, a wide range of adverse events may occur. In our study, the most common errors were errors in medical judgment, errors in diagnosing illness, and technical mistakes during procedures.”

In their conclusion, the study authors acknowledge the problem and call for a solution. “In this large national study, physician burnout, fatigue, and work unit safety grades were independently associated with major medical errors. Interventions to reduce rates of medical errors must address both physician well-being and work unit safety.”

July 12, 2018
Resolution of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Following Chiropractic Care

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study on June 11, 2018, showing chiropractic facilitating the resolution of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The study begins by reports that ADHD is one of the most common psychological disorders in children. The study also notes that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in an adult because the diagnostic reference book used to classify metal illnesses, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), which states that ADHD must be diagnosed before the age of 12 for it to be considered a true state of the disorder.

It is estimated that between 5% and 8% of children in the U.S have ADHD. The condition is more common in girls than boys. As children develop into adults, many seem to outgrow the symptoms of ADHD. However, estimates are that 40-70% of children will continue to experience symptoms of ADHD as adults. Accordingly, between 3-6% of the adult population is estimated to have adult ADHD. According to WebMD, every adult who is considered to have ADHD had the condition as a child but may not have been diagnosed with it.

Adults with ADHD tend to have more instability at work, higher rates of incarceration, lower socioeconomic status, high rates of divorce as well as more frequent job changes, and more minor violations such as speeding tickets.

In this case, a 38-year-old man presented himself to the chiropractor. The man was suffering with a variety of conditions including adult-onset attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, constant headaches, incapacitating low back pain, numbness in the back and sciatica in his left leg. He described his conditions as excruciating and constant, interfering with his daily activities. He was taking several medications including one for his ADHD for the past 13 years. Even though the criteria for diagnosis of adult ADHD does not exist, his MD diagnosed him with the condition at the age of 23.

A chiropractic examination noted muscle spasms over much of his spine, reduced ranges of motion, and postural abnormalities. A heat reading thermal scan showed significant abnormal variations in surface temperature over his spine.

Based upon the findings of the examination, it was determined that subluxations were present and specific chiropractic spinal adjustments were started. Using a scale of 1 to 100 to rate the patient’s pain, the initial pain rating before chiropractic was 60 out of 100, with 100 being the worst. After chiropractic care was started, the pain rating had dropped to 36 out of 100. After one month of care, the man’s spinal range of motion had shown significant improvement. There was also a notable decrease in his muscle spasms.

Within a month of beginning chiropractic care, the man reported that he had met his goals of being able to focus and exercise. He reported an 80% improvement of his symptoms. After two months of chiropractic, he had discontinued all his ADHD medication. He commented that he felt more focused and energized than he had ever felt before.

In the authors’ conclusion they wrote, “Patients suffering from ADHD are highly effected by the symptoms that manifest, interrupting their ability to function in any setting. If the removal of vertebral subluxation complexes can be correlated to a reduction or resolution in symptoms, chiropractic could greatly improve the quality of life for ADHD patients.”

July 12, 2018
Quality of Life Improved from Chiropractic for Patient with Sjögren’s Syndrome

On June 14, 2018, the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study documenting the improvement of heart rate variability and quality of life in a patient with Sjögren’s Syndrome following chiropractic care.

According to the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation website, “Sjögren’s is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. Along with symptoms of extensive dryness, other serious complications include profound fatigue, chronic pain, major organ involvement, neuropathies and lymphomas.” They estimate that there are more than 4 million people presently living with this condition. Women are nine times more likely to have this problem then are men.

The most common symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome include dryness of the eyes and mouth due to dysfunctions of the salivary and lachrymal glands. Other serious health issues associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome can include lymphoma, neuropathy, gastritis, reflux esophagitis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis.

In this case, a 48-year-old woman suffering from pain and numbness in the back of her left leg sought out chiropractic for an evaluation and possible care. Her problems began two years prior with no known causative factors. The numbness had gotten so severe that it prevented her from walking or standing for longer than 30 minutes. She was using over-the-counter medications for this problem, but she reported that it was getting worse. Her history noted that two and a half years earlier, she had been diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome. The woman was under the care of her family physician (MD), an orthopedist and a physical therapist, and was given multiple prescriptions. She was also on a gluten-free diet.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included a visual postural inspection, spinal palpation with range of motion, as well as surface EMG, thermal scan, and a heart rate variability test. Based on the examination findings, spinal x-rays were also performed.

Chiropractic care was started on the woman with multiple visits per week. As care proceeded, the woman noted improvement in many of her symptoms. A follow-up heart rate variability test initially showed a 27% improvement which continued to improve up to 159% after several months of care. Although she still had the diagnosis of Sjögren’s Syndrome, the study reported that her inflammation levels have decreased, as verified by her blood work. The woman reported that she was taking less medication, had less stress in her life, and was experiencing an overall increase in energy.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, “We described the successful care of a patient with symptoms congruent with a diagnosis of Sjögren’s Syndrome. This case report provides supporting evidence that spinal adjustments to correct vertebral subluxations can have significant improvements in presenting symptoms associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome and overall improvement in quality of life.”

July 12, 2018
Neck and Back Pain for Five Years After Car Accident Helped with Chiropractic

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study on June 18, 2018, documenting chiropractic helping a patient suffering for five years with neck and back pain following an automobile accident. The patient also showed documented improvement in telemere length, and their urge to urinate at night.

Human TL length is best explained on the T.A Sciences website, “Telomeres are an essential part of human cells that affect how our cells age. Telomeres are the caps at the end of each strand of DNA that protect our chromosomes, like the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces. Without the coating, shoelaces become frayed until they can no longer do their job, just as without telomeres, DNA strands become damaged and our cells can’t do their job.”

This study begins with an explanation of human telomere length (TL), and why this is important. The study notes that human TL is longest at birth and shortens as we get older. Shortened TL are associated with metabolic and inflammatory diseases, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular problems, psychological and stress disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, other chronic and serious illnesses, and can affect overall mortality.

In this case study, a 35-year-old woman who worked as an elementary school teacher presented herself for chiropractic with the primary complaint of neck and mid-back pain for five years following a head-on motor vehicle accident. She also complained of nocturnal polyuria, which is an increase production of urine at night causing her to urinate up to four times per night.

A physical and chiropractic examination was performed which included basic information about height and weight, as well as a postural analysis, a standardized health survey, and spinal x-rays. Based upon the results of the examination and x-rays, specific chiropractic care was initiated to create changes in the spinal structures, thus having an effect on the nervous system.

The study results reported that the patient felt significant improvement in all of her symptoms after weeks of chiropractic care. Follow-up examinations confirmed changes in her spinal structure as well as her self-health assessment. A second blood work was performed that showed that her telemere length had actually improved from a previous blood study. Eventually, the woman reported that she was virtually pain-free and had been able to sleep through the night without having to go to the bathroom to urinate.

In their conclusion, the authors noted the unique findings of the improving of human telemere length by stating, “Our case suggests, for the first time, that cervical spinal alignment and posture may be directly related to TL (health longevity) and that correction thereof may have a directly related effect on health longevity as represented by TL.”

July 12, 2018

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