Health & Chiro Articles

Chiropractic was represented at the world’s largest “anti-aging” conference in Chicago July 13-15, 2001. At this conference four chiropractic presenters provided important data and insights on the role of chiropractic in the care of older patients. The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) who sponsored the conference, is recognized as the society which has changed the way the world thinks about human aging. Due to the rising demand for new ideas in anti-aging health, the program spanned three days and featured three distinct learning tracks, including the chiropractic educational sessions.

Chiropractic offers two wonderful benefits for the elderly. First chiropractic aids in mobility allowing the elderly to enjoy a more mobile life. Secondly, chiropractic offers more vitality and overall health. By removing nerve interference from subluxations the entire body functions better and responds to the changes of aging in a more positive manner.

Dr. D.D. Humber, ICA President said, “This inter-disciplinary professional conference represents an important frontier for chiropractic because only chiropractic offers a truly drug-free approach to health. In a segment of the population awash with prescription drugs, and where one-half of all emergency room presentations by Medicare beneficiaries are related to those prescription drugs, chiropractic awareness becomes an urgent matter of public health. This event provided the Chiropractic Profession with an opportunity to educate consumers and other professionals alike on the value of chiropractic as a health care discipline that encourages wellness practices with their patients.”

“The growing numbers of older people in the population present increasing challenges as well as opportunities for health care approaches that combat aging and infirmity by utilizing the natural resources of the body itself,” said Dr. Coralee Van Egmond, Chiropractor and the coordinator of the A4M program. “Chiropractic is the only health care discipline that addresses the inherent recuperative healing power of the body, and is a natural and integral partner with other health care disciplines in society’s efforts to combat aging.”

The above statement sums up the headlines of a Reuters article by Maggie Fox appearing January 30, 2006. The article is based on a statement by the American College of Physicians (ACP) who warn that, “Primary care is on the verge of collapse.” In a statement by that organization they continue, “Very few young physicians are going into primary care and those already in practice are under such stress that they are looking for an exit strategy.”

Dr. Bob Doherty, senior vice president for the American College of Physicians wants more focus on health instead of what they call, “just-in-time” care. He highlighted the problems with an example, “Medicare will pay tens of thousands of dollars…for a limb amputation on a diabetic patient, but virtually nothing to the primary care physician for keeping the patient’s diabetes under control.”

Income also plays a part in the decline of Primary Care physicians. The ACP statement noted that, “Primary care physicians — the bedrock of medical care for today and the future — are at the bottom of the list of all medical specialties in median income compensation.”

The ACP is calling for a number of reforms. One of those reforms includes using e-mail to consult on minor and routine matters. This would free up more expensive office visit time for when it is needed. The group is then suggesting that doctors be compensated for any e-mail consultations.

Many believe that the chiropractic profession has offered an avenue of wellness care long sought after in medical primary care. In response to these articles International Chiropractors Association Executive Director Ronald M. Hendrickson stated, “The massive decline in the availability of primary care medical physicians will force the system, and encourage the consumer, to look at other approaches to health and other care pathways.” The ICA Executive continues, “The chiropractic profession offers a powerful, proven and highly cost-effective resource, since doctors of chiropractic are well-trained and exceptionally well equipped to provide drugless, non-surgical care that can contribute significantly to the prevention, early intervention and the natural resolution of the health care needs of millions.”

A study published in the September-October 2009 Journal of Science and Healing showed that chiropractic care for children is safe. The study showed that the primary reason that most children went to the chiropractor was “wellness care.”

The study involved surveying both Doctors of Chiropractic who took care of children and parents who brought their children to chiropractors. In the survey of the doctors the results showed that out of 577 children under the age of 18, with a total of 5,438 office visits, there were only three minor adverse events reported. In the survey of parents of 239 children under chiropractic care, there were only 2 minor adverse events reported. The study noted that the adverse events were minor discomfort after the adjustment and were readily resolved with continued adjustments.

Of those children who were brought to the chiropractor for health issues, the most common symptoms noted in the study were muscular conditions, ear, nose, throat, respiratory and digestive disorders. Both parents and doctors indicated a high rate of improvement with the children’s presenting health issues. In addition to these improvements, the doctors and parents also reported better sleeping patterns, improvements in behavior, and improved immune system function while under chiropractic care.

Dr. Joel Alcantara, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) Research Director and author of this study said, “This paper shows the preliminary results of the ICPA’s Children’s PBRN (practice-based research network) Phase One”. Dr. Alcantra then continued, “Phase Two is well under way and we have initiated similar research pertinent to pregnancy. We are pleased that a major CAM (complimentary and alternative medicine) Journal respects the importance of chiropractic care for children and we foresee greater collaboration with the CAM community on the importance of chiropractic care for children.”

Dr. Renny M. Edelson, one of the Doctors of Chiropractic who participated in the study summed up the enthusiasm of the study results by saying, “It is wonderful to see research substantiating the safety of chiropractic care for children and the overwhelming satisfaction of parents with children under care.”

n the April 20, 2009 issue of the scientific journal, the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, was a case study report of a young girl who had signs of cerebellar ataxia that were completely eliminated with chiropractic care. Cerebellar ataxia is a disorder that results in balance and coordination problems.

In this case a 7 year old girl was brought to a chiropractic clinic for health and wellness. In the course of examination tests were performed that showed a brain malfunction consistent with cerebellar ataxia. Chiropractic care was initiated for the presence of vertebral subluxations. The young girl was seen weekly in the initial stages of care. By the fourth adjustment the patient was re-tested and the specific findings of cerebellar ataxia were gone.

Author of the paper, Dr. Nicoleta Borcean explained this case by noting, “Basic science research shows that the proper development and function of the brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.”

She continued, “It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. Borcean. “The brain constantly needs and wants to know where our body is in space. If there is interference with the neurological communication between the spine and the brain all sorts of malfunctions can occur.”

Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health added, “There are very important functional relationships between the spine and the brain that if disturbed can result in a host of problems with how the brain functions”. According to McCoy “Childrens nervous systems need the constant stimulation of movement in order to develop and function properly. Abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra can develop and this can lead to nerve interference. It is this interference, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.”

The Chiropractic profession has long stressed the importance of a healthy spine for overall health and wellness. Now a study published in the August 16, 2004 issue of the scientific periodical, The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, (JVSR) has shown that spinal hygiene actually does improve the measurement of quality of life.

According to the published study, “Spinal hygiene is defined as patient-active principles and/or practices conducive to producing a healthy spinal column and nervous system and preventing vertebral subluxations. This includes: improving posture, promoting proper exercise, making healthy nutritional choices, guidance in stress reduction, ergonomics, emphasis upon the patient’s self-responsibility and appropriate professional spinal evaluation and care.”

In the study a group of volunteer chiropractic students took a spinal hygiene class. These students were then compared to a group who did not take such a class. The results were then measured using two predetermined scientific formats for measuring quality of life known as the “Rand SF-36 Health Survey and the Global Well-Being Scale”.

The results showed that the students who participated in the spinal hygiene class showed significant improvement in a wide area of quality of life parameters. This was noted both in comparison against their scores before they took the spinal hygiene class as well as in comparison with the group that did not take the class.

The researchers summed up their study by concluding, “The practice of spinal hygiene procedures shows great promise in the vital area of improvement of quality of life. In a society where obesity and sedentary living are pandemic and spinal health is deteriorating, it is hoped that as health care practitioners these students will share and model positive spinal and neurological health behaviors to their patients and communities.”

The August 04, 2005 Business Wire ran story about backpack safety and chiropractic.

Dr. Kassie Donoghue, president of the California Chiropractic Association (CCA) states, “As the mother of an elementary school aged child, I know the pressure that comes from kids who want a certain cartoon character or color. As a doctor, I want to do what’s most important for my child’s long term health.” She continued, “Before going out to buy a backpack, it’s helpful to talk to your kids about the type of backpack you want to buy. By following a few simple guidelines, you can help your child choose a backpack they like and avoid serious back problems.”

When choosing a backpack for your child the CCA made some simple suggestions to look for. They include:

• Padded shoulder straps
• Padded back
• Lumbar support
• Waist belt
• Multiple compartments
• Correct size

“This is an important issue for doctors of chiropractic because we focus on wellness and preventative care,” said Dr. Donoghue. “Our job is to help prevent health problems and that’s why doctors of chiropractic are so concerned about children carrying backpacks that don’t fit well or that are too heavy.”

Dr. John Maltby, President of the International Chiropractors Association added, “Nothing is more important than the health and proper function of a child’s nervous system. The spine houses a major part of the nervous system, the spinal cord. A healthy spine free of subluxations is essential for nervous system function. Backpacks when carried improperly, or overloaded can be a major form of stress on a young developing spine, create subluxations, and can have serious effects on nerve system function and general health.”

Compared to years past, stories depicting individual chiropractors in a positive light are turning up more often than not. Years ago, the only stories the press would publish on chiropractors were attempts to show them as a fringe group well disliked by the medical community. Today very few of those stories arise and more of the positive stories hit the media.

One such story comes from the November 08, 2000 Birmingham News titled, “Chiropractor joins team providing actors’ health care”. This story is about two chiropractors who are brothers and who both take care of the theater performers in two different cities, Boston and Birmingham. The story is about how these two are relied upon by the actors to stay healthy and perform better.

Another article very favorable to chiropractic was from a Washington Post Staff writer. In his Nov. 6, 2000 article he recanted that prior to his back problem he though he would never go to a chiropractor in a thousand years. But after medicine failed him and his life was ruled by his problem, he decided to go. He spent the rest of the article bragging on how great chiropractic is and how it changed his life.

Probably the best part of these recent articles was a description in a newspaper of what chiropractic is by the Chiropractor they interviewed. In it this doctor said, “Chiropractic has a lot to do with the wellness part of peoples lives. After all, your spine protects your nervous system, and that controls your whole body. To be healthy, you want to make sure the nervous system is functioning at 100 percent. The misalignment of the vertebrae known in the profession as subluxation can cause a wide variety of disorders. These include digestive difficulties, sinus problems and allergies, along with the typical aches and pains of the neck or lower back.”

A good source of information on Chiropractic and children is the website of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Their web address is www.icpa4kids.com. This site contains articles, information and research on health related issues concerning children. Their mission statement reads, “The mission of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association is to bring the life saving benefits of chiropractic care to all children.”

Their website contains information for the general public about the benefits of chiropractic care. In one section, entitled, “Why chiropractic for children”, the ICPA discusses such issues as “Why should children have chiropractic care” and “Is chiropractic safe for my child”. The articles on this site are well referenced and thorough.

In addition to articles and information about chiropractic for infants and children the ICPA website also contains a vast resource of information on subjects that relate to child health and well being in general. Subjects such as ADHD, Asthma, Child safety, Scoliosis, Speech disorders, and many other topics are presented in articles and research in language that is easily understood. Additionally their website contains links to other health related sites on such subjects as natural child birth and vaccinations.

Two other sections that are well laid out and informative are the sections on family wellness and research. Each of these sections has large numbers of pages of pediatric health related information. If you are making critical decisions about the health and well being of your children or family, you should consider the website of the ICPA for valuable information.

Chiropractic was well represented at the 10th Annual International Congress on Anti-Aging and Biomedical Technologies at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. The chiropractic portion of this world-renowned program was hosted by the International Chiropractors Association, (ICA). As reported in the December 13, 2002 issue of the Chiropractic News from the ICA , the International Congress on Anti-Aging and Biomedical Technologies, was the world’s largest and most prestigious international conference on anti-aging science.

The chiropractic portion of the conference included authoritative chiropractic presenters who spoke on the clinical application of chiropractic in the care of the aging population. Dr. D.D. Humber, ICA President stated, “This inter-disciplinary professional conference represents an important frontier for chiropractic because in a segment of the population awash with prescription drugs, and where one-half of all emergency room presentations by Medicare beneficiaries are related to those prescription drugs, awareness of and access to the benefits of chiropractic care becomes an urgent matter of public health.”

The conference focused on a strong professional awareness and education. The conference brought together thousands of health professionals to explore the frontiers of prevention, health and healing. Dr. Humber further stated, “”This event provides the chiropractic profession with an opportunity to educate consumers, policy makers, and health care professionals alike on the value of chiropractic as a health care discipline that encourages wellness practices with their patients.”

Jonathan Lipnicki is the child star of movies such as Jerry McGuire and the two Stuart Little movies. He has been under chiropractic care most of his life. In fact, on one of his early interviews on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he stated that he wanted to be a chiropractor when he grows up. Apparently his future employment will not be as a chiropractor since his acting career has continued to skyrocket. However, he still wants chiropractic to be a part of his life as he stated at a recent chiropractic convention appearance that he may not become a chiropractor, but he’d like to marry one.

Lipnicki, now 15, has also shown his love for chiropractic by taking on the role as a spokesperson for Pediatric Chiropractic. In an interview published in the January 2005 issue of Chiropractic Economics, he noted that he received his first adjustment when he was just a few months old and he’s been receving adjustments all of his life. He stated, “It’s a good way to live. You perform at your best, whether it’s academically or physically.”

He also showed his support for a chiropractic lifestyle in an interview for the February 26, 2005 issue of Dynamic Chiropractic where he commented, “If you want to perform at your ultimate best, if you want to be the best you can be in sports and in school, mentally, physically – chiropractic is the way, because everything has to do with your nervous system, and if you can clear up any subluxation in there, you’ll be pretty much OK.”

Lipnicki will be doing public service announcements and speaking to the press in a effort to raise the consciousness of children and their parents concerning chiropractic and a healthy lifestyle. He made his reasoning clear by saying in the Chiropractic Economics article, “I want to be part of the solution by telling kids. I love this wellness lifestyle.”