Chronic Fatigue and Upper Cervical Care

The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published the results of a study on December 11, 2012 showing chiropractic improving the quality of life of a patient suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).  According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Chronic fatigue syndrome refers to severe, continued tiredness that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions."

The authors of the study note that medical treatment for CFS is only centered on the alleviation of symptoms while attempting to improve a patient’s quality of life. They also note that since there are no clear indicators or tests for CFS, the diagnosis of CFS is confirmed by ruling out other conditions with the continued presence of the symptoms.

In this study 20 people with CFS were selected to participate. Each was given an upper cervical chiropractic examination and x-rays. One subject was disqualified due to having a metal plate in her head. Of the 19 remaining subjects 15 were female and 5 were male, with their ages ranging from 18 to 65 years.

The measurement of quality of life for the subjects was accomplished using the SF 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), a standard health questionnaire form with 36 questions used to measure these types of issues and the quality of a persons life related to their health issues. These forms were filled out by participants before care was initiated and then again at the conclusion of the study 6 months later.

Specific chiropractic care was rendered for subluxation of the top vertebrae in the neck, the atlas. The subjects initial SF 36 scores were then compared to the scores of the SF 36 after 6 months and the chiropractic care.

The results showed that the SF 36 scores increased significantly for the test subjects. The General Health component increased from a score of 30.3 prior to upper cervical chiropractic care to 55.6 after the care. Additionally, the Mental Health scores of the SF 36, rose from 46.4 before care to 68.6 after care. The results of these measurements showed that there was a dramatic quality of life improvement as measured by the SF 36 test.

The authors noted that the improvement noticed with the subjects continued to show improvement. They commented, "Unlike treatment approaches for some chronic illnesses, where measurable changes recorded immediately after an intervention dwindle or vanish over time, our subjects’ SF-36 scores continued to improve compared to baseline; appreciably at three months, and substantially at six months."

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

Four Upper Cervical Testimonials

from uppercervicalflorida.com

High Blood Pressure

I was very stressed and had neck pain, as well as high blood pressure (180 / 120) and a high pulse rate of 105 beats / min. After the first adjustment my blood pressure dropped to 130/80, and my pulse rate dropped to 75. I do not feel stressed anymore- I feel great! My husband said that I looked 10 years younger when I got home after the 1st adjustment. Amazing stuff! Thank you guys!!!

-Meli S.


Numbness, Trouble Walking

I could not get into bed or dress myself after falling in the snow during Christmas. After an adjustment in early January I could feel my left side pain receding and the numbness in my left arm disappearing. I could dress myself and bend over again. I have been walking a mile on the ocean trail every day since the adjustment.

-Christine S.


Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue

I came to the Upper Cervical Health Centers of America in Juno Beach, Florida after more than six months of extreme fatigue, severe body pain and weakness, and decreased mental focus and clarity. As a normally healthy and physically active person, as well as a student and a dancer, these symptoms greatly interfered with my lifestyle and affected me physically, mentally and emotionally. I no longer had any energy to spend time with friends and family, concentrate on my studies or enjoy my regular daily activities. I had seen a number of medical doctors, all of whom gave me different diagnoses and different prescriptions; none of which provided any relief. In fact, my symptoms grew worse. Frustrated and confused, I came to Dr. Alli Manis and Dr. Kevin Davine. When meeting with them, they took the time to educate me about Upper Cervical Care and its benefits. In their care, I have found relief of my symptoms as well as improved overall health. I feel better now than I did before my symptoms appeared! I am grateful for their work, as well as their passion in helping everyone achieve true health and wellness.

-Amanda D.


Severe Back and Neck Pain

Several years ago my pain in my neck and back became so severe that I could not go to work or play golf. As with most people, I visited local doctors and hospitals in hopes of getting better. No improvement. Next step was visiting The Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. Still no Improvement. I then heard of Upper Cervical Health Care. After 3 weeks of adjustments, I returned to a normal life. FULLY RECOVERED! To me, a miracle. I now use Drs. Manis and Davine and fully endorse their work.

-John Traub, PGA Golf Professional

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any of the above conditions, diseases or symptoms.)

Why We Appreciate Upper Cervical Care

By: Daniel O. Clark, D.C., age 89

Now that I can live pain free without the use of drugs and pain killers ... it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care so much more.

Now that I am able to sleep through the night without getting up to go to the bathroom every two hours … it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care.

Now each morning when I wake up feeling good and anxious to work on the computer … it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care.

Now that I am able to eat food and it does not turn to pain … it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care.

Now that I am once again able to brush my teeth, comb my hair, tie my shoes and button my shirt … it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care.

Now that I am able to walk through the market with my wife and not be totally exhausted … it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care.

Now when I look around and see how other people my age are struggling with their health problems … it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care.

Now that I was able to put aside my wheel chair and dance at my grandson’s wedding … it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care.

Now that I can get up in the morning able to make my bed instead of wanting to stay in it all day ... it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care.

Now that I can once again enjoy the little things in life that I once took for granted … it makes me appreciate Upper Cervical Corrective Care so much more.

Upper Cervical Corrective Care, a new way to get well and stay well, restores the body's natural ability to resolve acute and chronic health problems without the use of harmful drugs and painkillers.

It requires the weight of the head be perfectly balanced on top of the neck to prevent misalignment interference in “brain to body communication” so brain messages can keep the body in a "healing mode" and provide a better quality of life for all ages.

Thousands of sufferers are now realizing the benefits of Upper Cervical Care despite there being so few of these Upper Cervical Doctors!

Pain, Suffering And Upper Cervical Care

What are Your Symptoms Telling You?

by Dr. Tanase

My car has an unnerving ability to scare the bejesus out of me with it’s monitoring system.

It emits a piercing 2-second tone whenever I’m within 50 miles or less of needing to refill the gas tank. The same thing happens when the tire pressure drops, a tail light goes out, or when it’s time for an oil change. Basically, this tone will sound if anything malfunctions, prompting me to have it inspected. It won’t “go away” until I address the issue that triggered the warning tone.

While not every car on the road has this feature, every person reading this article does. You see, our bodies are designed with their own sophisticated warning systems. They’re called symptoms.

For some reason (convenience?), a lot of patients and doctors aren’t overly concerned with why the symptoms are present – they just want them to go away. One of the marvelous accomplishments of Modern Medicine is how they’ve created drugs and treatments that are really good at controlling these symptoms… Unfortunately, it’s almost always temporary. On top of that, serious complications or side-effects can result.

I’ve developed an acronym that represents how Americans view SYMPTOMs:
Something You Merely Patch, Treat, Or Mask.

What if I applied the typical medical approach of symptom-treating to the monitoring system in my car? Well, if I really didn’t want to hear the annoying sound, I could just drive around with noise-canceling headphones over my ears. If you’ve ever tried on a pair, you’d know how easily the “symptom” can be masked by these headphones.

But would that be a very good idea? If all I did was treat my car’s symptom, I’d inevitably run out of gas, get a flat tire, or witness my engine explode. Not good problems to have…

The same holds true for your health. Your body has all sorts of different warning indicators. Headaches, fatigue, dry-mouth, joint pain, numbness/tingling, constipation, and fever are just a few examples. Yes, they’re annoying and inconvenient, but that’s the point! They’re prompting you to take action and fix the problem.

You can choose to patch, treat, or mask these symptoms temporarily, but your body will eventually give out if you continue to neglect what triggered them in the first place.

Now’s a great time to start listening to your body. What are your symptoms trying to tell you?

Perhaps your body is saying it is time for upper cervical care.

Upper Cervical Care...An Answer For Fibromyalgia?

By Dr. Barbara Read

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a family of syndromes with similar symptoms. While each person with "fibro" always has the clear signs of fibromyalgia quality pain, how it affects the person and what other secondary symptoms arise is very unique. Most fibromyalgia patients experience the tell-tale fibro hot spots, of achy, sore muscular spots found in predictable points across the body. Many others will then experience depression, extreme fatigue (even after sleeping), chronic headaches, mental fog, insomnia, numbness and tingling, and even irritable bowel syndrome. While men do experience fibromyalgia, the majority of fibromyalgia patients will be women.

What causes Fibromyalgia?

According to medicine, there is no single cause to Fibromyalgia. Instead, the condition is best understood as a breakdown in the body arising from several different sources. Which means that fibro patients are often confused about what they should be doing to help themselves.

Current treatments for Fibromyalgia include prescription drugs, physical therapy, nutritional therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care, among others. I have seen my share of persons suffering with fibromyalgia from across central Iowa. This clinical experience helps me say, with confidence, that every case is unique, and deserves more than just one treatment option.

The nervous system is involved

While the symptoms of fibromyalgia can also be influenced by diet, sources of nutrition, emotional and psychological issues, and history of trauma on the body, the nervous system cannot be ignored. There is good reason to believe that much Fibromyalgia pain is caused by an overactive response, between the muscles and the nervous system. This may explain why fibro patients experience other nervous system related symptoms, like depression, headaches, and insomnia.

Many of the medications that fibromyalgia patients are prescribed influence the human nervous system.

Can fibro patients use upper cervical care?

While no one solution is a magic bullet for everyone, many fibromyalgia patients have found significant help with upper cervical care. Upper cervical care focuses on the relationship between the skull and the top of the neck, because of the unique way human beings are formed at this area. The head-to-neck junction contains very important nervous system tissue inside of a joint which is susceptible to injury. Accidents and injuries which disturb this area of the body may change the way the nervous system functions.

Fibro patients who have received gentle corrections to their upper neck have seen great improvements in their fibromyalgia pain. These improvements are often enough to help them manage their own care successfully, with exercise, and diet. And in some dramatic cases, the body's response to the upper cervical correction has resulted in an almost complete remission of fibro symptoms. Fibromyalgia patients may appreciate the gentle approach that most upper cervical doctors use, since contact with painful areas of the body is not necessary.

Every case of fibromyalgia is different, and every fibromyalgia patient is unique. While not everyone will respond all of the time, fibromyalgia patients should know that they have a resource in upper cervical care. Even if a fibro patient has tried general chiropractic, they may still benefit from a consultation with an upper cervical doctor.

Dr. Barbara Read practices in Ames, Iowa at Read Health Center. She is an upper cervical doctor, Board Certified by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Dr. Read enjoys helping patients of all ages and ability get out of disabling pain, and strengthen their health with upper cervical care.

Upper Cervical Care Stories Of Healing: Part 5

Editor's Note: Today our story comes from a patient of Upper Cervical Health Centers in their Tulsa, OK office. Again, please remember that upper cervical doctors do not treat any condition or disease. They are simply removing an obstruction to the body healing on its own. When this is accomplished and it stays that way the wisdom of the body can do amazing things.

----------------------

Oh, where to begin……. Thirteen years ago I was hit head-on by a driver who chose to cross over into my lane on a two-lane highway . The impact was at 70 mph. It was a miracle I survived. The injuries I sustained were from my seat belt and from the sudden jolt of the impact. The majority of my muscles in my back, neck, and chest were torn and several of my ribs were fractured. I underwent physical therapy for a year and a half. Then I was released because there was nothing else that could be “medically” done for me. I was told by two doctors, upon my release from their care, that they were sorry because I was so young and they went on to give me a list of “things” I could not and would not, ever, be able to do for the remainder of my life and that within 10 years I would have to have back surgery that would fuse several of my bones together. I asked, “What about having children? ” They proceeded to tell me not to even try it and that I should just be thankful I survived. At 23 years of age, I was unwilling to except such a bleak future.

Several days after the “accident”, my dad took me to a chiropractor. With great pain, I was put back into place. I continued chiropractic care for 12 years and I know it helped me continue to keep going on with my life.

About a year after my physical therapy ended, I began to have what two years later would be diagnosed as seizures and “possible” epilepsy. I underwent numerous tests and eventually gave in to taking prescription medication. For the next 9 1/2 years, without warning I would experience seizures. The seizures would include the inability to speak clearly (many times my sentences would come out in reverse word order or with every other word missing) or not at all, the temporary loss of consciousness, loss of muscle control, and falling. After the seizures occurred, I would be totally exhausted (mentally and physically).

At the age of 34, my regular visits to my doctors and chiropractor were literally doing no good. In addition to the seizures, I began have trouble bending down and getting up due to dizziness and my back ”locking-up”. It was then that I became desperate for someone or something that could help me.

That help came in form of a childhood friend who had recently discovered upper cervical care. Shortly after talking with my friend, I called and set up an appointment. Being under the care of a wonderful Upper Cervical Doctor has literally changed my life. I am now 35 years old, “drug free”, have not had a seizure in months, am able to bend down and get back up without experiencing dizziness or my back ”locking-up”. The benefits of Upper Cervical Care are tremendous. By keeping my body in proper alignment, it is literally healing itself. AMAZING!

Back Pain, Headaches, Fatigue and Upper Cervical Care

(Editor's Note: The following is a patient's experience with an upper cervical doctor that practices the NUCCA technique.)

In my 25-year search of long-term relief from chronic lower back pain, headaches that would last for days, and fatigue, I have subjected myself to a number of styles of chiropractic, medicine, acupuncture and pain medications. Quite by accident, I found upper cervical care and was skeptical of a method that focused almost strictly on the neck and yet promised a holistic approach to well being and health.

On my first visit, I was suffering from pain between my shoulder blades, lower back, and sciatica. In addition, I had been unable to rotate my neck fully for almost a year. Furthermore, I was a chronic user of sinus medications, ibuprofen (6 tablets, twice daily), acid reflux medication, and anti-depressants. The doctor explained how by putting my upper cervical in alignment my body chemistry would align and many of my non-back issues would subside.

I have been receiving the Upper Cervical procedure for 2 months and I cannot imagine ever having to seek another form of treatment and have encouraged all of my friends and family to convert or begin seeing an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. Not only are my initial back symptoms almost nonexistent many other medical issues have corrected themselves. I cannot remember the last time my neck stuck in a position, had to rotate my entire body to look over my shoulder, or felt the tingling numb sensation down the outside of my arm radiating into my hand. The burning pain between my shoulder blades is gone and I have not taken ibuprofen or sinus medication since I began treatment. My lower back is continuing to be treated, but am not crippled at the end of the day.

The most dramatic difference for me is the fact that I finally feel like a normal person. I am able to work eight hours a day, 40 hours a week without debilitating back pain, headache, or fatigue. I do not fall in bed exhausted at 6:00 p.m., but am able to have a life aside from my job. I no longer take acid reflux medication, although I have had the disease my entire life due to a deformed lower esophageal sphincter - the "flap" that controls acid from entering the esophagus and I no longer take anti-depressants.

-Jamie, 49

What Can Upper Cervical Care Do For _______?

I don't know about you but I often get questions similar to the ones below and I thought Dr. O'Shea does a great job of answering them. While this post is not written from an Upper Cervical Care perspective directly it illustrates, hopefully, the mindset that many patients start at and where we hope to take them. He has a focus on nutrition which, while not being my focus, I feel is as equally important to a good nerve supply. I like his no nonsense approach and putting the responsibility directly where it should be, with the patient. Not saying we do not have a responsibility but each individual person is ultimately and totally responsible for their own health. Anyway, here is what Dr. O'Shea has to say, enjoy.

From THE LAST RESORT
by Tim O'Shea

(Read the whole article here)

People keep asking me - what can you do for diabetes? What can you give me for arthritis? What do you got for high blood pressure, weight loss, thyroid, hot flashes, cancer, reflux, chronic fatigue... What they're really saying is - what magic bullet can you give me that will allow me to continue my current lifestyle of self abuse? I know where this idea came from. It's how we're raised: solving health problems is not our responsibility. See the doctor. He'll know what to give us.

When it comes to health, we try the easiest stuff first. Doctor appointments, tests, MRI, procedures, drugs, and more drugs - sometimes even surgery. All the things that THEY do - anything that doesn't require our participation. The comforting illusion that we're doing something about our problem by letting somebody else do it.

After a while, when all this has failed, a little light goes on - for some. And that's the idea that these guys really don't know what they're doing. And that if you're going to stop this downward spiral, it'll be totally 100% up to you.

Blind luck may suddenly reveal that the cause of most of your health problems is what you're putting in your mouth, both food and drugs.

And now you've come to that point of self-loathing or desperation or confusion or being fed up or whatever where you really want to make a change because you know you have to. Maybe it's a chronic digestive problem. Or a "weak heart." Or diabetes. Or chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or MS. Or arthritis, or allergies, or asthma. Or a cross reaction from those combinations of medications that all those guys are giving you, without much consideration or concern, after that 5 minute office visit. With a nurse.

Lotta people jumping ship here. And many of you are washing up on my beach. After we start getting the spine in order, you want to know what else you can do. That's when we start looking at detox - cleaning out poisons that are stuck in the colon, the blood, the tract, the arteries. Rotting food, experimental medications, years of over the counter stuff, all those party drugs - it's stuck inside you. Time to clean house. Time to try something - anything, because whatever you've been doing so far just isn't working. You know you're dying, and that's not just an expression.

So here's your last resort - participation . Do-it-yourself health care. Many people find out, some too late, that this is the only thing that was ever going to work in the first place. What particular disease you have doesn't really matter that much. So much of it is just a name game anyway - they're usually just guessing. If your body's going to survive, the same rules of cell nutrition apply in every case. No matter how advanced your particular problem, you're still just flesh and blood like every one else. Your body follows the same physical laws. Every day you're alive, certain fundamental problems occur for your cells. Either these problems get solved or they don't.

It's really very simple once you realize that you're only going to be putting stuff in your mouth that will do one of two things:

cleanse and/or nourish

Couldn't be simpler. No matter what ideas you may have or what physical condition you're trying to solve, or what you've been through, if some of your cells are still alive, this is the basic program, the starting line for everyone.

So give yourself one last break. Whatever you need to do to get the self confidence to win this battle, do it. If this is the hardest thing you've ever had to do, seems like life's been pretty easy so far.

Quoting Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right”.

Keeping Your Head on Straight Radically Affects Your Health

Help with allergies, asthma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and frequent infections? Read on...

It is of extreme importance to your health that the position of the neck allows for your head to sit balanced over the center of your body.

Sadly, the effects of gravity, poor posture, the weight of the head, or past trauma will cause neck and skull misplacement leading to something called "Subluxation", meaning the position of the head and neck is unbalanced and this can cause damage to the spinal cord and brain stem. Incorrect head positioning leads to improper spinal function.

This can result in a whole host of problems because the spinal cord, the brain stem in particular, delivers the messages from our brains to our bodies that keep us alive and functioning properly. Because the brain stem has this important job, problems with it can become expressed as abnormal function / symptoms in any part of the body.

Since this area “feeds” the ENTIRE body with crucial information any of the following can result:

Allergies, asthma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, frequent infections, constipation, diarrhea, back pain, arm pain, leg pain, hormonal problems, menstrual cycle problems, vertigo, earaches, the list goes on and on.

The above list makes sense when you understand the simpleness of the truth. That the nervous system regulates ALL BODY FUNCTIONS and that if that system is not functioning as it was intended a problem can, and with time will, occur ANYWHERE IN THE BODY.

The above comments show, it's incredibly important to restore the skull and neck back to their normal position.

Such care can only be offered by highly trained doctors. Remember, standard manipulation and physical therapy will not resolve subluxation, and neither will taking medications or having surgery for its’ resulting effects.

Seek out doctors that are able to measure the degree of subluxation and provide a care plan designed to correct it. The problem and the correction of the problem can be measured through postural assessment, spinal reflexes, neurodiagnostics, and x-ray. A very effective approach for this damaging condition is Upper Cervical Care since subluxations involve this area of the neck specifically.

Chronic Fatigue Anyone?

THE EFFECT OF UPPER CERVICAL CORRECTIONS ON PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Charles Woodfield, D.C., Marshall Dickholtz, Sr., D.C.

The study involved the recruitment of 20 subjects obtained and screened by a General Practitioner. They were included into the study if they had no prior history of depression and fulfilled the requirements of the Center for Disease Control definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The MD determined that the patients fit the above criteria and that an upper cervical doctor referral was required through postural analysis and leg checks. Once the initial screen is completed, the MD referred the subjects to the local hospital. The purpose of this testing was to measure pre and post adjustment effects of the correction on several biological markers that may be abnormal in CFS patients.

The subject was then referred to a Psychiatrist for an evaluation to determine that the cause of CFS is not of psychiatric origin. At this point, the patient was turned over to the upper cervical doctor for care and monitoring.

Upon arrival at the upper cervical doctor's office, each new CFS patient was given a packet of forms to complete. After completing a demographics form the next form was a chronic fatigue symptom sheet that was used to verify and assure consistency of the responses on the MD's symptom form. The third form was the SF-36, used to measure the health outcome. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was also completed. The doctor worked up the subject for a correction according the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) standards of quality care. This includes thermographic, Anatometer and posture analysis as well as pre and post adjustment x-rays. The doctor then followed the patient's progress for 6 months. The subjects were checked and adjusted if required and the SF-36 and PSQI was administered once a month. After the subject's held their correction for 3 months, they were referred back to the local hospital to repeat the special testing. This was to determine changes brought about by the upper cervical correction. At the end of six months, the patients will be released from the study with the option to continue care. Data analysis of the SF-36 and PSQI using the paired t-test method was completed at the end of 6 months. Some long-term data has been collected from subjects continuing care. Of the twenty SPEC scans, seven proved to be abnormal, showing signs of CFS. Two scans showed depression as the etiology of CFS. These two scans converted to ‘normal' as did five of the CFS scans. There has been significant improvement in the SF-36 and PSQI scores. There are however, some individual failures that did occur. From this study the benefit of CFS subjects of receiving upper cervical care is demonstrated.

PART TWO: Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome: Purple Feet and a Pounding Heart

By Alice Teisan

In October 1999 when I was still experiencing CFIDS symptoms, a friend recommended I see Dr. Marshall Dickholtz, Sr. He is a National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) specialist. In Chiropractics, NUCCA is a specific form of chiropractic adjusting, focusing on an atlas vertebra relationship to the head and the rest of the cervical spine at the brain stem level. Having just completed a year of unsuccessful yet intensive Chiropractic treatment, I listened apprehensively, and prayed that my hopes wouldn’t be dashed again by yet another ineffective, all-consuming treatment option. After researching the treatment and discussing the findings with my internist, she then prescribed the treatment. I realized it met all my criteria - including being affordable, non-invasive, having a high success rate, and being respected within the western medical framework.

Prior to the appointment with Dr. Dickholtz, Sr., I completed an extensive health history profile. One of the first questions on the health history was, had I ever had a head injury? I thought, "Who hasn’t hit their head?" Then I remembered four memorable head injuries throughout my life. The most serious one took place a year prior to CFIDS and the most recent one occurred six months before seeing Dr. Dickholtz, Sr.

My initial appointment with Dr. Dickholtz, Sr. was extensive. After looking at the completed health history, he did six different kinds of tests to determine the problem. He asked me to sit in a chair, while he used a neurocalometer that measured the temperature difference of each side of my cervical spine (from the shoulders to the base of the skull). He also performed a supine leg check, which measured leg length differences in relationship to muscle spasms that occurs on each side of my body. Another test involved standing on an anatometer, which looked at a posture scan in relationship to my hip level and pelvic rotation position. There was a horizontal line chart that showed the level of the ears in the standing position relative to the talking of three X-rays, when seated, of the cervical spine and skull that were taken lastly.

After all the tests were performed, Dr. Dickholtz, Sr. examined and measured the X-rays and determined the proper adjustment needed to return my spine and head to a balanced position. Through the X-ray measurements, he was able to return the C1 (atlas) and the rest of the vertebrae to within a quarter degree of their proper positions.

Once the specific chiropractic adjustment was performed, it took my body time to acclimate before standing without feeling faint. When able, I walked the length of the exam room a couple times allowing my body to rebalance itself from the adjustment (correction). Before the four-hour appointment was completed, all six of the above tests were performed again and post X-rays taken to make sure that the adjustment was correct.

Dr. Dickholtz, Sr. describes the adjustment as equivalent to major surgery done on the body. Recovery time of a month is necessary before experiencing benefits. In my case my heart palpitations, tachycardia and irregular beats subsided immediately.

Follow-up visits include periodic checks to make sure the adjustment is holding.

Within a month of being adjusted I began to feel my neck, shoulder and back muscles loosen. Many aching, arthritic type pains, severe CFIDS-type headaches and the beet-red color in my face and neck subsided.

The ideal is to have the first adjustment be the only one needed, which many of his patients have experienced. My adjustment’s average holding time is three to four months.

The initial adjustment held four months before I hit my head, knocking my alignment out of place. Not totally believing the chiropractic treatment was helping I waited until my next scheduled appointment, two months later. At the time I didn’t realize that my NMOT symptoms along with exacerbated CFIDS symptoms begin almost immediately after my alignment was no longer holding.

Also during the two months that my adjustment was out from December 2000 to February 2001, after having worked three and a half years part time, I began to experience exacerbated CFIDS symptoms. The increased fatigue, inability to concentrate, increased tremors, and a heart rate over 140 when standing, along with fevers and the inability to perform simple daily tasks, resulted in my third total disability. However, within a week of having my neck readjusted, my heart rate dropped under 100 when standing. When my adjustment is holding, I experience great relief even though I am still disabled.

Dealing with CFIDS requires patience, persistence, stamina and a hope in Heaven to complete the journey well. How glad I am that I found a NUCCA Doctor, even though it has not provided the ultimate cure. It has provided restoration of new life to my body and a lessening of many CFIDS related symptoms, along with a continued hope for further healing. When my chiropractic adjustment is holding, the day-to-day pain and difficulties with CFIDS are much more manageable and less painful, allowing me to have a focus on something more enjoyable than my severe suffering.

For more information, contact the author, Alice Teisan, at alicemt2@juno.com. Dr. Marshall Dickholtz, Sr., can be contacted at dmarshallsr@worldnet.att.net.

PART ONE: Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome: Purple Feet and a Pounding Heart

June 19, 2002
By Alice Teisan

It was a warm April afternoon in 1996 and I was working as a nurse at the local hospital. While standing still, talking with one of my patients, I began feeling faint and quickly excused myself. Another nurse on the hospital unit instructed me to sit down as she performed a glucose test, blood pressure and electrocardiogram (EKG). However, I knew from my body’s horrendous response that I was experiencing a relapse with Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS).

Based on the recommendation from a journal article that correlated CFIDS with fainting, I quickly scheduled a tilt table test, with the approval of my internist, Dr.Vesna Skul, MD. The test, performed by a cardiologist, involves being strapped to an X-ray table. The straps keep the patient from shifting weight, thus altering the test results. Then an EKG is hooked up to monitor the patient's heart rate throughout the test. Next an IV is started as a precaution in case emergency medications are needed. The test begins while the patient is in a supine position (lying on the back), so the doctor can establish a baseline heart rate and blood pressure. Afterwards, the doctor moves the X-ray table to a standing position. Throughout the test the blood pressure along with the heart rate are monitored at regular intervals. Also, physical changes and my subjective symptoms are documented.

Within two minutes of the test, when I was placed in a standing position, my heart rate went from 94 to 168. Other symptoms included a beet-red face and neck, the feeling of my heart pounding, a throbbing head, uncontrollable sweating, nausea, exacerbated fatigue, severe trembling, and feet that were turning purple. I felt even worse with the passing of the next 21 minutes while left in the standing position. Within five minutes of being returned to the lying position my heart rate dropped under 100. The symptoms caused by the test remained for days.

My body’s unique response to the test mystified the cardiologist as my heart rate rose while my blood pressure remained normal - when it should have dropped. He recommended treating the high heart rate with Inderal, a beta-blocker medication that slows the heart rate. Within a month, I knew this straightforward treatment for common heart problems was the wrong treatment for my disorder. I could not get out of bed without feeling faint.

A nursing colleague discussed my medical history with an endocrinologist. She explained that I had struggled with CFIDS since 1992, had seen over 25 specialists and tried several treatments in an attempt to find answers to my problem. Also she gave him the recent Tilt table test results. The endocrinologist was doing a research study on a condition called Neurally Mediated Orthostatic Tachycardia (NMOT). This is a rare autonomic nervous system problem where orthostatic refers to a change in position (in my case, standing) and tachycardia is a heart rate over 100.

Therefore, when receiving the endocrinologist’s initial call in July I listened eagerly. He began by saying, “Your feet turn purple, your heart pounds, and you always fidget when standing.” During this first contact, by phone, I was to learn how well he knew my symptoms that were revealed by the Tilt table test in May. After seeing me, gratis, he began a one-year medication therapy, including up to 11 pills a day for nine months. The treatment helped regulate my heart rate; however, Dr. Skul was concerned about the difficulty my body experienced from the side affects of the medications.

During this 18-month relapse I went through a period of deep depression. I had lost the ability to work, live alone, or stand without feeling faint, which profoundly affected all areas of my life. The depression therapy was part of the above treatment.

Once my heart rate was under control and my health was improving I began doing menial tasks. As my stamina increased, I was able to work in a part-time clerical position for a dental office. However, I continued to get many of the same limiting CFIDS and NMOT symptoms within three hours of starting work. Along with the NMOT symptoms earlier mentioned, my CFIDS symptoms included low-grade temperatures, arthritic type pain, severe headaches, blurred vision, inability to concentrate, slowed reaction time, and increased environmental sensitivities to noises, air quality, temperature, and odors...

Tune in later for Part 2