Case Study: Chronic Fibromyalgia Resolved Under Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

On July 13, 2015, a study was published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research (JUCCR) documenting the successful resolution of a case of fibromyalgia with chiropractic care. According to womenshealth.gov, "Fibromyalgia affects as many as 5 million Americans ages 18 and older. Most people with fibromyalgia are women (about 80 - 90 percent). However, men and children also can have the disorder. Most people are diagnosed during middle age."

The authors of the JUCCR study begin by noting that fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread, moving, and very frequently debilitating pain and fatigue. Most sufferers of fibromyalgia are very sensitive to being touched as even a small amount of pressure elicits pain.

In this case, a 32-year-old woman presented herself for chiropractic care after having suffered with fibromyalgia for two years. Her history indicated that she had suffered a separated shoulder seven years prior which was re-injured just prior to her fibromyalgia problems. Previously, the woman was treated medically with a cortisone injection and then sent to a physical therapist. She stated the pain worsened during those two months of physical therapy treatment.

In the month following her physical therapy, her health and vitality rapidly declined to the point where she was eventually bedridden. She was suffering with extreme fatigue, pain, and depression. She tried a variety of care including acupuncture, elimination diets, supplementation, tai chi, and meditation, which yielded no results.

She was given a variety of medications which caused her to experience side effects such as visual, sound, and tactile hallucinations, fits of rage, suicidal tendencies, and massive seizure-like muscle jerking episodes. She was then admitted to the hospital for observation by a neurologist for three days.

Due to her condition and the large amounts of medications she was given, by the time she had presented herself for chiropractic, she was not only suffering with her fibromyalgia, but with a variety of other health issues. These included rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, migraine headaches, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, swollen ankles and feet, cold hands and feet, muscle weakness, numbness in the thigh, eczema, dry skin, blurred vision, excessive tearing, pressure over the eyes, indigestion, hemorrhoids, frequent urination and dribbling, painful and irregular menstruation, difficulty sleeping, irritability, fatigue, depression, and a general feeling of being run-down.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included palpation, range of motion, thermography, postural analysis, and spinal x-rays. The results of the test indicated the presence of subluxation at the top of the woman's neck, known as the atlas vertebrae. Specific chiropractic adjustments were begun to address the subluxation.

After the first adjustment, the patient reported that she felt a 20% reduction in her pain. After three months of care, the woman voluntarily began reducing her medications because of the improvement she was feeling. At nine months into her chiropractic care, the woman had totally discontinued her medication and reported that her pain had improved by 90%.

At the four month mark, the woman reported that she was 100% symptom free and that she felt she had returned to full health and vitality. The study documented that she was no longer bedridden, and was free of pain, fatigue and depression. The woman reported that her life had changed to the point where she had started working with a personal trainer twice a week and exercising three to four days a week. She was also able to fully resume her daily activities.

(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.)

Blood Pressure Lowered Long Term After Only One Upper Cervical Adjustment

The January 19, 2015, issue of the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research documents the case of a single chiropractic adjustment causing a long term lowering of high blood pressure in a patient with chronic hypertension. A previous study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension in 2007 showed positive changes in 25 patients over a 8 week period. This study followed the changes over a longer period of time.

According to the study, "...one in three people are diagnosed as hypertensive and are at risk for other cardiovascular related diseases such as heart attack, renal failure, stroke, and increased mortality." The study reports that 55% of people being treated with drugs for hypertension still have the problem - meaning they continue to be at risk. The cost to the U.S. economy is estimated to be at $63.5 billion annually.

In this case study, a 55-year-old man came to the chiropractor with a history of having hypertension for 20 to 25 years. He did not have any other conditions or ailments that made him seek chiropractic. The man reported that he had been under regular medical care for his hypertension and had been put on a number of medications with no perceivable result in his blood pressure. The study noted that the man had also been on a restrictive diet to help with his blood pressure. His history also included a blow to the head 25 to 30 years ago.

A chiropractic examination was conducted which included a physical analysis, a postural analysis, leg length analysis, spinal x-rays, and thermography. The conclusion of these tests was that subluxation was present in the upper neck area.

A specific chiropractic adjustment was given to the patient and the patient was instructed to rest for 45 minutes. Prior to the first adjustment, the patient's blood pressure was measured as being 180/110 mm Hg. After the first adjustment and the rest period, the patient's blood pressure was again taken and was reduced down to 164/94 mm Hg.

The patient was seen regularly over a seven month period to monitor his subluxation and blood pressure. During this time, no additional chiropractic adjustments were given. At the end of the seven month period, his blood pressure continued to lower and was measured as 136/82 mm Hg. The study recorded that after 2 months of care, the patient discontinued some of the medication he was taking for his blood pressure. By the fourth month, he had discontinued all blood pressure medications.

The authors of the study summed up the results by saying, "This case report outlines a 55 year old male undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care with 20-25 years of hypertension not successfully managed with medication. After seven months of care and one upper cervical chiropractic adjustment his chief complaint of high blood pressure was reduced from 180/110 mm Hg to 136/82 mm Hg. This reduction occurred even though all hypertensive medications were eliminated and no change in the patients diet or weight."

(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.)

Fibromyalgia Resolved and Medications Discontinued

A case study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research on Oct. 21, 2014, documents the case of a chiropractic patient being helped with fibromyalgia. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, "Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues."

The authors of this study point out that more than 5 million adult Americans are affected by fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia have an amplification of their pain as well as a heightened perception of pains that may not normally be felt by others. Sleep disorders are also common in these cases and contribute to the pain problems experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers.

In this study, a 31-year-old woman went to the chiropractor after suffering with diagnosed fibromyalgia for two and a half years. Her chief complaint was constant back pain and shooting pain down her legs. Her history also showed that she had been suffering with headaches 3-4 times a week, depression, fatigue, loss of balance, ringing in the ears, visual stars, chronic sinus infections, dry mouth, acid reflux, painful periods, excessive sleeping, constipation, and hemorrhoids.

A chiropractic examination with thermographic studies and spinal x-rays was performed. The x-rays showed multiple areas of spinal bone malpositions including a loss of the normal neck curvature and a head position that was more forward than normal. It was determined that the woman had vertebral subluxation causing nerve system interference. From this finding, a course of specific chiropractic adjustments was begun.

After her first chiropractic adjustment, the woman reported a 40 percent reduction in her pain. The study records that one month into her care, the woman described improvement in her back pain, headaches, leg pain, sciatica, and constipation. A few weeks later, she stated that her sciatic pain, back pain, and knee and foot pain had all improved, and her pain had decreased 80 percent since starting chiropractic care. At this point, she took herself off all pain medications.

(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.)

Reduction in Blood Pressure with Upper Cervical Care - Study Shows

A study published on August 11, 2014, in the scientific periodical the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, added further evidence showing that upper cervical chiropractic care has a positive effect on blood pressure. Numerous prior studies showed that people with high blood pressure who received chiropractic care experienced a blood pressure reduction. One study even showed that people who had low blood pressure had their pressure return to normal.

In the opening of the study, the author points out, "According to the American Heart Association, hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases continue to be a leading cause of death in the United States effecting approximately 77.9 million adults." He continues by noting, "The American Heart Association reports high blood pressure was listed as the cause of death or contributed to over 348,000 American deaths in 2009."

In this study, twenty people were randomly divided into two groups. One group, the control group, received a simulated adjustment that sounded real but no movement of the spinal bones occurred. The second group received a real upper cervical chiropractic adjustment. Follow-up data was taken from all subjects at nearly the same times so as to make the collection of results consistent. The adjustments given to the subjects were for correction of detected Atlas (top bone in neck) subluxations.

To give both groups in the study the same experience, an instrument was used to render an adjustment to the group that was getting a real adjustment. In the control group, the instrument was set to make sound but not deliver a thrust, therefore simulating a real adjustment. After either the real adjustment or the simulated procedure, all patients were asked to lay on the table for one minute. Afterward, standard post-adjustment procedures were performed to verify that spinal changes occurred in the group that got the real adjustment, while no spinal changes occurred in those who got the simulated adjustment.

The results of the study showed that those who received the real adjustment had a significant reduction in both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The control group, who received the simulated adjustment, did not show any statistical change in blood pressure. The effects from the single real adjustment given in this study lasted approximately one month.

In the conclusion of the study, the author states, "In this investigation the correction of Atlas subluxation in the experimental group significantly decreased systolic and diastolic values for up to one month with only one therapeutic intervention." He concludes by suggesting, "The results of this study would suggest there would be a significant benefit in evaluating for and correcting any Atlas subluxation or malposition found in patients that suffer from ABP, (arterial blood pressure)."

(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.)

ADHD and Upper Cervical Care: A Case Study

From the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research comes a case study published on July 10, 2014, documenting the subjective and objective improvement of a young boy with ADHD after receiving chiropractic care. The author begins his study by explaining that "Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a condition known to cause bouts of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor academic performance and disruptive social behavior." He notes that ADHD has been shown to affect 5% of children and 4% of adults.

The common medical practice in cases of ADHD is the use of medication. The author warns of the dangers of this approach. "Although medication has been shown to help in the management of symptoms in children with ADHD, research shows that academic performance is not improved in the medium and long term and may have harmful effects given the typical way the medications are used in the community and the adverse side effects caused by the medications."

In this case, an 11-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor having been diagnosed with ADHD two years earlier by his psychologist. He was originally given Concerta but was later taken off that drug by his guardians due to the boy experiencing the side effects of appetite loss and reportedly turning him into a "social zombie." He was also suffering from neck pain for the past three years.

One of the examination procedures performed was a "TOVA" examination. This procedure objectively tests and rates some of the issues with ADHD such as an individual’s sustained attention, speed and consistency of responding, and behavioral self-regulation. With this test, it was possible to rate changes to the boy's ADHD before and after his chiropractic care.

A chiropractic examination and x-rays were performed which determined that vertebral subluxation was present at the top of the boy's neck. Based on this finding, specific chiropractic adjustments were started to correct the subluxations. The boy was also given exercises and his diet was more closely watched and regulated.

After the first adjustment, the boy's neck pain was gone and did not return. After three months of care, the boy was re-evaluated using the same processes performed at the beginning of his care which included the TOVA examination. The test showed improvement in the boy's spinal structure, and improvement in his neurological imbalances back to normal levels. The TOVA test showed the most objective improvement. A normal TOVA score is "0" or above. The boy's original score was (minus) -3.94, and had dramatically improved after three months of chiropractic to a (minus) -0.46.

In his discussion of this case the author notes, "Although the purpose of chiropractic care was not to diagnose or treat the patient's ADHD, his condition improved both subjectively and objectively and that likely translated into academic improvement." He continued in his conclusion, "Although it is impossible to make sweeping conclusions about the link between the Atlas Subluxation Complex being a causative factor of ADHD, we can conclude that this patient has achieved quality of life improvement that has been subjectively reported and objectively measured by the TOVA software, neurological exams and behavioral evaluation." 

(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.)

Quality Of Life And Parkinson's Disease: Maybe Upper Cervical Can Help

A study published on May 15, 2014, in the Journal Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research documented the improvement under chiropractic care of a series of patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease. The authors note that Parkinson’s disease, also known as paralysis agitans, is a progressive disorder that affects the central nervous system, characterized by tremor and impaired co-ordination.

The study begins by showing how common Parkinson’s disease is. "More than 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is more than are afflicted with multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy combined. It is estimated that there are 100,000 new cases of PD reported annually in the United States."

In this study, three Parkinson's patients presented themselves for chiropractic care. A rating of the severity of the Parkinson's was given to each patient to use as comparison with their conditions after chiropractic care was given. The rating system is known as the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). With this system, many factors are considered and scored between 0 and 4. The numbers are then added so the lower the aggregate score, the better the patient is doing.

In this case series, the three patients were all males between the ages of 63 and 65. Each man had been diagnosed with Parkinson's between 3 and 5 years prior to seeking chiropractic. Each patient had a chiropractic examination which included orthopedic and neurological testing, thermal scans, and spinal x-rays. Subluxations were determined to be present in each of the men and a specific course of adjusting was begun for each case based upon their individual findings.

The results showed that all three men improved in many ways from their chiropractic care. The first patient went from a UPDRS score before care of 25, down to 15 after 2 months of chiropractic adjustments. The second man improved from a UPDRS score of 27, down to 15 after 5 months. and the third patient's UPDRS score went from 39 to 15 after 36 months of chiropractic care. These changes represent significant improvement in many areas resulting in a significant enhancement in their quality of life.

In their conclusion, the authors summed up the positive results by stating, "Upper Cervical Specific chiropractic care utilized on three patients with a diagnosis of PD, rated using the UPDRS test at 2 months, 6 months and 36 months. Results associated with PD included better overall health, improved ambulation, a reduced UPDRS score and a reduction in upper cervical subluxations were all obtained."

Upper Cervical Care and the Migraine

A case study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research on January 24, 2013 documents chiropractic helping a patient with migraine headaches. The study authors note that "Among children between the ages of 5-15 years, the prevalence of migraine headaches are at 10.6% while among those 15-19 years of age, it is as high as 28%."

According to the Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society, Migraine headaches usually are one sided affecting one half of the head and pulsating in nature, lasting from 2 to 72 hours.  Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light), phonophobia (increased sensitivity to sound) and the pain is generally aggravated by physical activity. Up to one-third of people with migraine headaches perceive an aura: a transient visual, sensory, language, or motor disturbance which signals that the headache will soon occur.

In this case a 16 year old girl went to the chiropractor, with the consent of her parents, suffering from migraine headaches without aura.  Her history revealed that she had been suffering migraines since kindergarten, and with headaches for as long as she could remember. She described her headaches as a throbbing pain located in the frontal area, with these attacks occurring at a rate of 1-2 per week, and lasting approximately 2-3 hours per episode, occurring primarily at night.  Since puberty her headaches seemed to have gotten worse.  Over the years she had been prescribed approximately 15 different medications for her headaches.

A chiropractic examination and x-rays were performed. The examination showed postural abnormalities with the girl's head being tilted to one side, and the range of motion of her neck was restricted. Additional abnormal alignment findings were also noted from her examination. The specific x-rays taken showed spinal vertebrae in the upper neck being malpositioned, which were determined to be subluxations in her neck. 

A specific plan of correction for the subluxations was begun. The study authors noted that the results were immediate.  They recorded, "On the day following the patient's first visit, the patient reported noticing 'some' improvement in the intensity of her HA complaint. On her second visit and 5 days since her initial visit, the patient indicated no subjective complaints of headache that day."

Chiropractic checkups occurred regularly over a 5 year period to monitor the girls progress. The authors noted that, "According to the patient, her HA intensity being bearable without the need for medication and her headache attacks abated to approximately 2-4 migraines per month." 

(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.)

Painful Nerve Disorder Vs. Upper Cervical Care

The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a case study on Jan. 6, 2014, documenting the case of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, a rare and extremely painful condition, being totally resolved under chiropractic.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) is a rare pain syndrome that affects the glossopharyngeal nerve (the ninth cranial nerve that lies deep within the neck) and causes sharp, stabbing pulses of pain in the back of the throat and tongue, the tonsils, and the middle ear. The excruciating pain of GN can last for a few seconds to a few minutes, and may return multiple times in a day or once every few weeks."

In this case an 83-year-old woman went to the chiropractor with a diagnosis of right-sided Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia which she had been suffering with for ten years. The woman noted that her pain was helped by medication, but made worse by talking, swallowing, coughing, quick head movements, and air conditioning.

The woman’s daughter explained that her mother had given up speaking two years prior, because even whispering two or three words would send electrical shock pains through her right throat, tongue, cheek, and temple. Her condition was causing her to sleep most of the day. When she was awake, she would spend most of her time trying to swallow one cup of water.

Her pain rating on examination was 10 out of 10 on the pain scale. The examination also showed postural abnormalities, as well as positive thermography readings along her cervical spine. X-rays were taken, and with the examination results, confirmed the presence of subluxation in the upper neck. Specific chiropractic analysis and adjusting were initiated to correct her subluxation.

Immediately after the woman's first adjustment, the study notes, "The patient got up and started talking normally with a pain level of one, and went home with her daughter." This miraculous change continued, as it was reported that just two days later, the pain was completely gone. Because of her complete recovery, and under the supervision of her neurologist, she started reducing, and eventually eliminated, Neurontin, the drug she was taking for the condition. Seeing her results, the woman's neurologist even encouraged her to continue with chiropractic care.

(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.)

High Blood Pressure: A Case Study

(I apologize, this was posted a few months back on this blog, but please enjoy it again.  It is a very relevant topic for a great many people.  Please share it with others.)

Resolution of Hypertension Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study

On Jan. 2, 2014, the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a case study documenting the improvement of hypertension with chiropractic care. This study adds to the body of literature showing chiropractic as a possible alternative to medications for people with hypertension.

The study authors begin by noting that 37 billion dollars are spent each year on the treatment of hypertension. They also report that, "According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is the most common cause of preventable death in developed countries. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes which are the first and third leading causes of death in the US."

In this case, a 57-year-old man went to the chiropractor with a primary complaint of sciatic pain for a year and a half. He was also suffering from pain in both wrists for two years, and high blood pressure for the previous five years. The sciatic pain was sharp, and the wrist pain was affecting the man's daily activity. The case history revealed that his hypertension was being treated with Lisinopril and Simvastatin.

A chiropractic examination revealed postural abnormalities including a short left leg, right head tilt, left lower shoulder, and a weight distribution problem that showed his right side to measure 20 pounds more than the left. Palpation of the spine revealed problems and sensitivity in the upper neck area. X-rays of the neck were also taken and confirmed malposition of the upper neck vertebrae, confirming the finding of subluxation in the upper neck.

Specific chiropractic adjustments were initiated to correct the subluxations. After 8 weeks of chiropractic care, a re-examination was performed. This examination revealed that the man's sciatic pain had reduced by 90 percent, his wrist pain reduced by 70 percent, and his blood pressure had improved by 70 percent from his initial visit to the office.

After a few additional months, the study reports that the man's blood pressure had improved 100 percent, and was to the point that the patient decided to take himself off all his blood pressure medications. His blood pressure continues to remain between normal and pre-hypertensive levels without the use of medications.

The study authors wrote in their conclusion, "Since hypertension is a growing health concern for the public and billions are spent annually, the findings presented in this paper help support the role of chiropractic management beyond pain syndromes."

(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.)

Regaining Smell and Taste with Upper Cervical Care

From the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research comes a study published on Jan. 16, 2014, which documents the case of a woman who regained her senses of both smell and taste due to chiropractic care. Anosmia, the loss of the ability to smell, and ageusia, the loss of the ability to taste, affects between 1 and 2 percent of the American population under the age of 65 years.

The authors of the study report that approximately 200,000 people visit physicians each year for smell and taste related disorders. According to studies, one of the most common causes of smell and taste disorders is a previous injury to the head and/or neck. Because these conditions are not life threatening, the authors note that there is little medical attention or treatment for these problems.

In this case, a 64-year-old woman went to a chiropractic clinic with complaints of neck pain, right sided knee pain, and a loss of the ability to taste and smell. She reported having lost the ability to smell and taste nine months prior to her visit to the chiropractor.

A chiropractic examination revealed sensitivity in the upper neck upon palpation, as well as thermal scan irregularities. There was also a reduction of the woman's range of motion in her upper neck. Postural abnormalities were also noted and spinal x-rays confirmed misalignments of her neck vertebrae.

Specific chiropractic adjustments were begun to correct the subluxations that were determined to be present. According to the case report, within 48 hours of the woman's first adjustment, her sense of taste and smell had started to return, and her pain symptoms improved. By the third month of care, she had completely regained both her sense of smell and taste.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, "This case described the successful resolution of anosmia and ageusia following the introduction of upper cervical chiropractic care. This case study suggests that there may be a role for the use of precise upper cervical chiropractic care in the management of patients with smell and taste disorders in patients with a history of head and neck trauma."

(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.)

Upper Cervical Care and Hypertension: A Case Study

(Editor's Note: Today's post comes from the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research.)

Resolution of Hypertension Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study

On Jan. 2, 2014, the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a case study documenting the improvement of hypertension with chiropractic care. This study adds to the body of literature showing chiropractic as a possible alternative to medications for people with hypertension.

The study authors begin by noting that 37 billion dollars are spent each year on the treatment of hypertension. They also report that, "According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is the most common cause of preventable death in developed countries. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes which are the first and third leading causes of death in the US."

In this case, a 57-year-old man went to the chiropractor with a primary complaint of sciatic pain for a year and a half. He was also suffering from pain in both wrists for two years, and high blood pressure for the previous five years. The sciatic pain was sharp, and the wrist pain was affecting the man's daily activity. The case history revealed that his hypertension was being treated with Lisinopril and Simvastatin.

A chiropractic examination revealed postural abnormalities including a short left leg, right head tilt, left lower shoulder, and a weight distribution problem that showed his right side to measure 20 pounds more than the left. Palpation of the spine revealed problems and sensitivity in the upper neck area. X-rays of the neck were also taken and confirmed malposition of the upper neck vertebrae, confirming the finding of subluxation in the upper neck.

Specific chiropractic adjustments were initiated to correct the subluxations. After 8 weeks of chiropractic care, a re-examination was performed. This examination revealed that the man's sciatic pain had reduced by 90 percent, his wrist pain reduced by 70 percent, and his blood pressure had improved by 70 percent from his initial visit to the office.

After a few additional months, the study reports that the man's blood pressure had improved 100 percent, and was to the point that the patient decided to take himself off all his blood pressure medications. His blood pressure continues to remain between normal and pre-hypertensive levels without the use of medications.

The study authors wrote in their conclusion, "Since hypertension is a growing health concern for the public and billions are spent annually, the findings presented in this paper help support the role of chiropractic management beyond pain syndromes."

(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.)

A Boy with a "Tic" and Upper Cervical Care

In the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, a case study was published on November 18, 2013, documenting the case of a child who was medically diagnosed with a "tic" disorder being helped by chiropractic care.

The study authors begin by explaining that, "Tics are described as rapid involuntary contraction of skeletal muscle in functionally related groups. They are nonrhythmic stereotyped movements or sounds. These tics occur primarily between the ages of 3-10. Tics lasting over the span of 1 year are considered to be chronic."

In this case, an 8-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor after his pediatrician diagnosed him with a tic disorder. The study reports that, according to the boy's mother, her son began having symptoms at the age of 6. Symptoms started with head nodding and twisting multiple times a day. The boy's mother was concerned that this problem could affect her son's self-esteem and might keep her son from experiencing a normal childhood.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included a postural analysis, palpation, thermography, range of motion, and specific postural spinal x-rays. The conclusion of these tests was that there was a subluxation in the upper cervical spine. A subluxation is when a vertebrae of the spine is misaligned and creates some form of interference to the function of the nervous system. Many in chiropractic feel that the upper neck is the most critical area as it is so close to the brain stem.

Specific chiropractic care was begun for the correction of subluxation. After the first visit, it was reported that the boy had a decrease in the frequency of the tics he was experiencing. Prior to the second visit, the frequency returned, but the tics were lower in intensity. Following the second adjustment, the tics subsided.

A reevaluation was performed 17 days after the onset of care. At that point, the boy had not experienced any tics since before his second adjustment visit. At a one year follow up, the mother stated her son had not experienced a single tic episode.

In their conclusions the authors wrote, "This case report demonstrates the improvement of one male child with a tic disorder that underwent chiropractic treatment. The results in this case lend support to the subluxation based care of children with motor tic disorders."

(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.)

Upper Cervical Care and the Chronic Migraine

A study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research on July 22, 2013, documents the case of a 75-year-old woman suffering from migraines who was helped with chiropractic care. The Journal study reports that, "Migraine headaches are common and disabling, with an estimated 35 million US citizens experiencing a migraine in 2005."

A review of medical sources on migraines shows that the medical profession does not have an understanding as to the cause of migraines, and their only treatment is medication in an attempt to alleviate the pain.

However, the authors of this study suggest that, "Many investigations suggest that chiropractic care may be of benefit to patients suffering with headaches including migraines."

In this case, a 75-year-old woman presented herself to the chiropractor with migraines. She had been diagnosed with migraines as a teenager and suffered with them ever since. She had never been to a chiropractor prior to this time as reported in this case study. The woman reported that her migraine headaches were rated about an 8 out of 10, with 10 being the worst. She had taken numerous pain killers and anti-inflammatories in an attempt to help the problem.

The chiropractic examination and analysis including x-rays led to the conclusion that there was a subluxation at the upper neck known as the atlas. Based on this information, a specific form of upper neck adjustments was initiated to correct the subluxation in the upper cervical area of the neck.

The case study notes that after 10 weeks of care, the patient's migraines reduced from an 8 out of 10, to a 3 out of 10. The improvement was verified by examination procedures as well as by her medical physician. The study authors reported, "Upon re-evaluation with the patient’s medical doctor, the patient stated an improvement in the overall frequency and duration of migraines, as well as a reduction of her medications, but the exact dosages was not given."

 

(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.)

Anxiety and Depression vs. Upper Cervical Care

"Upper cervical chiropractic care is a complementary strategy for depression"

by Dr. Larry S. Arbeitman
 

A recent article in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research reported on a case series to evaluate a 12-session upper cervical chiropractic intervention for individuals presenting with anxiety and depression symptoms.

This prospective case study consisted of six adults with (1) at least mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression symptoms based on pre-treatment interview and scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient History Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and (2) the presence of upper cervical subluxation. Participants completed the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) pre and post-treatment and completed anxiety and depression measures weekly throughout the treatment. Marlboro-based Dr. Larry S. Arbeitman D.C., who follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications, stated, “Participants received care as usual at the community practice of an upper cervical chiropractor who also had extensive post-graduate training in upper cervical specific chiropractic who was blind to the patient psychological data.”

Five of six patients completed all 12 recommended chiropractic visits. Repeated measures detected significant decreases in both GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores across treatment. The SCL-90-R General Symptoms Index also significantly decreased pre and post-treatment.

The results provide tentative support for the effectiveness of upper cervical chiropractic care for anxiety and depression symptoms. “Four of the five study completers expressed satisfaction with the outcome and that they would recommend similar care to others with anxiety or depression,” Dr. Arbeitman related, “and participants also reported a decrease in muscle tension and pain and an increase in mental clarity and physical energy.”

“This is just one case series,” explained Dr. Arbeitman,“but with such promising results, further research is merited to investigate the relationship between chiropractic care and depression and anxiety.”

Larry S. Arbeitman, D.C. of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Monmouth, LLC practices in Marlboro, at 25 Kilmer Drive, Building III-Suite 101. For more information on the Upper Cervical Chiropractic procedure, visit www.GetWellNJ.com or call 732-617- 9355 (WELL).

(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.)

Upper Cervical Care and You Vs. Depression and Anxiety

A case study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research on June 20, 2013, reports on the results of a case series showing chiropractic helping patients with depression and anxiety. This case series was looking for follow up on previous surveys showing that chiropractic patients felt chiropractic care helped with their mental and emotional states.

The authors begin by reporting that a previous study showed that in a survey of 2818 patients who completed chiropractic care, 76% of those patients reported a mental/emotional improvement, as well as positive changes in stress and life enjoyment over a period of several months following the chiropractic care. Additional prior studies also showed chiropractic care assisting patients with these types of mental health disorders.

This case series study involved six patients who responded to an Internet posting looking for people suffering from mild to moderate depression or anxiety who wished to be a part of a study involving chiropractic. The patients were not under any psychotherapy at the time and were given tests using standard scales of psychological testing to determine and measure their mental state prior to and after the chiropractic care.

All six of the participants also suffered from a variety of problems including musculoskeletal pains, asthma, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disorders. Those who were taking medications made no changes to their medications during the study to rule out any improvement due to medication.

For the purposes of this study, care was limited to only 12 chiropractic visits over a six week period. A specific analysis and form of chiropractic adjusting was used to correct nerve system interference from subluxations. To measure patient progress, a number of protocols were used both to monitor the chiropractic correction of subluxations as well as to see any improvement in depression or anxiety.

The results of the study were recorded for five of the six participants as one participant left the program due to a family emergency. The remaining five participants all showed positive results in most of the areas that the researchers measured. All five also showed positive test results for a decrease in nerve interference from subluxation. All five participants showed a "...significant decrease in depressive symptom ratings." All five measured a "...significant decrease in anxiety."

Additionally, four of the five participants who completed the study also reported a self feeling of improvement with their depression, enough to state that they would recommend this type of care to others with depression. Four of the five participants also reported significant improvements in the other health issues and problems they were suffering from at the beginning of the study.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, "The results provide tentative support for the effectiveness of upper cervical (neck) chiropractic care for anxiety and depression symptoms." They also stated, "The present study found reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms and reduction in overall psychological distress among individuals with mild to severe depression, anxiety or both."

(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.)

Heart Rate Variability And Other Symptoms Improve With Upper Cervical Care

 In the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, a study was published on May 9, 2013, documenting a positive change in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as well as a variety of other symptoms in a series of three different patients. HRV is used to measure the variation in beats of the heart. Since this is controlled by the nervous system, HRV is a good indicator of nerve system function.

The authors of this study relate the measurement of HRV to vertebral subluxation of the spine. The authors postulate that since subluxations cause interference to nerve system function, the effects of subluxations should be noted in HRV readings. In addition to the HRV, bilateral heat readings along the spine were used to establish a "pattern" by which to measure change or improvement.

In this study, three separate patients were documented while under (upper cervical) chiropractic care. The first case was of a 35-year-old male truck driver with right shoulder and neck pain that radiated into the right arm and forearm. He also had numbness in his right hand. He had been suffering with these problems for 10 years. A chiropractic examination revealed an upper neck subluxation, and a course of specific correction was initiated.

The second case was of a 67-year-old woman who was diagnosed with hypertension one year earlier. The patient stated that medication was ineffective. Her blood pressure at the time of the examination was 156/100. Her chiropractic examination also revealed subluxation in the upper neck and specific care for correction of her subluxation was initiated.

The third patient was a 42-year-old woman suffering with constant pain from between the shoulders down to her hips. She was also suffering from fatigue, loss of sleep, nervousness, difficult digestion, and constipation. A chiropractic examination also revealed the presence of subluxations for which specific adjustments were given.

In all three of these cases HRV was used to monitor the effects of the subluxation correction. Bilateral heat readings were also used to establish a heat pattern for each patient. In all three of these cases the HRV and the heat readings improved along with significant improvement in the symptoms that each of the patients experienced.

In their conclusion the researchers noted, "In these three cases, there appears to be a relationship between the improvements in bilateral skin temperature pattern analysis and heart rate variability following an upper cervical chiropractic technique. It is feasible that upper cervical chiropractic care can have a positive effect on the autonomic nerve system and there may be a connection between pattern reduction and improved heart rate variability."

(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.)
 

Attention Deficit Disorder, Pain And Upper Cervical Care

(Upper Cervical) Chiropractic care improves quality of life, sleep & attention in patient with Attention Deficit Disorder

Marshall Dickholtz Sr., D.C. & Evan White D.C.

J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012 Aug;27:71-76

Objective: To report an improvement in quality of life, sleep and attention following reduction of an upper cervical vertebral subluxation in a patient with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Clinical Features: A 19-year-old male presented for (upper cervical) chiropractic care with complaints of Attention Deficit Disorder and chronic dorsal and lumbar pain.

Intervention and Outcomes: National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) technique was utilized to evaluate the appropriateness of chiropractic care.  Several objective clinical findings were noted.  The atlas misalignment was corrected with an upper cervical adjustment and immediate improvement was observed. Visual evoked responses revealed normalization of a previously abnormal steady-state visual evoked response.  Outcome assessment tools showed significant improvements in overall health.

Conclusion: The reduction of the upper cervical vertebral subluxation was concomitant with improved quality of life, sleep and visual evoked responses.

(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.)

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.)

One Parkinson's Patient and Upper Cervical Care

Parkinson's Sufferer has Quality of Life Significantly Improved Under (Upper Cervical Care)

The July 30, 2012, issue of the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a case study documenting the improvement of a Parkinson’s patient using chiropractic care.

The author of the study begins by reporting that in the United States, 50,000-60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are diagnosed each year. It is estimated that over one million people currently suffer from this chronic and progressive disorder.

According to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, "Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people. What this means is that individuals with PD will be living with PD for twenty years or more from the time of diagnosis. While Parkinson’s disease itself is not fatal, the Centers for Disease Control rated complications from the disease as the 14th top cause of death in the United State."

In this case, a 63-year-old male pastoral counselor complaining of resting tremors of the right hand, anxiety and stabbing middle back pain, went to the (upper cervical doctor). His complaints started a year and a half earlier and seemed to start shortly after he suffered a severe case of the flu that lasted 2-3 weeks which caused him to lose 15 pounds. Due to his symptoms, he was diagnosed by a neurologist with Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.

At the time the pastoral counselor presented himself for an evaluation, he appeared frail, had a low tone of voice, and had reduced facial expressions. He stated that he also works as a marriage counselor which increases his daily stress level, and he had been experiencing restless leg syndrome at least twice a week for the past two years which affected his ability to get quality sleep.

Multiple examination procedures and x-rays confirmed the presence of (head/neck misalignment and resulting neurological interference), most notably at the level of the top bone in the neck, the atlas. A specific course of corrective adjustments was initiated to correct the (misalignment and the resulting interference).

Following his first adjustment, the man noted an improvement in his tremors. After a week of care, he also reported an increase in energy. The study records that by the end of the second week of care, he had a greater range of motion in his neck and higher level of energy, allowing him to complete his week of work and participate in extra activities on that weekend. Shortly afterwards, his mid back pain also stopped.

In his conclusion the author wrote, "We conclude that improvement of the Atlas alignment was associated with reduction of most of his Parkinson’s symptoms including decrease in frequency and intensity of his middle back pain, improvement in his quality of life and improvement in his motor function."

(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.)