Upper Cervical Care and Scoliosis Correction: A Case Study

Correction of juvenile idiopathic scoliosis after primary upper cervical chiropractic care: a case study. Abstracts from the 13th annual upper cervical spine conference, Nov 16-17, 1996 Life College, Marietta, Georgia. Pub in Chiropractic Research Journal, Vol. 1V, No.1, Spring 1997 p.29

From the abstract:

A nine-year-old male presented in our office with a chief complaint of juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and intermittent back pain. The patient had fractured his clavicle one month before his initial visit and complained of intermittent "growing pains" in his right foot. The case history also revealed that he had been involved in a motor vehicle accident two years previously.

The patient was managed with upper cervical care, utilizing the Grostic Procedure of adjusting by hand. Over the five months and ten days of care, the patient was checked on 13 visits and required an upper cervical adjustment on five of those visits. The leg length inequality, posture, and palpatory findings balanced immediately after the first upper cervical adjustment. Post-adjustment paraspinal surface EMG showed that the paraspinal muscular activity was more balanced. Post-treatment x-ray taken on the 13th visit revealed the thoracic and lumbar curves had an 88% overall reduction in the scoliosis after the five months of 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.)

Upper Cervical Care: Helping Kids With Scoliosis

Can you Protect your Children from Scoliosis?

By Dr. Bill Davis

The Problem

“Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. The spine has normal curves when looking from the side, but it should appear straight when looking from the front.” (see picture) www.emedicine.net According to WebMD “In about 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is not known.” 80%! Wow that is a lot! In 8/10 of the people who have been diagnosed with scoliosis or curvature in the spine the medical profession have no clue what causes it.

Generally, the scoliosis is found when a child is examined for scoliosis in middle school. But frequently scoliosis is undetected until adulthood. Regardless, the earlier the curvature can be found the better. If it is identified at 13 years of age and it is already 15 degrees…it would have been much better to find it at 7 years of age when it was 8 degrees don’t you think? Especially if the underlying cause can be corrected and the progression of the scoliosis can be stopped. Also the earlier the scoliosis is identified the more likely the condition can be reversed.

Scoliosis has psychological consequences as well as physical consequences. Self image can be negatively impacted, especially in the formative adolescent years. Scoliosis can be so mild that an untrained eye cannot see the curve, or it can be severe enough to cause deformity. Children are often made fun of as a result of these deformities.

The physical consequences are much worse though. People with scoliosis are a greater risk of developing heart problems, breathing problems, osteoporosis, accelerated disc degeneration and spinal pain, reproductive function and pregnancy problems can be just some of the consequences associated with untreated scoliosis.

The medical approach has 3 main strategies. Wait until it gets worse! Put a brace on the entire trunk for up to 23 hours a day! Or dangerous surgery! Doesn’t sound like fun to me! Which of these approaches gets to the underlying cause?…none of them? The medical approach is focused on the effects and not the cause obviously.

The Upper Neck Connection

Two medical doctors from Europe have done extensive research into upper neck problems in newborns and how that relates to the health of children. Dr. Gutmann was researching the connection all the way back to the 1960′s… in 1987 Dr. Gutmann published his research linking the upper neck to problems ranging from scoliosis to ear infections, torticollis, colic and many other common childhood conditions.
Dr. Biedermann also has published extensively on this subject and published his findings in 1992. Between the 2 medical researchers they have studied over 1000 newborns and have observed a very high incidence of upper cervical misalignments on x-ray. Gutmann found over 80% in his study had problems in the upper neck that needed to be addressed! Birth trauma was the most common cause. Forceps delivery, vacuum extraction and even just normal birthing methods with a woman flat on her back rather than in the standing position where gravity can work, can be an extremely traumatic experience for the head and neck of a newborn.

It is reported that within the general population the incidence of Scoliosis is about 2.5% or about 25 per 1000 people. However, that is only the people who are identified as having scoliosis and it only includes those that have a 10 degree curvature or more. A 7,8, or 9 degree scoliosis can still have dramatic affects on the health of a person’s spine and body. Also many individuals have no idea that they have a curvature in their spine until adulthood. I have seen patients in my office who are in their 60′s who were unaware of a 10-15 degree scoliosis!

If the weight of the head is not balanced over the spinal column due to accidents and injuries to the upper neck this can result in postural changes including head tilt, shoulder tilt, hips uneven, and leg imbalance. The earlier the child develops this upper neck misalignment the more likely it is for them to develop a scoliosis when they hit their growth spurt.

A Solution

Early detection is the key to stopping the progression and possibly correct the scoliosis completely. All children should be evaluated after birth and regularly thoroughout the childhood years for the presence of an upper neck misalignment that could start this process in their spine. If a curvature is detected than the misalignment should be corrected as soon as possible. If the scoliosis is already very advanced due to lack of evaluation, than the misalignment should still be corrected and maintained and postural exercises should be given in order to prevent future progression. The longer the curvature has been there the more likely it will be to not correct completely.

(Editor's note: Certainly some people, especially young people, who have head/neck misalignment and have it corrected will experience drastic improvements in scoliosis. However, please 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 scoliosis or any other condition, disease or symptom.)

Upper Cervical Care And The Patient With Parkinson's Disease

CASE STUDY

Reduction in Symptoms Related to Parkinson's Disease Concomitant with Subluxation Reduction Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Jonathan Chung DC & Justin Brown DC

Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ March 14, 2011 ~ Pages 18-21

Abstract

Objective: To provide a detailed report on one case of a 67 year-old female with Parkinson’s disease under upper cervical chiropractic care.

Clinical Features: A 67 year-old female patient presenting to a private practice with an atlas subluxation complex as well as signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that include weakness, tremors, scoliosis and rigidity.

Intervention and Outcomes: Over a period of 6 months, the patient was seen 19 times and was adjusted 12 times following the NUCCA protocol. Improvements in radiographic measurements, paraspinal thermography, and sEMG were recorded. Patient self-reported improvements in weakness, tremors, rigidity, and overall mobility.

Conclusion: The upper cervical subluxation may be a contributing factor to the symptomatic expression of Parkinson’s disease. Reduction of the subluxation with specific vectored correction may be a plausible, safe, and effective approach for managing PD. More research is warranted investigating the effects of upper cervical care and Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

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Editor's Note: Remember that upper cervical care is not a treatment for Parkinson's Disease. An individual with Parkinson's Disease will benefit from a good nerve supply free of interference due to head/neck misalignment (the objective of upper cervical care). Sometimes that improved function better enables the body to heal itself as is evident in this case of a woman with Parkinson's Disease.

Upper Cervical Care Stories Of Healing: Part 3

Editor's Note: Here are 8 more stories of healing one last time from Dr. Margaret Banitch in Montclair, New Jersey. 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

Michelle

I was diagnosed years ago with Meniere’s disease. I had severe vertigo and vomiting. I never knew when it was going to happen. I saw two ear specialists who prescribed steroids, other medications and steroid shots with no relief. The doctors told me I would have to learn to live with it. I suffered for 2 ½ years before I found out about upper cervical care and started seeing Dr. Margaret. Now I have gone months and even more than a year without any episodes. If I have the beginning of an episode I know I can get my neck corrected and go back to leading a normal life and not worrying if this is going to be the day I need to be taken home from work.


Sean

My 8 year old son injured his neck jumping off a boat in February 2009. He immediately reported neck pain and shortly after I noticed he developed facial tics. I also noticed he was having trouble focusing in school. We went to an orthopedist who x-rayed Sean, recommended tylenol / ibuprofen and said everything would be ok. I continued to search for an answer to his problems and found upper cervical care and Dr. Margaret on the internet. After his first adjustment there was dramatic improvement! The tics have disappeared and he is focusing better in school. Dr Margaret has helped him tremendously and has developed a great relationship with him. I have since started upper cervical care myself and have referred many family members and friends to Dr. Margaret with great results.


Joseph

My son was born 10 years ago with a rare genetic disorder, Hirschhorn syndrome involving severe developmental delays. Since seeing Dr. Margaret he has more verbal sounds and is walking better. I have noticed he is sitting up straighter. His other health care providers and therapists have noticed he has a better attention span and coordination.


Renee

I had severe neck and arm pain for 2 months following a fall in February 2009. In that time I saw 2 orthopedists, another chiropractor and a physical therapist with no relief. My problem was complicated by severe scoliosis and osteoporosis. After 2 visits to Dr. Margaret my neck was pain-free. After 4 visits I had full range of motion in my neck. I have also noticed better balance walking and more energy. It is interesting to me that my former chiropractor refused to continue treatment of me when severe scoliosis and osteoporosis was diagnosed, yet Dr. Margaret treated me without question and successfully.


Stacy

I have had chronic TMJ isuues, neck, arm shoulder and back pain intermittently for over 10 years. I saw TMJ specialists, chiropractors, ear nose and throat specialists and a neurologist with only moderate relief. I have only undergone treatment with Dr Banitch for one month but the change is evident! Remarkably I’ve needed only 2 neck adjustments and the pain is gone. I am more relaxed, no longer wake up with the jitters, sleep better and suffer no headaches. I think this upper cervical care is nothing short of miraculous!


Anna

I had fallen while rollerblading and felt my back was out of alignment... a concern due to my scoliosis. My doctor and pharmacist recommended I see Dr. Margaret. With the upper cervical adjustments I’ve experienced a completely unexpected benefit. My sinuses are sooo much better. I no longer go into a fog when a storm is brewing. I had no sinus infections this past winter like in the previous winters. This has been life-changing - no exaggeration! Aside from feeling less "crooked" and thus more able to do everything, the improvement in my sinuses has given me days and weeks back that I used to lose. I no longer have to worry about what the weather will be like when I have to work and be "on". I am so grateful to have found Dr. Margaret and love her staff as well.


Georgia

Nearly a year has gone by since you started treating me for the severe pain in my neck, back, spine and hip. I was in such bad condition that my posture could be compared to the leaning Tower of Pisa. Daily, I was wracked with pain and I forced myself to bear it. So much so, that after you eliminated the pain, I missed it for awhile. That was then, which brings me to now. Now, I can turn my head as I park my car, instead of my whole body. Now, with the exception of arthritis, I don’t remember the pain in my neck, back and hip that kept me awake at night. Now although I am 63 years old with the spirit of a 33 year old, sometimes, I can almost get my body to believe it. It once told me I was about 93. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am writing to thank you for giving me a new lease on life. When I count my blessings, you are high on the list.


Janice

For a little over 10 years I suffered with extreme back, knee and neck pain. Atleast once a year I was in physical therapy for one of my ailments. P.T. was at least 2-4 months long. One day my friend told me about Dr. Margaret. I was amazed how a simple, painless adjustment could relieve those horrible pains in my body. Now I know when my sciatica starts, my knees ache or I just don't feel right... I need an adjustment. Within 24 hrs, I am pain free. It has been life changing for me to have that horrible pain gone. I am so hooked on upper cervical care.

Upper Cervical Care and The Larger Picture

Adapted from the article, "Chiropractic: Health care concerned with the well-being of human kind, Mind, Body, and Spirit"

Upper Cervical Care is based on the absolute science that every function in the human body is directed and coordinated by the nervous system. It is through this science that we know without a doubt that the body is a self healing and self regulating organism that knows how to heal itself from inside the same way it knew how to grow you from 2 cells into over two trillion cells in 9 months! The Power that made the body heals the body! The body heals itself through the communication of the nervous system. It will do this as long as there is no interference.

The upper cervical doctors primary goal is to help the body tap into this amazing, internal healing wisdom by removing interferences to the nervous system called "Subluxations", which result from head neck misalignment. The result of Subluxations is diminished function and communication. For some this may result in Headaches, in others it is Back Pain, others Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Asthma. In children Subluxations may reduce your resistence to Ear infections. If a Subluxation is left uncorrected it can affect the structure and function of the joints of the spine, and thus contribute to Scoliosis, or the cycle of Spinal Arthritis.

Subluxations like Viruses, can happen at anytime. They can be caused by Repetitive Strain injury, Sports Injuries, Prolonged Sitting at a desk or computer or Long Drives and more. Stress and the physical tension it creates can Subluxate the spine. Many Subluxations however are caused in childhood and show up as problems later in life. Learning to walk and falling, bumping the spine can cause Subluxations, and many times the Birth Trauma, of the delivery pulling on the neck or forceps can cause lifetime spinal problems.

Only Upper Cervical Doctors are trained to detect and correct head neck misalignment with a specific upper cervical correction, thus removing the nerve interference and restoring proper function of the spine. Upper Cervical Care is for all ages and a healthy spine and nervous system is a priority today, for healthier tomorrows.