Chiropractic & Immunity

After getting adjusted for some time, Chiropractic patients usually report increased energy levels, decreased stress levels, more restful sleep, and improved concentration!  These are all healthy "side effects" of being well-adjusted.

Many Chiropractors fail to explain the physiology changes following their Chiropractic treatment. They also forget to explain the relationship of the nervous system to the immune system. Again, I want to emphasize that the central nervous system is the master control system of the entire body, and therefore is going to influence all other 10 body systems (Circulatory, Endocrine, Digestive, Integumentary, Lymphatic, Muscular, Reproductive, Respiratory, Skeletal, Urinary) 

So what is actually happening during the chiropractic adjustment?! 

There is an increasing body of evidence that the nervous system is capable of modulating the immune response. Receptors for neuromodulators and neurohormones have been found on human T lymphocytes. Activation of these receptors can be stimulatory or inhibitory depending on the neuroactive substance. The immune system may be able to communicate with the nervous system using neuromodulators and neurohormones secreted by lymphocytes. Sympathetic innervation of lymphoid tissues is not restricted to blood vessels and smooth muscle, but directly supplies lymphocytes and blood precursor cells. It is theorized that spinal fixations (subluxations) may adversely affect the immune response through somatosympathetic reflexes. Spinal manipulation (adjustments) can correct the spinal fixations (subluxations) and may eliminate the adverse affects of somatosympathetic reflexes. 

Make sense? Well what this is basically saying is that Chiropractic adjustments are actually influencing the specific T and B lymphocyte numbers, Natural Killer cell numbers, antibody levels, phagocytic activity and plasma beta-endorphin levels, which in turn increase your immunity and prevent you from getting sick! Remember, removing the subluxation restores neural integrity and allows for happy, healthy functioning body! 

So when you, your spouse, or your child is feeling under the weather, don't hesitate to bring them to their Chiropractor!  This may help you fight off the little bug thats under attack... and don't worry, we are all well adjusted and have very strong immune systems:)  For additional Questions ask your current Chiropractor!

REFERENCES:

http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Effects_of_Chiropractic.shtml

http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/An_Overview_of_Neuroimmunomodulation.shtml

Chiropractic for CHILDREN?!

Children are highly susceptible to trauma in their spines.  In addition to the physical distress of the birth process, your child will endure general knocks and falls as they grow and develop, which will typically result in multiple subluxations of the spine (nerve dysfunction).  Since spines grow rapidly during the first 5 years of life, checking for abnormalities during this time is critical for proper growth and development.  Though symptoms may not surface until years later, injury to vital nerves can result in a lifetime of serious health problems.


Research shows that many of the spinal and health problems experienced by adults start very early in life.

Physical causes for vertebral subluxation include being placed in car seats for extended periods of time, or sleeping in a car seat with inadequate support of the spine and neck.  As your child grows, sporting activities can include physical trauma.  Accidents while learning to ride a bicycle, rollerblading, skateboarding, skiing or playing football are just a few of the ways subluxations can occur in children.

Repetitive or prolonged postures while watching television and playing computer games can impact a developing spine.  The aches and pains your child may experience can often be brushed off as "growing pains."  However, we need to appreciate that any ache or pain is a message from the body needing to be addressed rather than dismissed.

Chemical deficiency and toxicity is also a common cause of nerve dysfunction.  This typically includes: exposure to vaccines, antibiotics, pesticides or hormones in our foods and general pollutants in the atmosphere which are all common cause of subluxations.

Nerve dysfunction may also result from emotional trauma in children during times of mental distress.  This includes major life events such as separation anxiety while starting school, divorce, loss of a loved one, or delayed social skills causing your child to have difficulty getting along with his or her peers.

A healthy child's body is resilient, but just as any machine or engine requires maintenance and service to help it run smoothly, so does your child's nervous system require care.  The top reasons reported for parents to send their children to alternative healthcare providers were for the following health complaints: symptoms of respiratory tract dysfunction (27%), ear/nose/throat dysfunction (24%), allergies (15%), skin conditions (6%), gastrointestinal complaints (6%), prevention (5%).

Today Chiropractic awareness is shifting from being an intervention for symptom and pain-relief to a more proactive, wellness oriented healthcare choice!  Chiropractic care allows children to have better nerve function affecting all of other body systems, and develop to their highest potential! Ask how your Chiropractor can help lead your children on a better path to health!

Adjustments for Babies?!

When you were in elementary school what did you learn was the master control system of the body? (Answer: the nervous system)  And what are the 2 organs that make up the central nervous system? (Answer: the brain and spinal cord) I think we can all agree that without the nervous system we would no longer survive! Sixty-Five percent of neurological development (i.e. development of the brain and nervous system) occurs in your child's first year of life.  It is therefore imperative to ensure that your baby has every opportunity to maximize their nerve function during this critical period in their development. 

The purpose of Chiropractic care is to free the nervous system of subluxations, which cause nerve interference and therefore symptoms of dis-ease.  In this post I want to discuss the importance of chiropractic care and being “well adjusted” at the beginning of life – that is in the neonate, infant, and the child.  

Parents often ask why a newborn baby should be "checked" by a chiropractor?  The first trauma that a human being suffers is birth.  I’m sure that the mother and baby would both agree that this is quite a traumatic experience, which soon becomes a blessing.   Ideally, babies should be checked and adjusted as soon as possible after birth to help alleviate spinal problems caused by constraint or abnormal positioning in the uterus, or by spinal distress from the journey through the birth canal or during the delivery process itself.  Unfortunately, since a majority of children are not getting checked and adjusted by a Chiropractor, many infants suffer the consequences for an extended period of time.  This can lead to further complications during your child’s growth and development.

Many health problems may arise from subluxation of the first vertebrae in the neck (C1), including a lowered resistance to infections with the ears, nose, and throat.  Nerve dysfunction associated with birth trauma may result in breathing weakness, irritability, colic, difficulty with feeding and attachment, sleeping problems, and neurological defects.  Undetected, these problems may develop into learning difficultites, asthma, ear infection, hyperactivity and other health problems.

Clinical experience and an increasing amount of scientific research have shown that removal of vertebral subluxation associated with birth trauma and childhood accidents can dramatically affect the health of your child!

Parents often are shocked by the fact that Chiropractors treat children- But why wouldn’t they?  This is the most critical time that a child should be adjusted.  Let me put this in perspective.  The neonate has spent 9 months in the mother’s womb, and then experienced a major traumatic event during birth.  The infant, while learning to crawl and walk, falls approximately 15 times per hour – this adds up to over 100 falls a day! The child, begins to go to school and is exposed to physical (falls and sports injuries), chemical (foods, different environments, bacteria, and viruses), and emotional stressors.  And as they develop into adolescence, adulthood, and so on... they are bombarded with increasing physical, chemical, and emotional stressors which can lead to multiple subluxations, thus creating increased nerve interference!

Symptoms occur when your body can no longer adapt to the stressor.  Symptoms then become expressed, for example: colic, ear infections, asthma, allergies, eczema, bedwetting,  and of course, the “seasonal” cold and flu, among many more.  Chiropractors do not specifically treat these conditions, but do specialize in the maintenance and prevention of health by identifying and eliminating the subluxations that may be causing these symptoms and diseases!

Don’t you want your child to live their best life? Ask your Chiropractor how they can help & have them checked today!

Below are some research conclusions from various Chiropractic Associations around the world….Check them out!

THE BRITISH CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION — "As children grow, chiropractic can help not only the strains caused by the rough and tumble of life but also with some of the problems that children can suffer in their first years: Colic—sleeping and feeding problems—frequent ear infections—asthma—prolonged crying."; THE

CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND — "Even today's 'natural' childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress";

THE McTIMONEY CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION — Irritability, fractiousness, feeding problems, continuous crying, sleeps little, difficult to settle, colic, sickness and wind — all of these could indicate that there is a misalignment in the baby's skeletal system and that the baby is uncomfortable as a result";

THE NEW ZEALAND CHIROPRACTOR ASSOCIATION — "Parents and teachers often report children dramatically improve their attention span with Chiropractic care. Others report Chiropractic care as being the main reason for improved academic performance";

THE SCOTTISH CHIROPRACTORS ASSOCIATION — "Chiropractors are able to examine and evaluate a child's spine to determine if they can help problems such as colic, asthma, bedwetting, eczema and sleeping difficulties. Chiropractors advise that a child's spine be checked for subluxations and postural distortions before any symptoms are even present.""

Pediatrics, Vol. 122 No. 5 November 2008, pp. 1161 (doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2620)

The Stress of LIFE

Everything you do in your life on a daily basis causes stress. But contrary to belief, not all stress is bad! There are actually 2 types of stress- Eustress (good stress) and Distress (bad stress).  It has been stated by Lululemon Athletica that "Stress is related to 99% of illness - This obviously refers to bad stress!  While a 6 mile run for a fit- 24 year old is beneficial, the same workout for your 75 year old grandfather might not have the same benefit (that is unless he is a marathon runner!)  In this blog, I will discuss the 3 types of stress and the effect they have on your body (and of course your SPINE)!

1.  Physical Stress - poor posture (sitting at a desk all day), repetitive motions (painting), slips & falls, improper sleeping position ( arm under your pillow or neck twisted to one side), birth (trauma), and whiplash injuries from a car accident are all bad physical stressors. 
2.  Chemical Stress - today's environment is constantly attacking us with chemicals.  Medications, drugs, preservatives, tobacco, alcohol, fertilizers and a host of other substances can affect our nervous system and other body systems.  The body is constantly trying to adapt and find a state of balance, but too often we are either toxic or deficient in something. 
3.  Emotional Stress - have you ever been faced with an impossible deadline at work? Or grieved the loss of a loved one?  Frustration or a sense of powerlessness at work are common forms of emotional stress.


Your body reacts to these 3 types of stressors by causing a vertebral subluxation.  If the subluxation is not corrected by a chiropractic adjustment, this may lead to symptoms down the road.  Think of a subluxation as your body's attempt to manage stress.   Although stress cannot be eliminated, regular chiropractic care may help reduce the amount of stress on your nervous system to keep you on track in this go-go- world! 

The Only Side Effect of Chiropractic is HEALTH!

The 33 Principles of Chiropractic

This was originally written by R.W. Stephenson and is an excerpt from the book "Man's Greatest Gift To Man" written by Dr. F.P. DeGiacomo.

1. The Major Premise
   A universal intelligence is in all matter and continually gives to it all its properties and actions, thus maintaining it in existence.
2. The Chiropractic Meaning of Life
   The expression of this intelligence through matter is the chiropractic meaning of life.
3. The Union of Intelligence and Matter
   Life is necessarily the union of intelligence and matter.
4. The Triune of Life
   Life is triunity, having three necessary united factors: intelligence, force and matter.
5. The Perfection of the Triune
   In order to have 100 percent in life, there must be 100 percent intelligence, 100 percent force, 100 percent matter.
6. The Principle of Time
   There is no process that does not require time.
7. The Perfection of the Triune
   The amount of intelligence for any given amount of matter is 100 percent and is proportional to its requirements.
8. The Function of Intelligence
   The function of intelligence is to create force.
9. The Amount of Force Created by Intelligence
   The amount of force created by intelligence is always 100 percent.
10. The Function of Force
    The function of force is to unite intelligence and matter.
11. The Character of Universal Forces
    Forces of universal intelligence are manifested by physical laws; they are unswerving and unadapted, and have no solicitude for the structures in which they work.
12. The Interference of Transmission of Universal Forces
    There can be interference with transmission of universal forces.
13. The Function of Matter
    The function of matter is to express force.
14. The Universal Law
    Forces manifested by motion in matter; all matter has motion, therefore there is universal life in all matter.
15. No Motion Without the Efforts of Force
    Matter can have no motion without the application of force by intelligence.
16. Intelligence in Both Organic and Inorganic Matter
    Universal intelligence gives force to both organic and inorganic matter.
    
    In organic matter, universal intelligence is in the form of innate intelligence within that living thing, governing through intelligent direction and organization.
    
    With inorganic matter, universal intelligence is manifested as an intelligent force maintaining molecular discipline and organization.
17. Cause and Effect
    Every effect has a cause and every cause has an effect.
18. Evidence of Life
    The signs of life are evidence of the intelligence of life.
19. Organic Matter
    The material of the body of a living thing is organized matter.
20. Innate Intelligence
    A living thing has an inborn intelligence within its body called innate intelligence.
21. The Mission of Innate Intelligence
    The mission of innate intelligence is to maintain the material of the body of a living thing in active organization.
22. The Amount of Innate Intelligence
    There is 100 percent of innate intelligence in every living thing- the requisite amount, proportionate to its organization.
23. The Function of Innate Intelligence
    The function of innate intelligence is to adapt universal forces and matter for use in the body, so that all parts of the body will have coordinated action for mutual benefit.
24. The Limits of Adaptations
    Innate intelligence adapts forces and matter for the body as long as it can do so without breaking a universal law, or innate intelligence is limited by the limitations of matter.
25. The Character of Innate Forces
    The forces of innate intelligence never injure or destroy the structures in which they work.
26. Comparison of Universal and Innate Forces
    In order to carry on the universal cycle of life, universal forces are destructive and innate forces are constructive, as we regard structural matter.
27. The Normality of Innate Intelligence
    Innate intelligence is always normal and its function is always normal.
28. The Conductors of Innate Intelligence
    The forces of innate intelligence operate through or over the nervous system in animal bodies.
29. Interference with Transmission of Innate Forces
    There can be interference with the transmission of innate forces.
30. The Cause of Dis-ease
    Interference with transmission of innate forces causes incoordination or dis-ease.
31. Subluxation
    Interference with transmission in the body is always directly or indirectly due to subluxation in the spinal column.
32. The Principles of Coordination
    Coordination is the principle harmonious action of all the parts of an organism, in fulfilling their offices and purposes.
33. The Law of Demand and SupplyThe law of demand and supply is existent in the body in its ideal state, where in the clearing house is the brain, innate the virtuous banker, brain cells clerks, and nerve cells messengers                                                                  

ChiropracTIC...The Best Kept Secret?!

As a principled Chiropractor it is extremely frustrating when you are at the bank, out for dinner, or just walking down the street and someone asks you what you do for a living, and after telling them what you do, they immediately associate you with - "oh my neck hurts", or "thank god, my low back is killing me?" Where does this come from? And, How did we go from being a healing art to a symptom based service?

What I want to do in this post is discuss the philosophy, art, and science of Chiropractic so that my patients can better understand the principles on why we do what we do!  So...

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC? Signals flow from your brain down the spinal cord to every organ and tissue. Sensory signals are sent back to the brain to confirm that your body is working properly. Improper motion or position of the vertebrae, called a subluxation, can irritate nerves and compromise the function of the organs and tissues controlled by those nerves. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper function to your spine and removes irritation from nerves improving mind/body communications. This allows the body to function at an optimum level. This includes your immune system, cardiovascular system, digestive system musculo-skeletal system etc.

WHAT IS A SUBLUXATION?  A subluxation is improper function or misalignment of the vertebrae that house and protect the spinal cord. These misalignments irritate and put pressure on the nerves that exit the spinal cord and tension the spinal cord compromising the nerve supply to different parts of the body. Subluxations that are left uncorrected for long periods of time can lead to pain, illness and lack of energy and vitality. Unfortunately, Subluxations are quite common and are found in everyone. Subluxations are caused by stress on the body- chemical, physical, or emotional. This stress may take different forms including poor posture, desk work, driving, physical traumas, poor nutrition, smoking, caffeine and especially emotional stress.

WHAT IS INNATE INTELLIGENCE? Ever heard the phrase, "The power that made the body heals the body?" This is a term coined by D.D. Palmer (Founder of Chiropractic) which basically means that once nerve interference is removed (by the chiropractic adjustment), the body has an inborn potential to heal itself. How does the body know when to increase your heart rate when walking upstairs, or maintain a certain body temperature of 98.6*F regardless of the external body temperature? It's because your body has this innate intelligence, from which you can survive even when you aren't consciously making decisions.

WHAT PRINCIPLES IS CHIROPRACTIC FOUNDED ON?   
The 33 Principles of Chiropractic by R.W. Stephenson - see next post

WHAT DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT? 

Chiropractors treat the body as a whole.  They identify and eliminate subluxations found in the spine, for the purpose of removing nerve interference in the body.  This allows the body to heal itself!  This being said, symptoms (colic, ear infections,  cold/flu, headaches, neck/midback/low back pain and many more) occur because the spine is out of alignment, thus creating subluxations, which are causing nerve interference! After a prolonged time, this interference becomes symptoms! 

So WHY IS CHIROPRACTIC THE BEST KEPT SECRET?     

People do not know what Chiropractors do, or simply represent! Chiropractic represents an idea that if you control your chemical, physical, and emotional environment and get adjusted on a regular basis (to remove nerve interference), you can live a long, healthy, and prosperous life! This includes living a wellness lifestyle and focusing on the prevention of disease!   So how can we help more people? We can start by educating our new and existing patients on the true chiropractic philosophy instead of asking them "where they hurt today!" Thomas Edison said "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." The future is now, so lets make 2012 a year of change! 

Now for a little fun Check out:
1) S*it Chiropractors say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AfOyNSkJAQ
2) S*it Chiropractic Patients say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8keD80IudM