Arthritis Patients Turn to Chiropractic

The Annals of Internal Medicine (of all places) published the results of a survey of 232 people who had arthritis and were under a rheumatologists care.  Of those 63% responded to the survey by saying they were using some form of "complementary care" as named by the study.  Of those people 31% were using chiropractic.  These number may themselves be grossly under reported as only 45% of the patients told their doctor about using the other forms of care.

These reported numbers translate to over 19% of the public who is seeing a rheumatologists is also seeing a chiropractor.  And if less that half of the patients are telling their doctor about it the actual number may be twice as high.

Possibly the most impressive statistic was that 73% of those trying chiropractic found it helpful.  The reasons given why people said they tried the non-medical care was to control pain, because they heard it helps, because it is safe, because it helped someone they know, and because their prescription medication wasn't working.

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Asthma Study on Benefits of Chiropractic

Asthma has become a large health concern for children in recent years. Over the past 20 years the incidence of asthma has doubled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that in 1998, approximately 17,299,000 people in the United States, or 6.4% of the population, with cases among very young children up 160%. As reported in the June 16, 1999 issue of JAMA, the CDC also noted that between 1980 and 1994, the number of people self-reporting asthma grew 75%.
In a study conducted in 1996 by the Michigan Chiropractic Council (MCC), a panel of doctors performed an out-come assessment study to test the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of chiropractic care on children with asthma. The high demand of parents seeking alternative care for pediatric asthma was shown by the overwhelming interest in the study. More than 500 parents called the MCC seeking to get their child involved in the chiropractic study.
The study, which took place during May and June of 1996, examined the chiropractic effectiveness in correcting the cause of asthma in patients from birth to age 17. The average age of the participant was 10 years.  "After 30 days of chiropractic health care, patients averaged only one attack, whereas prior to the study they were experiencing more than four attacks," said MCC Dr. Bob Graham, who directed the study.  "Medications, which can be costly, were decreased by nearly 70 percent. Finally, patient satisfaction was rated 8.5 on a scale of 10."  More than 70 chiropractors from 62 cities in Michigan studied more than 80 children suffering from asthma.

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The Role of Chiropractic in the Care of Children with Autism

The November/December 2003 issue of the magazine "Autism Digest" contained an interesting article on the subject of Autism and the effect of chiropractic care on those children.  The article was authored by world known chiropractor for children, Dr. Joan Fallon. In her article she notes, "While it has regularly been associated with back pain or headache, increasing numbers of parents are seeking chiropractors for children and especially for children with developmental issues." 

The article starts off by noting that Temple Grandin, an author of two books on autism, is herself autistic.  The article notes that in her books she repeatedly discusses sensory integration difficulties as being the core of her autism. Additionally, a growing numbers of professionals also tout sensory difficulties as one of the hallmarks of autism.

Dr. Fallon describes this phenomenon by saying, "Sensory integration is defined as the disorganization of the multisensory input into the body. People who experience sensory integration problems have profound and often debilitating difficulty with touch, taste, smell, sound or visual input. Non-autistics can often experience sensory issues as well, such as the irritation we feel from a band playing too loudly, or an immediate headache from a certain smell. While these may be bothersome to the typical person, such sensory stimuli can be “noxious” to the autistic child and often manifest in infancy as colic and in the older child as hyperactivity, the “inability to listen”, or unexplained behavior issues, especially in children who lack communication."The article continues by stating that Chiropractic care should be the cornerstone of the sensory integration treatment plan for the Autistic child. Dr. Fallon notes, "Chiropractic care differs from many of the other therapies used with autistics in that it is directed to the heart of the problem: the lack of homeostasis in the body, which can, in turn, produce a disease state. Treatments are directed to the imbalances in the nervous system which inhibit sensory processing. By directly affecting the nervous system, chiropractic care for the autistic child can begin to change the many sensory integration issues by facilitating input into the organs and areas of the body involved in sensory integration, including the skin and the nervous system."

The article then explains that the imbalances in the nervous system are caused by "Subluxations" in the spine.  "The presence of Subluxation can cause illness as well as a host of other problems for the child," contends Dr. Fallon. "The chiropractor administers an adjustment as the mainstream portion of care.  The adjustment is administered in areas where there is the presence of a SUBLUXATION. Subluxation occurs where a segment of the spine consisting of two vertebrae and a disc between them, has lost their juxtaposition. Proper juxtaposition is necessary to maintain the integrity of the various systems that are located there, not the least of which is the nervous system."

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Chiropractic and Bedwetting

Several recent studies have shown the benefits of chiropractic care for children suffering from "Nocturnal Enuresis" more commonly known as bedwetting. Several studies published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed marked improvement in children with this problem over children who did not receive chiropractic care.

In one study 171 children suffering with enuresis averaged 7 nights of bed wetting per week prior to the study. After the children were given some initial chiropractic care the average child reduced the number of "wet" nights to 4 nights per week. A full 25% of the children receiving chiropractic showed a 50% reduction in wet nights. In addition, only 1% of the children were considered "dry" prior to the study and prior to receiving chiropractic care. After the study 15% of the children were then considered "dry".

In another study, 46 primary enuretic children were studied. Of this group 31 were placed under chiropractic care while 15 were in the control group and did not receive any chiropractic care. The results of this study showed a 17.9% decrease in wet nights for the chiropractic group. Over the same period of time no change was noted for the control group who did not receive any chiropractic care.

Amazingly, improvement in some of the studies was shown to be immediate after the first adjustment and remain stable thereafter.

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Clinical Case Study: Chiropractic Care of a Patient with Vertebral Subluxation and Bell’s Palsy

In the May 2003 issue of the peer reviewed scientific publication, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, is a case study report of a patient with Bells Palsy and the response with chiropractic care.  Bell’s palsy is a common condition that results in weakness or total paralysis of one half of the face. Bell’s palsy affects men and women equally and may occur at any age and at any time of year.  Symptoms begin to occur over a short period of time and full weakness of the face usually occurs after two to five days. Early symptoms may include pain in or behind the ear. This is followed by a rapidly worsening weakness of one half of the face. It becomes difficult to close one eye completely, and one corner of the mouth on the same side begins to droop.

The case report involved a 49-year-old woman with a medical diagnosis of Bell’s palsy.   Her symptoms included right facial paralysis, extreme sensitivity to sound, pain in the right TMJ joint, and neck pain. This patient had not responded to previous Dental or Medical care. She then decided to initiate chiropractic care.  The study noted that chiropractic adjustments were initiated. The study also noted that after 20 visits, the patient began to show substantial improvement, such that her facial pain abated and she could close her right eye lightly, smile, move her eyebrows, and puff her cheeks.

The articles conclusions were, "There are indications that patients suffering from Bell’s palsy may benefit from a holistic chiropractic approach that not only includes a focus of examination and care of the primary regional areas of complaint (eg, face, TMJ) but also potentially from significant vertebral subluxation concomitants."

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Cancer Patients Quality of Life Improved With Chiropractic

An article published in the January 2001 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics follows two case studies of patients with various types of serious cancer.  The article follows the chiropractic care and it’s effect on these patients pain and quality of life.

The first patient was a 57-year-old man with serious terminal pancreatic cancer.  This patient received chiropractic care during the later stages of the disease.  In the remaining time the patient had before succumbing to the disease it was documented that the patient had significantly less pain and was able to reduce his medications.  The journal article summed up this case by stating, “In this case chiropractic care was able to provide significant pain relief, reduce the amount of pain medication being taken (as well as the potential side effects), and temporarily improve the quality of life for a patient with terminal cancer."

The second patient was a 54-year-old man recovering from surgery for lung cancer.  This patient was continually suffering from upper back pain and had gotten no relief for over one year.  At that point the patient began chiropractic care.  In this case the patient received immediate relief and was able to discontinue all pain medication after two chiropractic visits. 

The principles of chiropractic make it plain that the focus of chiropractic care is not to directly treat the patient’s pain but rather to assist the body and allow the body’s own healing abilities to work at that person’s maximum potential.  These case studies show that ability and the effect on people suffering with serious conditions.  The Journal article states it best when it said, “These clinical examples offer 2 specific instances of how chiropractic may improve the quality of a cancer patient’s life.”

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Infantile Colic Improved with Chiropractic

The National Health Service in Ballerup (Copenhagen, Denmark) conducted a study involving 50 infants with diagnoses infantile colic.  Half of the group was given the drug dimethicon while the other half was given chiropractic care.  In this study nine of the 25 taking the drug dropped out of the study because the infants were getting worse.  These infants were then not counted in the final results which would have shown a worse result for the drug than published. 

Even with the removal from the tabulations of the infants who got worst using the drug, the results showed a significant improvement in the group that were under chiropractic care.  By days 4 to 7 of the study, the infants remaining in the drug group had reduced their hours of crying by only one hour while the entire chiropractic group had reduced crying hours by an average of 2.4 hours.  The results after 8 to 10 day into the study continued to show the drug therapy infants at a one hour improvement while the chiropractic group further improved to 2.7 hours less of crying.  The researchers noted that the removal from the study of the infants that got worse from the drug made the results from the drug look better than they actually were. 

Chiropractic Care Conquers Colic

The above title appeared in the December 1998 issue of Country Living's Healthy Living, beginning on page 53. The article details the concerns of a mom whose new baby was suffering from colic. The article featured the mother’s account of the situation starting from her initial phone call to the pediatrician. "When I phoned my doctor to ask if he thought it was safe (to see a chiropractor), he was ambivalent: Chiropractic would neither harm nor help. He told me that if it was colic, it would run its course in three months."

After this advice, her next stop was to take the child to the chiropractor. She recalled that the first visit was an extended one with a lot of time spent caring for the child and the parents. Following the first adjustment, the child seemed to be more reactive and colicky, but she followed the instructions given her by the chiropractor and the baby calmed right down. "We had five more sessions with the chiropractor. Each lasted 20 minutes and Lucy (the infant!) really seemed to enjoy them. It completely changed what was fast becoming a nightmare. I'd like to recommend to everyone with a colicky infant see a chiropractor. It certainly worked for us."

Infantile Colic

Probably one of the most frustrating situations new parents find themselves in is having to deal with a child that is suffering from colic. For these parents a recent study conducted in South Africa offers some good news. In a study by Mercer and Cook, thirty infants who had been diagnosed medically with colic were randomly divided into two groups. One group received chiropractic care while the other group did not. All infants in this study were newborn to 8 weeks old and had been diagnosed with colic by a pediatrician. For the purposes of this study, the infants in the chiropractic group received care for a two-week period with a maximum of six adjustments. The results of the study were very impressive. In the group that received chiropractic care, there was complete resolution of symptoms in 93% of the infants within the two-week period. Even more impressive was that in a follow up survey performed one month later, none of the infants had experienced a reoccurrence of problems from colic. The chiropractic care rendered in this study was spinal adjusting.

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Chiropractic Helps in Prevention of Recurring Ear Infections.

In the October 1998 issue of the Ladies Home Journal appeared an article entitled, "Chiropractic Adjustments for Chronic Ear Infections." This article reviewed several studies showing the effectiveness of chiropractic care for preventing re-occurring ear infections known as Otitis Media or OM.

According to the article, reoccurring ear infections account for over 35% of all pediatrician visits in the United States. Sometimes these infections are due to bacteria and sometimes these are due to a virus. The most common medical care for this situation has been antibiotics, even though antibiotics have no effect on viruses. While the article mentions that the antibiotic may be effective in an acute bacterial infection, they do nothing to stop repeat infections. Research and statistics is now showing that repeated use of antibiotics is contributing to future infections by creating drug-resistant infections. The surgical approach has met with little long term results as the "tubes" placed in children’s ears often come out and usually require a child to be put under general anesthesia to do the surgery.

The article in the Ladies Home Journal states, "Chiropractic care is thought to prevent recurrent infections by correcting misalignments (called subluxations) and allowing normal fluid drainage from the middle ear." What the article took special note of was that 6 months after the chiropractic care was given to the children in the study, 80 percent had not suffered a recurrence of ear infections.

In closing the article did make a profound statement. They made a recommendation to parents on this subject. "If your child is between ear infections and his doctor suggests ear-tube surgery, ask if you can try chiropractic treatment first." While we agree with that sentiment, we suggest you not wait for a period between episodes, and you don’t have to "ask" permission from any other doctor to seek chiropractic care. As the sneaker company said, "just do it!"

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Chiropractic Patient With Glaucoma Helped By Chiropractic

An interesting case study was recently published in the Journal Of  Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics July / August 2000 edition. In this journal was a case study review of a 25 year old woman who went to a chiropractor for back pain. This woman was also suffering from congenital glaucoma which severely affected her vision.

Before chiropractic care was initiated, the patient was sent for a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination to determine the severity of her glaucoma.  The result of that exam was that the patient did indeed have severe eyesight impairment due to her congenital condition.

Almost immediately after she initiated her chiropractic care, (one visit), the patient noticed an improvement in eyesight. After four adjustments, the patients monocular visual field had increased from approximately 2% to approximately 20% of normal.  Although the patient would never regain total eyesight the ten-fold improvement in just one week was significant.

Although many other reports of this type have been made by chiropractors, in their practices this case was unique because it was verified by a before, and after, ophthalmologic examination performed by an independent medical ophthalmic surgeon.  This case was also well documented and published in a peer reviewed scientific journal. 

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HIV/AIDS Patients Quality of Life Increases with Chiropractic Care

According to the September 11, 2002 issue of the online "Up & Coming Magazine", chiropractic enables HIV/AIDS patients to live a higher quality life.  The article states that clinical studies indicate chiropractic can: 1) boost immune system function, 2) help with secondary symptoms and 3) address quality of life issues by reduction in stress as well as prevention of disease and symptoms.

HIV/AIDS Patients Quality of Life Increases with Chiropractic Care
According to the September 11, 2002 issue of the online "Up & Coming Magazine", chiropractic enables HIV/AIDS patients to live a higher quality life.  The article states that clinical studies indicate chiropractic can: 1) boost immune system function, 2) help with secondary symptoms and 3) address quality of life issues by reduction in stress as well as prevention of disease and symptoms.
In clinical trials, monitored by the Rand Corporation, and conducted at Life University, chiropractic showed great potential to boost immune function. In addition to this study, several other preliminary studies also showed immune system boosting. In 1991 Patricia Brennan, PhD conducted a study that demonstrated an increased immune function following a thoracic (mid back) adjustment. Dr. Pero stated in his research that "Chiropractic patients in the study had 200 percent greater immune competence than people who had not received chiropractic, and 400 percent greater immune competence than people with cancer or other serious disease."

The article also notes that chiropractic can also help with secondary symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS. Secondary symptoms are usually the main reason HIV/AIDS patients seek chiropractic in the first place.  According to the article, Craig Martin D.C, noted that eighty percent of HIV/AIDS patients report some degree of neuropathy, which includes symptoms such as numbness, tingling and/or burning,  With chiropractic care these patients reported significant decrease in symptoms.  Patrece Frisbee D.C, of Stratogen Health of Miami Beach, a multidisciplinary clinic, reports 80 percent of her patients are HIV positive "and they need extensive chiropractic care because of the wide array of side effects that accompany the powerful prescribed medications."

The article closes with a powerful chiropractic endorsement.  They conclude, "Chiropractic is an alternative that will work with HIV/AIDS patients. It has broadened the view of chiropractic as a mind/body therapy. It's role in healthcare is increasing everyday. If you aren't under chiropractic, then you are not allowing your body to perform at 100 percent."

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The Hyperactive Child and Chiropractic

Much controversy surrounds using mediations to control hyperactive children. Drugs designed to control these children are dangerous, unpredictable and are not getting to the cause of the child’s problem. One question that should be asked is this. Why are so many more children today being diagnoses with ADHD over just a decade or two ago? Are their really that many more problem children today over a few years ago?

Many contemporary researchers and authors are suggesting that the rise in diagnosis of ADHD is due to several factors. These factors include dietary factors, long term adverse results of medications and immunizations, and neurological factors from interference to the nervous system. All of these suggestions negate the use of chemicals to correct the fundamental malfunction. In other words, many experts are suggesting other means of dealing with the problem rather than drugging the child.

Diet is an important component in children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Sugar seems to be identified by many as a main contributing factor. Many breakfast cereals contain high concentrations of sugar, as well as other preservatives.

Chiropractors have long maintained that neurology plays a strong part in hyperactive children. The medical approach often consists of drugs to affect the function of the nervous system. The chiropractic approach is removal of interference from the nervous system to allow proper function. Chiropractors recognize this interference comes from factors such as diet and subluxations. It is the subluxation aspect of interference to the nervous system that chiropractic is most concerned with in a hyperactive child. Chiropractors work to remove subluxations, thereby eliminating interference to the nervous system and allowing the hyperactive child to neurologically function normally. With this approach, as well as attention to diet and other toxins, chiropractic has offered many families and alternative to potent and dangerous drugs for the hyperactive child.

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Muscle Spasm and Trigger Points

Painful conditions of the nerves, muscle and bone (neuromusculoskeletal) are very common. With over 60% of the body made up of muscle, bone, and nerve, is it any wonder? Most people have experienced or know someone with chronic pain, spasms, irritation, inflammation, strain, trigger points and other neuromusculoskeletal conditions. There are millions of people with these conditions who seek the help of chiropractors and find relief. 

How do you feel when you wake up in the morning? Are you tight and sore or feel old and stiff? Do you have that constant ache like you need to stretch your neck, hips or lower back? Do you have sleeping problems or tender points on your body (also called trigger points)?

Trigger Points

A trigger point is often found along with chronic pain, muscle spasm, myalgia, fibrositis, strain and sprain, myositis, and muscle or joint problems. [1] Tender and sensitive areas, trigger points are often painful when pressed, stuck, heated or cooled. You may not know they are there until they are pressed. Referred pain is also common, when the trigger point is pressed, you may feel the pain in other areas of the body.

Standard medicine deals with the symptoms of trigger points and muscle spasm. How best to deal with the symptoms is a mystery. [2] You have probably heard about injections of novocain, procaine, and xyloxaine or treatments like cooling sprays, relaxant drugs, cortisone injections and other drugs. Medical treatments involving drugs have been tried with mixed results. [3] Also, heat, massage and other modalities have only had limited success [4]

What could be the cause of this mystery illness? It may be spinal trauma. One study showed that those who suffered neck injury had a 13 fold increase of neuromuscular pain and fibromyalgia within one year of injury. [5] Other studies have had similar results. [6]

Chiropractors are getting results for those who suffer from muscle spasm, trigger points, neuromuscular pain and problems, fibromyalgia, and similar problems. Record numbers of people are using the chiropractic approach [7] because they are seeing the results and benefits. In one study, 5 men and 18 women, aged 11 to 76 began chiropractic care for chronic fatigue syndrome, trigger point pain and fibromyalgia. They had been suffering 2 to 35 years before beginning care. They were treated with a series of spinal adjustments which afterwards every patient was able to resume normal activities, which included full time work. In addition, they maintained their improvements one year later at the follow-up. “Improvement in symptoms of 92 – 100% was achieved in both these syndromes…” wrote the authors of the study. [8] Other studies have shown great improvements with chiropractic care. One studied sufferers with trigger points, fibromyalgia and muscle pain, they showed that while chiropractic care helped 45.9% of patients to achieve moderate to great improvement, medication only helped 36.3% and exercise did for 31.8% of people. [9] In a similar study, 60% of patients had at least a 50% reduction of pain and symptoms with chiropractic care. [10] Those suffering from fibromyalgia with tender trigger points, numbness, pain and tingling have also had similar results. [11]

A chiropractor locates and corrects subluxations. Subluxation, a spinal condition which damages muscles, nerves, fascia, meninges and other tissues, can change the concentration of the chemicals and enzymes which are necessary for skeletal muscle health [12] and may contribute to muscle diseases. Compression of the nerve in a subluxated patient obstructs nerve impulse transmission (our communication system) causing muscle paralysis, vasodilatation and tropic ulcers. [13] On the other hand, chronic hyperactivity is harmful to any of the tissues and organs they innervate and may be related to dysfunction of the bones, muscle, and other tissues in the spinal area. [14] With a subluxation, joints may “freeze” or lose their normal movement, this leads to damage in the joint, muscle and surrounding tissues. “Movement is essential for the prevention of contracture and adhesion formation within the joint.” [15]

Chiropractic doctors are experts at correcting vertebral subluxations using skilled adjustment techniques. Adjustments not only allow your body to work and communicate better but also remove stress from the spine, nerves and other tissues including muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and more. Your body functions at an optimal level because it is working with it’s own innate ability to heal. An adjustment will balance your head with the body. Your hips and shoulders will be in alignment and feel more level, relieving stress on the joints and muscles throughout your whole body. You will use less energy trying to support an unbalanced spine and skeleton, and your muscles will not work as hard to hold the body in a position where it cannot function properly. Many people discover more energy, easier movement and increased relaxation due to chiropractic adjustments.

A healthy spine and a body free of subluxations can mean the difference between a life of pain, suffering, and disability and a life of easily movement, health and strength. Anyone with muscle pain, spasm, trigger points, or fibromyalgia should get a chiropractic exam to find out if their spine is free from vertebral subluxations.

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Case Study of a Patient with Chronic Migraine Headaches

From the August 3, 2003 issue of the peer-reviewed scientific journal, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, comes a case study of a 35-year-old female who presented with chronic daily tension and migraine headaches.  The journal article followed a patient's history of headaches.

A professional ice skater, sustained a concussion by hitting her head against the ice at age 23.  Prior to the accident, she had no health problems or headaches. Following the concussion, tension and migraine headaches started.  These symptoms persisted over the next twelve years, during which time the patient utilized daily pain medications.

At age 35 the woman started chiropractic care.  Initial examination revealed presence of subluxations in her neck causing nerve interference. Chiropractic adjustments were then begun.  The results for this patient were life changing.  Evaluation of the patient’s condition occurred by doctor’s observation, patient’s subjective description of symptoms, and thermographic scans.  The results showed that all headaches were gone following three months of care.  At the conclusion of her case at one year, all symptoms remained absent.

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Sinus Problems

Did you know that Sinusitis is the most common condition in the 18 to 45 age group? Sinusitis presents as a stuffy head, feeling like you have a persistent cold, and post nasal drip. It can also cause pain and pressure around your eyes; ears; a dull ache in the cheek bones; pain in the teeth; a runny nose; chills; fever; dizziness; loss of appetite; photophobia; bad breath; and even depression. [16]  Your sinuses are eight hollow spaces in the bones of the forehead, cheeks, and temples. The problem with your sinuses’ is also their greatest asset, namely, mucous. Mucous is one of the greatest protections against infection in the body. Your nose, throat, and sinuses are lined with mucous to filter out dust, dirt, and pollutants. In fact, without this filtering your lungs, kidneys, and even bloodstream could fill with airborne toxins.

Chiropractic approaches the sinus problem much differently than the medical field. Chiropractors help relieve stress on the nervous system, reducing the body’s hyperactive response to allergens. Noted health researcher Dr. Kurt Donsback shares the opinion of many natural healthcare providers: A healthy body is capable of neutralizing these toxic substances and a body which has malfunctioning defense mechanisms cannot. The emphasis on allergies must be on building a healthy body, not on trying to use evasive tactics by elimination all the allergens. (17) We also assess the body for food sensitivities which could cause a immune or histamine reaction because our bodies identify the food or particle as a foreign invader. Lastly, many patients have great success with electrical acupuncture which helps the sinuses to drain and work correctly without harmful drugs which can cause rebound symptoms.

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Place your fingers in front of each ear, open your jaw, and you will feel your Temporomandibular joint or TMJ. Are you experiencing a clicking or popping sound? Can you open your jaw wide? Does it lock up on you? Is there any pain? Your symptoms could be caused by a misalignment of the TMJ joint. You may have TMJ Syndrome. In fact, according to one researcher, “78% of the general public have some amount of TMJ dysfunction.” (18>19) Other symptoms may include: hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in ears), headache, facial swelling, pain in the shoulder, neck, cheek or jaw, facial nerve pain, dental pain, dizziness, blurred vision, and neck ache.

TMJ Syndrome can begin in childhood. One of the major causes can be poor nutrition. Poor posture, accidents, spinal or skull subluxations, dental work or trauma can also be the cause. Orthodontic treatment, ill-fitting dental work or simply sitting with your mouth open during your dental appointment puts great stress on the TMJ. 

Many TMJ suffers benefit from chiropractic care. Spine and TMJ problems are often found together and affect each other. (20) Your entire nervous system can be affect when your skull, jaw or spine is improperly aligned. Chiropractic will relieve pressure on the spine and cranial bones, which may correct a TMJ problem. On the other hand, if you have a misaligned jaw or skull as in TMJ syndrome, this can put stress on the spinal column. Anyone who suffers from TMJ or has been to a dentist will need a chiropractic checkup.

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[1] Cailiet R.  Soft Tissue, Pain and Disablity.  Piladephia: F.A. Davis Company. 1979.
[2] Fibromyalgia. Harvard Med School Health Letter.  July 1990.
[3] Keim H. How To Care for Your Back.  Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. 1981; 128.
[4] Kraus H.  Clinical Treatment of Back and Neck Pain.  NY: McGraw Hill, 1970.
[5] Buskila D, Neumann L, Vaisberg G et al. Increased rates of fibromyalgia following cervical spine injury: a controlled study of 161 cases of traumatic injury.  Arthritis and Rheumatism.  1997;40:446-452.
[6] White KP, Carette S. Trauma and fibromyalgia: is there an association and what does it mean?  Seminars in Arthritis & Rheumatism.  200;29(4):1560-1570.
[7] Wolf F, Anderson J, Harkness D et al. Prospective, longitudinal study of service and utilization and costs of fibromyalgia.  Arthritis and Rheumatism. 1997;40:1560-1570.
[8] Amalu WC. Upper cervical management of primary fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome cases.  Today’s Chiropractic.  May/June 2000;76-86.
[9] Wolfe F. The clinical syndrome of fibrositis. American Journal of Medicine.  1986;81 (suppl 3A):7-14.
[10] Hain S & Hain F. Combined ischemic compression and spinal manipulation in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a preliminary estimate of dose study.  JMPT.  2000;23(4):225-230.
[11] Blunt KL, Rajwani MH & Guerriero RC. The effectiveness of chiropractic management of fibromyalgia patients: a pilot study.  JMPT, 1997;20(6):389-399.
[12] Komarov GP et al. Throphic influences of the nervous system: their biochemical basis and disturbances in skeletal muscle. Neuro Sci Behave Physiol. 1973;6(2):175-187.
[13] Haldeman S. The safety-pin cycle. Int Rev Chiro.  1973;28(10):14-24.
[14] Dishman R. Review of the literature supporting a scientific basis for the chiropractic subluxation complex.  JMPT . 1985;8:163-174.
[15] Ibid.
[16] Baroody FM. Allergic rhinitis: broader disease effects and implications for management. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. May;128(5):616-631
(17) Donsback K.W. Allergies. Huntington Beach, CA.:Int’l Inst Natural Health Sciences, 1980:8-9
(18) Conversation with John D Laughlin III, DDS, then President of the Holistic Dental Association. Jan 16, 1991.
Raphael KG, Klausner JJ, Nayak S., Marbach JJ.
(19) Complementary and alternative therapy use by patients with mysfasical temporomandibular disorder. J Orfac Pain. 2003;17(1):36-41
(20) Conversation with John D. Laughlin III, DDS, then President of the Holistic Dental Association. Jan 16, 1991.
Raphael KG, Klausner JJ, Nayak S., Marbach JJ.

Complementary and alternative therapy use by patients with mysfasical temporomandibular disorder. J Orfac Pain. 2003;17(1):36-41