A study from the University of California [1] found that signals from the nervous system may influence the function of the immune system. While our immune system is there to fight against viruses, disease and infection, and helps to keep the body performing at its peak, it also works to dispel foreign contaminants that enter the body. When we sneeze because of an allergy, it’s because our body detects the presence of a foreign object in the system, such as dust, mites, pollen, etc. and it produces chemicals to neutralize and expel the allergens. These chemicals are known as histamines. In the case of allergies, the immune system overreacts to the presence of the allergens in the body.

A chiropractor may help by removing the nerve interference from subluxations in the spine (especially the upper cervical spine), and as a result the immune system is able to function optimally once more.

Most traditional treatments for allergies, such as antihistamines, only deal with managing the symptoms and don’t eliminate the cause. The safety of anti-allergy medication is under debate, the long-term use of antihistamines or combined with other medication may cause cancer. A study conducted in lab rats with brand name anti-allergy medication found that cancerous tumors in the rats grew much father with the intake of antihistamines [2].

A chiropractor treats the patient by releasing the stresses on the patient’s nervous system (due to the presence of subluxations), which as a result causes the immune system to work more effectively and as a consequence allergies are thereby reduced. Patients with subluxated (misaligned) spinal vertebra may have pinched or irritated nerves, which apply pressure and stress the system. Once the trapped nerve is released, after the chiropractic adjustment, the nervous system in general is free from stress and the body can then work more effectively to neutralize the allergy-causing chemicals found in the body.

Spinal health, which allows for a properly functioning nervous system, is as beneficial to the body as is good nutrition. A chiropractor can help the body to achieve optimal health and can help to improve the quality of life.   If you have any questions, or want to talk to Dr. Stover, please give us a call.  804-559-1100

Stover Chiropractic, P.C. – We Help You Heal

[1] Goetzl EJ, Voice JK, Shen S, Dorsam G, Kong Y, West KM, Morrison CF, Harmar AJ., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001 Nov 20;98(24):13854-9. Epub 2001 Nov 6.

[2] Brandes LJ, Simons KJ, Bracken SP, Warrington RC., J Clin Oncol. 1994 Jun;12(6):1281-90.

CRP is believed to play a significant role in the body’s early defense mechanism against infections [2], where its physiological role is to bind with a compound present on the surface of dead and dying cells, and even some bacteria, known as phosphocholine. It then activates the complement system, a part of the immune system called the “innate immune system,” via the C1Q complex [3].

The usefulness of the C-reactive protein is its ability to determine the progress of a disease, and it can also be used to assess whether a treatment for diseases associated with inflammation are working or not. In order to measure the levels of CRP in the blood, first a blood sample from the patient must be collected and analyzed. The levels of CRP in healthy individuals are negligible and will not show up in the test. For sufferers of diseases associated with inflammation, the test will show various levels of CRP in the blood. The measurement of CRP in the bloodstream not only can also help to determine whether someone is at risk of heart disease, but also assesses the severity of the risk [2].

Studies have found that patients who have raised basal levels of C-Reactive proteins are at an increased risk from diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases [4][5]. There is also a strong correlation between the lipid responses to low fat and high-polyunsaturated fat diets and CRP levels [6].

Some organs in the body are at an increased risk from cancer when they become chronically inflamed, and such inflammation may be highlighted by the presence of CRP in the body. In one study [7] samples were collected from sufferers of colon cancer and a control group, the average levels of CRP in those with colon cancer measured 2.69mg/l, whereas those in the control group had a mean value of 1.97mg/l. With significant difference between the two groups, this supports previous studies that connect the intake of anti-inflammatory medication with the lowering of colon cancer risks [8].

While the measurement of CRP cannot pinpoint the exact location of the inflammation in the body, it can be used to monitor and detect the presence of diseases associated with inflammation, and can monitor whether medication is effective on inflammatory diseases being treated.

Another great resource is deflame.com.  It has lots of free resources for you and your doctor.  If you are a patient at Stover Chiropractic, P.C. please ask about steps you can take to decrease inflammation.  We have supplements to recommend and we can try to make personal recommendations.

Stover Chiropractic, P.C. – We Help You Heal

References

[1] Ridker PM, Libby P. Risk Factors for Atherothrombotic Disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 39.

[2] http://www.creactiveprotein.org/ Accessed September 2011

[3] Thompson, D; Pepys, MB; Wood, SP (February 1999). “The physiological structure of human C-reactive protein and its complex with phosphocholine”. Structure 7 (2): 169–77.

[4] Pradhan AD; Manson, JE; Rifai, N; Buring, JE; Ridker, PM (2001). “C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus”. JAMA 286 (3): 327–34.

[5] Dehghan A; Kardys, I; de Maat, MP; Uitterlinden, AG; Sijbrands, EJ; Bootsma, AH; Stijnen, T; Hofman, A et al. (March 2007).

[6] St-Onge MP, Zhang S, Darnell B, Allison DB (April 2009). “Baseline serum C-reactive protein is associated with lipid responses to low-fat and high-polyunsaturated fat diets”. J. Nutr. 139 (4): 680–3.

[7] Erlinger TP, Platz EA, Rifai N, Helzlsouer KJ (February 2004). “C-reactive protein and the risk of incident colorectal cancer”. Journal of the American Medical Association 291 (5): 585–90.

[8] Baron JA, et al. (2003). “A randomized trial of aspirin to prevent colorectal adenomas”. N Engl J Med 348 (10): 891–9.

A vitalistic and holistic approach to pain relief, chiropractic treatment focuses on aiding numerous health issues through, spinal adjustments for correcting vertebral subluxations which cause abnormal stress patterns in the spine and body.  The result is a body that can no longer respond to the normal daily stress of life (whether physical, chemical or mental) which can trigger many symptoms.  One of which may be migraines.  But how effective is chiropractic against migraines?

In February 2000, a study published by Dr. Tuchin et al. [1] cited the possible benefits of chiropractic treatment in alleviating or easing both the pain and frequency of recurring migraines. The study used a sample of 127 migraine patients, all of whom suffered from at least one migraine per month; this sample was divided into two groups – one control group who received inactive treatment, while the other group received chiropractic treatment, focusing on aligning and treating specific areas of vertebral swelling and misalignment. The study concluded that those who received chiropractic treatment experienced subsequent improvement in the duration of the study, showing reduced pain and frequency of their migraines within two months of treatment. The latter group also reported a decline in the need of migraine medications. Further results from the same study found that one in five sufferers from the chiropractic treatment group had a 90% reduction of migraine frequency, while 50% found significant improvement in the severity of their migraines.

Recent studies conducted by R. Bryans et al. published in 2011 [2], concluded that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, were found to improve both cerviocogenic headaches as well as migraines. A systematic literature search on controlled clinical trials on the topic of migraines and headaches involving chiropractic treatment, published through August 2009, was conducted using a selection of medical and alternative therapy databases. Research found that chiropractic treatments such as spinal manipulation and massage could significantly help patients who suffer from chronic or episodic migraines, whereas sufferers of tension-type headaches did not respond to such treatment.

While using alternative methods of treatment such as chiropractic care can help sufferers to gain more control over their migraines, it should be treated as another form of support or extra help, instead of completely overlooking conventional medical care.  If you are someone who has struggled to control your migraines (or you require regular medication to prevent them) I would encourage you to try a natural method if you would like to take less medication.  Give us a call to ask any questions you might have.

804-559-1100

Stover Chiropractic, P.C. – We Help You Heal

[1] P.J. Tuchin, H. Pollard, R. Bonello, A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for Migraine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Feb. 2000: Vol. 23, No. 2, pp91-95.

[2]R. Bryans et al., J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Jun;34(5):274-89. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008.

Stover Chiropractic, P.C.

We Help You Heal

Enjoy!

Stover Chiropractic, P.C.

We Help You Heal

Stover Chiropractic, P.C.

We Help You Heal

While a wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications have been developed to relieve this pain, they generally do little to address the underlying cause of the problem.  In addition, many of these compounds can have unwanted side effects, particularly if they’re used often, over a prolonged period of time or in combination with other medicines.  A growing awareness of both the limitations and risks of pharmaceuticals has led many headache sufferers to explore alternative approaches to managing them, including chiropractic.

Understanding Headaches

Headaches occur for many reasons and can vary greatly in their intensity and duration.  They may arise on their own (these are termed “primary headaches” and account for about 90% of all headaches) or be triggered as a result of some other health condition (described as “secondary headaches”).  Chiropractic physicians most commonly encounter three types of headaches in their work:

• Tension headaches are primary headaches that are brought on by unrelieved muscular contractions in the head, neck and shoulders, usually as a result of stress that cannot find an outlet due to the presence of subluxations or unresolved stress.  These muscular contractions can themselves become the source of broader tension and stress throughout the body, setting in motion a feedback loop that eventually produces a headache.

• Migraine headaches are also primary headaches.  They are sometimes referred to as vascular headaches because they happen when blood vessels in the head suddenly expand, or “dilate”.  However, we know that the nervous system and genetic factors are also leading contributors.  Sufferers report a wide range of triggers and related symptoms.  Research into the exact cause of migraines is ongoing, and the condition has stubbornly resisted efforts to find a pharmaceutical “silver bullet”.

• Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches produced when pain begins in the neck or back of the head and is referred to the forehead or the area behind, in and around the eyes.  Trauma, chronic tension and disease are some of the more common initial sources of neck pain that is referred to the head.  Trigger points in the neck, shoulder blade and spine may also be sources of these headaches, though they can be much more difficult to identify.

How Chiropractic Can Help

There is a large and growing body of medical research that suggests chiropractic care can be effective in preventing or reducing the frequency and severity of primary headaches.  There is also some evidence that it may have benefits for cervicogenic headache sufferers.  This make perfect sense because subluxations in the neck cause chronic tension, trigger points and pain (see above).

Chiropractic adjustments of the spine and neck (in particular the upper cervical spine) is used to improve the alignment of the spine and relieve muscle tension.  It also reduces nerve irritation, cerebrospinal fluid flow, and improves vascular flow.  Your chiropractic physician may also include other therapies as part of a well-rounded treatment plan.  He or she will likely suggest exercise, stretching and relaxation techniques as well as nutritional strategies designed to help prevent future headaches.

If you or someone you know is looking for lasting relief from chronic headaches, we encourage you to call today.  The sooner you make the call, the sooner we can help you put an end to the suffering.  804-559-1100

Headaches and Chiropractic.  American Chiropractic Association.  Accessed August 2011.

http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=2186

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.  AltMD.  Accessed August 2011.

http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Headache–Encyclopedia-of-Alternative-Medicine

Information for Patients.  American Headache Society.  Accessed August 2011

http://www.achenet.org/education/patients/index.asp

Research Spotlight:  Study of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Neck-Related Headaches Reports Findings on Dose and Efficacy.  National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  Accessed August 2011.

http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/041310.htm

National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus.  Accessed August 2011.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003024.htm

Many chiropractors who specialize in pediatrics are members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and have attended postgraduate courses that focus on the care of pregnant mothers, infants and children.  The ICPA is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1986 by Larry Webster, DC.  The association offers advanced training workshops and seminars for healthcare professionals, in addition to its chiropractic certification.  It also has a referral service for parents and publishes a wide variety of materials designed to educate the general public about chiropractic medicine for children and adults.

How Children May Benefit From Chiropractic Care

As children enter school and begin interacting more with other kids in a different setting, they become susceptible to having their spine and nervous system compromised.  From poor sitting posture in the classroom to heavy backpacks in the hallways and rough-housing on the playground, there are a variety of new health risks.  Chiropractic care can help address these sorts of risks as well as others that may seem less obvious.

For instance, there is evidence that chiropractic care may help prevent or relieve many common cold and allergy symptoms, including sneezing, coughing and itching or watery eyes.  This is not to say that a visit to the chiropractor will “cure” the common cold or that the underlying illness will be eliminated, even temporarily.  However, the research suggests that spinal manipulation and other therapies frequently used by the chiropractor may help to strengthen a child’s immune system over time.

Treating Infants

Chiropractic treatments are tailored to every child according to their specific circumstances, including their height and weight.  There is no minimum age and even newborns may safely benefit.  In fact, chiropractic care is encouraged for babies as a chiropractic physician may be able to detect spinal problems that could lead to colic, ear infection or asthma.  Early detection may help prevent the development of these conditions and other complications while improving a young patient’s quality of life.

Communicating with Members of Your Child’s Healthcare Team

As both adults and children are turning to alternative medicine as a way to prevent or treat common ailments, there is an increasing need for patients (or their parents) to communicate effectively with members of an expanded healthcare team.   In most cases, your child’s  primary care doctor (usually a pediatrician, general practitioner or chiropractic physician) will play a key role in coordinating care.  Remember that a good chiropractor will always tell you when a particular condition may be outside his or her scope of practice and will refer you to other specialists as appropriate.

Studies have shown that children who visit the chiropractor on a regular basis are likely to grow up with better posture and have fewer illnesses than their classmates.  If you’d like to find out more about children and chiropractic care, please call our office today to make an appointment.

Please call us if you have any questions or you’d like to make an appointment to talk to Dr. Stover.  804-559-1100

Fysh, Peter DC (December 16, 1994) Upper Respiratory Infections [Electronic version] Dynamic Chiropractic, Vol. 12 No. 26; Retrieved August 30, 2011

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) homepage (2010) Retrieved August 30, 2011: from http://icpa4kids.com/about

Palevsky, Lawrence M.D. (October 8, 2008) Holistic Approaches to Asthma, Retrieved August 30, 2011; from http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/holistic-approaches-to-asthma.html