Dr Merri's Blog

A recent study showed chiropractic helping correct motor development delay in a 15-month old baby. The documented study was published in January 2018 in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. The study titled, "Improvement in motor developmental delay in a 15-month old male following chiropractic care to correct vertebral subluxation: A case report," was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand, with the assistance of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, in Auckland, New Zealand.

The study authors begin by defining the issue. "Developmental delay is defined as a child who is not meeting a range of milestones at the expected rate of development." They go on to explain the areas of delay by saying, "Typically, this involves multiple areas of development including cognitive skills, social and emotional skills, speech and language skills, fine and gross motor skills and activities of daily living."

Developmental delay is measured against six areas defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "windows of achievement." Each of these have different age ranges depending on the level advancement for the age of the child. These achievements include sitting without support, standing with assistance, hands-&-knees crawling, walking with assistance, standing alone, and finally walking alone. Not being able to achieve these tasks within the timeframe set forth in the WHO guidelines is considered developmentally delayed.

In this case, a 15-month-old boy who was suffering from developmental delay was brought to the chiropractor. The boy was unable to crawl or creep in any way. He was unable to pull himself up to stand, or to stand alone or walk. From around 6 months of age, he was able to sit upright, and from around 9 months old, he was able to roll. This level of ability was way behind what should be expected which would allow the boy to be considered to be developmentally delayed. The boy's speech was not advanced but was not considered to be delayed in any way for his age.

A chiropractic examination was performed which revealed multiple areas of spinal and pelvic restrictive movement and alterations of muscle tone. The boy exhibited reduced ability to balance and difficulty in supporting himself on his hands and knees.

With consent from the parents, chiropractic care was started on the boy for correction of vertebral subluxations with multiple visits per week being performed in the initial stage of care.

The study results showed that, following the first two adjustments, the child started to crawl on his hands and knees by himself without needing assistance. After one additional visit, the boy was able to pull himself up to a standing position. Progress continued as it was reported that after the sixth visit, the boy was able to crawl on his hands and knees with ease and began letting go while in a standing position. After seven chiropractic visits, the boy began to take unassisted steps with increasing confidence. During the entire time of the chiropractic care, it was reported that there were no adverse reactions identified or reported.

In their discussion, the authors of this case study summed up the results by saying, "Motor development improvements were reported in a 15-month-old male over the course of 16-weeks of chiropractic care. The child had initially presented with motor development delay, with inability to crawl in any manner, stand or walk unassisted."

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a study on October 26, 2017, documenting chiropractic helping improve lung function and improve quality of life in a series of patients. The patients in this study all had an increased mid-back curvature known as hyperkyphosis and sometimes referred to as a hump.

The middle part of the back, known as the thoracic or dorsal spine should have a normal "c" shaped curvature from front to back with the apex of that backward curvature being near the center of the middle back. This normal curvature is referred to a thoracic kyphosis. When that curvature increases, giving the person a hunched over look, that is referred to as a hyperkyphosis.

Hyperkyphosis in children is usually due to some underlying pathological, or developmental issue. It is more common in seniors as it is estimated that age-related hyperkyphosis affects 20 to 40 percent of the elderly population. The authors of the study point out that there is no consensus on an exact proper amount of curvature for the thoracic spine. However, it is accepted that a curvature of between 20 to 29 degrees from childhood till age 30 is within normal. An angle above 40 degrees in adolescence is considered to be hyperkyphosis. This curvature will normally increase with age.

This study followed three separate cases of patients who were totally symptom-free, but had a measurable hyperkyphosis of the mid back. Two men, ages 42 and 49, along with a 55-year-old woman were included in this study. Due to their hyperkyphosis, none of the three patients were able to have their upper thoracic spines make contact with the chiropractic table while they were laying on their backs.

In all three patients, the initial examinations and x-rays were, as the researchers stated, "...focused on the collection of objective information to assess neurological dysfunction and determine the presence of vertebral subluxation." They went on to note that, "According to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, a subluxation is defined as a 'complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health'." Lung volumes were also measured on these patients as a baseline for comparison later.

Using a similar protocol on all three patients, specific forms of chiropractic care were done on these three individuals. Follow-up evaluations with x-rays were taken 10 weeks after the initiation of chiropractic care. Lung volumes were also measured again. One man and the one woman showed an increase in lung volume. The remaining man had traveled overseas and contracted pneumonia. Therefore his lung volume had not improved when tested. However, the study recorded that all three of the patients showed a reduction of their hyperkyphosis ranging from 12.1% to 22.7% improvement.

In their summation of the results, the researchers stated, "Reduction of the thoracic kyphosis angle was recorded in all patients with an average decrease of over 10 degrees. Increased lung function in both peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory volume (FEV) were recorded along with improvements in SF-36 scores documenting improved quality of life."

On May 3, 2018, the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a case study documenting the resolution of neck pain and hand numbness in a patient undergoing chiropractic care. According to the study authors, neck pain is one of the more common pain conditions in the general population.

Estimates show that at any given time, nearly 13% of the population suffers with some form of neck pain. Overall, nearly 50% of the population will suffer with neck pain at some point in their lives. Neck pain is one of the more common condition that people seek chiropractors for. About 25% of all patients that see chiropractors did so because of neck pain.

According to the study, neck pain is more common in people whose work requires performing repetitive static tasks, or physically demanding work. Neck pain is also more common in people who have had previous neck trauma, and those suffering from other conditions such as depression, low back pain, or headaches.

In this case, a 28-year-old man suffering with neck pain and tingling in his hands sought chiropractic care. The man reported that his neck pain started about five months earlier, though he could not recall any particular incident that brought on the problem. He also reported that he did not remember when his hands started tingling. He had not seen any other type of doctor, and was not taking any medications for these conditions.

The man described the neck pain as a dull achy kind of pain in his lower neck that he rated as only a 2 out of 10 in severity. He noted that his hands felt like pins and needles with the feeling be more prevalent in his right hand. Although he felt that these annoying conditions did not prevent him from performing normal daily activities, he did state that these issues prevented him from working out as hard as he used to.

An examination was performed at the chiropractic office which included checking his vital signs, orthopedic and neurological exams, cervical static and motion palpation, along with range of motion tests in both the cervical and lumbar region. A postural analysis did reveal some abnormal positioning as well as limitations is specific motions of some neck vertebrae. Cervical thermographic scans showed irregularities. X-rays of the neck showed malpositioning of cervical vertebrae in addition to moderate disc degeneration and spurring in the neck.

Based upon the finding of the examination and x-rays, it was determined that subluxations were present and specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were started. After the first adjustment, at his subsequent visit the patient did not report any improvement. Care was continued based upon specific findings that indicated the need for a chiropractic adjustment.

On the sixth visit, the man reported that his neck pain was gone and he only had some minor neck stiffness. He also stated that his hand tingling had reduced to only occasional tingling in his fingers. By the seventh visit, the man reported no neck pain or stiffness, and his hand tingling was completely gone. He elected to continue chiropractic care for correction of subluxations.

The headline above is from a Sept. 4, 2017, story published by NewsMax Health. The story is based on the September 2017 cover story on the magazine, Consumer Reports. These articles, along with others, highlight the problem of prescription medication usage in the U.S. and bring some startling statistic to light.

The Consumer Reports article begins by reporting that, according to a survey they conducted, more than half of all Americans take an average of four prescription medications per day. They note that Americans take more pills now than at any other time in our history, and more than any other nation. It could be noted that Americans take more pills that any other society in the history of mankind.

Consumer Reports noted that in 1997, Americans took over 2 billion, 416 million prescriptions. By 2016, that number nearly doubled to over 4 billion 468 million prescriptions. In addition to the prescriptions, many people also add over-the-counter medications to this daily cadre of drugs.

Some the the chilling statistics from this high usage listed by Consumer Reports is that "Almost 1.3 million people went to U.S. emergency rooms due to adverse drug effects in 2014, and about 124,000 died from those events." Those numbers are based upon Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration statistics. IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, a market research firm estimated that unnecessary and improper use of medication costs 200 billion in additional medical costs each year.

The various articles discuss the reasons for the large number of prescriptions unique to the U.S. and blame it on the "culture" that believes that every symptom should have a pill to treat it. Vinay Prasad, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, commented, "The question is, where did people get that idea? They didn't invent it," he says. "They were spoon-fed that notion by the culture that we're steeped in."

Direct-to-consumer advertising certainly plays a role in the number of people taking medications. Currently only two nations, the U.S. and New Zealand, allow drug companies to advertise prescription medications directly to the general public. Anyone who watches TV notices the volume of drug advertisements that crowd the airwaves during certain targeted programming.

Medications all carry side effects. The results increase the cost of healthcare as well as decrease the overall health of the population. The large volume of medications taken by Americans has not resulted in overall better health compared to other nations. According to a study published last year in The Lancet, America ranked 28th in the world for overall health. This is compared with countries like Britain, who take far fewer medications per capita, but ranked fifth overall in the world.

Chiropractic has always represented a drugless approach to health for millions of people. Dr. George Curry, a practicing chiropractor and president of the International Chiropractors Association noted that more people are turning to chiropractic as a way of getting off the medication cycle. "Many of our patients now come to us looking for a way to regain their health and to reduce or stop the need for medications." He continued, "Chiropractic has always offered a natural way for people to achieve good health without medications or the side effects association with that approach."

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study on May 7, 2018, documenting the resolution of severe hemiplegic migraines after chiropractic care. Hemiplegic migraine is a rare and severe form of migraine headache.

The American Migraine Foundation describes the condition as, "Hemiplegic migraine is a rare form of migraine where people experience weakness on one side of their body (hemiplegia) in addition to the migraine headache attack. The weakness is a form of migraine aura and occurs with other forms of typical migraine aura like changes in vision, speech or sensation."

The study notes that migraines are a common ailment affecting about 12% of the population. It is three times more prevalent in women than in men and is most common in people between the ages of 22 and 55 years. There is some familial tendency with about 50% of those who suffer from migraines having a parent with the same condition.

In this case, a 36-year-old woman suffering from migraine headaches presented herself to a chiropractor. She had never been to a chiropractor before. Her migraines began when she was 17-years-old and had been getting progressively worse with time. Two years prior to seeking chiropractic, her medical doctor diagnosed her with hemiplegic migraines. The woman would typically have an episode every other month with each migraine episode lasting from between two weeks to a full month. During her migraines, she would experience numbness over the left side of her body including her face.

Her history records that at the age of 16, she was in a motor vehicle accident where she was thrown out of the bed of a pickup truck. From this accident, she suffered two sprained ankles and a whiplash injury. She was currently on two medications for migraines and bipolar disorder.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included static and motion palpation, range of motion tests and neck x-rays. It was determined from the tests that subluxations were present in the woman's neck. Chiropractic care was started to address the patient's issues.

On her second adjustment visit, one week after her first visit, the woman reported that she did not have a migraine episode since receiving her first adjustment. On her third visit the following week, she reported having only one "traditional migraine" for one week from what she attributed to was "sleeping wrong." On her fourth visit, she reported that she did not have any migraines of any type since her previous visit that week before. A follow-up was conducted seven months later at which time the woman reported that she was still migraine-free.

In their discussion the authors of the study state, "Spinal adjustment is recommended for the management of patients with episodic or chronic migraine with or without aura." They continue by explaining subluxation and the central nervous system, "The central nervous system seems be the ultimate source of migraine. The possibility that abnormal brain hyperexcitability starts migraine attacks is now widely accepted, and the disease threshold seems to be determined by genetic predisposition."

A study published in the journal, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, on February 2018 reports neck pain improving with chiropractic care on female veterans being treated in a VA hospital. The study begins by reporting that neck pain is a common problem among active military and veterans.

Contributing factors for neck pain in military personnel can range from trauma related to combat situations to office work, not unlike that seen in civilian populations. Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading health issue in female veterans, with women being more likely to experience neck pain than men.

The study notes the need for a non-drug approach to helping women veterans with pain, especially in light of the growing concern over opioid addiction, and the fact that opioid medications have a greater negative effect on women than men. A recent study showed that since 1999, there has been a 265% increase in overdose deaths in men, while during that same period there has been a 400% increase in overdose deaths among woman.

Currently, VHA patients are being referred to chiropractic services for a variety of musculoskeletal complaints, with neck conditions accounting for 24.3% of all these referrals. This study was conducted by reviewing the records of female veterans between the ages of 18 and 89 who were suffering from neck pain and met the inclusion criteria and follow through for this study. A total of 34 woman met all criteria and completed the questionnaire. These veterans were all suffering with neck pain and were seen by a chiropractor for more than two visits between the years 2009 and 2015.

A numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to rate pain. The NRS is a point system assessment for pain severity with 0 representing no pain and 10 representing the "worst pain imaginable." The study also used the Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ) which not only looks at pain, but also questions the patient as to how the pain affects their daily lives and their mental attitude because of the pain. The NBQ has a total score of between 0 and 70 with 70 being the most severe with the worst effect on the person's life.

The study showed that after chiropractic care was given to the female veterans, there was a significant improvement as recorded by both the NRS and NBQ scores. The NRS score decreased from 6.3 down to 3.5 on average. The NBQ score also improved, showing a decrease from 37.6 before chiropractic to 23.9 after chiropractic. The study also recorded that there were no significant adverse events or side effects reported for any of the patients in this study group.

In their discussion, the authors noted that regardless of the overall health assessment of the women veterans in this study "…female veterans in the present study receiving chiropractic management for neck pain had demonstrable improvement which was statistically and clinically significant." They also reported that the results of this study on women showed results that were consistent with prior studies conducted primarily on male veterans.

In their conclusion, the authors wrote, "Female veterans with neck pain included in this study experienced statistically and clinically significant reductions in NRS and NBQ scores over a short course of chiropractic management with a mean of 8.8 treatments. Chiropractic management may be an effective treatment strategy for female veterans with neck pain complaints."

The Journal of Alternative, Complementary & Integrative Medicine published a study on November 13, 2017, demonstrating the positive results chiropractic care had for patients with urinary incontinence, low back pain and radiculopathy. Urinary incontinence is a common problem with associated lower back pain, as some of the same nerves involved in back pain also control the bladder.

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the bladder. It can manifest as an occasional simple leakage when coughing or sneezing, or it can be severe where the urge to urinate comes on so suddenly and severely that there is not time to make it to the bathroom. The study reports that lower back pain is the most common type of pain in adults with one in four reporting some form of lower back pain the previous three months.

In this study, the records of 1367 patients suffering from lower back pain with radiating leg pain were reviewed. Of these, 119 patients, (8.7%) also had urinary incontinence. With the consent of these patients, their care was reviewed. Urinary incontinence with lower back pain is more common in women than in men. Of the total of 119 who met the criteria, 108 were female while only 11 were male. The age range for these patients was from 47 to 70.

All the patients in this study had been suffering from lower back pain for at least two years and had reported urinary incontinence for at least two months. Chiropractic and orthopedic examination procedures were performed to confirm lower spine problems. Additionally, an MRI study of all the patients confirmed a lower spine disc herniation that affected nerves in that area.

Chiropractic adjustments were given to each of the patients in accordance with the spinal findings. The average number of visits for patients included in this study was between seven and eight. The average time frame for chiropractic care was between one and eight weeks of care. The type of chiropractic care varied based upon the condition of the patient, their spine structure, age, and other factors specific to their situation.

In this study, the primary outcome measured was how often the patient had to urinate at night as well as any leakage or incidence of urinary incontinence episodes. The study results showed that 64.74% of the patients had complete remission of their urinary incontinence as a result of their care. Additionally, 30.25% showed at least a 25% or more improvement. Only 5.04% of the patients in this study did not show a significant change.

In their discussion and conclusion, the authors of this study point out that past discussions seem to discuss the idea that urinary incontinence was from a physical response to lower back pain. This new study suggests that the relationship between urinary incontinence and lower back and leg pain is more based upon neurological factors than physical ones. They state, "It is conceivable to the authors that chiropractic spinal manipulation exerts positive physiological responses in these patients. The results of this study are very promising with 113 (94.95%) patients reporting improvements."

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on November 2, 2017, documenting the improvement of a woman's pregnancy as well as her unborn child's growth. The growth of a fetus is determined by genetic factors and the mother's ability to supply quality nutrients to her unborn baby.

When a fetus does not achieve the expected growth rate during pregnancy, the condition is called Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR). The study reports that FGR is fairly common, occurring in about 1 in 300 pregnancies. The condition is usually detected by routine ultrasound.

According to WebMD, the delayed growth of a fetus puts the unborn at risk for a number of conditions including low birth weight, difficulty handling the stresses of vaginal delivery, decreased oxygen levels, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), low resistance to infection, low Apgar scores, breathing problems, trouble maintaining body temperature, abnormally high red blood cell count, and long-term growth problems.

According to the study authors, the most common cause for FGR is placental insufficiency. This is an inadequate supply of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus to sustain normal fetal growth. A study published in the American Famiily Physician reported that FGR is the second leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, followed only by prematurity.

In this study, a 29-year-old woman who was 32 weeks pregnant went to the chiropractor because she was concerned about her unborn baby's growth rate after being diagnosed with placental insufficiency. An ultrasound confirmed a slowed growth rate from 28 weeks to 30 weeks and a reduction in the unborn baby's head circumference from weeks 30 to 32. The obstetrician was so concerned that he had suggested an emergency caesarean section be performed if the fetus' growth rate did not improve by week 32 of pregnancy.

A chiropractic examination was performed. From this examination, it was determined that multiple vertebral subluxations were present. Specific chiropractic adjusting techniques were applied to address the woman's subluxations.

The study reports that one day after the initial chiropractic adjustment, the patient returned to the hospital for a scheduled Doppler ultrasound. The results of that ultrasound showed that the placental resistance had returned to normal limits. Measurements taken during additional ultrasounds in weeks 32 to 36 of the woman's pregnancy indicated an increase and normalization in fetal growth. The woman was able to continue her pregnancy through to 37 weeks, giving her fetus 3 to 4 more weeks in utero, after which she elected to give birth via cesarean section.

In the study discussion, the authors wrote, "This case describes the normalization of FGR concomitant with chiropractic care for the management of vertebral subluxation." They continued, "Chiropractic care aims to optimize health and well-being through the enhancement of the nervous system function by removing nerve interference caused by vertebral subluxations."

The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a case study on July 3, 2017, documenting the return of the sense of smell in a patient from chiropractic care. The loss of smell, medically called anosmia, was due to a primary central nervous system tumor.

The study author begins by explaining that central nervous system (CNS) tumors are space-occupying lesions that manifest as neoplasms (abnormal growths) of neuroepithelial tissue (stem cells of the nervous system). The incidence of CNS tumors is 20.59 cases per 100,000 people. These are the second most common form of childhood malignancy.

In this case, a 25-year-old man suffering from neck pain went to the chiropractor. His neck pain had started seven years earlier, but he did not recall an incident or injury that caused his problem. He reported that there was no activity or position that made his problem better, but that standing for long periods made him worse. Additionally, he reported tingling and weakness radiating into his right arm. He also was suffering with lower back pain, headaches, and dizziness.

An examination was performed. His vital signs were normal. It was noted that he was unable to detect certain types of smells or identify between them. A postural analysis showed uneven shoulders and hips. His neck range of motion was reduced in all directions. Additionally, palpation of the spine found multiple misalignments. A thermography study performed showed areas of uneven heat. Spinal x-rays of the man’s neck showed degeneration between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae.

An MRI of the patient’s neck showed a large tumor in the neck from the second to the seventh bone. His medical physician stated that he was probably born with it, and it should be monitored with future MRI scans.

A chiropractic determination was made that subluxation was present and could be addressed at the top of the spine, known as the atlas. Specific adjustments were applied to this bone as indicated by analysis.

A reassessment was performed five months into care. At that time, almost all testing had returned to normal or had greatly improved. The man reported that his neck pain, low back pain, headaches, and dizziness were all gone, and had been resolved since four months and seven days into his care. Additionally, the man was tested to see if there was any change in his sense of smell. The test showed that he had regained his ability to smell items normally, and to differentiate between them.

In his conclusion, the author noted that due to the rarity of this type of condition and the lack of larger studies, it is not possible to draw generalized conclusions about chiropractic and these conditions. "The patient’s perceived pain decreased as well as objective analysis of the symptoms secondary to the congenital tumor." The author continued, "There is little to no research on chiropractic and its use for symptoms secondary to congenital tumors. This patient showed improvement but since this is a case study it is unknown whether these results could be reproduced."

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on September 11, 2017, documenting the care of a young girl suffering from asthma, who was helped by chiropractic. This case report was written in the earlier stages of care in order to document initial responses to care. The study does not include a report on the long-term benefits of chiropractic for these types of cases.

This study begins with a brief definition. "Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the respiratory airways." The result is an increase in mucus production along with an over-responsive airway leading to reduced airflow. This produces the noticeable wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

The number of sufferers with asthma has continued to increase over the years. In 2001, about 7.3% of the population suffered with this condition. By 2011, that number had jumped to 8.4% of the population suffering with asthma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that in 2015 there were almost 24.6 million people suffering with asthma. Of this, approximately 6.2 million are children below the age of 18, with 18.4 million being adults over 18. In 2015, 11.5 million people suffered an asthma attack.

In this case, a 6-year-old African-American boy was brought to the chiropractor by his mother for a chiropractic consultation and possible care. His mother reported that her son had allergies since birth and was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 2. She reported that his asthma was noticeably worse in the winter months. Certain foods seem to trigger his asthma, so his mother removed both dairy and glutens from his diet. At the time of his initial chiropractic consultation, the boy was on five different medications as well as a respiratory inhaler.

During pregnancy, his mother suffered from gestational diabetes and had to take insulin three times per day. His delivery was via cesarean with no reported complications. His mother breast fed her son until the age of two, and he never drank cow's milk. As an infant, the boy suffered from eczema and was prescribed steroids. The boy would need his inhaler twice per day and would wake from sleep abut 4-5 nights per week.

A chiropractic examination showed a forward head posture, meaning that his head was further forward of his body than is normal. Palpation of his spine revealed a number of areas determined to be subluxations in his spine. Specific chiropractic care was started at the rate of three visits per week.

On the second adjustment visit, the boy's mother reported improvements in her son's breathing with no sleep disturbances in the previous two nights. The study recorded that after three weeks of chiropractic care, the patient did not require his asthma medications at night and only used his inhaler one time while he was running and playing.

At the time of the writing of this study, the boy was still under chiropractic care. However, even at this early stage of care, the boy’s mother was able to report that her son only needed one breathing treatment since beginning chiropractic instead of usually needing several during the winter. As of the writing of the study, the boy's medications had been reduced, he was rarely using an inhaler (only as needed), and was able to play in the park for three hours without use of his inhaler.

In their conclusion, the authors acknowledged the results of this study and called for additional research, "This case report illustrates the reduction of asthma symptoms and medication use in a pediatric patient under chiropractic care. It is recommended that the link between subluxation and visceral dysfunction, such as asthma be investigated further."