Improvement in Quality of Life for Six Pregnant Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Care: The Promise of PROMIS

CASE SERIES

Improvement in Quality of Life for Six Pregnant Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Care: The Promise of PROMIS

Joel Alcantara, DC Bio & Jeanne Ohm, DC Bio

Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic ~ Volume 2013 ~ Issue 1 ~ Pages 11-14

Abstract

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Introduction: The use of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures in chiropractic pregnant patients remains virtually non-existent.  In this paper pregnant patients are characterized showcasing the use of the NIH PROMIS program to determine baseline HRQoL measures.

Methods: In addition to describing sociodemographic and clinical data, patient-centered outcomes measures utilizing the PROMIS-29 Profile V1.0 are demonstrated.

Results:   Six pregnant patients (average age=33.33 years) with average parity at 0.33 and mean gestation of 20 weeks are described. Their primary caregivers were obstetrician/gynecologists, nurse-midwives and midwives. All were aware of concurrent chiropractic care. The patients presented with NMS complaints and for wellness care. The PROMIS scoring demonstrated the dynamic nature of the HRQoL domains in pregnant patients with improvements (i.e., fear/anxiety, pain interference and satisfaction with social roles) and decrements (i.e., physical functioning and sleep disturbance) in HRQoL domains.

Discussion:   Evidence-informed practice expects that some aspect of chiropractic patients’ HRQoL measures will have demonstrable improvements. The use of PROMIS within a chiropractic Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) offers promise in this regard.

Conclusion:  Pregnant patients attending chiropractic care within a PBRN are characterized using PROMIS HRQoL measures. The use of valid outcome measures to demonstrate chiropractic effectiveness should be further implemented in research and practice.

Keywords:  Chiropractic, Practice Based Research Network, pregnancy, Health-related quality of life, PROMIS

How We Are Making Our Children Sick part 6 of 6

Subluxation

The focus of science has shifted from separate entities of the immune system and nervous system to an interactive immunology model. It is now understood that there is an intimate connection between the nervous system and the immune system, and that neurotransmitters can influence the activities of the immune system. In fact, nerve fibers physically link the nervous system and the immune system and there is a constant traffic of information that goes back and forth between the brain and the immune system.

The sympathetic division of the nervous system is the part of the nervous system that reacts to stress. It is the “fight or flight” control center. The sympathetic division of the nervous system also regulates all aspects of immune function, and abnormal activity of the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the cause of conditions where a selection of humoral versus the cell-mediated response plays a role, including allergic reactions.

Spinal movement influences the sympathetic nervous system. Changes to the relative position or movement in the spine interfere with the sympathetic nervous system causing the release of stress hormones and altering immune cell function. The result is suppression of the cell-mediated immune response, and in its absence an increase of the humoral response.

Early stress and trauma is believed to play a profound role in the development of spinal dysfunction, or subluxation, causing immune imbalance. In his research, Gottfried Guttman M.D., found that spinal injury was present in more than 80% of the infants he examined shortly after birth, causing interference in sympathetic function. Tissue injury to the spine and surrounding soft tissue results in scar tissue deposition in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. This leads to decreased motion in the joints and surrounding tissues. Neurologic changes accompany the spinal insult. This leads to chemical changes and a general shift in the body to the stress response or the “fight or flight” response. Subluxation in the infant and child has been associated with stress experienced at birth, particularly as the result of interventions, and early falls or other traumas.

Restoring proper function to the spine through chiropractic adjustments removes the interference in the nervous system shifting the body away from the sympathetic “alarm” response allowing the immune system to regain equilibrium and reducing hypersensitive reactions. In one study, 81 children under chiropractic care took part in a self-reported asthma impairment study. The children were assessed before and two months after chiropractic care using an asthma impairment questionnaire. Significantly lower impairment rating scores (improvement) was reported for 90.1% of subjects 60 days after chiropractic care in comparison to their pre-chiropractic scores. In addition, 30.9% of the children decreased their dosage of medication by an average of 66.5% while under chiropractic care. Twenty-four of the patients who reported asthma attacks 30-days prior to the study had significantly decreased attacks by an average of 44.9%.

Our children are born with an immune system that is capable of operating against anything that threatens it. Our role as parents should be to support the natural responses of their body in every way that we can; in some cases, that means giving the body a chance to overcome an infection on its own with out antibiotics. In another case, it means providing the proper nutrients to restore inner balance. Most importantly, it means realizing that when a child’s nervous system has interference, the body still knows what it is supposed to do, but is simply unable to do it. Let’s start by removing the interference from the body and then getting out of its way—appreciating that the fever and congestion and vomiting are all part of the miracle that is our child’s immune system working properly, not a sign that their body is failing. The less we focus on the eradication of germs and the more emphasis we place on creating a strong, balanced body, free of subluxation, the better off our children will be.

CASE STUDY: Infantile Physiological Reflux & Feeding Difficulties

Resolution of Infantile Physiological Reflux & Feeding Difficulties Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic: A Case Report

Trent Maly, DC, Bio

Abstract

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Objective: To discuss the care of a seven week old female with spit up (physiological reflux) and resultant feeding difficulties.

Clinical Features: The seven week old female was brought into the clinic by her mother with a history of spitting up after feedings, breast feeding difficulty on one side, only sleeping with head turned to one side.

Interventions and Outcomes: Chiropractic adjustments by means of sustained contact as well as Craniosacral Therapy, were performed aimed at reducing vertebral subluxations in the upper cervical spine. The spitting up, sleeping issues and feeding difficulties were resolved by the third adjustment.

Conclusion: The resolution of these health challenges in three adjustments suggests there is a possible connection between them and vertebral subluxation. Research supports this possibility that physiological reflux and feeding difficulties are related to upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. The parent reported an increase of sleeping time from 1-2 hours to 6-7 hours of continuous sleep. There is a need for more research to explore the association between vertebral subluxation and these childhood disorders.

Key Words: Chiropractic, spit up, irritable baby, adjustments, craniosacral therapy, spinal manipulation, subluxation, feeding difficulties

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE

Although it may be tempting to dismiss a call to happiness during troubled economic times, world strife, or personal grief as overly optimistic or too simplistic, I believe these are just the occasions for a reminder that when it comes to happiness, all of us have a choice. In fact, choosing to be happy is one of the few essential decisions that we get to make regardless of age, stage of life, or present situation. It’s a decision that can’t be taken away, and no one else can make it for us.

Each one of us gets to choose, every single moment of every day, whether or not we want to be happy. It’s the same as choosing which dress or tie to wear, or choosing to eat pancakes and syrup instead of bran cereal. Just as you choose the outfit because it makes you look good, you choose the pancakes to satisfy your sweet tooth craving. You choose to be happy because it’s how you want to experience life.Happy people are more likable and desirable to be around. Isn’t it amazing how we’re drawn to people with sunny dispositions? One of the consequences of this phenomenon of human nature is that happy people regularly benefit from the enthusiastic help and cooperation of others.

Researchers have determined that happy people have stronger immune systems, endure pain better than unhappy people, and live longer. They have greater and longer opportunities to enjoy life and everything in it.
Happiness leads to greater job productivity, which often results in higher income. So why not choose to be happy?

No doubt, you can think of many reasons. You’re not where you want to be in your career; you’ve experienced financial setbacks; your children aren’t living up to your expectations; your boss doesn’t appreciate your efforts; your neighbors aren’t friendly. And your list goes on. Let me suggest that these are not reasons at all. They are excuses for not being happy.

Dale Carnegie explains it this way: “Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions; it is governed by our mental attitude.” You alone are in control of your attitude and making the decisions to improve your life. Choose to be happy, and then take the necessary steps to make it so.

I can personally attest to the connection between happiness and an improved quality of life. Many years ago, I decided that I would be intentional about choosing to be happy. I didn’t just say I wanted to be happy; I found out what I needed to do to make happiness a daily reality for me. Though I’m fortunate that I have experienced a rewarding career and professional life, it’s not my achievements that are to be credited for my happiness and the quality of life I now enjoy. Rather, it’s the little decisions I consistently make each day that continue to help me in my choice to be happy.

If you’ve never considered happiness as a choice before today, there has never been a better time than right now to choose happiness. Take control of your emotions and start focusing on the good things in your life and the person you want to become. As you do, you will begin to feel the happiness in your life.
Choose to be happy. It’s an attitude that will improve every part of your life.
By Todd Smith
http://drmaly.mtchiro.net/files/Pathways_Issue_32.pdf

Chiropractic for Fertility?

Chiropractic and Fertility

     One of the basic premises of chiropractic care is that vertebral subluxations affect nerve transmission. Think of your brain as a computer which coordinates, via your nervous system, the functions of your organs and cells. Nerve messages can be interrupted by spinal subluxations which occur when there are misalignments of one or more vertebrae. Among other effects, vertebral subluxations can compromise optimal reproductive system function and our capacity to conceive. But the field of chiropractic care is yielding some promising results.

     In one review published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (2008), the case studies of eleven infertile women, aged 22 to 42, were examined. Ten of the women were actively trying to become pregnant and had been unsuccessful. Their pregnancy histories included one natural childbirth, two miscarriages, two failed IVF treatments and three failed artificial inseminations. Within 1 to 20 months of receiving chiropractic care, all eleven women had become pregnant. They all had adjustments made to vertebral subluxations in their spines using a variety of chiropractic techniques. Nine of the eleven received no other medical care during this time. This is one example in the growing body of research that suggests chiropractic care improves reproductive system function.

     Regardless of the type of chiropractic technique used, when subluxations are addressed, nerve function is improved and reproductive and endocrine function is enhanced. There is no exclusive infertility cure-all for couples. These proactive recommendations are designed to allow the body to balance itself and recreate its own “order.” Health practitioners cannot take credit for the magnificent design of the human body, which has an innate intelligence working to heal itself.

     If couples take the time to listen to their own bodies, they will receive invaluable advice, for the body is always sending messages. This does not mean we need be alone in the healing process. Chiropractors and Naturopaths will often work together to support reproductive integrity.

     Given the right support and enough time, the body has repeatedly shown that it is capable of transforming “dis-ease” and dysfunction into wellness…and for many couples, infertility into fertility.

Centenarians, people who are living to 100 or more, are one of the world’s fastest growing age groups. Living to 80, 90 and above has become the norm.

How many times have you had a minor fender-bender, or a slip on the ice and never gave it a second thought?  Maybe your ego was bruised, but you didn't notice any outward signs of injury.  What happened to you on the inside could be a different story.

After a trauma, things may appear fine on the outside, but it doesn't mean they're OK on the inside.  That's why we open egg cartons and check the contents for hidden damage before we buy them.  The same goes for your spine after any jolt.  What may seem like a minor bump from the outside, could actually create SUBLUXATIONS on the inside.  (Misaligned vertebrae that interfere with nerve function, and silently diminish health)

The solution?  Get your spine checked for SUBLUXATIONS after any  trauma, no matter how big or small.  If your kid takes a tumble down the stairs – get them checked.  If your spouse backs the car into a fence post – get them checked.  If you tripped over the dog on the way to the refrigerator last night – get yourself checked too.  Life's tough enough without having to live it SUBLUXATED.

“Feeling a Bit Out of Tune?”

You can't sleep, your energy levels are low and you're finding it harder to make it through your day.  The specialists insist there's nothing wrong, but you innately feel like something's out of tune.  Maybe it's time to call the Chiropractor. D.D. Palmer, the Father of Chiropractic, recognized that repetitive physical, chemical and emotional stress can alter the normal 'tone' within a person's Nerve System (a.k.a. Subluxation).  This persistent irritation can lead to poor physical, mental and emotional performance.  The solution?  Restore normal tone to the Nerve System with specific, Chiropractic adjustments and better health will naturally follow! Health is the 'music' that plays when all your cells, tissues and organs vibrate perfectly in unison – orchestrated by a finely tuned Nerve System.  If you're feeling sluggish, weak and tired, a trip to the Chiropractor may just be the thing YOU need to get back in key.

“When Your Lights are Out…”

Ever have one of those days where you just don't feel as bright as you should?  Your diet's good, you're getting enough exercise but for some reason you still feel drained and unproductive.  Maybe it's time for a trip to the Chiropractor…

Think of your Nerve System as electrical wires and your body a 100 watt light bulb connected to it.  When the wires are clear and electricity flows freely, your bulb glows to 100 watts.  But if power is restricted in the wires, your bulb dims.  Chiropractors call it being Subluxated or in a 'state of less light/less energy.'  And the only thing that can 'light you up' again is a specific, loving Chiropractic Adjustment.

Eating properly and getting enough exercise is important, but you'll never shine to your full potential if you're Subluxated… and you can't afford that.  The world needs you beaming at 100 watts.  So don't wait until your light's completely out… get adjusted and shine bright with regular Chiropractic care!

“First, Remove the Pressure…”

Question:  If you drop a cinder block on your foot, what’s the first thing you must do for the healing process to start?   Answer:  Get the cinder block off your foot!

Sounds simple, but it’s true.  Your foot WON’T heal until the offending pressure is removed first.  And once the cinder block is removed don’t expect your foot to look or feel great right away! It’s going to take time to repair all the carnage.  The same principle applies to your Chiropractic care…

A misaligned vertebrae (Subluxation) acts like  a cinder block on a nerve causing damage, pain and inflammation.  Healing can occur  only when the offending pressure is removed and kept off with a series of Chiropractic adjustments.  But that won't necessarily bring instant relief.  Removing the pressure is simply the first step in a timely process.

So if you don't feel great immediately after your adjustment, don't be discouraged. With time damaged tissues will heal and you'll feel like new again.  For now, be confident the healing process has at least started because the cinder block has been removed.