Study Finds 21 Percent of Patients are Misdiagnosed

Do I Need A Second Opinion?

A study published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice on April 4, 2017, found that more than 20 percent of patients are misdiagnosed. The study titled “Extent of Diagnostic Agreement Among Medical Referrals” looked at the diagnosis originally given to patients and compared that to the diagnosis later given upon the patient seeking a second opinion.

Study Finds 21 Percent of Patients are Misdiagnosed - Austin-TX-Chiropractor-Sciatica-Leg-Pain-Butt-Down-FootThe study reviewed the records of 286 patients who were referred by their primary care doctor to the Mayo Clinic’s General Internal Medicine Division in Rochester, Minn., over a two-year period from Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2010.

Overall, the results showed only 12 percent of those seeking a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic had their diagnoses confirmed. However, 21 percent of the patients had their diagnosis completely changed, while 66 percent of those patients received a refined or redefined diagnosis. Overall, the study showed that almost 88 percent of patients seeking a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic receive a new or refined diagnosis.

Previous research cited in the new study showed that errors in diagnosis “…contribute to approximately 10 percent of patient deaths.” Additionally they “…account for 6 to 17 percent of adverse events in hospitals.”

“Effective and efficient treatment depends on the right diagnosis,” said study co-author James Naessens, a health care policy researcher at the Mayo Clinic, in an April 4th press release in Science Daily. “Knowing that more than 1 out of every 5 referral patients may be completely [and] incorrectly diagnosed is troubling — not only because of the safety risks for these patients prior to correct diagnosis, but also because of the patients we assume are not being referred at all.”

In a Washington Post article, Mark L. Graber, a senior fellow at the research institute RTI International and founder of the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine, who was not involved with the study noted, “Diagnosis is extremely hard. There are 10,000 diseases and only 200 to 300 symptoms.” He added, “Doctors are humans, and they make the same cognitive mistakes we all make. If you are given a serious diagnosis, or you’re not responding the way you should [to medication], a second opinion is a very good idea. Fresh eyes catch mistakes.”

Second opinions are still encouraged, but the concern is that they may be limited due to in-network insurance issues preventing patients from seeking second opinions. In response to the problem of diagnosis error, the National Academy of Medicine has called for dedicated federal funding for improved diagnostic processes and error reduction.

It is obvious that there is an increase in cost both in diagnosis and medical treatment if the first diagnosis is not confirmed by the second opinion. However, Naessens sums up the concerns if a second opinion is not sought saying, “Total diagnostic costs for cases resulting in a different final diagnosis were significantly higher than those for confirmed or refined diagnoses, but the alternative could be deadly.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Austin chiropractor located in north central Austin, TX.


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Fibromyalgia Helped Following Chiropractic: A Case Study

What is Fibromyalgia? Can Chiropractic Care Help Fibromyalgia Pain?

On March 13, 2017, the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study documenting the improvement from chiropractic of a woman who had been suffering with fibromyalgia, widespread pain, fatigue, depression, and headaches.

Fibromyalgia Helped Following Chiropractic Austin TX Chiropractor Best Reviews Yelp Google Facebook NextdoorFibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread pain syndrome with an unknown medical cause. The word itself is actually a descriptive term that can be broken down into three words. “Fibro” is a Latin word meaning fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments. The middle part “my” is short for “myo” which is Latin for muscles. And the word “algia” is Latin meaning pain. The study authors note how common this problem is by stating that, “It is estimated to affect 2-3% of the American population and is the second most common diagnosis made in rheumatology clinics in the United States.”

Fibromyalgia is about ten times more common in women than men, and commonly starts between the ages of 60 to 79 years. Due to many patients with fibromyalgia also suffering from depression, common medical treatment is low-dose antidepressants as well as pain medication.

In this case, a 40-year-old woman went to the chiropractor with an 8-year history of medically diagnosed fibromyalgia. Her symptoms included widespread pain, including neck pain, mid and upper-back pain, and arm and shoulder pain. She was also suffering from headaches, high blood pressure, and depression. The medical care she had been receiving for her condition included three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) per day, seizure medication, and a series of three cortisone injections.

A chiropractic examination was performed to access the woman’s spine and nervous system. This consisted of postural evaluation, x-rays of the spine, paraspinal surface electromyography (sEMG), paraspinal thermography, range of motion (ROM), and motion and static palpation. Additionally, a 36-question short-form (SF-36) questionnaire was given. This questionnaire is a standard and verifiable measurement of quality of life as stated by the patient. It is often used to gauge the overall improvement of a patient in their abilities to have a normal and function life. The scores that the patient can give themselves in each of the areas range from 0 for the worst possible, to 100 representing the highest level of functioning possible.

The woman received a total of 44 chiropractic visits over a 5 month period after which a re-examination was performed and all tests were compared to the original findings. The study records that all objective findings showed improvement including the patient’s range of motion, the sEMG tests, as well as x-ray findings.

The SF-36 patient questionnaire showed considerable improvement in most all the areas as reported by the woman. Her emotional well-being improved 10 points from 39.6 to 49.6. Her reported energy/fatigue improved 37.5 points from a 16.6 to 54.1. She reported that her general health improved 35.0 points from a 3.0 to 38.0. As for pain, her original rating was a complete 0, which improved 36.7 points. Likewise she rated her physical functioning at 0 before her care which improved to 39.4 after chiropractic. Her limitations due to emotional problems improved 8.3 points from 50.9 to 59.2. The woman reported that her social functioning improved 37.5 points from an original 21.2 to 58.7 after chiropractic.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, “Reduction in radiographic vertebral subluxations and improvements in spinal alignment and posture, ranges of motion, musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and health-related quality of life were achieved using [chiropractic] on a patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Austin chiropractor located in north central Austin, TX.


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Reduction of Blood Pressure in a Patient Receiving Chiropractic Care

Can Chiropractic Care Reduce High Blood Pressure?

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study with a review of pertinent literature on March 6, 2017, documenting the positive effect chiropractic has on people with hypertension. The study defines hypertension as a systolic blood pressure of greater than 140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg.

Reduction of Blood Pressure in a Patient Receiving Chiropractic Care Austin TX Chiropractor for HBP Better Function of Body Nervous System Best Reviews on Yelp Google NextdoorTreatment of hypertension is one of the most expensive components of medical care in the U.S., costing a total of $50 billion in the year 2009. Upwards of 78 million Americans are being treated for hypertension. According to the study, it is estimated that by the year 2030, the cost as a result of hypertension and related illness will reach $343 billion per year. It is estimated that 30.5% of men and 28.5% of women are hypertensive.

Hypertension itself is not the major concern. Of more concern are the health issues that come from long term hypertension which can be serious or even deadly. In reporting data on years of life lost due to related condition from hypertension, the study states, “…related diseases in 2010 was estimated at: 7.2 million as a result of ischemic heart disease, 1.9 million as a result of stroke, and 2.2 million as a result of the combination of chronic kidney disease, other cardiovascular and circulatory diseases, and hypertensive heart disease.”

In this case, a 50-year-old man went to the chiropractor with no health complaint other than hypertension. He had been diagnosed with hypertension 24 years prior. His only other history concern was resolved back and neck pain 5 years earlier. He was previously taking a hypertensive medication which he self-discontinued due to his observation that it was not working. He had previously been under chiropractic care and was seeking care on this occasion for wellness purposes.

A chiropractic and general examination was performed on the man. At the time of the examination, his blood pressure measured 155/100 mm Hg. Additional findings of the examination showed a restricted cervical range of motion. Thermography and spinal palpation also showed spinal areas of concern that led to the diagnosis of multiple subluxation in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

The man began receiving chiropractic adjustments at the rate of one per week. Blood pressure was measured before and after the chiropractic adjustments to record any changes. Palpation and thermography were also performed regularly to access progress of care.

The study reports that there was an average 8.39 mm Hg drop in systolic and 3.56 mm Hg drop in diastolic blood pressure measured pre- and post-adjustment over the course of the chiropractic care.

The study authors reported on the literature available on the subject of blood pressure related to chiropractic and related care. They found that there were 40 articles in the current literature under the umbrella of chiropractic adjustments, spinal manipulative therapy, and osteopathic manipulation’s effects on blood pressure. They point out that the variety of research on chiropractic and blood pressure makes it difficult to make specific statements related to the type of chiropractic care best suited to affect blood pressure. However, they were able to conclude that “Results from these studies are largely varied as well with studies suggesting the chiropractic as effective in managing hypertension as the use of a two-drug combination therapy.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Austin chiropractor located in north central Austin, TX.


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World Health Organization Lists Twelve Highest Priority Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

When Do I Need An Antibiotic? Do Antibiotics Work?

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a list of twelve “Priority Pathogens” that pose a great health risk to mankind. The WHO is asking that researchers focus on development of new antibiotics to fight these bacteria.

World Health Organization Lists Twelve Highest Priority Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Austin TX Chiropractor Natural Healthcare without Drugs or MedicineIn a February 27, 2017, release titled, “WHO publishes list of bacteria for which new antibiotics are urgently needed”, the WHO points out that this list represents a growing concern about the ineffectiveness of antibiotic usage against bacteria that have been evolving and adapting quickly.

Dr. Marie-Paule Kieny, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Innovation stated, “Antibiotic resistance is growing, and we are fast running out of treatment options. If we leave it to market forces alone, the new antibiotics we most urgently need are not going to be developed in time.” In an interview, Dr. Kieny continued, “This list is not meant to scare people about new superbugs. It’s intended to signal research and development priorities to address urgent public health threat.”

Just two days earlier, the Washington Post ran an article titled, “Dangerous antibiotic-resistant infections on the rise for children in the U.S., study finds.” This new study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society highlighted how big the problem of antibiotic resistance has become. This study found that 3 out of 5 children admitted to hospitals already had an antibiotic-resistant infection.

Dr. Sharon Meropol, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of pediatrics, epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine commented, “Antibiotic resistance increasingly threatens our ability to treat our children’s infections.”

Part of the concern is the over usage of antibiotics not only in human illness, but also in agriculture. Animals are given antibiotics in many cases just as a prevention. The issue is that the bacteria in them become resistant and then find their way to human populations.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) for every 1000 people in the US who see a doctor, 842 are given antibiotics. Dr. Theoklis Zaoutis, professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia states that, “About 30 percent of antibiotic use is either inappropriate or unnecessary in the U.S.”

The CDC highlights this growing issue on their website. “Antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Illnesses that were once easily treatable with antibiotics* are becoming more difficult to cure and more expensive to treat. Infections from common antibiotic-resistant food borne bacteria, such as Salmonella, can cause more severe health outcomes than infections with bacteria that are not resistant to antibiotics.”

The WHO ended their release on this issue with a stern warning that speaks to an overall re-thinking of how we use antibiotics. “While more R&D is vital, alone, it cannot solve the problem. To address resistance, there must also be better prevention of infections and appropriate use of existing antibiotics in humans and animals, as well as rational use of any new antibiotics that are developed in future.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Austin chiropractor located in north central Austin, TX.


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Gait, Balance and Coordination Improved with Chiropractic

A long-term case study published on February 9, 2017, in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research followed the improvement received from chiropractic care of an elderly man with a long list of health issues including difficulty in walking, balance, standing and overall mobility. Mobility, musculoskeletal pain, and balance are of key concern to the geriatric population and have a significant impact on the quality of life.

Gait, Balance and Coordination Improved with Chiropractic Pregnancy Newborn Infant Pediatric Care to Older Adult Elderly Care Health WellnessPain plays a key role in the abilities of a senior to function normally. According to a 2014 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science. “Spinal pain is the most common of all chronic pain disorders. In a previous study, 24.6% of older adults with chronic pain reported back pain.”

In this case, an 85-year-old man presented himself to the chiropractor for a variety of health concerns. His chief complaints for which he went to the chiropractor were difficulty walking and poor posture. In addition to the issues he sought chiropractic for, he also had a number of prior medical diagnoses that included benign prostatic hypertrophy, osteoporosis, heart valve insufficiency, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, angina, and other assorted problems. Most of his issues were being treated medically. As a result, the man had been prescribed eighteen different medications that were being taken on a daily basis.

A chiropractic examination was performed. This included a range of motion study, paraspinal thermography, a postural analysis, spinal motion palpation and spinal x-rays. As expected, the man’s range of motion in all areas was significantly reduced. His head was carried in a forward position causing a roundness of his shoulders. The spinal x-rays on this patient showed considerable calcium buildup indicative of intervertebral degenerative joint disease, spinal arthritis, and old compression fractures of several of his vertebrae.

Based on the findings of all the examination procedures, the diagnosis for this man was healed compression fractures, calcification of the abdominal aortic, atherosclerosis, abnormal postural and vertebral subluxations in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. With this diagnosis, chiropractic care was rendered.

This study recorded the chiropractic care and progress for this man over an eight year period. Over that time, a variety of chiropractic techniques were utilized. The study records that, over time, the man’s overall health improved and he experienced improvement in gait, balance stability, coordination, posture and reported an increase in strength in the lower extremities. The man’s medical doctor also noticed the changes and commented that the patient was healthier while under chiropractic care. In addition, he was able to get himself in and out of a chair, and was able to reduce the amount of prescription and over the counter medication he was taking.

The author of this study summed up the implications of this study by noting, “Age related musculoskeletal problems can cause impairment in a patient’s balance and gait. An unstable person on their feet puts them at a higher risk of falling and as age increases so does the risk of falling.” She continued to explain how this can help by saying, “Individuals over the age of 65 years of age that suffer from musculoskeletal dysfunctions may benefit from chiropractic care. Chiropractic care focuses on the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC).”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Austin chiropractor located in north central Austin, TX.


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Seizures Stopped Under Chiropractic Care

How Common is Epilepsy? Does Chiropractic Care Help Seizures?

The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a case study on February 23, 2017, documenting chiropractic bringing about the resolution of seizures of a woman suffering from epilepsy. The authors of the study define epilepsy by saying, “Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures in the absence of any underlying medical condition such as fever.”

Seizures Stopped Under Chiropractic Care Austin TX Chiropractor Head Neck Injury Pain Nervous System Best Reviews1Epilepsy is fairly common. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that in 2013, 1.8% of the population, equaling 4.3 million adults over 18 years of age, suffered with this affliction. The CDC also estimated that 1% of those under the age of 18 also have epilepsy. This means that a total of 5.1 million people in the U.S. alone suffer with this problem at a cost of $15.5 billion in healthcare costs each year.

In this case, a 22-year-old woman went to the chiropractor seeking help for her health issues. At that time, she was suffering from daily headaches and was getting a seizure about every third day. Her seizures would last from several minutes to up to an hour. Her medical care for these problems consisted of medications which were largely ineffective.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included a postural analysis, range of motion, orthopedic and neurological tests, thermographic studies, and x-rays. Findings of the test and x-rays were indicative of the presence of subluxation in the woman’s upper neck.

The patient completed a “Quality of Life in Epilepsy” patient survey (QOLIE-89) prior to beginning care to be used as a baseline, and to evaluate changes as care was rendered. On this initial test, the woman’s score was 29.27 indicating a very low quality of life. An average score for epileptic patients is 67.90 for this test.

As soon as chiropractic care was started, the patient reported that she stopped having headaches and no longer had any seizures. This improvement was noted after the very first visit and the patient remained headache-free and seizure-free throughout the course of her care. A follow up QOLIE-89 survey was performed and the woman’s score had increased to 80.715, an improvement in her score of 51.445 points, which is 12.275 points higher than the average.

This case was not an isolated one as the authors also reviewed several previous studies of chiropractic care for people with epilepsy. What they noticed was that, of the 17 cases documented in studies, 14 of those patients who were taking medication for their seizures did not see any benefit. However, when these patients received chiropractic care, 15 of the 17 reported positive outcomes.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, “This case adds to a body of evidence of patient-reported improvements in seizure activity following a course of subluxation based chiropractic care.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Austin chiropractor located in north central Austin, TX.


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Being Overweight Does not Affect Outcome of Back Treatments, But Being Obese Does

How Likely Am I To Get Back Pain? Does BMI Play A Role?

A study published on December 12, 2015, in the journal Chiropractic & Manual Therapies showed that being overweight or underweight does not have a significant effect on the outcome of various lower back pain treatments. However, being obese did have a negative impact on the results of care. The study begins by reporting that nearly 30% of the world population reports suffering from back pain while 80% report back pain at some point in their lifetime.

Being Overweight Does not Affect Outcome of Back Treatments, But Being Obese Does - Austin Texas Chiropractor Best Car Accident Injury Doctor Help PainIn this study, 681 people with lower back pain were included. Data was collected from each of the participants about their history of back pain, demographics, occupation history, disability, health status and mental health status. The participants were enrolled into one of four treatment protocols: medical care only, medical care with physical therapy, chiropractic care only, or chiropractic care with the use of physical modalities.

The participants were all treated according to the protocol of the doctor they were assigned to, using one of the four types of care categories. Outcomes of care were measured at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months after the initial treatment. For the purposes of this study, a comparison of the various types of care was not made to see if one type of care was more effective than another. Only the effects of weight as measured by body mass index (BMI) were evaluated to see if it had an effect on the results of whatever type of care the person was receiving.

The results showed that, across all treatment protocols, people who were considered to be obese had a decreased chance of improvement with their lower back pain. This included all times of follow-up as well as all levels of pain. However, being overweight, but not considered obese, did not have a significant effect on the outcome of care for any of the categories of care. Similarly, those who were underweight also did not show any significant decrease in their percentage of recovery.

The study did show that those who were obese and lost weight during care did have a better chance at recovery, and those who gained weight during care reduced their chance even further. All other groups of people showed no statistical difference in their ability to recover based upon their weight, unless they were considered to be obese.

In their discussion the authors wrote,  Results of this study suggest that BMI is a relevant predictor of response to treatment. Obese participants are less likely to show improvement from LBP treatment regardless of the care they receive.  They also stated in their conclusion,  an association between obesity and less favorable treatment outcomes was inferred in this study. There appears to be an association between obesity and disability as well as obesity and subjective most severe pain.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. We are located in north central Austin, TX.


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Fever Resolved in Child with Chiropractic Care

Is A Fever A Good Thing? Can Chiropractic Care Help the Immune System Fight Infection?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on December 22, 2016, documenting the case of a young boy with acute fever being resolved with chiropractic. Fever is triggered by an activation of the immune system as it fights things such as bacteria and viruses.

Fever Resolved in Child with Chiropractic Care - Austin Texas Chiropractor Pediatric Kids Infants Babies Newborns Spinal CareThe Mayo Clinic states,  “A fever is a temporary increase in your body temperature, often due to an illness. Having a fever is a sign that something out of the ordinary is going on in your body.”  They continue by noting, “Fevers generally go away within a few days. A number of over-the-counter medications lower a fever, but sometimes it’s better left untreated. Fever seems to play a key role in helping your body fight off a number of infections.

This study begins by pointing out that although there are many anecdotal reports of chiropractic being effective for cases of fever, there is little in the way of published studies on this subject. Most of the published evidence for chiropractic care is for musculoskeletal conditions such as back and neck pain. However, additional studies have shown chiropractic being helpful for conditions such as menstrual disorders, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, colic, ear infections, and bedwetting.

In this case, an 11-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor. Five days before his chiropractic visit, he developed a fever along with symptoms of general malaise, fatigue, and behavioral changes such as decreased activity, lethargy, and decreased communication. His temperature was monitored by his mother and ranged from 101 degrees to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The boy’s mother was giving him acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) every 4-6 hours with no change in the fever. After 2 days of the fever, the boy was seen by an MD and prescribed amoxicillin for acute unspecified upper respiratory infection.

A chiropractic examination was performed which showed muscle tightness and swelling. Additionally, spinal range of motion showed restrictions. Specific chiropractic adjustments were administered to the boy based upon the findings.

The boy’s mother checked her son’s temperature upon returning home which was approximately one hour after the chiropractic visit. She reported that her son’s temperature had returned to normal at 98.4 degrees. Additionally, she reported that her son’s energy increased and he returned to his normal behavior of being talkative, active, and had increased ability to focus.

The boy reported that within 60 minutes of the first adjustment he felt  back to normal  and was no longer achy, sore, or having headaches. His mother reported that his temperature remained normal and he continued to be energetic, talkative, and back to his regular level of activity.

In their discussion the study authors stated,  This case report outlined the care of a male child with acute illness resulting in both immunological and musculoskeletal symptom improvement within 60 minutes of treatment and was sustained at follow-up appointments.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. We are located in north central Austin, TX.


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Trigeminal Neuralgia Helped with Chiropractic Care – A Case Study

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia? What is Tic Douloureux?

The November 14, 2016, issue of the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a case study of a patient suffering from daily Trigeminal Neuralgia pain being helped with chiropractic. According to the study author, “Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), ‘tic douloureux,’ French in origin meaning ‘painful spasm,’ is a widespread neurological disorder that is often misdiagnosed as a dental or jaw problem, and has been even said to be a psychological disorder.”

Trigeminal Neuralgia Helped with Chiropractic Care-Austin-TX-Chiropractor-Brain-Spine-Back-Neck-Pain-Headaches-Migraines-Best-ReviewsThe study reported that between 12.6 to 27 per 100,000 people suffer from TN. The problem is more common in woman and is less common in people under the the age of 40 years of age, with the average age of a person at onset being near 60 years old. The pain from TN is often severe and debilitating, often creating a significant change in the life of someone suffering from this problem. Because of this, unemployment rates of people suffering with TN is 34%.

In this case, a 55-year-old woman suffering with TN in her right jaw went to the chiropractor. The woman reported suffering an episode at least once daily for the past 6 months. The episodes were aggravated by activities such as chewing, talking and stressful situations. She was medically diagnosed with TN and given medications that she claimed did not help her issues.

A chiropractic examination was performed which consisted of a postural analysis, range of motion, leg length analysis, bilateral weight scales and spinal x-rays. Based on the examination, subluxations were determined to be present and specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were performed to correct the subluxations.

After the patient’s first adjustment, she reported that her pain completely went away and she remained pain-free for four days. She considered this remarkable as she was getting the TN pain on a daily basis prior to her first adjustment. After three months of care, the patient reported only experiencing two episodes of TN up to that point. Thereafter, she no longer had any reoccurrence of TN at all. The study noted that the woman stated that she is beyond astonished to finally be able to have discovered relief and reestablish her life.

The study author summed up this case by stating, “The chiropractic management of a 55-year-old patient suffering from trigeminal neuralgia is presented in this case study. Comprehensive improvement and alleviation of symptoms were achieved and recorded. This case supports the evidence of chiropractic care in relieving neurological disorders based on anatomical association and interference.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. We are located in north central Austin, TX.


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Resolution of Breech Pregnancy with Chiropractic

What is Breech Position? Can Chiropractic Care Help Turn Breech Babies?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on November 28, 2016, documenting the resolution of a breech presentation pregnancy as confirmed by ultrasound following chiropractic.

Resolution of Breech Pregnancy with Chiropractic-Austin-TX-Chiropractic-Fertility-Babies-Infants-Toddlers-Pediatric-Birthing-CenterThe study begins by pointing out that as delivery is closer, the ideal position for a fetus is called vertex. This is where the fetus has the head downward with the back of the head facing forward. A breech presentation is when the buttock is positioned to exit the vaginal canal before the head. A breech birth can create a number of issues including problems with dilation and compression of the umbilical cord. Additionally issues including baby inhaling fluids, higher death rates, neurological issues, cerebral palsy, fractures and brachial plexus traction injuries can occur from this situation.

In this case, a 27-year-old woman who was 35 weeks pregnant came to the chiropractor. At that time, her fetus was in the breech position. She was also experiencing some intermittent pain in the tailbone region that was worse at night and relieved by changing positions. The woman had heard about the Webster technique, used by chiropractors, that has shown success with breech pregnancies.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included palpation, a postural analysis, and thermal scans. Based on the examination, chiropractic was started using specific forms of adjustments and the Webster technique.

After the first adjustment, the patient noticed the baby moving at night. On her next visit, she stated that she believed her baby had turned and that she had an appointment with her obstetrician scheduled. On the third visit to the chiropractor, the woman confirmed that an ultrasound examination by her obstetrician showed the fetus had moved into the normal vertex position. She also reported that her other conditions had improved by 90% since starting chiropractic care.

The authors of this case study also conducted a literature review of similar cases and noted that the documented cases show the Webster technique having a 95% success rate in having breech pregnancies return to the normal vertex.

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), founded by the late Dr. Larry Webster defines the chiropractic technique he developed as, “The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.” The ICPA further explained the relationship between breech pregnancy resolution and the Webster technique by saying, “In regards to pregnant mothers, Dr. Webster reported that when a mother sought care and her baby was in a breech position, the restoration of pelvic neuro-biomechanics with this adjustment also frequently facilitated optimal fetal positioning.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. We are located in north central Austin, TX.


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