Tag Archives: irritability

Chiropractic Helps Patient with Depression, Insomnia, Premenstrual Syndrome and Headaches

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What Are the Symptoms of Depression? Does Chiropractic Care Help Depression?

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study on November 21, 2016, documenting a patient suffering from depression, insomnia, and premenstrual syndrome improving under chiropractic care for the correction of vertebral subluxations.

Chiropractic Helps Patient with Depression, Insomnia, Premenstrual Syndrome and Headaches-Austin-Texas-Chiropractor-Brain-Spine-Sports-Specialist-Best-ReviewsThe study begins by noting that according to some studies, depression is one of the most common mental disorders affecting about 16% of the general population. This issue is about twice as common in women as in men. The authors list the symptoms associated with depression as including “…long-lasting depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, decreased energy, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, feelings of helplessness, feelings of guilt, feelings of anxiety, difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions, insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping, weight loss or weight gain, recurrent thoughts of death and or suicide.”

Typical medical treatment involving drugs is estimated to be only effective in lessening symptoms in half of the cases. The study also reports that about half of those with depression seek some type of non-medical care in the form of complementary and alternative medicine. The most common reasons people state they seek non-medical care was dissatisfaction with medical care, especially severe medication side-effects, and the safety of alternative care.

In this case, a 27-year-old woman suffering with the chief complaints of depression, insomnia, severe effects from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and headaches went to a chiropractor in hopes of finding help. In addition to her primary complaints, she also reported that she occasionally suffered from dizziness, mood swings, buzzing in ears, stiff neck, constipation, menstrual pain, irritability, back pain, urinary problems, nervousness, upset stomach, cold feet, and heartburn.

A chiropractic examination was performed that consisted of a posture analysis, complaints-related subjective questionnaires, autonomic nerve system activity analysis, surface electromyography (sEMG) and thermal scan. From this examination, a determination was made that multiple subluxations were present in the woman’s spine. Specific forms of chiropractic care were started to address the subluxations.

After three months of care, a reassessment was performed that showed many of the original examination findings had improved. Additionally the patient reported improvement in her symptoms noting that her depression, sleep issues, PMS, headaches, and digestive issues had all significantly improved.

In their discussion, the authors of the study explained, “Although there are many approaches for depression, chiropractic is considered a viable management option. The major motivating factors behind the use of chiropractic care is its safety and its natural, health-oriented approach.” They summed up the results this woman received in this case by stating, “The patient’s overall health was not optimal, quality of life and well-being was decreased. After three months of chiropractic care, the patient’s depression-related symptoms significantly decreased and the patient reported an increase in overall health, well-being and quality of life.”

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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Breathing and Strength Problems Improved in Multiple Sclerosis Patient with Chiropractic

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Can Chiropractic Care Help Multiple Sclerosis? Can Chiropractic Improve Immune Function?

A case study published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on August 18, 2016, showed how chiropractic helped improve the quality of life for a patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by showing improvement in breathing and muscle strength.

breathing-and-strength-problems-improved-in-multiple-sclerosis-patient-with-chiropractic-austin-tx-chiropractor-local-best-doctor-reviews-starsThe study begins by defining MS by saying, “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, degenerative disease of the nervous system that is demyelinating and inflammatory in nature and is characterized by patchy sclerosis of the central nervous system (CNS).” They note that MS affects 400,000 people in the United States and over 2 million people worldwide. Half of those with MS also experience depression, and almost all patients with MS have a shortened life expectancy.

Some of the symptoms associated with MS can include numbness in the extremities, fatigue, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, vision loss, blurred vision, loss of coordination, gait alteration, seizures, mood swings, depression, tremors, impaired bladder control, and loss of sphincter control. Medical care for MS is geared around helping patients with the symptoms, as there is no known medical care available for the condition itself.

In this case, a 58-year-old woman presented herself for chiropractic care. She was confined to a wheelchair and had been diagnosed with MS. Her history shows that she was suffering with constant, severe, throbbing pain in her left hip for 6 years. Additionally she reported suffering from neck pain, neck stiffness, wrist pain, irritability, constipation, sinus problems, cold feet, cold hands, tension, dry skin, heat and cold intolerances, tingling sensation in her arms, shoulder pain, shortness of breath, depression, and difficulty urinating.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included a visual and postural inspection, spinal x-rays, and thermographic studies to check for heat variations. In addition her respiratory volume levels were checked and her hand grip strength was measured.

Specific chiropractic care was begun to address the subluxations determined to be present in the woman’s spine. Care was rendered over a 10 week period consisting of 30 total visits. After this period, a re-evaluation was performed.

The re-evaluation x-rays showed a notable spinal improvement. Additionally, the woman’s respiratory volume had measurably improved. Her grip strength also improved, with her left-hand grip strength improving from 2.8 lbs to 12 lbs, and her right-hand grip strength improved from 3.0 lbs to 8.0 lbs.

The results of this study were consistent with other studies of MS patients under chiropractic care. The authors cited several other studies showing chiropractic helping patients with MS. In one reported study, researchers found that 90.9% of MS patients in that study showed symptomatic improvement and no further progression in the MS disease process while under chiropractic care.

In explaining a possible mechanism for why MS patients can be helped by chiropractic, the authors stated, “A properly functioning immune system will prevent MS development or can even initiate healing within the nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to restore immune system integrity to a normal state.”

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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Otitis Media Helped with Chiropractic

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Are Antibiotics the Best Treatment for Ear Infections? Can Chiropractic Help Otitis Media?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on July 18, 2016, documenting the improvement of otitis media and sleep problems in a baby girl through chiropractic care. Otitis media, more commonly known as ear infections, is any inflammation of the middle ear regardless if it is caused by an infection.

Otitis Media Helped with Chiropractic - Austin TX Pediatric Chiropractor for Ear Infection No Need for AntibioticsThe authors of the study begin by noting how common and trying re-occurring ear infections can be. “Frustration at reoccurring ear infections is one reason some parents are driven to seek ‘alternative’ treatments for their children. This frustration is well warranted, considering two out of three children will be medically diagnosed with otitis media in their first three years of life.”

Otitis media can affect any age group but is most prevalent in infants and children. It is estimated that by age four, 80% of children will have suffered a bout of otitis media. The rate of this problem has increased as the study reports that between 1975 and 1990, there was a 150% increase in the number of children in the United States who are diagnosed with otitis media. Common symptoms of otitis media include ear pain, difficulty sleeping, excessive crying, increased irritability, difficulty hearing or responding to sounds, loss of balance, fever, draining from ear, headaches, and loss of appetite.

In this case, a mother of a 2-year-old girl brought her daughter into the chiropractor. She was looking for help with her daughter’s re-occurring ear infections in the hopes of avoiding having tubes put into the baby’s ears, which had been recommended by her pediatrician. She was also looking for an alternative to the ongoing rounds of antibiotics her daughter had been given.

A chiropractic examination, including palpation, spinal heat readings and postural analysis were performed to determine the presence of subluxations that could be related to the baby girl’s problem. The presence of subluxation was determined, and care was begun in the form of specific adjustments appropriate for the age and size of the baby.

After one month of care, a re-assessment was performed which reported that the girl had been able to sleep through the night and had not had any ear infections since starting chiropractic. After about five months under chiropractic care, the study reports that the girl had not had any ear infections and had not needed any antibiotics since the beginning of care.

In their conclusion, the study authors describe how chiropractic can help in otitis media cases such as this. “Chiropractic exam found subluxations at multiple levels, which were addressed in the following weeks and months of care. Through removing these subluxations, the doctor of chiropractic removed the nerve interference and allowed the patient’s body to heal.” Based on the results of this and other studies the authors recommended “…chiropractic treatment is a better option for care of concurrent subluxation and otitis media than traditional allopathic care, which relies heavily on antibiotic treatment.”

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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Chronic Ear Infections Resolved with Chiropractic According to Case Report

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What is Otitis Media? Can Chiropractic Help Ear Infections?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study in their January 14, 2016, issue documenting the case of a young girl with otitis media being resolved with chiropractic care. Otitis media is the technical term for ear infections.

Chronic Ear Infections Resolved with Chiropractic According to Case Report - Pediatric Chiropractor Austin TX Ear Infections Kids Children BabyThe study estimates that approximately 40% of children suffer from otitis media (OM) before the age of five years. Commonly children who suffer with this problem have reoccurring episodes and are often prescribed antibiotics as medical treatment. The authors report that in an acute phase, OM is often associated with ear pain, fever, headaches, irritability, and listlessness. Otitis media is the most common infection for which antibiotics are prescribed for children in the United States, with medical costs being about 3 billion dollars a year.

In this case, a 4-year-old boy suffering from chronic earaches was taken to the chiropractor by his mother to see if chiropractic could help. The boy’s history showed that he had been suffering with otitis media since age three. In an effort to medically treat his problem, tubes had been inserted in his ears which fell out nine months later. After the failed medical care, the boy, who was scheduled to have a second ear tube surgery in less than one month, was brought to the chiropractor. The boy’s mother reported that her son would regularly pull on his ear, and she observed that his ear was red and had excessive wax buildup.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included palpation of the child’s spine, range of motion, as well as basic inspection and physical signs. From his examination, it was determined that the boy had subluxations in his upper neck area.

Specific chiropractic adjustments were given to address the boy’s subluxations. The boy was seen three times per week for the first two weeks of care, followed by a visit frequency of twice per week. Following the first adjustment, the boy’s mother reported that her son experienced relief for the entire day. She did notice fluid coming out of his ears as well as a runny nose. It was reported that he slept better that night and was less irritable.

After three visits, the mother reported that her son had improved enough that she decided to cancel her son’s second ear tube surgery. When the initial portion of the chiropractic care was completed, the boy’s parents decided to continue their son’s care on a wellness basis.

In their conclusion, the study authors offered, “This case report opens for the possibility that children with otitis media and failed medical care in the way of tympanostomy tubes may benefit from chiropractic care via chiropractic adjustment.”

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.

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Infant Twins with Breastfeeding and Gastrointestinal Problems Helped with Chiropractic

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Do Chiropractors See Infants and Newborns? Does Chiropractic Help with Acid Reflux, Irritability, Colic and Excessive Crying? What About Difficulties Breastfeeding?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on February 10, 2015, documenting the improvement of infant twins with a variety of health issues being helped by chiropractic. The study showed that the infants had been suffering with chronic reflux, breastfeeding difficulties, irritability, excessive crying, plagiocephaly, and scaphocephaly.

Plagiocephaly and scaphocephaly are conditions in infants where the head is misshaped in various ways. This usually happens from complications during the birth process or from force during the delivery process. The study authors report that recent estimates say that, “…2.6% of births are complicated by some type of birth trauma. The resulting injuries are comprehensive (i.e. injuries to the nervous system, organs, etc) and of interest in this case report, injuries to the craniofacial region and spine resulting in plagiocephaly, facial asymmetry and altered functionality.”

Infant Twins with Breastfeeding and Gastrointestinal Problems Helped with Chiropractic | Austin TX ChiropractorThis case study reports on seven-month-old fraternal twin boys who were brought to the chiropractor by their mother. The baby boys were suffering from chronic acid reflux and difficulty feeding since birth. The history noted that at 33 weeks into the woman’s pregnancy, the amnionic membrane of one twin ruptured which resulted in an emergency Caesarean section. This premature birth resulted in both twins being in a special care unit for three weeks after birth.

The mother attempted to breastfeed the infants for the first three months but problems led to a change to formula by the fourth month. The infants reflux and irritability continued and medical attempts to help these problems were unsuccessful.

A chiropractic examination including a spinal analysis was performed on the infants to determine the need for chiropractic care. Based on the examination and the finding of subluxations, chiropractic care was begun with the approval of the twin’s mother.

After eight weeks of care, the mother reported that her twin’s reflux had decreased in severity and that her sons were much more settled and would feed much easier. After 16 weeks, the infants’ problems had resolved and it was noted that their head shapes had returned to near normal.

The authors commented in their summary, “Complaints associated with birth trauma including deformational plagiocephaly, breastfeeding difficulties and general irritability improved in seven month old twin boys while they were receiving chiropractic care.”

If you know of a child that could benefit from seeing a chiropractor, please call 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.

Improvement in Quality of Life with Multiple Sclerosis from Chiropractic Care

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Can Chiropractic Care Help Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

From the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on December 11, 2014, comes a research case study documenting the improvement in the quality of life of a woman with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study reported on both the functional and symptomatic improvement noticed by this MS patient.

Improvement in Quality of Life with Multiple Sclerosis from Chiropractic Care | Austin TX ChiropractorThe study authors begin by explaining that, “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder that affects the white matter of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.”  They note that MS affects 250,000 to 350,000 people in the United States with a total of 2.5 million people worldwide.

Most cases of MS appear between the ages of 20 to 40, with those in their 30s being the most common decade for the problem to occur. Women are twice as likely to have MS, and many people relapse over time.

For the study rational the authors commented, “Because MS is a neurologically-based disease and chiropractic deals with the function of the nervous system as it relates to the brain-body connection, investigation into the effects of chiropractic care on MS patients is appropriate.”

In this case, a 36-year-old woman went to the chiropractor with a diagnosis of MS by her medical physician. She was suffering with a large variety of symptoms related to her MS including fatigue, difficulty sleeping, low back pain, mid back pain, neck pain, lack of mobility of the cervical spine, headaches, dizziness, loss of concentration, nervousness, tenseness, numbness in arms and feet, burning sensation in feet, irritability, and mood swings.

A chiropractic examination was conducted which included palpation, range of motion, thermal scans, surface EMG scans, and spinal x-rays. It was determined that spinal subluxations were present and chiropractic care was begun.

After the first visit, the woman reported immediate improvement in a number of her symptoms. At the one-month mark, she reported that she had a “… 60% improvement in neck pain, clearer thinking, more alertness, more energy, a feeling of being more relaxed, better ease with standing, lifting, bending and driving, improvements in balance, more confidence and strength during gait, more ease in falling asleep and improved quality of sleep, and more mobility and increased cervical ROM (range of motion).”

The researchers noted that one case study does not mean that all cases will respond with the same improvement. However, this case does add to the body of evidence provided by a prior larger study performed in 2004 showing the link between chiropractic and the improvement of MS.  “A retrospective analysis of 44 patients with multiple sclerosis showed that 90% of these patients reported improvement of their symptoms while undergoing a five year course of IUCCA (a specific type of chiropractic adjustment), upper cervical care. Twenty-eight of these patients (70%) showed improvement with or absence of the majority of their symptoms. No further progression of the disease was reported by any of the 44 patients during the care period.”

For more information about how chiropractic care can help manage MS, please read this very informative Health Research Reports – Interference and Your Nervous System.

If you are, or someone you know is, suffering with Multiple Sclerosis related issues, call (512) 452-2525 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Swanson today.