Tag Archives: surgery

Long Term Study Shows Improvement of Scoliosis with Chiropractic

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What is scoliosis? What are my options for scoliosis treatment?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a follow-up study on February 2, 2017, showing the long-term improvement of scoliosis with chiropractic. This study was the second of two studies that tracked the long-term progress of patients who had participated in an earlier scoliosis study.

Long Term Study Shows Improvement of Scoliosis with Chiropractic - Austin Chiropractor Kids Back School Aged Children BackpackThe original study looked at 36 subjects with scoliosis and followed their initial progress of correction with chiropractic care. This study reviewed those cases and looked long-term to see how the chiropractic care had an effect over a longer period of time.

The researchers noted that adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects 2-4% of children between the ages of 10-16 years. Idiopathic scoliosis is the largest category of scoliosis. The medical treatment for this condition is usually bracing, or in more severe cases surgery.

In prior studies, bracing was shown to be of limited benefit with several major studies showing that, over the long-term, the patient’s scoliosis continued to get worse. Surgery for scoliosis is a severe risky process with results being mixed. The cases where the surgery is unsuccessful leave the patients with significant health issues. In the opinion of many, surgery should be only considered in the most extreme cases and as a last resort.

A number of chiropractic studies have shown variable degrees of correction of scoliosis from the care. In most all cases, there was minimal risk of harm with the worst case scenario being that the scoliosis continued to progress over time.

This study looked at two groups of subjects. One was a group with scoliosis and one group was less severe and categorized as sub-scoliosis. The ranges of age for the scoliosis group was 7-16 years of age, with the sub-scoliosis group ranging from 4-17 years of age.

The results showed that of the 36 subjects included in the original study, 24 continued care. Of those, only 20 had an additional spinal x-rays taken and therefore could be included in this study review. During the time between the first follow-up x-rays and the final follow-up x-rays, there was a 7.6% reduction on average for those subjects with scoliotic curves, and a further 18% decrease for those who were classified as having sub-scoliotic curves.

The initial study had shown an improvement in the curvatures of most all subjects in the original study. When 20 of those were x-rayed again sometime later, most showed additional long-term correction of their curvatures. The subjects had received care from between one and four years.

On average, the additional correction of curvature for the entire group showed a 12.9% decrease in curvature following the initial care. This change added to the initial change resulted in a 46.8% mean average decrease of the curvatures over the course of care for the entire group. When looked at individually, the researchers noted that the 10 subjects in the scoliosis group had an average correction of 31.5%, while the 10 subjects in the sub-scoliosis group had a average correction of 62.1%.

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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First Line of Defense

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There’s an old Chiropractic saying that goes… Adjustments first, drugs second, surgery last. It’s a conservative philosophy of care for those who’d rather give their body a chance to heal naturally first, before calling in the medical cavalry. When it comes to back pain, science is finally in agreement.

prescription to go see the chiropractor atx sciatica musculoskeletal spine low back pain austin tx chiropractic

In 2017, The American College of Physicians developed new guidelines and recommendations for noninvasive care of lower back pain. On the top of that list, before the use of NSAIDs and/or muscle relaxants, are conservative methods like heat, massage or spinal manipulation (we’d rather call it a Chiropractic Adjustment). The study also emphasizes that while pharmacological treatments are easy to prescribe, they all carry varying risks of harm.

Your Chiropractor knows with the right environment (a clear, Subluxation free spine) and TIME, your body can innately recover from just about anything, including simple mechanical back pain. The next time you experience back pain, save yourself an extra step and call the Chiropractor first.  If your MD is up on his or her research, they’ll recommend you do so too.

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.

Source: The American College of Physicians: Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. February 2017: Amir Qaseem, MD, PhD, MHA et.al.

Patient with Neck Pain and History of Neck Surgery Helped with Chiropractic

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What is a Carotid Endarterectomy? Can Chiropractic Care Help Stroke Surgeries?

A case study published in the September 2016 issue of the Journal of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists reported on a case of an elderly man with neck pain and a history of carotid artery surgery being helped by chiropractic.

patient-with-neck-pain-and-history-of-neck-surgery-helped-with-chiropractic-austin-tx-chiropractor-help-near-me-best-reviewsThe article begins by noting that nearly 140,000 people die each year in the U.S. from stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death behind heart attack and cancer. One of the leading causes of stroke is carotid artery disease. This is when plaque builds up in the carotid arteries and can prevent blood flow to the head. One medical procedure that looks to address this issue is called carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

On the Society for Vascular Surgery‘s website, Dr. Lori C. Pounds describes the procedure by saying, “A carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to open or clean the carotid artery with the goal of stroke prevention.” It is estimated that 100,000 of these CEA procedures were performed in 2010.

In this case, an 83-year-old man sought care from a chiropractor. The man was suffering from right neck pain and an associated soft tender mass in the area. The pain began about a year and a half before he went to the chiropractor. There was no history of trauma or an accident as the trigger to his pain. His history revealed that he had undergone CEA surgery just less that three years earlier.

The man described his neck pain as a soreness which he rated as a 2 to 3 out of 10 in intensity, with 10 being the worst. He was taking prescription acetaminophen every 6 hours as needed for his pain. Two months before visiting the chiropractor, a computed tomography study showed cervical degeneration of his spine.

After a thorough examination, chiropractic care was started which included specific adjustments. The study reports that by the third visit, the man reported his pain to have reduced to a rate of 1 to 2 out of 10. By the following visit, he reported that he was pain free. At one point after that, the man did report a small re-occurrence of his pain which was quickly eliminated. Since that point, he has not had any neck pain.

In the study’s discussion, the authors note that, “Post-surgical pain is a common problem with a high degree of morbidity and a high overall cost effect.” They noted that this case demonstrated an effective approach to care for this case of an elderly man with pain who has had CEA surgery.

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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Majority in U.S. Say Chiropractic Works for Neck and Back Pain

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Who Utilizes Chiropractic Care in Austin, Texas? Who is the Best Chiropractor in Austin?

The Gallup Poll released the results of a survey on August 26, 2016, showing that 35.5 million U.S. adults saw a chiropractor in the past year. The study also noted that one in four adults sought care for neck and back pain in the prior 12 months.

Majority in U.S. Say Chiropractic Works for Neck and Back Pain - Austin TX Chiropractor Personal Injury PI Car Auto Truck Accident HelpThe Gallup survey, in conjunction with Palmer College of Chiropractic, found that 65% of adults said that they suffered back and neck pain serious enough to cause them to seek a health care provider at some point in their lives. When asked by the survey, “When was the last time that you had neck or back pain significant enough that you saw a healthcare professional for care?,” approximately 11% responded it was in the last four weeks.

In a release from Palmer College, Cynthia English, Gallup research consultant in charge of the study noted, “Many Americans reported dealing with significant neck or back pain.” Ms. English noted that a high percentage of those sought chiropractic care. “Among U.S. adults who sought professional care for neck or back pain, seven in 10 (71 percent) tell us they have been to a doctor of chiropractic.”

This survey was the second annual Gallup survey on chiropractic in partnership with Palmer College. The first showed that two-thirds of Americans said that chiropractic was effective for neck and back pain. It also showed that many adults said that chiropractors think of patient’s best interest, and that more than 33 million U.S. adults saw a chiropractor in the previous year.

In the current poll, Americans rated physical therapy and chiropractic as the most effective method of care for neck and back problems. These were in contrast to drugs or surgery which ranked much lower. Similarly, physical therapy and chiropractic were also ranked as safer by the public than drugs or surgery.

In the Palmer College release, it was noted that chiropractic care is very well received as demonstrated by the poll results. “Nearly 62 million U.S. adults (25 percent) went to a chiropractor in the last five years, with more than half (35.5 million) saying they went in the last 12 months. Adults who’ve seen a chiropractor in the last 12 months are generally very positive about their experience. About three in four of these adults (77 percent) describe the treatment they received as ‘very effective.’ Eighty-eight percent of recent chiropractic patients agree the quality of care they received was a good value for the money.”

Christine Goertz, D.C., Ph.D., vice chancellor for research and health policy at Palmer College of Chiropractic, commented on the study, “Low-back pain and neck pain place a tremendous burden on our society.” Dr. Goetz concluded, “The opioid-overuse epidemic in the United States demonstrates that Americans need safe, effective, conservative health-care alternatives to prescription pain killers.”

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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Woman with Vertigo Helped by Chiropractic

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What is BPPV? Can Chiropractic Help Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?

On August 25, 2016, a study was published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research documenting the case of a woman suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo being helped by chiropractic. The term vertigo is often interchanged with dizziness. However, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is more exactly described as a spinning sensation perceived with changes of head position and movement.

woman-with-vertigo-helped-by-chiropractic-austin-tx-chiropractor-for-dizziness-balance-brain-and-cerebellumBPPV is fairly common. The Vestibular Disorders Association reports that this problem occurs in 107 out of 100,000 people per year. Over a lifetime, about 2.4 percent of the population will suffer this condition, which is more common in women than men.

In this case, a 33-year-old female teacher presented herself to the chiropractor. She was suffering with BPPV. According to the woman, her vertigo was constant, aggravated by movement, and she was unable to find relief. She described the feeling like being on a cruise ship all day, and she was nauseous. She was unable to walk fast or make sudden movements without making the problem worse. She was unable to drive and had to be driven to her appointments. The woman also reported that, additionally, she was experiencing neck and lower back pain.

In the preceding seven years, the woman had experienced three prior episodes of vertigo. It was reported that her medical doctor “shook her head” and the vertigo was relieved. When her new episode occurred, her MD prescribed medication which the woman refused to take since she was nursing her baby.

A chiropractic examination was performed consisting of palpation, thermal scans, a surface EMG study, and spinal x-rays. It was determined that vertebral subluxations were present and a program of specific chiropractic adjustment were initiated.

The case study reports that by the third chiropractic visit, the woman was experiencing fewer vertigo episodes. Additionally, her neck and back pain had decreased. The woman continued to improved, and by the fourth visit, she was able to drive herself to the office for her appointment. By the 14th visit, the vertigo had resolved and the woman no longer had any of her original symptoms.

In their conclusion, the authors explain how chiropractic helps patients suffering with vertigo by stating, “The various connections between vertebral subluxation, the vestibular system, and altered neurological responses have been explored. It is therefore suggested that those suffering with vertigo seek chiropractic care before resolving to medication or surgery, as chiropractic adjustments address the cause of neurological dysfunction, rather than masking symptoms.”

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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Lower Back Pain with Radiating Pain down Leg into Foot Helped with Chiropractic

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What is a Synovial Cyst? Can Chiropractic Care Help Radiating Low Back Pain?

The June 2016 issue of the Chiropractic Journal of Australia published a case study documenting the case of an elderly woman who had been suffering with pain in her lower back and leg being helped with chiropractic. This case was unique due to the woman having an MRI confirming the presence of a synovial cyst in her lower spine.

Lower Back Pain with Radiating Pain Down Leg into Foot Helped with Chiropractic - Austin TX Chiropractor car crash truck semi accident careA synovial cyst is an uncommon occurrence where a cyst or soft tissue lesion forms inside the spinal column just outside the spinal cord. It is usually found in the lower back and is associated with lower back pain with radiating pain into a leg. It is commonly seen with some amount of spinal degeneration, and is more common in elderly patients. When discovered, the most common form of medical care is surgery.

In this case, a retired 76-year-old woman was suffering for the previous 6 months from pain in her buttocks down her right thigh, down her leg into her right foot. She also reported abnormal sensations in her right leg. With ten being the worst, the woman reported that pain as an eight. Standing and walking made her worse while sitting afforded some minimal relief.

A physical examination was performed which included reflexes and observation. An MRI was performed prior to chiropractic care and showed the presence of a synovial cyst along with a mild amount of spinal degeneration in the lower spine.

Initial chiropractic care was begun on the woman followed by supportive care. The study reports that after only a short course of care, the patient reported a complete resolution of her symptoms.

During a six-month follow-up, it was noted that the patient was still symptom free. At this point, a second MRI was performed to check the status of the cyst. The MRI showed that, although the patient was free from the pain, the cyst did not seem to have changed.

The authors noted that this case puts to question whether or not a synovial cyst is the cause of the pain. They stated, “This case report shows that although symptomatic resolution occurred following conservative care, the synovial cyst may not have resolved. This leaves open the question concerning the mechanism of symptom generation in these cases.” They noted the uniqueness of this case and the findings by adding, “This is the first reported case of MR imaging appearances of a lumbar facet synovial cyst pre- and post- successful conservative management resulting in symptomatic resolution.”

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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