The Positive Effects of Chiropractic Care

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Yours in health,
Dr. Stacey Burke and Dr. Eric Brukwinski 
Doctors of Chiropractic
West Coast Family Chiropractic,
22 Banks Ave, Hillarys, WA 6025, AUSTRALIA 
(08) 9402 8845

Chiropractic Care May Help Children With Learning Disorders And Dyslexia

A recent study, published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR), suggests that chiropractic care may offer significant benefits to children suffering from learning disabilities and dyslexia.

The research was conducted by Swiss chiropractor Yannick Pauli, DC, president of the Swiss Chiropractic Pediatric Association, who specializes in the care of children suffering from learning and behavioral disorders.

"This review critically assessed eight previously published studies involving a total of 160 children," Dr. Pauli explained. "Although the results remain preliminary and more research is needed, the evidence strongly suggests that chiropractic care may help various cognitive abilities that are essential to learning."

Learning disorders and dyslexia affect between three and ten percent of school-aged children in the United Sates. Individuals with these disorders often suffer from low self-esteem, diminished motivation, loss of interest in school and problems in social functioning, and academic difficulties.

Pauli noted that the same areas of neurological dysfunction that can lead to learning disabilities and interfere with learning can also interfere with life skills, sport activities, and family and peer relationships.

"Learning disorders and dyslexia are increasingly recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder," he stated. "Children suffering from those problems have parts of their brain that are not functioning adequately or are even delayed in their development. Among those dysfunctional areas is a small part located at the back of the brain called the cerebellum. The cerebellum plays a vital role in learning. It helps the brain coordinate and integrate the various sensory information, as well as to increase the processing speed of the brain."

Numerous factors can affect the proper development of the brain, including maternal stress during pregnancy, traumatic birth, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle.

Pauli stressed that, contrary to popular belief, chiropractic is not restricted to back pain in adults. "The only source of constant stimulation to the brain comes from the spine and the postural muscles constantly adjusting to the force of gravity," he explained. "If the daily physical stresses of life cause misalignments in the spine -- called vertebral subluxations by chiropractors -- the brain is not adequately stimulated. This can cause problems throughout the body."

He added that chiropractic adjustments, even when no back problems are evident, can improve the function of the spine and strongly stimulate nerve pathways to the cerebellum and other parts of the brain. "In the case of children, this may, in turn, help brain functions necessary for learning," he said.

Matthew McCoy, DC, editor of JVSR, commented that "this study is an exciting first step. It shows the beneficial effect of chiropractic care and may offer hope for thousands of suffering children."

This study is part of a larger effort undertaken by chiropractors to document and assess the potential benefits of chiropractic care in the field of learning disorders and other so-called mental disorders such as ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorders and even autism."

JVSR is a peer-reviewed scientific journal devoted to subluxation-centered chiropractic research affiliated with the World Chiropractic Alliance, an international organization representing doctors of chiropractic and promoting the traditional, drug-free and wellness-oriented form of chiropractic.

An abstract of the research report is available at http://www.jvsr.com.

JVSR is a peer reviewed scientific journal devoted to subluxation-based chiropractic research, affiliated with the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA), an international organization representing doctors of chiropractic and promoting the traditional, drug-free and non-invasive form of chiropractic as a means of correcting vertebral subluxations that cause nerve interference. 

World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA)
Chandler, AZ 85224
United States
http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org 

Be sure to check out "Chiropractic Exposed!" A Free 11 Day Mini course ALL About Chiropractic!

Yours in health,
Dr. Stacey Burke and Dr. Eric Brukwinski 
Doctors of Chiropractic
West Coast Family Chiropractic,
22 Banks Ave, Hillarys, WA 6025, AUSTRALIA 
(08) 9402 8845

What Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a professional, valuable and natural treatment option offered to all Australians to improve quality of life. The primary focus of Chiropractic is the restoration of function. Chiropractors assess and diagnose the problem, then plan and administer treatment programs that aim to restore function or minimise dysfunction after disease or injury.

Chiropractors strive to improve an individual's quality of life by physical means. A combination of manual and gentle manipulative therapy, movement training and exercises all help to achieve this. Chiropractors also offer you personal advice on stretching and strengthening exercises, posture, diet, lifting procedures and stress management.

Adequate education provided to Australians will lead to the prevention of many physical problems and this is a priority area for Chiropractors. 

Your Chiropractor
Australian Chiropractors are registered health care professionals with tertiary qualifications.

Chiropractors assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems. Chiropractors also help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.

Chiropractic includes a wide range of specialities that meet the health needs of different people such as babies and children, sports people, pregnant women, injured workers and senior citizens.

Chiropractic programs are based on practical goals agreed between the Chiropractor and the client. Chiropractors help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle.

When necessary, Chiropractors will consult with a client's doctor to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.

Choosing a Chiropractor
All Chiropractors registered to practise in Australia are qualified to provide safe, effective health care.

What can you expect from a Chiropractor?
You can expect your Chiropractors to:

• deliver a professional service
• discuss your treatment options and agree on some treatment goals with you
• provide information about your Chiropractic program
• explain specific treatments to you
• respect your rights, dignity, privacy, feelings and cultural customs
• respect the confidentiality of your professional relationship
• communicate with your doctor if necessary

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Yours in health,
Dr. Stacey Burke and Dr. Eric Brukwinski 
Doctors of Chiropractic
West Coast Family Chiropractic,
22 Banks Ave, Hillarys, WA 6025, AUSTRALIA 
(08) 9402 8845

ICPA - Why Chiropractic Care For Kids?

Read more "Is Chiropractic Care Safe For Adults And Children?"




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Yours in health,
  Dr. Stacey Burke and Dr. Eric Brukwinski 
Doctors of Chiropractic
West Coast Family Chiropractic,
22 Banks Ave, Hillarys, WA 6025, AUSTRALIA 
(08) 9402 8845

Body, Mind and Chiropractic

By Christopher Kent, DC, Esq.

The scope of chiropractic is as broad as the scope of influence of the nervous system. Although many chiropractors tend to focus on disorders associated with the physical body, particularly musculoskeletal pain syndromes, abnormal nervous system function may also affect emotional and psychological health.

Research is providing chiropractors with information about how the stress response is mediated by the autonomic nervous system¹ and how afferent input from the spine affects brain function.^2-3

Rome published a two-part series reviewing neurovertebral influence on visceral and autonomic function.^4-5 This is the most comprehensive review I have seen on the topic, featuring more than 1,100 references. Rome notes: "Attempts have been made to classify conditions addressed by spinal manipulation into Type M (musculoskeletal) and Type O (organic). However, it seems that this is the only area in the health sciences where such a classification has been suggested. If categorization is necessary at all, then virtually all conditions should be basically 'Type N' (neurological) as nominated by Leach, as essentially all conditions would have a neurological element ... the weakness of a Type M/Type O classification renders it superfluous, if not meaningless. A 'Type N' designation would highlight the importance of total body considerations in such an extensive and integrated model of health care, as well as the encompassing influence and the integrative action of the nervous system."

Among Rome's conclusions: "It is the emphasis on a localized ANS connection with the spine which would differentiate the chiropractic health care profession from others in the manipulative and manual therapies field. It must be appreciated that this association implies more than a musculoskeletal connection, and thereby may have the potential to influence neurophysiology and consequently homeostasis, which could contribute to overall patient well-being."⁵

There is a small, but growing body of evidence concerning the relationship of the spine, vertebral subluxation, chiropractic care, and psychological and emotional health. The following sampling is not a comprehensive review; it is merely to whet your appetite on the subject. A systematic review examined psychological outcomes in randomized controlled trials of spinal manipulation. The study concluded: "There was some evidence that spinal manipulation improved psychological outcomes compared with verbal interventions ... The clinical implications are that physical treatments, such as spinal manipulation have psychological benefits."⁶

Genthner, et al.,⁷ reported on a series of 15 patients with a history of depression. The Beck Depression Inventory II was used to measure the baseline level of depression and any post-care changes following orthospinology care. A paired t-test demonstrated significant improvement in depression test scores.

Other articles addressing mental health issues and chiropractic care have been published, ranging from single case reports to randomized clinical trials. Favorable responses were reported in persons with conditions including addiction,⁸ depression,⁹ ADHD,¹⁰ autism,¹¹dyslexia and learning disabilities.¹² Additionally, published papers report changes in general health measures in chiropractic patients using the RAND-36 and Global Well Being Scale (GWBS),¹³ changes in domains of health-related quality of life among public safety personnel undergoing chiropractic care,¹⁴ and chiropractic care for patients with cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms.¹⁵

More than 38 years ago, my first chiropractor explained that everything we experience is processed through our nervous system. When our perception of the world is distorted by nerve interference, it compromises our ability to respond appropriately. He noted that in addition to damaging our physical health, it could result in impaired psychological and emotional function as well. Finally, he opined that when this happened to a significant number of people in a society, a sick society would result.

The distinction between Type O (organic) and Type M (musculoskeletal) disorders is illusory. Chiropractic care is concerned with the totality of the human experience. By analyzing and correcting vertebral subluxations, a patient is placed on a more optimum physiological path. This brings the individual closer to the definition of health promulgated by the World Health Organization: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."¹⁶

References

1.    Lee R. "The New Pandemic: Superstress?" Explore, 2010;6(1):7-10.

2.    Carrick FR. Changes in brain function after manipulation of the cervical spine. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1997;20(8):529-45.

3.    Kelly DD, Murphy BA, Backhouse DP. Use of a mental rotation reaction-time paradigm to measure the effects of upper cervical adjustments on cortical processing: a pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2000;23(4):246-51.

4.    Rome PL. Neurovertebral influence upon the autonomic nervous system: some of the somato-autonomic evidence to date. Chiropr J Aust, 2009;39(1):2-17.

5.    Rome PL. Neurovertebral influence on visceral and ANS function: some of the evidence to date, part II: somatovisceral. Chiropr J Aust, 2010;40(1):9-29.

6.    Williams NH, Hendry M, Lewis R, et al. Psychological response in spinal manipulation (PRISM): a systematic review or psychological outcomes in randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2007;15:271-283.

7.    Genthner GC, Friedman HL, Studley CF. Improvement in depression following reduction of upper cervical vertebral subluxation using orthospinology technique."Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Nov. 7, 2005.

8.    Holder JM, Duncan Robert C, Gissen M, Miller M, Blum K. Increasing retention rates among the chemically dependent in residential treatment: auriculotherapy and (in a separate study) subluxation-based chiropractic care. Journal of Molecular Psychiatry, March 2001;6(suppl 1).

9.    Desaulniers AMJ. Effect of subluxation-based chiropractic care on quality of life in a patient with major depression. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, April 23, 2008.

10. Lovett L, Blum CL. Behavioral and learning changes secondary to chiropractic care to reduce subluxations in a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a case study. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Oct. 4, 2006.

11. Khorshid KA, Sweat RW, Zemba DA, Zemba BN. Clinical efficacy of upper cervical versus full spine chiropractic care on children with autism: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, March 9, 2006.

12. Pauli Y. The effects of chiropractic care on individuals suffering from learning disabilities and dyslexia: a review of the literature. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Jan. 15, 2007.

13. Blanks RHI, Dobson M. A study regarding measures of general health status in patients using the Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique: a follow up study.Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research,1999;3(2):1.

14. McAllister W, Boone WR. Changes in physical state and self-perceptions in domains of health related quality of life among public safety personnel undergoing chiropractic care. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Aug. 6, 2007.

15. Monti DA, Stoner ME, Zivin G, Schlesinger M. Short term correlates of the Neuro Emotional Technique for cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms: a pilot case series. J Cancer Surviv, 2007;1:161-166.

16. World Heath Organization definition of health.www.who.int/about/definition/en/print.html

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Yours in health,

Dr. Stacey Burke and Dr. Eric Brukwinski 

Doctors of Chiropractic

West Coast Family Chiropractic,

22 Banks Ave, Hillarys, WA 6025, AUSTRALIA 

(08) 9402 8845

Movement Is Life And Chiropractic Delivers!

This may sound a bit strange at first but if you think about it for a moment the truth of this statement begins to become more and more apparent. Without movement you could not sustain life: blood cells that don't move cannot transport oxygen, lungs that don't move can't breath, hearts that don't move can't pump blood, and spines that don't move can't create the motion required for proper joint nutrition, for the activities of daily living, or for the stimulation of the joint-brain pathways required for proper brain and body function.

You heard correctly, movement (especially of the spine) is required for proper brain function for the coordination of activities such as concentration and learning, emotions, motor control, and organ function (including immune organs).1-2 Roger Sperry the recipient of the Nobel prize in 1982 for his work in brain research stated that the importance of movement of the spine in relation to brain function could be equated to that of a windmill that generates electricity for a powerplant. He also stated that the more structurally distorted we are, the less energy we have for metabolism, for healing, and for thinking. 

In fact research has shown that if you cut off the supply of somatosensory information going to the brain, the brain will actually reach a state of coma!! 3 That's right, the brain does not simply control the body, the brain requires constant stimulation; it requires constant input from movement to keep the batteries charged. 

Did you know that over half of all the nerve impulses being sent between your brain and body in your spinal cord are for the delivery of movement stimulation to the brain? 4 Movement charges your brain's battery and makes you able to think better, feel better, and function better. 
Sound a bit too good to be true? Don't just take my word for it, read the work of some of the most prominent neurologists, physiologists, psychologists, and educators in the world. Messages to your brain created by proper movement (especially of your spine) have been called an essential nutrient for brain function and development.5 In fact, research is now showing that people who do not properly stimulate their brain with joint movement have learning, memory, emotional, behavioral, and overall health deficits. 

This is especially true for children because spinal joint receptor stimulation plays an integral role in the development of the child's brain and nervous system and the effects of decreased stimulation of the brain in childhood have been linked to central motor impairment, developmental impairments, learning disabilities, concentration problems like ADHD, behavioral problems such as violence and increased illnesses such as ear, nose, and throat infections, sleeping difficulties, and colic. 6-7 

"Connectivity is a crucial feature of brain development because the neural pathways formed during the early years carry signals that allow us to process information throughout our lives (Dixon and Shore)." 7 
At first researchers thought that it was just the exercise that improved brain and overall health due to increased blood flow and oxygen supply etc. Further research has shown that aerobic activity is not what is responsible for the amazing benefits of proper movement stimulation of the brain. It is the neurological stimulation of the pathways between moving joints, especially spinal joints, and the brain that are responsible. "At a major neuroscience symposium in Chicago where experts in the field of movement and cognition met the message was clear: Our body enriches our mind". 7 

Chiropractic Delivers!!! 
It should be obvious why it is so important to ensure every child has a properly moving and aligned spine as the spinal joints are the main source of sensory movement stimulation to the brain. If there is subluxation in the spine, movement and therefore essential nutrient delivery to the brain are compromised. 

The upper neck has been found to be particularly important to examine because it is the most easily damaged (birth trauma, falls, poor sleeping postures) and it has by far the most movement receptors to stimulate the brain.4,6 

These findings have been confirmed by clinical studies performed by both chiropractors and medical doctors. In fact after examining thousands of children one medical researcher concluded that "observations of motor development and manual control of the occipito-atlanto-axial (upper neck) joint complex should be obligatory after every difficult birth". He also states that the upper neck "should be examined and, if required, specifically adjusted … (as) the success of adjustment overshadows every other type of treatment." 6 Of course it does, a specific adjustment is the ONLY way to correct a subluxation!!! 

As pediatric chiropractors we are all very familiar with this type of work and have all personally seen great results with the care we provide to children. The problem is that much of society is unaware of the pathogenic potential of subluxation and far too many children are suffering needlessly. It is up to all of us as individuals to disseminate this information and to support organizations such as the I.C.P.A. that are dedicated to educating both the public and the chiropractors in the field. 

I recommend combining specific adjustments with some sound nutritional advice and some fun 'Brain Gym' exercises to ensure that each child gets the best possible chance to have a healthy body and mind. 

Not only does proper spinal movement increase overall health, decrease dis-ease and improve the ability to create feelings of happiness and well-being, it also helps to reduce pain and discomfort and to diminish feelings of anxiety and stress. When it comes right down to it we are creatures designed for virtually constant movement living in a society that involves almost constant sitting. We are also clearly designed to have properly moving and aligned spines and many of our citizens are unknowingly walking around with subluxation in their spines because they have NEVER HAD A SPINAL HEALTH EXAM!! This is not a healthy combination and the result is that we have a population that is much less healthy and much more sick, tired, and dis-ease ridden than is necessary. 

Please get yourselves and the children out and moving around. Everyone will feel better, think better, have a healthier spine, have increased overall health, and enjoy a much greater quality of life. All children (and adults of course) deserve a wonderful quality of life and proper spinal movement is an integral part of this. Motion is lotion, movement is life, and chiropractic delivers so get out there and get those spines moving!!!!


The information in this article is taken from Dr. Chestnut's book "The 14 Foundational Premises for the Scientific and Philosophical Validation of the Chiropractic Wellness Paradigm"  Access references and infowww.icpa4kids.com/chiropractic_newsletter_references.htm
By James Chestnut, 


You can download a special Discount OFFICE VISIT coupon on our website but we must warn you that this offer will be expiring very soon. If you've been meaning to come in let us encourage you to get this special deal now while you still can - go here to download your coupon: Office Visit Coupon

Yours in health,
  Dr. Stacey Burke and Dr. Eric Brukwinski 
Doctors of Chiropractic
West Coast Family Chiropractic,
22 Banks Ave, Hillarys, WA 6025, AUSTRALIA 
(08) 9402 8845