Upper Cervical Blog

More Americans suffer from chronic pain than heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined, and it is also the number one reason for long-term disability. Chronic pain, by definition, is any pain that last three months or longer. According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, in 2015 a third of the American population use some type of opioid for treatment. Commonly prescribed opioids for pain management are codeine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, hydromorphone, and methadone.

Opioid use is becoming such an epidemic in the United States that on October 26^th, our president requested the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to use some of its funding to fight opioid use. There are several ways for you to do your part to reduce your contribution to the opioid epidemic, including trying the following pain management alternatives.

1. CHIROPRACTIC CARE: The spine is the core of your body and if something is wrong with the spine, then the effects it has can reach to all parts of your body and pain is one of the most common manifestations of spinal issues. When the spine is corrected and sits in its proper alignment, the central nervous system is able to properly function and respond to issues throughout the body. Many times, the hip and legs twist to compensate for the misaligned vertebrae, which can cause pain and discomfort. Most of our clients who come to us for pain management find relief after their first correction. The body has an amazing ability to heal itself and chiropractic care only helps pave the way for it to do so.
2. MASSAGE: Some of the pain that is treated through opioid use is the pain manifested in the muscular and ligature structure of the body. A massage helps to reduce the tension that is built up in the muscles and reduces pain caused as a result. Full body massages can also help to relax and calm the mind, creating an addition psychological effect that can reduce the need for strong opioids.
3. EXERCISE: Exercise will always provide numerous benefits for your body and health; however, the reason exercising has made this list is for more than just to encourage you to be healthy. When you exercise, your body releases a chemical called endorphins which have a similar effect on your body as morphine does. Endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain by numbing them to pain and trigger a positive feeling throughout the body.
4. NATURAL PAIN MEDICINE: Instead of numbing your mind and body with strong prescription chemicals, opt for natural herbs that are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties. By consuming natural remedies, you are reducing your risk of building a tolerance to prescription pain killers – which can lead you down a terrible road of addiction. Easy to find natural pain killers are:
   • Ginger
   • Turmeric
   • Capsaicin
   • Magnesium
   • Willow Bark
   • Cats Claw
   • Valerian Root
   • Boswellia

Over the years, as Upper Cervical Chiropractors, we have seen some amazing stuff. The power of chiropractic care has, time and time again, proven to help those who come through our doors with various ailments, ranging from sciatic and back pain to multiple sclerosis and Autism. Yes, we said Autism.  Autism awareness has increased over the years, but parents of Autistic children have always tried various methods to improve their connection with their child and help their children cope better with the world around them – including chiropractic care.

What Type of Treatment Does Someone with Autism Receive?

All of our patients, including those with Autism, go through the same process. Starting with an initial consultation to discuss what brought the patient to our office, followed by an exam and x-rays. After reviewing the exam results and x-rays and comparing it to the information given to us during the consultation we then formulate a treatment plan that includes making the necessary upper cervical adjustments. Nothing extra is done or out of the ordinary for any patient; once we complete the adjustment, essentially our job is done. From there it is up to the body and its ability to heal itself to take over a reveal the results of the adjustment.

 What Types of Improvements Are Seen After an Adjustment?

Upper cervical chiropractic care and adjustments does not cure Autism, but it has been seen to help many of our patients. Parents have reported that their child’s behavior has improved in school and at home, drastically in some cases. Grades and school performance have gone up for some while others saw improvement in their child’s speech. Each person is affected differently by chiropractic adjustments but each one is always glad to have sought our help and our care.

How Does Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Help?

Autism is a processing disorder. Someone diagnosed with autism can have a difficult time interpreting the world around them. Their brain signals easily get mixed up and the mind and body is not able to properly communicate which can cause behavioral issues, developmental delays, and other issues.

Chiropractic care seeks to aid the body in proper communication and natural healing. When a vertebra is out of place, it places pressure on the area around it, including the spinal cord (which protects your body’s central nervous system). The central nervous system is home to all the controls of the body; it connects your mind with the body and interprets the world and reacts accordingly. The C1 and C2 vertebrae (called the Atlas and the Axis) are the top vertebrae in your spine and closest to your brainstem. A correction of a misalignment in this area will help improve the body and mind’s communication and allow the body to properly function.

There are many reasons why someone may seek chiropractic care aside from just back pain. Undergoing upper cervical chiropractic treatment can help people with conditions including digestive orders, TMJ Syndrome, migraines, sciatica, carpal tunnel, diabetes, depression, ADD/ADHD, and much more. Starting upper cervical treatment is often done as a supplemental treatment to other care or as an alternative when regular medicine doesn’t seem to be helping. When our patients first come in, one of the most common questions they ask is “How many corrections I will need until I start feeling better/ Will I need corrections for the rest of my life”.

The easiest way to answer this is to compare upper cervical to going to a dentist for treatment. You don’t have to brush your teeth or floss but you do in order to take care of your teeth. You don’t have to go to the dentist for a cleaning twice a year but you do in order to take care of your teeth. You don’t have to have your cavities filled or have a crown placed but you do in order to take care of your teeth. So, what is so different from taking care of your spine and taking care of your teeth? Not much.

When Will I Start Feeling Better?

Your spine is a vital part of your body and its proper functioning. It needs to be cared for – through regular exercise, eating healthy, using proper posture and lifting techniques, and seeing an upper cervical chiropractor for additional care.  Calculating at which visit you are guaranteed results isn’t possible as each person is affected by their pain or illness differently, has different underlaying causes, and recovers from their problems differently.

While you may notice an immediate difference after your first correction, someone else may not feel the results until their third correction. Regardless of when you notice results, your body begins to feel the effects of the correction immediately. When the spine is properly aligned, communication from your central nervous system is no longer facing interference from misaligned vertebrae placing pressure on your nerves, spinal cord, or other parts of your body. Seeking upper cervical care is the first step in your healing process.

Will I Need Chiropractic Corrections For The Rest Of My Life?

It is important to know that you do not have to do anything you do want to do, not for a few months, and not for the rest of your life. It is your life and your choice, however, continuing to receive corrections will be beneficial to the heath of your spine. Stress, poor posture, how long you sit or stand every day, incorrectly lifting things, and old injuries can all contribute to your vertebrae going back out of alignment. Our doctors will only perform a correction if it is absolutely necessary to maintain your health.

The Atlas and the Axis are the top two vertebrae in your spine, the C1 and C2 respectively. Upper Cervical treatment focuses on these two – if we ensure that these two vertebrae are in alignment and functioning properly, the rest of the spin and body will follow suit.  The Atlas by itself is a very important bone, your head is supported by the Atlas and it is the vertebrae that allows you to nod your head up and down. You are able to turn your head solely because of the joint between your Atlas and the Axis. Without these two bones, there are many things you and your spine would not be able to do. Going to an Upper Cervical doctor to care for these bones is as important as seeing a dentist for the care of your teeth.

There are many functions and structures of your body that can be directly affected by a misaligned C1 or C2 vertebrae including:

• Vertebral Arteries – These arteries run up the side of your spine and directly around the C1 to your brain. A misalignment in your C1 can put pressure on one of these arteries and disrupt blood flow to your brain, which studies have shown to be the cause of the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines.
• The Dura Mater – A membrane sack encloses the brain and spinal cord, called the Dura Mater, and is attached to the Atlas and the Axis. A misalignment in this area can place pressure on the Dura Mater, interfering with the production and containment of cerebral spinal fluid.
• Your Neck Muscles – When your spine is misaligned, your muscles will work to counter the effects of a crooked or twisted spine, placing additional stress on some muscles over others. Tension, stiffness, pain, and even headaches form because of this imbalance.
• Your TMJ – The TMJ is your jaw joint; it is only ¾ of an inch from the Atlas and the only thing holding it in place is soft tissue. Movement of your TMJ can be affected by the position of the Atlas and issues with your jaw can occur.
• The C1 and C2 Nerve Roots – Located at the base of your skull, sitting above and below the Atlas vertebrae, are the C1 and C2 nerve roots. These nerves can find themselves easily pinched or swell from pressure from misaligned vertebrae causing an cervicogenic headache.
• Your Eustachian Tubes – More commonly known as the ear canal, your Eustachian Tubes, can become blocked because of an out of position Atlas or Axis. When your ear canal is blocked off, fluid builds up, causing an ear infection.

The stores have had the shelves stocked for weeks now and the decorations are being pulled out of storage – Halloween will be here before we know it. It can be a dreaded time for parents with the influx of candy in the home. Trying to regulate the sugar intake of your little ones who are excited by their bounty may be difficult so here are some tips for ensuring a healthier Halloween for you and your family.

1. Go Teal. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a way for others to consider that not all children are allowed to enjoy the candy that is distributed during Halloween, like those with allergies. Reduce the risk of having leftover candy after Halloween passes by going Teal. You can distribute glow sticks, stickers, temporary tattoos, pencils, or other little goodies to benefit the needs of others and reduce the amount of candy in your own home.
2. Make Ground Rules. Before Halloween night comes and goes, discuss with your little ones the rules of eating their bounty of candy, such as only one piece a night or after permission.
3. Do A Treat Exchange. In order to reduce the candy consumption in your post-Halloween household, you could take part in a treat exchange or turn in. You can offer a toy, game, book, or even an app download in exchange for a certain amount of candy. There are also several Halloween candy buyback programs that collect excess candy that are commonly held by local dentists.
4. Schedule Limited Trick or Treat Times. Avoid trick or treating towards the end of the night. That’s when other parents are attempting to off-load as much candy as possible to reduce the amount of excess candy in their own home.
5. Eat Well. The day of Halloween, ensure your kids eat three full protein-based meals before heading out for candy collecting. Having a full belly will help to cut back on the desire to snack on candy while trick-or-treating.
6. Candy For Dinner! Well, not exactly… Having a piece of candy at the same time as a regular meal will help reduce the risk of tooth decay. The acids and sugar in candy has a better chance of washing away with the saliva and drinks consumed at dinner time. Eating a piece of candy by itself can leave bits of it stuck in your children’s teeth. If you do allow them a piece outside of meal time, have them swish some water around in their mouth to help reduce the risk of candy residue.

Havin anxiety can greatly impact your life and your ability to live. Small moments seem big and big moments seem unbearable. No one wants to live each day with a knot in their chest and their heart feeling like it is going to give out, but nearly 40 million adult Americans suffer from some level of anxiety. When looking for alternatives or supplemental care for your anxiety, consider these five things that you may not have known could reduce your anxiety level or help to improve your general mood.

1. Natural Sun

Just 15 minutes under in the sun can drastically improve levels of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is an important vitamin that controls mood levels, even those affecting a person’s anxiety or depression. Try as best as you can to get out for at least 15 minutes a day or a few times a day for at least 15 minutes at a time. Sit outside during your lunch break or park in the back of the parking lot to give you a chance to soak up some rays as you walk into the store.

2. Exercise

Exercise allows the body and the brain to better cope when faced with stressors. Studies have shown that even something as light as a 10-minute walk can elevate a person’s mood. Go for a walk, a hike in the woods or anything you are comfortable doing physically.

3. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most well-known plants with calming and relaxing properties. Lavender scents, lotions and oils are sold and used every day by millions of Americans. Get a massage with lavender essential oils for an increase in your mood, better concentration, and reduced anxiety.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is well known for its calming effects. Studies have linked the consumption of chamomile to a number of health benefits including improved cardiovascular and immune system health. Chamomile is also used in capsules and in tea to reduce anxiety.

5. Omega-3

Omega-3’s are polyunsaturated fatty acids, or “good fats” that our body needs (it is not produced by the body) for proper function. Omega-3’s are commonly found in fish and nuts, and have been proven to lower risk of heart disease, depression, dementia, and arthritis. Omega-3’s also affects the production of serotonin, adrenaline, and cortisol. Abnormal levels of these chemicals in the body can product anxiety or mood disorders.

Walkers, canes, and nursing homes don’t have to be in your future. You deserve to live a vibrant and restriction-free life late into your golden years. Including upper cervical chiropractic care in your healthcare regime can provide numerous benefits throughout your life, especially in your older age.

Strengthened Immune System

The goal of Upper Cervical is to correct subluxations in the spine that are weakening the body’s central nervous system, which controls the immune system and all bodily functions. When the spine is misaligned, the body may find it more difficult to fight off infections, get a good night’s rest, or even properly digest food.  Getting routine upper cervical checks is much like changing the oil in a car – its helps keep things running smoothly. A strong immune system is important to have in our later years, when it seems like our body is beginning to break down.

Pain Relief

Much of pain that people feel stems from subluxations in the spine that branches out through the rest of the body. Upper cervical doctors will locate the underlying cause of your pain and reduce the effects it has on your nervous system by performing a correction, or alignment. Many people are surprised by the effect a simple correction can have, for some it is life changing. Aches, arthritis pains, back pains, pains from injuries – most patients report that the intensity of their pains have faded or are eliminated completely.

Improved Movement

A corrected spine has a wider range of flexibility than one plagued with misalignments. The increased flexibility doesn’t stop at the spine either, it branches down to other parts of the body. Without the limitations of pain, our patients enjoy more freedom of movement than they have before. They are able to bend over and pick of their grandchildren, spend time in their garden, or talk a walk to enjoy the sights.

Increased Balance

Balance issues and falls are some of the most common causes of injuries in the older population. Over time, untreated misalignments can cause a person’s spine to become twisted or one side of the hip to raise to compensate, leaving the body disposed to imbalance. The joint receptors in the spine inform the body of balance and coordination issues but if these receptors are receiving interference from subluxations, they cannot properly warn the body to prevent a fall.

Although, naturally the body slows and weakens some as we age, we should be doing everything in our power to keep our bodies as strong as possible for as long as possible. Eating right, getting a healthy amount of exercise, and getting medical check-ups or taking medication are all things people do to take care of their body. Upper cervical alignments are completely natural and have held thousands upon thousands of individuals improve their life. Why not try to ensure your body is completely taken care of?

You may have seen the signs pop up at local pharmacies about flu shots available within and to get your shot today. Flu season is upon us and many people have different opinions on whether or not flu shots are necessary or even helpful. Where ever you may stand on the line regarding flu shots, it is important to remember that your body is a magnificent creation that is a complex system capable of many great feats and in order to maintain prime functionality, you need to take care of it. Here are a few tips to help keep you healthy during the cold and flu season this year.

• Eat healthy, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. In order for your body to perform at its prime, you need to take care of it. The proper nutrition, rest, and fitness all help your body to maintain a health immune system and quick response to invading germs.
• Wash your hands. This applies more often than after using the restroom. If you have spent your day at work around others (who may not be as aware of being germ free as you are) you should wash your hands after using shared items like handles in the breakroom, touching doorknobs or light switches especially before eating. Soap and water is best (for at least 20 seconds) but if not readily available, an alcohol based sanitizer will suffice.
• Avoid touching your face. Primarily your eyes, nose, or mouth. Without even realizing it, on average a person touches their face 2,000 to 3,000 times a day (that’s 2 to 5 times a minute!). You can easily pick up a virus off of a shared object (handrail, doorknob, countertop, etc.) and then touch your face without even giving it a second thought. This is why washing your hands is so important to your health.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. It may not be possible for everyone to stay home when they are feeling under the weather or they may not think that they are contagious. Avoid shaking hands or being near someone with signs of a cold (sniffling, sneezing, or coughing).
• If you have allergies, get them under control. Untreated allergy symptoms can actually weaken your respiratory system, as it is already inflamed, and leave it more susceptible to a viral infection.
• See your upper cervical chiropractor. In addition to seeing your regular physician, you should stop by your upper cervical doctor’s office. The goal of upper cervical care is to ensure your spine is properly aligned, allowing your central nervous system to operate at its prime. Your central nervous system controls your immune system, if one fails, so will the other.
• Cover your mouth and wash your hands afterwards. Avoid spreading your germs to others and be sure to wash your hands after you cover your mouth/nose for a cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you are ill. If you can, limit your interactions with others while sick to reduce spreading your illness.

Now that kids are back to school, they are going to be exposed to more (and new) germs and in no time the height of flu season will be upon us. This time of year is the perfect time to implement new changes and routines to better the health and immune system of your children. Here are five easy ways to help boost your child’s immune system while setting them up with healthy habits for life.

1. Serve Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods

Proper nutrition really is the foundation of a healthy life. Foods like these below are packed with nutrients and vitamins meant to keep the body functioning smoothly.

Leafy Greens                                    Broccoli                                    Cabbage                                Berries

Peppers                                              Asparagus                                Salmon                                  Beans

Sweet potatoes                             Carrots                                      Pumpkins                              Eggs

Walnuts                                             Avocados                                  Scallops                                 Oysters

Brown Rice                                      Lentils                                        Sardines                                Bananas

Black Beans                                    Oranges                                     Flax Seed                              Chia Seeds

Sunflower Seeds                          Greek Yogurt                         Wheat Germ                       Peanut Butter

Shiitake Mushrooms

Have a picky eater? You are not alone! For foods that seem too foreign for your child’s current palate, try blending them in a smoothie, adding them to a sauce or soup, bake them into a muffin, or come up with a way to make their favorite dish but with a twist.

2. Take Probiotics and Daily Vitamins

It is common for children to not get the appropriate amounts of vitamins needed each day, especially for picky eaters. Daily vitamins come in a variety of flavors and styles (chewable, gummies, sour candies) so it won’t seem like such a chore to take one, plus it ensures your child’s daily nutritional needs are met.

Also, there is a correlation between lowered immune response and an imbalance of intestinal bacteria. This is a good bacteria that is needed to properly break down the food we eat so that nutrients can be absorbed by the body. Taking antibiotics when sick can reduce these good bacteria in the digestive system. Probiotics help to keep the balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

3. Spend Time In The Sun

Exposure to sunlight is a necessary part of healthy development in children. After school or during some downtime on a weekend, go for a walk, play a game outside, or go for a swim. By being outside in the sunlight, the body is able to produce vitamin D which helps your body to absorb other nutrients like calcium. As a bonus, having your kids play outside for at least 30 minutes a day provides a way for them to burn off some energy and be active.

4. Get Plenty Of Sleep

Sleep provides a way for the body to recuperate from a day’s adventures. Getting enough sleep is linked to a healthy immune system. While sleeping the body works to stave off illnesses and even allows the body to heal and recover from an illness. Below is the recommended hours of sleep needed for each age group determined by the National Sleep Foundation.

• Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
• Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
• Preschoolers (3-5): 10-13 hours
• School age children (6-13): 9-11 hours
• Teenagers (14-17): 8-10 hours
• Younger adults (18-25): 7-9 hours
• Adults (26-64):  7-9 hours
• Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours

5. Get Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments

Upper Cervical Chiropractic care is a natural, holistic approach to keeping the body healthy. Upper Cervical adjustments are ways to correct subluxations in the spine that wreak havoc throughout the body and the immune system. Upper Cervical is different from regular chiropractic treatments in that there is no popping or cracking of the spine. Corrections are relatively pain free and safe for all ages.

In addition to this list, the best way to improve your child’s immune system is to lead by example. They are more likely to make healthy choices that will improve their health if you are doing it too.

Many patients of upper cervical and chiropractic care are brought to our office because of an injury or pain in their backs or necks. However, upper cervical chiropractic care provides other health benefits than just pain relief. Although upper cervical corrects misalignments in the top two vertebrae, the effect it has reverberates throughout the whole of the body.

Better Heart Health

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics revealed that some chiropractic patients have a lower heart rate after receiving an adjustment, even as early as the first one. Chiropractic care works well as supplemental treatment so those with high blood pressure or other heart issues may consider adding upper cervical chiropractic care to their health regime.

Increased Balance

Your inner ear is responsible for maintaining your balance. When your spine is out of misalignment, especially at the top of your vertebrae, the head is not properly positioned. Even a slight misalignment can shift where the head sits on your spine. As a result, your inner ear’s interpretation of your surroundings is altered, causing imbalance. A correction to your spine can help to relive this issue and the dizziness or vertigo that commonly follows.

Improved Digestive Health

Your central nervous system controls many things, including your digestion. The nerves that help aid digestion are near the middle and lower back. Pressure from the spine on this region can create disruptions in digestion such as irritable bowel syndrome, food sensitivities, upset stomach, etc. So, if you are having digestive troubles, stop by our office for some relief.

Reproductive Health Benefits

Trouble conceiving can lie at the fault with issues in the central nervous system. It is the part of your body that controls all functions and communication between the brain and the rest of you. The goal of upper cervical care is to diminish interference within the central nervous system so that it can function properly. Need more convincing? The American Pregnancy Association encourages chiropractic care to relieve fertility issues. In addition, once you do get pregnant, there are many more benefits of continuing your care through the next 40 weeks. Chiropractic care can reduce back pain caused by your pregnancy and even make child birth go a little bit more smoothly.

A concussion is when the brain becomes injured due to being slammed around inside the skull. Concussions are typically caused by a blow to the head but can also stem from being severely shaken and depending on the severity of the damage, the concussion can last from a few days to weeks.

Unfortunately, in many cases those who are diagnosed with a concussion are not treated for damage or injury to the neck. If a force is great enough to move your head (which is 10 to 14 pounds) then it is more than great enough to shift the vertebrae it sits upon (which is only three ounces in comparison). The shifting of the neck vertebrae is considered a misalignment and it can have serious repercussions for the body.

Your spine protects your spinal cord, which is an intricate system of nerves that are responsible for all of the communication to your body. It controls your immune system, emotions, vision, hearing, balance, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, muscle tension, hormones, and every other function; all of which can be disrupted when the vertebrae in your spine.

Common side effects of a misalignment are headaches and back/neck pain, but a misalignment can cause more severe issues throughout the body. A shifted vertebra causes the rest of the body to shift as well in order to compensate for the imbalance of the weight of the head. The spine can become twisted and the hip can raise on only one side which can cause pain through the lower half of the body and can make bending or lifting difficult. A shifted hip can result in one leg to shorten while the other lengthen, leading to abnormal movements and unnecessary wear on the body. The stress of a misalignment in the spine can cause an illness to take hold in an affected individual. A single concussion can have many repercussions throughout one’s body, especially if it is not fully treated.

Another major concern is pressure around the brain and brain stem which can result in a severe interference in nerve transmission. This can manifest as a wide range of symptoms and health problems, one of which that can affect the dura matter. The dura matter is the sack that surrounds the brain, the brain stem, and the spinal cord; it is connected to the skull and inside the top two vertebrae (called the Atlas and the Axis) in the neck. From the Atlas and the Axis, the dura matter continues down the spinal cord, hanging loosely around the spinal cord until it balloons around the bottom of the spine.

Inside the dura matter, is a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) that serves as a cushion around the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the brain and then fills up in the balloon-like dura matter around the brain and spinal cord. CFS is continuously produced and replenished by the brain. After a concussion, a misalignment is common; it is also very detrimental to your dura matter and the CFS held within.

A misalignment can twist the dura matter closed, sealing off the bottom half of the dura matter like a balloon animal. The problem with this is, the brain will continue to make cerebrospinal fluid. With the bottom half of the dura matter cut off, the cerebrospinal fluid will fill up around the brain while the CFS depletes around the spinal cord. This will create an immense pressure build up around the brain which can cause headaches, migraines, dizziness, impaired cognitive abilities, and even emotional and behavioral issues. In severe cases, the pressure around the brain can build up above the brain, pushing it down into the opening of the skull where the brain stem exits the skull.

It is important that you seek additional care from an Upper Cervical Doctor after being diagnosed with a concussion. An Upper Cervical Doctor is a chiropractor who specializes in the upper two vertebrae in the spine, the Atlas and the Axis; the vertebrae in your neck on which your head sits.

Colic affects 20-25% of all newborn children and experts still are unable to determine the root cause of what causes colic in newborns. Having a colicky baby can be stressful for parents to see their child upset and in pain and be able to do very little about it. But what if there was something you could do, and it was safe and natural, would you try it?

How to Identify Colic

All babies cry, especially newborns; however, colic is more intense sessions of crying. Some experts believe that colic stems from issues in the digestive system, such as gas, reflux, or food sensitivity/allergies. Others suspect non-digestive causes such as overstimulation or exposure to tobacco smoke. However it may come to be, pediatricians use the “Rule of 3’s” to identify and diagnose colic:

• Your baby has a loud, piercing cry that began around 3 weeks of age,
• The cry lasts for more than 3 hours,
• The crying sessions occur at least 3 times a week, and
• Continues for 3 weeks.

How does Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care help with colic?

New parents, and even veteran parents, may have many questions about bringing their newborn to an upper cervical chiropractic doctor. To start, it is important to understand what upper cervical chiropractic care does. The central nervous system (which is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord) is responsible for all communication to all parts of the body, from interpreting pain, fighting illnesses to digesting food. When the atlas or axis (the top two vertebrae of the spine), is out of position, something we call a subluxation or misalignment, it causes stress on the nerves and receptors around it, interfering with the central nervous system’s communication and ability to heal the body. Correcting the subluxations is safe and gentle; it also allows the central nervous system (and the rest of the body) to properly function.

There is also research linking the benefits of upper cervical chiropractic care and colic in babies. A study that was published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics collected data from parental reviews over a three-month period of the effect chiropractic care had on their colicky baby. 94% of the parents reported they experience a positive improvement in their situation. The same journal published another study in which there was a 67% decrease in crying for babies who were treated with chiropractic care versus only 38% of the babies who were given dimethicone, an anti-gas medication, instead.

Every year there are over half a million back surgeries in America but some research is turning up that many of these back surgeries are unnecessary or ineffective. With such an aggressive form of treatment, you owe it to yourself to make sure that surgery is your best and only option for recovery.

Some of the most common types of back surgery are:

• Discectomy: The partial removal of a herniated disc and the removal of the back portion of a vertebra
• Laminectomy: The removal of the bone covering the spinal cord
• Fusion: The connection of two or more vertebrae
• Implantation: The installation of artificial discs

Back pain is extremely common, in fact, it is one of the top reasons for individuals on disability. Nearly 80% of Americans suffer from some amount of back pain in their life. While back pain may come and go or fade away over time, many individuals suffer from chronic recurring, pain. It’s usually these individuals who look to surgery as a means to stop their pain. Since 2001, spinal fusion procedures have increased by 70%.

Mounting Evidence Against Back Surgery

What they may not realize is that back surgery may not actually be the answer for them. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Back surgery can help relieve some causes of back pain, but it’s rarely necessary,” and that “back pain is extremely common, and surgery often fails to relieve it.”

Several studies have been conducted on spinal fusion and the effect it has on relieving the pain of its patients. These results of these studies have concluded that the surgery was no better option than alternative nonsurgical treatment options including exercise, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. The pain was reduced or completely went away for both patients of surgical and nonsurgical options.

A clinical trial conducted by the Stockholm Spine Center in Sweden, and later published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared the results of patients with spinal stenosis, pinched nerves caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal. About half of the patients also had spondylolisthesis, or a slipped disk. The patients either underwent spinal fusion surgery (the connection of two or more vertebrae) or were assigned to undergo a less complicated, decompression surgery (which opens the spinal canal by removing of the lamina, the back part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal).

Two to five years after the surgery, there was no significant difference between the quality of life or the ability to walk between either group. The only difference was the patients who underwent the fusion surgery had a longer stay in the hospital (7.4 days versus 4.1 days), spent a longer time on the operating table, lost more blood during surgery, and spent more on the cost of the surgery.

Another study published by Spine, data from the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation database was reviewed. The data showed that there were 1,450 patients with disk degeneration, disk herniation, and/or nerve disease. Close to 50% of these patients were treated by spinal fusion surgery while the other half did not undergo surgery. Two years after treatment, only 26% of the patients who had surgery were able to go back to work and 67% of those who did not have surgery returned to work. In addition, 41% of those who underwent spinal fusion saw an increased use in painkillers.

Before Committing to Surgery

Be sure that you have asked your doctor the following questions and do not be afraid to seek a second opinion. 30% of those who have sought a second opinion found that the second doctor disagreed with surgical treatment recommendations.

• What kind of operation is it? What will be done during the procedure?
• Why is the operation necessary?
• What are my risks and benefits of having the surgery?
• Are there other, more conservative, treatment options available?
• What are the risks and benefits of seeking other treatment?

HOW AN UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTOR CAN HELP

Typically, individuals seek their primary care doctors when in pain and from there are referred straight to a surgeon while will advise you to have surgery. And with the mounting evidence against the success or need for back surgeries, a chiropractor should be your first visit. Chiropractors are experts in musculoskeletal conditions while primary care doctors usually are not. It is the goal of chiropractic care to correct problems of the spine by correcting the misalignments in the vertebrae that are pinching the nerves in your back. An upper cervical chiropractor is a chiropractic doctor who focuses on the upper vertebrae in your spine, the atlas and the axis. Corrections made to these vertebrae will cause the rest of the spine to follow suit – and the corrections are made without any popping, cracking, or twisting. Treatment is generally pain free and has a far better success rate than surgery.

Please note: This post is intended for educational purposes and is not meant to be used in place of medical advice.