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chiropractic is…
ANXIETY |\ ASTHMA |\ AUTISM \| CHILDREN |\ CHIROPRACTIC IS… |\ DEPRESSION |\ FAMILIES |\ FEATURED | MENTAL HEALTH |\ MIGRAINES |\ SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER |\ UNCATEGORIZED \| VERTEBRAL SUBLUXATION | WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Is it okay if I ‘crack’ my own back?
Hey everybody, Doctor Kevin here from the CENTER FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN POTENTIAL. Today, I’m actually sharing a message with you that was asked upon me by a little boy in the office who we’re going to call E. E asked me to talk about over-extending and bending back weight too far. And another question I often get all the time is, is it okay if I crack my own back?
Well, it’s not. So a lot of times when people are trying to bend back really far or twist really far, you’re actually doing a lot more harm than good. Even though it may feel good to have those pops or those cracks that you hear. Those are actually gases being released. When you do that, when you force it, you’re actually undoing all the work that we are doing.
The reason why is because when you forced your body to move into regions that aren’t supposed to be, it actually goes back to old patterns. But if you were to just wake up and move and like just twist to start walking and things move, that’s okay. Because that means your body’s making its own adjustments throughout the day.
Thank you very much, E for your input on having my topic for today. So I hope everyone is doing very well and take care.
Chiropractic and…x,y,x
Chiropractic and…
Chiropractic is very effective for many different health issues. However, the truth is that chiropractic is not a treatment for any condition per se.
Vertebral subluxation, a misalignment of the spine, causes nervous system dysfunction which in turn causes an altered function
Chiropractic and Migraines: What the Research Tells Us
Chiropractic has a long history of positive results for migraine and headache sufferers.
My clinical experience has been the same for just about every individual that has entered my office suffering from headaches or migraines as well.
Robin was one of those individuals. Watch the video to hear her story.
There are hundreds of similar stories in the literature and thousands and thousands more that have never been properly documented.
But what has the research shown us and why does chiropractic help those with migraines and headaches?
Chiropractic and Migraines Research
One case series looked at the effects of chiropractic on migraine sufferers. Amazingly, the frequency of episodes was reduced on average by 90%, duration of each episode by 38%, and use of medication was reduced by 94%. In addition, several associated symptoms were substantially reduced, including nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia. (1)
In a larger study, a group of 87 patients with common or classical migraine received chiropractic adjustments and the results were analyzed two years later via a headache questionnaire. Of the patients with common migraine, 85% of females and 50% of males were either improved or their headaches ceased altogether, while patients with classical migraine showed an improvement rate of 78% for females and 75% for males. (2)
In one of the largest randomized controlled studies on the topic so far, 72% of the chronic migraine sufferers had noticeable improvement with 22% of those having over 60% of their symptoms reduced. Frequency of migraines, length of time they had them and the need for medication were all significantly reduced. (3)
In a more recent study, chiropractic care was shown to reduce migraine symptoms significantly and when compared to other provider types, the chiropractic patients reported a greater reduction in pain associated with their attacks. (4)
Another study showed that chiropractic was at least as effective as various medications without the potential serious side effects those medications carry with them. (5)
Overall, the literature is ripe with case studies and despite the limited number of clinical studies on the topic, the results have been very encouraging. (6)
Why Does Chiropractic Work for Migraines and Headaches?
The answer to that question lies in the anatomy of the upper neck.
The lower portion of the brainstem sits at the level of the first bone in the neck. That area also houses the main blood supply which travels up through that bone and the opening into the skull.
Shifts in a spinal structure, known as vertebral subluxation, which is caused by the body’s inability to handle excessive physical, mental, and chemical stressors, will necessarily impact the delicate nerve fibers and vascular supply that travels through this region.
Severe head pain is simply the natural response to a situation that is damaging to the body.
Is Chiropractic a Treatment for Migraines and Headaches?
Chiropractic is no more treatment for headaches than it is for autism, sensory processing disorder, epilepsy, and other conditions people present with in my office. However, with that said, the quality of life of these individuals and their symptoms improve once the stress has been removed from the nervous system.
Those results speak for themselves and can transform lives.
Today, more and more people are understanding the value of having their spine and nervous system checked throughout a lifetime in order to maintain optimal health, function, and well-being.
Chiropractic is great at helping the sick get well, but it is equally fantastic and helps them stay that way.
Whatever the case, having a chiropractic evaluation is the first step in both directions.
Want more information or to schedule a consultation?
Give us a call at 619-281-1234 or use the contact form below.
References:
1. Tuchin P.J. A case series of migraine changes following a manipulative therapy trial. Australas Chiropr Osteopathy. 1997;6:85–91.
2. Wight J.S. Migraine: a statistical analysis of chiropractic treatment. Am Chiropr Assoc (ACA) J Chiropr. 1978;15:S63–S67.
3. Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. A randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000;23(2):91-95.
4. Parker, G. B., Tupling, H. and Pryor, D. S. (1978), A Controlled Trial of Cervical Manipulation for Migraine. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine, 8: 589–593. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1978.tb04845.x
5. Bronfort G, Assendelft WJ, Evans R, Haas M, Bouter L.Efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic headache: a systematic review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2001;24(7):457-466.
6. Vernon, Howard T. The effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of headache: an exploration in the literature. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics 18.9 (1994): 611-617.
7. Additional Headache and Migraine case studies and research papers.
Improvement in Suicidal Thoughts, Anxiety, and Depression through Chiropractic
Mental Health and Chiropractic
When I tell people about the improvements we see for individuals with anxiety, depression, and other debilitating mental and emotional health challenges they are quite surprised as most people incorrectly associate chiropractic solely with musculoskeletal disorders such as neck and low back pain, headaches, and other similar issues related to the spine.
What most people don’t yet know is that chiropractic is only concerned with the spine because it houses and protects the vital and delicate nervous system.
Our nervous system is our master system
We rarely think about our nervous systems yet this incredible system is responsible for our entire experience of the world, how we see and perceive it, and the way we interact with it.
It performs countless processes for us every second of the day, constantly working to produce optimal health, function, and survival as well as feelings of safety, security, and well-being.
Yet how often do we have the health and function of that system assessed?
How often are we checking to see if there may be a problem with it?
What if the nervous system was so stressed that it was causing our bodies to be in a state of constant anxiety, stress, sickness, and disease?
This is a very simple yet profound concept that has been overlooked for centuries.
Fortunately for Whitney, her mother discovered chiropractic through a presentation I was giving on neurodevelopmental disorders.
Her mother was desperate.
Whitney was severely depressed, and suicidal and nothing they tried over the past decade was working.
After begging her daughter to come to an initial evaluation, Whitney reluctantly came in.
After all, what could chiropractic possibly offer her that nothing else had yet?
What happened next changed Whitney’s life forever.
When there is a shift in normal spinal structure impacting the delicate nervous system, it is known as vertebral subluxation.
Her test results clearly showed that her nervous system was in an extreme state of distress and dysfunction and that the likely source was a misalignment of her upper neck known as a vertebral subluxation.
Upon examining her spine I did indeed find a severe subluxation in her neck.
I assessed the position of the vertebra, determined the best method to correct the position and restore balance to her nervous system, and then adjusted her neck.
That moment is one I’m sure she nor I will ever forget.
It was the moment that Whitney’s health and life were restored by removing a major source of interference to her nervous system function.
Her entire life experience had been distorted. Not only was vertebral subluxation distorting the way she was feeling, but it was literally distorting the way she was seeing and experiencing the world.
What we all need to know… and share.
Whitney gave me permission to share her story because of how dramatically it impacted her life and because she believes everyone deserves to know what chiropractic is and how it can potentially help so many.
For Whitney, chiropractic saved and restored her life.
While you are probably thinking of friends or family members who may be suffering from emotional and mental challenges, keep in mind that the nervous system is involved in every function and process of the body. If the nervous system is not functioning properly, it will necessarily lead to decreased health, function, and quality of life.
The information everyone needs to know is simple. It’s contained in these five simple facts.
Brain Changes
Growing research is not only showing how general stress negatively affects the brain, but also specifically how altered spinal alignment and range of motion negatively affect the brain.
In a 2016 paper found in the journal, Neural Plasticity, it was found using fMRI that adjusting vertebral subluxations altered somatosensory processing, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.
Other researchers also using fMRI are finding that vertebral subluxation in the upper neck “can affect or cause neural compromise, and/or some may contribute to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow obstruction as well as arteriovenous compromise.” Of particular importance to note is that correcting the misalignment shows improved venous and cerebrospinal fluid flow.
Many others are out there just waiting for someone to share this with them so they can have the opportunity to find out if nervous system interference is drastically impacting their life and function.
Please consider sharing this on social media and through other channels. You never know how far reaching such a simple act can be.
To find a chiropractor in your area, visit:
If you are in the San Diego area, scroll down below to request an appointment.
Schedule an Appointment
Scheduling an appointment is as easy as filling out the short form below to request a preferred day and time or giving us a call at 619-363-5073.
Once you fill out the form, we will contact you to confirm a date and time, answer any questions and get you set for your initial visit.
We can’t wait to meet you and look forward to you being our next success story!
Autism in the Eyes?
When I first meet a child diagnosed with autism whose parents bring him to me to see how chiropractic care can help, I always look to the eyes first.
Are they darting around the room? Can they focus on people or objects? Do they seem to be constantly scanning the environment trying to make sense of their surroundings?
Invariably, the child has moderate to extreme difficulty focusing. With the constant eye movement also comes circular motions of the head and generalized incoordination of motor function. The child is disconnected from themselves and their environment and does their very best to make sense of their universe. After we have conducted our initial neurological testing and I have checked and adjusted the child, I will tell the parents what to expect. 90% of the time the child will take a long nap or sleep for a prolonged period throughout the night. They will usually be much calmer and more relaxed as well.
I also tell them to pay close attention to their eyes.
The eyes truly are windows to the soul. We begin to see in those distant, unfocused eyes the awakening of that soul. Or, more appropriately termed, the unveiling or immersion of it as the child begins to become more fully integrated into his environment. This post was inspired today by the amazing changes I saw in one such child.
His light was dim and in a week a spark was lit.
His face lacked the normal vibrancy of youth and today I saw it restored.
What was once a slumped, depressed version was now the grinning, shining spirit I always knew was there.
Yes, the eyes tell us much, and mine witnessed something beautiful today.
Click Here For More Information on Autism and Chiropractic
Asthma and Chiropractic
Liz was one of those individuals who decided to give chiropractic a try.
I remember vividly when I first met her. She came up to me after a lecture I was giving. She was obviously very interested in the potential for chiropractic care to transform her life. I’m so glad I was there that day and that she was ready for solutions to her health challenges.
Asthma and Chiropractic
Chiropractic has helped countless others suffering from asthma.
While we still need more and larger studies, clinical experience, and the often dramatic improvement in quality of life and the safety of chiropractic care give every parent and the individual suffering from asthma sufficient reason to see if chiropractic care can transform their lives as well.
While it is tempting to look at chiropractic as a treatment for asthma or any condition for that matter, chiropractic is best viewed as a method of removing stress from the nervous system which in turn leads to improved global function and health. Be sure to read this article on structure and function to fully grasp the significance of what chiropractic actually is and how it can help every member of your family.
To schedule a consultation to see how chiropractic can help you or your child, call (619) 281-1234 or use the form below.
Dr. Tullius practices in San Diego and is available to speak on chiropractic, asthma, and other health-related topics. To find out how chiropractic can help you and your family, call 619-281-1234 to schedule a consultation or use the form above.
Sensory Processing Disorder and Chiropractic
Recently I was asked a great question, “Can chiropractic help children with sensory processing disorder?”
My answer was, “Yes, chiropractic can help children with a sensory processing disorder.”
However, chiropractic should not be viewed as a treatment for that condition or any condition for that matter.
Huh?
Well, quite simply, chiropractic is the science and healing art of addressing neurological stress created by structural shifts in our spinal alignment. These structural shifts are known as vertebral subluxation.
The main function of our spine is to house and protect the delicate nervous system. The function of the nervous system is to successfully adapt and respond to our external and internal environments.
In layman’s terms, its job is to keep us alive and also thriving.
Structure Affects Function
Every scientist, architect, and mechanic understands that structure always affects function. That means that if you alter the structure of a bridge, house, car, plane, or even a body, you will necessarily affect the function of that system.
Here’s an example: What do you think would happen if you placed 300 lbs of boxes, luggage, etc on the top of your car?
Obviously, it would impact the function, and fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Now imagine placing stress directly on the nervous system as messages travel over the spinal cord to your body and from your body to your brain.
Do you now see how that would necessarily affect the function?
This result is based on the cause-and-effect nature of the world we live in. If you had a flat tire, you would correct that wouldn’t you? Of course.
The only reason we are not looking to chiropractic first as a potential solution is that we are not recognizing what chiropractic truly is or what it is for.
As I said earlier, chiropractic is not a treatment for sensory processing disorder.
It is not a treatment for ear infections, epilepsy, autism, or any of the other countless conditions people come to me with either.
However, when we restore the optimal structural balance and neurological function, it follows that these conditions will naturally improve.
Now I am not saying that chiropractic will cure or even remove all of these issues from people’s lives. It may, or may not.
What I am saying is that whatever you do, don’t you think it would be a good idea to check the system responsible for helping us be as healthy as possible to make sure it is not compromised by an imbalance in the structure?
Seems simple enough to me.
This is the reason chiropractic exists and the reason it has helped countless people no matter what label they have been given or what limits have been placed on their future potential.
For more information regarding the science and specifics of how chiropractic helps children with Sensory Processing Disorders, I invite you to watch this video presentation on Autism and the Brain-Body Connection.
Dr. Tullius practices in San Diego and is available to speak on chiropractic, asthma, and other health-related topics. To find out how chiropractic can help you and your family, call 619-281-1234 to schedule a consultation or use the form above.
Vertebral Subluxation: Society’s Most Overlooked Pandemic
It is a pandemic.
It robs individuals of health, function, and well-being, yet the vast majority of the world has never heard the term. Even fewer have the awareness that they or their family members may actually be experiencing it in their lives.
So what is vertebral subluxation and why is it so common?
Vertebral subluxation is a structural misalignment of the spine that by the very nature of our anatomy, necessarily affects the all-important nervous system, and has both local and global effects on our bodies and lives. 1-13
What causes vertebral subluxation?
Vertebral subluxation is caused by physical, chemical, and emotional stressors. The body is designed to handle stress by dissipating that stress throughout the system, using it for its own benefit or if too much of a load, incurring damage to the physical tissues. Much like a bone breaks when the force exceeds the bone’s capacity for that force, the spine subluxates when exposed to excessive acute and/or repetitive stress.
Why is vertebral subluxation so common?
Vertebral subluxation is a natural consequence of the stressors mentioned above. All three types of stress occur throughout life and now in our sedentary, industrialized lifestyles, they occur in epic proportions, and likewise, so do subluxations of the spine. Vertebral subluxation is a natural, degenerative condition. They are a natural consequence when the body is subjected to forces beyond its capacity to adapt to those forces. That capacity to adapt is reduced even more in the presence of vertebral subluxation as the nervous system now becomes compromised, and with it, its ability to adapt to stress.
If vertebral subluxations are so common, why are they so overlooked?
The answer is three-fold.
1. A very small percentage of the nervous system is actually dedicated to your sensory experience. This means that dysfunction of your nervous system occurs frequently without any conscious awareness of it because there is often no “feeling” associated with it.
Pain and other conditions associated with vertebral subluxation, like other degenerative conditions, come much later in the process while the actual dysfunction occurs early on. This point is classically illustrated by heart disease. Often the first awareness comes with a heart attack and sudden death even though the disease process has been ongoing for many, many years.
2. The scientific and healthcare community outside of chiropractic is grossly unaware of how to recognize spinal dysfunction or the local and global effects of that dysfunction. While many are unaware and remain in the dark, others are unaware and spread their ignorance through misdirected and malignant criticism of the thing they are ill-prepared to offer any professional or scientific opinion on.
Much of this criticism still comes on the heels of an organized attempt by the American Medical Association to destroy the chiropractic profession through the use of slanderous propaganda. Those actions ultimately resulted in their being found guilty of Anti-Trust violations by the Supreme Court, but not after serious damage was done to the credibility of the profession. 14
3. Despite a large body of positive chiropractic and associated scientific research, there still remains a lack of large-scale research demonstrating the improved quality of life and positive physiological and psychosocial changes that chiropractors have seen for over one hundred years.
While the countless case studies and smaller studies are sufficient to demonstrate a clear benefit and association, we still need more. At very least, the current body of knowledge coupled with the awareness of the often severe impact on human life and economics warrants significant attention and funding to address this need. However, this is not the case. There are two primary reasons for this.
1. For the most part, chiropractic research has to be internally funded. We rarely receive federal or private funding to advance our research. The bulk of the world’s research dollars are going to fund new pharmaceuticals. The truth is that chiropractic has done very well in cost-related studies when compared to other care options. There is no reason for those currently making money off of our sick care system to invest in a natural, cost-effective solution.15
2. Internal conflict has sapped time, energy, and resources from pursuing and advancing a research agenda centered around vertebral subluxation. There are chiropractors within the field and in academia who put forth that we should adopt different terminology such as “spinal lesion” or “joint dysunction” because they believe it will be more readily accepted by the medical community and insurance companies. The irony is that there is more evidence and scientific support for the vertebral subluxation than there is for those other two concepts.
When should someone see a chiropractor?
Recognizing that vertebral subluxation occurs commonly throughout life, it would follow that if someone values optimal health and function, they should be checked throughout life for the presence of this common form of spinal and neurological dysfunction. This model of health maintenance and prevention is no different than that of the dentistry profession.
It is this author’s opinion that everyone should be checked from birth throughout life for the presence of vertebral subluxation. I have offered this level of care to my own son and have received this type of care for over half of my life. It would be both immoral and unethical for me to recommend anything less to others, or at the very least to educate them on the available options. For some that means getting checked once a month, others every 3 months. Still some choose to get checked once a week.
To those that have still not grasped the significance of the neurological ramifications and detrimental effects vertebral subluxation presents, getting checked in this manner, will seem extreme. However, when one values optimal performance, health, and function and realizes that having an optimum functioning spine and nervous system is a necessary part of that equation, they will soon realize that having your spine checked regularly by a chiropractor, much like seeing a dentist, is a healthy thing to do.
Structure Affects Function
References:
1. Bolton, P. S. (2000). Reflex effects of vertebral subluxations: the peripheral nervous system. An update. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 23(2), 101-103.
2. Seaman, D. R. (1997). JOINT COMPLEX DYSFUNCTION, A NOVEL TERM TO REPLACE SUBLUXATION/SUBLUXATIONCOMPLEX: ETIOLOGICAL AND TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 20(9), 634-644.
3. McLain, R. F. (1994). Mechanoreceptor endings in human cervical facet joints.Spine, 19(5), 495-501.
4. Taylor, H. H., Holt, K., & Murphy, B. (2010). Exploring the neuromodulatory effects of the vertebral subluxation and chiropractic care. Chiropr J Aust, 40, 37-44.
5. Haavik-Taylor, H., & Murphy, B. (2007). Cervical spine manipulation alters sensorimotor integration: a somatosensory evoked potential study. Clinical neurophysiology, 118(2), 391-402.
6. Daligadu, J. (2012). Cortical and cerebellar motor processing changes subsequent to motor training and cervical spine manipulation.
7. Marshall, L. D. (2013). The effect of cervical spine manipulation on elbow joint position sense in patients with acute cervical facet syndrome.
8. Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2012). The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 22(5), 768-776.
9. Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2011). Subclinical neck pain and the effects of cervical manipulation on elbow joint position sense. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 34(2), 88-97.
10. Haavik-Taylor, H., & Murphy, B. (2007). Transient modulation of intracortical inhibition following spinal manipulation. Chiropractic Journal of Australia, 37(3), 106.
11. Taylor, H. H., & Murphy, B. (2010). The effects of spinal manipulation on central integration of dual somatosensory input observed after motor training: a crossover study. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 33(4), 261-272.
12. Taylor, H. H., & Murphy, B. (2010). Altered central integration of dual somatosensory input after cervical spine manipulation. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 33(3), 178-188.
13. Taylor, H. H., & Murphy, B. (2008). Altered sensorimotor integration with cervical spine manipulation. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 31(2), 115-126.
14. Wilk v AMA http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/cases/antitrust/wilk_v_AMA.htm
15. List of studies on cost-effectiveness http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/Cost_Effectiveness.shtml
You See a Chiropractor Because it’s a Healthy Thing to Do
Whenever people hear that I am a chiropractor, they will either do one of two things.
They will usually grab their neck or back and say something like, “Man, I really need to see you,” or, “I’ve never had to see a chiropractor but if I had the need I would definitely try it.”
Both situations are far removed from how society should actually be utilizing chiropractic care.
Like brushing your teeth, seeing a chiropractor for periodic checkups is a healthy thing to do. We don’t eat well for one day and expect to be healthy our whole lives. Similarly, we also don’t exercise a couple times and expect to be physically fit.
The optimal movement of our spine and that impact on our nervous system and global health represents one of the key secrets to experiencing optimal health and function.
In a previous article I went into how important structure is to function. Every scientist, contractor and engineer recognizes that structure necessarily affects function. When our structure (spinal column) becomes misaligned, it causes irritation of the delicate nerve fibers that travel through it. Considering that Dr. Chang Ha Suh, a spinal biomechanics expert from the University of Colorado discovered that just the weight of a dime could alter nerve function up to 60%, chiropractic care becomes part of a healthy lifestyle to promote and maintain good health.
Vertebral subluxations are one of the most common and overlooked forms of altered structure and nerve function. Dr. Suh determined that, “Subluxation is very real. We have documented it to the extent that no one can dispute its existence. Vertebral subluxations change the entire health of the body by causing structural dysfunction of the spine and nerve interference. The weight of a dime on a spinal nerve will reduce nerve transmission by as much as 60%.”
So like brushing our teeth to maintain good health and prevent decay, regular checkups by a chiropractor are essential to maintaining a healthy spine and nervous system.
Considering that only approximately 10% of our nervous system is actually dedicated to how we feel while the rest is dedicated to how we function, don’t you think it would be a good idea for yourself and family to actually understand how well it is working and to remove any stress from it so that you can experience optimal health and function?
We do too.
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So What Is Chiropractic Anyway?
What Is Chiropractic?
Ah…chiropractic.
The profession that few people understand what it actually is.
A profession misunderstood and underutilized at an alarming rate if society actually knew what chiropractic is.
So What Is Chiropractic Anyway?
Chiropractic is the profession concerned with the spine and how altered structure necessarily affects the delicate nervous system that travels through it.
Every scientist, architect, and engineer understands that structure always affects function.
You cannot remove a weight-bearing beam from a building or bridge without negatively affecting its strength and function. The same is true regarding our spines. Our spinal column is designed perfectly to allow for optimum function. It protects the vital nervous system and is curved perfectly to allow the nervous system to travel through the spinal column unimpeded.
Change the structure and you have now altered the course the spinal cord must travel and worse, placed major stress upon it as well.
Chiropractic is based upon simple scientific principles that have dramatic consequences when violated. When misalignment of the vertebral column occurs and causes nervous system stress or dysfunction, the result is suboptimal function which results in suboptimal health and well-being.
This misalignment is known as Vertebral Subluxation.
Chiropractic rediscovered this age-old principle over 100 years ago and has been helping restore health in the sick and help the healthy stay well all those years.
So why does everyone believe chiropractic is about neck and back pain?
Because we’ve told them that.
Chiropractors discovered early in the profession’s history that it was much easier to communicate the value of chiropractic in terms of what people could easily relate to. It made sense to many and still does today that altered alignment of a vertebra would cause spinal pain. It was an easy sell and many still continue to do it today.
Insurance reimbursement for spine-related pain sealed the deal.
However, even though many chiropractors believe we should hang our hats on the billion-dollar low back pain industry, a large percentage teach that chiropractic has a much wider effect on human health and function and have an ethical and moral obligation to ensure that it is never relegated to that minimized position.
How could I, after seeing what I have seen and knowing what I know about health, structure, and function, allow this service to be hidden from the public who desperately deserve the entire benefits it offers?
If you knew chiropractic could help you and your family experience a better quality of life and health, would you pursue it?
It seems like a silly question but in my experience as a chiropractor over the last 10 years, I can tell you that people make choices based upon a wide array of factors that lie outside the realm of pure logic. Even when people understand that chiropractic helps their bodies have less neurological stress which equals a better quality of life, many still don’t make the choice to receive regular care.
It comes down to what they value and oftentimes people don’t truly value their health and lives. A good example of this is a chronic smoker or someone that constantly eats in excess. They obviously understand it is detrimental to their health and longevity, yet continue anyway.
They may stop smoking or limit their intake of food once a serious condition develops but often times pick up where they left off once the condition is “under control.”
Many people utilize chiropractic the same way. They may seek care when a condition has developed after months or years of chronic neurological stress caused by vertebral subluxation to only discontinue care once they are “feeling” better. Using chiropractic in this manner is like eating oranges to address scurvy and then reverting to a diet without any vitamin C once you are “better.”
Maintaining the health, structure, and function of your spine and nervous system is a healthy thing to do. You don’t just do it once or when you have a problem. Like the dentist, you go to the chiropractor on a regular basis to maintain good health and function.
If you’ve never been to a chiropractor, I highly recommend you get checked soon to evaluate the health of your spine and nervous system. If it’s been a while since your last visit or you only utilized chiropractic for an acute condition in the past, reevaluate what it is you want for your health and life and consider adding regular checkups to your list of healthy things to do.
If you would like a referral to a chiropractor who is focused on the correction of nervous system stress caused by vertebral subluxation, send me a message and I will find someone for you or your family member.
Dr. Tullius speaks regularly on chiropractic and other health and well-being topics. If you would like to book Dr. Tullius for a presentation to your organization, call (619) 281-1234 or email us today at info@goodvibrationschiro.com.
So What Is Chiropractic Anyway?
What is Vertebral Subluxation?
Vertebral subluxation is the reason chiropractic exists.
Over 100 years ago it was discovered that misalignment of a vertebra can cause significant nervous system interference, negatively impacting your health, function, and well-being.
While we rarely think about our nervous systems, the reality is that they impact every aspect of our health and lives.
Today chiropractors continue to refine and develop advanced methods of detecting and correcting this common physical manifestation.
While you may be considering or currently seeking care in this office to address some conditions in your life, you need to know that subluxation often causes dysfunction within our bodies that we are not aware of. It is this form of interference with the expression of life and health that is most dangerous because it represents the loss of function, health, well-being, and most importantly, potential, that could have been.
This is why I get checked and check my family on a weekly basis. How often you and your family get checked and how long you benefit from chiropractic is dependent upon how long the nervous system dysfunction has been present and how long you wish for that system to be functioning optimally, free of vertebral subluxation.
This is why many people, once they understand the true benefit and value of chiropractic choose to get checked throughout their lifetimes. In this way, chiropractic care is a healthy habit. Just as brushing your teeth, exercising, and eating in a healthy manner is a good idea for optimal health and function.
Getting checked for the presence of vertebral subluxation is a good idea because it just makes sense. A healthy nervous system is the foundation for a healthy life.
We envision a life free of vertebral subluxation for you and your family. A life of full potential expressed through a nerve system that is functioning optimally for you.
Autism & the Brain-Body Connection
Autism & the Brain-Body Connection
According to the CDC 1 in 50 children will now be diagnosed with autism.
That is up from 1 in 10,000 in 1970s. To say there is a problem is a gross understatement.
It’s time for society to start asking relevant questions. What has changed in this short amount of time to cause such an alarming rise?
This article won’t go into the various causes, but will instead look at one of the most overlooked factors affecting the quality of these children’s lives.
Life is How We Perceive It
I love the quote above because it incorporates two things I love: philosophy and science. No one would argue that our inner experience is a result of the cultural and familial “lens” we see the world through. Our beliefs and experience shape the way we see and interact in the world.
However, many people fail to contemplate how our nervous systems shape our perceptions and ability to respond and adapt to our environments in a healthy manner.
Think of your nervous system as a sponge. It constantly soaks in information through the five sensory organs.
Scientists have estimated that our sensory organs take in over 11 million bits of information every second and some estimates have total brain processing at 11 trillion bits per second!
Much of the sensory information is processed in the part of the brain known as the cerebellum, which is located just above the neck.
The incredible connectivity of the brain, however, is beyond our full comprehension. The image below depicts the amazingly intricate and complex neuronal connections.
With the promise of current and new technology, we are learning more and more about how the brain works. What is clear is that in order to be able to perceive and respond to our environments correctly, we must be able to receive and process information properly.
Some of the most important data traveling to the brain is proprioceptive information. Proprioception is from Latin proprius, meaning “one’s own”, “individual” and perception. It is the process by which tiny nerve endings known as proprioceptors detect and relay information about our body to our brain so that we can properly understand and respond to where our body parts are in relation to other parts and our environment.
If the information received by the proprioceptive system and other neurological components is interfered with in any way as it travels to the brain, then naturally, our ability to respond to that information appropriately will be affected.
This is where a common physical condition known as vertebral subluxation comes into the picture for children within the spectrum and with other disorders as well. A vertebral subluxation is a misaligned vertebra affecting the function of the nervous system as the delicate spinal cord travels through the spinal column. This misalignment alters the information being delivered to the brain, the brain’s response, and ultimately the quality of life of the individual.
The quality of our lives is dependent upon the information we receive and whether or not we are able to respond appropriately. Vertebral subluxation is a major source of interference to the nervous system that goes undetected in the majority of children within the autism spectrum.
Two studies, one featured in the February 2007 issue of Clinical Neurophysiology (1) and the other in March 2010 issue of the Chiropractic Journal of Australia (2), explore the issue of how vertebral subluxation impacts sensory processing and modulation and are worth reviewing.
In another study featured in the March 2006 issue of Clinical Chiropractic, researchers carried out a series of chiropractic adjustments on 26 autistic children over a 9-month period. Improvement was seen in certain reflexes and sensations, spinal motion, and improvement of other health problems.
Many of the children were able to discontinue medications aimed at controlling their behavior; bladder and bowel control improved; some children started to speak; eye contact and attention span improved while hyperactivity and aggressive behavior were reduced. Also, five children were able to attend regular classes at school for the first time.
I am currently conducting research into how vertebral subluxation correction impacts the quality of life of children who have been diagnosed with autism and associated disorders. If you would like to see if your child has a vertebral subluxation and could benefit from care in our office, contact us at (619) 363-5073.
Autism & the Brain-Body Connection
How Chiropractic Care Impacts the Brain and Quality of Life of Children with Autism
This presentation explores one of the most common forms of neurological stress and how restoring normal function can result in quantifiable improvements in language, sociability and behavior in children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
To schedule a consultation, call (619) 363-5073
References:
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53. Collection of Journal Abstracts, studies and personal accounts
How to Care for and Prevent Ear Infections Naturally
How to Care for and Prevent Ear Infections Naturally
Everything is peaceful. You’ve just gone to bed. The little one is fast asleep. Then all of a sudden you hear a piercing cry coming from their room.
If you are like the majority of parents this scenario is all too common or waiting to occur as 75% of children will have at least one ear infection by the age of 3. In fact, ear infections are in the top 10 reasons for admittance to the emergency room in the U.S. with 1.6 million visits in 2006. Chronic recurring ear infections will affect 25% of children and become a huge problem for the child and family.
While the most common method of treating ear infections is the use of antibiotics, various pediatric guidelines recommend a watch and wait strategy as routine antibiotic use has been shown to be ineffective and potentially harmful.
For those parents looking to get to the root of the problem or prevent them in the first place, a trip to the chiropractor is one of the most common and effective methods.
According to Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health, “With everything we know about the dangers of antibiotic abuse and the side effects of drug use in children, chiropractic intervention makes perfect sense in the case of childhood ear and viral infections. In fact, chiropractic is the treatment of choice for dealing with the structural and neurological aspects of ear infections.”
Chiropractors are specifically trained to locate and correct neurological stress known as vertebral subluxation. In the upper neck, delicate nerves supply the muscles that open and close the eustachian tube. When subluxation is present, altered function of these muscles can cause the tubes to not drain properly. Just like a stagnant pool of water that draws mosquitos, fluid trapped in the middle ear is ripe for bacteria and viruses to flourish.
Once the subluxation is corrected with gentle and safe chiropractic adjustments, normal function can return and the body is able to heal naturally.
Countless children and families have been helped with this natural, safe approach to health and well-being. To see if chiropractic can help your child and family, consult with a chiropractor specifically trained to care for children.
Dr. Steve Tullius is a pediatric and family chiropractor located in San Diego. He can be reached at (619) 363-5073.
Ear Infections & Chiropractic
Ear Infections and Chiropractic
What’s the Connection?
People have known for decades that chiropractic helps children and adults with both chronic and acute ear infections. But why?
Most people have the perception that chiropractic is about neck and back pain. While those issues do indeed improve with chiropractic care, the basis of chiropractic is rooted in the connection between proper nervous system function and optimal health and function.
Your nervous system and the nervous system of your children controls and orchestrates every muscle, organ, tissue and cell. Vertebral subluxation, a misalignment of a vertebra causing interference to nervous system function, is a common occurrence caused by physical, chemical and emotional stressors. When subluxation occurs, the nervous system function is affected causing a wide array of possible dysfunctions.
In the case of ear infections, often times vertebral subluxation is present in the upper neck. In infants and toddlers these subluxations often occur as a result of the birth process or the many head injuries that occur in the early years.
Vertebral Subluxation = Nerve Dysfunction
Vertebral subluxation causes interference to normal nerve function. In the upper neck, these delicate nerves supply the muscles that open and close the eustachian tube. When subluxation is present, altered function of these muscles can cause the tubes to not drain properly. Just like a stagnant pool of water that draws mosquitos, fluid trapped in the middle ear is ripe for bacteria and viruses to flourish.
Once the subluxation is corrected with gentle and safe chiropractic adjustments, normal function can return and the body is able to heal naturally.
Social Proof
We’ve helped many families with children suffering with ear infections. One of my most memorable families is one that I met through social media. No matter how you found us, we can help. Call (619) 363-5073 to schedule an appointment or to talk to the doctor.
When Michael was two, he started getting these horrible ear infections, the kind that usually happened after doctor hours and was goopy with intense pain. Every time he went swimming he would have severe pain and infections soon after. The doctor had discovered a hole in the eardrum caused by the countless ear infections he had by the time he was five.
Michael was referred to a hearing doctor and an Ear, Nose & Throat doctor. The ENT performed surgery to repair the hole in his ear but explained that he would also need tubes. By the time he was 5 1/2, Michael had undergone two ear surgeries in hopes to end the battle with infections. A few months later and we were having issues with ear infections again. This time the ENT wanted to reinsert tubes into both ears and remove his adenoids stating this would fix the problem.
I was beside myself thinking of putting my son through all this again. That night I was going through my Facebook and noticed this seminar on chronic ear infections. After connecting with Dr. Tullius and exploring the chiropractic approach, I felt confident. The ENT made me feel like a horrible mother cancelling the surgery and changing my approach to chiropractic but I did it anyway. After a few months of care and a summer with lots of swimming, the ear infections were gone. Michael is now 10 and ear infection free.
Karen Bechtold
Arroyo Grande, CA
Ear Infection Community Workshop
Ear Infection Community Workshops
Ear infections impact almost every family at some point. Everything seems great, you put your little one to bed and then all of a sudden they wake up screaming. Sound a familiar?
Or maybe your child just seems to have one infection after another?
Whatever your family situation may be or if you just want to learn how to prevent ear infections from occurring in the first place, this workshop will empower and educate you on how to create a brighter, healthier future for your child.
Vertebral Subluxation = Nerve Dysfunction
Vertebral subluxation causes interference to normal nerve function. In the upper neck, these delicate nerves supply the muscles that open and close the eustachian tube. When subluxation is present, altered function of these muscles can cause the tubes to not drain properly. Just like a stagnant pool of water that draws mosquitos, fluid trapped in the middle ear is ripe for bacteria and viruses to flourish.
Once the subluxation is corrected with gentle and safe chiropractic adjustments, normal function can return and the body is able to heal naturally.
Social Proof
We’ve helped many families with children suffering with ear infections. One of my most memorable families is one that I met through social media. No matter how you found us, we can help. Call (619) 363-5073 to schedule an appointment or to talk to the doctor.
Next Ear Infection Workshop
None are currently scheduled.
To bring Dr. Tullius to your group
to discuss this topic, call
(619) 281-1234
Topics Covered
• If you are a parent looking for alternatives to giving your child antibiotics, want to avoid tympanostomy (tubes), or are looking for a natural approach to ear infections, this workshop is for you.
• We go into some of the science as to why antibiotics are losing their effectiveness year by year.
• Finally, we cover natural ways to strengthen your child’s immune system and better equip them to fight off ear infections and other childhood ailments.
This workshop is part of our Parenting Series put on by Dr. Tullius and is free for all to attend. If you or someone you know could benefit from this workshop, call 619-281-1234 to reserve your spot as seating is limited.