No Swine Flu Vaccine? - Try Immune Boosting Foods and Other Strategies

You can't turn on the television and not hear about the swine flu. A vaccine may be months away; besides, there are still some who prefer not to be vaccinated.

The idea behind vaccines is to confer immunity to a specific virus. Since this is not an option, why not take steps to improve general immunity. We hear that half of Europe died during the Bubonic Plague in the 14th century. That means that the other half didn't die-better immunity.

We use language like, "I caught a cold," or "I caught the flu". It makes it sound like the virus has moves like LeBron James. It fakes left, spins right and slam dunks into you. But we know that even in a pandemic, not everyone gets sick.

So you want to enhance your immune system as much as possible. First do all the things your mother told you: wash your hands before eating, eat a good diet, and get plenty of rest. Stress really puts a strain on the immune system and can increase your chances of getting sick. Researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Iowa and reported in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine (May, 2001). According to the article, those who reported having a lot of pain and stress were more likely to become sick that those who claimed to have only a little pain and stress. It is reasonable to expect that other stressful procedures may hamper immune function.

Diet is very important. Sugar and refined flour products stress the immune system. Similarly, hydrogenated oils and deep-fried foods should be avoided. Fresh, brightly colored produce will help to boost your immune system. Fresh produce is high in vitamin C. The bright color in plant foods is from carotenes and bioflavonoids. These are powerful antioxidants that will help to protect your cells. The carotenes are precursors to vitamin A.

Also, supplementation often helps with immunity: Vitamin C is antiviral and antioxidant. It protects your cells from chemical stress and from viruses. Vitamin A is a much neglected immune support nutrient. Research shows that chemical exposure, and bacterial and viral exposure reduces vitamin A levels (get professional help before taking vitamin A, because too much of it can be toxic). Arabinogalactan can be purchased as a powder. They exist in high amounts in herbs that boost the immune system like: Echinacea purpurea, Baptisia tinctoria, Thuja occidentalis, Angelica acutiloba and Curcuma longa. In short, it is found in herbs that boost the immune system.

The idea is to improve your body's infrastructure. Fortify your immune system and the chances of getting sick decrease.

Chiropractic Massage - A Natural and Relaxing Treatment

Many people would rather not turn to drugs to treat certain aches and physical maladies. Chiropractic massage offers an alternative method of healing that can help improve your overall well being without relying solely on medication. There are many benefits to chiropractic massage treatments, which can address a variety of problems that occur throughout the body.

The most common issue that people address using chiropractic massage is chronic back pain. Many people experience this from overstressing or pulling the muscles, heredity, injury or just having weak muscle tone. By realigning the spine and encouraging blood flow through various massage techniques, skilled chiropractors may be able to diminish or even completely eliminate persistent back pain problems.

Most people will require several sessions over a period of time to achieve maximum results, and it is common to occasionally have flare-ups even with successful treatment. Chiropractic massage can address many areas of the back including the shoulders.

Chronic headaches or migraines can also be addressed through therapeutic massage sessions. Although a headache can occur for any number of reasons including sinus problems and illness, chronic headaches may be attributed to muscle and nerve problems in the neck region.

Massage and adjustment techniques can help loosen tension and revive weak muscles. Continued therapy may help greatly reduce the severity and amount of headaches over time.

Arthritis is another condition that can be effectively treated and soothed through chiropractic massage. Arthritis attacks the joints of the body and is most common in the elderly. It can be a very painful condition that makes performing simple tasks quite difficult.

Many doctors recommend expensive and painful surgeries or a regular regime of drugs to help with the problem. Before resorting to such extreme measures, a chiropractor may be able to help you naturally relieve your pain. Massage can help readjust joints to the proper positioning to lessen pain and increase mobility.

Most people don't think of their posture as a problem, but it can actually be quite damaging. Poor posture can lead to physical pain, sleeping difficulties, injury, misalignment of the spine, and even scoliosis. Chiropractors can help relieve the pain caused by bad posture as well as get you standing up straighter. The doctor can help examine and diagnose the problem, as well as suggest ways to improve your posture.

Chiropractors can aid in the recovery from many other problems including sports injuries, whiplash, sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and pregnancy related pains. There are many natural methods that don't require expensive and traumatic surgeries, drugs, or other invasive and potentially damaging procedures.

Many people have had great, long-lasting success through therapeutic massage and realignment. Some insurance companies may even cover some or all treatment expenses.

Chiropractors can also make recommendations on proper exercise, such as stretching and strengthening methods, which can help you improve muscle tone and alignment to prevent future damage.

Riding a Bicycle is Cheaper Than Visiting a Chiropractor

Yes, it is true that if you ride a bicycle regularly, you will not have to visit a chiropractor for erasing your sciatic pain. I can vouch for this, because I have suffered postural scoliosis in my spine since I was a teenager, caused from one leg being longer than the other by 3 cms, or one inch.

This is common ailment in tall women and when I was a teenager after a gym accident at school. I was only warned not to lift anything heavy. However, once I started working as an Occupational Therapist, lifting patients in hospital (before the advent of hoists for lifting patients!); I knew this was going to be a problem to me ie. the sciatic pain (radiating down one leg). I tried swimming for trying to get rid of the pain, but I also had to learn not to lift anything heavy to avoid causing the problem. So I took to rolling backpacks instead of carrying anything.

Gradually cycling became more of a focus in my life, when I found that I was unable to jog, because the imbalanced stress in my hip joints irritated the sciatic nerve and caused me further pain. Now as a middle aged woman and living in Vancouver, I have found that there is little need for a car, with such good public transport and the weather is more conducive than the UK for cycling, except the rain!

However, I truly never realized just what a difference the cycling would make to my life, until the terrible winter 2 years ago in Vancouver. We had so much snow and no snow ploughs to clear it! As a result, I had to walk everywhere, or take the bus. I chose to walk and unfortunately slipped in the snow that aggravated the sciatic pain.

The one day, I woke up and could not get out of bed, because the pain was so bad. After eventually crawling around, I phoned a spinal chiropractor and went to see him. I gave him the history of my scoliosis. Then after taking X-rays, he told me that I had no scoliosis in my spine!

The chiropractor told me that he could see the imbalance in my pelvic bones from the leg length discrepancy, but he was amazed to see that my spine was quite straight. His quote was "Whatever you are doing, keep it up; because it is doing wonders for your back". I can only tell you that it is the cycling that has erased the scoliosis; because I have constantly got use to sitting like I was sitting on my bicycle, which is sitting on my pelvis.

This position of sitting like on a bicycle has been instilled into my way of life, when I am sitting at home typing on the computer. I have removed the back off my chair, because I never had any need for it. I sit all day on my pelvic bones, but I don't keep my back still.

I will tell you in my next article, just how I keep moving around in prolonged sitting and I never have back problems any more. When you know you have a problem in your skeletal joints, you can't just ignore it. You need to face it head on and determine how you are going to "nurture' or therapeutically "treat" it, while improving your own quality of life.

As a qualified Occupational Therapist, I have had to face the physical challenges that have included not only postural scoliosis, but viral encephalitis. This was severe and has prevented me from returning to work as an Occupational Therapist, due to memory and processing difficulties; as well as osteoarthritis in both hands that have limited my functional ability to use my hands.

We can be survivors and overcome the odds, or we can sink to the bottom and struggle to survive!
The choice is yours!

Chiropractic and Baby Sugar Blues

A small number of babies suffer from intolerance to lactose, sometimes referred
to as "milk sugar". Your child's body possesses an enzyme called lactase which
is normally found in the small intestine. The function of this enzyme is to attach itself to the sugar (lactose) and break it down for use by the body.

A very small number of children are born without an adequate amount of lactase to cope with the amount of sugar a child takes in.This is a very rare condition and is referred to as congenital lactose deficiency. The more common reason why a child may have a deficiency of the enzyme lactase is because they have experienced a viral infection in the gut (gastro-enteritis) and the viral particles have damaged the sites in the gut wall that store the enzyme.

This is referred to as acquired lactose intolerance and these children experience the same symptoms as those who were born with a congenital deficiency. These children will not necessarily be intolerant to lactose all their life.

Symptoms of lactase deficiency in infants include;

o A bloated stomach.

o Abdominal pain or cramps.

o Gas.

o Explosive watery diarrhoea that has a sweet smell to it.

While one can obtain artificial formulas that are entirely lactose free (soy formulas for example or D-Lac, a denatured cows' milk formula in which the lactose has been taken out), breast milk remains rich in lactose.

Medications

Medications for lactose intolerance (such as Lactaid) have not been shown to be helpful and should not be given to babies. Soy-based or hypoallergenic formulas that are lactose-free are usually given to replace regular formulas.

Chiropractic - A Safe Alternative

While fussy irritable babies generally respond very well to gentle, safe chiropractic care, those babies who have lactose intolerance problems require special attention from your chiropractor who is well aware of these problems.

When you first visit your chiropractor with your baby a very careful clinical history will be taken from you and the detail you give at this time will pretty much tell your chiropractor there is an intolerance problem.

A physical examination will usually confirm this. Once it has been determined that your child is not reacting well to lactose, your chiropractor will, in addition to giving chiropractic treatment, advise you on how best to feed your baby to minimize contact with the sugars that are causing the problems.

In bottle fed babies this advice will usually be along the lines of changing formula to a lactose free variety. In breastfed babies however, one cannot avoid the contact with lactose as it is so abundant in mothers' milk. Years of clinical research has shown that despite the reaction to the lactose, unless the baby's symptoms are intolerable it is best to continue breastfeeding.

Your chiropractor will closely monitor your baby's weight to make sure appropriate gains are being made. On occasion it will be necessary to have your baby seen by a medical practitioner so appropriate tests can be performed. Your chiropractor is trained to recognize the signs and symptoms which would necessitate such a referral and will not hesitate to work closely with your doctor to get the best outcome for your baby.

Gentle, Sale & Effective Health Care

When my daughter was just a few weeks old, she was very colicky, suffering from stomach pains and
gas. She would scream and scream for hours on end, and all the books and information that I read at the
time said that there was not much to be done except to cuddle her and wait for it to pass.

I gave her a chiropractic exam and. I was so glad I did! A small and gentle adjustment helped expel all the trapped wind and I had a happy baby again! Sometimes when a baby has common symptoms such as the tummy pains and gas of lactose intolerance, it is easy to think they are normal, and will just go away.

But how much better to get them checked out, especially if there is a simple solution to take away baby's
pain and give you back your peace of mind. Is your baby fussy and irritable? Are you having difficulty getting your baby to feed and sleep well? Why not see your chiropractor today and give your baby the benefits of gentle safe and effective health care the chiropractic way - naturally?

Can a Chiropractor Fix a Bulging Disc?

Many people are intimidated by chiropractors because they don't really know very well what chiropractic specialists do and if they can actually fix their bulging disc. Chiropractic care was basically invented to help you eliminate or diminish back pain. But will a chiropractic specialist be able to really fix a bulging disc?

The short answer is yes, a chiropractor can help fix a bulging disc, if additional treatments are employed. The big bonus that chiropractors come with is that they completely focus on your back only. A chiropractor understands nearly anything there is to comprehend concerning the back discs, the spinal cord, the nervous system structure as well as the biochemical processes going on in the back. That is actually the key motivation why many people consider chiropractic specialists not alone to obtain assistance but also for a diagnosis.

Another important detail would be that chiropractors don't use any kind of medications plus they never perform any surgical procedures. They will aim to solve the condition in non invasive approaches and whenever they may discover that the ways that they employed didn't work, a good chiropractor is going to send you to someone else who they think are more suitable to fix your back problems.

Most people are introduced to chiropractors because they have been involved in some kind of injury, generally a vehicle accident. More often than not a car accident that has hurt the back may bring about a painful bulging disc, and soreness in the muscles and joints that are connected to the spinal column. A chiropractor in many cases can take care of it through focusing on the right places around the spinal column. An excellent chiropractor will also continue working on your back for an extended period of time and maintain the alignment of the vertebrae so that you can keep your life quality.

Despite the fact that chiropractic specialists are completely accepted as health specialists by all health care institutes and physicians it is still part of what has become known as alternative treatment and usually employed in cases where the standard medication couldn't help. You will find that numerous medical practitioners might send you to the chiropractor after they detect the condition you have and realize that the standard medications will fail to benefit. Oftentimes the hospital will have its very own chiropractor staff members who can provide you with help even at the clinic itself.

Chiropractic treatment can help fix bulging discs, but it should always be utilized in addition to further effective treatment options for disc dysfunctions. Seeing that each back condition is different, this mix of therapies has to be fitted to the specific disorder of the affected individual. Alternative therapy possibilities like acupuncture, massage therapy, and physical exercise are extremely good solutions to make use of in combination with chiropractic care.

Effective Chiropractic Care For a Slipped Disc

We put our bodies - and specifically, our spines - through an enormous amount of stress during a typical day. When we're young, this stress rarely produces discomfort in our lower backs and legs. When we reach middle age, however, the aches and pain become obvious. Most people dismiss such pain as a normal part of "getting old." In reality, it is often due to a herniated disc, a condition that can be remedied with professional chiropractic care.

To understand the goal of chiropractic in treating a herniated - or "slipped" - disc, it's important to understand how it causes lower back and leg pain. This article will present a brief explanation of a slipped disc, and describe how chiropractors diagnose the problem. We'll then take a look at how the condition is treated.

A Herniated Disc Explained

Your spine is partly comprised of vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra lies a small, cartilage-based disc that functions as a shock absorber whenever you move. For example, suppose you jump from a chair and hit the ground. Without the discs between them, the vertebrae would impact each other, causing significant pain.

The discs also support spinal flexibility. On its own, your spine would be unable to provide sufficient elasticity for you to curl up into a ball and roll along the ground. In fact, your spinal range of motion would be severely hampered without the discs in place.

In the middle of each disc sits a jelly-like material called nucleus pulposus. When people mention a "slipped" disc, they're usually referring to a bulging of the disc, or a rupture that allows the nucleus pulposus to leak. Both are typically caused by a collection of factors, including lack of hydration, poor posture over a prolonged period, and lifting heavy items.

Even though it may seem as if a single event (e.g. swinging a bat) causes a disc to slip, this is rarely the case. Instead, the disc has usually been placed under prolonged stress, and a final event triggered the pain.

Diagnosing The Cause Of The Pain

A chiropractor will take your history, test your reflexes, and look for signs of muscle atrophy. He or she will also examine areas influenced by the nerves impacted by the herniated disc. The purpose of doing so is to determine whether these areas suffer any degree of numbness.

Your posture will also be analyzed to help the chiropractor identify areas of your spine that may be suffering from a ruptured or bulging disc. Lastly, x-rays are taken for further examination of your vertebrae.

Are Slipped Discs "Popped" Back In Place?

A common fallacy about chiropractic is that treatment for a slipped disc involves popping the disc back into place using methods that employ aggressive force. This is inaccurate. In most cases, chiropractic care involves gentle manipulation with low-force methods. In the event such techniques are unable to remedy the condition, your chiropractor will likely refer you to a specialist, or a medical doctor for emergency care.

How Chiropractors Treat A Herniated Disc

The two most widely-used forms of chiropractic treatment are flexion-distraction and pelvic blocking. The former approach uses a special table that is designed to gently stretch your spine. Your chiropractor will use a variety of techniques to separate the affected disc from the nearby nerve. This lessens inflammation, and usually reduces the level of pain felt in the lower back and legs.

Pelvic blocking relies upon gravity and gentle maneuvering techniques to separate the herniated disc from the nerve. These techniques avoid the use of force. Cushions are placed underneath your pelvis so your body is positioned appropriately.

Lower back pain can be debilitating. While the underlying condition may occasionally call for emergency medical treatment, most cases can be successfully remedied through chiropractic.

How Chiropractic Can Help Your Neck Curve

Did you know that your head weighs about as much as a bowling ball?

That's a lot of weight to be carrying around on what is in fact a pretty thin neck.

Imagine it this way: if you put a bowling ball directly on top of a pole, it would put its weight directly down, and it would be easy to hold up.

But if you pushed the bowling ball a little forward or backwards, the weight starts to drag the pole downwards, and it's pretty hard for you to hold!

The same applies to your spine. You get an injury to your back, neck or hips, and then they start to compensate for the injury. Your head starts to tilt forwards. This puts strain on your neck muscles, on your shoulders and back.

Eventually you're standing like that the whole time, with most of your body slightly twisted to take the weight.

Every part in your body is to some degree connected to every other part. When one of them gets put out of its correct shape or position, then there is a chain reaction.

So whilst you think that your neck has little connection to your back and hips, and even to your organs - think again. When your neck starts to move out of shape, your whole body will start to twist along with it.

You will probably have this condition to some degree without even realising it. Pretty much everyone has.

The thing is, what can you do about it?

One of the most effective things you could do would be to see your local chiropractor. Chiropractors are highly skilled at returning your neck to its optimum curve, and getting your body to align properly with that.

Now you may have a view of chiropractors as "neck crackers" and "crunchers," but not all chiropractors use such techniques! There is a whole branch of chiropractic which uses gentle, non-force techniques to help the body to realign itself.

In short, we help your body to retrain itself.

The other thing you can do is an exercise.

This is a simple procedure, requiring only a few minutes every day. But whilst it is simple, don't be deceived! It is powerfully effective.

Lie down flat on your back and take a rolled-up towel. Place it behind your neck. You could also place another below your lower back if you wish. Try it out and see how each feels.

You may be surprised to see how much change you get out of such a simple exercise. Your neck will start to return to its natural curve, and your back will straighten as well.

Keep it up! It will greatly increase your health and wellbeing.

The Role of Chiropractic in the Treatment of Sports Injuries

When it comes to treating sports injuries, chiropractic treatment can and should be a valuable part of the plan. Injuries are a part of sports, regardless of whether one is a professional athlete or a weekend warrior. Chiropractic can help get an injured athlete back on his or her feet again, ready for the next game. Many chiropractors are now choosing to specialize in this field of chiropractic and are accredited as sports chiropractors.

Although they are called sports injuries, it does not always require a strenuous game of touch football to cause one. Simply twisting wrong while unloading the dishwasher or lifting a box at work can cause an overuse syndrome to occur, and one usually does not think about stretching or warming up prior to doing household chores.

Although the usual advice given for this kind of injury is to ice and rest the area, this can take a long time for a noticeable effect to be felt. Along with physiotherapy to help with any soft tissue injuries, chiropractic adjustment realigns the spine and helps return the vertebrae to their normal range of motion, allowing the injured person to return to daily activity quicker. Many chiropractors also offer massage as part of their treatment protocol, a soothing option which also helps relieve stress. Chiropractic treatment can also help a patient avoid long-term treatment with pain killers, which can be hard on the liver and kidneys and, in some cases, quite addictive.

Professional athletes such as Lance Armstrong, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Evander Holyfield, Emmitt Smith and Joe Montana all tout the benefits of chiropractic treatment as part of their routine to help them be the very best athlete they can be. Professional and college sport teams have started having a chiropractor on hand, along with the team doctor, as part of the sports medicine team to treat injured players and prevent injury.

Part of chiropractic treatment is to teach the patient ways to prevent future injury, including stretches and other exercises, and how to safely perform them. With this knowledge, the patient can safely warm up and prepare for the next workout, knowing that they are doing everything they can to exercise in the safest possible manner. Chiropractic health care is based upon the premise that when the spine is healthy, the whole body can be healthy and can function at its very highest level. It's easy to see why athletes everywhere are turning to chiropractic treatment.

Choosing a Marathon Training Program

When one chooses a marathon training program there are many options available for the individual. Unfortunately, most people pick a program based on what their friend or spouse might of chosen and worked for them. This could work out great or it might not work out at all for you. Essentially in order to run long distance you have to do some long distance running. Marathon programs are designed to prepare your mind and body to handle the physical and mental stress associated with long distance running. Many programs are designed for the beginner, intermediate or advanced runner. There are programs that have you running 6-7 days a week and some that have you running as little as 3 days per week. Some contain speed work and hill work outs, while others have you focus on running more than total marathon distance. Which is right for you depends on a number of factors.

In order to pick the program that is right for you I feel it is important to address 2 questions. The first is what are my goals. If your goal is just to finish you do not necessarily need a program that focuses on speed work and getting faster. If this is your second or third marathon or more and you are shooting for a specific time goal than picking a program that will help to improve your weakness is essential. In addition, for the runner concerned about time a program that will train you for the course profile you are going to run is essential. You do not need a lot of hill workouts for the Chicago Marathon, but showing up at Boston with no hill workouts under you belt would be a huge mistake.

The second question involves some honest self assessment. What type of shape am I currently in and how much time do I want to devote to training. If you do not honestly answer these questions you might end up with the wrong program and potentially injuring yourself or at minimum being unable to complete the training. Do not choose a program that has you running 6 days a week if you can't figure out how to work out more than 3 days a week. This will only add to the physical stress of training and decrease performance and increase risk of injury. If you don't currently have any past experience with running for a period of 3 or more months and an average of 10 miles a week or more I do not recommend you start right in with a marathon training program. Furthermore, if you have experience but are not currently running it probably isn't realistic to start a program with a lot of high intensity speed work or hills and expect to run a fast time. Again, the risk of injury is just too high. For those that want to go fast and have never used a lot of speed work or track workouts, this might be the answer. The more honest you can be with yourself and your past experiences, the greater the likelihood that you will choose the appropriate program, make the appropriate modifications and satisfy your goals.

If you like to run but you also like to bike and or swim it is ideal to choose a program that employs some of these activities on cross training days. Cross training allows you to exercise your heart but use your muscles in a different way than running does. This helps reduce physical injury and mental burnout.

Once you choose a program, be willing to get help with modifying should you become injured or physically are unable to complete the prescribed workout. However, you need to consult an expert in health and running and or someone who is an expert in that running program. A sports chiropractor, PT or Physician with distance running experience can be a great resource to help you modify your program for your specific needs and lifestyle. A paid running coach also is a great resource. In addition, often group leaders of these programs have sufficient experience to at least guide you to the right person.

In the end, completing a marathon and the associated goals you set starts with choosing the correct training program and or being able to get help with modifying your existing program to fit your personal and health needs. Good luck in your training and feel free to blog me with questions about this article or your training.

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Pediatric Chiropractic Care Is Beneficial to a Child's Development

More and more parents are looking to chiropractic care as a complementary part of their children's health-care needs. The American Chiropractic Association reports survey findings showing an increase of at least 8.5 percent of chiropractic patients under the age of 17. A study by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention also stated that almost 3 percent of children in the United States receive treatment with chiropractic osteopathic manipulation.

As such, chiropractic is the most prevailing type of alternative medicine employed by children. Experts concur that chiropractic care can be useful for children who suffer from spine-related ailments. Like adults, children benefit from spinal manipulation and adjustments, as well as other kinds of care that fall under the purview of chiropractic.

However, chiropractic care should work as a complementary treatment to regular pediatric care. Chiropractic care works alongside a pediatrician's treatment, but it does not replace the role of a regular doctor. The pediatrician may prescribe medications for certain necessary conditions, and treat the patient for more serious illnesses and injuries. A pediatric chiropractor, on the other hand, is instrumental in providing preventative, supportive wellness care, as well as alternative treatment in some cases.

Some studies indicate that chiropractic care may help children with various common ailments, ranging from colic and bedwetting, to asthma and ear infections. This is in addition to back and neck pain treatment. Studies have been conducted in order to determine the value and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic care. These studies, which showed mostly positive results, concentrated on conditions other than musculoskeletal and included issues such as tonsillitis, enuresis, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, asthma and colic.

In the case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chiropractors are showing results with an alternative approach to treatment that focuses on nutrition, lifestyle, and postural muscle adjustments as opposed to the regular route of medication. This is no small gain considering how prevalent prescriptions for Ritalin, a commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, have become. Americans consume 90 percent of all prescriptions for Ritalin in the world - a fact that makes many parents weary of the traditional medical approach.

The widespread labeling and use of medication to address ADHD has become controversial, with many vague, but "undesirable" symptoms falling under the umbrella of ADHD. Some skeptics have also pointed to the link between the number of disabled children in a school and the amounts of funding a school gets.

In the case of ADHD, a chiropractic doctor begins by seeing the child as a whole, and seeks to consult with the child and the parents, asking questions such as, "Is the child bored or undertaking too many activities? Does the child have dyslexia, or a different learning pattern? Is he/she experiencing problems at home or with a teacher's style?"

This is a startling different approach to the standard, questionnaire-based evaluation for ADHD. Another criticism for the traditional treatment for ADHD is that drugs don't cure ADHD, and that most children who are diagnosed with it still experience ADHD symptoms in later years.

Chiropractic and chiropractic neurologists provide a non-invasive, holistic treatment approach that focuses on the underlying issue a child may be experiencing, not just the surface symptoms. Chiropractic neurologists identify the malfunctioning part of the brain, and seek treatment methods to address and correct the problem. A brain function exam is used, as well as tests focused on evaluating visual and auditory reflexes.

Once the underlying problem is singled out, patients are put on a treatment program that can often be done at home. Some patients might be asked to wear special glasses, smell a certain scent, or be put into timing therapies that help with planning, organizing, and coordination. It all depends on the individual child's needs. But the most striking element of chiropractic treatment is that it seeks to address brain activity itself, paving the way for long term results. Nutritional changes are also recommended in order to prevent biochemical imbalances that lead ADHD.

As for chiropractic spinal manipulation, the treatment itself is sophisticated and individually tailored; the treatment for children is also extremely gentle. Doctors of chiropractic employ an active, drug-free method of health care, which includes patient examination, diagnosis, and subsequent treatment. Most parents claim their children receive the benefits of improved health by regularly visiting a chiropractor, and their children enjoy their chiropractic visits and adjustments.

Should Chiropractors Treat Auto Injuries?

If you've ever been in an auto accident in Minnesota...

If you've ever been in an auto accident in Minnesota you've experienced the deluge of solicitations from MN chiropractors and attorneys who are dieing to help you (and get your business).  It is a real turn off for most people and doesn't reflect well on either of these two professions. 

As of August 1, 2008 Minnesota statute prohibits a chiropractor (or any one else) from directly contacting someone who has been in an auto accident.  (See Minnesota Statute 609.612 Employment of Runners).

The law does not prohibit mailings, but does prohibit telephoning or emailing.   In Minnesota many chiropractors are solicited by marketing services that go down to the Department of Motor Vehicles and gather information on who has been in an auto accident recently from the accident reports (which are public domain).  For a monthly fee the marketing service will gather the names of whomever has been in an auto accident in your ZIP code area and send them a letter on your behalf. 

Aside from the relatively few MN chiropractors who engage in such marketing ploys, the real question is "Is it worth it for you to consider seeing a MN chiropractor if you've been in an auto accident?"

Should you see a MN chiropractor if you've been injured in an auto accident? 

Many MN chiropractors treat patients who have suffered injuries in auto accidents.  That it is reasonable for chiropractors to treat such injuries has been supported by research into the benefits of chiropractic for such injuries.  All sorts of injuries arise in auto accidents.  When you think of a serious accident what comes to mind is the most devastating types of injuries.  Broken bones, lacerations, concussions, head trauma and so forth are all common in the most severe auto injuries. 

Fortunately, severe auto accidents and the severe injuries that arise as a result are not common.  Not common that is, as a percentage of the total number of auto accidents that occur each day in Minnesota.

Most auto accidents are the fender-bender variety. 

You're driving along when suddenly the car ahead of you comes to a sudden stop.  You hit the brakes, but don't stop in time and wham, you hit their rear end.  When you come to your senses, you feel jarred and a bit shaken up, but are able to get out of the car and apologize.   You exchange information and get back into your car.  Later in the day you notice that your neck and upper back are feeling stiff.  That night your neck starts to ache and you begin to get a headache.  You think to your self "Well, it's just the stress of the accident-it'll be better in the morning".

Next morning you wake up with neck and upper back pain that is worse than the day before.  You take a couple pain killers which relieve it, but later in the day it's back again.

You are experiencing a whiplash injury.

Your whiplash is not an Emergency Room matter.  There is nothing to sew up, no stitches to be had.  But you are injured.  When you hit the car ahead, or in the case of being hit from behind, your head and neck are thrown about.  The event lasts only a fraction of a second.  Researchers measure it at about 0.30 seconds.  It happens so fast that you don't really remember it.  And so, not remembering what happened it doesn't seem that you were injured-you think that you have no reason to believe that you were injured.

Except that your neck and upper back are now aching and stiff, and you're getting these headaches.

What happens in a whiplash injury?

In low end collisions the head and neck of the car occupant are whipped back and forth.  Remember that your body (if you're wearing seatbelts) is strapped in.  Only your head and neck are moveable.   The jarring of the collision slams into your body which is strapped into the seat.  But your head moves, stretching and also compressing the structures in your neck.  It's not enough force to break a bone-to fracture one of the vertebrae in your neck.  But it is often enough force to tear the soft tissues.

These injuries are called "whiplash" injuries because of the whipping action of your head and neck on top of your shoulders.  Your torso becomes the handle of the whip while your head is the tip of the whip.  Your neck-the whip, is what gets whipped around and stretched.

Soft Tissue Injuries and Whiplash

Tearing of the soft tissues of the neck in a whiplash injury is what is called a sprain and strain.  A strain refers to tearing injury of muscles.  A sprain refers to a tearing injury of tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, intervertebral discs, etc.  Whiplash injuries can also tear and bruise nerves and other soft tissues in the neck.

Whiplash Injury: Neck Pain, Headaches and More...

When the soft tissues in the neck are torn in the faster-than-you-can-remember motion of whiplash, they become inflamed.  Once inflamed they stimulate pain nerve endings and you start to hurt.   The most common symptoms of whiplash injury are neck pain and stiffness, headaches, upper back pain, and upper extremity complaints like radiating pain, numbness and tingling. 

A non-whiplash injury, a neck strain from sitting in front of the computer too long, sleeping on your neck wrong, or running into a door are quite different from whiplash injuries.  A non-whiplash, simple sprain strain resolves itself quickly unless there are complicating issues.  Complicating issues might be pre-existing osteoarthritis of the neck.  With underlying arthritis a simple sprain strain might take a while to heal.  But generally speaking simple sprains and strains get better in weeks to a couple months.

Whiplash injuries to the neck and back are different.  These injuries are more serious, with more damage to more soft tissues.  It is not uncommon for pain from these injuries to linger for years.  Researchers have found that the soft tissues continue to remodel themselves (undergo self-repair) for 2-5 years after an injury.

What's the best treatment for whiplash injury?

A whiplash doesn't require a trip to the Emergency Room, but it does require treatment.  That is, if you want the best outcome-no chronic pain after the injury.  And what is the best treatment for whiplash injury?  A study published in the medical journal, the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine researched the issue.  93 patients who suffered whiplash injury and were treated by chiropractors were evaluated.  69 of them reported and showed improvement following chiropractic care.

The authors of the study went on to say that "conventional [medical] treatment of patients with whiplash symptoms is disappointing."

Chiropractic treatment options.

Chiropractors use a variety of treatment modalities to promote healing of whiplash injuries.  Some of the most common treatments used by chiropractors are chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapies (electrical muscle stimulation, hot packs, cold packs, traction).   Some MN chiropractors also utilize acupuncture, cold lasers and nutritional supplements (natural anti-inflammatory herbs) to promote healing naturally without drugs.

The Chiropractic Solution to Ear Infections

Childhood ear infections (Otitis Media) can be very frightening to parents mostly because they often appear suddenly, usually at night, with little warning.

The most common treatments used for ear infections are antibiotics, decongestants, anti-pyretics (fever medication), and tympanostomy (tubes in the ears). As a parent, you may be surprised to learn that the benefits of all of these treatments are highly questionable.

For example, The Lancet, a major medical research journal found that recovery time was about the same for children whether medical intervention happened or nothing was done at all. Another study from the Archives of Otolaryngology, showed that 88 percent of children with Otitis Media never needed antibiotics and they did not shorten the lifespan of the disease. As a matter of fact, a very recent issue of Newsweek Magazine reported that antibiotics are not nearly as effective as the body's own immune system!

Millions of ear tube surgeries are performed in Canada and the U.S. each year and yet controlled clinical studies have determined that there is little to no benefit gained from the placement of these tubes. In addition, they often created more complications such as scar formation on the ear drum leading to hearing loss.

As a Chiropractor with a special interest in pediatrics, I see ear infections all the time. Often, the cause can be found in a misalignment of the top two vertebrae in the spine (also called a vertebral subluxation). This misalignment is commonly caused by the birth process itself! The extra pulling and twisting on the baby's head during delivery can be very traumatic on the upper spine. The stress of the average, uncomplicated delivery can cause a misalignment of the delicate segments of a baby's spine and deep muscle spasm, thereby affecting the way fluid drains from the ear canal. This fluid pools in the canal and stagnates over time and produces ear and other infections.

Many healthcare providers also agree with this concept: In their landmark study, medical researchers Drs. Gutman and Biedermann examined hundreds of newborn infants and concluded that... "an unhealthy spine at birth causes... lowered resistance to infection, especially ear, nose, and throat infection."

Chiropractors have been helping children with ear infections and other conditions for over a hundred years, with exceptional results. If your child is still suffering, maybe its time you tried a more natural approach? Maybe it's time to try chiropractic?

How Chiropractic Care Works With Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall has been the major cause of injury-inflicting and injury-leading accidents. It is the generic term for an injury that takes place when a person slips, trips or falls as a result of an unsafe circumstance. Slips occur when there is very less friction between your feet or footwear and the surface on which you are walking while falls are associated with the foot collision or off balance either from the elevated height or from the same surface. Many people do not fully grasp the severity of these accidents especially at an older age. Even as a young adult, the outcomes can be more damaging than initially expected.

Slip and fall accidents may occur anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Common causes of these accidents are typically preventable. Indoors, they can be a result of wet and slippery or slippery-textured floors, sudden dip or rise on the floor level, rippled or torn carpets, cracks or holes on the floor, stairs with uneven surfaces, dirt or trash on them or have broken handrails, exposed cable wires and low lighting. Outdoors, they can be a result of cracks on the pathway, sudden dips or rises in ground surface, potholes, ice, and clutter or slippery spills on your way. Other causes include illnesses and physical conditions such as eye conditions and vision problems, dizziness, motor function, bone health, experiencing the side effects of medication, and alcohol intoxication.

Bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and the nervous system may suffer trauma from slip and fall accidents. Furthermore, this trauma can cause vertebral misalignment, or subluxation, which interferes with the signals in the nervous system and may also cause pinched nerves, neck pain, back pain, and even permanent disability. Our spine has 24 segments and each of these connections has several joints. When a joint is injured due to a slip or fall, the joint can swell, have muscle injury or ligament injury that may result to localized pain, muscle spasms, and pain to other parts of the body. The injuries can greatly affect a person's mood, job performance, and ability to maintain the quality of life.

Anyone who have suffered from slip and fall injuries should consider seeing a chiropractor for a treatment. Chiropractic is a safe and natural way to manage pain and provide relief to people who have suffered an injury. Its treatment is suitable for injuries such as spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, and other types of musculokeletal injuries. Chiropractic care has gained wide acceptance in the society. Its non-invasive and drug-free approach is based on the scientific principle where interference with the body's muscular, nervous and skeletal system and restrained spinal movement leads to pain and restricted function and performance.

A chiropractor works by adjusting the spine to correct misalignments and eliminate the interference within the nervous system caused by the injuries. When the interference is eliminated, the body can be able to heal itself because the body's signals are free to help begin the healing process. Chiropractic care can help prevent patients from having surgery later in life if treated in time. A chiropractor can do much to help you get well and get back on your feet.

Chiropractor Adjustment Side Effects

Though not all patients experience them, the side effects of chiropractic adjustments include soreness, a feeling of tiredness, and headaches. These side effects may present themselves within an hour of undergoing treatment, and they may last for as long as 24 hours after the chiropractic adjustment. It is normal for patients to experience some side effects after a chiropractic adjustment and such reactions are not cause for concern. Research has indicated that side effects are more likely to affect women, and that the side effects are more likely to affect a patient at the beginning of a series of treatment sessions when compared to patients at the end of a series of treatments.

Soreness

The most common side effect of chiropractic treatment is discomfort in the joints or muscles that were treated during the chiropractic alignment. Less frequently, patients will report an achy feeling in an area that was not directly manipulated during the adjustment. For many patients, the discomfort is quite mild and fades over the course of the next day. Some patients may prefer to treat the discomfort with ice packs or pain medication, but this is not necessary.

Fatigue

A percentage of patients that undergo a chiropractic alignment will experience increased fatigue in the hours after treatment. Patients that are worried about experiencing side effects after a chiropractic adjustment may want to schedule their appointments at the end of their workdays so they can take a nap if needed. Some patients report feeling fatigued after a session with the chiropractor, and then getting a renewed sense of energy. Either way, it is ideal for patients to be at home and have some free time to rest or work off any extra energy.

Patients that undergo a chiropractic adjustment, along with the use of massage or heat packs, may be particularly susceptible to fatigue after an adjustment. This is because massage and heat packs can make the patient more dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water before and after your chiropractic appointment may help reduce the feelings of sleepiness after surgery.

Headaches

If your chiropractic adjustment involved the muscles of the neck or realignment of the cervical portion of the spine, you may be more likely to experience a headache after treatment. The degree of pain is relatively low, and can be controlled with pain medication. Although headaches after chiropractic care are fairly common, they go away within a day.

Less Common Reactions

Less common reactions to chiropractic care include nausea and dizziness.

More serious side effects, such as stroke and bleeding have been reported.

Patients that are considering any type of medical care should research the potential risks and side effects of treatment. This includes the more natural, alternative methods of medicine, including chiropractic care. Being aware of the benefits and possible limitations of treatment can help you make a more educated decision with regard to treatment. If you feel that treatment of vertebral subluxations (vertebrae that have moved out of their optimal position) will improve your overall health and well being, contact a local chiropractic center to schedule an adjustment.

Acupuncture - A Complete Guide

Acupuncture has become very popular in Western countries in recent years. It can effectively supplement a conventional medical treatment or could even be administered as a stand-alone treatment in some cases. Find out here how acupuncture can help you.

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice, widely known as an effective alternative to traditional medicine. Though not fully understood, this ancient Chinese art of healing and curing has proved to be quite effective. The treatment provides a drug free way of achieving optimum health. It is one of the most practiced forms of alternative medical treatments across the world.

Acupuncture: The Treatment Itself

Very thin, sterilized, one-time-use disposable needles are inserted into well-defined acupuncture points. The needle insertion balances the energy flow in the body, allowing the body to heal itself. It straightens any kind of imbalance, resulting in proper functioning of the body. Number of treatments depends on the acupuncture practitioner's assessment of your condition.

The patient lies on a comfortable surface before the needles are placed into the body. The treatment itself is not painful, and many patients say that they do not feel the needles at all. Treatment lasts 10 - 20 minutes.

Acupuncture: The Theory

The basic theory of acupuncture is outlined in a text from 200 B.C. According to this theory, there are hundreds of pressure points on the human body connected to each and every internal organ. If pressure is applied on these pressure points through acupuncture,, any problem in these organs can be treated.

The western theory for acupuncture treatment is based on the modern concepts of neuroscience. It holds that acupuncture points stimulate the muscles, nerves and connective tissue of the human body. Stimulation of these body parts increases the blood flow, thus easing the functioning of the body.

Acupuncture: When to Get It?

Acupuncture can be effective if you are suffering from musckuloskeletal pain, or most types of disease, including anxiety, depression, asthma, allergies, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, women's health problems, sports injuries, etc.

Acupuncture: Benefits

Acupuncture can effectively be used in conjunction with other medical treatments or can even be used as a stand-alone treatment for some conditions. The treatment may provide symptomatic relief in conditions such as migraines, lower backaches, headaches and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture treatment involves no treatment drugs and therefore, if administered properly, has no side effects. It can also offer relief for certain post-surgery pains including dental pain, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, chronic menstrual cramps and tennis elbow.

Acupuncture: What To Be Mindful Of?

It is important to receive the treatment from a qualified medical practitioner in order to obtain safe and effective results.

Acupuncture is a well-opted form of treatment in Western countries now. Metropolitan towns in the United States such as Chicago, New York and Los Angeles have wellness centers where certified acupuncture specialists offer treatment. You can contact a Chicago acupuncture professional by doing a search today and make an appointment.

Is a Chiropractor a Real Doctor?

Misunderstood

A chiropractic doctor is probably one of the most misunderstood healthcare practitioners in the medical profession. Through the years they have been looked at askance by doubters who are full of suspicion. In times past, they have been called quacks, or worse. This is due, in part, to the public's narrow and limited view of medical treatment - being that solely of administering prescription drugs and performing surgery. 

It's unfortunate that the majority of people believe this is all there is to health care. There truth is there is more to health care than drugs and surgery! A great deal more!

Sad to say, but even some chiropractic patients haven't a real clear understanding of what chiropractic is. And for those who have never been to a chiropractor, most are totally misinformed as to the make up of the profession. The fact is chiropractic is the largest drug-free form of health care and the third largest form of any health care in North America.

What is Chiropractic?

The word "chiropractic" is a blending of the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (action) and means "done by hand." Chiropractic is an alternative medical system in that the practitioner takes a different approach from conventional medicine in diagnosing, classifying, and treating medical problems.

Essentially, chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body's structure - primarily that of the spine - and the body's function. Doctors of chiropractic use hands-on therapy called manipulation (or adjustment) as their core procedure.

Comparable to an MD?
           
So is the training of a chiropractor as rigorous as that of a medical doctor? The answer is a resounding, yes. Today's doctor of chiropractic receives an extensive educational background beginning with three years of pre-chiropractic study. From there they advance into a four-year course of study. A student of chiropractic spends as many hours in the study of human physiology as that of a medical doctor. Chiropractic programs require a minimum of 4,200 hours of combined classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience.

The difference between the education of an MD and that of a chiropractor lies in the fact that an MD trains in pharmacology and surgical procedures and chiropractor trains in the care of the spine.

Worth the Cost?

Some will assert that it costs too much to go to the chiropractor. However, the opposite is true. The fact is that oftentimes when a person is treated by a chiropractic doctor for one certain symptom, the adjustments (treatments) result in a higher level of overall health and well being. This leads to cutting back on prescription drugs, preventing the need for surgery, and slowing down the aging process.

Those who benefit from chiropractic treatments look at it as an important part of their ongoing health maintenance, similar to that of regular exercise or visiting their local health spa. They now know the difference - how they felt before chiropractic treatments and how much better they feel now. 

A survey of patients of chiropractors in an independent physicians' association found that, when asked if they would recommend their Doctor of Chiropractic to others, 95.5% of the patients said "yes." 1

A chiropractor is a whole health practitioner who is concerned not just about your symptoms, but your overall state of well being. What your doctor of chiropractic can offer, no other doctor can. Have no doubt that a chiropractor is well trained to assist you reach your own personal optimal health. 

1 http://www.neffchiro.com/research.htm

Chiropractic Exercise - 5 Easy Stretches For Sciatica

This pain can be anywhere from annoying to down right agonizing. A chiropractic doctor can help those suffering from sciatica by making adjustments to the spine and relieving the pressure on the sciatica nerve. They may also instruct you on some easy exercises to do at home which will help strengthen the muscles around the sciatic nerve which will help you to avoid more pain or relieve the minor pain you may feel between visits. Here are 5 easy stretches that will help ease and avoid sciatica.

Arched Back Stretch

You begin this exercise by laying face down on the floor or on an exercise mat with your legs extended all the way out behind you. Slowly lift your head and arch your back using the support of your upper arms with your body. Hold this position for as long as possible.

Rotation Stretching

Begin this exercise by sitting comfortably and and then turning your shoulders as far as possible, you will be able to feel the muscles stretching in both your upper and lower back. Do this stretch first to one side and then the other holding the stretched position for several seconds each time.

Side Ways Bending

For the side ways bending stretch you again begin by sitting in a comfortable position. Clasp your hands and extend them over your head. With your arms still extended bend your body to the side and hold there for a few a seconds. Repeat the stretch in the opposite ROM.

Hamstring Stretch

In order to provide for the strengthening of muscles all along the sciatic nerve including a hamstring stretch will help strengthen the muscles along the nerve in your upper thigh area. The easiest way to do a hamstring stretch is to sit on the floor with your leg extended and the other folded. Reach down and touch your toes holding the position to the count of ten. Repeat the stretch changing legs.

Abdominal Stretches

For an easy and effective abdominal stretch lay on your back on the floor with your feet on an exercise ball. Place your hands behind your head and pull your belly button to your spine while you flatten your lower back against the floor. Slowly bring your shoulder blades 1-2 inches off the floor while keeping your neck straight and your chin up. Hold for a moment and then repeat 5 to 6 times.

These five simple exercise can help relieve and avoid much of the pain associated with sciatica.

Yoga, Chiropractic and HIV-AIDS

Chiropractic has 33 principles that comprise its' philosophy. The 1st principle is that there is intelligence in the universe (Universal Intelligence). This intelligence is present in all matter and gives matter all properties and actions.

The expression of universal intelligence through matter is the chiropractic meaning of life. This is the 2nd principle.

This intelligence is present in the body and it's called innate intelligence (principle #20). There are many functions of innate intelligence. It adapts the body to it's environment and maintains health (principle #23), and does everything in the body that we don't have to think about such as digestion, assimilation, excretion, healing of wounds, immune system function, and thousands of other activities.

Innate intelligence operates through the nervous system (principle #28). Interference with this innate intelligence, results in lack of harmony or disease (principle #29 & #30). Interference in the body is due to subluxation in the spinal column (principle #31). A vertebral subluxation is a misaligned vertebra causing interference with nerve messages between your brain and your body. Doctors of chiropractic specialize in locating, analyzing and correcting vertebral subluxations. Subluxations can be caused by trauma, toxins( impurities through diet, breathing, exposure to toxins, etc,.) and thoughts( that can result in stressful responses).

Most of the chiropractic work done with HIV/AIDS patients is new and very clinical. Clinical studies indicate chiropractic can: 1) boost immune system function, 2) help with secondary symptoms (i.e. peripheral neuropathy), 3)address quality of life issues (reduction in stress, the prevention of disease and symptoms). All of these are self empowering HIV/AIDS patients to live a more positive quality of life. This in turn increases life expectancy.

Chiropractic has been proven on a very introductory scale.

In Psychoimmunity and the Healing Process : A Holistic Approach to Immunity and AIDS, the use of chiropractic is highly recommended:

Chiropractic alignment of the body, specifically to alleviate stress and tensions placed upon the medulla oblongata and the coccyx, is important in cases of AIDS and immune dysfunction. Adjustment of the medulla oblongata allows for clear flows of energy along the neurological pathways which help stimulate immune system. Correct alignment of the coccyx, which is the reflex point for the adrenals, helps with proper functioning of endocrine system and nervous system; by helping to "ground" and center an individual, it promotes calm and reduces stress.

To alleviate stress upon the medulla oblongata, we suggest alignment of the entire cranial area- in particular loosening and alleviating tension at the sagital suture and the temporal mandibular joint. Pg. 127

*(Make note of the anatomy and the reduction of stress)

PNI (psychoneuroimmunology)

There is a new science, deeply rooted in western empiricism, called Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). This is a science that blends immunology, neurology, and endocrinology. It started, accidentally, with the discovery of experimental conditioning of the immune system. Robert Ader and Nicholas Cohen were studying taste aversion in animals by pairing a saccharin flavored solution with a nausea-producing drug, that coincidently suppressed the immune system. After conditioning, (the drug no longer given) suppression of the immune system was still created when given saccharin, and in turn higher mortality rates. Conditioning of the immune system was also demonstrated with other animals.

PNI has been getting increased attention do to its sound research. No one has done more then Dr. Candice Pert. She is a pharmacologist and research professor at Georgetown University in the Depart of Biophysics and Physiology. Dr. Pert also was Chief of Brain Biochemistry at The National Institute of Health for 13 years. She has done research that proves the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems have a "multidirectional network of communication, linked by information carriers known as neuropeptides. There are many well-studied physiological substrates showing that communication exists in both directions for every single one of these areas and their organs.".

Dr. Pert goes on to state,

A number of brain loci , many within emotion-mediating brain areas, are enriched with many types of neuropeptides receptors, suggesting a convergence of information processing at these nodes. Additionally, neuropeptide receptors occur on mobile cells of the immune system: Monocytes can chemo tax to numerous neuropathies via processes shown by structure-activity analysis to be mediated by distinct receptors indistinguishable from those found in the brain. Neuropeptides and their receptors thus join the brain, glands, and immune system in a network of communication between brain and body, probably representing the biochemical substrate of emotion.

Ultimately, she has proven that emotion can have an effect on immune function! Not only that, but she also concluded that the body is the subconscious mind! Do you think that anyone self empowered, with a good self image, and feeling good about themselves isn't health. Think again. PWA (people with AIDS) have this battle daily, minute to minute, moment to moment.

Chiropractic's role can now be viewed as a mind /body therapy. Whereby, working with the nervous system, we effect the emotions and the whole PNI network systems. This, in conjunction with Yoga, represent a powerful model of self healing.

There is plenty of anatomical information that can correlated to the effects of Chiropractic. Harvard educated Medical Doctor, Herbert Benson 's first book, The Relaxation Response, written in the seventies, concerned the physiology of meditation. Meditation has allowed it's practitioner to perform so called "super human" feats, like lowering heart, respiratory, and metabolic rates, and decreases in response to pain, muscle tension, and stress response. He concluded that meditation's power came from alteration in the nervous system from sympathetic to parasympathetic pathways. The parasympathetic system counterbalances the "flight or flight" (sympathetic) response. The sympathetic system response is what happens in time of stress.

"When stress prevents the molecules of emotion from flowing freely where needed, the largely autonomic processes that are regulated by peptide flow, such as breathing, blood flow, immunity, digestion, and elimination, collapse down to a few simple feedback loops and upset the normal healing response." (Pert, pg 242-243)

It is common knowledge that stress can play a big part in health, especially PWA. Stress engages the sympathetic nervous system to release glucocoticords (steroids). Long term consequences of steroid use include diabetes, osteoporosis, suppression of immune system (making people susceptible to infections and cancer), peptic ulcers, internal bleeding, elevated cholesterol, impotence, interruption of menses, and ulcers just to name a few.

Anatomically Chiropractic seeks to balance the nervous system allowing for the parasympathetic nervous system to respond correctly. This allows the whole system to function at optimum, including the immune system. As mentioned earlier, in Psychoimmunity and the Healing Process : A Holistic Approach to Immunity and AIDS, the parasympathetic system is referred to indirectly. The coccyx isn't only a reflex point for the adrenals, but located directly in front of it is the Ganglion Impar, a nerve center for the parasympathetic system. The authors also make mention of the medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is the control center for the vagal nerve. This "wandering" nerve is the parasympathetic innervation to the heart, lungs, stomach, esophagus, stomach, entire small intestine, proximal half of large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and upper portions of the ureters. ( This same anatomy is used in yoga, discussed later).

There are many techniques that seek to provoke a parasympathetic response. One technique is Sacral Occipital Technique discovered by Major Bertrand De Jarnette, D.C. Logan technique is another one that works with the sacrotuberous ligament to indirectly effect the Ganglion Impar. Dr. John Upledger found CranioSacral technique, which also evokes a parasympathetic response.

In many ways, Yoga and Chiropractic share similar philosophies and anatomy. Yoga calls the life force (innate) Prana. Prana is in matter, but it is not matter. Prana is conserved through the charkas, which are centers of energy. There are seven charkas, six of which correlate to neurological plexuses. There is the Muladhara, which corresponds to the sacral plexus. The Swadhisthana is equivalent to the prostatic plexus. The Manipura corresponds to the solar plexus. The Anahata is analogous to the cardiac plexus. Parallel to the laryngeal plexus is Vishudda. Ajna is located between the eyebrows and corresponds to the cavernous plexus. The pineal gland is anatomically equivalent to the Sahasrara, which is the Crown Chakra.

Nadis are nerve channels through which prana flows. The Sushumna nadi is the spinal cord; and the Pingala nadi and Ida nadi are correlated with the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system, respectively. Asanas and pranayama are designed to purify nadis. When these nadis are blocked prana cannot flow freely and poor health results.

Chiropractic and yoga also address lifestyle issues as well. Chiropractic and yoga firmly believe that you are what you eat. A pure and moderated diet is the best possible guarantee of physical and mental health, bringing harmony and vitality to body and mind. In Chiropractic philosophy there is a concept of limitation of matter (principle #24). Innate intelligence works 100% of the time and is perfect, however the material it works in is not. The material is the body and it (unfortunately) has a tendency to get old and breakdown. In order to be at optimum health, innate intelligence must have an optimum medium to work in. An optimum body, via good nutrition, would give innate intelligence as close to perfect medium as physically possible.

B.J Palmer, the developer of chiropractic, wrote in his book, Palmer's Law of Life (vol.36, 1958):

The yogis of India have the right principle, mentally.

The sincere yogi would make an excellent Chiropractor for getting sick well, if he had knowledge and ability to correct the intermediary adjustment to restore power of internal Innate, to perfect greater understandings. Yogis assume what is, to each, the most relaxed posture, which they assume for hours or days. In this way, they attain the peace and poise of plenty, and become "In Tune With the Infinite" (Sheldon).pg 22

Another mutual concept is exercise. Exercise is essential of health. There must be a certain amount of activity for our bodies to be healthy. Unfortunately, I believe the American society has put an overemphasis on exercise to the point of stressing the body to induce subluxation(s). Yoga is not a stressful exercise. It lets everyone work at their own pace and endurance. Ironically enough, during the asanas, posture is continually focused on. This prevents subluxation(s) and the impingements of vital energy. This brings up another similarity. The idea of positive thought is also inherent in Chiropractic philosophy. There are three things that can induce a subluxation(s). They are trauma (bodily harm), toxins (poor nutrition, environmental, self induced (ie cigarette smoking)), and thought. Negative thoughts can cause stress on the body; there by causing muscle tension and possibly a subluxation. Subluxations cause impingement on vital energy.

There are five main principles found in Yoga philosophy. 1) Proper relaxation, which entrains the body to release muscle tension, conserve energy, and to let go of all worries and fears. 2) Proper exercise: this is done through yoga postures called asanas. These work systemically on all parts of the body by stretching the muscles and ligaments, thereby keeping the spine and joints flexible while improving circulation. 3) Proper diet with natural foods. It keeps the body light and supple, while giving a high resistance to disease. 4) Positive thinking and meditation. This helps to remove negative thoughts and calm the mind. 5) Last, but not least, is proper breathing. Proper breathing is breathing fully and rhythmically thereby making use of all lung capacity, eventually increasing oxygen intake. (Side note: it is interesting that the sacral pump's function would be increased if both posture and breathing were practiced more). Yoga breathing exercises called pranayama, trains a person to recharge the body and control the mental state by controlling the flow of life force called prana.

Having given a brief synopsis of both Yoga and Chiropractic philosophies, I will concentrate on the yogic idea of prana and innate intelligence, how they are controlled and related. Innate intelligence is in living matter and prana is in all matter. Intelligence is divided into universal (which everything possesses) and innate (which only living matter possesses). Prana is not divided into living and non-living, but all things are energy (vibrating at a different rate). Innate intelligence relates to distinctly organized matter called living. Since matter without innate is not living, innate intelligence is considered the source of all living activity. Prana is the life force in matter, but is not matter (as is innate intelligence). Prana flows along the neuro pathways (as does innate intelligence). If this flow of energy is interrupted disease will result. This energy has been called by many different names by many different cultures (IE chi, vital energy, life force, qi, etc...). Regardless of what one calls it, the fact remains without it there is no life.

I will focus on three aspects of yoga: postures (asana), breath control (pranayama), and meditation (dyhana). These are 3 of the 8 stages of Yoga.

In Yoga, breath is life. There are two functions of proper breathing. One is to bring more oxygen to the blood and thus to the brain. Two, in order to control prana.

Your breathing pattern is a reflection of your mind. If you are in a flight or fight situation (angry or scared), your breath will be shallow, rapid and irregular. The opposite is also true, when you are relaxed or in deep thought, your breathing pattern changes. It becomes slow, deep and regulated. Yogic breathing teaches how to control prana and thus control the mind.

Since state of mind is reflected in the quality of the breath, controlling the breath is also controlling the state of mind. "The practice of pranayama quickly induces the relaxation response and its accompanying enhancement of immunity." According B.S.K. Iyengar (founder of Iyengar Yoga), the practice of asana and pranayama balances the nadis and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Candice Pert helps to validate the effects of pranayama:

Conscious breathing, the technique employed by both the yogi and the women in labor, is extremely powerful. There is a wealth of data showing that changes in the rate and depth of breathing produce changes in the quantity and kind of peptides that are released from the brain stem, and Vice versa. By bringing the process into consciousness and doing something to alter it - either holding your breath or breathing extra fast- you cause the peptides to diffuse rapidly throughout the cerebrospinal fluid, in an attempt to restore homeostasis, the body's feedback mechanism for restoring and maintaining balance.....The peptide-respiratory link is well documented: Virtually any peptide found anywhere else can be found in the respiratory center. This peptide substrate may provide the scientific rationale for the powerful healing effects of consciously controlled breath patterns.

Let's talk anatomy. The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is located in the midbrain. It is responsible for keeping the brain awake. It receives direct and indirect input from many other brain centers, most or all sensory systems, and from chemicals circulating in the blood.

When the RAS becomes quiet, brain waves in all regions slow down. To reduce the RAS activity, there must be a decrease in sensory stimulation. Decrease in sensory stimulation will increase stimuli that inhibit the RAS.

There are areas that actively inhibit the RAS. One is the solitary tract nucleus in the medulla. This nucleus can be activated by stimulating the baroreceptors (blood pressure indicators). These receptors, located in the carotid sinus and aortic arch, when stretched, by increase in blood pressure, send nerve signals to the solitary tract nucleus. The solitary tract nucleus then sends signals that activate parasympathetic nuclei and inhibit sympathetic nuclei. Ultimately resulting in a slowing of the heart and dilation of blood vessels, which cause blood pressure to fall. (This will be revisited in the discussion of asana).

Now let's discuss the respiratory center. It's comprised of three groups of neurons located in the medulla oblongata and pons. (1) The dorsal respiratory group which is responsible for inspiration. (2) Ventral respiratory group which does both, inspiration and expiration. (3) The pneumotaxic center group helps control rate and pattern of breathing. The dorsal respiratory group of neurons plays the most fundamental role in the control of respiration.

All or most of its neurons are located within the nucleus of the tractus solitarius, although additional neurons in the adjacent reticular substance of the medulla probably also play important roles in respiratory control. The nucleus of the tractus solitarius is also the sensory termination of both the vagal and the sensory termination of both the vagal and the glossopharyngeal nerves, which transmit sensory signals into the respiratory center from the peripheral chemorecpetors, the baroreceptors, and several types of receptors in the lung. Guyton pg. 525

The release of peptides in the respiratory center would have a direct effect on the parasympathetic system. This helps activate the relaxation response.

"Our intention as we work with the breath is to regulate it so as to calm and focus the mind for meditation" In meditation the breath becomes still and the mind becomes still.

"That is why it is important that the conscious mind go on a vacation, be vacant, open, receptive, to permit something new to come through the void to make itself known"The Glory Of Going On. B.J. Palmer 1961,PG 87

With this statement, B.J. Palmer is telling us to quiet the mind. How do we accomplish this? We accomplish this through art of meditation. Meditation allows us to turn our senses inward and stops the internal chatter of the educated mind. When the mind is focused on a single thought, internal chatter stops. (Control of the senses is central to the Yoga discipline).

On a mind/body/spirit level, B.K.S Iyengar says, "Meditation is integration-to make the disintegrated parts of man become one again. When you say that your body is different from your mind, and your mind is different from your soul, that means you are disintegrating yourself. "(The Tree of Yoga, pg143).

Meditation can be of several different forms. Transcendental Meditation, pranayama, chi gong, tai chi, knitting, adjusting, and the list goes on. Anything that focuses the attention on a single action, idea, or emotion can be called meditation. Athletes, very focused in their sport, call it the zone. Stilling the mind, focusing attention and stopping extraneous thought, you begin to understand your true nature. You discover the wisdom and tranquility that lie within. This wisdom is the innate intelligence.

Many sages and gurus have practiced meditation. Jesus meditated for 90 days in the desert. He was in touch with his innate and universal intelligence to such a great degree, his presence had a healing effect. This is the greatest example of our bodies true healing capabilities. Buddha meditated to gain enlightenment under a bodhi tree. Several studies have been done on meditation. These studies have been through various disciplines and researchers.

One such study, by Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School, in 1981 studied the Tibetan Monks tradition called tumo. Tumo is the ability to withstand cold, by raising internal body temperature through meditation. It is practiced by sitting naked in the snow, while being wrapped in a wet sheet at high altitudes. The here lama monks were all able to raise their body temperature to prevent hypothermia or frost bite.

Other studies referenced to in Michael Murphy's book, entitled The Future Of The Body: Explorations into the Further Evolution of Human Nature, documents remarkable control of the body. Alleviation of pain (something we see a lot of), lowered blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, muscle tension, lactate, and metabolism are a few of the physiological effects. Synchronization of brain waves between right and left, and between front and back could be the reason for meditation's behavioral effects. These are documented as enhanced sensory, perceptual, reaction time, motor skills response and cognitive abilities, including concentration and attention.

In 1978, Robert Keith Wallace studied Transcendental Meditators. He studied the effect of meditation on aging. He tested three simple variations: blood pressure, acuteness of hearing, and near point vision. These three deteriorate as body biologically ages. Biological age shows how well a person's body functions compared to the average of the population. Wallace found out that meditators were biologically 20 years younger than their counterparts.

Candice Pert believes," ... the most effective method for reducing stress is meditation, because it allows us, even without conscious awareness, to release emotions that are stuck in modes that subvert a healthy mind-body flow of biochemicals." (pg 293). "Meditation, by allowing long buried thoughts and feelings to surface, is a way of getting the peptides flowing again, returning the body, and the emotions, to health". (Pert pg.243)

T.K.V. Desikachar seems as though he was talking to PWA. He writes," Dhyana (meditation) strengthens self sufficiency. Yoga makes us independent. We all want to be free, although many of us are dependent on psychologists, gurus, teachers, drugs, or whatever. Even if advice and guidance are helpful, in the end we ourselves are the best judge of our own actions. No one is more interested in me than me. With the help of dhyana (meditation) we find our own methods and systems for making decisions and better understand our behavior." (The Heart of Yoga, pg83)

B.K.S Iyengar has developed a series of passive poses called restorative postures (asanas). These poses are extremely effect at engaging the relaxation response. "The relaxation response experienced during Savasana, meditation, pranayama, and the restorative poses promotes healthy immune surveillance and responsiveness."

The restorative poses are modifications of classical poses. The muscles remain quiet. The poses are held in alignment with props. The poses are the reclining hero's pose, child's pose, supported bound angle,

supported half plow, supported bridge, supported two legged inverted staff, legs up the wall.

The last four poses are example of poses the have a physiological effect of producing the relaxation response. Roger Cole has a Ph.D in health psychology. He is also a yogi. He states," The fact that a full blown relaxation response, comprised of so many diverse, mutually reinforcing physiological processes, can be elicited all at once by stimulating a single area of the brain is very important for our understanding of how to practice relaxation. It means that the ability to relax, the wiring if you will, is built into all of us. Our mission, then, is not to create relaxation, but to allow it- to release an ability we already have. The secret is to set up the circumstances for relaxation, then to remain passive and allow the process to unfold of its own accord."

The parasympathetic nervous system is activated by head down postures, muscle relaxation, slight pressure on the eyeballs. and exhalation. The head down postures stimulate baroreceptors in the carotid sinus and aortic arch. "These receptors. When stretched by increase blood pressure, send nerve signals to the solitary tract nucleus in the brainstem. The solitary tract nucleus, in turn sends signals that activate one or more brainstem parasympathetic nuclei and inhibit one or more sympathetic nuclei. The result is slowing of the heart and dilation of the blood vessels, which cause blood pressure to fall. At the same time, the solitary tract nucleus also promotes relaxation in other parts of the nervous system" (see figure 1).

Dr. Cole proves that the physiology is there, and can be obtained through Yoga restorative poses. He also proves that exhalation activates the solitary tract nucleus. The solitary track nucleus actively inhibits the medullary RAS. This also refers back to the pranayama.

YOGA

Yoga means union. The union of the individual soul with the Universal Spirit is yoga. But this is too abstract a notion to be easily understood, so for our level of understanding I say that yoga is the union of body with the mind and of mind with the soul. Ninety per cent of us are suffering in some way, physically, mentally or spiritually. The science of yoga helps us to keep the body as a temple so that it becomes as clean as the soul. The body is lazy, the mind is vibrant ad the soul luminous. Yogic practices develop the body to the level of the vibrant mind so that the body, and the mind, having both become vibrant, are drawn towards the light of the soul

Having discussed the physiological and anatomical effects of each, of the three limbs, of yoga, The secondary benefits and testimonials are just as compelling. Stress for PWA is greatly increased by additional factors: side effects of medicine cocktails (diarrhea, neuropathy, liver dysfunction, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, nausea, digestive problems), discrimination, disclosure, racism, and homophobia.

A May study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that PWAs with more than average amounts of stress got sick two to three times faster. And a study released last summer from the University of Miami, Florida, reported that the stress hormone nor epinephrine was significantly lower in PWAs who attended weekly stress management group sessions. Even better, the study also showed that the same group had higher levels of CD8 cells, which are known to help control the HIV virus.

Catholic priest, Father Joe Pereira, of the Archdiocese of Bombay, has been practicing yoga for over 27 years. In 1981, he founded Kripa Foundation. He believes if we reconnect with the Divine Presence that resides within us, we can heal ourselves. This is what his 24 centers help people understand through Yoga. He started with addicts and has expanded to include PWA.

When asked about his results with HIV positive people. He replied, "...I can only say this much: at my therapeutic communities, when you emphasize yoga and meditation, people who are worried and tense about being HIV-positive drop this anxiety and live their lives. And we've found that those who are living life with a sense of joy and well-being and have taken a Western Blot test have so far tested negative."

When Mary Schatz M.D addressed the question can yoga halt or reverse the progression of AIDS? Her answer was "no one knows..... Yoga's stress management and anxiety reducing aspects are useful in many chronic and incurable diseases and would certainly be appropriate in this, one of life's most stressful situations. Practice of asana and pranayama can help maintain the health of unaffected organs and tissues. Finally, a yoga practice offers something positive for the AIDS patient to do to help counteract feelings of depression, helplessness, and despair."

River Huston is an AIDS activist, published poet and author. She has used Yoga to combat fatigue, headaches, and nausea associated with her weekly intravenous drug treatment for an AIDS related auto immune condition attacking her bone marrow)."It's about going deep under the waves - the hurricane that's HIV- and finding a stillness. As debilitating and emotional as HIV is, yoga helps me transcend it so that I can rediscover myself. Then I remember I'm not HIV; I am not the face of AIDS. I am me."

Yoga has a great many immune boosting techniques. It is useful to boost the immune system, cope with secondary effects and to address lifestyle issues.

In clinical trials, Chiropractic has shown great potential to boost immune function. A clinical study, conducted at Life University by several Chiropractors, demonstrated CD4 cell levels increased 48% compared to control group. Both groups were monitored with Rand Corp. SF-36 to determine quality of life as rated subjectively. The adjusted group exhibited greater subjective improvement than the control group.

Several other preliminary studies also show the promise of immune system boosting. In 1991 Patricia Brennan, PhD conducted a study that demonstrated an increase of polymorph nuclear (PMN) and monocytes following a thoracic adjustment. Dr. Pero states in his research, "Chiropractic patients in the study had 200% greater immune competence than people who had not received chiropractic, and 400% greater immune competence than people with cancer or other serious disease."

Chiropractic can also help with secondary symptoms. These secondary symptoms are usually the primary reason chiropractic care is sought out. In his article, Craig Martin D.C states," 80 % of those patients reporting some degree of neuropathy (i.e. numbness, tingling and/or burning in either one or both of the extremities), report significant decrease in these symptoms post-care.

Patrece Frisbee D.C, of Stratogen Health of Miami Beach, a multidisciplinary clinic, reports 80% of her patients are HIV positive, " and they need extensive chiropractic care because of the wide array of side effects that accompany the powerful prescribed medications."

The vertebral subluxation is comprised of five components.
1) Spinal kinesiopathology - the inability to comfortably turn neck, hips, or back in every direction.
2) Neuropathophysiology - Impingement of nerves creating numbness, tingling, pain or pins and needles.
3) Myopathology (tight, spastic, weak, sore, and/or overly sensitive muscular responses.
4) Histopathology Swelling, tenderness, painful spots, and other soft tissue changes.
5) Pathophysiology - muscles, joints, ligaments, and organs show wear and tear and premature aging.( This has proven true in numerous low back pain studies ). These are usually the reasons people see chiropractors. Adjustments alleviate these components, providing a powerful medium to combat primary ,as well as secondary symptoms.

Quality of life is an issue, that has a profound effect on HIV/AIDS patients. Increasing quality of life symbiotically decrease stress, as I will demonstrate, plays a major part in life expectancy.

Testimonials of Chiropractic HIV/AIDS patients are good indicators to quality of life issues. Dr. Craig Martin best describes chiropractic's role in lifestyle:

My own clinical experience has led me to believe that people with AIDS are looking to be educated as to how they can best help themselves with infection. As a Chiropractor, I attempt to provide useful information for leading an immunopositive lifestyle. This includes recommendations on exercise, nutrition, rest, attitude, education and personal habits.

Could Your Children Need Chiropractic Care?

Many of the common childhood ailments from earaches to colic are among the ailments chiropractors can successfully treat. Chiropractic treatment is not about "fixing" bones or "cracking backs," but is all about ensuring the nervous system is able to work properly. The nervous system connects every organ in the body to the spinal cord and then to the brain. By aligning the spine, chiropractors ensure the nervous system is able to function properly at all times.

Imagine that your nervous system is like a tap, a hose, and a sprinkler system. The tap represents the spinal cord and connection to the brain that controls organ function. The sprinkler (or the organ, such as the pancreas, liver, kidney, digestive system, etc) connects to the tap via the hose (which represents the nerves connecting the organ to the spinal cord. Now, imagine that you stop a car with the tires on the hose. Obviously, water will not be able to get to the sprinkler. You could go and buy a new sprinkler, but that won't solve the problem.

You really need to remove the blockage. When your children do not have correct spinal alignment, the spine could put pressure on some part of the nervous system, causing the brain to think that something is wrong with that particular organ, or disrupting the flow of communication between the organ and the brain.

Chiropractors can gently realign your children's bodies so that all the organs are in the proper place and can communicate through an undisrupted nervous system. You could be amazed at how healthy your children become by some simple chiropractic treatments.

Even babies can benefit from gentle chiropractic adjustments. Many babies suffer from colic, for example. Chiropractors can check that the baby has proper alignment and that nothing is getting in the way of the digestive tract, causing colic. A twisted pelvis is common in babies and this could cause colic, sleeplessness, and restlessness.

A developing child will endure many different physical stresses and problems in a child's spine can occur at any point in their growth.

A difficult position in the womb could cause mal-alignments or sublaxations in the spine as the baby develops in a small space. A long labour or interventions in the birth process, from the use of forceps, to a caesarian section, can add to a baby's spinal dysfunction. A simple chiropractic check up in the first few weeks of life could save your child from many problems later in life.

Children can suffer from subluxations as the spine and body grows. These could be natural mal-alignments or caused by repetitive actions, poor posture, or carrying heavy schoolbags. Chiropractic care offers gentle and natural (drug-free) treatments that can alleviate many of your child's problems.

As a parent, you can find it difficult to know if your child does need chiropractic care, especially as the twists or misalignments in the spinal column can be minute and difficult for anyone who is not an expert to spot. These common warning signs and symptoms in your children could relate to a misalignment in the spine or nervous system:

• Breastfeeding difficulties;


• Restricted head and neck movements to one side;


• One shoulder is higher than the other; and


• Common childhood disorders, such as recurrent ear infections, persistent sore throats, persistent colds, colic/ reflux, asthma, scoliosis, headaches, bedwetting, constipation, growing pains, and ADHD.

While medical advice is important, doctors, such as General Practitioners, will often treat the symptom (such as the pain of the ear infection) but leave the cause (a blockage in the related area of the nervous system) untreated. This can lead your child through a continual cycle of illness and sickness as the blockage causes recurrent ailments.

Chiropractic care and treatments for children differ to those used on adults as the chiropractor is aware of the needs of the growing body. Gentle manipulations, that feel as soft as a massage to the child or baby, can solve many common childhood ailments. Usually, chiropractors will limit spinal adjustments to a very light fingertip pressure for infants and young children. This minor amount of force will restore mobility to 'locked' spinal joints and will reduce the interference to the normal function of the nervous system.

Unless your child has an injury, chiropractic care of children is painless. Some very young infants may cry for a short time, due to the surprise of the movement adjustment, but the majority of parents report that children enjoy the spinal adjustments and look forward to the next visit.

Since a child's spine will respond faster than an adult's, especially where the adult has had misalignments or subluxations for many years, only a few chiropractic treatments may be necessary. This will depend on the extent of the problem, so your chiropractor will be able to advise you on the length and time of suggested treatments for your child.

Chiropractic care for children can help to prevent some of the common childhood ailments. Your child will find the treatments gentle and painless while you will be amazed at the health benefits that arise from a few trips to the chiropractor.

Chiropractic Software Program Comparisons

It is important to choose a software program based on what it can offer your practice, and not solely on cost. It is understandable that most new chiropractors come out of school with a lot of debt and want to get started for as little money as possible. Scrimping on something as important as your office software could cause you big headaches and even more money in the long run. If you have to upgrade to a better program, not only will you have to contract workers to perform the upgrade, your office staff will not be able to access your records for a period of time until the upgrade process is effective. These are thoughts to consider when reviewing your software options. Chiropractic software comparison is a necessary evil when finding your perfect software match.

Weeding through the various types of programs available can be exhausting. Some programs offer insurance billing specifically, while others focus on only patient records. Prepare to spend several hours in reviewing your options and be sure to speak with your office staff about their needs. Since the staff will be the ones using the programs, it is absolutely imperative that their input is considered. The Internet is a good search tool when looking for chiropractic software comparisons.

One of the most utilized programs today is Eclipse® Practice Management Software. This company has been providing office solutions for over 20 years and has one of the most comprehensive office management software packages in the industry. According to their website, "ECLIPSE includes billing, scheduling, EHR (electronic health record), daily notes, an extensive alerts system, certified HIPAA compliant electronic claims & remittance, security features that include patient data access tracking to help you run a HIPAA compliant facility, and myriad reports fine-tuned by two decades of client feedback". Eclipse also boasts of the software's abilities to streamline your office records and create a virtually paperless office.

Another popular chiropractic software program is Lytec®. Founded in 1989, this company is well-known as a leader in helping chiropractic offices streamline their records and superior customer support. Lytec specializes in the efficiency of patient billing, insurance filing and appointment setting. Included in their software package is a patented program called Code Import which loads CPT-4, ICD-9 and HCPCS directly into the Lytec software to greatly reduce coding errors. Another interesting feature of the Lytec software program is the Fee Schedule Import feature. This feature "automatically loads Medicare fee schedules into Lytec saving time and improving accuracy."

ChiroSoft® is a software program designed especially for today's chiropractic offices. It was first launched in 1982 and has had over 20 years experience in fine-tuning the software for the busy chiropractor. One of the most recognized and appreciated features of this program in the fee slip feature. According to their website, "A fee slip is printed on each patient before they see the doctor, this allows for easy communication between the front desk and the chiropractor. The front desk must post services into ChiroSoft® to cancel out that daily fee slip. This prevents billable services from being missed by the office staff." Many chiropractors find this feature very valuable and recommend it to others.

Chiropractic Complete Max Pro® is another widely used software program for chiropractic offices. The tagline for this company is: save time, improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase productivity, and maximize profits. This product seems to offer a variety of necessary tools to maximize the performance of the chiropractic office. It offers flexible appointment scheduling, automated payment plans, statistical reports, the ability to bundle procedure codes that are used daily for quick reference, Multiple case management without creating double patient accounts, mailing list creation, electronic patient records, front desk management, and marketing tools. This is a bundled program that seems to offer nearly any tool that a chiropractor needs.

Finding the appropriate software for your practice can be very time consuming. When you first begin your search, it is likely that you will be overwhelmed with choices. Remember to consult with your office staff to determine what their needs may be. That is a good starting point in deciding which programs to purchase. Getting the right software in the beginning can save a lot of trouble in the future. If you have to change programs, you will have some lag-time where you will not be able to access your records. Finding a good vendor who understands your needs and who will offer excellent customer support is also a very important step. It may take some time, but with all of the products available on the market today, with a little research and thought, you will find the product you need to make your business successful.