Children Benefit From Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors use manual therapies, including manipulation, massage and craniosacral therapies, to restore motion and proper biomechanics to the joints and muscles. They are also well-qualified to offer advice regarding nutrition and herbal remedies. Chiropractors have expertise in helping children cope with basic physical issues, such as postural problems related to sitting in class all day and carrying heavy backpacks, or frequent headaches that aren’t related to disease. Chiropractors may also be able to help clear up clogged tear ducts in infants with specific massage around the eye – an easy approach which can be taught to the parent and repeated at home.

For certain seemingly non-physical conditions, such as colic, frequent ear infections and suboptimal breastfeeding, therapies offered by chiropractors are ideal for addressing a child’s non-emergent symptoms. A 2009 study followed 114 infant cases of hospital-diagnosed or lactation consultant diagnosed feeding problems that were treated with chiropractic therapy in addition to routine care, and found that 78% were able to exclusively breast feed after 2 to 5 treatments within a 2-week time period. A 2003 survey of parents of 117 post-colicky toddlers in a chiropractic treatment group and 111 toddlers in the non-treatment group noted that parents of infants treated with chiropractic care for excessive crying did not report as many difficult behavioral and sleep patterns in their toddlers as did parents in the non-treatment group. In 2003, Mills, et al, looked at osteopathic manipulation as adjuvant care for recurrent acute otitis media (middle ear infections). They found that kids treated with manipulation had fewer episodes, fewer surgical procedures and increased frequency of normal tympanogram. No adverse events were reported in this study, and the authors concluded that manipulative therapies “may prevent or decrease surgical intervention or antibiotic overuse.”

Chiropractic Complements Regular Medical Care

It is important to note that chiropractic does not replace regular medical care. Rather, it serves as a useful complement in a cooperative multidisciplinary approach. Every family should have a pediatrician who knows their child’s health history and can be called on in case of illness or injury. When a child has been treated medically and the condition is no longer acute, or when there is no available medical treatment for the condition, chiropractic provides a safe alternative that may relieve symptoms of non-life-threatening conditions. Chiropractic is the most popular form of practitioner-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for children, according to a 2009 study.

Chiropractic is Safe

Reports of serious adverse events following chiropractic therapies are rare. Minor complaints, including muscle and joint soreness and dizziness are more common and also short-lived. A 2007 UK study evaluated 19,722 patients (50,276 neck adjustments) for adverse events following chiropractic treatments and found none serious reported. For children, manual techniques are adapted to ensure that their small and flexible bodies are treated as gently as possible. A 3-year retrospective study of 697 children receiving a total of 5242 chiropractic treatments found 7 reports of adverse effects and no serious complications – with serious complications defined as reactions lasting more than 24 hours or requiring hospital care.

Some Case Examples

A school-aged child presented following six months of significant fluid in the middle ear and conductive hearing loss that was diagnosed by an audiologist. The child had a history of recurrent middle ear infections as a child and ear tube surgery at age 5. She was scheduled to have a second ear tube surgery in the next month if the fluid did not drain from her ears. Her EENT had prescribed decongestant and steroid medications to decrease inflammation and promote drainage, and her parents were interested in finding out if chiropractic treatments might help to promote drainage as well. The child was treated during a single visit with chiropractic manipulative therapy to the neck and mid-back, as well as massage over the lymphatic vessels of the neck. One week later, I heard from the mother – the child had followed-up with her EENT who found no signs of fluid in the ear and was able to cancel the surgery. On follow-up audiologist testing, the child’s hearing had returned to normal.

An infant presented with a three week history of a clogged tear duct that was diagnosed by her pediatrician. She had mucous in the eye and signs of irritation in and around it. Her 4-year-old sister had suffered from the same condition as an infant, and continued to have mucous in the eye upon waking in the morning and whenever she had nasal or sinus congestion. The mother was aware that a minor surgical procedure could open up the duct, but was hoping to avoid it, as general anesthesia would be required. Both the infant and big sister were treated with massage around the affected eye and sinuses, as well as chiropractic manipulative therapy to the neck and lymphatic massage. The mother was shown how to perform the eye and sinus massage at home and instructed to do it daily. At a follow-up appointment one week later, the infant had no mucous in her eye. The older sister was clear of mucous in her eye after approximately one month of daily massage and three chiropractic treatments over that time period. I remember the details of this story well because these girls were my daughters and I was yet to become a chiropractor. I’m sure the doctor who treated them and inspired me would be happy to know, at ages 6 and 10, both girls’ eyes have remained clear, without surgery, even when they’ve had seasonal allergies or upper respiratory infections.

Final Considerations

Chiropractic care can be a safe and gentle approach for managing certain conditions in children. For parents who are open to to alternative therapies, chiropractic is worth a try. You might find that manipulative therapies work great for your child, and that he or she really enjoys the treatment – an added bonus. When looking for a chiropractor for your child, simply use the same scrutiny you would when choosing any health care provider. Make sure that the chiropractor regularly sees plenty of children in his or her practice, and that both you and your child are comfortable with him or her.

Miller JE, Phillips, HL; Long term effects of infant colic: a survey comparison of chiropractic treatment and non-treatment groups; J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Oct;32(8):635-8.

Miller JE, et al; Contribution of chiropractic therapy to resolving suboptimal breastfeeding; J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Oct;32(8):670-4.

Mills MV, et al; The use of osteopathic manipulative treatment as adjuvant therapy in children with recurrent acute otitis media; Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2003 Sep;157(9):861-6.

Miller JE, Benfield K; Adverse effects of spinal manipulative therapy in children younger than 3 years: a retrospective study in a chiropractic teaching clinic; J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Jul-Aug;31(6):419-23.

Thiel HW, et al; Safety of chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine: a prospective national survey; Spine. 2007 Oct;32(21):2375-2378; discussion 2379.

Alcantara J, et al; The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic; Explore (NY). 2009 Sep-Oct;5(5):290-5.

Matheson EM; Mainous AG; Everett CJ; King DE
Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Matheson@musc.edu

PURPOSE: Hot tea and coffee have been found to have antimicrobial properties. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the consumption of tea, coffee, or both is associated with less frequent nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the relationship between the consumption of coffee, hot tea, cold tea, and soft drinks, and MRSA nasal carriage among the noninstitutionalized population of the United States.

RESULTS: An estimated 2.5 million persons (1.4% of the population) were MRSA nasal carriers. In an adjusted logistic regression analysis controlling for age, race, sex, poverty-income ratio, current health status, hospitalization in the past 12 months, and use of antibiotics in the past month, individuals who reported consuming hot tea were one-half as likely to have MRSA nasal carriage relative to individuals who drank no hot tea (odds ratio = 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.71). Similarly, individuals who reported consuming coffee had about a one-half reduction in the risk of MRSA nasal carriage relative to individuals who drank no coffee (odds ratio = 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of hot tea or coffee is associated with a lower likelihood of MRSA nasal carriage. Our findings raise the possibility of a promising new method to decrease MRSA nasal carriage that is safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible.

SI joint injuries are a common cause of low back pain, affecting 15 to 25 percent of people who go to their doctors with low back problems. Symptoms include relatively constant soreness that is localized to one side of the low back and ranges from aching to sharp. SI joint pain often radiates to the buttocks and groin, and may also spread to the leg, causing it to be mistaken for sciatica. Symptoms are generally worse when standing or walking, and can become excruciating when sitting on a hard surface or rolling over in bed. Pain and stiffness upon getting out of bed in the morning or after sitting for long periods, especially while driving, is common.

SI joint pain occurs when an injury or condition irritates the joint surfaces or supportive muscles and ligaments around the joint. It may be the result of a single traumatic event, such as a hard fall on the buttocks, or come on over a longer period of time as a result of altered biomechanics, such as overpronation of the feet or muscular imbalance around the pelvic girdle. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase laxity of ligaments, which changes the dynamics around the SI joints and places women at greater risk for injury during and after pregnancy. Normal wearing of the joint surfaces that occurs with aging is another possible reason for SI joint pain.

Regardless of cause, the first steps in recovering from acute SI joint injury involve reducing pain and inflammation. Taking a break from activities that stress the joint, such as running, is a necessary start. Anti-inflammatory medications provide relief for most people in the early stages while symptoms are most acute. Always consult a doctor before taking any new medication. Cold therapy is also useful, but never apply ice packs directly to skin or for more than 15 minutes at a time. Chiropractic and physical therapy such as pulsed ultrasound and mobilization of the SI joints may also be helpful.

Once inflammation has been controlled, treatment focus should switch to restoring normal function in the joint and preventing future problems. Anti-inflammatory nutrition, including spices such as turmeric and ginger, along with supplementation of key antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, will help keep inflammatory pain at bay. Pelvic stabilization and core exercises are essential for correcting muscle imbalances and adding supportive strength around the SI joints. Regular stretching of hip and leg muscles is necessary for further balancing muscles around the pelvic region and ensuring normal motion across all joints.

Unfortunately, SI joint injuries can take weeks to months to resolve, and running through the pain only increases the likelihood of further damage. An extended break from running, while continuing non-weight-bearing activities such as cycling, will increase your odds for recovery and a full return to your pre-injury activities.

In contrast, MedPage Today Editor-at-Large and former editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association, George Lundberg, has written a post called The Effect of Therapeutic Touch is Based on Pure Chance. In it, he makes a bold set of statements regarding alternative therapies: “There is no alternative medicine. There is only medicine.” Well, let’s not confuse bold with bull.

What starts out as a lecture, arguing that the only health care therapies with value are those based on hard scientific methodology and evidence, ends as a diatribe, lacking clarity or logic. The main problem with it is that Lundberg begins with an arrogant statement, then goes on to support his position with a single thirteen-year-old study regarding one small subset of alternative therapies. In fact, the particular therapy upon which he unleashes his venom (Therapeutic Touch, a modern variation of the ancient “laying-on of hands”) is in no way representative of alternative medicine as a whole. Curiously, it also does not have a track record for harm. Lundberg fails to identify even a single safety concern, but simply whines that there is no basis for its effectiveness. Then he contradicts himself by observing: “even the non-touch of an individual believed by a sick person to be a healer can heal.”

The article ends with with a check-in to “the arbiter, Mr. Google,” finding more than two million hits for the search term “Therapeutic Touch.” He follows this observation with, “Such are the ways of the world. There ain’t no justice. They know not what they do.” The jump he makes here is clearly absurd. Using the same illogical approach, I checked with Google and was returned 2.6 million hits for the search term “drug recall.” What does this mean? Without evaluating content, absolutely nothing. There are no conclusions to be drawn, no judgments to construe. It’s all nonsense.

Unfortunately, even without supportive evidence for their assertions, articles like these can be influential, especially when written by field experts with impressive credentials. In the case of this post, it’s most important to question Lundberg’s assumption that his definition of medicine is meaningful to anyone other than him. Would you want another person dictating the choices made available to you? Is it the job of the doctor to tell you what qualifies as therapy, or to withhold options that he doesn’t like? In my opinion, it is the duty of the physician, as a service provider in the health care industry, to educate his patients in a manner that respects each one’s values. This involves presenting choices – including those that might not be the doctor’s personal favorites, disclosing associated risks and benefits, and answering the patient’s questions in a way that helps him make the best choice for himself. Because, at the end of the day, it is you, the patient, who must sign-off on your medical decisions and assume full responsibility for them. Don’t you think, then, that you deserve to be as informed as possible?

Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. It is the top cause of serious, long-term disability. More than 50 percent of strokes are preventable when contributing factors are addressed proactively. Sometimes called “brain attack,” stroke is caused by vascular dysfunction that occurs when blood flow to one or more arteries supplying the brain is impeded, either by a clot or internal brain bleeding. This impediment prevents delivery of needed oxygen and nutrition to tissues and causes brain cells to start to die. If the condition is not caught and treated early, permanent brain damage can occur.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for stroke and is also often associated with suboptimal serum potassium levels. High sodium intake, which is prevalent in the American diet, has long been associated with hypertension. Less well-known is that dietary potassium has the opposite effect, in that it lowers above-normal blood pressure. Limiting sodium intake and eating potassium-rich foods is helpful in keeping blood pressure normal and diminishing related stroke risk. If you have hypertension, work closely with a medical professional to determine a management strategy.

Of all the food choices, sweet potatoes and beet greens contain the highest levels of potassium. One cup of boiled beet greens has 1,309 mg of potassium; one large baked sweet potato has 855 mg. Baked potatoes, including the skin, are another excellent source. Prune, carrot and orange juices offer a sweet solution for increasing dietary potassium, as do banana, kiwi, peach and cantaloupe. Mix any of these fruity choices in a blender with plain yogurt for a creamy double dose of potassium. Granola or bran can also be mixed with yogurt for an extra potassium boost. Tomatoes, peas and winter squash are a great start to a potassium-rich soup or stew. Lima or canned white beans add protein, fiber and extra potassium. Meaty sources of the mineral include halibut, yellowfin tuna, Pacific rockfish, flounder, salmon, cod, clams and chicken.

In studying the effects of dietary potassium on stroke risk, researchers have evaluated magnesium, calcium, sodium and iron as well. Findings suggest that high levels of dietary calcium and magnesium are helpful in lowering risk of stroke when you maintain low levels of dietary sodium. Dairy products provide high levels of calcium, as do soybean products, sesame seeds, nuts, green leafy vegetables and broccoli, and the soft bones of sardines, herring and canned pink salmon. As a general rule, foods that are high in fiber, such as legumes and whole grains, are high in magnesium. Leafy green vegetables, soybeans, almonds and dark chocolate are all good sources of magnesium.

References

1. University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
   http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/potassium-000320.htm
2. “Neurology”; Serum Potassium and Dietary Potassium Intake as Risk Factors for Stroke; D.M. Green, et al.; August 2002
   http://www.neurology.org/content/59/3/314.abstract
3. MedlinePlus: Hypokalemia
   http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000479.htm
4. “American Journal of Hypertension”; Serum Potassium and Stroke Risk Among Treated Hypertensive Adults; N.L. Smith, et al.; October 2003
   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14553958
5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Health Facts: Sodium and Potassium
   www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/food/pdfs/hhs_facts_sodium.pdf
6. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium
   http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?rn=2&pt=100&id=851&ds=&name=POTASSIUM&searchid=25569163&cs=&s=ND
7. “Preventing Chronic Disease”; Dietary Intake of Minerals and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Guangdong Province, China, 2007-2008; W. Liang, et al.; March 2011
   http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2011/mar/10_0056.htm

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Losing weight, limiting sodium intake and eating potassium-rich foods are all helpful in keeping blood pressure normal. Atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heart beat), uncontrolled diabetes and elevated cholesterol are other conditions that increase stroke risk. If you suffer from any of these, it’s very important that you work with a health care professional to determine a management strategy, and then make sure to follow it.

A clean and healthy diet plays an important role in any disease prevention program. Such healthy eating starts with a balanced assortment of whole food ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats such as olive oil and those high in omega-3 fatty acids. Regarding fruits and vegetables, those high in folic acid, fiber and potassium are most beneficial. These include citrus fruits and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. A recent study conducted at Harvard University found that eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day lowered stroke risk in its participants by 30%. Benefits of healthful eating extend far beyond lowering stroke risk. Wholesome fuel also contributes to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as increased energy and improved overall sense of well being.

Regular exercise can lower stroke risk up to 24%. Based on the most current research, recommendations are to engage in 30 or more minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, above usual activities, on 5 or more days of the week. Starting small by adding simple active habits whenever possible is a key to success. Some examples include walking or biking in place of driving, taking stairs instead of the elevator, and taking a walk or other exercise break at work. On the subject of habits, cigarette smoking doubles risk for stroke, and quitting is one of the best things a person can do to quickly improve health. Stroke risk immediately begins to decrease once the habit is dropped. And, while a daily glass of wine or beer may help to prevent stroke, more than two alcoholic beverages per day can increase stroke risk. Alcohol consumption, at most, should be in moderation.

References:
1. National Stroke Association; Stroke Risk Reduction: A Healthy Nutrition Guide
2. National Center for Health Statistics, Deaths and Mortality Data for the US
3. Ornish Takes on Cancer (from Dr. Greger Newsletter, Fall 2005)

Safety
Tea tree oil, “when used topically and appropriately, is possibly safe during pregnancy and lactation.” This means there is some clinical evidence that indicates it is safe to use in the proper dilution and when applied correctly to the skin. There are special considerations during labor, based on a laboratory study in which scientists observed a decrease in the force of spontaneous contractions in samples of rat uterus exposed to tea tree oil. These findings “suggest caution in the use of these essential oils during childbirth, as cessation of contractions could put the baby, and mother, at risk.” It is unsafe for anyone to take tea tree oil by mouth. Like any undiluted essential oil, ingestion of tea tree oil can cause significant toxicity and lead to serious side effects.

Adverse Reactions
As mentioned above, tea tree and other essential oils can cause considerable toxicity if ingested. Effects range from confusion, inability to walk and disorientation, to full body skin inflammation (systemic contact dermatitis). Coma is rare, though possible, with at least one documented case following ingestion of 120 milliliters. Skin reactions to topical use can occur, and are probably related to the chemicals, eucalyptol and limonene, contained in the oil. Effects include irritation and inflammation at the site of application, as well as allergic contact eczema and dermatitis. Those using a tea tree oil product for acne may additionally experience local dryness, itching, stinging, burning or redness of the skin.

Proper Use
The only time tea tree oil is applied to the skin at 100 percent concentration is in the treatment of nail fungus. When the oil drops are applied twice daily, these difficult to treat infections resolve over 3 to 6 months in about 60 percent of cases. For athlete’s foot, topical application of 25 or 50 percent tea tree oil solution twice daily for one month is adequate, and is effective for roughly half of people who try it. Daily application of a 5 percent tea tree oil gel is all that is necessary for good results when treating acne.

Origin and Action
Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the plant by the same name. Volatile compounds contained within seem to kill bacteria and fungus while sparing normal skin flora, and also to reduce allergic skin reactions. In laboratory tests, tea tree oil has been found to inhibit growth of the yeast Candida albicans, and has shown in vitro activity against some drug-resistant strains of Enterococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Additional evidence suggests that tea tree oil reduces allergic skin inflammation by suppressing the over-production of certain inflammatory mediators by the immune system.

Simple Explanations
Some explanations for weight loss that may not have been considered include skipping meals, mild illness, eating on the run, increased caffeine intake, a hectic schedule, increased exercise without increasing calorie intake and certain medications or supplements. In many of these cases, anxiety may be present as well, either because of the same behaviors causing the weight loss, as a side effect of medications or supplements or from worrying about the weight loss. Many of these issues can be remedied with behavior modification. Medication side effects should be discussed with a physician.

Chronic Stress and Depression
Some stress is normal and productive, but persistent worrying may lead to depression. Indicators of depression include insomnia, anxiety, loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, suicidal thoughts and not wanting to be around others. Strategies to manage stress, such as taking a break or vacation, exercising, meditating, practicing yoga, and ensuring adequate sleep at night, may be enough to reverse these effects. If stress has become so overwhelming that fixing it alone seems out of the question, professional help should be sought. “Depression is an imbalance of hormones and nerve chemicals — a biological illness that is highly treatable,” says Dr. Esther M. Sternberg, director of the Integrative Neural Immune Program at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid is a gland that plays a primary role in controlling metabolism by producing hormones that influence the rate at which cells use energy. Problems with thyroid function can cause errors in the amounts of hormones produced and the rate of metabolism. When excessive amounts of thyroid hormone are produced, the condition is hyperthyroidism, which leads to increased heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, tremors in the hands, weakness and diarrhea. Puffiness around the eyes, dryness and irritation of the skin, light sensitivity and visual disturbances may also occur. A physician should be consulted.

Pain
Longstanding physical pain, such as back pain, that is accompanied by unexplained weight loss and anxiety should generally be evaluated by a health professional, both for peace of mind and for identification of any underlying problem. The pain itself can cause worry and loss of appetite, both of which will probably be alleviated if examination by a doctor finds nothing else wrong. A doctor will also be able to provide strategies for controlling or resolving the pain.

Rare Causes
Far less commonly, an adrenal gland tumor, called a pheochromocytoma, is responsible for weight loss and anxiety. Other signs include elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, profuse sweating, headache and fatigue. The adrenal glands, one located on top of each kidney, secrete adrenaline and other hormones. The pheochromocytoma, which is usually non-cancerous, stimulates overproduction of adrenaline. This provokes a prolonged and intense “fight or flight” response that is dangerous if left untreated because it increases risk of heart attack and stroke. Medical treatment involves medications to normalize blood pressure and laparoscopic surgical removal of the tumor.

Read more at Livestrong.com

The Plant
The carob tree is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Around the world, it has become a successful crop in a few specific regions where warm subtropical climates exist and annual rainfall is at least 15 inches. In the United States, this includes areas of Southern Florida, the Gulf States, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California.

Properties
A member of the pea family, carob is also known as Locust Bean, St. John’s Bread and Sugar Pods. The pod consists of approximately 90% pulp and 10% seed. The seeds are composed of an antioxidant-rich shell, the endosperm and the embryo or germ. The main component of the endosperm is galactomannan carob bean gum, a polysaccaride similar to guar gum and a useful stabilizing and thickening agent.

Carob Pulp
Carob pulp is processed into flour that is similar to cocoa powder. This can be added to cold or heated milk for drinking, combined with wheat flour for making bread or pancakes, or made into confections. When coarsely ground and boiled in water, the pulp makes a thick, honey-like syrup.

Carob Seed
Carob bean gum is extracted from the seeds and used commercially as a stabilizer and thickener in food products such as baked goods, ice cream, salad dressings, sauces, cheese, salami, bologna, canned meats and fish, jelly and mustard. The leftover seed residue can be made into a starch and sugar-free flour that is high in protein and therefore useful for producing low-glycemic foods for people with diabetes.

Nutritional Values
Carob pulp nutrition is comparable to that of other cereal grains, like oats and barley. Its composition is approximately 50 percent sugars — specifically sucrose, glucose, fructose and maltose — 7 percent proteins and small amounts of minerals and vitamins. Minerals include potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc. Even though carob contains proteins, it is not typically considered a protein source. This is because it also has a high tannin and fiber content, both of which inhibit digestion of the proteins.

Read more at Livestrong.com