Consistent & Reliable Adjustments

A couple of months ago I had the privilege of attending a couple of presentations on recent chiropractic research.  Dr. Walter Herzog of the University of Calgary and Dr. Greg Kawchuk from the the University of Alberta outlined the various investigations they are conducting to demonstrate both the effectiveness and the safety of chiropractic.  As they outlined each project and the methodology they were using I was stuck by the fact that both researchers were using the Activator Adjusting Instrument.  This is the same instrument we use in our office.

Both Dr. Herzog and Dr. Kawchuk stated matter-of-factly that they used the Activiator Adjusting Instrument because of it's consistency.  The could rely upon this instrument to produce the exact same thrust each and every time.  The force is consistent, the depth is consistent, and the line of drive is consistent.  The instrument has been validated by several previous research studies.  By using this instrument they reduce variables which makes their research more valid. 

As a clinician I have to constantly ask my self how does any given research apply to how I can better serve my patients.  While it's nice that the Activator Instrument is so valuable for research purposes, how does that translate to clinical practice?  The answer to that is pretty straight forward.  An instrument that produces a consistent and reliable adjustment in the lab will also produce a consistent and reliable adjustment in clinical practice.  As a matter of fact the instrument was developed for a clinical setting and was later proven to be reliable enough to be used for research purposes.

The benefit for patients is that every chiropractic adjustment with an Activator Instrument is the same as every other adjustment.  It is consistent from visit to visit.  It is consistent from doctor to doctor.  It is consistent whether the doctor is having a good day or a bad day.  (Can you believe that I occasionally have a bad day?)  That is not to say that the application of the instrument does not vary, but the instrument itself is consistent and reliable.  It is one variable in the care process that has been eliminated.  That is good news from a therapeutic standpoint.  That is good for patient care.  Patients can depend upon the Activator Instrument to provide the necessary force to create proper motion in joints.  Nerve function is restored and the healing process can proceed.

Researchers depend on the consistency and reliability of the Activator Instrument to produce the best research results.  Patients also can trust this instrument to provide consistent and effective chiropractic adjustments.

Beating Inflammation Naturally

Inflammation is the cause of a great deal of our pain.  There are a number of biochemical substances associated with inflammation that produce pain.  Pain in turn produces chemicals which increase inflammation.  Reduce the inflammation and the pain and dysfunction subside.  Unfortunately just because the pain is gone, doesn't mean the cause of the problem is solved. 

Chronic inflammation is known to be a factor in autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, arthritis, and pulmonary diseases.  It's not something that a person should ignore.  To complicate the issue, it's also not something that is always obvious.  Inflammation of internal organs is not noticeable until disease symptoms show up.   Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints are more obvious.  While chiropractic can affect internal inflammation by improving the overall health of the body, it's focus is on musculoskeletal inflammation.

In addition to improving motion, reducing nerve excitability, reducing pain thresholds, and improving sensory functions chiropractic adjustments also decrease inflammation in malfunctioning joints and tissues.  Often inflammation is due to mechanical dysfunction and nerve interference in the body.  When joints don't move properly inflammatory and pain chemicals are produced.  Chiropractic adjustments are very effective at normalizing body mechanics to reduce inflammation.  This is one way chiropractors are able to quickly relieve pain.  One study by XJ Song, published in JMPT, showed that inflammatory pain symptoms were reduced in 10 to 14 days with Activator Methods chiropractic adjustments as opposed to 3 to 4 weeks in the control subjects.

Low level laser therapy has also been demonstrated to be very effective in reducing inflammation.  Low intensity laser energy is known to improve how cells function.  As cells function more normally there appears to be a reduction in the inflammatory chemicals within and around the cell.  The result is not only decreased inflammation but pain as well.

For localized inflammation, ice is a great anti-inflammatory.  It constricts blood vessels to reduce fluids in the area of injury.  The quantity and activity of inflammatory chemicals are also reduced by decreasing the temperature of the area.  A note of caution: ice should never be used longer than 10 minutes at a time or the healing can actually be prolonged.

There are also several natural substances that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties throughout the body.  These are: 

• White Willow (Salicin), 
• Proteolytic enzymes particularly Bromelain,
• Ginger, 
• Curcumin (Turmeric), 
• Boswellia, 
• Magnesium,
• Omega 3 fatty acids.  

Many of these natural approaches have been shown to be as effective as NSAIDs (Non steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, without the many side effects.

Dietary considerations to reduce inflammation include: red wine, fish, eggs, dark chocolate, vegetables, fruit, garlic, and almonds.  When making food choices to reduce inflammation a person must also avoid Omega 6 fatty acids which are know to increase inflammation. These are found in grains as well as oils produced from corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed, peanut, and soybean.  Grain feed meats are also high in Omega 6 fatty acids.

Inflammation, whether localized or found throughout the body, can have a detrimental effect on healing and overall health.  Fortunately, there are safe, natural approaches to beating inflammation.  

A PEBBLE IN YOUR SHOE

I've heard stories of monks who would deliberately put a pebble in their shoe so they would constantly be reminded of the suffering of Christ. A pebble in one's shoe is certainly an irritation. The pebble is felt on every step and the foot soon becomes irritated to the point that even when resting the foot is sore. It becomes impossible to step properly on that foot. Soon the knee, hip and low back become sore as the body compensates for the foot that isn't working properly. Even the mind is affected. Where does your mind go with every step you take? To the pebble of course. You just can't wait for the opportunity to take your shoe off and get rid of that pebble. The pebble doesn’t have to be very big either.  I can't imagine deliberately putting one in my shoe!

Even though a pebble in your shoe is a small thing, it can affect your entire body.  There is another even smaller thing that can affect your body.  That is a vertebral subluxation.  A vertebral subluxation is when there is a loss of proper motion between the joints of the spine which is accompanied by nerve dysfunction.  There is usually associated swelling and muscle spasms as well.  Pain may or may not be present, but there will be loss of function whereever the associated nerves travel.  A vertebral subluxation is such a small, subtle lesion that it takes a great deal of training and practice to accurately detect it.  Finding and correcting vertebral subluxations is what chiropractors specialize in.

Physical, emotional or chemical stresses can all cause vertebral subluxations.  Once a vertebral subluxation is present it is much like a pebble in a shoe.  It is a constant irritation to the body.   Even though no pain may be present when the subluxation first occurs, the longer it exists the more severe the associated problems will be.  Initially there may only be stiffness.  Later muscles will spasm.  Pain may occur early in the process or may never be part of the symptoms.  Common symptoms include back pain, neck pain, headaches, pain in the arms or legs, numbness, tingling, and weakness.  Even the internal organs can be affected when the nerves going to them are not functioning properly.

Chiropractors are specially trained in the detection and correction of vertebral subluxations.  The only solution for a pebble in a shoe is to remove the pebble.  The only solution for a vertebral subluxation is to restore normal spinal joint and nerve function with specific chiropractic adjustments.