September 2020

• Resolution of Hypothyroidism with Chiropractic Care - A Case Report
• Resolution of Bedwetting, Constipation, Headaches, Allergies & Cold Hands Under Chiropractic
• Improvement in Meniere’s Disease Following Chiropractic Care
• Resolution of Food Intolerances with Chiropractic Care - A Case Report

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published the results of a case study on August 31, 2020, documenting the resolution of hypothyroidism in a woman undergoing chiropractic care. According to the American Thyroid Association, "Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally. People are hypothyroid if they have too little thyroid hormone in the blood."

The study begins by noting how common thyroid problems are. "Thyroid diseases and conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States. Presently, it is estimated that twenty million Americans have some form of thyroid disease and greater than twelve percent of the American population will develop a thyroid condition over the course of their lifetime."

In this case, a 61-year-old woman went to the chiropractor seeking help with her health issues. At that time, she was suffering for over a decade with thyroid problems, weight gain, decreased energy, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ears, and Meniere’s disease. The woman had previously seen her medical doctor who sent her for blood tests. Those tests led to her being given a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included static palpation, motion palpation, range of motion, standing postural analysis, and thermography. X-rays of her spine were taken which included front and side views of her neck, mid-back and lower spine areas.

The results of the examination showed multiple areas of concern along the woman’s spine consistent with subluxations. The spinal x-rays confirmed the spinal problems and it was determined that subluxations were present. With this information, specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were given to the woman on a regular basis.

As care progressed, the woman reported that she had been feeling an increase in her energy, her weight had stabilized, and she was experiencing a decreased frequency in bouts of ringing in her ears. The study notes that the woman was encouraged because her symptoms were improving.

After two months of chiropractic care, the woman returned to her medical doctor for a checkup and was referred out to the laboratory for blood work. Upon receiving the results from her blood work, her medical doctor explained that the woman’s thyroid levels were all within the normal range.

In their conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The reduction in signs and symptoms of vertebral subluxation were associated with an improvement in thyroid function and symptoms related to hypothyroidism"

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study on August 3, 2020, describing a case of a child who was suffering with bedwetting, constipation, headaches, allergies, and cold hands being helped by chiropractic.

Bedwetting at night is medically known as nocturnal enuresis (NE), and occurs in up to 15% of seven-year-olds who have no problems during the day. The condition is more common in boys than girls and is commonly associated with behavioral disorders. NE was thought to be self-limiting but has been shown to be persistent and can remain during the entire childhood of those affected, and thereafter remains in 1% of adults.

The study authors note that, from a medical perspective, this condition is not a health priority and therefore treatment is "vague and futile." As they note, "…medical treatments typically include nighttime bells or alarms, medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, behavioral rewards and punishments, requirement of voiding before sleep, and limitation of nighttime fluids."

In this case, a six-year-old boy was brought to a chiropractor for help with multiple daily health issues, including nightly bedwetting. According to his parents, the boy was also suffering with headaches, constipation, earaches, allergies, asthma, cold hands, and ADHD. It was reported that the boy had been suffering with bedwetting, ADHD, and headaches since birth. The boy, who was very active and involved in sports, was being treated medically for asthma, allergies, constipation, and headaches, for which he was given multiple medications.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included a visual inspection, palpation, surface EMG readings, and spinal x-rays. It was determined that subluxations were present, and a chiropractic adjustment care plan was developed.

As chiropractic care continued, the child’s health began to improve. The study reports that the boy’s parents noticed a decrease in the number of times the child would have a wet night. By the twenty-first chiropractic visit, the parents reported that their son had not had a wet night in over a week. At sixteen weeks of care, his parents reported that their son was no longer suffering from cold hands or constipation. They also said that their son was 80% improved with his remaining conditions including ear infections, allergies, asthma, ADHD, and headaches.

In their conclusion, the authors noted, "This study presents relief of nocturnal enuresis, headaches, ADHD, asthma, allergies constipation, earaches, and cold hands in a 6-year-old male following chiropractic adjustments."

On August 17, 2020, the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published the results of a case study documenting the improvement of Meniere’s disease with chiropractic. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, "Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear. Meniere’s disease usually affects only one ear." 

The study authors begin by offering a technical explanation of Meniere’s disease by stating, "Meniere’s disease (MD) is an inner ear disorder also referred to as idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops. It is a buildup of endolymphatic fluid within the inner ear." They explain that it is this fluid buildup that leads to the symptoms of dizziness, hearing loss and intermittent ringing in the ears.

In this case, a 64-year-old woman sought chiropractic care primarily for help with Meniere’s disease and anxiety. In addition to her primary issues, she also reported that she was suffering from weakness in her left arm that started six weeks prior, as well as itchy ears, shakiness, jaw clicking and pain, neck pain and stiffness, allergies, right-sided sciatica, and irritable bowel syndrome.

 A chiropractic examination was performed which revealed multiple areas of concern in her spine and a limitation of neck rotation. Thermal heat readings of her spine were also performed. All orthopedic tests that were performed were negative. Multiple x-rays of her neck were taken to analyze the position of the spinal vertebrae.

From the examination and x-rays, it was determined that the top bone in her neck, the "Atlas," was subluxated. Based upon these findings, specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were given to address the atlas subluxation.

After one month of chiropractic care the woman reported a 70% improvement in her problems.  She specifically noted a decrease in the number of attacks of Meniere’s disease as well as improvement in left arm weakness, neck discomfort, and an increase in her energy.

After seven months of chiropractic care, the woman reported that she was now able to walk on the beach, ride her bicycle, shop, drive, read, watch TV, and travel to see her grandchildren in Pennsylvania, which she was unable to do before chiropractic care.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, "This case report and a review of the literature on chiropractic management of Meniere’s disease show that significant improvements can be made in MD symptoms with reduction of vertebral subluxations via specific chiropractic adjustments." In noting how well this patient responded, the authors offered additional advice. "If such great improvements can be made after years of suffering with MD, it may be possible to conclude that if chiropractic care is utilized earlier in life, it may prevent the onset of Meniere’s disease."

The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published the results of a case study on July 6, 2020, documenting the resolution of food intolerances in a patient receiving chiropractic care. This study points out that food intolerance has become more common causing restaurants and food distributers to be more aware on what is in the food they offer.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), "A food intolerance, or a food sensitivity occurs when a person has difficulty digesting a particular food. This can lead to symptoms such as intestinal gas, abdominal pain or diarrhea."  The AAAAI points out that a food intolerance is different from a food allergy. "A food intolerance is sometimes confused with or mislabeled as a food allergy.  Food intolerances involve the digestive system. Food allergies involve the immune system. With a food allergy, even a microscopic amount of the food has the potential to lead to a serious or life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis."

The study reports on the huge financial and social tool that food intolerances have on our society. "Gastrointestinal disorders related to food intolerances and sensitivities cause considerable economic and social impact on our society. It is estimated that 11% of the United States population suffers from chronic digestive disease, the prevalence as high as 35% for those 65 and older."

In this case, a 24-year-old man who worked as a software developer went to a chiropractor seeking relief for his low back pain which he attributed to his work at a computer. He reported that the lower back pain had been giving him trouble on and off for years. He also reported that he had been dealing with gluten sensitivity for the past six years. In his case, wheat gluten would trigger a manic depression attack, while garlic and onion would cause an upset stomach, and dairy would cause him to have abdominal pain and gas.

A chiropractic examination and x-rays were performed. It was determined that there was subluxation present in the man’s upper cervical spine, and specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were started to address those subluxations.

After the ninth chiropractic visit, the man revealed to the chiropractor that he had not had any episodes of abdominal pain, depression, or concentration issues after eating foods that he previously would have avoided. He further related a story about going out with his family and indulging in spicy food that included garlic and onions. He stated that these foods would have normally given him an upset stomach and triggered manic depression. This time, however, he did not experience any of those ill effects from the food. As care continued, the man reported that he was no longer having an upset stomach or mood changes from the food he was eating, including dairy products.

In their conclusion, the study authors note, "This paper confidently helps both the chiropractic and medical profession to consider an alternative to food intolerances, other than avoidance. This condition has afflicted many people and this case study offers an approach that allows patients to eat foods that they enjoy without fear of an adverse reaction."