You probably know that chiropractors are experts in dealing with issues related to neck and back pain, but did you know that that is just a fraction of the conditions that chiropractic can help?  Chiropractors have great success caring for all kinds of conditions throughout the body.  Did you know that chiropractic has been shown to help ear infections in children, reduce or eliminate asthma, make headaches and migraines a thing of the past, and so much more?  Chiropractors offer a safe, non-surgical, drug free approach to health!  No matter what your health concern is, speak with your chiropractor about it.  If they can’t help you, they will help you find someone that can.  If you don’t have a chiropractor, feel free to ask us here in our new “Ask the Chiropractor” feature.

Ask the Chiropractor
Please send your chiropractic related questions using the online form and stay tuned to the Ask the Chiropractor page on ParentGuide.com for answers to all your questions!

Topic: Chiropractic Inquiry
Q. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was a preteen. I just recently turned 41. Aside from the constant lower back pain and consistent bone popping in my neck and back that I have learned to live with, I am now experiencing something new.
On the occasions when I am forced to bend over for one reason or another, I find that when I stand back up, I get this dizzy nauseating feeling in my head just behind my eyes.
The feeling is more like a rush of water working it way through my head and down my back. The intensity is so great, I have to stop what ever I am doing and just sit for a few minutes.
I initially thought it was a "sinus thing," but learned this was not the case. Could this be related to the scoliosis?

A. I have not specifically heard of the symptoms you described being assocociated with scoliosis. I would strongly recommend seeking an evaluation from your medical physician to address this condition.
Thank you for your question.

Topic: Chiropractic Inquiry
Q. In June 2009 I had fallen of a step ladder, smacking my right shoulder and shoulder blade into a door jam. I experience frequent headaches that are so bad at the back of my head near the base of scull and neck. Along with neck stiffness which comes and goes depending on right arm movements. At the top of my shoulder where the collar bone meets up with the shoulder joint, it feels as if something in digging into my top portion of muscle above the collar bone with a knife or screwdriver and a sense of prying up at the bone. Just picture an old fashion soda pop bottle being pried open. On and off numbness that continues down into my elbow. Strange poking, burning sensation felt in shoulder blade and arm pit (right side) They did do a c spine mri they stated if nothing was shown they would do a mri w/dye in shoulder. Im a just curious to find out why my neck looks so crocked (no spasms at time of mri) Is this due from the fall or something that happens with age? I am only 33 currently, and already in a enough financial burden with medical bills, but not sure if the neck is the real issue, or should I tryed the dye mri of shoulder. The first mri shoulder came back neg.

A. Thank you for your question. It sounds like that fall certainly did contribute to your symptoms.Your symptoms are consistent with nerve impingement. I recommend the shoulder MRI and a chiropractic evaluation of your neck to be sure everything is in place while healing. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

Topic: Chiropractic Inquiry
Q. I was wondering if you have carpal tunnell it could cause migraines. I have had headaches now for 7 months and the nueologist took test of my hands and said I had carpal tunnell but he couldn;t help me with my headaches, in Abilene, Texas wanted to send me to Headache Center in Lewisville, Texas. I also have tension in my neck, I went to massage therpist and she said I had tied up knots and spasms in my neck and upper back. What should I do?

A. Some of the nerves that exit the neck area travel into the shoulder, arm, wrist and hand, so yes, it may be related. I recommend athorough chiropractic exam of the neck and upper back areas to be sure if there is any nerve impingement that may be causing your symptoms. If so, chiropractic may be able to help relieve the pressure to the nerves.
Thank you for your question and Good Luck!

Topic: Child Chiropractic Inquiry
Q. At least 2 times a day when I pick up my 1.5 year old, I hear popping noises from her back.  She doesn't appear to be any pain so I'm hoping this will pass as she gets older.  I'm wondering what causes this (since my 4 yr old never experienced this) and is it anything to worry about?

A. The "popping" noise you hear is the movement of the joints, similiar knuckles "popping".  This may simply be something your child will grow out of.  If you're overly concerned I would recommend an evaluation by a Chiropractor to be sure the muscles are balanced and the spine is in proper alignment.

Topic: Chiropractic Care
Q. I have bone loss in my spine and the Drs tell me they cant do anything for me I have been going to a chiropractor for years and it is not helping could it be makeing it worse my Dr told me physical therphy would be better for me what do you think.

A. My suggestion with bone loss is light, weight bearing exercise.  Being a Chiropractor, I have worked with many patients with osteoporosis with the goal of strengthening and stabilizing the pelvis and spine.  I think finding the right doctor/therapist is important. Thank you for the question and Good Luck!

Topic: Child Chiropractic Inquiry
Q. I have a 16 month old daughter who is not standing on her own or walking. She is however bottom scooting.The pediatrician has evaluated her and says there is nothing wrong with her muscles and her hips are not out of place. We have had a physical therapist working with her for 2 months now, and have noticed little improvement. She will stand with some assistance(such as us holding her arms) but cries as if she is scared. A friend of mine had mentioned someone that had the same problem with their child and had said they took the child to a chiropractor for adjustments. Do you think it is appropriate to have my daughter evaluated by a chiropractor and if appropriate adjusted???

A. Every child develops differently.  In my practive I have known this be very true.  I would recommend a chiropractic evaluation for your daughter, now that you have ruled out anything that medicine and physical therapy cannot address.  If the mechanics for weight-bearing are not optimal, that may be contributing to my she can't stand.  Chiropractic may help alignments of the pelvis and leg and make the difference! Thank you for the question.

Topic: Health
Q. I've had migranes for 23yrs now and recently noticed that as long as I can crack my neck regularly (every 1/2hr or so then I'm migrane free, but when my neck won't crack I will get a migrane shortly after that. Do you have any suggestions? I tried physical theropy for 3yrs, that didn't work, and my neurologist said to try meditation or yoga, no thanks! Thanks for your time. Migrane sufferer.

A. Migraines can have different causes and suffers will try almost ANYTHING! For those people who have been properly evaluated and diagnosed with head pain/headache/migraine originating from the cervical spine(neck), chiropractic can be helpful. I would recommend an evaluation to help determine the patterns/cause of your migraines.
Thank you for your question and Good Luck!

Topic: Health
Q. I just want to ask how many visit is recommended for patient with endometriosis? thanks so much.

A. I appreciate your question, however, there is no quick sure answer for you. I am commonly asked "How many visits will it take for this?..." and "How many visits will it take for that?.." Chiropractic is not like a cookbook, rather, a great Doctor of Chiropractic will sit down with you, hear your concerns/symptoms and perform a thorough examination of you that reveals the answer to your question.
I'd be happy to assist your further. Good Luck!

Topic: Health
Q. Help! I know its totally my fault and I shouldn't of let him do it but I let some idiot crack my back for me at work the other day. I've had it done to me loads of times before and its always helped to losen things up but this moron was showing off and did it really violently - it made a louder then usual noise and it really hurt. I've never had any problems with my upper back only my lower back but over the past four days my upper back feels like its been pulled all across my shoulder blades and I get sharp pains when I move in a certain way or breathe in to my full lung capacity - it feels like its getting worse not better. My spine doesn't feel like its been knocked out so I'm praying hes not done any long term damage? Does it sound like muscle strain or like hes done something to a nerve perhaps? How does this kind of thing heal? Will it feel worse before it gets better? I'm so skint I don't have the money to see a chiropracter but I'm really worried I've done something awful to myself - any ideas?

A. With only the information I have and not evaluating you, it seems like you're in an unfortunate situation. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing..you're ribs may be involved along with muscle spasms. Always rely on the licensed professionals to handle the delicate structures surrounding and protecting your spinal cord and nerves. If your symptoms get worse I strongly recommend seeking medical attention.

Topic: Health
Q. To help alleviate my lower back pain, I would like to buy a Roman Chair hyperextension bench.  Do you recommend either the 45 degree bench or the version that is parallel to the floor.  Thanks!

A. After researching the Roman Chair Hyperextension Bench, it appears that this device is to be used in the strengthening and stabilization phases of spinal rehabilitation.  If you are experiencing lower back pain as your e-mail indicated, it is best to begin to strengthen and stabilize your lower back after the symptomatic 'painful' episodes. Always consult your physician before trying a home program as such. Thank you for the question and Best of Luck! 

Topic: Health
Q. I have a question about myself. I am a 31 yo. mother of three & I have been experiencing back problems since approx. 2002. I have had issues with allignment, pressure points & was diagnosed probably 5 years ago with facet syndrome. In the last couple years I have noticed that if I sit and lean more to my right side, which I often tend to do with out thinking about it, sometimes when I stand up it looks like I have no hip on my right side but I do on my left. It is hard to straighten up my spinal area gets tense along with hip pain, but the pain is not un bareable & if I stretch it out I am fine. I am just wondering what this could be? Is this caused from facet syndrome, or could I have something else going on? I currently am not able to see a chiroprator, but hopefully I will be getting medical insurance soon & I will be able to do so.

A. Facet Syndrome is consistent with the symptoms you have mentioned.  Yes, it is true that Chiropractors can tell a lot from posture analysis, however, the proper diagnosis after a thorough examination and blue prints of your spine(x-rays) will lead you in the right direction.  Chiropractors have helped many spinal related conditions that include back pain from facet symdrome and pressure points.  Often simple procedures can relieve pain and muscle stiffness, or even specific stretches to improve posture may also benefit you.

When you're able to visit the Chiropractor I am sure you'll be pleased with the results. Thank you for the question!

Topic: Health
Q. I would just like to know if chiropractic care has any effect for cancer patients? And if so what effectiveness does it have on  people with cancer? Thank you.

A. Chiropractor's main purpose is to regain proper mechanics of the spine so that the innate healing ability of the body can take place.  Every patient is unique and chiropractors take in consideration the examination, x-rays, MRI imaging, etc. and may communicate with the patients' oncologist as to what treatment plan is appropriate for the patient.  I appreciate your question.

Topic: Health
Q. My back has been hurting for the past 3 months, at first I thought it was because of the birth of my last child. It was a rough birth and I thought I might have just strained my back. The pain is located in the lumbar area of my back. The pain didnt stop and got worse. First, there were times when my legs gave out and I couldnt feel them resulting in me falling to my knees. But my biggest issue is that the pain is now spidering into my shoulder area and causing severe pain. I get terrible migranes, I get nauseas, and I get dizzy. I cant sleep anymore and some mornings I need to crawl out of bed just to get up. I am in a lot of pain, Ive been to two doctors the one put me on flexeral, it did nothing, the second gave me lower tabs to try to help me sleep, they would take away my migranes but not touch my back. I have had x-rays and they show nothing wrong with my bones. I went to web md and typed in my symthoms the top condition was Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. I am tired of getting the run around with these doctors and I want to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about. Please help me.

A. Your symptoms are consistent with conditions that chiropractors deal with
everyday.  It sounds like a visit to an office in our group nearest you is in order to get to the bottom of this.  They will look at your x-rays from a different perspective and let you know if they can help.  After a few short weeks of conservative care in one of our offices you should be able to see if you are responding favorably.  If you are concerned with stenosis, that diagnosis can be confirmed with a simple MRI.  If you would like more information on how to contact the office nearest you, please feel free to email me.  Happy new year!

Topic: Health
Q. How long does it take for soft tissue damage to repair after an auto accident?

A. That's a great question and the answer obviously depends on the severity of
the injury.  Typically soft tissue injuries will heal with proper treatment in 4-6 months however it is not uncommon for them to take up to a year.  If these injuries are not properly handled in a timely manner, the residual effects can be ongoing.  Your chiropractor is an expert in these types of injuries and should be consulted immediately following an automobile accident!

Topic: Health
Q. Would a chiropractor be able to determine if a patient has Osteoporosis?

A. Yes, it is possible for a chiropractor or any trained doctor to determine if someone has osteoporosis from a simple x-ray.  However, osteoporosis is usually in its advanced stages before it can be detected using x-ray. Typically 30-50% bone loss must occur before osteoporosis can be determined using this method.  The easiest way to detect this is by having a bone density scan done.  If you are concerned about osteoporosis, speak with your chiropractor and he/she can refer you to the appropriate facility for the test.

Topic: Health
Q. At what age can you detect/test for scoliosis?

A. Scoliosis can be detected in any child that is fully into the walking stage
by using an x-ray regardless of how old they are.  Scoliosis checks are
often done in school aged children by the school nurse however the method
used is really just a screening tool and not a definite indicator.  All
chiropractors affiliated with our group through The Parent Guide offer
complimentary scoliosis checks.  Chiropractors are experts in assessing the
spine and can determine if the child is likely to have any curvature of the
spine.  If need be, all chiropractors in our group offer x-ray on site.  If
you would like to be referred to an office in your area, please forward me
your contact information and I will direct you to the office nearest you!

Topic: Health
Q. Can a Chiropracter help to reduce allergies related to tomatoes?

A. Thank you for your question.  The type of allergy issues we usually deal
with in the office are sinus related allergies.  Food related allergies are
usually unique to an individual and have no known treatment.  Although
chiropractic is great for overall health and wellbeing, I doubt that you'd
experience the result the result of finally being able to add Roma tomatoes
to your salad.  I hope this helps!

Topic: Health
Q. I know kids here are very deficient in vitamin D. My 2 year old has very poor teeth and I think this may be one of the causes. Can you tell me what dosage of a Vitamin D supplement would be good for her age and is over dosing on vitamin D is a possibility?

A. Thank you for your question.  A general guideline for vitamin D intake for a
toddler varies depending on what source you use.  The American standard is
400iu per day but the Canadian standard recommends 1000iu.  It is relatively
easy to determine the correct dosage through a simple blood test that most
doctors can perform.  For more information see this article on WebMD.
http://children.webmd.com/news/20081013/vitamin-d-new-guidelines-for-children

Topic: Chiropractic Care
Q. Could a pinched nerve be causing insomia & frequent urination?

A. It is very possible that pressure on a nerve in the lower spine can
contribute to urinary problems.  The insomnia could be due to anxiety
associated with worry about your current condition.  I posted an extended
reply to this question last week - please see below.
I hope this helps!

Topic: Chiropractic Care
Q. I've had insomnia & frequent urination for a year now. I did a sleep study & they couldn't find anything. Also I went to a urologist too,& he didn't find anything either. I had 3 herniated disks in my neck before, & I was wondering if that could be the problem. Also I have 3 knots sticking up in the middle of my back also.

A. This is a very complex question and without knowing more about your personal
health history it is hard to say exactly what the problem could be.  Urinary and bowel problems can often be associated with a spinal condition called subluxations which put pressure on the nerves that exit the spine. Subluxations are the condition that chiropractors correct through specific spinal adjustments.  The herniated discs in your neck could indeed be contributing to the problem if the herniations are putting pressure on the spinal cord.  Scheduling a free no obligation consultation with a chiropractor associated with The ParentGuide would be a great first step to
see if chiropractic could indeed help your situation.  We have offices located throughout the bay area.  If you send me your location I would be happy to put you in touch with the office nearest you!  I hope this helps!

Topic: Chiropractic Care
Q. My 4 and a half year old son recently went through a bout of what we believe is either trasnient tic disorder or PANDAS. We have heard that chiropractic neurologists can help kids dealing with tics. Can you elaborate on this type of service please?

A. As a family wellness chiropractor my focus is on a properly functioning nerve system. Our nerve system controlls all functions including our immune system. I have worked with many children that have subluxations, misalignments of the spine that interfear with proper nerve supply and have had great success with many health problems. Far too many to list in this email. My suggestion is a check up to assess the alignment of the spine and nerve system function and based on the results of that check up a chiropractor will let you know: How your child can be helped, how long it will take and what to expect

Topic: Chiropractic Care
Q. I have battled sinus pressure, headaches, infections for about 3 yrs. caused by allergies all year round.  I have heard that chiropractic care can help relieve this pressure - how can it help?

A. Your immune system's function is to recognize and destroy anything that is
not supposed to be in you: bacteria, viruses, pollutants, dust, pollen,
drugs, and tumors. A healthy immune system means high resistance to disease
and infection, better ability to deal with stress, and greater health and
well-being. Many things influence how well your immune system functions:
your nerves and hormones, your diet, your genes, and your emotions.

The most common immune system disorder is the allergy. Allergies occur when
the immune system overreacts to an allergen (dust, pollen, milk, dog or cat
dander, strawberries, etc.), and produces too many neutralizing chemicals
(especially histamines) to counteract it. 

While chiropractic is not a treatment for allergies, allergy sufferers have
praised chiropractic care for over a century. The goal of chiropractic care
is to locate and correct a serious type of spine and nervous system stress
called the vertebral subluxation complex. By releasing stress on the immune
system, chiropractic permits the immune system to function more effectively
and in turn allows your body to better deal with the stress of allergens. 

I have had several patients tell me that they feel the stuffiness and head
pressure that nags them while their allergies are acting up subsides almost
immediately after getting adjusted.

I hope this helps!

Topic: Chiropractic Care
Q. Is chiropractic safe?

A. Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. In fact, Chiropractors have the lowest cost for malpractice insurance of any healthcare provider.

Topic: Chiropractic Care
Q. Is it bad to “crack” your neck or back a lot?

A. The desire to pop the neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed or fixated vertebra. The jammed part should be adjusted by a chiropractor so that the rest of the spinal column will balance and prevent it from being so easily movable.

Cracking or popping your neck gives relief for a while, but soon the urge to crack or pop reappears because the cause of the spinal tension has not been corrected.

Topic: Spinal Decay
Q. Isn’t spinal decay just part of the normal aging process?

A. Because spinal decay is often (but not always) seen in the elderly, some people are misled into believing that it is merely part of the aging process. This is not true. It seems clear that spinal decay is the result of long-standing, uncorrected spinal stress.

Topic: Family Care
Q. Why do newborns get chiropractic adjustments?

A. Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infants spine. Preliminary studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. As a rule, no more pressure than you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato is involved.

Topic: Family Care
Q. Can I receive chiropractic care if I’ve had back surgery?

A. Yes. Your chiropractic doctor will avoid surgically modified areas of your spine. However, surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These “reactions” will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Topic: Spinal Decay
Q. Can chiropractic care help those with advanced cases of spinal decay? Can spinal decay be reversed?

A. Absolutely. While chiropractic care cannot help areas of the spine that are already fused together, areas of the spine not yet affected can often benefit from chiropractic care.

When spinal decay is detected at an early stage, chiropractic intervention can produce remarkable benefits. In phase one cases, many patients see the restoration of spinal curves and improved mobility. Chiropractic care at later stages shows promise, but results vary from patient to patient.

Topic: Sciatica
Q. What causes sciatica? Can chiropractic cure sciatica and how long will I need treatment?

A. It is easy to trace some spinal problems to an event, such as a car accident. Yet, sciatica is often the result of cumulative damage. Years of bad posture, poor muscle tone, excess weight or countless other causes set the stage. Then, something simple like bending over to tie your shoes can trigger an episode. Spinal decay can also be a cause of sciatica. Instead of disc thinning that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve roots, arthritic bone spurs can intrude into the space normally reserved for the nerve.

Actually, chiropractic doesn’t cure anything! Only your body can do that. The chiropractic approach to sciatica (and other health problems) is to help restore the way your spine works, reducing nerve irritation and revitalizing your own healing ability.

Most sciatica patients are delighted with the results that they get after weeks or months of care. Naturally, this varies from patient to patient. Many discover that years of neglect have produced spinal instabilities that never fully heal. These patients elect to continue with periodic chiropractic checkups. It is truly up to you.

Topic: Family Care
Q. Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

A. Of course. Regardless of your age, size or condition, chiropractic care can be helpful. The specific needs of each patient are considered. If yours is not a chiropractic case, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. Pregnancy is natural. Why is chiropractic necessary? Will my medical doctor approve? Will adjustments hurt my baby?

A. Being born is a natural process. It’s what we’ve done to the birth process that has become increasingly suspect. In hospitals, a severe drop in temperature, loud noises, suction extraction and other insensitivities often accompany a newborn’s introduction to the world. The administration of drugs and anesthesia can have unfortunate effects as well.

You do not need anyone’s approval to seek a chiropractic opinion about health issues affecting you or your child. Consulting another health care expert is always helpful in the decision-making process. We work closely with other practitioners who keep up with the latest research and understand the value of this natural, drug-free approach to better health.

Of course not. An infant’s spine rarely has the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults. So the energy needed to adjust a child’s spine is considerably less than what is needed to adjust you. This is a common concern among parents who mistakenly think that their child will receive the same kind of adjustments that they receive.

Topic: Chiropractic Care
Q. What causes the sound of the chiropractic adjustment?

A. Actually, not all adjusting techniques produce the sound associated with the adjustment. When utilizing a technique that does produce a sound, the sound of the adjustment is produced by nitrogen being released from the joint.