CAN CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS IMPROVE WELL-BEING?

Something I discuss with patients routinely is the intrinsic and inseparable connection between the body, the mind and the spirit. For the 85% of the population who have never seen a chiropractor, the skilled care of manual orthopedic therapy goes way beyond merely optimizing spinal function, or treating headache, neck, and back pain complaints... whether they are recent or longstanding. Research suggests that chiropractic care may also improve emotional health, including psychological well-being.

Ever Feel Like Going Up the Down Staircase?

According to new research, a common problem known as the vertebral subluxation may affect the psyche in a slow and unsuspected manner. These segmental restrictions of individual vertebra is linked to a wide range of physiological, and physical health issues as well.

These spinal fixations sometimes referred to as vertebral subluxations is a condition in which spinal bones, (vertebrae) have restricted mobility. It occurs when vertebrae are slightly out of place, and are not functioning properly. We use specialized maneuvers by hand, or by instrument, called chiropractic adjustments, to correct these fixations by restoring normal motion, resiliency and spinal alignment. Sometimes it takes only a few, and other times depending upon the problem, several over a number of months time.

These Fixations Hamper Well-Being

Multiple studies indicate that well-being may be directly tied to vertebral subluxations. In one report, researchers used two different assessments to measure well-being in an individual with chronic low back pain. The 26-year-old female patient had multiple vertebral subluxations and low scores on to quality-of-life outcome measurements.

After nine months of chiropractic care, her vertebral subluxations were significantly reduced. Simultaneously, her well-being also improved. An evaluation called "the quality of well-being scale" her score jumped from 1.1 to 8.2 after chiropractic care. Another well-being survey, which initially indicated low scores, exceeded normal for well-being on five subscales. The mental health composite score on this assessment improved dramatically from 25.3 to 62.8.
"The patient appeared two experience improvement in quality-of-life while showing signs suggestive of improved spinal function. The relationship between indicators of vertebral subluxation and quality of life deserves further investigation using a research design that allows for exploration of possible causal relationships," summarized the researchers (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005;28:136-42).

A Balanced Lifestyle with Desired Benefits

Well-being is a key aspect of the chiropractic lifestyle: a conscious mode of living which encourages patients to embrace not only simple lifestyle changes, but also regular exercise, adequate nutritious food, plenty of clean water and adequate hydration, along with fresh air —all part of what we call a daily First-Line Therapy program, and a small puzzle piece to Functional Diagnostic Medicine. In addition, this encompasses other healthy choices for body and mind, including stress reduction, and regular chiropractic care. Unlike medication with a limited effect, this lifestyle is proven positive long-term effects on well-being — and all without unwanted side effects, but instead desired benefits.

When 205 volunteers attended a four-day health program, which mirrored principles of the chiropractic lifestyle, they enjoyed prolonged emotional benefit. The health retreat was designed to reduce vertebral subluxations, restore balance to the nervous system and provide lifestyle and nutritional education. Patients completed a health survey and the global well-being scale just prior to the program, and at its end —and then again eight weeks later. At the program's completion, all attendees showed "significant improvement" in the well-being assessment —and in six of eight scales on the health survey. Two months later, participants’ scores for both tests remained higher than before the program (J Vert Sublux Res 2008;3:1-8).

There’s Confidence in Complete Well-Being…

Research shows us that chiropractic care affects all aspects of emotional well-being. For instance, there were 10 volunteers recently who participated in a 5 1/2 month study. All participants held stressful positions as public safety personnel at a fire in emergency service department — jobs that tax their emotional health. As part of the experiment, the participants received weekly chiropractic care.

Participants completed a thorough quality-of-life survey at the studies onset and at its completion. The comprehensive evaluation concluded assessment of physical and emotional well-being, mental and emotional state, stress management, life enjoyment and overall quality of life.

At the end of the study, subjects enjoyed remarkable spine related improvements, such as improved range of motion, spinal balance, tendon reflexes and posture. Concurrently, participants noted dramatic increases in all aspects of well-being (J Vert Sublux Res 2007;1-8).

Depression, Sadness, & Despair

Vertebral subluxations may also be related to depression, speculate other researchers.

In one report, a 46 year old man sought chiropractic care during a third bout of depression. His depression medication caused multiple side effects, such as dizziness, muscle weakness and insomnia. He suffered from neck and low back pain, anxiety, fatigue and diminished appetite. His initial chiropractic exam revealed multiple vertebral subluxations. The patient’s chiropractic doctor performed "specific" chiropractic adjustments for the correction of vertebral subluxations. Throughout care, the patient routinely completed well-being assessments. As his care progressed, he enjoyed a "significant increase" in three well-respected quality-of-life scientific indicators. The researchers concluded: "the progress that has been documented with this man's suggests a connection between the correction of vertebral subluxations and increased wellness in quality-of-life.” (J Vert Sublux Res 2008;4:1-7).

Anxiety, Worry, & Nervousness

Analysis shows that anxiety may also be linked to vertebral subluxations. In one report, a 19-year-old woman was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, (GAD). For two years, she suffered from symptoms such as dizziness, trembling, sweating, heart palpitations, sleep deprivation, poor concentration, the personalization and headaches. She was taking medication, but her symptoms continue to escalate, resulting in multiple emergency room visits.

The chiropractic evaluation revealed multiple, chronic vertebral subluxations and altered spinal curves in her neck, and mid back. Her chiropractor focused on eliminating vertebral subluxations to restore proper nerve function. “Subjective improvement was noted after the first adjustment, with 50% reduction in anxiety, 30% reduction of headache symptoms, and increased mobility in the neck."

Over a four-month course of care, the patient experienced a remarkable change in well-being and quality-of-life. She successfully discontinued medication, and her anxiety level remained reduced by 80%. The study authors conclude that "these improvements suggest positive changes in mental health function [and] may be associated with subluxation correction from the application of chiropractic care." (J Vert Sublux Res 2004;1).

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Sometimes It's Not Such a Quick Fix

Unlike anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs, chiropractic care and the chiropractic lifestyle is a long-term, all natural approach to well-being. Although medication may appear to be a "quick fix," drugs have potential side effects. On the other hand, chiropractic care is a natural highly effective of solution to many health issues related to anxiety and depression, such as chronic pain. However, the chiropractic lifestyle is a lifelong commitment, and sometimes spark drastic changes.

At the New Zealand School of Chiropractic training clinic, 89 patients rated their emotional health status initially, and then every eight weeks for five months after regular chiropractic care. Volunteers assessed health across four domains: emotional and mental state, stress, life enjoyment and physical health. A second survey ascertained quality-of-life. Participants noted changes in both areas after consistent chiropractic care. The authors conclude that the chiropractic care provided "significant benefits" in well-being, not instantly, but over time. "Study data suggested that health and wellness may accrue with time under care." (J Vert Sublux Res 2008;3:1-9).

We Remain Your Best Reliable Resource

Maintaining a positive sense of well-being is essential for physical and emotional health. However with today's frenzied pace of life, that's more challenging than ever before. Let us help you achieve emotional and physical wellness. We're here to listen and were here to help... so call for an appointment today.

All the best,

Lewis Meltz, DC
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Chiropractic Orthopedic Group

THE POWER OF POTASSIUM
In years before, our diet once contained an abundance of potassium, but as our diets began including more processed foods, and fewer fresh fruits and vegetables, potassium intake levels plummeted. Scientists now suspect this may be a reason behind the recent rise in chronic diseases like heart disease and osteoporosis.

These days I'm becoming more and more concerned about this nutritional shift because prevention is the cornerstone of the chiropractic lifestyle. Most Americans fail to consume even their daily “nutritional minimum wage” resulting in scores of preventable conditions. This lifestyle includes regular chiropractic care which includes manual orthopedic therapy, exercise, nutrition and other preventative measures such as smoking cessation, and weight management. At every opportunity we encourage your patients to focus on preventing disease and illness, and be aware of the latest research.

What Is Potassium?
Potassium is an element (and an electrolyte) that's essential for the body's growth and maintenance. It's necessary to ensure:

· Normal water balance between cells and body fluids
· The response of nerves to stimulation
· The contraction of muscles
Potassium works closely with sodium, through a mechanism known as the sodium-potassium pump, to perform all of the above tasks.

Potassium occurs naturally in a wide variety of foods. As a result, a severe dietary deficiency of potassium is uncommon. However, you may be at risk of potassium deficiency a condition called hypokalemia, if you experience excessive fluid loss, through vomiting, diarrhea or sweating, or if you take certain medications such as diuretics, it's common in alcoholics, with the routine use of laxatives, and found in numerous types of eating disorders.

If a little bit is good, then a whole lot more isn't necessarily better —because abnormally elevated serum potassium concentrations are referred to as hyperkalemia. This condition occurs when potassium intake exceeds the capacity of the kidneys to eliminate it. The most serious complication of hyperkalemia is the development of an abnormal heart rhythm, which can lead to cardiac arrest and death. Additional information can be found at this link at the OSU Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Research for Optimum Health: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/potassium/

New research revealing how the typical American diet, which is high in sodium, and contains a widespread amount of processed foods low in fresh fruits and vegetables, leaving many, although not severely deficient, lacking in potassium. In other words, the modern diet is upsetting the delicate balance between potassium and sodium in the body. And this imbalance may be setting up many only to look forward to causing chronic health problems to occur as we age.

A study in the scientific journal Physiologia Plantarum explains: "until recently, humans consumed a diet high in potassium. However with the increasing consumption of processed food, in which potassium is for the most part removed, combined with a reduction in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, there’s been a large decrease in potassium intake… much evidence shows that increasing potassium intake has beneficial effects on human health."

The study goes on to explain that the positive effects of increased potassium intake include lowering blood pressure, slowing the progress of kidney disease, and decreasing the risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis. The researchers conclude that the "the best way to increase potassium intake is to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables." (Physiol Plant 2008;133:725-35).

Potassium is One Way to Lower Blood Pressure
Exciting research presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 41st Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition November 2008 in Philadelphia, PA found that low levels of potassium in the diet may be equally as important to monitor as are high levels of sodium.

"There's been a lot of publicity about lowering salt or sodium in the diet in order to lower blood pressure, but not enough on increasing dietary potassium," comments lead author Susan Hedayati, MD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, and the Dallas VA Medical Center.

The researchers analyzed data on approximately 3,300 subjects and discovered a strong relationship between potassium levels and blood pressure. "The lower the potassium in the urine, hence the lower the potassium in the diet, the higher the blood pressure," says Dr. Hedayati. "This effect was even stronger than the effect of sodium and blood pressure."

The relationship between low potassium and high blood pressure remained significant even when age, race and other cardiovascular risk factors, including high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking, were taken into account. The researchers "urge efforts to increase the amount of potassium in the diet, as well as lowering sodium."

"High potassium foods include fruits such as bananas and citrus fruits and vegetables," says Dr. Hedayati. "Consuming a larger amount of these foods in the diet may lower blood pressure."

The Relationship between Potassium & Osteoporosis
Potassium also plays an important role in maintaining bone health. Researchers have long established that potassium prevents the excretion of calcium from the body. For instance, a 1993 study called "Potassium Causes Calcium Retention in Healthy Adults" in the Journal of Nutrition found that administering potassium to healthy adults reduced their urinary calcium excretion (J Nutr 1993;123:1623-6).

And the effects of potassium on calcium retention are not just short term. A report published in the journal Osteoporosis Int'l looked at the long-term effects of potassium intake on bone mineral density (BMG) among 266 elderly women. The study found that women with higher levels of potassium had significantly higher BMG after one year and after five years.
The researchers conclude: "potassium intake shows positive association with bone density in elderly women, suggesting that increasing consumption of food rich in potassium may play a role in osteoporosis prevention" (Osteoporos Int 2008; Epub.)

Beyond the Jungle & the Bananas —a Good Source Of Potassium
Most fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium. To increase your potassium intake, cut down on processed food and eat lots of fresh produce. To get the most potassium benefit out of your produce, cook it as little as possible, blanching or steaming is best, and a raw is even better. Baking will also maintain many nutrients usually lost in the water with simmering or heavy steaming. White meats, fish, dried fruits and nuts are what are referred to as other potassium rich ‘money’ foods.

We all think of bananas as a good source of potassium, there are actually many other fruits and vegetables packed with even more potassium. For example, while one banana contains 467.28 mg of potassium (13.4% daily value) 1 c. of steamed Swiss chard contains 960.7 mg (27.4% daily value). Other excellent, and perhaps surprising, sources of potassium include Crimini mushrooms, spinach, baked winter squash, broccoli, celery, molasses, tomato, raisins, carrots, papaya, avocado and beans.

So what would you say is the adequate daily intake for potassium?

According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine report infants up to 6 months should have 400 mg and 7-12 months about 700 mg for boys and girls. Children ages 1 to 3 should have 3,000 mg and ages 4 to 8 3,800 mg and ages 9 to 13 about 4,500 mg daily. Adolescents ages 14 to 18 and all adults should have 4,700 mg daily between both genders. If pregnant, similar daily requirements are suggested of 4,700 mg and if breast-feeding 5,100 mg of daily potassium in the diet.

All the best,


Lewis Meltz, DC