Suboccipital strain in infants.

Peter Fysh, DC. Dynamic Chiropractic. June 1994. Vol 12, Issue 12.

The upper cervical spine and atlanto-occipital junction have been identified in previous studies as being the cause of a diversity of clinical findings affecting the newborn infant. This month we review a study by Biedermann in which suboccipital strain is identified as causing a variety of signs and symptoms in a group of 114 young infants. The study, published in the Journal of Manual Medicine, not only identifies the signs and symptoms of the suboccipital strain syndrome, but also highlights the effectiveness of spinal adjustments in correcting the problem (1).

Kinematic imbalances due to suboccipital strain, otherwise known as KISS syndrome, identifies the pathogenic potential of the craniovertebral junction to produce a constellation of clinical findings. From a group of 600 children, 114 were chosen for treatment and follow-up study. Their symptoms included restricted motion of the cervical spine, torticollis, cervical scoliosis, facial scoliosis, asymmetric muscle tone, retarded development of the hip joints, opisthotonos (retraction of the head and arching of the back, with infant unable to hold the head erect), deformities of the feet, restless sleep, and not eating or drinking well.

The most common findings were those of torticollis (head tilted to one side), scoliosis (sideways curve of the cervical spine), asymmetric muscle development, slow development of the hip joints and asymmetrical or slow development of motor skills.

The most common factors causing suboccipital strain were identified in the study as including intrauterine malposition of the fetus, the use of forceps or vacuum extraction during the birth process, prolonged labor and multiple fetuses (twins, triplets, etc.). The incidence of these risk factors in affected infants varied significantly from the established normal birth statistics.

According to the authors of this study, the pathogenic importance of asymmetric posture in infants and young children is often disregarded, with the condition either being dismissed as unimportant or not recognized at all.

All of the subjects in the study were treated by adjustments to either the atlanto-occipital or the atlanto-axial joints. According to the author, treating disturbances of the suboccipital joints and the cervical spine simplifies and shortens the course of the infant’s problems, and significantly reduces the need for lengthy programs of physiotherapy. Furthermore, the indication for spinal manipulation in infants depends on first recognizing the clinical symptoms and then fitting them with the physical and radiological findings.

The researchers in this study relied on x-ray findings to accurately evaluate the alignment of the atlanto-axial and atlanto-occipital joints. The radiological evaluation was used to help in identifying spinal malformations and as an aid in determining the most appropriate direction of manipulation.

KISS syndrome was defined primarily because of the inability to consistently identify fixations, or “blockages” in the atlanto-occipital region, as had been previously described by Gutmann in the 1960s. In many cases, KISS syndrome can be dealt with effectively by correcting the alignment and restoring lost movement to spinal vertebrae.

Several case reports are presented in the paper, the first of a four month old female infant born by Cesarian section. The mother was concerned that her daughter had difficulty controlling her head position and always slept on her right side. The left arm was used less frequently than the right. Upon examination, painful palpation was identified on the right upper cervical spine, with cervical flexion on the left being half that on the right. Follow-up after manipulation showed symmetrical development and normal sleep patterns.

Another report details the case of a five month old twin who suffered hypoxia at birth. At six weeks of age examination showed cervical scoliosis, hypomobility of the left arm, poor head control and asymmetry of the facial structures. Following manipulation, posture and mobility were symmetrical and the cervical scoliosis straightened.

A third report gives details of the case of a six month old female with inability to turn her head to the left and with a pronounced facial scoliosis. Handling the child was described as difficult as she often cried, her motor development was retarded and she had recurrent fever of unknown origin. A few hours after the first treatment she moved her head to the left. One month later her facial scoliosis was much less pronounced and her motor development was improved. Twelve months later no abnormalities were detected.

In this study, 29 infants were identified with congenital torticollis. In this condition, spasm or trauma to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) causes the newborn infant’s head to tilt to one side. Frequently, in persistent cases, surgery to lengthen the SCM is the elective option. All but one the 29 infants with torticollis responded to manipulation of the upper cervical spine.

Identification of Suboccipital Strain

Identification of suboccipital strain requires careful palpation by a doctor experienced in the art of spinal examination. Initial indications can be increased pain or sensitivity of the suboccipitaland upper cervical spinal regions and/or restricted movements of the head and neck.

Subluxation of the atlas to the right, relative to the occiput, was a more frequent finding than was left atlas subluxation. This finding correlates with the studies of Jirout who also found the most common direction for atlas subluxation to be to the right.2 In 19 cases the main spinal asymmetry was found at C1-C2. In these patients, treatment at C1-C2 proved to be as effective as adjusting C0-C1.

Conclusion

Suboccipital strain is a leading factor in the conditions described. It can be relieved quickly and effectively by adjusting the cervical spine, in most cases, with one or two treatments. A frequent comment by parents was that their child ate better and slept better after the treatment.

References.

1. Biedermann H. Kinematic imbalances due to suboccipital strain in newborns. J. Manual Med (1992) 6:151-156.
2. Jirout J. (1990) Roentgenologische Bewegungsdiagnostik der Halswirbelsaule. Fischer, Stuttgart.

DNA repair and chiropractic.

The March 7, 2005 Medical News Today reported on a study that shows that chiropractic helps body physiology and DNA repair. The study, published in the February 18, 2005 scientific periodical, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, (JVSR), was a collaboration between chiropractors and researchers at the University of Lund in Sweden. In this study researchers found that chiropractic care could influence basic physiological processes affecting oxidative stress and DNA repair.

The article noted that serum thiols are primary antioxidants. Higher antioxidant levels can serve as a way of measuring human health status and DNA repair enzyme activity, which has been shown to correlate with lifespan and aging.  In this study researchers measured serum thiol levels in 21 patients, some of these with a variety of health issues or pain, who had undergone short-term chiropractic care.  Researchers also evaluated a group of 25 asymptomatic patients who had undergone long-term chiropractic care. These results were then compared to a control group of 30 people who had not received any chiropractic care.

The study results showed that, as the researchers expected, patients who were in pain had the lowest antioxidant levels.  However, those patients who were under longer term chiropractic care had statistically significant higher antioxidant levels than both the short term patients with pain, as well as those without pain who did not receive chiropractic care.

One of the authors, Dr. Christopher Kent, explained, “Going through life, we experience physical, chemical, and emotional stress. These stresses affect the function of the nervous system. We hypothesized that these disturbances in nerve function could affect oxidative stress and DNA repair on a cellular level.”  Kent continued, “Oxidative stress, metabolically generating free radicals, is now a broadly accepted theory of how we age and develop disease.”

http://www.chiropracticresearch.org/NEWS_Chiropractic%20Care%20Helps%20Body%20Physiology.htm

Chiropractic and the autonomic nervous system.

In a study published in the September 2000 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, researchers showed that chiropractic adjustments have an effect on the Autonomic Nervous System.  This research was designed to measure the changes in “Edge Light Pupil Cycle Time” (ELPCT) which is one of the light reflexes of the eyes.  This reflex is controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System.  The results showed a decrease in the Edge Light Pupil Cycle Time therefore showing a direct link between a chiropractic adjustment and a response in the Autonomic Nervous System.

The implications of this research go well beyond the eye itself.  The Autonomic Nervous System is that part of the nervous system responsible for the control and function of internal body organs.  Chiropractors have said for over 100 years that interference to the nervous system creates a situation whereby various parts of the body will not be functioning at their fullest innate potential.  Despite all the reported cases of people with a variety of internal problems responding to chiropractic care, the medical community would always dismiss these cases as a coincidence.

This new research adds much credibility to the reports of miraculous results under chiropractic by scientifically showing a link between chiropractic adjustments of the spine and the part of the nervous system responsible for the control of internal organs.  This clearly validates and reinforces the great results that chiropractors have reported to see over the last 100 years. Chiropractic care can have a positive affect on organ system health problems.

http://www.chiropracticresearch.org/NEWS%20-ads_autoNS.htm

Asthma study on the benefits of chiropractic.

Asthma has become a large health concern for children in recent years. Over the past 20 years the incidence of asthma has doubled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that in 1998, approximately 17,299,000 people in the United States, or 6.4% of the population, with cases among very young children up 160%. As reported in the June 16, 1999 issue of JAMA, the CDC also noted that between 1980 and 1994, the number of people self-reporting asthma grew 75%.

In a study conducted in 1996 by the Michigan Chiropractic Council (MCC), a panel of doctors performed an outcome assessment study to test the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of chiropractic care on children with asthma. The high demand of parents seeking alternative care for pediatric asthma was shown by the overwhelming interest in the study. More than 500 parents called the MCC seeking to get their child involved in the chiropractic study.

The study, which took place during May and June of 1996, examined the chiropractic effectiveness in correcting the cause of asthma in patients from birth to age 17. The average age of the participant was 10 years.  “After 30 days of chiropractic health care, patients averaged only one attack, whereas prior to the study they were experiencing more than four attacks,” said MCC Dr. Bob Graham, who directed the study.  “Medications, which can be costly, were decreased by nearly 70 percent. Finally, patient satisfaction was rated 8.5 on a scale of 10.”  More than 70 chiropractors from 62 cities in Michigan studied more than 80 children suffering from asthma.

http://www.chiropracticresearch.org/NEWSasthmastudy_chir.htm

More info on asthma and chiropractic

Chronic asthma.

Management of pediatric asthma and enuresis [bedwetting] with probably traumatic etiology.

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, search results for research on asthma.

Childhood fevers and natural immunity.

From The Baby Adjusters

Fevers are a common symptom in childhood. Many parents are frightened when their child has a fever, when in fact it is one of the most powerful defense mechanisms we have against disease and infection. It is widely known that a fever activates the child’s immune system. In many cases a fever actually strengthens the immune system and helps to prevent susceptibility to other illnesses later in life. As Dr. Uwe Stave, medical pediatrician, states, “Fever attacks can affect children in quite a positive way. Even though his physical strength is reduced, the child may disclose a wealth of new interests and skills. After a fever, the child reveals a spurt of development and maturation.”⁸ George Wootan, M.D., author of Pediatrics: A Course For Parents, reports that the height of the fever has nothing to do with the severity of the disease. He states that the child’s body will regulate his/her inner temperature as needed.¹¹ Even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, taught that a fever was a helpful body response to disease and infection.

How does a fever work?

The fever process works like this: the child develops an infection, to which the body responds by making additional leukocytes (white blood cells). These cells fight the infection by destroying the bacteria and viruses then removing the dead tissue. The activity level of the white cells is also increased as they move rapidly to the site of the infection. This is called leucotaxis, and it is activated by the release of pyrogens that raise the body temperature. Metabolic rate and oxygen consumption increases. An increase in body temperature simply means that the process of healing is speeding up. Also, iron, which bacteria need to survive, is removed from the blood and stored in the liver. This reduces the rate at which the bacteria multiply. As this whole process of defense in the body progresses, a substance called interferon becomes more effective and aids in the fight of the infection. Because a fever is regulated by the body, it rarely, if ever, reaches a level that would be hazardous to the child.

Studies show that reducing a fever may not be in the best interest of the developing child. In such diseases such as chicken pox or influenza, a deadly form of Reye’s syndrome may result if the child is given aspirin. Because of this, the centers for Disease control and the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics now warn against giving aspirin to children.⁷ When a fever is artificially suppressed by any method, the body’s defense system is not activated.⁸

Antibiotic therapy

A report in the Pediatrics Infectious Disease Journal evaluated the use of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of strep throat and ear infections. The researchers compared two groups, the first one given the antibiotic immediately after the symptoms occurred, and the other group receiving delayed treatment or none at all. In the immediately-treated group, the symptoms (fever, sore throat, painful swallowing, headache, abdominal pain, swollen glands, lethargy, irritability, and loss of appetite) lessened, and recovery time was reduced. But when the treatment was delayed or not administered at all, there were fewer recurrent episodes of strep throat and ear infections.⁷ Over a four month period, the children who were given the antibiotic immediately when the symptoms first occurred experienced two and a half times more bouts of strep throat. Similar results were reported for ear infections when treated immediately; those that received antibiotics immediately had more ear infections than those with delayed treatment or no treatment at all. The researchers concluded that when antibiotics were delayed or not given, children were able to build natural immunity.⁷

What causes the temperature to rise?

Subluxations, neurological disorders that disrupt the communication system between the brain and body functions, can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.⁴ A rise in temperature may also be due to environmental factors, such as in heat illness brought on by exercising in extremely hot or humid weather. Heat prostration occurs when the normal temperature-regulating mechanisms are overloaded. This is unlike a fever, which is a regulated elevation of the body temperature.

Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, medical pediatrician, states, “When the body temperature is elevated due to a cold and influenza it may generate a fever up to 105 degrees, but even at that level it is not a legitimate cause for alarm.” ⁵ Mendelsohn further states that, “More important in determining whether a fever is the result of a mild infection like a common cold, or a more serious one such as meningitis, is the overall appearance, behavior, and attitude of the child.”

If the fever reaches the child’s particular threshold for convulsions, it may induce a febrile seizure. According to pediatrician Dr. Alvin Eden, M.D., F.A.A.P., a simple febrile seizure is a convulsion caused by high body temperature. Its etiology is an infection in the body, which does not primarily involve the brain. Eden further states that simple febrile seizures do not lead to mental retardation.² What usually happens is that the child begins to twitch and shake all over. The child may lose consciousness, have his/her eyes roll back, and may foam from the mouth. Eden suggests that the parent remain calm, that these simple febrile convulsions rarely last longer than five minutes and will cease without treatment. After the convulsive episode is over, the child usually goes to sleep, and when he/she wakes up, is fine.² “The first time a parent experiences a seizure with a child is almost always frightening,” Eden says, “but no permanent damage results and the baby will be fine.” Most children, however, never have a febrile seizure.

Parents should help their children understand that a fever is a natural, necessary part of healing and not a disease or sickness in and of itself. A fever should be monitored and not suppressed unnecessarily. The fever should be allowed to activate the child’s immune system. This will give him/her the best opportunity to fight off future infections.

Normal body temperature varies throughout the day and night. If you child has a fever and acts abnormally, call your chiropractor. Your child may be suffering from a subluxation that is interfering with normal body function. This can cause a high body temperature.⁴

A child’s room should be comfortable with plenty of fresh air. Dress the child in cotton so that his/her skin may breathe and perspiration will be drawn away from the body. Fevers commonly cause the child to lose a significant amount of fluid. This may lead to dehydration; to avert this process have the child drink plenty of fluids, about eight ounces an hour. Do not allow the child to become cold, as shivering will increase muscular activity and in turn increase the body temperature. This is a good time to sit with your feverish child and read or talk quietly.

References

Cantekin EI, McGuire TW, and Griffith TL. Antimicrobial Therapy for Otitis Media with Effusion (Secretory Otitis Media). JAMA, 1991; 266:3309-3317.

Eden AN. Visit with a Pediatrician. American Baby, March 1987; p.42-45.

Fibelibus J. An Overview of Neuroimmun-omodulation and a Possible Correlation with Musculoskeletal System Function. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, August 1989.

Kunert W. Functional Disorders of Internal Organs Due to Vertebral Lesions. CIBA Symposium 13 (3) : 85-96, 1965.

Mendelsohn RS. How To Raise a Healthy Child…In Spite of Your Doctor. New York: Ballentine Books, 1984.

WD Miller, D.O. Treatment of Visceral Disorders by Manipulative Therapy, 1975.

Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, July 1987; p.635-643.

Stave U. Reflections on Fever in Childhood. Journal for Anthroposophy. No. 42, 1985.5.

Wolff O. Childhood Diseases As a Source of Development. Welda News 4, 1983.

Vora GS, Bates HA. The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on the Immune System. A Preliminary Report. Journal of Chiropractic, 1980. Vol. 14, p.S103.

Wootan G. Pediatrics: A Course For Parents. Box 403, Hurley, New York 12443.

Why 99.9% just won’t do.

Is it truly necessary to go for zero defects?  Why isn’t 99.9% defect free enough?  This is what life would be like if things were done right 99.9% of the time.

We’d have to accept:

One hour of unsafe drinking water a month.

Two unsafe plane landings per day at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.

16,000 pieces of mail lost by the US Postal Service.

20,000 incorrect drug prescriptions per year.

500 incorrect surgical operations each week.

50 newborns dropped at birth by doctors.

22,000 checks deducted from the wrong bank accounts each hour.

32,000 missed heartbeats per person per year.

Suddenly, the quest for zero defects makes a lot of sense!

Chiropractic works because it restores the function of your nerve system by removing subluxations.  Chiropractic, therefore improves your health.  Do you want to go through life with less than the best possible health?  Do you want your children to have less than the best possible health?  Regular chiropractic care helps you and your family to 100 percent! 🙂

Cultivate health.

“Please understand my friend that where you find yourself tomorrow is a function of the positive decisions and actions you take today.”

Akin Awolaja, Educator of a Wise Living

To live consciously means to seek to be aware of everything that bears on our actions, purposes, values and goals, and to behave in accordance with that which we see and know. Living consciously means taking responsibility for the awareness appropriate to the action in which we are engaged.

What is good health? The vibrant living state of an organism wherein all systems are able to function through the full range of their potential, 100% upon demand. It’s common knowledge that good health requires quality nutrition, adequate sleep and regular exercise. What else do we need? Fresh air, pure water, good hygiene, sunshine, mental and emotional balance… In ancient Greece, health was said to come from balance and harmony between healing power within and technique from without. Personally, I seek technique from without from my chiropractor, dentist, massage therapist and family support systems to support the natural healing capacity within me.

How do you cultivate good health?

If you are considering a flu shot, consider the following…

80-90% of deaths resulting from influenza (flu) occur in persons 65 or older, particularly those with heart and lung problems.

The U.S. Government has allowed the standards for flu vaccines to be lowered due to the inability of the drug companies to make a profit with higher standards which are equal to other countries. For you, this increases toxicity and decreases effectiveness.

In a natural state, the body is usually subjected to only a few viruses at a time. With vaccines, an exceptionally large amount of viruses are put directly into the body, bypassing many of your body’s defense mechanisms. The immune system is shocked by the impact which registers in the memory system. At future times, when you are subjected to normal levels of viral agents from the environment, your immune system overreacts which can possibly appear as recurring allergies. Also, immunoglobulin levels become disturbed which can depress normal immune function.

Due to mutations of strains of flu viruses, scientists can only guess which genetic variation will emerge and thus produce a vaccine against it. For preventative purposes, this is like picking one card out of a deck and hoping it’s the right one.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases states that “any and all flu vaccines are capable of causing Guillain-Barre Syndrome.” In fact, mass vaccine programs in 1976 for Swine flu resulted in 500 people being paralyzed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: muscle weakness with possibly paralysis, fever, numbness and tingling in extremities, nausea, vomiting, and involvement of cranial nerves resulting in problems with speaking, swallowing and chewing.

Reactions to most vaccines may include:

• acute and chronic disease
• brief or long-term contracting of the actual disease through the vaccination process
• suppression of immune system
• autoimmunity: body begins to attack its own cells. examples include:
  Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, Inflammatory bowel diseases (Colities, Chrons, etc), Fecty’s Syndrome, Sjorgren’s Syndrome, Sill’s disease, Polymyositis, Grave’s Disease, Diabetes Mellitus Type I, Addison’s Disease, Hypoparathyroidism, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, Carditis, Rheumatic Fever, Oophoritis and Orghitis.
• anaphylaxis
• toxicity
• opportunistic infections
• kidney diseases
• nerve system disorders
• enhanced susceptibility
• aberrant neuroimmune dialogue
  problems with communication between nerve and immune systems.

Contraindications to Vaccinations:

• pregnancy
• immunosuppression: present infection, taking drugs to suppress other diseases
• immunodeficiency
• chronic infections
• hypersensitivities: allergic reaction to vaccines or parts of them
• history of reaction

OPTION: Keep your resistance high by being well adjusted with chiropractic. This allows your body’s immune defenses to fight off viral attacks appropriately. Also, eat well, sleep well, exercise, and reduce stress levels.

Question: Would you rather subject yourself to the above possibilities or stay home for a couple of days with the flu, if you do get it?

Your child was born with the innate capacity for optimum health.

We are born with an innate intelligence which, through the nervous system, directs the intricately beautiful growth and organization of every being. The brain coordinates all functions of life, sending and receiving information through the spinal cord and nerves exiting the spine between each segment.

Children who develop with healthy spines grow up smarter, healthier, more coordinated, stronger, calmer and happier than children who suffer from neurological interference due to spinal misalignment.

Healthy foundation.
It’s much more important to prevent diseases than wait until an illness occurs. Through regular adjustments, counseling on proper diet, exercise and posture, chiropractic can help you raise a child whose body is structurally & functionally sound. Your child will also learn good habits at an early age which can be very beneficial throughout life.

Your child should get a chiropractic exam during that all-important first year of life when spinal trauma can occur during birth and from tumbles while learning to sit up or walk. Improper lifting and carrying of your child can also contribute to spinal stress. Your child’s spine grows almost 50% in length during that first year. It’s this kind of tremendous growth and developmental changes which make a complete chiropractic examination so important in the early stages of your child’s life.

Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of health care.
A baby’s spine is very supple during the first few months of life and only a light pressure is applied to make spinal adjustments. Chiropractic care is a natural, drug-free approach to promote health and wellness for your family while avoiding harmful side effects associated with more conventional approaches.

What makes more sense to you: waiting for disease to happen, or being more proactive?