Improvement in a Child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Undergoing Chiropractic Care
(3/2011, La Cañada Flintridge). A recent article in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health reported on a three-year old boy diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) who underwent chiropractic care over the course of 5 months.
Following the introduction of chiropractic care and lifestyle changes, this child experienced an improvement in his quality of life. Los Angeles-based Dr.Rion Zimmerman, D.C., who regularly monitors health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications, was not surprised by these findings. “Studies of a similar nature have been conducted previously with similar outcomes,” said Dr. Zimmerman, “but more research into the role of chiropractic and lifestyle changes are called for in this population of children.”
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) is an Autism Spectrum Disorder that is a developmental condition with no known etiology. Parent’s usually become suspicious of their child’s behavior around 18 months of age when regression of certain behaviors and actions begin. The diagnosis is based upon behavior including impairments in social interaction skills, communication skills, and repetitive or restrictive behavior and/or interests. Also noted are a lack of meaningful language skills, empathic abilities and motor skills. Nearly 50% of children with autism never develop communicative speech and therefore become easily distressed with normal everyday life occurrences and activities.
In this study, a three-year old male presented at a chiropractic office seeking chiropractic care. He was diagnosed with PDD by a developmental pediatrician and had communication problems which became noticeable at 15 months of age, as well as apraxia, and speech delay.
The patient received chiropractic care over the course of 5 months. The care consisted of chiropractic adjustments, balancing exercises, foot taping and dietary modifications. The outcomes were measured by re-assessments, parental evaluation and health care provider and teacher reports.“The child began making friends, became more interactive, less defiant and was reported to be an overall happier child following the introduction of chiropractic care.” said Dr. Zimmerman.
After the first reassessment the patient’s other health care providers told the mother that he was doing much better since starting chiropractic care. By the next reassessment his other health care providers reported consistent improvement. By the final reassessment the patient had continued to respond well to the chiropractic care. He had just recently started going to school again and the teacher remarked that she saw much growth in his abilities.
“This is just one study,” explained Dr. Zimmerman, “but chiropractic care has been previously demonstrated to have a positive response in Autism Spectrum Disorders, so further research and investigation is merited.”
Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Zimmerman, whose office is located at 1039 Foothill Blvd Suite A, La Cañada CA, USA (telephone 818-952-0172).
Chiropractic Cuts Blood Pressure
March 16, 2007 -- A special chiropractic adjustment can significantly lower high blood pressure, a placebo-controlled study suggests.
"This procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination," study leader George Bakris, MD, tells WebMD. "And it seems to be adverse-event free. We saw no side effects and no problems," adds Bakris, director of the University of Chicago hypertension center.
Eight weeks after undergoing the procedure, 25 patients with early-stage high blood pressure had significantly lower blood pressure than 25 similar patients who underwent a sham chiropractic adjustment. Because patients can't feel the technique, they were unable to tell which group they were in.
X-rays showed that the procedure realigned the Atlas vertebra -- the doughnut-like bone at the very top of the spine -- with the spine in the treated patients, but not in the sham-treated patients.
Compared to the sham-treated patients, those who got the real procedure saw an average 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number).
None of the patients took blood pressure medicine during the eight-week study.
"When the statistician brought me the data, I actually didn't believe it. It was way too good to be true," Bakris says. "The statistician said, 'I don't even believe it.' But we checked for everything, and there it was."
Bakris and colleagues report their findings in the advance online issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension.
March 16, 2007 -- A special chiropractic adjustment can significantly lower high blood pressure, a placebo-controlled study suggests.
"This procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination," study leader George Bakris, MD, tells WebMD. "And it seems to be adverse-event free. We saw no side effects and no problems," adds Bakris, director of the University of Chicago hypertension center.
Eight weeks after undergoing the procedure, 25 patients with early-stage high blood pressure had significantly lower blood pressure than 25 similar patients who underwent a sham chiropractic adjustment. Because patients can't feel the technique, they were unable to tell which group they were in.
X-rays showed that the procedure realigned the Atlas vertebra -- the doughnut-like bone at the very top of the spine -- with the spine in the treated patients, but not in the sham-treated patients.
Compared to the sham-treated patients, those who got the real procedure saw an average 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number).
None of the patients took blood pressure medicine during the eight-week study.
"When the statistician brought me the data, I actually didn't believe it. It was way too good to be true," Bakris says. "The statistician said, 'I don't even believe it.' But we checked for everything, and there it was."
Bakris and colleagues report their findings in the advance online issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension.
SOURCES: Bakris, G. Journal of Human Hypertension, advance online publication, March 2, 2007. Grassi, G. Journal of Human Hypertension, advance online publication, January 25, 2007.George Bakris, MD, director, hypertension center, University of Chicago. Marshall Dickholtz Sr., DC, Chiropractic Health Center, Chicago.
© 2007 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Certified Webster Technique
Sacral misalignment causes the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their constraining effect on the uterus which may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth. The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. Dr. Zimmerman is certified in the Webster Technique, and currently sees as many as one hundred cases a year from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Chiropractic for Jiu Jitsu
World Champion Orlando Sanchez gives testimonial for Dr. Zimmerman and Flintridge Family Chiropractic
Chiropractic 4 Kids!
Why Chiropractic for kids?
An easy answer to this question is provided by Dr. Joel Marley DC,
“It’s easier to raise healthy children than to fix broken adults,” however
there is more to it. A child just like an adult is exposed to stress as
well, something as simple as growing can be the reason for chiropractic.
Chiropractic can also help with
1. Better sleep patterns
2. Enhanced immune system function
3. Better moods and behaviors
The best part about Chiropractic for children is that it is gentle,
safe and natural. Chiropractors only use their hands, there are no needles
involved, no pharmaceuticals and no surgical devices. Your family chiropractor is
also well trained in lifestyle habits, and dietary recommendations that will
help you and your child live a more wellness based lifestyle.
I see patients just a few hours old because even the birthing process can be traumatic. These early adjustments get their nervous system working properly which will begin their lifetime journey towards preventative wellness.
"Chiropractic care for children offers your family a solid foundation for wellness. Throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood, the chiropractic lifestyle offers choices and benefits for your greater health and well-being."
Jeanne Ohm, D.C. President ICPA
Importance of Chiropractic before Athletic Events
According to a study published in Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation by Lauro A and Mouch B in 1991, athletes exhibited a 30% improvement in performance after 12 weeks of chiropractic treatment. They were tested on several aspects of athletic ability including kinesthetic perception, power, reaction time, agility and balance. Those who did not receive chiropractic treatment showed only a 1% increase in performance after 6 weeks of treatment, while those who received the chiropractic treatments showed an 18% increase in performance after 6 weeks.
Many professional athletes also undergo treatments before, during and after a game. According to PracticalChiro.com, athletes including Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, and Barry Bonds all receive treatments from sports chiropractors so that they can improve their performance and recover properly throughout training and game season. (Source: PracticalChiro.com) Professional sports teams such as Los Angeles Galaxy, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and multiple UFC fighters also receive the benefits from chiropractic care.
Young athletes - not only professionals or Olympians – can also benefit from chiropractic treatment because this type of therapy enhances blood flow, improves range of motion and can also increase recovery rates after intensive training or a game. Full range of motion is particularly important for endurance athletes and those who must employ various types of stretches into their training routine.
http://www.locateadoc.com/articles/chiropractic-treatment-benefits-for-athletes
