Ear Infections in Children

FROM: Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 1997 (Oct); 2 (2): 167–183Joan M. Fallon, D.C., F.I.C.C.P. Objective: To conduct a pilot study of chiropractic adjustive care on children otitis media using tympanography as an objectifying measure, and to propose possible mechanisms whereby subluxation is implicated in the pathophysiology of otitis media. Design: Case Series Setting: Subjects presented in a private clinical practice in New Rochelle, New York. The subjects were referred by various sources including pediatricians, other MSs, chiropractors and parents. Participants: 332 children who presented consecutively with previously diagnosed otitis media, aged 27 days to 5 years Main outcome measures: A survey of the parent/guardian was used to determine historical data with respect to previous otitis media bouts, age of onset of initial otitis media, feeding history, history of antimicrobial therapy, referral patterns, and birth history. Otoscopic and tympanographic data was collected as well as data concerning the number of adjustments administered to produce resolution of the otitis media. Data with respect to recurrence rates over six months was also collected. Results: The average number of adjustments administered by types of otitis media were as follows: acute otitis media (n=127) 4.0+/- 1.03, chronic/serous otitis media (n=104) 5.0 +/- 1.53, for the mixed type of bilateral otitis media (n=10) 5.3 +/- 1.35 and where no otitis was initially detected on otoscopic and tympanographic exam (but with history of multiple bouts) (n=74) 5.88 +/- 1.87. The number of days it took to normalize the otoscopic examination was for acute 6.67 +/- 1.9 chronic/serous 8.57 +/- 1.96 and mixed 8.3 +/- 1.00. The number of days it took to normalize the tympanographic examination: acute 8.35 +/- 2.88, chronic/serous 10.18 +/- 3.39, and mixed 10.9 +/- 2.02. The overall recurrence rate over a six month period from initial presentation in the office was for acute 11.02%, chronic/serous 16.34%, for mixed 30% and for none present 17.56%. Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the first time that tympanography has been used as an objectifying tool with respect to the efficacy of the chiropractic adjustment in the treatment of children with otitis media. As tympanography has been used extensively in the medical assessment of children with otitis media, it also serves as a bridge from which the chiropractic field and the medical field can begin to communicate with respect to otitis media. The results indicate that there is a strong correlation between the chiropractic adjustment and the resolution of otitis media for the children in this study. This pilot study can now serve as a starting point from which the chiropractic profession can begin to examine its role in the treatment of children with otitis media. Large scale clinical trials need to be undertaken in the field using tympanography as an objectifying measure. In addition, the role of the occipital adjustment needs to be examined. This study begins the process of examining the role of the vertebral cranial subluxation complex in the pathogenesis of otitis media, and the efficacy of the chiropractic adjustment in its resolution.

Try walking

If you don’t exercise – or hate the gym – just go for a walk. Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise lowers risk of stroke and heart disease, helps lower weight, and keeps bones strong. If you're just starting, try a 10-minute walk and slowly build from there. webMD.com

Case Study reveals visual evidence of the positive hydrating effect that DRX9000™ Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression treatment has on the inter-vertebr

Tampa, FL, FEBRUARY 20, 2008: The DRX9000 aims to relieve pain by enlarging intra-discal spaces, reducing herniation, and decreasing intra-discal pressure during treatment. A case report underwritten with a grant from Axiom Worldwide is now featured in issue 2 of US Musculoskeletal Review 2007. The case study titled, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings after Treatment with a Non-surgical Spinal Decompression System (DRX9000™)-Case Report reveals the pre- and post-MRI findings of a 33-year old male with a six year history of low back pain. Prior to treatment with the DRX9000 an MRI of the lumbar spine revealed moderate degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with loss of disc signal at most levels, as well as disc bulges at L3/L4, L4/L5, and L5/S1. The patient also reported an overall pain level of 6 on a 0-10 scale. The patient underwent DRX9000 treatment over a six-week period. At his final DRX9000 treatment, the patient reported a pain level of 0. Follow-up MRI showed an increase in intra-discal signal on T2-weighted sagittal images at L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5, and L5/S1, reflecting an improvement in disc morphology. The authors conclude, “Our case report demonstrates the positive hydrating effect that the DRX9000 treatment has on the inter-vertebral disc.”

Axiom Worldwide manufactures and distributes its flagship products, the DRX9000 True Non-surgical Spinal Decompression System™, DRX9000C™, and DRX9500™ in medical markets around the globe. Axiom also manufactures a digital electroceutical device, the EPS8000™, for use in relieving pain and for use in muscular rehabilitation. Axiom prides itself on providing safe, non-surgical alternatives that patients should consider prior to undergoing surgery. For additional information or to receive a copy of the Case Report featured in Issue 2 of US Musculoskeletal Review 2007

Posttraumatic Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) has a long reputation for being a controversial diagnosis. Some health care providers (HCPs) feel FM is a legitimate condition that warrants treatment and research while others feel it’s a “garbage can diagnosis” that HCPs throw patients into when they’re not sure what diagnostic label to use for a patient’s condition. Regardless of the personal beliefs of individual HCPs, there have been two general classifications of FM - primary and secondary. Primary FM occurs when there is no underlying health condition participating in the patient’s overall health status and onset of FM. Secondary FM results from an underlying condition that contributes significantly to the patient’s health status, such as irritable bowel syndrome and over time, gives rise to the onset of FM.

Posttraumatic FM belongs to the secondary FM classification when the traumatic related injury results in the patient developing FM. A Canadian study reported that 25-50% of FM patients reported a traumatic event just before the FM symptoms began. This study surveyed different specialty physician groups to determine which issues were most important in causing the onset of widespread chronic pain after a motor vehicle trauma. Five factors were studied to determine how important each was to the HCP in arriving at a FM diagnosis in a case study of a 45 year-old female with a whiplash injury who developed chronic generalized pain, fatigue, difficulties in sleeping and diffuse muscle tenderness. These five factors included:

1. The number of FM cases diagnosed weekly by the HCP
2. The patient’s gender
3. The force of the initial impact
4. The patient’s psychiatric history before the trauma
5. The initial injury severity

Also described as important were the patient’s pre-injury health status, fitness level and psychological health. All HCP groups were reluctant to blame the car accident as causing FM, but rather placed more importance on the patient attitude, personality, and level of emotional stress. The least important of the five points were numbers 3 and 5. The orthopedic group also included “ongoing litigation” as a cause but as a group, they were the least likely to agree on the FM diagnosis (29%) in the 45 year old case study. Rheumatologists were highest at 83%, followed by general practitioners at 71%, and physiatrists at 60%. A most interesting observation was that once the data was analyzed, ONLY the patient’s pre-accident psychiatric history remained in the model of predicting agreement or disagreement with the FM diagnosis.

Posttraumatic FM can result from any type of trauma, not just motor vehicle collisions. Other “secondary” FM causes besides trauma, can include systemic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other internal disorders that in part, alter the person’s ability to obtain restorative sleep. Hence, an important focus of treatment should be placed on helping the FM patient obtain restful sleep. Chiropractic management strategies have included manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue therapies, physiological therapeutic agents such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, the training for home use of traction, the use of nutritional counseling and supplementation, and the training of exercise. Many studies support success with this multidimensional approach to treating FM as chiropractic attacks the FM condition from multiple directions, often yielding highly satisfying results. We are committed to help you or a loved one that may be suffering with FM, and sharing this information may be one of most significant acts of kindness you can give.

Whiplash and Muscle Weakness

Whiplash involves the stretching of nerves, muscles, and ligaments. The forces are so great during even low speed collisions, that the muscles cannot resist the forces. The injury of whiplash produces inflammation to repair the damaged tissues. During this time, fast movements of your head and neck will result in pain, so most patients become overly cautious and move their neck very little. Unfortunately over time, because of the lack of muscle use, you become weak. This sets up the difficult combination of both damaged ligaments and weak muscles. Now there is little strength and support for the neck. This may make you very vulnerable to a future injury. Even slight movements can produces flare-ups when the muscles are too weak. The patient may feel their head to be heavy. Sometimes patients’ injuries can be so severe that dizziness develops due to the asymmetrical muscle and nerve activity. This is called cervicogenic vertigo. If you get dizzy when you move your head, then you may have this condition.
While it may seem intuitively obvious that addressing weak neck muscles are important to a full recovery, few patients will do them unless prompted and explained by their doctor. Specific muscles need to be strengthened in a way that does not cause further damage to the ligaments. If the muscles are tight in certain areas, then stretching or deep tissue massage, or trigger point therapy, can help to loosen areas and decrease pain.
But the most important thing you can do on a daily basis is to keep exercising. Studies have shown this to be effective in whiplash treatment when there is a mechanical neck disorder. A specific exercise program can be prescribed by a doctor of chiropractic Special attention should be made to your posture and x-rays, and how specifically you were injured. Only in this way, will the treatment be effective and not risk further trauma.
Exercises such as rolling the head around the shoulders should be avoided since the neck is not a ball and socket joint like the shoulder. In some directions, the joints will have excessive laxity and the muscle exercises should be done in the neutral position versus at the end range or limit.
Because the ligaments are so badly damaged in whiplash, it’s important to maintain the supporting muscles (both strong and flexible), to keep the spine stable and pain free.

Help Relieve Back Pain With Exercise..

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, strengthening weak muscles can help relieve pain. Pelvic tilts and lower abdominal exercises can help by relieving pressure on the lumbar facet joints caused by contracting low back muscles

Exercise: Pick An Activity You Enjoy

A huge mistake people make when exercising is forcing themselves into an activity they do not care for. If you are a swimmer then swim. If you are not, then it is probably best to stay out of the pool. People are most successful starting an exercise program if they get to participate in an activity they like and choose. Of course, it is okay to try something different but if you do not enjoy it, then it will not be long until you quit your new exercise program.