Press Releases

 

 

 

Case study shows exciting data

Resolution of Autistic Symptoms in a Child Undergoing Chiropractic Care to Correct Vertebral Subluxations

 

 

(01/05/2012, Carlsbad). A recent article in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health reported on a case study that documented the positive effects of chiropractic adjustments on a 9-year old boy diagnosed with Autism.  

          A 9 year-old boy with Autism presented to a private office for chiropractic care by his mother.  She explained her son had frequent ear infections and falls due to hyperactivity.  The boy experienced delayed speech at 1-2 years of age and had not spoken by 3-years of age. He exhibited aloof behavior and displayed signs of decreased recognition.  The child was diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD), and at 3 ½-years-old Autism was established as the final diagnosis. He had a history of blurting out sounds and stereotypical rocking behaviors.  His mother reported allergies, asthma, and sinus trouble and that her son had difficulty concentrating along with frequent temper tantrums.

          His mother also reported that the child experienced a fever after the administration of his first set of vaccines.  He was taking two prescribed medications, 15 mg/day of Adderrall XR and 5.5 mg/day of Risperdal.

          “Autism is a neurobehavioral disorder that has shown an increase of prevalence in the children of this era,” said Dr. Berry, Carlsbad-based, D.C., who follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications, “and it affects more than 400,000 in the United States and ranks as the third most common developmental disorder of the pediatric population.”  Autism affects more boys than girls with a ration of 4:1.  Signs become present usually by 18 months of age.

The patient was adjusted using diversified and toggle-recoil methods in this case study.  A nutritionist also administered digestive enzymes as part of care.  Signs of improved social skills were apparent after the fourth visit, along with language development acknowledged on the seventh visit.  The parent also reduced use of medication. There was also improvements seen in all four categories of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) which was given pre and post to chiropractic care.  “ATEC was designed by the Autism Research Institute to assist parents, physicians and researcher to evaluate virtually any treatment for Autism.” stated Dr. Berry. 

 “This case study illustrates the improvement in all aspects of the child’s life by applying the chiropractic adjustment to reduce the vertebral subluxation,” explained Dr. Berry, “and further research exploring the relationship between vertebral subluxation and autistic disorders should be encouraged.”  

                                                                       

                                                                                                     ***************

 

Case study shows exciting data

Chiropractic Care of a Pediatric Patient with Asthma

 

(12/04/2011, Carlsbad). A recent article in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health reported on a 23 month old female suffering from asthma, gastrointestinal complaints and frequent colds who received chiropractic care.

 Following the study, the child showed a reduction of 90% of all signs and symptoms and was able to discontinue the use of all medications. Carlsbad-based Dr. Michael Berry, D.C., follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications stated, “Chiropractors are the most common complementary and alternative medicine providers visited by children and adolescents and among the most common reasons for seeking chiropractic care for children are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep problems, sinusitis and asthma.”

 Asthma is a common and chronic inflammatory condition affecting the airways.  It is defined as an obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction, airway inflammation and increased mucous production and bronchial smooth muscle hyperactivity. Asthma in children is very prevalent in the general population with nine million U.S. children under 18 being diagnosed with asthma.       

 In this study, a 23 month old female presented at a chiropractic office with asthma and was taking a series of different asthma medications and was also under constant monitoring by her pediatric pulmonologist. “Asthma is the leading cause of school absence in the United States.” Dr. Berry related.  “In preschool children it is difficult to diagnose asthma because symptoms are non-specific and conventional lung function tests cannot be carried out, therefore a symptom-based approach is usually applied.”

“The patient was cared for using a combination of both high velocity, low amplitude Diversified adjustments and low-force adjustments with the Activator adjusting instrument to address areas of vertebral subluxation in the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spine.” said Dr. Berry.  “Within approximately 11 months, the patient’s parents reported a 90% improvement of their child’s condition.  The patient was able to reduce her care plan frequency and discontinued use of all medications.  The parents also reported a decrease in their child’s asthma, sinus problems and frequency of colds.”

 “This is just one study,” explained Dr. Berry, “but this case reports provides supporting evidence that chiropractic care can have a positive impact on children suffering with asthma and help balance immune system functioning.  It is recommended that further research be conducted on this subject to support the findings of this case study.” 

 

 

                                                                                                  ***************

 

  Case study illustrates promising results

Improvement in Cystic Fibrosis an a Child Undergoing Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care

 

(11/01/2011, Carlsbad). A recent article in the Journal of Maternal & Family Health reported on an 8 year old male child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth who received chiropractic care over a period of 18 months.

Following the study, the child showed a reduction of cystic fibrosis signs and symptomatology as determined by objective and subjective findings. Carlsbad -based Dr. Michael D. Berry, D.C., who follows 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. Berry, “but more research needs to be conducted in order to evaluate the precise connection between chiropractic care and cystic fibrosis.”

Cystic fibrosis is defined as a serious autosomal recessive disorder with no cure that occurs frequently in Caucasian populations, with a prevalence of 1 in 3500 live births.  The prognosis for this condition involves a shortened life span, recurrent infections and imposing medical costs. In the United States, the current median predicted age of survival is 37 years. 

“The health of the lungs is of particular importance to the CF patients.” Dr. Berry related.  “These individuals produce thick, sticky mucus that can block small airways, leading to acute inflammation, chronic respiratory infections and airway obstructions.”

 In this study, an 8 year old Caucasian male presented at a chiropractic office with his parents interested in improving, “the quality of life” for their son.  The areas of major concern included recurring infections, the lack of ability of the patient to participate in age-related activities, and an inability to sleep.  The patient was diagnosed with CF at birth and was confirmed at 30 days old using the sweat test.

“The patient’s father said his son was hospitalized on an average of 3 times a year due to infections and respiratory distress, totally between 2-8 weeks of hospitalization per year,” said Dr. Berry.  After 1.5 years of continuous care ranging from 1-2 adjustments per week, there was a significant alteration in physical findings and in the patient’s lifestyle.  The patient significantly increased his physical activity, demonstrated by his actively seeking and attaining a black belt in karate. 

He was free from hospitalization for over 8 months, had reduced absences from school, and increased in both height and weight.  Long-standing cold symptoms, including respiratory distress, have ceased according to the patient’s care providers and to the attending medical physician’s’ notes of care.  There was also a decrease in the number of hospital visits and improvement in the child’s sleeping ability throughout the course of care.  

“This is just one study,” explained Dr. Berry, “but chiropractic care has been previously reported to have a positive response in autonomic function in long-standing diseases, so further research and investigation is merited.”                                                                     

 

                                                                                                         **************

 

Case study shows promising data

Improvement in Asperger’s Symptoms in a Child Under Chiropractic Care

 

(10/05/2011, Carlsbad). A recent article in the 2010 Proceedings of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) Research Conference reported on a 6 year old boy diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome along with asthma and allergies who received chiropractic care.

Following the study, the child showed a reduction of Asperger’s signs and symptoms as well as a reduction in asthma and allergies as determined by objective and subjective findings. Carlsbad-based Dr. Berry, D.C., follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications.  “This was not a short term case study,” said Dr. Berry, “but actually lasted for 9 years with consistent positive results.”

 Asperger’s syndrome is considered a high-functioning autism, but it differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development.     

 In this study, a 6 year old boy presented at a chiropractic office with his parents with Asperger’s Syndrome that resulted in uncontrollable “rocking, jumping and flapping” of his hands; astma triggered by exertion; seasonal allergies and colds or bronchial congestion; and severe allergies to mold, dust, animal dander and seasonal triggers. “Standard medications for Asperger’s made his asthma and allergy symptoms.” Dr.Berry related.  “Therefore at the time of his initial office visit he was only taking asthma medication and a multivitamin.”

“The patient and family reported that the Asperger’s Syndrome symptoms, “settled down within the first week of care.”” said Dr. Berry.  After 3 months of care his Asperger’s symptoms had been stabilizing and he was off medications for asthma and allergies.   The patient is now 15 years old and has not needed any medication during the past 7 years, nor have his Asperger’s symptoms returned.  “This is just one study,” explained Dr.Berry, “but with such promising short and long term results, further research is merited to investigate the relationship between chiropractic care for Asperger’s and other autistic spectrum disorders.” 

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                    ***************

 

Study Shows Chiropractic Care Quiets Crybabies

A Simple Adjustment Could Mean No More Tears

 

(09/06/2011, Carlsbad).  Research out of Great Britain offers hope to parents across the globe whose weary morning appearance is caused by a crying infant at home. Baby’s tears not only concern mom and dad about his/her health, they often disrupt the entire family – and in worst case scenarios may impact postnatal depression and lead to Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Where should parents turn? Well, research authored by Joyce Miller of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic at the University of Bournemouth details that an excessively crying baby drives 21% of families in the UK to seek care. She found that pharmaceutical, dietary and behavioral interventions most often provide no comfort to the infants – or anyone in the family.

But, a trip to the chiropractor offers relief to crying babies and those living under the same roof.

Miller’s work, entitled Cry Babies: A Framework for Chiropractic Care, notes that persistently crying infants are traditionally diagnosed with colic – defined in 1954 by Dr. M.A. Wessel as “bouts of crying amounting to more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks.”  A useful description for research, but not very consoling to distressed parents. Furthermore, the diagnosis of colic implies gastro-intestinal disorder. Yet, out of the approximately 5,000 infants brought to the University’s teaching clinic in one year’s time, only 7% presented with digestive issues. 63% of these infants were brought to the clinic due to excessive, unexplained crying.

“Perhaps the term ‘colic’ should be abandoned,” writes Miller.

test

Why did chiropractic succeed where other options failed to sooth the seemingly inconsolable child?

Chiropractic care is primarily aimed at correcting biomechanical and neurological fault. Miller's writings offer ever-increasing evidence that antenatal and natal factors contribute to irritability in infants.

 

Chiropractic Eases Babies’ Tears                                                                                                          

"Pre-natal constraint – pressure in the womb, trauma during birth, the use of forceps or other extraction devices – may be the underlying cause for the discomfort of the crying infant,” according to Dr. Michael D. Berry, a Carlsbad-based chiropractor whose has seen a sharp increase in his pediatric patients in recent months.

Miller’s research established protocols that many doctors, including Berry, are following.

“After ruling out other diseases and clinical conditions that could cause gastro-intestinal disorders – and after interpreting the baby’s growth chart for consistent development – I have found that manual spinal adjustments bring about a significant reduction in an infant’s crying, followed by better sleeping patterns and an improvement in posture,” continued Berry.

And, while tranquility leads to a happy household, pediatric chiropractic care offers long-term benefits as well.

“Chiropractic provides a maintenance program for one’s nervous system that allows the human body to operate at peak efficiently,” states Berry. “If the body is free of nerve interference, it promotes health. Providing chiropractic to an infant and continuing through adulthood is the true definition of health care – taking steps to ensure health instead of waiting for pain or illness,” added Berry.

“I guess it’s fair to say that if you’re not bringing your baby to a chiropractor, it’s a crying shame,” concluded a smiling Berry.

 

Reference:

Joyce Miller, “Cry Babies: A Framework for Chiropractic Care,” The Clinical Chiropractic (2007) 10, 139-146.

                                                                                                               

 

                                                                                                  ******************

 

Randomized control study shows exciting data

The Effect of Add-On Yogic Prana Energization Technique on Healing of Fresh Fractures

 

(08/01/2011, Carlsbad). A recent article in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine reported on a study that documented the positive effects of Yoga Prana Energization Technique (YPET) on the healing of fresh fractures.

 “Bone fractures represent a global medical challenge for health care administrators, orthopedic care providers and patients alike, as millions of people across the world are afflicted by these injuries annually.”  Dr. Berry, Carlsbad-based, D.C., who follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications, “In fact, of the estimated 6.2 million fractures occurring annually in the United States, between 5% and 10% exhibit either delayed healing or non-union.  Even those fractures that heal ideally without complications can take months to heal.”

  Thirty patients, 22 men and 8 women, between the ages of 18 and 55 with simple fractures of long and short bones were selected and randomized into yoga and control groups.  Both groups received the conventional plaster of paris immobilization of the fracture site as the primary treatment.  The yoga group, in addition, practiced YPET twice a day (30 minutes/day) for two weeks using taped audio instructions after learning under supervision for one week.  “YPET is an advanced yoga relaxation practice that involves breath regulation, chanting, and visualization, which according to yogic science revitalizes the tissues by activating the subtle energies (prana) within the body.”  Stated Dr. Berry.

Both groups were assessed on the 1^st day and the 21^st day by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain, tenderness, swelling, fracture line density and the bridging of cortices.  The yoga group, when compared to the control group showed better pain reduction, reduced tenderness and swelling, increased fracture line density and the number of cortices were significantly better.  “This is just one study,” explained Dr. Berry, “but the role of add-on yoga    based YPET and its beneficial effects on the fracture healing merit further investigation.

Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Berry at La Costa Chiropractic & Wellness. 

 

 

                                                                                                 ******************

 

 

A Systemic Review Of The Literature shows promising data:

The Chiropractic Care of Infants with Colic

 

 

(07/01/ 2011 Carlsbad). A recent article in Explore performed a systemic review of the literature on the chiropractic care of patients with infantile colic.  26 articles were included, which consisted of three clinical trials, two survey studies, six case reports, two case series, four cohort studies, five commentaries and four reviews of the literature.

 “A common definition of colic is: crying at least three hours per day on at least three days of at least three weeks.  The occurrence of infantile colic in the population varies and ranges from 10% to 40% depending on the study methodology, the population and the definition of infantile colic used.”  Dr. Berry, Carlsbad-based, D.C., who follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications, “Abuse is a concern in these situations such as slapping, hitting or shaking the baby.  Not surprisingly, marital tension and social disruption within the family and poor sleeping habits and frequent temper tantrums on the part of the child were reported, even well past the course of the child’s colic symptoms.”

The findings of the review revealed that chiropractic care is a viable alternative to the care of infantile colic and congruent with evidence-based practice, particularly when one considers that medical care options are no better than placebo or have associated adverse affects.

“Chiropractic care is an alternative approach to the care of the child with colic,” explained Dr. Berry,“I encourage more research, both quantitative and qualitative, in this area of pediatric care.”