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About Chiropractic, Pediatrics, Seizures

Chiropractic Helps Improve Rare Seizure Condition

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Chiropractic Helps Boy with Seizures

This research describes a 2-year-old boy with malignant migrating partial seizures in infancy (MMPSI), a rare seizure condition, since he was three weeks old.  He had up to 20 seizures a day, decreased muscle tone, poor eye control, arm flailing, screaming, and movement disorders.  His severe lack of muscle tone led to his inability to hold up his head, sit up, and be vocal.  Medications did not help him. 

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his head, neck, upper back, and low back.  Postural changes, muscle spasm, swelling, restricted range of motion, and x-rays confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic adjustments, he experienced dramatic improvements in his seizures and quality of life.  He is now able to go an entire day without having seizures and was taken off all medication.

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

Reference

Significant Motor Development and Quality of Life Improvement in a Rare Seizure Condition (MMPSI) Following Vertebral Subluxation Reduction:  A Case Study.  Dan Turo, DC & Chris Demczar, MS, DC.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume, 2021

About Chiropractic, birth trauma, General, Infants, Pediatrics, pregnancy

Chiropractic Helps Infant with Birth Trauma & Colic

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Following birth trauma, the 2-month-old male infant in this case was suffering from colic, allergic colitis, plagiocephaly, and difficulty latching to breastfeed. As early as four weeks old he had blood and mucus in his stools, was very irritable most days and this got even worse at night. During the night he grew more and more inconsolable. Several medications were prescribed which did ot resolve the problems. His mother noted it was a painful birth, the cord got wrapped around his body and vacuum extraction was used. Once delivered he was not breathing, had bruising, and a deformed skull. 

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his skull, neck, back, pelvis, and sacrum.  He also had deficits in reflexes. These findings were confirmed by additional testing. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic care he experienced resolution of colic and he was a much happier baby. There was a dramatic improvement in colitis symptoms, there was no presence of blood in his stools, he was breastfeeding normally, all medications were discontinued and his head began to take on a more normal shape. The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population

Reference: Complete Resolution of Allergic Colitis, Colic, Plagiocephaly, and Breastfeeding Challenges in a 2-Month-Old Patient Undergoing Subluxation-Centered Chiropractic Care:  A Case Study.  Stanton Hom, DC & Kaitlyn Shikada, DC.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume, 2021

Knee Injuries, Laser, Laser Treatment, Sports, Sports Injuries

New! Class IV Laser Treatment at RF Spine & Wellness Center

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Dr. Gartzke recently acquired a Class IV Thermal Laser for use at River Falls Spine Chiropractic & Wellness Center. This will allow for even greater treatment options!

As reported in an article about Class IV Lasers published HERE, the benefits of laser treatment can include the following:

Can Reduce Inflammation, Aches and Pains

Intended uses of Class IV laser devices include:

  • Promoting relaxation of muscles and providing relief from muscle spasms
  • Reducing minor joint aches, pain and stiffness
  • Temporarily decreasing arthritis symptoms
  • Helping to increase blood circulation

May Help with Recovery from Acute and Chronic Injuries

Using Class IV laser therapy for overcoming both acute and chronic injuries, such as tendonitis or damage to the knees, are among the most common applications. Not only do treatments address damaged tissues in specific areas of the body (knees, shoulders, back, etc.), but they also affect related issues. Overcompensation in some muscles, back pain or poor posture tied to overuse and inflammation may be improved.

Treatments have been shown to provide relief and boost recovery by reducing pain and inflammation as well as stimulating nerve regeneration, muscle relaxation and immune system response.

Read the rest of the article here https://draxe.com/health/class-iv-laser-therapy/ This linked article is intended to provide general information about laser treatments, Class IV in particular, however you should speak directly to Dr. Gartzke with any questions about his particular laser and treatment options.

About Chiropractic, Pediatrics

Chiropractic Helps Improve Balance & Coordination

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The parents of the 9-year-old boy reported on in this study were concerned that he had scoliosis as his previous x-rays and MRI showed several malformations.  His medical care team had recommended surgery. He was developmentally delayed and had Klippel-Feil syndrome.  He had trouble reaching his developmental milestones. Even at age nine he still could not hop on one leg.  His inability to perform coordinated functions impacted his daily activities at home and school ultimately impacting his self-confidence.

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his head, neck, upper back, and low back.  Restrictions and muscle tightness were also noted in his neck and low back.  Balance assessments and other testing showed abnormalities.  X-rays also showed several malformations consistent with Klippel-Feil syndrome.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic care, he experienced improvement in balance and coordination especially in his daily activities at home and school.  This also led to improvement in his self-confidence and social skills.

Reference

Measured Balance Improvement Following Chiropractic Subluxation Correction in a 9-Year-Old Child with Klippel-Feil Syndrome:  A Case Report.  Robet J Rectenwald, DC, BCAO.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume 2021

Balance & Coordination – FACTS

Awareness of body orientation and the preservation of balance in the upright stance are crucial for performance of daily activities.

There are near endless configurations of posture that are encountered during daily experiences.  With each new and changing posture, there are responses in the neuromuscular system to maintain balance. The act of maintaining an upright stance requires the integration of continually regulated and complex neurological inputs within the nervous system.

The upright two foot stance in humans is intrinsically unstable due to gravity persistently acting on the body. Gravity causes a forward fall of the body and thus the body is constantly fine-tuning human posture by applying a counter that results in a swaying motion to counteract the forces of gravity.

It has been established that these complex and endless reactions depend on a persistent flow of sensory information from three body systems; the brain, eyes and ears.

Problems with maintaining balance and posture can happen when there is a disturbance such as abnormal structural shifts in the spine. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. Chiropractic care aims to remove the structural shifts to improve function.  Studies demonstrate that chiropractic adjustments to reduce vertebral subluxations result in improved balance and coordination. 

About Chiropractic, Hearing Loss, Pediatrics

Chiropractic Helps Hearing Difficulties

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The 10-year-old girl reported on in the study had a history of hearing difficulties and ear infections. She failed several hearing tests, had surgeries and tried medications which did not help her as her problems would resurface. 

The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck and low back.  Restrictions and areas of pain were also noted in those regions of the spine.  X-rays and other testing confirmed these findings.

These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic care, she experienced relief as her hearing was restored, which was confirmed by a hearing test. The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

Reference

Improved Hearing in a 10-Year-Old Child with a History of Otitis Media Following Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care:  A Case Study.  Parker Adams, DC & Erica Kiela, DC.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume, 2021

About Chiropractic, allergies, excema, General, Pediatrics

Improvement in Eczema, Allergies, Insomnia and Quality of Life in a Four Year Old Child Following Chiropractic

Turning Leaf Studio

A Case Report & Review of the Literature • Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2021

Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on a child reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing eczema in this population. The literature included in the study supports the role of chiropractic in children suffering from the related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the various health challenges that infants may experience” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.

McCoy added “In the case report presented, the child was suffering from eczema and several other symptoms that resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine.”

According to researchers the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function.

The 4-year-old child reported on in the study was suffering from eczema, allergies, and insomnia.  His eczema covered his entire body and had gone on for over a year and a half.  His allergy flare ups would leave him with itchy skin and difficulty sleeping.  He used steroid cream and medication to help alleviate his symptoms for short periods of time. 

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck, midback, low back, and sacrum.  He had tight muscles, decreased range of motion, and posture abnormalities.  Additional testing confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic adjustments, his symptoms improved, his eczema cleared and his flare up episodes were less frequent and less severe.  He became more interested in playing and began sleeping better.

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

About Chiropractic, Headaches, Hearing Loss, Pediatrics

Chiropractic Helps Hearing Loss

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The 9-year-old girl reported on in the study had bronchitis, upper back pain, headaches, and hearing loss.  She had experienced sharp upper back pain for several days and was diagnosed with bronchitis.  She had also been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, in which she had to begin wearing a hearing aid.

The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck, upper back, and low back.  Restrictions and tender areas were also noted throughout all her spinal muscles.  X-rays confirmed the structural shifts.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic care, she experienced immediate relief as her hearing was restored.  She did not need to use her hearing aid the next day in school and she also began to be able to hear whispers from her mother.

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

Reference

Resolution of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in a 9-Year-Old Child Following Chiropractic Case:  A Case Report.  Lou Briegel, DC & Laurie Briegel, DC.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume, 2021 ~ Pages

About Chiropractic

Adult Autism Improves Following Chiropractic Care

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The 22-year-old female in this study had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder which started at the age of two.  She was experiencing menstrual pain, discomfort, anxiety, and nervousness.  She was limited in her daily activities like personal interactions and speech due to autism.   

The chiropractor examined her and found postural abnormalities and structural shifts in her neck, mid back, and low back.  Muscle imbalance, spasms, decreased range of motion, and additional testing confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic adjustments, her speech improved as she began talking more and her participation in daily personal interactions improved. There was an improvement of 41% in sociability and 24% improvement in health, physical symptoms and behavior according to measurements taken before and after care.

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

Reference

Improved Behavioral Changes in an Adult with Autism Following Torque Release Technique for Correcting Vertebral Subluxation:  A Case Study.  Anthony Pellegrino, DC & Morgan Lightsey-Santos, DC.  Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume, 2020.

About Chiropractic, chronic pain, Dry Needling, General, good health, Sports

Now Offering Dry Needling

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River Falls Spine Chiropractic and Wellness Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Steven Gartzke has completed training in Dry Needling and is now certified to perform this valuable technique in our office in order to treat myofascial trigger points, connective tissue, neural and muscular ailments.

Over the years, dry needling has become a popular treatment technique in manual physical therapy. Physical therapists and other healthcare providers in many countries employ dry needling in the clinical management of patients with myofascial pain and trigger points. Dry needling cannot only reverse some aspects of central sensitization, it reduces local and referred pain, improves range of motion and muscle activation pattern, and alters the chemical environment of trigger points.*

So … what exactly IS dry needling? The following article from the Mayo Clinic’s website is a great overview of what dry needling is, and why it can benefit chiropractic patients.

You may have heard of a treatment called dry needling and wondered what exactly it is or if it’s something that may be right for you.

While the name of the procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations. Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled, trained physical therapists, certified in the procedure. A thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin and treats underlying muscular trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

So, what is a trigger point? A trigger point is a local contracture or tight band in a muscle fiber that can disrupt function, restrict range of motion, refer pain or cause local tenderness. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain.

It’s important to note dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. It uses similar tools, but that’s where the similarities end. Dry needling is performed by different practitioners with different training. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function and orthopedic tests.

Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.

Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder, neck, heel, hip and back pain. While research indicates dry needling is a safe and effective approach for treating and managing pain, some insurance companies may not reimburse for the procedure.

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/on-pins-and-needles-just-what-is-dry-needling

If you have any questions about Dry Needling or would like to make an appointment, give Dr. Gartzke a call at 715.425.9439

* Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3201653/

About Chiropractic, good health, Thyroid

Chiropractic Helps Woman with Hypothyroidism

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The 52-year-old female in this study had hypothyroidism and was taking medication to manage it. She also suffered from pain, numbness and tingling of the neck, upper back, mid back, pain in both knees and hips for several years.  Her symptoms were getting worse. 

The chiropractor examined her and found tight muscles and structural shifts in her neck, upper back, mid back, low back, and pelvis.  Range of motion and x-rays confirmed the findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic care, she experienced marked improvement in her symptoms.   Her hypothyroidism resolved and she no longer needed thyroid medication.

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

Reference

Reversal of Hypothyroidism Symptoms in a 52-Year-Old Female Undergoing Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care:  A Case Study.  Caitlin Reimer, DC.  Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume, 2019.