Dr. Jassal is certified in the Webster Technique for pregnancy. Contrary to what some people will have you believe, Webster is a technique only for your pelvis and the ligaments supporting your uterus – it aligns your own body so that the fetus has the freedom to move on its own. The chiropractor does not move, manipulate or adjust the fetus itself.

Below is a small abstract outlining the effects of Webster Technique for pregnant women with abnormal fetal positions. If you are curious about whether Webster adjustments would help you with your pregnancy, please call us to book your complimentary consultation.

The Webster Technique: Results From a Practice-Based Research Network Study

Joel Alcantara DC Bio Jeanne Ohm DC Bio  Derek Kunz BS Bio.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2012 ~ Issue 1 ~ Pages 16-21  

Objective:  To contribute to evidence-based practice, the use of Webster Technique is characterized in a chiropractic practice-based research network.

Methods:  In an exploratory study, we sought data from pregnant subjects under chiropractic care that included their sociodemographic information, previous prenatal care and abnormal fetal positioning prior to after care with the Webster Technique.

Results:  A convenience sample of 81 pregnant women receiving chiropractic care comprised the study subjects.  The average age of the patients was 32.4 years.  Previous or concurrent care included external cephalic version, slant board, acupuncture, moxabustion, homeopathy and various forms of exercises. Based on 63 of the 81 subjects, we found  70% of the subjects with abnormal fetal pregnancies reporting a correction to the vertex position.

Conclusion:  The preliminary results of our study contributes to evidence-based practice that pregnant women with abnormal fetal positions may derive benefits from chiropractic care using the Webster Technique.

Our team was even fortunate enough to receive daily adjustments by Dr. Jay Holder, the founder of Torque Release Technique.  Since Dr. Jassal is eating Raw now, we ate the cleanest food while we were there, too! (Much gratitude to Whole Foods for their fresh, raw, ‘Get Up and Go’ juice.)

Now we’re back and we are SO much smarter!  It’s the ideal time to start serving even MORE families and help them to achieve optimal health and well-being.  So…if you know someone who needs us, send ‘em our way.

A Workshop for Pregnant Women

LAST CALL EVERYONE!  We are hosting a special class TODAY for all pregnant women who are interested in having a healthy and natural childbirth!  You don’t even need to be a patient at Jassal Chiropractic to take advantage of this opportunity. There is no commitment required, either – Dr. Jassal has arranged this class to help our community, so just come ready to learn a LOT. There are 2 seats left…

Would you like to learn the 3 common mistakes pregnant women make that cause unnecessary pain, drugs and medical interventions?

Join Crystal Di Domizio, Prenatal Coach, for this 90 minute workshop where you’ll discover:

1. The 2 “N” words you must avoid if you want to have an easy, breezy pregnancy

2. What you must eliminate from your life immediately if you want to have a positive birth experience

3. The ONLY person you should rely on for information about your pregnancy & birth

 We are offering this COMPLIMENTARY class one time only, TODAY!  Tuesday January 31 at 6:15pm.  Register now as seating is limited!  Call us at 604.731.3006 to reserve your spot.

Current patients can book adjustments for 6:00pm and stay for the class afterward!

The Body/Mind Connection

The scope of chiropractic is as broad as the scope of influence of the nervous system. Although many chiropractors tend to focus on disorders associated with the physical body, particularly musculoskeletal pain syndromes, abnormal nervous system function may also affect emotional and psychological health.

Research is providing chiropractors with information about how the stress response is mediated by the autonomic nervous system1 and how afferent input from the spine affects brain function.2-3

Rome published a two-part series reviewing neurovertebral influence on visceral and autonomic function.4-5 This is the most comprehensive review I have seen on the topic, featuring more than 1,100 references. Rome notes: “Attempts have been made to classify conditions addressed by spinal manipulation into Type M (musculoskeletal) and Type O (organic). However, it seems that this is the only area in the health sciences where such a classification has been suggested. If categorization is necessary at all, then virtually all conditions should be basically ‘Type N’ (neurological) as nominated by Leach, as essentially all conditions would have a neurological element … the weakness of a Type M/Type O classification renders it superfluous, if not meaningless. A ‘Type N’ designation would highlight the importance of total body considerations in such an extensive and integrated model of health care, as well as the encompassing influence and the integrative action of the nervous system.”

Among Rome’s conclusions: “It is the emphasis on a localized ANS connection with the spine which would differentiate the chiropractic health care profession from others in the manipulative and manual therapies field. It must be appreciated that this association implies more than a musculoskeletal connection, and thereby may have the potential to influence neurophysiology and consequently homeostasis, which could contribute to overall patient well-being.”5

There is a small, but growing body of evidence concerning the relationship of the spine, vertebral subluxation, chiropractic care, and psychological and emotional health. The following sampling is not a comprehensive review; it is merely to whet your appetite on the subject. A systematic review examined psychological outcomes in randomized controlled trials of spinal manipulation. The study concluded: “There was some evidence that spinal manipulation improved psychological outcomes compared with verbal interventions … The clinical implications are that physical treatments, such as spinal manipulation have psychological benefits.”6

Genthner, et al.,7 reported on a series of 15 patients with a history of depression. The Beck Depression Inventory II was used to measure the baseline level of depression and any post-care changes following orthospinology care. A paired t-test demonstrated significant improvement in depression test scores.

Other articles addressing mental health issues and chiropractic care have been published, ranging from single case reports to randomized clinical trials. Favorable responses were reported in persons with conditions including addiction,8 depression,9 ADHD,10 autism,11 dyslexia and learning disabilities.12 Additionally, published papers report changes in general health measures in chiropractic patients using the RAND-36 and Global Well Being Scale (GWBS),13 changes in domains of health-related quality of life among public safety personnel undergoing chiropractic care,14 and chiropractic care for patients with cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms.15

More than 38 years ago, my first chiropractor explained that everything we experience is processed through our nervous system. When our perception of the world is distorted by nerve interference, it compromises our ability to respond appropriately. He noted that in addition to damaging our physical health, it could result in impaired psychological and emotional function as well. Finally, he opined that when this happened to a significant number of people in a society, a sick society would result.

The distinction between Type O (organic) and Type M (musculoskeletal) disorders is illusory. Chiropractic care is concerned with the totality of the human experience. By analyzing and correcting vertebral subluxations, a patient is placed on a more optimum physiological path. This brings the individual closer to the definition of health promulgated by the World Health Organization: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”16

References

1.Lee R. “The New Pandemic: Superstress?” Explore, 2010;6(1):7-10.

2.Carrick FR. Changes in brain function after manipulation of the cervical spine. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1997;20(8):529-45.

3.Kelly DD, Murphy BA, Backhouse DP. Use of a mental rotation reaction-time paradigm to measure the effects of upper cervical adjustments on cortical processing: a pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2000;23(4):246-51.

4.Rome PL. Neurovertebral influence upon the autonomic nervous system: some of the somato-autonomic evidence to date. Chiropr J Aust, 2009;39(1):2-17.

5.Rome PL. Neurovertebral influence on visceral and ANS function: some of the evidence to date, part II: somatovisceral. Chiropr J Aust, 2010;40(1):9-29.

6.Williams NH, Hendry M, Lewis R, et al. Psychological response in spinal manipulation (PRISM): a systematic review or psychological outcomes in randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2007;15:271-283.

7.Genthner GC, Friedman HL, Studley CF. Improvement in depression following reduction of upper cervical vertebral subluxation using orthospinology technique.” Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Nov. 7, 2005.

8.Holder JM, Duncan Robert C, Gissen M, Miller M, Blum K. Increasing retention rates among the chemically dependent in residential treatment: auriculotherapy and (in a separate study) subluxation-based chiropractic care. Journal of Molecular Psychiatry, March 2001;6(suppl 1).

9.Desaulniers AMJ. Effect of subluxation-based chiropractic care on quality of life in a patient with major depression. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, April 23, 2008.

10.Lovett L, Blum CL. Behavioral and learning changes secondary to chiropractic care to reduce subluxations in a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a case study. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Oct. 4, 2006.

11.Khorshid KA, Sweat RW, Zemba DA, Zemba BN. Clinical efficacy of upper cervical versus full spine chiropractic care on children with autism: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, March 9, 2006.

12.Pauli Y. The effects of chiropractic care on individuals suffering from learning disabilities and dyslexia: a review of the literature. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Jan. 15, 2007.

13.Blanks RHI, Dobson M. A study regarding measures of general health status in patients using the Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique: a follow up study. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research,1999;3(2):1.

14.McAllister W, Boone WR. Changes in physical state and self-perceptions in domains of health related quality of life among public safety personnel undergoing chiropractic care. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Aug. 6, 2007.

15.Monti DA, Stoner ME, Zivin G, Schlesinger M. Short term correlates of the Neuro Emotional Technique for cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms: a pilot case series. J Cancer Surviv, 2007;1:161-166.

16.World Heath Organization definition of health. www.who.int/about/definition/en/print.html

Chiropractic Can Help with Learning Disabilities

In this study of 24 learning impaired students, half received chiropractic care and the other half, who were either on medication or receiving no treatment at all, were used for comparison. The case histories that follow were obtained from the above paper.

Case C-91: A high school student who was failing three subjects, with a history of failure, low morale, discipline problems, poor coordination, and a long history of clinical and medical treatment. After chiropractic care the student was passing all subjects, highly motivated, showing improved coordination and able to participate in athletics. All medications were dropped.

Case C-92: Also a high school student on 20mg. Ritalin and on Dilantin. She was non-motivated, negative, passive, nonverbal, and failing in high school work despite placement in special classes. After chiropractic adjustments the student was taken off  Ritalin, began talking and expressing herself, and showed improved reading comprehension and reading speed.

Case CE-92: An elementary student who was extremely hyperkinetic, irritable, and he had severe behavior problems at home and school. Grades were marginal to failing. Al-though the boy was only 8 years old, Ritalin had been increased from an initial 5mg. to a total of 70mg./day with steadily diminishing results. (70mg. approaches danger level as a dosage). At the conclusion of chiropractic care, the Ritalin had been entirely discontinued and coordination was improved to the extent that the student became an able Little League ball player. His attitude was excellent, grades were up an average of one letter grade, and the student was considered free of all limiting factors. Behavior at home and school was exemplary.

Case CE-101: An elementary student. This student was marginally passing his courses. There was a four year history of marginal accomplishment in school. He was nervous, underweight and suffered from insomnia. Medication was briefly tried but the student’s emotional control became poor and he frequently wept. The medication had to be discontinued. After chiropractic care there was a marked reduction in nervousness and great improvement in emotional stability. His mother reported that his appetite was now normal and he began enjoying school during the last month.

Case C-93: A high school student. Initially on heavy dosages of medication, non-motivated with a long history of clinical evaluation and treatment. The girl was failing most school subjects, marginal in others, and withdrawn. After chiropractic adjustments, her self-confidence improved; she was passing all subjects. All medication was discontinued after four months of treatment. A vocational goal was established.

Case CJ-95: A junior high school student. He was hyperkinetic almost from birth and had a traumatic early developmental history with suspected neurological problems. Although of above average intelligence he was passing only two subjects, both marginally. He was starting to become a discipline problem, making little or no effort in school. After chiropractic care, fine and gross motor coordination improved markedly. He began taking an interest in athletics and played Little League on a team that placed third in the state. Effort and motivation improved to the extent that plans to send him back to a lower grade were dropped and he was promoted. Reports at the third week of school indicated that his academic progress was excellent after a late summer remedial program.

Case CE-102: An elementary student who had been diagnosed by numerous clinics as minimally brain damaged, retarded and/or suffering from neurological dysfunction. He also suffered from severe emotional problems. After chiropractic he showed great improvement in self-confidence. He began to take part in public speaking in school. Mental ability tests indicated that the student was at normal grade level except for deficiencies in reading.

Walton EV.   Int Rev of Chiro 1975;29:4-5,24-26.

Lower Your Blood Pressure With Chiropractic!

The US Food and Drug Administration has a standard for determining the efficacy of new hypertension drugs: it requires “a blinded design with a placebo-subtracted reduction in diastolic BP of 5 mm Hg or more and be free of serious side effects to be approvable.”

With that guideline as their standard, a group of researchers from the University of Chicago set out to determine if chiropractic adjustment of the atlas could reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The authors summarize the relationship between the first cervical vertebra (C1) and hypertension:

“Unlike other vertebrae, which interlock one to the next, the Atlas relies solely upon soft-tissue (muscles and ligaments) to maintain alignment; therefore, the placement of C-1 is pain free and thus, remains undiagnosed and untreated, whereas health-related consequences are attributed to other aetiologies.”

“Minor misalignment of the Atlas vertebra can potentially injure, impair, compress and/or compromise brainstem neural pathways. The relationship between hypertension and presence of circulatory abnormalities in the area around the Atlas vertebra and posterior fossa of the brain has been known for more than 40 years.”

In this study, the researchers took 50 patients with Stage 1 hypertension who had either never been on hypertensive drugs or who had stopped taking hypertensive drugs for at least two weeks.

All of the patients were evaluated by a chiropractor for misalignment of C1 using radiographs and leg-length checks. Half of the patients received spinal manipulation of the C1; the other half received a sham treatment that was indistinguishable from a real treatment by the patient.

The diagnostic procedure was conducted at intake, after the treatment and at eight weeks.

The authors found that the patients who received the chiropractic treatment experienced a dramatic drop in average blood pressure compared to the control subjects:

The drop in blood pressure was so impressive the authors state that it “is similar to that seen by giving two different antihypertensive agents simultaneously.”

Furthermore, 85% of the patients needed only one treatment to realize the improvement in blood pressure.

In addition, the study also documented the degree of pelvic misalignment and the position of the C7 vertebra; these measurements are used with this particular method of chiropractic to diagnose dysfunction of the C1 vertebra. Just as they found with the results for blood pressure, the degree of misalignment was reduced dramatically in the treatment group, but not the control group.

“As discussed in the Methods section of this paper, techniques are now available to screen for atlas misalignment. This type of screening should be the responsibility of the primary care physician and should be performed on patients who have a history of head and neck trauma even if it is deemed insignificant. Those patients who present with pain related to head and neck trauma should not be screened. At a time when the prevalence of hypertension is increasing and its control more difficult due to a variety of factors, linking the correction of C1 misalignment to the subsequent lowering of BP may represent an important advancement in the screening of such patients.”

Bakris G, Dickholtz M, Meyer PM, Kravitz G, et al. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study. Journal of Human Hypertension 2007;21:347-352.

Donations from 2010

We are doing our Salvation Army drive on December 15. All of our existing patients are invited to book an appointment in exchange for a gently used sweater or coat of any size, or a new toy (still in the box).

Our 2010 Coat and Toy Drive was so successful that we anticipate an even bigger crowd this year! Call us to make sure you secure your ideal time, as we are booking up quickly.

We will be serving holiday treats, mulled cider, and more! This year, Stefan and Doug will be serenading us in the afternoon from 4:oopm to 6:00pm.  They have donated some CDs which will be on sale for $5 each; all proceeds will go to the Salvation Army.

As a bonus, new patients may drop by with a donation and receive a certificate for a complimentary Spinal Wellness Evaluation, which includes computerized scans and x-rays if necessary.  That’s a value of $175!!!  We will book these evaluations on a future date in order that we can help the most people get checked on December 15.

Please call Victoria or Laura to make your appointment today!