The Brain Stem & Breathing

The nervous system is a complex communication network designed to control and coordinate the body’s vital functions. One of those functions is to control the respiratory system and lungs. Consider that you can climb a flight of stairs, run, swim, or ride a bike without even thinking about your breathing. That’s because the respiratory center, housed in the brain stem, is responsible for adjusting the rate of breathing to the demands of the body so that proper oxygen and carbon dioxide levels remain unchanged even during strenuous exercise.

Asthma involves both the lungs and the immune system and has become the most common and costly illness in the United States. An estimated 17 million Americans suffer from asthma at an annual cost of over $13 billion. Asthma accounts for more hospitalizations than any other childhood disease, and children suffering from asthma miss more than 10 million days of school every year. Nearly 5000 people die from causes related to asthma each year, and it is one of   the many diseases with an increasing death rate.

Even though asthma is a common condition, it is far from simple. During an asthma attack, the airways become narrowed and obstructed due to a combination of muscle spasm, inflammation, and excess mucus production. The symptoms, which vary among sufferers, include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and chronic coughing.

Asthma attacks can be triggered by any condition which causes irritation and inflammation of the airways. These triggers include irritants such as the following: dust mites, animal dander, pollen, mold, pollution, smoke, exercise, hot/cold air, or intense emotions.

Asthma & Allergies

Many asthma sufferers also have allergies, which, although related, differ from asthma. However, allergens like pollen, mold, animal dander, and dust mites can make asthma symptoms worse by irritating and inflaming the airways.

Possible Causes of Asthma

While the cause of asthma is still unknown, many researchers believe asthma is caused by a disturbance of the respiratory center within the brain stem. In fact, one study suggests this is the “common denominator” and basic underlying mechanism in all varieties of asthma. This disturbance is believed to cause the muscles of the airway to contract thus restricting airflow to the lungs.

Carpal Tunnel and the Upper Cervical Spine

Problems in the neck or cervical spine can be as simple as poor posture and muscle tension, or as serious as disc bulges, arthritis, or spinal misalignments.

A proper evaluation for CTS should include an exam of the entire length of the median nerve, starting at the neck and working down to the hands, wrists and fingers. Since the neck is the most common site for Double Crush to occur, a consultation with an Upper Cervical doctor would be in the best interests of any CTS sufferer, especially if they have been recommended for carpal tunnel surgery.

The purpose of Upper Cervical care is to correct misalignments in the neck that produce irritation to the nerve roots that extends to the wrist, hands and fingers. Clinical findings document that this may prevent the need for surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a debilitating disorder caused by irritation or pressure to the median nerve which originates in the neck, runs through the shoulder, arm and forearm, and into the wrist and hand. It is one of the major nerves in the hand that provides sensation and movement for the thumb, index and middle fingers. CTS is often described as an aching pain with burning, tingling, and numbness in the wrist or hand and occasionally, in the forearm. In some cases, muscle weakness, swelling and loss of temperature sensation may be present. Sufferers of carpal tunnel may begin to drop objects or have difficulty lifting small items or turning doorknobs.

Some think there is a higher incidence of CTS among those who do work which requires them to use their hands, wrists, or arms in a repetitive manner, but renowned hand surgeon, Dr. Charles Eaton, says there is no scientific evidence that shows such activities actually cause CTS.

Double Crush Syndrome & Carpal Tunnel

Stress to the median nerve commonly begins in the neck, where the median nerve begins. The nerve is then aggravated by added pressure or irritation anywhere from the neck to the wrist, which can then cause symptoms in the hand and fingers. This is called “Double Crush syndrome” and is widely referenced in the scientific and medical research journals as a consistent finding in patients with CTS. Pressure or irritation to the nerve roots as they exit the neck makes the median nerve more vulnerable to injury at the wrist.

A growing number of studies suggest that the Double Crush phenomenon is one of the most common causes of CTS. The prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, found that nearly 7 of every 10 CTS patients had nerve irritation in the neck. Another study found that 89% of carpal tunnel sufferers also had arthritis in the neck. Both studies suggest the vast majority of CTS patients actually have Double Crush phenomena.

This would explain the high failure rate of common medical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatments directed solely at the wrist neglect possible nerve irritation or compression in the neck, which renders the lower nerves in the wrist more susceptible to injury. In this case, it is essential to first correct the neck problem to allow the wrist condition to fully heal. A similar phenomenon can also occur with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) and cervical radiculopathy (tingling, pain down the arms).

Depression – A Growing Trend

Millions of Americans swallow pills daily hoping they will work some kind of magic and make their lives easier, less stressful. Maybe this pill, that white powder, or these capsules will make them feel better once they dissolve in their stomach, enter the blood stream, and travel to the brain. They have put their faith in medication, hoping it will relieve their present state of dis-ease.

Antidepressant pharmaceuticals are a multi-billon dollar industry. Every media is bombarded by ads for these drugs. As you watch these commercials, note the careful language they use in suggesting that depression “may” be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. They go on to tell you how the medication “can correct” this biochemical imbalance. What many Americans don’t know is that there has never been definitive research that proves depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. The problem with the theory that depression is a consequence of a “chemical imbalance in the brain” is that depression can be both triggered and resolved by life events. The truth is the relationship between brain chemistry and life experience is a two-directional phenomenon: Life experience affects brain chemistry at least as much as brain chemistry affects life experience.

A true diagnosis of major depression involves a combination of most of the following: inability to feel pleasure of any kind, loss of interest in most everything, self-hatred or guilt, inability to concentrate or do the simplest things, sleeping all the time or not being able to sleep at all, dramatic weight gain or loss, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Truly depressed people seldom smile or laugh; they may not talk; they are not fun to be with; they do not wish to be visited. They may not eat, and sometimes have to be fed with feeding tubes to keep then alive. They exude a palpable sense of pain. Depression is a thing unto itself, an undeniably physical and medical affliction.

Possible Causes of Depression

While science has not determined the exact cause of depression, research has pointed towards a likely involvement of the brain stem and upper cervical spine in many mood disorders. In fact, the brain stem (whose lower portion is located in the uppermost part of the spine) is involved in the regulation and maintenance of brain chemistry, as well many other vital functions.

Even a mild concussion to the head, neck or upper back can increase the risk of depression. Studies show that depression is a common diagnosis in patients with whiplash, an injury that can directly affect the upper neck and lower brain stem. Following the trauma, mood disorders can be triggered immediately, or they can take months or even years to develop. Exciting new studies show “significant improvement” in depression test scores after specific upper cervical corrections. This noninvasive and safe alternative should be the beginning point for all who believe that they are suffering from depression.

Diabetes

Patients with both Type I and Type II diabetes have long benefited from Upper Cervical care given the fact that the nerve system controls and coordinates all bodily functions, including the pancreas.

Diabetes and the Nerve System

There are two types of diabetes. Type I is commonly referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent which typically develops in children prior to puberty. Type II diabetes usually develops after age 40 and is often associated with obesity. An estimated 16 million people in the United States suffer from Type 1 or Type II diabetes.

In cases of Type I diabetes, the destruction of the insulin producing cells (islet cells) in the pancreas leaves the body without insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Severe complications, even with daily insulin injections, can include blindness, limb amputation, kidney failure or death.

It has been generally accepted that Type I diabetes occurs after a severe malfunction of the immune system which causes insulin-producing cells in the pancreas to be destroyed. However, current research suggests the immune system isn’t the only culprit; the nerve system also plays a pivotal role.

Groundbreaking Diabetes Research

Research conducted at the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Calgary discovered there is a “control circuit” necessary to retain the health and normal function of the cells that produce insulin located in the pancreas between insulin-producing cells and nerves. This “control circuit” has long been known within the Upper Cervical profession as the “brain to body communication circuit,” the same brain to body communication that was recently studied by the medical profession to determine not only the cause or contributing factors associated with diabetes but other diseases as well. As part of the study, scientists “knocked out” specific nerve cells and discovered that doing so created an interference with the brain to body communication. These nerve cells had a direct and profound effect on the pancreas, diabetes, and blood sugar levels, and the research concluded that the nerves are critical in the development of diabetes.

This helps explain a condition that diabetics often suffer from called peripheral neuropathy, a numbness or pain described as a burning sensation or a feeling like “pins and needles” being stuck in the arms or legs. The research suggests that neuropathy may be more than a result of diabetes; it may be related to the nervous system’s role in the whole disease process.

Commenting on the research project published in The Scientific Journal, cell immunologist, Dr. Terry Delovitch, said the work illustrates the importance of not viewing one system of the body in isolation. “It’s an excellent example of system biology, where different systems interact and cross-regulate each other’s activity.” Delovitch is a diabetes and immune system specialist at Robarts Research Institute.

Looking at the nervous system as a possible cure for diabetes is a new concept, but one that is research based and gives hope to millions. The idea that a component of one body system can have a positive impact and even prevent disease in another body system is gaining wider acceptance.

Digestive Disorders and the Brain Stem

Research and clinical evidence continues to suggest that a malfunctioning nervous system may be a key factor in the development of many digestive disorders.

Much of the control of the digestive system is under the direct control of the brain stem via the vagus nerve. The brain stem is the command center for many vital functions, including digestion. It works very much like a telephone cable with thousands of individual wires or nerve fibers sending signals back and forth between the brain and brain stem to every cell, organ, and system in the body.

Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) can interfere with the function of the brain stem which can be a critical factor in many health problems, including digestive disorders. These misalignments can be caused by a number of things – bumps, falls, sports injuries, car accidents, birth trauma, and emotional stress. Health problems may appear immediately after the injury or several years later.

Acid Reflux, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

For most people, digestion is a natural process that we take for granted. However, there are millions of Americans who are not as fortunate. When the digestive process goes awry, it can result in any number of digestive disorders which can interfere with normal, healthy functioning.

While the list of digestive disorders is vast and varied, some of the more common ones are colic, acid reflux, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. A component many of these disorders share is a nervous system that is “out of sync.”

Every section of the GI tract is prone to its own unique disorder – some are merely annoying, such as heartburn, while others can be painful or even debilitating with cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or bleeding. If the condition persists, it can undermine a person’s overall health, and, in some cases, threaten his or her life.

Ear Infections

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over five million children suffer from chronic ear infections, resulting in 30 million visits to doctors’ offices and over 10 million prescriptions of antibiotics each year. Half of all antibiotics prescribed for preschoolers are for ear infections.

Symptoms of ear infections may include mild discomfort, irritability, fever or severe pain. Almost 50% of all children will have at least one middle ear infection before they’re a year old, and two-thirds of them will have had an ear infection by age three. Frequent ear infections are the second leading cause for surgery in children under two, right behind circumcision

A New Approach to Ear Infections

Before taking another round of maybe-they’ll-work-and-maybe-they-won’t antibiotics or undergoing a drastic procedure like surgery, consider Upper Cervical Care. UCC is a viable, non-invasive way to help your child with chronic ear infections. One study shows that after receiving a series of Upper Cervical corrections, 80% of the children were free of ear infections.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care enables the inner ear to open and drain which, in turn, allows the body to resist the buildup of fluid and possible infection. Many children develop their own antibodies and recover quickly and naturally without the use of unnecessary antibiotics and tubes. The discomfort of chronic inner ear infections, lost days of schools for children, and lost days of work for parents can become a thing of the past.

Antibiotics, Tubes & Ear Infections

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, ear infections with fluid build-up (otitis media with effusion) do not require the use of antibiotics. In fact, one study with 3,600 children found that children who did not take antibiotics had a higher rate of recovery than those who did take antibiotics. Despite such clear guidelines, many pediatricians continue to prescribe unnecessary antibiotics for the treatment of ear infections. This error contributes to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

When antibiotics are not successful in treating ear infections or if a child has multiple infections, specialists often prescribe myringotomy and tympanostomy, more commonly known as “ear tubes.” During this surgical procedure, general anesthesia is used and a small opening is cut into the eardrum to place a tube inside. In most cases, the membrane pushes the tube out after a couple of months and the hole in the eardrum is closed with scar tissue. If the infection persists even after tube placement and rejection, the entire surgical procedure is performed again, or children may undergo adenoidectomy (surgical removal of the adenoids).

Unfortunately, most children who have this procedure have recurrent fluid build up (effusion) within two months, resulting in permanent structural damage to the tympanic membrane (ear drum) in 40% of the children who have had ear tubes. Ear tubes have even caused 25% of the children to suffer total hearing loss.

It is amazing that in the face of this evidence, not to mention the risks and costs associated with antibiotics and surgery, ear tubes remain the treatment of choice in many medical practices.

Fibromyalgia and the Brain Stem

The brain stem, which can be compared to a telephone cable with thousands of individual wires or nerve fibers sending signals between the brain and the body, controls nearly all vital functions. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) can affect the function of the brain stem, which can be a critical factor in the development of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Trauma or compression of the upper neck can cause the same symptoms seen in fibromyalgia or patients with CFS. These symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or several years later.

Most FM patients suffer with chronic pain, stiffness and burning in the neck, shoulders, lower back and hips. Others experience depression, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, numbness, dizziness, headaches or sleeping disorders. Even minor exertion can aggravate the pain and increase fatigue.

Fibromyalgia & Neck Injuries

Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, numerous studies and clinical trials show that FM often develops after traumatic neck injuries. Nearly 70% of the fibromyalgia patients at Upper Cervical Health Centers of America could relate the start of their fibromyalgia symptoms to a specific injury to their neck. Car accidents, sports or on-the-job injuries, repetitive stress, falls, or even birth trauma can cause these injuries. Renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Rosner, states that when the neck is hyper extended backward, the spinal canal narrows, impacting the spine and brain stem. This can occur in cases of whiplash in automobile accidents, extended dental work in which the head is bent back, or severe bouts of coughing. Even activities like painting a ceiling can cause injury to the neck that may lead to fibromyalgia.

High Blood Pressure & Upper Cervical Care

The American Heart Association defines high blood pressure, or hypertension, in an adult as a systolic pressure of 140 or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 or higher. Nearly one in three adults in the United States suffers with high blood pressure and over 50,000 people die each year as a result of this condition. What is more startling is that the actual number of deaths from high blood pressure rose 56% between 1994 and 2004 despite an increase in prescription drug use to combat hypertension.

A non-invasive and drug-free procedure has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, according to an exciting study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension. According to Dr. Thad Vuagniaux, Co-Founder of the Upper Cervical Health Centers®, “the brain and brain stem play a vital role in the regulation of blood pressure. In order to have normal blood pressure, you must have proper communication between the brain and the body. When a misalignment occurs at the top of the neck near the level of the brain stem, brain to body communication is affected which may result in high blood pressure.”

The Atlas vertebra, which is at the top of the neck, is not anchored like the other bones in the spine. It relies solely on soft tissue (muscles and ligaments) to stay in place, which makes it vulnerable to misalignment. In many patients, the Atlas can become displaced or misaligned without pain and therefore, often goes undetected and untreated. Dr. Vuagniaux states, “Upper Cervical doctors have seen a link between injuries to the upper neck and high blood pressure for decades, but only recently has the medical profession begun to study how Upper Cervical care helps those suffering with high blood pressure.”

When a gentle and non-invasive Upper Cervical correction is made and the Atlas is properly repositioned, brain to body communication is restored and the body begins to heal itself. “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. “We were shocked to find out that we got more than double what we expected in blood pressure reduction.”

In the interview with WebMD, Dr. Bakris said, “It is pretty clear that some kind of head or neck trauma early in life is related to this.” Upper Cervical misalignments can be caused by falls, auto accidents, sports, on-the-job injuries, concussions, physical or emotional stress, poor posture, and even birth trauma.