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Category: News

history of chiropractic

The History of Chiropractic: A Journey Towards Natural Healing

history of chiropracticChiropractic care has become a widely accepted and respected form of healthcare over the years. But how did it all begin? The history of chiropractic is a fascinating journey that, this month, celebrated its 128th birthday.

The Birth of Chiropractic

Chiropractic care traces its roots back to September 18, 1895, when Daniel David Palmer, a magnetic healer, made a groundbreaking discovery. He performed the first chiropractic adjustment on a man named Harvey Lillard, who had been deaf for 17 years. Palmer noticed a misalignment in Lillard’s spine and believed that by correcting it, he could restore his hearing. The adjustment was a success, and chiropractic was born.

Early Years and Development

In the early 1900s, D.D. Palmer’s son, B.J. Palmer, played a pivotal role in shaping chiropractic into a distinct healthcare profession. He established the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which became a leading institution for chiropractic education. B.J. Palmer emphasized the importance of spinal adjustments in maintaining health and well-being.

Chiropractic’s Struggles and Triumphs

Chiropractic care faced significant challenges during its early years. It was met with skepticism from the medical establishment, and legal battles were fought to establish its legitimacy. However, chiropractors and their patients stood firm, leading to the recognition of chiropractic as a legitimate healthcare profession.

The Science of Chiropractic

Over time, chiropractic care evolved to incorporate scientific principles. Research into the benefits of spinal adjustments, nervous system function, and the holistic approach to healthcare contributed to its credibility. Chiropractors began working alongside medical doctors and other healthcare providers to offer comprehensive care to patients.

Chiropractic Today

Today, chiropractic care is an integral part of the healthcare landscape. Chiropractors focus on the nervous system, primarily through the joints of the spine, to promote overall health and wellness. They help patients manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance their quality of life through natural, drug-free treatments.

Diverse Approaches to Care

Chiropractic has diversified over the years to include various techniques and specialties. Some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, pediatric care, or geriatric care. This diversity allows individuals of all ages and backgrounds to benefit from chiropractic services. Our Hatboro office loves to serve entire families. We enjoy working with children, women during pregnancy, and athletes of all ages and abilities.

The Future of Chiropractic

Chiropractic care continues to evolve with advancements in research and technology. As an increasingly holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare, it is likely to play an even more significant role in the future. Collaborations with other healthcare providers and a focus on evidence-based practice will further solidify its place in the healthcare ecosystem.

The history of chiropractic is a testament to the power of innovation, persistence, and a commitment to natural healing. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a respected healthcare profession, chiropractic care has come a long way. As we celebrate over a century and a quarter of this remarkable journey, we look forward to the continued growth and evolution of chiropractic in promoting health, wellness, and a higher quality of life for countless individuals worldwide. If you or a family member or friend are in the Bucks or Montgomery County areas, we would love to serve you through state-of-the-art chiropractic care. Call or book an appointment online for a complimentary consultation to see how we can help you. We are striving to create a healthier community, naturally, in the Warminster and Warrington region.

NSAIDs and Medications

What Expecting Families Need to Know About NSAIDs and Medications

NSAIDs and MedicationsBottom Line:

While expecting mothers may have a glow about them, they’re unfortunately no less immune to body aches and pains than the rest of us.

In fact, it’s estimated that over 85% of women will deal with back pain at some point during and likely after their pregnancy.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned in years of treating pregnant patients, it’s that finding relief without the use of over-the-counter and prescription medications is possible – and absolutely probable.

Here’s a quick overview of what your expecting family should know about pregnancy and medications and pregnancy and chiropractic adjustments.

Why it Matters:

It’s likely that you or an expecting mother you know have had their doctor caution that no medications should be taken without checking with them first.

It’s no secret that all medications come with some level of side effects, and these are often heightened during pregnancy.

Some medicines aren’t safe to take when a woman is pregnant, even those that are available over-the-counter.

For example, there have been preliminary studies that suggest over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and other common NSAIDs may increase the risk of health challenges in newborns such as asthma and gastrointestinal problems, respectively.

The good news is that there is good news on this front.

Pregnancy and chiropractic adjustments go hand in hand’

The low back and other pregnancy-related pains that women often experience during pregnancy can usually be relieved with spinal adjustments.

To recap a few of the key points here…

  • NSAIDs cross from mother to baby easily through the placenta and can influence the production of prostaglandins.
  • Recent studies suggest that taking NSAIDs can increase the risks of asthma and hypertension in newborns.
  • Chiropractic care is a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to manage pregnancy-related aches and pains.

Next Steps:

Yes, talking to your doctor about medication use before becoming pregnant is a smart idea.

And if you or a loved one close to you anticipates becoming pregnant, it’s smart to be proactive with your health and explore natural ways to stay active and pain-free during your pregnancy.

As a trusted pregnancy chiropractor in Hatboro who specializes in natural pain relief solutions, we can help.

Whether you’re ready to come in and start receiving chiropractic care or you’d like to stop in to get your questions answered, our expert team is just a phone call away.

We’d be honored to serve you and yours for trimesters and years to come!

Science Source:
Use of NSAIDs During Pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018.
NSAID Use During Pregnancy. Pharmacy Today. 2001.
chiropractors in pa

Sleep Meds and Dementia

Sometimes I’m blown away by the audacity of thinking you can safely introduce chemical agents in generalized form and dosage into the Rubik’s Cube of human physiology. Compromising even one biochemical reaction can affect dozens, hundreds or even thousands of related metabolic cascades. I mean, what could go wrong? Yes, often it’s minor and flies below the radar, but any foreign substance we ingest may disrupt us and/or harm us.

chiropractors in pa
Sleeping medication in packaging

The most recent example comes from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2019, where scientists demonstrated that frequent use of sleep medications is strongly associated with a greater likelihood of dementia in later life.

Over three thousand people, age 70-79, all of whom were cognitively healthy when the project began, were analyzed for the use of sleep medications over a fifteen year period. The results were shocking – those who used sleep medications regularly were 43% more likely to develop dementia. 43%!

Lead author Dr. Yue Leng from University of California San Francisco doesn’t say the drugs alone are causing the dementia; she says that they may be part of a syndrome including sleeplessness. But she does say, “Usually when people have sleep problems, they’re prescribed these medications by default. But few studies have looked into what the medications are really doing to their body and to their brain.”

How insightful and forward-thinking! Drugs that force body responses invariably will have some side effects – actually, they’re not side effects, they are effects. Whatever the intention, these consequences still occur and may exacerbate already existing conditions or create new ones.

It’s just a simple sleeping pill, you might think, and that is the point. All medicines are potentially hazardous, and carry their own risk/reward ratio, immediately apparent or manifesting over time. This is the reason that chiropractors are so determined to align with nature whenever possible – even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said “Primum non nocere, first do no harm.”

And as Dr. Leng says, the prescription of such medicines is a knee-jerk, a default to commonly accepted treatment, regardless of the resources of the patient. Why not try meditation, exercise, hypnosis, BrainTap, nutrition, and of course chiropractic care, before opting for toxic drugs?

This research invites us to reconsider the jeopardy of our medical decision-making, and paves the way for a more organic methodology. Drugs are a mixed bag, and should be used only when conservative efforts have been exhausted. Chiropractors can offer alternatives that support healthy sleep patterns, not just battle insomnia. Adopt a wellness lifestyle, and enjoy a better overall quality of life.

improve posture

Report Links “Horn-Like” Growth on Back of Skull to Phone and Computer Use

improve postureThe title sounds like a tag line for a new movie. New research states that permanent bone structure changes take place at the back of the skull as a result of extended amounts of time in a forward head posture position. Authors of the study attribute the cause of the increased amount of forward head posture to increased time on technology devices such as phones and computers. The research evaluated x-ray findings of 1,200 subjects ranging from ages 18 to 86 years old. Evaluators call the small bump on the back of the skull an extension of the External Occipital Protuberance (EOP). A ligament and muscle attach to the EOP. Researchers found that an extra small bony growth was found at higher incidence in younger adults who had greater degrees of forward head posture. The small horn-like growth appeared to be caused by increased amounts of stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in that area due to forward head posture. As stress loads increase in ligaments, muscles, and tendons for long periods of time, bony deposits form within the body as a protection mechanism.

An increasingly sedentary lifestyle accompanies massive amounts of time spent looking forward and down at devices. An adaptive process takes place within the body to alleviate the added weight and pressure being placed on the back of the head and neck. An incredible amount of strain prompts bone to infiltrate the tendon as muscles at the back of the skull work to prevent the head from falling down to the chest. Weight added to the spine dramatically increases when forward head flexion increases at varying intervals. A 0° interval produces a measurable head weight on the neck of 10 to 12 pounds. A 15° interval of forward head posture increases weight on the neck by 27 pounds. A 30° interval increases weight on the neck by 40 pounds. A 45° interval increases the weight on the neck by 49 pounds. A 60° interval increases the weight on the neck by 60 pounds.

The extra stress from forward head posture on the neck and skull produce significant effects. Commentary focuses on the shocking presence of the bone spur but the protrusion registers as the smallest of concerns. The process involved in the bone spur formation indicates a danger and concern far greater than anything superficial. Improper head and neck configuration signify abnormalities in the nervous system and dangerous long-term outcomes for a person’s overall health, function, and performance. These bone spur formations take a long time to develop. Individuals who suffer from EOP spurs began applying stress and strain to the head and neck area during the early stages of childhood. The length of time needed to form a bone spur suggests that sustained improvement in posture and head positioning prevent accompanying effects and allows for correction and healing. Chiropractic care plays a vital role in helping reduce stress and abnormal spinal positioning which promote disease, discomfort, and long-term health concerns. Research continues to alert people to the dangers of overusing technological devices as they pertain to deteriorating effects on the head, neck, and spine. Chiropractic helps relieve the damaging effects of forward head posture while providing education and care plans for the sustained health and function of the neck, spine, and nervous system.

best chiropractors in bucks county

How Your Heart and Your Brain Work Together

Keeping your heart and your brain healthy is a good idea – they affect every aspect of your health and wellness. And when you get your brain and your heart to work together, that’s when you experience the best body function and the best quality of life.

When a doctor orders a stress test, and the patient walks on the treadmill, the test isn’t walking on the treadmill – the test is how quickly the heart returns to a normal rate after the exertion of walking on the treadmill. It measures how well the body reacts to and recovers from stress – in other words, how well the brain and the heart work together.

best chiropractors in bucks countyYou may have heard the phrase “heart rate variability” since it has been getting a lot of attention in the media. It’s not as complex as it seems – your heart is supposed to vary its heartbeat, in response to the stresses of the day. When your heart and brain are working well together, your heart rate varies as it should, and you experience good health.

But when your heart and brain are out of sync, your heart rate doesn’t change as it should, and over time this leads to disease. And the opposite is also true – getting the heart and brain to work well together creates healing and vitality.

The Institute of HeartMath has studied this connection between heart and brain for over thirty years. When your heart and brain are in harmony, they call that coherence. You can develop more coherence through bio feedback, meditation, or just sitting quietly or walking in Nature.

Doctors of Chiropractic have also studied the healthy-brain-healthy-heart relationship, and chiropractic care is one of the best ways to keep your brain working together with your heart and all your body parts.

Safe, gentle chiropractic care – it’s the natural way to health for the whole family. If you want to make sure your heart and brain are working well together, then schedule an appointment today!

back pain relief montgomery county pa

Back Pain: Top Organizations Recommend Against Opioids

Bottom Line:

At last, many top healthcare organizations are taking a stand against the prescription of opioids for treating back pain. The American Pain Society, Harvard Health, and the American College of Physicians have all recommended that people suffering from back pain seek conservative care options, such as chiropractic, before taking any medications. What’s more, their stance is supported by decades of research that showcases the effectiveness of chiropractic techniques – adjustments, rehabilitation, and soft tissue work – for relieving back and neck pain without the dangers and risks of drugs. Consider this… 

back pain relief montgomery county paWhy it Matters:

Over the past decade, back pain treatment has evolved considerably. The days of medical doctors recommending bed rest and medications are in the past. In fact, top research publications have shown that movement and physician-guided exercise are some of the best ways to improve back pain quickly. So, not only is it possible to find relief without drugs – it’s recommended! Here a few more interesting facts for your consideration:

  • Nearly every major health organization discourages the use of opioids for back pain.
  • Chiropractors have been promoting a care plan consisting of movement and exercise for over 100 years.
  • Conservative therapies, such as chiropractic, have been recommended by organizations such as the American Pain Society and American College of Physicians.

Next Steps:

Many cutting-edge practices like ours use a biopsychosocial model of treatment when it comes to pain relief. That simply means we focus on addressing the biomechanical (how you move your body), psychological (reducing the fears of re-injury), and social (getting back to the activities you love) aspects of health and healing. Our care plans don’t require medications or drugs, and they help us create a positive environment dedicated to helping you live your best life! If you’re looking for a natural way back from pain, give us a call today!

Science Source(s):

Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Joint Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Annals of Internal Medicine 2007
Opioids for Chronic Noncancer Pain: Prediction and Identification of Aberrant Drug-Related Behaviors: A Review of the Evidence for an American Pain Society and American Academy of Pain Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine 2009
back soreness montgomery county pa

How You Can “Un-Pinch” a Nerve

Bottom Line:

Pinched nerves are not exactly what most people would call a good time. A pinched or compressed nerve can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or leg. It can be debilitating! When the nerves are leaving your spinal column they have very little protection. And if a disc, ligament, or bone spur get near a nerve…ouch! The pain can start there and then travel the entire length of that nerve root resulting in pain that radiates into your arms and legs. Let’s just say that your nerves don’t like being pushed around.

Why it Matters:

back soreness montgomery county paThe good news is that you can experience a lot of relief by taking the pressure off of the nerves. Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the pinching or compression on those delicate nerves roots. And with less pressure on the nerve, you can finally find relief.

– Your nerves communicate with every organ, tissue, and cell in your body

– Bone spurs, ligament overgrowth, or disc problems can cause pressure on these nerves

– Adjustments gently open the holes, or canals, of your spine, thereby decreasing the pressure on the nerves to help you function and feel better!

Next Steps:

Take a look around and do some “people watching” today. You will see that many people walk crooked or bent over towards one side. Sometimes this is the result of a pinched nerve. They are trying to lean away from the pain and open up those nerve channels. But, by staying active, maintaining a full range of motion, and getting periodic chiropractic care– you can count on standing tall for years to come!

Science Source:

Cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review on treatment by spinal manipulation and measurement with the Neck Disability Index. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 2012. Symptomatic, MRI Confirmed, Lumbar Disc Herniations: A Comparison of Outcomes Depending on the Type and Anatomical Axial Location of the Hernia in Patients Treated With High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2016.

Bio-Hacking Your Nervous System Naturally

Bottom Line:

Your life is experienced through your nervous system. Think about that. Every thought, breath, heartbeat, memory, and movement happens in coordination with your central nervous system. Researchers have found that nerve signals can travel from your brain to your body at more than 250 miles per hour. Your brain is the master control system of your body with signals and messages starting in the brain and then heading out and down to your body. But can messages travel the other way? What if I told you there are ways you can impact your brain by moving your spine? It’s true…

chiropractic services bucks countyWhy it Matters:

Top researchers have found that specific movements of the spine, including the motion that happens during a chiropractic adjustment, can provide a multitude of benefits to your brain and nervous system. Adjustments activate the nerves that detect and sense motion. When those nerves are activated, it stops (or gates) the nerves that deliver pain signals. That is one of the reasons why adjustments provide pain relief. They literally “turn off” the pain sensors! Perhaps even more exciting is the emerging research that has shown adjustments can increase cortical drive. That’s a fancy way of saying researchers have found adjustments can make you stronger!

– Your entire life is experienced through your central nervous system- every thought, memory, and action.

– Movement of your spine can activate your central nervous system and brain

– Emerging research has shown chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain, improve function, and even increase strength!

Next Steps:

Chiropractic care has been helping people live their best life for over 100 years. Having a higher quality of life and feeling better (with less pain) are two of the most popular reasons why people seek chiropractic care. But new research into sports performance, strength, and how the adjustment can improve brain function have a lot of people excited. We would love to hear how chiropractic care has changed your life!

Science Source:

Mechanism of action of spinal manipulative therapy. Joint, Bone, Spine 2003. Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation. Spine Journal 2002.

spinal care montgomery county pa

What Happens When You Hear a “CRACK” in Your Spine?

Bottom Line:

You turn your head or bend down to lift something and “CRACK”! What is it? Did you injure something?  The first time that happens can be terrifying. Well, you don’t need to worry. That cracking sound is probably not a broken bone. It typically occurs in the facet joints, or knuckles, of your spinal column and it can be completely normal. Your facet joints are designed to help your spine move through a full range of motion.

spinal care montgomery county paWhy it Matters:

The facets are little joints on the back side of your spine. Similar to your knuckles, they have a small capsule around them for lubrication and support. When a facet joint is stretched open, gas within the joint is released, making a crunch or cracking sound. The release of gas is perfectly normal and happens because of the negative pressure in the joint. Sometimes adhesions can occur in the joint making it painful to move. That is why after a chiropractic adjustment many people feel better and have an improved range of motion. Adjustments help the facet joints move more naturally with fewer restrictions.

– Cracks and pops in your back and neck are typically caused by the release of gas within the joint (like a knuckle)

– Adhesions in the joints of your spine can restrict your range of motion and contribute to degenerative changes

– Adjustments reduce the adhesions in the fact joints resulting in pain relief and an improved range of motion

Next Steps:

While many chiropractic techniques create a “cracking” or “crunching” type sound- not all do. Low-speed techniques also improve the motion of the facet joints, sometimes without any sound at all. And here’s a tip to share with your friends- stubborn headaches are frequently caused by irritated facet joints. If you know someone who suffers from headaches and works on a computer most of the day- their facet joints may be to blame. Share this paper with them and let them know a chiropractic adjustment may be just what they need!

Science Source:

Effects of side-posture positioning and side-posture adjusting on the lumbar zygapophysial joints as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging: a before and after study with randomization. JMPT 2000. Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation. The Spine Journal 2002.

get healthy in montgomery county pa

Feeling Young May Mean a Healthy Brain

A new study out of South Korea examined the brains of 68 healthy seniors, aged 59 to 84, to compare their biological age to their functional age, in other words, the way their brains are currently performing.

As you would expect, there were those who exercised their brains more than others, as part of their lifestyle, with games, creative thinking and artistic endeavors. Others interfered with their best brain function with dietary indiscretion, smoking habits, and lack of mental and physical challenges.

get healthy in montgomery county paBut even after correcting for those factors, there was a key characteristic that seemed to show up with the people who had the healthiest brains – people who reported feeling younger than their age tended to have a younger brain physiologically.

And it wasn’t just a positive attitude, though of course that helps – those who said they felt younger actually had younger and healthier gray matter in their brains, according to specialized testing they performed.

A “younger” brain gives you a better memory, better comprehension and enhanced use of speech and language.

Neuroscientists have known for decades that spinal health plays a major role in brain health. The spine not only protects the spinal cord and spinal nerves, it helps to bathe the brain in nutrients, and stimulate brain function with its movement. Dr. Roger Sperry, who was the recipient of a Nobel Prize, stated that 90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine!

So many chiropractic patients tell us that they feel younger than their years – that kind of vitality comes from having a healthier brain and a healthier spine, so let us help you get and stay healthy! If you are live or work in Hatboro, Horsham, Warminster, Warrington or any of the surrounding areas in Bucks or Montgomery counties, then allow Radiant Life Chiropractic to provide you with safe and effective chiropractic care. We can help you handle the stresses of your life! Call or schedule a complimentary consultation today to see how.