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 Watson Chiropractic, P.C.
June 2006 Newsletter
503-MY SPINE (697-7463)
  • How Many Adjustments do I Need to Feel better?
  • Yeast Infections
  • Your Immune System on the Battle Field
  • Supportive Supplements and Alternative Treatments for Cancer
  • Spinal Adjustments and the Emotional Release
  • Norovirus
  • Cancer Comedy
 
How Many Adjustments do I need to feel better?
 
The answer is as different as the circumstance, although there are some guidelines.  Generally speaking, initial care needs to be frequent enough to provide relief.  It is very common for someone to need two to three visits per week, for a week or two, just to get the vertebra to hold in place long enough for the healing to begin.   For most, considerable pain relief is obtained within one to three visits.  However, lasting relief can only occur once the spine is stable, and that can take anywhere from three to twelve visits over weeks to months.  After relief and stability is obtained you may choose to continue care to maintain the health of your spine.  In this case visits are less frequent, although generally once per month for most people works best.  Everyone is so different, that care needs to be tailored to individual needs.  I'll do my best to have you return only as often as necessary to meet your goals, weather they be pain relief, corrective care, or lifetime maintenance.
 
 
Yeast infections
 
Candida Albicans, also known as "yeast", is a natural normal part of your body's flora.   However, when your body becomes overgrown with yeast you can become symptomatic.  Symptoms vary greatly, however more common problems can be skin rashes, vaginal discomfort, rectal itching, and digestive problems.  Often times, after someone takes antibiotics, normal flora (which keeps yeast in check) is destroyed by the antibiotics in great enough numbers that the yeast grow un-checked.
 
For example, in vaginal yeast infections, the vaginal flora called dorderlain's bacillis (lactobacillis acidophilus) is destroyed by antibiotics, and this allows the yeast take over.   Dorderlain's bacillis converts glycogen from circulating estrogens into lactic acid, thus keeping the pH of the vagina low.  If the pH rises, as it does when insufficient numbers of dorderlain's bacillis are available, yeast can overgrow, and cause vaginal itching and mucous.  Yeast can cause itching and mucous anywhere in the digestive tract as well.  And, many common skin rashes are caused from yeast overgrowth.
 
For those with a vaginal yeast infection, I generally prescribe a vaginal suppository of boric acid.  This lowers the pH of the vaginal tract and provides rapid relief for most.   Occasionally someone may experience a Herxheimer Reaction, in which case the immune system can not keep up with the dead yeast cells.  This can cause a temporary increased discomfort, which can generally be relieved by douching with water.  In addition some may find relief with a cultured (lactobacillus acidophilus) yogurt douche, as this adds dorderlains bacillis to the vaginal tract to help convert lactic acid from glycogen to reduce pH.
 
For most types of yeast problems, I recommend various supplements that are supportive of those needing to rid their body of too much yeast.  Sometimes a person with over productive yeast may need to make some dietary changes.   Most yeast infections can be relieved rather quickly.  For some, re-occurrence can be common.  If this is the case, one will generally need to make dietary changes, take supplements, and do so for many months to make a lasting change.
 
 
 
Your Immune System on the Battlefield
 
Part of you immune system's job is to keep foreign invaders like bacteria, parasites, and viruses from invading.  The stronger your immune system the better you will be able to keep those foreign invaders at-bay.  Many factors can effect the strength of our immune system.  Poor diet, stress, auto immune diseases, and many other factors can decrease the strength of our immunity.  When our immune system becomes overwhelmed with foreign invaders, we may start to experience symptoms.  Runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, congestion, fever, and body aches are just some of the symptoms one may experience.  It's generally at these times that one seeks help.
 
I often use battlefield terms to describe the differences between taking immune supportive supplementation and antibiotics.  Using antibiotics is similar to dropping a nuclear bomb on the battlefield.  It can, and often times does, kill off the foreign invaders.  However, it can also kill off our normal flora (like friendly fire) which can in turn weaken our overall immunity.  Supportive supplementation is similar to troop re-supply.  It's the convoy traveling to the battlefield with food, ammo, provisions and other necessary elements - to assist your "immuty" troops in the battle.  Everyone's situation is different, and in some cases a nuclear bomb is just what you need.  For example, bacterial pneumonia is serious business that requires immediate attention and generally antibiotics are necessary.  On the other hand, it's no secret that antibiotic over-use is making strains of bacteria stronger and more viable.  Most doctors now understand that there needs to be more discretion with antibiotic use.  However, many doctors do not offer anything other than antibiotics, as they are unaware of the powerful immune supportive supplementation available today (thanks to President Clinton for passing the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act in 1994, and to those who drafted the bill).  Often times, one can do very well with immune supportive supplements, like Total Multimune and Total Virx.  We carry a wide variety of immune support supplements for various situations.
 
 
 
Supportive Supplements and Alternative Treatments for Cancer
 
Twelve years ago when I started practice, I rarely had any patients with cancer.  Nowadays it's happening more and more and more.  And, I'll tell you from my experience, that there are no guarantees that you will not, at one time or another end up with this scary disease.  In the past, one could rest relatively at-ease if they were not a smoker and led a fairly healthy lifestyle.  These days, it's just not the case.  In addition, I haven't met one patient yet who was diagnosed with cancer who thought they would end up with it.
 
So with all this cancer going around, I have been seeing more and more patients with it.  In most cases, chemotherapy and radiation are the treatment of choice for those with cancer as it is the most common and effective treatment available today.
 
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy's role is to destroy cancer cells.  Rapidly growing cells are targeted, as cancer cells generally are rapidly growing cells with the mechanism to shut off growth somehow broken.  Hair cells are rapidly growing cells and this is why some chemotherapies and radiation cause hair loss.  In addition these therapies can damage white blood cells and epithelial cells that line the intestines.  Cells that line the arteries of the heart can also be injured.  Overall, many healthy and normal cells can be injured or destroyed in the fight to kill the cancer.  The idea with nutritional support is to support the healthy tissues that may become damaged in the battle.  And, to support the immune system to aid in the fight.
 
Always discuss your supplement regime with your oncologist.
 
The amino acid glutamine is helpful for the digestive tract, as it assists healing of the epithelial lining cells by acting as a energy source for the nucleotide synthesis of those cells.  In fact, glutamine is necessary in many rapidly growing cells, and there can be an argument made for not using glutamine as it may be beneficial for the cancer cell growth as well.  However, there is a good deal of research showing glutamine to be helpful for those undergoing chemotherapy as an aid in digestive healing.  My opinion is that glutamine is very helpful for those undergoing chemotherapy.
 
Ginger is a well know anti-nausea herb.  Most people who undergoing chemotherapy experience some form of nausea and ginger capsules or tea can be very helpful for them.
 
Melatonin may help those with cancer by activating the cytokines of the immune system.
 
Hot epsom salts baths or saunas for chemotherapy can be helpful for relaxation as well as have known therapeutic benefits.  Heat therapy is known to stimulate the immune system.
 
Coenzyme Q10 may be the most researched antioxidant next to vitamin C.  Research has found coenzyme Q10 to benefit those with many type of cancers including; breast, colon, lung, prostate, laryngeal, and pancreatic.  One study found coenzyme Q10 to to increase the life expectancy of cancer patients by suppressing the proliferation of cancer cells and by boosting the immune system chemicals (cytokines) that attack cancer cells.
 
Vitamin E can be very helpful for those suffering from hot flashes, as is often the case resulting from cancer treatments for breast and ovarian cancer.
 
Chiropractic adjustments can strengthen the immune system, balance the nervous system, and reduce overall stress.
 
Massage therapy can help improve circulation of the lymphatic system, and reduce overall stress.
 
The pineapple enzyme, bromelain has been well researched, and has been found to be beneficial in many types of cancers including breast, ovarian, and lung cancer.  In addition, proteolytic enzymes like bromelain, can be very beneficial for the swelling associated with radiation therapy.
 
Aloe vera gel applied topically can alleviate the burning and pain associated with radiation therapy.
 
These are just a few examples of supplements and alternative therapies that may be beneficial for those undergoing with cancer.  If you or someone you know has cancer, keep in mind there are some really great supplements and treatments out there that will go a long ways towards the healing process in the battle against cancer.  It is my experience that those with cancer tend to fare better if they get involved in their own treatment and research their individual pathway to recovery.  These tend to be the same people that use a mix of treatments from mainstream to alternative.
 
 
Spinal Adjustments and the Emotional Release
 
On occasion, when one receives an adjustment, it may be followed by an emotional release in the form of tears, sobbing, or nervous laughter.  I have not found any research on this topic, and have only anecdotal evidence in this regard.  It is my opinion that emotional tension can be stored in our physical tissues, and following a spinal adjustment be released all at once.  Occasionaly, this can be somewhat overwhelming for the patient, and they may need to take a while to gather themselves and let out a deeply stored emotional tension by crying for a while.  My feeling is to get that emotional tension released, as stored tension can and often does cause dysfunction in the body.  On occasion, a patient may feel "blue" for a day or two as the emotion is processed and released.  Most often, one feels very relieved by letting out a cry.  Crying, sobbing, and tears are all a healthy response to emotional tension.  So if you feel like crying, by all means let it out.  You'll find yourself feeling relieved and relaxed after the emotion tension is released.
 
 
Norovirus
 
If you have a child in school, chances are you have heard about the Norovirus going around.  This is an intestinal virus that causes gastroenteritis (stomach flu).  Symptoms usually include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramping.  Occasionally one may have a low grade fever, headache, and muscle aches.  In general, children experience more vomiting than adults.  Most people are over it in a day or two.  Norovirus is generally not serious, and one just needs to get through it to feel better.  However, one may become dehydrated due to frequent vomiting and diarrhea.  This is usually only a problem with the young and very old.  In a case of dehydration one may need medical attention.  In general, try to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.  Gatorade is helpful for electrolytes and most will feel some comfort with chicken soup.  Make sure to drink plenty of water.   Norovirus is very contagious, and many school children are coming down with it at this time.  Make sure to keep surfaces clean and wash your hands often.  Most people are contagious for three days after recovery.
 
 
Cancer Comedy
 
Cancer is a scary and serious disease.  And that's all the more reason to make light of it.  Most of these jokes were written by caner patients.  I found them, along with others, online at learningplaceonline.com.
 
On board a flight to Hawaii, the pilot announced, "That thump you heard was our last engine conking out. I'm really sorry to tell you this, but we are going to crash into the ocean."

In the stunned silence that followed, an angry voice spoke out. "Dammit! That stupid doctor of mine! He said I was going to die of cancer."

 

An Irishman named Mike O'Leary went to his doctor after a long illness. The doctor, after a lengthy examination, sighed and looked Mike in the eye and said, "I've some bad news for you... you have a cancer known as Galloping Leukemia and it can't be cured. I give you two weeks to a month."

Mike, who was shocked and saddened by the news, but of solid character, managed to compose himself and walk from the doctor's office into the waiting room. There he saw his son, who had been waiting. Mike said, "Son, we Irish celebrate when things are good and we celebrate when things don't go so well. In this case, things aren't so well. I have cancer and I've been given a short time to live. Let's head for the pub and have a few pints."

After three or four pints, the two were feeling a little less somber. There were some laughs, some tears, and more beers. They were eventually approached by some of Mike's old friends who asked what the two were celebrating. Mike told them that the Irish celebrate the good and the bad. He went on to tell them that they were drinking to his impending end. He told his friends, "I've only got a few weeks to live as I have been diagnosed with AIDS." The friends gave O'Leary their condolences and they all had a few more beers.

After his friends left, Mike's son leaned over and whispered in confusion, "Dad, I thought you said that you were dying from cancer. You just told your friends that you were dying from AIDS."

Mike replied, "I am dying from cancer, son. I just don't want any of them sleeping with your mother after I'm gone.

 

After being diagnosed with lung cancer, my husband and I went to his hometown for a family reunion trip that had been planned for several months. All the family knew I had been diagnosed and was scheduled to have surgery upon my return home. They all tended to avoid the subject, but took much more time hugging me than usual.

While we were eating supper one night, my mother-in-law commented on how well I was eating. I told her that it was only natural, now that I was eating for two . . . me and my fast growing tumor.

Two old baseball buddies with lung cancer were chatting on a park bench. Paul says, "I hope they have a baseball team in heaven."

"Me too", says Jack.

"Tell you what", says Paul, "If I die first, I'll give you a message about whether there is baseball in Heaven. If you die first, you can do the same for me."

A year later, Paul is dead and Jack is sitting on the park bench when he hears: "Jack, it's me, Paul. I have great news! Guess what. There really is a baseball team in heaven."

"Thank God", sighs Jack, "Now I can die in peace."

"I'm glad you feel that way," says Paul, "because you're pitching tomorrow."

 

 Doctor to patient: I'm sorry to have to tell you, but you have a very rare cancer for which there are no treatments and I'm afraid that you only have six months to live.

Patient: What do you suggest I do?

Doctor: Move to Iowa and live with an economist.

Patient: And how will that make me live longer?

Doctor: It won't. Six months will just seem longer

 

Doctor: "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but this is your last day to live.

Cancer patient: "Then I'll ask my friends to come here for a final party. We'll have a gourmet dinner, champagne and dancing girls! We'll party 'till dawn. Come and join us doc."

Doctor: "That's easy for you to say. You don't have to get up in the morning."

 

After having surgery for colorectal cancer in May 1997, I returned to work in the meat packing house. It was a job in a small plant, and we were all very close like family. A lot of delicate subjects had been discussed over the years and I wasn't at all shy about sharing my experience with my new colostomy. One day while we were cutting meat, I told my boss, "You know what, Marv, I think you should be paying me higher wages than anyone else in here."

He said, "Why is that?" My response was, "Well, I don't spend twenty minutes a day on the toilet anymore like everyone else!!