October 2021 Health Newsletter

The American Chiropractic Association and doctors of chiropractic nationwide are promoting the benefits of movement during National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) 2021 this October. This year's theme, "Keep Moving!" highlights how moving more can enhance our physical and mental health.  Many people have learned the hard way over the past year that lack of movement and physical activity can lead not only to weight gain but also achy joints, back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. In a 2020 survey, ACA members cited stress as another factor contributing to an increase of musculoskeletal problems since the beginning of the pandemic. Making an effort to move more throughout the day can improve physical health and stamina as well as mental health by reducing stress and anxiety—helping us all to keep moving through challenging times.  During NCHM 2021, chiropractors will provide information on the benefits of movement, recommended physical activity levels, and share advice on how people can incorporate more movement into their daily lives.  "With their expertise in musculoskeletal health, doctors of chiropractic have helped many people to keep moving over the past year, including those with physically demanding front-line jobs," said ACA President Michele Maiers, DC, MPH, PhD. "Chiropractors are a resource for anyone who seeks a natural approach to pain relief, health promotion and physical fitness."  This October, learn more about chiropractic and find tips on how to “Keep Moving!” on ACA’s consumer website, www.HandsDownBetter.org. You can also follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #KeepMoving!

Children are different than adults. Their growing bodies have different needs, and children require a different medical approach than their adult counterparts. Pediatric medicine, therefore, specializes in treatment tailored specifically to the needs of children, whether those needs are dental, orthopedic, or emotional. Chiropractic care is no exception, and can be an incredibly beneficial component of a growing child's care. This month, the American Chiropractic Academy (ACA) published a statement that "pediatric chiropractic care, when administered properly, is effective, safe and gentle." This statement came on the heels of a report last month from the Chiropractors' Association of Australia (CAA) about the demonstrated safety of childhood chiropractic care in Australia. Both the ACA and the CAA illustrated the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for children in scientific literature. Large studies from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics show that serious adverse events in pediatric chiropractic care are extremely rare. Furthermore, chiropractic treatment has been investigated as an effective approach for colic in infants, as well as for suboptimal breastfeeding. A cross-sectional survey of 956 chiropractors in Europe revealed that pediatric chiropractors also treat gastrointestinal, immune-related, and neurologic conditions. There is overwhelming evidence that with proper application, chiropractic care for children can be a safe and effective treatment for many conditions. Most chiropractors have pediatric patients, and extensive specialized training in pediatric chiropractic care ensures the best possible outcomes. Children rely on a robust healthcare team for their best overall health, and chiropractors are a valuable member of that ensemble. Strict regulation, rigorous training, and precise guidelines ensure that children are receiving the best, safest chiropractic care to support their optimal well-being.

The University of Kansas Medical Center recently reported that regular yoga classes appeared to decrease occurrences of a common heart condition known as atrial fibrillation in patients, as well as decreasing stress and improving their overall well-being. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition in which the heart's upper chambers quiver chaotically instead of contracting normally. The attacks are painful and often prevent the patients from enjoying regular activities. People with AF are often prescribed drugs such as beta blockers to help control their heart rate and rhythm, but the medicines don't alleviate symptoms for all patients. The American Heart Association estimates that about 2.7 million people in the U.S. have the heart condition. The new study included 49 people who'd had atrial fibrillation for an average of five years. Researchers began by tracking study volunteers' heart symptoms, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as their anxiety, depression and general quality of life. The participants then went to group yoga classes at least twice a week for three months, again reporting on their symptoms and quality of life. All of the patients were on stable medications throughout the study period. The patients reported a 50 percent drop of AF occurrences, which was also confirmed by heart monitors. Anxiety scores declined from an average of 34, on a scale of 20 to 80, to 25 after three months of yoga. Reported depression and general mental health improved as well. The researchers pointed out that the classes may make their arrhythmia "more tolerable" and reduce visits to the emergency room when symptoms flare up. However, the classes were not suggested as an alternative to regular medical care.