By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C.

Natural Alternatives for Colds and Flu:

As the leaves start to fall and the sun shines less we find ourselves approaching the cold and flu season. For some kids that means runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and itchy skin and eyes. While this may sound like an ad for your local over the counter remedy, I am here to express there are some natural alternatives to make this year possibly an easier one.

Allergens and Chiropractic Care:

Let’s first get to know how our body reacts to the local allergen. What is an allergy? Our bodies should develop a tolerance to food, pets, dust, etc. when that fails our immune system responds with a hypersensitivity reaction.

This reaction can be anything from digestive problems such as diarrhea, acid reflux, and lack of appetite. Skin reactions in children can come from the following six most common foods: eggs, peanuts, cow’s milk, soy, fish, and wheat.

Upper respiratory infection is a general description of a group of conditions, which includes the common cold, runny nose, tonsillitis, earaches, sinusitis, flu, and bronchitis. The lymphatic drainage route from the head to the neck passes through the muscles along side the neck. Lymph is cleared through the body is known as the “lymphatic pump” by muscular contractions of the neck.

When a bone is misaligned in the cervical spine it can produce a muscle spasm that could then cause a restriction of lymphatic drainage form the head to the neck, which could prevent the body from clearing the bacteria, or viruses that could lead to chronic respiratory infections1.

Antibiotics and Allergies:

In a study conducted at Henry Ford hospital in Detroit states that “Children who receive antibiotics within the first six months of life increase their risk 1.5 times of developing by age seven allergies to pets, ragweed, grass, dust mites, and 2.5 times more likely to develop asthma.

If a child lived with fewer than 2 pets they were 1.7 times more likely to develop allergies and 3 times more likely to develop asthma and those kids with a mother who had a history of allergies were 2 times as likely to develop allergies.”

Chiropractic and Improvement in Symptoms:

According to Reuter Health news, the use of alternatives was twice as common among children with chronic illnesses, than their healthy peers. The most common conditions see were respiratory illnesses, strains and sprains, allergies, digestive problems, and ear infections.

According to dynamic chiropractic case reports frequently describe rapid improvement in upper respiratory symptoms following an adjustment of minor misalignments, especially in the neck.

Remedies for Chronic Allergies and Respiratory Infections:

So now that your child has allergies or chronic colds and flu’s, what remedies if any can help with children with these chronic allergies and respiratory infections?

In chronic skin disorders eliminating the above foods may help clear up eczema type of reactions. Parents also need to pay attention to the fragrances in soaps and lotions. Just because it is made for children does not mean that it cannot irritate their young skin.

As Parents you want to look for more natural soaps and lotions without a lot of dyes and chemicals. If your child has excessive dry skin removing chlorine from your tap water and bathing with soap with oatmeal as one of its first ingredients may help. Many children are lacking in the omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega 3 essential fatty acids can support immune health and healthy skin.

Natural Herbal Remedies for Allergies and Colds:

With seasonal allergies and colds a few good herbs I have use with many of my patients as well as my own children to help relieve the symptoms are the following:

* Nettles-which is known to have antihistaminic properties for seasonal allergies and hay fever
* Eyebright herb-astringent for mucus membranes peppermint herb-antiseptic and expectorant to open up clogged nasal passages
* Oregon grape root-antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
* Sage leaf-antiseptic, spasmolytic and aromatic to support clear respiration
* Chamomile flowers-sedative and antispasmodic to soothe and calm
* Milk thistle-liver and immune support
* Black Elderberry berries-immune support, especially for viruses
* Echinacea purpurea root-antiseptic and tonic for immune system
* Horehound leaves-expectorant and antiseptic to support easy breathing, wet coughs
* Wild cherry bark-antitussive and sedative to soothe and calm dry coughs.

Consult with a Licensed Health Professional:

There are many companies that specialize in herbal formulas especially for children, so before going to you local whole foods or health store you should always consult with a licensed health professional first who is knowledgeable in nutrition for children.

1. Chiropractic Care for the Pediatric Patient, Peter N. Fysh DC, FICCP, 2002 pgs 169-170

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.

By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C.

Babies and Chiropractic Care:

When should you take your baby to see a chiropractor? The answer to that question is when you want your child to have all the benefits of a conservative, drugless approach to health care. Your infant’s first visit to a doctor of chiropractic will usually be a pleasant experience, one without painful injections or procedures.

The first year of your child’s life is an all-important one.

Spinal trauma can occur during birth as well as from falls while learning to sit up and walk. During the first year of life your child’s spine grows 50% and improper lifting and carrying of your child can also contribute to spinal stress.

Chiropractic and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

According to Abraham Towbin, M.D.:

“Sudden Infant Death caused by spine damage to the nerve system during birth occurred in 7 to 8 autopsies showed this to be the cause of deaths with SIDS victims.”

Ten percent of infant deaths are due to spinal injury during the delivery process, according to David Yashon M.D. When Dr. G. Gutmann examined children after birth, 80% were suffering from subluxation or misalignments of the first bone in the neck, causing all manners of diseases. In fact in 1981 birth trauma was the sixth leading cause of neonatal mortality.

Spinal Misalignments Among Infants:

There are some symptoms as parents that we can look for that could indicate spinal misalignments in our infants. If your baby has a hard time nursing or will only turn head to one side that could be an indication of a first bone or atlas subluxation.

If you child seems excessively sleepy or hyper irritable or exhibits colic like symptoms that is also and indication of spinal misalignments. If their ears or shoulders seem uneven or one leg seems longer then another that could be a sign of structural misalignments.

Remember our babies cannot communicate effective yet and their only means of communicating that there is something not right is by crying.

Baby’s First Adjustment:

When a baby gets its first adjustment it needs to be by a chiropractor that works with children and is comfortable with adjusting the child. The technique is much different then that of an adult. Usually if the child is under six months the doctor will flip the child upside down to check for proper neck movement and to assess any cranial imperfections.

Most treatments of children will involve cranial-sacral technique and or the activator technique. Both of those techniques are extremely low force. Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of health care. A baby’s spine is very supple during the first few months of life and the doctor of chiropractic applies only a slight pressure to make spinal adjustments.

In my office I would also perform a computerized spinal scan looking for variants of heat and muscle imbalances along the spine. Periodic spinal check ups are needed as the infant goes through various milestones in the first year.

If during delivery if the mother had to use drugs or excessive pulling or pushing then the most common misalignments occur at eh T-8 liver area and C1-C2 from the neck being pulled on. The reaction after an adjustment is usually one of relief and some babies even fall right to sleep.

Chiropractic Care & Baby’s Health:

It has been my experience that children that have started under chiropractic care at an early age tend to be healthier then there peers in regards to less colds and flu’s and less infections. In fact most of my babies that get adjusted regularly from birth go through their first year of life without a round antibiotics.

So when you want to give your child a head start in good health, Doctors of Chiropractic believe it’s much more important to prevent diseases than to wait until some illness occurs. Through regular adjustments, counseling on proper diet, exercise and posture, the Doctor of Chiropractic can help you raise a child whose body is structurally and functionally sound. Your child will also learn good health habits at an early age.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic and a mother of two. She has completed extended courses on pediatrics that go above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. She is proficient in a variety of techniques including diversified, cranial sacral and activator. Her office, United Family Chiropractic Center, is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Drive West, Suite D in Simi Valley, CA. Dr. Greeley can be reached at (805) 522-2324.

Antibiotics, Natural remedies and bacteria:

So what can we do if we accept the wait and see approach to our child’s health instead of antibiotics? We are not helpless to the microbes, there are some natural remedies to try before we must take an antibiotic.

“Using natural medicines from nature to control bacteria, viruses, and fungi is a reasonable approach,” states Dr. Michael Traub, N.D.

“Natural antibiotics are safer and less toxic than most synthetic analogs that have not been subjected to the kind of evolutionary scrutiny that the natural substances have had.”

In cases of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections, the symptoms resolve in most patients within 7-10 days. The patient may experience mild sinusitis-like symptoms such as facial pressure and colored nasal discharges.

Symptomatic management in terms of hydration with fluids, vitamin C and rest along with removing interference to the nerve system with chiropractic adjustments is all that’s needed.

The top ten most powerful natural antibiotic herbs:

The following is a list of the ten most powerful and effective natural antibiotic herbs based upon three overlapping criteria:

* Efficacy derived from scientific studies.
* Favorable outcomes in clinical practice
* Length of use in folk medicine.

1. Berberis alkaloids obtained from berberine-containing botanicals such as Goldenseal, Goldthread, Barberry, and Oregon grape.
2. Echinacea.
3. Garlic, either pressed, extracted, or whole clove with or without chorophyllin additive.
4. Green tea extract containing a minimum 40% polyphenol content.
5. Usnea (whole lichen).
6. Panax Ginseng containing a minimum of 3% active ginsenosides.
7. Osha root.
8. Basil (Brazilian variety).
9. Rosemary, ginger, and sage are antibacterial spices that kill 70 to 90% of food-borne pathogens.
10. Acacia herb.

Goldenseal:

Studies show that berberine, the alkaliod extracted from goldenseal, blocks streptococci from colonizing in the body. It may aid in the treatment of bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections. Do not take goldenseal if you are pregnant as berberine is a potential uterine stimulant!

Echinacea:

Echinacea is an increasingly popular supplement that fights bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. It was one of the Native Americans most used healing herbs. It stimulates production of immune-modulating T cells and B cells. Also, it does kill a braod range of disease causing viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa. Do not give to children under the age of 2, and start with lower doses for those over age 65. Do not take echinacea for more than ten consecutive days or you may develop a resistance!

Garlic:

Garlic is the only antibiotic that can actually kill infecting bacteria and at the same time protect the body from the poisons that are causing the infection. It is known that the most sensitive bacterium to garlic is the deadly Bacillus anthracis which produces the poison anthrax. Even the forefather of antibiotic medicine Louis Pasteur acknowledged garlic to be as effective as penicillin and late studies showed similar activity to a more modern antibiotic, chloramphenicol

Colloidal Silver:

Colloidal silver is another excellent natural antibiotic. One of the things that makes it such a fantastic product is the fact that your body cannot build up a resistance to it unlike conventional antibiotics. The best part is that it only destroys the invader bacteria, viruses and fungi – not the good bacteria.

How does colloidal silver work?

The presence of colloidal silver near a virus, fungus, bacterium or any other single celled pathogen disables its oxygen metabolism enzyme, its chemical lung, so to say. Within a few minutes, the pathogen suffocates and dies, and is cleared out of the body by the immune, lymphatic and elimination systems. Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, which destroy beneficial enzymes, colloidal silver leaves these tissue-cell enzymes intact, as they are radically different from the enzymes of primitive single-celled life. Thus colloidal silver is absolutely safe for humans, reptiles, plants and all multi-celled living matter

Eucalyptus:

You can find it in Listerine, Vick’s VapoRub, or Dristan. It is a powerful decongestant with a very sharp and distinctly recognizable odor. This is a natural antiseptic that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Russian studies show that it kills the influenza virus. It’s used internally to treat tuberculosis and chronic coughs.

Externally, it can be rubbed on the chest or back for respiratory infections. It can be used as an inhalant (boil a handful of the dried leaves) or an herbal bath. Use one to two teaspoons of the dried crushed leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep ten minutes. Drink up to two cups a day. You can also substitute one or two drops of the essential oil for the leaves.

Raw Unfiltered Honey:

Raw Unfiltered Honey has been used since ancient Egypian times as an effective topical antibiotic to treat cuts, burns, and scrapes, just slap it on! Rarely, raw honey can become infected with botulism, a dangerous bacteria. Never give honey to children under one year of age!

Wild Indigo:

This herb is not as well known, however, it is an extremely powerful antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Its active ingredient, baptitoxine, detoxifies the liver and blood. Herbalists recommend its use for swollen glands, strep or sore throat, mouth sores, tonsilitis, pneumonia, meningitis, and food or blood poisoning. Sage, Thyme, Oregano, and Parsley are herbs you can add to your food that are considered antimicrobial. Oregano is good for chest, lung, and yeast infections and sage is good for throat infections.

The benefits of natural antibiotics:

Natural antibiotics overcome the problems inherent with synthetic antibiotics. When used properly, natural antibiotics can boost the body’s ability to produce antibodies for which bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi, cannot develop immunity.

Many harmful influences can destroy the beneficial bacteria that normally thrive in the intestinal tract. Stress, antacids, antibiotics, processed foods, pesticides, chlorine in drinking water, and high-fat, high-protein diets are just some of the factors that can upset the digestive system’s natural balance of intestinal flora.

Probiotics is the term used to describe organisms such as “friendly bacteria” that live in a healthy intestinal tract. Acidophilus is one of those bacterias that can help to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora.

Beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, are called probiotics. Probiotic bacteria inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection. People with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria.

Consult a healthcare professional:

Remember to always consult a healthcare professional before making any natural or chemical decision but be informed to ask the right questions.

In making informed health care choices, parents need to realize that simple preventive measures can go a long way in maintaining health and preventing disease and that treating symptoms merely covers up the underlying cause.

References:

1. The Merck Manual of Medical Information – Home Edition, Robert Berkow (Ed.), Pocket (September, 1999), ISBN 0-671-02727-1.

2. Planned Parenthood http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/files/portal/medicalinfo/birthcontrol/pub-contraception-pill.xml#1097889802 325::-1797964069978546334,

3. Purdue University “Biologists build better software, beat path to viral knowledge”, see Imaging of Epsilon 15, a virus that infects the bacterium Salmonella News report

4. Avorn J, Solomon DH. “Cultural and economic factors that (mis)shape antibiotic use: the nonpharmacologic basis of therapeutics” Ann Intern Med 2000 (Jul 18); 133 (2): 128-135

5. Dr. Tim O’Shea, www.thedoctorwithin.com The Sanctity of Human Blood:Vaccination IS Not Immunization — 9th ed. — 2005

6. Garbutt JM, Goldstein M, Gellman E, Shannon W, Littenberg B. “A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of antimicrobial treatment for children with clinically diagnosed acute sinusitis. ” Pediatrics 2001 (Apr); 107 (4): 619

7. Little P, Gould C, Williamson I, Moore M, Warner G, Dunleavey J. “Pragmatic randomized controlled trial of two prescribing strategies for childhood acute otitis media.” BMJ 2001 (Feb 10); 322 (7282): 336-342

8. Damoiseaux RAMJ, van Balen FAM, Hoes AW, Verheij TJM, de Melker RA “Primary care based randomised, double blind trial of amoxicillin versus placebo for acute otitis media in children aged under 2 years” BMJ 2000 (Feb 5); 320 (7231):350-354

9. “Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants following pertussis prophylaxis with erythromycin.” MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1999 (Dec 17); 48 (49): 1117-1120

10. Clinical Evidence Shows Limited Effect of Antibiotic Treatment on Children With Acute Otitis Media. Press Release, August 9, 2000. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2000/otitispr.htm

About the author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic and a mother of two. She has completed extended courses on pediatrics that go above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Her office, United Family Chiropractic Center, is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Drive West, Suite D in Simi Valley, CA. Dr. Greeley can be reached at (805) 522-2324.

The fine line between viral and bacterial infection:

There is a fine line between a viral and a bacterial infection. An earache is viral while an ear infection is bacterial. A cough, sore throat, or flu is caused by a virus while pneumonia is a bacterial infection. Bronchitis is viral; sinusitis is bacterial. Therefore, we should wait and see what we are fighting before we run to get an antibiotic.

Here are some good examples of drug resistance already occurring in the U.S.:

* In 1952, almost 100% of Staphylococcus infections could be cured by penicillin.
* In 1982, fewer than 10% of staph cases could be cured by penicillin.
* Today less than 5% of staph cases can be cured by penicillin.

* In the 1960s, doctors switched the resistant staph patients to another antibiotic called methecillin.
* By 1992, at least 40% of these staphylococcus infections were resistant to methecillin, according to the New England Journal of Medicine, 28 Apr 1994.
* By 1993, only one surefire Staphylococcus killer remained: vancomycin.
* Today there are many strains of staphylococcus that are resistant to vancomycin. That means also resistant to penicillin and to methecillin.

Forces spurring the over-prescription of antibiotics:

So now what? A recent study highlights the cultural and economic forces spurring the over-prescription of antibiotic drugs, and the evolution of super-resistant microbes. The report notes that antibiotics cost the U.S. about $15 billion per year. Extra hospital costs associated with drug-resistant hospital-acquired bacterial infections total at least $1.3 billion annually.

Of 51 million visits to physicians for “colds,” upper-respiratory infections and bronchitis, 50% to 66% resulted in an antibiotic prescription, even though these conditions usually do not require antibiotics.

To explain this trend, the study’s authors point to direct-to-consumer advertising, consumer demand, a medical training system that puts the least experienced doctors in charge of prescribing drugs and overloaded hospitals.

It’s so sad that we’ve used antibiotics as a “fix-all” for every ailment. How many times have you been to the doctor and had them prescribe antibiotics just for good measure? In fact the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has announced that they are starting a nationwide campaign “to make antibiotic overuse as unpopular as smoking”.

The CDC will be using radio and television announcements as well as ads in consumer health publications to get the word out about the dangers of excessive antibiotic use. When the CDC gets involved then we know we definitely have a problem.

Research regarding antibiotics and childhood ailments:

Lets look at some of the research involving the effectiveness of antibiotics and the common ailments that effect our children.

American Journal of Medicine:

An article published in the American Journal of Medicine reports:

“Children with otitis media who do not have a high temperature or vomiting during the first three days will most probably not benefit from antibiotics. Family doctors should wait for 24 to 48 hours before prescribing antibiotics for children with otitis as many will settle down on their own, analysis of a randomized controlled trial shows.”

Further, the article indicated the antibiotic tetracycline was shown to inhibit the ability of white cells to engulf and destroy bacteria and to delay the ability of white cells to move to the site of infection. The number of cases requiring surgical intervention was also seen to increase along with an increasing number of resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae isolates.

Pediatrics:

Antibiotics do not help most children with acute sinusitis, according to a study in Pediatrics. Investigators studied 180 youngsters, aged 1 to 18 years, with acute sinusitis. The children were divided into three treatment groups: 1) amoxicillin, 2) amoxicillin-clavulanate, or 3) placebo.

Treatment lasted 14 days. Seventy-nine percent of the youngsters on amoxicillin improved after 14 days, as did 79% of those taking placebo pills and 81% of those on amoxicillin-clavulanate.

Jane Garbutt, MB, ChB.:

“Our study suggests that, for children with uncomplicated acute sinusitis, it makes sense to delay antibiotic treatment and watch carefully.”

British Medical Journal:

For decades, chiropractors have expressed concern about the aggressive use of antibiotics in children with ear infection. Now, a study in the British Medical Journal validates that concern. A total of 315 children, with acute otitis media were assigned to 1 of 2 cohorts: 1) a 72-hour waiting period with no antibiotic use or 2) immediate antibiotic intervention.

Findings showed that:

“immediate antibiotic prescription provided symptomatic benefit mainly after the first 24 hours, when symptoms were already resolving.”

Although children who were given antibiotics recovered an average of 1 day earlier than children who did not take the medication, no difference was seen in school absence or pain/distress scores.

And, only 9% of children in the watchful waiting group developed diarrhea, compared with 19% of those taking antibiotics. So not only does the child have a greater chance of getting diarrhea with their earache they would have recovered on their own.

Overall, 77% of parents of children in the watchful waiting group expressed satisfaction with the care their youngsters received. In addition, these parents were less likely than parents of children who received antibiotics to predict that their youngsters would require antibiotics for subsequent ear infections.

Another study looked at 240 children, aged 6 months to 2 years, with acute otitis media. The children were prescribed either placebo or 40 mg/kg per day of amoxicillin. There was no significant difference between the two groups in otoscopic findings, pain duration, or crying.

In addition, tympanometric findings in both groups were similar at 6-week follow-up. Investigators again looked at 157 babies less than 3 weeks of age who were treated with erythromycin after being exposed to whooping cough. A total of 5% of the newborns that took erythromycin developed hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, which was treated with surgery. This figure is dramatically higher than the average incidence of the disorder, which only 0.1% to 0.3%.

Southern California/RAND Evidence-based Practice Center:

Finally in a study conducted by the Southern California/RAND Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) and sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reveals that nearly two-thirds of children with uncomplicated acute otitis media recover from pain and fever within 24 hours of diagnosis without treatment with antibiotics. And, over 80% recover within 1-7 days. When treated with antibiotics, up to 93% of children recover during the first week.

Part 3 – Natural remedies and bacteria:

By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C.

The consequences of antibiotics:

Almost everyone has had at least one round of antibiotics and for some it is a regular occurrence. As a society we need to stop and think about what consequences our actions might bring:

* Is there another alternative to always taking antibiotics?
* Do we actually need antibiotics every time we walk through the clinic door?

This article is not to say that antibiotics are not necessary, it is in fact an article to better educate the average individual to know when antibiotic use is absolutely necessary.

Antibiotics and how they work:

Let’s first look back to the history of the “miracle bullets” with a quote from Herbert Spencer ” When once you interfere with the order of nature, there is no knowing where the results will end.”

An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. Before the discovery of antibiotics substances like arsenic were used to kill off infections.

Typically antibiotics target the bacteria without harming the host. However, according to Dr. Steven Gelone, Associate Professor of Pharmacy and Medicine at Temple University School of Pharmacy and Medicine,

“One of the lies regarding antibiotic therapy is that they are nontoxic drugs. It is important to realize that 20% of patients who require medical care have a history of an adverse drug reaction. All of these occurrences cause morbidity and many lead directly to hospital admission.”

The effectiveness of individual antibiotics varies based on the location of the infection, the ability of the antibiotic to reach the site of infection, and the ability of the bacteria to resist or inactivate the antibiotic.

Antibiotics can either kill the bacteria (bactericidal), or prevent the bacteria from multiplying (bacteriostatic) so that the host’s immune system can overcome them.

Some possible side effects range from fever and nausea to major allergic reactions. One of the more common side effects is diarrhea, which results from the antibiotic disrupting the normal balance of intestinal flora.

Misuse of antibiotics:

Unfortunately we have used antibiotics for just about everything and thus have created widespread resistance to antibiotics. The common misuse of antibiotics includes taking them in inappropriate situations such as for viral flus and colds.

Another example of misuse is the failure to take the entire prescribed course of the antibiotic, usually because the patient starts to feel better before the infecting bacteria is completely gone. Excessive use of antibiotics in travelers may also be classified as misuse. Misuse and treatment failure can lead to antibiotic resistance.

In the United States, vast quantities of certain antibiotics are routinely included as low doses in the diet of some kinds of healthy farm animals, where this practice has been shown to make animals grow faster.

“Humans can contract antibiotic-resistant infections from animals used for food,” states a study panel from the National Academy of Science. “Almost 25 million pounds of antibiotics are used in animals each year – 80 percent to help them grow faster, not treat disease!”

Thanks to today’s modern factory farming techniques, E. coli, a benign and important symbiotic bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and most animals is mutating and becoming pathogenic.

Salmonella bacteria now live in the ovaries of most of the United States chicken stocks. Eggs these chickens lay are subsequently contaminated and proving to be much more pathogenic than medical researchers expected. Most organic farms fortunately do not practice the injection of antibiotics into their livestock.

In 1946 there were only 723 cases of salmonella food poisoning in the United States. By 1986, salmonella was estimated to be sickening over 150,000 people per year. In fact the Centers for Disease Control estimates that between 800,000 and 4-million people get sick with salmonella, and that 500 people die each year.

Part 2 – The fine line between viral and bacterial infection:

By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C.M

Childhood ear infections:

Ear infections seem to be a common part of childhood infections. The most common diagnosed ear infection is the otitis media or better known as a middle ear infection. There are many different ways to treat this condition, some more conservative than others. Most parents are aware of the medical approach with antibiotics but few are aware of the more natural approach to ear infections with chiropractic.

Otitis media, the most common childhood infectious disease:

Otitis media is one of the most common infectious diseases in childhood, with the incidence being the greatest in the age group of 6 to 36 months. In fact one third of the child population will have six or more episodes before the age of five.(2)

The diagnosis is usually made when a physician looks inside the child’s ear and sees an inflamed and bulging tympanic membrane. This membrane reaction could be due to bacteria, viral, or an allergic reaction.(1)

Since virus and allergies do not respond to antibiotics this would explain why some children seem to have recurrent ear infections. According to Dr. Lehnert he concluded in his study:

“Acute Otitis Media in Children: Role of antibiotic therapy,” that there was a “definite need for antibiotics in only five-to-ten percent of acute otitis media cases.”(1)

Chiropractic treatment of otitis media:

As a parent you may be asking yourself if antibiotics is not the solution then what can I do? There is another treatment to acute otitis media that has nothing to do with bacteria. That treatment is chiropractic care.

Chiropractic treatment of otitis media is based on the model that restricted lymphatic drainage from the middle ear plays a major part in recurrent otitis media. The lymphatic drainage of the ear runs from the cervical lymph system and that system depends on its flow from muscle activity.

For example if a child falls and causes a minor misalignment in one of the vertebrae in the neck the irritation of that misalignment may cause the neck muscles to develop a state of increased tension or spasm. That state could be the cause of restricted lymph drainage from the ear.

The lymph tissue carries the lymphocytes which allow our body to have acquired immunity. If the lymph tissue is restricted then our acquired immunity can not fight the viruses that enter our body effectively.

A fall is not the only way a vertebrae in the neck may become misaligned. During childbirth as the head pushes through the canal the cervical vertebrae especially at the base of the neck may become misaligned disrupting nerve function and lymphatic drainage which may cause fluid buildup in the middle ear.

A chiropractor will gently adjust the upper neck which can reduce the neck musculature and restore normal function to the lymphatic system.

The seven risk factors for otitis prone children:

David W. Teele M.D. a pediatrician at Boston University School of Medicine identified seven risk factors for otitis prone children:

1. Age – the child is at more of a risk if their first attack is before six months of age.
2. Sex- boys are more susceptible than girls.
3. Birth order – First-born children are less likely to have repeated infections then second or younger siblings
4. Family history – If other children have been affected by recurring infections then the child is three times as likely to be affected.
5. Feeding method – Studies suggest that breast-fed babies have fewer cases of otitis media.
6. Day care – Infants spending 90 days or more in day care had three times the risk of recurring infection by their first birthday.
7. Smoking – Children who live in homes with smokers are susceptible to ear and respiratory-tract infections.(4)

In a comparative study of the health status of children raised under the health care models of chiropractic and allopathic medicine:

“chiropractic children showed 69% no occurrence of otitis media while the medical children showed only 20% otitis media free.”

With antibiotics, in general 49% of chiropractic children never used them while only 11.8% of medical children where antibiotic free.(5)

So if your child has not had a spinal check-up you may want to consider this especially if your child has any of the above risk factors or if they have had any falls or trauma at birth. They concluded that:

“the success of (the chiropractic) adjustment overshadows every other type of (care).”(5)

1. Browning, G.G. Childhood Otalgia: Acute Otitis Media. Brit. Medical Journal. 300:1005 1990.

2. Kline, M.W. Otitis Media. In Oski, et al. Principals and Practice of Pediatrics, Philadelphia, Lippencott 1990 :900.

3. Lehnert, Thomas MD. CCFP, “Acute Otitis Media in Children: Role of Antibiotic Therapy.” May 1997 Heath Watch

4. Teele, David W. MD. ” Is your child Otitis Prone?” Pediatric Annuals 1991

5. Van Breda W.M. & Van Breda J. M. “A Comparative Study of the health status of children raised under the health care models of chiropractic and allopathic medicine.” CRJ. Summer 1989. pp.101-103.

About the author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has completed extended courses on pediatrics that go above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Her office, United Family Chiropractic Center, is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Drive West, Suite D in Simi Valley, CA. Dr. Greeley can be reached at (805) 522-2324.

Scoliosis Article – Part 2

Can scoliosis be prevented?

Now that we know what scoliosis is and how it is detected, what can we do as parents to prevent the curve from progressing? Is scoliosis treatable?

There are a few studies that show when the curve is less than 20 degrees, there are possible treatments. Catching scoliosis early is always your best chance for curve changes.

In fact, poor posture was thought to be an important contributing factor in the development of scoliosis in the early 19th century and in the U.S., posture training was one of the primary treatments for scoliosis in that era. It fell out of favor in the later years of the 19th century, as bracing and surgery became the preferred treatment of orthopedic doctors.

Scoliosis and spinal manipulation studies:

However, in a 2001 study performed in Hong Kong, “A long-lasting active spinal control could be achieved through the patient’s own spinal muscles.”

Other publications in Spine including studies done in Japan and in Sweden have suggested that a disturbance of postural equilibrium exists in idiopathic scoliosis patients:

“In Germany, the triad of outpatient physiotherapy, intensive inpatient rehabilitation and bracing has proven effective in conservative scoliosis treatments. The positive outcomes of this practice validate a policy of offering conservative scoliosis treatment as an alternative to patients, including those for whom surgery is indicated.”

A 2004 study of 19 patients by a group of chiropractors found that the combined use of spinal manipulation and postural therapy appeared to significantly reduce the severity of the curvature angle in all the subjects.

It is interesting to note that one of the methods the chiropractors used to treat the patients was traction, a treatment that was popular for spinal curvature in the early 1900’s.

Scoliosis and exercise:

Besides posture training, exercise is also considered important for scoliosis prevention and treatment in the United States. In a 1992 study in Croatica, greater occurrences of scoliosis were observed in children with limited physical activity.

Researchers from The Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, in Wellington, New Zealand, reported on a case of a young boy with progressive juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. They found that there was rapid improvement in this child’s spinal status achieved by physiological traction and specifically designed exercises.

Furthermore, a preliminary report on the effect of measured strength training in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis from a spine clinic in San Diego reports that out of 12 patients treated with strength training, four reduced their curves by 20 to 28 degrees.

Scoliosis and children:

Children with mild scoliosis treated with chiropractic adjustments have shown a reduction in their spinal curvature, according to the findings of a three year, $143,000 study funded by the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research. Charles “Skip” Lantz, DC, PhD, director of research of Life Chiropractic College West and his associates conducted this cohort study.

The researchers were studying the effects of chiropractic full-spine procedures such as adjustments, heel-lifts and postural counseling on children 9 to 15 years old with mild idiopathic scoliosis (less than 20 degrees of curvature with no complicating conditions). Scoliosis is a biomechanical problem deserving a biomechanical treatment, and should be advanced by biomechanical specialists such as chiropractors.

Scoliosis, check early and often:

Ultimately we need to check our children’s posture as they go through their growth spurts and check for the beginning signs of scoliosis. If there seems to be an indication, seek out a health professional who can properly evaluate and treat the spinal curvatures before they grow too severe to be treated conservatively.

About the author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has completed extended courses on pediatrics that go above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Her office, United Family Chiropractic Center, is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Drive West, Suite D in Simi Valley, CA. Dr. Greeley can be reached at (805) 522-2324.

By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C.

What is scoliosis? Part 1

Scoliosis is a Greek word meaning “crooked.” Most of the time it will go undetected, but there are signs to watch for so that it can be detected early and treated as effectively as possible. Signs include a person’s tendency to lean to the left or right and many children with scoliosis have one shoulder blade that’s higher than the other or a noticeably uneven waist.

These problems may be recognized when your child is trying on new clothes. For instance, if one pant leg is shorter than the other, it might be an indication of scoliosis. If you notice any possible indication, contact a practitioner who can accurately diagnose and treat your child’s problematic spine curvature.

Scoliosis and procedures for children:

When your child is being screened for posture problems or scoliosis, here are a few procedures you may encounter in both your medical and chiropractic offices:

• Medical history – The doctor talks to the patient and the patient’s parent(s) and reviews the patient’s records to look for medical problems that might be causing the spine to curve such as birth defects, trauma or other disorders that can be associated with scoliosis.
• Physical examination – The doctor examines the patient’s back, chest, pelvis, legs, feet and skin. He or she will also check to see that the patient’s shoulders are level, whether the head is centered and whether opposite sides of the body look level. The doctor also examines the back muscles while the patient is bending forward to see if one side of the rib cage is higher than the other.
• X-ray evaluation – Patients with significant spinal curves, unusual back pain or signs of involvement of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) need an x-ray. To determine the degree of the curve, an x-ray evaluation is necessary.
• Curve measurement – The doctor measures the curve on the x-ray image. He or she finds the vertebrae at the beginning and end of the curve and measures the angle of the curve. Curvatures of less than 20 degrees can be conservatively managed with spinal adjustments by a Doctor of Chiropractic, as well as with soft tissue therapy and exercise. Any curvature, which progresses to more than 20 degrees during the growth period, should be evaluated for possible bracing.

Scoliosis curves are grouped by their location, shape, pattern, and cause:

• Location – To identify a curve’s location, doctors find the apex of the curve (the vertebra within the curve that is the most off-center); the location of the apex is the “location” of the curve. A thoracic curve has its apex in the thoracic area (the part of the spine to which the ribs attach). A lumbar curve has its apex in the lower back. A thoracolumbar curve has its apex where the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae join.
• Shape – The curve usually is S- or C-shaped.
• Pattern – Curves frequently follow patterns that have been studied in previous patients. The larger the curve is, the more likely it will progress (depending on the amount of growth remaining).
• Cause – In 80 to 85 percent of people, the cause of scoliosis is unknown; this is called idiopathic scoliosis. Causes of curves are classified as either nonstructural or structural.
  • Nonstructural (functional) scoliosis – a structurally normal spine that appears curved. This is a temporary, changing curve. It is caused by an underlying condition such as a difference in leg length, muscle spasms or inflammatory conditions such as appendicitis. Automobile or recent traumatic accidents can cause these changing curves. Doctors can easily treat this type of scoliosis by correcting the underlying problem.
  • Structural scoliosis – A fixed curve that doctors treat case by case. Sometimes structural scoliosis is one part of a syndrome or disease. A congenital half vertebrae or even a fracture of the spine can cause it.

Possible scoliosis causes:

According to a feature in the medical journal Spine, teenage girls with Scoliosis were found to have high copper levels in their hair. The authors of this study suggested that copper might play a role in idiopathic scoliosis.

Furthermore, in another study of scoliosis published in Spine, calcium was higher in idiopathic scoliosis muscles than in other forms of scoliosis or in normal control muscles. The study suggested that calcium related neuromuscular defect could be an important factor in the genesis of idiopathic scoliosis.

In addition, a report from a researcher at the Women’s Medical and Diagnostic Center in Florida reports that among other factors, scoliosis is a known risk factor for osteoporosis.

Scoliosis Article – Page 2 – Can scoliosis be prevented?

Back Pack Safety Guidelines for Back-to-School

By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C.

Children and the dangers of backpacks:

The demands of school and homework for today’s children have never been greater. In fact, students ranging from the ages of 5 to 18 are carrying more books and excess weight on their backs causing intense pressure not intended for the human spine.

As a result, within in the past five years, parents and doctors have noticed an increase in children who report pain in the back, neck and shoulders. In fact, a recent study conducted by Backpack Safety of America shows that 89 percent of the chiropractors surveyed report they have seen patients, ages 5 to 18, attribute such pain to the use of overly heavy backpacks.

Moreover, by then end of their teenage years, close to 50 percent of young adults will experience at least one lower-back pain episode (Spine, 1998).

A recent scientific study found that carrying a backpack alters the mobility of spinal bones, leading to restricted movement, which is also a risk factor for pain (Surg Radiol Anat, 1999).

Even worse, the improper use of backpacks can significantly alter the fluid content of the discs in between the vertebrae, which poses the risk for osteoarthritis and for disc herniation, also known as a “slipped disc” (Spine, 1999).

Tips to prevent backpack-related back problems:

The following are tips to help prevent posture problems and spinal conditions associated with a heavy backpack:

1. Choose the right size – backpacks are not “one size fits all.” A backpack should not be any wider or longer than your child’s torso.



2. The backpack should never exceed more than 15 percent of your child’s body weight –




• Research by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that students carrying backpacks weighing 25 percent of their body weight had balance problems and were unable to perform normal activities such as climbing stairs and opening doors whereas students who wore the recommended weight maintained an average balance.
• Heavy backpacks can also cause your child to lean forward or arch his or her back, which can stress the muscles along the spine and neck. This can increase the risk of injury and cause the natural curves to become distorted and irritated.




3. Lift by bending the knees – Remind your child to always lift his or her backpack by bending at the knees, instead of at the back.



4. Use shoulder and waste straps – Always encourage your child to use both shoulder straps and a waist strap when available. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child’s back because a backpack on one shoulder can cause your child to lean to one side and stress the muscles on the opposite side, creating strain in the neck and shoulders.
   



5. Have your child’s posture checked – If you are unsure if your child’s posture has already been affected or if your child is experiencing pain, you can have your child’s backpack and posture checked by a qualified spine and posture specialist such as a chiropractor.
   

The health of your child involves more than just avoiding sickness, scrapes and falls. Making sure your child’s back is healthy will ensure proper spinal growth and development and prevent problems later in life as well.

About the author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics that go above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Her office, United Family Chiropractic Center is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Drive West, Suite D in Simi Valley, CA. The office can be reached at (805) 522-2324.