Tuesday 31 May 2011

Take care of that neck and you wont get MS diagnosis-my theory n e way

Many professional athletes in the United States turn to Chiropractic to help them through the rigors and physical demands of their sport. Players on the men’s professional golf tour have chiropractors available to them at all of their tournaments. Many professional football players get Chiropractic help following rough and tumble games....
Published: 2011-05-26 15:50:00 GMT

Monday 30 May 2011

Cervical spine/neck area vulnerable = misdiagnosis

The following post is on MS Society message board. The cervical spine/neck in my case is 100% relevant. Many people consider either stress or having a car accident has triggered their ms. Their is an absence of a current American footballer being diagnosed and that is the have access to continued care making sure that they do not sustain injury in that area. I presume that it is the same for rugby players too, either a chiro or physio on stand by.
head trauma connections with ms??
nigel167
29 May 11
20:51
hi everyone me again ,well ive just read on a site that in more recent studies it has shown that trauma to the neck and head does indeed bear a relationship to the aggravation of /or creation of ms". i keep thinking back to my head trauma i had in oct and the symptoms which are now an ongoing problem ,b4 this i had no medical problems whatsoever. in the space of 6 months things seem to be getting worse ,and start to think back and can only pinpoint this as the cause of this condition? as nothing i have done since then have noconnection. had 2 mri scans and have a probable dx!! but still have to wait for more tests, still getting small numbness round heart area and was given ibuprofen for muclular pain ,but am conviced something more to it as it been there for 2 weeks and seemed to appear from nowhere.....thanks for reading ..any ideas?? take care nigex

*

Its all now making sense

Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Why ?

ImmunoSuppressants

Since the Myelin damage in MS is believed to be caused by an Auto-Immune Response, some medications used to help shorten attacks or slow the progression of MS work by suppressing the Immune System. Others, like Steroids, treat the Inflammation that accompanies DeMyelination.




ChemoTherapy

The literal meaning of the term *Chemo-Therapy* is 'to treat with a chemical agent'; however, it generally refers to the potent Cytotoxic (Cell Killing) agents that are prescribed for some forms of Cancer. These drugs not only kill Tumor Cells, but can destroy the body's own normal cells as well.
The cells that are most vulnerable to Cytotoxic agents are those which grow and divide rapidly. Among those affected are Cancer Cells, Hair and Intestinal Cells, Blood Cells, and White Blood Cells of the Immune System.
The rationale for the use of ChemoTherapy to treat MS stems from the fact that MS is considered to be an AutoImmune Disease, whereby an abnormal, heightened Immune action of certain White Blood Cells mounts an attack on Myelinated Nerves of the Central Nervous System.

ChemoTherapeutic agents diminishes the numbers of White Blood Cells, and therefore (theoretically) should slow down or halt this destruction.

I posted this 27th April

cause for conern

It causes me great concern that ms patients are being subjected to Mitoxantrone a chemotherapy treatment. As meylin damage cannot be established is happening, only after death by autopsy. This on the otherhand my just be a misguided presumption that this is occuring and that certain symptoms as in my case are not down to alternative issues, such as a misaligned Atlas and spine which will have a knock on effect to spasm or mobility as yet again has been in my case. My next two posts, especially the 2nd may enlighten you as to why this drastic measure maybe being taken. To make wrong or incorrect assumptions could prove to be dangerous to the patient

This is exactly why this Candida thing should be taken seriously

I have thought that Candida could cause cancer, as my Dad not on a worrier like me, he died 3 years ago of prostate cancer. Candida can caused by stress and he was a worrier. And the prostate is paste of the human waste system.
Cancer, the leading cause of death in the U.S. surpassed heart disease in 2005 as the number one killer. As Dr. Tullio Simoncini, an Italian Oncologist and author of Cancer is a Fungus, shares in this video his very novel and safe treatment of cancer tumors… using nothing more than sodium bicarbonate (ordinary baking soda). Dr. Simoncini, a brilliant doctor who has been ousted from the medical community due to his revolutionary simple ideas of how to cure diseases that are commonly huge profit makers.
I came across this information and found it extremely interesting. Being one who is more interested in less invasive methods and a more holistic approach I particularly ejoyed the video’s and what Dr. Tullio Simoncini has to say.
Many people refuse to believe that excellent and brilliant doctors are being ousted from the medical community and that it’s happening to good doctors, since “everyone knows” you must be a liability to human life if you’re stripped of your medical license… right??? Hmmm, or they simply have a different approach that is not in aleignment with allopathic health care.
Apparently, the reason why Dr. Simoncini was kicked out is because as an oncologist – a cancer specialist – he refused to use conventional cancer treatment methods, choosing instead to administer sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which is absolutely HARMLESS, as opposed to the often lethal use of chemotherapy.
NOTE: ingesting baking soda will NOT cure cancer. I do not recommend ingesting baking soda nor am I telling anyone what to do. I’m just writing an article on something I found quite fascinating and worth writing about. What you chose to believe or do is entirely up to you.
Watch the video below and you’ll get more details. Currently, I do not know of any doctor in the US who performs the baking soda treatment.
However, I think we really need to get organized and make a change happen!
Dr. Simoncini lawyers have recently started a rehabilitation court trial at the International Court of Justice in Strassburg to have him reinstated.
What causes cancer?
Conventional medicine likes to focus on genetics in developing cancer, never mind the fact that research indicates that genetics is NOT the main cause of this mysterious disease, even though it may play a small role in some people. While little attention is paid to the impact of plain and simple infections that many of us encounter at least at some point in our lives if not often.
It is now believed that only 30% of of health is derived from genetics, the other 70% we do have control over from within our lifesytle and habits. This means that severely limiting our exposure to household chemicals, eating right, maintaining a strong immune system are perhaps our most valuable tools in preventing cancer in the first place.
Dr. Simoncini’s research has led him to believe that something as simple as a fungus, Candida, is the leading cause of cancer, and that cancer itself is in fact a fungus. He postulated that what we refer to as a tumor, is nothing more than the human body’s attempt at protecting itself from the Candida fungus.
The following figures concerning the coexistence of Candida and cancer have been collected by several authors:
  • R.L. Hopfer: 79%
  • U. Kaben: 80%
  • W. T. Hughes: 91 %
  • T.E. Kiehn: 97%
The positive results quoted allow us to confirm that Candida is always present in the tissues of cancer patients. Not only that, but Candida species represent today, according to several scholars, the first cause of morbidity and mortality in patients affected by neoplasias of the hemolinphopoietic system.
O. Uzun even analyzed all data from 1974 to 1999 concerning the presence of candidosis in patients and the prognostic factors including predictable elements of mortality and came to the conclusion that the global rate of mortality in cancer patients varies between 33% and 75% and that this is independent of the type of infecting Candida.
The phenomenon is usually interpreted as a consequence of the weakening and of the exhaustion of the organism because of neoplastic lesions. Conversely, we have to believe that the aggression of Candida takes place in the carcinogenic sense after the superficial pathogenic phases – that is, the classic epithelial candidosis – in several stages:
a) rooting in the deep connective tissue (in the various organs)
b) expansion with evoking of an organic reaction that attempts to encyst the fungin colonies, with the outcome being the formation of neoplasias
c) growth both in the surrounding tissue and remotely (metastasis).
d) progressive exhaustion of the organism with consequential global organism invasion. This is the stage that is most commonly observed and that is considered ‘opportunistic’
e) exitus
In summary, Candida is not a post hoc but an ante hoc cause.
His analogy between psoriasis – an “incurable” disease of the skin that many treat as a fungus – and tumors, which are also an “incurable” disease of your body. Several studies have linked the presence of Candida with cancer, showing that anywhere between 79 to 97 percent of all cancer patients also have Candida.
Dr. Simoncini’s explanation for how this phenomenon works – how Candida leads to deadly cancer – is that it’s a consequence of the weakening and exhaustion of your organs, and eventually your entire body, in the following stages:
1. Candida roots itself in your deep connective tissue in various organs
2. As a result, this evokes an organic defensive reaction as the connective tissue of your invaded organ attempts to encyst the fungin colonies through cellular hyper-production, which results in the formation of tumors
3. Growths continue as the fungi spreads, both in your surrounding tissue, and remotely (aka “metastatis”). It is still always the same Candida attacking different tissues, but due to its highly adaptive qualities it is able to mutate to adapt itself to whatever environment it finds itself in, hence the various types of tumors
4. Your body becomes progressively more exhausted, which allows the fungi to spread and take over more rapidly
5. You die from “cancer”
How effective is chemotherapy?
Here is one study, in 2004.  that addresses that question specifically.
In short, the study concluded:
As the 5-year relative survival rate for cancer in Australia is now over 60%, it is clear that cytotoxic chemotherapy only makes a minor contribution to cancer survival. To justify the continued funding and availability of drugs used in cytotoxic chemotherapy, a rigorous evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and impact on quality of life is urgently required.
(see part 2 below)
Dr. Simoncini shows actual before-and-after footage of both bronchial cancer and colon cancer. Four days after his simple treatment on a bronchial cancer with a sodium bicarbonate and water flush, the tumors are gone. If something as simple as baking soda can do this for many types of cancer… it’s no wonder he was ousted!!! This would entirely criple and de-face an entire industry and method, not to mention lossing our trust!
Apparently, sodium bicarbonate is an extremely potent anti-fungal substance. Whereas in the case of anti-fungal drugs, the fungi adapt, and can adapt to a new environment in three to four days. This makes anti-fungal drugs ineffective. He says that fungi do not adapt to the baking soda, but it is far more difficult to use as it needs to be injected directly into the tumor; swallowing the baking soda would not work at all.
It seems to me that since such skill is necessary to do these injections that entire new businesses would develop and THRIVE in place of the mostly ineffective and extremely costly, not to mention extremely invasive treatments we currently have.
Candida yeast is not “one shared element,” but rather colonies, that are highly communicative. Much the same way as bacteria, who not only communicate and switch genes within their own species but do so with completely different species. Read more about bacteria talk
Dr. Simoncini said, due to fungi’s unique adaptation skills, sodium bicarbonate must be administered directly onto the tumor, and in so doing changing the pH very quickly, from acid to alkaline (around and in that particular area), which rapidly and effectively kills off the yeast before it has time to adapt.
Dr. Simoncini’s experience has shown that 99 percent of breast and bladder cancer patients can heal in just six days, no surgery, chemo or radiation whatsoever! Using just a local infiltration device (such as a catheter) to deliver the sodium bicarbonate directly to the infected site of the breast tissue or bladder.
Measures for Preventing and Combating Candida from Dr. Mercola
If the cause of cancer is the Candida fungus, then what is the root cause of the fungi? And how can you tell you might have too much yeast in your body, which might eventually lead to the formation of cancer?
A good sign that Candida is on the loose is feeling “run down” and developing a craving for sugars and carbohydrates, as this is the main fuel for the growing amounts of yeast in your intestine. The more sugar and grains you eat, the more the yeast grows out of control. Eventually, this will weaken your immune system, which in turn can allow it to infiltrate various other organs.
This imbalance in intestinal flora, sometimes called dysbiosis, can also lead to other more common, and less lethal, health problems, such as:
    • Vaginitis
    • Irritable bowel syndrome
    • Weight gain
    • Food allergies
    • Migraines
    • Asthma
    • Depression
    • Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
There are 79 different toxins released by the metabolism and die-off of Candida. This is why people with yeast overgrowth often feel so lousy; the Candida toxins are regularly entering their bloodstream. Two of these toxins, alcohol and acetaldehyde (the breakdown product of alcohol that causes hangovers), are in such high amounts in people with chronic yeast problems that you may actually end up feeling “drunk.”
Acetaldehyde also reacts with the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is why people with yeast overgrowth often experience mental and emotional disturbances such as anxiety, depression, poor concentration, and feeling spaced-out.
Candida Overgrowth
The highlights Dr. Mercola offers for yeast overgrowth prevention include:
  1. The Right Diet and Exercise — A diet rich in meats, chicken, eggs, seeds and nuts, vegetables, and healthy oils (grassfed, free range and truly organic). Avoiding sugars and carbohydrate-rich foods — will restrict the amount of fuel the yeast in your intestine has available to it.
  2. Getting Plenty of Good Bacteria — You will want to increase your probiotic (good bacteria) intake with a high-quality probiotic supplement or by eating cultured and fermented foods, such as natto. These contain the good bacteria that keep your vagina and gastrointestinal tract healthy and will ultimately replace the Candida.
  3. Avoiding Exposure to Chemicals — Paints, household cleaners, perfumes and scents may cause allergic reactions, and chemical sensitivities are very common in people with yeast overgrowth.
  4. Addressing Emotional and Psychological Issues — Food cravings, especially those for sweets, often are exacerbated by emotional dependencies. Tools like the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) can help you to overcome unhealthy food cravings and other emotional hurdles.
Other articles of interest:
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only. Please contact and see your primary care health practitioner if you have any health issues. And do the related research necessary to find what works for you. I do not know the answers, I’m simply writing about something I found interesting.

totally different but affect eachother

Physical tension and nervous tension are two totally differnt things, but ironically one affects the other causing aloop or catch22.I'll explain, because physically I was wonky due to spine misalignments, if I got nervous, tense or anxious, this would then manifest in my upper back, causing a tightening in tha area, which then would affect my physical stature, which because made mobility harder would make anxiety worsen, which then caused more tension and thus the cycle/catch22 begins.

Sunday 29 May 2011

The risk paid off in my case re candida

It is recommended to stay on the Candida diet for some time. I stopped several weeks ago. Because I believe once the fungus is killed off. My body needs to rebalance itself, it is capable of doing that without further intevention. Yes I took a risk, but if no-one takes risks we dont learn anything. for me its been ok no return or adverse effects. so A ok And to be honest, I prefer tasty food, I abstain from salt, I dont seem to want it.

So stress does cause lesions, exactly my point

The study published in the distinguished Journal of Neurology in 2000 by Mohr et al entitled "Psychological Stress and the Subsequent Appearance of New Brain MRI Lesions in MS" examine the relationship between stressful life events and the subsequent development of brain lesions on MRI. The results state "for a total sample of patients, increase conflict and disruption in routine was followed by increased odds of developing new Gd + brain lesions eight weeks later."

Candida needs to be public knowledge

Candida, needs looking at



Causes  of Candida Infections

Candida Albicans is a yeast that lives in our intestinal tract. It is also the yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections. It is normal to have small amounts of Candida so the friendly and protective bacteria in our body called "Acidophillus and Bifidus" can use it as food. When something happens to kill off these friendly bacteria the Candida cells begin to multiply out of control. Candida can spread throughout the intestinal tract causing bloating, gas, food reactions and allergies, constipation, diarrhea and a host of digestive complaints. Candida can also spread to the vaginal area, the prostate, the heart, lungs, liver and cause numerous symptoms and illnesses. The true causes of Candida are not a mystery. They are also not the same for each individual person. Some people have Candida due to a combination of causes. To begin with lets look at the true causes and discuss each.

1. ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics are a common cause of Candida. Antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the Candida a chance to begin to multiply. Anyone who has been treated with antibiotics for acne, major dental work or any condition where antibiotic use has been frequent, more than 1 course of 7-10 days, is a prime candidate for Candida.

2. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS OR DEVICE

Oral birth control pills are mostly the hormone estrogen. Supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast. Several years ago the Great Smokies Medical lab published studies showing that hormones could effect intestinal bacteria. A common compliant of women on birth control pills is yeast infection. The copper IUD is another possible yeast promoter. It has been observed by David Watts, Ph.D., that copper promotes the growth of yeast. Often copper IUD users develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems of the body. This can make it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.

3. EXCESSIVE STRESS AND ELEVATED CORTISOL

Stress can cause yeast growth for several reasons. Stress causes the release of certain hormone called CORTISOL . Cortisol can depress the immune system and also raise blood sugar. The elevation in blood sugar can feed the yeast cells allowing them to grow quickly. The depression in immune function will leave the body defenseless against the sudden elevation in yeast. These two reaction tend to happen together as cortisol goes up. This is the exact reason why stress causes Candida. Cortisol can be addicting to the body. It raises sugar and relieves inflammation. There have been a few studies that show the body can become addicted to it and try to keep it elevated. There are several simple nutrients that help lower cortisol levels back to normal by telling the nervous system to relax. Testing for cortisol can be done with the Adrenocortex Stress Test.

4. TAP WATER CONSUMPTION

Common tap water is high in chlorine which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria. This will allow Candida to grow as covered earlier.

5. PARASITES AND INTESTINAL WORMS

Parasites and intestinal worms are more common then anyone would think. Some researchers have estimated that over 85% of all people living in North America and Canada have parasites. Parasites can be large worm-like creatures or small microscopic organisms. Either type destroy friendly bacteria in the intestines making yeast overgrowth possible. Parasites can be detected in the  Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis.

6. CONSTIPATION

Constipation can be caused by Candida. However constipation can also lead to Candida. If one does not have Candida and then becomes constipated for any reason, Candida may begin to grow. A digestive tract which is constipated is slow moving and becomes very alkaline. An alkaline environment is exactly what Candida does best in. The more alkaline the digestive tract the happier the Candida becomes. It does not matter what causes the constipation. Constipation for any reason can easily cause Candida.

7. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Excess alcohol can directly destroy friendly bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Beer can be a particular problem not because of the yeast but because of its maltose content. Maltose is a sugar that is derived from malt. Malt sugar is very potent and can feed yeast cells very quickly. People with Candida also tend to develop allergies to all yeast products whether the yeast is healthy or not. This does not mean that hard spirits or wine in excess are any safer. Alcohol should always be used in moderation. Drugs can also cause yeast overgrowth particularly if they disturb the digestive system. Any medication or drug that can cause a gastrointestinal side effect may cause yeast growth by disturbing friendly bacteria.

8. HYPOTHYROID

Low thyroid is very common in cases of Candida. The thyroid gland has an important effect on the immune system. Adequate thyroid function also helps the digestive system operate correctly. As pointed out earlier, lack of proper digestive secretions can cause reduction of friendly bacteria. Constipation is also common with low thyroid. Body temperature will drop if thyroid function is low. A drop in body temperature stops many different chemical reactions from taking place. Some of these chemical reactions stop Candida overgrowth.

9. IMMUNE DEFICIENCY

Any condition that results in a weakened immune system can bring about Candida. Most notable are AIDS and CANCER. Candida can be considered a side effect of these more threatening illnesses.

10. HORMONAL IMBALANCE

It has been long recognized that an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can be a causative factor in yeast overgrowth. In order to support friendly intestinal flora, adequate amounts of both hormones are needed. Great Smokies Medical Lab published a paper several years ago which explained how these hormones are essential to the health of friendly bacteria.

Any upset in this balance can cause yeast overgrowth. The hormonal imbalance must be corrected after the yeast has been reduced or relapse is sure to occur.

11. DIABETES

This is the most difficult case to deal with. It is essential that the diabetes be addressed first and the blood sugar be gotten under control. It is impossible to eliminate Candida while the blood sugar is high. There are specific herbs that are anti-fungal and have traditionally been used to lower blood sugar. I developed this protocol 2 years ago and have used it with good results, but I feel that most people should go right on a diabetic protocol to lower their sugar before attempting any Candida elimination. So here you have the 12 true causes of Candida.

Candida is becoming a very well known and recognized problem in this country. It has been estimated at 30% of all Americans have Candida. Now that we've addressed the causes, let's discuss why it is serious.
Symptoms of Candida Infections
The major waste product of yeast cell activity is acetaldehyde and the by-product ethanol. Many people have a low iron content because this mineral is hard to absorb when Candida is present, and therefore have little oxygen in the tissues. Ethanol can cause excessive fatigue and reduces the strength and stamina which takes away ambition. It destroys enzymes needed for cell energy and causes the release of free radicals that encourages the aging process. Candida Albicans in an incredible destroyer of health and is the main missing link in many of our modern day diseases and sub-health conditions. The fact that Candida can rob the body of its nutrition and poison the tissues with it toxins is a major contribution, directly or indirectly to the following list of serious conditions:
1. Intolerance of perfumes, odors, fumes, fabric shop odors and tobacco smoke
2. Complaints that worsen in damp, muggy or moldy places
3. Athletes' foot, jock itch, fungal infections on the skin or nails
4. Craving for sugar, bread or alcohol
5. Prostitis or vaginitis
6. Diarrhea
7. Constipation
8. Abdominal distention, bloating or pain
9. Gas or flatulence
10. Rectal itching or rash
11. Colic
12. Diaper rash
13. Vaginal itch, burning or persistent infections
14. Kidney, bladder infections
15. Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder with possible infection)
16. Sinus infections
17. Joint pain or swelling
18. Acne
19. Hives
20. Rashes
21. Itching skin
22. Eczema
23. Psoriasis
24. Loss of sex drive
25. Impotence
26. Fatigue
27. Feeling drained
28. Memory loss
29. Feeling spaced out
30. Numbness, burning or tingling
31. Muscle aches
32. Muscle pains
33. Flu-like symptoms
34. Endometriosis (irregular or painful menstruation)
35. Cramps or menstrual irregularities
36. P.M.S
37. Spots in front of eyes
38. Erratic vision
39. Drowsiness
40. Irritability or jitteriness
41. Mood swings
42. Depression
43. Suicidal feelings
44. Headaches
45. Hypoglycemia
46. Feeling of swelling and tingling in the head
47. Heartburn
48. Indigestion
49. Belching
50. Intestinal gas
51. Mucus in the stools
52. Hemorrhoids
53. Dry mouth
54. Sores or blisters in the mouth
55. Bad breath
56. Nasal congestion
57. Nasal discharge
58. Nasal itching
59. Post nasal drip
60. Sore or dry mouth
61. Sore or dry throat
62. Cough
63. Pain or tightness in the chest
64. Wheezing or shortness of breath
65. Asthmatic symptoms
66. Burning or itching eyes
67. Burning on urination
68. Ear pain
69. Ear aches
70. Ear discharges
71. Painful intercourse
72. Food allergies or food reactions
73. Hayfever
74. General allergies
75. Thrush
76. Hair loss
The majority of people who have Candida do not realize they have it until become seriously ill. The symptoms are so numerous and seemingly unrelated that it is very perplexing to both doctor and patient. Candida itself is totally preventable and if you have this condition, there is a special way in which it can be completely and permanently eliminated. This is a remarkable anti-fungal program that overcomes Candida in a more reliable and permanent manner. If you can remove this parasite from your body using a natural approach, you will also remove all the negative effects and symptoms along with it. This program will significantly improve your digestion and all associated weaknesses including bloating, constipation, ulcers, colitis, colon problems, gas, chronic fatigue, aches and pains and many kinds of subtle and nagging health problems. Even acute infections such as the common cold, Epstein Bar Virus, bladder infections, skin eruptions, etc. can be prevented or significantly improved. It will especially take the stress off of the immune system, the glands and the nervous system. Reproductive organ problems which can have their roots in a Candida Yeast infection may eventually disappear. Many negative conditions may slowly go way with this incredible technique and it can help increase food assimilation by as much as 50%.

As you can see, the symptoms are so varied no one person has all the same set as another. The average Candida sufferer has 20 or more of these (while others have less and some have more). Many times they have given up on ever finding out what was wrong with them because all of these symptoms seem unrelated. One patient spent 7 days in the hospital, was wheeled from one examination room to another--a grand tour of the hospital--only to be told it was all in her head. She was charged over $6000.00 for that stay. Upon her release a stool analysis was done and Candida was found. In addition, her symptoms were worsened by all the jello and the horrible hospital food.

Symptoms of Candida, regardless of what they are, will worsen in hot, humid or muggy weather. Like any mold or fungus, heat and humidity help it grow and spread. Symptoms can also vary according to one's diet. Sugar, alcohol, starches, fermented foods, sweets (even fruits) will increase symptoms by feeding the yeast organisms. This will cause them to grow and release more toxins which will produce symptoms. Stress is key in triggering symptoms. It has long been recognized that stress plays a part in lowering the immune function of the body. The immune system is what tries to keep the yeast under control. Simply being over-worked, over- tired, or over-stressed will cause an increase in Candida and therefore its symptoms. The environment one lives in can play a big role if one is exposed to toxic metals, fumes, smoke, pollution, and in direct contact with various chemicals. The immune system can become overloaded and therefore further dip which will allow more yeast to grow. If one finds that these conditions cause an increase in symptoms, there is a very good chance that Candida is present. Proper testing is essential to determine this for sure and to find out how bad the condition is. Blood tests can be inaccurate if they only test for Candida antibodies and antigens. These tests can show positive even after the Candida is gone or if one simply has an allergy to yeast.

Facts About Candida

  • Yeast secrete an enzyme that digests the lining of the intestines.
  • Yeast shifts the immune system from Th1 to Th2. This sets the stage for allergies and viral infections.
  • Yeast enzymes break down IgA. IgA is the most predominant type of antibody that is found covering the gut mucosa. IgA keeps toxins and bacteria from binding to the cells that line the intestines. Without enough IgA, the intestines become inflamed, and the lymphoid tissue in the gut swells.
  • The byproducts of certain yeasts or fungus are able to alter the bacterial content of the intestines. (The fact that fungal metabolites can do this should come as little surprise. Many of our antibiotics are made from molds.)
  • Candida secretes an enzyme that reduces the body’s ability to kill Staphyloccocus aureus, a common pathogen in human intestines.
  • Yeast creates toxins like tartaric acid, acetylaldehyde and arabinol that interfere with the body’s ability to produce energy.
  • Drs. Truss, Galland and Ionescu have all measured reduced levels of amino acids, imbalances of fatty acids and deficiencies of various vitamin and minerals in their yeast syndrome patients. In particular, yeast reduce the body’s coenzyme Q10, coenzyme B6, alpha ketoglutaric acid, taurine, and asparagine. Some types of yeast promote the formation of pentosines. These create a functional deficiency of B6, lipoic acid and folic acid.
  • The most dramatic proof of harmful yeast toxins comes from the Great Plains Laboratory. Tartaric acid from yeast causes muscle weakness. Dr. Shaw discovered very high levels of tartaric acid in the urine of two autistic brothers. Both had such severe muscle weakness that neither could stand up. When treated with an antifungal called Nystatin, the tartaric acid measurements declined, and the children improved. When the Nystatin was discontinued, the tartaric acid levels rose, and the children got worse. Often, Dr. Shaw also finds tartaric acid in the urine of those with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by muscle pain, poor sleep and tender points.
  • Yeast can be present in the intestines even if they don’t show up in a stool culture. Dr. Leo Galland has shown that the yeast can be damaged and not grow in a culture, even though the yeast were present in a stool sample.
  • The most harmful place for yeast seems to be in the small intestine. This was shown in a study of children with failure to thrive. Biopsies of the upper small intestine were taken and were examined with an electron microscope. The yeast were embedded in the intestinal lining in their invasive fungal or mycelial form. Some of these children had no yeast showing up in their stool. Yet the yeast in this first part of their intestinal tract was interfering with their nutrition.

Hope!

Where I had none, I now have lots.

There was a time, that I would look in the mirror, and all I would see was a broken old woman
She has now gone, and it's me looking back, and the smile and eyes looking back, are real and true.
I am fixable, and that is something that I will do, with the help of those that have such knowledge in non medical methods, not a drug do I need, or will ever take again as my future is truely holistic and it should be everyones right to do so for free on our national health service.

And how can it ever be proven that a drug tested on those diagnosed with something that has incredsible psychological effects, doesnt just have a placebo effect. Anything that eliviates its stress will have a effect

Noel Batten - Australia

This gentleman's works re MS and Parkinsons need to be noted. The Tiffany's example is of great interest. This man has been maligned called a fraud and charlaton. But he sent me his ebook for nothing several years ago and IUU think he is a very nice and kind man and should be listened to

maybe of interest

A recent journal study was the first to reveal that correction of upper neck injuries might help improve or even reverse the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
A study evaluated the data from 44 MS patients and 37 PD patients who received treatment over a five-year period.
Results of Treating Upper Neck Injuries in 81 Patients
  • 91 percent of MS patients showed improvement
  • 92 percent of PD patients showed improvement
These findings led researchers to believe the correction of neck injuries could activate a reversal of MS and PD symptoms. For a long time, head and neck injuries have been thought of as contributing factors to the development of MS and PD. These results are the first to confirm the relationship between the two.
When Neck Injuries are Left Untreated
Upper neck injuries usually occur as the result of accidents in which the individual sustains a sudden hit to the head. Examples of this include experiencing whiplash or a concussion from a car accident. Symptoms of MS and PD could surface in months, years or even decades following the accident. Often, the individual doesn't even realize the extent of the injury they sustained.
Experts suggested putting some of the funding dedicated to MS and Parkinson's research toward research on chiropractic treatments.
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research August 16, 2004

It's always refreshing to see that natural treatments are being supported over the use of prescription drugs.
Clearly, the key to MS and Parkinson's Disease is prevention.
MS is not a simple thing to put into remission. The chance of going into remission with conventional treatments is close to zero. The chances increase considerably when employing intelligent natural therapies.
The most basic and simple nutritional biochemistry approach is to make sure vitamin D levels are optimized. You will certainly want to perform regular (every two months or so) vitamin D testing to confirm your levels are is in therapeutic, and not in the toxic, range. I could not encourage anyone more strongly with an autoimmune disease like MS to have their vitamin D tested every 4-8 weeks until it is between 45 and 50.
The absolute best way to increase it is by exposing as much skin as legally possible to sunshine. Just going outside in a long sleeve shirt and long pants just won't help very much, there simply is just not enough skin exposed to convert the sunlight to vitamin D. Additionally for most of us in the late fall, winter and early spring, there just isn't enough intensity of UVB radiation to generate significant vitamin D levels so one will need to resort to oral forms like cod liver oil which also has the necessary omega-3. But please remember that even cod liver oil is a far inferior way to obtain vitamin D as one can potentially increase the levels into toxic ranges. However, this is very rare especially if one sticks to doses of 1-3 teaspoons a day.
The vitamin A in cod liver oil makes it far less likely to cause one to overdose. However it is exceedingly difficult to overdose on vitamin D by simple sun exposure as your body has a built in feedback mechanism that will lower vitamin D production from the sun once the levels become too high.
When treating MS it is also vital to remember that balancing the omega 6:3 ratio is also a profoundly important treatment principle. Additionally, optimizing insulin levels and following the nutrition plan would provide a sound foundation for optimizing healing in MS.
Addressing the emotional wounding is nearly always a major issue in those with MS. Techniques like EFT can be profoundly helpful in that area.
I like focusing on the positive with treatments, but it is also vital to understand that one of the most popular treatments for MS is the use of an ostensibly "natural" treatment called interferon. Every patient with MS that I treat I immediately discontinue this drug. It is a prescription for disaster and if you would like to know why please read Dr. Blaylock's excellent expose on this drug.
The preventive measures for Parkinson's disease differ slightly than those for MS. In addition to following the nutrition program, my recommendations for Parkinson's also include:
Related Articles:
Amazing Recovery From Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis: A Chronic Mycotoxicosis?
Multiple Sclerosis May be Linked to Infection
Parkinson's Disease Linked to Environmental Toxin
High Iron & Manganese Linked to Parkinson's
Antioxidant May Fight Parkinson's Disease
 

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info from MSRC-MS Resource Centre

sorry last post re candida 13th April

Sorry cant repost last candida post, and its digestive day, I thought it would be relevant. By the way, there seems to be loads of candida diet stuff now on the net it seems to have mushroomed I cant find original things that I have previously posted on here.

my mess/ms: Havent read it all, but theres that Candida-diet a...

my mess/ms: Havent read it all, but theres that Candida-diet a...: "Case of Multiple Sclerosis treated with change of food choice and nystatin Tess, 45, complained of decreased appetite, sinus drainage, s..."

The odds are stacked against me

Publics preconception of MS,
Poor fitting wheelchair
No hollistic care fuded by NHS. even that I cannot afford to go private, I cannot afford not to.
Conventional medics approach in usig the *denial* card
Lack of alternative research
Candida denial by Doctors ( now this is a big one as affects all sorts of people)
Chiropractor exclusion
Chinese acupucture and attitudes not understood comprehensively.

The main people who will be sceptical at what I am saying is those with an MS diagnosis, and undstandably so. I know of the severity of symptoms and variety of what they are subjected to, plus the indignities that no man or woman should go through. They have been bombarded with money making scams false hope and non existant cures. That is why this blog is not public. As they deserve fact, and I can only give that to them when I am walking again.

I am lucky not to have drowned in what I now see is a flawed system. I have totally excluded myself from todays society, my choice,

Saturday 28 May 2011

my chair does me no favours

I have become aware just recently that my chair design has poor support. Iam trying to sit more upright but the back of my chair leans backwards, no back support at all, this certainly does not help with lumber spine, so I have adapted by 2 rolled up towels to sit me forward. I think my NHS physio who adminstered who introduced me to acupucture thought so, as she rolled a towel yp and put it behind me, which immediately caused be back pain, she then said tt she would get me back on y feet using a walker.

When I saw John my chiro on friday, he said the base of the chair is no good as it sags, he has suggested that I sit in a well padded supoortive say kitchen chair, but perhaps shorten he legs as drop fom back of knee to foot should be the  same and my feet should be flat on the floor.

As I see it poor supportive chairs could be making others problems worse.

I wish that when I was allocated this chair, that I knew its poor support and I would have paid some towards a superior style of chair that would be more suitable.

I intend to get out of this chair perminantly so will have to make my own adaptions, I took the sides off and footplates off way back as I needed to stregthen my core and sides hinder that.

Why chiropractors are not involved in the design of chairs supplied I do not know.

Friday 27 May 2011

bee in my bonnet

The MS Society have written to me today to donate fifteen pounds towards a register building exercise.

Words fail me, well printable ones anyway, for an organusation that upheld a false accusation, then banned me from access to the users of the site where I had gleened much info and research from, because they are lovely people (well most of them) and very honest and up front with there personal situations.

If they concerned themselves with alternative ideas instead of just science. Perhaps I would give them the time of day. But as it is I want nothing  to do with them as I disagree with all they stand for.

why more women than men

Because stress is a massive factor as probably causes lesion plaques which are then misinterperated as a sign for ms. And a woman as the family co-ordinator and at the front line of all problems, i.e children, school even the family budget, all these and many more stresses thus make her more prone to a ms diagnosis.

I know that that can be the case, as I found myself in the same situation, and was under constant stress, trying to juggle problems and make do for years and years, my mistake was not heading my very first warning which would have been mistakenly seen as an ms episode several years previous. If I had got out of the situation that I was in, I would never have had a second warning and one more drastic as this time affected balance  etc.

Thursday 26 May 2011

Again interesting knock on effect

The A.S.C.

<spanclass=The Atlas Subluxation Complex:
Introduction
Millions of people are walking around right now with unnecessary pain. People suffering from a wide range of conditions including headaches, fibromyalgia, migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, TMJ, arthritis, herniated disks, back pain and more. These "structural" problems are contributing to other problems, such as high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, depression and digestive problems. These seemingly unrelated problems increase our dependency on drugs while diminishing our activity and lives becomes something to endure and get through. This affects our interaction with family and friends isolating us, so that we become alone in our pain.


Postural Distortion
Most of these people they have a short leg, high hip, contracted muscles, and a sometimes subtle twist in their spine. In the 1940’s, a tiny group of chiropractors began to realize that these seemingly unrelated conditions were all part of a singular health complex. They realized that the cause of this complex was a small twist in the upper neck.
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The Atlas
Atlas in Greek Mythology is the god who holds the globe on his shoulders. The atlas in our bodies is a tiny, two-to-four-ounce bone that holds the entire weight of the head on it shoulders. The head weighs about the same as a bowling ball, between 8 to 10 pounds. The atlas is the most movable bone in the entire spine, it is also the most vulnerable to injury. An accident or injury can tear loose the connective tissues holding the bones of the neck in place. The atlas bone can then become wedged out of position. This misalignment can affect us in three ways.



Spinal Cord Irritation And Disruption:
The brain tells all of the body parts what to do through signals from the brain to the brainstem, to the spinal cord, out through the nerves and into the body. The nerves go to every muscle and organ. When the atlas shifts, twists or tilts out of position it can irritate the spinal cord, causing nerves in the spinal cord to fire. It is like when an army wants to block a radio transmission from their opponent. They will broadcast static on the same frequency. Listeners can hear that someone is speakingskulls573684small.<spanclass= but can’t make out the words. When the atlas shifts out of place we are likewise able to function, but a clear signal can’t get through. This situation can stress our digestion, breathing, blood pressure, as well as muscles. A misaligned atlas will affect nerve signal to 15 sets of postural muscles, muscles that help us stay upright. These muscles will go weak and only function at 30%, causing us to twist and slouch. When a bunch of muscles doesn’t function as it should, the muscles that are doing their job have to work harder to compensate, which makes them spasm and causes us to tire easily.
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Impediment of Blood Flow
The second way that the misalignment will affect us is by diminishing blood flow to or from the brain. Decreased blood flow can cause headaches, as well as fogginess and grouchiness. We don’t think as clearly.
 
Dural Torsion
The third way: Surrounding our brain, brainstem and spinal cord is a sack of fluid. Our brain is floating in this sack for protection. The sack part is very tough. It attaches to the different bones in the skull, our sacrum (tail bone), and the first bone in our neck. When the atlas twists out of alignment, it will twist this sack. If I took a dish towel and grabbed both ends, then started to twist the towel and kept twisting, you would notice that the two ends would begin to be forced together. The same thing happens in our backs. Our head and tailbone get forced together, jamming the discs in the back and the joints in the neck and back. This compression causes wear and tear that leads to degeneration of the bones and wear on the discs. The pressure can cause an irritation so that when we walk long distances on hard surfaces (such as the mall or Sam’s club), we get exhausted, or need to hold onto a cart.
Because the dural sack attaches to the sacrum and tailbone, it will twist the sacrum, causing the hips to rotate and a leg to go short. This can lead to hip, knee and feet problems. This puts extra pressure on the skull, the torsion in the dura will lock the skull bones down creating headaches and TMJ problems.




Impact over timeWith time this will increase the wear and tear on our bodies which will accelerate the aging in our body and cause even worse problems in the coming years.

Here is what Happens


A Story

Lets suppose that the front end of your car is out of alignment. You notice that something is wrong with your car and you decide to put some engine cleaner to make it run better. It still pulls to the side. You go to the mechanic and ask for a tune up. Still, your car is pulling to the side when you drive. With time you notice that the tires are wearing out, you get a flat, and decide that you need to replace the tires even though you should have another 20k thousand miles left. Finally, you get mad and have your mechanic overhaul the engine . . . you get the idea, spending a little money in the beginning to address the problem would have saved money in the long run. Also, there is a difference with just getting by, and working well.
With time the misalignment of the front end can cause a lot of damage. It greatly increases the forces that your car need to overcome. It is tiring to keep the hand on the wheel to keep from running into the next lane, and this is with power steering to increase your leverage

many symptoms but one problem- Atlas

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Atlas Subluxation




About Atlas Subluxation Complex:
 

What do headaches, muscle pain, depression, fatigue. dizziness, ringing in the ear, allergies, and high blood pressure have in common?  All are symptoms of misalignment of the C-1 (Atlas Vertebrae).  This vertebrae is connects the brain stem and spine, and therefore is rich in nerve endings that communicate and send messages to the entire body.  That is why when the C-1 is not properly aligned, it is possible to experience a wide variety of physical and emotional symptoms.   Spine
The nervous system is the master control of all systems of the body, and communications must be unrestricted in order for the brain to be able to diagnose the body’s needs. Imbalance in this system can result in energy blockages which can then become an underlying cause of illnessThe proper adjustment of C-1 can remove interference to normal nerve function and create an an environment of health and healing in the body.

too big to handle/plus CCSVI

The ms symptom list has become so gigantic its crackers. I have seen people discussing a symptom on a website, when it could be purely down to stress, i.e. hair loss, itching. Even fainting/dizziness could be down to bloodpressure. A misligned Atlas can alter blood pressure

Having my Atlas treatment my bloodflow increased, veins in hands appeared and my gums that had bled for 9 years stopped. Questions CCSVI treatment, people are spending thousands on a loiberation treatment where a stent is fitted in a restricted neck vein, and it may be as simple as a misaligfned Atlas. CCSVI is big buisiness in the MS world. People think that the NHS should fund treatment, but perhaps that it is not necessary at all

Double trouble eh!

I had two issues going on: a misaligned Atlas and Candida, The second dealt with. My now wonky spine will take a bit longer to correct. No MS though

The Candida link yet again (yeast and sugar) again info from MSRC

To fix their problem is great

There are possitive stories of people being successfull with just a change of diet,and they go into remission.

If as I see it ms doesnt exist but Candida does and by abstaining from yeast and suger it is killed off. they have then addressed their problem totally.

by cutting out suger and yeast kills Candida, is that why diet a success

Recovering but with Vigilance

I am now gluten-free, soy free, corn free and nightshade free for two months, but it continues to be day-by-day. The change in my health has been dramatic. I was diagnosed with MS in 2003 and I immediately started on Avonex. While I had only one relapse (early 2004), the Avonex really bothered me. I had intense side effects that lasted 48-72 hours. I had brain fog, intense and fatigue, with pain in every area of my body. I felt nauseated nearly everyday I and had intense stomach pain. I had occasional bladder problems. In addition, the eczema I had since birth got worse. My doctor could not explain the near daily headaches and other symptoms (pain and eczema).
When I could no longer stomach the thought of living with the pain, fatigue, and the side effects of Avonex, I decided I had to try alternative therapies. My diet was already very good with no beef and lots of fresh veggies and fruit. I became intrigued by the MS Recovery Diet and decided to try it. Moreover, I read elsewhere that gluten was a problem for people with eczema. I eliminated dairy, gluten, yeast, red meat and eggs from my diet. Within a week, I felt better, but I begin to notice other foods bothered me, especially corn, potatoes, and beans. I eliminated these foods, too, and my overall health improved dramatically. After a month, I no longer had brain fog, fatigue body pain, or stomach aches.
Twenty years ago I stopped running (I regularly ran 40-50 miles a week) because the fatigue and heat bothered me. Five weeks ago I started to run again. No pain, no problems with overheating, or fatigue.
I have had some small setbacks and I have learned that I must be vigilant with my food. Any bit of gluten, soy or potato starch bothers me. Within hours I experience numbness, bladder problems, and I get nauseated.

False impressions

Stress, stress fools them, that it is ms.
It just gets bigger and bigger and never gets less.

physiotherapists/Chiropractors

I have always had the understanding that physiotherapists and chiropractors have  totally different approaches to how the body works.

But this appears no to be true. I now see Mike a private physiotherapist, who specialises in acupuncture, and has great knowledge of the Chinese methods. We had a very good conversation regarding the bodies functions and reactions to things. His approach and way of thinking is not disimilar in Johns my Chiropractor way of thinking. I'm hoping with all three of us on the same page,(so to speak) that we will now make some most possitive progress.

It would be really interesting to know how many physiotherapists, that have had traing by the NHS, have left that particular organisation, to go into hollistic medicine with a very alternative approach, where no drugs are required. Now how good is that drug free approach.

It seems to me in the NHS there are too many chiefs telling the Indians how to think, when it is those working on the shop floor directly with patients that have the greater knowledge of how we can all move forward and with minimum expense too, as no drugs to fork out for.

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Tiffanys case very relevant.

Noel Batten is an Australian and his example of Tiffany facinated me several years ago, and makes total sense. he spoke of the spine misalignments its only recently that I discovered he too mentioned the Atlas, this man knows an awful lot about chiropractic treatments, he also declares ms to be a medical mistake, I would have to agree with him on that one too.

no comprehensive data

There are no comprehensive figures available on those either diagnosed with MS or those waiting in Limboland, who have clear MRIs but all the symptoms.
There should be figures on ages, occupations, how many per year diagnosed, where in the world they live etc etc etc. and over the last 20 - 30 years, nothing relevant has been compiled. Even by one of the biggest organisations with access to the diagnosed, nothing.What is going on!!! it just doesnt make sense. It disturbs me , that the only thing that anyone is banking on is a cure. Staistics are important to weigh up what might be going wrong, people ansd some organisations  have become instatitutionalised re MS and that is a catestrophic mistake of humungous proportions and the implications of that are going to be soon realised.

I am one of those statistics, but I know 100% my diagnosis was wrong. Because I have had a misaligned Atlas complicated by Candida.

its not just the bladder

There is far too much focus as to the bladder being the sole problem, when the whole system needs to be looked at. I only recently realised after some research that I had Candida, I had an idea something was up internally, but my urine test was clear, as it would be. I am not talking about thrush, but a leaky gut, this causes a great deal of problems in many areas and comprimised my whole system, our whole waste system needs to work efficiently, and everyone especially mothers and fathers need to be mindful at what their children consume as Candida has no prejudices it can effect anyone at anytime and they can remain unaware, but have other health issues but because the medical profession deny Candidas existance because of its antibiotic cause it can and will go undetected, it can also be caused by poor diet or stress. I can put my hand up for all three.
And thats why parents need to control what their children put into their systems. 

Tuesday 24 May 2011

out of touch, out of date

 The MS Society seems to dominate the MS sceneIf you are like me and dont believe in ploughing all monies and efforts into scietific research, then their approach and attitudes are of no interest to those like me, who knows how important it is to investigate alternatives i.e. acupuncture and Chiropractic methods. The MSS approach seems to me to be very out -dated.

One body many affects

I know this sounds complex, but this is all down to a misaligned Atlas, which has caused my spine to twist and misalignments, this has had further knock on effects, but now that I have elliminated the Candida complications, this is what I am now left with. ok here goes.

My lower back pain is linked to my siatic nerve and bladder meridian, the meridian affects my right leg, my bsciatic spasm affects my left. my lower back pain is also connected to my neck pain and vice versa and my neck pain is also linked to psychological and physical tension in my upper right back. And I think thats it for now

11 years ago Erin Elster wrote this re Palmer, ignored yet again

TODAY'S CHIROPRACTIC , November 2000
by Erin Elster, DC.
INTRODUCTION
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the foremost disabling neurological disease among adults between 20 and 50 years of age, afflicting 250,000 people in the United States. (1) It strikes women twice as often as men and Caucasians more frequently than other ethnic groups. (1) The occurrence of MS is greater in northern temperate zones. (1)
The pathological process involved in MS, a demyelinating disease, is the loss of the myelin sheaths surrounding axons in the central nervous system. Demyelination is thought to result either from damage to the oligodendrocytes (white matter cells) that produce the myelin or from a direct, immunologic (auto-immune) assault on the myelin itself. (2)
Common early manifestations of MS include paresthesias (numbness/tingling in extremities), optic neuritis (vision loss), mild sensory or motor symptoms in a limb, and cerebellar incoordination (balance loss). Although the most common course of the condition is a relapsing and remitting pattern over many years, the manifestation in each patient varies. In most cases, as the disease progresses, remissions become less complete. Some patients have only a few brief episodes of disability, whereas others have a relentless downhill course over months or weeks. Although not all patients become disabled, the end stage often can include ataxia (inability to coordinate voluntary movement), incontinence, paraplegia, and mental dysfunction due to widespread cerebral and spinal cord demyelination. (2)
The MS diagnosis, primarily a clinical one, is usually rendered based on neurological history and examination. The diagnosis can be confirmed by specialized evaluation techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), evoked potentials, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, although none show findings pathognomonic for MS. (3-5) Traditional medical treatment for MS focuses on the use of medications to regulate the severity of symptoms such as depression, pain, bladder impairment, and sexual dysfunction. Other drugs may accelerate recovery from acute exacerbations of MS, but they neither alter the long-term course of the condition nor reverse any existing MS symptoms. (6)
B.J. Palmer, D.C., reported management of Multiple Sclerosis patients with upper cervical chiropractic care as early as 1934. (7-8) In his writings, Palmer listed improvement or correction of symptoms such as "spasticity, muscle cramps, muscle contracture, joint stiffness, fatigue, neuralgia, neuritis, loss of bladder control, paralysis, incoordination, trouble walking, numbness, pain, foot drop, inability to walk, and muscle weakness." His chiropractic care included paraspinal thermal scanning using a neurocalometer (NCM), a cervical radiographic series to analyze injury to the upper cervical spine, and a specific upper cervical adjustment performed by hand.
While few of Palmer's Research Clinic cases were published, Palmer described one case of Multiple Sclerosis in detail. (8) The patient, a 38-year-old male, went to the Palmer Research Clinic in Davenport, Iowa, in 1943, after a diagnosis of MS by the Mayo Clinic. At the time of admission into the Palmer Clinic, this subject was "…helpless; he could not feed nor take care of himself." His medical history included a head/neck trauma at age 16 in which "…he fell ten feet off a building, landing on his head." The fall rendered him unconscious for thirty minutes and he reported having a sore neck for several days. At the Palmer Clinic, upper cervical radiographs showed a misalignment of the atlas to the right. After upper cervical chiropractic care, the patient remarked, "I am happy to say that through chiropractic, I have been made almost well. Today, I have just a little numbness left in my hands. I have the full use of my hands, feet, and my whole body."
During the past several decades, research linking chiropractic and MS has been virtually nonexistent. A literature search produced only two single case reports. One patient was adjusted with an instrument, while the other was managed with thoracolumbar manual chiropractic adjusting procedures. (9-10) No other references for the chiropractic management of MS patients were found. To the author's knowledge, the MS cases discussed in this report are the first documented using specific upper cervical care (cervical radiographs, thermal imaging, and knee-chest adjustments) since Palmer's research seventy years ago.
The following five individuals suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for one to ten years, ranged from 33 to 55 years of age, and had symptoms varying from mild to severe. All patients showed lesions on MRI (MS plaques) and were diagnosed with MS by their neurologist. Some concurrently were undergoing treatment with medications. The following report discusses the upper cervical chiropractic intervention in detail and summarizes the five cases' results.
IUCCA UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTIC INTERVENTION
At each subject's first upper cervical chiropractic office visit, her/his medical history was discussed. In Case 1, a nine-year history of the typical relapsing-remitting pattern of MS symptoms was established. In Cases 2 through 5, MS symptoms were constant and progressively worsening without remission
Paraspinal digital infrared imaging, which measures cutaneous infrared heat emission, was chosen as the diagnostic test for neurophysiology. Thermography has been proven valid as a neurophysiological diagnostic imaging procedure with over 6000 peer-reviewed and indexed papers in the past 20 years. In blind studies comparing thermographic results to that of CAT scans, MRI, EMG, myelography, and surgery, thermography was shown to have a high degree of sensitivity (99.2%), specificity (up to 98%), predictive value, and reliability. (11-13) Thermal imaging has been effective as a diagnostic tool for breast cancer, repetitive strain injuries, headaches, spinal problems, TMJ conditions, pain syndromes, arthritis, and vascular disorders, to name a few. (14-23)
At each patient's first upper cervical chiropractic office visit, a paraspinal thermal analysis was performed from the level of C7 to the occiput according to thermographic protocol. (24-26) Compared to established normal values for the cervical spine, each of the five subject's paraspinal scans contained thermal asymmetries higher than 0.5 ºC. According to cervical thermographic guidelines, thermal asymmetries of 0.5ºC or higher indicate abnormal autonomic regulation or neuropathophysiology. (27-30) Because upper cervical misalignments were suspected in all five patients, a precision upp
er cervical radiographic series, including Lateral, A-P, A-P Open Mouth, and Base Posterior views, was performed at each patient's initial chiropractic office visit. (31) These four views enabled examination of the upper cervical spine in three dimensions: sagittal, coronal, and transverse. To maintain postural integrity, each subject was placed in a positioning chair using head clamps. Analysis of the four views was directed towards the osseous structures (foramen magnum, occipital condyles, atlas, and axis) that are intimately associated with the neural axis. Laterality and rotation of atlas and axis were measured according to each vertebra's deviation from the neural axis. (31) All five patients showed upper cervical misalignments.
Because the two criteria determining subluxation (thermal asymmetry and vertebral misalignment) were met in each case, a treatment plan was discussed with each patient. After each subject consented, chiropractic care began with an adjustment to correct the atlas/axis misalignment. To administer the adjustment, the patient was placed on a knee-chest table with his/her head turned to the direction of misalignment (left for left misalignments and right for right misalignments). The knee-chest posture was chosen because of the accessibility of the anatomy to be corrected. In addition, this posture retained spinal curvatures, thus preventing compression of the spine. Using the posterior arch of atlas as the contact point, an adjusting force was introduced by hand. (32) The adjustment's force (force = mass X acceleration) was generated using body drop (mass) and a toggle thrust (acceleration).
Then, each patient was placed in a post-adjustment recuperation suite for fifteen minutes as per thermographic protocol. (24-26) The adjustment's success was determined by reviewing the post-adjustment thermal scan. The first post-adjustment scans of all five patients revealed thermal differences of 0.1 ºC to 0.2ºC, which were considered normal according to established cervical thermographic guidelines (compared to the pre-adjustment differential of 0.5 ºC or greater). Therefore, resolution of each patient's presenting thermal asymmetry was achieved.
All subsequent office visits for each patient began with a thermal scan. An adjustment was administered only when the patient's presenting thermal asymmetry returned. If an adjustment was given, a second scan was performed after a fifteen-minute recuperation period to determine whether restoration of normal thermal symmetry had occurred. On average, each subject's office visits occurred three times per week for the first two weeks of care, two times per week for the following two weeks, and once per week for the subsequent month. After spinal stability was achieved (thermal asymmetry was rarely present), visits were reduced to once per month.
CASE 1
History: This 54-year-old female was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 44 after a bout of optic neuritis, which prompted an MRI (MS plaques were visible). Over the next nine years, she experienced a minimum of one exacerbation per year lasting an average of one month. She recovered completely each time except for partial vision loss resulting from optic neuritis. The most recent flare-up occurred at age 53 when she experienced numbness that switched from side-to-side in her body. With this exacerbation, no remission occurred. Symptoms included tingling in her arms, hands, legs, and feet as well as a positive L'hermitte's Sign (pain, numbness, tingling down extremities upon cervical flexion). After these symptoms were present for three months, this subject's neurologist surmised her condition was worsening and recommended drug therapy. Due to her concerns over long-term drug use, this patient chose to undergo upper cervical chiropractic care first.
Exam: During her initial chiropractic examination, this subject showed reduced sensitivity bilaterally in her arms, hands, legs, and feet. L'hermitte's Sign was present during cervical flexion and right lateral flexion compression was positive. The subject reported experiencing these symptoms constantly for the three months prior to her chiropractic exam. Cervical ranges of motion were reduced during left lateral bending and left rotation. She reported visual loss from previous optic neuritis episodes. Computerized thermal imaging showed thermal asymmetries as high as 1.0 ºC. Analysis of cervical radiographs revealed left laterality and left anterior rotation of atlas.
Outcome: Immediately following this subject's first upper cervical adjustment, Lhermitte's Sign was no longer present. During the following week, normal sensation returned to her extremities. After two weeks of upper cervical care, cervical ranges of motion no longer produced pain and cervical compression tests were negative. At the end of week four, this patient reported improved vision in her left eye (which had been damaged by the episode of optic neuritis ten years earlier). After four weeks of upper cervical care, this subject's neurologist reexamined her and no longer recommended drug therapy. Two years after beginning upper cervical care, this subject remained symptom-free.
Summary: This patient experienced a minimum of one relapse per year for the ten years prior to upper cervical care. After upper cervical intervention, two years passed without reoccurrence of symptoms.
CASE 2
History: After this 33-year-old male noticed visual changes at age 30, he was examined by a neuro-opthalmologist and showed 20/30 vision in the right eye (according to the Snellen eye chart examination). After an MRI showed three brain lesions (MS plaques), he was diagnosed with MS. The year following his diagnosis, this subject showed minimal deterioration in his condition. However, during the subsequent two years, he experienced chronic progression of MS symptoms. In addition to vision loss, he suffered from loss of bladder control, constipation, loss of balance, sensory deficits in his extremities, and L'hermitte's sign. Three years after the MS diagnosis, he was reexamined by his neuro-opthalmologist who noted his optic nerves appeared pale and his vision had deteriorated to 20/400 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye. He was declared legally blind. A follow-up MRI showed ten lesions, one active. This subject began upper cervical care soon after the second MRI.
Exam: During this patient's initial examination, he reported wearing sunglasses at all times, even indoors, due to light sensitivity. L'hermitte's Sign was present. Sensitivity was reduced in his hands and feet. Heat aggravated his symptoms. He showed inability to balance on one foot bilaterally and to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line. As a result, he reported frequent falls on hiking trails. He reported difficulty with bladder control (he urinated six times per night) and constipation (averaging four to five days without a bowel movement). He also suffered with memory loss (he carried a tape recorder to remind himself of errands, etc.), insomnia, and fatigue. Most of his MS symptoms had progressively worsened during the second and third years following his diagnosis and had been constant for at least one year. Analysis of cervical radiographs revealed left laterality of atlas. Computerized thermal imaging showed thermal asymmetries as high as 0.8ºC.
Outcome: After the first upper cervical adjustment, L'hermitte's Sign was absent and balancing on his left leg improved (both symptoms had been present for one year or greater). One week later, he reported that due to less light sensitivity, he was able to leave his sunglasses off, even outdoors. Upon visual reexamination one month later, he tested 20/160 bilaterally. Six months later, balancing on both left and right legs improved, so he was able to resume hiking while carrying a heavy backpack. He also was able to take hot showers and sit in jacuzzis because heat no longer aggravated his symptoms. In addition, normal sensation returned to his extremities, bladder control improved (urination occurred once per night), and constipation improved (one bowel movement per day).
Summary: During the two years prior to chiropractic care, this patient experienced a progressive worsening of MS symptoms. Most symptoms had been present constantly for at least one year prior to the start of upper cervical care. After the intervention of chiropractic care, this subject reported immediate correction of some symptoms as well as gradual improvement of other symptoms over several months. One year after beginning care, this patient reported an overall correction and/or improvement in MS symptoms.
CASE 3
History: This 46-year-old female first experienced symptoms of MS at age 44, when she noticed memory and cognitive problems (inability to formulate thoughts or words), frequent urination and loss of bladder control (loss of muscular control to begin and end urination). She was diagnosed with MS after an MRI showed active brain lesions. Her symptoms remained constant without worsening until the addition of sensory deficits (painful tingling) in her arms and legs, two years after her diagnosis.
Exam: At her initial chiropractic examination, this subject reported feeling continuous, painful tingling and loss of sensation in both arms and legs during the previous month. She complained of a weakness in her legs that she described as "a rubbery feeling." She also had difficulty with cognition and bladder control for the previous two years. She complained of generalized stiffness and aching in her neck. Cervical extension was reduced and painful. Analysis of cervical radiographs revealed right laterality and right posterior rotation of atlas. Computerized thermal imaging showed 0.5ºC thermal asymmetries.
Outcome: Within the first week of upper cervical care, this subject reported improved bladder control (resumption of muscular control during urination) and a decrease in numbing, tingling, and pain in her left leg and right hand. One month later, her leg strength returned and numbness was noted only in her left hand. In addition, memory and cognitive ability returned to normal. After two months of care, bladder control, sensitivity, and strength in her extremities returned to normal. After four months of upper cervical care, this subject reported the absence of all MS symptoms. A follow-up MRI showed no new lesions as well as a reduction in intensity of the original lesions. During the subsequent six months, this patient was examined once per month with digital infrared imaging. An adjustment was necessary on three visits. At each of those three occasions, a minor reoccurrence of symptoms also existed, which was corrected following each adjustment. No other flare-ups occurred.
Summary: Most of this patient's MS symptoms (except one month of sensory deficits) had been present for two years prior to the start of upper cervical care. After the intervention of upper cervical chiropractic care, the patient's MS symptoms gradually improved over several months. After one year of care, this individual primarily remained asymptomatic.
CASE 4
History: This 55-year-old female was diagnosed with MS nine years ago at age 46 after an MRI confirmed active brain lesions. Her symptoms included painful paresthesia of her left arm, fatigue, mental confusion, insomnia, and lack of coordination of her right arm and leg. All symptoms progressively worsened over the nine-year period. Seven years after her diagnosis, a follow-up MRI confirmed the addition of new active lesions. Due to the fatigue, confusion, and pain, she had been on disability leave from work for several years.
Exam: During this patient's initial exam, she complained of extreme pain in her left arm, requiring multiple doses per day of pain medication (neurontin). She also took daily medication for sleeping (klonopin) and energy level (amantadine) due to her insomnia and fatigue. Her handwriting coordination (right-handed) was poor so she preferred using a computer. Cervical radiographs depicted a misalignment of her atlas to the right and posterior. Computerized thermal imaging revealed thermal asymmetries of 0.5ºC.
Outcome: During the first week of upper cervical care, this subject noticed an increase in energy level. One month later, she no longer noticed arm pain. Consequently, she consulted with her neurologist to reduce her pain medication. Her pain medication was reduced by two-thirds and she had no occurrences of arm pain. This patient also reported a continued increase in energy level and a renewed sense of mental clarity, so she considered looking for a part-time job. She felt "more alert and energized" and her "mind was clear." Four months after the start of upper cervical care her condition continued to improve without any relapses.
Summary: For the nine years prior to upper cervical care, this patient suffered from a chronic, progressive worsening of MS symptoms. Since the intervention of upper cervical care, this individual experienced improvements in MS symptoms and required less medication.
CASE 5
History: This 43-year-old female first experienced symptoms of MS seven years ago. The symptoms included numbness in her legs, hands, and face, and lasted for two weeks. No further symptoms occurred until six years later with the onset of L'hermitte's Sign. Soon after L'hermitte's Sign began, this patient noticed loss of grip strength and a spasmodic curling of her left hand. After an MRI, she was diagnosed with MS. Because Lhermitte's Sign was present every time she nodded her head causing her pain, she began daily pain medications (neurontin). After the symptoms were constantly present for six months, she began upper cervical care.
Exam: During her initial chiropractic exam, cervical flexion produced L'hermitte's Sign. Cervical extension and left rotation were reduced and painful. She reported constant tingling in her left arm, grip strength loss in her left hand, and weakness and pain in both forearms. She experienced aggravation of forearm pain while taking notes in class. As an avid martial arts participant, she expressed concern over her inability to perform push-ups in class due to exacerbation of L'hermitte's Sign. She also reported experiencing dizzy spells several times per day for many years. Cervical radiographs depicted right laterality of atlas. Computerized thermal imaging revealed thermal asymmetries of 0.5ºC.
Outcome: After the first upper cervical adjustment, this patient noted reduction in intensity of L'hermitte's Sign. By the end of two weeks of care, L'hermitte's Sign was noticeable only occasionally and no dizzy spells had occurred. After four weeks of care, this patient no longer reported experiencing any dizzy spells, arm pain, tingling, forearm weakness, or L'hermitte's Sign. Consequently, she reduced her pain medication dosage. In addition, she resumed taking notes in class and performing pushups in her martial arts class without pain or tingling.
Summary: This subject's symptoms were present constantly for six months prior to upper cervical care. With the intervention of chiropractic care, symptoms were reversed either immediately or over one month's time.
RESULTS
At their first upper cervical chiropractic office visits, computerized thermal scans showed thermal asymmetries and cervical radiographs showed upper cervical misalignments in all five subjects. Because these exam findings indicated upper cervical injuries, all five patients consented to upper cervical chiropractic care. The five subjects underwent upper cervical care for a minimum of four months and a maximum of two years at the time of this paper's submission for publication. Before the intervention of upper cervical chiropractic care, four out of the five patients (Cases 2 through 5) showed patterns of constant, progressive MS symptoms for a minimum of six months. After upper cervical care, MS symptoms were improved or corrected, including L'hermitte's Sign, paresthesias, pain, balance, muscle weakness, bladder control, bowel control, cognitive ability, vision loss, insomnia, dizziness, and fatigue. The only case that followed the typical MS relapse-remit pattern, Case 1, had a history of MS relapses once per year for nine years. After the intervention of upper cervical care, this subject had no further relapses and remained symptom-free for two years. Therefore, results of the five cases indicated that upper cervical chiropractic care prevented the progression of MS, stopped the MS relapse pattern, and improved and/or reversed symptoms of
DISCUSSION
An important parallel in the MS patients' medical histories was their recollection of head and/or neck trauma(s) prior to the onset of MS (also mentioned in the Palmer case described in the Introduction). All five patients remembered specific incidences of trauma preceding the onset of MS symptoms such as a fall on an icy sidewalk, an auto accident, and a ski accident. In addition, all five individuals showed evidence of upper cervical injury during exams (digital infrared imaging and cervical radiographs). The body of medical literature detailing a possible trauma-induced etiology for MS, or at least a contribution, is substantial. (33-35) In fact, medical research has established a connection between spinal trauma and numerous neurological conditions besides Multiple Sclerosis, including Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, migraine headaches, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), vertigo, and bipolar disorder, to name a few. (36-43)
While medical research has shown that trauma may lead to MS and the other neurological conditions mentioned above, no mechanism has been defined. It is the author's hypothesis that the missing link may be the injury to the upper cervical spine. While various theories have been proposed to explain the effects of chiropractic adjustments, a combination of several theories seems most likely to explain the profound changes seen in these MS patients due to upper cervical chiropractic care. After a spinal injury, central nervous system (CNS) facilitation can occur from an increase in afferent signals to the spinal cord and/or brain coming from articular mechanoreceptors. (44-48) The upper cervical spine is uniquely suited to this condition because it possesses inherently poor biomechanical stability along with the greatest concentration of spinal mechanoreceptors.
Hyperafferent activation (through CNS facilitation) of the sympathetic vasomotor center in the brainstem and/or the superior cervical ganglion may lead to changes in cerebral blood flow, including ischemia. (49-55) Because of the close association between the nervous and immune systems (the immune system recently has been reclassified as the neuroimmune system), upper cervical injuries affecting sympathetic function consequently may cause a cascade of non-favorable immune responses. (56-58) Among these are uncoordinated immune tissue responses (auto-immune responses) and the release of cortisol, which ultimately can result in decreased immune function.
It is likely that the five MS patients sustained injuries to their upper cervical spines (visualized on cervical radiographs) during spinal traumas they experienced. It is also likely that due to the injuries, through the mechanisms described previously, sympathetic malfunction occurred (measured by paraspinal digital infrared imaging), possibly causing decreases in cerebral blood flow. Consequently, because the nervous and immune systems are so closely intertwined, it is possible that CNS facilitation and cerebral ischemia could have stimulated an auto-immune response such as myelin destruction. According to the results of each of the five patients discussed in this report, it seems correction of the upper cervical injury not only stopped but also reversed the pathological processes involved in MS. However, few conclusions can be drawn from a small number of cases. Therefore, further research is recommended to study the link between trauma, the upper cervical spine, and neurological disease.
CONCLUSION
All five patients discussed in this report recalled experiencing head or neck trauma(s) prior to the onset of Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. In all five cases, evidence of upper cervical injury was found using paraspinal digital infrared imaging and upper cervical radiographs. After IUCCA upper cervical chiropractic care, all five cases reviewed revealed improvements in Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. In fact, correction of the five patients' upper cervical injuries appeared to stimulate a reversal in the progression of MS symptoms. To the author's knowledge, these are the first cases reported on this topic using thermal imaging and knee-chest adjustments since Palmer's research seventy years ago. Further investigation into upper cervical injury and resulting neuropathophysiology as a possible etiology or contributing factor to Multiple Sclerosis should be pursued.