Resources
Looking for more information on the science of chiropractic?
Below are some links to notable research sources for the chiropractic profession
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
Pathways
Australian Spinal Research Foundation
Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation
Scientific Literature
Evidence-Based Healthcare has three (3) major components; the Doctors clinical experience and expertise, the patient’s value and expectation for care and the best external evidence available.
There is an extensive amount of scientific research on the subject of chiropractic and closely related topics which can be found at any large university health library, including that found at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto.
Below is an example list of the various types of studies on a wide assortment of topics. The design types include Meta-Analysis, Systematic Reviews, Randomized Control Trials (RCT), Cohort Studies, Cross-sectionals, Case Reports as well as editorials, opinions and philosophical ideas.
About Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors have been providing safe, effective care for infants and children for over 100 years. Pediatrics is not only standard curriculum within all chiropractic colleges, but there are also post-graduate level training programs for doctors who decide to pursue the field at a ‘mastery’ level. The World Health Organizations (WHO) has set out curriculum standards for all chiropractic colleges, which includes pediatric care.
There are published pediatric chiropractic textbooks, clinical practise guidelines addressing best practices for chiropractic care of young children and many peer-reviewed research journals on the subject of pediatric chiropractic care.
General Chiropractic Sources
Alderson, R. Scott, DC, and George J. Muhs, DC, DABCN, CCN. “The Effects of Mild Compression on Spinal Nerve Roots with Implications for Models of Vertebral Subluxation and Clinical Effects of Chiropractic Adjustment.” J. Vertebral Subluxation Res. 4.2 (2001): n.pag. Print.
Budgell, Brian S. “Reflex Effects of Subluxation: The Autonomic Nervous System.”Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 23.2 (2000): 104-06. Print
Carrick, Frederick R., DC, PhD. “Changes in Brain Function after Manipulation of the Cervical Spine.” J Manipulative Physiol Ther 20.8 (1997): 529-45. Print.
Dishman, J. Donald, Douglas S. Greco, and Jeanmarie R. Burke. “Motor-Evoked Potentials Recorded from Lumbar Erector Spinae Muscles: A Study of Corticospinal Excitability Changes Associated with Spinal Manipulation.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 31.4 (2008): 258-70. Print.
Eingorn, Alex M., and George J. Muhs. “Rationale for Assessing the Effects of Manipulative Therapy on Autonomic Tone by Analysis of Heart Rate Variability.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 22.3 (1999): 161-65. Print.
Haavik-Taylor, Heidi, and Bernadette Murphy. “Cervical Spine Manipulation Alters Sensorimotor Integration: A Somatosensory Evoked Potential Study.” Clinical Neurophysiology 118.2 (2007): 391-402. Print.
Taylor, Heidi Haavik, and Bernadette Murphy. “Altered Sensorimotor Integration With Cervical Spine Manipulation.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 31.2 (2008): 115-26. Print.
Taylor, Heidi Haavik, and Bernadette Murphy. “The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Central Integration of Dual Somatosensory Input Observed After Motor Training: A Crossover Study.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics33.4 (2010): 261-72. Print.
Kent, Christopher, DC. “Models of Vertebral Subluxation: A Review.” J Vertebral Sub Res 1.1 (1996): 11-17. Print.
Rome, Peter L., DC, MACC. “Neurovertebral Influence on Visceral and ANS Function: Some of the Evidence To Date – Part II: Somatovisceral.” Chiropr J Aust 40 (2010): 9-33. Print.
Sato, Akio, MD, PhD. “The Reflex Effects of Spinal Somatic Nerve Stimulation on Visceral Function.” J Manipulative Physiol Ther 15.1 (1992): 57-61. Print.
Scheer, Justin K., Jessica A. Tang, Justin S. Smith, Frank L. Acosta, Themistocles S. Protopsaltis, Benjamin Blondel, Shay Bess, Christopher I. Shaffrey, Vedat Deviren, Virginie Lafage, Frank Schwab, and Christopher P. Ames. “Cervical Spine Alignment, Sagittal Deformity, and Clinical Implications.” Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine 19.2 (2013): 141-59. Print.
Schey, William L. “Vertebral Malformations and Associated Somatovisceral Abnormalities.” Clin. Radiol. 27 (1976): 341-53. Print.
Harrison, Donald, Tad. J. Janik, S. J. Troyanovich, D. Harrison and Chris Colloca. “Evaluation of the Assumptions Used to Derive an Ideal Normal Cervical Spine Model”. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. (1997): 246.
Troyanovich. S. J., D. Harrison and D. D. Harrison. “Structural Rehabilitation of the Spine and Posture: Rational for Treatment Beyond the Resolution of Symptoms”. Jornal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. (1998): 37.
Seaman, David R., DC, and James F. Winterstein, DC. “Dysafferentation: A Novel Term to Describe the Neuropathophysiological Effects of Joint Complex Dysfunction. A Look at Likely Mechanisms of Symptom Generation.” J Manipulative Physiol Ther 21 (1998): 267-80. Print.
Slosberg, Malik, DC. “Effects of Altered Afferent Articular Input on Sensation, Proprioception, Muscle Tone and Sympathetic Reflex Responses.” J Manipulative Physiol Ther11 (1988): 400-08. Print.
Welch, Arlene, and Ralph Boone. “Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Responses to Specific Diversified Adjustments to Chiropractic Vertebral Subluxations of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 7.3 (2008): 86-93. Print.
Troyanovich, S. J., Deed Harrison, D. D. Harrison. “Structural Rehabilitation of the Spine and Posture: Rational For Treatment Beyond The Resolution of Symptoms”. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapy.
(1998): 037-047.
Neck & Back Pain
Heymann, Wolfgang J. Von, Patrick Schloemer, Juergen Timm, and Bernd Muehlbauer. “Spinal High-Velocity Low Amplitude Manipulation in Acute Nonspecific Low Back Pain.” Spine 38.7 (2013): 540-48. Print.
Hurwitz, Eric L., Hal Morgenstern, Gerald F. Kominski, Fei Yu, and Lu-May Chiang. “A Randomized Trial of Chiropractic and Medical Care for Patients With Low Back Pain.” Spine 31.6 (2006): 611-21. Print.
Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis.
Headaches and Whiplash Associated Disorders
Bogduk, Nikolai, and Narayan Yoganandan. “Biomechanics of the Cervical Spine Part 3: Minor Injuries.” Clinical Biomechanics 16.4 (2001): 267-75.
Print.
Curatolo, Michele, Steen Petersen-Felix, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Carmela Giani, Alex M. Zbinden, and Bogdan P. Radanov. “Central Hypersensitivity in Chronic Pain After Whiplash Injury.” The Clinical Journal of Pain 17.4 (2001): 306-15. Print.
Hawk, Cheryl, Raheleh Khorsan, Anthony J. Lisi, Randy J. Ferrance, and Marion Willard Evans. “Chiropractic Care for Nonmusculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review with Implications for Whole Systems Research.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 13.5 (2007): 491-512. Print.
Schoenen, J. “Exteroceptive Suppression of Temporalis Muscle Activity in Patients with Chronic Headache and in Normal Volunteers: Methodology, Clinical and Pathophysiological Relevance.” Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain33.1 (1993): 3-17. Print.
Bryans, Roland, Martin Descarreaux, Mireille Duranleau, Henri Marcoux, Brock Potter, Rick Ruegg, Lynn Shaw, Robert Watkin, and Eleanor White. “Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults With Headache.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 34.5 (2011): 274-89. Print.
Alcantara, Joel, and Martine Cossette. “Intractable Migraine Headaches during Pregnancy under Chiropractic Care.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 15.4 (2009): 192-97. Print.
Biondi, David M. “Noninvasive Treatments for Headache.” Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics 5.3 (2005): 355-62. Print.
Torticollis
Biedermann, Heiner, MD. “Manual Medicine of Functional Disorders in Children.”Medical Veritas 3 (2006): 803-14. Print.
Colic
Wiberg, Jesper M.m., Jan Nordsteen, and Niels Nilsson. “The Short-term Effect of Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with a Blinded Observer.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 22.8 (1999): 517-22. Print. Eister, E. “Infants with Acid Reflux and Colic Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care to Correct Vertebral Subluxations: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcome”. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health. (2009): 1-7.
Olafsdottir E, Forshei S, Fluge G, T. Marestad. “Randomized controlled trial of Infantile Colic treated with Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation” Arch Dis-Child 2001; 84: 138-141.
Miller J, Newell D and J. Bolton. “Efficacy of Chiropractic Manual Therapy on Infant Colic: A Pragmatic Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial” Journal of Manipulative And Physiological Therapeutics June 30: 2012.
Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Incontinence
Eulitt, H. Kala, DC, and Vivian Giannakakis, DC. “Resolution of Chronic Constipation, Fecal Incontinence, and Abdominal Pain in an 8 Year Old Child Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study & Selective Review of the Literature.” A. Vertebral Subluxation Res Jan.20 (2014): n. pag. Print.
Manabe, Noriaki, Toshiaki Tanaka, Jiro Hata, Hiroaki Kusunoki, and Ken Haruma. “Pathophysiology Underlying Irritable Bowel Syndrome -From the Viewpoint of Dysfunction of Autonomic Nervous System Activity-.” Journal of Smooth Muscle Research 45.1 (2009): 15-23. Print.
Asthma
Graham, Robert L., DC, and Richard A. Pistolese, BS. “An Impairment Rating Analysis Of Asthmatic Children Under Chiropractic Care.” J Vertebral Sub Res 1.4 (1997): 1-8. Print.
Glaberzon, Brian J., DC, MHSc, Jenna Arts, BA (Hons), and Emily McManus, BScK (Hons), MHA. “The Use of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Pediatric Health Conditions: A Systematic Review of the Literature.” J Can Chiropr Assoc. 56.2 (2012): 128-41. Print.
Bronfort, Gert, Roni L. Evans, Paul Kubic, and Patty Filkinb. “Chronic Pediatric Asthma and Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation: A Prospective Clinical Series and Randomized Clinical Pilot Study.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 24.6 (2001): 369-77. Print.
Infertility
Alcantara, Joel, DC, Gregg Stern, DC, and Rosemary E. Oman, DC, MSc, FASBE. “Female Infertility, Subluxation & Chiropractic Care: A Case Series and Selective Review of the Literature.” J. Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health(2009): n. pag. Print.
Hypertension
Bakris, G., M. Dickholtz, P. M. Meyer, G. Kravitz, E. Avery, M. Miller, J. Brown, C. Woodfield, and B. Bell. “Atlas Vertebra Realignment and Achievement of Arterial Pressure Goal in Hypertensive Patients: A Pilot Study.” Journal of Human Hypertension (2007): n. pag. Print.
Breastfeeding and Latching Difficulties
Slak, Linda, DC, CACCP, CABCDD, and Katherine A. Wilson, DC. “Resolution of Breastfeeding Difficulty Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care.” J. Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Jan.17 (2013): 7-10. Print.
Safety
Alcantara, Joel, Jeanne Ohm, and Derek Kunz. “The Safety and Effectiveness of Pediatric Chiropractic: A Survey of Chiropractors and Parents in a Practice-Based Research Network.” EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing 5.5 (2009): 290-95.
Alcantara, Joel. “A Critical Appraisal of the Systematic Review on Adverse Events Associated With Pediatric Spinal Manipulative Therapy. A Chiropractic Perspective”. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health. March 9, 2010.
Thiel, Hw, Je Bolton, S. Docherty, and Jc Portlock. “Safety of Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine: A Prospective National Survey.” Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies 11 (2006): 47. Print.
Oliphant, Drew. “Safety of Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Lumbar Disk Herniations: A Systematic Review and Risk Assessment.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 27.3 (2004): 197-210. Print.
Klougart, N., DC, C. Leboeuf-Yde, DC, and L. R. Rasmussen, DC. “Safety in Chiropractic Practice, Part I; The Occurrence of Cerebrovascular Accidents after Manipulation to the Neck in Denmark from 1978-1988.” J Manipulative Physiol Ther 19.6 (1996): 371-77. Print.
Alcantara, Joal, Ohm, Jeanne and Kunz, K. “A practice-ased prospective stuyd on the incidence and prevalence of adverse events associated with pediatric chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy”. International Pediatric Chiropractic Association. Print.
Joyce, E. Miller, Benfield, K. “Adverse Effects of Spinal Manipulative Therapy in Children Younger Than 3 Years: A Retrospective Study in a Chiropractic Teaching Clinic”. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. July 2008 V.31 Issue 6. Pg: 419-423.
Joel Alcantara “A critical appraisal of the systematic review on adverse events associated with pediatric spinal manipulative therapy: A chiropractic perspective”. Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health March 9; 2010. (a critical look into the Vohra et al study of 2007).
Klougart, N., DC, C. Leboeuf-Yde, DC, and L. R. Rasmussen, DC. “Safety in Chiropractic Practice. Part II: Treatment to the Upper Neck and the Rate of Cerebrovascular Incidents.” J Manipulative Physiol Ther 19.9 (1996): 563-69. Print.
Cassidy, J.D., E. Boyle, Pierre Cote, Yaohua He, Sheilah Hogg-Johnson,Frank Silver and Susan Bondy. “Risk of Vertebrobasilar Stroke and Chiropractic Care”. SPINE (2008) 45: S176-S193
Dabbs, V., DC, and W. J. Lauretti, DC. “A Risk Assessment of Cervical Manipulation vs. NSAIDs for the Treatment of Neck Pain.” J Manipulative Physiol Ther 18.8 (1995): 530-36.Print.
Hayes, N, Bezilla, T. “Incidence of iatrogenesis Associated with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment of Pediatric Patients”. Journal of the American Osteopath Association. 2006,106: 605-608
Todd, AJ, Carroll, MT, Mitchell, EK. “Forces of Commonly Used Chiropractic Techniques for Children: A review of the literature”. J. Manipulative Physiology Therapeutic. 2016 July -Aug 39(6) 401-10.
Pregnancy and the Webster Technique
Ohm, Jeanne, DC, and Joel Alcantara, DC. “The Webster Technique: Definition, Application and Implications.” J. Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health May.10 (2012): 49-53. Print.
Sadr, Shabnam, Neda Pourkiani-Allah-Abad, and Kent Stuber. “The Treatment Experience of Patients with Low Back Pain during Pregnancy and Their Chiropractors: A Qualitative Study.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 20.1 (2012): 32. Print.
FAQs
How does chiropractic care help with pain relief?
Chiropractic care focuses on identifying and correcting misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, which can cause pain and discomfort. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors restore proper alignment, reducing nerve interference and promoting the body's natural healing abilities.
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Yes, chiropractic care for children is safe and gentle. Pediatric chiropractors use specialized techniques tailored to the unique needs of children. Early chiropractic intervention can help address issues like postural imbalances, colic, and sleeping difficulties, fostering optimal growth and development.
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Absolutely. Chiropractic has been found to be very beneficial to the overall comfort of mom during pregnancy. It can help with the general pains associated with pregnancy, as well as help to optimize the biomechanics of the pelvis to help make delivery a bit smoother. Chiropractors will usually alter their adjusting technique to accommodate the changes to the body during pregnancy.
I don't like the "cracking" sound, can I still get adjusted?
Absolutely. While manual adjustments certainly are the most common, instrument adjustments are widely utilized in Dr. Renee's practice. She will always give the patient the option to get a non-manual adjustment, which eliminates the "cracking" noise.
How long will I need to wait for an appointment?
Most appointments can be made for the same day or the following day, depending on patient care hours, and availability. Specific blocks are available for an Initial Consultation every day, meaning availability can vary. Online booking is available, with booking accepted until 1 hour before the appointment time. If you are trying to book within the hour cut-off, please contact the office to book your appointment over the phone.
Are appointments required?
Yes, appointments are required. If you are in the area and are looking to get onto the schedule, just call the office and they will see what Dr. Renee's availability is like.
Why is a credit card required to book?
Credit cards are required to book as a way to guarantee your appointment. This was made necessary by the number of no-show visits that have occurred over the last several years. The card is merely an insurance policy, and will only be charged without explicit patient consent if there is a no-show for an appointment.
What types of adjustments does Dr. Renee do?
Dr. Renee has a variety of different techniques that she uses, see "Techniques Used" for information about them. Dr. Renee always takes patient comfort into account when deciding on a particular course of care, and values patient feedback. If a patient is uncomfortable with a certain manner of adjusting, or has any significant health history that could be worsened by a specific type of adjustment, Dr. Renee is always willing and able to make changes to her techniques.
Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
Dr. Renee will typically perform a complaint-based adjustment on the first visit, however that is not a guarantee. If she decides that imaging is required prior to any adjusting, she will postpone the adjustment until she has had the chance to review that imaging. Dr. Renee does reserve the right to decide on a case-by-case basis if an adjustment on the first visit is appropriate.
How often will I need to come in for my appointments?
The frequency of appointments is initially determined based on the exam findings, the spinal scan results, and Dr. Renee's professional experience. Through the course of your care plan, re-evaluations will dictate the decreases in your frequency with the ultimate goal of transitioning you to a wellness plan or a "maintenance plan" that requires very few appointments. In order to get to this phase, a higher frequency of visits may be required initially, though this is not always the case. If you have any concerns about potential plans of care, please speak to Dr. Renee.
How often will my progress be assessed?
After the initial visit, the progress of each patient will be reassessed periodically. Typically a re-evaluation is performed by Dr. Renee every 12 visits. Re-assessments must be performed within 24 visits as per College of Chiropractors of Ontario standards of practice.
Will my extended benefits cover my care?
It is recommended that you check with your insurance company to see if you have coverage for chiropractic. We do not directly bill extended benefits companies on behalf of the patient; however, we can provide you with an invoice that you can submit to your insurance company and be reimbursed if you do have coverage. You should also check with your extended benefits about whether a medical referral is needed to have care covered.
Is there a cancellation policy?
There is no penalty for cancelling an appointment; we only ask that you give us a call to inform us that you no longer need the appointment. A credit card number is required to book any visit online to deter no-shows, which have unfortunately been rising recently. If a patient no-shows, they will be charged.
