Height Loss in Older Men Tied to Heart, Death Risks

Shrinking 3 centimeters or more may trigger bone loss that increases chance of illness, study suggests

TUESDAY, Dec. 12 (HealthDay News) — Men who grow significantly shorter as they age are at increased risk for heart disease and death, a new British study says.

The 20-year study of 4,213 men — who were 60 to 79 years old when the study ended — found that those who’d lost 3 centimeters or more of height were about 64 percent more likely to die and also more likely to suffer coronary heart diseases events than men who lost less than 1 centimeter of height.

The findings were published Dec. 11 in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.

Cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and other non-cancer diseases accounted for most of the additional deaths in the men who lost 3 centimeters or more of height.

The reasons for the association between height loss and increased risk of illness and death aren’t clear, said the researchers from the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London. Its possible there could be an underlying mechanism that contributes to both bone loss, which results in height loss, and heart disease and other illnesses, the researchers said.

Many men and women become shorter as they age, due to changes in bone, muscles and joints. A small amount of height loss is normal, but more significant height loss may be a sign of osteoporosis. Major height loss can cause problems with breathing and digestion, resulting in poor eating habits and weight loss, according to background information in the article.

More information: The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about age-related changes in body shape.

Robert Preidt, American Medical Association, news release, Dec. 11,2006

As the spine gets out of it’s normal position, it immediately begins to deteriorate or as the article states – see “changes in bone, muscle, and joints – that leads to bone loss and shrinking.”

These studies on Chiropractic are only pertinent if you perform the type of Chiropractic care and rehabilitation performed in this office. Corrective care techniques like ours and the rehabilitation we do restore normal curves and angles, reduce subluxation, and cause SPINAL REGENERATION WHICH EQUALS A RESTORATION OF NORMAL “HEIGHT” TO THE SPINE AND BODY.

See article on spinal rehab and regeneration below.

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SUBLUXATION

Vertebral Subluxation: The Key Cause of Interference

In popular wellness, it is well understood that poor nutrition, stress, or a lack of exercise can interfere with health (normal function). But spinal interference would certainly create a more damaging effect on overall health, since it would strike right at the core of what causes the body to function.

Take, for example, the unfortunate case of Christopher Reeve. A fall off of a horse jarred his head and caused a vertebra in his upper neck to become fractured and misplaced. As a result, all function in the body was compromised or stopped altogether. In accidents of this nature it’s clear, without spinal column integrity, there’s nothing that can be done to create wellness.

This is a telling example of the horrifying effects of something called vertebral subluxation. Vertebral subluxation is any minor or major misalignment of an individual spinal vertebra or several vertebrae (global subluxation). These misalignments, which can be so small that they have to be measured with an instrument, invade the spinal cord space, put pressure on the spinal cord, compress nerves, and/or push soft tissue out of the way and into delicate neurological tissue. Subluxations at the top of the spine, like the one Christopher Reeve suffered, also cause pressure or damage to the brain stem —the area of the nervous system responsible for breathing, heart rate, and many vital automatic functions. The upper cervical spine and brain stem area is so sensitive that Reeve’s doctors said you could cover up the damage to his cord and brain stem with the width of the tip of your pinky (approximately one centimeter).

Vital information travels from the brain and spinal cord to all of the parts of the body. Not only does information travel down the nerve, but also information from the peripheral parts of the body is sent back to the brain and spinal cord at the same time. When this information is interfered with [by vertebral subluxation], a problem arises in the body.

— Dr. Daniel J. Murphy

Vertebral subluxation and the accompanying poor posture and positive x-ray findings are caused by a number of very common sources:

• A challenging birth process (particularly with medical intervention).
• Falls and collisions as a child.
• Sports injuries.
• Auto accidents and other traumas.
• Poor posture (computer work, long-distance driving, position at work, etc.)
• Improper sitting and sleeping positions (includes pillow and mattress problems).
• The viscero-somatic reflex: organ problems (viscero) triggering skeletal problems (soma)
• Any physical, mental, or chemical stress (chemical stress is caused primarily by processed foods, medications, and environmental toxins).
• Lack of exercise: weak or tight muscles.

When interfering with the central nervous system, these subluxations can be a severe deterrent to health and wellness. When you interrupt the brain-body connection, you throw the entire body out of balance. As a result, chaos and disorder erupt and your internal environment is no longer conducive to cellular harmony and well-being, resulting in a state of dis-ease.

With the level of inactivity and mental, physical, and chemical stress that exist in the world today, the presence of spinal misalignment is epidemic.

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Subluxation Degeneration

According to the laws of physics (Wolf’s law), the longer vertebral subluxation exists, the more damage it creates. Wolf’s law shows us that degenerative arthritis begins to kick in when there is any unequal pressure for any amount of time on a bone. Therefore, the longer subluxation exists, the more degeneration and damage to the spine and sensitive central nervous system.

Organs are “organ-ized” cell systems. The longer these systems have to deal with a chaotic disorganization, toxic environments, and a lack of balance, the more damage is done. A dis-organ-ized state is a dis-ease state.

Important note: As I mentioned earlier, a lack of pain does not mean you’re well. This is particularly true of vertebral subluxation, as it is not normally accompanied by back pain. By the time there is pain, there is damage. (Most people are shocked to find that although the pain just began, their MRIs or x-rays reveal significant long-term damage due to the effects of subluxation degeneration.) It would be a very dangerous assumption to think that because your back doesn’t hurt then spinal problems don’t exist.

Who knows what might have been the outcome for Christopher Reeve and the thousands like him if there had been normal spinal alignment prior to their accidents and the maximum ability to absorb forces existed? Potentially, these incidents could have gone from deadly events to just another fall as they do tens, hundreds, and thousands of time a day. Correction prior to pain gives you your best chance for wellness, prevention, and safety.

Christopher Kent, D.C.
January 27, 2006

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A three-dimensional model of vertebral subluxation

Vertebral subluxation represents the heart and soul of chiropractic.

It is our "raison d'etre" as a profession. Yet, to many chiropractors, it remains a clinical conundrum. I believe that the controversy and confusion surrounding the chiropractic concept of vertebral subluxation is due to the lack of an operational definition which is compatible with most techniques.

A review of models of vertebral subluxation has been published elsewhere ⁽¹⁾. However, regardless of the elegance of a theoretical model, it must be capable of being operationalized if it is to be used to develop clinical strategies.

The three-dimensional model was developed as an initial step in the operational definition of vertebral subluxation. It incorporates traditional chiropractic constructs, and serves as a bridge to contemporary technology.

As Lantz noted, "Common to all concepts of subluxation are some form of kinesiologic dysfunction and some form of neurologic involvement." ⁽²⁾

The 3-D model of vertebral subluxation has three components. Each component may be reliably measured using appropriate instrumentation. These measurements provide objective evidence concerning manifestations of vertebral subluxation. The three components are:

1. DYSKINESIA. Dyskinesia refers to distortion or impairment of voluntary movement ⁽³⁾. Spinal motion may be reliably measured using inclinometry ⁽⁴⁾. Alterations in regional ranges of motion are associated with subluxation ⁽⁵⁾.
2. DYSPONESIS. Dysponesis is abnormal involuntary muscle activity. Dysponesis refers to a reversible physiopathologic state, consisting of errors in energy expenditure which are capable of producing functional disorders. Dysponesis consists mainly of covert errors in action potential output from the motor and premotor areas of the cortex and the consequences of that output. These neurophysiological reactions may result from responses to environmental events, bodily sensations, and emotions. The resulting aberrant muscle activity may be evaluated using surface electrode techniques ⁽⁶⁾. Typically, static SMEG with axial loading is used to evaluate innate responses to gravitational stress ⁽⁷⁾.
3. DYSAUTONOMIA. The autonomic nervous system regulates the actions of organs, glands, and blood vessels. Acquired dysautonomia may be associated with a broad array of functional abnormalities ^{(8,9,10,11,12.13)}. Autonomic dystonia may be evaluated by measuring skin temperature differentials ⁽¹⁴⁾. Uematsu et al determined normative values for skin temperature differences based upon asymptomatic "normal" individuals. The authors stated, "These values can be used as a standard in assessment of sympathetic nerve function, and the degree of asymmetry is a quantifiable indicator of dysfunction...Deviations from the normal values will allow suspicion of neurological pathology to be quantitated and therefore can improve assessment and lead to proper clinical management." ⁽¹⁵⁾ Skin temperature differentials are associated with vertebral subluxation ⁽¹⁶⁾.

This three-dimensional model may be used with any technique which has, as its objective, the detection, management, or correction of vertebral subluxation. Correction of vertebral subluxation facilitates the restoration of proper tone throughout the nervous system.

Health is dependent upon maintaining appropriate tone in the nervous system. As D.D. Palmer explained, "Life is action governed by intelligence. Intelligent life, the soul, depends upon the execution of functions. Functions performed by normal energy is health. Disease is the result of the performance of functions above or below a normal degree of activity. Impulses properly transmitted through nerves, result in functions being normally performed, a condition which results in health." ⁽¹⁷⁾

The ability to maintain tone requires a nervous system free of interference. Restoration of tone is dependent upon correction of vertebral subluxations. Alterations in the tone of the somatic system may be objectively evaluated using surface EMG. Altered autonomic tone may be evaluated using skin temperature measurements. Changes in ranges of motion may be measured to assess dyskinesia. Such objective assessments have the potential to make chiropractic the dominant strategy of 21st century health care.

^References

1. ^{Kent C: "Models of vertebral subluxation: a review." Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1996;1(1):11.}
2. ^{Lantz CA: "The subluxation complex." In: Gatterman MI (ed): "Foundations of Chiropractic Subluxation." Mosby, St. Louis, MO, 1995.}
3. ^{"Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary." 25th edition. WB Saunders Company. 1995.}
4. ^{Saur PM, Ensink FB, Frese K, et al: "Lumbar range of motion: reliability and validity of the inclinometer technique in the clinical measurement of trunk flexibility." Spine 1996;21(11):1332.}
5. ^{Blunt KL, Gatterman MI, Bereznick DE: "Kinesiology: an essential approach toward understanding the chiropractic subluxation." Chapter 11. In: Gatterman MI (ed): "Foundations of Chiropractic Subluxation." Mosby, St. Louis, MO. 1995.}
6. ^{Whatmore GB, Kohi DR: "Dysponesis: a neurophysiologic factor in functional disorders." Behav Sci 1968;13(2):102.}
7. ^{Kent C: "Surface electromyography in the assessment of changes in paraspinal muscle activity associated with vertebral subluxation: a review." Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1997;1(3):15.}
8. ^{Backonja M-M: "Reflex sympathetic dystrophy/sympathetically mediated pain/causalgia: the syndrome of neuropathic pain with dysautonomia." Seminars in Neurology 1994;14(3):263.}
9. ^{Goldstein DS, Holmes C, Cannon III RO, et al: "Sympathetic cardioneuropathy in dysautonomias." New Engl J Med 1997;336(10):696.}
10. ^{Vassallo M, Camilleri M, Caron BL, Low PA: "Gastrointestinal motor dysfunction in acquired selective cholinergic dysautonomia associated with infectious mononucleosis." Gastroenterology 1991;100(1):252.}
11. ^{Baron R, Engler F: "Postganglionic cholinergic dysautonomia with incomplete recovery: a clinical, neurophysiological and immunological case study." J Neurol 1996;243:18.}
12. ^{Soares JLD: Disautonomias. "Acta Medica Portuguesa" 1995;8(7- 8):425. Written in Portuguese. English abstract.<}
13. ^{Stryes KS: "The phenomenon of dysautonomia and mitral valve prolapse." J Am Acad Nurse Practitioners 1994;6(1):11.}
14. ^{Korr IM. The Collected Papers of Irvin M. Korr. American Academy of Osteopathy. Indianapolis, IN. 1979.}
15. ^{Uematsu S, Edwin DH, Jankel ER, et al: "Quantification of thermal asymmetry." J Neurosurg 1988;69:552.}
16. ^{Kent C, Gentempo P: "Instrumentation and imaging in chiropractic: a centennial retrospective." Today's Chiropractic 1995;24(1):32.}
17. ^{Palmer DD: "Text-book of the Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic for Students and Practitioners." Portland Printing House Company. Portland, OR. 1910. Page 661.}

^{Haldeman, S. Neurologic Effects of the Adjustment. JMPT 2000;23
Lantz, C.A. The vertebral subluxation complex. Part 2: The neurophysiological and myopathological components. CRJ 1990; 1 (4)
Bolton, P. Reflex Effects of Vertebral Subluxations: The Peripheral Nervous System JMPT 2000; 23 (2)
The Association of Chiropractic Colleges Guidelines for Subluxation: A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health."}

^{Grostic, JD. “Dentate Ligament-Cord Distortion Hypothesis.” Chiro Research Journal 1988 1(1):47-55
Crow HS, Kleinman T. “Upper Cervical Influence on the Reticular System.” The Upper Cervical Monograph 1991 5(1): 12-14
Abbot K: “Foramen magnum and high cervical cord lesions simulating degenerative disease of the nervous system.” Ohio State Medical Journal 1950; 46:645-647
Sweat R, Sievert T. “Chiropractic and Vertebral Arteries Part 1& 2.” Today’s Chiropractic, Sept/Oct, 1984 45-48 & Nov/Dec, 1984 23-24.}

^{Wolf’s Law of Physics
Lantz, C.A. The Subluxation Complex in: Foundations of Chiropractic: Subluxation, Meridel Gatterman, Editor. Mosby Year Book. January 1995
Lantz, C.A. Immobilization Degeneration and the Fixation Hypothesis of the Chiropractic Subluxation. Chiropractic Research Journal. Vol. 1 No. 1. 1988}

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Chiropractic Cuts Blood Pressure

Study Finds Special 'Atlas Adjustment' Lowers Blood Pressure
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Medical News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

March 16, 2007 -- A special chiropractic adjustment can significantly lower high blood pressure, a placebo-controlled study suggests.

"This procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination," study leader George Bakris, MD, tells WebMD. "And it seems to be adverse-event free. We saw no side effects and no problems," adds Bakris, director of the University of Chicago hypertension center.

Eight weeks after undergoing the procedure, 25 patients with early-stage high blood pressure had significantly lower blood pressure than 25 similar patients who underwent a sham chiropractic adjustment. Because patients can't feel the technique, they were unable to tell which group they were in.

X-rays showed that the procedure realigned the Atlas vertebra -- the doughnut-like bone at the very top of the spine -- with the spine in the treated patients, but not in the sham-treated patients.

Compared to the sham-treated patients, those who got the real procedure saw an average 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number).

None of the patients took blood pressure medicine during the eight-week study.

"When the statistician brought me the data, I actually didn't believe it. It was way too good to be true," Bakris says. "The statistician said, 'I don't even believe it.' But we checked for everything, and there it was."

Bakris and colleagues report their findings in the advance online issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension.

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Atlas Adjustment and Hypertension

The procedure calls for adjustment of the C-1 vertebra. It's called the Atlas vertebra because it holds up the head, just as the titan Atlas holds up the world in Greek mythology.

Marshall Dickholtz Sr., DC, of the Chiropractic Health Center, in Chicago, is the 84-year-old chiropractor who performed all the procedures in the study. He calls the Atlas vertebra "the fuse box to the body."

"At the base of the brain are two centers that control all the muscles of the body. If you pinch the base of the brain -- if the Atlas gets locked in a position as little as a half a millimeter out of line -- it doesn't cause any pain but it upsets these centers," Dickholtz tells WebMD.