Vertigo, or dizziness, affects millions of people around the world each year.  In a majority of the cases, vertigo is nothing than a temporary inconvenience.  In some cases, vertigo is a debilitating condition.  Day-to-day activities is kept to a minimum due to the severe dizziness.

In many cases, the area of dysfunction in the nervous system is the cerebellum.  The cerebellum is in the posterior aspect (back part) of the brain and controls our coordinated movements.

There are specific neurological tests that the we utilize to determine cerebellar function.  Standing with your feet together and eyes closed, the test is positive if the patient sways back and forth.  Other tests include, touching the index finger to the nose with the eyes closed, walking heel to toe, moving the fingers rapidly as if playing the piano, or touching all of your fingers to your thumb as fast as possible.  These tests and others are used to determine the function of the cerebellum.

Treatment of the cerebellar dysfunction may include:

• Unilateral (one-sided) Adjustments:  Extremities (arms and legs), lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck) spine will be manipulated on one side only to fire muscle spindle cells (muscle receptors) and joint mechanoreceptors (joint receptors) into the same cerebellum and opposite cerebra cortex (brain).  The thoracic (mid-back) spine will be globally manipulated to fire the dorsal columns (back part of the spinal cord) and reduce rib fixations.

• Caloric:  A warm water caloric of 180 milliliters may be administered in the ear to stimulate the ipsilateral (same side) cerebellum.

• Eye Exercises:  Eye exercises may be used to increase the frequency of firing to the cerebellum and frontal lobe of the brain.

• Heat Therapy:  Heat therapy is used to promote an increased metabolic and healing rate to the involved tissue.  Increased heat helps increase activation to the brain.  Heat has immediate soothing and palliative effects as decreased joint stiffness, decreased muscle spasms and releases histamine and bradykinin causing vasodilation of the tissues.

One or all of the procedures may be employed to restore the cerebellum to its normal function.

If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for our breakthrough procedures for treating vertigo give us a call to schedule a free consultation call 865-577-2273.

               The spine consists of 24 vertebra, 7 cervical (or neck) vertebra, 12 thoracic (or upper back) vertebra, and 5 lumbar (or lower back) vertebra. Each vertebra is stacked on top of another with a disc between them to form a joint. When the spine is in proper alignment you have full range-of-motion at each joint and in the spine as a whole. A healthy spine has three curves which are visible on a lateral (or side-view) x-ray. You have a curve for your neck, your upper back and your lower back. These curves are normal and are essential for the spine to have full range-of-motion and flexibility.

            Problems arise when other curves are present in the spine. By taking an AP (or front view) x-ray of the spine we can determine if any of these unwanted curves exist. Scoliosis results when the spine takes on an “S” or “C” appearance due to abnormal curving. Curves of <10 degrees affect about 3-5 out of every 1,000 people. Scoliosis curves of <20 degrees affects men and women equally. Scoliosis normally develops or worsens during an adolescence growth spurt.

            Scoliosis may be present without any symptoms at all or may be accompanied by several. Many people notice that one shoulder or hip is higher than the other or they have a hump on one side of their back due to the rotation of the spine. As the spine curves the musculature tries to conform to the new curve producing muscle spasms which cause pain. If scoliosis is left untreated the curves will most likely worsen and pain may present by early adulthood.

            Scoliosis screening is performed by exposing the back and bending over to allow the doctor to view the spine. The doctor determines if the spine has any curves which require more evaluation. If the test is found to be positive, a posture evaluation and x-rays are needed. The most crucial time to perform the scoliosis screening is between 6^th and 8^th grade when the most growth occurs.

            The posture evaluation begins with the doctor checking for level shoulders and hips. The ribcage is examined for a prominent shoulder blade or rib humping due to rotation of the ribcage. The doctor observes the muscles of the back to determine if uneven musculature is present on one side when compared to the other.

            By performing x-rays the cause of the curvature can be determined. For example, the person may have an anomaly in the formation of their spine which causes the curvature. Muscle spasm and lifestyle may also be to blame. If a child carries a heavy backpack only on one shoulder a curvature may form over time. After discovering the cause, the treatment will be specially designed for that person. The severity of the curve can be established by drawing lines on the x-ray at the top and bottom of the curve to determine the angle. Traditionally bracing and therapy is used for curves <30 degrees. For curves 40-50 degrees, surgery is most likely required.  Scoliosis progression can be reversed or halted if diagnosis is made early. This is why it is important to have your spine and especially your child’s spine screened for scoliosis.

            Other medical and psychological problems my result if scoliosis is left untreated. Due to the rotation of the spine and ribcage, a person may suffer from diminished lung capacity, pressure on the heart or a restriction on their physical activity. Many children have self-esteem problems and may withdraw due to “feeling different” or being unable to play with the other children. With treatment the child could gain self confidence and be more outgoing. 

            You have many options when dealing with scoliosis. Chiropractic physicians, through adjustments, therapy and strengthening or stretching of specific muscles, can reduce or eliminate the pain and discomfort that is associated with scoliosis. In addition, the angle may be reduced in a person who has not reached skeletal maturity; which normally occurs around the age of 18-25. If scoliosis is diagnosed early a full recovery is possible. Medical doctors traditionally use braces to stop the curves from progressing or surgery to reverse curves. Bracing can cause discomfort and render the child unable to move about easily. If a curve is severe enough to warrant surgery, two metal rods are attached to the spine to correct the curve. Surgery should be considered a last resort because it is very painful, dangerous, and expensive. Once the rods are in place they can never be removed so the patient loses that flexibility and range-of-motion forever.

            Chiropractic physicians are excellent in the diagnosis, evaluation and management of scoliosis. We suggest that everyone periodically be screened for scoliosis. Scoliosis can exist at birth or develop over time. We recommend that children be screened on a yearly basis till skeletal maturity is reached, then every 3-5 years after. Over the years, we have treated many cases of scoliosis in children and have seen amazing results. 

To complicate matters, although sciatica pain is usually in the back of the legs or thighs, in some people it can be in the front or the side of the legs, or even in the hips. For some, the pain is in both legs – bilateral sciatica!

The quality of pain may vary. There may be constant throbbing, but then it may let up for hours or even days. It may ache or be knife-like. Sometimes postural changes, like lying down or changing positions, affect the pain, and sometimes they don’t. In severe cases, sciatica can cause a loss of reflexes or even a wasting of your calf muscles.

For sciatica sufferers, a good night’s sleep may be a thing of the past. Simple things like walking, sitting, or standing up can be difficult or impossible.

We take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of sciatica. After a thorough neurological examination we determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly. In many sciatica patients we may find a high mesencephalic output.

There are three parts to the brain stem: top, middle, and lower. The mesencephalon is the top part of the brain stem. A high output of the mesencephalon will cause an increased pulse and heart rate, inability to sleep or waking up from fitful sleep, urinary tract infection, increase warmth or sweating, and sensitivity to light.

Along with a high mesenphalic output, the sciatica patient may have a decreased output of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is in the back part of the brain, and it controls all of the involuntary spinal musculature.

No matter what the condition, it is imperative that the chiropractic neurologist performs a thorough and comprehensive exam to determine the exact nature of the patient’s condition.

If unhealthy, your neck’s normal forward curve may reduce, become straight or “military,” or even reverse its curve. Over time, arthritic changes in the vertebrae such as lipping or spurring (bony growths), disc-thinning or degeneration, or deterioration of muscles, ligaments and other structures may occur. However, in spite of all these changes, there may or may not be pain. In fact, studies show little or no correlation between the degree of pain felt in the neck and arthritis changes found on X-rays and MRI.

Lipping, spurring, and other irregularities (osteoarthritis) do not in themselves constitute a disease but are instead defense mechanisms that arise to stabilize an off-balance spine. Recent research has shown that manipulative care can reverse some of the effects of osteoarthritis – something that had previously been considered impossible.

I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of neck pain. After a thorough neurological examination I determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly. In many neck pain patients I may find a high mesencephalic output.

There are three parts to the brain stem: top, middle, and lower. The mesencephalon is the top part of the brain stem. A high output of the mesencephalon will cause an increased pulse and heart rate, inability to sleep or waking up from fitful sleep, urinary tract infection, increase warmth or sweating, and sensitivity to light.

Along with a high mesenphalic output, the neck pain patient may have a decreased output of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is in the back part of the brain, and it controls all of the involuntary spinal musculature.

The migraine headache is perhaps the best known special type of headache. It is really called the migraine syndrome. By syndrome we mean that a lot of things accompany the headache – all of them bad. Symptoms include dizziness, visual problems, “spots” before the eyes, redness, swelling, tearing of the eyes, muscle contraction, irritability, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. These symptoms often arise before the headache hits. The headache itself may last for a few minutes to a few days, and the severity may range from minor discomfort to immobilizing agony.

The migraine pain is most common in the temple, but it may be experienced anywhere in the head, face and neck.

A variety of headache, closely related to the migraine, is the cluster headache. Attacks come on abruptly with intense, throbbing pain arising high in the nostril and spreading to behind the eye on the same side. Sometimes, the forehead is also affected. The attacks tend to occur from once to several times daily in clusters lasting weeks, or even months. Without apparent reason, the cluster subsides as quickly as it began.

So what puts the ache in headache? The pain-sensitive structures of the head are the culprits. These are the arteries of the brain and skull, the tissues surrounding the head veins, the dura mata covering over the brain, and certain nerves called cranial nerves. When these parts are inflamed, stretched, pulled, or under pressure, any type of headache may be caused.

Migraine headaches can be classified into two types: classical and common. The classical migraine is a headache that follows an aura or some type of spontaneous event such as numbness or tingling. The aura may be flashes of light, squiggly lines, or a halo effect. The common migraine does not have an aura associated with it. Most people who suffer from migraines suffer from common migraines – usually at a 3:1 ratio.

Approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraines, and millions go without treatment. Scientists once thought migraines were caused by abnormally dilated or enlarged blood vessels. Now, new imaging devices have allowed them to watch brains during migraine attacks, and scientists are discovering that sufferers have abnormally excitable neurons or brain nerve cells.

The latest migraine research has yielded a mechanism called cortical spreading depression, or CSD. Prior to the onset of pain in a migraine, researchers have observed a sudden burst of cortical activity that occurs most commonly in the occipital lobes (back part of the brain). The occipital lobe will increase in frequency of firing, or have a burst of activity, and then there will be an episode of silence or depressed activity. The actual activity of the brain becomes depressed when compared to normal. The resulting pain comes from either the brain stem activation or from blood vessels inflamed by rapidly exchanging blood flow – or both.

I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of headaches and migraines. After a thorough neurological examination I determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly. In many headache and migraine patients I may find a high mesencephalic output.

There are three parts to the brain stem: top, middle, and lower. The mesencephalon is the top part of the brain stem. A high output of the mesencephalon will cause an increased pulse and heart rate, inability to sleep or waking up from fitful sleep, urinary tract infection, increase warmth or sweating, and sensitivity to light.

Along with a high mesenphalic output, the patient may have a decreased output of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is in the back part of the brain, and it controls all of the involuntary spinal musculature.

No matter what the condition, it is imperative that the chiropractic neurologist performs a thorough and comprehensive exam to determine the exact nature of the patient’s condition.

Pain is the most prominent symptom of Fibromaylgia. It usually affects the entire body, although it may start in one area, such as the neck and shoulders, and spread to other areas over a period of time. Fibromyalgia is a form of generalized muscular pain and fatigue. The name, Fibromyalgia, means pain in the muscles and the fibrous connective tissues (the ligaments and tendons).

You (or someone you know) may be experiencing moderate or severe fatigue with a lack of energy, decreased exercise endurance, or the kind of exhaustion that results from the flu or lack of sleep. Sometimes the fatigue is more of a problem than the pain. Headaches, especially tension and migraine headaches, are common in Fibromyalgia. Abdominal pain, bloating, alternating constipation, bladder spasms, and irritability may cause urinary urgency or frequency. Your skin and blood circulation can be sensitive to temperature changes, resulting in temporary changes in skin color.

Have you suffered with for a few months, a few years, or too many years to mention? Some may suffer only minor symptoms, while others (perhaps you or a loved one) feel the debilitating affects of Fibromyalgia and are kept from participating in their life, making even simple daily activities almost impossible.

Throughout my years in practice I have tried the full range of therapies and treatments available to me, with minimal improvement. I knew there had to be more, a method of treatment that could help them (and you!). I began searching to find the answer….and then….I found it. The answer to helping most Fibromyalgia symptoms. is Brain Based Therapy.

I found out about this breakthrough therapy from my friend and mentor Dr. Michael Johnson author of the alternative medicine best seller “What Do You Do When the Medications Don’t Work – A Non-Drug Treatment of Dizziness, Migraine Headaches, Fibromyalgia, and Other Chronic Conditions”. After talking with Dr. Johnson and studying his breakthrough techniques we have finally been able to help people with Fibromyalgia and many other chronic symptoms.

Is It Really That Simple?

Yes, for most people the answer is really that simple: Brain Based Therapy.

How Does This Work?

You are most likely starting to wonder “What is the treatment going to be like?”. I can tell you from personal experience and from watching patients and staff participate in the treatments, that they are beneficial and enjoyable.

Treatments can include one-sided adjustments, simple exercise, eye exercises, heat and other activities . These techniques coupled with a full neurological and nutritional workup have enabled us to help most of our patients to get rid of their chronic symptoms no matter how long they have been experiencing them.

One patient tells her story – “When it started, it was like kidney stone pain, like when I lay down my back felt like it would break in half. I had pain and stiffness in my legs and my neck. After my second child everything started to get worse. I got multiple MRI’s, every test under the sun, eight vials of blood from my arm. Nothing was coming up. One doctor said I have a “Lying disease”. I couldn’t get out of bed, and I felt like a 90 year old woman. I went to one chiropractor to get an adjustment and later that day when I went to the beach I couldn’t move from the neck down I as in so much pain. I had every anti-depressant or pain killer that one could get for fibromyalgia. I would rather have dug my own grave and jumped in it than to live another day that way. In 2 months time, I feel a good percentage better, and I’m off of every single drug that I was taking. Anybody that has anything fibro related, pain, fatigue, dizziness, you have to get your hands on them. I believed in you from the minute I left the office. Your dedication and how well you generally care about people, it shows, you help people, you’ve helped me. I am forever grateful.” – Michelle Holtzner

Imagine how different your life would be if you were free from the burdens that your fibromyalgia causes you.

No matter how it happened, if you fail to correct the problem, it can get much worse.