Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls | Dr. Casey Weerheim, DC

Products And Services

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  Asthma Chiropractor

  Asthma involves both the lungs and the immune system and has become one of the most common illnesses in the United States. It is also one of the most costly. Around 17 million Americans suffer from asthma at an annual cost of over $13 billion. More than 10 million missed school days each year, and Asthma is responsible for more hospitalizations than any other childhood disease. Asthma causes close to 5,000 deaths annually in the United States, and it is one of the rare health problems with an increasing death rate. Even though asthma is a common condition, if is far from simple. The airways become narrow and obstructed due to a combination of muscle spasm, inflammation, and excess mucus production during an asthma attack. The symptoms, which vary among those those who are asthmatic, can include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and chronic (regular) coughing. Asthma attacks are started by any condition that causes airway inflammation.Those triggers can be very different among asthma sufferers but usually include environmental irritants like dust mites, animal dander, pollen, mold, pollution, smoke, exercise, cold air, or intense emotions. The Brain Stem and Breathing   The nervous system is very complex, and is designed to control and coordinate all of the critical functions of the body. One of those functions is to control the respiratory system and lungs. People can go up a flight of stairs, run, swim, or ride a bike without even thinking about their breathing. That is because the respiratory center (housed in the brain stem) is responsible for modifying the rate of breathing to the demands of the body. This ensures that proper oxygen and carbon dioxide levels remain stable even during strenuous exercise. Asthma and Allergies Many individuals with asthma also have allergies which are not the same thing. However, they are related. Allergens like pollen, animal dander, mold, and dust mites can worsen asthma symptoms by increasing the inflammation in the airways, making them more sensitive. Unfortunately, these conditions are often common in South Dakota. Common Medical Treatments for Asthma The most common medical treatments for asthma include anti-inflammatory drugs, inhaled corticosteroids, or long-acting bronchodilators. These may include Singulair, Albuterol, Ventolin, Atrovent and Prednisone. Possible Causes for Asthma While the exact cause of asthma is still unknown, many researchers believe that asthma is caused by a disturbance of the respiratory center within the brain stem. In fact, one study suggests this is the "common denominator" and basic underlying mechanism in all varieties of asthma. This disturbance is believed to cause the muscles of the airway to contract thus restricting the flow of air in the lungs. Upper Cervical Chiropractor and the Brain Stem Misalignments of the top two vertebrae (bones) in the cervical spine (neck) can cause disturbances within the brain stem and respiratory center. Multiple studies have shown that upper cervical care dramatically improves lung function. A recent published report documents that each asthma patient in the study improved between 87 and 100 percent with upper cervical care. By alleviating the misallignment in the Upper Cervical region of the spine through chiropractic technique, Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls can help asthma patients.

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  Depression Chiropractor

  Depression Chiropractic Care Millions of stressed out Americans take pills daily hoping for some kind of magic that will make their life a little less stressed, a little easier. They think that maybe this pill, that white powder, or these capsules will make them feel better once they dissolve in their stomach, enter the blood stream, travel to the brain that it will do something, do anything to relieve their present state of dis-ease. Can anyone miss the heavy advertising on television of the various antidepressants? As you watch these advertisements, note the cautious language they use in suggesting that depression "may" be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Then they go on to tell you how the medication "can correct" this biochemical imbalance. Antidepressant pharmaceuticals are a multi-billion dollar industry, and what many Americans don't know is that there has never been definitive research that proves that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The problem with the theory that depression is a consequence of a "chemical imbalance in the brain" is that depression can be both triggered by and resolved by life events. In fact, the relationship between brain chemistry and life experience is a two-directional phenomenon: life experience affects brain chemistry at least as much as brain chemistry affects life experience. A true diagnosis of major depression involves some combination of most of the following: loss of interest in everything, inability to feel pleasure of any kind, self-hatred or guilt, inability to concentrate, sleeping all the time or sleeplessness, dramatic weight gain or loss,and suicidal actions or thoughts. Truly depressed people do not smile or laugh; they may not talk; they are not fun to be with; they do not wish to be visited. They may not eat and sometimes have to be fed with feeding tubes to keep then alive, and they exude a palpable sense of pain. Depression is a thing unto itself, an undeniably medical and physical affliction. A Growing Trend   More that 10 million children in the United States have been pre-scribed psychiatric drugs. These drugs include antidepressants, addictive stimulants, and other psychotropic (mind-altering) drugs for behavioral and educational problems. In 2003, the FDA approved Prozac* for treating depression in people 18 years and younger. However, reports of young people attempting or committing suicide while using the drug became too numerous to ignore. The following year, the FDA reviewed 24 studies and concluded that the drugs in question doubled the risk for suicidal behavior. By 2004, the FDA ordered that the most serious alerts, called "black-box warnings," be added to all antidepressant drug labels. This warning clearly states that antidepressants raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and hostile behavior in children and adolescents. In spite of the evidence and clear warnings, preschoolers are now the fastest growing age group taking antidepressants. Health or Money? David Healy, in Let Them Eat Prozac (NYU Press, 2004), calls it "a creation of depression on so extraordinary and unwarranted a scale as to raise questions about whether pharmaceutical and other health care companies are more wedded to making profits from health than contributing to it" Dr. Irving Kirsh, a University of Connecticut psychology professor had to use the Freedom of Information Act to extract startling information from the Food and Drug Administration. In over 50% of the trials used by the FDA to approve the six leading antidepressants, the drugs failed to outperform the placebo sugar pill. Upper Cervical Chiropractor For Depression While science has not determined the exact cause of depression, research has pointed towards a likely involvement of the brain stem and upper cervical spine in many mood disorders. In fact, the brain stem (whose lower portion is located in the uppermost part of the spine) is involved in the regulation and control of brain chemistry as well many other vital functions. Even a mild concussion to the head, neck or upper back can increase the risk of depression. Studies show that depression is a common diagnosis in patients with whiplash, an injury that can directly affect the upper neck and lower brain stem. Following the trauma, mood disorders can be triggered immediately, or they can take months or even years to develop. Exciting new studies show "significant improvement" in depression test scores after specific upper cervical corrections. This noninvasive and safe alternative should be the beginning point for all who believe that they are suffering from depression.

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  Digestive Disorders Chiropractor

  Digestive Disorders Chiropractic Care For most South Dakotans, digestion is a natural process that is taken for granted. However, there are millions of Americans who are not as fortunate.When the digestive process goes awry, it can result in any number of digestive disorders. All of these digestive problems can interfere with every aspect of their lives. While the list of digestive disorders is vast and varied, some of the more common disorders include colic, constipation, Crohn's disease, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome. A common component of many of these can be described as a nervous system that is "out of sync." Every section of the Gl tract is prone to its own unique disorder - some are merely annoying, such as heartburn, stomach small intestine colon while others can be painful or even debilitating with cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or bleeding. If the condition persists, it can undermine a per-son's overall health, and, in some cases, threaten their lives. The brain stem has an effect on all the major organs of the body, including the stomach. Medical Treatments vs. Chiropractor Many sufferers attempt to treat their symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. If this fails, they are typically given prescription drugs or steroids. As a last resort, surgery may be recommended to repair or remove a section of the digestive tract. However, the Physician's Desk Reference reveals that the drugs used to treat digestive disorders can have potentially dangerous side effects. Some may cause further digestive distress. Digestive Disorders and The Brain Stem Research and clinical evidence continues to suggest that a malfunctioning nervous system may be a crucial factor in the development of many digestive issues. Much of the control of the digestive system is under the primary control of the brain stem via the vagus nerve. The brain stem is the control center for digestion. It works very much like a telephone cable with thousands of individual wires or nerve fibers, sending signals back and forth between the brain and brain stem to the digestive systems. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) can interfere with the function of the brain stem, which can be a critical factor in many health problems, including digestive disorders. These misalignments may be caused by a number of things, including bumps, falls, sports injuries, car accidents, birth trauma and emotional stress. Health problems may appear immediately after the injury or many years later. Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls is a chiropractor with experience in helping patients with digestive disorders through alignment of the upper cervical spine.

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  Fibromyalgia Chiropractor

  Fibromyalgia Chiropractic Care Dr. Casey of Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls sees many patients who suffer from a debilitating condition called Fibromyalgia (FM). Most FM patients suffer with stiffness, chronic pain, burning in the neck, shoulders, lower back and hips. Others experience depression, numbness, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, dizziness, sleeping disorders, or headaches. Even minor exertion can aggravate the pain and increase fatigue. Statistics show that fibromyalgia is one of the most common musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorders in America. It affects up to 10% of the population, occurring most frequently in women between the ages 20-50. Sufferers of fibromyalgia usually try the most common medical treatments - pain killers, muscle relaxants, antidepressant drugs, sleeping pills, corticosteroid injections and, in extreme cases, surgery. Unfortunately, the Physician's Desk Reference reveals that drugs used to have potentially dangerous can treat fibromyalgia side effects. Fibromyalgia and Neck Injuries   Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, numerous studies and clinical trials show that FM often develops after traumatic neck injuries. Fibromyalgia is 13 times more likely to occur following a neck injury. Nearly 70% of the fibromyalgia patients at Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls could relate the start of their fibromyalgia symptoms to a specific injury to their neck.These injuries can be caused by car accidents, sports or on-the-job injuries, repetitive stress, falls, or even birth trauma. Renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Rosner, states that when the neck is hyperextended backward, the spinal canal narrows, impacting the spine and brain stem. This can occur in cases of whiplash in automobile accidents, extended dental work in which the head is bent back, or severe bouts of coughing. Even activities like painting a ceiling can cause injury to the neck that may lead to fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia and the Brain Stem The brain stem, which can be compared to a telephone cable with thousands of individual wires or nerve fibers sending signals between the brain and the body controls nearly all vital bodily functions. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) can affect the function of the brain stem, which can be a critical factor in the development of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Trauma or compression of the upper neck can cause the same symptoms seen in fibromyalgia or CFS patients. These symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or several years later. Upper Cervical Chiropractor and Fibromyalgia Upper Cervical doctors are getting exceptional results with fibromyalgia patients. Clinical trials and case studies document the improvement fibromyalgia patients are making under upper cervical care.

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  High Blood Pressure Chiropractor

  High Blood Pressure Chiropractic Care Upper Cervical Procedure Offers Hope to Those With High Blood Pressure A non-invasive and drug-free procedure has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, according to an exciting study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension. The American Heart Association states that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined in an adult as a systolic pressure of 140 or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 or higher. Nearly one in three adults in the United States suffers with high blood pressure and over 50,000 people die each year as a result of this condition. In fact, what is more startling is that the actual number of deaths from high blood pressure rose 56% between 1994 and 2004, despite an increase in prescription drug use to combat hypertension. According to Dr. Thad Vuagniaux, Co-Founder of the Upper Cervical Health Centers", "the brain and brain stem play a vital role in the regulation of blood pressure. In order to have normal blood pressure, you must have proper communication between your brain and body. This is commonly referred to as "brain to body communication" When a misalignment occurs at the top of the neck, near the level of the brain stem, brain to body communication is affected and may result in high blood pressure." The Atlas vertebra, which is at the top of the neck, is not anchored like all the other bones in the spine. It relies solely on soft tissue (muscles and ligaments) to stay in place which makes it vulnerable or susceptible to a misalignment. In many patients, the Atlas can become displaced or misaligned without pain and therefore, often goes undetected and untreated. Dr. Vuagniaux states, "Upper cervical doctors have seen a link between injuries to the upper neck and high blood pressure for decades, but only recently has the medical profession begun to study how upper cervical care helps those suffering with high blood pressure! When a gentle and non-invasive upper cervical correction is made and the Atlas is repositioned properly, brain to body communication is restored, and the body begins to heal itself. "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."We were shocked to find out that we got more than double what we expected in blood pressure reduction." In the interview with WebMD, Dr. Bakris said, "It is pretty clear that some kind of head or neck trauma early in life is related to this." Upper cervical misalignments can be caused by falls, auto accidents, sports, on-the-job injuries, concussions, physical or emotional stress, poor posture, and even birth trauma.

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  Migraine Headache Chiropractor

  Migraine Headaches Chiropractic Care If you are currently living with migraine headaches, you know the classic symptoms of intense pain, extreme sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and vomiting. Some migraine sufferers also experience visual disturbances or auras, numbness, tingling, clumsiness, or have difficulty communicating. Typical medical treatments consist of both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. However, if you have seen the drug ads on TV or read the Physician's Desk Reference, you know that all of the common migraine drugs are potentially dangerous and can cause serious side effects. Migraines can be triggered by a number of factors including stress, excessive light or sound,fatigue, hunger, diet, hormonal changes, weather changes, caffeine, cigarette smoke, head trauma, neck movements, and even the use of a low pillow. However, it is important to understand that these "trigger factors" do not cause migraine headaches. Dr. Seymour Diamond, Executive Director of the National Headache Foundation, has announced that new imaging techniques now allow scientists to identify what they believe to be a cause of migraines: a malfunctioning brain stem. When the brain stem, located near the top of the neck malfunctions, it increases the swelling of blood vessels surrounding the brain, setting up a chain reaction that results in a migraine headache. Migraines and Upper Cervical Care Chiropractor A misalignment in the upper cervical spine (neck) can affect the function of the brain stem. This, in turn, can cause migraine headaches. Car accidents, sports or on-the-job injuries, physical or emotional stress, falls or even birth trauma can cause upper cervical misalignments. Brain Stem, Compressed Aligned Misaligned. Upper cervical doctors receive extensive training and education in both the upper cervical spine and the brain stem. They use the latest technology to analyze and correct upper cervical misalignments and achieve predictable results that heal. The goal of upper cervical is to correct spinal misalignment and to restore normal function to the brain stem or nervous system, thus correcting the cause of migraines instead of treating the symptoms. How Can An Upper Cervical Chiropractor Help Migraines? Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls, SD is dedicated to helping patients who suffer from migraines and other ailments and diseases caused by brain stem malfunction. For years, upper cervical doctors have been helping patients with migraine headaches. Results of upper cervical care have been so phenomenal that most migraine sufferers significantly improve in both the severity and frequency of their migraines. Most health insurance companies recognize the benefits of upper cervical care and include it in their coverage plans.

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  Multiple Sclerosis Chiropractor

  Multiple Sclerosis Chiropractic Care Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects the brain, brain stem and spinal cord. MS affects more than one million people around the world.This disease is unpredictable and varies in severity,from a mild illness in some patients to a permanent disability in others. Symptoms typically begin between ages 20 and 40, with women being afflicted twice as often as men. The most common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, difficulty walking, impaired balance, muscle weakness, visual disturbances and memory loss. Your central nervous system contains millions of nerve fibers that carry electrical impulses from your brain and brain stem to almost every tissue, organ and cell within your body. The degenerative process of MS is called demyelination. This is the destruction of the fatty substance, or myelin, which coats and protects the nerve fibers. This fatty substance functions much like to the insulation that shields electrical wires. In patients with MS, the body mistakenly destroys the myelin sheath, which becomes inflamed and swollen and detaches from the nerve fibers; then, firm or hardened (sclerosed) patches of scar tissue form over the fibers. Eventually, this damage slows or even blocks the nerve signals from the brain, brain stem and spinal cord that control muscle coordination, strength, sensation and vision.This results in some of the permanent disabilities that may develop in patients with MS. Medical Treatments for MS   According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the typical medical treatment for MS includes a variety of Interferon drugs (Avonex*, Rebif and Betaseron"), Copaxone", Novantrone* and Tysabri". For acute relapses, corticosteroids such as Prednisone are used, as well as muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, central nervous system stimulants and NSAIDS. Multiple Sclerosis for Physical Trauma For more than a century, physicians and scientists have unsuccessfully attempted to determine the exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis. The textbook Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatments states there are many factors, including trauma, that may trigger or precede exacerbation. An article in the European Journal of Neurology concluded that there is a definite sub group of MS patients where trauma, specifically whiplash of the neck, appears to worsen the natural course of MS. In susceptible individuals, these injuries might unleash critical changes in the central nerve system and trigger the onset of MS symptoms. Another expert on Multiple Sclerosis, Dr. Charles Poser of The Harvard Medical School, published a similar article entitled "Trauma to the Central Nervous System May Result in Formation or Enlargement of Multiple Sclerosis Plaques". A renowned expert, Poser also concluded that trauma to the head, neck, or upper back can act as a trigger for the appearance of new or recurrent symptoms in some patients with MS. He further stated that only trauma affecting the brain and/or spinal cord can be considered significant, as is the case in some whiplash injuries. At the very least, these studies have shown that trauma does indeed have a relationship with the aggravation or creation of MS. However, in this particular situation, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis may not develop for days, months, or even years after the injury. Upper Cervical Chiropractor Clinics and Multiple Sclerosis Some of the newest and most relevant research on upper cervical care has demonstrated the link between MS and the upper cervical spine. Although upper cervical care is not considered a cure for those with MS, the studies demonstrate the extreme benefits for those suffering with this debilitating neurological disease. A study published in 2005 revealed that 100% of the patients with Multiple Sclerosis had a history of upper cervical injuries whether months old or years old. Another recently published case study has shown that correction of upper neck injuries may reverse the progression of MS. The research was performed by Dr. Erin Elster, an upper cervical chiropractor. Through the use of upper cervical care, Elster corrected chronic upper neck injuries in a MS patient, which may have stimulated a reversal of his MS symptoms. These results have been duplicated in upper cervical centers across the country and have shown the same promising results. Elster's report was published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. It stated that, "According to medical research, head and neck injuries have long been considered a cause of Multiple Sclerosis. But this is the first research to show that correction of those injuries can have dramatic effects on reversing MS." In light of these recent reports, it is absolutely essential, if you have MS, that you have your spine and nervous system examined by an upper cervical chiropractor.

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  Seizure Disorder Chiropractor

  Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy Chiropractic Care Epilepsy is a relatively common condition affecting about 1% of the population with 125,000 new diagnoses made annually in the United States alone. Nearly 2.5 million Americans have epilepsy, and about 9% of the general population will have at least one seizure during their lives. Symptoms may include convulsions, staring, muscle spasms, odd feelings, or episodes of impaired consciousness. Seizures that occur more than once are called epilepsy. What Causes Seizures and Epilepsy?   Epilepsy occurs as a result of abnormal electrical activity within the brain. Brain cells communicate by sending electrical signals in an orderly pattern. In epilepsy, these electrical signals become abnormal, giving rise to an "electrical storm"that produces seizures. The cause of epilepsy and seizure disorders is poorly understood by the healthcare community, yet researchers continue to focus on trauma as a key player for many individuals. Regardless of age, an injury to the head or trauma to the neck and/or upper back can play a key role in the development of seizures. In certain pediatric cases, the injury may occur during the birthing process. After an injury, seizures may begin immediately or, in some cases, take months or years to develop. Common Medical Treatments for Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy According to the Physician's Desk Reference, the traditional drugs used to treat seizure disorders and epilepsy are associated with many adverse side effects; a number of them are potentially dangerous. A study published by the American Family Physician states that many of the drugs used to treat seizures and epilepsy fail to adequately control seizures, and 25 to 40% of patients with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite treatment with traditional antiepileptic drugs. Up to 61% of patients with seizures report having side effects with antiepileptic drugs. Newer antiepileptic drugs may be more effective, but their potential for serious side effects requires careful consideration of the risks verses benefits. Upper Cervical Injuries, Seizures and Epilepsy Without constant nerve signals from the brain stem into the cerebrum, the brain becomes useless. This can be a critical factor in the development of seizure disorders. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) can affect the function of the brain stem and trigger an "electrical storm" within the brain that could develop into seizures. Upper cervical care is a non-invasive form of healthcare that attempts to correct the trauma and nerve irritation to the nervous system and brain stem. Many of the patients at Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls recall a specific injury, which triggered the onset of their seizures, others do not. Whether or not trauma is a factor, it is important to be checked by an upper cervical doctor who can determine if a neurological problem in the upper neck could contribute to the seizures.