Spinal Adjustment and Addiction Treatment

A Specific Spinal Adjustment is the Latest Development in the Science of Treating Drug Addiction

SOURCE Dr. Russell Surasky

Triple board certified neurologist Dr. Russell Surasky is pioneering this procedure at a New York Based Treatment Center.

GREAT NECK, N.J., Oct. 14, 2019  

A chiropractic college and a long-established outpatient addiction treatment program have entered a unique partnership to offer spinal adjustments for reducing pain and improving brain/nervous system function in patients recovering from drug and alcohol dependency – an approach some experts are calling a "major leap forward" in the science of addictive care, says neurologist and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Russell Surasky. 

The pioneering agreement between New York Chiropractic College and the multi-center, New York-based Bridge Back to Life will provide a specific form of spinal adjustments in addition to cutting edge medications to help their patients heal from addiction. "Clinical research findings have shown that patients in treatment from addiction who receive certain types of spinal adjustments have higher rates of recovery than those who undergo only standard addiction therapies" says Dr. Russell Surasky, who serves as medical director of Bridge Back to Life.

"I truly believe that this agreement with the College will serve as a national model for drug rehabilitation centers throughout the country," Dr. Surasky concludes. "Not only can spinal adjustments reduce the chronic pain issues that may have led patients into drug addiction in the first place, but now we also have evidence that spinal adjustments actually accelerates the healing of the brain from addiction."

Dr. Surasky refers specifically to a study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, which shows that chemically dependent patients who received specific spinal adjustments as part of their treatment in recovery reported "less drug cravings and fewer mental health symptoms," Dr. Surasky notes. "Most significantly, 100 percent of the study patients who received chiropractic care completed the inpatient program, while about half of those who did not receive spinal adjustments dropped out prior to completion."

One of the most important indicators for a patient's success in recovery is the ability to remain in treatment, Dr. Surasky emphasizes. "A 100% retention rate in an addiction treatment program is, frankly, unprecedented."

The neurological pathways involved in addiction are complex and still not completely understood, but research and clinical experience indicate that it is the brains limbic system which becomes hijacked by drugs such as opiates and alcohol. The limbic system is an area of the brain that is located near the brainstem but also extends into the upper cervical spine. "The limbic system has widespread connections throughout the brain and is the most powerful driver of human behavior. The limbic system of the brain is precisely the region that gets hijacked by drugs of abuse, thereby perpetuating patients' cravings to keep using these drugs," Dr. Surasky explains.

The atlas bone (C1) at the top of the neck is what protects the limbic system and brain stem. When this Atlas bone of the neck is out of alignment it can have far reaching effects on the function of the brain and its limbic system. Safe, painless adjustments to the upper cervical spinal bones can help normalize the brain's limbic system.

According to Dr. Surasky "Cutting Edge Research done by Dr. Raymond Damadian (inventor of the MRI machine) has show that misalignments at the top of the neck cause disruptions in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid." The brain is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (csf) and the brain depends on CSF to carry away the iron deposition that builds up from normal brain metabolism. If a misalignment exists at the junction between the Atlas bone (C1) and the skull this could hinder the drainage of CSF. 

Mounting evidence that "gentle specific spinal adjustments of the upper cervical spine" can help reset and restore normal function to the brain. 

Chiropractic treatment can help so many things. Give us a call to find out how we can help you. 

Dr.Stephen Kelly 

Family First Chiropractic
www.family1stchiro.ca

403-347-3261

CranioSacral Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that may be experienced by anyone who has undergone a traumatic event. PTSD occurs when the body/mind has not yet recognized that a traumatic event is over. As a result, the body's sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) is activated and the body responds by continuously mobilizing muscles and other body systems for defense and/or numbing (a freeze response).

CranioSacral therapists have been treating people with PTSD for many years now.  The Upledger Institute has done studies with Vietnam veterans as well as Gulf War Veterans with very positive results. (http://www.upledger.org/programs/ptsd-relief.php).  But it is not only war that can cause PTSD any trauma can leave a lasting effect on the body.  

CranioSacral Therapy is an alternative approach to the treatment of PTSD involving gentle, non-invasive touch that supports the self-correcting ability of the body. Craniosacral Therapy works to support the part of the body that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral Therapy acknowledges that emotions can become locked in the body's connective tissues as emotional memories and emotional pain. A CranioSacral therapy approach can help release the energy the body may have retained after a traumatic physical or emotional experience. A Craniosacral Therapy session is deeply relaxing to the body's central nervous system as the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) is activated and balanced. In a parasympathetic state the body decreases production of the stress hormones linked to sleep and digestive problems and a suppressed immune system. It becomes easier for people receiving Craniosacral Therapy to remain more calm and focused.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Is it Time for A New Mattress

The value of a good night sleep goes far beyond the price of a new mattress. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a mattress. Your back will thanks you!

How well did you sleep through the week?

Quality of sleep has definite impact on quality of life, interactions socially or with family, and most importantly your general mood. Sleep deprivation is not only lack of sleep. It is also the quality of sleep throughout the night. Waking up every couple of hours effects the quality of sleep. At the work place Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased productivity, increased sick days, and increased risk of injury due to poor response time and accuracy.

Back pain can also be attributed to a poor night’s sleep. British Chiropractic Association (BCA) study in 2011 reported that 41% woman and 36% men claimed that back pain contributed to their back lack of sleep. If you’re consistently woken up with neck and/or back pain? You want to examine the quality of your mattress. The average night’s sleep is eight hours (one third of a day), one sleeps for one third of one’s life. If you life, say, 75 years, that’s 25 years asleep, or 9,125 days. This clearly is a reason why your mattress plays such an important role in maintaining your musculoskeletal (MSK) health. Here are some Tid Bits when purchasing a new mattress.

          1 – Beds tend to deteriorate after ten years. So, if you are waking up with a sore neck or back on repeated occasions, and mattress is over ten years old, consider buying a new mattress.

          2 – Chronic low back pain. Medium – firm mattress are better when compared to soft mattresses. Studies show that the quality of sleep can improve by 55% and back pain decrease by 48%.

          3 – Adjustable beds, according to an individual preference, can be associated with quality of sleep.

          4 – Mattresses that promote skin warming may improve the quality of sleep by reducing early morning awakening and enhancing a deeper sleep.

          5 – Soft mattresses decrease excessive compression forces on your joints. However, mattresses that are firm help maintain proper posture.

Keep in mind that each individual has a different body type. Saying this, take the time to try out the bed before buying and see if it’s right for you. Make sure you explore all the options and do the research to meet your specific needs. A good night’s sleep will ensure you can continue your daily activities and quality of life. Consider these tips before your purchase of your next mattress. Your back depends on it.

Dr. Elton Clemence D.C.

Dr. Elton Clemence practices at Family First Chiropractic, located at 142 Erickson Dr in  Red Deer, Ab. Cal us today to book an appointment 403-347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca