Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Gaucher Disease and Chiropractic-Is it Safe???



People suffering from Gaucher Disease are often susceptible to fractures and bone pains, including the neck and spine.  The disease is characterized by gene mutations that cause abnormal breakdown of sugar-lipid combinations in the body.  Because of this breakdown, they have an increased chance of bone fractures.  Often times patients with Gaucher Disease believe they are not a candidate for chiropractic care.  There is a common belief that chiropractic adjustments are too forceful for their delicate spines.  However, the truth couldn't be more opposite of this.  Because chiropractors specialize in specific and precise techniques, there is little to no risk for these patients.  Especially seeking a chiropractor who is trained in upper cervical care can provide much needed pain relief for those suffering with Gaucher Disease.

In 2017, a study was published following an 8-month old patient with Gaucher disease.  He was constantly sick, had chronic pain at that young of an age, and difficulty breathing, always extending his head backwards (likely as a pain response), and was diagnosed as failure to thrive.  His quality of life was poor as an infant.  His chiropractor found several subluxations throughout the neck and spine, and were adjusted often.  After only one month of receiving chiropractic care, the child had already gained control over his body, stopped extending his head backwards, and has relief in his breathing difficulties.  He appeared to be in much less pain.  What a fantastic turn around for a patient who would have been set up for a life of pain, medications, and low quality of life.

No matter what the disease is, specific chiropractic adjustments will improve the nervous system function and allow patients to live the life they have always wanted!

Yours in health,

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556


"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV


Callaway, L., DC, & Ray, S. L., MS. (2017). Improvement in health outcomes for an infant with type 2 Gaucher disease undergoing chiropractic care: A case report. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, 147-150.