Erik Sorbo, DC Patricia Sorbo, DC, DICCP

(970) 356-5255 4731 W. 10th Street, Unit F. Greeley, CO 80634

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Chiropractic and Cancer

 

Cancer is an ugly, devastating disease and there is no pleasant way to discuss it.  On the surface, chiropractic may seem like an unlikely player in the cancer-care circle.  When we look a bit deeper, however, we find that chiropractic could have applications throughout all levels of care.  I will break our discussion down into three separate categories:  Palliative/Hospice care, Active Treatment and Prevention.

Palliative/Hospice care:

When cancer has spread to the point that further treatment is not expected to improve the situation, care is focused on making the individual as comfortable as possible to improve the quality of their remaining time with family.  Chiropractic care can play a powerful role in this stage by reducing pain and improving quality of life of terminal cancer patients.  There have been several research articles that have reported these benefits.  I personally saw this in my own practice last year when an individual with stage IV cancer came to our office with significant nausea and vomiting, unable to keep food down.  Following her first adjustment, and after subsequent adjustments, she began to see improvement in these symptoms and began to feel significantly better during her last few months. 

Active Treatment

To dispel any concerns up front, I am NOT proposing that chiropractic care should be a stand-alone treatment option or “cure” for cancer, but that it should be considered as a part of the active treatment regimen.

As stated above, the effects of chiropractic care on quality of life has been researched and documented.  The goal of Active Treatment, however, is to improve the QUANTITY of life and chiropractic care plays a role here as well.  As chiropractors, we are concerned with the function of the nervous system.  It’s not all about the bones!  The nervous system, like the “commander-in-chief”, controls and coordinates every function of the body, including the immune system; the system that is the “five-star general” in the cancer battle.  If the communication lines are down, or if the messages are not put through clearly, the soldiers on the battlefield may get misinformation and can tip the scales in favor of the opponent.  The immune system, regulated by the nervous system, helps the body deal with the stress of chemo and radiation therapy.  Chiropractic care seeks to restore communication within the body so every tissue, organ and system can do its job.

Prevention

Chiropractic care seeks to restore communication within the body so every tissue, organ and system can do its job. This isthe essence and power of chiropractic - prevention!  Which system is responsible for cancer and disease prevention?  It is the immune system, the sixth sense.  The immune system is a direct extension of the nervous system – the very system chiropractors affect!  Studies have shown long-term immune system effects with patients under regular chiropractic care.  Chiropractic is not a specific treatment for lower back pain, headaches, constipation, heartburn or cancer (although it is very effective in the care of these problems).  It is about releasing the innate healing power already inside every individual.  Chiropractic care is a proactive part of a healthy lifestyle.