According to the September
11, 2002 issue of the online "Up & Coming Magazine", chiropractic enables
HIV/AIDS patients to live a higher quality life. The article states that
clinical studies indicate chiropractic can: 1) boost immune system function,
2) help with secondary symptoms and 3) address quality of life issues by
reduction in stress as well as prevention of disease and symptoms.
In clinical trials, monitored
by the Rand Corporation, and conducted at Life University, chiropractic
showed great potential to boost immune function. In addition to this study,
several other preliminary studies also showed immune system boosting. In
1991 Patricia Brennan, PhD conducted a study that demonstrated an increased
immune function following a thoracic (mid back) adjustment. Dr. Pero stated
in his research that "Chiropractic patients in the study had 200 percent
greater immune competence than people who had not received chiropractic, and
400 percent greater immune competence than people with cancer or other
serious disease."
The
article also notes that chiropractic can also help with secondary symptoms
associated with HIV/AIDS. Secondary symptoms are usually the main reason
HIV/AIDS patients seek chiropractic in the first place. According to the
article, Craig Martin D.C, noted that eighty percent of HIV/AIDS patients
report some degree of neuropathy, which includes symptoms such as numbness,
tingling and/or burning, With chiropractic care these patients reported
significant decrease in symptoms. Patrece Frisbee D.C, of Stratogen Health
of Miami Beach, a multidisciplinary clinic, reports 80 percent of her
patients are HIV positive "and they need extensive chiropractic care because
of the wide array of side effects that accompany the powerful prescribed
medications."
The article closes with a
powerful chiropractic endorsement. They conclude, "Chiropractic is an
alternative that will work with HIV/AIDS patients. It has broadened the view
of chiropractic as a mind/body therapy. It's role in healthcare is
increasing everyday. If you aren't under chiropractic, then you are not
allowing your body to perform at 100 percent."