HIV/AIDS Patients Quality of Life Increases with Chiropractic Care

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."