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Improving Neuroplasticity Through Chiropractic Adjustments

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Improving Neuroplasticity Through Chiropractic Adjustments

Neuroplasticity is a common talking point when discussing degenerative brain conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. But this topic is a two-sided coin. While progressive degeneration of neuroplasticity has been linked to dire illnesses, expansion of neuroplasticity is also possible. The concepts here include continuing to mentally challenge yourself with puzzles, complex thought, and memory recall exercises.

Recently, chiropractic has also become a subject of discussion among researchers studying neuroplasticity. Juxtaposition of spine health and mental fortitude have opened the door for investigation into just how important spinal alignment is in maintaining mental faculties.

While there is yet to be concrete evidence in the role spinal alignment plays in increased neuroplasticity, it can be correctly assumed that maintaining ideal spine health and posture does more for the mind and body than living with misalignment, subluxations, or deteriorating posture. Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) could one day become a recognized approach to preserving neuroplasticity.

What is neuroplasticity?

The headline definition of neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to cognitively function – staying on top of voluntary and involuntary tasks. Reading the words on this page and understanding them are an example of neuroplasticity at work. Inversely, negative neuroplasticity is the brain’s inability to function properly. Memory loss, brain fog, and mental exhaustion are symptoms of neuroplasticity degeneration.

The spine’s role in brain function

The spine – specifically the cervical spine – plays a very direct, very integral role in maintaining brain function. The spine houses essential nerve bundles and lymphatic delivery systems, which are charged with feeding the brain. Nerve bundles housed in the cervical spine carry critical messages to and from the brain, facilitating both unconscious and complex functions. Likewise, blood supplied to the brain provides oxygen, amino acids, electrolytes, hormones, and more, for healthy operation.

When the spine begins to shift from an ideal alignment, stress is transferred to the supply systems it houses. Slipping or bulging discs can impede lymphatic and nervous pathways; stenosis of the spine can restrict flow; and, the longer these systems are negatively affected, the more they deprive the brain.

Short-term consequences can include migraines, mental fog, lethargy, and vision problems, among others. Long-term, severe brain damage becomes a concern, including negative neuroplasticity.

Research on chiropractic vs. neuroplasticity

With the link between the spine and brain evident, researchers have begun to look at how chiropractic may be used as a tool to help preserve positive neuroplasticity. Clinical studies have already begun, monitoring the effects of chiropractic on patients’ abilities to solve puzzles, multitask, and recall memories.

Some studies are already producing exciting findings, including a 3-year study comprised of 100 volunteers, presented at the International Research and Philosophy Symposium held at Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. The study monitored the mental activity of participants using electroencephalograms (EEG), comparing readings before and after chiropractic adjustments. In an overwhelming majority of readings, brain function showed improvements across the board.

The future of chiropractic treatment

As more studies come to light, researchers will be better able to understand the significance of certain adjustments on the spine and how they relate to brain function. Though much is known about why the spine-brain relationship is important, more data will yield insights into chiropractic’s specific effects on positive neuroplasticity. And as new information becomes available, Ideal Spine will continue to be at the forefront of the field thanks to Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP).

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Restoring Patient Range of Motion Through Corrective Chiropractic

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Chiropractic is about more than just relief from acute pain. It’s actually focused on long-term, sustainable health through maintenance of an ideal spinal posture. The goal is to not just alleviate pain, but to ensure healthful living by establishing foundational wellness.

Corrective chiropractic is a specific approach that showcases the larger scope of chiropractic care. Often, corrective chiropractic is used to address an acute or chronic issue, where it’s then built upon to establish wellness into the future. It’s a favorite of Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) practitioners and the basis for which Ideal Spine creates tailored wellness plans.

This approach to chiropractic is most often illustrated when patients are recovering from conditions where range of motion is impeded or restricted.

What is corrective chiropractic?

Corrective chiropractic is the act of restoring and maintaining spinal integrity and balance. It’s executed in phases, each of which plays an essential role in reestablishing patient wellness and range of motion. The process looks like this:

  1. Use adjustments to correct spinal imbalance;
  2. Establish stability of the spine;
  3. Regain mobility to affected areas;
  4. Recondition to reestablish full range of motion;
  5. Develop strength in formally affected area;
  6. Gauge improvement and/or reassess corrections.

Following this step-by-step guide, chiropractors are able to help patients overcome a variety of limitations. From frozen shoulders to partial soft tissue paralysis after events like whiplash, corrective chiropractic is designed for incremental buildup and improvement.

Why focus on range of motion?

Patients frequently wonder what the benefits of range of motion exercises are when they acute ailments like a slipped disc or even chronic conditions like sciatic nerve pain. When leveraged into a corrective chiropractic approach, range of motion exercises facilitate long-term wellness. Having full range of motion develops mobility and strength, which can be enough to stave off recurring concerns of the spine’s ability to properly support the body.

Range of motion across the chiropractic spectrum

Not only can restoring range of motion enhance overall spinal stability for the long-term, pinpointing where mobility is disrupted can actually open the door for a corrective approach. For example, restricted range of motion in the neck can help chiropractors identify area of concern, then correct them via adjustment and a CBP schedule.

Once range of motion is restored, corrective chiropractic can be deployed in yet another capacity: through maintenance. Imparting strengthening exercises, stretches, lifestyle changes, postural habits, and more in patients enables them to maintain range of motion after it’s restored via adjustment. This often leads to long-term spinal integrity and a better quality of life.

Recognizing the importance of range of motion

Ideal Spine chiropractors practicing CBP understand the relationship between spinal integrity and range of motion. It’s why corrective chiropractic plays such an integral role in tailored CBP adjustment plans. With range of motion as an indicator of trouble, a catalyst for relief, and a proactive method for preventing future conditions from arising, it’s a central focus in any corrective chiropractic plan.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Atlas: The Key to Maintaining Balance and Alignment

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Atlas: The Key to Maintaining Balance and Alignment

Aptly named for the mythological man who held the world up on his back, the Atlas vertebrae is located at the very top of your spine, where the cranium and spine connect. More than just the symbolic foundation for support, Atlas itself is perhaps the most important vertebrae of the body. It’s home to a complex bundle of nerves and critical vertebral arteries, and it’s the point responsible for bearing the entire weight of the cranium.

In the myth, Atlas must be careful to hold the world still and strong at all times, lest it come crashing down. He did so by balancing it perfectly on his back. Atlas the vertebrae suffers the same situation – it must hold the head strong and still, otherwise problems with balance and alignment are certain to develop, affecting the entirety of the spine below.

Understanding the balancing act

Atlas’ role in maintaining balance comes from how it proportions the weight of the head. The vertebrae itself is wider than other cervical vertebrae, creating a center of gravity that can be reinforced through proper posture. It evenly distributes the weight of the head (as much as 10-12lb), to centralize that weight and draw support from the natural curvature of the spine.

If the center of gravity shifts to one side or another, Atlas will begin to tilt in that direction as well. This not only creates instability in the cervical spine, it can exponentially increase the amount of mass the spine is tasked with redistributing. Spinal translation is sure to follow, which induces everything from poor posture to overcompensation leading to injury.

What causes the shift?

Disruption to Atlas’ balancing act can come from any number of catalysts. And, it can occur as the result of both chronic and acute conditions. Some of the contributors include:

  • Cervical soft tissue damage, such as occurs with whiplash;
  • Subluxation of cervical vertebrae below Atlas, resulting in upward instability;
  • Poor posture creating overcompensation to one side of the body;
  • Static posture that puts a strain on the cervical spine;
  • Trauma to the spine resulting in bulging or slipped discs.

Manifestations of problems may even come secondary to Atlas. For example, kyphosis may be a recognized condition a chiropractic patient is dealing with. This condition comes with its own symptoms, but could be a catalyst for a shift in Atlas, thus extrapolating spinal issues through a shift in the vertebra.

The effects of an unbalanced Atlas

Spinal troubles rooted in an unbalanced Atlas are prolific. They range from simple neck pain and soreness, to complete postural disarray resulting in overcompensation and chronic pain. Because Atlas swings the balance of the entire spine, along with its support for the cranium, problems can be both localized and referred, further complicating a person’s wellness.

Resolving problems with Atlas requires the comprehensive approach of Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP). Only CBP quantitatively assesses the position of the spine against the ideal, to determine the actual degree to which Atlas has shifted out of place. Moreover, the incremental adjustment plan CBP offers each patient makes it possible to undo the widespread damage that Atlas’ shift may have caused.

Ideal Spine proves time and again the power of CBP as a total-spine assessment and treatment modality. When it comes to Atlas, be believe there’s no better approach to helping patients hold up the weight of their own world.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Bulging Discs vs. Herniated Discs: Understanding the Difference

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Bulging Discs vs. Herniated Discs: Understanding the Difference

Medical terminology is incredibly important. Without it, specifics turn into generalizations and misunderstandings crop up in conversation. Terminology and jargon exist to clarify, rather than complicate or confuse. Unfortunately, even when specific terminology is used, it can be confused by patients who default to generalization. Such is the case with a bulging disc versus disc herniation.

The chief problem with herniation versus bulging discs is that the two have nearly identical symptoms and present similarly to the untrained eye. Both cause localized pain and nerve infraction, and they’re even treated similarly by a chiropractor. It’s important to understand the difference, however, to understand the consequences each has on stability and wellness.

Commonalities and differences

Disc herniation and bulging have commonalities in their roots and in their outcomes that make them especially difficult to discern amongst untrained professionals. Some of the core comparisons that can be made between the two include:

  • They both present in pain and tenderness;
  • They’re caused by inner cartilage movement;
  • They cause nerve impediments and nerve pain;
  • They tend to occur more in the cervical and thoracic spine.

The similarities stop there, however. While the presentation and the treatment may be from the same playbook, the nature of each injury is important enough to make the two discernable as individual ailments. Here’s how they differ:

  • Bulging discs protrude, while herniated discs rupture;
  • Bulging discs are more common, herniated discs are less common;
  • Bulges are caused by consistent pressure, herniation is caused by trauma;
  • Bulging discs create dull radiating pain, herniated discs cause sharp, intense pain.

The two are closely aligned, however it’s the severity that separates them. Bulging discs are more passive in their pain and can be treated with incremental adjustments, while herniated discs often require aggressive adjustment to alleviate intense pain and infraction.

Repercussions of injuries

The true nature of each injury is in how it affects the spine and your overall wellness. Bulging discs are most commonly associated with their chronic pain, which fails to dissipate with time unless treated appropriately. Herniated discs are more severe, with disc fluid actively spilling from the disc to affect the surrounding nerve tissue.

If left unchecked, bulging discs often result in intermittent nerve blockages and postural issues. Herniated discs will devolve into permanent nerve damage and a host of issues stemming from the nerves affected. Long-term consequences could include limited mobility or loss of feeling from the affected nerve area.

Distinguishing the ailment early

The reason Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) is essential to distinguishing disc bulges from herniation is because it takes into account the entire body, including all symptoms present. For example, a CBP analysis of a patient may reveal tingling in the fingers and sharp, acute pain from the thoracic spine, indicating herniation. Likewise, the patient may speak about dull aches in the low back and down the legs, indicating sciatic pain that can be traced to a bulging disc. It’s this total approach that puts CBP front and center in making the right diagnosis.

Ideal Spine knows that making the right initial diagnosis is imperative in presenting the right action plan. From adjustments to exercises, it all depends on the nature and severity of the injury. CBP provides the first stepping stone in understanding where to go next, especially in conditions that may only appear to differ in vernacular.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Diversified Adjustment Techniques are Necessary in Delivering Spinal Relief

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Like a handyman with his trusty toolbox, chiropractors have their own set of methodological tools. The theory for both professions is the same: every problem requires a unique and tailored approach to yield results. A handyman doesn’t hammer in a nail with a screwdriver and a chiropractor doesn’t use drop table adjustments when they should use traction.

Diversified adjustment techniques are critical in delivering tailored relief to patients with spinal misalignments. Understanding the approach is just as important as administering the treatment, which makes the ability to thoroughly vet a condition paramount. This is where Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) stands apart. It ensures the proper adjustment method is applied to a specific situation.

CBP-trained chiropractors utilize their full suite of adjustment techniques on a case-by-case basis. This ensures patients receive the very best care possible for their unique condition.

The chiropractor’s toolbox

Chiropractic adjustment and manipulation of the spine falls into a general category of rehabilitation known as high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique. As the name implies, the method of affecting change through physical manipulation is done via sudden, precise intervention with low levels of force.

But HVLA is just the metaphorical toolbox of a chiropractor. Within this distinction, there are numerous specific modalities that are used to adjust patients based on their condition. And though they all share the same characteristics, the way they’re administered makes them unique. Some examples include:

  • Drop technique: Adjustment via this technique is done by creating space and momentum. Patients lay on a special table with specific sections that, when triggered by the chiropractor, release. This allows areas of the patient to drop simultaneously as they’re being acted upon, facilitating the adjustment.
  • Diversified technique: This is the classic method of adjustment. Patients usually sit or stand while a chiropractor positions joints for movement. With a quick thrust and shift, the affected area is pushed back into the bounds of normal range of motion. In some cases, the body is positioned in an overcompensating way to facilitate a more determined shift.
  • Gonstead technique: This hybrid HVLA adjustment uses supports to induce joint movement during adjustment. Instead of creating a void, as a drop table might, Gonstead technique creates resistance that helps to facilitate movement. The positioning of the patient has roots in the diversified technique.
  • Traction: Traction is an outlier in HVLA adjustment because it’s often static in its application. The patient is placed in traction and held there to decompress or train the body to correct itself. Nevertheless, traction is a chiropractic tool that’s frequently employed in tandem with other HVLA adjustments.

Pairing method with condition

When patient conditions are diagnosed via CBP, an adjustment plan is next to follow. Based on the nature of the diagnosis, the proper adjustment techniques must also be chosen. This means a chiropractor must thoroughly assess the patient and the adjustment methodology on a case-by-case basis. Doing so can help to produce quantifiable results when the condition is revisited later in the CBP recovery timeline.

The CBP approach and its extensive toolbox of chiropractic adjustment methods help CBP-trained chiropractic professionals assist patients with a wide range of spinal issues. Pairing clinical assessment with practical adjustment techniques paves the way for results that are truly tailored to the individual.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Chronic Fatigue May Have Roots in Your Cervical Spine

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Thyroid conditions are among the most under-explored ailments plaguing Americans today. They range from minor (under-active thyroid) to major (thyroid cancer), and have a profound impact on everyday life regardless of severity.

The reason thyroid conditions are often overlooked is because their symptoms are general. Fatigue, moodiness, muscle pain, brain fog, and more are all cornerstones of a thyroid condition. Consequently, these same symptoms can be indicative of numerous other conditions. Attributing them to thyroid dysfunction specifically means delving deeper into the body’s physiology. Often, this means examining the spine.

Assessing the spine from a Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) standpoint helps to solidify a thyroid diagnosis by examining the cervical spine of patients complaining of general fatigue. Exploring subluxations in the lower cervical spine can yield insight into potential nerve blockages and other contributing factors to thyroid conditions.

Roots in C7

The nerve cluster linked to the thyroid gland can be mapped down the spine to the last cervical vertebrae: C7. This is the first place a chiropractor will examine when patients have complaints of fatigue, brain fog, or moodiness. Subluxations, translation, or disc deterioration at the C7 vertebrae could mean the nerves and blood supply to the thyroid are being disrupted or cut off entirely.

Linking cervical dysfunction

Subluxations in C7 are not an absolute cause of thyroid dysfunction. This single vertebra may not show signs of movement at all, which means a chiropractor may have to probe further into the cervical spine for evidence of a thyroid condition.

Looking for chiropractic issues that correlate with thyroid troubles means examining and linking spine conditions with possible ailments. For example, cervical dysfunction patients may see general nerve issues emanating from this region, which may be contributor to faulty nerve signals being delivered to the thyroid gland. Diagnosis of a root condition that has peripheral effects on the gland is another way of helping to qualify a thyroid condition.

Patient history

Does hyper- or hypothyroidism run in a patient’s family? Is the patient under immense stress from work or in their personal life? Are there other symptoms worth noting about a patient’s wellness that align with thyroid function? These details are necessary in linking nerve disruption to thyroid ailments and factoring the potential role spinal manipulation could have in alleviating symptoms.

Treating cervical misalignment

Piecing together evidence of subluxations, blocked nerves, cervical spine dysfunction, and patient details can form a complex picture of a thyroid condition. And, even if that condition is being tested or treated by a general physician, it may still benefit from chiropractic adjustment.

While general physicians may recommend diet and medication to correct thyroid function, chiropractors can help to improve the nerve function to the gland itself. This may include re-opening pinched pathways, restoring blood flow to the region, or helping nerve signals fire appropriately and fully.

At Ideal Spine, we advocate for an incremental, tailored approach to restoring cervical spine curvature and nerve health. Our team has seen numerous patients who complain of fatigue, mental fog, and moodiness, and we’ve helped many of them link these symptoms to thyroid dysfunction. If you constantly feel like you’re in a fog, schedule a free consultation with us today to learn more about our through Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) approach.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Why is Your Spine S-Shaped? The Importance of Spinal Curves

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Why is Your Spine S-Shaped? The Importance of Spinal Curves

One of the biggest misconceptions among chiropractic patients is that a straight spine is a healthy spine. Any chiropractor knows this is far from the truth. The reality is that an ideal spine is one with healthy curvature – specifically an “S” curve from top to bottom. It’s this curve that enables the spine to function properly as the central core to our balance and stability.

Ideal Spine takes its name from the belief that a healthy spine is rooted in ideal curvature. There are three distinct curves that make up the overarching S shape:

  • Cervical lordosis;
  • Thoracic kyphosis;
  • Lumbar lordosis.

Lordosis represents an inward curve, while kyphosis represents an outward curve. From top to bottom, an ideal spine has an outward-inward-outward curve, thus taking the shape of an S.

Significance of curvature

First and foremost, proper curvature of the spine gives it flexibility and creates support. The offsetting curves of each section create a spring-like structure, enabling the spine to act as a natural shock-absorber. If it were straight up and down, the spine would take tremendous wear and tear from constant vibration and shock, creating fractures and worse.

Curvature also aids in weight distribution and offsets the weight of gravity. Each curve in the spine works to distribute weight evenly throughout the area, where different muscle groups can bear the burden of balance and stability. This is especially true during dynamic movement. Lifting, bending, turning, and more all require the spine to move in tandem with the rest of your body, while also supporting your weight and the energy transfer created by your actions.

Finally, curves in the spine reduce pressure between individual vertebral discs. Because discs aren’t stacked one on top of the other, the mass of the above vertebra isn’t solely placed on the one below it. Instead, that below vertebra bears only a portion of the weight, leaving discs to act as a buffer instead of shouldering the burden.

Curvature is developed and needs to be maintained

The spine of an adult takes on an S curve, however this is a shape formed through development. Children are actually born with a C curve, with pronounced kyphosis until the age when they begin to crawl. As children pick their heads up, the cervical lordosis portion of the ideal S shape takes form. During maturation, as kids learn to walk upright, the spine assumes its final role of support.

Unfortunately, because spinal curvature is formed during developmental stages, there’s a limited window for natural curvature formation. Any issues that occur during this time may stymie the formation of an ideal spine curve, resulting in general kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis. This requires long-term chiropractic treatment to correct.

For adults who developed a normal S curve, maintenance is critical. When subluxations or translation occurs, deviation from the ideal is soon to follow. It’s the role of chiropractic adjustments to ensure it’s reset and properly supported. Because natural development can no longer occur, maintenance is essential.

Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) uses the ideal spine model to map deviation from the natural S curve. Using precision tools and data points, adjustments can be made to create a shift back to ideal. Adjustments are tailored to the person and apply specifically to their unique spine, making it possible to maintain a spine to precise curvature degrees and alignment vectors.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Dissecting Contributors to Cervical Dysfunction Through CBP Analysis

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Cervical dysfunction is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms in the neck. It’s a very limiting condition that can come and go seemingly at random, making it hard to diagnose and treat effectively. Many patients are even fooled into never seeking treatment, finding credence in the “wait until it gets better” method.

What causes cervical dysfunction to rear its ugly head is the subject of much debate, and there’s little concrete evidence to suggest one factor over another. Some chiropractors believe premature wear of cervical facet joints is the catalyst for dysfunction, while others contribute whiplash-like trauma to its formation. Muddled origins further serve to make diagnosis difficult, which complicates treatment for patients who genuinely have the condition.

Chiropractors trained in Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) take a calculated approach to diagnosing cervical dysfunction. This enables them to deliver a diagnosis that both characterizes the condition and exposes its contributing factors.

Visualizing dysfunction

Diagnosing cervical dysfunction is often hard because of its generalized symptoms – pain, tightness, stress, tension, etc. Without exploring further, general chiropractic can misdiagnose the condition. For a truly reliable and accurate diagnosis, x-rays are required. This is where CBP has the upper hand.

Radiological imaging is built directly into the CBP approach, giving chiropractors visible, tangible findings to work with in forming a diagnosis. For an erratic condition like cervical dysfunction, being able to see eroded facet joints or bulging cervical discs means ruling out common misdiagnoses in favor of a correct one.

Pinpointing contributing factors

Reviewing x-rays and collaborating with a physical assessment enables chiropractors to compile contributing factors to dysfunction. In addition to scientific findings, CBP also relies on the anecdotal accounts of patients, which can yield important information. When combined with patient history, the complete CBP process can provide unique insight into the development and persistence of cervical dysfunction:

  • Radiological images that show subluxations or degeneration;
  • Physical assessment with abnormal findings, such as disc translation;
  • Visual observation of things like poor postural tendencies or habits;
  • Anecdotal accounts of recent trauma such as untreated whiplash;
  • Clinical findings of previous surgeries or genetic predispositions.

With a full picture of a patient’s spine health – including emphasis on the cervical spine – a chiropractor using the CBP approach can begin to make accurate assertions about the catalyst(s) of cervical dysfunction.

Treating cervical dysfunction

CBP does more than identify the causes of dysfunction, it also creates the blueprint for resolving them individually. For example, if subluxation and recent trauma are contributors, a CBP treatment plan may include an adjustment schedule and physiotherapeutic remedies for mobilization. If facet joint degeneration and poor posture trigger dysfunction, the tailored plan may focus on teaching proper posture and decompression therapy.

In knowing the factors, causes, and contributors to cervical dysfunction, chiropractors can better assess them at a more precise level, affecting positive change at the macro (whole body) level.

Explore the gamut of options

Understanding pain is the key to resolving it, especially in complicated situations like those involving cervical dysfunction. If not treated directly, the pain can continue to dictate the way you live your life and the quality by which you live it.

Chiropractors adhering to the sequential and thorough guidelines of CBP are able to better diagnose ailments like cervical dysfunction, enabling them to treat causes and contributors to the condition better.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Understanding Biomechanics of the Neck: How Heavy is Your Head?

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Though it’s the most condensed segment of spine, the cervical spine is of special importance. It’s where Atlas (C1) is located – the gateway that connects your central nervous system to the rest of your spine. It’s also where major nerve bundles reside, such as those corresponding to your eyes, ears, thyroid, and general mental faculties.

These reasons and more are why a simple condition like kyphosis is so dangerous. It’s why the team at Ideal Spine works so hard to educate patients on the importance of adopting good posture. Maintaining proper biomechanical structure of the neck is the key to avoiding a mess of problems originating from cervical spine disruption.

Posture is at the center of problems

When the cervical spine loses proper curvature and deviates from a neutral center of gravity, widespread disruption occurs for all of the nerve bundles residing in this region. Beyond pinched and compressed nerves, kyphosis can also disrupt the biomechanics of the neck, putting immense stress and strain on the soft tissue of the region. Finally, there’s the supported muscle groups of the neck, shoulders and chest to consider.

All of this relates to posture. Spending excess time hunched over looking down at a smartphone or with your head turned slightly to one side staring at a computer screen are two common examples of daily, negative posture. They reinforce deviation from a proper, supportive curvature and force your body to adapt to support the weight of your head. The results are seen in kyphosis-related conditions such as bulging discs, pinched nerves, and general pain.

Understanding biomechanics

Biomechanics are important because they help chiropractors understand where deviation from support has occurred and to what degree it’s affecting your health. For example, let’s take a look at how kyphosis can affect the neck as it supports the head:

  • Normal: The human head weighs about 12lbs normally. At a normal curvature, the cervical spine is designed to support this weight. There is no excess stress being placed on the spine or surrounding muscles.
  • 2-inch deviation: If the head is moved 2 inches forward on the Z-axis, approximately 20lbs of weight can be added to the head due to the lack of support against gravity. This means the head now has a force of 32lbs and the neck is strained to nearly 3x its normal to offer support.
  • 3-inch deviation: Add one more inch of forward movement and the gravitational pull of the head becomes 42lbs. The neck is thoroughly strained at this point, with a dangerous curvature that disrupts nerve pathways and stresses vertebral discs.

Kyphosis is truly a condition of inches – even millimeters when you consider the awesome force of gravity and its ability to quickly exacerbate the condition.

Biophysical relief

Understanding biomechanics is only the first step in treating kyphosis and posture-related cervical spine conditions. To apply treatment in a targeted manner, treatment must be formulated with biomechanics in mind. This is the foundation of Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP).

Through CBP, every adjustment made and every cervical spine condition assessed is done thoroughly and with a quantitative eye. Focus is on restoring proper biomechanical structure to the spine and paving the way for kyphosis suffers to live better lives.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Improving Your Back Posture With Chiropractic BioPhysics®

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Mirror Image® Methods Improves Chronic Low Back Pain by 73%

In one of the longest follow up surveys to date, Kaaria et al[4] reported on the initial, 5, 10, and 28 year low back pain prevalence and incidence in a population of Finish metal workers. Initially, 54% of the cohort reported low back pain (LBP) and 25% reported radiation into the lower extremity (LEP). In the group with LBP, 75%, 73%, and 88% reported pain at 5, 10, and 28 year follow-up respectively. In the group with LEP, 66%, 65%, and 69% reported pain at 5, 10, and 28 year follow-up respectively. Thus, LBP and LEP are not self-limiting conditions that remit on their own over time; the prognosis (outcomes of treatment) for chronic LBP is less than favorable.

Recently, a breakthrough non-randomized trial looking at a new treatment for chronic low back pain sufferers was performed and published by researchers from Chiropractic BioPhysics Technique or CBP Nonprofit. [1]

The study was performed on subjects with chronic low back pain and abnormal lateral trunk shift posture. Treatment methods including Chiropractic BioPhysics® or CBP® Technique Mirror Image® posture exercises, posture adjustments, and posture traction. In the treated group, the mirror image interventions (exercise, adjustments, traction) were applied 3x per week for 12 weeks and resulted in a 73% improvement in chronic low back pain intensity and 50% improvement in the abnormal trunk translation posture and frontal view x-ray lumbar spine displacements. [1] See figure.

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The treatment group was compared to a control group who were told to ‘self-manage’ their chronic LBP as they had prior to the start of the study. The outcomes of the control group were strongly in contrast to the treatment group where: 1) control subjects chronic back pain remained unchanged over the course of the study, 2) the control subjects trunk translation posture was found to statistically worsen over the course of the study. [1]

Thus, mirror image® methods (lateral translation exercise and traction) were found to produce statistically significant and clinically significant reductions in pain and trunk translation posture, a finding not observed in the control group. In fact, the control group’s lateral thoracic translations were slightly worse at follow-up, possibly indicating progression of the disorder. [1]

How Can You Get Help for Chronic Low Back Pain?

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

Reference Links

  1. Harrison DE, Cailliet R, Betz JW, Harrison DD, Haas JW, Janik TJ, Holland B. Harrison Mirror Image Methods for Correcting Trunk List: A Non-randomized Clinical Control Trial. Euro Spine J 2005; 14(2):155-162. (Link)
  2. Croft PR, Macfarlane GJ, Papag eorgiou AC, Thomas E, Silman AJ. Outcome of low back pain in general practice: a prospective study. BMJ 1998; 316:1356–9.
  3. Enthoven P, Ska rgren, Oberg B. Clincial course in patients seeking primary care for back or neck pain: A prospective 5-year follow-up of outcome and helath care consumption with subgroup analysis. Spine 2004; 29:2458-2465.
  4. Kaaria S, Luukkonen R, Riihimaki H, Kirjonen J, Leino-Arjas P. Persistence of low back pain reporting among a cohort of employees in a metal corporation: A study with 5-,10-, and 28-year follow-ups. Pain 2006; 120:131-137.