What Is Chiropractic

Chiropractic is the Science, Philosophy, and Art of healing that deals with the body in a natural way, without using drugs or surgery. It is a method of restoring the bony segments (vertebrae) of the spine to their correct position in order to reduce or eliminate nerve irritation caused by misaligned spinal bones.

Your spine – made up of 24 bony segments – is the main support of your body. A healthy spine keeps the body erect and protects one of your body’s most vital parts: your spinal cord. Billions of nerves leave the spinal cord through small openings between the vertebrae. These nerves carry electrical nerve impulses to part of your body.

We know that the nervous system controls the functions of every tissue, organ and system in the body.
Chiropractic concerns itself with the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (primarily coordinated by the nervous system) of the human body, and how that relationship affects the restoration and preservation of health.

When that relationship is compromised by a spinal bone interfering with the nervous system (a vertebral subluxation), your Chiropractor will apply a spinal adjustment (a specific, precise, corrective force to the offending spinal segment). This correction permits normal nerve transmission, enabling the body's innate recuperative power to begin the healing process.

Day-by-day physical, mental and chemical stresses may lead to spinal misalignments. Therefore, periodic chiropractic checkups are as important to your health as regular medical and dental checkups. How often to have chiropractic checkups depends on your life-style. Check with your doctor of chiropractic for a sensible program tailored to your individual needs.

 

Cerebro Spinal Fluid (C.S.F.) Flow
Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) is a comprehensive, gentle and innovative technique of Chiropractic. It is so named because of the relationship between the Sacrum (base of the spine) and the Occiput (base of the skull). SOT was founded in 1925 by Dr Dejarnette and since then has continued to be studied and researched around the world.

The brain and the spinal cord form the central nervous system which is the master control system of the body, co-coordinating all tissues, organs and systems within the body. The regulation and control of all body organs and systems is carried out by complex nerve impulses generated in the brain and transmitted down the nerve cord through nerve roots to every part of the body. Messages are transmitted through nerve channels from the brain to the organs and are retransmitted from organs back to the brain. This allows the brain to regulate and control all the systems to produce a healthy body

Cerebro-spinal fluid is produced in the brain and is pumped from the brain down the spinal cord, around the spinal cord and brain and is then reabsorbed. A sac-like membrane (Dural Membrane) covers the brain and spinal cord in which it is immersed in C.S.F. The C.S.F acts as a cushion protecting this delicate mechanism. C.S.F. also provides nourishment, removes waste material and provides an ideal medium for nerve energy conduction.

Circulation of Cerebro Spinal Fluid
A very special function takes place in the human body that is absolutely essential to good health. It is the circulation throughout the nervous system of C.S.F.
C.S.F. is created in the brain and supplied to the nervous system through the gentle pulsing action of three pumps. The first pump is located in the skull at the source of the supply, the second is located at the juncture of the skull (Occiput) and the neck and the third pump is located at the pelvis (Sacrum). This pulsing motion takes place every four seconds.

One of the functions of the sacrum is to pump Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) from the base of the spine back up the spinal canal to the brain and throughout the nervous system. The occiput also helps to pump CSF. This minute rhythmical motion, which circulates the CSF, is essential to optimal health. CSF acts as the circulatory system of the brain and spinal cord.

The Cranium and Spinal Column

Due to their importance the brain and spinal cord are protected by bone. The brain by the skull (Cranium) and the spinal cord by the spinal column. The spinal column is made up of 24 vertebra interspaced by pads called discs which allow the spinal column to move.

 

The Spine And The Pelvis

The pelvis forms the foundational support of the human skeleton. It supports the upper body right up to the skull, and enables us to transfer our weight to our legs.
The spine holds our body upright, supports all of our organs and provides anchor points for our muscles. It also protects our delicate nervous system. The nervous system controls our body, and can only function normally when our structures are balanced and our pelvis is stable.

 

 

The Three Categories Your body will adapt to misalignments. This adaptation or failure to adapt produces different "categories". These categories may be progressive.

 

 

 

Stress

At birth the human body has maximum health and maximum tolerance and is asymptomatic. Injury occurs at a very early age in the form of birth injuries (forceps delivery), falls, knocks and bumps. The body adapts and compensates for these injuries.
As one grows the body is continually subjected to stress.
* physical                                             * emotional
* dietary                                               * traumatic
* environmental

All this time the body is free of symptoms. As the stresses accumulate through life, natural tolerance (resistance) becomes less and less, and the body's ability to compensate and adapt becomes less and less. Structural changes primarily to the spine and pelvis will occur affecting balance and stability of the sacro-occipital pump. The minute pulses between the occiput and sacrum will become irregular and change the free flow of C.S.F.. This creates C.S.F. pressure change, increased toxicity, loss of nutrition and a breakdown of essential nerve energy transmission.
Finally, a stage is reached where there is a maximum adaptation and compensation, and minimum tolerance.
An established condition or disease process ensues causing organ systems to malfunction and ultimately produces pain and symptoms. Categories I. II and III indicate a gradual breakdown in the physiological adaptive range, and as tolerance declines the spine and pelvis deteriorate from category I to category II to category III.
The Chiropractic objective is to re-establish structural stability, improving neurological function and tolerance by reversing category III to category II to category I.
With a higher level of tolerance the body is better able to compensate and adapt, it becomes symptom free and increases the physiological adaptive range achieving a higher level of health.

Only when the sacral pump circulates C.S.F. will the nervous system perform to the level to which it was designed. Provided nerve channels of communication are left open, the brain will diagnose the body's needs and direct proper response to those needs. All chemicals and hormones necessary for life and health are made normally by the body and prescribed by the brain in the most exacting manner.
For the sick individual Chiropractic is a means of health restoration by opening nerve channels so that the body may heal itself. For the healthy individual it is a periodic check-up to ensure early correction to spinal distortion and potential nerve failure.

Treatment

S.O.T. is not a therapy that treats named diseases. It is a system of removing the cause of nerve malfunction using minimum force to restore and maintain health.
S.O.T. employs the use of wedge shaped blocks to allow the body to seek its correct alignment and balance. There are many combinations or block positions used, and these are determined by tests that precede an adjustment. S.O.T. recognizes the importance of body language in the form of neurological tests, weak muscles, tender areas and other signs and indicators, to determine the type adjustment needed.
As the body responds and heals, stress areas around the body are eliminated and natural tolerance levels are reinstated.

 

Category one
Sacro Occipital Technique (S.O.T.) is so named because of the relationship between the Sacrum (base of the spine) and the Occiput (base of the skull). These two areas act as anchor points to the sac-like membrane (Dural Membrane) which covers the brain and spinal cord. Within this membrane and surrounding the brain and spinal cord is cerebro-spinal fluid (C.S.F.).
A very special function takes place in the human body that is absolutely essential to good health. It is the circulation throughout the nervous system of C.S.F. A minute regular rhythmic motion between the occiput and the sacrum circulates the C.S.F. around the brain and spinal cord and throughout the nervous system.
This is the circulatory system of the brain and spinal cord and its function is paramount to total health. This is called the Sacral Pump mechanism.
Categories I, II, and III indicate to the Chiropractor the fundamental types of breakdown that occur in the human body causing interference to the nervous system and a deterioration in health.

Spine and Pelvis

The pelvis is made up of two hip bones (the Ilia) and the triangular bone in the middle called the Sacrum. The junction of the Sacrum with the Ilia is called the Sacro-Iliac joint.
The sacrum forms the foundation for the spine, which in turn supports the Cranium (Skull).
This skeletal structure provides the protection for the brain and spinal cord.
The muscle groups involved in category I attach from the pelvis ­particularly from the sacrum to the occiput. These muscles provide support for the sacro-occipital pump mechanism.

Stress

When the body loses its ability to compensate and adapt to the stresses of life, the category I syndrome may develop.

The category I phenomenon occurs when the sacro-iliac joints become misaligned (subluxated) moving one hip forward and the other backwards. The sacrum rotates and the sacral pump loses its rhythmic function. The picture on the cover shows the distortion of the Dural Membrane around the brain and spinal cord as a result of the category I pelvic rotation.

Asymmetric Spine
The asymmetric spine results, the pelvis rotates, the shoulder girdle reciprocates and the head tilts.

This distortion affects the free flow of C.S.F. The sacral pump becomes unstable and imbalanced and can no longer circulate the required amount of C.S.F. around the brain and spinal cord. This leads to lack of nutrition, increase in toxicity and lowered level of nerve function around the body.
As we know the nervous system controls the functions of every tissue, organ and system in the body and therefore category I symptoms maybe varied and many and may include some of the following:
* any visceral disturbance                                             * skin disorders
* numbness in facial structures or extremities     * insomnia
* lower back pain                                                         * headaches
* nervousness                                                               * weight problems

Heel Tension
When the sacral pump mechanism is out of balance, the body adapts by locking the normal motion of one heel. Your Chiropractor will use the heel tension as an indicator as to which sacro-iliac is involved.

Occipital Fibers
Occipital fibers are small nodules located on the back of the skull (occiput) produced by muscle pull when the pelvis rotates. The most painful or major area is a reflex from a specific level of the spine indicating a vertebral subluxation. Your Chiropractor will proceed to neutralize the subluxation by rubbing the nodule on your head followed by a gentle adjustment to the involved vertebra.

Correction of Category One
When correcting a category one subluxation, your Chiropractor will use two blocks which will be placed under your pelvis in specific positions and directions. Your body weight and breathing motions then normalize the sacro-iliac joints and assist the sacral pump which stimulates the movement of cerebro­spinal fluid. This improves nerve nutrition and removes toxins, which allows your nervous system to function at optimum.

Category two
Sacro Occipital Technique (S.O.T.) is so named because of the relationship between the Sacrum (base of the spine) and the Occiput (base of the skull). These two areas act as anchor points to the sac-like membrane (Dural Membrane), which covers the brain and spinal cord. Within this membrane and surrounding the brain and spinal cord is cerebro-spinal fluid (C.S.F.).
A very special function takes place in the human body that is absolutely essential to good health. It is the circulation throughout the nervous system of C.S.F.. A minute regular rhythmic motion between the occiput and the sacrum circulates the C.S.F. around the brain and spinal cord and throughout the nervous system.
This is the circulatory system of the brain and spinal cord and its function is paramount to total health. This is called the Sacral Pump mechanism.
Categories I, II and III indicate to the Chiropractor the fundamental types of breakdown that occur in the human body causing interference to the nervous system and a deterioration in health.

The Pelvis
The pelvis is composed of a triangular-shaped bone called the Sacrum. The Sacrum is surrounded by two hip bones (the Ilia), which join the Sacrum at the Sacro Iliac Joint.
The pelvis is held together by tough band like ligaments which hold bone to bone. The Pelvis is the basic foundation of the spine and supports the weight of the body. The Sacro Iliac joints are weight bearing joints that support the Sacrum.
As strong as ligaments are they are still vulnerable to stretching and tearing by falls, whiplash, athletic and occupational injuries and everyday gravitational forces that influence the body.

Muscle Groups
The muscle groups involved in category II are ostensibly muscles that connect the extremities of the body to the spinal column, and as such are supportive in their role to maintain the body in an upright position against gravity.

Stress

Failure to correct the category I syndrome against gravitational stress, leads the body to adapt and compensate further, causing stress in the Sacro-Iliac Joints and results in category II.

Category II Subluxation

When ligaments in the pelvis stretch and tear the sacro-iliac joint separates and the sacrum slips on one side; the spine becomes imbalanced, the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned and the nerve roots down the entire spinal cord can become irritated and compressed, effecting normal neurological function.
The separation of the sacro-iliac weight bearing joint as shown on the cover results in reciprocal distortion in the shoulder girdle and neck, as well as disrupting the balance of other weight bearing joints such as the knees, ankles and arches of the feet.
Thus category II symptoms may be varied and distant from the vicinity of the pelvis, and may include some of the following:
* jaw problems                                     * groin pain
* neck pain                                           * lateral thigh pain
* ear pain, loss of balance, tinnitis          * knee, ankle and feet problems
* lateral headaches                               * hypoglycemia
* shoulder, arm, hand pain        * menstrual problems
* lateral chest pain                                * low back pain

T.M.J. DYSFUNCTION
The Temporo-Mandibular Joint (T.M.J.) or the Jaw Joint has a reciprocal relationship with the sacro-iliac joint and is therefore reliant on the stability of the sacro-iliac joint. In a category II weight bearing sacro-iliac separation, the T.M.J. will change its position to compensate and can bring about changes that can affect the bite, balance, hearing and neck position. This must always be a consideration in the chronic category II.

Arm Fossa Test
The standard test done by your Chiropractor to determine the presence of a category II is the arm fossa test. The test uses the brain, arm, shoulder and low back muscles to ascertain the ability of the weight bearing areas to respond to an additional force (the touch in the groin areas). You will also have noticed if you are a category II, that your Chiropractor will find many areas in different parts of the body that are sensitive to touch. These and other tests act as indicators as to how your problem needs to be treated

Correction of Category Two
The arm fossa test is a specific test your chiropractor will use to detect a category two. There are often other sensitive indicators too. To correct the category two, blocks are placed under the pelvis and the weight of the body helps reposition the sacroiliac joints for healing. Usually you will notice your arm response and sensitive areas improve immediately as the blocks do their work.

Category three

Sacro Occipital Technique (S.O.T.) is so named because of the relationship between the Sacrum (base of the spine) and the Occiput (base of the skull). These two areas act as anchor points to the sac-like membrane (Dural Membrane) which covers the brain and spinal cord. Within this membrane and surrounding the brain and spinal cord is cerebro-spinal fluid (C.S.F.).
A very special function takes place in the human body that is absolutely essential to good health. It is the circulation throughout the nervous system of C.S.F. A minute regular rhythmic motion between the occiput and the sacrum circulates the C.S.F. around the brain and spinal cord and throughout the nervous system.
This is the circulatory system of the brain and spinal cord and its function is paramount to total health. This is called the Sacral Pump mechanism

 

The Muscles
The muscle groups in the category III consists of the Piriformis muscle which lies over the sciatic nerve, and the Psoas muscle which attaches to the diaphragm, all the discs of the lumbar spine and the thigh (femur). Contractile spasms of either of these muscles can have an effect on the Sciatic nerve.

The Pelvis and Lumbar Spine
The pelvis consists of the two hip bones (the Ilia) and the Sacrum. The Sacro-Iliac joint, the junction between the Ilium and the Sacrum, is held together by ligaments. This is a weight bearing joint which supports the entire spine. The Sacrum is the foundation for the lumbar spine.

Intervertebral Discs

The intervertebral discs are pads found between the vertebrae. They act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to have mobility. Discs also protect the delicate spinal nerve roots which emerge from openings between the vertebrae. The disc has a tough outer covering and is filled with a jelly like substance called the Nucleus.

Stress
When the body is in a category II syndrome and is not able to compensate to further stress category III is the result.

Catgory III Subluxation
When ligaments in the pelvis are torn or stretched, a separation of the weight bearing sacro-iliac joint takes place. This separation permits one hip to move forward, and the other hip to move backward, changing the leg length.
When this pelvic rotation is set in motion, the sacrum tips to one side causing the basic foundation upon which the spine rests to become unbalanced.
The category III Subluxation occurs when the vertebrae in the low lumbar spine are stressed beyond their ability to recover, usually upsetting a pre-existing weakness in the area. This can be caused by:
* sudden physical trauma  e.g. lifting, twisting, pulling                 * various accidents
* poor nutrition, chemical imbalance, drugs
* emotional or mental stress - in this state a sneeze, cough or simple bending can trigger category III .

As a result of this category III situation, pressure is put on a lumbar disc (usually 5th lumbar) forcing it to bulge out against the sciatic nerve and producing any or several of the following symptoms: (see the cover)
* pain down the back of the leg             * burning sensation down the back of the leg
* pins and needles in the leg                              * tightness in the leg
* numbness in the leg or back                           * poor bowel or bladder control
* pain on sitting, rising, coughing                        * coldness in the extremities

There are generally three types of posture involved in category III
1. Leaning away from the side of leg pain - usually a subluxated vertebra and slight disc protrusion
2. Leaning towards the side of leg pain
3. Leaning forward.
These last two postures an be affected by:

1. Herniation of the disc, where the outer layer tears and some of the inner jelly-like substance seeps out into the spinal nerve root space.
2. Rupture of the disc. The disc collapses and the inner substance spills around the nerve root, or fragments of the outer layer put pressure on the nerves.

The herniation and rupture both leave a person with varying degrees of irreparable damage, and although your Chiropractor may relieve the pressure from the nerves you must take responsibility to prevent further damage.

Correction of Category Three

Category Three occurs when the low back can no longer tolerate the physical stressors placed on it. This can be a sudden one-off event such as a lift, or it can be a pre-existing weakness which is aggravated. Often category Three produces pain in the low back and sometimes pain radiates down a leg as sciatica. Correction involves using blocks under the pelvis in a specific direction and position. Your weight and breathing help to balance the low back and take the pressure or irritation off the nerve. This allows the body to heal.

Cranial Motion

What is Craniopathy?
Craniopathy is a specialist field in Chiropractic, which deals with the micro motion of the cranial vault (skull), its distortions and ultimately the effect it has on normal cerebro-spinal fluid flow and the nervous system. This science has been developed through study, research and clinical application over the last fifty years by Dr. M.B. Dejarnette.

The Central Nervous System
The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system of the body co-coordinating all tissues, organs and systems within the body.

Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (C.S.F.)
A sac-like membrane called the dural membrane covers the brain and spinal cord and contains C.S.F. in which the brain and spinal cord are immersed. The C.S.F. acts as a cushion, protecting this delicate mechanism, transports nutrition, removes waste products and provides, an ideal medium for essential nerve energy conduction.

The Cranial Vault
The brain represents 80% of the central nervous system and is contained and protected by the skull (Cranium). The cranial vault is made up of eight cranial bones joined together at sutures (tongue and groove joints) which allows for cranial micro motion.

Dural Membrane
Within the cranial vault are anchor points for the dural membrane, which separates the brain into quadrants, and support the entire mechanism. These tension membranes act rather like guy ropes on a tent and prevent the brain from twisting or being compressed when the position of the head changes.

C.S.F. Flow
A very special function takes place in the human body that is absolutely essential to good health. It is the circulation throughout the nervous system of C.S.F.
C.S.F. is created in four compartments in the brain and is supplied to the nervous system through the gentle pulsing action created by breathing.

 

Cranial Motion
In order to allow the brain to expand and contract the cranial vault has to comply accordingly. Thus on inhalation the cranium expands as is seen on the front of this pamphlet. The sutures separate and allow the brain to expand. On exhalation the brain contracts and the sutures close. (see diagram). This is micro motion of the cranium.

Sacro-Occiptal Pump

The dural membrane (the tension membranes) not only anchors in the cranial vault (in particular at the occiput), but it also anchors at the sacrum holding the spinal cord in position so that it does not rotate or become displaced by normal movement.

EXHALATION On exhalation the brain contracts forcing C.S.F. down the spinal cord. The diaphragm relaxes allowing the abdominal organs to move out of the pelvic floor, lengthening the spinal cord and expanding the sacral bulb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sacro-occipital pumps provides the mechanism for C.S.F. circulation around the brain and throughout the nervous system. This function is dependent on a stable balanced cranium, spine and pelvis.

Cranial Distortions
Cranial distortions occur when the body is subjected to stresses to which it cannot adapt. Stresses in the form of:
* physical - birth trauma, sports injuries, motor accidents           * Chemical - food additives, drugs.
* environmental pollution                                                           * emotional

These can cause pelvic and spinal distortions and these imbalances create a tightening of the muscles on the outer surface of the cranium and tension on the membranes inside the cranial vault.
The cranium distorts accordingly and the cranial bones move out of alignment pulling on the brain, twisting the spine and unbalancing the sacro-occipital pump mechanism. This interferes with free C.S.F. flow, creates toxicity, affects nutrition and impedes essential nerve energy conduction to all parts of the body.

Correction of Cranial Distortions
Chiropractors are the only people in the health field who are qualified to stabilize the pelvis and cranium. The precise analysis and gentle 'corrections used by your Chiropractor can remove many of the effects of cranial stress and distortions and help restore the brain and the nervous system to its normal function.

Preventive Maintenance

Most people see a doctor only when it hurts. With proper treatment the pain usually goes away or becomes manageable. Things return to normal, they feel better, and forget all about the doctor until a new crisis occurs.
Seeking care for a health problem makes sense. There are times when health practitioners can help us more than we can help ourselves. Some illnesses and imbalances are self-correcting, but intervention can speed up the healing time or make the discomfort more bearable. Sometimes we simple want to understand what’s wrong and what we can do about it.

Why wait for pain?

But why wait for pain or illness to compel us to seek help? Many problems can be prevented with proper health maintenance. More people are embracing attitudes and behaviours that are promoting good health amid the toxins and stresses of modern living. They recognize the importance of proper diet, exercise, adequate rest, caring relationships and spiritual growth. They accept responsibility for their lifestyle and the consequences of their actions. And they regularly consult a health practitioner for preventive “tune-ups”, instead of relying on misery for motivation.
Preventive health maintenance is not unlike caring for your car. Few people would drive their automobile to breakdown without ever changing the oil. Most of us would rather see the mechanic for a tune-up every few months than wait for the engine to blow – on some dark, rainy night fifty miles out of town. Most of us are perfectly capable of learning how to do the necessary maintenance on our vehicles without a mechanic, and some people prefer to make their own minor auto repairs. But few of us are willing to invest in the time, training and tools required to do everything ourselves, especially when a good mechanic can probably do a better job with only occasional inconvenience and personal expense.
Obviously, your body is a lot more sophisticated than an automobile. The extraordinary capabilities of human life to heal and grow is an exquisite mystery beyond the scope of mortal comprehension. Why not use every resource at our command to maintain health and fulfill our highest potentials!

Preventive medicine and Chiropractic

How can a practitioner help you stay healthy? It depends on his or her orientation. A medical doctor would probably encourage you to have regular checkups to screen for health hazards or early stages of a disease you may not be able to detect yourself. This is especially important when patients are at increased risk of developing a particular health problem – for instance, a family history of heart disease, or a personal history of low back injury that has left the spine weak and unstable.
On the other hand, a chiropractor might recommend regular spinal adjustment to help the nervous system function properly. When the vertebrae are misalligned, nerves passing through them may become irritated. Since the nervous system regulates most physiological processes, neurological interference may adversely affect organs and muscles, making the entire body more prone to injury or illness. Realigning the spine and other joints help restore neurological integrity and promote better health. Such realignment may be beneficial even when pain or disease are absent, for these symptoms usually take some time to develop after the nervous system has become unbalanced.

Energetic and psychological prevention

Acupuncture and various forms of energy balancing work along the same lines, but through less tangible systems. In many respects human beings can be regarded as complex fields and patterns of energy. These systems permeate and surround our bodies.

Ideally, when proper patterns and circuits are established, good health follows naturally. Various stresses of life can imbalance our energy systems long before obvious symptoms appear, so periodic “alignments” may serve as excellent health insurance.

Even more subtle are the psychological distortions that affect all of us deeply, and often subconsciously. Frustrations, hurt feelings, minor grievances and major crises can build up over the days and weeks to sap our vitality, cloud our clarity and dull our sensitivities. Simply associating with other people who are upset, depressed or aggressive, can “rub off” so to speak, leaving us with thoughts and feelings that may not be our own. It is extremely important to process and clear this emotional debris, lest we make ourselves sick from worry and confusion. Daily meditation or prayer is invaluable for maintaining psychic sanity, but often compassionate consolation can help us unravel distresses too close to comprehend.

The aforementioned are but a few of the ways we can enlist health care providers in maintaining good health. Massage therapists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, naturopaths, support groups and many others can help us maintain our health by encouraging our innate tendencies toward harmony, balance and wholeness. Who you choose to see depends on who you are and what you want. The important thing is to allow others to use their skill and expertise to further your health goals, and to prevent minor stresses from becoming major disorders.

Timing the tune-ups.

How often should you see someone for preventive maintenance? This is again quite variable, depending on your constitution, circumstances and objectives. I have had periods of immense transition when I sought professional support every week; other times I have easily gone months without outside intervention. As a physician, I have patients with chronic back problems who need adjusting and balancing every few days just to maintain a normal lifestyle. On the other extreme, some children require only a yearly checkup.
For most adults, I find once a month is a good rule of thumb for a general “tune-up” – brief checkup and chiropractic adjustment. I usually tell patients how often I think they need preventive maintenance once we’ve resolved whatever health problem initially brought them in. Perhaps one day most of my patients will not see me because they’re hurting, but because they already feel good and want it to last!