article archive

February 2006

Visceral dysfunction and neck pain
by Dr. Howard Loomis

The maintenance of internal health can be a unique practice specialty for the chiropractor since other professions direct their attention at the relief of symptoms without discerning the true cause. You may recall that in the year 2000 the American Medical Association announced that 100,000 Americans die each year from the side effects of prescription drugs that were correctly prescribed. There is an inherent flaw in a system that finds this number acceptable.

What is needed is a system to find the underlying cause of the symptoms. chiropractic is such a system. Medical tests only identify disease conditions, those problems that have progressed beyond normal limits. It is not possible using blood tests, for example, to identify a potential disease process before the normal test parameters are exceeded. Symptoms develop and become bothersome, but blood tests do not identify the symptoms' cause. Without that knowledge, any therapy becomes hit‑or‑miss and even dangerous.

I have previously written about a simple screening examination that will help you identify those patients suffering from apparent structural problems who actually have an underlying visceral cause. I have already described the rationale for such an exam and suggested that it can be done quickly but at a special time, in a special room, perhaps with a special assistant, and at a special price. This would ensure the patient understands its importance and serves to educate and by making them part of the process. It also establishes when further testing might be required.

This exam is not intended to be a complete dissertation on clinical diagnosis; rather, it is intended only to serve as a screening process and to identify opportunities for increased service to the patient. It consists of observing the patient for head tilt, shoulder level, hip level, knee flexion, and ankle pronation. The object is to identify any obvious muscle contraction and then, using palpation, determine whether a structural or visceral cause is involved. I will not attempt to describe structural faults since the reader is already an expert in that area. My objective is to distinguish possible visceral causes for the observed muscle contraction.

I suggest that when head tilt is accompanied by any symptoms in the head and neck, the examiner should palpate for tenderness in the area of the symptoms. Next, correct whatever structural problem you find and then repalpate the involved symptomatic area. If the tenderness is now remarkably diminished or gone, you will know the cause was structural. But if the muscle contractions are still present, even though the head tilt may be corrected, the cause was visceral dysfunction and the symptoms will continue or soon return.

Head tilt and the eyes

As much as any organ in the body, the eyes are dependent upon normal homeostasis for delivery of adequate nutrients for normal function. Parasympathetic dominance is characterized by excessive alkalinity and calcium deficiency. This can produce increased secretions from the eyes, nose, and mouth (salivary glands). In such cases, the mucosa becomes congested and swollen and the glands become overactive producing a secretion of thin, watery mucus.

The muscles involved with eye movement and vision will become weak and contracted. The patient may complain of pain when moving the eyes, vision problems, poor light accommodation, excessive tearing, and runny nose. A drug may be prescribed or a chiropractic adjustment given but unless the underlying cause is identified, neither will be effective in restoring normal function.

Head tilt and the sinuses

Perhaps the most common cause of congested sinuses is toxicity from the liver and bowel. Potassium deficiency may also be a problem and leads to symptoms associated with sympathetic dominance as well as muscle contractions at the base of the occiput and upper cervical spine.

The blood vessels in the mucous membranes of the head constrict decreasing mucous secretion, and the pupils of the eyes dilate. This may be associated with increased mattering of the eyes or thick mucous secretions in the nasal passages. The saliva will be thick and the mucous membranes of the head will be pale and dry.

The muscles involved with facial expressions such as smiling and frowning are weak and contracted. The patient may complain of sinus headaches, facial neuralgia, and even Bell's palsy. Tenderness can be found in the tissues under the cheekbone and running to the zygomatic bone and crossing the angle of the jaw. It may extend to the teeth in both upper and lower jaws and to the tissues of the nose.

Finding the true cause of your patients' symptoms is possible. Your chiropractic profession has prepared you for it, and your patients will depend on it.

(Dr. Loomis welcomes input on the subjects covered in this column. To make a comment or ask a question, write to him at 6421 Enterprise Lane, Madison, WI 53719. Visit www.loomisinstitute.com online or call 800‑662‑2630 for information on upcoming Loomis Institute seminars.)