Brain Function/Emotional Health
The short-term effects of cervical manipulation
on edge light pupil cycle time: A pilot study. Gibbons, PF,
Gosling CM, Holmes, M Journal of Manip and Physiological
Therapeutics Vol. 23 No. 7 September 2000.
Edge light pupil
cycle time (ELPCT) is a reflex that is controlled by the
autonomic nervous system. One way of measuring chiropractic’s
effects on autonomic tone, or the overall function of the
autonomic nervous system, may be by seeing how ELPCT changes
as a result of chiropractic care.
In this study, a group of
13 men gathered at random with no history of eye problems
had their ELPCT measured pre- and post- manipulation.
Manipulation
consisted of “a high velocity low-amplitude
rotatory thrust, localized to the C1-2 joint on the left
(n=6) or the right (n=7) determined randomly.”
Significant
pre and post ELPCT differences were noted.
Comment by Dr. Koren:
This study shows that ELPCT is affected by “manipulation.” However
it has some serious limitations as it does not use classical
chiropractic protocols. In fact, no healing art should address
patient care randomly, as this study does. People were manipulated
irrespective of their need for an adjustment and irrespective
of whether they had a subluxation. Perhaps a person was adjusted
on the right at C1-2 but his listing was on the left? The person
could have been hurt. This paper is intriguing but limited
since there was no respect for the possibility of subluxation
correction or damage in this study.
A retrospective assessment
of network care using a survey of self-rated health, wellness
and quality of life. Blanks, RHI, Schuster, TL. J Vertebral
Subluxation Research Vol. 1 No. 4, 1997.
From the abstract:
This study represents a retrospective characterization
of how people respond to Network care, a spinal analysis and
adjusting technique derived from a number of chiropractic
adjusting techniques. Data were obtained of 2,818 patients
from 156 Network offices (49% practitioner participation
rate) in the United States, Canada, Australia and Puerto
Rico.
Results indicated that patients reported significant positive
perceived change in the four domains: physical state, mental/emotional
state, stress evaluation, life enjoyment).
Overall quality of
life from a standardized index and the “wellness
coefficient,” suggest that Network Care is associated
with significant benefits.
These benefits are evident from as
early as 1-3 months under care, and appear to show continuing
clinical improvements in the duration of care …with
no indication of a maximum clinical benefit.
Comment by Dr.
Koren: Network chiropractic is a combination of chiropractic
techniques tailored to the specific needs of the patient.
It capitalizes on the best that many traditional chiropractic
techniques have to offer. This study is unique in its size,
scale and scientific rigor.
The effects of spinal manipulation
on the intensity of emotional arousal in phobic subjects exposed
to a threat stimulus: a randomized, controlled, double-blind
clinical trial. Peterson KB. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological
Therapeutics, Nov. 1997; 20(9), pp.602-6.
In this study each
student’s heart rate and report
of fear was taken before, during and after viewing a “phobogenic
stimulus” such as a fear-evoking item (ex. spider).
Spinal
adjustments were performed while the student was experiencing
fear. After the chiropractic adjustment, the phobic test was
performed again. The researchers reported: “spinal
manipulation significantly decreased the intensity of emotional
arousal reported by phobic subjects.”
PET and SPECT in
whiplash syndrome: a new approach to a forgotten brain? Otte
A, Ettlin TM, Nitzsche EU, Wachter K, Hoegerle S, Simon GH,
Fierz L, Moser E, Mueller-Brand J. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
1997;63:368-372.
From the abstract:
This study was designed to evaluate perfusion
(blood flow) and glucose metabolism (energy utilization) in
[the] whiplash brain.
Comment by Dr. Koren: Whiplash patients
have traditionally reported a number of symptoms that are related
to brain function – such
as loss of memory, vision changes and emotional changes.
This study involved six patients suffering from whiplash
syndrome and 12 normal controls. Chemicals that reveal brain
function when viewed by specialized equipment (PET and SPECT)
which is similar to a CAT scan for the brain were given to
patients. There was “significant hypometabolism” or
decreased brain function and hypoperfusion or decreased blood
in the parieto-occipital regions on the right and left side
compared to controls.
However, most revealing was the authors’ statement
as to the possible cause of the brain changes after they
ruled out direct injury to the brain and brain structures,
upper neck irritation (subluxation?). As they write:
“It
is hypothesized that parieto-occipital hypometabolism may be
caused by activation of nociceptive afferent nerves from the
upper cervical spine.”
Changes in brain function after
manipulation of the cervical spine. Carrick FR. Journal of
Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Oct. 1997;20(8),
pp.529-45.
The brain was mapped before and after chiropractic
cervical adjustments in 500 adult volunteers. In order to measure
blind spots. Blind spots are found in everyone and the size
of the blind spot is an indicator of brain function. A larger
blind spot indicates less cortical summation (less input
from other areas of the brain).
In this study an adjustment
on one side of the neck increased blind spot size while an
adjustment on the opposite side decreased it. From the paper: “The
results support the hypothesis that cortical-response maps
can be used to measure the neurological consequences of spinal
joint manipulation.”
Comment by Dr. Koren: This is very
exciting work which, as our technology continues to evolve,
will give us a window into observing how brain activity changes
as a result of spinal care.
Monocular scotoma and spinal manipulation:
the step phenomenon. Gorman RF, Journal of Manipulative and
Physiological Therapeutics 1996; 19:344-9.
In this paper Dr.
Gorman discusses the brain blood flow/spinal column relationship
in this case history of a 62-year-old man who developed a scotoma
(an area of depressed vision or less than normal vision) of
the right eye.
With spinal care there was resolution of the
scotoma. The rate of recovery of the scotoma was mapped using
computerized static perimetry...significant recovery occurred
at each spinal manipulation treatment, producing a stepped
graph.
This case history suggests that spinal manipulation can
affect the blood supply of localized areas of brain tissue.
More important is the converse implication that microvascular
abnormality of the brain is caused by spinal derangement.
Dr. Gorman noted that each spinal manipulation resulted in
a step up hence the title ‘stepped graph.’
Monocular
visual loss after closed head trauma: immediate resolution
associated with spinal manipulation. Gorman RF. Journal of
Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Vol. 18, No.3,
June 1995.
Dr. Gorman, an Australian ophthalmologist discusses
18 cases where visual field loss was restored following spinal
care. The author goes on to discuss the relationship between
spinal health and blood supply to the head and brain. Dr. Gorman
writes: “ I hold the opinion, based on two decades
of dedication to the intricacies of the ‘Cervical Syndrome’ and
from a personal experience of 6,000 spinal manipulations
done under anesthesia, that concentric narrowing of the visual
fields indicates that the child has inferior brain function,
which is a serious detriment to child, both internally and
externally.”
Two cases of spinal manipulation performed
while the patient contemplated an associated stress event:
the effect of the manipulation/contemplation on serum cholesterol
levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Peterson, K.B, Chiropractic
Technique, Vol. 7, No.2, May 1995.
Neuro-Emotional Technique
(N.E.T.) is a fascinating chiropractic adjusting technique
that is used to clear out physical correlations of emotional
stress (called neuroemotional complexes by N.E.T. practitioners).
The
developer of N.E.T., Scott Walker, D.C. was inspired in part
by the technique TBM – Total Body Modification,
developed by Victor Frank Chinese medicine. NET correlates
acupuncture meridians and related spinal levels and emotional
states and is a system that correlates meridians to spinal
levels.
His analysis technique uses applied kinesiology (muscle
testing) to locate areas of emotional complex. The following
case study documents the results of a single NET intervention
on each of two women suffering with well documented hypercholesterolemia
(high blood cholesterol levels). Baseline serum cholesterol
levels for both patients averaged approximately 300 mg/dl
and 227 mg/dl respectively. These results occurred between
2 and 5 months after the NET intervention.
Serum cholesterol
levels had risen back to the original range at a nine month
to a one year follow up.
Course of attention and memory after
common whiplash: a two-year prospective study with age, education
and gender pair-matched patients. Di Stefano G and Radanov
BP Acta Neurol Scand 1995; 91: 346-352).
From the abstract:
Attentional functional and memory of common
whiplash patients were evaluated during the first two years
after experiencing injury....All (117) patients had a similar
socioeconomic background, all being injured in automobile accidents
and fully covered by insurance plans. Two years following initial
trauma, 21 patients remained symptomatic.
When compared with
matched controls, the 21 symptomatic patients had no memory
impairment but did have attention functional (difficulty of
follow-up of tasks with divided attention).
Comment by Dr. Koren:
Some studies have documented attention deficits in symptomatic
whiplash patients as well as memory loss. This paper reviews
the value of the studies done by others in this field and found
them to have designs that were “insufficient.” The
chiropractic
interest in this subject is more than that of the
neuromusculoskeletal condition of whiplash, but of the brain
function that is affected by presumed subluxations of the cervical
spine. This work should be studied in concert with Gorman’s
and Zhang’s respective papers.
Brain SPECT findings in
late whiplash syndrome. Otte A, Mueller-Brand J, Fierz L. Lancet
1995; 345:1512-13.
Using Technetium-99m hexanethylproplyrnrsminr
oxime single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT),
it was found that 6 of 7 patients with nontraumatic cervical
pain had parieto-occipital hypoperfusion (lessened blood flow
to the brain).
In 24 patients confirmed by independent observers
to be suffering from cognitive disturbances after whiplash
injury, all had parieto-occipital hypoperfusion compared with
15 normal control subjects.
impaired arterial blood flow to
the brain as a result of a cervical subluxation: a clinical
report. Risley, WB. Journal of the American Chiropractic Assoc
June 1995. pp. 61-63.
From the abstract:
The author has witnessed impairment of the
velocity of arterial blood flow of the occipital artery, unilaterally
or bilaterally, as a direct result of a cervical subluxation
in over 15,000 patients. This impairment is documented by Doppler
examination and is the virtual 100 percent concomitant of a
cervical subluxation. Clinical correction of the subluxation,
especially at the C-1, C-2 level, restores the blood velocity
through the occipital artery, virtually 100 percent of the
time. Failure to correct the subluxation commonly fails to
relieve the impaired blood velocity in this artery. It is thus
an effective monitor of the efficacy of the administered adjustment.
Cerebral
dysfunction: A theory to explain some effects of chiropractic
manipulation. Terrett AGJ. Chiropractic Technique; 1993; 5:168-173.
From
the abstract:
This paper presents a theory...to explain a possible
mode of action of spinal manipulation in some patients with...visual
disorders, dizziness, depression, anxiety,memory problems,
attention span problems, difficulty with concentration, irritability,
tiredness, and clumsiness.
Dr. Terrett’s work relates to the findings of Gorman,
Carrick, Otte and others to advance the theory that diminished
blood flow to the brain causes some areas to “hibernate” that
is, remain alive, but not function, resulting in diminished
mental capacity.
In a letter to the editor, (Chiropractic Technique,
Vol.6 No.3, Aug. 1994) Dr. Terrett writes:
“I’m
sure that this is exactly what happens to many people every
day, and that this is why they suffer problems such as tiredness,
headache, depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating,
visual difficulty, etc.etc.”
(The article below appeared
in a newspaper human interest story on the success of chiropractic
care in a child with learning problems.)
Treatment makes a difference
By Terry Pender Star Staff Writer The Sudbury Star, February
8, 1993
Jane and Jeff Kuhn watched their son Adam flounder in
school from the moment he stepped into his Grade 1 classroom.
Adam had lots of trouble reading, didn't like school, didn't
participate and needed one-on-one instruction that he couldn't
get in class.
He was in Grade 4 but reading at a Grade 1 level.
Adam's teacher
suggested they take their son to see a chiropractor, Roger
Turner, who was helping children with learning difficulties.
The Kuhns watched Turner expertly manipulate the bones in
Adam's skull. The parents could actually see the bones moving.
Before the treatment, the chiropractor had the Kuhns feel
some of the bumps on their son's head. The bumps were caused
by the misalignment of different skull bones. When properly
aligned there are no bumps.
“Adam is doing better in school, which he now likes.
He's even volunteering to read for the class. Comments on
his latest report card were ‘excellent,’ and
noted the improvements," says Jane. "He's actually
writing five page stories where five lines were a struggle
before," Adam now sees Turner on a weekly basis to make
sure the bones of the skull remain in place. A study of the
Neural Organization Technique (N.O.T.) was conducted in England
on 12 children with a variety of learning disabilities. The
12 children all showed significant improvements in intellectual
functioning.
A British government publication says of that study's
results: This study "and others indicate that there
is a strong possibility that N.O.T. can offer help. Parents
and children deserve that it be fully investigated. There
is a responsibility on all concerned, with the well being
and education of children with learning disabilities and
dyslexia. That is to support the exploration of any new source
of potential help, especially one that may extend their capacity
to learn so that they may become better equipped to benefit
from their education."
Upper cervical adjustments may improve
mental function. Thomas MD, Wood J. Journal of Manual Medicine,
1992, 6:215-216.
From the abstract:
This report describes abrupt improvement
in mental and motor deficits in a 14-year-old girl after the
initiation of specific upper cervical chiropractic care. Cessation
of this care for several months was associated with a return
to the patient’s
previous condition. Repeat manipulation was followed by recovery
of the patient to the level of her previous improvement.
The
child exhibited staring spells, never made eye contact, left
arm and hand were not used and remained flaccid as she walked.
She had the verbal ability of a 3-year-old, spoke rarely, and
used single words.
She was medically diagnosed with psychomotor
seizures and a degenerative neurological disorder.
After chiropractic
adjustments began, she began to make eye contact. Within two
weeks she was forming sentences, standing straighter, using
her left arm and hand normally and began to engage in family
conversation and activities.
Changes in brain stem evoked response
as a result of chiropractic treatment. Shambaugh P, Pearlman
RC, Hauck K. In Proceedings of the 1991 International Conference
on Spinal Manipulation, FCER; 227-229.
This paper suggests that
chiropractic adjustments, at least in patients with acute musculoskeletal
problems, may enhance brain function.
The research modality
used was brain stem evoked response or BSER - a measure of
how well brain waves travel (in this case following a sound
through a headphone).
Four patients with acute musculoskeletal
complaints and seven patients with no acute problems were adjusted
with diversified technique and cranial adjusting. The four
acute patients showed a shorter BSER latency period, indicating
that the neural messages were going through their brain stems
and auditory nerves more quickly or with less delay.
This study
supports the hypothesis that brain stem function can be improved
by chiropractic adjustments in patients with acute musculoskeletal
complaints.
13-year-old with headache, depression, poor appetite,
nausea, general muscular weakness, dizziness and sensitivity
to light and noise. Esch, S. ACA J of Chiropractic December
1988.
This is the case of a 13- year-old with a history of respiratory
difficulty since birth (home birth, uncomplicated). Infant
had difficulty nursing due to “stuffiness”.
Upon
presentation, patient was in considerable pain, wearing dark
glasses and ear plugs to compensate for increased sensitivity
to sound and light. One week beforehand he had been injured
in a football game collision. Medical doctors had given the
child pain killers and he was hospitalized in traction for
two weeks with no improvement.
Chiropractic examination: X-ray
(Davis series) of the cervical spine showed right lateral displacement
of atlas with right rotation of C-2.
Following the initial adjustment
the patient could ride home without wearing his sunglasses
and for the first time in two weeks expressed an interest in
food. He returned the next day saying he felt, “The best I’ve
felt in six weeks.”
A pilot study of applied kinesiology
in helping children with learning disabilities. Mathews MO,
Thomas E, British Osteopathic Journal Vol. X11 1993; Ferreri
CA (1986)
From the paper
All of the children in the treatment group made
significant gains in IQ scores. An average increase of 8 Full
Scale IQ points and 12 performance IQ points was obtained.
Most children showed significant gains in visual perceptual
organization. Some made significant gains in other important
skills such as short-term auditory memory. Significant improvements
were observed both at home and at school with regard to motivation,
attitude and performance.
Reports from treatment included: “Dyslexia teacher
says he no longer needs help.” “No more thumb
sucking.” “Asthma much better on the whole.”
Somatic
dysfunction, osteopathic manipulative treatment, and the nervous
system: a few facts, some theories, many questions. Irvin M.
Korr, Ph.D. Journal Of The American Osteopathic Association,
Feb 1986 Vol. 86, no. 2 pp. 109-114.
From the paper:
While biomechanical dysfunction is usually viewed
as a causative or contributing factor in the patient’s problem, it
is itself a consequence of the imperfections in that person’s
total adaptation, which is visible in posture. That adaptation,
which is visible in posture and locomotion, is, to the discerning
clinician, eloquent expression of the patient’s total
personality and view of the world and of self. It is no semantic
accident that “posture” and “attitude” apply
to both the physical and psychological domains. Given the
unity of body and mind, posture and attitude reflect the
history and status of both and help in determining where
and how the body framework is vulnerable.
Study on cervical
visual disturbance and its manipulative treatment. Zhang
C, Wang Y, Lu W, et al. J Trad Chinese Medicine, 1984;4:205-210.
From
the abstract:
“Determination of blood flow by x-ray in
18 of our cases shows that blood flow of the cerebral hemispheres
greatly improves after manipulative treatment. The same is
true in similar animal tests.”
From the paper:
“At the 1978 year end 3120 cases of cervical
syndrome of which 30 were associated with hypopsia and blindness
were summed up with satisfactory results found after manipulative
treatment. Vision was restored to no less than 1.0 in 4 cases
with blindness.
Chiropractic medicine for rejuvenation
of the mind. by R. Frank Gorman. Pub: Academy of Chiropractic
Medicine , 8 Budgen Street, Darwin, Australia, 1983.
Gorman,
an ophthalmologist with an interest in migraine, worked with
Eric Milne, M.D., a general practitioner who had an interest
in spinal manipulation.
They discovered a wide range of physical
and psychological conditions responding to chiropractic care
and believed that most people are suffering from decreased
brain functioning due to decreased flow of blood to the brain
and that chiropractic spinal manipulation could relieve this
problem. They feel that many people are functioning with diminished
mental potential or are disabled by “mental illness,
which has a simple physical cause.”
The cause they refer
to is a restriction in blood flow to the brain because of vertebral
misalignment that creates stress on the vertebral arteries.
The
effects of chiropractic treatment on students with learning
and behavioral impairments due to neurological dysfunction.
Walton EV. International Review of Chiropractic 1975; 29(6):
4-5, 24-26.
Twenty-four learning impaired students were in the
study. Half of these impaired students received chiropractic
care and the other half, who were either on medication or receiving
no treatment at all, were used for comparison.
The case histories
that follow were obtained from the records of the students
who received chiropractic care and appeared in “Chiropractic Effectiveness with Emotional Learning
and Behavioral Impairments” International Review of
Chiropractic – September 1975..
Case Histories
Case C 91: a high school student who was failing
three subjects, with a history of failure, low morale, discipline
problems, poor coordination, and a long history of clinical
and medical treatment. After chiropractic care the student
was passing all subjects, highly motivated, showing improved
coordination and able to participate in athletics. All medications
were dropped.
Case C 92: a high school student on 20mg. Ritalin™ and
on Dilanton™ . She was non-motivated, negative, passive,
nonverbal, and failing in school work despite placement in
special classes. After chiropractic adjustments the student
was taken off Ritalin, began talking and expressing herself,
and showed improved reading comprehension and reading speed.
Case
CE 92: an elementary student who was extremely hyperkinetic,
irritable, and he had severe behavior problems at home and
school. Grades were marginal to failing. Although the boy
was only 8 years old, Ritalin ™ had been increased
from an initial 5mg. to a total of 70mg./day with steadily
diminishing results. (70mg. approaches danger level as a
dosage). At the conclusion of chiropractic care, the Ritalin
had been entirely discontinued and coordination was improved
to the extent that the student became an able Little League
ball player. His attitude was excellent, grades were up an
average of one letter grade, and the student was considered
free of all limiting factors. Behavior at home and school
was exemplary.
Case CE 101: an elementary student. This student
was marginally passing his courses. There was a four year
history of marginal accomplishment in school. He was nervous,
underweight and suffered from insomnia. Medication was briefly
tried but the student’s emotional control became poor
and he frequently wept. The medication had to be discontinued.
After chiropractic care there was a marked reduction in nervousness
and great improvement in emotional stability. His mother
reported that his appetite was now normal and he began enjoying
school during the last month.
Case C 93: a high school student.
Initially on heavy dosages of medication, non-motivated with
a long history of clinical evaluation and treatment. The
girl was failing most school subjects, marginal in others,
and withdrawn. After chiropractic adjustments, her self-confidence
improved; she was passing all subjects. All medication was
discontinued after four months of treatment. A vocational
goal was established.
Case CJ 95: a junior high school student.
He was hyperkinetic almost from birth and had a traumatic early
developmental history with suspected neurological problems.
Although of above average intelligence he was passing only
two subjects, both marginally. He was starting to become a
discipline problem, making little or no effort in school. After
chiropractic care, fine and gross motor coordination improved
markedly. He began taking an interest in athletics and played
Little League on a team that placed third in the state. Effort
and motivation improved to the extent that plans to send him
back to a lower grade were dropped and he was promoted. Reports
at the third week of school indicated that his academic progress
was excellent after a late summer remedial program.
Case CE
102: an elementary student who had been diagnosed by numerous
clinics as minimally brain damaged, retarded and/or suffering
from neurological dysfunction. He also suffered from severe
emotional problems. After chiropractic he showed great improvement
in self-confidence. He began to take part in public speaking
in school. Mental ability tests indicated that the student
was at normal grade level except for deficiencies in reading.
The
cervical subluxation and regional cerebral blood flow. Sato,
A and Budgell B.
This paper addresses the question of whether
the manipulable cervical lesion (subluxation) is likely to
affect the blood flow through the vertebral artery and cause
reduced blood flow to the brain (“cerebral hibernation”) and
if “manipulation” can increase the blood flow.
The authors conclude that such an occurrence is “not
likely to be due to mechanical compression of the vertebral
arteries.”
Dr. Koren comments: Dr. Frank Gorman hypothesized that the
reason patients’ visual acuity and other conditions
improved after spinal care was due to removed blockage of
the vertebral arteries. Dr. Alan G.J. Terrett’s paper
on brain hibernation (Cerebral dysfunction: A theory to explain
some effects of chiropractic manipulation. Terrett AGJ. Chiropractic
Technique; 1993; 5:168-173) discusses vertebral artery blockage
as only one possible mechanism of action. However, Terrett
has written that there may be more to the decrease in cerebral
blood flow due to cervical spine subluxation than blockage
of the cerebral arteries.
In answering criticism that blockage
of the cerebral arteries could not induce “brain hibernation,” Dr.
Terrett agreed that the cerebral arteries may not be the
mechanism of the reduced cerebral blood flow due to cervical
subluxation and that there may be, and most likely were,
other mechanisms involved. As he writes:
The cortex is not the
whole deal anyway, the brainstem is not without important
blood supply from the vertebral arteries, and without it,
the cortex is isolated… In this paper,
I did not address the possibility of diaschisis. It is not
practical or sensible to separate the brain into sections
relating to blood supply apart from the consideration of
major segmental catastrophes, such as stroke.
Letter to the
editor. Terrett AGJ. Chiropractic Technique Vol 6. No.3,
August 1994.
Let us not forget that the mechanism of function
is of secondary importance. As with all Empirical healing arts
(of which chiropractic is one) the most important thing is
whether or not the patient gets better, not how well the mechanism
is understood
Automated static perimetry in chiropractic. Gorman
RF. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1993; 16: 481-487.
This is the
case of a 44 year old housewife with non-specific bilateral
visual field loss that disappeared after spinal manipulation
under anesthesia. The author writes: This case history demonstrates
that spinal manipulation may dissipate microvascular spasm
in the brain: even in branches of the carotid arterial system,
which is not directly related to the spine.
Mild head injury
in preschool children: evidence that it can be associated with
a persisting cognitive defect. Wrightson P. McGinnV, Gronwall
D. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1995; 59:375-380.
A mild head
injury is defined by a hospital emergency department as a head
injury not severe enough to need admission for observation.
78 children were compared with 86 controls that had a minor
injury in other areas. Children with mild head injury, at six
months and one year were found to have scored less on a visual
puzzle test and were more likely to have another mild head
injury. At 6.5 years, they still scored less than controls.
[Anorexia
Nervosa] The side-effects of the chiropractic adjustment. Burnier
A. Chiropractic Pediatrics Vol. 1 No. 4 May 1995.
This is a
case history of A.S. female, 23 years old taken from the records
of Dr. Arno Burnier who at the time practiced in Yardley, PA.
Physical
problem: anorexia.
Chiropractic result: Complete resolution
following the first adjustment. Follow-up two years later.
Problem never returned.
Presenting Vertebral Subluxation: Occiput/C1
with atlas ASLP, C5/C6 P1.
Original adjustment: Meningeal contact
on occiput ridge medially close to the EOP for 60 seconds,
double notch contact on the sacrum for 20 seconds, axis spinous
contact for 20 seconds. Structural manual adjustment of Atlas
in extension and rotation, C5/C6 in extension in supine position.
Are
radiographic changes in the thoracic and lumbar spine of adolescent’s
risk factors for low back pain in adults? A 25-year prospective
cohort study of 640 school children. Spine. 1995; 20:2,298-2,302.
This
is a study of 640 14-year-old children followed from 1965 through
1990 to determine risk factors for the development of low back
pain in adulthood. The lifetime occurrence for back pain was
84% for this cohort. The proportion of subjects having radiographic
abnormalities was 36% and yet this was associated with an increased
incidence of back pain in adulthood. Interestingly, the investigators
did find an increased incidence of mental problems such as
fear or depression in the group of patients with radiographic
changes in the T11-L2 area.
Cervicalgia with concomitant hot
flashes. Case Report. Masarsky, CS, Weber M. ICA Review of
Chiropractic, accepted for publication 1993.
This is the case
of a 31 year old patient with a ten-day history of stiffness
and soreness in her neck. Six weeks prior she had received
an intramuscular injection of 3.75 mg of leuprolide acetate
in preparation for surgical removal of uterine fibroid tumors.
This injection evidently provided hot flashes and other symptoms
consistent with artificially induced menopause. The frequency
of hot flashes decreased following a single adjustment. Hot
flashes were abolished altogether after four additional adjustments
over 26 days.
Panic attacks and the chiropractic adjustment:
a case report. Potthoff S. Penwell B, Wolf J. ACA J of Chiropractic,
1993 (December) 30:26-28.
This is the case of a 52-year-old
female diagnosed with long standing panic attacks. She had
been prescribed a variety of antidepressants and tranquilizers
over the years, underwent counseling and relaxation training
- all to no benefit.
Chiropractic examination revealed areas
of upper and mid cervical, upper and mid thoracic and right
sacroiliac fixations. The patient’s blood pressure was
182/102 mm Hg, pulse rate 120 beats/minute during an attack.
However it would drop to 140/80 and her pulse to 76 beats/minute
four minutes after the adjustment. After beginning chiropractic
care she had been free of panic attacks for more than two months
which is the best she had been in years.
Spinal patterns as
predictors of personality profiles: a pilot study. Koren T.
and Rosenwinkel E. International J of Psychosomatics. 1992;39:10-17.
Forty
patients were analyzed by full spine (14”x36”)
radiographs in both sitting (A to P and lateral) and standing
(A to P and lateral) positions. Their radiographs were analyzed
for distance from center of gravity, pelvic drop, occipital,
atlas (C-1), T1, T12 and sacral angles plus the degree and
level of thoracic kyphosis. Each patient took a Minnesota
Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test. The authors
then analyzed the data from the radiographs and MMPI for
any correlations between psychological expression and spinal
indicators. Among the findings: atlas angle (the measure
of the number of degrees the atlas deviated from the horizontal
plane) correlated to three MMPI scales: hypochondriasis,
hysteria and paranoia in both standing and sitting films;
the degree of the thoracic curve correlated with the hypomania
scale (depression and low energy) only in the standing films
and the pelvic drop correlated with “need for nurturing” in
the sitting films.
These findings seemed to agree with Dr. Lowell
Ward’s
Spinal Column Stressology observations.
The chiropractic management
of anxiety: a case report. Sullivan EC. ACA J of Chiropractic,
1992 (SEP); 29:29-34.
A 42-year-old female patient suffered
from anxiety attacks and agoraphobia since an auto accident.
Other symptoms included nightmares, insomnia, tachycardia,
dizziness, memory loss, difficulty in concentrating, and urinary
bladder urgency. She also reported that a well-controlled peptic
ulcer had exacerbated after the accident.
Chiropractic analysis
revealed vertebral subluxation complex at C5-6, T5-6, and L5-S1
levels. After two months of chiropractic care and counseling,
patient reported a sharp reduction in anxiety, an end to agoraphobia
attacks, bladder urgency, insomnia and dizziness and reduced
low back pain.
After an additional four months patient reported
complete relief from anxiety and ulcer symptoms.
Effect of osteopathic
medical management on neurologic development in children. Frymann
VM, Carney, RE, Springall P. Journal Of The American Osteopathic
Association, 1992; 92:729-744.
Author’s abstract:
For 3 years, children between 18 months
and 12 years of age, with and without recognized neurologic
deficits, were studied at the Osteopathic Center for Children.
Their response to 6 to 12 osteopathic manipulative treatments
directed to all areas of impaired inherent physiologic motion
was estimated from changes in three sensory and three motor
areas of performance.
Neurologic performance significantly improved
after treatment in children with diagnosed neurologic problems
and to a lesser degree in children with medical or structural
diagnoses. The advances in neurologic development continued
over a several months interval.
The results support the use
of osteopathic manipulative treatment as part of pediatric
health care based on osteopathic medical philosophy and principles.
Chiropractic
approach to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Whittler MA Journal
of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation, 1992;8:26-29.
Eleven
women with histories of PMS were adjusted 2-3 times per week
during the premenstrual week and 1-2 times per week during
other weeks. All measured symptoms noted improvement including “variation in sexual drive/habits,” “social
impairment” and depression.
The effect of chiropractic
adjustment on frontalis EMG potentials, spinal ranges of motion
and anxiety level. Goff, McConnell, and Paone J of Chiropractic
Research and Clinical Investigations, 1991; Vol. 7, No.1
From
the abstract:
Several authors have reported the adjustment of
the spine causes changes in behavior…this study proposed
to test the hypothesis that the chiropractic adjustment caused
a decrease in muscle tension and therefore would be expected
to modify perceived anxiety.
Effects of chiropractic
treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomized, controlled
trial. Yates RG, Lamping DL, Abram NL, Wright C. J Manipulative
Physiol Ther 1988;11:484-8.
Twenty one patients were adjusted
T-1 to T-5 in this patient-blinded, assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled
study, the authors state that the data “lend support to the hypothesis that
chiropractic manipulation of the thoracic spine significantly
reduces blood pressure in patients with elevated blood pressure.” Both
systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly
in the adjusted group. No significant changes occurred in
the placebo or control groups.
Chiropractic treatment of mental
illness: a review of theory and practice. Goff PJ. Research
Forum. Autumn, 1987.
Between 1920 and 1960, several residential
programs for mental health treatment by chiropractors were
in existence including two in Davenport, Iowa. The author writes
that the “size of two Davenport institutions were remarkable,
especially considering the varying economic climate during
those years and that all payment was by individuals or their
families.” At the same time, state-operated facilities
were available at little or no cost. Both chiropractic sanitaria,
lasted about 40 years.
W.H. Quigley, D.C., claimed successful
treatment of 60% of the admitted population, while the state
hospitals of that time reported a success rate of 30%.
Chiropractic
Success in a Reform School Report of State Supervisor of Chiropractors
of Kentucky In Connection With Kentucky Houses of Reform, Greendale,
Kentucky, Marshall L.T., Lexington, Kentucky, December 1, 1931.
244
inmates of a Kentucky Reform School (boys) were placed under
chiropractic care. The report is largely made up of case histories
of the boys many of whom undoubtedly suffered from various
emotional and learning disorders. From the summary:
1. Number
of boys given chiropractic adjustments...244.
2. Number of cases
dismissed completely recovered or greatly benefited, 155
3.
Of the 244 cases, 89 are still under treatment
4. Number of
cases promoted in school 54
5. Number of cases paroled 144.
6. Number of boys at Greendale
(Kentucky Houses of Reform) at beginning of chiropractic program
(September 3, 1930) approximately 540.
7. Number of boys at
Greendale Dec. 1st, 1931 approximately 335
State officials were
so impressed that they wrote enthusiastic letters of endorsement.
B.W. Hubbard, Superintendent, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Kentucky
Houses of Reform wrote: “I have
been able to notice a marked improvement in the mental and
physical condition of the boys, in school work and conduct;
also, there has been a larger number of paroles during that
period than any previous period during the past four years.” (
p.3)
“We have been able to accomplish results far beyond
their fondest hopes and expectations in the rehabilitation
of these boys. The teachers have voluntarily and without
solicitation signed a petition asking for an all-time or
full-time chiropractor in that institution.” (P.1)
From
the teachers: “As the records will show the boys
who underwent treatment improved from the first adjustment
and in many instances showed improvement beyond belief. Not
only did they improve in health, but also in their school
work as pupils, showing better results in the shops and other
industrial training and above all there has been a marked
improvement in their moral life.” (p.7).
Despite these
endorsements, chiropractic services were not continued at the
institution.
A copy of this report can be obtained from the
Palmer College reference library.
Books on the subject:
Schwartz, H.S., Preliminary analysis 350
mental patients’ records
treated by Chiropractors, Journal of National Chiropractic
Association (Nov. 1949), pp. 12-15.=
Mental Health and Chiropractic,
A Multidisciplinary Approach, Sessions Publishers, 48 Nassau
Drive, New Hyde Park, New York, N.Y. 11040. 1973.
Dunn, E.E.
Osteopathic Concepts in Psychiatry, Journal Of The American
Osteopathic Association 49: 354-357, (1950) Schizophrenics
displayed subluxation of C-1 37.6%, C-2 66%, C-3 41.2%. T-4
54%, T-5 74.6%, T-6 67.6%.
Quigley, W.H. “Physiological psychology of chiropractic
in mental disorder”. Ch. 10 in Mental Health and Chiropractic.
70% of schizophrenics and 33% of brain syndrome patients
were successfully treated by chiropractic and released out
of 72 cases studied.
Copyright 2004 Koren Publications, Inc. & Tedd
Koren, D.C.