Watch this video to bring your awareness to a zone of the spine that has tremendous biomechanical, neurological, and energetic properties and potential when properly aligned… I’m talking about the lumbo-sacral region which is remarkably designed.

How do you create optimal alignment and flow in this area? First get a chiropractic adjustment to this area you fee up the bones, the joints, and the discs of this intricate area.

After the adjustment do cannon balls, side bends, and rotations to lubricate the region and activate your innate intelligence. When you remove the interference your innate intelligence will create optimal internal organic alignment.

Throughout the day pay attention to the area right at the front of your sacrum to see which way your spine is tipping …forward or backward?
Don’t commit hari hari…. You know when the samurai ends his life with his kitara sword. This is the area of your power center….your solar plexus… Care for it well and you will be rewarded. Until we see you in person…stand tall my friend!!

For all you frequent fliers out there, check out this video to minimize spinal stress while flying on an airplane, so that when you arrive to your destination you will have worked all the “kinks” out and be pain-free. Nothing is worse then spending your vacation struggling with pain, headaches, or extreme moodiness!

The now famous “Cervical Salutations” along with other movement and breathing sequences are demonstrated.

After watching this video you’ll begin to catch a common theme taught by West Los Angeles Chiropractor, Dr. Jeremy Brook, and that’s get adjusted… then move, eat, think, sleep, love, and breathe with intelligence to make sure your energy/ information gets deposited in the right places and the right concentration.

Some of the most rewarding moments I’ve had in practice have occurred while taking care of children and especially newborns. I gotta tell you, the birth process is intense! The journey of the new baby  from a luxurious five star uterus into a stressful gravity based word places a tremendous and amazing toll on its spine. Especially at the top part of the neck where the brain and spinal cord come together.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that this area is supremely important in growth and development. That’s why it is essential to make sure your baby is “clear of interference” at this level for proper communication between the brain and body. If there is a subluxation at this level, LIFE cannot flow freely.

That’s why I’ve included a research  article from one of my pediatric instructions, Dr. Peter Fysh. I expect you will see the value of chiropractic care for your kids!

P.S.

That’s my little baby niece, Phoebe,  getting her atlas, the  upper most bone in the spine,  adjusted!

Suboccipital Strain in Newborns

By Peter Fysh, DC
The upper cervical spine and atlanto-occipital junction have been identified in previous studies as being the cause of a diversity of clinical findings affecting the newborn infant. This month we review a study by Biedermann in which suboccipital strain is identified as causing a variety of signs and symptoms in a group of 114 young infants.

The study, published in the Journal of Manual Medicine, not only identifies the signs and symptoms of the suboccipital strain syndrome, but also highlights the effectiveness of spinal adjustments in correcting the problem.1

Kinematic imbalances due to suboccipital strain, otherwise known as KISS syndrome, identifies the pathogenic potential of the craniovertebral junction to produce a constellation of clinical findings. From a group of 600 children, 114 were chosen for treatment and follow-up study. Their symptoms included restricted motion of the cervical spine, torticollis, cervical scoliosis, facial scoliosis, asymmetric muscle tone, retarded development of the hip joints, opisthotonos (retraction of the head and arching of the back, with infant unable to hold the head erect), deformities of the feet, restless sleep, and not eating or drinking well.

The most common findings were those of torticollis (head tilted to one side), scoliosis (sideways curve of the cervical spine), asymmetric muscle development, slow development of the hip joints and asymmetrical or slow development of motor skills.

The most common factors causing suboccipital strain were identified in the study as including intrauterine malposition of the fetus, the use of forceps or vacuum extraction during the birth process, prolonged labor and multiple fetuses (twins, triplets, etc.). The incidence of these risk factors in affected infants varied significantly from the established normal birth statistics.

According to the authors of this study, the pathogenic importance of asymmetric posture in infants and young children is often disregarded, with the condition either being dismissed as unimportant or not recognized at all.

All of the subjects in the study were treated by adjustments to either the atlanto-occipital or the atlanto-axial joints. According to the author, treating disturbances of the suboccipital joints and the cervical spine simplifies and shortens the course of the infant’s problems, and significantly reduces the need for lengthy programs of physiotherapy. Furthermore, the indication for spinal manipulation in infants depends on first recognizing the clinical symptoms and then fitting them with the physical and radiological findings.

The researchers in this study relied on x-ray findings to accurately evaluate the alignment of the atlanto-axial and atlanto-occipital joints. The radiological evaluation was used to help in identifying spinal malformations and as an aid in determining the most appropriate direction of manipulation.

KISS syndrome was defined primarily because of the inability to consistently identify fixations, or “blockages” in the atlanto-occipital region, as had been previously described by Gutmann in the 1960s. In many cases, KISS syndrome can be dealt with effectively by correcting the alignment and restoring lost movement to spinal vertebrae.

Several case reports are presented in the paper, the first of a four month old female infant born by Cesarian section. The mother was concerned that her daughter had difficulty controlling her head position and always slept on her right side. The left arm was used less frequently than the right. Upon examination, painful palpation was identified on the right upper cervical spine, with cervical flexion on the left being half that on the right. Follow-up after manipulation showed symmetrical development and normal sleep patterns.

Another report details the case of a five month old twin who suffered hypoxia at birth. At six weeks of age examination showed cervical scoliosis, hypomobility of the left arm, poor head control and asymmetry of the facial structures. Following manipulation, posture and mobility were symmetrical and the cervical scoliosis straightened.

A third report gives details of the case of a six month old female with inability to turn her head to the left and with a pronounced facial scoliosis. Handling the child was described as difficult as she often cried, her motor development was retarded and she had recurrent fever of unknown origin. A few hours after the first treatment she moved her head to the left. One month later her facial scoliosis was much less pronounced and her motor development was improved. Twelve months later no abnormalities were detected.

In this study, 29 infants were identified with congenital torticollis. In this condition, spasm or trauma to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) causes the newborn infant’s head to tilt to one side. Frequently, in persistent cases, surgery to lengthen the SCM is the elective option. All but one the 29 infants with torticollis responded to manipulation of the upper cervical spine.

Identification of Suboccipital Strain

Identification of suboccipital strain requires careful palpation by a doctor experienced in the art of spinal examination. Initial indications can be increased pain or sensitivity of the suboccipitaland upper cervical spinal regions and/or restricted movements of the head and neck.

Subluxation of the atlas to the right, relative to the occiput, was a more frequent finding than was left atlas subluxation. This finding correlates with the studies of Jirout who also found the most common direction for atlas subluxation to be to the right.2 In 19 cases the main spinal asymmetry was found at C1-C2. In these patients, treatment at C1-C2 proved to be as effective as adjusting C0-C1.

Conclusion

Suboccipital strain is a leading factor in the conditions described. It can be relieved quickly and effectively by adjusting the cervical spine, in most cases, with one or two treatments. A frequent comment by parents was that their child ate better and slept better after the treatment.

References

1. Biedermann H. Kinematic imbalances due to suboccipital strain in newborns. J. Manual Med (1992) 6:151-156.

2. Jirout J. (1990) Roentgenologische Bewegungsdiagnostik der Halswirbelsaule. Fischer, Stuttgart.

Article first appeared in Dynamic Chiropractic – June 3, 1994, Vol. 12, Issue 12

Chiropractic in Pregnancy for Safer Births

This past April I began my training with the ICPA, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, by becoming certified with the Webster Technique. Check out what Dr. Jeanne Ohm has to say about it!

The Webster Technique: A Technique for Pregnant Women

Written by Jeanne Ohm, D.C.

You have seen the Webster Technique — that chiropractic technique to help pregnant mothers with breech babies — featured on The Learning Channel’s hit series “A Baby Story.” You have read about it in Mothering magazine and Midwifery Today. You have seen it on the Internet. You have heard it talked about by birthing professionals. Perhaps potential patients have asked you about it. But what is it?

The Webster Technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), is a specific chiropractic adjustment for pregnant mothers. It is a chiropractic technique designed to relieve the causes of intrauterine constraint.

Formerly known as Webster’s “In-Utero Constraint Technique” or “Webster’s Breech Turning Technique,” the Webster Technique was developed by Dr. Webster in 1978. For over 20 years, it has been highly successful in relieving intrauterine constraint and allowing babies to get into the best possible position for birth.

What is intrauterine constraint? Intrauterine constraint is defined as any forces external to the developing fetus that obstructs the normal movement of the fetus. Intrauterine constraint can prevent the developing fetus from attaining a head down vertex position and achieving a vaginal birth, resulting in cesarean section delivery. Today, nearly 13% of all cesarean deliveries performed are due to breech presentation.

In 1985, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed 15% as the highest acceptable limit for cesarean section rates. This figure was based on the cesarean section rates of countries with the lowest perinatal mortality rates in the world. In 1991, the figure was adopted as a goal for the year 2000 by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Currently, approximately 4.6 % of all singleton pregnancies develop into breech presentation and the incidence of perinatal mortality with breech presentation is approximately four times that of a vertex presentation. While many infants in breech presentation before 34 weeks will convert spontaneously to a cephalic presentation, few will do so afterward.

Decreasing the number of caesareans for breech presentation has been offered as a strategy to reach the Healthy People 2000 goal of 15% cesarean section rate. The importance of preventing intrauterine constraint and subsequent cesarean section delivery is apparent, considering in the United States approximately 22% of all births were cesarean section deliveries. In Canada the incidence of cesarean section ranges from 15%-22%, depending on the province. The Webster Technique is a chiropractic means of decreasing the number of cesareans for breech presentation.

Performance of the Webster Technique involves analysis of the relationship of the bones of the pelvis, and correction of aberrant biomechanics through the use of a light force chiropractic adjustment of the sacrum (Step 1). It also involves analysis and relief of specific abdominal muscle tension or spasm (Step 2). Both steps are intended to relieve the musculoskeletal causes of intrauterine constraint that may lead to cesarean section delivery.

It is important to stress at this time that the Webster Technique is not to be misconstrued as the practice of obstetrics. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic technique intended to relieve a specific musculoskeletal condition, and is well within the chiropractor’s scope of practice. At no time does the chiropractor attempt to change the position of the fetus as is done in external cephalic version (ECV). Untrained individuals should not attempt the Webster Technique.

In addition, the Webster Technique should not be confused with other unproven or unsafe “chiropractic breech turning” techniques.

The ICPA, founded by Dr. Webster, maintains the only database of chiropractors certified in the proper performance of the Webster Technique. In addition, the ICPA currently offers the only courses to certify chiropractors in the proper performance of it.

Growing awareness of the Webster Technique is demonstrating the increased demand for doctors of chiropractic trained to perform it. Because of its ability to facilitate easier, safer deliveries for both mother and baby, many birth care providers are actively seeking doctors of chiropractic with the skills in this technique. Daily, the ICPA receives many requests for referrals.

For more information go to www.icpa4kids.org.

A recent retrospective study of 2,818 patients in the USA and worldwide demonstrates that Chiropractic is associated with statistically significant, profound, and consistent improvement in self reported health and wellness issues (provided below). A demographic analysis of the retrospective study (conducted between November, 1994 and April, 1995) demonstrates that Chiropractic targets highly motivated individuals interested in alternative and complimentary care, and vitalistic or holistic care.

Less Stress relative to emotional well being, health, general well being, coping with daily problems, family, significant relationships, work

More Life Enjoyment

openness to guidance by inner feelings, experience of relaxation, well being,  positive feelings about self, interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, feeling open when relating to others, confidence in dealing with adversity, compassion for others

Improved Physical Well Being

Improved flexibility of the spine, more energy, less fatigue, fewer colds and flu, fewer headaches, and reduced pain

Greater Emotional and Psychological Well Being

positive feelings about self, decreased moodiness, temper, angry outbursts, less depression, more interest in life, fewer concerns about small things, improved ability to think and concentrate, less anxiety and concern over vague fears,  improved ability to stay on task, less distress about physical pain

Spontaneous Positive Life Style Changes

regular exercise, Tai Chi/Yoga, meditation/self hypnosis, health foods/vitamins,  vegetarian/partial vegetarian, less use of prescription medications

Overall Improvement in Quality of Life

improvement relative to: personal life, oneself, extent one adapts to change, handling of problems in life, actual life accomplishments, life as a whole, overall contentment with life, significant other,  job, life being what one wanted it to be, romantic life,  actual work done, co-workers, physical appearance

*Conducted within the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, U. of C., Irvine, CA

*****UC Irvine is Dr. Brook’s Alma Mater*****

Our body and behavior have built in mechanisms or tendencies to stay the same within a narrow limit. And when changed it will snap back immediately to its old alignment or pattern. Just think about it, when we are cold the body causes us shiver to generate more heat. This brings our core temperature back to a more comfortable limit. If the body didn’t make us shiver then we would succumb to the cold and risk injury or even freeze to death. The same thing applies to blood sugar, sodium, & thyroid hormone among others.  How about dieting? For those who have started a diet, they know the process of making changes in their diet requires new choices in types of food, as well as the proportions. If followed carefully the most obvious change is in their weight and energy levels. They become a new person. When they fall off track they notice they are in the same place as where started. Those who remained committed to the process noticed that it eventually became second nature and they did not revert back to their old eating habits.

This condition of equilibrium, this resistance to change, is called homeostasis. Homeostasis is an innate mechanism within the body that regulates all the systems in the body. When there is change in the body, your innate intelligence or inborn wisdom keeps you at a set limit. The problem is that sometimes the level or set limit you are currently at is not a positive one. Homeostasis works to keep things as they are, even if they aren’t very good. Being that our patterns and behaviors are hard to change, we become stuck at a certain level. Sometimes it’s beneficial, and sometimes it’s not. So it is essential to understand this innate mechanism in order to achieve optimal health and start being well.

Remember, homeostasis doesn’t distinguish between what you would call change for the better and change for the worse. It resists ALL change. So how do we tap in and reset our set limit? The way we do it in Chiropractic is start with the foundation. We start with the nervous system. According to Gray’s Anatomy,” The nervous system controls and coordinates all organs and structures of the body. Misalignments of spinal vertebrae and discs may cause irritation to the nervous system which could affect the structures, organs, and functions of the body.” So the central concept of chiropractic is to remove interference from the master system through specific adjustments to the spine, so the vital nerve energy can flow freely from the brain down the cord and out to every cell in the body. With a clear connection the body can function as it was designed to without distortion. We then build from there.

Chiropractic care begins with creating more motion in the body. Since motion is life and life is motion we must build or rebuild a body that is flexible and capable of handling the rigors and demands from life. When we open up, the body shifts in that direction. Innately the body wants more motion. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine allow for a greater degree of motion. But in order to prevent the body from reverting back to its old posture and patterns it needs reinforcement and correction. We do that with a series of adjustment to retrain and rebuild the alignment. With time the body will recognize that alignment and consider it to be its new set point.  Then the body will seek to maintain homeostasis by keeping you at that limit.

Once motion and a correct alignment are attained an individual is able to have a better connection within. Through a new awareness of their spine… their backbone…their foundation… their connection to life… they are able to consciously see their old unconscious patterns, whether they are unbeneficial emotions or postural distortions.

No one said it’s easy to create change. It requires three components. Time. Repetition. Energy. It takes time to make change. It requires repetition to reprogram the old. It requires energy to be committed to the process. And then sit back and watch the organic process in action. Others surely will.

The correction of a vertebral subluxation is the primary goal of a principled chiropractor. But many of us haven’t even heard of the term vertebral subluxation, despite the fact that is a serious obstacle in our expression of health, healing, wellness, and vitality. So what exactly is a vertebral subluxation?

Let us begin with some basic anatomy, physiology, and embryology. When you were conceived you were given a brain and a spinal cord first. So vital and basic the wisdom of your body encased it in an armor of bone. The bony armor of the human nerve system includes the cranium, 24 spinal bones, the sacrum, coccyx, and 134 articulations, and provides protection and flexibility of the brain and the most vital nerve channel known to mankind, the spinal cord. These two opposing functions make the spine and cranium an architectural and engineering masterpiece!

The nerve system, comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and a dazzling array of neurotransmitters or chemicals controls, integrates, and harmonizes all the other systems. It gathers our sense impressions, coordinates all actions and movements, and is the instrument used in the evolution of one’s consciousness. It is the most amazing communication system known to mankind. It is our “Inner- Net” and our link to the inner and outer world.  It connects us to life.

Now out from the spinal cord, through holes or channels between the jointed vertebrae, run nerves that carry human electricity, innate force, life force, light, prana, or chi to every muscle, organ, gland, blood vessel, and cell in the body. Embryology tells us that these nerves are so vital that they must precede the formation of any body part.

Chiropractors are concerned with the relationship between the structure and expression of the human being, specifically the spine and nerve system, and how that relationship may affect one’s level of health, creativity, and performance.

There are times in our lives when one or more spinal bones, or vertebrae, lose their normal alignment or motion and cause interference to the spinal cord which it was designed to protect. The effect is interference and abnormal communication between the brain and body resulting in an altered state of function. This is called a vertebral subluxation.

The vertebral subluxation can arise on several levels, due to physical, chemical, emotional, or spiritual stress. These stresses create tension within the nerve system and interfere with the normal flow of human electricity throughout the body.

The vertebral subluxation robs the body of focus to think, metabolize, and power to heal. Any interference with the normal action of nerves in carrying human electricity or life force deranges their functions, and thereby deranges the function of the muscles, organs, or glands to which they go to. The result, an unbalanced body.

This deranged function can only be made normal by having the displacements (subluxations) adjusted resulting in a free flow of healing energy throughout the body. This is accomplished through the chiropractic adjustment.

This free flow of healing energy is felt in every fiber of your being and allows for a most exquisite human experience.

The Philosophy of Chiropractic is founded upon the knowledge of the manner in which vital functions are performed by Innate in health and disease. When this controlling intelligence is able to transmit mental impulses to all parts of the body, free and unobstructed, we have normal action which is health.

Innate directs its vital energy thru the nervous system to specialize the co-ordination of sensation and volition through the cumulative and vegetative functions.

Displacement of any part of the skeletal frame may press against nerves, which are the channels of communication, intensifying or decreasing their carrying capacity, creating either too much or not enough function, an aberration known as disease. The nature of the affection depends upon the shape of the bone, the amount of pressure, age of the patient, character of nerves impinged upon and the individual make-up.