tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 How-to's, tips, research and opinion on the broad range Chiropractic techniques. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56541 2013-06-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-06-15T12:00:07-07:00

Evidence-based practice: this is a challenging topic. Our interactions with "the evidence" may not have been positive. How many of us have had our treatment plans chopped by someone sitting at a desk, quoting studies on what is supposed to happen; how quickly the patient is supposed to recover?

By Marc Heller, DC Evidence-based practice: this is a challenging topic. Our interactions with "the evidence" may not have been positive. How many of us have had our treatment plans chopped by someone sitting at a desk, quoting studies on what is supposed to happen; how quickly the patient is supposed to recover? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56456 2013-04-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-15T12:00:07-07:00

Regardless of the relationship you may have with a physical therapist or how far you think the two professions have come in recent years in terms of multidisciplinary appreciation and cooperation, it remains clear that from a legal / scope-of-practice standpoint, there is still work to do. The latest proof comes from the West Coast, where doctors of chiropractic in both California and Nevada have been forced to take action of late to protect their exclusive right to perform joint manipulation / adjusting.

By Editorial Staff Regardless of the relationship you may have with a physical therapist or how far you think the two professions have come in recent years in terms of multidisciplinary appreciation and cooperation, it remains clear that from a legal / scope-of-practice standpoint, there is still work to do. The latest proof comes from the West Coast, where doctors of chiropractic in both California and Nevada have been forced to take action of late to protect their exclusive right to perform joint manipulation / adjusting. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56449 2013-04-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-15T12:00:07-07:00

I am not sure why it has taken me so long, but after 104 articles, I am finally writing about visceral manipulation. Let's begin with some background on how I started studying visceral work. In 1994, I worked in an interdisciplinary clinic, where I got to rub shoulders with a manipulating osteopath. I had always been interested in low-force methods, but this was my first introduction to the osteopathic ways of using low-force manipulation. I was impressed by the osteopathic methods and sought out a way to learn them.

By Marc Heller, DC I am not sure why it has taken me so long, but after 104 articles, I am finally writing about visceral manipulation. Let's begin with some background on how I started studying visceral work. In 1994, I worked in an interdisciplinary clinic, where I got to rub shoulders with a manipulating osteopath. I had always been interested in low-force methods, but this was my first introduction to the osteopathic ways of using low-force manipulation. I was impressed by the osteopathic methods and sought out a way to learn them. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56425 2013-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have always been a fan of specific upper-cervical chiropractic care. I attended Pacific States Chiropractic College, which later became Life West, and the two co-founders of the college were National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) practitioners.

By Claudia Anrig, DC I have always been a fan of specific upper-cervical chiropractic care. I attended Pacific States Chiropractic College, which later became Life West, and the two co-founders of the college were National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) practitioners. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56392 2013-03-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-15T12:00:07-07:00

The North American Association for Laser Therapy (NAALT) held its annual meeting Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2013 at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Well over 100 attendees, including clinicians who utilize laser therapy (on humans or animals), scientists, researchers and company vendors, enjoyed three days of lectures, discussion, equipment demonstrations and social interaction.

By Phil Harrington, DC, CMLSO The North American Association for Laser Therapy (NAALT) held its annual meeting Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2013 at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Well over 100 attendees, including clinicians who utilize laser therapy (on humans or animals), scientists, researchers and company vendors, enjoyed three days of lectures, discussion, equipment demonstrations and social interaction. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56341 2013-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Here's a scary statistic: Americans born in 2000 or later have a lifetime risk of more than one in three of developing type 2 diabetes. The problem extends across the world, with increasing cases of diabetes in developed and developing nations like the U.K., China and the Arab Emirates.

By Marco Lopez, DC, CCEP Here's a scary statistic: Americans born in 2000 or later have a lifetime risk of more than one in three of developing type 2 diabetes. The problem extends across the world, with increasing cases of diabetes in developed and developing nations like the U.K., China and the Arab Emirates. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56336 2013-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

For any health care professional devoted to functional neurology - as is the case for chiropractors, whose founding father expressed the importance of tone, and for applied kinesiologists, whose focus upon the aberrant manual muscle test ultimately reflects neural dysafferentation - the significance of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) cannot be overstated. Thus, it was with great anticipation that I was able to present a study I designed and implemented of some of the most robust experimental data that applied kinesiologists have to offer to both the scientific community and public at the most recent SfN's annual conference in New Orleans.

By Anthony Rosner, PhD, LLD [Hon.], LLC For any health care professional devoted to functional neurology - as is the case for chiropractors, whose founding father expressed the importance of tone, and for applied kinesiologists, whose focus upon the aberrant manual muscle test ultimately reflects neural dysafferentation - the significance of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) cannot be overstated. Thus, it was with great anticipation that I was able to present a study I designed and implemented of some of the most robust experimental data that applied kinesiologists have to offer to both the scientific community and public at the most recent SfN's annual conference in New Orleans. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56325 2013-01-16T12:00:32-07:00 2013-01-16T12:00:07-07:00

Following its 2012 year-end meeting, the certificate holders for the Palmer College of Chiropractic Board of Trustees appointed Michael D. Chance, DC, as a new member of the board (serving a one-year term) and reappointed four current members who had completed their terms to new three-year terms, beginning Jan. 1, 2013.

Following its 2012 year-end meeting, the certificate holders for the Palmer College of Chiropractic Board of Trustees appointed Michael D. Chance, DC, as a new member of the board (serving a one-year term) and reappointed four current members who had completed their terms to new three-year terms, beginning Jan. 1, 2013. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56272 2012-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2012-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

The developer of this technique was Hugh B. Logan, DC, who first presented his new technique, called Universal Health - Basic Technique, in 1931. Within a few years, it was simply called Logan Basic Technique; "basic" because it deals with the sacrum or base of the spine.

By Claudia Anrig, DC The developer of this technique was Hugh B. Logan, DC, who first presented his new technique, called Universal Health - Basic Technique, in 1931. Within a few years, it was simply called Logan Basic Technique; "basic" because it deals with the sacrum or base of the spine. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56154 2012-09-19T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-19T12:00:07-07:00

Dr. Lawrence E. Newsum, world traveler, innovator, patent holder and founder of Newsum Bio-Kinetics Health Restoration Seminars, Bio-Kinetics Health Systems, and the New-Stim Stimulator, has passed away. A celebration of his life will take place in Long Beach, Calif., on Sept. 29, 2012.

Dr. Lawrence E. Newsum, world traveler, innovator, patent holder and founder of Newsum Bio-Kinetics Health Restoration Seminars, Bio-Kinetics Health Systems, and the New-Stim Stimulator, has passed away. A celebration of his life will take place in Long Beach, Calif., on Sept. 29, 2012. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56138 2012-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

The wrists and hands are body parts we use repeatedly throughout the day, but sadly, we generally take them for granted. Sure, some people take the time to get their hands manicured and pampered a bit, but the actual joints and muscles of the hand get little attention, if any.

By Kevin M. Wong, DC The wrists and hands are body parts we use repeatedly throughout the day, but sadly, we generally take them for granted. Sure, some people take the time to get their hands manicured and pampered a bit, but the actual joints and muscles of the hand get little attention, if any. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56057 2012-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

The prevalence of hip pain is terribly rampant in our modern society. Current statistics indicate that one in four people may develop painful hip arthritis in their lifetime. A recent study found that 14.3 percent of participants ages 60 years and older reported significant hip pain on most days in the previous six weeks.

By Kevin M. Wong, DC The prevalence of hip pain is terribly rampant in our modern society. Current statistics indicate that one in four people may develop painful hip arthritis in their lifetime. A recent study found that 14.3 percent of participants ages 60 years and older reported significant hip pain on most days in the previous six weeks. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56053 2012-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

Patients occasionally enter the office with a torn meniscus of the knee. In these cases, it is important to determine if they could respond to conservative care. Meniscal tears may be either traumatic or degenerative, and degenerative tears are closely associated with osteoarthritis. Based on symptomatology, examination and age, one might consider a degenerative meniscal tear from a plain X-ray, but acute tears do not have any specific radiographic findings.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Patients occasionally enter the office with a torn meniscus of the knee. In these cases, it is important to determine if they could respond to conservative care. Meniscal tears may be either traumatic or degenerative, and degenerative tears are closely associated with osteoarthritis. Based on symptomatology, examination and age, one might consider a degenerative meniscal tear from a plain X-ray, but acute tears do not have any specific radiographic findings. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56036 2012-07-29T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-29T12:00:07-07:00

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common gait-related disorders, affecting more than 25 percent of the running community. Despite the high prevalence, identifying the cause for this condition has been enigmatic. Early research based on an off-weight-bearing model of knee function suggested the most likely biomechanical cause for patellofemoral pain syndrome was a lateral shifting of the patella between the femoral condyles. The most frequently cited causes for this include an increased Q-angle and/or weakness of the vastus medialis obliquus muscle (VMO).

By Thomas Michaud, DC Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common gait-related disorders, affecting more than 25 percent of the running community. Despite the high prevalence, identifying the cause for this condition has been enigmatic. Early research based on an off-weight-bearing model of knee function suggested the most likely biomechanical cause for patellofemoral pain syndrome was a lateral shifting of the patella between the femoral condyles. The most frequently cited causes for this include an increased Q-angle and/or weakness of the vastus medialis obliquus muscle (VMO). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55978 2012-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Spine Journal recently announced its "Top 25 Hottest Articles" for 2011. These are the most downloaded articles for the year. The 2011 list is surprising in that 13 of the 25 articles have at least one author who is a doctor of chiropractic.1 In addition, 10 of the 25 papers include content relating to spinal manipulation, cervical manipulation or chiropractic; six of those include the terms in their title. Papers that discussed these topics were found to be very popular, ranking first, third, fourth, sixth, 10th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 23rd and 24th.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher The Spine Journal recently announced its "Top 25 Hottest Articles" for 2011. These are the most downloaded articles for the year. The 2011 list is surprising in that 13 of the 25 articles have at least one author who is a doctor of chiropractic.1 In addition, 10 of the 25 papers include content relating to spinal manipulation, cervical manipulation or chiropractic; six of those include the terms in their title. Papers that discussed these topics were found to be very popular, ranking first, third, fourth, sixth, 10th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 23rd and 24th. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55966 2012-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Typically, we think of communication in the mammalian system as occurring by way of the nervous system. Oschman quotes Sherrington's statement about the single-celled paramecium that swims around gracefully, avoids predators, finds food, mates and has sex all without a single synapse: "Of nerve there is no trace. But the cell framework, the cytoskeleton might serve."

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Typically, we think of communication in the mammalian system as occurring by way of the nervous system. Oschman quotes Sherrington's statement about the single-celled paramecium that swims around gracefully, avoids predators, finds food, mates and has sex all without a single synapse: "Of nerve there is no trace. But the cell framework, the cytoskeleton might serve." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55951 2012-06-17T12:00:32-07:00 2012-06-17T12:00:07-07:00

From our first gasp of air when we are born to our last sigh when we pass, one breath follows another in a mostly unbroken progression. One of our most primal movement patterns is breathing, but most of us are unaware it happens automatically unless exertion, a stressful event, an injury including physical and emotional pain, or an unforeseen interruption of respiration occurs.

By Robert "Skip" George, DC, CCSP, CSCS From our first gasp of air when we are born to our last sigh when we pass, one breath follows another in a mostly unbroken progression. One of our most primal movement patterns is breathing, but most of us are unaware it happens automatically unless exertion, a stressful event, an injury including physical and emotional pain, or an unforeseen interruption of respiration occurs. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55906 2012-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2012-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Sacroiliac function can be monitored and assessed in a variety of ways. One method is with the patient standing and performing hip flexion while the practitioner monitors posterior inferior ilium motion. Lack of posterior inferior ilium motion (with the PSIS as the reference point) constitutes a "blockage" of motion or "hypomobile" status.

By Joseph D. Kurnik, DC Sacroiliac function can be monitored and assessed in a variety of ways. One method is with the patient standing and performing hip flexion while the practitioner monitors posterior inferior ilium motion. Lack of posterior inferior ilium motion (with the PSIS as the reference point) constitutes a "blockage" of motion or "hypomobile" status. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55893 2012-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2012-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Let's delve a little deeper into the discussion initiated in my previous article, "Low Back Pain: Global Patterns." The joint-by-joint model says that the neck, lumbar spine and pelvis need stability, and that the hips and thoracic spine typically need additional mobility. The thoracic spine is obviously built for stability. It has the connection of the ribs reinforcing it. So, it has inherent stability, but tends to get stiff and need mobility.

By Marc Heller, DC Let's delve a little deeper into the discussion initiated in my previous article, "Low Back Pain: Global Patterns." The joint-by-joint model says that the neck, lumbar spine and pelvis need stability, and that the hips and thoracic spine typically need additional mobility. The thoracic spine is obviously built for stability. It has the connection of the ribs reinforcing it. So, it has inherent stability, but tends to get stiff and need mobility. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55802 2012-03-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-12T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I attended a chiropractic conference in a state in which I do not hold a license to practice chiropractic. While there, many people I did not know came up to me and asked if I would adjust them. Much to my surprise, most of those who asked looked at me as if there were something wrong with me when I said, "No, I'm not licensed here." They seemed shocked that I would not adjust them because I was not licensed. One would have thought that I was speaking a foreign language when I said I couldn't adjust them.

By Stephen M. Perle, DC, MS Recently, I attended a chiropractic conference in a state in which I do not hold a license to practice chiropractic. While there, many people I did not know came up to me and asked if I would adjust them. Much to my surprise, most of those who asked looked at me as if there were something wrong with me when I said, "No, I'm not licensed here." They seemed shocked that I would not adjust them because I was not licensed. One would have thought that I was speaking a foreign language when I said I couldn't adjust them. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55795 2012-03-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-12T12:00:07-07:00

There is a diagnostic procedure that can be used to measure motion of C-1 upon C-2 in relation to the rest of the cervical spine. It is a motion evaluation that can be performed in the supine position and is a "screening procedure," evaluating motion of C-1 during rotation bilaterally.

By Joseph D. Kurnik, DC There is a diagnostic procedure that can be used to measure motion of C-1 upon C-2 in relation to the rest of the cervical spine. It is a motion evaluation that can be performed in the supine position and is a "screening procedure," evaluating motion of C-1 during rotation bilaterally. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55792 2012-03-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-12T12:00:07-07:00

When I first started chiropractic school back in the late '70s, a new and profound concept about stress and illness was becoming popular. Dr. Hans Selye noted that the body had a typical response to stress, and that sick people all looked alike and had similar problems and similar hormonal responses to illness and stress.

By Marc Heller, DC When I first started chiropractic school back in the late '70s, a new and profound concept about stress and illness was becoming popular. Dr. Hans Selye noted that the body had a typical response to stress, and that sick people all looked alike and had similar problems and similar hormonal responses to illness and stress. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55775 2012-02-26T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-26T12:00:07-07:00

Our understanding of the elusive subluxation and the effects of spinal manipulation has gradually evolved as the science of articular neurology, biomechanics, and motor programming has matured. New insights are consistently accumulating with the proliferation of research investigating the mysteries of kinematics and neuromotor control. In 2011, two papers made important and original contributions to enhance our understanding of the impact of the high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust of manipulation on multifidus muscle function, and the correlation between this and improved clinical outcomes. Let's review the latest research and discuss implementation of these findings to improve patient outcomes through appropriate integration of manipulation and appropriate exercise training.

By Malik Slosberg, DC, MS Our understanding of the elusive subluxation and the effects of spinal manipulation has gradually evolved as the science of articular neurology, biomechanics, and motor programming has matured. New insights are consistently accumulating with the proliferation of research investigating the mysteries of kinematics and neuromotor control. In 2011, two papers made important and original contributions to enhance our understanding of the impact of the high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust of manipulation on multifidus muscle function, and the correlation between this and improved clinical outcomes. Let's review the latest research and discuss implementation of these findings to improve patient outcomes through appropriate integration of manipulation and appropriate exercise training. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55753 2012-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

"Upper Cervical Techniques are considered Experimental or Investigational because current scientific evidence has not shown it to be safe, scientifically plausible, or effective.

By Christopher Kent, DC, Esq. "Upper Cervical Techniques are considered Experimental or Investigational because current scientific evidence has not shown it to be safe, scientifically plausible, or effective. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55721 2012-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

There is an anonymous quote which reads, "An archer cannot hit the bullseye if he doesn't know where the target is." In the case of some of chiropractic's detractors, that seems to have been the case when it comes to vertebral arteries. For while such critics may have appeared to have singled out the vertebral artery as an element of the circulatory system prone to destruction at the hands of a chiropractor and leading to stroke, they and too many others fail to recognize another, more widespread element in the entire circulatory system.

By Anthony Rosner, PhD, LLD [Hon.], LLC There is an anonymous quote which reads, "An archer cannot hit the bullseye if he doesn't know where the target is." In the case of some of chiropractic's detractors, that seems to have been the case when it comes to vertebral arteries. For while such critics may have appeared to have singled out the vertebral artery as an element of the circulatory system prone to destruction at the hands of a chiropractor and leading to stroke, they and too many others fail to recognize another, more widespread element in the entire circulatory system. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55708 2012-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

Here is a missing link in our treatment of chronic SI joint problems, chronic lumbar instability, hip problems and sciatica. What muscular weakness is missed in the common valgus knee pattern and foot pronation? Perhaps the missing piece is an effective way to rehab the lower pole of the sacral muscles. What if stretching the piriformis is really not enough -- and may be part of the problem, rather than part of the solution?

By Marc Heller, DC Here is a missing link in our treatment of chronic SI joint problems, chronic lumbar instability, hip problems and sciatica. What muscular weakness is missed in the common valgus knee pattern and foot pronation? Perhaps the missing piece is an effective way to rehab the lower pole of the sacral muscles. What if stretching the piriformis is really not enough -- and may be part of the problem, rather than part of the solution?