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-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? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55691 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

With all due respect to Robert Pirsig's classic tome of the 1970s, the book title couldn't be more appropriately applied to both the state and lack of recognition of chiropractic health care. As Pirsig explains in his introduction, the book itself isn't an expostulation on orthodox Zen Buddhist philosophies, or for that matter motorcycles. Rather, it describes a journey with philosophical reflections along the way.

By Anthony Rosner, PhD, LLD [Hon.], LLC With all due respect to Robert Pirsig's classic tome of the 1970s, the book title couldn't be more appropriately applied to both the state and lack of recognition of chiropractic health care. As Pirsig explains in his introduction, the book itself isn't an expostulation on orthodox Zen Buddhist philosophies, or for that matter motorcycles. Rather, it describes a journey with philosophical reflections along the way. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55666 2011-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

Some risk factors for stroke are well-known to the lay public and the health care practitioner community, and as we all know, even the potential association between cervical manipulation and stroke incidence has been magnified ad nauseum by the media and others. Let's consider a risk factor that is less widely recognized, even though a significant body of evidence supports its importance - reduced lung volumes.

By Charles Masarsky, DC, FICC Some risk factors for stroke are well-known to the lay public and the health care practitioner community, and as we all know, even the potential association between cervical manipulation and stroke incidence has been magnified ad nauseum by the media and others. Let's consider a risk factor that is less widely recognized, even though a significant body of evidence supports its importance - reduced lung volumes. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55624 2011-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

A recent publication in the Journal of Neurosurgery adds to the debate over the advisability of performing cervical manipulations, in that the procedure is reported to have led to the appearance and description of 13 cases of craniocervical artery dissections.

By Anthony Rosner, PhD, LLD [Hon.], LLC A recent publication in the Journal of Neurosurgery adds to the debate over the advisability of performing cervical manipulations, in that the procedure is reported to have led to the appearance and description of 13 cases of craniocervical artery dissections. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55572 2011-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

Students, practitioners, insurers, government entities, and managed care organizations all long for a level of clinical certainty which simply does not exist. The future of health care may be a paternalistic bureaucracy that dictates practice parameters, rather than the attending doctor. More disturbing is the fact that the doctor will be accountable to the bureaucracy, not the patient. As Weed observed over three decades ago, "Medical schools teach you to memorize what you don't understand and to solve problems by answering multiple-choice questions. Well, patients are not multiple choices ... Patients recognize their own uniqueness, even if we do not."

By Christopher Kent, DC, Esq. Students, practitioners, insurers, government entities, and managed care organizations all long for a level of clinical certainty which simply does not exist. The future of health care may be a paternalistic bureaucracy that dictates practice parameters, rather than the attending doctor. More disturbing is the fact that the doctor will be accountable to the bureaucracy, not the patient. As Weed observed over three decades ago, "Medical schools teach you to memorize what you don't understand and to solve problems by answering multiple-choice questions. Well, patients are not multiple choices ... Patients recognize their own uniqueness, even if we do not." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55542 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

Dr. Todd O'Mealy, DC, a Certified Pettibon Doctor, has received the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service "for his absolutely outstanding customer service and quality of care while performing his duties as staff chiropractor, Madigan Healthcare System, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, from September 2010 to June 2011."

Dr. Todd O'Mealy, DC, a Certified Pettibon Doctor, has received the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service "for his absolutely outstanding customer service and quality of care while performing his duties as staff chiropractor, Madigan Healthcare System, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, from September 2010 to June 2011." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55520 2011-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

Nonspecific neck pain is a common affliction, with an estimated annual prevalence of 30-50 percent. The clinical course of this condition is usually episodic, with the level of symptom severity and recovery varying over time. Although chronic neck pain is not as costly as low back pain, it is estimated that 50-85 percent of neck pain patients still report symptoms one to five years after initial onset, and complete recovery is unusual.

By Shawn Thistle, DC, BKin (hons), CSCS Nonspecific neck pain is a common affliction, with an estimated annual prevalence of 30-50 percent. The clinical course of this condition is usually episodic, with the level of symptom severity and recovery varying over time. Although chronic neck pain is not as costly as low back pain, it is estimated that 50-85 percent of neck pain patients still report symptoms one to five years after initial onset, and complete recovery is unusual. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55499 2011-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

DC Awarded Spine Research Fellowship; Australian Chiropractor Awarded Order of Australia; ACA Announces Newest Corporate Members.

By Editorial Staff DC Awarded Spine Research Fellowship; Australian Chiropractor Awarded Order of Australia; ACA Announces Newest Corporate Members. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55490 2011-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

Flexion distraction has been a valuable technique since Dr. McManis, an osteopath, patented the first flexion table in 1909. Traditionally, flexion distraction has been performed by the chiropractic profession as an intermittent type of intersegmental traction. Performing flexion distraction as a specific adjusting technique, rather than as a ancillary therapy, is a more focused approach.

By W. Patrick Danzey, DC Flexion distraction has been a valuable technique since Dr. McManis, an osteopath, patented the first flexion table in 1909. Traditionally, flexion distraction has been performed by the chiropractic profession as an intermittent type of intersegmental traction. Performing flexion distraction as a specific adjusting technique, rather than as a ancillary therapy, is a more focused approach. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55457 2011-07-29T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-29T12:00:07-07:00

Fascial manipulation (FM) is a systematic approach to soft-tissue work evolved over 30 years by Luigi Stecco, an Italian physical therapist. I'll start out with my thoughts on this treatment approach in the format of a Web review. My rating is 4.5/5 stars; very good.

By Marc Heller, DC Fascial manipulation (FM) is a systematic approach to soft-tissue work evolved over 30 years by Luigi Stecco, an Italian physical therapist. I'll start out with my thoughts on this treatment approach in the format of a Web review. My rating is 4.5/5 stars; very good. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55430 2011-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

A systematic review of the literature by J.W. Brantingham, DC, PhD, and colleagues (June JMPT) provides an evidence-based rationale for the appropriate use of manipulation, soft-tissue techniques, exercise and other therapy when treating shoulder complaints. According to the authors, "Multimodal treatment appears at this time to be the most efficacious approach for shoulder conditions. ... [Manual and manipulative therapy], whether grade V HVLA thrust or grades III and IV mobilizations, should be considered for inclusion in the treatment of shoulder pain and disorders, applied appropriately for the benefit, effectiveness and safety of the patient."

By Editorial Staff A systematic review of the literature by J.W. Brantingham, DC, PhD, and colleagues (June JMPT) provides an evidence-based rationale for the appropriate use of manipulation, soft-tissue techniques, exercise and other therapy when treating shoulder complaints. According to the authors, "Multimodal treatment appears at this time to be the most efficacious approach for shoulder conditions. ... [Manual and manipulative therapy], whether grade V HVLA thrust or grades III and IV mobilizations, should be considered for inclusion in the treatment of shoulder pain and disorders, applied appropriately for the benefit, effectiveness and safety of the patient." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55424 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

I want to talk about the initial touch we use when we palpate, when we adjust, and when we do soft-tissue therapy. The bottom line is that most of us tend to be too harsh. It's all about the first contact you make with the skin and muscles underneath. When you first touch the body, what is the quality of your touch? If you start gently and then increase your pressure as you need to, you will elicit a whole different response. You can push too hard just as easily with an instrument-assisted device as you can with your hands.

By Marc Heller, DC I want to talk about the initial touch we use when we palpate, when we adjust, and when we do soft-tissue therapy. The bottom line is that most of us tend to be too harsh. It's all about the first contact you make with the skin and muscles underneath. When you first touch the body, what is the quality of your touch? If you start gently and then increase your pressure as you need to, you will elicit a whole different response. You can push too hard just as easily with an instrument-assisted device as you can with your hands. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55414 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Bill Clinton used the campaign slogan, "It's the economy, stupid," to help defeat George H.W. Bush in the 1992 presidential election. The sooner the chiropractic profession recognizes the importance of fascia and its treatment in the world of soft tissue, the sooner will we receive the recognition we rightly deserve.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Bill Clinton used the campaign slogan, "It's the economy, stupid," to help defeat George H.W. Bush in the 1992 presidential election. The sooner the chiropractic profession recognizes the importance of fascia and its treatment in the world of soft tissue, the sooner will we receive the recognition we rightly deserve. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55403 2011-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

All doctors are aware of the placebo effect. We were educated on this concept as we went through chiropractic school. The best research studies utilize the placebo effect to compare a specific treatment to a sham control. Various definitions of placebo effect exist, from "improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used" to "the beneficial effect in a patient following a particular treatment that arises from the patient's expectations concerning the treatment rather than from the treatment itself."

By Jasper Sidhu, BSc, DC All doctors are aware of the placebo effect. We were educated on this concept as we went through chiropractic school. The best research studies utilize the placebo effect to compare a specific treatment to a sham control. Various definitions of placebo effect exist, from "improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used" to "the beneficial effect in a patient following a particular treatment that arises from the patient's expectations concerning the treatment rather than from the treatment itself." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55380 2011-06-03T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-03T12:00:07-07:00

To date, the assessment options for vertebrobasilar artery risk have significant drawbacks and as a whole have been unable to identify any particular factor that is useful for screening. Provocation tests in particular are problematic in that in several aspects, they replicate the risks associated with cervical manipulation by requiring the placement of the head and neck in extreme extension and rotation. False negative findings compared to angiograms have been reported; reliability and validity have not been reliably tested; and the suggestion has been made that these tests be de-emphasized. In the midst of this disorder, determining homocysteine levels as a predictor of arterial fragility seems to be a plausible, rapid and inexpensive procedure that is no more invasive than a routine blood glucose determination.

By Anthony Rosner, PhD, LLD [Hon.], LLC To date, the assessment options for vertebrobasilar artery risk have significant drawbacks and as a whole have been unable to identify any particular factor that is useful for screening. Provocation tests in particular are problematic in that in several aspects, they replicate the risks associated with cervical manipulation by requiring the placement of the head and neck in extreme extension and rotation. False negative findings compared to angiograms have been reported; reliability and validity have not been reliably tested; and the suggestion has been made that these tests be de-emphasized. In the midst of this disorder, determining homocysteine levels as a predictor of arterial fragility seems to be a plausible, rapid and inexpensive procedure that is no more invasive than a routine blood glucose determination. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55320 2011-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

For many years, chiropractors have observed in their own practices that their patients sometimes demonstrate improvements of complaints related to immune problems: the disappearance or lessening of allergy symptoms, quicker recovery from or less frequent and severe colds and other respiratory infections, and so on.

By Malik Slosberg, DC, MS For many years, chiropractors have observed in their own practices that their patients sometimes demonstrate improvements of complaints related to immune problems: the disappearance or lessening of allergy symptoms, quicker recovery from or less frequent and severe colds and other respiratory infections, and so on. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55275 2011-04-22T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-22T12:00:07-07:00

Just as all Americans live in relative peace here in the U.S. because our military stands guard throughout the world, we have a group of unsung heroes in chiropractic known simply as the "research community." I wish they would be more vocal at times, but they are usually too busy working to enter the fray.

By Arlan Fuhr, DC Just as all Americans live in relative peace here in the U.S. because our military stands guard throughout the world, we have a group of unsung heroes in chiropractic known simply as the "research community." I wish they would be more vocal at times, but they are usually too busy working to enter the fray. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55273 2011-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

During the month of March, a number of doctors received letters from the United States Secret Service stating that "the U.S. Secret Service is conducting a Federal Investigation into Maurice 'Mo' Pisciottano and all related businesses." The letters follow on the heels of Dr. Pisciottano's bankruptcy filings in November 2010 and recent bankruptcy hearings.

By Editorial Staff During the month of March, a number of doctors received letters from the United States Secret Service stating that "the U.S. Secret Service is conducting a Federal Investigation into Maurice 'Mo' Pisciottano and all related businesses." The letters follow on the heels of Dr. Pisciottano's bankruptcy filings in November 2010 and recent bankruptcy hearings. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55257 2011-04-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-09T12:00:07-07:00

Sacroiliac motion mainly involves movement of the ilia anteriorly and superiorly, and posteriorly and inferiorly. The process occurs during the processes of nutation and counternutation of the sacrum. Nutation is the motion of the sacral base anteriorly while the ilium moves posteriorly and inferiorly, with the PSIS as the point of reference during hip flexion. Counternutation is the motion of the sacral base posteriorly while the PSIS moves anteriorly and superiorly during forward flexion of the lumbar region during sitting or standing.

By Joseph D. Kurnik, DC Sacroiliac motion mainly involves movement of the ilia anteriorly and superiorly, and posteriorly and inferiorly. The process occurs during the processes of nutation and counternutation of the sacrum. Nutation is the motion of the sacral base anteriorly while the ilium moves posteriorly and inferiorly, with the PSIS as the point of reference during hip flexion. Counternutation is the motion of the sacral base posteriorly while the PSIS moves anteriorly and superiorly during forward flexion of the lumbar region during sitting or standing. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55254 2011-04-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-09T12:00:07-07:00

In my opinion, quality chiropractic care begins with combining soft-tissue techniques with joint manipulation and rehabilitation exercise. Muscles move bones. If you are not addressing the dysfunction in the muscles, your adjusting is much less likely to have long-term success. This article, the first in a series on soft-tissue techniques, reviews some of soft-tissue methods I have been introduced to over the past 35 years.

By Marc Heller, DC In my opinion, quality chiropractic care begins with combining soft-tissue techniques with joint manipulation and rehabilitation exercise. Muscles move bones. If you are not addressing the dysfunction in the muscles, your adjusting is much less likely to have long-term success. This article, the first in a series on soft-tissue techniques, reviews some of soft-tissue methods I have been introduced to over the past 35 years. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55240 T12:00:32-07:00 T12:00:07-07:00

To help you enhance your practice and increase your bottom line, Dynamic Chiropractic PracticeINSIGHTS asks practicing doctors of chiropractic, like you, for ideas and solutions that have been tested in real-world environments.

To help you enhance your practice and increase your bottom line, Dynamic Chiropractic PracticeINSIGHTS asks practicing doctors of chiropractic, like you, for ideas and solutions that have been tested in real-world environments. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55239 T12:00:32-07:00 T12:00:07-07:00

To help you enhance your practice and increase your bottom line, Dynamic Chiropractic PracticeINSIGHTS asks practicing doctors of chiropractic, like you, for ideas and solutions that have been tested in real-world environments. In this issue, we asked: "What drug-free approach has been the most effective in addressing your patients pain? (not including an adjustment/manipulation)?"

By Christie Bondurant To help you enhance your practice and increase your bottom line, Dynamic Chiropractic PracticeINSIGHTS asks practicing doctors of chiropractic, like you, for ideas and solutions that have been tested in real-world environments. In this issue, we asked: "What drug-free approach has been the most effective in addressing your patients pain? (not including an adjustment/manipulation)?" tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55229 2011-03-26T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-26T12:00:07-07:00

It is apparent by the myriad studies over the past decade that "diagnosing" back pain is probably not possible in the vast majority of cases. According to the work of Deyo and others, at least 70 percent of pain is generated from sprained tissues and overall 90 percent of LBP is at present idiopathic. Grieves suggested in his book Mobilization of the Spine (1986) that the term prediction is probably more accurate than diagnosis when it comes to back pain.

By Jay Kennedy, DC It is apparent by the myriad studies over the past decade that "diagnosing" back pain is probably not possible in the vast majority of cases. According to the work of Deyo and others, at least 70 percent of pain is generated from sprained tissues and overall 90 percent of LBP is at present idiopathic. Grieves suggested in his book Mobilization of the Spine (1986) that the term prediction is probably more accurate than diagnosis when it comes to back pain.