Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) ®
Structure Dictates Function
Posture and Health
- Posture and normal physiology are interrelated
- Posture affects and moderates every physiological function from breathing to hormonal production.
- Abnormal posture is evident in patients with chronic and stress related illnesses.
- Homeostasis and nervous system function are ultimately connected with posture.
- Despite the considerable evidence that posture affects physiology and function, the significant influence on posture and health is not addressed by most allopathic (medical) physicians.
—American Journal of Pain Management
Chiropractic services offered in and around Rochester NY
The vertebra of the spine protects the central nervous system. Because the spinal column is moveable, it is also susceptible to various stresses and forces, which can cause them to lose their proper structural position. These minor misalignments of the spine, known as “vertebral subluxations” inhibit normal spinal movement, which causes NERVE INTERFERENCE resulting in decreased nervous system output, function, improper healing and accelerated aging. Subluxations also alter the optimal structure of the spine, which weakens it and increases degeneration. Vertebral subluxations are often referred to as the “Silent Killer” because they can be present for long periods without any evidence of pain or symptoms. This is similar to a cavity eating away at a tooth.
Any force that the human body cannot adapt to can cause a vertebral subluxation. Such examples include auto accidents (including minor ones i.e. “fender benders”), work related injuries, stress, sports, poor ergonomics, repetitive movements and even the birth process. Vertebral subluxations are devastating to a person’s health and longevity and are well documented by leading health authorities.
Until 1980, most chiropractors were attempting to adjust single vertebral subluxations with specific line of drive. While a few upper cervical techniques could demonstrate some before and after x-ray changes, in general, the adjusting of single vertebra did not result in x-ray changes (except in acute antalgic postures). In March 1980, Dr. Don Harrison (PhD, Mathematician, Mechanical Engineer, and Doctor of Chiropractic) originated postural set-ups that he coined “Mirror Image”®. Clinically these adjusting set-ups were found to result in postural and x-ray changes. While others have used engineering concepts to describe all vertebral segmental movements as rotations and translations in 3-dimensions, Dr. Don Harrison was the first to describe abnormal postures of the head, rib cage, and pelvis in this manner.
Better than 90 percent of the energy output of the brain is used in relating to the physical body in its gravitational field. The more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy available for thinking, metabolism and healing.
Dr. Roger Sperry , Nobel Laureate
Where chiropractic care is today
Many in chiropractic are turning away from structural outcomes of care to concentrate on pain reduction, improved ranges of motion (ROM), and other functional outcomes. In contrast, CBP® emphasizes optimal posture and spinal alignment as the primary goal of chiropractic care, while still maintaining improvements in pain and functional based outcomes.
CBP® research on this topic, based on averages of normal subjects, has been published in some of the most prestigious orthopedic journals in the Index Medicus. CBP® has published normal shapes, normal global angles, and normal segmental angles for each of the sagittal spinal regions (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar). These are “evidence based” models. In fact, the CBP sagittal lumbar elliptical model and the sagittal circular cervical model have been found to have predictive validity in as much as they can discriminate between normal subjects, acute pain subjects, and chronic pain subjects.
The quality of healing is directly proportional to the functional capability of the central nervous system to send and receive nerve messages.
Janson Edwards , MD. PhD
Global Subluxations (postural) and segment Subluxations (spinal) cause an increase in spinal loads (compressive and shear) and spinal stresses. Due to the increased muscle effort required to stabilize abnormal postural/spinal displacements, the actual increase in load on the spine is much greater than merely the displacement itself. The presence of mechanosensitive (position sense) and nociceptive afferent fibers (pain/noxious sense) in spinal tissues (intervertebral, disc, facet, ligaments, and muscles), and the subsequent neurophysiological research demonstrating the role of such afferent stimulation in pain production, and coordinated neuromuscular stabilization of the spine all provide a substantial theoretical framework supporting the rationale for goals of treatment regimens to include a reduction of stresses on spinal joints in spinal rehabilitation programs.
Subluxations are very real. We have documented it to the extent that no one can dispute their existence. Vertebral Subluxations change the entire health of the body by causing structural dysfunction of the spine and nerve interference. The weight of a quarter on a spinal nerve will decrease nerve transmission by as much as 60 percent.
Chang Ha Suh , PhD
In his texts and journal articles, famous neurosurgeon Alf Breig reviewed the Adverse Mechanical Tensions on the Central Nervous System from abnormal postural loads. Most doctors are aware of the traction on the hindbrain, cranial nerves 5-12, cervical cord, and spinal nerve roots from flexion of the head and neck, which can be correlated to kyphotic (reverse curve) cervical configurations. However, few have read Breig’s work in sufficient detail to realize that he investigated a multitude of different postures and their adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS).
In 1999, Harrison et al. authored a series of reviews of the literature on deformations of the CNS from postural loads. It is obvious from these references that abnormal posture affects the nervous system, i.e. abnormal posture is a type of subluxation as it has the necessary two components of spinal misalignment and NERVE INTERFERENCE.
The beginning of the disease process starts with postural distortions.
Dr. Hans Seyle , Nobel Laureate
In 2002, Koch et al. described the circumstances consistent with the deliverance of a chiropractic spinal adjustment as “an asymmetry in the horizontal (front) and sagittal (side) planes of body posture and motion.” Such asymmetries in posture and motion adversely affect the nervous system through several mechanisms, as follows :
Abnormal afferent input (“bad in”) into the central nervous system. Abnormal afferent input into the central nervous system has been linked to (“bad out”) sudden infant death syndrome, balance problems, visual disturbances, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and impaired development of the pediatric central nervous system.
Tethering (adverse prolonged stretching) of the central nervous system. This results in spinal cord ischemia (lack of blood flow) and consequently motor, sensory, and autonomic neurological dysfunction. Tethering of the spinal cord has been linked to demylenating diseases.
Electrical dysfunction of the nerve transmission through stress generated potentials from bone (streaming potentials and piezoelectricity). Electrical nerve interference has been linked to altered expression of one’s DNA.
Associated accelerated degenerative spinal joint pathology will eventually adversely affect the nervous system mechanically.
All these influences on the nervous system in items #1-#4 involve the sympathetic arm of the autonomic nervous system. IT IS ESTABLISHED that the sympathetic nervous system is THE PRIMARY CONTROLLING FACTOR IN IMMUNITY. Consequently, uncorrected asymmetries in posture and motion adversely impact the individual’s health and well-being.
Subluxation alone is a rational reason for Chiropractic care throughout a lifetime from birth
Dr. Lee Hadley , Syracuse Memorial Hospital
The goal of CBP® technique is to correct these asymmetries to the greatest degree, minimizing spinal degeneration, improving neurological dysfunction, and enhancing systemic health.
Not only is CBP® a primary technique practiced by many practitioners, it is a leader in the chiropractic research arena dedicated to the development, refinement, and study of structural rehabilitative procedures for the human spine.
Frequently asked questions about chiro treatment
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism, controlled by the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the body. The vertebrae, which protects the brain and nervous system, when misaligned or subluxated, cause malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Chiropractic is based on a vitalistic philosophy and backed by science since its discovery over 105 years ago by Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer.
Chiropractic works by restoring your own God-given ability to be healthy. By restoring spinal function with Chiropractic adjustments, nerve interference by misaligned vertebrae is removed, thus allowing optimal nervous system function and normal health. The Chiropractic objective is to locate these vertebral subluxations, analyze and deduce the gentlest way to help the body correct them using a Chiropractic Adjustment; thus releasing the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves involved restoring healthy communication between the brain and the body. Renewed health is the natural result as the body returns to a more optimal state of performance. Your chiropractor will place their hands on the patient’s spine, directly over the subluxation, and apply a gentle direct force. This does not “put the bone back into place”; but rather unlocks jammed or fixated vertebrae from its position and permits it to move where the body needs it to go. Only the body’s innate wisdom knows exactly where the vertebra should go.
Anyone who wants to have optimal health, and a way to get there. Just like anyone with teeth should see a dentist; infants, children, seniors, and everyone with a spine should see a chiropractor.
The first thing you’ll be asked to do is to complete your “Personal Health History Questionnaire”. During your consultation, we will ask questions regarding your present health concern as well as your overall past and present health stresses, which may have caused Vertebral Subluxations. Once the doctor has acquired all necessary information, he will explain to you exactly what will follow in the examination. He will educate you on exactly what he is looking for, why he is looking for Vertebral Subluxations, how they are possibly related to your health concerns and any follow up procedures if Vertebral Subluxations are found.
Your consultation FREE and will be followed by a complete chiropractic examination if you choose to move forward. This will include, but not limited to, Orthopedic Evaluation, Neurological Evaluation, Postural Evaluation, and Spinal Examination. If any of the above reveal the presence of Vertebral Subluxations, Dr. Ferris and/or Dr.Johsntone may recommend a x-ray series be taken of your spine. Dr. Ferris and/or Dr.Johsntone only recommends x-rays if he feels they are absolutely necessary. Dr. Ferris and/or Dr. Johsntone then thoroughly reviews the x-rays and compares them to the chiropractic examination findings. These findings will the be explained to you in plain language with concise and clear treatment recommendations. If the Doctor’s do not feel that they can help you they will refer you to the appropriate speciality.
The staff will schedule you for your personal “Report of Findings”, as soon as possible. The fee for this follow up visit is included in your examination fee. At your Report of Findings (ROF), Dr. Ferris and/or Dr. Johnstone will explain to you where he has found nerve interference, Vertebral Subluxations, and how severe the situation is. He will outline a course of action, based on your customized needs, which may include, but not limited to, Spinal Adjustments, exercises and lifestyle recommendations.
Subluxation is a misalignment of the spinal bones that result in nerves getting choked or irritated and cause your body to malfunction. Subluxations have a multitude of causes. From the moment we are born we are subjected to a wider variety of physical, chemical and mental stressors. The first subluxation can occur as early as the birth process or very early in life.
As a newborn infant is pulled from the birth canal, tremendous strain and traction is placed on the delicate structures of the spine in the neck as it is stretched and twisted. This can be one of the first causes of early vertebral subluxation. Other causes include poor sleeping habits, poor posture, strenuous exercise, sports injuries, stress, tension & anxiety, chemical exposure (i.e. drugs and medications), injuries at work, automobile accidents, and stumbles and falls.
Subluxation is a misalignment of the spinal bones that result in nerves getting choked or irritated and cause your body to mal-function. Subluxations have a multitude of causes. From the moment we are born we are subjected to a wider variety of physical, chemical and mental stressors.
The first subluxation can occur as early as the birth process or very early in life. As a newborn infant is pulled from the birth canal, tremendous strain and traction is placed on the delicate structures of the spine in the neck as it is stretched and twisted. This can be one of the first causes of early vertebral subluxation. Other causes include poor sleeping habits, poor posture, strenuous exercise, sports injuries, stress, tension & anxiety, chemical exposure (i.e. drugs and medications), injuries at work, automobile accidents, and stumbles and falls.
The body is always trying to heal itself, but in today’s hectic lifestyles there is a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don’t resolve themselves a chiropractor is needed to correct the subluxation and give the body an improved opportunity to heal itself. Unfortunately, we cannot tell if we are subluxated by how we feel, we need to get checked for subluxations regularly by a chiropractor. Even Dr. Ferris and Dr.Johsntone have their own spines checked regularly.
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a gentle but quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren’t moving right. Some methods use the doctor’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine and they vary for infants to adults to seniors.
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas (mostly nitrogen) and fluids in the joint shift. It’s much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
NO, some people can make their joints “pop”, but that’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific skills that take years to master and only a licensed chiropractor can perform a specific chiropractic adjustment. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.
That’s changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes are slow to change. However, as the public demands alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring their patients to seek chiropractic care.
No. Chiropractic doctors don’t dispense drugs, because we rely on natural methods. Drugs and medications usually band-aid the symptom but don’t really help heal or fix the problem. There are also dangerous side-effects with medications. That is where chiropractic comes in. Chiropractors find the source of your problem and work on helping your body to return to being able to repair itself.
If you understand how we get subluxations, you will realize that it can take years to repair damages that you received as a child. So if children are checked regularly further damage can be avoided and health maintained. Think of how many falls and bumps and stumbles children receive. About 4000 by their 4th birthday! Each can cause a subluxation that if not treated will only grow worse.
A recent study by Nilsson in Denmark reports that children under chiropractic care are healthier than other children, miss less school, are more attentive and have less need for drugs. Children with conditions such as earaches, colic, bed wetting, scoliosis, “growing pains”, torticollis, and asthma respond wonderfully to chiropractic care. Click here for more information on children and infants and chiropractic care.
Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many gentle ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition. (This is for every patient).
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctor’s recommendations?
As every person may require different durations and frequencies of care, a specialized program of care is designed for each patient as well as an affordable payment plan. All fees are discussed prior to any services being provided. As our office sees patients of all backgrounds, including retired seniors to unemployed individuals, no patient is ever turned away because of their financial situation, as long as their health is their priority.
Absolutely not! A Doctor of Chiropractic is a primary contact provider, meaning you do not need a referral. If yours is not a Chiropractic case, the doctor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.
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