World Federation of Chiropractic’s Biennial Congress Proceeding’s Abstracts

Objective/Clinical Features: A 52-year-old female who was suffering from significant neck pain, which radiated down her right arm to her second-third fingers with paresthesia and muscle weakness. Disc replacement surgery was performed April-2015 to the C5-C7 discs and initially her symptoms resolved and then returned with symptoms on the contralateral side. An MRI was ultimately negative, however her neurologist was attempting to rule out multiple sclerosis or dural fistula. The patient had significant TMJ dysfunction with pain to palpation in the craniofacial sutural regions, hypertonic muscles of mastication, TM disc disorder, clenching/bruxism, and malocclusion.  Cervical antalgia, limited range-of-motions with pain on motion and palpation along with related musculature weakness.

Intervention/Outcomes: The patient was treated (10-visits) March-2016/May-2016 with prone SOT category one blocking, intra-oral cranial adjusting, and TMJ balancing, Following the 1st-three visits she was seen by her dentist to balance a lower occlusal splint. By May-2016 her VAS constant pain levels decreased from a 8-9/10 to 3/10, paresthesia significantly decreased with normal ranges-of-motion, and muscles strength had returned. Follow-up MRI was unremarkable for any prior suspicious lesion.

Conclusion: This case suggests a relationship between the patient’s TMJ disorder and cervical spine limited function and pain.

Objective/Clinical Features: A 30-year-old male presented at this office July-2016, 1½-years following C-5/6 disc replacement surgery for a ski-related injury with loss of sensation/function of his right 3rd-4th fingers. Three-months following surgery he felt fine but then noted significant pain in the right neck, scapula, and arm, and occasionally on the left. December-2015 MRI was negative for pathology and was prescribed Neurontin, which helped somewhat. He was using a mandibular mouth-guard since April-2016.  He had been an avid runner but couldn’t run and only walk ½-mile.

Intervention/Outcomes: He was assessed with a TMJ disorder: clenching, malocclusion, and craniofacial sensitivities along with cervical spine antalgia, limited ranges-of-motion with pain and weakness of related musculature.  Patient was treated with prone SOT pelvic block placement (category-one), intraoral cranial adjustments, and co-treated with a dentist immediately following care.  Following the 4th-office-visit he could hike at Yosemite National Park for 10-miles, the first time in over 2-years.  By his 11th-office-visit (September-2016) he was able to run 1-mile, had normal cervical ranges-of-motion, no medication, and only occasional pain in his right scapula.

Conclusion: This case suggests a relationship between the patient’s TMJ disorder and cervical spine limited function and pain.

Objective/Clinical Features: A 47-year-old female woke up over a year prior to seeking care at this office with darkness and limited vision in the right eye lasting two-hours. Her ophthalmologist diagnosed her with an orbital pseudotumor, which was unresponsive to treatment (steroidal anti-inflammatories). A year later the patient presented at this office reporting chronic intermittent headaches in the orbital region worse upon awakening. Her headaches included flashes of light that would become centralized blind spots, and also had a history of tinnitus and bruxism.

Interventions/Outcome: The patient was found to be a “heavy clencher” with anterior interference malocclusion causing significant forces into the cranium, face and orbits. She presented with an upper dental splint, which was substituted to a mandibular splint, without incisor contact, to relieve compression/pressure. The cranial-dental co-treatment at this office consisted of four-visits (once-per-week) with a dentist, preceded by cranial treatment the same day. She received a total of 10-treatments and following care her symptoms had completely resolved, sustained 1-year post-treatment.

Conclusion:  It is difficult to generalize from case reports, however the ongoing nature of the patient’s condition and the temporal relationship between the care received and his response warrants further study.

Abstract: Objective: Effective conservative care of patients presenting with carpal tunnel syndrome may play an important part of improving a patient’s ability to return to work, activities of daily living, and quality of life.

Clinical Features: A 42-years-old female patient presented with carpal tunnel syndrome of 6-month duration unresponsive to rest, splinting, and anti-inflammatory medications. Of significance was her reduced grip strength with pain limiting her activities and worse when arising in the morning.

Intervention/Outcome: Sacro occipital technique (SOT), SOT extremity techniques, kinesiotaping, and rehabilitative exercises were used to treat the patient’s presenting symptomatology. The patient’s kinematic chain was assessed and balanced from her lumbopelvic, cervical, thoracic outlet, shoulder, elbow and to her wrist. Her wrist was supported functionally in slight extension with kinesiotape and given exercises using a rubber band to stimulate her forearm extensor muscular, as a means to relax her flexor overuse, was utilized. Her symptoms completely resolved with a return to full grip strength in 3-office visits during a two-week period, and has sustained itself for 2-years.

Conclusion: Chiropractic with extremity adjusting, kinesiotaping, and rehabilitative exercises may be an important consideration for the conservative treatment of patients presenting with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Objective: With pregnant patients taking high levels of vitamin B6 and presenting with neurological symptoms, B6 hypervitaminosis may be an important, though rare clinical consideration.

Clinical Features: A female patient (40-years-old) who was experiencing nausea during her 3rd-pregnancy was advised to take a daily prenatal supplement (Bnexa) that had 100mg of vitamin B6. She took the 100mgs for 2-months, then switching to a 25mg B6 supplement. Within the first 2-months of taking the supplement she began to notice neurological symptoms such as burning behind her eyes, eye floaters, and paresthesia into her arms, wrists and fingers. After multiple evaluations by various doctors a blood test was taken that indicated abnormally high levels of B6. Once she stopped the vitamin supplement her symptoms decreased but had not completely resolved and therefore sought care at this clinic.

Intervention/Outcome: Sacro occipital (SOT) and cranial techniques were used to assess and treat this patient and during the course of care 2-months. The residual signs of her neurological disorders, which had not changed in 6-months, resolved during the 2-months of care.

Conclusion: B6 hypervitaminosis may be an important part of a differential diagnosis for pregnant/post-partum patients with un-explained neurological symptomatology.

Objective: To describe the clinical course, treatment and immediate response of a patient suffering from buzzing paresthesia secondary to surgical removal of thoracic astrocytoma, which was relieved by Category I Sacro Occipital Technique™ block placement.

Clinical Features: A 27 year-old nulliparous female had 4” thoracic pilocytic astrocytoma, between T4-T7, surgically removed. Six months of PT provided little improvement and she presented to my clinic with the following symptoms: lower back pain, neuropathy, paresthesias and visceral dysfunction, pain and numbness in both legs, pins and needles and buzzing sensation in both legs. Post-surgery she was unable to walk for 2 weeks and stated that she feels a continuous “buzzing” in her legs.  She had difficulty getting in and out of car, sitting at a table, pushing, it was painful to stand more than an hour, and she needed to use a walker.

Intervention and Outcome: Success was achieved in reducing many of the presenting symptoms. However, Category I block placement produced repeated and immediate relief of paresthesias within 5 minutes of placement, lasting up to 24 hours or more.

Conclusion: This report describes patient response to Category I blocking and suggests a rationale for its success.

Introduction: A 19-year-old male presented with trauma induced severe refractory motion sickness disorder where slight movements could cause nausea and vomiting. His condition began following repeatedly swinging a baseball bat in a batting cage. Due to the severe and unresponsive nature (over two-years) of other interventions for this patient’s presentation, chiropractic manipulative treatments for sensory conflict and proprioceptive dysfunctions associated with the patient’s nausea were considered.

Methods: Patient was treated with sacro-occipital and cranial techniques as well as home rehabilitative methods.  The patient was also assessed functionally, incorporating an activator instrument to help adjust vertebra and extremities in a variety of positions, such as sitting, standing, walking, and particularly in sports-specific stances.

Results:  Over the course of 6-months of care cranial and spinal nerve dysfunctions resolved.  While not fully recovered for the first time in close to three-years the patient could begin to move and function without causing nausea and vomiting. By 6-months of care his last motion sickness assessment questionnaire scoring was 18.1, a significant improvement over the initial score of 45.8.

Conclusion: Future research could include helping to determine what subset of patients presenting with motion-induced nausea may be responsive to chiropractic interventions.

Objective: To discuss the case of an infant with right-sided cranial asymmetry, abdominal rigidity, and vertebral subluxations.

Features: A 6-month-old male had deformation plagiocephaly, left eye facial asymmetry, delayed constriction of the left eye, abdominal rigidity, and refusal to be in the prone position.

Intervention and Outcome:  An inter-professional referral for a consult within our teaching clinic was used.  Static and motion palpation along with nervoscope evaluation revealed vertebral subluxation at C1, T5, and sacrum.  SOT methods were employed to address cranial plagiocephaly.  Abdominal rigidity was no longer present after the third treatment.  The left eye appeared more symmetrical, improved sleeping was noted, and the tolerance of tummy time and lying in the prone position was seen.  The patient experienced improvements to the deformational plagiocephaly, and was told by a pediatric neurologist that a molding cranial helmet was not required.

Conclusion:  This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of chiropractic care in correcting vertebral subluxation.  Positive improvements of deformational plagiocephaly for the child were observed.  More research is warranted to investigate the outcomes of chiropractic care for other cases with similar presentations.

Objective: This paper is a retrospective analysis of how patients presenting with a specific selection criteria, cervical forward flexion (CFF), responded to a one-time anterior thoracic adjustment (ATA) intervention. In general, the ATA is believed to be used predominately for hypokyphotic thoracic spines and related to two factors: a) the vertebral subluxation felt anterior (spinous) and b) the adjustive thrust was applied anteriorly. Clinically, in this study, the CFF is used as a pre- and post-adjustment assessment to identify the effectiveness of the ATA.

Methods: The data [n-24] collected in this study was obtained during one office visit. Pre- and post CFF assessments were performed using a goniometer to measure any changes in CFF following the ATA intervention.

Results: Twenty-three of 24-patients showed improvement in CFF following ATA with the majority in the ranges of 6-20 degrees. The one-patient that showed no improvement in CFF at the post-adjustment measurements had a significant scoliotic spine.

Conclusion: The CFF assessment appears to be a helpful method to monitor the functional improvement of the cervical spine before and after a successful ATA. The ATA may also appear to improve some cervicothoracic symptoms that accompany limitations in CFF.

Objective: We report the consensus opinions of two inter-collegiate workshops that sought to develop a standardized chiropractic technique program.

Methods: The authors of this study facilitated small groups of attendees tasked with answering Seed Statements during Workshops held during ACC-RAC conferences in 2014 and 2016.

Results: Overall, attendees reported that it was acceptable to rely on clinical experience and patient preference when providing patient care, even in the absence of research evidence, provided procedures are safe and biologically plausible. Selection of curricular content should not be based on tradition alone or ritualistic dogma, but sometimes this appears to still be the case. Licensing bodies should not be involved in this process.

Attendees reported diagnostic procedures either do or should include static and motion palpation, postural and gait analysis, joint springing palpation, ranges of motion and functional (orthopedic) testing. There was no consensus with respect to teaching leg length analysis, x-ray film line marking analysis and thermography.

Conclusion: This information is an important first step in developing a standardized chiropractic technique program for all teaching institutions. Future workshops will focus on resolving areas of disagreement as well as reaching consensus on what therapeutic procedures ought to be taught.

Objective: This case study is meant to add a valuable differential diagnosis to patients that present with chest pain. Ruling out myocardial infarction is necessary in certain circumstances, but not the most cost effective choice in certain presentations.

Clinical Features: Middle aged male presents with chest pain in the sterno-clavicular joint area and was concerned that he might be having a “heart attack.” No history of injury other that manual labor. No shortness of breath. Decreased localized rib motion noted in inspiration and expiration. Patient rated pain an 8 out of 10 on the VAS.

Interventions/Outcomes: Sacro occipital technique (SOT) trapezius fiber analysis was used along with palpation to localize a posterior rib fixation, which was corrected and his chest pain decreased to a 2 out of 10 on the VAS in 24 hours.

Conclusion: Posterior rib dysfunction can present itself as chest pain, mimicking a myocardial infarction, and chiropractic care could have a place in a cardiac interdisciplinary setting, when a myocardial infarction has been ruled out but the pain remains.

Objective/Clinical Features: A 47-year-old female patient presented for chiropractic care with a thirteen-year history of TMJ pain, vision disturbances, deviated septum, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, chronic headaches, cognitive impairments, insomnia, chronic myofascial neck and shoulder pain, low back pain with radicular syndromes. She has also taking amitryptiline medication for thirteen-years.

Interventions/Outcome: Examination revealed narrow dental arches with an anterior premature contact, poor TMJ translation, and evidence of clenching and bruxism.  Palpatory pain noted in the muscles of mastication and cranial assessments revealed left temporal bone and spheno-maxillary imbalance. Treatment consisted of eight-SOT cranial dental appointments (over 5-weeks) incorporating SOT intraoral and sphenomaxillary adjustments in conjunction with a lower occlusal dental splint.  Following care the patient reported significant reduction in all symptoms without the need of medication, sleeping 7-hours without interruption, breathing freely, and exercising for first time in 13-years. Sleep studies were performed one prior to instituting care (without a dental appliance) and another 6-weeks after instituting care (dental appliance in her mouth) with the post-study noting a significant clinical improvement.

Conclusion: Greater study is needed to identify the subset of apnea patients with fibromyalgia that could benefit from this approach.

Objective/Clinical Features: A 14-year-old female was stroke in the frontal bone (glabella) by a volleyball with impact (March-2012) from inferior to superior, while she was twisting to the left. She was seen by pediatrician and neuro-pediatrician, told to take Tylenol, and rest. She presented at this office on July-2012 with no memory of the volleyball game, decreased visual fields, dizziness, nauseated, extreme fatigue, and headaches since impact with pain in occipital and glabella being dominant.  Due to her symptomatology she was unable to attend school.

Intervention/Outcomes: The patient was treated with SOT category two supine block placement, cervical stairstep adjustments, and parietal sagittal suture release cranial techniques.  Following the first treatment she was able to return to school since the injury and pain in her occipital region had subsided.  She was seen for three more visits with the focus on cranial adjusting of the craniofacial region and by August-2012 she was symptom free.  Until she was treated there had been no change in symptoms with consistent improvement noted following each visit.

Conclusion: Based on the finding of this case report SOT and cranial treatment for the care of post-concussion syndromes in athletes warrants further study.

Objective/Clinical Features: This is a single case study involving a 3-year old male being treated medically for gastroesophageal reflux disease with various prescription antacids since the age of 2-months and Prilosec since 24-months-old. Sacro occipital technique (SOT) and chiropractic manipulative reflex techniques (CMRT) were used to treat the patient’s gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presentation.

Interventions/Outcome: The patient received 5-treatments of CMRT protocol for occipital fiber-3, line-2 T5 which consisted of occipital fiber manipulation, vertebral adjustment and the stomach reflex manipulated at intervals of one-day and then every 3-days. By the fifth-visit, two-weeks after the initial treatment, the mother reported the child appeared to have no reflux pain, sleeping well, no “belly aching,” and that she had discontinued the Prilosec after the second treatment

Conclusions: Positive outcomes such as this offer the incentive to warrant further pediatric studies to determine consistency of outcome with chiropractic interventions and particularly CMRT for GERD. While it is essential to determine what subset of pediatric patients with GERD may benefit from this care a short period of trial therapy may function as a diagnostic test and a viable option to GERD that is unremitting in a young child.

Objective/Clinical Features: While a condition such as stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger) is not usually considered neurological or musculoskeletal in nature it is relevant that in this case standard chiropractic care applied mainly at the spinal level appeared to facilitate a complete resolution of the patient’s trigger finger. A 2 ½ year old female was seen for her first chiropractic evaluation on June 22, 2012 presenting with stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger), unresponsive to prior care (e.g., medication, injections, and physical therapy) and parents were hoping for an alternative to surgery.

Intervention/Outcomes: Based upon the examination findings and previous treatment history, chiropractic adjustments using sacro occipital technique (SOT) protocols were directed to C4, T6, left scapula, left 1st rib-head and left wrist. After seven chiropractic adjustments this 2 1/2 year-old child’s trigger finger was 80-90% resolved. At 6-month follow-up the mother indicated the child’s trigger finger had continued to improve following care and was completely resolved.

Conclusion: Because allopathic intervention for this condition appears tos have questionable outcomes and risks, chiropractic care may be a viable and safe initial conservative first step to take before exploring the more invasive and costly options.

Objective/Clinical Features: A one-year-old female was seen at this office reported with esophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, not sleeping more that 1.5-hours at a time, wouldn’t eat solid food, didn’t crawl as an infant, wouldn’t lay prone/supine, ongoing vomiting, and was irritable and inconsolable.

Intervention/Outcomes: Analysis and treatment utilized Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) spinal, cranial and chiropractic manipulative reflex technique (CMRT) adjusting protocols. After the first 3-4 visits the patient’s symptoms began to subside, she did not cry in pain as often, her reflux and vomiting reduced dramatically, she no longer needed to take the prescribed medications and she was able to sleep through the night without waking up crying in pain. After 4-weeks of care, the patient started crawling for the first time in her life and a couple months later began eating solid foods with any nausea.

Conclusions: It is possible the child might have outgrown her condition but the temporal nature of her response to care compellingly coincided with her ability to eat, sleep and cease medication. The findings from this study suggest that a subset of pediatric patients with GER/HH may benefit from SOT, CMRT, and cranial care.

Objective/Clinical Features: The patient was an 18-year old female, semi-pro sprinter. She started experiencing insidious unremitting right lateral knee pain eight-months prior to her first visit. She had attempted self-care directed by her coach, physical therapist guided rehab-based exercises, saw a medical doctor who ruled out major structural damage, and received a series of twelve-visits with a Rolfer with no change in symptoms.

Interventions/Outcomes: The patient was treated using sacro occipital technique (SOT) category two and SOT extremity technique protocols along with cranial techniques. Directly following her first treatment she was asked to walk, and then run in the hallway outside of the office. Walking caused no pain, but running in the hallway still produced minor pain in her right lateral knee. One-week later on her follow up visit she reported that she felt improvement of 60% and after the 3rd office visit was able to return to normal activities for the first time in 8 months.

Conclusion: In this case study intervention using SOT pelvic stabilization and extremity technique, and Vector Point cranial technique appeared to produce significant and rapid results (3 office visits) that enabled the athlete to get back to her activities.

Objective/Clinical Implications: A 63-year-old male patient was seen for acute unremitting TMJ pain (closed lock without disc recapture), which started insidiously a few days prior to his first office-visit. His VAS for his TMJ (dull pain) was 4/10 at rest, which became (sharp pain) a 8/10 when he attempted to open his mouth or move his neck. For three-days prior to the initial office visit chewing had become impossible so he had resorted to a liquid diet.

Intervention/Outcomes: His TMJ translation was limited and the patient was unable to open his mouth more than two-fingers-width. The patient was treated using sacro occipital technique (SOT) and cranial protocols.  After the first office visit the patient was able to open him mouth without pain and noted only a small amount of tension and soreness remained in his jaw. He returned for a follow up office visit five-days later and reported that the VAS for his TMJ was 0/10 and his TMJ was functioning normally.

Conclusion: If pain and loss of function persists following a TMD episode ideally conservative care such as what was rendered in this case that is low risk and cost effective would be optimal.

Objective/Clinical Features: Three cases presented with jaw pain, limited cervical range-of-motion, and some related headaches. Patient A was a “cervical primary,” Patient B was a primary “temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cranial,” and Patient C was a “TMJ primary.” In these three cases each patient presented with jaw, head, and neck pain but with each case the treatment varied.

Interventions/Outcomes: The dentist prescribed a nighttime deprogramming orthotic. The chiropractor focused on sacro occipital technique (SOT) and cranial/TMJ treatments. Six-months post-treatment commencing the patient no longer had any jaw pain or had TMD, improved posture, and improved CO/C1/C2 space. Patient B: The dentist prescribed a daytime and nighttime deprogramming orthotic. The chiropractor focused on SOT and cranial/TMJ treatments. Five-months post-treatment was initiated the patient had no TMJ pain and improved stability with improved spinal posture and reduced cervical spine pain. Patient C: The dentists prescribed a daytime and nighttime deprogramming orthotic. The chiropractor focused on SOT and cranial/TMJ treatments. Five-months post-treatment commencing treatment the patient had no TMJ pain and improved stability with greater cervical posture and no headaches.

Conclusion: This study suggests that patient’s with both musculoskeletal and dental issues may need a referral for co-treatment.

Clinical Features: A 35-year-old male landscaper in excellent health suffered a severe, traumatic onset meniscus tear while practicing Capoeira. He lost all of his athletic capabilities as a result of his injury with his knee “locked” in 20° of flexion. He had seen an orthopedist who recommended partial meniscectomy and warned of eventual knee replacement.  However the patient chose to seek a conservative approach and had unsuccessful treatments with a Rolpher, Acupuncturist, and Chiropractor prior to being seen at this office.

Intervention and Outcome: The patient received 24-treatments combining Sacro-Occipital Technique, Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, Hendrickson Method, and Cold Laser. Pre and post-assessments found significant pain relief and improved function as demonstrated with a near full recovery and markedly improved knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS).

Conclusion: A multimodal approach combining chiropractic techniques and soft tissue work with the addition of ancillary therapies such as cold laser can be a therapeutically conservative option, offering cost effective therapy for patients with meniscus tears.

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effects of chiropractic care o brain function by analyzing scalp electrical activity using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG).

Methods: Thirty participants were randomize into 3 groups: SOT®, sham or control group (10 per group), EEG recordings were obtained from 19 recording sites set up according to the 10/20 system. Readings were taken at baseline, immediately post intervention and one week later.  SOT participants were adjusted using DeJarnette blocks and an Activator® II was set to zero and was applied to all subjects identically.  ASEBA questionnaires were completed at baseline and one week points.

Results:  The SOT group demonstrated statistically significant changes (p<.001) for care in frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital brain regions: 2HzF7; 4Hz:C4,P4,Pz; 2Hz:T4; 14Hz:T3; 8Hz:Fpl,F3,F7,T6,O1; 9Hz:F3,F4,Fz,F7,T3.  Sham participation had no statistically significant changes.  The control group experienced significant change in the frontal region; 19Hz:F4; 23Hz:Fz.  ASEBA results showed change in externalizing behaviors in the SOT group (p=.041).

Conclusion: Treatment with SOT chiropractic showed significant change in brain function and self-reported behavior, especially when comparing baseline brain activity to 1-week follow-up.

Objective: This case series attempts to investigate whether a relationship may exist between vertebral subluxation, particularly in the mid-thoracic spine, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) symptoms. More importantly, it presents a retrospective review of  patients presenting with GERD who had a temporal relationship between a resolution of their symptomatology, which coincided, with the correction of the spinal misalignment.

Clinical Features: Eight-women, six of which were pregnant, presented with GERD symptoms amongst other musculoskeletal concerns. Increased erector spinae tone was present in all patients, typically on the right side in the mid-thoracic spine.

Intervention and Outcomes: Each patient was analyzed according to a combination of Activator and SOT trapezius fiber analysis and adjusted using instrument-assisted adjusting. Patients were seen between 10-30 visits, and six of eight-reported improvement in GERD symptoms following 1-2 adjustments of the T5 vertebra. This corresponded with decreased indicators of T5 subluxation.

Conclusion: While it is difficult to generalize from a small case series such as this, documentation of clinical relationships between symptom resolution and improved spinal alignment is important in order to options for patients suffering from non-musculoskeletal symptomatology since this may offer patients low-risk conservative options for care.

Introduction: The awareness of sports-related concussions with post-concussion syndromes is gaining exposure in the chiropractic profession. The following case describes a 21-year-old female patient who had a concussion with subsequent post-concussion syndrome symptoms that persisted for five months.

Methods: Along with reduced TMJ functioning the patient presented with some altered cranial nerve findings related to photophobia, contrast sensitivity, and convergence insufficiency. Sacro occipital technique category one and two findings relating to pelvic torsion and sacroiliac joint hypo/hypermobility was found and treated along with cranial and TMJ adjusting. A dentist equilibrated the patient’s mandibular occlusal splint over a 9 week period which was immediately preceded by chiropractic care.

Results: As of March 18, 2014 the patient was completely pain free with no symptoms of lightheadedness, brain fog, or nausea. She has been able to exercise, and has been lifting light weights. She was also able to run five miles. This is a significant improvement given that her symptoms and lack of function were consistent since her accident of September 2013.

Conclusion: Further research is needed to determine whether a subset of post-concussion or head trauma patients may have TMD which is limiting their ability to fully recover function and return to their activities of daily living. Collaborative efforts between emergency room doctors, chiropractors and dentists (with TMD care training) with post concussion patients may help ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Introduction: Low back pain secondary female reproductive problems are the source of frequent consultations to a chiropractor. This case report describes the clinical course, treatment, and response of a female patient suffering from uncontrolled uterine bleeding of over two-weeks duration to the application of sacro occipital technique (SOT) chiropractic adjustments and spondylotherapy. A 37-year-old, nulliparous female presented with a history of back and hip pain, headaches and asthma, as well as nonstop menstrual bleeding for the previous two-weeks that also occurred a few months earlier. The patient indicated that her menstrual cycle has never been “normal”, and since the age of 16 her cycles were of 36-45 days duration with bleeding lasting about seven days. She stated that her periods were often accompanied with migraines and significant cramping. Prior to her visit, she had been seen by her gynecologist with unremarkable findings observed on ultrasound and normal hormone levels, however the patient noted, “it is incredibly uncomfortable to bleed for that long.”

Methods: Three complementary methods were utlized for this patient’s specific menorrahagic condition which included of SOT category-two supine block placement, adjustments (with activator instrument) to the lumbar spine (L1-5) and femoral heads bilaterally. Van Rumpt cranial therapies were used and spondylotherapy was administered to C7 (4-minutes), L3 (2-minutes) and L5 (2-minutes) at a percussive rate of 200-beats-per-minute.

Results: Following the third-office visit the patient reported that the chronic menstrual bleeding had stopped. The patient has returned to this office on 8 other occasions over the past couple years for various reasons (mostly for hip pain), but has had no menstrual or bleeding complaints.

Conclusion: Of interest is that the patient had the menstrual condition for years and her response to care and maintained improvement suggests a causal relationship between her presenting condition and the treatment rendered.

Introduction: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SJD) is a common problem in the general population and diagnosis is primarily made with the use of manual orthopedic tests [1,2]. Whether clusters of these tests can be used to accurately diagnose SJD is being studied [3]. This study is designed to assess the validity and specificity of the Arm Fossa Test (AFT), which is part of the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) evaluation protocols [4]. This may contribute to the research related to diagnostic tests that assess the specific joint dysfunction related to SJD. An ethics committee at Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) (now Johannesburg University) approved the study in January 2005.

Methods: To perform the AFT, the examiner tests the responsiveness of the latissimus dorsi muscle on the supine patient, as the examiner successively makes light contact with the upper and lower portions of the left and right inguinal ligaments. The finding of a delayed or slow responding latissimus dorsi muscle is thought to be consistent with sacroiliac hypermobility; whereas a strong muscle points toward either a normal sacroiliac joint or one with sacroiliac hypomobility.

Eighty subjects were selected for the study, 35 females and 45 males. They were sourced from the TWR health clinic. Prior to testing subjects a case history was taken, and they underwent a full sacroiliac regional examination using generally accepted diagnostic techniques. The subjects were then taken to a different room where an assessor tested for SJD using the AFT. This was done by two different assessors, each without knowledge of the other’s results and was therefore double blinded.

Results: Of the 160 sacroiliac joints (right and left side for each of the 80 subjects) evaluated, the AFT correctly evaluated 166 (28 true positives and 88 true negatives). This gives a percentage correlation of 72.5%. The AFT incorrectly evaluated 44 (40 false positive and 4 false negatives) as shown by the misclassification rate of 27.5%. The Kappa Coeffiient, indicated as 0.40, is bordering on a moderate strength of agreement.

Discussion: Since the AFT’s main purpose is to assess the presence of a specific type of SJD hypermobility, it is possible that it is not as sensitive for assessing SJD associated with hypomobility. Yet in several separate studies of various SOT examination procedures including the AFT test, Leboeuf-Yde reported the following for the AFT:

– intraexaminer reliability: high in one study [5] and low in another [6]

– interexaminer reliability: low [6]

– validity: some value in correctly distinguishing a correctly treated from an incorrectly treated group of participants [7]

– validity: in relationship to lumbopelvic pain: sensitivity=54%, specificity=69% [8]

– validity: no relation between side of involved fossa and side of sacroiliac fixation [7].

Conclusion: The AFT clearly has some validity but should not be used on its own as a tool for the diagnosis of SJD but rather as part of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of the joint. Further research is needed to determine whether the AFT is better suited for evaluating the subset of patients with SJD that is related to hypermobility or SJD associated with hypomobility.

References: :

1. Arab AM, Abdollahi I, Joghataei MT, Golafshani Z, Kazemnejad A. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of single and composites of selected motion palpation and pain provocation tests for sacroiliac joint. Man Ther. 2009;14(2):213-21.
2. Hestìk L, Leboeuf-Yde C, Are chiropractic tests for the lumbo-pelvic spine reliable and valid? A systematic critical literature review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000 (May);23:258–75.
3. Kokmeyer DJ, Van der Wurff P, Aufdemkampe G, Fickenscher TC. The reliability of multitest regimens with sacroiliac pain provocation tests. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002;25(1):42-8.
4. Monk R. Sacro Occipital Technique Manual. Sacro Occipital Technique Organization – USA: Sparta, NC, USA. 2006: 15-87.
5. Leboeuf C, Jenkins DJ, Smyth Ra. Sacro-occipital technique: The so-called arm fossa test. Intraexaminer agreement and post-treatment changes. J Australian Chiropr Assoc. 1988;18(2):67-68.
6. Leboeuf C. The reliability of specific Sacro-occipital Technique diagnostic tests. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991;14(9):512-517.
7. Leboeuf C, Jenkins DJ, Smyth Ra. Sacro-occipital technique: An investigaton i into the relationship between the arm fossa test and certain examination findings. J Australian Chiropr Assoc. 1988;18(3):97-99.
8. Leboeuf C. The sensitivity and specificity of seven lumbo-pelvic orthopedic tests and the arm fossa test. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1990;13(3):138-143. br>

Introduction: Comparative studies of the effectiveness of chiropractic techniques have not been readily performed in the chiropractic literature. One study did attempt to rate specific chiropractic technique procedures for common low back conditions [1]. Another two others studies compared the assessment and treatment of chiropractic techniques: One study evaluated Gonstead, Logan Basic, Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) and Motion Palpation [2] while the other evaluated Activator Methods and SOT [3].

The purpose of this unblinded, randomised pilot comparative study was to determine if diversified chiropractic manipulation and/or SOT adjustments of the sacroiliac (SI) joint could increase the short-term strength of the gastrocnemius muscle. IRB approval for this study was granted by the Technikon of the Witwatersrand (TW).

Methods: Three groups of thirty adult male patients were used. The participating patients were randomly placed into these groups and received the diagnostic assessment and treatment intervention specific to that particular group.

Ninety asymptomatic male patients between the ages of 20 and 30 years participated in the investigation. These patients were recruited by the use of posters that were placed in strategic areas around the TW campus. The patients were randomly placed into one of three groups of thirty. Group FA (force adjustment) received force, side-lying, diversified [4] sacroiliac adjustments to the sacroiliac joint. Group NA (non-force adjustment) received non-force sacro occipital technique (SOT) [5] adjustments to the same area by means of SOT blocking technique. The third group. Group C (control) received detuned ultrasound over the SI joint. Each patient received only one treatment.

The inclusion criteria required that the patient had to be male, fall inside the above age range, and presented with asymptomatic sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This was determined either by diversified chiropractic motion palpation or SOT category analysis. Only category one patients (pelvic torsion affecting sacral nutation) were used in this study and treated for pelvic torsion with pelvic blocks in a prone position whereas the diversified group with a thigh ilio-deltoid technique. The objective data was collected using a plantar flexion isometric dynamometer [6]. The gastrocnemius muscle strength was measured with the dynamometer before and after the treatment.

Results: Inter group analysis was achieved using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) Technique which indicated the results noted trend were not merely random. The validity of the procedures was then carried out by using the T-test for paired observations (”Before” and “After” treatment). This test calculated the p-value,(P< 0.05) noting that the date was statistically significant. The clinical significance of the treatment interventions was determined by comparing the mean “Before” versus the mean “After” treatment. Ultimately the objective results indicated that there was a statistically significant increase in gastrocnemius muscle strength in both of the experimental groups.

Discussion: Previous studies have shown similar statistical evidence that active muscle strength is positively affected by a diversified adjustment [7]. Various studies have tested the effect of SMT (diversified adjustment) on muscles that were relatively proximal to the joints being adjusted. Thus it was not entirely conclusive whether a biomechanical change had occurred, leading to an alteration in the lever system of the muscle and promoting a more efficient contraction, or if there was an underlying neurological effect leading to the increased muscle strength. None of these studies tested the effect of a non-force adjustment. For these reasons, this study chose to select a relatively distal muscle to be tested (without close biomechanical links) and included a non-force SOT adjustment to the pelvis.

Since both the non-force and force adjustments in this and other studies [2,3] showed statistically significant increases in muscle strength a common factor in both treatments was the stress placed upon the joint capsule. Thus it was hypothesised that that the capsular reflex, and its effect on the alpha motor neuron via the mechanoreceptors of the joint capsule, may have played a role in the production of an increased muscle contraction post treatment [8].

Conclusion: The positive effect noted in the non-force adjustment group gives one cause to wonder if force is always required to produce the therapeutic effects spinal manipulative therapists aim to achieve. It is possible that safer and less invasive techniques may thus be indicated on a more regular basis protecting both practitioner and patient alike. This study contributes to information about possible underlying mechanisms of the chiropractic adjustments and may support the role of non-force techniques in treating patients.

REFERENCES:

1. Gatterman MI, Coopertein R, Lantz C, Perle SM, Schneider MJ. Rating Specific Chiropractic Technique Procedures for Common Low Back Conditions. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. Sep 2001;24(7):449-56.
2. Maltezopoulos V, Armitage N. A comparison of four chiropractic systems in the diagnosis of sacroiliac malfunction. Europ J Chiropr. 1984;32:4-42.
3. Kinsinger FS, A Comparative Study of Activator Methods and Sacro Occipital Technique in Low Back Pain: Short Term Effects on Biomechanical Measures Proceedings of the 1991 International Conference of Spinal Manipulation 1991 Apr: 87-9.
4. States A.Z. (1985) States manual of spinal, pelvic and extravertebral technic, second edition, Kirk C.R, Lawrence D.J, Valvo N. L. Eds. National College of Chiropractic: 119.
5. Monk R. Sacro Occipital Technique Manual. Sacro Occipital Technique Organization – USA: Sparta, NC, USA. 2006: 15-87.
6. Daity D, Mior S, Bereznick D. (1998) Validity and reliability of an isometric dynamometer as an evaluative tool in a rehabilitative clinic, Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 12 (3): 109-116.
7. Herzog W, Scheale D, Conway P.J. (1999) Electromyographic responses of back and limb muscles associated with spinal manipulative therapy, Spine 24 (2): 146, 149, 151.
8. Indahl A, Kaigle A.M, Reikeras O, Holm S.H. (1997) Interaction between the porcine lumbar intervertebral disc, zygapophysial joints, and paraspinal muscles, Spine 22 (24): 2834-2840.

Introduction: Vertigo, also called dizziness, accounts for about 6 million clinic visits in the U.S. every year, and 17–42% of these patients eventually are diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Two-treatments have been found helpful for BPPV: the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) or Epley maneuver, and the liberatory or Semont maneuver [1]. The following is a case study that discusses another possible treatment for BPPV.

A 37-year-old female with acute benign vertigo was referred to this office by her allopathic physician to determine the need for interdisciplinary care. The patient had 2-3 months of constant vertigo, diagnosed as BPPV. She had been treated with the Epley Maneuver and various medications, but her symptoms were unresponsive. Her vertigo would last the whole day, with peaks and valleys related to intensity. This affected her ability to function at home, drive her car and even walk “out of the door” of her home.

Methods: Patient presented with a sacro occipital technique category two (sacroiliac joint hypermobility syndrome) [2], right temporal bone with external rotation, and significant malocclusion with clenching and anterior interferences. Her malocclusion was affected by the stress of the anterior interferences, particularly on the right side, and the repetitive stress on occlusion appeared to create right temporomandibular (TMJ) stress summating at the right temporal fossa. It was theorized this possibly contributed to the patient’s vertigo presentation [3].

Category two protocols for the pelvis were applied [2] and an intraoral cranial adjustment to the temporal bone, maxilla, sphenoid, and zygoma were performed [4]. Reduction of palpatory pain in and around the TMJ along with joint translation was used to help guide treatment. Cotreatment with a dentist was used to help stabilize and maintain the chiropractic cranial and TMJ corrections.

Results: By the 7th-office visit (3-4 weeks of care) the patient’s vertigo had resolved. In addition her TMJ translation and opening had improved significantly with right TMJ and related tissue pain eliminated. The anterior interferences were treated with a nighttime dental appliance that allowed the patient to have bilateral posterior teeth contact and reduced contact to the front teeth.

Discussion: Occlusion and condylar position is purported to be affected by or affect cranial bone distortion patterns [5]. When there is malocclusion affecting the cranial suture and local periosteal tissue, it is theorized that with some patients — possibly the internal periosteal dura, CSF circulation, and related cortical region might be affected [6-8]. On the other hand reliving the stressors of restricted cranial motion and malocclusion could lead to improved function just by reducing global stress to the CNS due to reduced pain and related myofascial tension [5].

Conclusion: In this case report the patient’s response to care was quite dramatic. She was unresponsive to prior care and her quality of life was profoundly affected. It is difficult to extrapolate from this one case and apply this to the general population however the patient’s rapid response to care suggests that further investigation into this method of care for patients presenting with vertigo be considered.

REFERENCES:

1. Bhattacharyya N, Baugh RF, Orvidas L, Barrs D, Bronston LJ, Cass S, Chalian AA, Desmond AL, Earll JM, Fife TD, Fuller DC, Judge JO, Mann NR, Rosenfeld RM, Schuring LT, Steiner RW, Whitney SL, Haidari J; American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Clinical practice guideline: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008 Nov;139(5 Suppl 4):S47-81.
2. Monk R. Sacro Occipital Technique Manual. Sacro Occipital Technique Organization – USA: Sparta, NC, USA. 2006: 91-126.
3. Steigerwald DP, Verne SV, Young D. A retrospective evaluation of the impact of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy on the symptoms of headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, and tinnitus. Cranio. 1996 Jan;14(1):46-54.
4. Monk R, Blum CL. SOT Cranial Level Two Manual: TMJ Technique. Sacro Occipital Technique Organization – USA: Sparta, NC, USA. 2004.
5. Chinappi AS, Getzoff H. The Dental-Chiropractic Cotreatment of Structural Disorders of the Jaw and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. J Manip Physio Therap. Sep 1995; 18(7): 476-81.
6. Retzlaff EW, Mitchell FL jr, Upledger J, Biggert T Nerve fibers and endings in cranial sutures – research report. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1978;77(6):474-5.
7. Pick, MG. A Preliminary Single CaseMagnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation into Maxillary Frontal-Parietal Manipulation and its Short-Term Effect upon the Intercranial Structures of an Adult Human Brain. J Manip Physio Therap, Mar-Apr 1994; 17(3): 168-73.
8. Jones L, Retzlaff E, Mitchell FL Jr., Upledger J, Walsh J. Significance of nerve fibers interconnecting cranial suture vasculature, the superior sagittal sinus, and the third ventricle. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1982;82:113.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) relates to an obstruction to the continuum of airway expressed as sleep-disordered breathing associated with multiple co-morbidities and societal implications [1,2]. With untreated sleep apnea patient the risk of automobile accidents are approximately 8-times more likely than that of a normal sleeper and in the work arena likewise productivity and safety suffer [1].

Common treatments for OSA usually start with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and can progress to surgery to facilitate airway expansion and/or increase function. Surgery is costly and invasive and patient compliance with CPAP machines is estimated at only 40% [2]. A 56-year-old female patient presented for chiropractic and dental care with persistent symptoms of sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, short-term memory loss, foggy-headedness, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, chronic myofascial neck and shoulder pain, fatigue, and vertigo.

Methods: Cranial-dental exam revealed a dental class II, narrow arches and premature anterior contacts with evidence of clenching and bruxism. The sleep study revealed a Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) of 17.1 and Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) of 16.3, with the lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2) of 89% during sleep. Six-treatments over a 3-4 week period of time consisted of sacro-occipital technique (SOT) care [3], cranial-dental treatments incorporating SOT intra-oral cranial adjustments [4], and spheno-maxillary cranial care. Dental care was provided in conjunction utilizing occlusal balancing by a mandibular flat plane dental splint.

Results: Following the 6-office visits the patient reported significant reduction of all symptoms. Follow-up polysomnogram was performed one-month following prior study and with the dental appliance in her mouth. RDI and AHI were both reduced to 2.9 and lowest Sa02 was 92% during sleep. The patient had significantly reduced TMJ pain and the chronic myofascial neck and shoulder pain had gradually resolved over the 3-4 weeks of care. Due to her increased ability to sleep and increased oxygenation, she had less daytime fatigue and greater function.

Discussion: The combination of SOT cranial therapy with a flat plane mandibular occlusal splint appeared to help resolve this patient’s apnea and accompanied symptoms. This intervention was minimally invasive, less costly than a CPAP, and only required a 3-4 week treatment program. Splint type therapy has been found to be helpful for OSA patients and one prospective randomized study found “that a dental appliance could be an alternative treatment for some patients with severe OSA [5].”

Ascending and descending kinematic postural influences have been found between posture and occlusion, condylar position, and airway space — suggesting that the treatment of TMJ disorders and sleep apnea may be an opportunity for dental and chiropractic collaboration [6-8]. Clinically, chiropractors and dentists are realizing a relationship between posture and the OSA, supporting the need for interdisciplinary efforts [8].

Conclusion: The persistent nature of the patient’s apnea, the pre and post-sleep study objective findings, and the patient’s significant reduction in pain and improved function are compelling features of this case. Greater study is needed to identify the subset of apnea patients that could benefit from this approach.

REFERENCES:

1. Al Lawati NM, Patel SR, Ayas NT. Epidemiology, risk factors, and consequences of obstructive sleep apnea and short sleep duration. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2009 Jan-Feb;51(4):285-93.
2. Kapur VK. Obstructive sleep apnea: diagnosis, epidemiology, and economics. Respir Care. 2010 Sep;55(9):1155-67.
3. Monk R. Sacro Occipital Technique Manual. Sacro Occipital Technique Organization – USA: Sparta, NC, USA. 2006: 91-126.
4. Monk R, Blum CL. SOT Cranial Level Two Manual: TMJ Technique. Sacro Occipital Technique Organization – USA: Sparta, NC, USA. 2004.
5. Walker-Engström ML, Ringqvist I, Vestling O, Wilhelmsson B, Tegelberg A. A prospective randomized study comparing two different degrees of mandibular advancement with a dental appliance in treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Breath. 2003 Sep;7(3):119-30.
6. Sakaguchi K, Mehta NR, Abdallah EF, Forgione AG, Hirayama H, Kawasaki T, Yokoyama A. Examination of the relationship between mandibular position and body posture. Cranio. 2007 Oct;25(4):237-49.
7. Maeda N, Sakaguchi K, Mehta NR, Abdallah EF, Forgione AG, Yokoyama A. Effects of experimental leg length discrepancies on body posture and dental occlusion. Cranio. 2011 Jul;29(3):194-203.
8. Blum CL. TMD Functional Integrative Approach: Dental and Chiropractic Approach to Forward Head Posture. Journal of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. Fall 2009; 22(2):18,31,39.

Introduction: Sacro occipital technique (SOT) describes a category (category two) of pelvic girdle pain and/or low back pain (PLPP) associated with increased posterior SI joint ligamentous laxity. This retrospective case series study involved 103 pregnant women age range from 21-32 years old were seen at this clinic from 1979-83.

Methods: Patients were evaluated via SOT diagnostic protocol, which included the SOT arm fossa test (AFT), increased unilateral or bilateral iliopsoas tension, palpation for pelvic torsion, leg length differentials, and Moiré contour photography.

Results: Using SOT’s arm fossa test as a method to evaluate sacroiliac joint laxity, a large percentage of the patients (95%) had AFT positive (AFT+) findings, with 5 of the 103 patients having an AFT negative (AFT-). AFT- findings were associated with reduction or elimination of pelvic or inguinal pain, improvement of muscle strength and ability to rise from seated position as well as lift or carry objects, and improved sleeping and restfulness.

Conclusion: Further study would be of value to determine if the AFT can become part of a series of tests used to assess the need for care of PPLP as well as if there is successful patient response to treatment.

Introduction: Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old. Various sets of signs distinguish autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD) such as Asperger’s syndrome. Most recent reviews estimate prevalence of one to two cases per 1,000 people for autism, and about six per 1,000 for ASD, with ASD averaging a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, at least partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved. Autism is highly heritable, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is generally unclear which genes are responsible. However there are also non-hereditary possible etiologies or triggers that affect ASD presentations. The female may carry the genetic profile for ASD, which in 25% of the cases they pass on to their children. However genetic research to date has not found any specific gene associated with ASD, but a cause for ASD has been implicated in 20 of the 23 pairs of chromosomes, which may involve up to a hundred genes in the human genome. Spontaneous structural events associated with ASD onset are also believed to be primarily deletions of a gene, leaving the individual with only one copy of a particular gene leading to disruption of that gene’s function and ASD. ASD has multifactorial presentations with one type involving language delay that obviously would affect social interaction and communication [1].

Case Report: Assessment: 19-year-old female diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by pervasive language delay, presented for cranial treatment at Atlantis (Tomatis) Clinic, St Truiden, Belgium. The patient was unable to speak prior to 11 years of age at which time she had a series Tomatis Auditory Therapy (TAT) treatments [2]. By age 19 she could speak coherently when her head would be in flexion with her eyes looking downward. With her head and eyes directed forward she was unable to speak in a coherent manner.

Treatment/Intervention: Treatment consisted of sacro occipital techniques (SOT) and cranial care [3], specifically treatment for sacroiliac joint hypermobility syndrome (category two) [4] and for a significant craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) [5]. Typical blocking treatment was used for the pelvic component and the CMD was treated with cranial therapies including SOT related intraoral temporal and sphenomaxillary procedures.

Results: Immediately following care the patient stood up, held her head up and looked straight in the eyes of the doctor and said clearly, “Thank you very much, goodbye.” The patient’s ability to speak with the head and eyes in an upright position maintained for approximately 7 days, however due to her significant CMD, it appeared she would need concurrent dental orthopedic/orthodontic cotreatment to maintain a lasting positive outcome.

Discussion: Along with chiropractic SOT and cranial care, two main therapeutic interventions for autism spectrum language delay could be TAT and specific vestibular training exercises. Autism spectrum children commonly have hypersensitivity to touch, sound, and visual input. TAT has been found to improve the life of many autistic people by attenuating ASD symptoms. By stimulating the auditory system, and ultimately the brain, TAT, commonly used with other integrative therapies, has been able to help reduce the ASD symptoms. In this case study both chiropractic care and TAT were needed together to facilitate the best outcome, however for lasting effects dental interventions appears to be also necessary. For ASD patients vestibular training is also essential and one vestibular type training exercise could involve using a “hula hoop” on one arm and while in motion moving the hoop from one arm to the other across the midline and back again, performing this 5-6 times per session, everyday. As the child integrates this behavior they then begin with one hand holding a soft ball while the other hand rotates the “hula hoop” on their other arm, then placing the hand with the ball through the moving hoop, holding the ball with both hands, and then as the hoop crosses the midline towards the other arm, the other hand pulls the ball through the hoop, performing this 5-6 times per session, everyday.

Conclusion: Current theory on ASD believes that it is unreasonable to assume a “cure” will take place for this condition at this time, but rather acknowledging there are therapeutic interventions that will aid and raise the patient’s thresholds to cope and function. Treatments for some children may both have a physical component involving chiropractic or even dental chiropractic cotreatment and a neurological processing component, which can be helped with interventions such as auditory or vestibular training. It is important for future research to determine what subset of children may best respond to chiropractic therapy and neurological type exercises. While the case presented was quite dramatic, it illustrates the need for greater research into the study of interdisciplinary care of ASD and if these types of results can be duplicated in case controlled studies.

References:

1. Newschaffer CJ, Croen LA, Daniels J, Giarelli E, Grether JK, Levy SE, Mandell DS, Miller LA, Pinto-Martin J, Reaven J, Reynolds AM, Rice CE, Schendel D, Windham GC. The epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders. Annu Rev Public Health. 2007;28:235-58.

2. Joan M. Neysmith-Roy. The Tomatis Method with severely autistic boys: Individual case studies of behavioral changes, S. Afr. J. Psychology, 2001, 31 (1).

3. Blum CL, LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Sacroiliac Dysfunction and SOT – Response to the Nov. JACA Online Focus article on sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association. Dec 2006: 20-1.

4. Blum CL, Cuthbert S. Cranial Therapeutic Care: Is There any Evidence? Journal of Chiropractic and Osteopathy. 2006; 14(10).

5. Fink M, Wahling K, Stiesch-Scholz M, Tschernitschek H. The functional relationship between the craniomandibular system, cervical spine, and the sacroiliac joint: a preliminary investigation. Cranio. 2003 Jul;21(3):202-8.

Introduction: Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) is considered the most complex joint in the human body [1]. Due to this joint, daily vital functions are possible such as: speaking, smiling and crying, kissing, yawning, and mainly eating which without it the human being would not be able to survive. When the harmony of the normal fit of the TMJ is not perfect it will provoke the individual’s adaptation, causing clinical discomfort and functional deficiencies to the system, leading to muscles spasms, clacking, neck pain, cephalgia, deficiencies on the opening and closing movements of the jaw and pain which interferes in the individuals daily activities and well-being, and also enables the normal development of vital functions [1,2]. Malocclusion is the second cause related to TMJ pain Complaints [3], due to the functional imbalance between the TMJ and the neuromuscular system of the jaw caused by unstable and not simultaneous dental contact. Orthodontics is the usual approach for these cases, although not always effective and it suggests the use of therapies that focus on the recovery of TMJ and muscles spasms in order to assist the orthodontic treatment4. The interrelation between joint, muscles and nerves lead us to believe that malocclusion has its effects on TMJ symptoms [2,5] and so on to the whole body, as the purpose of this study is to approach the individual as a whole.

Methods: The study is characterized as an almost experimental study because establishes comparisons between two non equivalent groups. The research had the participation of 6 individuals which had an orthodontics´ diagnosis of malocclusion, TMJ pain and were between 10 to 45 years old. The individuals were divided consecutively into two different groups of treatment. The first group was treated with Cervical Manual Adjustment and the second group with the basic protocol of the SOT Technique. After physical evaluation and patient’s historical being collected it was made in each visit: in the first group, the palpation of subluxations and then the manual adjustment of the cervical segment involved, in the second group, the categorization and treatment with the basic protocol of the SOT Technique. The treatment was made in 4 visits during a month. To evaluate the pain of the participant it was used an informative questionnaire, and to measure the pain it was used the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS). Both were used in the first and in the last visit to evaluate the treatment’s effects.

Results: The research showed that in 83,33% of the cases there were TMJ pain decrease in individuals with malocclusion, nevertheless in 16,66% of the cases the results of the chiropractic treatment for the pain were negative. The Manual Cervical Adjustment group obtained 100% of TMJ pain decrease, being asymptomatic after treatment. The SOT Technique group obtained a gradual improvement of TMJ pain in 66,66% of the cases, however 33,33% obtained a negative result presenting increase of TMJ pain. Both treatments had shown to be effective for the TMJ symptoms, not only for pain, but joint clacking, cephalgia, neck pain, muscles tension, enhance of the opening and closing movements of the jaw and the region’s sensitivity.

Conclusion: The results of this research showed the chiropractic treatment as being effective to the TMJ symptoms in individuals with malocclusion, and not only relating to pain, but also for cephalgia, neck pain, muscles tension, enhance of the opening and closing movements of the jaw and joint clacking, giving the individual a better life quality and well-being.

References:

1. Maciel R.N. Oclusão e ATM: procedimentos clínicos. 1ed. Editora Livraria Santos Comp. Imp. Ltda. 1998. São Paulo.

2. Howat J.M.P. Chiropractic: Anatomy and Physiology of Sacro Occipital Technique. Cranial Communication Systems. 1999. Oxford.

3. Tosa H., Imai T., Watannabe F., Sumori M., Tsuchida T., Matsuno I., Nakamura S. The clinical study on occurrence of TMJ dysfunction in orthodontic patients. Nippon Kyosei Shika Gakkai Zasshi. August, 1990 (Vol. 49, Issue 4, Pages 341-51).

4. Viazis A.D. Atlas de Orthodontia – Princípios e Aplicações Clínicas. 1ed. Livraria Santos Editora Com. Imp. Ltda. 1996. São Paulo.

5. Mongini F. ATM e Músculos Craniocervicofaciais – Fisiopatologia e Tratamento. 1ed. Livraria Santos Editora Com. Imp. Ltda. 1996. São Paulo.

Introduction: Knowledge on the incidence, prevalence and natural history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is still little. It is estimated that 40% of the western population has already presented with signs and symptoms of GERD. The important fact regarding this disease is the compromising of the patient’s life quality of life, besides high treatment cost. GERD treatment is based on clinical, pharmacological or surgical treatment. Chiropractic treatment on the neuromusculoskeletal system influences the functioning of internal organs, through autonomic nervous system stimulation. The objective of this study was to verify the alterations of dyspeptic signs and symptoms in patients presenting with GERD after chiropractic treatment.

Methods: This was a pre-experimental study and the sample was composed of 10 individuals sent to chiropractic treatment by a gastroenterologist surgeon. High digestive endoscopy exam was performed on all individuals before and after 8 sessions of chiropractic treatment, based on Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (CMRT), specific for gastric syndrome. The gastroesophageal reflux disease symptom’s questionnaire and the results from high digestive endoscopy exams were used to evaluate dyspeptic signs and symptoms.

Results: At the end of chiropractic treatment a statistically significant global reduction of GERD symptoms was observed (p=0.0002) especially on the evaluation of pre and post treatment postprandial pyrosis data (p=0.000004). The chiropractic treatment can improve visceral conditions, causing response in many systems, including the digestive system. Through endoscopic exam results it was possible to verify an improvement of 58% of esophagitis degree caused by GERD. The stimulation of spinal structures may have a connection with reflex responses of the autonomic nervous system which in turn may alter visceral functioning.

Conclusion: At the end of the study it was possible to conclude that chiropractic treatment was efficient in improving symptoms caused by GERD, as well as improving esophagitis signs secondary to GERD, shown by high digestive endoscopy exam.

Introduction: This case report investigates the therapeutic benefits of utilizing the sacral block to balance sacrospinal and cranial dural tensions ultimately assisting to balance sacral nutation. A relationship between intrathecal tensions, Milgram’s sign, and sacral block technic is also explored. Sacral block technique was initially developed by M. B. DeJarnette in 1976 and was used to treat, when applicable, any related cranial dural imbalance, and was termed, “cranial vault balancing technique.” Since Milgram’s sign is related to intrathecal pressure imbalance, leg lift testing was incorporated to evaluate the effectiveness of the sacral block technic. While reduced sacral nutation is commonly associated with SI fixation (category one) [1], DeJarnette also found some restriction to sacral nutation with SI joint hypermobility (category two).

Methods: The arm fossa test is an evaluation tool developed by DeJarnette to differentiate between SI joint fixation or hypermobility [2]. He found that SI joint hypermobility, with altered sacral nutation, at the full inspiration or expiration phase of pulmonary respiration, would cause inhibited response during the arm fossa test. With the patient supine the sacral block or wedge would be placed under the sacral apex when there was an inhibited response on inhalation to the arm fossa test and under the sacral base when there was an inhibited response on exhalation. Clinically a relationship was found relating to the patient’s inability to lift their legs when supine, an inhibited arm fossa test with a specific phase of respiration, and improvement of these indicators with sacral block technic.

Case Report: Assessment: A 75 year old male patient who had received chiropractic care since 1989 noted that in mid 2006, his gait and balance started to deteriorate which was of concern since he had a history of diabetic neuropathy in the lower extremities. In early 2007 he was seen for treatment and physical examination findings noted the patient had a positive Milgram’s Test and was unable to lift his legs in a supine position.

Treatment/Intervention: During 2007 he was treated approximately 5 times using the sacral block technic and gradually responded to treatment, had improved gait/balance, and was able to lift his legs in a supine position. Three months later, July 2007, the patient returned with inability to lift his legs in the supine position along with some decreased gait/balance functioning. He was adjusted again with the sacral block technic, the gait/balance improved and he could lift his legs. Subsequently while he suffered from some dizziness and knee pain with over exertion, his gait and stability remain improved through the spring of 2008.

Discussion: Sacral nutation involves anterior and posterior cyclic rotation (rocking) of the sacrum focusing at the anterior sacroiliac (SI) joint [3]. Nutation occurs secondary to pulmonary respiration and during walking and is postulated to assist with cerebrospinal fluid mixing from the lumbopelvic cistern cephalward. SI joint fixation secondary to pelvic torsion [4] or any factor that alters sacral nutation would then purportedly adversely affect CSF circulation and leading to some degree of CSF stagnation and resultant catabolic build-up in the sacrospinal subarachnoid space. The cranial-sacral dural system continues from the periosteal/meningeal cranial dura to the spinal canal ending within the sacrum at the 2nd sacral segment. This dural system also has various myoligamentous connections (Trolard’s Ligament, Thoracolumbar Ligaments of Hoffman, and ligamentum flava), which maintain balanced intrathecal tensions. Any factors limiting sacral nutation would likely alter dural tensions creating ascending influences on the spinal dural space and adjacent spinal subarachnoid space where CSF circulates [5].

Conclusion: The sacral block technic may be an effective tool for treatment of conditions associated with CSF stagnation secondary to reduced sacral as well as patients with a positive Milgram’s sign. Further study is necessary to evaluate greater clinical correlations to determine the effectiveness of the sacral block technic. While this patient had a significant response to treatment further research is indicated to determine what subset of patients would best respond to this care. Since the treatment represents a low force, low risk intervention further study to evaluate its benefit would be warranted.

References:

1. Blum CL, Sacro-Occipital Technique’s “Category Two”: A Remedy for Fixated Thinking. Dynamic Chiropractic. Sep 1, 2006; 24(18).

2. Hestoek L, Leboeuf-Yde C, Are chiropractic tests for the lumbo-pelvic spine reliable and valid? A systematic critical literature review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. May 2000;23:258–75.

3. Vleeming A, Pool-Goudzwaard AL, Hammudoghlu D, Stoeckart R, Snijders CJ, Chris J, Mens JMA. The Function of the Long Dorsal Sacroiliac Ligament: Its Implication for Understanding Low Back Pain. Spine. Mar 1996;21(5):556-62.

4. Cooperstein R, Lisi A. Pelvic Torsion: Anatomic Considerations, Construct Validity, and Chiropractic Examination Procedures. Topics in Clinical Chiropractic. Sep 2000; 7(3): 38-49.

5. Farmer JA, Blum CL. Dural Port Therapy. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. Spr 2002; 1(2):1-8.

Introduction: In situs inversus totalis the heart chambers, lung lobes, abdominal organs and colon are all found in a mirror image arrangement of normal. The purpose of this paper is to present a novel case report of a patient with situs inversus treated by chiropractic care involving chiropractic manipulative reflex techniques (CMRT) modified to the patient’s condition.

Case Report: This patient was a 60 year old mother of 4 who has been a chiropractic patient for over 20 years receiving spine-only chiropractic care. The patient began care in this office in and was seen for 16 office visits utilizing Blair Upper Cervical (BUC) x-ray spinography protocols, Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) categorization, and CMRT procedures.

Treatment/Intervention: Her response to Blair and SOT protocols was good and as expected however CMRT protocols needed to be modified in novel ways to compensate for her situs inversus presentation. Occipital fiber analysis found an active visceral reflex on 13 out of her 16 visits. On visits that necessitated treatment to the ileocecal or pancreas reflex arc the reflex patterns were opposite to normal.

Results: The outcome to treatment involved reduction in pain and increased function in various areas of the spine, pelvis, and right shoulder as well as reduction of prior sleep disturbances and constipation.

Discussion: While the response to BUC and SOT Category Two protocols were as anticipated, the CMRT evaluation and treatment was unusual based on the patient’s situs inversus presentation. The patient’s immediate response to treatment suggests that further investigations may be indicated.

Conclusion: Future studies could compare a blinded evaluation of patients with situs inversus and normal organ anatomy to determine if side of CMRT reflex and referred pain patterns is consistent. Greater research is needed to investigate what subset of patients may respond to viscerosomatic/somatovisceral chiropractic reflex treatment. (This is an abstract from a conference presentation only and does not represent a full work that has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication.)

Introduction: Breastfeeding is a dynamic relationship designed to modulate the optimal development of the human infant. The environment in which the infant is uniquely designed to thrive is the body of the mother. The infant is born neurologically competent and aware, fully prepared to initiate appropriate responses from the mother, guiding her in the biological imperative of attachment and bonding. Today, lactation consultants and other health care practitioners are observing a greater number of babies than ever who are incapable of feeding at the breast. As birth has become more medicalized, as we as a culture have responded through embracing intervention as the norm, we are seeing the impact of trauma to the infant in broader and more intrinsically damaging ways. We are only beginning to grasp both the magnitude and implications of this trend and have not yet begun to address treatment in any significant way. For babies to feed effectively, one must address form and function within the context of the maternal-infant relationship, using normal competency as the compass. Collaboration between the lactation consultant and the chiropractor has evolved as a means of restoring normal form and function and with it the potential for both competency and optimal development.

Methods: The authors review a case series of 25 mother infant pairs who experienced breastfeeding problems related to a variety of musculoskeletal dysfunctions including cervicocranial subluxation, torticollis, mandibular retraction or asymmetry and myofascial constraint (including ankyloglossia) [1-9]. Ages of the infants ranged from 0-4 mos. Objective and subjective signs of breastfeeding dysfunction in the infant included, failure to elicit a milk ejection reflex, insufficient milk removal, poor weight gain, failure to thrive, infrequent voiding, spinal hyperextension (arching) at and away from the breast, hyperirritability, decreased peristalsis, reflux and jaundice. Maternal signs and symptoms included lack of a milk ejection reflex, hypolactation, plugged ducts, blebs and mastitis, hyperlactation and nipple pain, deformity and damage [9,10] Objective signs of biomechanical dysfunction included limited range of motion, visible structural asymmetry, muscle hypertonicity or hypotonicity [1-9]. After evaluation the infant for neuromusculoskeletal integrity including range of motion (craniocervical, spinal and mandibular), muscle tone, oral function (including lips and tongue), and manual techniques were employed including myofascial release and chiropractic adjustments consisting of low force techniques, vertebral and cranial adjustments. Most, but not all mothers, continued to be supported by participating in follow up visits with the lactation consultant and chiropractor and/or as active participants in a mother’s support group moderated by the lactation consultant.

Results: Co-management consisting of chiropractic adjustments and manual therapy techniques coupled with lactation counseling resulted in successful breastfeeding in the majority of cases. Transition from the relationship with the lactation consultant and chiropractor to peer support appear to contribute to overall success rate of the challenged mother-infant dyad.

Conclusion: From our perspective, there is no more normal human function than the ability of the infant to direct his own feeding at his mother’s breast. Further, no other activity is more integral to healthy neurological development. Bonding is dependent upon competency—the infant’s competency in turn leads to maternal competency and guides the mother in completing the circuit for which both have been hard-wired. Indeed, the inability to feed effectively at the breast should be the earliest possible indication that intervention is required for the mother-infant dyad. This case series demonstrates the potential for success when the lactation consultant and other health care providers are able to recognize neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction in breastfeeding difficulties. And also demonstrates the potential efficacy of early chiropractic intervention in facilitating successful breastfeeding.

References:

1. Vallone S, Chiropractic Evaluation and Treatment of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction in Infants Demonstrating Difficulty Breastfeeding. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. 2004; 6(1):349-61.

2. Holtrop DP, Resolution of suckling intolerance in 6 month old chiropractic patient, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000 Nov-Dec;23 ( 9):615-618.

3. Hewitt, EG, Chiropractic care for infants with dysfunctional nursing: a case series. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. 1999; 4(1).

4. Sheader, WE, Chiropractic management of an infant experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and colic: a case study. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. 1999; 4(1).

5. Krauss, L, Case study: infant’s inability to breast-feed. Chiropractic Pediatrics 1994; 1(3).

6. Arcadi, VC, Birth induced TMJ dysfunction: the most common cause of breastfeeding problems Sherman Oaks, CA, Proceedings of the National Conference on Chiropractic and Pediatrics. Oct, 1993 Palm Springs, CA.

7. Esch, S, Newborn with atlas subluxation/absent rooting reflex from Case reports in chiropractic pediatrics (case #4). ACA J of Chiropractic December 1988.

8. Wall V, Glass R, Mandibular Assessment and Breastfeeding Problems: Experience from 11 Cases, J Hum Lact. 2006; 22(3).

9. Coryllos E, Congential Tongue Tie and It’s Effect on Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding: Best for Baby and Mother, a publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Breastfeeding, Sum 2004.

10. Watson Genna C, Supporting Sucking Skills in Breastfeeding Infants, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, MA, USA 2008.

Introduction: Some authors have showed 60% unreliability toward SIJ testing [1]. The purpose of this investigation is to propose a relationship between the present regional sacroiliac syndrome (SIS) [2] and additional somatic areas of neuromuscular compensatory postural stresses relating to sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) [3]. Comparative bilateral areas of pain/spasm as utilized in Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) [4], termed indicators, were analyzed for clinical and neurophysiological correlation.

Method: 12 subjects were chosen at random, from the student population of Logan College of Chiropractic (IRB approved through Logan College of Chiropractic). Subjects selected were tested with an Algometer for pain response, and recorded, at specific somatic areas utilized diagnostically in SOT related diagnostic procedures (medial knee, lateral thigh, upper and lower aspects of the inguinal ligament, posterior 1st costovertebral junctions, temporalis muscle, occipitomastoid, and occipitoparietal sutures). Subjects were then analyzed for placement of orthopedic pelvic wedges (blocks) and treated according to SOT related protocols. The control group was lying supine for 5 minutes on a chiropractic Zenith table without any intervention.

Results: The Algometer measured the pain threshold differences experienced by the subject’s proposed SIJ related somatic indicators. The mean pain threshold value for the control, which the subject was not orthopedically blocked, was an increase or decrease in pain by -3 to 2 lbs/cm2 for all somatic indicators. Pain thresholds were found to be significantly increased (p < 0.05) when the subjects were treated with orthopedic blocks most noted to the left upper inguinal ligament (9.4 lbs/cm2; p < 0.05), left lower inguinal ligament (6 lbs/cm2; p < 0.05) and left occipitomastoid suture (3.6 lbs/cm2; p < 0.05). The major difference was seen in the left upper inguinal ligament with an increase of 9.4 lbs/cm2 in pain threshold.

Discussion: Based on the taxonomy for SIS provided by The International Association for the Study of Pain, McGrath indicates that diagnostic examination of the SIJ by palpation “is confounded by anatomical and sensory variables. Illustrative of systematic and possibly insurmountable anatomical and sensory confounding [5]” therefore, “the continued use of non-standardized, manual diagnostic palpation as a basis for manipulative intervention is questionable. There is a need to develop a sophisticated, technologically based alternative that offers a reliable multimodal input, standardization of findings and comparative indexing of such findings to a reference data-base [5].” This study, involving analysis and treatment of SIJ torsion lesions, proposes a new definition of a sacroiliac syndrome based upon a novel interpretation of the neurophysiology and the current pilot clinical trial. Three of the 16 indicator’s pain thresholds increased significantly after orthopedic pelvic blocking as compared to the control group indicating a plausible relationship between the 3 indicators and sacroiliac dysfunction.

Conclusion: There is a clear need for diagnostic protocols that offer a reliable and valid method of evaluating sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It is possible that SOT related protocols may offer a viable alternative to what is used currently in orthopedic circles. The current pilot study while giving interesting information indicates that further studies are needed with a larger sample of subjects, with the full SOT protocols and delineating the possible SI osseous weightbearing versus nutation/counternutation (respiratory) dysfunctions.

References:

1. Laslett M, April CN, McDonald B, Young SB. Diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain: validity of individual tests and composites of tests. Man Ther 2005, 10:207-18.

2. Cooperstein R. Sacro Occipital Technique. Chiropractic Technique. Aug 1996; 8(3): 125-31.

3. Sterenfeld EB, Chou LH, Herzog R, Vresilovic E. The predictive value of provocative sacroiliac joint stress maneuvers in the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1998 Mar; 79(3):288-92.

4. Zelle BA, Gruen GS, Brown S, George S. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: evaluation and management. Clin J Pain. 2005 Sep-Oct; 21(5):446-55.

5. McGrath MC. Clinical considerations of the anatomy of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). A review of the characteristics of function, motion and pain. J Osteopath Med 2004; 7: 16-24.

Introduction: Malocclusion is the second cause related to TMJ pain complaints1 due to the non-stable contact among superior and inferior teeth leading to functional imbalance between the TMJ and the neuromuscular system of the jaw [1]. Not proper fit of the TMJ will provoke the individual’s adaptation leading to clinical discomfort and functional deficiencies in the system introducing to symptoms such as clicking, muscles spasms, bruxism, cervicalgia, cephalgia, deficiencies on the opening and closing movements of the jaw and pain which take from the individual its wellbeing and enable the normal development of daily activities [2,3]. Orthodontics is the conventional approach to treat this condition making use of induced movement of teeth and bones to correct malocclusion [4]. Although the benefits of correcting centric occlusion may enhance the individual’s well-being, the treatment can be long, expensive, not pleasant and many times not totally efficient mainly because of the dysfunctions developed due to the malocclusion. In order to reach satisfactory results the use of other therapies and methods to recuperate the TMJ and muscles are involved to assist the orthodontic treatment [5].

Methods: The patients of this study were headed to chiropractic treatment by their orthodontist before further orthodontic treatment. All patients had malocclusion diagnosis and TMJ pain. The patients were treated with chiropractic techniques for a period of a month, having 4 visits total. Each individual was evaluated by the orthodontist, focusing on occlusion and its effects in other structures, before and after chiropractic treatment. To be able to evaluate the orthodontic professional’s opinion about the effects of the chiropractic treatment it was used a satisfaction questionnaire after the orthodontist’s second and last evaluation.

Results: The research showed that in 50% of the cases the orthodontist was positive in relation to the occlusion condition. In 66.66% of the cases the orthodontist was positive relating to the chiropractic treatment to the patient with malocclusion. And in 83.33% of the cases the orthodontist was largely positive about the chiropractic treatment as a tool to the orthodontic treatment. In the majority of the cases the orthodontic professional pointed up the benefits of the chiropractic treatment to reduce the different symptoms related to malocclusion, giving the orthodontist better conditions to develop a specific treatment to correct the biomechanical occlusion of each patient satisfactorily.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggests the chiropractic treatment as a great allied to the orthodontic professional, facilitating its procedures due to the symptoms reduction, also supplementing its work to reach the individual’s global health, reducing time and costs of the treatment. It also suggests an interdisciplinary work between chiropractors and orthodontists to promote a greater life quality to the individual with occlusion disorders.

References:

1. Tosa H., Imai T., Watannabe F., Sumori M., Tsuchida T., Matsuno I., Nakamura S. The clinical study on occurrence of TMJ dysfunction in orthodontic patients. Nippon Kyosei Shika Gakkai Zasshi. August, 1990; 49(4):341-51.

2. Howat J.M.P. Chiropractic: Anatomy and Physiology of Sacro Occiptal Technique. Cranial Communication Systems: Oxford Press. 1999.

3. Maciel RN, Oclusão e ATM: procedimentos clínicos. 1ed. Editora Livraria Santos Comp. Imp. Ltda. São Paulo. 1998.

4. Brew MC, Pretto SM, Ritzel IF. Odontologia na Adolescência – Uma abordagem para pais,educadores e profissionais da saúde. Editora Mercado Aberto Ltda. Porto Alegre. 2000.

5. Viazis AD. Atlas de Ortodontia – Princípios e Aplicações Clínicas. 1st ed. Livraria Santos Editora Com. Imp. Ltda. São Paulo. 1996.

Introduction: 30 blinded chronic TMD sufferers were randomized into 3 groups (control, Rx, and Rx plus self care/ education).

Methods and Intervention: Rx intervention involved osseous adjustments to the TMJs, along with intraoral craniomandibular soft tissue releases (involving ischemic pressure, and PIR). No spinal treatment was performed. Practitioner was blinded to outcomes and assessor was blinded to group assignment.

Results: Results showed statistically and clinically significant differences in resting pain, clenching pain, inter- incisal opening, maximum opening pain between both Rx groups and control over 6 weeks and 6months. No statistical difference between the 2 RX groups at this stage.

Conclusion: It is proposed that chiropractic treatment of the masticatory apparatus may be of benefit in cases of chronic TMD.

Introduction: Two female patients suffering from (at least fortnightly) chronic classic migraine (migraine without aura classification 1.1), who were unresponsive to chiropractic (SMT), physiotherapy, acupuncture and allopathic medication were assessed and found to have ADDWR (anterior disc displacement with reduction) of their TMJs.

Intervention and Results: A 5 week protocol involving chiropractic soft tissue myofascial techniques (e.g. Ischemic pressure, PIR). Aside from improved TMJ biomechanics (ROM), both patients noted dramatic improvement in their migraine symptoms over the course of 6 weeks.

Conclusion: It is proposed that chiropractors are well positioned to address autonomic disturbances that are implicated in migraine, and that TMJ techniques that are widely taught should be utilized more often in practice.

Introduction: Two male patients with spinal symptoms (and TMJ sounds with ADDWR) were assessed and found to have moderate pronation of their feet. Occasional chiropractic SMT alleviated their spinal symptoms but not the TMJ sounds and ROM.

Intervention and Results: Both patients were fitted with EVA prefabricated arch supports (orthotics) to address their pronation. Within 48 hours, both patients noted marked improvement in their TMJ sounds, TMJ range of movement normalization, and improvement in spinal symptoms. Both patients additionally commented that when they failed to wear the orthotics for more than a few days, the joint sounds gradually returned, only to disappear again with days upon reinsertion of orthotics.

Conclusion: It is proposed that orthotics, when indicated, may be of benefit in managing chronic cases of TMJ dysfunction.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) has become a relatively prevalent disease entity. The Sacro Occipital Technique of chiropractic (SOT) has proposed a theory of evaluation and treatment that has been used for many decades. The advantages of this system are multiplicity of perspective in the analysis and treatment procedures for TMJ dysfunction.