The adjustment is gentle and highly specific. Films are taken and analyzed to determine where exactly the misalignment is taking place. The AO doc will then determine the angle at which the head and adjusting piece need to be in order to get a specific, painless adjustment of the atlas.

The patient relaxes on the adjusting table with her head propped on the adjusting board. The chiropractor makes sure that the angle is just so, and then applies a gentle, low-force adjustment (a pulse, really) to the side of her head. The positioning of the head minimizes the amount of force needed to nudge the atlas into place, and the patient typically hears, but does not feel, the adjustment.

A bit of history

The atlas orthogonal technique was first researched and studied by Dr. BJ Palmer in the early 20^th century. Palmer researched the human body thoroughly, and eventually came to believe that the atlas bone was the key to chiropractic health. Dr. John Grostic took Palmer’s insight about the atlas adjustment, and spent his life furthering the research. Toward the end of Grostic’s career, he selected the promising young chiropractor Dr. Roy Sweat to work under him. After Grostic’s death, Sweat continued Grostic’s work, and in many ways eclipsed it. Part of Sweat’s pioneering research included designing an atlas-specific table designed to make the adjustment more precise using less force. The Sweat Institute table was brought to fruition with the help of engineers at Georgia Tech University—it is highly advanced and looks a bit like a space machine!

The Atlas Adjustment and Your Health

Patients are often surprised to learn how much of the body—including the entirety of the spinal cord, and multifarious body systems—is affected by atlas misalignment. Having a healthy atlas and cervical spine often makes a crucial difference to a patient’s overall health and wellness. Afflictions as seemingly unrelated to cervical spine and atlas health, as poor digestion, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, respiratory illness, and irregular blood pressure often clear up after cervical and atlas care.

This has mainly to do with the location of the atlas and cervical spine, which, due to proximity to the brain and brain stem, is very neurologically rich. Almost all of the primary nerves for the body flow through the area, and are very sensitive to pressure and trauma. The connection between this area and the vestibular, the connection to the muscular system, and access to the thalamus above the third vertebra are direct. Though there are other inputs from the body to the thalamus, the number of receptors are greater in number in the upper cervical area. The area is also a center for the reception and input for controlling various activities, including pain regulation.

Atlas alignment unquestionably improves the functionality of the entirety of the body—and a healthy body unquestionably improves mental and emotional states. A misaligned atlas affects the body in far-reaching ways: often, divergence between leg lengths can be pinpointed to the atlas all the way up the spinal cord! Of course, walking around with mismatched leg lengths further strains the spinal cord and surrounding systems, and creates a kind of feedback loop of discomfort and subluxation.

More obviously, perhaps, atlas alignment has been shown again and again to decrease or completely erase chronic headaches and migraines. For people suffering from migraine and headache, this is no small matter, as overall quality of life is dramatically improved when the fear of being subject to an attack is alleviated.

Over time, the body suffers from the stress of repetition. Sitting at the keyboard all day as a typist or writer, working in a garage as a mechanic, playing chords on a guitar, or even performing surgery in an operating room can bring about the debilitating effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Repetitive movements can cause the joints and fluids in our hands to begin breaking down, causing pain and discomfort. While the Carpal Tunnel Condition is not the only Repetitive Strain Injury that your body can endure, it is one of the most familiar to those who work with their hands every day.

Repetitive strain injuries

As the name suggests, repetitive strain injuries occur over time, to areas of the body burdened with repetitive movement. Most people who use computer keyboards for work use their hands constantly. Over time, this damages the tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues in the areas being used. This isn’t just limited to hands, either: the shoulder, neck and back are often affected as well. Poor posture in conjunction with repetitive movements results in soft tissues eventually breaking down, which often causes discomfort and pain.

Carpal Tunnel is most commonly associated with computer usage, and in the age of technology, it is no coincidence that more and more people are suffering from this insidious affliction. Unlike a more overt injury, like a broken bone, Carpal Tunnel is accumulated over time and is often not at first detectable. 

Taking care of your digits

The best preventative measure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is practicing good posture. For computer usage, the following is a good guide. Properly situate your hands so that they stay level with the keyboard—not resting on the edge of the desk, or angled downwards. Because you can also develop other bad posture conditions, such as Forward Head posture, it is also important to adjust your monitor so that your neck isn’t angled forward to view the screen.

Another tip for keeping tendons and joints healthy is to keep the hands and arms warm so that blood flow remains consistent. Cold weather conditions makes tendons and joints more susceptible to damage.

The chiropractor can help

Surprisingly, Carpel Tunnel symptoms are not always due to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. The first thing that a good chiropractor will do is check your neck. Oftentimes issues in the extremities will clear up if there is an upper cervical misalignment that the chiropractor resolves. The nerves in the neck are connected to the nerves in the fingers, hands, and wrist, and a misaligned cervical bone can impinge on these pathways causing the wrists to feel weak, achy, and otherwise symptomatic of Carpel Tunnel.

After a neck evaluation, if the doctor determines that you indeed have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, there are a number of posture modifications the doctor may recommend, as well as manual treatments to the wrist area. Sleep posture and typing posture, especially, are two areas the doctor will want to help the patient modify and correct.

Sources:

• Neurodynamic Mobilization in the Conservative Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Long-Term Follow-Up of 7 Cases: http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/ABSTRACTS/Neurodynamic_Mobilization.shtml
• Occupational Injuries Suffered by Classical Musicians Through Overuse – http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/ABSTRACTS/Occupational_Injuries.shtml
• UN-L Engineering Electronics Shop: http://eeshop.unl.edu/rsi.html
• The San Francisco Chiropractic Review: http://www.sfbackpaindoctor.com/2011/04/san-francisco-chiropractor-review.html

Tagged in: carpal tunnel, Chiropractic

Uses

The uses of the VibraCussor are quite varied. The device is used along with technique to loosen tissues in the body. Muscles are not the only tissue in your body that becomes tense. Joints, fascia (the lining around your muscles), lymph pressures (infections and allergy), and even scar tissue can be treated with the VibraCussor.

The device itself uses a very different approach to “massage” techniques. Rather than side-to-side motions that relieve surface tension, the VibraCussor uses an up-and-down movement that penetrates deep into the tissues, affecting joints, muscles, and fascia which all can affect movement. Along with technique, the device loosens these tissues, allowing your body to take over and work productively (heal itself).

Benefits

The benefits of using VibroCussor therapy are numerous. Perhaps you have joint problems, and have had trouble working them loose. The device penetrates deep into the joint tissue and surrounding areas, stimulating them. Fluids that lubricate the joints can enter the area and help regain motion.

The fascia tissue is something commonly overlooked by most people. Fascia is a coating that surrounds the muscle and various parts throughout your body, keeping your structure strong. This tissue can become tense as well. Injuries, deep wounds, and stress can tighten this tissue, restraining movement,  nerves, and blood flow. When applied, the device loosens the tissue, helping to restore your body’s range of motion.

The device can even benefit the overall nervous system. Muscles and connective tissue can tighten within the spinal and neck area, disrupting the nervous system communication. With proper technique, the VibraCussor loosens these restrictions, allowing your body to resume proper function- heart, breathing, and other reflexes.

Some areas such as the lymph system control your immune system and can become swollen or irritated, especially against allergies. Targeting these areas with the VibraCussor can alleviate the pressure, and help your body’s immune system function properly.

The VibraCussor has also been used for hand and foot remedies, loosening the joints and tissues to allow proper use of the appendages. Your feet hold you up, so how they feel affects how you walk, which affects your back, legs, and muscles throughout your body. These areas are constantly used, so keeping them in good condition affects your everyday life.

Long term usage

VibraCussor therapy is great for the long run. Using it to keep your body’s functions working efficiently keeps you active longer and feeling good. Patients that have undergone VibraCussor therapy report having positive emotional changes, which in return, prevents stress from overtaking the body and tightening it back up. Heart rhythms, breathing, and your nervous system all work more effectively, allowing your body to heal itself quicker, and more proactively. You’ll find that you get sick less often as your immune system will function better and allow you to fight off diseases before they take you down.

This device is becoming a great addition to healthy living. When used with technique, it works deep within your body’s tissues, working them loose to allow for healthy circulation of blood, nervous, and lymph systems.

Chinese in origin, this technique implements deep tissue therapy, pressure, friction, and touch. The technique affects not only tissue, but energy channels throughout the body. The nervous system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory systems all are affected, allowing your body to function more productively.

History of Amma

The Nuangdi Nejjing book of Chinese medicine is the first documented source for the Amma massage technique. The style focuses around many philosophies, primarily concerning yin and yang, and the Five Elements which relate directly to a person’s health through balance of these principles. It is believed that balance helps to eliminate disease.

The technique mastered

The technique itself utilizes a variety of strokes, vibrations, and tissue manipulation in an attempt to stimulate circulatory systems, including your nervous, cardiovascular, and spiritual energy (the energy within your body). The therapist will develop their own touch over time, and often the sensitivity is related to the patient’s needs in order to help them as a specific individual.

Amma therapists will combine the Amma massage with modern techniques such as herbal remedies and chiropractic care to provide a more beneficial experience.

Uses in modern day

The Amma massage techniques are widely applicable. Many people that receive  Amma massage often have problems with chronic arthritis, diabetes (joints become stiff), chronic fatigue syndrome, neuromuscular problems, lymphatic problems (infections and allergies), respiratory problems, and pulled, strained muscles.

These conditions are commonly thought of only as physical, but the mind itself is an integral part of your body’s functions. The Amma technique targets both your body and mind together, so that the problems can be dealt with by helping you to achieve balance within yourself. The massage treats the patient physically, mentally, and spiritually, helping them become more aware of their body and its inner workings. Anxiety, stress, and even feelings of isolation are emotional conditions which can negatively affect your body. Amma massages not only relax the body, but the mind as well, bringing the patient self-awareness to help them cope with future emotions.

This is for everyone

This is an overall excellent massage for any person to partake in. It isn’t just for the sick, or those suffering from ailments, it is for everyone. People experience everyday problems, and don’t always deal with them, allowing them to store up in the body where they can harm from the inside out. The Amma massage does more than just aid the physical problems; it helps us deal with the internal problems as well. The experience allows you to develop a better level of self-awareness, and a greater sense of what you can do to help yourself. It’s not just about physical health – it’s about balanced wellness.

Vital body circuitry travels through your neck to your body and brain, including the jugular veins, arteries, spine, and nerves, and your airway and esophagus. These parts of your body are vital to proper functioning, and discomfort can definitely put a damper on any day.

Piling it up and other bad ideas

Tossing and turning in your bed and piling pillows under your head in an effort to solve your discomfort isn’t the best way to go about getting a good night’s rest. Often times, doing things like shoving an extra pillow under your head will only cause more problems. Not everyone stays still (I know I don’t) and the shifting pillows and blankets can put your body in some awkward positions- resulting in back and neck problems. It is best to only use one even pillow to support your neck and head.

Pillow for your benefit

Orthopedic pillows are engineered specifically to contour to your neck and head, maintaining a smooth and even support. Choosing a pillow will be up to you as size, firmness, and contour will all depend on your sleeping habits and body shape. If you are a restless sleeper and find yourself moving around throughout the night, you may want a longer pillow. Those that sleep on their side or belly will want to address these attributes when seeking the right pillow for them.

Benefits of using orthopedic pillows can help with neck, shoulder, and back discomforts. Because the spine and nerves travel through the neck area, excessive headaches, often caused by stress on the spine, are common. Orthopedic pillows that keep your spine and neck aligned can help prevent such problems so you can go through your day without those annoying headaches.

Catch’n the comfy ZZZzzz’s

Using the pillow is probably the best part of finding it. You just cover it with a matching pillow case and slip it under your head for a good night’s sleep. Because everybody sleeps a little differently, giving your new orthopedic pillow a test run is important. Try a few naps first and see if you find it comfortable before you spend the night with it.

Orthopedic pillows are indeed a beneficial tool to getting a splendid night’s rest. Your neck and back are vital to the performance of your body and how you feel each day. Spending those sleeping hours with your neck in a comfortable position can really affect your well-being and ultimately affect your health and lifestyle.