Does chiropractic really work?

We usually think that spinal curvature is only caused by bad habits in adolescence, but we don’t know that spinal curvature and deformation in adults are becoming more and more common. Bad living habits in daily life in adulthood may also cause scoliosis. Is the "chiropractic" therapy that is so popular nowadays really effective for spinal deformities?

1. Theorem

Through the treatment of spinal (fixed-point) rotation and reduction manipulation, the intervertebral disc, annulus fibrosus and intervertebral ligaments of the affected vertebra are caused to rotate and pull, thereby generating peripheral pressure on the protruding nucleus pulposus, making the protrusion easier to retract, and by correcting the deviated spinous process, the vertebral joints can restore their normal (or compensatory) anatomical position, making them adapt to the surrounding muscle groups (i.e. what ancient medical books called "bone closure" and "tendon entry into the groove"), relieving the compression of the joint capsule and yellow ligament on the nerve roots, and improving the blood flow of the vertebral artery. In addition, applying rotation techniques to patients with small joint stiffness can also loosen adhesions, increase the range of motion, and relieve pain.

2. Restoration requirements and precautions

1. The diagnosis must be clear, the positioning must be accurate, the direction of compression must be clear, and the degree of compression must be understood.

2. In addition to palpation with both thumbs, it is best to have X-rays, CT scans, MRI and other examinations to assist in diagnosis.

3. The manipulation should be appropriate and the weight should be moderate. When correcting the deviation, be sure to avoid the spinal cord and correct it in the opposite direction.

4. Before reducing the dislocated vertebra, apply Sophora flavescens lotion topically for at least 1 hour.

3. Correction of posture:

1. The patient lies face up with both hands resting comfortably on the abdomen.

2. Taking the correction of the left cervical vertebra as an example, the operator squats on the left rear side of the patient's head, opens the thumbs and index fingers of both hands, and places them on both sides of the patient's face, with the index fingers parallel to the face. After each index finger is fixed, the other three fingers hold the top of the head and turn the patient's face 90 degrees to the right (normally it can be turned 115 degrees). At this time, the operator's right hand is below and the left hand is above, completing the preparatory posture before cervical vertebra correction.

Explanation of cervical vertebra manipulation techniques (taking the left cervical vertebra as an example):

1. Upper segment technique: Hold the transverse processes of the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae between the 1st and 2nd joints of the left thumb, with four fingers pointing at 45 degrees. Use the right hand to slightly lift the patient's head, with the chin slightly protruding forward, and push with the upper hand (at 45 degrees) and externally rotate with the lower hand to implement correction.

2. Middle section technique: Hold the 3rd, 4th, and 5th joints between the 1st and 2nd joints of the left thumb.

For the transverse processes between the cervical vertebrae, lift the patient's head up 30 degrees with the right hand, push the chin out 30 degrees, and perform correction by pushing with the upper hand and externally rotating with the lower hand.

3. Lower segment technique: Hold the transverse process between the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae between the 1st and 2nd joints of the left thumb, and use the right hand to lift the patient's head as high as possible, push the chin out as far as possible, and correct it by pushing with the upper hand and externally rotating with the lower hand.

4. Special (internal pressure) technique: Place the left thumb on the scoliosis of the cervical spine and apply internal pressure with appropriate force. At the same time, coordinate with the upper, middle and lower techniques, use the upper hand to press and push at the same time, and use the lower hand to externally rotate to implement correction.

Summary: It can be simply described in six words: 1 lift 2 lead 3 push

4. Notes:

1. The cervical correction techniques in AHT chiropractic technology are completely different from general massage, acupressure, and even the neck twisting techniques used in barber shops. The former correction technique is based on the anatomical structure of the cervical spine and the problem points shown on the X-ray film, and is corrected in sections, while the latter correction technique relies entirely on feeling and cannot be completely corrected.

2. Children and the elderly should be careful because their bones are fragile and weak.

3. If a crying child has a stiff neck due to fear, you should take the opportunity to correct it. You can choose to correct it during the child's breathing, but it is best to wait until the child is no longer afraid or stops crying to ensure safety.

4. If the muscles on both sides of the cervical spine are too stiff, soft tissue treatment must be performed first, and the treatment must be implemented in accordance with the aforementioned tissue treatment points.

5. Those who suffer cervical spine injuries due to serious car accidents should be treated with caution. It is best to have an X-ray examination first to confirm that there is no vertebral fracture or spinal cord compression before treatment. Otherwise, the patient should be transferred to surgery for treatment.

6. Cervical correction focuses on the techniques of both hands. If beginners do not learn well at the beginning, it will be difficult to correct them when they find that they have formed the habit of incorrect correction techniques later. Remember this.

7. Among the cervical vertebra correction techniques, the general technique is: hold the head with both hands up and down, with the upper hand mainly performing [pushing] and the lower hand mainly performing [external rotation (inward pull)] movements.

8. [Upper segment technique] Applicable to the correction technique of the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae.

[Mid-section technique] Applicable to the correction technique of the 3rd, 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae.

[Lower segment technique] Applicable to the correction technique of the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae.

[Special (internal pressure) technique] It is suitable for cervical scoliosis, and must be performed according to different parts of the cervical spine, with upper, middle or lower section techniques.

9. Beginners must learn the above three methods and apply them in stages. Only after they become proficient can they use the correction method once. However, special techniques can only be used after diagnosis with X-rays. Beginners must pay attention to the strength and avoid using too much force.