|
Spinal Assessment and Manipulation |
 |
 |
 |
Spinal Assessment and Manipulation are very important physical medicine treatments in the scope of practice of Naturopathic Doctors.
The integrity of the spinal column and joints of the body are crucial to the overall health of the body for several reasons. The spinal column houses the spinal cord, connects to several key structural components of the body, and plays important roles in the flow of cerebral spinal fluid, blood, and lymphatic fluids.
Spinal Assessment involves the thorough examination of all of the joints in the spine from the junction of the head to the first cervical vertebrae to the tail bone and sacroiliac joints.
Full assessment should also examine all of the other key structural joints in the body such as the joints of the foot, ankle, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ribs, and digits.
Naturopathic Manipulation is the appropriate application of high or low velocity force to realign a joint back into proper position.
The spinal cord runs through the spinal column and carries the bulk of information that travels from the brain to the periphery and vice versa.
It is the connection between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. When vertebrae of the spinal column shift out of alignment nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic channels can be pinched and restricted.
This can reduce nerve conduction, blood flow, and lymphatic drainage to and from organs, muscles, and other tissues. Spinal misalignment can contribute significantly to diseases of the organs of the viscera, genitourinary tract, and reproductive systems.
Constipation, diarrhea, IBS, heartburn, PMS, dysmenorrhea, infertility, erectile dysfunction, urinary difficulties, and many other conditions may be caused by or exacerbated by spinal subluxations.
Many structural components of the body are physically connected to the spine. When the spine is out of alignment many visceral organs may be altered as well.
There may be increased pressure or strain on the digestive system, lungs, heart, kidneys, and reproductive organs. This can decrease the ability of these organs to function optimally by increasing the physical strain on them.
When the rib cage or even an individual rib is out of alignment thoracic organs and other structures may be shifted from there optimal position.
Spinal Assessment and Manipulation are also very important for preventing degenerative joint disease. When a joint is not moving properly the bones of the joint begin to contact each other.
This causes damage to the ends of the bones that ultimately results in degeneration, stenosis, or arthritis. Proper evaluation and manipulation of the spine and joints of the body helps prevent damage to the structures in the joint and ultimately prevents degeneration.
Dr. Barlow performs thorough physical examinations including comprehensive Spinal and Joint Assessments in order to identify physical components in the disease process and prevent degeneration and future pathology.
After thorough assessment the most appropriate course of treatment will be recommended. In some cases, Manipulation of the joints may be the recommended course of action. However, in many cases other treatments may be more effective such as
ligament realignment therapy, trigger point release therapy, Bowen therapy, hydrotherapy, or massage techniques.
To learn more about Dr. Barlow or to schedule an appointment call 250-860-8855.
|
