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VIDEO: Chiropractor, waterbeds make cows content

By John Wiens DC|June 1, 2012|Video|

CHILTON, Wis. — Lucky, a 7-year-old dairy cow, had been walking with a limp for several weeks when veterinarian Sara Gilbertson was called. Instead of prescribing painkillers, Gilbertson tried an unusual new therapy — a chiropractic adjustment that included a full-length spinal massage.

Gilbertson rubbed the Holstein’s spine by gently squeezing it from neck to tail, pausing to apply firm pressure to one hip and readjust several vertebrae. The cow stood in calm silence, moving only enough to reach another mouthful of hay. Later, as Lucky reclined on a bed of sand, Gilbertson noted with satisfaction how relaxed and comfortable the animal seemed.

Link to Video

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Initial Case Management Following Trauma

By Frank M. Painter|June 1, 2012|Chiropractic Care, Chiropractic Education, Clinical Decision-making, Evaluation & Management|

Initial Case Management Following Trauma

The Chiro.Org Blog

Clinical Monograph 2

By R. C. Schafer, DC, PhD, FICC

Without a doubt, no other health-care approach equals the efficacy of chiropractic in the general field of conservative neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation.

For many centuries, therapeutic rehabilitation was a product of personal experience passed on from clinician to clinician. In the last 20 years, however, it has become an applied science. In its application, of course, much empiricism remains that can be called an intuitive art –and this is true for all forms of professional health care.

INTRODUCTION

The word trauma means more than the injuries so common with falls, accidents, and contact sports. Taber [1] defines it as “A physical injury or wound often caused by an external force or violence” or “an emotional or psychologic shock that may produce disordered feelings or behavior.” This is an extremely narrow definition for trauma can also be caused by intrinsic forces as seen in common strain. In addition to its cause being extrinsic or intrinsic, with a physical and emotional aspect, it also can be the result of either a strong overt force or repetitive microforces. This latter factor, so important in treating a unique patient’s specific pathophysiology, is too often neglected outside the chiropractic profession.

Taber [1] states rehabilitation is “The process of treatment and education that lead the disabled individual to attainment of maximum function, a sense of well being, and a personally satisfying level of independence. The person requiring rehabilitation may be disabled from a birth defect or from an illness. The combined effects of the individual, family, friends, medical, nursing, allied health personnel, and community resources make rehabilitation possible.” It is surprising that Taber excludes trauma as a prerequisite for rehabilitation for it is the most common factor involved.

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Chiropractic Rehabilitation

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Upper Back and Thoracic Spine Trauma

By Frank M. Painter|May 29, 2012|Chiropractic Care, Diagnosis, Evaluation & Management, Neck Pain, Spinal Manipulation|

Upper Back and Thoracic Spine Trauma

The Chiro.Org Blog

Clinical Monograph 23

By R. C. Schafer, DC, PhD, FICC

Upper-thoracic spasms and trigger points are common within the milder complaints heard in a chiropractic office. Typical posttraumatic injuries of the posterior thorax involve the large posterior musculature, thoracic spine, spinocostal joints, and tissues supporting and mobilizing the scapula (especially the rhomboids). Upper right abdominal quadrant ailments (eg, gallbladder, liver) commonly refer pain and sometimes tenderness to the right scapular area.

BACKGROUND

Severe biomechanical lesions of the thoracic spine are seen less frequently than those of the cervical or lumbar spine. But when they occur, they may be serious if related to disc protrusion or a dynamic facet defect. Shoulder girdle, rib cage, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid flow, and autonomic visceral problems originating in the thoracic spine are far from being scarce. Common biomechanical concerns are the prevention of thoracic hyperkyphosis, flattening, or twisting, as each can be suspected to contribute to both local and distal, acute and chronic possibly health-threatening manifestations.

Thoracic Fixations

The study of the thoracic spine is often perplexing. It was Gillet’s opinion that many fixations found in the thoracic spine were secondary (compensatory) to focal lesions in either the upper cervical spine or the sacroiliac joints. Thus, a maze of potential variables exists. Empiric evidence has suggested that many thoracic problems have their origin in its base, the lumbar spine or lower, while others are reflections of cervical reflexes. Also, a thoracic lesion may manifest symptoms in either the cervical or the lumbar spine. Foremost in an examiner’s thoughts should be the recognition that the thoracic spine is the structural support and sympathetic source for the esophagus, heart, bronchi, lungs, diaphragm, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and much of the pelvic contents. Referred pain and tenderness from these organs to the spine are common.

Screening Thoracic Vertebral Fractures (more…)

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In Memory of Those Who Have Fallen (2012)

By Frank M. Painter|May 26, 2012|Announcement, Editorial|

The Bivouac of the Dead

The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat
The soldier’s last tattoo’
No more on life’s parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few;

On Fame’s eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread;
But Glory guards with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead.

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A Basic Rehabilitative Template

By Frank M. Painter|May 24, 2012|Chiropractic Care, Clinical Decision-making, Diagnosis, Evaluation & Management, Evidence-based Medicine, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation|

A Basic Rehabilitative Template

The Chiro.Org Blog

Clinical Monograph 1

By R. C. Schafer, DC, PhD, FICC

INTRODUCTION

Injuries can be classified into 13 types: abrasions, contusions, strains, ruptures, sprains, subluxations, dislocations, fractures, incisions, lacerations, penetrations, perforations, and punctures. This paper will not detail the management of burns or injuries requiring referral for operative correction, suturing, or restricted chemotherapy.

Objectives

Except for the most minor injuries, traumatized neuromusculoskeletal tissues are benefited by alert restorative procedures. The more serious the injury, the more prolonged is and the greater the need for professionally guided rehabilitation. The first step in rehabilitation is to explain to the patient that rehabilitation is just as important as the initial care of the injury. The goal is not only to restore the injured part to normal activity or as near normal as possible in the shortest possible time but also to prevent posttraumatic deterioration. It is an individualized process that requires patient dedication. The author recognizes that it is easier to write about comprehensive planning than to motivate some patients to follow prescriptions after pain has subsided.

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Chiropractic Rehabilitation

Most authorities would agree with Harrelson when he lists the goals of rehabilitation as:

decreased pain;
decreased inflammatory response to trauma;
return of full pain-free active joint ROM;
decreased effusion;
return of muscle strength, power, and endurance; and
regain of full asymptomatic functional activities at the preinjury level (or better).

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Joint Trauma: Perspectives of a Chiropractic Family Physician

By Frank M. Painter|May 23, 2012|Chiropractic Care, Degenerative Joint Disease, Diagnosis, Evaluation & Management, Spinal Manipulation|

Joint Trauma:
Perspectives of a Chiropractic Family Physician

The Chiro.Org Blog

Clinical Monograph 8

By R. C. Schafer, DC, PhD, FICC

INTRODUCTION

The general stability of synovial joints is established by action of surrounding muscles. Excessive joint stress results in strained muscles and tendons and sprained or ruptured ligaments and capsules. When stress is chronic, degenerative changes occur.

The lining of synovial joints is slightly phagocytic, is regenerative if damaged, and secretes synovial fluid that is a nutritive lubricant having bacteriostatic and anticoagulant characteristics. This anticoagulant effect may result in poor callus formation in intra-articular fractures where the fracture line is exposed to synovial fluid. Synovial versus mechanical causes of joint pain are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Synovial vs Mechanical Causes of Joint Pain

Feature	Synovitic Lesions	Mechanical Lesions
Onset	Symptoms fairly consistent, during use and at rest.	Symptoms arise chiefly during use
Location	Any joint may be involved.	Primarily involves weight-bearing joints.
Course	Usually fluctuates. Episodic flares are common.	Persistently worsening progression. No acute exacerbations.
Stiffness	Prolonged in the morning.	Little morning stiffness.
Anti-inflammatory effect	Aided by cold and other anti-inflammatory therapies.	Anti-inflammatory therapy of only minimum value.
Major pathologic features	Negative radiographic signs or diffuse cartilage loss, marginal bony erosions, but no osteophytes.	Radiographic signs of cartilage loss and osteophyte developments

Periarticular Lesions

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Enjoy the rest of Dr. Schafer’s Monographs at:

Rehabilitation Monograph Page

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