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Abstract
Review of reference litterature shows that the major preoccupation of the chiropractic profession, as far as vertebral subluxation and adjustment are concerned, focuses on biomechanics and neurology, as different published definitions show. Another seldomly referenced model is proposed, using the meridian energy/vertebral relationship, which should lead to a rationale behind vertebral subluxation diagnosis and correction. Respecting fundamental notions, it leads to a simple efficient solution.
Introduction
dysfunctioning vertebral Historically, the chiropractic profession has found its originality in manual correction of segments (vertebrae) which were then named «subluxations». The definition of a subluxation by DD Palmer1 «an articular gliding beyond the boundaries of the norm, a partial displacement» can be completed by the definition of BJ Palmer2 «…a condition of a vertebra that has lost its proper juxtaposition with the one above or the one below, or both, to an extent less than a luxation, which impinges a nerve and interferes with the transmission of mental impulses». This is still valid and has not really evolved since. However, other parameters should be added, leading to a rational diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
Development
The corrective procedure to this pathological state has been named an «adjustment» of which Sandoz3 gave the following definition: «….a passive, manual manœuvre during which an articular element is suddenly carried beyond the usual physiological limit of movement without however exceeding the boundaries of anatomical integrity». Sandoz4 also gave a description of the effects of an adjustment as being:
1) Inhibition of local and referred pain arising from the tissues of an intervetebral motor unit.
2) Detonization of hypertonic muscles and reciprocal tonization of their hypotonic antagonist.
3) Central modulation of pain.
A.C.C.5 gave its definition of a vertebral subluxation as being: «…a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ and general health». It also states that «motion and static palpation is used as a tool to locate vertebral subluxations», with the palpatory findings including tenderness, asymetry, restriction of motion and tissue texture changes.
Gatterman6 goes along the same lines of thought, refers to the subluxation and the corrective adjustment as being concerned with biomechanics and neurological interference.
So far, everybody is talking about biomechanics and potential direct or indirect neurological interference only. We should go further and add to this: «restoring the energy flow of associated acupuncture meridians», as we will discuss.
Many different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have been developed in the chiropractic profession depending upon the initial focus made, as of what the priority is. However, it seems obvious that progressively, in our profession, the priority is going away from the vertebral adjustment itself in favor of more soft reflex therapies. There are many reasons for this, among which the need to be «scientific», lack of reliable findings on motion palpation, the «recurring subluxation», the lack of results, the psychological and economical need to do more than a couple of adjustments in a visit, the discomfort of a technically badly executed thrust due to general lack of appropriate training in the different schools (one of the major problem of our profession!) in favor of the so called «scientific field».
It is therefore very important to go back to a few basic chiropractic concepts and use them to establish a firm basis upon which to rely in order to be able to decide why and where to adjust.
But first, it is fundamental to remember that ND (Neurological Disorganisation7,8) will totally modify the potential findings one may have and this is the reason why more constant findings have not been established so far.
The Lovett Reactor has been described by Goodheart9 and states that when there is a vertebral subluxation at a certain level, there will be another subluxation at the corresponding level (C1 with L5, C3 with L3, C7 with D11……). Careful attention paid to ND will rule out a «maybe…». This should always be respected.
The knowledge of meridian energy flow approach has taught us that along the vertebral column, the bladder meridian has association points of all meridians. Only strictly respecting ND allowed to establish an original constant scheme of the side (right or left) of the body where each «over (+) » or « under (-) » meridian is located. This was readily established through alarm points therapy localisation. As a reminder, a (-) meridian will make a strong witness muscle weak, whose weakness will be cancelled by a double TL on a corresponding (+) meridian.
Figure :Alarm Points………………………
Different authors have stated that we may find a subluxation at the spinal level corresponding to a dysfunctional meridian associated point. However, when respecting ND concepts, we can see that there is always a subluxation present, together with its Lovett Reactor. This a major entrance door to why and where to adjust. As a matter of fact, there is a direct relationship between the side of a (-) meridian associated point which will correspond to the posteriority side of the related subluxated vertebra. The same is valid for a (+) meridian. Knowing that a (+) meridian is compensating the deficient one, and respecting also the Lovett Reactor, an adjusting pattern can easily be established. It will be the subject of further publication, as it also implies the full correction of the cranio-sacral respiratory system.
Conclusion
There is a general constant consideration centered about biomechanics and its neurological implications, as far as subluxation and adjustment are concerned. Recognizing the lack of clear guidelines for diagnosis and therapy leading to constant reproducible results enables us to see the necessity to develop a more reliable model. Respecting ND allows to establish a guideline, using a new alarm point location map, the basic rules of meridian therapy and Lovett Reactor concept.
References
1) Palmer D.D. : The Chiropractor. Press of Beacon Light Printing Co., p.94-95. Los Angeles, 1914
2) Palmer B.J. in Stephenson R.W. : Chiropratic textbook. Palmer School of Chiropractic. Davenport 1927-1948
3) Sandoz R. : Annals of the Swiss Chiropractors’ Association, Vol. VI, p. 91, 1976
4) Sandoz R. : Annals of the Swiss Chiropractors’ Association, Vol. VII, p. 62-63, 1981
5) A.C.C. Position Paper 1, July 1996
6) Gatterman M.I. : Foundation of Chiropractic – Subluxation. Mosby, New-York, 1995
7) Walther D. : Synopsis 2nd Edition, Systems D.C., Pueblo, Colorado, p. 170-181, 1988-2000
8) Barras, Michel, Neurological Disorganisation, Proceedings of I.C.A.K.-U.S.A, Vol.I, 1998-1999.
9) Goodheart G.J., Jr., 1972 Applied Kinesiology Workshop Manual, Privately Published, Detroit, 1972
