Marc’s article published in Dynamic Chiropractic magazine starts by reminding doctors why low force non thrust techniques are useful. He then go over specific assessment methods for the occiput, and muscle energy mobilization for this joint. He also utilizes the Upper Cervical Side Bend exercise.
This detailed article began as a presentation to our monthly study group by Dr. Craig Thorsen, DC of Grants Pass OR. Exercise rehabilitation is often more effective, if combined with manipulation and soft tissue therapies. We've focused on the lower back with our examples. Marc
This is a very important article about cortisone injections and I don't know why it took me two years to find it. What it says is that cortisone shots are overused, and they often slow healing. Yes, the cortisone can give quick relief, but over several months, the patient who get the cortisone injections, [...]
Marc Heller, DC This article from Orthopaedic Today Europe, Issue 5 is a discussion of the viability of discography.The missing piece of the discussion, in my view, is factoring in the research that shows that discography damages discs. Unfortunately, we still do not have a definitive non-invasive way to test for discogenic pain.I prefer looking [...]
A sixty-something-year-old male comes in with thoracic stiffness and lower back pain. The lower back pain would occur on various motions. He had previously been quite active, living on 3 acres and taking care of his property. He had been involved in a vehicle accident, rear ended, several months previous. His previous chiropractic care and massage had seemed to make him worse rather than better, he would spasm the day after the treatments. The key findings on exam included stiff hips, he couldn’t internally rotate beyond 10 degrees on both sides. He was very rigid throughout the thoracic spine. It was hard to elicit tenderness in the thoracic spine, as his muscles were so tight. His lumbar motion was fairly normal, with some pain at the extremes of motion.
We could do better. We meaning all of the therapists trying to help all of our patients. The world of hands on care is very subjective, and we are the seven blind men looking at the elephant. We tend to see and touch through our own limited training, and our current passions. I would like to see us have a bigger view, and see the patterns more clearly. I would like us to engage our patients, and teach each of them what they can do to help themselves.