So..... Why do I frequently manipulate your mid back (thoracic spine) when your complaint is headache or low back pain?
Since it's inception, chiropractors have recognised that the spine affects the nervous system and therefore the body as a whole. The PTs have coined the term "Regional Interdependence" to describe this.
What it comes down to is that we operate as an integral whole. We develop from a single egg cell but for some reason many people, even medical experts continue to treat people in isolated segments.
When I am working with the selective functional movement assessment (SFMA) approach, I frequently correct pain-free dysfunctions elsewhere to improve painful movements that brought the patient in. I may improve hip function to relieve plantar fasciitis or low back pain.
We don't want to ignore where you hurt, but we do want to do everything to improve functional problems that may be making the problem worse or, even causing the stresses that are producing the pain.
If you have a stiff forward mid spine that forces you into a forward head position, you have to tighten all the neck muscles to the rear and cock your head up to see straight which can produce headaches.
Regional interdependence and manual therapy directed at the thoracic spine
Amy McDevitt1, Jodi Young2, Paul Mintken1, Josh Cleland2 1University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Physical Therapy Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA, 2Franklin Pierce University, Physical Therapy Program, Concord, NH, USA
Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy 2015 VOL. 23 NO. 3
Since it's inception, chiropractors have recognised that the spine affects the nervous system and therefore the body as a whole. The PTs have coined the term "Regional Interdependence" to describe this.
What it comes down to is that we operate as an integral whole. We develop from a single egg cell but for some reason many people, even medical experts continue to treat people in isolated segments.
When I am working with the selective functional movement assessment (SFMA) approach, I frequently correct pain-free dysfunctions elsewhere to improve painful movements that brought the patient in. I may improve hip function to relieve plantar fasciitis or low back pain.
We don't want to ignore where you hurt, but we do want to do everything to improve functional problems that may be making the problem worse or, even causing the stresses that are producing the pain.
If you have a stiff forward mid spine that forces you into a forward head position, you have to tighten all the neck muscles to the rear and cock your head up to see straight which can produce headaches.
Regional interdependence and manual therapy directed at the thoracic spine
Amy McDevitt1, Jodi Young2, Paul Mintken1, Josh Cleland2 1University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Physical Therapy Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA, 2Franklin Pierce University, Physical Therapy Program, Concord, NH, USA
Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy 2015 VOL. 23 NO. 3
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