1 II. Neurological Models A.Nerve and Nerve Root B. Dorsal Root Ganglion compression C. Spinal Cord compression/traction aka “compressive myelopathy”

2 Spinal Cord Compression/traction Cervical subluxations can cause sufficient neural canal stenosis to mechanically compress the spinal cord, with subsequent injury and neural dysfunction; particularly when spondylosis/degeneration is present; and in those with congenitally small canalsCervical subluxations can cause sufficient neural canal stenosis to mechanically compress the spinal cord, with subsequent injury and neural dysfunction; particularly when spondylosis/degeneration is present; and in those with congenitally small canals Dorsal columns particularly sensitive (kinesthesia, fine touch, fine pressure, vibration)Dorsal columns particularly sensitive (kinesthesia, fine touch, fine pressure, vibration)

3 Myelopathy Symptoms: HeadacheHeadache Numbness & paresthesiasNumbness & paresthesias QuadriplegiaQuadriplegia Transient paraplegiaTransient paraplegia

4 Spinal Cord Compression/traction, cont.: Subluxations in upper cervical spine can cause stabilizing attachments of the dentate ligaments to distort the spinal cord by traction, affecting lateral columns (hypothesized by Grostic)Subluxations in upper cervical spine can cause stabilizing attachments of the dentate ligaments to distort the spinal cord by traction, affecting lateral columns (hypothesized by Grostic)

5 Spinal Cord Compression/traction, cont.: Subluxation effects may include mechanical stress on the meninges due to traction from spinal distortion (loss of cervical lordosis), or from cervical muscle tension and connective tissue bridges to the meningesSubluxation effects may include mechanical stress on the meninges due to traction from spinal distortion (loss of cervical lordosis), or from cervical muscle tension and connective tissue bridges to the meninges

6 Spinal Cord Compression/traction, cont.: Muscle-dura connections: (Discovered in 1996)Muscle-dura connections: (Discovered in 1996) 1. RCP Minor (Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor) has a tissue bridge between C1 and Occiput 2. RCP Major (Rectus Capitis Posterior Major and OC Inferior (Oblique Capitis Inferior) have a tissue bridge between C1 & C2

7 Association with SIDS: Towbin et al, suggested a causative link between severe upper cervical subluxation due to birth-trauma and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)Towbin et al, suggested a causative link between severe upper cervical subluxation due to birth-trauma and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

8 New Evidence! “Heart rate changes in response to mild mechanical irritation of the high cervical spinal cord region in infants” Forensic Science International Vol. 128, issue 3, August 28, 2002, pp. 168-176 cited by Dr. Dan Murphy, August 2005 Homecoming This article strongly suggests a link between spinal cord irritation and SIDThis article strongly suggests a link between spinal cord irritation and SID

9 “…a mild irritation of the cervical region will more likely lead to a severe bradycardia in the first 3 months.”“…a mild irritation of the cervical region will more likely lead to a severe bradycardia in the first 3 months.” “A severe bradycardia evoked in the prone position may result in a sudden death during sleep, if the child does not arouse, does not gasp or does not sense the hypoxic conditions.”“A severe bradycardia evoked in the prone position may result in a sudden death during sleep, if the child does not arouse, does not gasp or does not sense the hypoxic conditions.” “Thus, our findings are consistent with the possibility that a minor mechanical irritation of the cervical region may trigger the first step in the events that lead to SID.”“Thus, our findings are consistent with the possibility that a minor mechanical irritation of the cervical region may trigger the first step in the events that lead to SID.”

10 “The hypothesis that a bradycardia and an apnea are induced due to mechanical stimulation is a new one and should be considered as an important risk factor in triggering the events that may ultimately lead to SID.”“The hypothesis that a bradycardia and an apnea are induced due to mechanical stimulation is a new one and should be considered as an important risk factor in triggering the events that may ultimately lead to SID.” Children with a disturbed symmetry of the atlanto-occipital region could be of higher risk of SID.”Children with a disturbed symmetry of the atlanto-occipital region could be of higher risk of SID.” “Chiropractic treatment seems to be the most successful therapy which helps to treat such disorders.”“Chiropractic treatment seems to be the most successful therapy which helps to treat such disorders.” “We can report more than 20,000 children treated without serious complications.”“We can report more than 20,000 children treated without serious complications.”

11 What to Tell Patients (regarding nerve & cord compression): Slight misalignments and other distortions of the spine can cause narrowing or other changes in the pathways that nerves follow between the body and the brain

12 What to Tell Patients (regarding nerve & cord compression): This can lead to very sensitive portions of the spinal nerves or spinal cord or their protective coverings becoming squeezed, stretched, twisted, or irritated

13 What to Tell Patients (regarding nerve & cord compression): The damaged nerves or spinal cord then become unable to function normally, which disrupts communications between various parts of the nervous system and the body

14 Normal alignment of the upper neck is very important, due to the vulnerability of the spinal cord which passes through that area. There is some evidence that upper neck misalignment can increase the risk of SID (Sudden Infant Death) in some children. What to Tell Patients (regarding nerve & cord compression):