By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C.

Chiropractic Today; Computerized Testing Methods for Children

As more and more children are being seen in today’s Chiropractic offices the normal procedure for a healthy checkup is not just limited to postural studies anymore. Currently at least half the children being seen in a chiropractic office (including mine) are not being seen for pain in the neck or low back. In fact most young children under the age of five are seen in my chiropractic office for ailments such as chronic ear infections, colic, digestive issues, A.D.D. and A.D.H.D.

Traditionally Chiropractors were trained to view the spine from x-ray studies as well as motion palpation of the spine. Today in our technologically advanced society many chiropractic offices are opting for more high tech, non-invasive technology.

There are several ways to detect subluxation or misaligned spinal bones in children either with high tech and or low tech, evasive and non-evasive tests. Some low tech non-evasive tests include:

• Postural analysis
• Range of motion
• Static and motion palpation

Some high tech non-invasive tests include computerized testing of the muscles along the spine and changes in temperature along the spine. If your chiropractor specializes in children and family the newest technology called the subluxation station is almost a must.

Subluxation Stations

You may be asking yourself what in the world is that new technology and what does it actually do? Well there are a few different models and brands of the subluxation stations but the most common one on the market is the Insight Millennium developed by Dr.s Christopher Kent and Patrick Gentempo.

This state-of-the-art technology objectively analyzes the function of the spine and nervous system, which cannot be seen on X-ray. The newest version, The Insight Millennium, features five different and distinct tests, which will safely and accurately document and monitor each patient so that they will receive the specific care necessary for improved health and nervous system function.

We are no longer limited to just a two dimensional x-ray or just postural studies, we now can check how the muscles and organs are reacting to subluxations, or misalignments. The five studies consist of:

• Range of Motion
• Measure of pain along the spine
• Thermal study
• Surface EMG
• Heart rate variability (to see how the body will respond in cases of stress or rest)

Children and Chiropractic

For most children who enter into a chiropractic office they are there to make sure they do not have any pressure on their nerves, which can eventually lead to loss of health potential. Most children do not have symptoms of pain since that happens after the body is being damaged over time. We see their symptoms in the forms of difficulty learning in school, un-coordination, abnormal walking patterns, difficulty sleeping or focusing, etc.

The Thermal study can be used to measure difference of skin temperature along the spine which is an indicator of a dysfunction in the spine. A recent definition adopted by the Association of Chiropractic Colleges(1) states,

“A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health.”

In other words when a spinal bone is putting pressure on the nerve the body will lose some muscle function and/or nerve function which can effect the organ and body from functioning as best as it should.

How Surface EMG Works

Surface EMG uses electrodes to detect muscle integrity and balance along the spine. The technique is completely non-invasive. There is no piercing of the skin. No electrical signal of any kind is introduced into the body. The instrument simply measures the muscular activity that is present in the patient.

There are no known contraindications to performing the study. Many studies have been done to determine the reliability of this kind of study.

One such research study was done by Shambaugh who conducted a controlled study where surface electrodes were used to record paraspinal EMG activity pre- and post-chiropractic adjustment.

Shambaugh concluded,

“Results of this study show that significant changes in muscle electrical activity occur as a consequence of adjusting.(3)”

In summary, the reliability of surface EMG has been documented in studies conducted with New York Chiropractic College, the Mayo Clinic, and universities throughout the world. Few analytical techniques in chiropractic display such a high level of reliability.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.

Sources:

1. Position Paper #1. Association of Chiropractic Colleges. July, 1966.

2. Lantz CA: “The subluxation complex.” In: Gatterman MI, ed. “Foundations of Chiropractic Subluxation.” St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 1995.

3. Shambaugh P. “Changes in electrical activity in muscles resulting from chiropractic adjustment: a pilot study.” JMPT 1987; 10(6):300.

4. Kent, Christopher, “Surface Electromyography in the Assessment of Changes in Paraspinal Muscle Activity Associated with Vertebral Subluxation:” A Review Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Vol 1, No. 3, 1997

Back Pack Safety Guidelines for Back-to-School

By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C.

Children and the dangers of backpacks:

The demands of school and homework for today’s children have never been greater. In fact, students ranging from the ages of 5 to 18 are carrying more books and excess weight on their backs causing intense pressure not intended for the human spine.

As a result, within in the past five years, parents and doctors have noticed an increase in children who report pain in the back, neck and shoulders. In fact, a recent study conducted by Backpack Safety of America shows that 89 percent of the chiropractors surveyed report they have seen patients, ages 5 to 18, attribute such pain to the use of overly heavy backpacks.

Moreover, by then end of their teenage years, close to 50 percent of young adults will experience at least one lower-back pain episode (Spine, 1998).

A recent scientific study found that carrying a backpack alters the mobility of spinal bones, leading to restricted movement, which is also a risk factor for pain (Surg Radiol Anat, 1999).

Even worse, the improper use of backpacks can significantly alter the fluid content of the discs in between the vertebrae, which poses the risk for osteoarthritis and for disc herniation, also known as a “slipped disc” (Spine, 1999).

Tips to prevent backpack-related back problems:

The following are tips to help prevent posture problems and spinal conditions associated with a heavy backpack:

1. Choose the right size – backpacks are not “one size fits all.” A backpack should not be any wider or longer than your child’s torso.



2. The backpack should never exceed more than 15 percent of your child’s body weight –




• Research by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that students carrying backpacks weighing 25 percent of their body weight had balance problems and were unable to perform normal activities such as climbing stairs and opening doors whereas students who wore the recommended weight maintained an average balance.
• Heavy backpacks can also cause your child to lean forward or arch his or her back, which can stress the muscles along the spine and neck. This can increase the risk of injury and cause the natural curves to become distorted and irritated.




3. Lift by bending the knees – Remind your child to always lift his or her backpack by bending at the knees, instead of at the back.



4. Use shoulder and waste straps – Always encourage your child to use both shoulder straps and a waist strap when available. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child’s back because a backpack on one shoulder can cause your child to lean to one side and stress the muscles on the opposite side, creating strain in the neck and shoulders.
   



5. Have your child’s posture checked – If you are unsure if your child’s posture has already been affected or if your child is experiencing pain, you can have your child’s backpack and posture checked by a qualified spine and posture specialist such as a chiropractor.
   

The health of your child involves more than just avoiding sickness, scrapes and falls. Making sure your child’s back is healthy will ensure proper spinal growth and development and prevent problems later in life as well.

About the author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics that go above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Her office, United Family Chiropractic Center is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Drive West, Suite D in Simi Valley, CA. The office can be reached at (805) 522-2324.