Chiropractic Biophysics

There are many different schools of thought and practices within Chiropractic itself – Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) is the most evidence based and well researched method in the profession today. Fundamental to the method is a reliance on scientific research and validation of its core concepts, and a focus on ongoing testing and improvement. CBP techniques can  help to restore the spine back to better alignment and alleviate pain and discomfort at its source. Today, there are well over 200 peer reviewed research papers on CBP analysis, technique and patient outcomes.

Dr Paul Irvine (Doctor Of Chiropractic) was first introduced to CBP when he started in Chelmsford in 2003, having had no prior knowledge or experience of it. Once he developed his new skills and knowledge, he found that patient results were longer lasting and that he could help with more difficult cases than by using “traditional” chiropractic alone.

In chiropractic, there is no replacement for a skilled set of chiropractic hands to find and correct spinal misalignments and subluxation. However, CBP takes this care to a higher level in its understanding of spinal and postural mechanics and how to correct them.

What is Chiropractic Biophysics?

First defined in December 1980, Chiropractic BioPhysics (or CBP) Technique, was originally named by Drs. Donald Harrison, Deanne Harrison, and Daniel Murphy for “physics applied to biology in chiropractic”.

Whereas “standard” chiropractic treatment is aimed primarily at addressing pain, chiropractic biophysics aims to go beyond this, looking instead to facilitate long term postural and health improvements. CBP Technique emphasizes optimal posture and spinal alignment but does so within a rigours framework of measurable outcomes. CBP is, in short, about making long term, visibly and documentable changes to your posture and health.

In practical terms, this means we are looking to achieve:

• Normal Front & Side View Posture – Center of mass of head, rib cage & pelvis vertically aligned in Front and Side views.
• Normal Spinal Alignment
• Improved Range of Motion and quality of movement,
• Improved muscle strength
• Noticeable and recordable reduction in symptoms, as documented by measures such as the Neck disability index, Oswestry low back index, SF 36 or Health Status Questionnaire

What is an “ideal spine”?

Chiropractic biophysics practitioners, being strongly grounded in the scientific method, have long noted that just as with all fields of study dealing with the human body, i.e. physiology, haematology, anatomy, etc., there exist normal and ideal values for alignment of the spine.

CBP researchers have extensively published ideal and average models for the human spinal curvatures as viewed from the side. This research has lead to the development of a model, known as the ‘Harrison Spinal Model’. This model details both Ideal and Average geometric shapes for the curves of the spine from the side. Additionally, ideal and average ranges for the spinal segmental angles for each of the spinal regions have been identified.

Chiropractic Biophysics evaluation

Since chiropractic biophysics is an evidence-based approach, an initial consultation at Complete Chiropractic is as much about gathering evidence of your overall spinal health as it is about diagnosing your immediate problem. We use tools such as x-ray analysis and line drawing procedures on state-of-the-art postural analysis software to identify not only “where it hurts” but also which underlying misalignments may have been responsible for your current painful complaint.

Chiropractic Biophysics treatment approaches

In addition to the usual approaches utilised in chiropractic, chiropractic biophysics brings some additional specialist tools to the table.

In March 1980, Dr. Don Harrison originated postural Chiropractic adjusting procedures that he coined “Mirror Image” adjustments –  Clinically, these adjusting set-ups were found to result in postural and spinal alignment improvements verified with follow up x-ray; this initial approach has been further developed into what is known today as the “mirror image technique”

Mirror Image Adjustment, assists a Chiropractor in the rapid rehabilitation of the patient’s posture. In theory, these adjustments seek to “re-balance” the bodies sense of proper balance or alignment by way of triggering improved muscle and nerve reflexes. Thus, postural adjustments as performed with drop table, hand-held instrument, or even mirror image manipulation procedures, are performed for resetting the nervous system regulation of postural muscle balance.

As a compliment to the mirror image adjustment technique, there is also a series of specific Mirror Image posture exercises. Mirror image exercises are performed to stretch shortened muscles and to strengthen those muscles that have weakened in areas where postural muscles have adapted to asymmetric abnormal postures. Although strength and conditioning exercise alone has not proven to correct posture, postural exercises performed in the mirror image have shown initial promise in the reduction of posture and spinal displacements.

Finally, chiropractic biophysics offers spinal traction – the gentle application of sustained loads  for periods of 10-20 minutes, which assists in making longer-term changes to posture. In clinical controlled trials, extension traction, as performed as part of the CBP Technique, is the only proven method (without surgery) shown to consistently correct abnormal spinal curvatures back towards their normal alignment.

As a summary, this table shows how chiropractic biophysics approaches interact with and improve upon traditional approaches.

How can I try Chiropractic Biophysics?

The great news is that all patients at Complete Chiropractic are offered treatment with the chiropractic biophysics approach! The first goal is always to eliminate pain and suffering, but as soon as your initial complaint is under control we can get to work on improving your posture and spinal alignment for the long term.