Discusses mechanism behind spinal asymmetry and back pain and then provides therapy modalities and images to demonstrate these treatment options

Koch, Richard S

English

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine: DigitalCommons@PCOM

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic MedicineDigitalCommons@PCOMKoch Collection, Papers of Richard S Koch, DO Special Collections2013General Principles of Spinal TreatmentRichard S. KochFollow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/kochPart of the Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons, and the Osteopathic Medicineand Osteopathy CommonsThis Neck and Back Disorders, Therapy and Management Spinal Treatment/Back Pain is brought to you for free and open access by the SpecialCollections at DigitalCommons@PCOM. It has been accepted for inclusion in Koch Collection, Papers of Richard S Koch, DO by an authorizedadministrator of DigitalCommons@PCOM. For more information, please contact library@pcom.edu.Recommended CitationKoch, Richard S., "General Principles of Spinal Treatment" (Original Date Unknown, Online Publication Date 2013).http://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/koch/20GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF SPINAL TREAT.t1ENT The purpose is to foreeably, but gently, lengthen the short ligaments, muscles, tendons, and fascial bands which are always present paravertabrally or in the thoracic, pelvic or abdominal cavities on the concave side of any curve or list in the 11 strain11 area. It is primarily the condition of these shortened ischemic fibrotic , tissues, so frequently ignored by the physician, which by their very shortness and loss of normal resiliency result in the rapid return of restricted motion to the curve or list and its lesioned segments. By degenerative aging effects, by postural e.tti-tudes in standing, sitting, and sleeping, and by occupational habits and constant gravitational influences they must return, after manipulative correction, along the lines of least resistance to their accustomed previous status. All tissues shorten vrith aging; and injured, strained, contractured and ischemic fibrotic tissues shorten even more rapidly. Theee involved tissues therefore, being shorter than their contra-lateral fell~Js must persistently result in restriction of normal vertebral and rib motion, and cyclic, if not unremitting lesion effects. If then, a physician fails to prescribe some daily measure directed toward "neutralizing" or preventing the harmful effects of these forces, he must certainly increase his chances of joining the overpopulated category of the D.O~ who has been disappointed with his manipulative results in treating disease processes. - 1 -EXAMPLES OF COMMON PASSIVE AND ACTIVE SOFT TISSUE CORRECTIONAL TREATMENT FOR CARDIAC PATIENTS WITH 2 - 6 THORACIC COSTOVERTEBRAL RESTRICTIONS Time limits given for exercises are generally considered maximum and optimum. 6- / For patterns~ thus: 1\R or: (1) Patient lies on right side, on bed, up on right elbow with head resting in right hand, thus: This is done 5 minutes maximum, twice daily. Pillow under right elbow increases leverage and. force if desired. (2) Patient stands, bends head, neck and thorax over and down on left, and reaches gently down toward floor, then straightens to an upright position. Repeat 10 times twice daily, thus: ~ J H l. J\... R. (3) Pillow roll (padded book, etc.) placed under left upper thorax centered at left 6th rib level. Patient lying on left side for 15 minutes daily on the floor, thus: ~@ (4) Patient lies prone on bed, up on elbows, chin in hands for 5 minutes twice daily, thus: This reduces contractures and shortening of anterior spinal ligaments and cervical fascia. (5) Cervical upper thoracic traction via neck halter while sitting, 5 minutes twice daily. (6) Patient is encouraged to sleep more on right side with pillow under head, thus: ~,r%\~;; - ~ . __ .y)~-~;~-~~ (7) Patient is directed to carry heavy or tiring loads more in left· hand or arm. - 2 -Patients are generally instructed to be more posture conscious by erect stand-ing and sitting~ This becomes far easier for patient without a fatigue that such effort previously evoked. Deep inspiration is noted to become easier and more sat~ isfying. Lower spinal and pelvic imbalances, curves and lists (usually present) are treated according to similar principles of spinal rehabilitation, and heel lift therapy is used 1rrhen indicated~ Patients are repeatedly cautioned to meter the dosage of home treatment to comfortable tolerance both as to dtlration and intensity; else tmcomfortable stiffness and soreness will discou:cage future cooperation~ Vigor and duration of treatments is commenced at a minimum and increased within to comfort. Patients are cautioned that the treatment will not :Ln a "straightened spine~i but :Ls to; of ~Jill~ ) remove and fonnai:,ion iz , ha::c:mful effec t~s of {:'":.) p .. • d ;: · osslb.ly :::·e ucs to some degree the is ob~ ser11ed more frequently in the youthful patient~ and :Krays at 6 month interva.ls may be revealing. ) Excluding ankylosis or other contraindications to such a program:, spinal mobility is observed by both patient and physician to iiuprove rapidly@ 

General Principles of Spinal Treatment

https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1019&amp;context=koch

General Principles of Spinal Treatment

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine: DigitalCommons@PCOM