CCSVI and CCVBP

[Robnl]

http://www.blairchiropractic.com/blair

The Blair Chiropractic Technique

The Blair chiropractic technique is a specific system of analyzing and adjusting the upper cervical vertebrae of the spinal column. When these vertebrae misalign in such a way as to interfere with the brain stem and spinal cord as they exit through the floor of the skull and into the neural canal. Special attention is given to the first two cervical vertebrae, the atlas and axis, as they are the most freely moveable vertebrae in the spinal column and the ones most commonly misaligned.

After many years of research and study of all the techniques that were developing at the time, Dr. B.J. Palmer the developer of chiropractic realized that the only place a person could truly have interference to the nervous system was at the level of the base of the skull; and the atlas and axis vertebrae. There are no intervertebral discs between the skull and the atlas, or between the atlas and axis vertebrae. Most movement of the head and neck occur at this level. The joint surfaces in this area move more on a horizontal plane rather than a vertical plane as in the rest of the spine. This area is not supplied with the abundance of supporting ligaments that are found in the rest of the spine. As a result of these characteristics of the cervical spine, it becomes the weakest link in the chain when exposed to the forces of trauma such as the birth process, falls, auto accidents, stress etc.

Dr. Palmer conducted studies in Germany on cadavers and found that the brain stem or medulla, extended into the neural canal down to the level of the lamina of the second cervical vertebrae, at which point it becomes the spinal cord extending downward. The brain stem has been referred to as "Houston Control". It is the area where nerve cell centers are located that control many of the major functions of the body such as heart beat, respiration, digestion, elimination, our heating and cooling mechanism, constriction and dilation of the veins and arteries, muscle coordination, etc. Most of the functions of the body that we don't have to consciously think about are controlled at the brain stem level.

The brain stem at the level of the atlas vertebrae consists of approximately ten billion nerve fibers sending messages through the spinal cord to the cells of the body and from the cells back to the brain. These nerve fibers are arranged in small bundles called nerve tracts. These nerve tracts are either sensory or motor. The sensory nerves allow us function of the organs and systems while moving the body about it's environment, via the musculoskeletal system. Gray's Anatomy states, "the nervous system is the master system of the body controlling and coordinating all the functions of the body and relating the individual to his environment."

The atlas and axis are the only vertebrae in proximity to the brain stem. When they misalign to the extent that they put pressure on the brain stem and or spinal cord they interfere with the vital messages being sent to and from the brain to all parts of the body. If, for example, the atlas is impinged against the part of the cord that sends messages to the left hand, that individual may experience a numbness, burning or tingling sensation in that hand. If the nerve tracts at the brain stem level go to the heart are being impinged that individual may experience high blood pressure, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat. Any part of the body can be effected when there is pressure on the brain stem or spinal cord because almost all of the nerves have to pass through this area before reaching the part of the body they innervate.

When a vertebrae misaligns to the extent that it interferes with nerve tissue and reduces the mental impulses it is termed a subluxation. A subluxation may be present for months or years before producing any outward signs such as pain or symptoms, causing the body to break down to a state of diseases

The purpose of the Blair Chiropractic technique is not to diagnose or treat diseases or conditions, but to analyze and correct vertebral subluxations in an accurate, precise and specific manner to allow the body's intelligence, (see chiropractic philosophy) to mend, repair and maintain health from within.

[uprightdoc]

... After many years of research and study of all the techniques that were developing at the time, Dr. B.J. Palmer the developer of chiropractic realized that the only place a person could truly have interference to the nervous system was at the level of the base of the skull; and the atlas and axis vertebrae ...

The atlas and axis are the only vertebrae in proximity to the brain stem. When they misalign to the extent that they put pressure on the brain stem and or spinal cord they interfere with the vital messages being sent to and from the brain to all parts of the body. If, for example, the atlas is impinged against the part of the cord that sends messages to the left hand, that individual may experience a numbness, burning or tingling sensation in that hand. If the nerve tracts at the brain stem level go to the heart are being impinged that individual may experience high blood pressure, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat. Any part of the body can be effected when there is pressure on the brain stem or spinal cord because almost all of the nerves have to pass through this area before reaching the part of the body they innervate ...

... The purpose of the Blair Chiropractic technique is not to diagnose or treat diseases or conditions, but to analyze and correct vertebral subluxations in an accurate, precise and specific manner to allow the body's intelligence, (see chiropractic philosophy) to mend, repair and maintain health from within ...

This is nonsense left over from BJ Palmer and so called "Straight" chiropractors. For one, herniated discs compress nerve roots and cause interference in the nervous system. For another, stenosis of the lower spine can compress the cord and cause interference with the nervous system. Still, another is that misalignments can occur in the lower spine in the form of listhesis. The pelvis can also misalign. Scoliosis can be caused by pelvic misalignments. Scoliosis is misalignment of many segments. Among other things it can affect the thoracic outlet and cause interference with nerves and blood flow to the hands. Lastly, I had plenty of chiropractic philosophy. It's not what it is cracked up to be as a philosophy on life or health. I have many of BJ Palmer's books. They are absolutely boring. There are many better types of philosophy when it comes to life and Traditional Chineese Medicine and Yoga are far better, more complete and advanced when it comes to health care compared to chiropractic philosophy.

[Robnl]

Hmmmm, so what about Blair technique itself?

[uprightdoc]

I tend to favor NUCCA, Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology but Blair is also a good upper cervical technique and there are still others as well. There have been no studies to show that one method is more effective than another.

[mdju93]

Hello Mark,

I hope you get this reply and I apologize for not responding sooner but I didn't get any notification in my email about your comment.

I think that it would be a very good idea to get and Upright and Cine MRI by Dr. Smith at Medserena in London. You have many symptoms that suggest musculoskeletal involvement, poor circulation in the vertebral-basilar arteries, irritation of the lower cranial nerves and faulty craniospinal hydrodynamics.

If you can, send me copies of your upper cervical x-rays.

Hello Dr Flanagan,

Thank you for your response.

I don't have copies of my X-rays but will see if I can get some in digital format to send to you. It may take a while and will more than likely will be in the new year but I'll definitely ask my Chiro. I'll let you know.

Thank you

Regards

Mark.

[Ulappa]

Dr Flanagan,

First, Happy New Year!
I saw a doctor about my 3D pictures, and he said that the bottom of the skull and C1 dens are touching. The joints of C1/C2 are on a different level, the left side is lower. The bottom of the skull is also asymmetric. Head tilts to left (I knew that!!). The left C1/C2 joint subluxed 4mm. C4 is straight. The patient has a considerable neck asymmetry, which should be accepted. Patient has osteoporosis in the neck, so no manipulation allowed.
How am I to get my neck aligned if it cannot be manipulated?

[uprightdoc]

Hello Ulappa,

It sounds as though you have malformations in the skull and upper cervical spine.

There are many methods for working on the spine that are safe and effective for patients with osteoporosis such as: 1) specific upper cervical techniques including Atlas Orthogonal, NUCCA, Orthospinology, Blair etc.2) the Cox method of Flexion-distraction model 7 and 8 tables with movable headpieces, 3) Arthrostim, 4) Sacrooccipital Technique and other methods of craniosacral type therapies. The problem is that it is challenging to find right qualified professionals who use the above techniques in the US. It is far more challenging for those living outside the US.

[mdju93]

Hello Mark,

I hope you get this reply and I apologize for not responding sooner but I didn't get any notification in my email about your comment.

I think that it would be a very good idea to get and Upright and Cine MRI by Dr. Smith at Medserena in London. You have many symptoms that suggest musculoskeletal involvement, poor circulation in the vertebral-basilar arteries, irritation of the lower cranial nerves and faulty craniospinal hydrodynamics.

If you can, send me copies of your upper cervical x-rays.

Hello Dr Flanagan,

I now have jpg image files of my upper cervical xrays. Do you have an email address you could PM me so I can send them to you?

Many thanks,

regards

Mark.

[uprightdoc]

Hello Mark,

I will PM you my email address.

[uprightdoc]

Hello Dr Flanagan,

I hope I might be able to get your opinion and advice on some health issues that I’ve been suffering with for a number of years now. I don’t have a diagnosis of MS, or actually, a diagnosis of anything but have been seeing an orthodontist and cranial osteopath for TMJ problems. I’d always assumed my symptoms were a result of my jaw issues but of late feel that perhaps they might indicate something neurological.

With this in mind, at the beginning of September, I decided I would visit an Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor to get my Atlas bone checked out. The Chiro took some x-rays showing a slight misalignment which he then used to calculate the correction needed. I was adjusted and saw him weekly after the adjustment until around mid-October at which point the appointments became every two weeks and from now on will be every 6 months unless I feel something is off.

All appointments after the adjustment were to check if the Atlas was holding its alignment. The checks used include palpation of the muscles at the back of the neck near the Atlas bone, leg length comparison and muscle strength testing. All testing suggested the Atlas is holding its new position so no further adjustments were performed. The chiropractor is SOT qualified and also did some cranial work to try and help me.

It’s been about 3 months now since the adjustment and unfortunately I have felt no improvement in my symptoms and am now pondering what to do next. The Chiro has the ability to refer for upright MRI here in the UK in London at Medserena with Francis Smith and wondered whether this might be the next step to take or perhaps there is something else you could recommend?

It would be really good to have your opinion.

My symptoms –
Cognitive fog
Poor short term memory
Exhaustion
Ear pressure, Tinnitus, occasional whooshing sound in ears when changing body position, e.g. sitting to lying down
Reduced hearing
Inability to sleep deeply and awake refreshed
Photophobia
Eye pressure
Blurriness in right eye
Face/head pressure
Vague sense of dizziness
Muscle tightness around jaw, neck and diaphragm
Inability to breathe deeply
Poor concentration
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty projecting voice
Voice fluctuations
Occasional urinary frequency
Migraines/migraine type headaches (since childhood – first symptom)
Poor dexterity/slow handwriting
Difficulty reading/concentrating on text
Depression, Anxiety
Difficulty with conversation/speaking/poor word finding ability
Light headedness on standing up (not all the time)

Many thanks

Kind regards

Mark.

Hello Mark,
Your upper cervical x-rays were very well done and most revealing. Considering your x-rays, it is easy to understand why you have all of the above symptoms. You have an extreme head tilt and rotation to the right with a compensatory upper cervical misalignments and scoliosis. All of your symptoms are due to the condition of your cervical spine. It would be further revealing if you had x-rays of your lower spine. One of my first questions in your case would be how your spine got so twisted. My guess is that you have had scoliosis since childhood. Abnormal curvatures of the spine, especially the cervical spine and kyphoscoliosis, strain the dural attachments of the brain and cord to the craniocervical junction. Straining the dura causes displacement (ectopia) and tension on the brainstem and cranial nerves, as well as deformation of blood and CSF pathways. Some of your symptoms are due to tension and compression of the brainstem and cranial nerve tissues. Among other things, deformation of blood and CSF pathways is causing chronic edema and ischemia, as well as a obstruction to CSF flow.

[mdju93]

Dr Flanagan,

Thank you for looking at my x-rays and your opinion.

I've got an appointment this coming Tuesday in London for an upright Fonar MRI scan with Dr Francis Smith during which I'll be having my CCJ scanned along with a CSF flow study. I was told it's quite an involved scan and so will require me to be in the scanner for about 2 hours. I seeked referral through my chiro who took the UCS x-rays. No doubt I'll have a follow up appointment with him to discuss the results at which point, based on what you've said, i think it makes sense to ask for lower spine, or perhaps even full spine x-rays to see what else can be revealed.

I've no idea how my spine became so twisted - I don't recall any major incidents that could be responsible. Certainly I've been aware for some time that I have poor posture. From my own observations my posture is head forward with excessive lumber lordosis and thoracic kyphosis - an exaggerated s-curve when looking at my spine from the side. I hadn't been aware of any lateral side to side deviation when looking at the spine from the front or back. I think your guess about childhood scoliosis is more than likely correct.

I think I have a pretty good understanding of what you're saying but I'm not sure what I can do to try to improve things. I've had my Atlas done but unfortunately this has had no effect.

To me it would seem sensible to wait until i've got the rest of my diagnostics done (MRIs & x-rays), see what else comes to light and then try and make some sort of plan to move forwards with all of this.

I'd love to share the MRI and further x-ray results with you if you're interested and okay with that?

Do you think there are any questions to ask or important information to share with Dr Smith on Tuesday that might help things?

Many thanks

Mark.

[uprightdoc]

... I've got an appointment this coming Tuesday in London for an upright Fonar MRI scan with Dr Francis Smith during which I'll be having my CCJ scanned along with a CSF flow study ... based on what you've said, i think it makes sense to ask for lower spine, or perhaps even full spine x-rays to see what else can be revealed.

I've no idea how my spine became so twisted ... From my own observations my posture is head forward with excessive lumber lordosis and thoracic kyphosis - an exaggerated s-curve when looking at my spine from the side. I hadn't been aware of any lateral side to side deviation when looking at the spine from the front or back. I think your guess about childhood scoliosis is more than likely correct.

I think I have a pretty good understanding of what you're saying but I'm not sure what I can do to try to improve things. I've had my Atlas done but unfortunately this has had no effect.

I'd love to share the MRI and further x-ray results with you if you're interested and okay with that?

Do you think there are any questions to ask or important information to share with Dr Smith on Tuesday that might help things? Mark.

The upright MRI and CINE Flow study are a good idea. There is a good possibility that you have blockage of arterial, venous and CSF flow.

It is important to see the condition and curvatures of the lower spine in your case. Abnormal curvatures such as scoliosis, especially kypohosis, cause abnormal loads and tension strains on the brain, cord and spine. They are also associated with Chiari malformations for the same reason.

It's hard to imagine how adjusting your atlas could have a significant impact on such extensive and extreme deformation of the lower spine. If I were treating you I would work on the full spine with particular emphasis on the dura mater attachments to the craniocervical junction and pelvis. Special treatment tables such as the Cox model 7 and 8 flexion-distraction tables are also a terrific option in cases like yours. While in practice I used both manual and mechanical methods for working on the spine and the dura mater. That said, you are a very challenging case for anyone regardless of what method they use.

I would be happy to take a look at your upright MRI and Dr. Smith's report.

Say hello to Dr. Smith for me. See if they can take some basic x-rays of the lower spine and pelvis to check for pelvic obliquity, scoliosis and kyphosis etc. that may be causative or contributory to the condition of the upper cervical spine (craniocervical junction).

[NZer1]

Hi Team,
I haven't been on TiMS for a very long time and the links don't seem to be sending me updates on posts, damn.

Any I have had a roller coaster time and I have methodically, NOT Reductionism methodically getting lost in bs, worked on a problem that has increased in my health issues.
For many, many months I have experienced what I know think 'might be' Spontaneous CSF Leakage draining from my left sinus. Getting support through GP's and the Govt system has driven me to tears in many appointments to look into what this fluid might be and why it is 'occasionally' happening eg Xmas Eve night was the worst yet and should have gone to hospital but living alone and having issues with being in Hosp keep me at home and bounced back once the 'leak' sealed within 24 hrs.
Anyway I have been looking for info and just now found these two papers below.

Dr F have you come across research into CSF refluxing causing degeneration, eg MS type diseases or even ALS/Parkinsons?

I just had a very quick look on Google and found these two links and wonder what has been 'considered' by researchers regarding reflux damage to the brain by CSF?
Disc herniation and CSF leakage
===============================================================
CSF spontaneous Leak
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneo ... fluid_leak
===================================================================

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2817515/

Abstract
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is often idiopathic. We report on a patient presenting with symptomatic intracranial hypotension and pain radiating to the right leg caused by a transdural lumbar disc herniation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain revealed classic signs of intracranial hypotension, and an additional spinal MR confirmed a lumbar transdural herniated disc as the cause. The patient was treated with a partial hemilaminectomy and discectomy. We were able to find the source of cerebrospinal fluid leak, and packed it with epidural glue and gelfoam. Postoperatively, the patient's headache and log radiating pain resolved and there was no neurological deficit. Thus, in this case, lumbar disc herniation may have been a cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2817515/
Abstract
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is often idiopathic. We report on a patient presenting with symptomatic intracranial hypotension and pain radiating to the right leg caused by a transdural lumbar disc herniation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain revealed classic signs of intracranial hypotension, and an additional spinal MR confirmed a lumbar transdural herniated disc as the cause. The patient was treated with a partial hemilaminectomy and discectomy. We were able to find the source of cerebrospinal fluid leak, and packed it with epidural glue and gelfoam. Postoperatively, the patient's headache and log radiating pain resolved and there was no neurological deficit. Thus, in this case, lumbar disc herniation may have been a cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Hope everyone is being treated well by 2016!
Nigel

[Robnl]

Hi Doc,

Just to inform you; saw George yesterday.
George started new treatment; focus on cervical and low spine.

He will contact Dr Cox and report to Dr Rosa and you.

Regards,

Robert

[uprightdoc]

Hello Nigel,

CSF refluxing and spontaneous intracranial hypotension due to CSF leakage are opposite conditons. I am not sure what you are referring to regarding CSF reflux. I presume it refers to inversion flows. Extreme inversion flows are one of the suspected causes of the supratentorial, periventricular and perivenular lesions seen in MS. CSF reflux also occurs during Valsalva maneuvers and inversion.

The case you posted is interesting because the leak was caused by a lumbar disc herniation. Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension is relevant to my theory regarding craniospinal hydrodynamics. I cover it in my next book. It is also known as Intracranial Hypovolemia. Intracranial hypovolemia can result in pressure cones similar to a Chiari malformation in which the cerebellar tonsils sink into the foramen magnum. They are currently attributed to leaks but I suspect there are other causes as well. I have a publisher. My next book should available late this year or early next year.