Cranial manipulation is the science and technique of therapeutic application of forces through manipulation by hand to correct cranial dysfunction. It is a form of alternative medicine that involves the gentle manipulation of the bones and tissues of your skull.
The cranium (skull) is made up of 22 individual bones that are capable of misaligning and causing acute and chronic health issues. Indeed, Imbalances in the cranial bones can occur during birth, head and spinal injuries from falls, accidents and other trauma. Cranial Dysfunction can lead to:
-Interference in Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow
-Blood pressure disturbances
-Irritation of sutural nerve pathways
-Cranial nerve entrapment
-Impeded vascular circulation to the brain
-Endocrine dysfunction
-Sensory disturbances
-Neurologic disorganization
-TMJ dysfunction
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cranial Manipulation Facts
Firstly, Cranial manipulation was developed in the mid 1930s. However, there is a lot of controversy over it due to misunderstandings. Many mistakenly look at the cranium as a fused structure. Nevertheless, both the osteopathic and chiropractic developers believed the cranial bones moved. Today, cranial manipulation is practiced by both chiropractors and osteopaths.
Secondly, the idea that cranial bones are fused in early life is untrue. While the process of ossification (bone fusion) starts in the 20’s. Your cranial sutures remain open all through your life. Moreover, there is some motion and flexibility which may last into your senior years.
Thirdly, your cranial bones are connected and are bound together by connective tissue. This tissue is called the sutural ligament or membrane. And this ligament remains non-ossified (non-bone tissue).
Fourthly, nerve fibers go along with the collagenous connective tissue.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cranial Motion
There are 3 theories about cranial motion:
First, the hypotheses regarding cranial motion is there is a continuous, rhythmic, oscillating motion within the dural tube. And the dural tube is a tough, fibrous sheath that encases the brain and spinal cord. It is part of the meninges, the protective membranes that cover the central nervous system. Furthermore, dysfunction in the “dural tension” system leads to abnormal conditions that are found and correctable.
Second, your cranium moves naturally without notice. It’s motion follows the pressures of the vascular and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) circulation.
Third, the idea is that the cranium does not move. Specifically, the stresses and pressures that can be influenced by cranial dysfunction accumulate in the joints and bones.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: How does Cranial manipulation work?
Cranial manipulation works with palpation of the pulsations. These are the rhythmic (8 to 14 oscillations per minute) cranial movements. In other words, the pulsations inside the dural tube. These pulsations help the circulation of CSF. Afterall, the CSF bathes and nourishes your central nervous system. So the rate, rhythm and amplitude of the cranio-sacral (cranium and sacrum) movement is important.
Also, Cranial manipulation addresses the sutural asymmetry and muscle tightness surrounding the painful area. Examination of cranial dysfunction includes location of skull asymmetries, palpation of skull contours and the sutures. Specifically, the sutures can widen, narrow and be tender to palpation.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Meiri Chiropractic
Patients who could benefit from cranial manipulation include many disorders. For example, jaw/TMJ pain, jaw clenching (bruxism), vertigo, swallowing difficulty, chewing difficulty, migraines/ headaches, sleep apnea, chronic sinus, and post concussive disorders would benefit. Do you need a chiropractor in West Palm Beach for cranial manipulation? Call 561-253-8984 today.
References:
Bergman, Thomas. Peterson, Lawrence. Chiropractic Technique Principles and Procedures 2011. Third Edition