Research, Articles & Case Studies

This article is about recent findings that suggest that a change in model and approach is required in the rehabilitation of chronic MSD that integrate the findings of neuroplastic changes across the CNS and are targeted by rehabilitative interventions. Effects of current interventions may be mediated through peripheral and central changes but may not specifically address all underlying neuroplastic changes in the CNS potentially associated with chronic MSD. Novel approaches to address these neuroplastic changes show promise and require further investigation to improve efficiency of current approaches.

M.C. is a 6 month old female, twin gestation, born via planned c section. M.C. was referred for CST by her pediatrician for plagiocephaly at the age of 4.5 months. She was seen by this therapist on a once per week basis. Each session lasted a total of 60 minutes, and included talking with mom getting a weekly update on home activities. 

Upon conclusion of CST, M.C. was found to have improved cranial symmetry and was classified as grade 2 plagiocephaly. Her transcranial diameter discrepency changed from 15 mm to -7mm. This is a remarkable improvement in a short period of time. M.C.'s parents opted not to have her fitted for a helmet, secondary to their satisfaction with the outcome. Follow up: In real time, this child is now almost one year old. I just spoke to her mother at a local breakfast eatery. She reported that she has had another baby, and she has been very proactive with tummy time positioning, and changing the position that her new baby lays in, to prevent the head flattening problem. M.C. is doing very well and is beginning to take some steps with hand held assistance. Mom reported that she cannot tell that M.C.'s head was flat at all.

Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system is an important factor in the development of chronic pain. Fourth ventricle compression (CV-4) has been shown to influence autonomic activity. Nevertheless, the physiological mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear. Objectives. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of fourth ventricle compression on the autonomic nervous system. Methods. Forty healthy adults were randomly assigned to an intervention group, on whom CV-4 was performed, or to a control group, who received a placebo intervention (nontherapeutic touch on the occipital bone). In both groups, plasmatic catecholamine levels, blood pressure, and heartrate were measured before and immediately after the intervention. Results. No effects related to the intervention were found. Although a reduction of norepinephrine, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate was found after the intervention, it was not exclusive to the intervention group. In fact, only the control group showed an increment of dopamine levels after intervention. Conclusion. Fourth ventricle compression seems not to have any effect in plasmatic catecholamine levels, blood pressure, or heart rate. Further studies are needed to clarify the CV-4 physiologic mechanisms and clinical efficacy in autonomic regulation and pain treatment.

Jan Camus talks about Arnold Chiari Malformation and how CraniosSacral Therapy will help. He provides an extensive case history of a 55 year old adult.