Research, Articles & Case Studies
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Scientists discover neuron-producing stem cells in the membranes covering the brain
VIB- Flanders Interuniversity Institute for BiotechnologyCurriculums:
This article is about how unexpected cells have been found in the protective membranes that enclose the brain, the so called meninges. These 'neural progenitors' -- or stem cells that differentiate into different kinds of neurons-- are produced during embryonic development. These findings show that the neural progenitors found in the meninges produce new neurons after birth-- highlighting the importance of meningeal tissue as well as these cells' potential in the development of new therapies for brain damage and neurodegeneration. A paper highlighting the results was published in the leading scientific journal Cell Stem Cell.
Manual Therapies Reduce Pain Associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia
Susan Vaughan KratzCurriculums:
Abstract
Introduction: Trigeminal Neuralgia {TN) can be an extremely debilitating condition effecting quality of life, emotional well-being, and engagement in daily occupation. Surgical and medication treatments are cited extensively through the literature but can have undesired side effects, can lose effectiveness over time, or are quite invasive. Little is reported about craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, or other gentle manual techniques as treatment options.
Objective: This paper introduces and summarizes the experiential process and outcomes of three adults receiving manual therapies to treat TN. This review investigates low-risk, conservation clinical options and explores for treatment guidelines for TN.
Method: Chart review and client interviews in multiple follow-up contacts of a convenience sample to explore immediate and long term outcomes. All treatment techniques utilized per clients are summarized, and include: Upledger's CranioSacral Therapy (U-CST); Chikly's brain curriculum for lymphatic enhancement and nerve down-regulation techniques; and Wanveer's glia structure and glymphatic mobilization techniques. One occurrence of a spontaneous Somato-Emotional Release technique was also called for. Measurement of baseline and outcomes was conducted using: Verbal descriptor scale; Verbal numeric rating scale; Visual analog scale (VAS); and Self-report of quality of life and pain's impact upon performing daily activities. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis
Conclusion: Three adults reported individual positive changes or resolution of TN pain. All three reported restoration of quality of life and emotional well-being. One made use of techniques for self-help Comparison to other methods, or variations of these methods utilizing the same names or terminologies, should be avoided. This report is an attempt to aid in the needed clarification between different approaches used in clinical practices. Positive responses suggest that these methods hold value for further study as a viable treatment option to address the agony of neuralgia.
The sacral autonomic outflow is sympathetic
I. Espinosa-Medina O. Saha, F. BoismoreaCurriculums:
A kinship between cranial and pelvic visceral nerves of vertebrates has been accepted for a century. Accordingly, sacral preganglionic neurons are considered parasympathetic, as are their targets in the pelvic ganglia that prominently control rectal, bladder, and genital functions. Here, we uncover 15 phenotypic and ontogenetic features that distinguish pre- and postganglionic neurons of the cranial parasympathetic outflow from those of the thoracolumbar sympathetic outflow in mice. By every single one, the sacral outflow is indistinguishable from the thoracolumbar outflow. Thus, the parasympathetic nervous system receives input from cranial nerves exclusively and the sympathetic nervous system from spinal nerves, thoracic to sacral inclusively. This simplified, bipartite architecture offers a new framework to understand pelvic neurophysiology as well as development and evolution of the autonomic nervous system.
Having my head rubbed like a baby cured my stress: After her father died and she lost her job at a glossy magazine all in the same year, one woman tries craniosacral therapy
Niki BrowesCurriculums:
Niki Browes writes in the The Daily Mail News about her continual low-level anxiety — which manifested in tense head and neck aches even painkillers couldn’t help — that made her decide something needed to be done to make her to feel like herself again. She said “A friend mentioned she’d been having craniosacral therapy — George Clooney was an advocate! — and found it restorative, even healing.” This is her story.
Study reveals role of spleen in prolonged anxiety after stress
Provided by The Ohio State UniversityCurriculums:
In this study, the trio of scientists determined that the immune cell changes persisted for almost a month after the mice experienced the stress.
Study reveals role of spleen in prolonged anxiety after stress
Provided by The Ohio State UniversityCurriculums:
In this study, the trio of scientists determined that the immune cell changes persisted for almost a month after the mice experienced the stress.
What Veterans Want You To Know About PTSD
Carolyn GregoireCurriculums:
Here are five things vets wish others knew about PTSD.
Pain is not just a matter of nerves
Medical University of ViennaCurriculums:
The sensation of pain occurs when neural pathways conduct excitation generated by tissue damage to the spinal cord, where the nociceptive information is extensively preprocessed. From there, the information is transmitted to the human brain, where the sensation of "pain" is finally created. This is the general belief. However, researchers have now discovered that pain is not just a matter of nerves but that non-neuronal cells, the glial cells, are also involved in clinically relevant pain models and their activation is sufficient to amplify pain.
Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Adelaida Marı´a Castro-Sa´nchez, PT, PhD, Inmaculada Carmen Lara-Palomo, PT, PhD, Guillermo A. Matara´n-Pen˜arrocha, MD, PhD, Manuel Saavedra-Herna´ndez, PT, PhD, Jose´ Manuel Pe´rez-Ma´rmol, OT, and Marı´a Encarnacio´n Aguilar-Ferra´ndiz, PT, PhDCurriculums:
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of craniosacral therapy on disability, pain intensity, quality of life, and mobility in patients with low back pain. Design: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Patients: Sixty-four patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (mean age–SD, 50–12 years; 66% female) who were referred for physical therapy at a clinical unit of the Health Science School of the University of Almeria (Spain). Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (10 sessions of craniosacral therapy) or a control group (10 sessions of classic massage). Outcome measures: Disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMQ, primary outcome] and Oswestry Disability Index), pain intensity (10-point numeric pain rating scale), kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), isometric endurance of trunk flexor muscles (McQuade test), lumbar mobility in flexion, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, hemodynamic measures (cardiac index), and biochemical estimation of interstitial fluid. These outcomes were registered at baseline, after treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Results: No statistically significant differences were seen between groups for the main outcome of the study, the RMQ (p=0.060). However, patients receiving craniosacral therapy experienced greater improvement in pain intensity (p£0.008), hemoglobin oxygen saturation (p£0.028), and systolic blood pressure (p£0.029) at immediate- and medium-term and serum potassium (p=0.023) level and magnesium (p=0.012) at short-term than those receiving classic massage. Conclusions: Ten sessions of craniosacral therapy resulted in a statistically greater improvement in pain intensity, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, serum potassium, and magnesium level than did 10 sessions of classic massage in patients with low back pain.
How craniosacral therapy can help reduce a child's stress
MikeCurriculums: Healing From the Core,
For most parents, raising calm, thoughtful and mindful children in today's technology-obsessed society is a real challenge. Everything seems rushed and children don't have the time or space they need to really slow down and enjoy life. Craniosacral therapy can provide tools for those struggling to cope growing up.