Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is a chiropractic technique for spinal rehabilitation. Introduced in 1980, CBP emphasizes optimal posture and spinal alignment as a core component of chiropractic care.
Dr. Jumper and the team at Renew Chiropractic specialize in Chiropractic BioPhysics techniques. We utilize CBP techniques on patients to achieve improvements in pain and functional-based outcomes.
The uniqueness of CBP treatment comes from its structural rehabilitation of the spine and posture. General goals of CBP care include all of the following:
Normal Front & Side View Posture: Ensuring the center of mass of the head, rib cage, and pelvis are vertically aligned in front and side views.
Normal Spinal Alignment: Vertical alignment (front view), and Harrison Ideal or Average Spinal Model alignment (side view).
Normal Function: Improved range of motion and quality of movement and improved muscle strength.
Improved Health & Symptom Improvements: Neck disability index, Oswestry low back index, and SF 36 or Health Status Questionnaire.
Ideal Postural and Spinal Alignments According to Chiropractic BioPhysics
According to Chiropractic BioPhysics techniques, ideal postural alignment occurs when the center of mass of the skull, thorax, and pelvis are in a vertical line with respect to gravity. From the front, the spinal column is vertically aligned: it forms a straight column relative to gravity. From the side, the spine has three primary curvatures, including a neck curve (cervical lordosis), ribcage curve (thoracic kyphosis), and a low back curve (lumbar lordosis).
Meanwhile, ideal spinal alignment can be seen in the Harrison Full Spine Model. This is an evidence-based model for side-view spinal alignment. It is defined as the geometric path of the posterior longitudinal ligament or the backs of the vertebrae from the first neck vertebra to the bottom of the lower back or the top of the sacrum. Chiropractic BioPhysics practitioners identified the Harrison Full Spine Model after years of research. The model defines the ideal and average ranges for each segment of your spine.
The Harrison Full Spine Model, by the way, is named after Dr. Don Harrison, who co-created the Chiropractic BioPhysics technique with Dr. Daniel Murphy.
X-Ray Analysis Helps Define Ideal Postural and Spinal Alignments
Chiropractic BioPhysics practitioners will x-ray your spine to analyze the curve of your spine from different angles. Certain parts of your spine should form an approximate oval or ellipse shape, for example. Using an x-ray and mathematical formulas, a specialist can determine whether or not your spine is aligned with the Harrison Full Spine Model.
Chiropractic BioPhysics protocols require doctors to measure displacements on spinal radiographs. CBP also dictates standardized x-ray positioning procedures. These procedures have been proven and reliable since CBP techniques were introduced in the 1980s.
Chiropractic BioPhysics techniques also recommend periodic assessment of spinal structural alignment – just like you should periodically assess pain intensity, range of motion, and quality of life. Ongoing assessments help CBP practitioners evaluate progress and determine when maximum patient improvement has been reached. Some CPB practitioners will use follow-up spinal x-rays or radiographs to collect alignment data, while others avoid using follow-up x-rays after the initial evaluation.
Ultimately, the best way to view an individual patient’s spinal alignment is to obtain spinal imaging via radiography or x-ray scans. Without an x-ray, a chiropractor will struggle to treat your spine. You wouldn’t let a mechanic repair your car’s engine without looking under the hood.
Mirror Image Postural Adjustments and Exercises
Mirror Image adjustments are a crucial part of Chiropractic BioPhysics techniques. These adjustments have been found to lead to postural and spinal alignment improvements. They’ve been a crucial part of CBP techniques since originally introduced by Dr. Don Harrison in 1980.
A chiropractor will use mirror image adjustments to rehabilitate the patient’s posture. In theory, these adjustments re-balance the body’s sense of proper balance or alignment by triggering improved muscle and nerve reflexes. Postural adjustments can be performed using a drop table, a hand-held instrument, or even mirror image manipulation procedures. The goal is to reset the nervous system’s regulation of postural muscle balance.
These mirror image exercises are designed to stretch shortened muscles while also strengthening muscles that have weakened in areas where postural muscles have adapted to asymmetric abnormal postures. Strength and conditioning alone do not correct posture, although postural exercises performed in the mirror image have been shown to reduce postural and spinal displacements.
What Can I Expect During Chiropractic BioPhysics Treatment?
CBP standards recommend that relief care (i.e. traditional chiropractic care) be separated from structural rehabilitation of the spine and posture.
Typically, the patient receives three initial weeks of care (4 times per week or 12 visits). The goal during these three weeks is to improve segmental and overall spinal range of motion while reducing pain intensity and frequency. Chiropractors can implement a variety of segmental adjusting techniques during this process.
After the initial relief care examination (12 visits over 3 weeks, on average), the next step is to begin with Mirror Image exercises, adjustments, and traction (also known as the E.A.T. protocol).
Overall, Chiropractic BioPhysics is a multi-model treatment method with a proven track record of helping patients alleviate spinal and postural issues. To book a free consultation with Lakewood’s leading Chiropractic BioPhysics practitioner, call Renew Chiropractic today at .