Dr. Chapman's NUCCA SPINAL CENTERS

Your Balanced Baby- Part II “A 6 Week Old Infant Pre – Post Atlas Correction”

2011-05-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Little Kimberly entered the world 6 weeks ago through a relatively unremarkable birth process. She has not yet had a bowel movement on her own, and has struggled nursing—having more difficulty on one side, than the other.

Kimberly's mom had been a patient of mine, and Kimberly's older sister, Kristen (now 3) had needed an adjustment right after she was born. So, fortunately for Kimberly, her mom knew what signs and symptoms to look for. She brought Kimberly in several days ago, and I examined her, and determined that she was indeed subluxated—not all newborns or children are subluxated, some are just fine—but this wasn't the case with Kimberly. We decided it would be of benefit to do some imaging to help us determine the exact nature of the Atlas Subluxation.

In the x-rays above, the pre-correction x-ray (on the left) shows that the atlas bone is elevated on the left side 7.5 mm. Close examination also shows the collar bone on that same side is dislocated and elevated. Notice mothers loving hands supporting Kimberly's tiny head, stabilizing it for the x-ray. Everything is miniature in this X-ray, except the misalignment.

After taking the initial frontal view, I was able to calculate the appropriate vector to properly reposition the base of the skull on C1. After doing so, little Kimberly was immediately more happy.

A close look at the Post-correction X--ray shows not only the head and neck realigned, but the collar bone has properly repositioned itself.

DISCUSSION:

In an earlier blog post, I gave parents a few pointers on what to look for in their newborns and infants so they might be able to detect when the newborn or infant was in need of getting balanced by an AO or NUCCA doctor.

Kimberly's mom noticed some of those signs, such as, she was frequently “scrunched” up on one side, and tended to hold her head in fixed patterns and positions. She also noticed that Kimberly was more difficult to nurse on one side over the other—a tell-tale sign of an Atlas Misalignment.

Getting this corrected at this age will make all the difference. At six weeks, Kimberly is tabula rosa, meaning a blank slate. Her genetic body plan is to develop a straight and balanced spine. I believe that undetected atlas misalignments can cause the bony structures to adapt to the cranio-cervical distortion, and change the course of her healthy body plan. Some of the research suggests that early spinal distortions can lead to more serious structural problems later in life.

I am not sure this little lady would have been referred by her pediatrician—in fact, I’m quite sure she would not have. In my 15 years of practice, I have never had a referral from a pediatrician. The clinical need for AO and NUCCA work does not often show up on the radar of conventional medical practice as pediatric resources—but rather falls squarely in their blind spot. Mostly, it is discerning parents who are able to perceive the need. If you are curious about what to look for, I posted an earlier blog that addresses that very subject.

I love this work! And as always, I'm here to help you with your family's health.

Your comments and questions are welcome.

Dr. Chapman

Is Your Head On Straight?

2011-05-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

TEA CUP COMPARISON:
C1 is situated between the base of the occiput and the superior articular surfaces of C2, much the way a tea cup rests in a saucer on a table surface.

Let us look at the anatomy of a tea cup in a saucer, as this comparison is useful in demonstrating how the head sits on the neck.

The tea cup base is formed to be stably situated in the circular impression of the saucer below. If it is dislodged from this impression, it will be situated slightly askew on the saucer, and the cup’s rim will rest at an angle that is not co-planer with the base circular impression of the saucer, or the table surface.

If the cup is filled with tea, the liquid will seek equilibrium, and the liquid surface will be oriented to the surface of the table and the circular recess within the saucer, but not the rim of the saucer. This is not only an example of compensation, it is an unstable system. The fluid elements seek equilibrium within the rigid form structures. The system comes into balance and equilibrium when the tea cup is placed properly into the circular recess of the saucer, and brings the rigid forms and the fluid elements into balance, and one could say that the system has achieved a higher level of thermodynamic balance, i.e., a lower energy state. Objects at rest tend to remain so, hence, stability.

The analogy is useful if one considers that bringing the base of the cranium, i.e., the occiput back onto the superior articular facets of C1 is like restoring the tea cup to the circular formed impression on the saucer. The cranium is the tea cup, while the base of the tea cup is the occipital condyles. The liquid may be analogous to the dynamic compensatory functions organized and initiated by the pre-motor cortex in keeping the head in a state of dynamic balance. The saucer is related to the Atlas bone which maintains a “physical” relationship with the cranium above and the spine below. The superior surface of C2 may be analogous to the table top surface.

It's about "tea-time"... Is your tea cup straight?

What is wrong with our health paradigm today?

2011-02-12T10:15:00.001-08:00

What is wrong with our health paradigm today?

ANSWER: THE FOUNDATION:

There is much confusion on what the foundation of health is.

In our western society, we are conditioned to believe certain things—and disbelieve others. Tragically, some very essential keys and approaches to staying well and healthy have been pushed right out of the discussion. Some ideas that are so basic---so fundamental---so crucial---so common sense when you stop and think about them, and yet you never hear about them...

WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE FOUNDATION OF GOOD HEALTH—A BALANCED SPINE.

The idea of a BALANCED SPINE is largely missing from the health care discussion on how to stay well. I am not talking about a manipulated spine; I am talking about a spine that has been aligned through precise means and in a state of healing. A spine that has become clear of nervous tension and structural distortions.

I know of only two procedures that deliver A BALANCED SPINE.

NUCCA and ATLAS ORTHOGONAL.

Our clinic is the only clinic that will offer both procedures in the state of Utah.

As we explore the ideas of healthcare, we have to understand that there are two kinds of healthcare providers or practitioners:

Chemists and Vitalists.

The Doctor of Medicine is achemist, or atomist; and the NUCCA or Atlas Orthogonal Doctor is a Vitalist. One introduces chemical agents to the body, the other returns vitality to the body through natural but scientific means.

Vitalistic doctors tend to be oriented around Holistic ideas and the procedures that bring about wellness, prevention of disease, improve the quality of life and fix pre-existing problems naturally and scientifically. Doctors of Medicine tend to focus on prescribing chemical agents (drugs), conducting research and performing surgeries.

NUCCA Spinal Centers is a VITALISTIC CLINIC.

I am a VITALIST. My Associate Dr. Joshua Stockwell is a VITALIST. WE SPECIALIZE IN A PROCEDURE THAT RESTORES VITALITY TO THE BODY BY RETURNING THE BODY TO ITS’ NATURAL FOUNDATION.

We do not have a prescription pads, but we offer real solutions to health problems.

Migraines, dizziness, nausea, jaw pain (TMD) asthma, arm, leg, hip head, neck, knee, ankle, feet pain, just to name a few.

All of these symptoms can arise from a body whose FOUNDATION IS OFF CENTER—OUT-OF-BALANCE.

Our solutions are not head-lining in the national debate on health care, but they are based upon good science and common sense and sound methodology—in fact, the procedures we perform offers the best of science, sense and method, and will help you get your HEALTHY FOUNDATION BACK.

* * *

Why is it that so few really good things ever become truly popular? I am talking about things that are actually good for us, and don’t cause a host of other problems? How much money is spent on advertising personal organic gardening? Very little. But how much is spent on imbedding unhealthy behaviors like smoking cigarettes? Or advertising French Fries? We’re all still looking for the BEEF….

There are hundreds of millions of dollars spent on pharmaceutical advertising every day. The advertising efforts are relentless. Advertising influences the way we think. It influences what we consume. And our consumption has consequences—therefore, the effects of our consumption patterns can and are influenced as well.

I would imagine that the reason we consume healthcare is because we want to be healthy—but perhaps we are being duped.. Let’s look at it:

Take a look at HOW the average American sees healthcare. Think of your health insurance policy. Your insurance policy has enumerated your “health benefits”. These “benefits” are supposed to keep you healthy, and, should you fall prey to some illness or another, will help you regain your health? Right?

In your health package, you may have really good prescription drug benefits—

In most cases, will that keep you healthy? No.

The number one cause of DEATH in patients over the age of 65 is “polypharmacy”—meaning drug interaction related death. Great benefit!! Patient’s seeking true healthcare in my clinic are actually able to GET OFF much if not all of their medication when their FOUNDATIONS are RESTORED TO BALANCED through a BALANCED SPINE.

Perhaps you have really great surgical benefits in your policy, but will those keep you healthy?

How many times have I heard a patient who has experienced miraculous results with NUCCA say: “I have told my friend about you, or, I have told my neighbor about what you do, or, “I told my dad about you and he just doesn’t believe it can help him”. “His insurance will cover his back, hip or knee surgery once it get’s bad enough, so he’s just going to endure the pain until he qualifies for knee surgery, or back surgery…” I actually hear these type of comments from patients! And how does one qualify for knee of back surgery? They have to let it get really bad!! OK. That makes a lot of sense-----great benefit.

Some policies have rehabilitation, mental care, and even chiropractic care and nutritional counseling benefits—will these keep you healthy?—they do come a lot closer, but it depends on how you use them. If you use them for prevention, then yes. Sadly, these benefits are the little tiny sliver of things available to most health insurance policy holders.

But by and large, the healthcare system as we have known it was not designed to keep you healthy--IT IS DESIGNED TO REDISTRIBUTE WEALTH. It does this by taking money from you regularly, systematically, and distributing your wealth to the insurance and banking industry. Then, if claims are made, that wealth flows towards the medical industrial complex--- which is made up of hospitals, drug companies, research universities and finally physicians who are all benefited financially when you get sick.

The medical industrial complex guys are benefited when you get sick—not when you stay well! The insurance, investment banking guys are benefited when you or your employer pays your healthcare premiums. They all benefit off of the Big Idea that is being sold as healthcare. They get richer—you get sicker, until you die.

Folks, don’t get hung up in thinking that your health insurance policy—with its inclusions and exclusions is all you need to keep healthy. It’s NOT!

I ask you to keep this in mind: When you consider the real "value", and the actual purpose of your healthcare benefits, please understand that you are basically just using the policy to answer this question: (We’ll call it question-A)

“How is the medical system going to take care of me when I get sick?” And look at it honestly—because most of you who are insured, are ultimately looking at this way. If this is your only solution to healthcare, you are headed towards "a world of hurt". It’s the wrong question.

The right question is: (We’ll call this Question B)

“What do I need to understand and know about myself, and the world I live in so that I can improve the quality and quantity of my own life, and the lives of my loved ones?”

We are taught to believe question A is the right approach to healthcare. I am saying, NO.

Question B is the right question. And if you’re asking question B, then you are closer to understanding what the FOUNDATIONS of healthcare really ARE.

WHAT ARE THEY?

It is:

Keeping your body in its most optimally functional state by MAINTAINING A BALANCED SPINE THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE, and while doing so,

FEEDING your body with healthy, toxin free nutrients, including

plenty of pure water,

Getting proper rest and relaxation,

Performing purpose driven meaningful work,

Engaging in healthy non-injurious play,

Engaging your mind in uplifting activities and studies in the liberal arts, sciences, religion and humanities. Discovering your vital relationship with your God, and

Learning to love and express your love, and

Receive love from others.

Your BODY is----a most wonderful vessel----- in which---- you experience---- life.

NUCCA and Atlas Orthogonal procedures balance the Body.

A balanced body becomes the key foundation for your health. Everything is better when the spine is in alignment and the body in balance. True, we need good water, plenty of exercise and good food. And if we get these things when our BODY’S ARE BALANCED, we

· assimilate the food nutrients better,

· absorb the water better,

· our blood flows more freely,

· our bowels work more normally,

· we have less pain, more energy, better sleep.

· And YES—pain free living is possible with a balanced, aligned spine.

It is not normal to lose focus and concentration power when you get older!

The medical establishment may sell that "bill of goods", to justify and prepare you to by their drugs...

GET YOUR SPINE BALANCED!

Keep the blood flowing to the brain,

keep the oxygen and vital nutrients moving into the brain tissues and the other vital organs.

It’s a choice. What do you want to settle for? Healthcare as it is presented? That is not healthcare—it is disease care.

IF you want to feel the very best you can feel, call the clinic, schedule to get your spine balanced and turn on the healing, vital power that has lain dormant. In some cases, it was never switched on—with some of you. Some of you were misaligned at birth and have never experienced vital health. It doesn’t matter how long your system has been hibernating. If you’re still breathing—you can and will be helped by getting aligned.

Everybody needs this. Your friends, your family. What do you want out of life?

I have placed a few interesting statistics produced by the #1 healthcare system in the world--allegedly ours:

(Our American Healthcare system has produced some very interesting statistics)

Abortions 1,210,880 [2nd of 19]

Age of women at first childbirth 24.9 years old [15th of 17]

Drug access 95% [27th of 163]

Heart disease deaths 106.5 per 100,000 people [13th of 26]

Life expectancy at birth > Male 75.29 years [48th of 226]

Obesity 30.6% [1st of 29]

Spending > Per person 4,271 [1st of 133]

Suicide rate > Females 4.4 per 100,000 people [40th of 80]

Suicide rate > Gender ratio 4.5 per 100,000 people [17th of 76]

Suicide rate > Males 19.8 per 100,000 people [30th of 80]

Teen birth rate 64 [1st of 40]

Teenage pregnancy 494,357 births [1st of 26]

Breast cancer incidence 21.2 per 100,000 females [17th of 26]

Daily smokers 17.5% [29th of 30]

Death from cancer 321.9 deaths per 100,000 people [9th of 16]

Life expectancy at birth > Total population 78.14 years [46th of 225]

Maternal mortality 8 per 100,000 [121st of 136]

Hospital beds 3.6 per 1,000 people [27th of 29]

Hospital beds > per 1,000 people 3.3 per 1,000 people [37th of 149]

Physicians > per 1,000 people 2.3 per 1,000 people [31st of 148] (San Marino: 47.35 per 1,000 people)

Improved water source > % of population with access 100 % [15th of 176] Definition: Health > Improved water source > % of population with access Source: World Development Indicators database

Consultation with doctors 8.9 per person per year [2nd of 15] Definition: Health > Consultation with doctors Source: OECD Health Data 2003 and Health Data 2002. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia's Health 2002

Motor vehicle deaths 15.5 deaths per 100,000 people [1st of 17] Definition: Health > Motor vehicle deaths Source: UNICEF

Per capita government expenditure on health in international dollars 2,368 [5th of 185] Definition: Health > Per capita government expenditure on health in international dollars Source: World Development Indicators database

Percentage of life lived in ill health > Males 10.8% [9th of 29] Definition: Health > Percentage of life lived in ill health > Males Source: OECD

Red Cross donations 221,259,000 [1st of 37] Definition: Health > Red Cross donations Source: OECD Health Data 2004

Child maltreatment deaths 2.2 per 100,000 children [1st of 27] Definition: Health > Child maltreatment deaths Source: UNICEF (1995-1998)

Results: Gentle Upper Cervical Care for Baby's

2010-11-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

In my last video, Part 1, I showed how you could tell if your baby was in need of being corrected by a NUCCA doctor. I am re-posting that video here for your convenience.

Next, in Part 2 I show the correction procedure. It's pretty interesting, but you really need to see Part 1 so you can see the immediate differences. I am also posting the video---Part 3---of my exam of the infant and my interview with the mother regarding the extraordinary results from just one correction in just 2 days!

In my first video, I showed how parents could recognize when their baby is out of alignment and needs to be corrected using the gentle NUCCA procedure.

I discussed how a small amount of misalignment between their head and neck can cause symptoms affecting the eyes, ears, nose and throat--including digestion and airway disorders. I made recommendations that parents should have their infant checked by a Grostic based upper cervical doctor such as a NUCCA or Atlas Orthogonal specialist.

I pointed out that one of the things parents and caregivers can look for is: the tendency of the length of their little bodies to bend or twist to one side, in a "banana" like posture while sleeping, diaper changing or laying on their backs. Also, notice any difficulty in breast-feeding more on one side than the other. This usually indicates a subluxation in the infant.

Here is the first of three. Enjoy, and share this with someone you love.

Part 1

Alkaline Producing Foods You Can Eat Freely

2010-11-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

FOOD “ASH” pH

The following is a list of common foods with an approximate, relative potential of

Acidity (-) or Alkalinity (+). as pH

This is an excerpt taken from Dr. Robert O. Young's book, Sick and Tired. ENJOY!

Foods You Can Eat Freely:

Vegetables

Brussels sprouts -1.5

Peas, Ripe +0.5

Asparagus +1.1

Artichokes +1.3

Green Cabbage, March Harvest +2.0

Lettuce +2.2

Onion +3.0

Cauliflower +3.1

White Cabbage +3.3

Green Cabbage, December Harvest +4.0

Savoy Cabbage +4.5

Lamb’s Cabbage +4.5

Peas, fresh +5.1

Zucchini +5.7

Red Cabbage +6.3

Rhubarb stalks +6.3

Leeks (Bulb) +7.2

Watercress +7.7

Spinach, March Harvest +8.0

Chives +8.3

French cut beans (green beans) +11.2

Sorrel +11.5

Spinach (other than March) +13.1

Garlic +13.2

Celery +13.3

Cabbage lettuce, fresh +14.1

Endive, fresh +14.5

Cayenne pepper +18.8

Straw grass +21.4

Shave grass +21.7

Dog Grass +22.6

Dandelion +22.7

Kamut grass +27.6

Barley grass +28.7

Soy Sprouts +29.5

Sprouted radish seeds +28.4

Sprouted Chia seeds +28.5

Alfalfa grass +29.3

Cucumber, fresh +31.5

Wheat grass +33.8

Root Vegetables

White radish +3.1

Rutabaga +3.1

Kohlrabi +5.0

Horse radish +6.8

Turnip +8.0

Carrot +9.5

Fresh red beet +11.3

Red radish +16.7

Summer black radish +39.4

Fruits

Limes +8.2

Fresh lemon +9.9

Tomato +13.6

Avocado (protein) +15.6

Non-stored Organic Grains & Legumes

Buckwheat groats +0.5

Spelt +0.5

Lentils +0.6

Soy flour +2.5

Tofu +3.2

Lima beans +12.0

Soybeans, fresh +12.0

White beans (navy beans) +12.1

Granulated soy (cooked, ground soy beans +12.8

Soy nuts (soaked soy beans then air dried) +26.5

Soy lecithin, pure +38.0

Nuts

Hazelnut -2.0

Almond +3.6

Seeds

Wheat Kernel -11.4

Pumpkin seeds -5.6

Sunflower seeds -5.4

Flax seeds -1.3

Sesame seeds +1.1

Fennel seeds +1.3

Caraway seeds +2.3

Fats (Fresh, Cold-Pressed Oils)

Olive oil +1.0

Borage oil +3.2

Flax seed +3.5

Evening primrose oil +4.1

Marine lipids +4.7

Water

Distilled (neutral)

Foods You Can Eat Sparingly:

Fish

Fresh Water fish -11.8

Fruits

(In season, for cleansing only, or with Moderation)

Rose hips -15.5

Pineapple -12.6

(Fruits continued)

Mandarin orange -11.5

Banana, ripe -10.1

Pear -9.9

Peach -9.7

Apricot -9.5

Papaya -9.4

Orange -9.2

Mango -8.7

Tangerine -8.5

Currant -8.2

Gooseberry, ripe -7.7

Grape, ripe -7.6

Cranberry -7.0

Black currant -6.1

Strawberry -5.4

Blueberry -5.3

Raspberry -5.1

Yellow Plum -4.9

Italian Plum -4.9

Date -4.7

Cherry, sweet -3.6

Cantaloupe -2.5

Red currant -2.4

Fig juice powder 2.4

Grapefruit -1.7

Watermelon -1.0

Coconut, fresh +0.5

Cherry, sour +3.5

Banana, unripe +4.8

Fats

Ghee -1.6

Non-Stored Grains

Brown rice -12.5

Wheat -10.1

Nuts

Walnuts -8.0

Filberts -2.0

Brazil nuts -0.5

Foods You Should Never Eat:

Root Vegetables

Stored Potatoes +2.0

Meat, Poultry and Fish

Pork -38.0

Veal -35.0

Beef -34.5

Ocean fish -20.0

Chicken -18.0 to -22.0

Eggs -18.0 to -22.0

Oysters -5.0

Liver -3.0

Organ Meats -3.0

Milk and Milk Products

Hard cheese -18.1

Quark -17.3

Cream -3.9

Homogenized Milk -1.0

Buttermilk +1.3

Bread, Biscuits (Stored Grains/Risen Dough)

White Bread -10.0

White biscuit -6.5

Whole-meal bread -6.5

Whole-grain bread -4.5

Rye Bread -2.5

Nuts

Pistachios -16.6

Peanuts -12.8

Cashews -9.3

Fats

Margarine -7.5

Corn oil -6.5

Butter -3.9

Sweets

Artificial Sweeteners -26.5

White sugar (refined cane sugar) -17.6

Beet sugar -15.1

Molasses -14.6

Dr. Bonner’s Barley Malt Sweetener -9.8

Dried sugar cane juice (Sucanat) -9.6

Barley malt syrup -9.3

Fructose -9.5

Milk sugar -9.4

Turbinado sugar -9.5

Brown rice sugar -8.7

Honey -7.6

Condiments

Ketchup -12.4

Mayonnaise -12.5

Mustard -19.2

Beverages

Liquor -28.6 to -38.7

Wine -16.4

Beer -26.8

Coffee -25.1

Fruit juice, packaged, natural -8.7

Fruit juice sweetened with white sugar -33.4

Tea (black) -27.1

Miscellaneous

Canned Foods - Processed Food - Microwaved Food

Gentle Upper Cervical Care for Baby's

2010-10-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

Dr. Chapman shows how parents can recognize when there baby needs to be corrected using the gentle NUCCA procedure. Symptoms affecting the eyes, ears, nose and throat--including digestion and airway disorders should be checked by a Grostic based upper cervical doctor such as a NUCCA or Atlas Orthogonal specialist. Look... for tendency to bend or twist to one side, in a "banana" like posture while sleeping, diaper changing or laying on their backs.

Healing the body may actually start by healing the mind.

2010-08-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Just this morning I received this message on my Facebook from a patient whom I had seen in the clinic on Friday:

“I seem to have taken a turn for the worse. My head has a splitting head ache. I have pain between my shoulder blades. I have not thrown up yet. I have no organ pain. So I do not think it has anything to do with the pancreas, liver, or gall bladder. The diarrhea has not let up. I get waves of stomach cramps after sipping water or eating. I have been having muscle cramps. Once it was my left hand thumb cramped to the hand would not move, it was painful and then it opened. Once my left abdomen the muscle cramped until I put my hand on it and relaxed it. Sometimes even my heart hurts. Sounds like dehydration and mineral depletion. My body does not respond to PB8 so I cannot [imagine] it metabolizing minerals. I simply do not know what to do. It is the holiday weekend and I do not know what to do. Any suggestions[?]”

That message and the telephone conversation we had this morning after I called her provoked the explanation below.

I have often witnessed that symptomatically some of my patients seem to get worse before they get better—and truthfully, this has caused me some consternation in the past. But, I have come to realize that the body has ways of expressing healing that are not all pixie dust and warm fuzzies. Some of the cleansing/healing processes can be a little itchy-scratchy—and painful. Some can be downright terrifying. Understanding what the body is doing and decoding the symptoms and process correctly is a key step in healing the mind, hence, keeping the body on the right track.

The human mind deals in code, and language is the code of the mind. The body also deals in code. The sensory parts of the body transmit coded messages to the brain, and those coded messages are detected by the brain through our nervous system. It is the mind—not merely the brain—that must decipher these codes and make judgments about them. The mind asks the question: Am I dying? Or, am I healing? In some cases, it can feel grossly similar…. This is where the code of language can help.

The mind simply needs to be reassured that the body is healing rather than dying. (Let me say that I am not suggesting that in acute medical emergencies, like stroke or myocardial infarction, wherein a patient is in dire need of interventive care that simply tricking the brain into believing that it is healing rather than dying is the remedial path. Clearly, I am not saying that…) But in situations where healing has begun and the patient is unsure—THIS is where a caring helper and facilitator (like a doctor) comes into play. This, I feel, is the essence of being a doctor. Being a doctor is sort of like being a “seeing eye dog”—sans the fleas... During the first few steps towards healing, our patients rely more heavily upon us until they gain their footing on the path. They need not only remedial procedures, but they need to be taught what is happening inside their own bodies and shown what it really means. They need a discerning eye to help them to interpret the body codes.

I am going to give an example. Say you have a person with a constellation of symptoms ranging from.

Gastrointestinal distress such as stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
Musculoskeletal pain in all four limbs and in the back, neck and head.
Abnormal sensations in the hands and feet.
Postural distortions in sitting and standing positions.
Sensory disturbances like vertigo and sensitivity to light.
Anxiety over finances and inability to keep commitments due to health challenges.
Anxiety over the meaning of the symptoms themselves: “Is it my heart? Am I dying? What is really wrong? What am I going to do? Who can help me? Essential queries that produce fear and more anxiety rather than peace and reassurance.

The patient’s history is significant for several falls in the last year—some of them hard falls on hard surfaces—though no broken bones. The most recent fall was just 2-3 days prior to their presentation at your clinic. The patient is under financial and emotional stress, and has perhaps done a little more stress eating that they should have…and thus has gained some weight. The patient has just eaten something that clearly has not “agreed” with her digestive system and appears to be in acute gastric distress.

There are several layers of issues and complexities that you are dealing with as a physician—from mind to toe. Clearly, there are likely some chronic musculoskeletal issues going on with the older injuries. There are chronic issues of emotional stress on the system and the wear and tear associated with that silent killer. There is the issue of recent, compounded upon the chronic gastric distress. There is some acute distress and inflammation from the recent trauma. So there is understandably the emotional lability that comes from having to live in the context of this suffering from day to day without relief or answers.

What to do, what to do….? The question we face on every patient---------every encounter.

In my first blog, my “welcome to the mending path”, I mentioned that the body has numerous mechanisms for dealing the stimuli which cause a state of dis-ease in the body. Stimuli can be an internal encounter with some “thing” like a toxin, or, it can be an external encounter like our encounter with a belief. The effects of either can and often will manifest in the body.

The body has many defense mechanisms. One of these is compartmentalization. This is where the body may “wall-off” a disaster area. This can occur cellularly or systemically…. it can even occur psychologically. If the burden on the system is greater than the ability of the system to buffer, or dispose of, or effectively mitigate the destabilizing effects of a noxious stimuli, they will simply build-up or accumulate until naturally dispelled through some process—or, sadly until it kills us. (Clearly not an option for my patients) As the body deals with the load of harmful stimuli it must have a way to express or spill off the bi-products. Since the body has an on-board program to maintain a state of homeostasis or balance, it would stand to reason that it would use its various systems to facilitate this. And in fact, it does quite a nice job of this most of the time unless is becomes overburdened.

Overburdening means that the mitigating/balancing mechanisms innate to the body cannot keep pace with the stresses placed upon them. This results in a state of dis-ease. We could use the metaphor of the body being like a bathtub with a drain. The bathtub has a capacity to hold a certain quantity of water, but likes to keep the level relatively unchanged and at a certain balanced midpoint. That point is like homeostasis, meaning a point of equilibrium or balance of the systems. The bathtub has a source for water (input) and it has a means of draining the water (output). If the output can keep pace with the input and keep the water level on the balance point mark, then all is well in the system. But, IF the input exceeds the drain output, then the water starts to build to a point where it must dissipate by spilling over the tub edge. When the water starts rising beyond the balance point, it may start to get our attention by alerting us to the subtle disturbances reverberating in the system—but maybe not…. In our body, these disturbances come in form of subtle symptoms and signs. This is the perfect time to call the plumber right? Ideally, yes. But usually the plumber is not called until after the first flood, or maybe the second one… just human nature. Part of the reason for that is we don’t know where to turn for understanding.

So once the plumber is called, they can get to work on solving the problem.

In the case of this patient, I was the plumber and she finally called. (Bear in mind, I was not the first plumber she called on these issues) So, from the perspective of a NUCCA doctor, I made certain assessments and determined that a particular intervention was needful.

I took specific X-rays of the head and neck determined that the patients Atlas was severely subluxated—in other words, “not in the right place”, and that was causing the following:

a slight distortion of the spinal cord,
interference in the vascular supply and drainage to and from the brain,
and broad primary muscular imbalances of the entire spine and pelvis.

Because this kink between the head and neck is in an area just south of the main autonomic centers in the central nervous system that control digestion and some of the other autonomic sensory centers of balance systems I conclude that the distortion caused by the subluxation was in a locale that likely explained many of her symptoms—if not all of them. The X-rays I had taken gave me a clear corrective pathway to follow and I did so gently, precisely and intentionally. Following the corrective procedure, the patient “recovered” for nearly an hour in our recovery area allowing the healing process to continue. Recovery is an area in our clinic where we take the patient into a sort of stasis, taking them “offline” for a time thereby allowing their body’s innate intelligence to focus on healing and balancing the systems, and little more. This is where the healing process develops and sets in. Their bodies begin sorting through the rubble of the internal stimuli in waves, and a real corner is turned. But it may not feel that way to the patient.

When the body embarks upon a mending path, it can be just about as pleasant as cleaning out a septic tank. So, when in the midst of the muck of the mire—know that you are "coming out of it" rather than "settling into it". The proper interpretation of the unpleasant codes produced by the body can make all the difference to the mind.

Try to enjoy the journey…

Hitting a Nerve – TMJ Treatment and NUCCA

2010-08-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hitting a Nerve – TMD

We need to keep this thought in mind: “The optimal treatment of the jaw joints and occlusion (bite related issues) should be performed in the context of a balanced upper cervical spine and head. The NUCCA procedure restores this essential balance. It is clear from my clinical experience that TMD disorders, even advanced cases respond well with NUCCA treatment.”

Malpositions of the head and neck are often associated with a common jaw disorder called Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction, or TMD. TMD is also known as TMJ Syndrome. The jaw joint is a hinge joint which is literally suspended and anchored in its normal position by the muscles of the head, neck and shoulder.

The “Jaw Joint” or TMJ

TMD Syndrome occurs when the normal functional position of the jaw joints shift into an irregular position and a grinding use-pattern develops. This abnormal use-pattern and position can cause the sufferer of the syndrome a significant amount of pain and inflammation, making chewing, sleeping and even speaking difficult. The pain symptoms are quite diverse. Jaw disorders can refer pain to the head, neck and upper back. Pain can also be felt in the face and in the teeth. Conventional dental treatments can be quite expensive and time intensive, and can range in price from $5,000 to $50,000 upwards, and include surgeries, electrical stimulation and medication for pain.

At NUCCA Spinal Centers, under the precision care standard of the NUCCA procedure, TMD sufferers often find significant and lasting relief upon the first correction.

My clinical protocols have resolved TMD and its associated syndromes for hundreds of patients over the last 12 years. TMJ disorders should be assessed in the context of the entire head and neck region, and therefore may be viewed clinically as considered as a side-effect of a structural dysfunction stemming from the head and neck. So, TMD can be addressed effectively by addressing an underlying imbalance.

Essentially, what I have found is: our TMD treatments utilizing NUCCA protocols as a core corrective procedure have been highly successful. Another thing I have observed is that when the patients head and neck are restored to a normal aligned position through the NUCCA procedure, this restoration significantly enhances the patient’s TMD dental protocols and treatment, and, in a high number of cases, can entirely resolve the syndrome within several weeks of the NUCCA procedure.

If you are dealing with a TMJ issue or jaw pain presently, and whether you are working with a dentist or not, I advise you to come in for an examination/consultation, and if it is appropriate, I will be happy to speak to your dental specialist about the NUCCA procedure and discuss how it could positively impact your therapy. I work closely with several dental specialists in Utah and Salt Lake Counties when combined interventions and treatment are needed.

Telephone consultations are available.

Doctor Christopher Chapman is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, and is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. He practices exclusively the NUCCA procedure in Provo, Utah using certified aligned X-ray equipment. He is the Clinic Director for Balance Point Clinics, Inc.—dba—NUCCA Spinal Centers and currently instructs and mentors Associate doctors interested in perfecting the clinical application of the NUCCA procedure. NUCCA Spinal Centers is a registered internship facility and correlates field study for interested and qualified health professionals in association with Brigham Young University. Candidates for this Internship program have gone on to study chiropractic, hoping to eventually specialize in the NUCCA technique. Currently Dr. Chapman is writing a book describing the essential role posture and structural balance plays in human health.

New Web site and blog

2009-10-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of creating a new blog and a new website with a great deal of flexibility for patients and friends to communicate, network and purchase health products and literature. Look forward! Dr. Chapman

2008-12-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my practice.

The NUCCA manipulative procedure itself is quite involved, as the procedure is very much a process. Supine Leg Check, Bilateral Digital Weight Analysis, scanning palpation, and appraisal of the upper cervical X-rays and correlation to the patients clinical presentation at that time are all part of the process of the manipulation. This process usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Additionally, 3-dimensional, whole body postural analysis and positioning is assessed through the means of a device called an Anatomer before and after a correction can take time. We also employ a period of 20-30 minutes of passive cervical traction which we have found acts as a stabilizing process following the mobilization of the Atlantal-Axial, Occipito-Atlantal joints. Taking the right amount of time and precise clinical decision making go into every upper cervical correction in our office. The entire process--not including the pre and post X-rays---usually takes 45-minutes to and hour.

I have found that patients--at least most of them-- have excellent questions about their daignosis and symptoms and want to understand how their symptoms and their health relates to their spine, as much as "how" and "why" a NUCCA spinal correction helps.

This blogspot is dedicated to a continuation of that discussion--whether you are a patient in the practice or not. So, bring your questions, your thoughts and your comments. My intent and mission is to help as many of you as I can. I have found that most human healing starts with an idea that has the power to change you in some meaningful way---those ideas are relevant here. NUCCA has been not only that idea for hundreds of thousands of people everywhere, but it has literally expanded outward into the world as one of the great healing techniques that is not merely palliative, but rather fundamentally changing. It is a good first step towards health....sometimes that step is small, but more often it is a giant step forward. Why and How?

.....That is what we can explore in the days and months ahead.

Dr. Chris Chapman

2008-12-28T16:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my NUCCA blog, where we discuss all things health and all things NUCCA.