Full Version: How to lose weight?
Obesity is a big problem now days, many people suffer health problem just because of it. According to me swimming is the best way to do exercise. It help us in many ways. But with it we have to control on our eating habits too. We need to avoid those food which has fats. I was having the same problem then my friend suggested me to try Mark Patrick's programs. Really it worked. Their weight loss programs are designed to help eliminate the behaviors that are making people overweight. Both the physiological and psychological compulsions to overeat are addressed by nutrition, hypnosis, programming, guided visual imagery and other powerful technologies.
i am not naturally obese, i have gained weight after the birth of my only child, there has been around 10kgs increase in my normal weight...
i am also here to find some solutions for my increasing weight
i am also here to find some solutions for my increasing weight
After my doctor put me on a high dose of steroids, she recommended a diet to help me maintain my weight. She suggested no sugars, very little carbs (which I stuck with for only two weeks), daily exercise, plenty of water, no fried foods, and low-fat. I've been on the meds for two months, and I haven't gained a pound - in fact, I lost two pounds. This wasn't my goal, which is why I started eating carbs again.
Daily exercise is the solution of weight loss and during excercise if get any pain in your body consult Chiropractor, You might ask what is Chiropractor, here are few notes about it:
Chiropractic is a philosophy of health care that concentrates on helping the body function the way it was designed. What do I mean by that? Consider how many times in your life you had to REMIND your body to breathe, pump blood, or digest food. These functions of life happen automatically. Quite frankly, when the body works well, it works VERY well!
However, the realities of life give us certain circumstances that interfere with the normal functioning of our bodies. Since the brain and nervous system control body functions, Chiropractic focuses on maintaining the health of your nerves, organs, and connective tissue (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) so that the body can continue to operate normally. Emphasis is given to the body's ability to heal itself.
From the Chiropractic perspective, a poorly functioning spinal column is the cause of many different ailments. Any type of situation, whether it be a traumatic injury, wear and tear over many years, or any other stress, can cause the nervous system to stop working at its ultimate capacity. That can breed pain or discomfort and can affect how the organs of your body function. I'm sure you can see how this would affect your overall health and lifestyle. Treatment in a Chiropractic office consists of gently adjusting or manipulating the spine, as well as exercise recommendations, physical therapy, and rehabilitative activities. Chiropractic physicians will answer your questions on nutrition and any other health-related question. Chiropractors refer to other health care providers when the condition warrants additional medical intervention......
Chiropractic is a philosophy of health care that concentrates on helping the body function the way it was designed. What do I mean by that? Consider how many times in your life you had to REMIND your body to breathe, pump blood, or digest food. These functions of life happen automatically. Quite frankly, when the body works well, it works VERY well!
However, the realities of life give us certain circumstances that interfere with the normal functioning of our bodies. Since the brain and nervous system control body functions, Chiropractic focuses on maintaining the health of your nerves, organs, and connective tissue (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) so that the body can continue to operate normally. Emphasis is given to the body's ability to heal itself.
From the Chiropractic perspective, a poorly functioning spinal column is the cause of many different ailments. Any type of situation, whether it be a traumatic injury, wear and tear over many years, or any other stress, can cause the nervous system to stop working at its ultimate capacity. That can breed pain or discomfort and can affect how the organs of your body function. I'm sure you can see how this would affect your overall health and lifestyle. Treatment in a Chiropractic office consists of gently adjusting or manipulating the spine, as well as exercise recommendations, physical therapy, and rehabilitative activities. Chiropractic physicians will answer your questions on nutrition and any other health-related question. Chiropractors refer to other health care providers when the condition warrants additional medical intervention......
Hi Jerry.Jill,
From the studies I have seen swimming would not appear to be the best exercise for weight loss because it does not raise your body temperature, and temperature plays a role in satiety. Every time I spend a lot of time swimming I find I am ravishingly hungry when I finish, so for me at least the research has the ring of truth. check for yourself.
Swimming is often touted as the best form of exercise for weight loss. And when you think about it, it seems to make sense.
After all, swimming uses almost all of your major muscle groups. It places a vigorous demand on your heart and lungs. Swimming is also popular with people who are extremely overweight, pregnant, or suffering from some kind of injury.
When you swim breastroke or backstroke, you're burning about the same number of calories as a fast walk or a slow jog. However, for some reason, swimming appears to be less effective than other forms of exercise at promoting weight loss.
Swimming weight loss
Research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine shows that in the absence of a controlled diet, swimming has little or no effect on weight loss [1].
Professor Grant Gwinup compared three exercise programs for three months. Each program began with up to 10 minutes of daily exercise. The length of each workout was increased by five minutes every week.
* Test subjects following the walking program lost 17 pounds of weight during the three-month study.
* Those following the cycling program lost 19 pounds of weight.
* However, subjects following the swimming program actually gained 5 pounds.
Assuming that all three groups burned a similar number of calories, the swimmers must have compensated by eating more. "Presumably," speculates Professor Gwinup, "swimming in cold water stimulates the appetite to increase caloric consumption."
Professor Louise Burke, Head of Nutrition at the Australian Institute of Sport, also points out that competitive swimmers typically have body fat levels that are higher than those of runners or cyclists who expend a similar amount of energy when they train.
"Many female swimmers have fought well-publicized battles with their body fat levels," says Burke. "They are generally prescribed 'land training' (running or cycling) in addition to their many laps of the pool in the belief that it is a necessary treatment to produce lower skinfold levels."
Appetite
There are suggestions that swimming doesn't cause the same drop in appetite that accompanies heavy running and cycling training. Many people feel extremely hungry after training in the pool, and may simply replace all the calories they've burned with a large post-exercise meal.
"Many people observe that they feel like 'eating a horse' after they have finished a swim training session, and may overcompensate for the energy they have just burned," says Professor Burke.
"Some research suggests that this is due to the cool temperatures in which swimmers train. By contrast, runners and cyclists usually experience an increase in body temperature during training, which may serve to suppress appetite - at least in the short term."
In one recent study, researchers examined the effect of water temperature on calorie intake after exercise [3].
A group of 11 men exercised for 45 minutes in "neutral" and "cold" water temperatures. After the workout, they were allowed to eat as much food as they wanted.
The men burned a similar number of calories in the cold and neutral water conditions, averaging 505 and 517 calories, respectively. However, calorie intake after exercise in the cold water averaged 877 calories, which was 44% more than for the neutral temperature. The problem here is that the water temperature during the "cold" condition was extremely cold (20 degrees celsius), and isn't really indicative of the water temperature of most pools (which is usually nearer 30 degrees celsius).
Professor Burke also points out that swimmers are less active outside their training sessions. They are so tired from the hours spent training that they sleep, sit or otherwise avoid any real physical activity outside their sessions.
In one study, researchers compared collegiate swimmers and collegiate distance runners [2]. As you can see in the table below, the runners had lower body fat levels than swimmers. However, detailed three-day food records and one-day activity records offered no convincing explanation as to why.
Swimmers Runners
Men 12% 7%
Women 20% 15%
According to Professor Burke, it's almost impossible to measure usual energy intake from diaries.
"Apart from the errors in translating descriptions of food into calorie counts," she says, "it is unlikely that people eat 'normally' while they are recording. It is well-known that those who are conscious of their body fat underreport their food intake."
"In reporting, athletes try to appear as 'good' as possible and thereby cover-up the clues to any energy balance problems. The behavior of individuals may also be masked by the 'averaging' of results."
Burke also speculates that elite swimmers are predisposed to higher body fat levels because it is a help, or at least less of a disadvantage, to their swimming - rounded shoulders and smooth curves may simply be more biomechanically sound than bony angles.
Muscle
One of the reasons a properly designed weight-training program is so effective at burning fat is that just one workout can give your metabolic rate a real boost. In some cases, this rise can last for well over a day [4].
When your metabolic rate goes up, you burn more calories. And more calories burned means faster weight loss.
One of the things that contribute to this rise in metabolic rate is the muscle damage caused during resistance exercise [5]. And it's eccentric muscle actions (pronounced ee-sen-trick) that appear to cause most of this damage.
What's an eccentric muscle action?
Take one hand and let it hang down by your side. Now, bend your arm as if you were curling a weight, bringing your hand towards your shoulder.
The muscle that's working to raise your arm is the biceps (other smaller muscles are also working to assist it). The movement is known as a concentric muscle action (pronounced con-sen-trick).
If you lower your arm under control (rather than just letting it flop down) your biceps are working again. Only this time, the muscle action is called eccentric.
So, what does all of this have to do with swimming? Most of the work your body does in the water involves concentric muscle actions. There's virtually no eccentric work there at all. Because of this, I'm guessing that swimming has only a minor impact on your metabolic rate after exercise.
The Bottom Line
I prefer to put all forms of exercise into one of three categories - good, better or best.
Any form of exercise, be it swimming, walking or weight-training, is good if the alternative is doing nothing. A mixture of some form of resistance exercise and cardiovascular exercise is better, while combining interval exercise and free weights - in my opinion at least - is the best way to get in shape (see How to fight fat and win in the Members-Only Area for an example of this type of program).
Losing weight is all about burning more calories than you eat. Any form of exercise, swimming included, will get the job done.
If you enjoy swimming, then stick with it. It's more important to be consistent with an exercise program you enjoy than to be inconsistent with one you hate. Just make sure to guard against the urge to eat more after you get out of the pool.
Cheers
From the studies I have seen swimming would not appear to be the best exercise for weight loss because it does not raise your body temperature, and temperature plays a role in satiety. Every time I spend a lot of time swimming I find I am ravishingly hungry when I finish, so for me at least the research has the ring of truth. check for yourself.
Swimming is often touted as the best form of exercise for weight loss. And when you think about it, it seems to make sense.
After all, swimming uses almost all of your major muscle groups. It places a vigorous demand on your heart and lungs. Swimming is also popular with people who are extremely overweight, pregnant, or suffering from some kind of injury.
When you swim breastroke or backstroke, you're burning about the same number of calories as a fast walk or a slow jog. However, for some reason, swimming appears to be less effective than other forms of exercise at promoting weight loss.
Swimming weight loss
Research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine shows that in the absence of a controlled diet, swimming has little or no effect on weight loss [1].
Professor Grant Gwinup compared three exercise programs for three months. Each program began with up to 10 minutes of daily exercise. The length of each workout was increased by five minutes every week.
* Test subjects following the walking program lost 17 pounds of weight during the three-month study.
* Those following the cycling program lost 19 pounds of weight.
* However, subjects following the swimming program actually gained 5 pounds.
Assuming that all three groups burned a similar number of calories, the swimmers must have compensated by eating more. "Presumably," speculates Professor Gwinup, "swimming in cold water stimulates the appetite to increase caloric consumption."
Professor Louise Burke, Head of Nutrition at the Australian Institute of Sport, also points out that competitive swimmers typically have body fat levels that are higher than those of runners or cyclists who expend a similar amount of energy when they train.
"Many female swimmers have fought well-publicized battles with their body fat levels," says Burke. "They are generally prescribed 'land training' (running or cycling) in addition to their many laps of the pool in the belief that it is a necessary treatment to produce lower skinfold levels."
Appetite
There are suggestions that swimming doesn't cause the same drop in appetite that accompanies heavy running and cycling training. Many people feel extremely hungry after training in the pool, and may simply replace all the calories they've burned with a large post-exercise meal.
"Many people observe that they feel like 'eating a horse' after they have finished a swim training session, and may overcompensate for the energy they have just burned," says Professor Burke.
"Some research suggests that this is due to the cool temperatures in which swimmers train. By contrast, runners and cyclists usually experience an increase in body temperature during training, which may serve to suppress appetite - at least in the short term."
In one recent study, researchers examined the effect of water temperature on calorie intake after exercise [3].
A group of 11 men exercised for 45 minutes in "neutral" and "cold" water temperatures. After the workout, they were allowed to eat as much food as they wanted.
The men burned a similar number of calories in the cold and neutral water conditions, averaging 505 and 517 calories, respectively. However, calorie intake after exercise in the cold water averaged 877 calories, which was 44% more than for the neutral temperature. The problem here is that the water temperature during the "cold" condition was extremely cold (20 degrees celsius), and isn't really indicative of the water temperature of most pools (which is usually nearer 30 degrees celsius).
Professor Burke also points out that swimmers are less active outside their training sessions. They are so tired from the hours spent training that they sleep, sit or otherwise avoid any real physical activity outside their sessions.
In one study, researchers compared collegiate swimmers and collegiate distance runners [2]. As you can see in the table below, the runners had lower body fat levels than swimmers. However, detailed three-day food records and one-day activity records offered no convincing explanation as to why.
Swimmers Runners
Men 12% 7%
Women 20% 15%
According to Professor Burke, it's almost impossible to measure usual energy intake from diaries.
"Apart from the errors in translating descriptions of food into calorie counts," she says, "it is unlikely that people eat 'normally' while they are recording. It is well-known that those who are conscious of their body fat underreport their food intake."
"In reporting, athletes try to appear as 'good' as possible and thereby cover-up the clues to any energy balance problems. The behavior of individuals may also be masked by the 'averaging' of results."
Burke also speculates that elite swimmers are predisposed to higher body fat levels because it is a help, or at least less of a disadvantage, to their swimming - rounded shoulders and smooth curves may simply be more biomechanically sound than bony angles.
Muscle
One of the reasons a properly designed weight-training program is so effective at burning fat is that just one workout can give your metabolic rate a real boost. In some cases, this rise can last for well over a day [4].
When your metabolic rate goes up, you burn more calories. And more calories burned means faster weight loss.
One of the things that contribute to this rise in metabolic rate is the muscle damage caused during resistance exercise [5]. And it's eccentric muscle actions (pronounced ee-sen-trick) that appear to cause most of this damage.
What's an eccentric muscle action?
Take one hand and let it hang down by your side. Now, bend your arm as if you were curling a weight, bringing your hand towards your shoulder.
The muscle that's working to raise your arm is the biceps (other smaller muscles are also working to assist it). The movement is known as a concentric muscle action (pronounced con-sen-trick).
If you lower your arm under control (rather than just letting it flop down) your biceps are working again. Only this time, the muscle action is called eccentric.
So, what does all of this have to do with swimming? Most of the work your body does in the water involves concentric muscle actions. There's virtually no eccentric work there at all. Because of this, I'm guessing that swimming has only a minor impact on your metabolic rate after exercise.
The Bottom Line
I prefer to put all forms of exercise into one of three categories - good, better or best.
Any form of exercise, be it swimming, walking or weight-training, is good if the alternative is doing nothing. A mixture of some form of resistance exercise and cardiovascular exercise is better, while combining interval exercise and free weights - in my opinion at least - is the best way to get in shape (see How to fight fat and win in the Members-Only Area for an example of this type of program).
Losing weight is all about burning more calories than you eat. Any form of exercise, swimming included, will get the job done.
If you enjoy swimming, then stick with it. It's more important to be consistent with an exercise program you enjoy than to be inconsistent with one you hate. Just make sure to guard against the urge to eat more after you get out of the pool.
Cheers
Hello Jerry,
I don't think swimming is the best way to reduce weight,but yes it's a efficient way...
Swimming causes many skin problems..so it's not beneficial for everyone...
I also wanted to loose weight for that I started exercise under a trainer,after sometime I used to do by myself..
As I am fond of eating so I never prefer dieting, but I try to avoid fatty food..
Now I do regular exercise and a little dieting,it keeps me fit...
Regards,
Nelson
I don't think swimming is the best way to reduce weight,but yes it's a efficient way...
Swimming causes many skin problems..so it's not beneficial for everyone...
I also wanted to loose weight for that I started exercise under a trainer,after sometime I used to do by myself..
As I am fond of eating so I never prefer dieting, but I try to avoid fatty food..
Now I do regular exercise and a little dieting,it keeps me fit...
Regards,
Nelson
I like this forum,i always got something new info here.mostly i like health news,i am very health concious about my health,i am happy that this forum help me to maintain my health.
Hi ,
If you are looking for a weight loss diet, there are lots of weight loss programs to choose from. There are starvation diets, fad diets and diet pill supplements. It may seem easy to loose pounds and body fat in days or weeks.
Check this web site for more info Achieve Ultra Health
If you are looking for a weight loss diet, there are lots of weight loss programs to choose from. There are starvation diets, fad diets and diet pill supplements. It may seem easy to loose pounds and body fat in days or weeks.
Check this web site for more info Achieve Ultra Health
Swimming causes many skin problems..so it's not beneficial for everyone...
I also wanted to loose weight for that I started exercise under a trainer,after sometime I used to do by myself..
I also wanted to loose weight for that I started exercise under a trainer,after sometime I used to do by myself..
With yoga and pranayam a person loss his weight. And avoid taking white foods as they contain large amounts of carbohydrates, which may further lead to weight gain. Replace white sugar, white rice, and white flour with whole grain breads and brown rice.
Gaining weight is not easy contrary to what most people are saying. But losing weight is also hard especially to the considered obese. So many ways has been said and yet nothing has been considered very effective because obesity is still hard to control until now. For me, exercise should always be at the forefront, partnered with fresh fruits and fresh juice everyday, and yes doing enema. The latter can expel the accumulated toxins inside the body: giving way to a refreshed body ready to "conquer" any invaders (bacteria, virus, etc...)
Well he is absolutely right gaining weight is far much easier than loosing the weight...Better startoff your morning with a Vigorous exercises and accompanied with a healthy breakfast after an hour or so...Avoid eating much and fried things..and most importantly have faith in yourself...
Hi Chiropractor,
A lot of the stuff chiropractor claim is not supported by evidence, even the methodology by which it works failed.
This is not an attack on Chiropractors, I don't do that but in the interest of better science and transparency all research should be put on the table so have a read of this one.
Chirobase Home Page
A Scientific Test of Chiropractic's Subluxation Theory
The first experimental study of the basis of the
theory demonstrates that it is erroneous.
Edmund S. Crelin, Ph.D.
Chiropractic is defined in the dictionary as "a therapeutic system based upon the premise that disease is caused by the interference with nerve function, the method being to restore normal condition by adjusting the segments of the spinal column." [1] The International Chiropractors Association defines chiropractic as follows:
The philosophy of chiropractic is based upon the premise that disease or abnormal function is caused by interference with nerve transmission and expression, due to pressure, strain or tension upon the spinal cord or spinal nerves, as a result of body segments of the vertebral column deviating from their normal juxtaposition. The practice of chiropractic consists of analysis of an interference with normal nerve transmission and expression, and the correction thereof by an adjustment with the hands of the abnormal deviations of the bony articulations of the vertebral column for the restoration and maintenance of health, without the use of drugs or surgery. The term "analysis" is construed to include the use of X-ray and other analytical instruments generally used in the practice of chiropractic [2,3,7].
The definition given by the American Chiropractic Association is:
Chiropractic practice is the specific adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the body, particularly of the spinal column, for the correction of nerve interference and includes the use of recognized diagnostic methods, as indicated. Patient care is conducted with due regard for environmental, nutritional, and psychotherapeutic factors, as well as first aid, hygiene, sanitation, rehabilitation and related procedures designed to restore or maintain normal nerve function [2,4,7].
According to chiropractic, the deviation of the body segments of the vertebral column from their normal juxtaposition that interferes with nerve transmission and expression is called subluxation. Two chiropractic descriptions of subluxation are:
* "The vertebrae are . . . within their normal range of motion, although not functioning at their optimum." [5]
* "A vertebral subluxation may be interpreted as 'off-centering of a vertebral segment.' [A subluxation] is a fixation of the joint within its normal range of movement, usually at the extremity of this range." [6]
In other words, subluxed vertebrae (spinal bones) are characterized by fixation and misalignment within the normal range of motion.
Daniel David Palmer, a tradesman who posed as a magnetic healer, "discovered" chiropractic in 1895. Magnetic healing was a popular form of quackery in the nineteenth century in which the healers believed that their personal magnetism was so great that it gave them the power to cure disease [7]. Palmer said:
I am the originator, the Fountain Head of the essential principle that disease is the result of too much or not enough functionating [sic]. I created the art of adjusting vertebrae, using the spinous and transverse processes as levers, and named the mental act of accumulating knowledge, the cumulative function, corresponding to the physical vegetative function -- growth of intellectual and physical-together, with the science, art and philosophy -- Chiropractic. . . . It was I who combined the science and art and developed the principles thereof. I have answered the question -- what is life? [8]
The chiropractic philosophy originated by Palmer is the frame of reference of modern-day chiropractic thinking as exemplified in the most widely used chiropractic textbook [5] at the present time. Palmer put forth the concepts of Universal Intelligence, Innate Intelligence, and Educated Intelligence. Universal Intelligence is God. Innate Intelligence is the "Soul, Spirit or Spark of Life" or "Nature, intuition, instinct, spiritual and subconscious mind." It is the "something" within the body which controls the healing process, growth, and repair and "is beyond the finite knowledge." While Innate Intelligence utilizes the autonomic nervous system, the Educated Intelligence, or "conscious," utilizes "the cerebrospinal division for the volitional expression of its function."
Nature, or Innate Intelligence, has a great capacity to maintain or restore health if it is allowed normal expression within the body. However, mental, chemical, or mechanical stress can produce a greater or lesser displacement of the vertebrae, or vertebral disrelationship, and this displacement interferes with the planned expression of Innate Intelligence through the nerves. This interference then produces pathology. The chiropractor, by correcting the displacement, allows the Innate Intelligence to effect the cure [5,9]. The pathology that chiropractors treat by manual manipulation of the spine totals over ninety diseases, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, respiratory, vascular, and emotional disorders; diabetes; deafness; eye disorders; cancer; arthritis; and infectious diseases such as polio, mumps, hepatitis, diphtheria, and the common cold [7,10].
No one, and this includes chiropractors, has ever experimentally determined how much vertebral displacement is necessary before a spinal nerve is impinged or encroached upon at the intervertebral foramen to produce pathology by interfering with the planned expression of Innate Intelligence. This study was performed to answer that question.
Of the 43 pairs of nerves that pass from the brain and spinal cord to the various parts of the body, only 24 pairs could ever be impinged or encroached upon by the displacement of one vertebra against another as the nerves pass out of the intervertebral foramina. There is a superior and an inferior articular process posterolaterally on each side of a vertebra. Anterior to each articular process there is a notch; therefore, when the processes articulate with those of adjacent vertebrae above and below to form the vertebral column, a series of holes is formed -- the intervertebral foramina. [Note: "Foramen" is the medical term for an opening through a bony structure or membrane. The plural is foramina. The intervertebral foramina are the openings between the spinal bones through which the spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord to connect to other parts of the body.]
Part of the anterior margin of an intervertebral foramen is formed by the intervertebral disc that joins the two bodies of adjacent vertebrae together. In addition to the way the bony parts articulate with one another, numerous ligaments and muscles, both long and short, serve to bind adjacent vertebrae together to restrict their movement. Although the displacement between adjacent vertebrae is small, the range of total motion of the entire vertebral column is considerable.
Throughout life the intervertebral foramina are quite large in relationship to the spinal nerves that pass through them [11]. The cross-sectional figures below illustrate the fact that there is ample room. Figure A compares the size of the 6th cervical spinal nerve to the opening between the 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae. Figure B compares the 9th thoracic nerve to the opening between the 9th and 10th thoracic vertebrae. Figure C compares the 3rd lumbar spinal nerve to the opening between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae. A tiny artery and an intervertebral vein usually accompanying each spinal nerve through the foramen. The remainder of the space of each foramen contains very flimsy, loose areolar tissue.
Materials and Methods
The vertebral columns of six individuals were studied. Three were infants, one a full-term newborn female that failed to breathe after birth; the other two, a male and a female, were full-term infants who died of a respiratory disorder within a week after birth. The remainder were adults: a 35-year-old male who died following a heart attack, a 73-year-old male who died of pneumonitis, and a 76-year-old female who died of infectious hepatitis. The vertebral column of each individual was excised within 3 to 6 hours after death. Shortly after death each cadaver was cooled to 40°F until the vertebral column was excised.
From a posterior approach the first cervical vertebra was disarticulated from the skull, and the fifth lumbar vertebra was disarticulated from the sacrum. Each spinal nerve was transected at a point 8 cm after it emerged from its intervertebral foramen. The ribs were also transected, leaving 5 cm of their proximal ends attached to the vertebral column. All of the deep musculature of the vertebral column was left intact except the bulk of the psoas major muscles and the caudal part of the erector spinae muscles. None of the ligaments and joint capsules of the vertebral column was disturbed. Therefore, the test of the displacement of individual vertebrae in. this experiment was actually a test of the passive action of the attached ligaments to limit any displacement. In a living individual there would have been the added resistance of the attached muscles contracting in a reflex manner to inhibit vertebral displacement, or subluxation.
As soon as the vertebral column was excised it was immersed in a physiological saline solution at body temperature to insure maximum flexibility of its joints during the testing that immediately followed. A careful inspection both before and after the testing revealed that each vertebral column was normal for the age of the individual from which it was excised.
A standard drill press was used for the tests. It had a rotating handle that allowed the forceful lowering of the chuck, to which was attached a Dillon force gauge certified to be accurate to within ±1% of full scale reading. It was a compression model with marked dial increments of 10 pounds up to a capacity of 1,000 pounds. The two pressure feet used were solid metal rods that could be screwed onto the bottom of the force gauge. The end of one of the rods that exerted pressure on the vertebral column was tapered and flat; the other was forked.
The drill press had a handle that allowed the pressure foot to be locked in position while exerting continuous compression on individual vertebrae of the column. Two metal vises were clamped to the platform of the drill press to support the vertebral column while it was subjected to a compressive force. The column was only lightly clamped by the two vises supporting it. This allowed five vertebral segments of the newborn column and three of the adult column, suspended between the vises, to move freely when force was applied. The pressure foot with a forked end was used to apply compression on both sides of each vertebra by fitting it over the transverse process; it was also used to apply compression to the back of each-vertebra by fitting the forked end over the spinous process. The pressure foot with the tapered flat end was used to apply compression to the front of each vertebra of a newborn column. However, a flat piece of metal the same width as each vertebral body of the adult column had to be interposed between the pressure foot and the body because almost as soon as force was applied the tapered end began to break the bone and pass into the body.
When the part of the vertebra to which the pressure foot was applied began to break or collapse, the force was stopped. After a couple of transverse or spinous processes broke early in the testing, I learned to determine by sight, sound, and feel just about the time it was going to happen again. Each vertebral body was quite compressible: it could be compressed to about two-thirds its anteroposterior width and still rebound to its original width when the pressure was released. If compressed beyond this point, it would remain in a collapsed condition.
A Dresser torque wrench was used to quantify the amount of torsional force applied when the vertebral column was twisted. The wrench face was marked in increments of 5 foot-pounds up to 140 pounds and certified to be accurate within ±1%. The adult column was held snugly in a vise with its anterior surface facing upward. The transverse processes were hooked under the jaws of the vise to prevent the column from turning when torsional force was applied to the portion of the column projecting beyond the vise. A chain clamp was firmly applied to each vertebra in turn, beginning with the first cervical and ending with the fifth lumbar. The chain clamp had a fitting into which the end of the torque wrench was inserted. A twisting force was applied both to the right and left. The maximum force applied was at the point when it was obvious that the tissues of the column were about to rupture. While the maximal torsional force was being exerted, the spinal nerves and their intervertebral foramina were observed. The entire newborn column was easily twisted manually both to the right and left and then held in the extreme position by clamping each end of the column in a vise while the spinal nerves and intervertebral foramina were observed.
An Ametek push-pull gauge was used to quantify the amount of force applied when the vertebral column was bent in all directions. The dial was marked in 2-pound increments up to 200 pounds and certified to be accurate to within ± 0.5% of full scale. The adult column was held in a vise in the same manner as it was for the application of a torsional force. The portion of the column projecting beyond the vise was attached to the push-pull gauge by a cord wrapped around it. Segments of the column were made to project beyond the vise and maximally flexed, extended, and laterally bent both left and right to the point that the tissues of the column were about to rupture. While the segment of the column was maximally bent in one direction, the spinal nerves and their intervertebral foramina were observed. As shown in the picture below, the newborn column was so flexible that it could easily be bent in a half-circle in flexion, extension, and left and right laterally [11]. It could be held in any position of maximal bending by placing it between the pressure foot and the platform of the drill press while the spinal nerves and their intervertebral foramina were observed.
A Mura volt-ohm-microampere meter was used when the first vertebral column, from the 35-year-old male adult, was tested. The meter was used to determine whether the border of the intervertebral foramen came into contact with the spinal nerve when compressive, bending, or twisting forces
were applied to the vertebral column. The wire from the positive pole of the meter was wrapped around the spinal nerve that was placed against one side of the intervertebral foramen; the wire from the negative pole of the meter was placed against the opposite side of the foramen. The meter was set at 1,000 ohms, and if the wires barely touched each other the recording needle would make a full swing across the face of the dial. The tests of the first vertebral column revealed that the relationship of a spinal nerve to the borders of its intervertebral foramen could very easily be determined with the naked eye at all times during the continuous application of force. Therefore it was not necessary to use the meter when testing the other columns.
All the spinal nerves emerging from their intervertebral foramina were exposed prior to the testing of each vertebral column. Gentle teasing with a pair of small forceps easily removed the flimsy areolar tissue surrounding the nerves to expose the borders of their relatively spacious intervertebral foramina (Figures 2 and 6). At any time during the testing when a constant force of compression, twisting, or bending was being applied to the column, the very soft and extremely flexible spinal nerves could easily be moved about. The cut ends of the nerves were grasped with forceps and held in all positions to determine by direct observation any encroachment or impingement smaller foramina might have on the nerves.
Findings
The range of maximum compressive force, or breaking point, that could be applied to the individual vertebrae of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the newborn and adult columns before they became irreversibly collapsed is shown in the table below.
Range of Maximum Compressive Force before
Breaking Point of Individual Vertebrae
SITE OF FORCE
POUNDS OF COMPRESSIVE FORCE
NEWBORN
ADULT
Vertebral bodies
Cervical
30-50
100-115
Thoracic
30-50
130-300
Lumbar
30-50
210-295
Transverse processes
Cervical
20-25
Thoracic
20-25
Lumbar
20-25
Spinous processes
Cervical
15-20
100-115
Thoracic
15-20
95-110
Lumbar
15-20
100-150
While a continuous maximum force was applied to a vertebra by locking the drill press handle in position, the adjacent spinal nerves and their intervertebral foramina were examined and measured. There was a slight lateral displacement of an individual vertebra when maximum pressure was applied to one of its transverse processes, along with a slight increase in the size of the adjacent intervertebral foramen in relationship to its nerve.
There was slight displacement of an individual vertebra that resulted in a reduction in the size of the adjacent foramina when the highly unphysiologic maximum pressure was applied to its body or spinous process. However, the nerves passing through these foramina could be freely moved about while the force was being continuously applied, because in the adult columns the foramina were quite spacious in relation to their spinal nerves. There was never less than 1.5 mm of space completely surrounding the cervical nerves, 3 mm of space surrounding the thoracic nerves, and 4 mm surrounding the lumbar nerves. In the newborn columns there was also a relatively large amount of space surrounding the spinal nerves during the application of a maximum compressive force. There was never less than 1 mm of space surrounding the cervical nerves and 2 mm clearance surrounding the thoracic and lumbar nerves. Upon release of the compressive force the vertebrae of both the adult and newborn columns immediately returned to their original position, and the adjacent foramina immediately returned to their original size.
The greatest amount of twisting motion of the entire adult vertebral column occurred in the upper cervical region at a maximum torsional force of 35 to 45 pounds. The next greatest amount was in the upper lumbar region, and the least in the thoracic region. When the maximal torsional force of about 10 pounds was applied to the newborn columns, the degree of twisting motion was the same throughout their length and was comparatively much greater than that of the adult column, especially in the thoracic region.
Any reduction in the size of the intervertebral foramina during the application of torsional force to both the adult and newborn columns was insignificant in relation to the spinal nerves passing through the foramina. There was always a relatively large amount of space surrounding the nerves in the foramina, As the torsional force was gradually applied, careful observation revealed that the amount of sliding motion of the nerves was insignificant in relation to the foramina. My observations indicated that the nerves did not become unduly stretched when the column was maximally twisted.
The greatest amount of flexion of the adult columns occurred in the lower cervical and the mid-lumbar regions when a maximal bending force of 50 to 60 pounds was applied. There was only moderate flexion in the thoracic region of the column from the 35-year-old male and even less in the thoracic region of the columns from the two older individuals. The greatest extension of the adult columns was seen in the cervical region, with the next greatest in the lumbar region when a maximum bending force of 50 pounds was applied. A moderate extension occurred in the thoracic region of the column from the 35-year-old male, whereas that in the thoracic region of the columns from the two older individuals was hardly detectable. The greatest lateral bending was in the cervical region of the adult columns, with the next greatest in the lumbar region when a maximum force of 50 to 60 pounds was applied. There was only a moderate amount in the thoracic region.
Any reduction in the size of the intervertebral foramina during the application of a bending force to produce flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the adult columns was insignificant in relation to the spinal nerves passing through the foramina. This was true also on the concave side of the lateral bend, where the greatest reduction in foramen size occurred. Under all conditions a relatively large amount of space surrounded the nerves in the foramina. The nerves were observed as the column was bent, and the sliding motion was seen to be insignificant relative to the possibility that the nerves might be unduly stretched when the column was maximally bent.
When 30 to 40 pounds of pressure was applied by the drill press foot to the cervical end of the newborn columns, they became maximally curved in flexion, extension, and lateral bending to form a half-circle. No reduction in the size of the intervertebral foramina in maximum flexion and extension was significant, because there was always a relatively large space surrounding the nerves in the foramina.
The cervical end is at the top. A black piece of paper was placed behind the 5th to 9th left thoracic spinal nerves where they emerge from their intervertebral foramina to make them more visible.
On the convex side of the laterally bent newborn column there was a significant increase in the size of the foramina, whereas on the concave side there was a significant decrease, to the point that the borders of the foramina made contact with nerves passing through them. However, the nerves were not markedly impinged upon and could be made to slide back and forth within the foramina when they were grasped with forceps. The extreme degree of lateral bending needed to cause encroachment of the foramina on the nerves could not occur in an intact infant because the internal organs and the body wall with its ribs would not permit it.
This experimental study demonstrates conclusively that the subluxation of a vertebra as defined by chiropractic-the exertion of pressure on a spinal nerve which by interfering with the planned expression of Innate Intelligence produces pathology-does not occur. This is what should be expected when one recognizes that the vertebral column has been evolving for over 400 million years to support the body and protect the central nervous system. By a process of natural selection the vertebral column of mammals has evolved into one in which the articulations allow an overall range of motion so that individuals may function well for survival within their environment. At the same time the selective process has favored vertebral columns that have spacious intervertebral foramina in combination with the barest minimum of displacement between adjacent vertebrae-two factors that preclude impingement upon the spinal nerves as they pass through the foramina.
References
1. The Random House Dictionary of the English Language. 1966. New York: Random House.
2. Data Sheet on Chiropractic. 1970. Chicago: Department of Investigation, American Medical Association.
3. International Chiropractors Review. International Chiropractors Association. March 1964, p. 2.
4. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association. Nov 1963, p. 13.
5. Homewood AE. 1962. The Neurodynamics of the Vertebral Subluxation. Published by the author.
6. Harper WD. 1964. Anything Can Cause Anything. San Antonio, Texas: published by the author.
7. Smith RL. At Your Own Risk: The Case against Chiropractic. New York: Pocket Books, 1969.
8. Palmer DD. The Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic. Reprint of 1910 edition. Portland, Oregon: Portland Printing House, 1966.
9. Cohen WJ. Independent Practitioners under Medicare: A Report to Congress. Washington, DC: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1968.
10. Chiropractic Survey and Statistical Study. 1963. A report to the Board of Directors, National Chiropractic Association. (Mimeographed) Des Moines: Bratten and Associates, 1963, pp 32-35.
11. Crelin ES 1973. Functional Anatomy of the Newborn. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1973.
12. Crelin ES. Anatomy of the Newborn: An Atlas. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1969.
_____________________
This article was published with additional illustrations in the September/October 1973 issue of American Scientist, the journal of the Society of Sigma Xi. At that time, Dr. Crelin was Professor of Anatomy and Chairman of the Human Growth and Development Study Unit at the Yale University School of Medicine. He had published over 100 papers on the development, structure, and physiology of bones and joints and was the author of the first atlas of the anatomy of the human newborn ever published.
This is pretty old but it may still be relevant, Edzard Ernst and Simon Singh claimed it is true in their book published last year entitled "Trick or Treatment"
Cheers
A lot of the stuff chiropractor claim is not supported by evidence, even the methodology by which it works failed.
This is not an attack on Chiropractors, I don't do that but in the interest of better science and transparency all research should be put on the table so have a read of this one.
Chirobase Home Page
A Scientific Test of Chiropractic's Subluxation Theory
The first experimental study of the basis of the
theory demonstrates that it is erroneous.
Edmund S. Crelin, Ph.D.
Chiropractic is defined in the dictionary as "a therapeutic system based upon the premise that disease is caused by the interference with nerve function, the method being to restore normal condition by adjusting the segments of the spinal column." [1] The International Chiropractors Association defines chiropractic as follows:
The philosophy of chiropractic is based upon the premise that disease or abnormal function is caused by interference with nerve transmission and expression, due to pressure, strain or tension upon the spinal cord or spinal nerves, as a result of body segments of the vertebral column deviating from their normal juxtaposition. The practice of chiropractic consists of analysis of an interference with normal nerve transmission and expression, and the correction thereof by an adjustment with the hands of the abnormal deviations of the bony articulations of the vertebral column for the restoration and maintenance of health, without the use of drugs or surgery. The term "analysis" is construed to include the use of X-ray and other analytical instruments generally used in the practice of chiropractic [2,3,7].
The definition given by the American Chiropractic Association is:
Chiropractic practice is the specific adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the body, particularly of the spinal column, for the correction of nerve interference and includes the use of recognized diagnostic methods, as indicated. Patient care is conducted with due regard for environmental, nutritional, and psychotherapeutic factors, as well as first aid, hygiene, sanitation, rehabilitation and related procedures designed to restore or maintain normal nerve function [2,4,7].
According to chiropractic, the deviation of the body segments of the vertebral column from their normal juxtaposition that interferes with nerve transmission and expression is called subluxation. Two chiropractic descriptions of subluxation are:
* "The vertebrae are . . . within their normal range of motion, although not functioning at their optimum." [5]
* "A vertebral subluxation may be interpreted as 'off-centering of a vertebral segment.' [A subluxation] is a fixation of the joint within its normal range of movement, usually at the extremity of this range." [6]
In other words, subluxed vertebrae (spinal bones) are characterized by fixation and misalignment within the normal range of motion.
Daniel David Palmer, a tradesman who posed as a magnetic healer, "discovered" chiropractic in 1895. Magnetic healing was a popular form of quackery in the nineteenth century in which the healers believed that their personal magnetism was so great that it gave them the power to cure disease [7]. Palmer said:
I am the originator, the Fountain Head of the essential principle that disease is the result of too much or not enough functionating [sic]. I created the art of adjusting vertebrae, using the spinous and transverse processes as levers, and named the mental act of accumulating knowledge, the cumulative function, corresponding to the physical vegetative function -- growth of intellectual and physical-together, with the science, art and philosophy -- Chiropractic. . . . It was I who combined the science and art and developed the principles thereof. I have answered the question -- what is life? [8]
The chiropractic philosophy originated by Palmer is the frame of reference of modern-day chiropractic thinking as exemplified in the most widely used chiropractic textbook [5] at the present time. Palmer put forth the concepts of Universal Intelligence, Innate Intelligence, and Educated Intelligence. Universal Intelligence is God. Innate Intelligence is the "Soul, Spirit or Spark of Life" or "Nature, intuition, instinct, spiritual and subconscious mind." It is the "something" within the body which controls the healing process, growth, and repair and "is beyond the finite knowledge." While Innate Intelligence utilizes the autonomic nervous system, the Educated Intelligence, or "conscious," utilizes "the cerebrospinal division for the volitional expression of its function."
Nature, or Innate Intelligence, has a great capacity to maintain or restore health if it is allowed normal expression within the body. However, mental, chemical, or mechanical stress can produce a greater or lesser displacement of the vertebrae, or vertebral disrelationship, and this displacement interferes with the planned expression of Innate Intelligence through the nerves. This interference then produces pathology. The chiropractor, by correcting the displacement, allows the Innate Intelligence to effect the cure [5,9]. The pathology that chiropractors treat by manual manipulation of the spine totals over ninety diseases, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, respiratory, vascular, and emotional disorders; diabetes; deafness; eye disorders; cancer; arthritis; and infectious diseases such as polio, mumps, hepatitis, diphtheria, and the common cold [7,10].
No one, and this includes chiropractors, has ever experimentally determined how much vertebral displacement is necessary before a spinal nerve is impinged or encroached upon at the intervertebral foramen to produce pathology by interfering with the planned expression of Innate Intelligence. This study was performed to answer that question.
Of the 43 pairs of nerves that pass from the brain and spinal cord to the various parts of the body, only 24 pairs could ever be impinged or encroached upon by the displacement of one vertebra against another as the nerves pass out of the intervertebral foramina. There is a superior and an inferior articular process posterolaterally on each side of a vertebra. Anterior to each articular process there is a notch; therefore, when the processes articulate with those of adjacent vertebrae above and below to form the vertebral column, a series of holes is formed -- the intervertebral foramina. [Note: "Foramen" is the medical term for an opening through a bony structure or membrane. The plural is foramina. The intervertebral foramina are the openings between the spinal bones through which the spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord to connect to other parts of the body.]
Part of the anterior margin of an intervertebral foramen is formed by the intervertebral disc that joins the two bodies of adjacent vertebrae together. In addition to the way the bony parts articulate with one another, numerous ligaments and muscles, both long and short, serve to bind adjacent vertebrae together to restrict their movement. Although the displacement between adjacent vertebrae is small, the range of total motion of the entire vertebral column is considerable.
Throughout life the intervertebral foramina are quite large in relationship to the spinal nerves that pass through them [11]. The cross-sectional figures below illustrate the fact that there is ample room. Figure A compares the size of the 6th cervical spinal nerve to the opening between the 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae. Figure B compares the 9th thoracic nerve to the opening between the 9th and 10th thoracic vertebrae. Figure C compares the 3rd lumbar spinal nerve to the opening between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae. A tiny artery and an intervertebral vein usually accompanying each spinal nerve through the foramen. The remainder of the space of each foramen contains very flimsy, loose areolar tissue.
Materials and Methods
The vertebral columns of six individuals were studied. Three were infants, one a full-term newborn female that failed to breathe after birth; the other two, a male and a female, were full-term infants who died of a respiratory disorder within a week after birth. The remainder were adults: a 35-year-old male who died following a heart attack, a 73-year-old male who died of pneumonitis, and a 76-year-old female who died of infectious hepatitis. The vertebral column of each individual was excised within 3 to 6 hours after death. Shortly after death each cadaver was cooled to 40°F until the vertebral column was excised.
From a posterior approach the first cervical vertebra was disarticulated from the skull, and the fifth lumbar vertebra was disarticulated from the sacrum. Each spinal nerve was transected at a point 8 cm after it emerged from its intervertebral foramen. The ribs were also transected, leaving 5 cm of their proximal ends attached to the vertebral column. All of the deep musculature of the vertebral column was left intact except the bulk of the psoas major muscles and the caudal part of the erector spinae muscles. None of the ligaments and joint capsules of the vertebral column was disturbed. Therefore, the test of the displacement of individual vertebrae in. this experiment was actually a test of the passive action of the attached ligaments to limit any displacement. In a living individual there would have been the added resistance of the attached muscles contracting in a reflex manner to inhibit vertebral displacement, or subluxation.
As soon as the vertebral column was excised it was immersed in a physiological saline solution at body temperature to insure maximum flexibility of its joints during the testing that immediately followed. A careful inspection both before and after the testing revealed that each vertebral column was normal for the age of the individual from which it was excised.
A standard drill press was used for the tests. It had a rotating handle that allowed the forceful lowering of the chuck, to which was attached a Dillon force gauge certified to be accurate to within ±1% of full scale reading. It was a compression model with marked dial increments of 10 pounds up to a capacity of 1,000 pounds. The two pressure feet used were solid metal rods that could be screwed onto the bottom of the force gauge. The end of one of the rods that exerted pressure on the vertebral column was tapered and flat; the other was forked.
The drill press had a handle that allowed the pressure foot to be locked in position while exerting continuous compression on individual vertebrae of the column. Two metal vises were clamped to the platform of the drill press to support the vertebral column while it was subjected to a compressive force. The column was only lightly clamped by the two vises supporting it. This allowed five vertebral segments of the newborn column and three of the adult column, suspended between the vises, to move freely when force was applied. The pressure foot with a forked end was used to apply compression on both sides of each vertebra by fitting it over the transverse process; it was also used to apply compression to the back of each-vertebra by fitting the forked end over the spinous process. The pressure foot with the tapered flat end was used to apply compression to the front of each vertebra of a newborn column. However, a flat piece of metal the same width as each vertebral body of the adult column had to be interposed between the pressure foot and the body because almost as soon as force was applied the tapered end began to break the bone and pass into the body.
When the part of the vertebra to which the pressure foot was applied began to break or collapse, the force was stopped. After a couple of transverse or spinous processes broke early in the testing, I learned to determine by sight, sound, and feel just about the time it was going to happen again. Each vertebral body was quite compressible: it could be compressed to about two-thirds its anteroposterior width and still rebound to its original width when the pressure was released. If compressed beyond this point, it would remain in a collapsed condition.
A Dresser torque wrench was used to quantify the amount of torsional force applied when the vertebral column was twisted. The wrench face was marked in increments of 5 foot-pounds up to 140 pounds and certified to be accurate within ±1%. The adult column was held snugly in a vise with its anterior surface facing upward. The transverse processes were hooked under the jaws of the vise to prevent the column from turning when torsional force was applied to the portion of the column projecting beyond the vise. A chain clamp was firmly applied to each vertebra in turn, beginning with the first cervical and ending with the fifth lumbar. The chain clamp had a fitting into which the end of the torque wrench was inserted. A twisting force was applied both to the right and left. The maximum force applied was at the point when it was obvious that the tissues of the column were about to rupture. While the maximal torsional force was being exerted, the spinal nerves and their intervertebral foramina were observed. The entire newborn column was easily twisted manually both to the right and left and then held in the extreme position by clamping each end of the column in a vise while the spinal nerves and intervertebral foramina were observed.
An Ametek push-pull gauge was used to quantify the amount of force applied when the vertebral column was bent in all directions. The dial was marked in 2-pound increments up to 200 pounds and certified to be accurate to within ± 0.5% of full scale. The adult column was held in a vise in the same manner as it was for the application of a torsional force. The portion of the column projecting beyond the vise was attached to the push-pull gauge by a cord wrapped around it. Segments of the column were made to project beyond the vise and maximally flexed, extended, and laterally bent both left and right to the point that the tissues of the column were about to rupture. While the segment of the column was maximally bent in one direction, the spinal nerves and their intervertebral foramina were observed. As shown in the picture below, the newborn column was so flexible that it could easily be bent in a half-circle in flexion, extension, and left and right laterally [11]. It could be held in any position of maximal bending by placing it between the pressure foot and the platform of the drill press while the spinal nerves and their intervertebral foramina were observed.
A Mura volt-ohm-microampere meter was used when the first vertebral column, from the 35-year-old male adult, was tested. The meter was used to determine whether the border of the intervertebral foramen came into contact with the spinal nerve when compressive, bending, or twisting forces
were applied to the vertebral column. The wire from the positive pole of the meter was wrapped around the spinal nerve that was placed against one side of the intervertebral foramen; the wire from the negative pole of the meter was placed against the opposite side of the foramen. The meter was set at 1,000 ohms, and if the wires barely touched each other the recording needle would make a full swing across the face of the dial. The tests of the first vertebral column revealed that the relationship of a spinal nerve to the borders of its intervertebral foramen could very easily be determined with the naked eye at all times during the continuous application of force. Therefore it was not necessary to use the meter when testing the other columns.
All the spinal nerves emerging from their intervertebral foramina were exposed prior to the testing of each vertebral column. Gentle teasing with a pair of small forceps easily removed the flimsy areolar tissue surrounding the nerves to expose the borders of their relatively spacious intervertebral foramina (Figures 2 and 6). At any time during the testing when a constant force of compression, twisting, or bending was being applied to the column, the very soft and extremely flexible spinal nerves could easily be moved about. The cut ends of the nerves were grasped with forceps and held in all positions to determine by direct observation any encroachment or impingement smaller foramina might have on the nerves.
Findings
The range of maximum compressive force, or breaking point, that could be applied to the individual vertebrae of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the newborn and adult columns before they became irreversibly collapsed is shown in the table below.
Range of Maximum Compressive Force before
Breaking Point of Individual Vertebrae
SITE OF FORCE
POUNDS OF COMPRESSIVE FORCE
NEWBORN
ADULT
Vertebral bodies
Cervical
30-50
100-115
Thoracic
30-50
130-300
Lumbar
30-50
210-295
Transverse processes
Cervical
20-25
Thoracic
20-25
Lumbar
20-25
Spinous processes
Cervical
15-20
100-115
Thoracic
15-20
95-110
Lumbar
15-20
100-150
While a continuous maximum force was applied to a vertebra by locking the drill press handle in position, the adjacent spinal nerves and their intervertebral foramina were examined and measured. There was a slight lateral displacement of an individual vertebra when maximum pressure was applied to one of its transverse processes, along with a slight increase in the size of the adjacent intervertebral foramen in relationship to its nerve.
There was slight displacement of an individual vertebra that resulted in a reduction in the size of the adjacent foramina when the highly unphysiologic maximum pressure was applied to its body or spinous process. However, the nerves passing through these foramina could be freely moved about while the force was being continuously applied, because in the adult columns the foramina were quite spacious in relation to their spinal nerves. There was never less than 1.5 mm of space completely surrounding the cervical nerves, 3 mm of space surrounding the thoracic nerves, and 4 mm surrounding the lumbar nerves. In the newborn columns there was also a relatively large amount of space surrounding the spinal nerves during the application of a maximum compressive force. There was never less than 1 mm of space surrounding the cervical nerves and 2 mm clearance surrounding the thoracic and lumbar nerves. Upon release of the compressive force the vertebrae of both the adult and newborn columns immediately returned to their original position, and the adjacent foramina immediately returned to their original size.
The greatest amount of twisting motion of the entire adult vertebral column occurred in the upper cervical region at a maximum torsional force of 35 to 45 pounds. The next greatest amount was in the upper lumbar region, and the least in the thoracic region. When the maximal torsional force of about 10 pounds was applied to the newborn columns, the degree of twisting motion was the same throughout their length and was comparatively much greater than that of the adult column, especially in the thoracic region.
Any reduction in the size of the intervertebral foramina during the application of torsional force to both the adult and newborn columns was insignificant in relation to the spinal nerves passing through the foramina. There was always a relatively large amount of space surrounding the nerves in the foramina, As the torsional force was gradually applied, careful observation revealed that the amount of sliding motion of the nerves was insignificant in relation to the foramina. My observations indicated that the nerves did not become unduly stretched when the column was maximally twisted.
The greatest amount of flexion of the adult columns occurred in the lower cervical and the mid-lumbar regions when a maximal bending force of 50 to 60 pounds was applied. There was only moderate flexion in the thoracic region of the column from the 35-year-old male and even less in the thoracic region of the columns from the two older individuals. The greatest extension of the adult columns was seen in the cervical region, with the next greatest in the lumbar region when a maximum bending force of 50 pounds was applied. A moderate extension occurred in the thoracic region of the column from the 35-year-old male, whereas that in the thoracic region of the columns from the two older individuals was hardly detectable. The greatest lateral bending was in the cervical region of the adult columns, with the next greatest in the lumbar region when a maximum force of 50 to 60 pounds was applied. There was only a moderate amount in the thoracic region.
Any reduction in the size of the intervertebral foramina during the application of a bending force to produce flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the adult columns was insignificant in relation to the spinal nerves passing through the foramina. This was true also on the concave side of the lateral bend, where the greatest reduction in foramen size occurred. Under all conditions a relatively large amount of space surrounded the nerves in the foramina. The nerves were observed as the column was bent, and the sliding motion was seen to be insignificant relative to the possibility that the nerves might be unduly stretched when the column was maximally bent.
When 30 to 40 pounds of pressure was applied by the drill press foot to the cervical end of the newborn columns, they became maximally curved in flexion, extension, and lateral bending to form a half-circle. No reduction in the size of the intervertebral foramina in maximum flexion and extension was significant, because there was always a relatively large space surrounding the nerves in the foramina.
The cervical end is at the top. A black piece of paper was placed behind the 5th to 9th left thoracic spinal nerves where they emerge from their intervertebral foramina to make them more visible.
On the convex side of the laterally bent newborn column there was a significant increase in the size of the foramina, whereas on the concave side there was a significant decrease, to the point that the borders of the foramina made contact with nerves passing through them. However, the nerves were not markedly impinged upon and could be made to slide back and forth within the foramina when they were grasped with forceps. The extreme degree of lateral bending needed to cause encroachment of the foramina on the nerves could not occur in an intact infant because the internal organs and the body wall with its ribs would not permit it.
This experimental study demonstrates conclusively that the subluxation of a vertebra as defined by chiropractic-the exertion of pressure on a spinal nerve which by interfering with the planned expression of Innate Intelligence produces pathology-does not occur. This is what should be expected when one recognizes that the vertebral column has been evolving for over 400 million years to support the body and protect the central nervous system. By a process of natural selection the vertebral column of mammals has evolved into one in which the articulations allow an overall range of motion so that individuals may function well for survival within their environment. At the same time the selective process has favored vertebral columns that have spacious intervertebral foramina in combination with the barest minimum of displacement between adjacent vertebrae-two factors that preclude impingement upon the spinal nerves as they pass through the foramina.
References
1. The Random House Dictionary of the English Language. 1966. New York: Random House.
2. Data Sheet on Chiropractic. 1970. Chicago: Department of Investigation, American Medical Association.
3. International Chiropractors Review. International Chiropractors Association. March 1964, p. 2.
4. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association. Nov 1963, p. 13.
5. Homewood AE. 1962. The Neurodynamics of the Vertebral Subluxation. Published by the author.
6. Harper WD. 1964. Anything Can Cause Anything. San Antonio, Texas: published by the author.
7. Smith RL. At Your Own Risk: The Case against Chiropractic. New York: Pocket Books, 1969.
8. Palmer DD. The Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic. Reprint of 1910 edition. Portland, Oregon: Portland Printing House, 1966.
9. Cohen WJ. Independent Practitioners under Medicare: A Report to Congress. Washington, DC: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1968.
10. Chiropractic Survey and Statistical Study. 1963. A report to the Board of Directors, National Chiropractic Association. (Mimeographed) Des Moines: Bratten and Associates, 1963, pp 32-35.
11. Crelin ES 1973. Functional Anatomy of the Newborn. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1973.
12. Crelin ES. Anatomy of the Newborn: An Atlas. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1969.
_____________________
This article was published with additional illustrations in the September/October 1973 issue of American Scientist, the journal of the Society of Sigma Xi. At that time, Dr. Crelin was Professor of Anatomy and Chairman of the Human Growth and Development Study Unit at the Yale University School of Medicine. He had published over 100 papers on the development, structure, and physiology of bones and joints and was the author of the first atlas of the anatomy of the human newborn ever published.
This is pretty old but it may still be relevant, Edzard Ernst and Simon Singh claimed it is true in their book published last year entitled "Trick or Treatment"
Cheers
The Yoga Pranayam (breathing exercises) will help you relax and also help with the weight reduction, only if you are over-weight. Build up your timing gradually. If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after 1 minute.
One week after you have built up your timing to maximum you can start watching the weight go down.Drink plenty of warm water. Bhastrika - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose. Duration upto 5 minutes.
One week after you have built up your timing to maximum you can start watching the weight go down.Drink plenty of warm water. Bhastrika - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose. Duration upto 5 minutes.
Eat 5 smaller meals per day to raise your metabolism
drink 8 cups of water.
no carbs or breads after 4 pm
eat more vegetables especially dark green ones and more fruits.
cut out red meats, NO fried foods whatsoever.
eat more fish, especially cold-water fish salmon and tuna.
eat more soups...or drink it...cold season is coming up and soup slim you down.
eat more chili peppers, (a natural fat burning food)
drink 8 cups of water.
no carbs or breads after 4 pm
eat more vegetables especially dark green ones and more fruits.
cut out red meats, NO fried foods whatsoever.
eat more fish, especially cold-water fish salmon and tuna.
eat more soups...or drink it...cold season is coming up and soup slim you down.
eat more chili peppers, (a natural fat burning food)
A fresh juice in the mornings could be a good start. And if you want to make juicing a part of your lifestyle, so much the better. There are lots of benefits we can get from fresh fruits and vegetables.
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It's very simple to weight loss and first step to Increase your activity levels
Get out and about at the weekend. Leave your car on the drive and walk to the shops. Try to incorporate longer walks into outings to the park, coast or countryside and take a picnic so you are in control of what you are going to eat that day.
Every extra step you take helps. Always use the stairs instead of the lift, or get off the bus a stop before the usual one and walk the rest of the way.
Use commercial breaks between TV-programmes to stand up and do exercise, or consider using an exercise bicycle in the living room while watching your favourite programme.
It's very simple to weight loss and first step to Increase your activity levels
Get out and about at the weekend. Leave your car on the drive and walk to the shops. Try to incorporate longer walks into outings to the park, coast or countryside and take a picnic so you are in control of what you are going to eat that day.
Every extra step you take helps. Always use the stairs instead of the lift, or get off the bus a stop before the usual one and walk the rest of the way.
Use commercial breaks between TV-programmes to stand up and do exercise, or consider using an exercise bicycle in the living room while watching your favourite programme.
Really nice program
swiming is a good habit
it reduce the weight but if
we stop swiming.again their is
gain in weight what to do now
health information resource
swiming is a good habit
it reduce the weight but if
we stop swiming.again their is
gain in weight what to do now
health information resource
Avoid soda as much as possible, even diet sodas –most artificial sweeteners have potential health risks. One glass of wine or beer every day is fine for most people and may actually have health benefits. Beyond this, however, alcohol can be fattening and of course can contribute to other health problems.
Caloric intake is dependent on weight and gender. Most likely you need to decrease your intake of calories and continue to eat healthy food. It is about what you eat but the key to losing weight quickly is getting your calories to the right level.
you an easily gain your weight but it's really very difficult to loss the weight, it's a very big challenge but if we are control on our digest system so we can also loss out weight,you can curb your hunger by increasing your intake of dietary fiber, which is filling, so you feel full but eat less. for these diet tips, experts recommend eating more fruits, vegetables and wholegrain cereals.
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