The Webster protocol is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated. Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, reported that when a mother sought care and her baby was in a breech position, the restoration of pelvic neuro-biomechanics with this adjustment also frequently facilitated optimal fetal positioning.  There are cases published in the chiropractic literature that support his theory. More research is currently underway by the ICPA.

In this clinical and theoretical framework, it is proposed that sacral misalignment may cause the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments.  It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus which may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.

The obstetric literature has determined that correct positioning of the baby in-utero affects birth outcome and decreases the potential for undue stress to the baby’s developing spine and nerve system. Obstetric literature has also determined the importance of pelvic neuro-biomechanics for the prevention of dystocia (difficult birth). Chiropractic literature has determined the significance of sacral adjusting in normalizing pelvic neuro-biomenchanics.

It is therefore considered prudent that this specific sacral analysis and adjustment be used throughout pregnancy to detect and alleviate sacral imbalance and optimize pelvic neuro-biomechanics in the mother. Because of the particular female adaptations from the increase of hormones, weight gain and postural adaptations, pregnant mothers have a greater chance of sacral subluxation and neuro-biomechanical imbalance than the general population. Additionally, because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers may have significant benefit by having their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby.

Our Chiropractor, Dr. Michelle is a certified Webster Technique Practitioner.

Reprinted with permission from ICPA

]]> http://www.oasischiropractic.com.au/chiro-benefits/webster-technique/feed/ 0 http://www.oasischiropractic.com.au/news/straigten-up-australia/ http://www.oasischiropractic.com.au/news/straigten-up-australia/#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:28:45 +0000 Michelle http://www.oasischiropractic.com.au/?p=572 Oasis Chiropractic will be participating in Straighten Up Australia on 7 April 2001.

Extract taken from CAA Straigten Up Australia website

Some benefits of Chiropractic include:
- Increase mobility & flexibility
-Improve posture
-Reduce pain and stiffness
-Improve energy & vitality
-Increase sense of wellbeing
-Improve clarity of thought
-Less headaches, backache, neck ache, joint stiffness
-Improve immune function and ability to resist sickness

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Chiropractic is based upon the understanding that good health depends on a normally functioning nervous system.

Nothing in your body actually work.. Nothing actually functions.. without one way or another being influence by your nervous system.

Chiropractic works by helping to restore your own inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissue, and organs of your body are designed to function well and resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and help reduce interferences to your natural state of being healthy.

A common interference to the nervous system is the twenty four moving bones of the spinal column. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nervous system. This can disrupt the transmission of controlling nerve impulses.

Chiropractors aim to improve nervous system function primarily through chiropractic adjustments (with particular attention to the spine, skull and pelvis), to help remove any interference that may be impairing normal health.

Information taken from: CAA (Chiropractors’ Association of Australia)

The symptoms of scoliosis can vary dramatically. It is possible to have a scoliosis and not even be aware that it is there. You may experience mild pain or stiffness throughout the spine or suffer from headaches on a regular basis. In some cases, scoliosis can be so severe that it can prove fatal.

Spinal distortions left untreated can affect muscles resulting in shoulder tightness and muscle spasms throughout the back. The sensitive nervous system that is housed within the spine is often affected. Spinal nerves become irritated resulting in a multitude of conditions including asthma, headaches, low back pain, growing pains in children and lots more. A distorted spine, left untreated over many years can cause abnormal wear and tear on the spinal joints producing premature osteoarthritis throughout the spine.

Chiropractors are trained to detect and treat spinal abnormalities including scoliosis. Correction of spinal abnormalities can prevent distorted muscle development, pain and stiffness. Early detection and treatment of scoliosis can prevent it from developing or worsening.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a scoliosis, it is advisable to consult your Chiropractor for a more thorough spinal examination.

IS CHIROPRACTIC SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO WORK?

The Chiropractic profession has always relied on clinical research and experimentation. As we approach the 21st century, Chiropractic research is occurring around the world. Here are a sampling of some of the most noteworthy research studies conducted since 1980.

WASHINGTON STUDY

J.S Wright D.C, conducted a study and reported to the Journal of Chiropractic that 74.6% of patients with recurring headaches, including migraines, were either cured or experienced reduced headache symptoms after receiving Chiropractic adjustments. Daniel C. Cherkin, PhD and Frederick A. MacCormack, PhD. conducted a survey in 1989 that concluded that patients who were receiving care from health maintenance organisations in Washington State were 3 times as likely to report satisfaction with Chiropractic care as they were from other physicians. The patients also reported they believed that their Chiropractor was concerned about their welfare.

THE MANGA REPORT

The Manga report, form the University of Ottawa, Canada reviewed all the international evidence on the management and cost of low back pain care. Pran Manga, PhD. concluded that significant cost savings would occur if the management of low back pain were transferred from physicians to Chiropractors. He determined that Chiropractic is safer than medical management of low back pain. “Many medical therapies are of questionable validity or are dearly inadequate. Chiropractic care is greatly superior to medical treatment in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost effectiveness and patient satisfaction.” Dr. Manga concluded that “Chiropractic should be fully insured (and) fully integrated into the Ontario health care system”.

THE BRITISH MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

The British Medical Research Council documented a 10 year study which compared Chiropractic and hospital out-patient management of 72 patients with acute and chronic mechanical low back pain. The results showed that Chiropractic care was significantly more effective than medical treatment for patients with chronic and severe low back pain. Furthermore, these results were long-term and remained consistent throughout the 2 year follow-up period. Chiropractic was also shown to save the British more than 10 million pounds a year by having hospital out-patient with low back pain under Chiropractic care.

NEW ZEALAND STUDY

These findings reinforced the conclusions of the New Zealand Report (377 pages) which was one of the most thorough and positive studies of Chiropractic care on record. The 20 month project was conducted by a government commission.

It concluded that spinal adjusting is a vital, very safe and a clinically effective form of health care. Chiropractors have more thorough training in spinal mechanics and spinal care than any other health profession. Furthermore, Chiropractic is scientifically based and must be made an integral part of all hospital care. Finally, the report said that “modern Chiropractic is a soundly based and valuable branch of health care in a specialised area neglected by the medical profession”.

OREGAN STUDY

In 1991, Joanne Nyienda, PhD, conducted a worker’s compensation study in Oregon. She concluded that the median time loss in days for comparable injuries on any case was 9 days for patients who received Chiropractic care as compared to 11.5 days for those who received medical treatment.

SASKATCHUWAN HOSPITAL STUDY

In 1993, researchers at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatchewan concluded that “the care of lumbar intervertebral disk herniation by side posture adjustments is both safe and effective”. The researchers involved in the report, J David Cassidy, DC, Haymo Thieli, DC;MS, and W. Kirkaldy-Willis, MD are all on staff at the hospitals’ back pain clinic.

THE BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL

Reported in June 2, 1990 issue that T.W. Meade, MD studied patients over a 2 year period. Dr Meade found that “for patients with low back pain in whom spinal adjustments are not contraindicated, Chiropractic almost certainly confers worthwhile, long term benefit in comparison with hospital outpatient management.”

NEVADA WORKER’S COMPENSATION STUDY

The State Industrial Insurance Systems in Nevada, USA compared the average medical and Chiropractic care for patients who suffered industrial injuries from 1988-1990. The results showed that 24.4% were back injuries but they accounted for more than 50% of all medical costs. Over the 3 year period, the average medical cost per patient was $2414 which was 260% higher than the average Chiropractic cost per patient of $892. Loss of work time under Chiropractic care is less than one third that for medical care. Furthermore, injured workers are able to continue working while receiving Chiropractic care which may not be an option for medical care patients who are advised to have bed rest and medication. The Nevada Worker’s Compensation Study emphasised that Chiropractic eliminates the concern and expense of inappropriate hospitalisation, unnecessary surgery, improper use of medication including the high dose of narcotic painkillers.

One clear message from all these studies is that Chiropractic remains a cost effective and efficient method of healing that is, in many instances, equal or superior to medical care. The studies, which have often been conducted by state health or workers compensation agencies, have shown that Chiropractic if often less expensive, significantly reduced the time away from work and often eliminates the dangers of drugs and surgery.

Having your spine checked by a Chiropractor ensures that your pelvis is sitting correctly to allow maximum room for your baby to grow and move.

Some of the benefits of Chiropractic during your pregnancy include:

• More comfort and less back pain and sciatica during your pregnancy
• Reduced likelihood of morning sickness, headaches, nausea, insomnia
• Reduce the need for pain killers during your pregnancy
• Reduce delivery times
• Reduce the likelihood of intervention during birth such as forceps & suction

As your pregnancy progresses, the weight of your baby places a huge load on your spine especially your low back. Along with that, because of hormonal changes that occur the supporting muscles and ligaments around your spine are more relax, therefore decreases the support in your spine.

It is important that your spine maintain its correct alignment and along with correct biomechanics of your pelvis to allow your baby to apply even pressure with their head onto your cervix, enabling your body to dilate effectively.

Research shows that correct alignment of pelvis & spine contributes to a more straightforward labour with less pain and trauma for the mother and the child. (Study conducted by Dr I. Henderyson, MD)

Chiropractic care has also been shown to significantly reduce labour time for women who had care throughout their pregnancy: Average 24% reduction in labour time for first time mums and 39% reduction for experienced mothers. (Fallon J, DC)