Chiropractic research emphasizes the significance of maintaining the natural contours of the spinal column, which play a crucial role in supporting specific biomechanical functions. These spinal curves contribute to a harmonious balance between flexibility and strength, serving as lever-arm attachments for the spinal musculature and facilitating the transmission of forces throughout the body to reduce the risk of injury to focal areas.
The absence of the cervical curve has been identified as a notable factor in certain conditions, including mechanical neck pain and headaches. A clinical finding known as forward head posture has been linked to various health issues, such as spinal degeneration, headaches, TMJ Syndrome, compromised bowel function, and diminished vital capacity. This posture involves the anterior positioning of the skull in relation to the body’s center of gravity, placing increased stress on the posterior musculature of the entire spine, particularly in the cervical region.
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Typically, the spine should be straight when looking from the front to the back, but individuals with scoliosis develop a pronounced s-shaped curvature. This condition can emerge during growth spurts in childhood and can also occur following gross trauma or repetitive micro traumas. While some individuals with scoliosis may experience mild to severe discomfort, all cases lead to health issues. In a recent long-term follow-up study, researchers found a significant decrease in health-related quality of life and capacity to work in patients with scoliosis 40 years after diagnosis.
There are currently different methods of attempting to correct posture-related imbalances; however, our office has determined the most advanced way to achieve posture correction. The adjustments we deliver are but a part of a whole in a system designed to give you the best results possible. To achieve significant postural correction, it is necessary for you to incorporate homecare exercises on a daily basis.
Our homecare techniques integrate meticulously researched chiropractic methodologies, including the head and body weighting system designed by Dr. Burl Pettibon, founder of the Bio-Mechanics Institute. Dr. Pettibon’s notable contributions, reflected in published works and accolades, highlight the effectiveness of our approach. Specifically, our practice employs his weighting system to correct postural faults through neuromuscular re-education. Diverging from conventional techniques solely focused on muscle strengthening, our method utilizes involuntary neurological righting mechanisms to retrain weakened musculature. The ensuing advantages go beyond heightened muscle strength, encompassing improved neuromotor pathways and yielding outcomes that surpass those achievable through typical muscle-strengthening exercises alone.
At Cornerstone Health Center, our doctors employ a personalized approach to address your specific needs. They evaluate your posture-related imbalances, design a tailored in-clinic treatment plan, and prescribe individualized home exercises to complement your in-clinic care. Recognizing the uniqueness of each patient’s posture-related issues, the prescribed homecare varies accordingly.
Our homecare sessions follow a three-phase approach, developed by Dr. Dennis Woggon, the founder of the CLEAR Scoliosis Institute, known as Mix, Fix, Set. Dr. Woggon, an authority in chiropractic, spinal biomechanics, and scoliosis, introduced this approach, leveraging his extensive publications and books. In 2007, Dr. Dennis, alongside his son Josh, established the first scoliosis clinic at Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, recognizing the potential of Whole-Body Vibration in aiding individuals with scoliosis and inventing The Vibe Whole-Body Vibration platform.
The Mix, Fix, Set approach to homecare exercises is analogous to shaping metal. If one wanted to bend a metal rod it would be very difficult if using brute strength alone; however, if one would simply heat the metal first, then the metal could be reshaped easily before being cooled down to hold the new shape. The Mix phase incorporates exercises that warm up the spine, utilizing tools such as the wobble disc chair and over-the-door cervical traction unit. The Fix phase employs specific exercises to bring the spine into proper posture by lengthening certain muscles and shortening others. The Set phase utilizes wedges and rolls to allow the spine and ligaments to cool down in the proper shape.
The combining of several acclaimed scoliosis and postural corrective techniques was achieved by Dr. Tony Nalda. Dr. Nalda is also one of the first doctors to become a graduate of ISICO’s World Masters Certification. The ISICO is known at the national and international level for its considerable and always state-of-the-art expertise in the rehabilitation treatment of scoliosis. It is also known for considerable scientific research, making it an international point of reference for specialists in this field. Today, Dr. Nalda is CLEAR Institute’s Chairman of the Board, a MaxLiving board member and instructor, and a keynote speaker who teaches chiropractors across the world. He has written several books, including Scoliosis Hope: How New Approaches to Treatment are Transforming Lives. Our approach to spinal correction and the results we achieve for our patients are possible because of the pioneering work and visionary integration accomplished by Dr. Nalda.
Your unique exercises are tailored to your X-rays, adjusting as your spine and posture evolve during your care. To enhance the ease of managing and updating your exercise prescription, we use the WebExercises platform accessible via computer or smartphone. Upon logging in, you’ll find a list of exercises with instructional videos. This platform enables your doctors at Cornerstone Health Center to monitor your progress, emphasizing the importance of following their recommendations. Just as it is crucial to adhere to your adjustment schedule, completing your homecare as prescribed and at the recommended frequency is equally vital for optimal results.
Our dedication to delivering the best results possible is reflected in the fusion of cutting-edge methodologies, individualized treatment plans, and recognizing the importance of daily homecare exercises. By embracing this holistic approach, we aim to empower our patients to achieve and maintain significant postural correction. The role of homecare is integral in your journey to optimal health and well-being.