Conservative Treatment of a Patient With Syringomyelia Using Chiropractic Biophysics Protocols

This figure shows the pretreatment MRI. The syrinx is visualized at the C2/3-C3/4 levels by the increased signal intensity. The MRI was taken in the supine position with no head elevation.

A, The patient's pretreatment neutral lateral cervical radiograph. The ARA from C2-C7 is −10°, there is a midcervical reversal (C3-C6) of +7° and +38 mm of forward head carriage (TzH). B, The posttreatment radiograph shows dramatic correction. The ARA from C2-C7 is now −30°, the midcervical curve is lordotic, and the TzH has been reduced to +15 mm.

Mirror Image drop table adjustments. A, The patient is prone with the pelvis posterior to the feet, the thorax anterior to the pelvis, and the head posterior to the thorax. The thrust is delivered to the thoracolumbar region in this case but can be delivered to the upper dorsal region too. B, The patient is supine with the head posterior to the thorax, the thorax anterior to the pelvis, and the pelvis posterior to the feet. The hands are on the zygomatic bones and the thrust is delivered to direct the head posterior. C, The patient is lying left side down with the head translated to the left. Before the thrust, the physician loads the lower neck and skull further into left lateral translation. D, The patient is prone with the feet turned to the side of posterior pelvic rotation. The thrust is delivered into each acetabular region. Reprinted with permission from Harrison CBP Seminars, Inc, Evanston, Wyo.

Mirror Image exercise. A full spine sagittal plane exercise was performed in the standing position where the patient retracted and extended the head (due to loss of lordosis), anteriorly translated the thorax with a block, and posteriorly translated the pelvis compared with the feet. The patient was instructed to perform 100 to 200 repetitions daily holding the position for 5 to 10 seconds. Reprinted with permission from Harrison CBP Seminars, Inc.

Mirror Image traction. A, Two-way compression extension traction with a front to back weight ratio of 10:5 lb. The angle of front pull was 10° to 15° from the horizontal and directed at the midcervical spine. Initially, traction was applied for 3 minutes and progressed to 20 minutes per session as the patient tolerance allowed. Over consecutive visits, the weight was increased per patient tolerance to 25:18 lb for 20 minutes. B, The Meyers translation traction collar was used at home for 10 to 20 minutes per day in the sitting or upright posture. This collar allows for posterior head translation and slight head extension over a fulcrum at midneck. Reprinted with permission from Harrison CBP Seminars, Inc.