Every second Tuesday (morning) will be available for NEW PATIENTS booking in for a first, second, third or fourth visit.
Every other Tuesday (afternoon) will be available for "OVERFLOW" appointments.
Taking the Films We take X-rays in three planes to see how far the spinal bones have moved from their normal positions.Because the cumulative effects of several upper-neckmisalignments, each perphaps as small as 0.75 degrees(or, translated into linear measurements, each as small as 28 thousandths of an inch or 0.7mm)
The wire artefacts we place on the skin show up on the X-rays to tell us how far the spinal bones are from theear and other 'outside' structures,allowing us to map both the locations of the spinal bones and the line of access for the spinal adjustments (treatments).(or, translated into linear measurements, each as small as 28 thousandths of an inch or 0.7mm)
The wire artefacts we place on the skin show up on the X-rays to tell us how far the spinal bones are from theear and other 'outside' structures,allowing us to map both the locations of the spinal bones and the line of access for the spinal adjustments (treatments).
(or, translated into linear measurements, each as small as 28 thousandths of an inch or 0.7mm)
The wire artefacts we place on the skin show up on the X-rays to tell us how far the spinal bones are from theear and other 'outside' structures,allowing us to map both the locations of the spinal bones and the line of access for the spinal adjustments (treatments).
X-RAYS
(SPINAL RADIOGRAPHS)
Placement of X-ray
Positioning the patient for the X-rays We fuss about positioning patients for X-ray, and about ensuring they keep their eyes closed, because we wantthe films to show posture the patient has unconsciously adopted to compensate for the spinal malfunction.
Analysing the Film Before a patient receives a first adjustment (treatment), we spend an hour or more analysing the X-rays.This analysis becomes the main basis for selecting an appropriate adjustment.We have to identify and mark the fine shadows cast by the vertebrae.
Then we establish reference lines to find out where 'normal' is.
We then measure and record the vertebral misalignments (deviations from 'normal' positions) and calculatethe directions (vectors) and contact points for the required corrective forces.
Artefacts
The analysis is completed when the chiropractor has decided which of about 36 adjustment categories is most
strongly indicated by the initial set of films.
This selection becomes the first 'trial-adjustment'. Other 'trial-adjustments' may be tested later in the treatment.
The later ones, which aim to refine and improve the "treatment effect, may depend on the patient's ability to notice
small changes in symptoms.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE The patient is arranged on a padded mobile couch in a position most likely to make the muscles receptive to the adjustmentforce.
This force is very light-about 3 pounds or 14 Newtons.
The adjustment session involves a series of light percussive taps (10 or 12, perhaps,) against the side of the head.
The adjustment sessions are painless and well accepted even by very young and very elderly patients
Lateral X-ray, with wire artefacts
POST-ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
After the first 'trial-adjustment', we take two new X-rays and compare them with two of the three initial X-rays to find out what changes in vertebral position mayhave been achieved by this adjustment attempt. Getting the best adjustment, mayrequire several 'trial-adjustments' over a number of visits.
The other comparison X-ray in the series (sagittal plane natural lateral) is taken about 18 months later in the hope of finding evidence of improved posture. The chiropractors interpret this kind of improvement as resulting from the patient's new self-help activities over this time.
Several scientific articles have been published on the subject of measuring misalignment of spinal bones.
Wollongong University mathematicians, Aldis and Hill, in 1979, published Analysis of a Chiropractor's Data in the Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of NSW, volume 112.
The data was provided by our clinic.
Nasium X-ray, with wire artefacts
A reprint of the article appeared in the September issue, 1980, of the Journal of the Manipulative and
Physiological Therapeutics, volume 3, number 3, pages 177 to 183; and in the Journal of the AustralianChiropractors' Association, September, 1981, volume 12, number 1, pages 8 to 14.
This study is available on request, as are more recent studies.
A description of Cowin Chiropractic Clinic procedures can be found in our recent case report on Meniere's disease and chiropractic [Cowin R, Bryner P. Hearing Loss, otalgia and neck pain: A case report on long-term chiropractic care that helped to improve quality of life. Chiropr J Aust 2002; 32:119-30.]
