Archive for category Activator II

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate changes in brain and muscle glucose metabolism that are not yet known, using positron emission tomography with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG PET). Methods Twenty-one male volunteers were recruited for the present study. [18F]FDG PET scanning was performed twice on each subject: once after the spinal manipulation therapy […]

Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy: A [18F]FDG PET Study

January 12, 2017 Activator II, Cervical Spine, Neurophysiological,

Figure 3: Regional activation (left) and deactivation (right) after spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) using an activator adjusting instrument. Glucose metabolism is increased in regions including the anterior cingulate cortex and cerebellar vermis but is relatively reduced in many sites, including the prefrontal cortex, after SMT. The voxel height threshold is p<0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons; the extent threshold is 10 voxels minimum

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in brain and muscle glucose metabolism that are not yet known, using positron emission tomography with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG PET).

Methods

Twenty-one male volunteers were recruited for the present study. [18F]FDG PET scanning was performed twice on each subject: once after the spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) intervention (treatment condition) and once after resting (control condition). We performed the SMT intervention using an adjustment device. Glucose metabolism of the brain and skeletal muscles was measured and compared between the two conditions. In addition, we measured salivary amylase level as an index of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, as well as muscle tension and subjective pain intensity in each subject.

Results

Changes in brain activity after SMT included activation of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, cerebellar vermis, and somatosensory association cortex and deactivation of the prefrontal cortex and temporal sites. Glucose uptake in skeletal muscles showed a trend toward decreased metabolism after SMT, although the difference was not significant. Other measurements indicated relaxation of cervical muscle tension, decrease in salivary amylase level (suppression of sympathetic nerve activity), and pain relief after SMT.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study demonstrate how stimuli to the mechanoreceptors of the joints and skin during SMT are processed in the brain. Brain processing after SMT may lead to physiological relaxation via a decrease in sympathetic nerve activity.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2017 (2017)

Author information: Akie Inami, Takeshi Ogura, Shoichi Watanuki, Md. Mehedi Masud, Katsuhiko Shibuya, Masayasu Miyake, Rin Matsuda, Kotaro Hiraoka, Masatoshi Itoh, Arlan W. Fuhr, Kazuhiko Yanai, and Manabu Tashiro. Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.

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Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Retrospective Case Series

December 1, 2015 Activator II, Case Studies, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders,

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study is to describe chiropractic treatment of 14 patients who presented with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of 14 patients, including 13 adults and 1 child. The majority of these patients were undergoing chiropractic care for spine-related conditions when they presented with additional TMD signs and symptoms. They were evaluated and treated with Activator Methods International published protocols relative to the temporomandibular joint before the addition of treatment to the suprahyoid muscles.

Results

All pre- and postadjustment assessments were recorded using a numeric pain scale. The resulting average showed a reduction in the patients’ pain scores from the initial visit of 8.3 ± 1.6 to the last visit at 1.4 ± 1.1 with an 80.9% ± 15.4% improvement. The average number of visits was 13.6 ± 8.2.

Conclusion

All patients selected for this case series showed a reduction of temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms.

Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2015, Pages 279–284.

Author information: Steven Pavia, DC, Rebecca Fischer, DC, Richard Roy, DC, PhD; private practice of chiropractic.

 

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Resolution of Cervicalgia, Paraesthesia and Chronic Adhesive Capsulitis in a 67-Year-Old Male: A Case Study

October 8, 2015 Activator II, Case Studies, Cervical Spine, Extremity Adjusting, Geriatrics,

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the chiropractic care of a geriatric patient with complaints of cervicalgia, arm paraesthesia and adhesive capsulitis using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT).

CLINICAL FEATURES:

A 67-year-old male presented to the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Chiropractic Centre with severe cervicalgia, right arm paraesthesia of two years duration, and adhesive capsulitis of his left shoulder of 20 years duration. His cervicalgia was constant and rated 8/10 at its worst on the Numeric Pain Scale, and his left shoulder abduction was restricted to 90°.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME:

The patient’s vertebral subluxations were addressed using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique. After 4 visits spread over 4 weeks he regained the full range of motion in his left shoulder and the cervicalgia subsided to 1/10 with no right arm paraesthesia.

CONCLUSION:

The findings of this case suggest that chiropractic care using Activator Methods protocol for reduction of vertebral subluxations had a positive effect on cervicalgia and adhesive capsulitis in an elderly patient with a complex clinical history.

A Vertebral Subluxation Res. October 8, 2015, pp 163-166.

Author information: David (June-ki) Ham, BSC, Tae Bum Lim, Graham Dobson, DC.  New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Rd, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand.

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Resolution of Breech Presentation Using an Activator Adjusting Instrument to Administer Webster’s Technique in Three Women Undergoing Chiropractic Care

February 22, 2010 Activator II, Activator IV, Case Studies, Pediatrics,

Abstract

Objective:

To describe the results obtained in three women with breech presentations (In-Utero Constraint) who experienced a turning of the fetus using the Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI) in conjunction with the Webster’s Protocol.

Clinical Features:

Three women presented to the author’s office specifically for reduction of In Utero Constraint and were found to have subluxations consistent with the Webster analysis and protocol. Interventions and

Outcomes:

Webster’s Technique was administered with the sacral component completed using the Activator adjusting instrument. Each fetus successfully turned within 4 visits. Of the three, two went on to have normal vaginal deliveries while one developed other complications during delivery and required an emergency C-section.

Conclusion:

The Activator Adjusting Instrument was used successfully in these cases to reduce the posterior sacral subluxation component of the Webster In-Utero Constraint Technique.

Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2010 ~ Issue 1 ~ Pages 18-21

Author information: Drew Rubin, BS, DC, CCSP, DACCP. Private Practice of Chiropractic, Smyrna, GA. Adjunct Faculty, Life University, Marietta, GA.

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Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders Using the Activator Adjusting Instrument and Protocol

November 1, 2005 Activator II, Case Studies, Research, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders,

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the chiropractic management of a 30-year-old woman with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and to discuss the general etiology and management of TMJ conditions.

CLINICAL FEATURES:

The patient suffered from daily unremitting jaw pain for 7 years, which was the apparent sequela of a series of 8 root canals on the same tooth. Pain radiated from her TMJ into her shoulder and was accompanied by headache, tinnitus, decreased hearing, and a feeling of congestion in her right ear. Symptoms were not reduced by medication or other dental treatments.

OUTCOME AND INTERVENTION:

The patient underwent a series of chiropractic treatments using the instrument and protocol of Activator Methods, International. During the first 5 months, her VAS rating of jaw pain decreased from 60 (on a scale of 0 to 100) to 9, her ability to eat solid foods increased, headache intensity and frequency diminished, and her maximum mouth opening without pain measurement increased from 22 to 28 mm. Overall, 20 months of chiropractic treatment along with 2 concurrent months of massage therapy yielded slow but continual progress that finally resulted in total resolution of all symptoms except some fullness of the right cheek.

CONCLUSION:

Use of the Activator Methods protocol of chiropractic treatment was beneficial for this patient and merits further study in similar cases.

Altern Ther Health Med. 2005 Nov-Dec;11(6):70-3. [PMID:16320863]

Author information: DeVocht JW, Schaeffer W, Lawrence DJ. Palmer Center for Chiropiractic Research, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

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Spinal Manipulation Alters Electromyographic Activity of Paraspinal Muscles: A Descriptive Study

September 1, 2005 Activator II, Research, Spine,

Abstract

Objective:

To examine the effect of spinal manipulation  on electromyographic (EMG) activity in areas of localized tight muscle  bundles of the low back.

Methods:

Surface EMG activity was collected from 16  participants in 2 chiropractic offices during the 5 to 10 minutes of the  treatment protocol. Electrodes were placed over the 2 sites of greatest  paraspinal muscle tension as determined by manual palpation. Spinal  manipulation was administered to 8 participants using Activator  protocol; the other 8 were treated using Diversified protocol.

Results:

Electromyographic activity decreased by at least  25% after treatment in 24 of the 31 sites that were monitored. There  was less than 25% change at 3 sites and more than 25% increase at 4  sites. Multiple distinct increases and decreases were observed in many  data plots.

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that  manipulation induces a virtually immediate change, usually a reduction,  in resting EMG levels in at least some patients with low back pain and  tight paraspinal muscle bundles. In some cases, EMG activity increased  during the treatment protocol and then usually, but not always,  decreased to a level lower than the pretreatment level.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005 Sep;28(7):465-71. [PMID:16182019]

Author information: DeVocht JW, Pickar JG, Wilder DG. Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Davenport, Iowa 52803, USA.

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Neuromechanical Characterization of in Vivo Lumbar Spinal Manipulation. Part II. Neurophysiological Response

December 1, 2003 Activator II, Lumbar Spine, Neurophysiological, Research,

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To simultaneously quantify vertebral motions and neuromuscular and spinal nerve root responses to mechanical force, manually assisted, short-lever spinal manipulative thrusts.

METHODS:

Four patients underwent lumbar laminarthrectomy to decompress the central spinal canal and neuroforamina, as clinically indicated. Prior to decompression, finely threaded, 1.8-mm diameter intraosseous pins were rigidly fixed to the lumbar spinous process (L1 or L3) using fluoroscopic guidance, and a high-frequency, low-noise, 10-g, triaxial accelerometer was mounted to the pin. Following decompression, 4 needle electromyographic (nEMG) electrodes were inserted into the multifidus musculature adjacent to the pin mount bilaterally, and 2 bipolar platinum electrodes were cradled around the left and right S1 spinal nerve roots. With the spine exposed, spinal manipulative thrusts were delivered internally to the lumbosacral spinous processes and facet joints and externally by contacting the skin overlying the respective spinal landmarks using 2 force settings ( approximately 30 N, < 5 milliseconds (ms); approximately 150 N, < 5 ms) and 2 force vectors (posteroanterior and superior; posteroanterior and inferior).

RESULTS:

Spinal manipulative thrusts resulted in positive electromyographic (EMG) and compound action potential (CAP) responses that were typically characterized by a single voltage potential change lasting several milliseconds in duration. However, multiple EMG and CAP discharges were observed in numerous cases. The temporal relationship between the initiation of the mechanical thrust and the neurophysiologic response to internal and external spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) thrusts ranged from 2.4 to 18.1 ms and 2.4 to 28.6 ms for EMG and CAP responses, respectively. Neurophysiologic responses varied substantially between patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vertebral motions and resulting spinal nerve root and neuromuscular reflex responses appear to be temporally related to the applied force during SMT. These findings suggest that intersegmental motions produced by spinal manipulation may play a prominent role in eliciting physiologic responses.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2003 Nov-Dec;26(9):579-91. [PMID:14673407]

Author information: Colloca CJ, Keller TS, Gunzburg R. State of the Art Chiropractic Center, Pheonix, AZ, USA.

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Neuromechanical Characterization of In Vivo Lumbar Spinal Manipulation. Part I. Vertebral Motion

December 1, 2003 Activator II, Lumbar Spine, Neurophysiological, Research, Spine,

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To quantify in vivo spinal motions and coupling patterns occurring in human subjects in response to mechanical force, manually assisted, short-lever spinal manipulative thrusts (SMTs) applied to varying vertebral contact points and utilizing various excursion (force) settings.

METHODS:

Triaxial accelerometers were attached to intraosseous pins rigidly fixed to the L1, L3, or L4 lumbar spinous process of 4 patients (2 male, 2 female) undergoing lumbar decompressive surgery. Lumbar spine acceleration responses were recorded during the application of 14 externally applied posteroanterior (PA) impulsive SMTs (4 force settings and 3 contact points) in each of the 4 subjects. Displacement time responses in the PA, axial (AX), and medial-lateral (ML) axes were obtained, as were intervertebral (L3-4) motion responses in 1 subject. Statistical analysis of the effects of facet joint (FJ) contact point and force magnitude on peak-to-peak displacements was performed. Motion coupling between the 3 coordinate axes of the vertebrae was examined using a least squares linear regression.

RESULTS:

SMT forces ranged from 30 N (lowest setting) to 150 N (maximum setting). Peak-to-peak ML, PA, and AX vertebral displacements increased significantly with increasing applied force. For thrusts delivered over the FJs, pronounced coupling was observed between all axes (AX-ML, AX-PA, PA-ML) (linear regression, R(2) = 0.35-0.52, P <.001), whereas only the AX and PA axes showed a significant degree of coupling for thrusts delivered to the spinous processes (SPs) (linear regression, R(2) = 0.82, P <.001). The ML and PA motion responses were significantly (P <.05) greater than the AX response for all SMT force settings. PA vertebral displacements decreased significantly (P <.05) when the FJ contact point was caudal to the pin compared with FJ contact cranial to the pin. FJ contact at the level of the pin produced significantly greater ML vertebral displacements in comparison with contact above and below the pin. SMTs over the spinous processes produced significantly (P <.05) greater PA and AX displacements in comparison with ML displacements. The combined ML, PA, and AX peak-to-peak displacements for the 4 force settings and 2 contact points ranged from 0.15 to 0.66 mm, 0.15 to 0.81 mm, and 0.07 to 0.45 mm, respectively. Intervertebral motions were of similar amplitude as the vertebral motions.

CONCLUSIONS:

In vivo kinematic measurements of the lumbar spine during the application of SMTs over the FJs and SPs corroborate previous spinous process measurements in human subjects. Our findings demonstrate that PA, ML, and AX spinal motions are coupled and dependent on applied force and contact point.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2003 Nov-Dec;26(9):567-78. [PMID:14673406]

Author information: Keller TS, Colloca CJ, Gunzburg R. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, USA.

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Chiropractic Management of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases

September 1, 2003 Activator II, Case Studies, Research,

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To discuss 2 patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome seeking chiropractic evaluation and management of their disabling musculoskeletal pain and associated disorders.

CLINICAL FEATURES:

Two disabled patients diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome had spinal pain, including neck and back pain, headache, and extremity pain. Commonalities among these 2 cases included abnormal spinal curvatures (kyphosis and scoliosis), joint hypermobility, and tissue fragility. One patient had postsurgical thoracolumbar spinal fusion (T11-sacrum) for scoliosis and osteoporosis. The other patient had moderate anterior head translation.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME:

Both patients were treated with mechanical force and manually assisted spinal adjustments delivered to various spinal segments and extremities utilizing an Activator II Adjusting Instrument and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique. Patients were also given postural advice, stabilization exercises, and postural corrective exercises, as indicated in Chiropractic BioPhysics Technique protocols. Both patients were able to reduce pain and anti-inflammatory medication usage in association with chiropractic care. Significant improvement in self-reported pain and disability as measured by visual analog score, Oswestry Low-Back Disability Index, and Neck Pain Disability Index were reported, and objective improvements in physical examination and spinal alignment were also observed following chiropractic care. Despite these improvements, work disability status remained unchanged in both patients.

CONCLUSION:

Chiropractic care may be of benefit to some patients with connective tissue disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Low-force chiropractic adjusting techniques may be a preferred technique of choice in patients with tissue fragility, offering clinicians a viable alternative to traditional chiropractic care in attempting to minimize risks and/or side effects associated with spinal manipulation. Psychosocial issues, including patient desire to return to work, were important factors in work disability status and perceived outcome.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2003 Sep;26(7):448-59. [PMID:12975632]

Author information: Colloca CJ, Polkinghorn BS. State of the Art Chiropractic Center, PC, 11011 S. 48th Street, Suite 205, Phoenix, AZ 85044, USA.

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Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders Using the Activator Adjusting Instrument: A Prospective Case Series

September 1, 2003 Activator II, Clinical Trials, Research, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders,

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if there was a basis for the treatment of temporomandibular disease (TMD) using the chiropractic protocol developed by Activator Methods, International.

SETTING:

Private, solo practice of an Activator advanced proficiency rated chiropractor with 15 years experience.

DESIGN:

Prospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS:

Nine adult volunteers with articular TMD recruited from the practice of the treating clinician. Main outcome measures Change from baseline to follow-up of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and maximum active mouth opening without pain.

INTERVENTIONS:

Full spine and TMJ adjusting in accordance with the advanced protocol of Activator Methods, International. Participants were typically seen 3 times per week for 2 weeks and according to individual progress thereafter for 6 more weeks.

RESULTS:

Eight participants completed outcome assessments. The median VAS decrease was 45 mm (range 21-71); all experienced improvement. The median increase of mouth opening was 9 mm (range 1-15); all showed improvement.

CONCLUSION:

The results of this prospective case series indicated that the TMD symptoms of these participants improved following a course of treatment using the Activator Methods, International protocol. Consequently, further investigation of this type of chiropractic treatment for patients with the articular type of TMD is warranted.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2003 Sep;26(7):421-5. [PMID:12975628]

Author information: DeVocht JW, Long CR, Zeitler DL, Schaeffer W.  Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, 741 Brady Street, Davenport, Iowa 52803, USA.

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