Popping Backs Right and Left

As we move further into the curriculum, the cumulative time spent adjusting each other adds up. Our confidence grows with our own motor control and the impulses become much more specific. At first, I felt quite awkward setting up any adjustment but now I feel the basics are getting mastered. For instance, today I focused on adjusting the thoracic spine into extension. My partner guided me and gave me feedback as I tried to find the right tissue tension. On the third try I got the response I was looking for. I visualized the biomechanics of the vertebra, set it up and gave a quick impulse. Surprisingly, I felt the upper vertebra drop a little and the one I was on sink in. It was the first time I was able to get a full-on extension adjustment to work in the supine position. I left feeling pretty good.

This quarter we are focused primarily on the lumbar spine. During most classes we rotate through the classroom working on different body types and after a few rotations, the backs start to ache a little. The moves are a bit complex this term because they are more compact and specific. They involve counter-rotations, hip flexion, specific tissue pulling and sometimes lateral flexion of the spine. This is quite a bit different than our pelvis course where we were adjusting only one joint, the SI joint. The idea is to increase range of motion in a specific, problematic area that lacks range of motion. Practicing setting up these moves helps us hone in on our specificity in a given spinal or pelvic segment. A sudden increase in range of motion allows a person to work on using that joint with its full range of motion to maximize gains in proprioception as well as flexibility. All in all, it's a good thing and quite safe.

Most classes add in a few older moves from thoracic to pelvis which allows us to revisit the terminology and regain some muscle memory with the adjustments. All in all, I am having fun with it and finally feel like things are really clicking. I see how it all will be incorporated in my future practice and I can't wait to get more clinical knowledge.

On a side note and in regards to my post on the philosophy forum, I have contacted Dr. Brimhall and we have started a dialogue about what can be done to increase awareness and positive vibes in regards to what we do as student DC's as well as chiropractic in general. He is receptive and interested in what I have to say and seems open to applying some grassroots effort in changing the dynamics of chiropractic from a stagnant negative state to one that is positive and full of prosperity.

I have always felt chiropractic is unique in it's approach to health care. Although, I have been somewhat resistant to commit to this path because I know public perception of chiropractic is skewed. My feeling is that I am not alone when I say I know these things. Some of us learned these things after traveling quite a distance to start this new path and learned this might not be what they thought it was.

I think it is time to stand up and start changing public perception of what chiropractic is all about, instead of sitting around beating the dead horse and sulking because we are looked down upon. The horse is dead, lets find something new to focus on besides whether or not we should be spine doctors. Education is the key to stamp out silly generalizations and misperceptions. We are more than just spinal specialists and that needs to be known. I for one, love knowing my education will be quite well-rounded. It is our duty to be positive spokespeople for the profession. We can't just twiddle our thumbs and not stand for anything because we do stand for something and our training/education is legit despite what others think.

I am meeting with Dr. Brimhall soon, so if you have anything you'd like to communicate, please send me what you've got or talk with me on campus.

All for now