T-222. To order a copy of this publication, contact MPA Provider Services at 800-359-2289.
Most practitioners don't have much experience with cranial work, and they have little with which to compare it. Two questions come to mind immediately. The first is, why study craniopathy? The easy answer is, because eighty percent of the central nervous system is above the foramen magnum. Work on the cranium can ameliorate headaches, some of the effects of head trauma, and even stroke; in fact, there are probably no known conditions that do not have a cranial component.
Many people believe the cranial field is one of the largest growth areas in chiropractic. Cranial work was originated by the osteopath Dr. William Garner Sutherland and brought to chiropractic by Dr. Major Bertrand DeJarnette, who had osteopathic training and probably studied with Dr. Sutherland.
Now to the second question: Why Dr. Marc Pick? Dr. Pick studied with Dr. DeJarnette, and did quite a bit of his own research. Those of you fortunate enough to know him realize he's a Renaissance man: chiropractor; scientist; writer; craftsman; and artist. His lectures and presentations on cranial work are among the best experienced by this reviewer. Cranial Sutures is no exception.
Craniopathy is the study of physiological and pathological movements of the cranial vault, facial bones and sutures. Cranial sutures are unique articulations that include gomphosis; schindylesis; synchondroses; denticulate; squamous; serrated; limbous; and plane types. This book is broken down into three sections: sutural palpatory techniques; sutural morphology and manipulative techniques; and manipulative strategies (tuina). It also includes contacts for palpation, normal findings, and contacts with manipulation. This text is beyond complete; it's exhaustive.
There are many other books on cranial work, but nothing in this class. It is an atlas and a technique book. In fact, if you read only one book on sutural technique, this is the one. It is a good introduction for the beginner; interesting for the intermediate; and pure gold for the advanced craniopath. If knowledge is power, the chiropractor who reads and studies this text can do more good than the uninitiated can imagine.
Dr. Lavitan's rating:
10 out of 10
If you have authored, published or produced a book, audio or video package that is chiropractic-oriented, educational, nonpromotional and written or produced in a professional manner, and would like it reviewed in Dynamic Chiropractic, please send two copies of the book, video or audiocassette to:
Dynamic Chiropractic P.O. Box 4109 Huntington Beach, California 92605-4109
While cervical disc pathology can unquestionably produce radiculopathy, many patients presenting with arm pain, paresthesia or perceived weakness do not exhibit the clinical behavior of true nerve-root compromise. In these cases, failure to differentiate the primary pain generator may lead to unnecessary spinal injections, nerve ablation procedures or surgical consultation despite limited likelihood of benefit.
The New Jersey Board of Chiropractic Examiners has made a precedential decision, concurring with the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors' (ANJC) position paper on chiropractic X-ray guidelines. In plain terms, the board ruled, consistent with the ANJC position, that insurance companies cannot use medical X-ray rules or recommendations, like those written by the American College of Radiology (ACR), to decide whether a chiropractor's X-ray was necessary.
For decades, chiropractors have been told the answer to more professional referrals is simple: educate medical doctors about chiropractic. There is some truth in that advice; but it is also incomplete. The modern challenge is not simply getting another healthcare professional to know that chiropractors exist. It is becoming the kind of clinician (and building the kind of professional relationship) that makes collaboration easy and sustainable.
