Introduction My premise for this column is that structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) cannot be separated. A deviation from normal in one has consequences in the other. Communication between the two is the study of neurology. Put the three together and you have the foundation that the Science of Chiropractic is built upon. In the August issue, I continued our discussion of the Source of Stress examination. I described the structural significance of Pottenger's Saucer and its relationship to function, namely low blood glucose levels and digestive problems. This month, I explain the next step in the examination to determine the structural side of weakness, and I will begin to equate that to abdominal palpation and determination of specific digestive inadequacies. I believe this to be very important to the clinician, because digestive symptoms are vague, and Western medicine is unable or unwilling to perform tests that differentiate inadequate protein, carbohydrate, and lipid digestion. In other words, accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms and problems in this area is a wide-open market, in which you will find no competition. Determining the Structural Side of Weakness This finding usually corresponds remarkably well with the source of the patient's symptoms, previous injuries, and surgery. Place the patient in the supine position with the neck and head supported in a comfortable position. Stand at the patient's head and grasp both of the patient's arms above the wrists. Be careful not to pull on their wrists. Gently and slowly flex the arms upward and then stretch them lightly towards you attempting to straighten the elbows and bring the arms overhead. It is not necessary to bring them completely parallel to the floor. If this cannot be achieved, there is muscle contraction and probable ligament shortening in the shoulders or elbows, requiring further tests. If both arms can be straightened and the patient is comfortable, bring the palms together and measure the relative length of the arms to each other. If the arms are the same length, the test is negative. If the elbows straighten to the same angle but there is a difference in the length, you should suspect muscle contractions affecting the thoracic spine. There will always be a Pottenger's saucer in these cases and, as we discussed previously, that is often accompanied by a digestive disorder and probable symptoms of hypoglycemia. either functional or reactive. Next, release the patient's arms and return them to their side. Now ask them to relax, especially their legs and feet. Still standing at the patient's head, look at their feet. In particular, we wish to see if one foot is everted more than the other. Both should be angled slightly outward, perhaps at a 30 to 45 degree angle, but no further. If one foot is everted more than the other, this indicates the side of structural weakness and suggests possible muscle contraction and stress points associated with the bowel. The structural side of weakness is on the side of the most everted foot. For example, if the left foot remains vertical and the right side is everted in the "normal" position, it is still the most everted foot and designates the right side as the side of weakness. Next, compare the side of the short arm with the side of greatest foot eversion: Left short arm with left foot eversion = left side of structural weakness Right short arm with right foot eversion = right side of struc- tural weakness Right short arm with left foot eversion = crossover pattern of weakness Left short arm with right foot eversion = crossover pattern of weakness These crossover patterns are very significant and require close examination, since they represent advanced patterns of structural and functional dysfunction. This finding is often found with an unlevel pelvis when examined in the sitting position. This is due to anterior rotation of one side of the pelvis, as discussed in my previous column under the heading of "Hemipelvis." Determining Related Visceral Dysfunction Having determined the structural side of weakness, we now proceed to correlate any related physiological dysfunction by means of palpating the abdomen for muscle contraction. Be advised that muscular contraction always accompanies any visceral dysfunction in those muscles sharing spinal inner-vation with the distressed organ. Therefore, it becomes a very accurate means of diagnosis. In the case of cross-over structural weakness that is up one leg and crossing through the pelvis and moving toward the opposite shoulder, we find visceral dysfunction in any organ or tissue below the umbilicus. Obviously, the bowel (ascending or descending colon), uterus, ovaries, prostate, and urinary bladder can be symptomatic. Careful abdominal palpation correlated with a thorough case history will be quite revealing. The question is, which came first and is causative -did structural weakness produce visceral dysfunction, or did the visceral dysfunction produce muscle contraction which necessitated structural compensation? I believe the essence of chiropractic science lies in that determination. Dr. Loom is can be reached by mail at 6421 Enterprise Lane. Madison. WI53719 or by phone at 1-800-662-2630. Visit his website at hup -//www InnmixenTvmex. com BKWi
