Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 Okay...here is the article....but I warned you..it is long (5 1/2 pages in Word) CRANIAL-SACRAL SYSTEM: IMPLICATIONS ON CHILD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT As an occupational therapist working with infants and children, I get a lot of questions from parents regarding various therapies and treatments. I try to keep well informed by attending courses, reading books and networking with other health professionals. Cranial-sacral therapy is being talked about more and more in the pediatric world and after taking courses, receiving therapy and observing its effects on numerous infants and children, I believe this therapy is one of the most impressive approaches to health and development that I have ever come across. The effects of a dysfunctional cranial-sacral system are so far reaching that I believe there is a strong case for suggesting an evaluation for any infant. Problems in the system can be easily corrected in infants and young children and the effects of letting a problem go unattended can adversely effect a child's health, development and overall potential for the rest of his/her life. The cranial-sacral mechanism was first described and researched in the early 1900's by an osteopathic physician named William Sutherland. He developed theories which opposed prevailing medical theories in the US which maintained that the bones of the skull eventually fused and became immobile. His early work has been expanded by many osteopathic and chiropractic physicians and is now more widely accepted and practiced. There is an increasing body of scientific evidence supporting the various theories and approaches to evaluating and treating cranial sacral dysfunctions. OVERVIEW OF THE CRANIAL-SACRAL SYSTEM The cranial-sacral system (a physiological system like the respiratory system and cardiovascular systems) provides the environment in which the brain and spinal cord develop and function. The system is composed of the, skull, vertebra, membranes surrounding the brain and cord, cerebrospinal fluid, and all the structures related to the production, reabsorption and containment of cerebrospinal fluid (a clear blood-like fluid that nourishes the billions of nerve cells in the central nervous system and carries metabolic wastes from the cells). The system has a rhythmic motion which is normally between 6-12 cycles per minute. This motion, which is very subtle and requires very specific training to perceive, helps propel cerebral spinal fluid through the brain and spinal cord. The 30+ bones which comprise the skull and face fit together in such a way as to allow minute movement throughout life. This movement and relationship between the bones of the skull are essential to maintaining the normal pumping action of cerebral spinal fluid. A normally functioning cranial-sacral system is essential to the normal functioning of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Since the brain is the master control organ of the body, it effects just about everything: hormones, neurotransmitters, motor control, language, sensory perceptions, immune function, respiration, etc. DYSFUNCTION WITHIN THE CRANIAL-SACRAL SYSTEM If any of the cranial bones become jammed together or strained in some way, there is a restriction of the pumping of cerebrospinal fluid. Abnormal pressures can develop, oxygen to the brain can be compromised, toxic wastes are not removed efficiently, pressure on nerve cells occurs and the whole nervous system is strained. During birth, the cranial bones undergo tremendous pressure while moving through the mother's pelvis. Luckily, nature has made these bones highly moldable so that the skull can compress during birth. For many infants, the majority of the cranial strains encountered at birth will self-correct and there will be no lasting effect on the cranial-sacral system. However, increasingly, this is not the case and the strains encountered around childbirth are not able to self-correct. Problems in the cranial-sacral system can also arise from: Poor prenatal nutrition Drug, alcohol, or toxic exposures in the mother during pregnancy Forceps or vacuum extraction used in birth Abnormal presentation (breech, transverse, face) Abnormal oxygen at birth (such as when the cord is around the neck) Induced labor (the infant’s head pushes against a cervix which is not dilated) C-sections (the vaginal birth process stimulates the pumping action of the system, without a vaginal birth, the infant's cranial-sacral system may not be stimulated sufficiently to function normally. Also, uterine contractions present prior to the c-section can cause quite a lot of pressure on the infant's skull) Large infant head, small mother's pelvis Lack of a full first breath (which normally triggers adequate expansion of the skull) Prematurity (often lay on one side without being moved, lack of oral feeding diminishes the positive effect sucking has on expanding the skull via the palate) Head injuries Orthodontic braces (often jams and traumatizes the cranial-sacral system) The result of a problem in the cranial-sacral system is varying degrees of non-optimal health and problems with any one or all of the following: motor and language development, behavior, attention, activity level, sensory perception and emotional development. Some common signs in infants that may indicate cranial-sacral problems include: Colic, weak suck, seizures, irritability Slow weight gain or growth Disordered sleep patterns Nasal congestion Abnormally lethargic or abnormally active Unusually floppy or tense (muscle tone) Ear infections (the eustachian tubes can be narrowed or altered in such a way by cranial strains that allow fluid to stagnate and bacteria or virus to grow) Slow to sit up, crawl, roll, walk or talk Over or under-sensitivity to noise, touch and/or movement Sometimes, problems in the cranial-sacral system do not create overt symptoms initially. But with age and the concomitant stress we put on our bodies, the dysfunction generally gets worse and eventually shows up as chronic pain or ill health (physical or mental) in adulthood. A problem in the cranial-sacral system decreases the efficiency of the brain and other systems (immune, endocrine, etc). This leaves the body more vulnerable to pathogens (bacteria, virus's, parasites, fungi, environmental toxins) and less able to fight off these invaders which contribute to organ dysfunction and chronic illness. It is my belief that cranial-sacral strains can be the underlying factors behind some developmental problems seen in children, even those problems which are thought to be due to vaccination reactions, heavy metal or environmental toxicity, and bacterial or fungal conditions. For example, there is a lot of attention on mercury toxicity being a factor in the development of autism following the MMR vaccine (which contains mercury). However, the majority of children who receive the vaccine do not develop autism. Therefore, we need to look at what other factors are present in the children who do have an adverse reaction to the vaccine. In my mind, it may often be the fact that a cranial-sacral problem already existed and then when the child’s system was further stressed by the vaccine/mercury, the cranial-sacral problem prevented the body from coping with the stress or eliminating the excess mercury. TREATMENT Treatment of cranial-sacral problems is geared toward gently restoring the proper position of the bones, relieving strains in the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and improving the amplitude and rate of the cranial rhythm. The restoration of normal cranial-sacral function will remove pressure on the brain so that the nerves can function correctly and improve the flow of blood, oxygen, and cerebrospinal fluid to the brain tissue. One of the major results is that the brain cells will be able to function better because they are getting the nutrients they need and the toxins (which interfere with normal function) will be removed more efficiently. When this occurs, the child will be able to benefit more fully from their environment; learning and development occur more easily and health is not compromised. Of course, you still need to pay attention to good nutrition, developmentally stimulating activities, effective educational techniques, and positive, nurturing emotional support. There are a few different approaches to correcting cranial-sacral problems. One of the most common is CranioSacral Therapy as taught and developed by Dr. John Upledger. This technique involves applying very light pressure (about 5 ounces) and using the motion inherent in the system to help make corrections. It is not at all painful, and in fact is very soothing and calming (often resulting in a sleeping patient). Another technique, practiced by chiropractic physicians, is called Sacro occipital technique (SOT). This technique was developed by a chiropractic physician named Dr. Major deJarnette as an extension of Sutherlands work. It is a more direct approach involving applying direct pressure to the bones of the skull and specific positioning of the pelvis. I do not know of any studies comparing the effectiveness of these two approaches but I have seen good results from both. There are a growing number of dentists now getting trained to help correct cranial strains via appropriate dental appliances/orthodonture. These dentist work closely with the cranial-sacral practitioner in order to facilitate the correction of cranial strains using the relationship of the maxilla and palate to the rest of the cranial bones. There is actually a growing field that is called either chirodontics or craniodontics in which a dentist works with a chiropractor or osteopath to help improve cranial functioning. I have seen this approached used on a child with a very narrow skull (he was premature) with good results. Interestingly, if cranial strains are corrected early in life, orthodontics are usually not needed. A major reason why teeth grow in crooked is that there are cranial bone abnormalities which effect the amount of room available for teeth. A few simple treatments early in life may prevent costly orthodontics later (and then even more expensive correction of the orthodontics done by a dentist not cognizant of cranial-sacral issues). Another, more aggressive but highly effective, treatment is called Neural Cranial Restructuring (NCR). This is an older treatment approach that has recently been updated and refined by Dr. Dean Howell. The treatment approaches the cranium from the inside by inserting and inflating small balloons into the nasal passages in such a way as to unlock and move the bones at the crux of the skull. It may sound a little strange, but the treatment is very effective, particularly with adults whose cranial strains are very fixed. An analogy to this approach is that it is similar to trying to fix a dented fender: it is difficult to pull the dent out, but if you go inside an apply pressure, you can push it out much easier. My osteopath hates this treatment approach though and says it is only used by those who don’t know how to adjust the cranium with their hands. You may want to reserve this as a last resort because it is quite uncomfortable. I have seen good results with this approach however. Another, related, approach to consider is upper cervical chiropractic care. In addition to straining the cranium, childbirth and childhood injuries can place excess stress on the upper cervical vertabra and cause it to subluxate. Proper alignment of the top cervical vertabra or atlas is crucial for normal nerve flow and organ function. When the atlas is out of place, it can have an adverse effect on the vagus nerve. This nerve helps control almost every major organ of the body (stomach, pancreas, intestines, liver, heart, spleen, etc). It also has a lot to do with maintaining a strong immune system. When the atlas is out of place, a variety of brainstem and spinal cord functions can become impaired. It is a simple thing to correct, will not cost a lot of money for treatment and could mean the difference between a healthy well functioning body and one that struggles continually to cope. There is very little risk (usually none) associated with cranial-sacral treatment, although there are some conditions that are not conducive to treatment (brain aneurysm for example). The treatments are based on very sound physiological principles and are not some mysterious, fanciful phenomenon. Finding a good practitioner is essential to success. The length of time treatment is necessary will vary with the severity of the condition and the age of the child. Treatment is much faster and more effective in infants and before the age of 4 (when the attachments of the cranial bones start to become more bony resulting in more of a fixation of the cranial strains present). The strains from the normal birthing process should be able to be corrected in one or two treatments. Treatment costs usually range from $50 to $150. SUCCESS STORIES I have read of numerous success stories of children and adults receiving cranial-sacral therapy - alleviation of depression, chronic pain, hyperactivity, attention deficits, autism, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivities, headaches, back pain, PMS...the list goes on. Here are a few successes of some of the children I have personally seen helped by cranial-sacral therapy: An 18 month old boy - unable to sit by himself, cried constantly when anyone was in the room other than his parents, hadn't gained more than a pound in the past couple of months, unable to crawl, never smiled, wouldn't play with toys. Had been receiving physical therapy for a year. After a few treatments (CranioSacral), was able to sit by himself, started playing with toys and smiling and stopped crying all the time (his PT was thrilled, as were his parents!). He gained 3 pounds within 2 weeks after his first treatment. A 6 month old infant - vomiting a lot, not gaining weight and was excessively irritable. All symptoms completely resolved after 3 treatments, started gaining weight, smiling, and playing more. She also started sleeping through the night. A 3 year old girl with autism - after 4 treatments (SOT) she looked like she was seeing the world for the first time. She started observing her environment and people more, started to talk, became interested in learning new things, was less resistant to new situations and changes in her routine, and generally seemed happier. She also became more affectionate with her parents. Her mother had hope for the first time that she might actually be okay. An 8 month old infant with severe brain damage/cerebral palsy - after a few treatments (CranioSacral) her muscle tone relaxed and she was able to be seated in a pumpkin seat for the first time (prior to treatment she arched backwards almost into a U shape). She was much less irritable after the treatments and able to be touched/handled more easily. A 6 year old boy with autism who just started treatment (SOT) - the chiropractor treating him said there was hardly any motion detectable in the cranial system. After a couple of treatments to mobilize the system, the boy has been trying to talk more and shows less anxiety with new things. Hopefully, someday correction of cranial-sacral problems will be commonplace in the delivery room and an accepted practice in mainstream medicine. Like all new ideas and progressive, innovative theories, the broad acceptance of cranial-sacral treatment may take a while. In the meantime, those who have seen the benefits of this approach are getting the word out and progressive parents all over are helping their children by seeking treatment. My hope is that we can be more proactive and correct the problems early rather than waiting until developmental and health problems arise before seeking treatment. To find an osteopath, look in the yellow pages under physicians. The DO’s that do cranial manipulation are usually listed under physical medicine and rehabilitation but there might also be a section for osteopathic manipulation. You can also ask around at health food stores or alternative clinics for the name of a good DO. You can also send in a referral request to the address listed on: http://cranialacademy.com/ . Click on the physician finder link. If you can't find a DO, try to find a cranial-sacral practitioner in your area at : www.upledger.com These are people who have done continuing education courses through the Upledger Institute. They are often physical therapist, massage therapists and occupational therapist but you will also find DO’s, Chiropractors and MD’s. Try to find someone who has done the pediatric course or at least has done several of the cranial-sacral courses (one course is not enough to be a competent practitioner, in my opinion). Most chiropractors aren't trained in cranial work but you can find them occasionally. Most of the chiropractors who do cranial work specialize in sacro ccipital technique (SOT). You can call chiros and ask if they do SOT. Also, look up a doctor under the "find a doctor" section of: http://www.sorsi.com/ or call SORSI at call 888-245-1011. SORSI stands for Sacro Occipital Research Society International. I tend to be partial to the osteopathic approach over SOT but I have seen some phenomenal results with SOT and a young autistic girl. With any of these things, the skill of the practitioner makes a big difference. This type of work is as much an art as it is a science. To find a chiropractor who does upper cervical adjusting, go to www.nucca.org, www.aucco.org, http://orthospinology.org, www.atlasorthogonality.com, or www.uppercervical.org. Barbara Carr, OTR/L 314-428-1102 bdcarr © 1997. This article may be reproduced and used with permission from the author. This article is for information only, and should not be considered as medical advice. It is supplied so that you can make an informed decision. Please consult with your health practitioner before considering any therapy or therapy protocol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2003 Report Share Posted January 16, 2003 Best article I've ever read on this hon, thanks. With my boys, gentle massage works wonders for them, so I can easily grasp how gentle manipulation of the cranial bones might help them too. As a matter of fact this mommy could probably use a treatment... or at least a good rub down LOL! (((HUGS))) Janet - Barb Carr herbal remedies Wednesday, January 15, 2003 7:41 PM [herbal remedies] Cranial Sacral Article Okay...here is the article....but I warned you..it is long (5 1/2 pages in Word)<SNIP> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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