Chiropractic BioPhysics®

In December of 1980 Drs. Harrison and Daniel Murphy founded the technique known as Chiropractic BioPhysics® or CBP®. CBP® is one of the most researched techniques in the chiropractic profession with over 170 scientific studies to date. This technique focuses on using spine alignment and optimal posture as a measuring stick for overall health and body function. What makes this technique so effective is the uniqueness of structural rehabilitative procedures that are utilized to restore optimal spinal structure.

CBP® researchers like Drs. Donald and Deed Harrison have published models for human spinal curvatures from the side view. With that research came the evolution of the Harrison Spinal Model, which is an evidence-based model for side view spinal alignment that documents the ideal and average geometric shapes of human spinal curvatures. Each region of the spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) has been documented and identified.

CBP® protocols require x-ray analysis to measure the displacements shown on spinal radiographs which identify segmental subluxations. Views from the side and front allow us to analyze spinal alignment and, based on the current spinal condition, we can then determine the appropriate rehabilitative protocols to follow.

When it comes to measuring patient progress in regards to spinal health, periodic assessments of the spinal structure is important. This is achieved by taking and analyzing initial and follow-up x-rays. Those analyses will allow us to measure a patients’ progress and determine when maximum improvement has occurred, and will also allow the patient to see a visual improvement in their spinal structure.

There are 3 major components to the CBP® spinal corrective program.

• Chiropractic Mirror Image® Adjusting – these adjustments help trigger a reset in your overall nervous system and your sense of joint position and balance. The primary focus of Mirror Image® adjusting is to address current imbalances with postural corrections.
• Mirror Image® Exercises – specific exercises are given to aid in the correction of postural deviations. These exercises are performed to strengthen weakened muscles and stretch shortened muscles that have adapted to abnormal posture. For example, if your head is translated to the right, a Mirror Image® exercise would be to translate your head to the left with slight resistance.
• Mirror Image® Traction – for cases where Mirror Image® exercises will not be effective enough, Mirror Image® postural traction protocols will be followed. Traction gradually stresses ligaments over time to invoke change, which will allow the overall spinal structure to move closer to the ideal spine model. This is the same principal that orthodontists use on teeth- they use braces but we use other specialized equipment. There are varying levels of traction methods, some of which must be completed in our office, and some of which can be performed at home.