IDEAL SPINAL MODEL
Dr. Donald Harrison, the founder of Chiropractic BioPhysics,
proposed the Harrison Spinal Model in the early 1980s. His spinal model is based on mathematical equations that
describe the anatomical design of a healthy, well-formed spine. The Harrison
Spinal Model is an evidence-based model supported by peer-reviewed research by
which chiropractors can evaluate their patients’ spinal alignment.
The Harrison Spinal
Model shows both the Ideal and the Average geometric shapes for spinal curves
from the side. The neck’s (cervical spine) geometric shape should resemble a
piece of a circle, the ribcage (thoracic spine) should be shaped like an oval,
and the low back (lumbar spine) should be an oval-elliptical shape. The
Harrison Spinal Model has been proven to identify patients in pain versus
patients without pain just by looking at their spinal x-ray shapes.[1]
Why are these spinal curves
so important? Because they provide:
· Strength
of Structure - The three
curves of the spine work to increase stability and strength, creating a
dynamic, weight-bearing column that can withstand heavy
loads.
·
Shock Absorption – The spine also acts like a spring. It
absorbs shock, while loss of curves leads to increased susceptibility of disc
injury and vertebral fractures. Discs are NOT shock absorbers—if any doctor
explains them to you as such, it’s a red flag and shows that they don’t
understand basic hydrodynamics.
· Room
for Organs – The correct
spinal curvature allows space for your organs to live, which is especially
vital for lung capacity.
· Balance/Stability - Spinal curves also maintain the body’s
balance, helping the spine withstand great amounts of stress by providing a
more even distribution of body weight.
· Ability
to Move - It enables
movement so that you can reach, pull, and/or contract.
· Protection
of your Nervous System -
Last, but certainly not least, a spine with the proper curves protects your
spinal cord. The Lordotic curve decreases the overall length of the spinal
column, the space where the CNS lives. When stretched, nerves are compromised,
so the Lordotic curve is important to allow slack in the spinal cord. As Doctor
Alf Breig stated, “Loss of cervical curve stretches the spinal cord 5 to 7 cm and
produces pathological tension, putting the body in a state of disease.” “Spinal
bone misalignment can reduce nerve impulses by 60%.”[2]
God has created a complex anatomical system that we as
humans don’t fully understand; there may be other reasons for spinal curves
that are yet to be discovered. Our goal at Living Well Family Chiropractic is
simply to get you as close to your natural spinal structure as possible.
Read on next time for the importance of posture in reaching
your best spinal structure!
Working to Restore
God’s Perfect Design in You!
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