Listing Systems

TCH6210: Spinal Listing Systems and Paradigms

Key Definitions

Vocabulary to Know

  • Motion Segment:

    • A functional unit made up of two adjacent articulating surfaces and their connecting tissues.

    • Spinal Motion Segment: Consists of two adjacent vertebrae and connecting tissues.

  • Subluxation:

    • A motion segment where alignment, movement integrity, and/or physiological function are altered while contact between joint surfaces is intact.

  • Manipulable Subluxation: A subluxation that can be corrected by manual thrust procedures.

  • Subluxation Complex: A theoretical model of motion segment dysfunction, including interactions of pathological changes in various tissues.

  • Subluxation Syndrome: Aggregate of signs/symptoms relating to dysfunction of spinal and pelvic motion segments.

  • Manual Therapy: Procedures where hands contact the body for treatment of articulations/soft tissues.

  • Manipulation: A directed thrust to move a joint past physiological range, not exceeding anatomical limits.

  • Mobilization: Movement applied within physiological range without thrust, aimed at restoring joint mobility.

  • Adjustment: Chiropractic procedure using controlled force to influence joint and neurophysiological function.

Overview of Chiropractic Profession

Historical Context

  • Social and Political Influences: Shaping of state and national organizations (e.g., ACA vs. ICA).

  • Philosophical Divides:

    • "Straights" vs. "Mixers" - differing philosophies and practices.

    • Impact of terminology and methods used in chiropractic education.

Evolution of Chiropractic Philosophy

Philosophies

  • Straight Philosophy:

    • Associated with BJ Palmer.

    • Focused solely on the spine and adjustment of subluxations without adjunctive therapies.

    • Advocated for innate intelligence, with a dogmatic approach and monocausal theory.

  • Mixer Philosophy:

    • Associated with DD Palmer, incorporating spine and extremities.

    • Included joint dysfunction manipulation and the use of adjunctive therapies like ultrasound and muscle stimulation.

    • Emphasized homeostasis, integrative theories, and open collaboration with other health professionals.

Chiropractic Listings

Language and Terminology

  • Chiropractic Nomenclature:

    • System of descriptive terminology to document spinal lesions through assessment procedures.

    • Listings help describe specific spinal segments and adjustment direction.

Listing Systems Overview

  • Multiple listing systems exist, some align with static models while others with motion or dynamic nomenclature.

  • Static Listings: Based on the concept of "bone out of place", describing misalignments.

  • Motion Listings: Focus on restrictions in motion segments, often assuming that misalignment is also present but not explicitly stated.

Planes of Motion

  • Frontal (Coronal) Plane:

    • Movement about the Z-axis, allows lateral flexion.

  • Sagittal Plane:

    • Movement about the X-axis, allows flexion and extension.

  • Transverse (Horizontal) Plane:

    • Movement about the Y-axis, allows rotation.

Types of Listings

Listings allow us to describe and document the specific spinal segment we are going to adjust and the direction

Static Terminology

  • Describes vertebral misalignments (malposition) relative to a normal position.

  • Uses letter abbreviations referring to reference landmarks.

  • referring to superior segment

Motion Terminology

  • Dynamic Listings: Utilized to describe mobility restrictions of motion segments using endfeel palpation

    • Assumes abnormal motion refers to the superior vertebra in relation to the inferior vertebra.

    • Terms include flexion restriction, extension restriction, etc.

    • Orthogonal System – Right handed cartesian coordinate system (language of biomechanics)

Relations Between Systems

  • Incorporating both static and motion nomenclature improves communication during assessments.

  • Translation: Understanding malposition implies a corresponding restriction in the opposite direction for flexion, extension, and rotations.

Practical Applications

  • Right-Handed Cartesian Coordinate System (orthogonal):

    • Universal, useful for biomechanical descriptions.

    • Describes both translation and rotation movements in three dimensions.

    • Motion of an object is either:

    • Translational: Movement along a path without rotation.

    • Rotational: Movement around an axis, changing the object's orientation.

    • Translation

    • Curvilinear: both translation and rotation. motion of joints is usually curvilinear

Conclusion

  • Understanding both the static and dynamic paradigms is essential in chiropractic practice, providing comprehensive patient assessments and treatment planning.