Dr Bramberg

Cranio-sacral technique
In the year of 1929 an American chiropractor by the name of Dr Nephi Cottam realised there is a rhythmical system in the body which now is called the cranio-sacral system, since that time there has been intensive research about this discovery.

In the same way as we put forward a diagnosis thru listening to the heart and lungs and palpating the abdomen we can now palpate the cranio--sacral rhythm and put forward a diagnosis on that system.

The cranio-sacral technique is based on the premise that the bones of the skull are flexible, movable and plastic structures which when disturbed can produce symptoms of various kinds.

The cranio-sacral system consists of:

A three layered membrane which encloses the brain and the spinal cord. The outer layer is called the dural membrane (2).
The cerebro (3) spinal fluid is in closed in this dural membrane.
Strukturerna inom detta membransystem som kontrollerar in- och utflöde av ryggmärgsvätskan.

What we have described is a hydraulic system where the cerebro spinal fluid increases and decreases in volume. This produces a rhythm of movement in the dural membrane and as the dural membrane is attached to the inside of the skull and the two upper vertebral segments and then forming a tube down to the sacral base in the pelvis (4). Because of this fact there is a plastic movement and this can be palpated to asses its function.

Dysfunktion in this sophisticated system can come from birth where by various procedures used to facilitate birth such a s “ventouse extraction”. During later years trauma is the most common reason for having problems in the cranio- sacral system. Even dental procedures can cause problem in the cranio--sacral system.

Cranio sacral problem can for example lead to the following:

infantile colic
Irritated baby (poor sleeper, crying incessantly)
Neurological disorganization (problems with gross motoric function)
Headache
Spinal and problems in the pelvis with pain and dysfunction
Jaw joint problems

Examination and treatment
Cranio sacral technique is used by primary care practitioners who have further education in this area. With in chiropractic is a number of different techniques within this area and courses are given from various specialist organisations in the international area. Dr Kenneth Bramberg has a Masters degree in paediatrics from the university of Melbourne in Australia. In addition he has long educational education from the International College of Applied Kinesiology, Sacro-Occipital international and Upledger Institute.

Examination follows traditional methods such as case history, questions about body systems followed by physical examination, neurological examination and chiropractic examination. After these exhaustive procedures the examination of the cranium and associated structures follows.

Treatment is afforded by light palpatory pressure on the cranium to facilitate plasticity and motion in the cranium.

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Member Swedish Chiropractic Association.