Craniopathy (aka

Chiropractic Cranial Adjusting)

Craniopathy is the science and art of analyzing and restoring proper function to the skull, dura meningeal system, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mechanics, and central nervous system. Different from Craniosacral Therapy, Chiropractic Cranial Adjusting (CCA) is an advanced training of the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT^®), that focuses on the specific alignment and function of the 22 bones of the skull and their direct connection to the function and health of the spine and nervous system.

CSF helps to keep your nervous system healthy, protected, and free of toxins (it is the lymphatic system of the Central Nervous System). In the infant, it also helps shape the skull from the inside out, helping to form proper skull shape. CSF surrounds your brain and spinal cord and is kept moving by the natural movement of the bones of your skull and sacrum (part of your tailbone area). It is surrounded by a sheath (known as the dura) that connects to the inner side of the skull, all the bones of your spine, and the nerves that exit between the bones. If any of these bones in the skull, spine, or pelvis are subluxated (misaligned), they pull the dura, muscles, and nerves too tight. This abnormal tension on the nervous system can prevent you or your child’s body from adapting correctly in response to stress in their environment.

How can Craniopathy/Chiropractic Cranial Adjusting help?

The bones of our skull, upper neck and pelvis can shift out of position in utero or during the birth process. Stress on these structures can lead to altered function of the nerves that exit the skull and spine. This stress can also cause increased tension within the cranium down through the spinal column, negatively affecting the health of the nervous system, and flow of cerebrospinal fluid. 

Babies that have a head turning preference to one side while lying flat, can also result in these cranial bones shifting out of the correct position and lead to flattening spots and facial asymmetries. If significant enough, these asymmetries can lead to conditions such as, Plagiocephaly, or Brachycephaly (aka Flat-head Syndrome) where the bones of the skull have shifted so dramatically it can cause a variety of symptoms in the infant, as well as cosmetic changes to the point that a corrective helmet may be suggested. In our practice, we use CCA to help many babies to entirely avoid wearing these uncomfortable helmets or reduce their time in a helmet. CCA restores proper alignment and movement of the cranial bones, normal flow of cerebral spinal fluid, reduces abnormal dura tension, and relieves stress on the nerves exiting the skull and spine allowing for a healthier functioning nervous system.

In the Infant, Chiropractic Cranial Adjusting can help with:

• Reflux

• Tongue Tie Release (before and after procedure)

• Nursing / Latching Issues

• TMJ Pain and clicking

• Head shape and facial asymmetries

• Strabismus (eye stuck rotated in or outwards)

• Plagiocephaly / Flat Head Syndrome

In the Child or Adult:

• Ear Infections

• Constipation

• Mouth Breathing

• Teeth Crowding

• Behavioral Challenges

• Anxiety

• Concussions

• Vertigo / Dizziness

• Ringing in the Ears

• Headaches and Migraines

• Sinus Conditions

• Stubborn neck, back, or pelvis pain that won’t release

What can you expect while having Craniopathy/CCA done?

The doctor will analyze your or your child’s cranium, looking for any asymmetries in the head and face, including the function of the jaw. They will also check the integrity of the sutures and fontanelles (where the bones interlink), along with evaluating the individual bones in the skull. They will then check inside the mouth, evaluating the palate, assessing for proper height, width, and any aberrant movement or restrictions. 

With abnormal head shape concerns in the infant, the doctor will take thorough measurements of your babies’ skull. Once the doctor has discovered which exact bones have shifted out of normal position, or are not moving correctly, they will make specific corrections to the cranium to restore normal function. Using their fingers, applying very gentle pressure in a specific direction, they will help facilitate normal bone movement. 

Many adults report an immediate feeling of relaxation following treatment, and many parents report that their infant nursed with more ease following treatment, or their child slept better that night. 

With Craniopathy/CCA, you get faster and more long-lasting results.

The wonderful thing about adding CCA to your Chiropractic care is that we are working on the entire central nervous system. Not only are we addressing the spine and the nerves coming out of it, but we are also addressing the skull and the cranial nerves. We can make a more powerful adjustment with very little force and often less need for constant repetition. In fact, 80% of the nervous system is in the head and can be influenced by cranial structures. This gives you and your child faster relief and longer-lasting results compared to receiving spinal adjustments alone.