The American Chiropractor Volume 36, Issue 6 | Page 58

VISCERAL STRESS
MANAGEMENT
tions there flatten the normal thoracic kyphotic curve.
We referred to this as Pottenger's Saucer, named for the
doctor that first described the phenomenon. It is vital to
remember that this is NOT an osseous problem and that
it is transitory, based on digestive organ dysfunction. The
involuntary muscle contraction occurs when there is digestive dysfunction and the contraction relaxes when the
organ(s) is no longer stressed. Obviously this would occur
every time the patient eats! Talk about not being able to
hold an adjustment!
Structural Problems
Imagine the possible structural problems and loss of
range of motion that occur in connection with digestive
dysfunction not only at the spine, but in the periphery as
well. Loss of range of motion in both the rib cage and
shoulders may occur and that is why we include passive
range of motion in arm abduction and its effect on the
sternoclavicular articulation in our screening exam. And
don't overlook the influence of muscle contractions in
the mid-thoracic spine on patients with chronic muscle
tension headaches.

Peripheral Involuntary Muscle Contractions
Digestive dysfunctions cause muscle contractions
primarily in the upper abdomen. We 'll discuss the lower
abdomen in future articles. For this article I am going to
focus on the stomach and the muscles involved with dorsolumbar flexion as well as the linea alba. These muscles are
involved with movement of the trunk and work in harmony
with several other muscles that control the abdominal wall.
We know that visceral problems cause involuntary muscle
contraction. When these muscles are weak and contracted,
the patient often complains of vague symptoms such as
indigestion, heartburn, gas and bloating.
The Epigastrium
Muscle contraction found immediately below the breastbone in the solar plexus often refers pain to the root of the
neck and upward along the side of the neck. It may be felt
over the shoulder blades and down the front of the arm
to the forearm. Soreness to palpation in this area has long
been used in physical diagnosis to indicate a compromised
mucosal lining in the stomach or duodenum. Have you ever
thought about the percentage of your patients that experience digestive symptoms and take antacids or proton-pump
inhibitors designed to suspend normal digestive function?
In spite of relieving symptoms, the involuntary muscle
contractions still occur! Could they be involved with a
recurring structural problem you treat, over and over?

To learn more, circle # 106 on The Action Card
54 I The American Chiropractor I JUNE 2014

The Mucous Lining
Mucus is composed of water, electrolytes, and glYCoPro-~
teins which are primarily large polysaccharide molecules
combined with much smaller amounts of protein. The
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