Chiropractic Biophysics

Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) is a chiropractic treatment technique which utilizes a mixture of chiropractic adjustments (SMT), rehabilitation exercises and spinal traction with mechanical assistance intended to affect a measurable change in a person's posture and radiographic measurements. The unique form of spinal traction used by CBP utilizes can be referred to as "extension traction". The changes brought about by this unique form of traction are thought to improve the biomechanics of the spine; improving sagittal balance, improving function, and preventing degeneration. CBP was founded by Dr. Don Harrison in the late 1980s.
History
Dr. Don Harrison was unsatisfied with the scientific basis of the theories he encountered within the chiropractic education system. This dissatisfaction prompted him to pursue engineering and applied mathematics. He received his MSE in Mechanical Engineering in 1997 and a PhD in Applied Mathematics in 1998, both from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Dr. Don Harrison and his son Dr. Deed Harrison pursued research in spinal modeling as well as clinical research focused on examining the effectiveness of extension traction. Together they taught the technique through a seminar series as well as a four part textbook series. Dr. Don Harrison passed away in 2011 with over 80 peer-reviewed publications to his name. Since 2011 Dr. Deed Harrison has led CBP non-profit, produced spinal rehabilitation research, and taught seminars at a dedicated teaching facility in Idaho. CBP is currently taught as core curriculum in two chiropractic colleges in the United States: Life University and Southern California University of Health Sciences.
Controversy
Don Harrison was an outspoken critic of chiropractic techniques which made claims without scientific research to back them, and CBP technique has been a controversial chiropractic technique. Cooperstein et al. published an article in 2006 criticizing CBP's objectivity, and claiming that research created through CBP non-profit suffers from a conflict of interest. The Harrisons published a response refuting many of the claims made in the Cooperstein article.
CBP spinal rehabilitation requires many visits to create structural changes. The Harrisons have published research supporting treatment beyond the resolution of symptoms. Radiographic bio-mechanical analysis with the intent to create change requires re-evaluation to measure the change after a period of care. Opponents of re-examination for biomechanical analysis claim there is inherent risk when utilizing x-ray radiation, and this risk must be weighed against the potential long term benefit of the treatment. In response, the PCCRP guidelines were created to explain the rationale for re-evaluation with radiography, and a discussion of the radiation risk is included comparing the linear no-threshold model to the threshold model and the radiation hormesis model.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu