Free open textbook · Dr. Akash Garg
Spine and Holistic Health
A free spine and holistic health textbook in fourteen chapters. Every chapter has original labeled diagrams, summary tables, study tips, real world connections, a glossary and a self check.
Chapter 1The Spine in Three DimensionsRegions, curves and the motion segment; Vertebrae by region; Discs, facets and ligaments; Muscles and fascia of the trunk; The spinal canal, cord and nerve rootsChapter 2Spinal BiomechanicsPlanes, axes and coupled motion; Regional motion: cervical, thoracic and lumbar; Loads on discs and facets; Stability and the neutral zone; Posture and load in daily lifeChapter 3Joints, Cavitation and Tissue ResponseSynovial joint structure; Joint play and end feel; Cavitation: what the pop is; Tissue response to injury, healing phases; Immobilization, adhesion and remodelingChapter 4Manipulation and Mobilization MechanicsManipulation versus mobilization; Force, speed and amplitude of a thrust; The barrier concept and the paraphysiological space; Mechanical and neurophysiological effects; Safety, contraindications and adverse eventsChapter 5Nerve Roots, Dermatomes and ReflexesSpinal nerve formation and the intervertebral foramen; Dermatomes and myotomes; Deep tendon and pathological reflexes; Radiculopathy versus referred pain; Peripheral nerve entrapmentsChapter 6Pain NeuroscienceNociception versus pain; Peripheral and central sensitization; The gate control theory and descending modulation; Chronic pain and the biopsychosocial model; Explaining pain to patientsChapter 7Exam Logic and Red FlagsHistory and the questions that matter; Physical examination logic; Red flags: cancer, infection, fracture, cauda equina, vascular; Yellow flags and risk of chronicity; When and how to referChapter 8Posture, Gait and MovementStatic posture and its limits as a diagnostic tool; The gait cycle; Common gait patterns and what they mean; Movement assessment and motor control; Ergonomics and movement habitsChapter 9Chiropractic Models Through HistoryThe founding of chiropractic and D.D. Palmer; B.J. Palmer and the growth of the profession; Straight, mixer and reform movements; Subluxation models over time; Contemporary chiropractic identity and practiceChapter 10The Transformation of American MedicineMedicine in nineteenth century America; Competing health systems of the era; The Flexner Report and medical education reform; Licensure, organized medicine and the chiropractic struggle; Integration into modern health careChapter 11Reading the EvidenceStudy designs and levels of evidence; Bias, confounding and placebo; Statistics for readers: effect size, confidence intervals, NNT; Systematic reviews and clinical guidelines; What the evidence says about spinal manipulation and holistic therapiesChapter 12Stress and the Autonomic Nervous SystemThe stress response and the HPA axis; Sympathetic and parasympathetic balance; Allostatic load and chronic stress; Heart rate variability; Stress, pain and the bodyChapter 13Breathing, Meditation and YogaBreathing mechanics and breathing retraining; Mindfulness and meditation; Yoga: history, practice and safety; Evidence for mind body practices; Bringing mind body practice into careChapter 14Traditional Systems and Nature TherapyTraditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture; Ayurveda; Naturopathy and herbal medicine; Nature therapy and forest bathing; Integrating traditional systems with evidence and safety