Quantum Spinal Mechanics³ (QSM³)
Like all branches of healthcare, our science and understanding progresses. Dr. Russell Friedman who currently practices in Alpharetta, GA is board-certified in three Upper Cervical techniques, QSM3, NUCCA and Orthospinology.
Around 2008, Dr. Friedman started exploring new biomechanical concepts such as tensegrity and the role the myofascial system plays in spinal alignment. He built upon his extensive knowledge of NUCCA and Orthospinology and developed new methods of “releasing” structural tension to correct spinal mechanics.
Tensegrity provides a fresh look at the human biostructure and our entire posture from the lower extremity to the skull as one contiguous bio-tensegral unit supporting balance through the nervous system. Imagine an expanding balloon protecting the fascial and osseous system as it breaks down globally. Tensegrity- the current jargon for Tone – is key in helping us restore and release the physical, and energetic stresses that challenge our ability to remain upright, functional, and structurally balanced. The result is one system in Tensegral Tone.
(Citation: Dr. Russell Friedman, https://qsm3.com/qsm3-tensegrity/)
The human body is a “tension system” that once injured starts to break down or collapse. This may be visualized in the model depicted in the attached image of sticks and rubber bands. The tension of the system is providing its structure. Tension creates structural integrity hence “tensegrity.”
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A can of soda is an example of a structure that has tensegrity. You can push down as hard as you can on a can of soda and it will not collapse due to its structural integrity. However, put a little twist in the can or a dent and the whole will begin to collapse. In a similar fashion, trauma the spine and its surrounding structures can lead to a “structural collapse” resulting in spinal pain, neurological symptoms and eventually degenerative changes (i.e, osteoarthritis, disc herniations and stenosis).
The understanding of tensegrity as it applies to the spine and delivering care based on this principle is one of the fundamental differences between NUCCA and QSM3. NUCCA visualizes that “bone(s) are out of place” and through a precise application of force; their alignment can be restored.
QSM3 visualizes the spine as a 3-dimensional system that is “breaking-down” under the forces of trauma and gravity. Through various “release” sequences applied to the cervical spine and surrounding fascia, the compressing system can be released to a more upright and stable position. In turn, this allows for better neurological function and affords the body the ability to heal.
The body utilizes a majority of its energy to maintain itself upright against gravity. Deviations from balance will require a higher energy expenditure. Accidents and injuries throughout our lifetime damage structures (Fascia, tendons and ligaments) that surround the spine leads to changes in posture and structural integrity.
Overtime, these changes lead to a gradual collapse of the body mechanics which require more energy for the body to maintain itself upright in the gravitational field. Altered biomechanics lead to abnormal movement patterns, progressive breakdown of joint structures (i.e., discs, ligaments and bone) and eventually symptoms will appear. If the altered biomechanics aren’t corrected,irreversible damage in the form of osteoarthritis, disc degeneration and stenosis will begin to appear on imaging.
Dr. Michael Thomas best summarizes this core concept of Tensegrity:
The whole-body consequences of tensegrity led Dr. Friedman to look at what happens when tensegrity breaks down and results in asymmetrical compressive forces that distort the body posture. This was a significant breakthrough. Chiropractic and Upper Cervical Chiropractors alike use a downward corrective force. Dr. Friedman recognized on all full spine views a commonality of bowing and spiraling. The new perspective-initiated examination of the mechanics and consequences of de`compression. Removing compressive forces that held the body in a downward spiral (curvilinear)and restoring it to a linear misalignment which could then be corrected was now understood to be essential.
Larry Arbeitman DC QSM3 Chiropractor, Upper Cervical of Monmouth County
https://www.liberatedbody.com/podcast/stephen-levin-lbp-035
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236146722_Biotensegrity-_T…
He began evaluating the relationship of the legs and pelvis to cervical alignment. He postulated that neck misalignments are typically ‘compensations’ for structural misalignments of the lower extremity, pelvis and spine. The “righting reflex” is a neurological mechanism that will tilt the head to maintain visual balance. The righting reflex can create alignment issues which in turn put stress on the spine and cervical nerves. The analysis started to shift away from solely measuring cervical misalignment and instead evaluating the “whole body” 3-dimensionally. This led to the clinical application of the principle of tensegrity.
The human body withstands 2000 pounds of consistent and constant gravitational pressure and requires a supportive internal spring-like tension to help maintain its structure. The traditional chiropractic model is that the spine and its vertebrae are stacked on top of each other bearing compressive force.