Dr. Harlan Sparer’s Basic Definiutions
Dr. Harlan Sparer, Tempe Chiropractor
1) Chiropractic: The Science, Art, and Philosophy of removing Subluxations
2) D.N.F.T.® Chiropractic : Directional Non-Force Technique® Chiropractic was founded by Dr. Richard Van Rumpt, in the early 1930s. It has been further developed and taught since 1986 through D.N.F.T. Seminars by his successor, Christopher John DC. It is one of the early non force approaches towards spinal alignment, Distinct in both its spinal analysis utilizing the reactive leg reflex as well as the DNFT® thrust, delivered with both thumbs.
3) Health: Not merely the absence of disease, but a state of total physical, mental, and spiritual well being.
4) Subluxation: A misaligned structure in the body causing an alteration of nerve flow due to nerve pressure created. It is frequently caused by the body’s inflammatory response to the alignment issue.
5) Ligament: A structure which holds bones in alignment relative to each other. A structure considered for adjustment using DNFT®.
6) Muscle: A structure which moves the body, typically attached to bone. A structure considered for adjustment in DNFT®.
7) IVD: Intervertebral Disc; the pad between the vertebrae that often through their bulging (herniation, “slipped disc”) create pressure on the nerve as it exits between the vertebrae.
8) IVF: Intervertebral foramen; The bony window between the vertebrae through which the spinal nerves exit.
9) Reactive leg Reflex: This reflex is unique to D.N.F.T.® Chiropractic. It involves a precise mechanical eversion maneuver performed on the feet which elicits a temporary and dynamic change in the length of one leg. This reflex response is utilized to specifically locate the angle of subluxation in the planes of rotation, laterality, lateral tilt, and anteriority/posteriority
10) Manipulation: Any form of moving the vertebrae manually
11) Chiropractic Adjustment: A form of manipulation performed by a Chiropractor with the intention of removing nerve interference caused by an alignment issue in the body (subluxation).
12) Sciatica: An irritation of the long nerve behind the leg typically caused by subluxated vertebrae and discs in the lumbar region.
13) Radiating Pain: A symptom that begins in one location and travels to another in the body. This is found in both acute and chronic subluxation.
14) Referred Pain: When a pain in the body is initiated at one location without symptoms and is felt in an entirely different area. This is found in many conditions, among them chronic subluxation.
15) Pinched Nerve: This is found in all subluxations and is the result of inflammation. This inflammation is caused by subluxation of the vertebra and disc associated with the spinal nerve in most cases.
16) Accomodation/Compensation: When the body attempts to reduce, alter, or spread out an insult to the nervous system by affecting adjacent or related structures. Over time this becomes a problem in its own right, creating layers of subluxation and retracing.