Brian Kurth, D.C.

Pathoanatomy and Management Options Understanding the Upper Cervical Spine        The strict definition of migraine headache is (8):The headache must last 4 to 72 hours.The headache must be associated with nausea and/or vomiting, or photophobia, and/or phonophobia.The headache must be characterized by 2 of the following 4 symptoms:unilateral locationthrobbing pulsatile qualitymoderate or worse degree of severityintensified by routine physical [..]

Pain is an Electrical Signal Interpreted by the Brain Nerves Bring the Pain Electrical Signal to the BrainThe nerves that bring the pain electrical signal to the brain begin in the various tissues of the body. At the very beginning of the nerve there is a specialized ending call a receptor. The receptor is unique in [..]

The nervous system can be categorized in many different ways. In understanding nervous system physiology, a simple but accurate way of categorization is to view the nervous system as two separate but integrated systems:The MOTOR nerve systemThe SENSORY nerve systemThe MOTOR nerve system is the nerves that move our muscles (motor), and also control the function of our visceral organs (like [..]

The NumbersLow back pain is one of the most thoroughly investigated health problems worldwide, yet both prevention and effective treatment are elusive and controversial. The National Library of Medicine of the United States displays nearly 25,000 articles when the key words “low back pain” are used (May 2014).Suffering with low back pain is almost a [..]

A clinical practice guideline is a document designed to guide decisions and criteria regarding diagnosis, management, and treatment in specific areas of healthcare. Contemporary clinical practice guidelines are based on an examination of current evidence (evidence-based). The goal of clinical practice guidelines is to optimize patient benefit, reduce risks, provide a rational basis for patient referral, and to be cost effective. [..]

This month we take a close look at manipulation of the joints of the lumbar spine and the relationship to Lumbar disc protrusion.  Often lumbar manipulation involves some degree of rotation. Lumbar spine manipulations that are primarily rotational in nature are often discouraged as it is assumed that such maneuvers are associated with an increased [..]

Where Does Back Pain Come From?In 1934, William Mixter, MD and Joseph Barr, MD, established that herniation of the lumbar disc could put pressure on the nerve root or the cauda equina, resulting in sciatica. Their paper on the topic appeared in 1934 in the New England Journal of Medicine (1) and was titled:Rupture of the Intervertebral [..]

THE INFLAMMATION MODEL  A light bulb uses electrical energy to generate light. But, the electrical energy is not created by the light bulb. The electrical energy is created in a location far away and brought to the light bulb using electrical wires. Pain is an electrical signal in the brain. The pain electrical signal is [..]

A Review of the Works of Neurosurgeon Emil Seletz, MD Dr. Emil Seletz (b. 1907; d. 1999) was a neurosurgeon in Beverly Hills, California. His publications indicate that he worked at the Los Angeles General Hospital, and he was faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles Medical School. Additionally, his internet biography indicates he [..]

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is the third most commonly diagnosed rheumatologic disorder, following osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep disturbance. Fibromyalgia is often disabling.  Fibromyalgia is often treatment resistant. Fibromyalgia can be triggered by trauma (Greenfield, Waylonis, Buskila, Neumann). Studies report that between 25% and 50% of [..]