And why do we use SOT at Centenary Chiropractic Centre?
Sacro Occipital Technic (SOT) is a comprehensive, gentle and innovative technique of Chiropractic.[1] Its name stems from the relationship between the Sacrum (base of the spine) and the Occiput (base of the skull). In 1925, Dr DeJarnette founded SOT and to this day it is continued to be studied and researched worldwide.
WHAT IS CSF?
CEREBRO-SPINAL FLUID
The sacrum has the function of pumping Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) from the base of the spine back up the spinal canal to the brain and throughout the nervous system. Furthermore, the occiput also helps to pump CSF.
To keep ourselves at optimal health, this minute rhythmical motion circulates the CSF through out our body. This in turn acts as the circulatory system of the brain and spinal cord.
To maintain a healthy body, the messages that are transmitted throughout nerve channels from the brain to the organs are then retransmitted from organs back to the brain.
THE SPINE AND THE PELVIS
Our upper body is supported all the way to our skull by our pelvis. It forms the foundational support of the human skeleton which enables us to transfer our weight to our legs.
Your organs and muscle systems are supported by the spine that holds our body upright and creates anchor points that connect the various fascia.
Our body is controlled by the nervous system and can only function normally when our structures are balanced, and our pelvis is stable.
THE THREE CATEGORIES
Your body is made to adapt to misalignments from day to day life, but this adaption or failure to adapt produces different categories, which may also by progressive.
Let’s take a look at the three categories used in SOT.
CATEGORY I - CRANIAL-DURAL SUBLUXATION
CAUSE AND SYMPTOMS
Category One occurs when the sacro-iliac joints become misaligned, or subluxated. This has the effect of rotating the hips and tilting the sacrum. When the sacrum tilts it reduces its pumping ability.
the reduction of the normal sacral pump means the cerebrospinal-spinal fluid does not circulate as effectively. This may lead to a lack of nutrition and an increased toxicity of the nervous system.
Category One symptoms arise from this reduced nerve function and can affect many tissues and organs in the body.
Category One symptoms may include:
- Visceral disturbance
- Skin disorders
- Numbness in facial structures or extremities
- Insomnia
- Lower back pain
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Weight problems
CORRECTION OF CATEGORY ONE
When correcting Category One subluxation, your Chiropractor will use two blocks which will be placed under your pelvis in specific positions and directions.
Your body wight and breathing motions will help normalise the sacro-iliac joints and assist the sacral pump which stimulates the movement of cerebrospinal-spinal fluid.
This improves nerve nutrition and removes toxins, which allows your nervous system to function at its optimum.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
To increase your inner resources and resistance and gradually restore your body functions:
- take regular daily exercise
- have sufficient sleep
- keep a positive mental attitude
- have a well balanced diet
- keep scheduled chiropractic appointments
CATEGORY II - SPRAIN OF THE PELVIS
CAUSE AND SYMPTOMS
Category Two happens when ligaments which hold the sacroiliac joint are stretched or sprained, allowing the joint surfaces to seperate.
This disturbs the body’s balance, nervous system and our spine right up to our shoulders and neck and also our cranial system.
Category Two symptoms include:
- Jaw problems
- Neck pain
- Ear pain, loss of balance
- Lateral headaches
- Shoulder, arm, and hand pain
- Lateral chest pain
- Groin pain
- Lateral thigh pain
- Knee, ankle, and feet problems
- Fatigue
- Menstrual problems
- Low back pain
- Bed wetting
CORRECTION OF CATEGORY TWO
The ‘arm fossa test’ is a specific test your Chiropractor will use to confirm a Category Two. There are often other sensitive indicators too.
To correct the Category Two, blocks are placed under the pelvis and the weight of the body helps reposition the sacroiliac joints for healing.
Usually you will notice your arm response and sensitive areas improves immediately as the blocks do their work.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Once realigned, the body needs time to heal, so be careful over the next eight weeks. Recommendations are:
- Gentle exercise like walking
- Avoid heavy lifting or bending
- Avoid sitting for extended periods
- Use ice rather than heat
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid Caffeine, nicotine and stimulants
- Avoid excess sugar and starch
- Avoid vacuuming
- Consider using a supportive belt
- Keep scheduled chiropractic appointments
CATEGORY III - LOWER BACK, DISCS AND NERVES
CAUSE AND SYMPTOMS
Between each of the spinal vertebrae is a disc. These discs act as shock absorbers as well as spacers between the bones. When our bodies work correctly, the discs allow enough space between the spinal bones for delicate nerves to exit.
When our bodies are out of balance these spaces can become compromised by an alteration to the disc, which may pinch or irritate the nerve just beside.
Category Two symptoms may include:
- Low back pain
- Pain down the back of the leg
- Burning sensation down the back of the leg
- Pins and needles in the leg
- Tightness in the leg
- Numbness in the leg and back
- Poor bowel or bladder control
- Pain on sitting, rising, bending or coughing/sneezing
CORRECTION OF CATEGORY THREE
Category Three occurs when the low back can no longer tolerate the physical stressors placed on it. This can be a sudden one-off event such as a lift, or it can be a pre-existing weakness which is aggravated.
Often Category Three produces pain in the low back and sometimes pain radiates down a leg as sciatica.
Correction involves using blocks under the pelvis in a specific direction and position. Your weight and breathing help to balance the low back and take the pressure or irritation off the nerve, allowing it to heal.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Suggestions to speed recovery may include:
- Avoid sudden twists or turns or bends
- Lift only with your back upright
- Use ice (wrapped in towel) for 10-20 minute intervals
- Reduce alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and sugars
- Walk regularly to your tolerance
- Sleeping with a pillow under the knees whilst on your back helps relieve pressure
- Keep scheduled chiropractic appointments
TREATMENT
Named diseases are not therapeutically treated by SOT. To restore and maintain health, it removes the cause of nerve malfunction using minimum force.
To allow the body to seek its correct alignment and balance, SOT implements the use of wedge-shaped blocks. Before each adjustment, a test is used to determine which combination of block position will be used. To establish the type of adjustment needed, SOT recognises the importance of body language in the form of neurological tests, weak muscles, tender areas and other signs and indicators.
Stress areas around the body are eliminated and natural tolerance levels are reinstated as the body responds and heals.
CHIROPRACTIC IS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Visit your local chiropractor!
If you’re interested in seeing a chiropractor to keep you and your family’s health and wellbeing in check, consider booking an appointment with us, Centenary Chiropractic Centre, your local chiropractor for Camira and surrounding areas. Give us a call on 07 3381 0440 or book online here: www.centenarychiro.com.au
- SOTO Australasia, About Sacro Occipital Technic
- SOTO Australasia, Category One: Cause and symptoms, correction of category one, your responsibilities, category one symptoms
- SOTO Australasia, Category Two: Cause and symptoms, correction of category two, your responsibilities, category two symptoms
- SOTO Australasia, Category Three: Cause and symptoms, correction of category three, your responsibilities, category three symptoms
