"Considerable evidence exists to support the point of view that aging and degenerative changes are not synonymous and that degenerative changes do not appear unless the joint has been damaged by trauma. Many elderly joints prove to be just as strong in torsion or compression as the younger ones. Furthermore, degenerated joints appear to be stiffer than normal but fail before the healthier ones. This is a typical mechanical characteristic of scar tissue and scar implies injury." (HF Farfan, MSc, MD, CM, FRCS; WH Kirkaldy-Willis: "Managing Low Back Pain," Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone 1988, p 25.)

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Wolff's Law: "Established (1868). Every change in the form or function of a bone is followed by certain definite changes in its internal architecture and its external shape. Equal pressure to the epiphyseal plates results in symmetrical growth. Asymmetrical pressure results in asymmetrical growth and vertebral deformity." (Cailliet, RMD, "Low Back Pain Syndrome," Edition 4, Pain Series C, FA Davis Co, Fourth printing 1991, p 5.)

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"For years, osmosis was considered the basis for variable hydration of the disk matrix due to its colloidal state and its anion radicals. Further studies (Hendry 1958) have clearly shown that osmosis plays only a small role in the hydration of the matrix. Most disk hydration occurs via imbibition. If imbibition by the disk is a factor in its nutrition, it is mandatory that there is alternating compression and relaxation of the disk to ensure its sponge imbibition action. Mechanically, this sponge-like imbibition ensures entry of fluid through the semipermeable membranes: the endplates of the vertebra and the outer annular envelopes of the disk." (Cailliet, RMD, "Low Back Pain Syndrome," Edition 4, Pain Series C, FA Davis Co, Fourth printing 1991, pp 6-8.)

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"The lumbar disc is a unique structure in many ways. It is vascular only during infancy and is dependent afterwards on the diffusion of nutrients from adjacent vertebrae across the endplate. I suggest that during episodes of discal decompression when nutrition is enhanced and discal volume increases this is also the phase when healing occurs. (CV Burton, MD, FACS; WH Kirkaldy-Willis, MA, MD, FRCS [Edin], FACS: "Managing Low Back Pain," Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone 1988, pp 306-07.)

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"Posture Pump is one of the most useful spinal rehabilitative tools on the market today. I use it with all my patients who require remolding of the soft tissues. Posture Pump also promotes water imbibition into the spinal discs and restoration of the lordotic curves. I also recommend the home units for patients. I find that my patients like the Posture Pump, are compliant with their prescribed schedule of care and notice results almost immediately. For your patients' sake, try the Posture Pump now!!" -- Mike Sherman, D.C., Kentner, New Jersey

"The initial few weeks after an injury are a critical period. The importance of close case management, early aggressive mobilization, and early return to work cannot be overemphasized. Bed rest and other passive treatments should be kept to the absolute minimum. Early protected mobilization of the injured body part, combined with a gradual, progressive increase in activities in a controlled, supervised manner gives the best result." (CV Burton, MD, FASC; WH Kirkaldy-Willis, MA, MD, FRCS [Edin], FACS: "Managing Low Back Pain," Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone 1988, p 305.)

"I was involved in a motor vehicle accident in October 1994. Neuropsychological testing revealed I was left with a 78 IQ, and it was doubtful I would be able to finish my studies at National College of Chiropractic. Videofluoroscopy revealed that I had no motion at C0-C1, C5-C6, and C6-C7.

"After treatment by a chiropractor who utilized the Pierce method of chiropractic, and the Posture Pump, I had full resolution of my condition.

"As a result, I was able to finish chiropractic school. I feel the Posture Pump is one of the most powerful tools in my practice, and highly encourage all my patients to purchase one.

(If anyone has an questions/comments, please feel free to contact me at 330/477-7940. John F. Brown, D.C., CNMT.)

Abnormal postures are well known to play a role in the causation of pain and functional impairment leading to disability. Standard posture is defined by the Posture Committee of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery (1947) as "Skeletal alignment refined as a relative arrangement of the parts of the body in a state of balance that protects the supporting structures of the body against injury or progressive deformity."