This chiropractic technique, Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT), was developed in the 1920s by Dr. Major Bertrand DeJarnette. Dr. DeJarnette was a chiropractor, osteopath, and engineer. While working in the automobile field as an engineer he suffered major injuries leaving him crippled due to an explosion. This led him to osteopathic medicine seeking a way to relieve his own symptoms. His pain was still quite severe so he began receiving treatment from a chiropractor who then convinced him to study the profession. This led him to becoming a chiropractor. As a chiropractor he wanted to develop a healing method that included spinal adjustments into the cranium, extremities, organs, and pelvis. Through his research he discovered that adjusting based on patterns in the body is more effective than spinal adjustments alone. The name of the technique, SOT, is based on the primary pattern, which is the relationship between the occiput and the sacrum.
The sacrum is the triangular shaped bone located at the lower back and is formed via a fused sacral vertebrae. It is essentially the foundation of the spine. The occiput is the back of the head, or the top of the spine. Therefore SOT is primarily used to bring balance back in the relationship between the top and bottom of the spine. This is done through adjustments and established indicators. The practitioner of the SOT method will utilize indicators to direct their adjustment procedures. These indicators are essentially signals that will alert the practitioner where to make the next adjustment
The diagnostic and analysis system of this technique is based on three category systems. The first category is focused on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and its movement between the sacrum and the occiput. When there is a subluxation between the back of the sacroiliac joint a strain on the spinal and cranial dura will occur and this restricts flow of the CSF. The second category focuses on the presence of hypermobility in the sacroiliac joint which leads to instability between the sacrum and ilium. These subluxations lead to neurophysiological dysfunctions and subluxations of the extremities. When category 2 subluxations are not corrected category 3 will result. Category three is the result of ongoing compensation of the body due to subluxations in category 2 and 3. When subluxations have reached this category there is compression of nerve roots, stretch syndromes, and potential degenerative issues of the spinal discs.
There are a variety of health issues and illnesses where SOT can be beneficial. Some research has shown benefits in using this technique to treat asthma. Back pain, headaches, pain in the extremities, digestive problems, toxicity, reproductive issues, high blood pressure, poor organ function, TMJ, visual disturbances, ear infections, and urinary issues are just a few of the wide variety of health concerns that many practitioners of SOT will seek to correct or prevent through this technique. While all these health concerns may see improvement through the use of SOT the primary focus of this method of treatment is the cranial sacral respiratory system.
The cranial sacral respiratory system is subtle, but essential. When this system is not functioning normally the rest of the body and body systems are impacted. The cranial respiratory mechanism is much like the traditional respiratory system. It results in cyclic phases of tightening and loosening as a wavelike covering for the brain and spinal cord. It is thought that this respiratory mechanism is essential to proper life functioning within the body.
A patient receiving this form of corrective procedure can expect to have an appointment that is free of harsh or rigid adjustments. The chiropractor will utilize a low force and gentle touch approach. SOT relies on the body’s gravitational pull along with manipulation to align the pelvic into balance and centered. After this initial adjustment the rest of the spine is brought into alignment. The practitioner may need to use a wedge under the pelvis to help the body find alignment. While these adjustments and manipulations are taking place the chiropractor will be looking closely for any signs of body indicators.
SOT is truly an art form performed by specially trained chiropractors. Through this method the body is able to restore and heal properly.
Dr. Kaminsky has studied SOT Chiropractic and if very familiar with its methodology of care.