• Pick M

• Cranial Therapy
• Dura Mater / anatomy and histology
• Musculoskeletal Manipulations
• Open Access Document
• Sacro Occipital Technique

Objective: The relationship between clinical application to the cranium and sacral region has been questioned. The purpose of this study was to assess whether an anatomical functional relationship could be demonstrated through the application of pressures to the cranium with visualisation of its effect on the dural volume in a dissected sacral region.

Methods: Two cadavers were carefully dissected to expose the lumbosacral dural sac. Lateral to medial pressure was applied by hand simultaneously and bilaterally to cranial contacts just above the asterion. Careful observation of the dural sac pre and post application of pressure was performed.

Results: It appeared that with application of cranial pressure, the sacral dural sac expanded up to twice the resting diameter observed before cranial pressure was applied. It returned to its approximate original volume after the pressure was released.

Conclusion: This study represents the first attempt to assess if a relationship exists between the application of pressure to the cranium and a response in the lumbosacral meningeal region affected by the action of cerebrospinal fluid.

Author keywords: Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) -  Cranial-sacral connection - Dura - Dural sac - Cranial technique.

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