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Evidence the Bones of the Head Move???

By July 14, 2017July 22nd, 2017Osteopathy, Physical Health

In his book, Doctoring Data, Malcolm Kendrick, M.D. describes the “white swan hypothesis.” He states that if one’s hypothesis is that “all swans are white,” then as long as that person observes only white swans, he or she strengthens their position and they are correct. However, as soon as that person observes a black swan, he or she must completely reject their original hypothesis and form a new one, or flat out ignore the findings.

It’s like saying Bigfoot, Lochness monster, etcetera do not exist. If ever, a Bigfoot was captured, all of us who hypothesized Bigfoot did not exist would be wrong and our hypothesis discarded. Even if a randomized double-blinded placebo study was not done, we must still reject that hypothesis or ignore the findings. We would not need to see a randomized double-blinded placebo study to disprove our hypothesis.

For a long time, those who argue that the bones of the head fuse have asked for evidence the bones of the head move. They have rejected any study that has shown that there is motion, even if only slight. They have argued that even if the bones of the head could move, there is no evidence people can move them with their hands. They have remained staunch about needing a full proof double-blinded placebo study showing the bones of the head move.

I have previously argued why it would make sense for the bones of the head to move. In this video, I demonstrate the bones of the head move as I move them on a random person whom I have never treated prior. Also, I am demonstrating that they can easily be moved with our hands. In one segment, I show movement of the zygomas (cheekbones) without touching them directly using little force. It is possible to visualize one cheekbone moving in relation to the other. If the skull was fused, this would not be possible.

In another segment, we demonstrate motion at the bridge of the nose beyond what would be possible if the bones were fused. The forehead moves in one direction while the bridge of the nose moves in the opposite. Again, if the skull was fused, this would not be possible.

To compare what an actual fused skull should feel like, we use a plastic skull as a comparison. It may seem crude and simple but this is the motion that many so many argue over whether it is possible or not. If you saw the video, you have seen what is considered by most to be “impossible.” Even if it is not sophisticated, this is video evidence of cranial bone motion being moved by human hands.

I doubt this may not be enough to sway people but at the very least it shows the potential for cranial bone motion and makes ignoring the evidence in front of our eyes more difficult. Yes, more research, real research, is needed on this topic. Given that those who demand evidence for cranial bone motion do not have any studies proving that the cranial bones are fused, it would be nice if they held themselves to the same standards. Especially if they are going to claim to be “pro-science.”

One can’t just say that their position is so obvious that they don’t need evidence. Just because they are in the majority does not make them correct. Perhaps we should remember what happened with hormone replacement therapy? Its touted benefits were so obvious that a study just seemed like a formality to show what we already knew. Until, of course, actual studies showed that hormone replacement therapy caused more harm than good. Then suddenly, a standard of care practice had to be reversed and hormone replacement therapy became malpractice.

At this point there is far more research, including studies from NASA, showing cranial motion along with video proof demonstrating motion. The best evidence, including anatomy, currently suggests that cranial bones can actually move. Therefore, rejecting the idea of cranial bone motion is not evidence based.

It would be nice if we could move beyond the argument and start moving forward with studying how we can help people with this. Those of us who do understand how to work with cranial bone motion are able to help our patients where others fail because we address the anatomy. Then we could all move forward helping people for their headaches, neck pain, and any other problems that can be helped by this. Otherwise we can just continue to ignore the findings.

Daniel Lopez, D.O.

Author Daniel Lopez, D.O.

Daniel Lopez, D.O. grew up with a lot of pain trying many things that did not help. Realizing that if he could not help himself, he would be unable to help others effectively, he dedicated himself to finding real answers. Since that time, Dr. Lopez has found a unique but powerful style where he has patients from around the country and the world that travel to see him for headaches, TMJ issues, eye issues, neck pain, back pain, and more. Daniel Lopez, D.O. is an osteopathic physician with Osteopathic Integrative Medicine. Prior to that he had a private practice in NYC for 6 years. He is the author of the Amazon best seller "Unwinding the Body and Decoding the Messages of Pain: An In-Depth Look into the World of Osteopathic Physicians and How They 'Magically' Use Their Hands for Healing." He lives in Aurora, CO with his wife and daughters.

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Join the discussion One Comment

  • Ryan says:

    I had cranial surgery as an infant which affected the growth plate in my frontal bone on the left side of my temple, which created a dent in the skull. I’m wondering if Osteopathy could correct some of this or is it something I’d have to have corrected through other means?

    Thanks!

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