INTERESTING TIMES

Wow.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Tests have poor validity, as there is a false positive rate of 53-92%. So if someone does this test on you and you have a positive result (usually a + is elicited pain/numbness/tingling or loss of a pulse), it doesn't mean anything for sure. Positive tests should be "assessed cautiously".
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For this practical exam we may be asked to demonstrate assessments of VertebroBasilar Artery sufficiency, the Transverse Atlantal Ligament, the Alar Ligament and Lateral Flexion of the entire C-spine by segment. We are also covering strain/counterstrain of the cervical extensors, anterior and middle scalenes, SCM, upper trapezius, levator scapula, masseter and lateral pterygoid. We may have to demonstrate Positional Isometric Relaxation technique on the extensors, scalenes, SCM and traps, levator and masseter.
( notes )

Which condition demonstrates nonuniform joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, & subchondral cysts?
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I think one of the coolest things about yoga is that it shows you the strengths that you have. People think of it as a way to increase flexibility and strength, concentration and calmness. But my body continues to amaze me. It can do things I had no idea it could do. And at this age, starting this late, with these damages already done. It makes me think back to a time when humans were quadruped...how were we strong then? Could we run? Could we swing in trees from our arms? Part of the way we are built is still better for being quadruped than for sitting in computer chairs. Think of the way our discs compress in our backs. They wouldn't collapse on us and cause such trouble if we were better evolved to walk erect. But there are aspects of our construction that harken back to reptiles, the bones of the spine and the way the deep core muscles attach is just like that of a snake. And we can move like snakes, if we want to. If we're not frozen up yet. If we're willing to relax into what our bodies are naturally designed to do. The mind and spirit will follow. What kind of strength do you think it takes to sit erect (under the bodhi tree in Bodhgaya) for seven days and seven nights? Or was that a flood? Matters not. Seven seconds will ( do. )

A friend sent me this abhorrent story that illustrates how modern medicine treats symptoms (palliates) instead of seeking the cause of the malady and a cure. This woman was given a half-baked diagnosis that could have been ruled out completely by properly interviewing the patient. And the diagnosis was not just incorrect, it completely missed the severity and seriousness of the problem. How could they!? Missing diagnoses like that could be fatal! We are instructed to go for the big, obvious diagnoses first and dig deeper as we rule those out, but seriously now folks. ARgh. OK, here's the story:
( lower back pain )

Practiced yoga at the school this morning. Was up before 6am. Mind is going. I believe that there is a biological link between the strength of the core and the experience of BEING. Notice how all the really brilliant, centered people all sit up so straight? Walk so tall? Having a strong core and an aligned spine links, I think, into our limbic systems, into the most primitive part of our brains. Walking resets the emotions. Terry male says I have an overactive amygdala which is what causes me to have religious experiences. Brons says the amygdala is all about fear and aversion, anxiety, fear conditioning, antinociception and autonomic adjustments. Religious experiences, fear and aversion. I wonder where awe falls into that mix.
( I am fascinated by all my coursework right now but especially the brain material from Brons )

http://www.aapsonline.org/nod/newsofday360.php
We like to give Canada as an example of a large nation with socialized healthcare that works, but it doesn't look so good from the perspective of this article.
( River story behind cut )