1. Segmental Facilitation • The concept of segmental facilitation was formulated and researched originally by Denslow & Korr at the osteopathic college in Kirksville MO. • Original observation was based on palpatory data • these dysfunctional (lesioned) segments were palpable

2. Segmental Facilitation • Normal vertebrae • When pressure was applied to the spinous processes, up to 7 Kg of pressure would elicit a minimal response in the adjacent paraspinal muscles • Abnormal vertebrae • Much lower pressure (1-3 Kg) would elicit an exaggerated response in the adjacent paraspinal muscles

3. Segmental facilitation • In addition exaggerated responses in the adjacent paraspinal muscles to the lesioned segment could be observed when decreased pressure was applied to normal spinous processes at levels above or below the lesioned segment without that level responding. (key finding)

4. Segmental facilitation • Lesioned segments shows both exaggerated ventral horn activity, but also intermediolateral horn activity, which is the site of preganglionic SNS neurons. (C8-L3) • Additional studies confirmed the presence of sympathicotonia (hyperactivity of the SNS) at the level of the segmental facilitation • decreases galvanic skin resistance associated with increased sweat gland activity

5. Segmental facilitation-end points • Red reaction (SNS) • Galvanic skin resistance (SNS) • Sweat gland activity (SNS) • EMG (skeletal muscle)

6. Segmental facilitation • Clinical significance • The facilitated segment acts as a focusing lens and bombards its targets with an exaggerated neural traffic. • This increased neural segment outflow can result from any increased cord traffic either afferent or efferent • results in increased local muscle spasm and hyperactive SNS activity • Long term effects may result in premature dysfunction of tissues or organs as the tissue tries to override the effects of increased SNS activity