341+
Peer-reviewed published studies
1980
Year CBP® was founded
75–80%
Average pain improvement in clinical trials
50%
Average spinal correction toward ideal alignment
What Is Chiropractic BioPhysics®?
Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) is not conventional chiropractic. It is a highly advanced, evidence-based structural rehabilitation protocol founded in December 1980 by Drs. Donald Harrison, Deanne Harrison, and Daniel Murphy — named for 'physics applied to biology in chiropractic.'
Where standard chiropractic focuses on relieving pain through joint mobilization, CBP® goes further: it uses precise digital X-ray analysis, the Harrison Spinal Model, and a three-part corrective protocol (Mirror Image® adjustments, corrective exercises, and spinal traction) to physically remodel the spine toward its normal, healthy alignment.
With over 341 published peer-reviewed studies, CBP® is the most scientifically validated named technique in chiropractic. At Omaha Headache Clinic, we use CBP® as the foundation of care for chronic headaches, migraines, neck pain, and postural disorders — because correcting the structural cause produces results that outlast any medication.
The Harrison Spinal Model
The Harrison Spinal Model: What Normal Looks Like
CBP® is built on an evidence-based geometric model of ideal spinal alignment — the Harrison Spinal Model. This is the standard against which every patient's spine is measured.
Ideal Spinal Alignment
- Cervical (neck) curve: a circular arc of 40° lordosis — the C-shaped curve that protects the spinal cord and acts as a shock absorber
- Thoracic (mid-back) curve: an elliptical kyphosis — the natural outward curve of the ribcage
- Lumbar (low back) curve: an elliptical lordosis — the inward curve that distributes load across the discs
- Head, ribcage, and pelvis vertically aligned in both front and side views — centers of mass stacked over each other with respect to gravity
Common Postural Distortions
- Forward head posture (anterior head translation): adds up to 10 lbs of load per inch of forward displacement — the single most common structural finding in headache patients
- Cervical hypolordosis or kyphosis: loss or reversal of the neck curve — directly linked to cervicogenic headaches, migraines, and trigeminal nerve sensitization
- Thoracic hyperkyphosis (hunchback): excessive outward curve of the mid-back — increases disc loading and compresses thoracic nerve roots
- Lateral head or ribcage translation: sideways shift of the head or torso — creates asymmetric spinal loading and muscle imbalance
- Lumbar hypolordosis or flat back: loss of the low back curve — dramatically increases disc pressure and accelerates degeneration
The CBP® Corrective Protocol
The CBP® E.A.T. Protocol: How Structural Correction Works
CBP® structural rehabilitation uses three synergistic interventions — known as the E.A.T. protocol — that work together to physically remodel the spine. No single element is sufficient alone; the combination is what produces lasting structural change.
Mirror Image® Exercises
Corrective exercises are performed in the exact opposite direction of the patient's postural distortion — the Mirror Image® position. These exercises stretch shortened muscles and strengthen weakened ones, retraining the neuromuscular system to hold the corrected spinal position. Published research shows Mirror Image® exercises produce measurable postural improvements verified on follow-up X-ray.
Performed with resistance bands, Prolordotic devices, or bodyweight — often on a vibration platform to enhance neuromuscular retraining.
Mirror Image® Adjustments
Unlike general spinal manipulation, CBP® Mirror Image® adjustments are precisely calculated from the patient's X-ray measurements. The patient is positioned in the opposite of their abnormal posture before the adjustment is delivered — resetting the nervous system's regulation of postural muscle balance and reinforcing the corrective direction.
Delivered via drop table, hand-held instrument, or manipulation — always in the Mirror Image® position derived from the patient's specific postural analysis.
Mirror Image® Spinal Traction
Traction is the primary driver of structural change. CBP® extension traction applies sustained loading of 10–20 minutes per session — long enough to cause visco-elastic deformation of the spinal ligaments, muscles, and discs. This is the only non-surgical method proven in clinical controlled trials to consistently correct abnormal spinal curvatures back toward normal alignment.
Cervical extension traction typically begins at 25 lbs and progresses to 45 lbs over the course of care. Home traction devices (Denneroll) extend the correction between clinic visits.
Phases of CBP® Care
CBP® separates relief care from structural rehabilitation — because they have different goals, different methods, and different timelines.
Phase 1
Relief Care
~12 visits (3 weeks at 4x/week)
Goal:
Reduce pain, improve range of motion, decrease inflammation
Methods:
Spinal manipulation, stretching, ice/heat, soft tissue therapy
Standard chiropractic methods — any technique the doctor prefers. Goal is to get the patient comfortable enough to begin structural rehabilitation.
Phase 2
Structural Rehabilitation
36 visits (9–12 weeks at 3–4x/week)
Goal:
Correct spinal alignment toward the Harrison Ideal Model — verified by follow-up X-ray
Methods:
Mirror Image® exercises, Mirror Image® adjustments, spinal extension traction (E.A.T. protocol)
Clinical trials show an average 75–80% improvement in chronic pain and 50% correction of spinal alignment at the 36-visit re-evaluation.
Phase 3
Stabilization & Maintenance
1–4 visits/month (ongoing)
Goal:
Maintain structural corrections, prevent regression, optimize long-term spinal health
Methods:
Reduced-frequency E.A.T. protocol, home Denneroll traction, periodic X-ray reassessment
Published case studies show CBP® corrections maintained at 2.5-year follow-up when patients complete the home care protocol.
Why X-Ray Analysis Matters
Why X-Ray Analysis Is Non-Negotiable
CBP® requires initial and follow-up spinal X-rays — not as a formality, but because the spine cannot be structurally corrected without knowing exactly what needs to be corrected. Pain intensity, range of motion, and patient-reported outcomes are important — but they do not tell you the shape of the spine.
The Harrison Spinal Model has been validated as a discriminative tool: it can identify pain subjects versus non-pain subjects based on X-ray measurements alone. Cervical lordosis angle, forward head posture displacement, and segmental alignment are measurable, correctable biomarkers — not subjective impressions.
As CBP® founder Dr. Don Harrison put it: 'No one would take their car to the mechanic and say something's wrong with my engine but don't look under the hood. Why would anyone want a chiropractor to treat their spine without an X-ray to see what it looks like?'
What the Research Shows
CBP® is the most published named technique in the Index Medicus (PubMed) within chiropractic — with over 341 peer-reviewed studies across randomized trials, clinical control trials, and spinal modeling research.
Cervical Lordosis Restoration
New 3-point bending traction method combined with cervical manipulation produced statistically significant cervical lordosis restoration in a non-randomized clinical control trial.
Harrison DE et al. Arch Phys Med Rehab 2002;83(4):447–453
Lumbar Curve Correction
CBP® extension traction produced significant sagittal lumbar configuration changes — the first published non-surgical method to consistently correct lumbar kyphosis.
Harrison DE et al. Arch Phys Med Rehab 2002;83(11):1585–1591
Chronic Pain Outcomes
Across six clinical control trials, the average chronic pain patient achieved 75–80% improvement in pain and 50% correction of spinal alignment after the CBP® E.A.T. protocol.
Maltby JK et al. JVSR 2008; August 21:1–12
Cervical Lordosis as Pain Biomarker
The Harrison Spinal Model for the cervical spine was validated as a discriminative tool — able to identify chronic neck pain subjects versus asymptomatic subjects based on X-ray measurements alone.
Harrison DD et al. Spine 2004;29:2485–2492
Conditions We Treat with CBP®
Every condition we treat has a structural component. CBP® identifies and corrects that component — producing results that outlast any medication.
Cervical hypolordosis is a key biomechanical biomarker for migraine
Forward head posture is the primary structural driver
Directly caused by upper cervical misalignment
C1–C2 compression of the greater occipital nerve
Upper cervical dysfunction sensitizes the trigeminal pathway
Trigeminocervical complex — C1–C3 structural involvement
Thoracic hyperkyphosis corrected with CBP® traction
Structural root cause identified and corrected
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Omaha patients about Chiropractic BioPhysics® and structural spine care.
Conventional chiropractic focuses primarily on pain relief through joint mobilization — adjusting individual segments to reduce pain and improve range of motion. CBP® goes further: it uses digital X-ray analysis to measure your specific spinal deviations against the Harrison Ideal Model, then applies a three-part corrective protocol (Mirror Image® exercises, adjustments, and traction) to physically remodel the spine toward normal alignment. The goal is not temporary relief — it is permanent structural correction, verified by post-treatment X-rays.
CBP® is the most published named technique in the Index Medicus (PubMed) within the chiropractic profession, with over 341 peer-reviewed studies. These include randomized clinical trials, non-randomized clinical control trials, case series, spinal modeling studies, X-ray reliability studies, and biomechanics research. CBP NonProfit, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) research foundation dedicated to advancing spine rehabilitation through peer-reviewed science.
Yes — and for good reason. The spine cannot be structurally corrected without knowing exactly what needs to be corrected. CBP® uses initial X-rays to measure your specific spinal deviations (cervical lordosis angle, forward head posture displacement, segmental alignment) and follow-up X-rays to verify structural improvement. The Harrison Spinal Model has been validated as a discriminative tool — it can identify pain subjects versus non-pain subjects based on X-ray measurements alone. Pain levels and range of motion are important, but they do not tell you the shape of the spine.
The typical CBP® protocol involves three phases: Phase 1 (relief care) is approximately 12 visits over 3 weeks. Phase 2 (structural rehabilitation) is approximately 36 visits over 9–12 weeks at 3–4 visits per week. Phase 3 (stabilization) is 1–4 visits per month ongoing. Clinical trials show an average 75–80% improvement in chronic pain and 50% correction of spinal alignment at the 36-visit re-evaluation. Published case studies show these corrections maintained at 2.5-year follow-up when patients complete the home care protocol.
The Denneroll is a cervical orthotic traction device used at home between clinic visits. Patients typically use it for 20 minutes daily, performing 100–200 neck extension repetitions. Home care is what makes the structural correction permanent rather than temporary — it extends the traction effect between sessions and retrains the muscles to hold the corrected position. Published CBP® case studies that include home Denneroll use show corrections maintained at 2.5-year follow-up.
Yes — this is one of CBP®'s most well-documented applications. A 2022 case study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science demonstrated that restoring cervical lordosis in a chronic headache patient reduced Headache Disability Index scores from 66% (severe) to 2% (resolved), with results maintained at 2.5-year follow-up. The authors proposed cervical lordosis as a key biomechanical biomarker for cervicogenic headache. At Omaha Headache Clinic, CBP® is the foundation of our headache treatment approach.
Ready to See What Your Spine Actually Looks Like?
Most headache and neck pain patients have never had their spinal alignment measured. A CBP® structural evaluation includes digital X-ray analysis, postural assessment, and a clear explanation of what is causing your symptoms — and what it will take to correct it.
18460 Wright Street Ste. 9, Omaha, NE 68130