The Downside of Upright Posture

The true story of more than twenty years of investigative research begins at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where Dr. Michael Flanagan tells how a chance investigation started him on his journey.

Dr. Flanagan's research into the fluid mechanics of the brain - including the unique design of the sutures and base of the human skull - led to the discovery of an unmistakable link between upright posture of Homo sapiens and neurodegenerative diseases seen in aging adults. This ''link'' is in the cervical spine which contains key circulatory routes for blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow entering and exiting the brain.

In a style that is accessible to the lay reader, as well as the scientist, Flanagan explains why his discovery offers important new information and hope for the many millions of patients, family members, physicians, and scientists who are devoted to understanding the causes of - and finding cures for - neurodegenerative diseases of the brain and spinal cord.

Dr. Michael Flanagan graduated magna cum laude from Sherman College of Chiropractic in 1978, where he studied in depth a method of correction of the upper cervical spine, which includes the base of the skull. After graduation, he further studied two chiropractic disciplines called applied kinesiology and sacrooccipital technique, which include the study of the musculoskeletal system of the skull and cerebrospinal fluid flow in the brain and cord.

After completion of a three year course, in 1999 Dr. Flanagan was awarded a diplomate certificate from the American College of Chiropractic Neurology. Dr. Flanagan also has a broad background in orthopedics, sports medicine and nutrition, and is certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines. He is also a former certified fitness trainer and has considerable expertise in eastern martial arts, yoga, and chi kung exercises used in health care.