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An effective means of evaluation and management of axial spinal reflex syndromes, Spinal Reflex Analysis addresses the most prevalent source of neuro-musculo-skeletal pain and dysfunction.

Axial Spinal Reflexes persistently exercise influence over primary (axial) and secondary (peripheral) soft tissue tone, contraction and function. Prolonged spinal reflexes lead to soft tissue myofascial syndromes, fibrosis, joint compression, and osteoarthritis (Fassbinder). "The primary functionally abnormal position of a vertebral unit followed by myotendinotic changes represents the primary spondylogenic reflex syndrome." (Dvorak and Dvorak)

Early works by Sutter; Wyke, Maigne, Travell, Rinzler, Schmerl, Jurghanns and others illustrate the neuro-physiology of the spinal reflex. Until now, identifying the predominant axial spinal reflex in a clinical setting was absent in it's entirety.

Sutter's original work is based on EMG studies of axial soft tissue contractions in response to vertebral facet joint injection of a noxious compound. His, and other original studies, albeit informative of this mechanism, did not evolve into functional clinical applications and the spinal reflex syndrome has largely gone unnoticed some 35 years later.

Dr. Loyd F. Jarrell redefined the spondylogenic reflex syndrome (SRS) as an Axial Spinal Reflex (ASR) to distinguish the difference between the common term "spinal reflex" of which all reflexes are, and that of a reflex that meets the following criteria:

1. originates directly from facet joints of the spine

2. is a direct result of an unstable facet articulation

3. is induced by sprain, ergonomic overload or neurological distress

4. produces a pre-defined set of neuromusculoskeletal reactions

5. results in abberrant axial and peripheral joint biomechanics

6. stimulates sympathetic nervous system activity

SRI, Int'l., through Dr. Loyd F. Jarrell, researched and designed clinical protocols not only for the rapid and specific identification of the involved spinal segment, but further developed soft tissue and hard tissue treatment procedures to arrest the axial spinal reflex syndrome. Physical therapy rehabilitative and ergonomic education have been developed to further manage the long-term stabilization of the axial spinal reflex syndrome. Lastly, significant performance enhancement techniques have developed out of post-surgical recovery findings and algometry, thermoscan and ultrasound diagnostic assessment protocols are under research.

SRA is the only evaluation and management system available to effectively treat the axial spinal reflex mechanism. SRI continues to set new standards in physical medicine and performance enhancement.

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