Studies done by numerous osteopathic and chiropractic researchers have demonstrated that cranial sutures do not fuse in adulthood but rather maintain several layers of connective tissues between them which provide for expansion during normal respiration and mobility with the cerebrovascular flow.  Greater separations of the sutures appear at specific locations are are called foraminae.  These foraminae allow for passage of the cranial nerves, as well as venous and arterial structures.  Subluxation and restricted motion of the cranial bones can cause nerve and or vascular impingement consisting of compression for traction.  Subluxation may also cause compression of lobes of the brain, traction of the intracranial meninges, alteration in the size and shape of the orbit of the eyes, the sinuses, the eustacian tube, nasal passages, pharynx, alveoler arch, lacrimal canal, TMJ position, etc.

Common conditions which usually respond to cranial manipulation are sinusitis, migraine and tension headaches, syncope fainting, vertigo, TMJ problems, emotional problems, learning disabilities, tinnitus, otitis media, visual problems, memory problems, Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, allergies, seizures, insomnia, asthma and digestive problems.