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Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic

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Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic is a branch of chiropractic researched and developed by B. J. Palmer beginning in the 1930s until his death. According to Upper cervical chiropractic, a vertebral subluxation can only occur in upper cervical vertebrae. Therefore this technique places great importance on the anatomical structures of the occipito-atlantal-axial region, pointing out that it floats on two toed-in spoon like surfaces and is a potential source of instability. The potential instability of the occipito-atlantal-axial region is theorized to predispose people to an "adaptational imbalance" in the head/neck region.

Background

This theory was brought to Palmer's attention by Al Wernsing, another chiropractor. Soon thereafter, Palmer abandoned his ties to traditional full-spine spinal adjustments and began researching specifically the correction of the upper cervical vertebrae, a technique which he termed "Hole in one" (HIO). The technique was the only one to be taught during the remainder of his life at Palmer School of Chiropractic. Afterwards the school adopted the work of chiropractors Clay Thompson and Clarence Gonstead, but eventually labelled its technique curriculum the Palmer Package.

The techniques are characterized by:

1. Main influence on the upper cervical articulations of the occiput, and the atlas and axis vertebrae

2. Focus on vector calculation based upon the theory that kinematic joint dysfunction is related to a positional disturbance.

3. Precision radiographic analysis of positional disturbance of the occipito-atlantal-axial region of the upper cervical spinal column.

4. Use of a form of thermography known as skin temperature differential analysis (STDA) to determine the presence or absence of neurological disturbance (neuropathophysiology).

5. Use of a specific vectored force for the correction of the positional disturbance of the occipito-atlantal-axial region.

6. Documentation of pre and post-spinal adjustment results with objective measures[citation needed]

How it Works

The goal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic is to clear the nervous system of any interferences and imbalances occurring throughout the body through the use of natural, precise, and gentle touches, without the traditional technique of twisting the spine. Before any adjustment is made to the patient, the doctor takes precise and specific x-rays of the head and neck from multiple angles. These x-rays are then analyzed to determine the misalignments in head and neck. The doctors then develop a plan to aid in the patient’s recovery, choosing one of the 14 upper cervical techniques that would be most helpful to the specific patient’s misalignment. The results do not occur immediately, it is a natural healing process that occurs through gradual improvements through each re-alignment.[1].

Subluxation

According to Upper cervical chiropractic, a subluxation can only occur in upper cervical vertebrae. A subluxation must have the following components:[2]

1. A vertebra out of alignment with its co-respondents above and below.

2. Occlusion of a foramen or foramina

3. Pressure upon nerves

4. Interference with transmission of the normal quality flow of mental impulse supply between brain and body

5. No vertebrae is subluxated unless it is off normal position in three directions and remains such (Vol. XVIII)

List of named upper cervical techniques

In alphabetical order as follows:
  • Advanced Orthogonal Techniques & Procedures (AOTP)
  • Applied Upper Cervical Biomechanics
  • Atlas Orthogonal Technique (AO)
  • Blair Upper Cervical
  • Grostic hand adjustment[3]
  • National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA)
  • Kale Specific Knee Chest Brainstem
  • KCUCS Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific
  • Laney Technique
  • Orthospinology
  • Palmer Upper Cervical Specific Toggle Recoil (HIO)
  • Sutter Specific Atlas Correction
  • Upper Cervical Orthogonal - Cowin
  • Zimmerman (SAM)

Literature

Textbooks such as Eriksen's "Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex"[3] argue for the technique on the basis of empirical evidence in private practice and a review of associated concepts in published literature.

A systematic literature review in 2001[4] found upper cervical techniques to be in the least effective group of treatments for low back pain among several chiropractic techniques reviewed.

References

  1. ^ "Upper Cervical Health Centers | Upper Cervical Care. Upper Cervical Health Centers, 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. http://www.uppercervicalcare.com
  2. ^ Palmer, B.J. The Subluxation Specific, The Adjustment Specific, Vol. XVIII, p. 67
  3. ^ a b Eriksen, K. Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex. A review of the chiropractic and medical literature. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004. ISBN 0-7817-4198-X
  4. ^ Gatterman MI, Cooperstein R, Lantz C, Perle SM, Schneider MJ (Sep 2001). "Rating specific chiropractic technique procedures for common low back conditions". J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 24 (7): 449–56. doi:10.1016/s0161-4754(01)75655-2. PMID 11562653.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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