Treatment at our Center
Treatment Goals
Our primary goal is to assist patients with their recovery from injury and disease. This is accomplished by improving nervous system function through upper cervical chiropractic care. We strive to stabilize each patient's condition to a point where they are well. Patients are routinely discharged from our care without the need for frequent return visits.
Consultation, Examination, and Digital Infrared Imaging (Thermography)
Unlike most chiropractic offices, the patient's autonomic nervous system is examined using paraspinal digital infrared imaging on each office visit. Using paraspinal digital imaging, we can observe for autonomic nervous system dysfunction. In addition, when an upper cervical correction is made, a post treatment infrared image will also be performed to assess the neurologic outcome of the adjustment.
All new patients receive a thorough consultation and examination prior to treatment. Regular treatment visits include any necessary consultation and examinations in order to assess the patient's progress. A more extensive consultation and examination is performed at certain intervals to determine the need for further care.
Specialized Upper Cervical Spine Approach
In order to maximize improvement to the system that controls every function in the human body, our center uses a highly specialized adjusting procedure that distinguishes our treatment from all others in chiropractic. The technique we use (Applied Upper Cervical Biomechanics) is unique in both its application and effects. The most important distinction for our patients is the extent of neurological improvement produced by the adjustment on the entire body. This effect has been substantiated using both paraspinal and camera digital infrared imaging. Using this specialized upper cervical technique along with digital infrared imaging, we have experienced significant results on patients with a multitude of health conditions.
Our clinic director has undergone extensive training in this technique and as such is exceptionally qualified in this procedure. After years of research, a group of doctors, including our staff, founded the International Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. Through this association, our staff has provided thousands of hours of state board accredited instruction in this technique to doctors from around the world.
Post Adjustment Recuperation
In contrast to other chiropractic practices, our patients receive the additional benefits of 15 minutes of quiet relaxation time in a private suite after receiving an adjustment. This important recovery time allows the body to begin adapting to the changes produced by the adjustment without the unnecessary stresses and strains of premature physical activity. Our center has found that post adjustment recuperation contributes significantly to proper stabilization of the upper cervical spine; and consequently, a faster and more permanent recovery.
Supportive Care
Although seldom needed, supportive care is provided on a case-by-case basis to assist in the overall healing of the body while the nervous system is adapting to the changes produced by our treatment. Supportive care is used to either accelerate healing or prevent problems from recurring in the upper cervical spine. This may take the form of rehabilitative exercise, lifestyle modifications, or ergonomic retraining among others. It is important, however, to realize that any benefits of supportive care will be minimal if the nervous system is not functioning properly first.
Because of our center’s specialized upper cervical approach, we have successfully helped many patients with conditions such as those listed below. Please remember that we do not directly treat any of these conditions. Our center focuses on the restoration of proper neural function via the upper cervical spine; and as a result, many patients with these conditions have improved dramatically.
The body of clinical research on the therapeutic applications of chiropractic is rapidly growing. As more scientific scrutiny is applied to the procedures used within the profession a greater understanding of the potential of chiropractic management will be realized. Hard data and clinical research shall ultimately clarify the role of chiropractic and the role of upper cervical management in patient care. As a research center, our office is actively contributing to the literature to assist in this process. The remainder of this section is devoted to providing a brief summary of the medical literature regarding the potential biological mechanisms of our approach and clinical outcomes for specific health disorders.
We are currently constructing this list and will be updating it frequently. If you don’t find your particular condition, please check back at another time or e-mail us at (pcrc@pacificchiro.com). Please select one of the letters below to quickly view conditions beginning with that letter.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Research examining the relationship between upper cervical (neck) spine neurology and cerebral blood flow may hold promising answers to sufferers of ADD. Upper cervical spinal joints are capable of producing neurologic reflexes that affect autonomic nervous system control to cerebral blood vessels (1-3). Irritation of these nerves can cause a reduction of blood flow to portions of the brain causing the cells to enter a state of "hibernation" or inactivity (4-5). In patients with ADD, this effect is occurring in areas of the brain that control concentration, behavior, and other mental functions. Normalization of cerebral blood flow, and resultant brain cell activity, offers the best possible explanation for our treatment’s affect on patients with ADD and other functional or behavioral disorders.
Korr, I. Proprioceptors and the Behavior of Lesioned Segments. In: Stark, E. ed. Osteopathic Medicine. Acton, Mass.: Publication Sciences Group, 1975:183-199.
Motohatsu F, Tsukahara T, Taniguchi T. Alpha-Adrenoreptors in Human and Animal Cerebral Arteries: Alterations After Sympathetic Denervation and Sunarachnoid Hemorrhage. Trends Pharmacol Sci 1989;10:329-332.
Figar S, Krausova L. A Plesthysmographic Study of the Effects of Chiropractic Treatment in Vertebrogenic Syndromes. Rev Czeck Med 1965;84-86.
Heiss, W., Hayakawa, T., Waltz, A., Cortical Neuronal Function During Ischeamia. Arch Neurol 1976;33:813-20
Astrup, J., Siesjo, B., Symon, L. Thresholds in Cerebral Ischemia -- The Ischemic Penumbra. Stroke 1981;12:723-5
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
As with ADD, normalization of cerebral blood flow via correction of abnormal upper cervical (neck) spine function, and the resultant balancing of brain cell activity, offers the best possible explanation for our treatment’s affect on patients with ADHD (ADD 1-5 above. Please read ADD section above for the more on this neurovascular mechanism). Current research is underway to fully investigate chiropractic’s affect on ADHD sufferers.In a clinical outcome research study, (performed in Texas by the director of Psychoeducational and Guidance Services at College Station, a clinical psychologist, and the superintendent of schools) two groups of ADHD students were evaluated. The first group received stimulant medications while the second group received chiropractic adjustments. Statistically, the chiropractic treatment results were 20-40% more effective than medication (1). Improvements were cited in relieving nervous tension, increasing effort and motivation levels, reducing hyperactivity, and increasing attention span.
Brzozowske WT, Walton EV. The Effects of Chiropractic Treatment on Students With Learning and Behavioral Impairments Resulting from Neurological Dysfunction (part 2). J. Aust Chiro Assoc. 1980;12:353-363.
All allergic reactions are classified as hypersensitivity immune system responses (1). This means that the immune system has initiated an exaggerated response to something in the environment such as dust, pollen, grass, dander, foods, etc. Alterations in sympathetic nervous system function, which can originate from the upper cervical (neck) spine, appears to contribute to or cause skin, respiratory, and food based allergies by interfering with the normal immune response (2-4). Mounting scientific evidence documenting the integration between the nervous system and the immune system is lending validity to the numerous case reports of benefits from specialized upper cervical chiropractic treatment for patients with allergic conditions.
Ed. Berkkow R, Fletcher A. The Merck Manual. Merck Sharp and Dohm Research Laboratories. 1987:294-301.
Cooper IS. A Neurological Evaluation of the Cutaneous Histamine Reaction. J Clin Invest 1950;29:465-46
Brooks WH, Cross RJ, Roszman TL, Markesbery WR. Neuroimmunomodulation: Neural Anatomical Basis for Impairment and Facilitation. Annu Neurol 1982;12:56-61.
Kaliner M, Shelhamer JH, Davis PB, Smith LJ, Venter JC. Autonomic Nervous System Abnormalities and Allergy. Ann Intern Med 1982;96:349-357.
Conservative care of ankle injuries is approached on either a chronic or acute basis. Improving coordination of muscle tone (1) and optimizing the immune system’s ability to repair injuries (2-3) is accomplished by restoring neural control from the brain to the injured ankle (kinesthetic restoration) through our specialized upper cervical (neck) care. This approach has been especially effective for patients with chronic or recurring ankle injuries who have tried everything from anti-inflammatory medications to extensive physical therapy. We see many patients who report that they have "weak ankles" that are prone to sprains or that their ankles have never been the same since the original injury. Lack of normal control over the surrounding musculature of the ankle prevents many patients from ever fully recovering from their initial injury. Our specialized upper cervical care focuses on restoring the controlling communication between the brain and the ankle tissues (kinesthesis). Once restoration of normal kinesthetic function has occurred, rehabilitative exercises may be prescribed to accelerate and/or assist in stabilizing the ankle to finally resolve the condition.
Korr, I. Proprioceptors and the Behavior of Lesioned Segments. In: Stark, E. ed. Osteopathic Medicine. Acton, Mass.: Publication Sciences Group, 1975:183-199.
Solomon GF, Amkraut AA. Psychoneuroendocrinological Effects on the Immune Response. Annul Rev Microbiol 1981; 35:155-184.
The connection between abnormal spinal mechanics, the nervous system, and pulmonary disorders has been substantiated by modern research. Specifically, an imbalance in autonomic nervous system function, caused by central nervous system input from upper cervical (neck) spinal joint irritation, can produce or exaggerate asthmatic symptoms via control over airway dilation and immune responses (1-3). Since our specialized upper cervical care has the ability to restore normal autonomic function, most of the asthmatics seen in our center benefit from a 90-100% objective improvement in their condition (See also Allergies).
See diagnostic image case study.
Miller WD. Treatment of Visceral Disorders by Manipulative Therapy. In: Goldstein M, ed. The Research Status of Manipulative Therapy. Washington DC: Government Printing Office, 1975:295-301
Droste PL, Beckman DL. Pulmonary Effects of Prolonged Sympathetic Stimulation.. Proc Soc Bio Med 1974;146:352-353.
Editors. Autonomic Abnormalities in Asthma. Lancet 1982;1:1224-1225.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In a review of over 1,000 cases of medically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome, it was discovered that over 90% of the patients examined also had concurrent problems with the main cervical (neck) nerves supplying the median nerve of the wrist (1). This phenomenon, now classified as double crush syndrome (1, 4-5), accounts for the majority of the population with carpal tunnel syndrome. Typically, these are the patients who do not respond to conservative and/or surgical treatment directed solely at the wrist (2). In this syndrome, cervical nerve irritation and/or compression (primary crush site) renders the lower nerves in the wrist (secondary "double" crush site) more susceptible to injury. It now becomes essential to properly correct the cervical problem first if the wrist condition is to fully resolve.
A proper diagnostic workup is the key to resolving carpal tunnel and double crush syndrome. Anything less than a full examination from the top of the neck to the tips of the fingers should be, and is, considered substandard care. We are continually amazed by the high incidence of patients reporting to our office who have received exclusive examinations of the wrist and hand. In light of the amount of medical literature demonstrating the role of the cervical spine in producing hand and wrist symptoms, all potential "crush sites" must be examined and identified to accurately characterize this condition (See digital infrared imaging section to read more on measuring nerve function). Once all crush sites are identified, a proper and effective treatment regimen can be implemented.
Our specialized upper cervical care addresses the double crush phenomenon in several ways. Normalization of cervical spine mechanics decreases irritation to the spinal cord tracts and nerve roots that ultimately extend to the wrist (3). In other words, we effectively correct the primary "crush" site at the neck. If necessary, we can also provide direct treatment to the wrist to correct the secondary crush site at the area of symptomatology. However, our specialized upper cervical approach alone has been 98% effective when surgery, splinting, physical therapy, and ergonomic modifications have all proven ineffective.
See diagnostic image case study.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
See diagnostic image case study.
There is growing evidence of altered sympathetic nervous system activity in type II (adult onset) diabetics (1). Stress is one obvious factor that will affect this portion of the nervous system. "Stress management" techniques, however, cannot control increases in sympathetic activity caused by abnormal upper cervical (neck) spinal joint function. Our specialized upper cervical care has resulted in patients with significant reductions in blood sugar levels along with decreased insulin use (occasionally cessation) and resolution of associated neuropathies (hand and foot symptoms among others). These case studies are currently being prepared for submission to peer-reviewed medical journals.
Surwit RS, Feinglos MN. Stress and Autonomic Nervous System in Type II Diabetes: A Hypothesis. Diabetes Care 1988; 11:83-85.
Although not limited to, disc disorders have a relatively high incidence in the population between 25-45 years of age (1). Multiple studies have documented improvement in disc disorders using manual chiropractic adjusting techniques to the spine. Matthew and Yates (2) demonstrated improvement in epidural defects (MRI and CT findings) as well as symptomatic improvement. Yefu and co-workers reported improvement of clinical/symptomatic and neurological signs following treatment in an observation study of 1455 subjects. Fonti and Lynch (3) reported one of the most dramatic studies on 3136 patients with lumbar disc disorders with nerve root entrapment. Prior to entering this study, subjects had failed to attain any improvement with medications and physical therapy. In a three-year study of chiropractic care with interval follow-ups, eighty five percent of the subjects reported significant improvement with care. 50% reported complete resolution of symptoms with accompanying resolution of objective signs, while the remainder of the subjects only experienced occasional relapses that receded after subsequent chiropractic treatment.
Numerous other studies show support for chiropractic treatment of disc disorders including our center's approach through specialized upper cervical (neck) care. We find that the vast majority of patients entering our center have chronically weakened spinal musculature. A lack of normal neural control over the surrounding musculature of the spine, and consequent improper joint function, leads to an eventual breakdown of the disc. Our specialized upper cervical care focuses on restoring the controlling communication between the brain and the musculature of the spine (kinesthesis). Many patients we see have tried medications, physical therapy, and surgery only to have it fail due to a lack of addressing this nervous system problem. Once normal kinesthesis has been restored, spinal joint function is corrected thus significantly reducing mechanical pressure on the disc. Consequently, reduced pressure decreases the disc bulge allowing the outer fibers to begin the process of healing. Once at this stage, rehabilitative exercises may be prescribed to accelerate and/or assist in stabilizing the spine.
See diagnostic image case study.
Kelsey JL, Golden AL, Mundt DJ. Low Back Pain/Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Disc. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 19900;16:699.
Matthews JA, Yates DAH. Treatment of Sciatica. Lancet 1974; 1:352.
Fonti S, Lynch M. Etiopathogenesis of lumbosiatalgia due to disc disease. Chiropractic Treatment (statistics on 3126 patients). In: Mazzarelli JP ed. Chiropractic interprofessional research. Torino Italy: Edizioni Minerva Medica, 1985:53-58
Dreyer P, Lantz C. Chiropractic Management of a Herniated Disc. Reduction of Disc Protrusion and Maintenance of Disc Integrity as Substantiated by MRI. Proceedings 1991 Internal Conference Spinal Manipulation, FCER, Arlington VA, 1991:57-59
Ben Eliyahu DJ. The Efficacy of Chiropractic Treatment for MRI Documented Cervical Disc Herniations: A Case Study. Ibid: 26-27.
Fibromyalgia is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by widespread generalized pain and muscular spasm of at least 3 months duration on both sides of the body. Signs and symptoms of this condition are found both above and below the waist with exquisite tenderness occurring at 11 out of 18 specific anatomic locations, and usually associated with a sleep disorder. Over time, many patients with fibromyalgia concurrently suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome.
The excessive muscular activity and spasm of fibromyalgia can be caused by neural irritation originating from the spine (1). The upper cervical (neck) region in particular, has the greatest concentration of neural connections found in the spinal column. Consequently, mechanical problems in this region have the potential to effect muscular function anywhere and everywhere in the body. In addition, many neural pathways originating from the upper cervical spine terminate in the area of the brain (locus ceruleus) that predominately controls REM sleep (2). Because of this unique spinal neuroanatomy, our specialized upper cervical care has been found to provide significant permanent relief, and in many cases complete resolution, of fibromyalgia and its associated chronic fatigue syndrome.
Research regarding chiropractic and fibromyalgia was performed by F. Wolfe, M.D., chairman of the multicenter criteria study committee on fibromyalgia. In this blinded study, over 80% of patients with fibrositis (fibromyalgia is a subcategory of this classification) improved with chiropractic care. Patients also indicated that medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, narcotics, steroid injections, tranquilizers, antidepressants, cycobenzaprine, and imitriptyline were less effective than chiropractic (3).
See diagnostic image case study.
Korr, I. Proprioceptors and the Behavior of Lesioned Segments. In: Stark, E. ed. Osteopathic Medicine. Acton, Mass.: Publication Sciences Group, 1975:183-199.
Guyton A. Textbook of Medical Physiology. WB Saunders and Co. 1986:668-669, 673.
Wolf F. The Clinical Syndrome of Fibrositis. Am J Med 1986;81:7-14.
See diagnostic image case study.
The vertigo, tinnitis, and progressive sensory hearing loss of Menier's disease is attributed to pathology of the vestibular system, particularly the labyrinth of the inner ear. Although many patients entering our center have positive tests for Menier's, we have found that certain causes of their symptoms have been overlooked. A considerable amount of both medical and chiropractic research has recognized trauma, arthritis, and other cervical (neck) spine related disorders as potential causes of imbalance, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitis, and other seemingly manifestations of inner ear problems (1). The upper cervical region has been cited repeatedly in the literature as the predominant area that causes these symptoms (5-7). This is due to the enormous amount of neurologic input from the upper cervical spine to the central nervous system (2) combined with direct connections to regions of the brain involved with balance and integration of vestibular information (3). Studies have shown up to 90.2% of patients treated for vertigo with cervical chiropractic care were discharged symptom free (4). Because of our center's specialized upper cervical approach, many patients with both acute and chronic Menier's disease have experienced significant to complete resolution of their symptoms.
Leach, Robert A. The Chiropractic Theories: Principles and Applications 3rd Edition. Williams and Wilkins. 1994:157-158
Brink E, Jinnai K, Wilson V. Patterns of Segmental Monosynaptic Input to Cat Dorsal Neck Motoneurons J Neurophysiology 1981A;46:496-505.
Fitz-Ritson D. Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of the Upper Cervical Spine. In Vernon ed. Upper Cervical Syndrome. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1988:48-85
Fitz-Ritson D, Assessment of Cervicogenic Vertigo. JMPT 1991; 14: 1930198
Hinoki M., Vertigo due to whiplash injury: a neurotological approach. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl 1985; 419:9-29.
Igarashi M., Miyata H., et al. Nystagmus after experimental cervical lesions. Laryngoscope 1972; 82:1609-21.
De Jong P., De Jong V., Jonkees L., Ataxia ans nystagmus induced by injection of local anesthetics in the neck. Ann Neurol 1977; 1:240-6.
The joints in the cervical spinal column have been shown to play a direct role in producing migraine headaches (1). Medical literature (2) has established the occurrence of a vertebrogenic migraine (migraine produced by the cervical vertebral joints). This is thought to result from irritation to the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion (nerve tissue) originating from abnormal upper cervical (neck) spinal joint function. One of the main functions of this ganglion is to control blood flow to the brain. Stimulation of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion, arising from abnormal upper cervical joint function, can cause altered arterial perfusion in the brain resulting in the migraine cycle. Multiple published studies have shown that patients receiving chiropractic care experience as much as 75-90% permanent relief of their migraines (with and without aura) (3-5). Through the application of our specialized upper cervical treatment, patients in our center have noted similar results with many experiencing 100% resolution of their migraines along with the cessation of medication.
See diagnostic image case study.
Aprill C, Bogduk N. The Prevelance of Cervical Zygopophyseal Pain. Spine 1992;17:744-747.
Figar J. Jansky M. Studies of Vascular Reflexes in Cases of Vertebrogenic Migraine. Acta Univ Carol 1964;(suppl 21):76-79
Vernon H. Vertebrogenic Headaches. In: Vernon H, ed. Upper Cervical Syndrome: Chiropractic Diagnosis and Treatment. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1988:152-188.
Wright JS. Migraine: A Statistical Analysis of Chiropractic Treatment. J Am Chiro Assoc 1978;21:36-67.
Parker GB, Tupling H, Pryor DS. A Controlled Trial of Cervical Manipulation for Migraine. Aust NZ Med 1978;8:589-593.
Many studies have shown that chiropractic care is an effective method of treatment for patients with sciatica (1-4). In one study comparing chiropractic care to bed rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, diazepam, massage, and electrical muscle stimulation (4); significant reduction in the time of treatment, improvement in signs and symptoms, greater ability to continue professional employment, and significantly less worker disability was found in patients who received chiropractic care verses the others.
Patients entering our center are found to have many different localized (low back and pelvic) causes for their sciatica such as disc protrusions, spinal joint inflammation (facet syndrome), myofascial pain syndrome, and others. However, a lack of normal neural control over the surrounding musculature of the lumbar spine and pelvis can lead to nearly all of these localized conditions. Consequently, simply addressing the lumbar spine and pelvis alone does not get to the root cause of the problem. Some patients find that they can get relief from treatment of these areas, but that the symptoms keep returning. Many patients we see have tried medications, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and even surgery only to have it fail due to a lack of addressing this neural control problem. Our specialized upper cervical (neck) care focuses on restoring the controlling communication between the brain and the musculature of the spine (kinesthesis). Once this is under control, the localized conditions are allowed to heal thus resolving the patient's sciatica.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome/CRPS
See diagnostic image case study.
Many studies have shown that chiropractic care is an effective method of treatment for patients with sciatica (1-4). In one study comparing chiropractic care to bed rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, diazepam, massage, and electrical muscle stimulation (4); significant reduction in the time of treatment, improvement in signs and symptoms, greater ability to continue professional employment, and significantly less worker disability was found in patients who received chiropractic care verses the others.
Patients entering our center are found to have many different localized (low back and pelvic) causes for their sciatica such as disc protrusions, spinal joint inflammation (facet syndrome), myofascial pain syndrome, and others. However, a lack of normal neural control over the surrounding musculature of the lumbar spine and pelvis can lead to nearly all of these localized conditions. Consequently, simply addressing the lumbar spine and pelvis alone does not get to the root cause of the problem. Some patients find that they can get relief from treatment of these areas, but that the symptoms keep returning. Many patients we see have tried medications, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and even surgery only to have it fail due to a lack of addressing this neural control problem. Our specialized upper cervical (neck) care focuses on restoring the controlling communication between the brain and the musculature of the spine (kinesthesis). Once this is under control, the localized conditions are allowed to heal thus resolving the patient's sciatica.
Kikirldy-Willis WH, Cassidy JD. Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Low back Pain. Can Fam Physician 1985;31:535-540.
Shelkelle PG, Adams AH, Chassin MR, Hurwitz EL, Phillips RB, Brook RH. The Appropriateness of Spinal Manipulation for Low Back Pain: Project Overview and Literature Review. Santa Monica, CA: RAND 1991:7-13.
Arkuszewski Z. The Efficacy of Manual Treatment in Low Back Pain: A Clinical Trial. Manual Med 1986;2:68-71.
Sandoz RW. The Paretic and Paralyzing Sciaticas. Ann Swiss Chiro Assoc. 1989;9:133-148.
Research comparisons between medical, osteopathic, and chiropractic treatment of work related neck and/or back strain/sprain injuries consistently indicate that chiropractic care results in less worker downtime and less total expense than the other two approaches (1-4). Consequently, studies show that patients recover faster under chiropractic care with less time loss from work such that less compensation is necessary.
Our center's unique specialized upper cervical (neck) care addresses the healing of patients with sprain/strains via two mechanisms: kinesthesis and neuroimmunomodulation. Neural irritation from the upper cervical spine can interfere with the controlling communication between the brain and the musculature of the body (kinesthesis). Once this is restored through upper cervical corrections, proper muscle and joint function is returned to the affected area thus guiding normal soft tissue mending and preventing the formation of adhesions. This same upper cervical neural irritation may also adversely affect the normal immune response (5) seen in injuries of this type. Proper immunologic debridement and guided reconstruction of the affected area is aided by the direction of the sensory and sympathetic nervous system (6-9). An overt inflammatory response (increased swelling, bruising, pain, etc.) can be seen in patients with dysfunctional neuroimmunomodulation. Corrections made using our specialized upper cervical approach may normalize the inflammatory response thus aiding in the healing of the injured area.
Johnson MR, Schultz MK, Furguson AC. A Comparison of Chiropractic, Medical, and Osteopathic Care for Work Related Sprains and Strains. JMPT 1989;12:335-344.
Wolk. Chiropractic Verses Medical Care: A Cost Analysis of Disability and Treatment for Back Related Worker’s Compensation Cases. Arlington VA; FCER 1988.
Jarvis KB, Phillips RB, Morris JD. Cost Per Case Comparison of Back Injury Claims of Chiropractic Verses Medical Management for Diagnostically Similar Conditions. Proceedings 1990 International Conference Spinal Manipulation, Arlington VA: FCER 1990:131-139
Nyiendo J. Disabling Low Back Oregon Worker’s Compensation Claims. Part II: Time Loss. JMPT 1991;14:231-239.
Fidelibus J. An Overview of Neuroimmunomodulation and a Possible Correlation with Musculoskeletal System Function. JMPT 1989;12:289-292.
Payan DG, Goetzl EJ. Modulation of Lymphocyte Function by Sensory Neuropeptides. J Immunol 1985; 135(suppl):783-86.
Goetzl EJ, Chernov T, et al. Neuropeptide Regulation of the Expression of Immediate Hypersensitivity. J Immunol 1985; 135(suppl):802-05.
Foreman JC, Jordan CC. Neurogenic Inflammation. Trends Pharmacol Sci 1984; 5:116-19.
Van Epps DE, Saland L. Beta-endorphin and Met-enkephalin Stimulation of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Chemotaxis. J Immunol 1984; 132:3046-53.
The symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (aka TMJ) are highly varied and can comprise one or more of the following: pain with chewing or at rest in the joint area, clicking or popping of the joint, open or close locking of the jaw, tooth or teeth pain (mimicking cavities or infection), facial and/or neck pain, headaches, tinnitis (ringing in the ears), and hypobaroacusis (stuffy ear with or without decreased hearing). The causes of TMD range from trauma (motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, dental work, etc.) to chronic progressive neurologic dysfunction (1). A review of the research literature on TMD shows that in over 95% of the cases muscular dysfunction is the perpetuating factor (2-3). Even in the cases of traumatic etiology, restoration of normal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function must be made via normalization of neurologic control over the muscles that govern the TMJ (4).
Many studies using digital infrared imaging (neurophysiologic diagnostic imaging) have shown that not only are facial abnormalities found in TMD (muscle spasm, TMJ inflammation, neuropathies, etc.), but that upper cervical (neck) images are also positive for abnormal function in the vast majority of cases (5). TMD research conducted in our center found similar results in that over 98% of patients with this condition, the upper cervical spine was also found to display abnormal neurologic function. This objective connection between the upper cervical spine and TMD is a causative one. Abnormal neural input to the central nervous system from upper cervical joint dysfunction can result in abnormal TMJ muscle coordination. Through the application of our specialized upper cervical treatment, patients with both acute and chronic TMD have experienced significant to 100% resolution of their symptoms along with the cessation of splint and medication use.
The condition of torticollis is placed into one of three etiological classifications: acute or chronic spasmodic, acquired, or congenital. Patients with spasmodic torticollis (a form of dystonia) will usually relate the onset of their condition with either a minor trauma or merely occurring upon awakening. The condition can be severely painful with a marked loss of normal cervical (neck) range of motion and deviation/rotation of the head and neck to one side. Acquired torticollis (another form of dystonia), as the name implies, has an insidious onset. Patients with this condition note progressive tightening of the cervical musculature which results in similar symptoms as those found in spasmodic, but the progression is chronic and results in greater spinal deformities. Congenital torticollis arises from either genetic defects, which are expressed in anatomically short musculature on only one side of the cervical spine, or birth trauma which results in injury to one of the SCM muscles. If treated promptly and correctly, congenital torticollis due to birth trauma can be resolved.
In a review of the medical and chiropractic literature regarding torticollis, Bolton (1) concluded that most cases of spasmodic and acquired torticollis were the result of cervical spine dystonia (neck muscle tone imbalance). Sustained muscular contraction and spasm can occur in response to abnormal neural input generated from dysfunctional upper cervical spinal joints (Hilton's Law) (2) . Multiple authors have reported case studies documenting improvement of torticollis with chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine (3-5). Through our specialized upper cervical treatment, both pediatric and adult patients have experienced dramatic improvement to complete resolution of acute and chronic spasmodic, acquired, and birth trauma induced congenital torticollis.
Bolton PS. Torticollis: A Review of Etiology, Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. JMPT 1985;8:29-32.
Korr, I. Proprioceptors and the Behavior of Lesioned Segments. In: Stark, E. ed. Osteopathic Medicine. Acton, Mass.: Publication Sciences Group, 1975:183-199.
Mawhiney RB. Chiropractic Treatment Procedure in the case of Spasmotic Torticollis with Associated Scoliosis. Chiropractic 1990;3:18-21.
Wood KW. Acute Torticollis: Chiropractic Therapy and Management. Chiro Technique 1991;3:105-108.
Sandoz RW. A Classification System of Luxations, Subluxations, and Fixations of the Cervical Spine. Annals of Swiss Chiro Assoc 1989;9:133-148
For some time now, medical and chiropractic sources have recognized trauma, arthritis, and other cervical (neck) spine related disorders as potential causes of imbalance, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitis, and other seemingly manifestations of inner ear problems (1). The upper cervical region has been cited repeatedly in the literature as the predominant area that causes these symptoms (5-7). This is due to the enormous amount of neurologic input from the upper cervical spine to the central nervous system (2) combined with direct connections to regions of the brain involved with balance and integration of vestibular information (3). Studies have shown up to 90.2% of patients treated for vertigo with cervical chiropractic care were discharged symptom free (4). Because of our center's specialized upper cervical approach, many patients with both long and short term vertigo have experienced significant to complete resolution of their symptoms.
Leach, Robert A. The Chiropractic Theories: Principles and Applications 3rd Edition. Williams and Wilkins. 1994:157-158
Brink E, Jinnai K, Wilson V. Patterns of Segmental Monosynaptic Input to Cat Dorsal Neck Motoneurons J Neurophysiology 1981A;46:496-505.
Fitz-Ritson D. Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of the Upper Cervical Spine. In Vernon ed. Upper Cervical Syndrome. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1988:48-85
Fitz-Ritson D, Assessment of Cervicogenic Vertigo. JMPT 1991; 14: 1930198
Hinoki M., Vertigo due to whiplash injury: a neurotological approach. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl 1985; 419:9-29.
Igarashi M., Miyata H., et al. Nystagmus after experimental cervical lesions. Laryngoscope 1972; 82:1609-21.
De Jong P., De Jong V., Jonkees L., Ataxia ans nystagmus induced by injection of local anesthetics in the neck. Ann Neurol 1977; 1:240-6.