Chiropractic and Spinal Allignment or Cervical Curve

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Chiropractic and Spinal Allignment or Cervical Curve
9/04/08
Frank M. Painter, D.C.
ICPA

Structure and Function

Our spine is a ÏstructuralÓ unit. There are 4 curves to the spine. Loss of structural integrity and/or normal function of the spine is the basis for the evolution of the vertebral subluxation. Abnormal stresses occur in the facets, discs and supporting tissues when normal motion of the spine is impaired. Chiropractic analysis should be aimed at locating the specific segments which are subluxated, as well as providing the means to ÏfreeÓ those segments.


The normal cervical lordosis (which extends from C1 to T2) should have a 17-24 cm. radius , based on the patient's height. This is easily measured with the AcuArc ruler. Kim Christensen D.C. in his book ÏClinical Chiropractic BiomechanicsÓ states, ÏSpinal biomechanical stability requires an optimal lordotic structure. The lordotic cervical & lumbar spine are the basis of the spine's ability to resist axial stressors.Ó A resistance factor in mechanical structure is expressed by the formula:

R = C2 + 1

where R = resistance to axial pressure and C = the number of curvatures. Thus the spine's ability to resist axial pressure, taking into account the cervical, thoracic and lumbar curves is:

R = 32+ 1 = 10

If we lose the cervical or lumbar curves, the formula is reduced to:

R = 22 + 1 = 5

Thus, a reduced cervical curve can result in a 50% reduction in the strength of the spine!


To define the cervical curve of the spine with a compass:

1. Dot the posterior inferior aspect of C1's anterior arch. (see Figure 2)

2. Dot the anterior superior aspect of the vertebral body of T2.

3. Set your compass for the distance between these 2 points. This length defines the Ïchord lengthÓ of the curve. Now, swing arcs back with the compass set, using the chord length to locate the point which will describe the optimum spinal curve. (See Figure 1) Then set the compass on the radius center-point, and use the same chord length to strike the radius of the cervical curve. (See Figure 2) Note that ALL the vertebra should be on this line, with the radius between 17-24 cm., depending on patient height.


All segments should be on Georges's (posterior body) line. There should be an even spacing between each spinous process. Positioning of the head and spine should also be assessed for anterior head placement (also known as Forward Head Posture). The posterior arch of Atlas should be centered in the space between occiput and the C2 spinous process. If C1's posterior arch ÏcrowdsÓ occiput, it is labelled as an ÏinferiorÓ Atlas. If it crowds C2, it is labelled ÏsuperiorÓ. The normal Atlas Plane line would be 18-24 degrees superior to the bottom of the film. A line under the bottom of the C2 body (Whitehorn's line) should be level with the floor