Upper Cervical Spine

For Patients Who Are Facing Significant Health Problems
AUCB/IUCCA, Atlas Orthogonal, Orthospinology Chiropractors Serving the Upstate:

In Easley serving Greenville-Spartanburg, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties
We have also cared for patients Traveling from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES APPLIED UPPER CERVICAL BIOMECHANICS (AUCB) FROM OTHER UPPER CERVICAL TECHNIQUES?

This is a question I am often asked and the explanations given by Dr. William Amalu, DC reflect my opinion as well:

"From state-of-the-art neurophysiologic imaging and radiographic analysis to adjustive procedures, AUCB is unique when compared to other upper cervical techniques. Its foundation is built upon Dr. Palmer's 15 years of unprecedented research into the effects of upper cervical technique on the global physiology of the human body. Since that time, decades of clinical research and recent advances in diagnostic technology have caused an evolution in Dr. Palmer's procedures to form what we currently know as Applied Upper Cervical Biomechanics.

For over 100 years the foundational premise of our profession has been that health and disease are nervous system dependent; and that the spinal adjustment restores the human nervous system to normal function. AUCB is the only upper cervical technique to maintain that objective neurophysiologic infrared imaging be used on every patient encounter both before and after an adjustment is rendered to substantiate this premise. Without an objective analysis of neurophysiology, it is impossible to determine if neuropathophysiology is present and if the adjustment has effectively restored normal nervous system function to the patient. The IUCCA was the first upper cervical association to incorporate peer-review research based normative data for the detection of abnormal neural function via paraspinal digital infrared imaging. We as a profession insist that we can improve nervous system function, those that practice AUCB can objectively prove it.

To determine the adjustment listing capable of producing maximal neurologic benefits, AUCB uses a complex and unique form of upper cervical radiographic analysis. The entire cervical spine is analyzed arthrokinematically for aberrant function of the upper cervical articulations. This information is used to determine the precise line-of-drive for adjustment procedures to the first, second, or third cervical segments. Adjustments based on this system of analysis have consistently produced full body neurophysiologic benefits on patients, which has been objectively substantiated by both high-resolution camera and paraspinal infrared imaging.

The adjusting procedures used in AUCB are a modified form of that which was used by Dr. B.J. Palmer. Research performed on over 3,000 individual case radiographs has shown that a reliable C1 transverse process contact point can only be achieved in approximately 5% of patients. With this in mind, AUCB uses a specialized adjusting table that allows for a precise contact on the osseous spinal structures in the upper cervical spine. The design of the table also facilitates joint cavitation and full control over all line-of-drive vectors (Modern arthroscopic and cineradiographic research has demonstrated the need for both precise line-of-drive and cavitation to resolve intra-articular adhesions in order to restore normal arthrokinematics). Consequently, lateral C1 transverse process approaches, drop table use, and the inadequate force transference used in many upper cervical techniques has demonstrated significantly lower reliability in resolving objective signs of neuropathophysiology.



The main objective of AUCB is to increase the predictability of clinical results, thus improving the percentage of patients that respond to care. The IUCCA is constantly striving, through continued research, to increase this percentage. As such, we are always open to any new form of care that can objectively demonstrate consistent improvements in neurophysiologic responses over what we currently observe clinically. As health care providers, we should all be continuously seeking ways to provide better care for our patients - salus populi est suprema lex.

William C. Amalu, DC, DABCT, DIACT, FIACT"

IUCCA www.pacificchiro.com

PARASPINAL DIGITAL INFRARED IMAGING (PDII)

Paraspinal Digital Infrared Imaging confines the area of examination to the regions located directly next to the spine. Objective signs of nervous system dysfunction will be detected in this area first if the cause is from the spine. The images also provide objective information to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment after it has been rendered.

Given the critical role of the nervous system in health and disease, the IUCCA insists that paraspinal imaging be performed on each visit to monitor the response of the nervous system to treatment. A hand held unit is utilized instead of a camera for ease of use and to reduce the cost of the procedure for the patient. The protocols are identical to the camera studies with a few slight differences. In the case of a cervical spine (neck) examination, the acclimation occurs in the waiting room since no disrobing is required. Offices should be climate controlled to allow for this convenience. The patient simply loosens their collar and removes all jewelry from the neck. If the entire spine is to be imaged, then the patient will acclimate in a treatment room. With the patient seated, the doctor will move the paraspinal unit along the spinal region of interest. This information is then sent to a special computer for analysis. Measurements are compared with research established normal values to determine how well the nervous system is functioning. This examination takes approximately 5-10 seconds to complete making it very practical for daily use.

Images are taken before and after treatment is rendered. By comparing these daily pre and post images, the effectiveness of care can be immediately determined. The effectiveness of a course of treatment can be judged by evaluating a series of images taken over a period of time.


www.titronics.com

A Very Real Difference

The single most important factor in the management of these cases is our ability to objectively monitor the adjustment’s affects on the patient’s neurophysiology. Many different examinations for “subluxation abnormalities” are used in our profession such as leg length, cervical challenge, motion and static palpation, and others. However, these tests lack objectivity, possess inherent errors, and have no confirmation of their ability to monitor neurophysiology. Infrared imaging, however, has been researched for over 30 years compiling almost 9,000 peer-reviewed and indexed studies confirming its use as an objective measure of neurophysiology. By using this technology, our method of upper cervical care has been able to consistently produce reproducible and dramatic positive neurophysiologic improvements in our patients.


http://upcspine.com

IUCCA/AUCB There are very few IUCCA/AUCB practitioners in the world and Dr. Young is sensitive to this fact. The care Dr. Young provides is not readily available and is highly specialized. All patients are evaluated on an individual basis and recommendations made based on the findings in each case. Recommendations on any give case are influenced by age, general health, duration of the condition and severity of the condition. That being said, most patients want to know how long does it take, how many visits are required, will treatment help, how much does it cost? I will outline these points in general terms but every case is different and I don't have a "one size fits all" practice. The frequency of visits is scheduled according to your condition and is determined by the severity of the problems you bring to the office. If you are traveling from a distance (we have patients who have travelled from all parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee, Texas, Indiana) and cannot commute from your home to the office easily, then it is necessary to stay locally here for the 2-8 weeks of follow up care that is typically required. Young Chiropractic Clinic 4628 Calhoun Memorial Hwy Easley, SC 29640 864-855-2422

The course of care: Day One Initial exmination on the first day usually requires 2 hours. Services on that day include multiple PARASPINAL DIGITAL INFRARED IMAGING (PDII) scans over that time period. The PDII is usually performed over the entire length of the spine but with special attention to the cervical spine. Basic orthopedic and neurological examination is also performed at this time. Precision x-ray and analysis is done. Dr. Young will then correlate all of your exam findings and come to a conclusion as to whether or not he thinks this is the right form of care for you. There are times when care will not be offered if we think we can really be of no assistance to you. Day Two Dr. Young will report to you the results and his expectations as to what you can expect from his care. All recommendations are individualized to your condition and response. Your first adjustment will be given on this day and the appropriate PDII done to verify its effectiveness. This usually requires about an hour or so of in office time. Follow-up visits will be scheduled as required in your case. If you would like to get some questions answered before coming into the office, call Dr. Young and schedule a 15 minute "off the record" interview. There is no charge for this service and it is encouraged. Prospective patients and their families should have access to as much information as possible when considering treatment of any kind for serious conditions.