Michael T. Burcon, B.Ph., D.C.
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ March 17, 2016 ~ Pages 6-12
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to report on the outcomes of two patients with tachycardia undergoing Blair technique using cervical specific chiropractic pattern work based on paraspinal dermothermography, modified Prill leg length inequality tests and heart rate variability.
Clinical Features: Two patients, a sixty two year old male diagnosed with Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) and a twenty two year old female diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) were evaluated. Both patients’ chief complaint was low back pain. POTS patient also had a history of migraine. Both had a history of significant head trauma.
Results: Five months after initial adjustment, PVST patient presented with absence of pattern, change in HRV and resolution of lumbago. POTS patient presented nine weeks after first adjustment migraine free. Her POTS was unchanged. Her HRV analysis was unchanged.
Conclusion: Sometimes higher heart rate variability is not better heart rate variability. In these two cases there appears to be a relationship between the improvements in bilateral skin temperature pattern analysis and Prill modified tests with over all health following an upper cervical chiropractic technique. It is feasible that upper cervical chiropractic care can have a positive effect on the autonomic nerve system. Further study is recommended to determine the role of HRV testing in subluxation management.
Key Words: Upper cervical specific chiropractic, vertebral subluxation, pattern analysis, paraspinal thermography, heart rate variability, modified Prill leg checks, Blair x-ray analysis, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Vagus (Cranial Nerve X), autonomic nervous system, adjustment
