Cranial Distortion and Category II Pelvic Blocking: A Pilot Study
Joseph F. Unger, Jr., D.C., F.I.C.S., Stéphane Provencher, D.C., O. Nelson DeCamp, D.C., F.I.C.S., D.A.C.A.N.
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ December 18, 2009 ~ Pages 1-11
Abstract
Purpose: A relationship between the cranium and the sacrum has been theorized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate visible and therefore measurable effect of distortions in cranial anatomical landmarks by photography due to pelvic torsion, as theorized by the Category II subluxation distortion complex of M.B. De Jarnette D.C.
Methods: Twenty-nine subjects were chosen at random from the student population at Logan College of Chiropractic. A vertical line was drawn at the midline of the bridge of the nose on the nasion. The lateral most edges of the temporal bones were delineated with markers perpendicular to the table. The supine experimental subjects had othopedic wedges (blocks) placed under the pelvis producing a torsion of the ilia and a photograph of the face was taken. The block position was reversed and and additional photograph was taken. In the control group the pelvis was lifted in the same fashion as if the blocks were to be positioned but none were. The same series of photographs were taken. All photographs were measured for the distances from the midline cranium to the lateral edge of the temporal bones and analyzed for differences.
Results: The statistical analysis of this study demonstrates significant cranial anatomical landmark changes of 2.29mm ± 1.53 (p=0.0065) during the De Jarnette Category II pelvic blocking protocol as compared to reverse blocking and control subjects.
Conclusion: This pilot study proposes a possible cranial motion as a consideration for further study. The TMJ, cervical spine and musculature could also be involved in the cranial anatomical landmark changes.
Key Words: Manipulation; Chiropractic; Cranial Distortion; SOT; Category II; Pelvic Blocking
