Jonathan Verderame DC Bio & Jake Hollowell DC Bio
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ July 22, 2013 ~ Pages 60-64
Abstract
Objective: To describe the use of cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) in the management of a patient with migraine headache, evaluated with the Blair Chiropractic Technique.
Clinical Features: A 75-year-old female patient had chronic migraine headaches. At her initial visit, she reported taking anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, with only a mild reduction in the severity and frequency of her headaches.
Interventions and Outcomes: After case history and physical examination, the patient was evaluated using CBCT, and a HVLA (high-velocity low-amplitude) thrust to the atlas vertebra was administered, following the Blair chiropractic technique protocols. CBCT was utilized in place of standard radiography to analyze the biomechanical structure of the occipito-atlantal joint. She reported a decrease from 8/10 to 3/10 on the visual analog scale after 5 months of care.
Conclusion: Headaches are a common and burdensome occurrence in the population, and chiropractic care has become a common form of intervention. Blair chiropractic technique protocols require imaging of the cervical spine, and CBCT may aid in the radiographic analysis of persons with headaches, by providing better detail of the atlanto-axial articulation.