Cailen E. Wells DC & John Williams DC
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ May 27, 2011 ~ Pages 25-30
Abstract
Objective: To describe the case of a patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care.
Clinical Features: A 52 year old male presented with postural stiffness in multiple joints, mid-back pain, neck pain, bilateral shoulder pain, bilateral leg and hip pain. Past history included three motor vehicle accidents prior to the diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Other health concerns included high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and ulcerative colitis.
Intervention and Outcomes: Subluxations were confirmed with upper cervical radiographs, paraspinal digital infrared imaging, and a Grostic leg check analysis. Blair and Knee Chest techniques were utilized over a 4 month period with improvements in pain, range of motion and blood pressure.
Conclusion: This case report exhibits the need for further study of both the Knee Chest and Blair corrections of an upper cervical vertebral subluxation in a patient with AS.
Key Words: Upper cervical chiropractic, Blair technique, Knee Chest technique, Ankylosing Spondylitis, vertebral subluxation, thermography