ANCHOR MOVE No. 1
Theory
It is held that a vertebra often loses its proper relation with the vertebra below, and consequently with all the vertebrae, or the entire column of the spine below, without being disturbed in its relation to the one, or ones, above; that, in other words, the column may be divided into two sections by subluxation, the upper section set askew upon the lower. With this reasoning it would clearly be desirable to so adjust the spine as to move a given vertebra, and with it all vertebra above, so to speak, upon the vertebra below. To do this all vertebrae above the one to which force is applied must needs be firmly anchored to prevent strain between them.
Such a move has been devised by Bunn for Cervical use and is here described from the author’s few observations only. Further study may modify the technic somewhat.
Fig. 15. “Anchor Move,” No. 1. For a P. L. subluxation.
Position
Patient is placed as for Dorsal and Lumbar adjustments in position B. Move is applied to rotated, postero-rotary, and antero-rotary subluxations and face turned toward side from which move is to be made. Adjuster, after palpation which discovers the vertebra to be moved and the direction of movement, stands at the head of table facing patient’s feet.
Contact
With the palms of both hands resting against the side of the neck and thumbs extended at right angles to hands, make contact with both thumbs on one vertebra as follows:
If vertebra is to be rotated toward patient’s left, place right thumb against spinous process on its left side and left thumb upon right transverse process from behind it. Press firmly with the palm and fingers of each hand against the vertebrae above, gripping around neck and base of skull so as to hold all parts together.
Movement
The move is delivered simultaneously with the two hands, forcing spinous process toward the right and transverse in an anterior direction. The head must be raised from the bench and wholly supported by the hands and the head turns with the vertebra.
Uses
A powerful comparatively easy move which has the advantage of wide applicability and of avoiding the change of posture of the patient which mars many Cervical moves.
Fig. 16. Posterior Cervical move.