Technic and Practice of Chiropractic

by Joy Maxwell Loban

This is the position for the majority of adjustments, and as the palpation of each vertebra to be adjusted is a necessary preliminary to the adjustment, this method, though not so accurate as the one already described, must also be used.

The use of the first three fingers of each hand and the relation of hands to patient’s body is the same as in Position A, except for palpating Cervicals when the patient’s face is turned away. It will be found very difficult to make a correct full count, especially to count Cervicals, in this position, and is better to use a record already prepared.

Dorsals

Begin at, or near, the first Dorsal to palpate in this position. Find the vertebra which agrees in direction with the first Dorsal subluxation recorded; let the fingers glide downward until they reach the vertebra which, according to the first decision, would correspond in number with the next subluxation on the record. If this also agrees in direction with the record it may safely be assumed that you are accurate in your numbering. Thereafter, during that adjustment, the count can be made or repeated from any prominent vertebra the number and identity of which are easily recognized.

Fig. 2. Palpation in Position B, preparatory to adjustment.

Lumbars

It may be difficult to count or otherwise to palpate the Lumbars in this position because of the increase in the normal anterior curve when patient is suspended between the two sections of the bench. This will be obviated if a roll be placed under the thighs or if the bench has an adjustable rear section.

Cervicals

If a solid front bench is used remember the spiral turn in the Cervicals, which occurs because of the resting of the head on one side. The curve due to this rotation of the head is compounded with the ever present anterior curve to make a spiral. Do not expect the vertebrae in this position to agree in apparent direction with a record made with the head straight. It is better to make all decisions as to direction of Cervicals in position A and merely to count them in other positions.