A CASE OF CORRECTION OF SCOLIOSIS BY BJ PALMER (1951)

Pictures and copyright with permission.
The Green Books; Compiled Rob Sinnott, D.C.

I have selected an interesting case from the Green Books which demonstrates correction of a scoliotic curve by manipulation of the upper cervical spine in a patient suffering from low back pain and sciactic trouble. In this Case #1131[1] B.J. Palmer uses spinographs (X-rays) and the neurocalograph (NC), an instrument for the measurement of nerve interference, to manage the patient.

The re-drawing of the X-ray and NC output are shown in this diagram opposite. In those days they didn't have scanners, therefore I assume Dr Palmer traced over the X-rays to obtain the drawings. The NC shows definite nerve interference to be in the lower back, which corresponds with the patient's pain. Further the upper cervical NC shows some nerve interference in the upper cervical region. Palmer focussed on the upper cervical spine as the area of adjustment. Specific cervical pictures revealed axis (C2) subluxated posterior and right.

"The Neurocalograph reveals the causative factor in this case to be quite remote from the area of pain or from the area of spinal distortion as shown by the spinograph. The average uninformed mind usually thinks in terms of direct manipulation of the affected areas when the spine is concerned, rather than with the correction of the cause which is usually in the atlas axis region of the spine." B.J. Palmer.

Throughout this case Palmer gathers feedback from the patient and with the spinographs and NC is able to show marked improvement in both scoliotic curve and nerve interference.

"Patient was adjusted Axis PR. (Posterior and right.) Patient allowed to rest for a few minutes and then re-read revealing the break reading gone. Neurocalograph Reading: Next day reveals break reading gone. Pattern changing in middle cervical region. Patient Report: "Head felt clearer as though load had been lifted. Felt glow over body, especially in hands and feet."

The glow feelings are common amongst patients I have been involved with. Many of my friends as well as my wife and I experienced a warm feeling down to our feet immediately following our very first upper cervical adjustment. Following are some of the chronological events described by the patient and Palmer during the treatment process. The point of this is that changes to the body, especially one which has been racked with pain for years takes time. However, the body is a wonderful piece of engineering and if in the right state can keep itself well maintained.

Neurocalograph Reading: Increase in pattern in middle and lower cervicals. Atlas-axis region clear.
Patient Report: "Seem to be much more straight this p. m. Gnawing sensation continued again last night in right leg but managed to sleep about 7 hours in spells. Hip is sore today but ankle a little warmer. Feel definite improvement."

Neurocalograph Reading: Pattern very rough in middle cervicals. Please note no return of reading at base of skull. Patient Report: "Leg and knee gaining strength; no tendency to cave in on stairs. Itchy sensation in leg deep as though healing was in progress. Resting better all the time. Vitality picking up. Walked too far on crutches last night which gave little stiffness in leg this morning."

Neurocalograph Reading: Reveals some disturbance in atlas-axis region.
Patient Report: "After a very restless night with drawing pains in legs, hips, and thighs woke with feeling of stiffness in both hips. Feels like a large wound just healing over. Soreness seems to be working back up into lumbars. Feel straighter. Think it is all progress. Feet seem to be getting more life."

Neurocalograph Reading: Good.
Patient Report: "Went without crutches all day yesterday. Felt strain on neck and soreness in hip and leg as result of lack of support. It seems to have made an improvement as of today. Pelvis will come more nearly straight. Exercised 1 mile on bike last two days."

Neurocalograph Reading: Final reading by Neuro-calograph of full spine shows entire spine quite clear of any evidence of nerve pressure. This comparative picture between the full spine Neurocalograph reading when the patient entered the Clinic before being adjusted as compared to the reading of the full spine after approximately one month service is quite typical of other cases when the subluxation has been corrected. The service rendered this case consisted of one adjustment given at axis on 6-2-42. He received no adjustment at any place between these two readings.

The patient continued to improve with Palmer using the NC to monitor changes in both the upper cervical spine and lower spine. The final spinographs (left diagram) reveal improved scoliotic curve and the final NC (above left) reveals complete reduction in signal and nerve interference. Remember the only chiropractic adjustment being done by Palmer was the upper cervical adjustment to axis (C2). Upper cervical subluxations can and do cause scoliosis. Toftness www.toftness.org has one of the largest collections of pre and post scoliosis correction X-rays available today. I refer you to the book "Chiropractic Spinal Correction", I.N. Toftness, D.C.

Also I refer you to Appendix D of Kirk Eriksen's recently published book [2] "Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex: A Review of the Chiropractic and Medical Literature" for some excellent pre and post adjustment X-rays of scoliosis.