Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex: A Review of the Chiropractic and Medical Literature

Book Review by Jonice Owen, DC, FACO, CHom

Title:

Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex: A Review of the Chiropractic and Medical Literature

Author:

Kirk Eriksen, DC

Publisher:

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003

Part #:

T-260

Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex: A Review of the Chiropractic and Medical Literature by Kirk Eriksen, DC, provides a plethora of well-organized, well-written information. This text will provide students, practitioners and researchers with a comprehensive synopsis of the literature regarding the upper cervical subluxation complex and its relationship to neurological integrity and the health of the patients, as promised by Dr. Eriksen. He indicates that "it provides scientific and clinical rationale for orthogonally-based upper cervical care", however, this book dwells outside the confines of technique literature and is an excellent resource guide for any student or doctor of chiropractic.

Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex may be used as a textbook, a reference or a guide. Dr. Eriksen opens with a lovely dedication to Drs. John Grostic and James Humbler, Sr., and continues with an extensive list of reviewed journals. He includes a "How to Use This Text" section, and continues with a detailed outline of the book itself. The first half of the book focuses on anatomy and neurophysiology, following the premise that "structure dictates function" (chapters 1-3). Chapter 4 offers extensive coverage of functional pelvic distortion (FPD) and its contribution to spinal dysfunction; a well-researched, comprehensive chapter that avails itself to presenting a extensive discussion readily available for any doctor's quick find referencing. Chapters 5 and 6 cover issues related to radiographic assessment and additional assessments such as thermometry, palpation, surface EMG and postural analysis.

The book then begins to shift focus to clinical procedures and related issues. Chapters 7 and 8 discuss the correlation between upper cervical subluxation and lower back pain and cervicogenic headaches. Chapter 9 is a constructive chapter, which relates the philosophy of chiropractic care with the delivery of adjustments and chiropractic care in general. Case reports are saved for the last chapter and are related to cases of musculoskeletal origin, as well as a diverse array of neurologic and autonomic aspects of cases with a focus on upper cervical chiropractic adjustments as care rendered. This is followed by detailed appendices and an author index. The text includes clear radiographs, charts and historical photographs and clear, separate editorial commentary, which allows for easy and interesting reading of detailed material that may otherwise become cumbersome and laborious.

It was a joy to read a chiropractic text that provides extensive details and substantiated research while adhering to excellent writing and editing techniques. My only complaint about this book is that there aren't other texts by the same author outlining all aspects of spinal health. I would rate this book a 10 out of 10, with no reservations. I highly recommend it.

Jonice Owen's Rating:

10 out of 10