Message from the PresidentNext month we have our fall conference in Reno. The Spring Conference was, in my opinion, our best ever and based on the comments received many others felt that way also. We are fortunate to be able to repeat many of the most popular classes again this fall. If you have not registered yet please do so. As an organization we work to provide our members a suite of benefits and amongst those has been steeply discounted access to Kodak X-Site film. For reasons that we do not know, this was terminated 8/15/11. Dr. Bryce Crowley, a former member of the NUCCA board, was involved in the initial negotiations. He has stepped up to the plate and is working on renegotiation of a contract to continue the discounts for our members. This is looking positive and we will keep you posted. We have been negotiating membership discount for what is one of the finest malpractice policies in our profession. Our members can receive a 10% discount through Chirosecure. We have been working with Dr. Stuart Hoffman and his son who will be representing their organization and will be available to answer member's questions at the fall conference. We are working with them to develop membership benefits in terms of group health insurance, business insurance and other products. The property in Reno is nothing short of phenomenal as will be the program. So let's all plan on being there, I look forward to seeing you. All the best, Lee G. Yardley, D.C.
June Literature ReviewI am providing a summary of an important article by Swartz, et al., on the injurious effects of head and neck injuries in sports. Much of this also applies to auto accident injuries. I believe this is important information for the NUCCA practitioner. These are injuries in need of the specialized NUCCA work for proper care and management. CERVICAL SPINE FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY AND THE BIOMECHANICS OF INJURY DUE TO COMPRESSIVE LOADING. SWARTZ, ET AL., JOURNAL OF ATHLETIC TRAINING 2005 The more severe cervical spine injuries (Csis) associated with athletes can be attributed to compressive forces from axial loading. Cervical spine reaction to an axial – load impact, demonstrates a buckling effect in csis. Due to the biconvexity of the atlanto-axial articulation, when the cervical spine is flexing, the atlas extends, and when the cervical spine extends, the atlas flexes. This coupling motion is possible because the atlas is balanced on the convexity of the axis, and when the line of compression moves anterior to the balance point, as when the neck extends, the atlas moves into flexion. The reverse follows as the cervical spine flexes, moving the line of compression posterior to the balance point and creating extension at the atlas. A vertebra may experience its greatest range of motion in flexion and extension before the cervical spine has fully flexed or extended. The center of rotation for a particular vertebra is actually located near the superior aspect of the inferior vertebral body and can be used to explain the reversal of motion observed in the cervical spine. The "reversal of curve" that occurs at a vertebra is due to its role as a pivot point in the spinal column. As a line of force, such as head trauma, is transmitted down the cervical column, a vertebra experiences flexion or extension depending on the location of the force vector relative to the icr, instantaneous center of rotation. The biomechanics in the spine and extent of injury to the spine depends on the impact location on the head and the time of the impact. The initial and often the more critical injury occurs as soon as 2-30 milliseconds (ms) after the impact, well before observed motion in the cervical spine and head occurs. Football Injuries Axial loading occurs when the head and neck are flexed to approximately 30 degrees as in a head – first tackle. In this position, the normal lordotic curve disappears which removes the energy absorbing elastic component. 15 % of permanent cervical quadriplegia occur in hyperflexion and hyperextension injuries. 50% or more occur in axial loading. When contact is applied to the crown of the head or helmut in the football player, the c-spine experiences a compressive load from the torso. As the padding provided by the helmut reaches its absorptive limits, the head then reverses direction, resulting in an increased compressive load as the c-spine is compressed between the head and the torso. When the compressive force exceeds the spine's absorption capabilities, soft and hard tissue components fail. Many of these injuries are brought on by a conscious effort to spear, or use the crown of the head as the initial point of contact during a tackle. Cervical Spine Buckling During axial loading in the cervical spine, compressive forces result in a transient deformation, or buckling effect. The buckling produces large angulations within the cervical spine to release shear energy. This is the causative factor of injury. Buckling occurs in one of two distinct orders. 1st order buckling results in extension of the upper cervical spine through c5 and flexion through t1. 2nd order buckling creates flexion of c1-3, extension of c4-5 and flexion in c6-t1. The levels at which the spine reverses its motion are where pivot points have been created. Buckling and injury are produced within 2-3ms after impact, well before any observable movements in the head and neck complexes are noted 20-100ms. A cervical vertebra can be immediately placed in an extreme position of hyperflexion or hyperextension during buckling, even though the head and neck are not yet experiencing observable motion. Motion of the head is not a reliable indicator of the motion at various levels in the spine. Researchers have not even assessed the effect of adding mass and size to the head, such as wearing a helmut. Head orientation and padded surfaces research has been conducted on cadavers with trauma to the vertex of the head (15-30 degrees), and at the vertex (0 degrees) and posterior to the vertex of the head (15 degrees).
Whiplash An example of a whiplash – type injury in football occurs when the quarterback is sacked from behind, particularly if the quarterback is not expecting to be hit. The mechanism is that the compressive force is superiorly directed from below the c-spine, opposite the axial load. The first joints and segments of the body to experience movement during a whiplash are the hips, back to trunk. These structures of the body not only move forward after a rear – end collision, but upward as well. The upward thrust of the trunk compresses the cervical spine, coupled with the forward displacement of the trunk, this combination of motions causes the head to revolve backward into extension, creating tension and buckling where the lower cervical segments extend and the upper cervical segments flex. This injury mechanism (forward trunk displacement, compression and buckling) act together to abnormally rotate individual vertebrae into extension. As a vertebra experiences this rotation, the anterior components are separated and the posterior components particularly the facet joints, experience extreme compression. Minor fractures of the inferior facet joints have been discovered in cadavers. 
UCRF Research UpdateDr. Woodfield has been industrious in a diligent effort to promote the NUCCA procedure. In May, he traveled to Chengdu, China for the 6th International Congress on Complementary Medicine Research. His poster presentation illustrated the effects of the NUCCA correction on migraine headaches as measured with Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and was well received by the international community. Many of the participants were unfamiliar with NUCCA and eager to learn about the procedure. The Research Team for the Calgary Migraine Phase Contrast study met the first week in August to review the procedure and conduct a trial run. Dr. Gordon Hasick arranged and hosted the meeting. Dr. Noam Alperin from the University of Miami installed the needed software and equipment to transmit data from Calgary to Miami for MRI data analysis. Two MRI studies were successfully completed. Once the protocol is approved by the University of Calgary's Ethics Review Board, the study will begin. The trial run of the x-ray interexaminer reliability study is nearly complete. This has allowed for fine tuning of procedure insuring realization of the study goal, demonstrating the ability different examiners agree in the analysis of the same x-ray. Thank you for your efforts through the Small Steps Campaign and matching donations which enabled UCRF to receive a matching funds gift from the Tao Foundation for funding the Finite Element Model project at the University of Toledo, the Phase Contrast study, and the X-Ray Reliability study. 
Fall Conference Reno, NevadaThe luxurious, exciting new Atlantis Resort and Spa in gorgeous Reno, Nevada is our destination for the fall NUCCA conference October 13th to 15th entitled Honoring the Heritage. This beautiful destination has something for everyone from the spectacular outdoors, golfing, dining, casinos, and much more. Truly, this is a unique property with a great deal to offer from terrific sleeping room rates to superb service. Call 800/723-6500 for the NUCCA group rate. Click here for more conference details. 
Research Changes LivesThere's no question. One of the most direct ways to help change lives and make a significant difference in the evolution of health care is by becoming involved with Upper Cervical Research. Whether you are an upper cervical patient or practitioner, you know how profound the impact of this work can be on every level of well-being. It is for this reason that the Upper Cervical Research Foundation (UCRF) is now inviting people from all upper cervical groups, professions, lifestyles, and perspectives to partner in the effort to open wide the doors to this unique and timely research. Participants can select from a menu of options including the NUCCA Gregory Circle membership where a portion of each membership goes to research, the Research Philanthropy program for non-NUCCA members, the annual Small Steps to Success campaign from October 17th to November 14th which this year is set to raise $175,000 for UCRF administration, the Practice Innovation program, a fundraiser for all upper cervical practitioners offering secrets to business success, and of course private donations are graciously accepted. As a non-profit organization, UCRF relies solely on tax-deductible contributions to finance all research and research administration. Because of this, our contributors play an integral role in our ability to continue to move ahead and to alert the healthcare community and the general public as to our findings. Their generous participation allows us to conduct research and educational initiatives to improve the quality and efficacy of health care. This is a terrific opportunity to become involved with and informed of the stunning breakthroughs currently occurring within upper cervical chiropractic. UCRF studies are now being published in academic journals and presented at conferences on national and international levels. Participants in all of these programs also receive exclusive benefits including updates on groundbreaking upper cervical research, invitations to special events, and recognition on our website and organizational materials. There are many ways to participate, and a number of projects to which you may consider directing your gift. Please visit the UCRF (ucrf.org) and NUCCA (nucca.org) websites for program details or call the NUCCA office at 800/541-5799. 
Student Scholarship ContestEnter the Student Scholarship Contest and address the topic: "Honoring the Heritage" Complimentary conference fees will be awarded to one student winner per chiropractic college. Entries can be emailed as a word document or video to: Dr. Stan Dombroski at drstan@myamazingspine.com or 300 South State St., Ste. 4, Zeeland, MI 49464, to be received no later than September 18, 2011. Contestants must be sure to include their name, address, school, anticipated graduation date and phone number. 
NUCCA Patient SpotlightThe ear bone's connected to the jaw bone? A surprising change after one NUCCA adjustment. Usually ear pain in a child makes doctors think ear infection--but 10 year old Lauren's pain was different. After Lauren began complaining of ear pain, her mother, Renee, took her to the pediatrician who investigated the source of the earache, but found nothing wrong. "Since she had already been on antibiotics, and there was nothing wrong inside the ear, the doctor told me to give her Ibuprofen," said Renee. In spite of the doctor's diagnosis, the pain continued, and in fact, got worse. Lauren described the pain as sharp stabbing deep in her right ear, which would quickly come and go, happening as often as four to five times per hour. The pediatrician said that a trip to ENT might be in order. Filing that in the back of her mind, Renee took her daughter to a NUCCA doctor instead. When Dr. Zachary Ward heard Lauren's story, he suggested that the pain might be nerve related and might respond to a NUCCA correction. Dr. Ward evaluated Lauren and found tight musculature in her neck and shoulder, as well as a heat reading that showed an increased temperature around the atlas vertebrae on her left side. Lauren received a NUCCA adjustment on Friday morning, and by the end of that weekend, the pain subsided completely. Something surprising also happened after the adjustment: the left side of Lauren's left jaw began to relax. "I asked Lauren, 'How come you never told me that your jaw was so tight on your left side'" Renee told the NUCCA News. "Lauren said, 'Mom I didn't know my jaw was that tight. It's been like that my whole life. I thought that was normal!'" To make matters more interesting, Lauren has received orthodontia care since she was three years to correct jaw and teeth alignment issues related to a cleft palate. Until her NUCCA adjustment, Lauren and Renee had no idea that Lauren's ear and jaw health could be related to her neck. "I was surprised how quickly things improved for Lauren, without using any kind of drugs or surgery." said Renee. Upcoming EventsSeptember 22nd - 24th – Upper Cervical Fusion – Radisson Hotel, Newport Beach, CA. www.uppercervicalconference.org October 13th - 15th – NUCCA Fall Conference, Reno, NV, Atlantis Resort www.NUCCA.org/conferences.php October 17th - November 14th – Small Steps to Success Be sure to participate in supporting Upper Cervical Research February 3rd - 4th – Practice Innovation 2012 – Newport Beach, CA. Huge Discount – Register by October 15th! www.NUCCA.org/practice-innovation.php |
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