Life West faculty member authors scoliosis case study

October 21, 2010 — Chiropractor, and Life Chiropractic College West faculty member and alumnus, Kim Khauv authored a case study with Marshall Dickholtz, Sr., DC, titled, “The use of upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case report,” which has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health Chiropractic.

The article focuses on a 15-year-old female diagnosed with scoliosis who undergoes NUCCA chiropractic care over the course of five months. Because of the severity of the curve in her spine, she was advised by medical doctors to undergo surgery.

During the five months of care, she had received only one chiropractic adjustment employing an upper cervical technique, but was checked on a regular basis for upper cervical misalignment. Over time, the severity of the curve lessened to the point that surgery was no longer recommended by medical professionals.

While other chiropractic techniques have been shown to reduce the curvature of spine in scoliosis patients, these techniques have involved adjustments to the entire spine and pelvis. On the other hand, in this case, only the atlas was adjusted.

Moreover, by strictly placing the head back on straight, the rest of the spine experienced significant positive improvements. Khauv states, “To the best of my knowledge, this is the only study to be published solely involving upper cervical care to help a scoliosis patient.”

Khauv looks forward to starting a case series of upper cervical care and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients in the future. He says, “It breaks my heart to see teenagers suffer from this condition who believe surgery is their only solution. I plan to continue demonstrating that upper cervical chiropractic care is a viable alternative.”

Dickholtz is known for his work with the widely recognized hypertension study using the NUCCA procedure which has clearly validated chiropractic’s place in healthcare. The study suggests that this special chiropractic adjustment can significantly lower high blood pressure. The findings were printed in the Journal of Human Hypertension.

Source: Life Chiropractic College West, www.lifewest.edu