Atlas of Chiropractic

In this conversation, Dr. John Bartemus, a functional medicine chiropractor, discusses the evolution and future of functional medicine. He emphasizes the importance of individualized and specific care in functional medicine, as well as the need for continual learning and staying up-to-date with research. Dr. Bartemus also addresses the challenges of standardization in functional medicine and the potential risks of combining functional medicine with other chiropractic techniques. He provides insights on finding a competent functional medicine doctor and highlights the significance of business knowledge in the field. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the integration of functional neurology and upper cervical chiropractic. In this conversation, Dr. Cam and Dr. John discuss the importance of collaboration and the limitations of trying to do everything in-house. They emphasize the need to understand patient needs and refer them to the appropriate specialists. They also explore common conditions in upper cervical practice and the importance of considering metabolic factors in treatment. The conversation delves into the role of homocysteine in headaches and the significance of the methylation cycle. They discuss recommended labs for inflammation and the importance of objective markers in patient care. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the benefits of zone two training and the importance of finding your passion in practice.

Check out Functional Medicine Charlotte here:

In this episode, Dr. John Stenberg discusses a study on the effects of upper cervical manipulation on standing postural control and cervical mobility in chronic, non-specific neck pain.

The study found that a single upper cervical manipulation resulted in immediate improvement in cervical range of motion, which was maintained throughout the study period. However, significant changes in postural control parameters were observed later in the study. T

he host emphasizes the clinical relevance of these findings for upper cervical chiropractors and suggests incorporating assessment methods such as the cervical flexion rotation test and force plates. The importance of stratifying patients for predictable outcomes and educating patients about the long-term benefits of upper cervical care is also highlighted.

Takeaways

• A single upper cervical manipulation can lead to immediate improvement in cervical range of motion in patients with chronic, non-specific neck pain.

• Significant changes in postural control parameters may take time to manifest after the manipulation.

• Assessment methods such as the cervical flexion rotation test and force plates can be useful in tracking progress and evaluating the effectiveness of upper cervical care.

• Stratifying patients based on clinical phenotypes can help predict outcomes and guide treatment decisions.

• Educating patients about the long-term benefits of upper cervical care, including improved movement and posture, can empower them to actively participate in their treatment.

Click here for the link to the full text PDF:

Dr. John Stenberg, Dr. Cameron Bearder, and Dr. Stan Pierce Jr. sit down to talk about life and chiropractic.

Dr. Stan Pierce discusses the importance of vision and a unified approach in the field of chiropractic. He highlights the need to address the stigma associated with the chiropractic brand and the low percentage of the population receiving upper cervical care. Dr. Pierce emphasizes the value of data and research in demonstrating the effectiveness of upper cervical techniques. He also discusses the challenges of inconsistent care and the need for a laser-focused approach. Finally, Dr. Pierce explains the purpose of franchising in upper cervical care to ensure consistent standards and quality of care. This part of the conversation explores the philosophy and success of franchising in the chiropractic industry. It discusses the best chance of success in franchising and the importance of duplication and results. The conversation also delves into the need for collaboration and networking for growth in the upper cervical chiropractic field. It emphasizes the importance of pushing the envelope, thinking big, and building the rationale for upper cervical care. The challenges and history of collaborative conferences are also discussed, along with the shift towards inclusion and collaboration. The conversation concludes by highlighting the power of microphones and big bullhorns, the need for clinical standards and thick skin, and the heart behind the innovations in the field. The conversation focuses on the importance of delivering on the message and the work being done to achieve that. The hosts acknowledge and appreciate the efforts being made. They also discuss the obstacles within the chiropractic community and the need for unity. The conversation emphasizes the bigger picture beyond technique and the importance of purpose and mission over money and ego. The hosts express their interest in exploring the technical details in a future part two. The conversation concludes with a reminder of the importance of vision in the upper cervical field.

Check out EPIC's full list of publications and full text articles here:

In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Chung and Dr. John Stenberg discuss the biopsychosocial model of pain and its impact on cervical chiropractic care. They emphasize the importance of individualized care and the limitations of the biopsychosocial model. They share personal experiences and highlight the role of stratifying patients and understanding biomarkers. The conversation also explores the nocebo effect and its impact on patient psychology. The episode concludes with a discussion on teaching patients to control pain and understand flare-ups. This conversation explores the importance of managing patient expectations, avoiding nocebos, and using patient-centered communication in upper cervical chiropractic care. It emphasizes the need to be mindful of language and to avoid using scare tactics or exaggerated claims. The conversation also highlights the significance of the therapeutic relationship and understanding the patient's life and circumstances. By focusing on empowering patients and promoting their resilience, chiropractors can provide more effective and meaningful care.

Takeaways:

• The biopsychosocial model of pain expands our understanding of pain medicine beyond just tissue injury and emphasizes the complex interactions of biological, psychological, and social factors.

• Individualized care is crucial in cervical chiropractic to address both the bio and psychosocial aspects of a patient's condition.

• Stratifying patients based on their presentation and understanding relevant biomarkers can help provide more targeted and effective treatment.

• The nocebo effect, where negative beliefs and expectations can lead to negative outcomes, should be considered when communicating with patients.

• Teaching patients to control pain and understand flare-ups can empower them to manage their condition and improve their outcomes. Manage patient expectations by emphasizing their progress and the strategies in place to address any issues that may arise.

• Avoid using scare tactics or exaggerated claims that can create unnecessary anxiety and dependency on chiropractic care.

• Be mindful of language and use patient-centered communication that focuses on empowering patients and promoting their resilience.

• Develop a strong therapeutic relationship with patients, taking the time to understand their life circumstances and providing support beyond chiropractic adjustments.

On this episode, Dr. John Stenberg hosts Dr. Christine Zapata as she discusses her journey as an upper cervical chiropractor and her co-authorship of the book 'Book Yourself Solid for Chiropractors.'

She emphasizes the importance of marketing and sales in creating awareness and building trust with potential patients. Dr. Zapata also highlights the significance of niche marketing and targeting specific audiences. She shares her experience of refining systems and fine-tuning procedures to provide the best care for her patients. Additionally, she discusses the importance of pruning the patient list and focusing on quality over quantity in patient care. In this conversation, Dr. Christine Zapata and Dr. John Stenberg discuss the importance of building trust and connection with patients, becoming a subject matter expert, finding your niche, and implementing the red velvet rope policy to attract ideal clients. They emphasize the need for consistency in actions and the power of clarity in defining your ideal client. They also highlight the importance of tailoring your practice to meet the needs of your ideal clients and provide actionable steps for implementation. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and guidance for chiropractors looking to grow their practice.

Takeaways

• Marketing creates awareness, but sales and communication book the clients.

• Niche marketing allows chiropractors to connect with their ideal clients and build trust.

• Pruning the patient list and focusing on quality over quantity leads to a more fulfilling practice.

• Creating a positive patient experience involves effective communication, understanding patient needs, and building trust. Building trust and connection with patients is crucial for success in chiropractic practice.

• Becoming a subject matter expert in a specific niche can help differentiate you from other practitioners.

• Implementing the red velvet rope policy can attract ideal clients and filter out those who are not a good fit.

• Defining your ideal client and tailoring your practice to meet their needs can lead to a more fulfilling and successful practice.

This conversation between Dr. John Stenberg and Dr. Cameron Bearder explores the topic of post-traumatic cranial cervical disorders from a postural control perspective. The discussion covers the mechanisms of insult with mild traumatic brain injury and whiplash injuries, as well as their impact on postural control. The conversation also delves into the biopsychosocial aspects of managing patients with prolonged recovery and the importance of assessing psychosocial implications. The chapters cover various systems involved in postural control, including the ocular sensorimotor system, vestibular system, vestibulospinal system, cervical spine, and stomatognathic system.

Click here for the full text PDF:

In this conversation, Dr. Jeff Langmaid, also known as the "evidence-based chiropractor", discusses the misconceptions about evidence-based chiropractic and the importance of niching down and identifying ideal patients.

Check out his podcast here:

Dr. Brian Hutcheson discusses his journey into chiropractic and upper cervical care, as well as his experiences with digital motion X-ray and cone beam CT. He emphasizes the importance of assessing and adjusting the upper cervical spine and shares his approach to analyzing X-ray and digital motion X-ray images. Dr. Hutcheson also explores the significance of skull position and styloid approximation in upper cervical care. He highlights the need for advanced diagnostics and collaboration among chiropractors to improve patient outcomes. Finally, he discusses the use of ultrasound in practice and its potential impact on understanding blood flow and craniocervical junction issues. In this conversation, Dr. Brian Hutcheson discusses the use of ultrasound measurements to assess blood flow and diameter of the carotid sheath and vertebral arteries. He shares how he observed improvements in blood flow and vessel size after performing Atlas adjustments. Dr. Hutcheson emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper alignment of the Atlas and explores other factors that can affect blood flow in the neck. He also discusses the positioning for Doppler evaluation and the significance of blood flow and the nervous system. Dr. Hutcheson explains the indications for Doppler evaluation and introduces the concept of spinal weighting systems. He highlights the importance of curvature and the cranio-cervical junction in optimizing health. The conversation concludes with a call for continued learning and the empowerment of chiropractors to help beyond mechanical back pain.

Takeaways

• Assessing and adjusting the upper cervical spine is crucial in chiropractic care.

• Digital motion X-ray and cone beam CT can provide valuable insights into the upper cervical spine.

• Skull position and styloid approximation play a significant role in upper cervical care.

• Advanced diagnostics, such as ultrasound, can enhance understanding of blood flow and cranios cervical junction issues.

• Collaboration among chiropractors is essential for improving patient outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. John Stenberg and Dr. Cameron Bearder answer listener questions related to upper cervical assessments and case management.

They discuss the importance of laterality in upper cervical care and the potential integration of hemisphericity concepts. They also explore the use of cone beam CT scans and how to analyze them correctly. Additionally, they delve into the incorporation of functional neurology into upper cervical exams and the relevance of neurological assessments in patient care. In this conversation, Dr. John Stenberg and Cameron discuss various topics related to upper cervical chiropractic practice. They emphasize the importance of taking a thorough history to understand the patient's symptoms and potential causes. They also highlight the significance of developing patient rapport and trust to ensure open communication. The conversation delves into the importance of choosing priorities in practice and tailoring treatment to individual patients. They address the question of whether upper cervical can be practiced with diversified technique and discuss the use of other modalities for pain alleviation. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of individual choice in practice and the need to be accountable to patients and their specific needs.

Takeaways

• Understanding the importance of laterality in upper cervical assessments can help guide treatment decisions.

• Analyzing cone beam CT scans requires translating the same line drawing analysis from 2D to 3D, and the Blair analysis can be adapted for 3D imaging.

• Incorporating functional neurology assessments into upper cervical exams can provide valuable information about the patient's neurological function and help guide treatment decisions.

• Taking a thorough history and conducting a comprehensive exam are essential for understanding the patient's condition and providing appropriate care.

and more.

If you have questions you'd like to have answered on an upcoming episode, contact us on social media here:

This week's conversation in upper cervical chiropractic covers various topics, including celebrating graduations, recognizing powerful women in the profession, podcast launches, the staffless practice model, the Diplomate Program enrollment, supporting and building the profession, a message to students, and finding fulfillment in helping others.

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Dr. Bagley and Dr. Schurger are both Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractors, and together host The Blonde and The Bald Podcast.

On this podcast collision course, we discuss:

• How and why to start a podcast as a chiropractor
• Tips for breaking out of your comfort zone as a speaker
• How to juggle family, practice, and side projects like podcasting

and more.

Check out The Blonde and the Bald Podcast here:

Dr. Carita De Jong is graduate of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, and was recently certified in the Blair Upper Cervical Technique. Her story exemplifies what can happen when courage, fate, and action converge. In this WIDE-RANGING episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Carita's background and how she got into upper cervical chiropractic
• The struggles of learning Blair Technique in a country with limited resources
• How chiropractic philosophy informs life and practice
• The strength of the Blair Technique community

and more.

Dr. Evan Katz is a practicing chiropractor in Boulder, Colorado. He practices the Chiropractic Biophysics Approach (CBP), and has participated in an published multiple research articles in the chiropractic field. Today we discuss one of his most recent publications, "Non-Surgical Management of Upper Cervical Instability via Improved Cervical Lordosis: A Case Series of Adult Patients"

In this episode, we discuss:

• how UCI is measured radiographically
• static vs. dynamic imaging of the upper cervical spine
• the relationship between the cervical lordosis and upper cervical instability
• outcomes of the study
• an evidence informed model of subluxation care

and more.

Check out Professionally Integrated to access Dr. Katz's full library of research articles, references, and professional development resources.

https://professionallyintegrated.com/

References mentioned in the show: (click for full text downloads)

Dr. Gordon Elder is a practicing chiropractor, DCCJP, advanced Blair Technique instructor, and all around amazing person.

On this episode, I invited Dr. Elder on to answer listener questions about the Blair Technique assessments, and how to manage patients using these checkup procedures.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The daily Blair checks
• The scientific validity of the Blair checks
• How to prioritize checks and adapt to patient situations
• Rationale for pre/post checking
• Case management over time

and a few more rants and rabbit trails along the way.

The Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology (SOCO) held their annual technique symposium in Clearwater Beach, FL Oct 13-14, 2023.

Dr. Cameron Bearder and Dr. Jane Brewer both attended the conference with me, and on this episode we recap our key takeaways from the weekend.

To learn more about Orthospinology, listen to these interviews with Orthospinology Doctors:

Ruth Elder is an upper cervical advocate, patient, and doctor's wife. Her experience with Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic goes back to the early 1990's when she worked side by side with Dr. Weldon Muncy, a legend in the Blair community.

Ruth brings a unique perspective that Doctors and students alike can learn from. As a patient and non-chiropractor, Ruth has a deep understanding and appreciation for Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic. This allows her to bridge the gap between the patient and doctor in a very special way, and in this episode she has words of encouragement and advice for both parties.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Ruth's path to involvement with the upper cervical community
• What she observed and learned from Dr. Weldon Muncy
• Common mistakes Doctors make when communicating with patients
• Encouraging words for the tough times that Doctors and patients experience

Dr. Stratton Poulson is a chiropractor in Dallas Texas at Apex Chiropractic. In just a few short years in practice, Dr. Poulson has generated a high number of new patients consistently through social media marketing. This has launched his micropractice into a low stress, high value, high profit model.

In this episode, we discuss:

• A pragmatic approach to social media
• How to grow a following locally, AND how to convert them to actual patients in your practice
• The benefits of treatment videos, and the strategies that just don't work
• Patient care philosophy and practice - what really happens inside his practice
• Tips for students creating an image for themselves online

and more.

Check out these episodes where Dr. Poulson explains more about his strategies and practice:

In this episode, Dr. Cameron Bearder and DC student Paul Adams share our key takeaways from the 2023 Blair Technique Annual Conference including:

• Hightlights from Dr. Dan Murphy's presentations
• Student engagement, certification, and perspective
• Dr. Bearder's vestibular presentation and it's application to practice
• the future of the Blair Technique and interesting research in progress

and more.

Key resources mentioned:

Dr. Chad Billiris is an upper cervical chiropractor in South Jersey, in private practice at Summit Chiropractic. He's a practicing Orthospinologist, and volunteers on the board for the Orthospinology organization.

Dr. Billiris, Dr. Bearder, and Dr. Stenberg all attended chiropractic school together and became interested in upper cervical care around the same time. It was really fun to catch up on life and practice since school, and to learn more about the Orthospinology procedures.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How and why each of us got into upper cervical care
• Differentiating features between Blair and Orthospinology techniques
• The difference between being a clinician and a technician
• A few rants about the upper cervical profession

and more.

You can hear more from Dr. Bearder and Dr. Billiris at the Orthospinology Annual Symposium on October 13-14, 2023 in Clearwater Beach Florida.

On this rapid research review, we break down a recent publication titled:

Luca O'Brien is an upper cervical chiropractor, graduating from Palmer Florida in September 2023. Luca I have attended a few conferences together this year, and have engaged in some thoughtful discussions regarding the past, present, and future of upper cervical chiropractic.

As a chiropractic student, Luca has made a consistent effort of networking, showing up to events, and making connections within the community. On this episode, we discuss:

• Luca's passion for mental wellness and how chiropractic fits into that topic
• How to create and maximize opportunities as a chiropractic student looking for connections in the field
• The pursuit of excellence and not becoming complacent in practice

and more. Connect with Luca online here:

Dr. Michelle Speranza is a NUCCA practitioner, DCCJP, and all around excellent human being. We recently sat down to recap her experiences as an upper cervical chiropractor including her research conducted during her DCCJP training regarding the reliability of the clivo-axial angle measurements on XR and CT.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Speranza's path to upper cervical care
• Experiences as an associate Dr. and starting a practice
• Defining the clivo-axial angle and it's importance for upper cervical chiropractors
• The importance of a collaborative healthcare environment

and more.

Check out Dr. Speranza's website for more information about her private practice:

Dr. Taylor Goldberg is a chiropractor who's unique health experiences have led her to a niche within the hypermobility community.

In this episode, we discuss:

• how hypermobile EDS patients experience the healthcare system
• creating clarity with terms for hypermobile patients
• clinical and symptomatic manifestations of hypermobile connective tissue disorders
• best practices for comanaging hypermobile patients

and more.

In this episode, Dr. Cameron Bearder summarizes his key takeaways regarding a recent event hosted by the Carrick Institute.

The Carrick Institute is center for Neuroscience Research and Education founded by Dr. Ted Carrick. Their course curricula includes post graduate training in functional neurology, concussion/brain injury, vestibular rehabilitation, neurochemistry, and so much more.

Dr. Carrick is also a faculty instructor at the University of Central Florida, and occasionally leads a brain dissection lab. Dr. Bearder recently attended one of these labs, and we sat down to review his key takeaways through an upper cervical lens.

Dr. Bill Lordan is an upper cervical chiropractor practicing in Branford Connecticut. He recently completed his diplomate in chiropractic craniocervical junction procedures, and we connected at the ICA Council on Upper Cervical Care Forum in Dallas in June 2023.

Each year, the ICA Council on Upper Cervical Care hosts a forum presenting on the latest updates, research, and advancements in the upper cervical chiropractic field. This year also included the graduation of the third class of DCCJPs (Diplomates in Chiropractic Craniocervical Junction Procedures), which culminated nearly four years of post doctoral study for this cohort of Drs.

In this episode, Dr. Cameron Bearder and Dr. John Stenberg recap their highlights from the weekend, focused in a few themes that carried through the weekend:

• CBCT imaging
• Craniocervical instability
• Outcomes assessments and diagnostic technologies

This quick recap couldn't possibly capture all of the value from the weekend, so attend the Forum in the future to see for yourself.

You can join the ICA Council on Upper Cervical Care here:

References:

On this episode, Dr. Chris Slininger and Dr. John Stenberg discussed some important topics related to communication, including:

• the importance of translating chiropractic philosophy into language that the public can understand in order to reach a wider audience.
• the importance of having conversations with people who challenge you in order to bring out the best in yourself.
• the importance of marketing to the 90% of the population who don't know about upper cervical chiropractic, and the need to communicate the science and wisdom of upper cervical chiropractic in a way that resonates with the medical world.

We also discussed some key characteristics of successful upper cervical doctors, including:

• the need to be gritty and draw a line in the sand between trauma care and healthcare
• keys to collaborating with medical providers to get the best outcomes for patients
• remembering that people may come in with negative healthcare experiences, and that it is important to put yourself in their shoes and do what is right for patient first and foremost

We also discussed Dr. Chris' various projects, such as Strategic Solutions, video production, The Secret to Healing, and Synapse Continuing Education.

To connect with Dr. Slininger, check out these pages:

Cervicogenic dizziness is one of those conditions that responds VERY well to upper cervical adjustments, and is common side effect up upper cervical subluxation. Even with a track record of success, a lot of doctors and patients are still confused about some of the distinguishing features of cervicogenic dizziness and other conditions with similar symptoms.

This episode is an excellent overview of the condition so that doctors, chiropractic students, and patients can be equipped with the information required to have the best possible outcomes.

In this episode, we discuss:

• what is cervicogenic dizziness/vertigo
• how is it different from other forms of dizziness/vertigo
• differentials for vestibular conditions
• clues in the patient history that lead you to cervicogenic dizziness
• exam procedures to rule in or out cervicogenic dizziness bedside
• high and low tech diagnostics
• communicating expectations

and more.

Dr. Heidi Haavik is a chiropractor, a researcher, and a curious Doctor who seeks to answer the questions about "WHY" chiropractic works. She has a team of researchers at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic and is actively researching and publishing work exploring the physiology behind the successes of chiropractic care.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Haavik's path to becoming a chiropractic researcher
• "The contemporary model of vertebral column joint dysfunction and impact of high-velocity, low-amplitude controlled vertebral thrusts on neuromuscular function" - a recent publication reviewing the literature on brain impacts of adjusting vertebral subluxations (full text link below)
• Commonly understood and scientifically grounded mechanisms between vertebral column dysfunction, and deleterious nervous system function
• Local and global tissues change associated with vertebral subluxation
• The future of scientific research and it's clinical implications

and more.

Dr. Simon Senzon is a practicing chiropractor, historian, researcher, and widely published chiropractic author. He has produced a TON of work dealing with the history, scientific, and philosophic developments in chiropractic. The volume of work he's produced is staggering, and in this episode we discuss some of his work and how it relates to upper cervical chiropractic practice.

We discuss:

• The Chiropractic Green Books that were written during the "upper cervical era"
• Historical, cultural, and scientific context for the writings of BJ Palmer
• Upper cervical chiropractic milestones and how they were received in the profession during the 1930's and beyond

and more.

Dr. Brian Pokorski is an upper cervical doctor in Buffalo, NY. Dr. Pokorski has a very interesting path into upper cervical care, and dove right in the deep end to become a diplomate with no prior experience.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Pokorski's background as a full spine practitioner and how he got interested in upper cervical care
• Jumping into the diplomate program with NO prior upper cervical training/experience
• The pros of earning diplomate status and challenges faced during the process
• How becoming an upper cervical diplomate has changed his practice
• Lessons he learned along the way from the top minds in upper cervical care today

and more.

Dr. Alex Pankoke is a chiropractor, entrepreneur, and mother. Like a lot of women chiropractors, she struggled with the balance of home life and practice life in a traditional associate position. She felt the tension of preaching one thing to her patients about a healthy lifestyle, and how she was living. This tension drove her to think outside the box and create a boutique practice that prioritized her family life while also giving her the opportunity to share her gifts and chiropractic care with her IDEAL clients.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Alex's journey to success in a boutique practice
• Challenges of balancing work and family life as a young woman in chiropractic
• What is a boutique practice?
• How to know if a boutique practice is right for you
• Practical tips for building a boutique practice

and more.

To follow up with Dr. Alex, check out these links:

Meniere's Disease is one of those conditions that responds very favorably to the work we do in Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic. Thanks to the work of Dr. Michael Burcon especially, patients are searching for upper cervical doctors to help them with this condition.

However, many practitioners across the healthcare landscape are not very aware of, confident with, and well versed in the literature surrounding the pathophysiology of this syndrome. Often when patients with Meniere's disease find their way into our offices, it's after failure in other healthcare settings.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jeff Hannah about three pilot studies performed in his clinic evaluating the reliability of subluxation indicators used in the Blair Technique, including prone leg checks, paraspinal thermography, and articular misalignment on radiography.

If you like this type of interview, please let me know by dropping a line! You can email me at blairchiropodcast@gmail.com with feedback, suggestions, and other comments.

Dr. Hannah has put together several training modules to help with clinical decision-making, pattern analysis using paraspinal thermography, and a deep dive into neuroanatomy. I personally have purchased and used all of his modules, which has helped me tremendously in practice.