Cone Beam CT 3D Imaging and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
In the past, chiropractors had to rely on 2-D X-rays to learn what may be occurring in the upper neck. Now, Cone Beam CT (CBCT) allows for a 3-D view with a fraction of the radiation dose. With X-rays, the doctor must try to visualize structures with two or three different views of the same area. With CBCT, the same structure can be seen with spatial relativity and unmatched resolution.
Patients who are analyzed with CBCT at Burcon Chiropractic even get a 3-D printed model of their atlas, the top bone in the neck, on their second visit with a report of findings before a first specific correction.
The upper neck is the most commonly malformed joint in the spine and moves in a much more complicated way than the rest of the spine. In addition, it houses the autonomic control centers and the brain stem. That’s why it’s crucial to measure precisely how the upper neck has abnormally been positioned and to correct it back to a more normal position without any twisting or popping.
While X-rays and palpatory skills have value, CBCT is allowing for new precision 3-D analysis of the patient’s anatomy. Spinal misalignments happen at the joints and joints in the cervical spine fit as mirror images. Because of this, imaging the joints of the spine can allow the upper cervical chiropractor to see the spinal misalignment, measure it, and precisely correct it.
Burcon Chiropractic Research Institute (the first upper cervical specific chiropractic office in Grand Rapids) takes each patient’s health seriously. Most patients at Burcon are chronic, have seen over 20 different doctors, and are desperate for a health solution. Anyone with frustration over issues stemming from the head or neck may want to take advantage of the care offered by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor along with the use of CBCT to evaluate the alignment of the upper neck.
Burcon Chiropractic is located at 3501 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE #252, Grand Rapids. To schedule a free initial consultation, call Jane at (616) 575-9990 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.
