Part 28

A movement which uses the spinous process as a lever and is applicable to D 2, 3, or 4, and to any Dorsal or Lumbar from D 8 down, when posterior, postero-superior, or postero-inferior. It does not correct rotation except insofar as the shape of articular processes may aid an anteriorly directed move in rotating the vertebra.

Some Chiropractors have used the Edge Contact in the Cervicals but this is always improper, as it is practically

impossible in some, and difficult in all, cases to cover only one spinous process when the head is resting on its side.

Palpation

Same as for Recoil or Heel Contact, q. v.

Contact

Using the same adjusting hand as for the Heel Contact, place the middle of the ulnar edge of the fifth metacarpal bone in contact with the spinous process. If the vertebra be superior, place the edge of hand above, if inferior, place the hand below. This contact is especially good for S or I vertebrae.

Position of Hands and Arms

The fingers of adjusting hand cross the spine at a right angle to its long axis. The back of hand will be toward patient’s head except in adjusting the last two Lumbars, with which a change of hands is made necessary by the upward slant of the lower half of the Lumbar curve.

The palpating hand now grips the adjusting hand so that the fingers of the upper hand, held close together, press against and reinforce the lower on its dorsum and just above the contact point. The thumbs are hooked together as shown in Fig. 27, so that the hands may be stiffened and their tendency to roll avoided.

The elbows are outrotated and locked as in the Pisiform Double Transverse Move and both shoulders are loosened.

Movement

This is chiefly delivered with the upper arm, using upper hand to drive the lower. Force should be quickly delivered when patient is relaxed. The direction of force should be determined by the direction of subluxation and by the slant of the spinous process. Thus, when patient lies prone upon a bifid bench and sways downward against a lax abdominal support, the spinous processes of the lower dorsal make an acute angle with the plane of the floor. If one be superior, contact above it and force driven straight toward the floor will tend to correct the subluxation. There is a slightly different force angle for every subluxation correctable by this move.

This move is less painful than the pisiform contact and may often be used to advantage, especially in the Lumbar region.

LUMBAR SINGLE TRANSVERSE

For the correction of a rotated Lumbar. Best used on second and third. This movement should never be attempted unless the transverse process can be palpated. Lumbar transverses are sometimes short or fragile, and unless they can be distinctly felt no force should be applied where they are believed to lie.

Contact

Pisiform bone with posterior transverse.

Palpation and Placing of Hands

Palpating as if for other movements, pause with the second finger of palpating hand indicating the spinous process of the vertebra to be moved. Note that if the spinous process be to the right of the median line the left transverse will be posterior, if to the left, the right transverse.

The transverse may then be found as in the Dorsals; it should lie even with the interspace above the spinous process, deeply overlaid with strong muscles. When the transverse has been located by a deep, probing movement of the fingers, place adjusting hand, pisiform on transverse, close to the spinous process for greater solidity and fingers extending downward and outward from the midspinal line parallel with the lower rib curve.

If the adjuster stands on the side of the patient opposite to the transverse to be moved the hand opposite the palpating hand becomes the contact hand, as in other moves. But if the posterior transverse is on the same side with the adjuster, a change of hands is made and the palpating hand becomes contact hand. To accomplish this the adjuster must turn and face away from the patient with arm extended straight downward to the contact. After contact is made the remaining hand reinforces the adjusting hand by gripping the wrist.

Movement

In making the contact press downward, deeply and firmly, so as to crowd the muscles aside and place the pisiform directly upon the transverse. Movement is given after the patient’s body has been swung downward for a considerable distance, and is sharp and decisive, directed straight toward the floor.

LUMBAR DOUBLE TRANSVERSE MOVE

A movement sometimes applied to posterior or postero-rotary Lumbars.

Palpation and Contact

From the spinous, find first the more posterior transverse and make contact with it, since most force must be directed there. Stand facing patient’s head and place right hand on right transverse and left hand on left.