This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C. Send all comments or additions to:
Frankp@chiro.org
The Pierce RESULTS Doctor's List is finally available online.
Search for a doctor in your State. Then check by town.
You may also want to review the other Results System website.
The Chiropractic Technique, known as the Pierce Results System, was developed by Vernon Pierce, D.C., Sr. It is a biomechanical analysis of spine kinematics (or spinal motion), utilizing “stress views” of the spine (flexion, extension, rotation, and/or lateral bending views where required) or videofluoroscopy (VF, or “moving x-ray” studies) to determine the loss of spinal function, which is at the core of the “vertebral subluxation complex”.
This system evolved from the earlier Pierce-Stillwagon technique (PST), which itself was developed from a core of chiropractic techniques, including Palmer HIO (Upper Cervical or Toggle Recoil Technique), Thompsen, Logan Basic, and the Reaver system, with their reliance upon palpation, leg checks, and “pattern analysis” utilizing thermocouple instrumentation. It is now practiced using VF, the DT-25 for computerized thermogaphic monitoring, hand and instrument adjusting, the Pierce 230 adjusting table, and may also include the new computer assisted adjusting instrument. Patient response to spinal adjusting is monitored with the use of the DT-25 or with the Visitherm for changes in the pattern analysis and improvements with the “Atlas fossa” temperature. A description of thermography is available.
The Pierce Technique is an “analysis system”, not just another way to adjust
vertebra. The basic Doctor's equipment is the DT-25, a Precision Adjusting instrument, your hands, and access to x-ray facilities. A table with “drops” will improve your results. A VF system will reduce patient radiation exposure, and give you full kinematics for study, and the computerized adjusting instrument will further assist and refine your analysis.
In 1997, Dynamic Chiropractic reported that PST was practiced by 19% of the profession. This is doubtful, unless you are counting everyone who adjusts a PI pelvis the way Dr. Pierce taught it back in the 1970's. He continued to evolve the analysis system until his untimely death in 1994. The following analysis represents the technique and system as it was being practiced at the time of his death.
What specialized equipment you use?
This Zenith VertiLift Pierce Table is a variable height hylo which features a Pierce 3-D headpiece and auto-cocking dorsal and pelvic drops. Varied height selection helps to elimate back fatigue for the doctor. The Pierce table is a “full drop” table, which reduces stress on the practitioner when adjusting the neck or pelvis, and is also very easy on the patient.
The Variable Frequency Adjuster (VF Adjuster) has replaced the earlier, and now-discontinued Precision Adjuster. With this instrument, you can control the force applied, the pre-load setting,
the frequency at which the adjustment is applied (4Hz-16Hz), and the number of the adjustment impacts.
Thanks to Chirp and Sigma Instruments for permission to reproduce this picture.
If you'd like to know more about the development of the Kinetic Precision Adjuster by Dr. Evans and Dr. Pierce, you may want to read The History of Multiple Impulse Therapy.
The computerized instrument utilizes a “force transducer” in the instrument head to analyze the “compliance” of the vertebrae while in the analysis mode. The most recent system upgrade applies a small number of “taps” on the segment, at an increasing speed, to determine the best response of the fixation component of the subluxation. More information on the Computerized adjusting system and the research associated with it is here.
When the doctor chooses to adjust a given segment, the computer remembers the speed at which that segment oscillated best. Then, when the transducer observes a change in the resistance of the segment, it discontinues the adjustment. This is a highly effective use of computer feedback, as well as helping us monitor where and when to adjust, and the response of the vertebra to the adjustment!
A Synopsis of the Technique, including the basic “theories and principles” of why the technique works
This technique is based on the knowledge of the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic. The specifics of the analysis itself are below.
Structure and Function
Our spine is a “structural” unit. There are 4 curves to the spine. Loss of structural integrity and/or normal function of the spine is the basis for the evolution of the vertebral subluxation. Abnormal stresses occur in the facets, discs and supporting tissues when normal motion of the spine is impaired. The Pierce System analysis is aimed at locating the specific segments which are subluxated, as well as providing the means to “free” those segments.
When normal function returns, the neurologic and other components of the subluxation complex resolve by the normal healing power referred to historically as “innate intelligence”. Once structural abnormalities, pathologies, and positional errors are addressed on the x-rays, chiropractic analysis begins as below:
A. Cervical Film Analysis:
It is best to use 10 X 12 films for the stress (flexion, extension and
rotation) views.
The A-P View:
The spine should be straight and all spino-laminar junctions should be midline. There should be no lateral tilt to the head.
The Open Mouth View:
Teeth must not overlay the occipital condyles for the “classic” upper cervical Palmer analysis of C1 and C2 for laterality. You will
note that the posterior arch of C1 overlies the lateral masses (LM) of C1. A triangular portion of each LM will be observed below the posterior
arch. Increased size of one of these triangles would suggest
posterior rotation of Atlas on that side.
Neutral Lateral Film Analysis:
The normal cervical lordosis (which extends from C1 to T2) should have a
17-24 cm. radius , based on the patient's height. This is easily
measured with the AcuArc ruler. Kim Christensen D.C. in his book
“Clinical Chiropractic Biomechanics” states, “Spinal biomechanical stability requires an optimal lordotic structure. The lordotic cervical & lumbar spine are the basis of the spine's ability to resist axial (gravitational) stress. A resistance factor in mechanical structure is expressed by the formula:
R = C2 + 1
where R = resistance to axial pressure
and C = # of curvatures. Thus, the spine's
ability to resist axial stress, taking into account the Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar (3) curves is:
R = 32+ 1 = 10
If we lose the cervical or lumbar curves, the formula is
reduced to:
R = 22 + 1 = 5
This formula demonstrates that the loss of either the cervical or lumbar curve can result in a 50% reduction in the structural strength of the spine.
To define the cervical curve of the spine with a compass:
1. Dot the posterior inferior aspect of
C1's anterior arch. (see sketch below)
2. Dot the anterior superior aspect of the
vertebral body of T2.
3. Set your compass for the distance between these
2 points. This length is the “chord” length of the curve. Now, swing arcs back (with that chord length) from both points. Where they intersect, they create the “radius point”. Set the compass on the radius point. Swinging an arc (in front of the vertebra) with that same chord length, will define the optimal cervical curve for that person. Ideally, all the vertebra should be on this line, The chord length should be 17-24 cm, depending on that person's height.
All segments should be on Georges's (posterior body) line. There
should be an even spacing between each spinous process. Positioning of the head and spine should also be assessed for anterior head placement (also known as Forward Head Posture). The
posterior arch of Atlas should be centered in the space between occiput and the C2 spinous process. If C1's posterior arch “crowds” occiput,
it is labelled as an “inferior” Atlas. If it crowds C2, it is labelled “superior”. The normal Atlas Plane line would be 18-24 degrees superior to the bottom of the film. A line under the bottom of the C2 body (Whitehorn's line) should be parallel with the floor.
Flexion Film Analysis:
Normal Cervical Flexion
When the spine flexes, it should fully reverse the cervical curve. Three primary
motions should occur in flexion. The zygapophyses (facets) should
slide upwards and forwards. Because of this motion, the IVF's should open (more) fully. And lastly, the spinous processes should “fan out”, or
separate. Finally, occiput should nutate forwards, and the C1 posterior arch should flex, and approximate the back of occiput. (NOTE: When instructing the patient before taking the film, it's key to have them first lower their chin before they flex their spine, otherwise you may not observe the nutation of occiput.)
A segment which has lost the ability to flex would be labelled a “flexion lock”. Please note that in flexion (as in the neutral view), George's posterior body line should still be a curved line with all segments on one line. If you require more than one line to connect all the segments, the subluxated segment will reside in the portion of the spine which is straightened. In flexion lock, often the segment just below the intersection of the 2 straight George's lines is the subluxated segment. The most obvious indicator would be that segment which fails to flex and thus, increase the size of it's IVF.
Extension Film Analysis:
Normal Cervical Extension
NOTE: When instructing the patient before taking the film, it's key to have them first raise their chin before they extend their spine, otherwise you may not observe motion at occiput. As with flexion, 3 thing should occur. The facets should slide backwards and down, the IVF's close down, and all the spinous processes should approximate. Unusual findings may include a segment which remains in flexion (or moves into flexion while the other segments extend). This abnormal motion is referred to as “paradoxic motion”, and is considered a sign of abnormal function of the cervical spine.
Again, all segments should remain on one curved line. A segment which will not extend is described as being “locked in extension”. Two or more lines would be needed to connect all segments, and the subluxated vertebra will be located in the straight section of the spine.
The obvious segment to adjust would be the one BELOW the one which fails to extend. You can't adjust the upper one from the front, to drive it back and down, but you can adjust the lower one P-A, to drive it forwards and up. Remember, the subluxation occurs at the facets on the bottom of the segment which fails to extend. So moving the segment directly below it (the subadjacent segment) will break up the fixation between them, and will permit the upper segment to extend, and for that IVF to close down.
In the normal pelvis, the femur heads, the sacral base, and the iliac crests should all be level. When you draw a line across the top of the femur heads (Femur Head Line, or FHL), a line perpendicular to the FHL, passing through the second sacral tubercle, should bisect the symphysis pubis, dividing the pelvis into 2 equal halves. The lumbar spine should be straight, with no body rotation in evidence.
Sacrum should float about 1- 1½" above the symphysis in the pelvic opening. The pelvic opening should be heart shaped.
The obturators should be almond shaped and equal in size and shape. The bottoms of both ischial tuberosities should be level to the bottom of the film.
On the lateral view, all the anterior bodies should be on a curved line with a radius of 18-24 cm, based on the patient's height.
The PI (or Posterior Inferior) Pelvis
The PI Pelvis
Lateral view of a PI Pelvis
In this PI Pelvis, you will observe:
The left ilia is normal
On the right the ilia has rotated PI. Note the short leg on that side, and that the sacral base is inferior on the right. Because of that, the lumbar bodies have all rotated to that side.
You also note that the obturator on the right is taller, the ilia is narrower, and the ischial tuberosity is lower on the PI side.
On the lateral view, you will observer hypolordosis, and the sacral base moves posterior
To correct this pelvis, first adjust sacral posteriority on the major (right) side. Then adjust the ilia on the short leg side as a PI listing
The Bilateral PI Pelvis
Bilateral PI Pelvis
In the PI Pelvis, you will observe:
The pelvic opening becomes shorter vertically
Both obturators become taller vertically
Sacrum sits low in the pelvic opening
On the lateral view, you will observer hypolordosis, and the sacral base moves posterior.
If both ilia rotate posterior to the same degree, there will be no short leg
To correct this pelvis, first adjust sacrum as a base posterior. Then adjust both ilia as a PI listing
The Bilateral PI Pelvis with a Major
The Bilateral PI Pelvis with a Major
In this PI Pelvis, you will observe:
Both ilia are PI, but the major misallignment is on the right, where the leg is short.
Sacrum is inferior and posterior on the major (right) side
The lumbar bodies have all rotated to the major (right) side
On the lateral view, you will observer hypolordosis, and the sacral base moves posterior
To correct this pelvis, first adjust sacral posteriority on the major side, then adjust the PI pelvis on the short leg (major) side. If the legs go even, stop there. If the other leg then goes short, adjust the other side as PI
The AS (or Anterior Superior) Pelvis
Bilateral AS Pelvis
Lateral view of an AS Pelvis
In the AS Pelvis, you will observe:
The pelvic opening becomes taller vertically, with an hourglass shape
Both obturators become shorter vertically
Sacrum sits high in the pelvic opening
On the lateral view, the sacral apex moves posterior, and the lumbar curve becomes hyperlordotic.
This is an uncommon (infrequent) listing, and a typical mechanism of injury would be a front-end collision. When the car is struck from the front, the driver's seat accelerates backwards. Because the ischial tuberosities are planted on the seat, this forces them backwards, and rotates the ilia forwards.
The IN-EX Pelvis
The “True” IN-EX Pelvis
The left ilia is IN, with the short leg on that side
The right ilia is EX, and sacrum favors that side
There is no lumbar body rotation
The obturator is much wider on the EX side
To correct this pelvis, adjust sacrum P-A on the EX side
The Lateral Lumbar Film Analysis:
Normal Lateral View
The lumbar curve should have a 22-30 cm. radius. All segments should remain on George's line. Disc spaces should be uniform. Femur heads should overlap.
Lateral Bending Film Analysis:
In the lumbar spine, the motion is opposite what occurs in the cervical spine. The spinous processes must move to the side the patient leans to. If you lean to the right, the spinous processes must rotate to the right.
Please refer to the Rotational Film Analysis section for more information.
Length of Time Required to Learn This Technique:
Attending the beginner and advanced seminar offered @ Palmer Davenport, or a 4 day intensive seminar is the minimum proficiency requirement. The seminars are hands on as well as textbook. Full analysis and review of each attendee's VF studies, along with their own spinal adjusting is a typical component of each seminar. The “Results” textbook is an additional tool for review.
Certifying Body's name:
The technique is taught @ Palmer and Life College, and is accredited as continuing education when taken by field doctors. To learn more about the technique, contact: Palmer College @ (800) PCC-ALUM, at their Continuing Education Department, or call Chirp @ (407) 682-1880 or at Chirp's website
Equipment needed to perform the technique:
The Acu-Arc ruler is $35
The “Results” manual is about $125
The Dt-25 thermographic system is about $2200.
The Variable Frequency Adjusting Instrument is about $1700.
There are 2 versions of the computerized instrument, ranging from around
$9000 and up.
There are numerous VF systems available from the mid $30,000's and up.
Ones that also take hard copy are on the high end @ $65,000
![[SWIRL 2]](../ChiroZine/GRAPHICS/SWIRL-2.GIF)