NUCCA: TorqueNUCCA: TorqueBy: Patrick Lin

Understanding TorqueUnderstanding Torque• Atlas Subluxation Complex also includes the C2 spinous process•To address it, one most understand and then correct axis spinous misalignment •The degree & direction of axis spinous rotation is seen on the nasium film• When a spinous has misaligned laterally more than the dens, it rides up the facet• When adjusting the atlas laterality, a force must also move into the axis to correct the spinous down the articulation

The Inferior Axis SpinousThe Inferior Axis Spinous• Means the axis spinous have been displace more laterally than the axis odontoid on the same side of atlas laterality.• A C2 spinous that has moved toward the atlas misalignment is considered inferior, because it moved toward the side of atlas “inferiority” meaning less than 90.• ex. C1 is 3 to the right and the C2 spinous is 2 right, then inferior spinous

Correcting an Inferior Correcting an Inferior SpinousSpinous

• Right-sided inferior axis spinous requires a counter-clockwise torque•Left-sided inferior spinous requires a clockwise torque•This works with vectors higher than zero, but not with low vectors

The Superior Axis SpinousThe Superior Axis Spinous• Means the axis spinous has been displaced less than the axis odontoid on the side opposite of atlas laterality• When adjusting the atlas laterality, a force must be applied on the opposite side of the atlas laterality, correcting the axis spinous down the articulation

Correcting an Superior Correcting an Superior SpinousSpinous

• So opposite torque for superior axis spinous•Right-sided superior axis spinous requires a clockwise torque•Left-sided Superior axis spinous requires a counter-clockwise torque

Another way to look at it…Another way to look at it…Consider the torque in relation to extension

and flexion of the head.When using torque with an inferior C2

spinous, movement of your adjusting arm should follow extension of the head.

With a superior C2 spinous, the movement of your adjusting arm should follow flexion of the head.

In addition…In addition…Due to the way the arm muscles

are attached and works, the normal triceps pull automatically tends to correct an inferior spinous.

This is an advantage with type 1 & 4, as the C2 spinous often moves with the atlas.