March 2004

New textbook wins high praise

A new book by Kirk Eriksen, "Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex: A Review of the Chiropractic and Medical Literature," has been winning acclaim from chiropractic researchers, educators and leaders around the world.

This landmark text is considered the most comprehensive book ever published on the vertebral subluxation complex. "The book provides a compelling and cogent argument for the scientific and clinical validity of subluxation‑based care, with a particular emphasis on the upper cervical spine," explains Dr. Eriksen.

In his preface, he notes: "The scientific and clinical rationale for orthogonally‑based upper cervical care (and other methods) is presented, making a compelling case for this being a chiropractic specialty. The procedures involved have been around for over 50 years, but they have not been fully understood or properly evaluated by either the chiropractic or medical professions at large. This type of care is supported by over 100 peer‑reviewed, indexed references, as well as unparalleled gentleness and safety. The quantification of the subluxation and its assessment enables the spinal adjustments to be reproduced from one doctor to the next. Indeed, the nature of this care allows it to be fine‑tuned to satisfy the individual needs of patients and usually results in fewer visits to achieve therapeutic goals."

Yet, he emphasizes, "this is not a technique text that delves much into the how; rather it is focused on the 'why' of upper cervical chiropractic care."

The book required years of research and review of chiropractic and medical literature on the topic of the cervical spine, the occipito‑atlanto‑axial subluxation, and upper cervical chiropractic care. Eriksen reviews the anatomy and kinematics of the upper cervical spine and explains how impaired biomechanics causes neurological dysfunction and physiological concomitants.

"Eriksen's book is one of the most significant contributions to the chiropractic literature in decades," said Christopher Kent, D.C., president of the Council on Chiropractic Practice. "The information it cites helps validate subluxation‑centered chiropractic. Don't let the title mislead you ‑‑ this book is a must for all chiropractors, not just upper cervical practitioners."

Dan Murphy, D.C., vice president of the International Chiropractors Association, agreed. "The text can be used by all chiropractors and other interested parties as a resource to enhance the understanding of the upper cervical spine, basic science, theoretical science, and published case studies," he said. "The result is a unique assembly of information that will not only benefit individual chiropractors, but will also benefit our entire profession because of the sharing of the science that supports the observations of clinical chiropractic."

"I commend Dr. Kirk Eriksen for investigating, congregating, and compiling this superb text of research pertinent to the subluxation of the upper cervical spine," added Ken Humber, Jr., D.C.,

vice president of the Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology. "After reading this text, you will admire Dr. Eriksen for his persistent and untiring devotion to the art, philosophy and science of chiropractic."

The book contains reviews of more than 1,200 research papers, books, and presentations on topics ranging from upper cervical anatomy/physiology to clinical analyses of spinal corrective care and related issues, as well as nearly 400 illustrations and images that reinforce the reading material. The appendices include dramatic spinal corrections as portrayed with radiography, postural assessments, and surface electromyograms and thermograms.

Eriksen is highly qualified to present this material. He is president of the Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology, is on the Postgraduate faculty of Life University and has served on the editorial review board for the Chiropractic Research Journal.

In 1997, Eriksen was named "Chiropractor of the Year" by the Alabama Chiropractic Council. He has been appointed to the College of the Upper Cervical Spine, which has developed the curriculum and administers tests for a 300‑hour Upper Cervical Diplomate postgraduate program.

Eriksen received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life College School of Chiropractic in 1991. He is in private practice in Dothan, Ala. and he lectures extensively throughout the United States.

For more information on the book, including a table of contents and previews of selected pages, visit www.lww.com/promo/eriksen. The book retails from the publisher for $150.