Knee Chest Upper Cervical: Precise Chiropractic Care
Exploring the Science and Healing Potential of a Unique Chiropractic Technique
What is the Upper Cervical Spine
The upper cervical spine has the most mobility compared to the rest of the spine. At the very top of your spinal column sit two very important vertebrae: the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). Together, they support the skull and facilitate the head's range of motion, allowing you to freely rotate your head, look up and down, look out your window as you back out of the driveway, etc. This delicate region also houses the brainstem—a critical hub where the brain's signals pass through to the rest of the body. Even minor misalignments here can have impactful effects, potentially contributing to migraines, dizziness, neck pain, and a host of neurological symptoms.
Origins of the Knee Chest Upper Cervical Technique
The KCUC approach traces its roots to the very beginnings of chiropractic care. B.J. Palmer, often known as the "developer of chiropractic," recognized that correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine had impactful effects on symptomatology. In the early 20th century, Palmer observed that patients with various health concerns often experienced profound improvements following a precise upper cervical adjustment.
Seeking ever greater precision, Palmer developed the knee-chest table: a uniquely designed chiropractic bench that positions patients on their knees with their chest resting forward, allowing gravity to aid in the gentle, specific adjustment of the upper cervical region. This method became a pivotal advancement within upper cervical chiropractic care and is still practiced by a dedicated community of chiropractors today.
How Does Knee Chest Upper Cervical Work?
During a KCUC adjustment, the patient kneels comfortably on a padded table, resting their chest and head on the table. This positioning relaxes the spinal muscles and enables the chiropractor to precisely target the atlas or axis vertebrae.
Upper cervical chiropractors use advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays or specialized 3D scans known as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), to detect even the slightest misalignments. Every adjustment is tailored to the patient's unique spinal anatomy, ensuring safety and accuracy.
Unlike forceful twisting or cracking, the KCUC adjustment utilizes a controlled force delivered precisely to the misaligned vertebra. Through use of the table and patient position, this allows the bone to be in optimal position for correction. This restores normal alignment and relieves pressure on the brainstem as well as surrounding nerves.
It is common to rest 10-15 minutes after an adjustment is made. A follow-up scan is performed to confirm that the adjustment has integrated properly—ensuring the body is responding well, the correction is holding, and the nervous system is stabilizing. To do this a special tool known as thermography is used, which is simply checking temperature alongside the neck.
The thermography tool will be used following each adjustment to determine when the patient's nervous system is due for the next adjustment. Following the adjustment, many patients experience immediate relief, while others notice a gradual improvement as their nervous system rebalances over time. Because the correction is so specific, fewer visits may be needed compared to traditional chiropractic care.
Conditions Addressed by KCUC Care
Knee Chest Upper Cervical practitioners focus primarily on neurological interference caused by upper cervical misalignments, rather than chasing symptoms. Nonetheless, patients have reported benefits in areas such as:
Who Benefits Most from KCUC?
It's important to note that while many find relief, KCUC care is not a cure-all, and results can vary depending on how much stress has been on the body and if it is the right type of care for you. While almost anyone with upper cervical misalignment may benefit, KCUC is especially suited for those who have tried traditional chiropractic with limited results, prefer a gentle, non-invasive approach, are seeking care for neurologically-based symptoms, or desire highly personalized attention and care.
Patients of all ages—from children to seniors—have reported positive outcomes, though a thorough evaluation is always necessary to ensure suitability.
The Science Behind Knee Chest Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Research into upper cervical chiropractic is growing, with several studies demonstrating the potential for symptom reduction in conditions like migraines, hypertension, and vertigo. The principle is straightforward: misalignment of the atlas or axis can disrupt nerve flow and blood supply at the base of the brain. By correcting this interference, KCUC practitioners aim to restore optimal communication between the brain and body.
Clinical observations suggest that even small misalignments can have outsized effects, making precision and technique vitally important. Because every adjustment is customized, advanced imaging such as CBCT and careful monitoring are key components of KCUC practice.
Finding the Right Practitioner
Proper training and expertise are essential for safe, effective KCUC care. Seek out practitioners who have completed advanced upper cervical training and use state-of-the-art analysis tools. Ask questions about their experience, the techniques they use, and how they measure results.
Where to Find Upper Cervical Care
To learn more about the Knee Chest Upper Cervical Technique or to schedule a consultation, visit The Chiro Haus website.
Not in our area? With a growing number of patients seeking care, a directory has been created to help others find an upper cervical practitioner easily.
Partnership Content: This blog post is presented in partnership with The Chiro Haus, featuring insights from Dr. Brittany Zellar. The precision of the Knee Chest Upper Cervical technique relies heavily on advanced imaging like CBCT. As diagnostic imaging consultants, Kinetic Radiology provides the expert diagnostic interpretations necessary for this level of care. Our DACBR (Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology) certified team works with practitioners like Dr. Zellar to ensure every adjustment is safe, accurate, and effective.