NBCE Practice Test Prep – National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Study Guide & Practice Exam

A prone cervical index pillar contact is primarily designed to address malpositions related to rotation of the cervical spine. Specifically, it is effective for correcting a right rotation malposition.

In this technique, the chiropractor applies force to the index pillar on the side opposite the rotational malposition, which facilitates the correction of the misalignment. This method is effective because it creates a leverage effect that helps restore the normal craniovertebral alignment by targeting the specific vertebra involved in the right rotation.

Other malpositions, such as lateral flexion, extension, or flexion, would typically require different contact techniques or adjustments that are better suited to address those specific alignments. The mechanics of adjusting for those types of malpositions don't align with the technique utilized in a prone cervical index pillar contact, making it a specialized approach specifically for rotational misalignments.