LOCATION OF
SUBLUXATION
The mere statement or diagnosis of “pain” is not sufficient to support medical
necessity for the treatments. The precise level of the subluxation must be
documented by the chiropractor in the medical records.
Area of Spine Names of Vertebrae
Number of Vertebrae Short Form or Other
Name
Neck Occiput Cervical Atlas
Axis 7
Occ, CO C1 through C7 C1 C2
Back Dorsal or Thoracic Costovertebral
Costotransverse 12 D1 through D12
T1 through T12
R1 through R12
R1 through R12
Low Back Lumbar
5
L1 through L5
Sacral Sacrum,
Coccyx
S, SC
Pelvic Ilia, R and L
I, Si
In addition to the vertebrae and pelvic bones listed, the ilii (R and L) are
included with the sacrum as an area where a condition may occur that would be
appropriate for CMT.
There are two ways the level of the subluxation may be specified:
* The exact bones may be listed, for example, C5, C6, etc.
Or,
* The area may suffice if it implies only certain bones such as:
* Occipito-atlantal (occiput and C1 (atlas)).
* Lumbosacral (L5 and sacrum).
* Sacroiliac (sacrum and ilium).
There are three categories of conditions:
* Acute – A patient’s condition is considered to be acute when the patient is
being treated for a new illness or injury. The result of chiropractic treatment
is expected to be an improvement in, arrest or retardation of the patient’s
condition.
