What is Upper Cervical Care?

Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that focuses on the delicate relationship between the top two bones in the neck. This area is vitally important for body balance and function because of the brainstem and spinal cord. Misalignment of the top two bones as small as 1 millimeter can cause interference to normal nerve function that is detrimental to health. It is our job to determine if there is a spinal misalignment in this area affecting the brainstem, spine, and nerves. If so, the correction process requires no forceful twisting or cracking of the neck.

We utilize state-of-the-art technology and instrumentation to provide the highest quality of healthcare possible. Our aim is to monitor and maintain an optimal level of human function in each individual. It is estimated that there are less than 1,000 doctors in the world who provide Upper Cervical Corrective Care. We offer each patient our dedication and commitment to excellence.

Illustration reprinted with permission from
Daniel O. Clark, D.C.
www.uppercervicalillustrations.com 

What do nerves have to do with health?

The nervous system passing through the spinal column is very sensitive to pressure and stress. A misaligned spine stresses the nerves, compromises normal nerve signals, and decreases how well the body functions. Nerves are responsible for four primary functions:

1. Control and regulation of all vital functions (including circulation, breathing and digestion).

2. Activate muscles to coordinate movement of the body.

3. Allow for all forms of sensation (sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch).

4. Relate us to our environment (including learning, experience and behavior).

Is neck cracking by chiropractors dangerous?

Generalized spinal manipulation causing cracking and popping of the neck is performed by conventional chiropractors, osteopathic doctors, some physical therapists, and certain medical doctors. These procedures are cruder in application, and although the dangers are minimal, tend to be a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Individuals who are uncomfortable with these types of adjustments are candidates for Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care.

Can chiropractic neck adjustments cause a stroke?

To date there is no scientific research that proves a cause and effect relationship between neck adjustments and stroke. There have been reported cases of cerebrovascular accidents following neck manipulation, but more research is needed to distinguish a causation versus correlation.

Common side effects of stroke events in progress include neck pain and headaches, which are conditions that are routinely treated by chiropractors. If you experience intense headaches, rapid onset neck pain of high intensity, or experience additional effects such as blurry vision, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, or decreased coordination, a qualified chiropractor should screen for a more serious condition prior to adjusting your neck.

Research on the effects of spinal manipulation have proven that a high amount of force and rotation is required to stretch the blood vessels in the neck beyond their normal elasticity. This means that Upper Cervical adjustments are extremely safe considering they do not rotate, twist, or aggressively move the position of the head or neck.

Most importantly, proper evaluation helps to identify situations that are amenable to chiropractic care and those that are not. For patients suffering with intense symptoms, chiropractic care still provides a safe and effective method of recovery once it is confirmed that your symptoms are not related to an issue with a blood vessel.

Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic hurt your neck?

In short, there is no meaningful risk of injury to the neck with Upper Cervical adjustments. While some patients might experience muscle soreness following an adjustment, these sensations are very commonly short-lived. Perhaps the greatest risk of injury to neck is the development of degenerative conditions over time, such as spinal arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, etc. These conditions develop over time as improper alignment and mechanical motion of the spine are left uncorrected. In the same way that teeth decay over time without proper care, the spinal structure can also decay over time without proper care.

Do you treat the rest of the spine?

Upper cervical misalignment is the primary cause of imbalance throughout the spine. This is because the weight of the head (10-14 lbs.) will continually pull the spine outside the center of gravity of the body. It will continue to do so until the upper cervical vertebrae are corrected. By precisely correcting the upper cervical spine, the lower portions of the spine follow as well as the shoulders and pelvis. The posture and health of the entire body is addressed in Upper Cervical Care. 

Illustration reprinted with permission from
Daniel O. Clark, D.C.
www.uppercervicalillustrations.com