Upper cervical specific chiropractic is a subspecialty in the chiropractic field. What is different about this type of chiropractic? What are some of the conditions upper cervical specific chiropractic can help? How can you find a practitioner of this subspecialty? We will discuss the answers to these and more questions in our article.

What Is Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic?

Chiropractors manipulate the spine to correct subluxations (slight misalignments of the vertebrae). The seven vertebrae that make up the neck are cervical spine. Therefore, upper cervical specific chiropractic is just dealing with the top bones in the neck. The upper cervical region is consists of the C1 and C2 vertebrae, which are the atlas and the axis.

What Is Unique About Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic?

The first difference between upper cervical chiropractic and other forms of chiropractic is the focus on just two bones of the spine. The basis for this specific focus is that spinal health flows from the top down. Because the top bones in the neck balance the head, any misalignment will result in changes that affect the entire spine. In fact, since the top bones of the spine protect the location where the brainstem meets the spinal cord, it can have far-reaching effects on the central nervous system (CNS).

The other major thing that you need to know is that upper cervical specific chiropractic should be applied low force. Precise measurements are taken to ensure that there is not a great deal of force needed to correct the subluxation. Whether the practitioner manipulates the neck by hand or uses an adjusting instrument, there will not be any popping or cracking noise because there is no sudden twisting or jerking motion.

Patients are often much more comfortable with this gentle form of chiropractic. While chiropractic, in general, is safe, upper cervical specific chiropractic is so gentle that it is safe for those of all ages and health conditions. You can have an adjustment, even if you have a chronic pain condition. And a practitioner can see all members of a family, from an infant to great-grandma.

Conditions Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Can Help

We say help instead of a treat because there are very specific requirements to be able to call something a treatment. Upper cervical specific chiropractic can be called treatment for high blood pressure. In fact, in studies, it was effective as taking a combination of two blood pressure medications. Remember that the upper cervical spine protects the brainstem. The brainstem controls the things your body does without your conscious assistance – things like regulating breathing, heartbeat, and even blood pressure. So it makes sense that upper cervical chiropractic would help.

However, in the case of studies, upper cervical specific chiropractic has also helped patients with many other conditions. Here are a few examples:

• Headaches or migraines – Both of these conditions are related to blood flow to the brain and overall function of the central nervous system. Therefore, correcting an upper cervical misalignment is vital. Besides the proximity to the brainstem, the cervical spine also facilitates blood flow to the brain, making proper alignment a necessity. More than 100 patients in case studies experienced fewer or less severe headaches or migraines after correction of their upper cervical subluxation. Some even went from having a chronic daily headache condition to being completely headache-free.
• Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome – There have been case studies performed where a person who had both fibromyalgia and an upper cervical subluxation saw the condition go into complete remission within a few months of correcting the misalignment. Case studies also show improved quality of life for chronic fatigue syndrome patients who seek care for an upper cervical subluxation.
• Dizziness, vertigo, and Meniere’s disease – Hundreds of patients in case studies have experienced reduced vertigo severity and fewer Meniere’s symptoms following upper cervical chiropractic care. In fact, in one study involving 60 patients who were experiencing vertigo and had an upper cervical misalignment, 80% of the patients in the study were vertigo-free after getting the misalignment corrected. The other 20% all saw significant improvement.

These are just a few examples. There are obvious benefits regarding neck and back pain. Nerve irritation issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica can also be helped. Neurological conditions like MS and Parkinson’s may see a slowing of disease progression and perhaps some improved symptoms. TMJ pain, shoulder pain, trigeminal neuralgia, and numerous other conditions may be benefited.

Are You Ready to Find an Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Practice?

There are only about 3,500 doctors who have chosen to specialize in this specific form of chiropractic around the world. Therefore, you may have to travel a little to find the practitioner closest to you. The Upper Cervical Awareness website can help by directing you to our preferred doctors. This can give you a head start on finding a practitioner in your area.

Removing any pressure from the brainstem is a vital way to improve many health conditions. In short, don’t delay in contacting a practitioner in your area. A no-obligation consultation may be your first step toward better overall health and well-being. The Upper Cervical Awareness website can help you by directing you to a practitioner in your area.

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