The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The brain is divided into sections and stores and receives an incredible amount of information. The nervous system helps coordinate all systems in your body.
But this information needs a way to get in and out. Nerves provide a pathway for this information to travel, and the spinal cord is made up of bundles of these nerves that extend down from the brain. The spine, or the series of bony vertebra, both houses and protects the soft, sensitive nerves of the spinal cord.
The atlas is a single, 2 oz. doughnut-shaped vertebra at the top of the spine and in most people surrounds the brain stem. Trillions of nerve fibers from the brainstem travel through the small opening in atlas and flow down into the spinal cord.
Because of the smallness of the opening and because of the atlas’ close proximity to the brain stem, if the atlas has moved out of position even a fraction of a degree, very serious interference of nerve function can result. This is the problem.
This is true for an atlas that has moved out of its proper position. It can constrict or distort proper brain messages to organs and limbs all throughout your body. This is because all but 12 sets, out of millions of nerves, pass through your brain stem and spinal cord.
We are most aware of interference to the nerves when they cause pain. But less than 10% of nerves are pain-sensing.
Subluxations that interfere with your nerve system are more serious and dangerous than back pain.
If your atlas remains out of position for years, degeneration of tissue results. Over time, that could be serious, since in many conditions, pain is the last symptom to occur to indicate a problem exists.
Upper Cervical Doctors are trained to locate the problem, which is the source of the pain or discomfort— it may actually be far from the actual location where the symptom is occurring— and then they correct it and set your body up to begin healing.
Of course, the type of supportive care employed by the doctor depends on the condition being treated, but you get the main idea. The important thing to remember is that success occurs by addressing the problem, not just masking the symptoms.
Upper Cervical doctors also provide lifestyle advice to help prevent illness and injury. Diet & nutrition, fitness, ergonomics, and other areas in your life contribute, or diminish, your overall health. By making the right choices, one can live a life full of wellness and vitality.
Do you need a specialized Upper Cervical Care Doctor?
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
