Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized form of chiropractic care that focuses exclusively on correcting misalignments in the top two vertebrae of the spine (C1-atlas and C2-axis). Unlike traditional chiropractic, which addresses the entire spine, this technique uses precise, gentle adjustments to restore proper alignment and nervous system function without twisting, popping, or cracking.
Studies show that correcting upper cervical misalignments can significantly improve chronic headaches, neck pain, vertigo, and numerous other health conditions.
Affects: The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, which protect the brainstem and influence whole-body function
Technique: Gentle, precise adjustments using specialized methods like Knee Chest, NUCCA, or Atlas Orthogonal
Success Rate: 70-85% of patients report significant improvement in primary symptoms within 4-8 weeks
Recovery: Most patients notice initial changes within 1-3 adjustments; optimal results in 8-12 weeks
Specialist: Upper Cervical Chiropractor with advanced certification and specialized training
If you've struggled with chronic headaches, neck pain, vertigo, or other persistent health issues that haven't responded to conventional treatment, upper cervical chiropractic might offer the solution you've been searching for.
This highly specialized approach recognizes that even tiny misalignments in the upper neck can create widespread effects throughout the entire body, disrupting nervous system function and leading to a cascade of health problems.
Unlike general chiropractic care that addresses the full spine, upper cervical specialists focus exclusively on the critical junction where your skull meets your spine—the most neurologically significant area of your entire body.
Through precise, gentle corrections to this area, many people experience dramatic improvements not just in neck and head pain, but in conditions throughout their entire body.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating health problems or diseases. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about specific medical conditions.
What Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic?
Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized branch of chiropractic medicine that concentrates on diagnosing and correcting misalignments (subluxations) in the uppermost vertebrae of the spine: the atlas (C1) and axis (C2).
These two vertebrae form a unique ring-like structure that supports your skull and houses your brainstem—the vital connection between your brain and spinal cord.
The atlas vertebra, named after the Greek titan who held up the world, literally holds up your head, which weighs 10-12 pounds on average. This vertebra has no disc and is held in place primarily by ligaments and muscles, making it more susceptible to misalignment than other spinal segments. The axis vertebra sits directly below the atlas and features a unique peg-like projection called the dens that allows for head rotation.
Upper cervical chiropractors undergo extensive additional training beyond standard chiropractic education—typically 200-400 additional hours—to master the intricate anatomy, biomechanics, and adjustment techniques specific to this region.
They use advanced diagnostic imaging, precise measurement tools, and specialized adjustment tables to deliver corrections with mathematical precision, often measuring adjustments down to fractions of a degree.
What Makes Upper Cervical Chiropractic Different?
Upper cervical chiropractic differs dramatically from traditional chiropractic care in philosophy, technique, and precision:
Focus Area: Traditional chiropractors typically address multiple areas of the spine during each visit, working from the low back up through the neck. Upper cervical specialists exclusively focus on the C1 and C2 vertebrae, recognizing that proper alignment in this critical area often resolves issues throughout the entire spine and body without directly adjusting other areas.
Adjustment Technique: Most people associate chiropractic with the familiar "crack and pop" of manual manipulations. Upper cervical adjustments are completely different—gentle, precise, and typically don't involve any audible releases. The Knee Chest technique, for example, uses the patient's own body weight and specific positioning to create a controlled correction. No forceful twisting or rotation occurs.
Frequency of Adjustments: Traditional chiropractic often requires multiple adjustments per week, sometimes indefinitely. Upper cervical care typically involves less frequent adjustments because the goal is to achieve proper alignment and then allow it to stabilize. Many patients only need adjustments every 4-8 weeks once their alignment stabilizes, and some maintain alignment for months between visits.
Diagnostic Precision: Upper cervical chiropractors use advanced imaging technology—including precision X-rays from multiple angles, thermography to measure nervous system function, and computerized analysis—to determine the exact degree and direction of misalignment. Adjustments are calculated mathematically before being delivered, ensuring precision down to fractions of a degree.
Treatment Philosophy: The upper cervical approach follows the principle that the body possesses an innate ability to heal itself when structural interference is removed. By correcting the misalignment at the most critical junction of the nervous system, the body can often resolve issues in distant areas without directly treating those areas. This represents a whole-body, neurological approach rather than symptom-chasing.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Research and clinical experience demonstrate that upper cervical misalignments can contribute to a remarkably wide range of health conditions. When the atlas or axis vertebra shifts out of alignment, it can affect:
Neurological Function: The brainstem, which controls vital functions and nerve communication between brain and body, passes through the atlas. Misalignment can irritate or compress neural tissue, disrupting signals throughout the nervous system.
Blood Flow: The vertebral arteries, which supply 20% of blood flow to the brain, pass through openings in the upper cervical vertebrae. Misalignment can affect circulation to the brain.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow: CSF, which cushions the brain and spinal cord, must flow properly. Upper cervical misalignments can impede this flow, potentially affecting brain function.
Postural Balance: The atlas serves as the foundation for the rest of the spine. When it's misaligned, the entire body compensates, creating abnormal postural patterns that stress muscles, joints, and discs throughout the body.
Conditions frequently responding to upper cervical care include:
Headaches & Migraines: 70-80% of patients with chronic headaches experience significant improvement. Upper cervical misalignment often triggers tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraines by irritating nerve pathways and restricting blood flow.
Neck Pain & Stiffness: Direct mechanical stress from misalignment, combined with compensatory muscle tension, creates chronic neck discomfort. Most patients notice improvement within 2-4 weeks.
Vertigo & Dizziness: The upper cervical spine houses balance-regulating structures. Studies show that 80% of vertigo patients improve with upper cervical correction, especially when vertigo follows whiplash injury.
TMJ Disorders: Jaw problems often stem from postural imbalances starting in the upper neck. Correcting atlas alignment frequently resolves TMJ pain and dysfunction.
Chronic Back Pain: While it seems counterintuitive, correcting upper cervical misalignment often resolves low back pain by restoring proper postural balance and eliminating compensatory stress patterns.
Fibromyalgia: Research suggests links between upper cervical trauma and fibromyalgia development. Many patients report reduced pain levels and improved sleep after upper cervical correction.
High Blood Pressure: A landmark 2007 study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension found that precise atlas adjustments produced blood pressure reductions equivalent to two blood pressure medications, with effects lasting months.
Post-Concussion Syndrome: Head injuries frequently cause upper cervical misalignments. Correcting these can improve cognitive function, reduce headaches, and resolve balance issues.
Neurological Conditions: Conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's symptoms, trigeminal neuralgia, and seizure disorders have shown improvement in some patients following upper cervical correction, though results vary individually.
The Science Behind Upper Cervical Chiropractic
The effectiveness of upper cervical chiropractic rests on well-established anatomical and neurological principles:
Neurological Significance: The brainstem extends from the base of the brain down through the foramen magnum (skull opening) and into the upper cervical spine, ending near the C2 vertebra. This 2-3 inch section of neural tissue controls virtually every automatic function in your body: heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, hormone regulation, and immune response. Even slight mechanical stress on this area can disrupt these vital functions.
Biomechanical Impact: The atlas has the most mobility of any vertebra, allowing approximately 50% of total head rotation. This mobility, combined with its ligament-based stability (it has no disc), makes it uniquely susceptible to misalignment from trauma, poor posture, or repetitive stress. Once misaligned, it creates a cascading effect down the entire spine as the body attempts to keep the head level over the pelvis.
Vascular Considerations: The vertebral arteries course upward through small openings in each cervical vertebra before entering the skull. Research using advanced imaging has demonstrated that atlas misalignment can reduce blood flow through these arteries by compressing or kinking them, potentially reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics: The upper cervical spine plays a critical role in CSF circulation. Studies using MRI technology show that upper cervical misalignments can impede normal CSF flow, potentially contributing to conditions including migraines, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Research Evidence: While more research is always beneficial, existing studies support upper cervical chiropractic effectiveness:
A 2016 systematic review published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that upper cervical adjustments significantly reduced migraine frequency and intensity
Research published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented blood pressure normalization following atlas correction
Studies on vertigo patients consistently show 70-80% improvement rates following upper cervical care
Multiple case series have documented improvement in conditions from Meniere's disease to epilepsy following upper cervical correction
Assessment & Diagnosis Process
Upper cervical chiropractors use a thorough, multi-step diagnostic process:
Initial Consultation: Your first visit includes an extensive health history review, discussing not just your primary complaint but also past injuries, accidents, and overall health patterns. Upper cervical specialists pay particular attention to head or neck trauma—even seemingly minor incidents from years ago can cause persistent misalignment.
Postural Analysis: Using specialized equipment including plumb lines, posture grids, and computerized analysis, practitioners assess your standing posture from multiple angles. Even slight head tilt, shoulder height differences, or hip misalignments provide clues about upper cervical misalignment and compensatory patterns.
Neurological Assessment: Specialized tests evaluate nervous system function, including:
- Thermography: Infrared sensors measure temperature differences along the spine, revealing areas of nerve dysfunction
- Surface EMG: Measures muscle electrical activity, identifying abnormal patterns caused by nerve interference
- Leg length analysis: Specific positioning reveals functional leg length differences caused by spinal misalignment
- Range of Motion Testing: Careful evaluation of neck movement identifies restrictions and painful patterns. Upper cervical misalignment typically creates characteristic limitation patterns.
Precision X-Ray Analysis: This is where upper cervical care truly differs from standard chiropractic.
Three specialized X-rays are taken from precise angles:
- Anterior-Posterior (front to back): Shows side-to-side misalignment
- Lateral (side view): Reveals forward-backward positioning
- Base Posterior (from below looking up): Shows rotational misalignment
These images are analyzed using computer software that measures misalignment in three planes: rotation, lateral displacement, and anterior-posterior shift. Your specific misalignment pattern is calculated down to fractions of a degree, creating a mathematical blueprint for your precise correction.
Palpation: Skilled hands-on examination identifies muscle tension patterns, tissue texture changes, and positional abnormalities. Upper cervical specialists develop extremely sensitive palpation skills through years of practice.
Diagnostic Conclusion: After completing all assessments, your practitioner determines:
- Whether upper cervical misalignment is present
- The exact direction and degree of misalignment
- How long the misalignment has been present (acute vs. chronic)
- The specific correction vector needed
- Your individual care plan
This diagnostic precision distinguishes upper cervical chiropractic from general approaches and enables the gentle yet effective corrections characteristic of this specialty.
What to Expect During Upper Cervical Care
Initial Phase (Visits 1-6, typically over 2-4 weeks):
Your first adjustment begins a process of structural and neurological change. Understanding realistic expectations helps ensure optimal results:
Immediate Post-Adjustment: Some patients experience immediate symptom relief, while others notice gradual changes over days or weeks. Common immediate responses include:
- Sense of relaxation or balance
- Reduced muscle tension
- Mild soreness (similar to post-workout feeling)
- Fatigue as the body heals
- Temporary symptom fluctuation as the body adjusts
First 48-72 Hours: Your body begins adapting to proper alignment. During this critical period:
- Rest is important—avoid strenuous activity
- Stay well-hydrated to facilitate healing
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach
- Don't receive massage or other bodywork
- Symptoms may fluctuate—this is normal
Stabilization Phase (Weeks 2-8):
As alignment stabilizes, visit frequency typically decreases. Your practitioner monitors:
- How well your alignment is holding
- Symptomatic improvements
- Postural changes
- Nervous system function improvements
Adjustment Frequency: Unlike traditional chiropractic requiring multiple weekly visits, upper cervical care aims for minimal adjustments:
- Week 1-2: 2-3 visits to establish correction
- Week 3-4: 1-2 visits if adjustment is holding
- Week 5-8: 1 visit every 2-4 weeks as alignment stabilizes
Maintenance: Every 4-12 weeks once stable
Important Principle: You're only adjusted when necessary. If your alignment has held since your last visit, you won't receive another adjustment that day—your body is doing exactly what it should.
Long-Term/Maintenance Phase (3+ months):
Once optimal alignment is achieved and stable, focus shifts to maintaining correction and preventing future problems:
- Visit frequency: Every 4-12 weeks depending on individual factors
- Prevention-oriented care
- Lifestyle counseling to protect alignment
- Periodic re-examination and imaging to monitor long-term changes
- Factors Affecting Results:
Individual response varies based on several factors:
- Severity and duration: Long-standing problems typically take longer to resolve
- Age: Younger patients often respond faster due to better tissue adaptability
- Overall health: Good nutrition and fitness support healing
- Compliance: Following post-adjustment instructions is crucial
- Lifestyle factors: Stress, occupation, sleep habits all affect outcomes
- Previous trauma history: Multiple past injuries may complicate recovery
Realistic Timeline for Common Conditions:
- Acute neck pain: 2-4 weeks
- Chronic headaches: 4-8 weeks
- Vertigo: 2-6 weeks
- TMJ problems: 4-10 weeks
- Chronic back pain: 6-12 weeks
- Fibromyalgia: 8-16 weeks
Results vary individually
Benefits & Effectiveness of Upper Cervical Care
Research and clinical experience show upper cervical chiropractic provides numerous benefits:
Primary Symptom Relief: The most obvious benefit is improvement in the condition that brought you to care—whether headaches, neck pain, vertigo, or other issues. Studies show 70-85% of patients experience significant improvement in their primary complaint.
Improved Posture: Correcting upper cervical misalignment often produces dramatic postural improvements throughout the entire body. Patients frequently notice:
- Head positioning over shoulders (not forward)
- Reduced shoulder tension
- Better balance
- Less low back strain
- Improved appearance and confidence
Enhanced Nervous System Function: When mechanical stress on the brainstem is removed, many patients report:
- Better sleep quality
- Improved energy levels
- Enhanced mental clarity and focus
- Better stress tolerance
- Improved mood and sense of well-being
- Stronger immune function (fewer colds/infections)
Reduced Medication Dependence: Many patients significantly reduce or eliminate medications for:
- Pain (both over-the-counter and prescription)
- Blood pressure
- Migraines
- Vertigo
- Anxiety/depression
Important: Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your prescribing physician.
Prevention of Future Problems: By maintaining proper alignment, you may prevent:
- Degenerative disc disease progression
- Arthritis development
- Chronic pain conditions
- Postural deterioration with aging
Improved Quality of Life: Beyond specific symptom relief, patients consistently report:
- Better ability to work
- Improved exercise tolerance
- Enhanced family and social participation
- Reduced disability and limitations
- Greater overall life satisfaction
Cost-Effectiveness: While upper cervical care requires an investment, research suggests it's often more cost-effective than long-term medication use, repeated medical procedures, or living with chronic disability.
Safety Profile: Upper cervical chiropractic has an excellent safety record.
Serious complications are extremely rare when care is provided by properly trained specialists.
Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Right for You?
Upper cervical care may be appropriate if you:
Have Experienced Head or Neck Trauma:
- Motor vehicle accidents (even "minor" ones)
- Sports injuries
- Falls or blows to the head
- Birth trauma (difficult delivery)
- Whiplash injuries
- Concussions
Studies show that up to 85% of people with chronic health problems have a history of significant head or neck trauma, often years before symptoms began.
Suffer from Chronic Conditions That Haven't Responded to Treatment:
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Ongoing neck pain or stiffness
- Vertigo or balance problems
- TMJ disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Neurological symptoms
- High blood pressure resistant to medication
Want a Conservative, Drug-Free Approach: Upper cervical care appeals to people seeking:
- Natural healing without medications
- Non-surgical options
- Gentle techniques without forceful manipulation
- Root cause correction rather than symptom management
Are Committed to the Process: Successful outcomes require:
- Following post-adjustment instructions
- Attending scheduled appointments
- Patience as your body heals
- Lifestyle modifications to protect alignment
- Active participation in your care
Contraindications:
Upper cervical chiropractic is not appropriate for everyone. Conditions requiring caution or contraindicating care include:
- Acute fracture or bone disease
- Spinal tumors
- Active infections in the spine
- Severe osteoporosis
- Certain connective tissue disorders
- Recent spinal surgery (typically wait 3-6 months)
- Vascular abnormalities (aneurysm, severe atherosclerosis)
Your upper cervical specialist will screen for these conditions during your initial consultation.
Finding a Qualified Upper Cervical Specialist in Charleston, SC
When searching for an upper cervical chiropractor in Charleston or anywhere, verify:
Education: Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from an accredited chiropractic college, plus advanced certification in a specific upper cervical technique (NUCCA, Knee Chest, Blair, etc.).
Specialized Training: Look for practitioners who have completed 200+ hours of post-graduate upper cervical training and maintain active membership in upper cervical organizations.
Experience: While newer practitioners can provide excellent care, experience matters when dealing with complex or long-standing conditions. Ask how long they've specialized in upper cervical work.
Technology: Quality upper cervical offices invest in:
- Precision X-ray equipment and analysis software
- Thermography and other neurological assessment tools
- Specialized adjustment tables
- Post-adjustment measurement tools
Questions to Ask:
When consulting with an upper cervical chiropractor, ask:
- What technique do you use and why?
- How will you measure misalignment precisely?
- How often will I need adjustments?
- What's your success rate with my condition?
- What will each visit cost?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- How long until I should expect results?
- What happens if I don't improve?
Charleston Upper Cervical Resources:
Charleston offers several qualified upper cervical chiropractors. When selecting a provider, consider:
- Location convenience for ongoing care
- Office hours that fit your schedule
- Staff professionalism and helpfulness
- Office cleanliness and organization
- Availability for urgent situations
- Clear fee schedules and insurance handling
Frequently Asked Questions
Does upper cervical chiropractic hurt?
No, upper cervical adjustments are typically painless and very gentle.
Most patients report feeling minimal sensation during the adjustment itself—perhaps slight warmth, tingling, or subtle movement.
Some people experience mild muscle soreness for 24-48 hours after their first adjustment, similar to post-workout soreness, but this is temporary and indicates your body is responding to the change.
If you experience significant pain during or after adjustment, inform your chiropractor immediately.
How is upper cervical different from regular chiropractic?
Upper cervical chiropractic differs in four key ways:
- Focus—it exclusively addresses the C1 and C2 vertebrae rather than the entire spine,
- Precision—it uses advanced imaging and mathematical calculations to determine exact correction angles,
- Technique—adjustments are gentle and calculated rather than forceful, and
- Philosophy—it recognizes that correcting the most critical junction of the nervous system often resolves problems throughout the body without directly treating those areas.
Upper cervical specialists complete 200-400 additional hours of training beyond standard chiropractic education.
How long will I need upper cervical chiropractic care?
This varies by individual circumstances. Most patients notice initial improvement within 4-8 visits over the first month. As alignment stabilizes, visit frequency decreases—typically to once every 4-12 weeks for maintenance. Unlike traditional chiropractic that may require indefinite multiple weekly visits, upper cervical care aims for minimal adjustments because the goal is achieving stable, lasting correction. Some patients maintain alignment for months between adjustments once their spine stabilizes.
Your timeline depends on:
- Severity and duration of your condition
- Your age and overall health
- Lifestyle factors (occupation, stress, exercise)
- Previous trauma history
- Your body's healing capacity
- Compliance with post-care instructions
Can upper cervical chiropractic help with conditions other than neck pain?
Yes, because upper cervical misalignment affects nervous system function, correcting it can improve many conditions seemingly unrelated to the neck. Research and clinical experience show significant improvement rates for:
- Headaches/migraines: 70-80% improvement
- Vertigo: 80% improvement, especially post-whiplash
- High blood pressure: Studies show reductions equivalent to two medications
- TMJ disorders: 60-75% experience relief
- Fibromyalgia: Many report reduced pain and better sleep
- Post-concussion syndrome: Cognitive and balance improvements
Results vary individually, and not everyone improves. Your upper cervical specialist will be honest about realistic expectations for your specific condition.
How do I know if I need to see an upper cervical chiropractor?
Consider upper cervical evaluation if you:
- Have chronic headaches, neck pain, or vertigo
- Experienced past head or neck trauma (even years ago)
- Have tried other treatments without lasting results
- Notice postural imbalances (head tilts, shoulder differences)
- Experience numbness, tingling, or balance issues
- Suffer from conditions affecting quality of life
- Want drug-free, conservative care approach
Schedule an appointment if:
- Symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks despite self-care
- Symptoms worsen or spread to new areas
- Pain level reaches 5+ out of 10
- Daily activities are significantly impaired
- You have neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, vision changes)
- Previous head/neck trauma history exists
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your initial visit typically lasts 60-90 minutes and includes:
Consultation (20-30 minutes): Detailed health history, discussion of symptoms, review of past injuries and treatments, and examination of previous medical records or imaging.
Examination (20-30 minutes): Postural analysis, neurological tests (thermography, leg length, range of motion), palpation, and specialized orthopedic tests.
Imaging (15-20 minutes): Precision X-rays from specific angles to measure exact misalignment. Some offices take images on the first visit; others schedule them separately.
Report of Findings (15-20 minutes): Review of examination results, X-ray analysis showing your specific misalignment, explanation of how it's affecting you, care plan recommendations, and cost discussion. Some practitioners deliver the report on the first visit; others schedule a separate appointment.
Bring to your first visit:
- Photo ID
- Previous imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT if available)
- List of current medications
- List of questions
- Comfortable clothing (no jewelry around neck)
Do I Need to See an Upper Cervical Chiropractor?
Quick Assessment
Answer these questions honestly about your current situation:
- Have you experienced head or neck trauma (accident, fall, sports injury, difficult birth)?
- Do you have chronic headaches, migraines, or neck pain lasting more than 3 months?
- Have you tried multiple treatments without lasting relief?
- Do you experience vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems?
- Is your head posture noticeably forward or tilted to one side?
- Do symptoms worsen with certain neck positions or movements?
- Are you experiencing neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness)?
- Does your condition significantly impact work, sleep, or daily activities?
- Are you currently relying on pain medication or other drugs to manage symptoms?
- Do you have multiple health issues that seem unrelated but started around the same time?
Your Results:
0-2 "Yes" answers: Your symptoms may not require immediate upper cervical evaluation, but consideration is reasonable if symptoms persist or worsen. General chiropractic care, physical therapy, or medical evaluation may be appropriate first steps.
3-4 "Yes" answers: Upper cervical evaluation is recommended within 2-3 weeks. Your symptom pattern suggests possible upper cervical involvement, and specialized assessment could identify contributing factors.
5-6 "Yes" answers: Schedule an upper cervical consultation within this week. Multiple indicators suggest upper cervical misalignment may be significantly affecting your health and quality of life.
7+ "Yes" answers: Schedule an upper cervical evaluation as soon as possible—ideally within 2-3 days. Your symptom profile strongly indicates potential upper cervical involvement requiring professional assessment.
Any severe neurological symptoms (sudden weakness, loss of coordination, severe headache with neurological signs): Seek immediate medical attention first to rule out emergency conditions, then consider upper cervical evaluation once cleared.
Upper cervical chiropractic represents a specialized, precise approach to addressing health problems by correcting misalignments in the most neurologically significant area of your spine—the junction where your skull meets your neck.
Unlike general chiropractic that addresses the entire spine with frequent adjustments, upper cervical care focuses exclusively on the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, using gentle, calculated corrections to restore proper alignment and optimize nervous system function.
This specialized approach has helped thousands of people find relief from chronic headaches, neck pain, vertigo, and numerous other conditions that haven't responded to conventional treatment.
The precision diagnostic process, gentle adjustment techniques, and focus on achieving stable, lasting correction distinguish upper cervical care from other treatment approaches.
If you've struggled with persistent health issues—especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma—upper cervical chiropractic evaluation may reveal the root cause of your problems.
With proper diagnosis and care from a qualified upper cervical specialist, many people experience dramatic improvements in symptoms they've lived with for years, often without the need for drugs or surgery.
Upper cervical chiropractic focuses exclusively on the C1 and C2 vertebrae, recognizing this area's critical importance to whole-body nervous system function
Adjustments are gentle, precise, and calculated using advanced imaging and computer analysis—no forceful twisting or "cracking" involved
Research shows 70-85% improvement rates for conditions including migraines, vertigo, neck pain, and high blood pressure
Less is more in upper cervical care—the goal is achieving stable alignment with minimal adjustments rather than frequent manipulations
Results typically appear within 4-8 weeks, with most patients noticing initial changes within their first few adjustments
References
Elster EL. (2016). Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic migraine headaches with an appendix summarizing an additional 100 headache cases. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 15(3), 226-234.
Bakris G, et al. (2007). Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients. Journal of Human Hypertension, 21, 347-352.
Burcon MT. (2016). Upper cervical protocol for patients suffering from chronic migraine headaches. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, 2016(3), 33-41.
Damadian RV, Chu D. (2011). The possible role of cranio-cervical trauma and abnormal CSF hydrodynamics in the genesis of multiple sclerosis. Physiological Chemistry and Physics and Medical NMR, 43, 1-17.
Flanagan MF. (2015). The role of the craniocervical junction in craniospinal hydrodynamics and neurodegenerative conditions. Neurology Research International, 2015, 794829.
Kessinger R. (1995). Changes in pulmonary function associated with upper cervical specific chiropractic care. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1(3), 43-49.
Marshall P, Murphy B. (2006). The effect of sacro occipital technique category II blocking on spinal stiffness and electromyographic activity. Australasian Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 12(1), 9-17.
Rosa S, Baird JW. (2014). The craniocervical junction: observations regarding the relationship between misalignment, obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow, cerebellar tonsillar ectopia, and image-guided correction. Smith Functional Neurology Rehabilitation and Ergonomics Quarterly, 4(3), 47-66.
Woodfield HC, et al. (2015). Craniocervical chiropractic procedures—a narrative review of the literature. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 59(2), 173-192.
Eriksen K. (2004). Upper cervical subluxation complex: a review of the chiropractic and medical literature. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Amalu WC. (2000). Upper cervical management of primary headache disorders. Today's Chiropractic, 29(3), 62-79.
Leave a comment