FIRST HEALTH WELLNESS
"Your First Choice for Health"
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Clinic
A Neurological Specialty Clinic
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How Does Upper Cervical Care Work?
Upper Cervical Care is a unique branch of chiropractic that focuses specifically on the upper part of your spine. Just like neurologists use specialized tools to understand the nervous system, Upper Cervical practitioners have their own set of tools to assess and treat spinal alignment issues. One of the key tools they use is called a neurocalograph, which helps detect misalignments (or subluxations) in the upper neck by measuring differences in skin temperature.
Upper Cervical chiropractors look for signs of body imbalances, which can indicate problems in the upper cervical region. They take specialized X-rays to analyze the unique twists and turns of the upper cervical vertebrae. With 274 different ways that this area can misalign, each case is treated with a customized approach.
Once they identify a subluxation (a misalignment of the atlas or axis vertebrae), they apply a gentle force at the top of the neck to unlock the vertebra. This technique allows the body’s own innate intelligence to guide the bone back into a more optimal position, improving nerve function in the process.
After a correction, it's essential to take some time to rest. This helps ensure that the adjustment “holds” and doesn’t shift back into its previous position. Instead of adjusting the spine at every visit, Upper Cervical doctors primarily monitor the nervous system. This method fosters more lasting corrections and encourages positive healing.
Overall, Upper Cervical Care is all about restoring nerve function by gently unlocking the upper spine. By focusing on the nervous system and preventing pressure on the brain stem, this approach can lead to impressive health improvements.
What is Subluxation?
A subluxation is a term used in chiropractic to describe a misalignment of the vertebrae in the spine that can cause nerve irritation and interference with the normal function of the nervous system. In the context of upper cervical chiropractic, a subluxation refers to a misalignment in the top two vertebrae in the neck, which can have a significant impact on overall health and wellness.
When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can cause nerve irritation and interference with the normal flow of nerve impulses, leading to a range of health problems, including headaches, neck pain, back pain, and decreased range of motion. The goal of upper cervical chiropractic is to correct these subluxations, restore normal function and balance to the neck and spine, and improve overall health and wellness.
Upper cervical chiropractors use precise, gentle adjustments to correct subluxations in the upper cervical spine, reducing nerve irritation and restoring normal function to the nervous system. By addressing the root cause of the problem, upper cervical chiropractic can help improve overall health, reduce pain, and improve body balance and function.
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What is this New Approach to Health Care?
Upper cervical chiropractic is considered a new approach to health care for several reasons. Firstly, it focuses specifically on the top two vertebrae in the neck, known as the upper cervical spine, which have a significant impact on overall health and wellness. Unlike traditional chiropractic, which focuses on the entire spine, upper cervical chiropractic takes a more targeted and precise approach to care.
Another reason why upper cervical chiropractic is considered a new approach to health care is because of its emphasis on the role of the nervous system in overall health. The nervous system controls and coordinates all of the body's functions, and any interference with this flow of nerve impulses can lead to a range of health problems. Upper cervical chiropractic recognizes the importance of maintaining optimal brain-to-body communication for good health and well-being, and takes a proactive approach to care by correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine and reducing nerve irritation.
Finally, upper cervical chiropractic is considered a new approach to health care because of its focus on gentle, precise adjustments, which are designed to restore normal function to the nervous system without causing discomfort or pain. This gentle approach to care is well-suited for individuals of all ages, including children and the elderly, and can help improve overall health, reduce pain, and improve body balance and function.
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What About Surgery and Medicine?
Upper cervical chiropractic is a non-invasive and drug-free form of care that focuses on correcting misalignments in the top two vertebrae in the neck through precise, gentle adjustments. Surgery is usually considered a last resort for health problems and is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments have not been effective.
In comparison, upper cervical chiropractic aims to correct the root cause of the problem and improve overall health and wellness through the restoration of normal function and balance to the neck and spine. Surgery, on the other hand, may only address the symptoms of a problem and can have a number of potential risks and side effects.
That being said, it is important to consult with a qualified medical professional, including a chiropractor, to determine the best course of treatment for your specific health needs. If surgery is deemed necessary, a chiropractor can work with a medical doctor to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to care.
What is Retracing?
Retracing in the context of upper cervical chiropractic refers to a process where a patient who has received an upper cervical adjustment experiences a temporary worsening or reoccurrence of symptoms. This phenomenon is thought to occur as the body adjusts to the changes in the neck and spinal alignment that have been corrected by the adjustment.
The idea behind retracing is that it can take time for the body to fully heal and incorporate the changes that have been made, and that during this period, symptoms may temporarily get worse before they improve. However, it is important to note that not all patients experience retracing and that each individual's response to chiropractic care can be unique.
It is important for patients to discuss any symptoms they experience after an adjustment with their chiropractor, as retracing is generally considered a normal part of the healing process and can often be managed with additional treatments and/or supportive care.
Why is Holding Your Correction so Important?
Holding the upper cervical correction is important for several reasons:
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Long-term stability: The top two vertebrae in the neck, known as the upper cervical spine, play a crucial role in supporting the head and neck, and when misaligned, can lead to a range of health problems. Holding the correction helps ensure that the correction is maintained, leading to long-term stability and improvement in overall health and wellness.
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Improved function: When the upper cervical spine is properly aligned, it can improve the function of the nervous system, leading to improved posture, range of motion, and reduced pain and discomfort.
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Preventing relapse: Holding the correction can prevent the misalignment from recurring, which can reduce the need for frequent adjustments and help to improve the overall health and well-being of the individual.
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Supporting healing: Holding the correction can support the healing process by reducing stress on the spine, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the tissues, and helping to restore the body's natural balance.
It is important to note that the ability to hold the correction depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the misalignment, the individual's posture, and the presence of any underlying health problems. It is best to consult with a qualified upper cervical chiropractor to determine the best course of care for your specific health needs.
Why Haven't I Heard of Upper Cervical Care?
Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized form of chiropractic care that focuses on a specific area of the spine, the top two vertebrae in the neck, and is not as widely known as more general forms of chiropractic. There are several reasons why you may not have heard more about it:
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Specialization: Upper cervical chiropractic is a subspecialty within the chiropractic field and is not as widely practiced as other forms of chiropractic.
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Lack of Awareness: Upper cervical chiropractic is a relatively new form of care, and there is limited public awareness about it, as compared to more established forms of chiropractic.
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Research: Upper cervical chiropractic is still in the early stages of scientific research and there is limited published research available on its effectiveness and long-term benefits.
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Cost: Upper cervical chiropractic may be more expensive than other forms of chiropractic due to the specialized training and equipment required to perform the adjustments.
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Insurance Coverage: Upper cervical chiropractic may not be covered by some insurance plans, which can limit access to care.
Despite these factors, upper cervical chiropractic has a growing following of practitioners and patients who believe in its benefits, and it is becoming increasingly recognized as a safe and effective form of care for a wide range of health problems.
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Why Do I Need X-Rays?
X-rays are often used in upper cervical chiropractic to help assess the alignment and structure of the neck, head, and spinal column. X-rays can provide valuable information about the shape and position of bones, as well as the presence of any misalignments, subluxations, or other spinal irregularities. This information can be used to develop a personalized care plan for each patient and to track progress over time.
In upper cervical chiropractic, precise and gentle adjustments are made to specific bones in the neck, so it's important for chiropractors to have a clear understanding of the patient's anatomy and the nature of any misalignments. X-rays can help to provide this information and are often considered a key component of an upper cervical chiropractic examination.
In some cases, alternative imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans, may be used instead of x-rays. Your chiropractor will discuss any recommended imaging with you and will work with you to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
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What is an Office Visit Like?
A visit to an upper cervical chiropractor is slightly different depending on the technique he/she practices but typically begins with a thorough evaluation and assessment of your health history and symptoms. During this evaluation, the chiropractor will ask you questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, and may conduct a physical examination to assess your posture, range of motion, and other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Depending on the results of the evaluation, the chiropractor may also order x-rays or other imaging tests to get a clearer picture of the structure and alignment of your neck and spine.
Once the evaluation is complete, the chiropractor will develop a personalized care plan for you. Upper cervical adjustments/corrections are gentle and precise, and typically involve the chiropractor making specific, targeted adjustments to the bones in the neck. The adjustments are designed to improve spinal function and reduce pressure on the nervous system, leading to improved symptoms and overall health.
After the adjustment, the chiropractor may provide you with recommendations for at-home exercises, stretches, or other self-care practices that can help to support the healing process and improve your overall health.
It's important to keep in mind that every patient's experience with upper cervical chiropractic care is unique and that the specifics of a visit to an upper cervical chiropractor will depend on the individual case and the chiropractor's assessment. However, the goal of upper cervical chiropractic is always to help improve spinal function and overall health through gentle, targeted adjustments to the neck and head.
​How Long Will it Take to Get Better?
The length of time it takes for someone to start feeling better after being under upper cervical chiropractic care can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the nature and severity of their condition, the length of time they have been experiencing symptoms, and their individual response to treatment.
For some patients, relief from symptoms can be experienced almost immediately after the first adjustment, while others may take several weeks or even months to see significant improvement. The length of time required to achieve optimal results also depends on the frequency and duration of chiropractic visits, as well as the patient's overall health and adherence to recommended lifestyle changes.
It is important to remember that everyone's experience with upper cervical chiropractic care is unique, and that progress can occur at different rates for different people. A chiropractor can work with each patient to develop a personalized care plan that takes into account their individual needs and goals and can provide guidance on how long it may take for them to start feeling better.
Who Can Benefit from Upper Cervical Care?
Upper cervical chiropractic care is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to treating a variety of health problems, making it a suitable option for individuals seeking an alternative to traditional medical treatments. It can be beneficial for people experiencing neck pain, headaches, migraines, back pain, vertigo, dizziness, and reduced range of motion, as well as more serious conditions such as tinnitus, sleep disorders, stress and anxiety, asthma, and digestive issues.
Additionally, upper cervical chiropractic can be a helpful form of care for athletes, seniors, children, and people with disabilities, as well as those who have suffered from a recent injury or have a history of chronic health problems. By restoring the normal function and balance of the neck and spine, upper cervical chiropractic aims to improve the overall health and wellness of the individual and support the body's natural ability to heal itself.
What is Body Imbalance?
Body imbalance refers to an unequal distribution of weight and stress throughout the body, which can lead to improper posture, structural misalignments, and an increased risk of injury and chronic pain. In the context of upper cervical chiropractic, body imbalance is often associated with misalignments in the top two vertebrae in the neck, known as the upper cervical spine.
When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can cause imbalances throughout the body, leading to a range of health problems, including headaches, neck pain, back pain, and decreased range of motion. The goal of upper cervical chiropractic is to correct these misalignments and restore normal function and balance to the neck and spine, which can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of injury and chronic pain.
Upper cervical chiropractors use precise, gentle adjustments to correct misalignments in the upper cervical spine, restoring normal function and reducing stress on the nervous system. By addressing the root cause of the problem, upper cervical chiropractic can help improve body balance, reduce pain, and improve overall health and well-being.
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What is the Nervous System?
The nervous system is a complex network of tissues and cells that is responsible for transmitting and processing sensory information, controlling movement and coordinating body functions. It is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) which consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) which consists of the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.
In upper cervical chiropractic care, practitioners believe that misalignments in the Atlas and Axis bones can put pressure on the spinal cord and affect the function of the nervous system. The Atlas (C1 vertebra) is the topmost vertebra in the neck and is responsible for supporting the head, while the Axis (C2 vertebra) allows for rotation of the head. Any misalignments in these bones are believed to interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system and lead to health problems such as headaches, neck pain, and even more serious conditions such as vertigo, migraines, and decreased range of motion.
The goal of upper cervical chiropractic is to correct these misalignments through precise, gentle adjustments to the Atlas and Axis bones. This is done to restore the normal function and balance of the neck and spine, freeing the nervous system from any interference, and allowing it to function optimally. Upper cervical chiropractic care is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to treating health problems that is based on the principle that a healthy nervous system is essential for overall health and wellness.
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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Back Pain, Neck Pain, and Spinal Decompression
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What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a revolutionary computer-aided technology that helps treat the symptoms of low back and neck pain from herniated, bulging, degenerated and slipped discs. Spinal decompression is FDA-cleared and has been around for more than ten years. There have been more than 10 successful research studies on spinal decompression and there are currently more than 5,000 clinics in the U.S. and Canada that are performing spinal decompression treatments. Every day more and more clinics are adding spinal decompression as an alternative to surgery for patients suffering from herniated, bulging, degenerated, and slipped discs. Even when physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, pain pills and shots have failed, most patients still receive dramatic pain relief in 4 to 6 weeks of spinal decompression.
What does Spinal Decompression treat?
FDA cleared Spinal Decompression technology treats symptoms of back pain due to:
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Herniated Discs
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Bulging Discs
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Pinched Nerves
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Sciatica (leg pain)
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Degenerative Discs
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Spinal Stenosis
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Post-Surgical Pain and more...
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
Decompression is achieved by using a specific combination of force of pull, angle in degree of pull and varying time in order to create a negative pressure inside the discs of the spinal cord. This reversal of pressure creates a vacuum inside the disc that helps to draw in bulging discs and extruded disc material back into place, taking pressure off pinched or irritated nerves. Spinal experts believe that nutrients, oxygen, and fluids are drawn into the disc to create a revitalized environment conducive to healing for both herniated and degenerated discs. Based on the patient’s body weight, tolerance, level of severity, and duration of symptoms your spinal decompression specialist will determine a specific treatment plan based on your individual needs. This helps ensure the best and longest lasting results.
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What are the Treatments Like?
At the beginning of each session, you will be comfortably fitted with a harness designed to achieve optimal decompression of the low back or neck. During a session of spinal decompression, you will notice a slow lengthening of your spine as your discs are gradually decompressed and relieved of pressure. The treatment process is safe and relaxing. While some patients with extensively injured discs have reported mild discomfort during the first few treatment sessions, their discomfort generally subsides upon subsequent visits. A patient safety switch provides an extra safety feature, allowing you to stop at any point should you feel discomfort. Each treatment session lasts approximately 30 minutes.
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What is the Typical Treatment Protocol?
A typical spinal decompression treatment protocol consists of about 12–20 sessions over four to six weeks. Some conditions require fewer visits; some require more. Many patients report relief from their pain and other symptoms during the first few treatment sessions, and most experience dramatic pain relief after completion of their prescribed treatment program.
Why Would Spinal Decompression Work When Chiropractic, Physical Therapy and Traction Have Failed?
While traction, physical therapy, inversion tables and manipulation may reduce disc pressures to as low as 40 mm Hg, only spinal decompression has been shown to achieve negative pressures within the spine. It has been clinically proven that spinal decompression creates negative pressures as low as -110 mm Hg3 within the injured disc during the treatment session. Normally, pulls exerted on the spine trigger sensory receptors in the back to tighten the muscles surrounding the vertebrae and discs in an effort to protect them from injury, a mechanism in the body known as the proprioceptor response. This typically includes muscle guarding and muscle spasms. Spinal Decompression bypasses this response by slowly pulling on the spine and relaxing the back over an extended period of time, allowing the discs to be repositioned without tension and without setting off muscle guarding and spasms. It is important for patients to make sure that they are treated on a high quality spinal decompression table by a physician with years of experience and not an imitation spinal decompression table to ensure best results.
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If I Undergo Spinal Decompression Therapy, How Long Will It Take to See Results?
Based on 6 years of spinal decompression experience and thousands of patients treated we have noticed that the overall success rate is around 80%. We consider this success rate to be very good considering most of our patients have “tried everything else” with minimal or no relief, are at least a 6/10 mVAS pain level and have been experiencing their pain for greater than 6 weeks. About 20% of patients will start seeing relief of pain within the first week. Around 40% of patients will have significant relief within 2–3 weeks. The remaining 20% will get significant relief between 4–6 weeks. Less than 20% will experience no relief or minimal relief. Very rarely will a patient get worse.
Do I Qualify for Spinal Decompression Therapy Treatment?
The following conditions may qualify for spinal decompression treatment. Always consult your spinal decompression specialist to see if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Candidates for spinal decompression therapy include the following:
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Diagnosis of a herniated, bulging or degenerated disc
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Back pain persisting for more than three weeks
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Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six months old
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Persistent pain from arthritis
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Patient at least 18 years of age
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Who doesn’t qualify for spinal decompression therapy?
The following conditions may disqualify a patient for spinal decompression treatment. Always consult your spinal decompression specialist to see if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Candidates that may not qualify for spinal decompression therapy include the following:
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Hardware in the spine such as screws and rods
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Pregnancy
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Prior lumbar fusion less than six months old
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Metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread to the bones
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Grade 3 and 4 spondylolisthesis (Grade 1 or Grade 2 spondylolisthesis are treatable)
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Recent compression fracture of lumbar spine
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Pathologic aortic aneurysm
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Pelvic or abdominal cancer
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Disc space infections
Consult your physician if you have any questions about the conditions above or to find out if you would qualify for spinal decompression therapy.
Are there any Side Effects to the Treatment?
Most patients do not experience any major side effects. The most common side effect is a dull, achy soreness for the first week or two as the body becomes accustomed to being stretched and decompressed. Spinal decompression stretches muscles in a lengthening direction which the body is generally not used to. Because of this patients may experience a dull, achy soreness that they often describe as “it feels like I just worked out for the first time in a long time.” Very rarely do patients have an increase in the pain that they came in with.
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Patients with acute, severe disc herniations may experience some pain during the first week or two until the herniation retracts back in taking pressure off of the nerves. Acute disc herniation patients tend to experience more “up and down” types of relief from their pain for the first 2 weeks as an acute disc herniation can be slightly unpredictable. Regardless of the mild soreness experienced in the first week or two, most patients experience 50% relief or more of their pain around the end of the second week.
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Overall Spinal Decompression Therapy is considered safe and comfortable. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. These switches terminate the treatment immediately if a patient experiences any increase in pain or discomfort during the treatment thereby avoiding most injuries.
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Can Spinal Decompression be Used for Patients that Have had Spinal Surgery?
In many cases Spinal Decompression treatment is not contra-indicated (withheld due to the harm that it would cause the patient) for patients that have had spinal surgery. In fact many patients have found success with Spinal Decompression even after a failed back surgery. After a failed Laminectomy or Micro Discectomy patients may still respond favorably to spinal decompression. If a patient has had more than 3 laminectomies then the success rate of spinal decompression will go down. If a patient has had surgical fusion with rods or screws or any type of hardware then patients may not qualify for spinal decompression. Always consult your spinal decompression specialist to see if you qualify for spinal decompression therapy.
