Upper Cervical Misalignment: The Hidden Cause Behind Chronic Symptoms

Do you or anyone close to you have continual headaches, energy drains, dizziness, neck pain or other health problems, and the cause just can’t be figured out? If so, the true problem may run deeper than you realize. Upper cervical misalignment goes largely undiagnosed in most people but is a subtle and very significant contributor to continued symptoms that has gone unnoticed for years by traditional care. A chiropractic care in Superior CO trained in upper cervical care has special training to find and correct these misalignments.

The upper cervical spine consists of the top two cervical vertebrae in your neck; the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These are the bones that house the part of the brain called the brainstem, and are believed to be responsible for maintaining balance, proper neural function and overall well-being. The mobility of the neck and the nerves which run from the brain through the neck to the body, are how all of the communication between the brain and the rest of the body takes place and when they are cut off, various health issues follow, which even though do not appear to be originating in the neck, actually are.

 Unlike the manipulative techniques used in martial arts and other forms of self-defense, adjustments make use of the minimum force necessary to make a correction and avoid unnecessarily moving a joint more than is required.

What Causes Upper Cervical Misalignment?

Life in general puts a lot of strain on the neck. Auto accidents, falls, poor posture, work stress, even birth trauma, can cause the atlas and axis to lose their proper connection. In the long run, this inability to flow in unobstructed rhythm can escalate into chronic symptoms, such as:

• Migraines or tension headaches
• Vertigo or balance problems
• Neck, shoulder, or jaw pain
• Arm numbness or tingling
• Chronic fatigue or brain fog
• Sleep disturbances

A misalignment of the spine can put pressure on the brainstem and surrounding nerves, interfering with the body’s ability to heal and self-regulate. Regrettably, these issues can be overlooked or attempted to be treated with drugs by only addressing the symptoms, not the cause.

The Upper Cervical Chiropractic Approach

A skilled Superior CO chiropractor who specializes in upper cervical care will start with a thorough exam and state of the art imaging to determine the precise location of the misalignment. The correction method is gentle as compared to forced manual manipulation and is tailored exactly right for your own body.

When alignment is regained, patients often notice an instant boost in energy, focus, posture and pain reduction. With regular care, the body’s healing capabilities are optimized, inflammation is minimized and proper nerve function will be restored.

Should You Look at the Top of Your Spine?

If you’ve experimented with everything from drugs to massage with only temporary transfusion of your symptoms, you probably have upper cervical joint misalignment. A skilled chiropractor in Superior CO may be able to help determine the problem and give you a road to recovery.

Dr. Maddy is the author of this article. To know more about Neck Pain specialist in Lafayette CO, please visit our website: uppercervicalboulder.com