Are you constantly rubbing your neck or back in pain?
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Are your activities limited due to range of motion limitations?
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care May Help
If you’re seeking pain relief from upper neck pain, text neck, lower back pain, migraine headaches, fatigue, or range of motion issues, it might be time for you to explore working with an upper cervical chiropractor. At LIV Chiropractic Center, we specialize in providing upper cervical chiropractic adjustments for long-term relief. Led by Dr. Alexa, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve overall spinal health and improved quality of life. With a focus on the upper cervical vertebrae, we employ gentle and precise techniques that can make a real difference in your life. ​
Text Neck, as defined on webmd, is a term to describe pain from excessive strain on the neck. Excessive strain on the neck could be caused by looking down at any handheld device (e.g., phone, iPad, gaming console), which can lead to headaches, neck pain, and upper back and arm pain.​
What is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor?
An upper cervical chiropractor is a specialized healthcare professional who focuses on the relationship between your spine’s upper two vertebrae and your overall health. The top two vertebrae are called the atlas and the axis, and they’re closely connected to the brain stem that allows your brain to communicate with the rest of your body.
Upper cervical chiropractors differ from general chiropractors in that they focus on the top two vertebrae instead of working on the entire spine and broader spinal manipulations. By using precise, gentle techniques, an Upper Cervical Chiropractor works to restore spinal alignment, alleviate pressure, and improve the function of the central nervous system.
The Atlas and the Axis
While most of the spine is held in place by bone, these two vertebrates are held in place by muscles and ligaments. This gives the cervical spine greater flexibility and a greater range of motion. At the same time, it makes the region more prone to misalignment, injury, and trauma. Because this area is so important to overall health and also so vulnerable, proper cervical spine chiropractic care is essential to holistic wellness.
The Brain Stem Connection
The upper two vertebrates of the spine are closely connected to the brain stem, which is the control center of the nervous system. Because of this close relationship, misalignment of the cervical spine can result in a host of nervous system malfunctions and challenges. Ensuring that the atlas and the axis are in proper alignment can address and prevent health problems in the immune system, the emotional center, hearing, balance, heart rate, breathing, high blood pressure, digestion, hormones, posture, and more.
The Spine, Spinal Cord, and Adjustments
Understanding the Spine
The spine is a complex structure composed of individual bones called vertebrae that run from the base of the skull all the way to the tailbone. It’s sometimes referred to as the vertical column or the backbone and includes 33 separate vertebrae.
The primary function of the spine is to provide structural support for the body and protect the delicate spinal cord. It allows us to stand upright, maintain balance, and engage in a wide range of movements. The bony vertebrae also act as a shield to the spinal cord, guarding it from injury and external pressures.
Additionally, the spine facilitates movement, flexibility, and posture. Divided into different regions – cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), sacral, and coccygeal – each section serves a unique role in supporting bodily functions. As mentioned, an upper cervical chiropractor will focus on the first two vertebrae, the atlas and the axis.
The Role of the Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs within the spinal canal, extending from the base of the brain down to the lower back. It serves as the central conduit for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. These signals control voluntary movements, sensory perception, and the automatic functions of vital organs.
The spinal cord also governs reflexes and automatic functions. Reflexes are rapid, involuntary responses to specific stimuli that occur without conscious thought. For instance, the knee-jerk reflex, where the leg kicks in response to a tap on the knee, is facilitated by the spinal cord. Additionally, the spinal cord plays a vital role in regulating automatic bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration through connections to the autonomic nervous system.
Because the spinal cord is the primary communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body, upper cervical chiropractors gently adjust misalignments that may disrupt this smooth flow of communication. A well-functioning spinal cord translates to better communication, movement, and overall well-being.
What is Subluxation?
A subluxation refers to a misalignment or improper function of a joint. When a joint isn’t working the way it’s supposed to, this can result in discomfort, inflammation, and restricted movement. Subluxations can occur in various joints (or joint subluxation) throughout the body including the spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and more.
Subluxation in general health stresses the importance of joint alignment for overall well-being. Proper joint alignment ensures the nervous system and the rest of the body are functioning and communicating well.
Spinal Subluxation and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
One of the most common subluxations is that of the spine. A spinal subluxation refers to a partial misalignment of a vertebra within the spine. This misalignment can disrupt normal nerve function and interfere with the body's ability to communicate effectively. Subluxations can arise from various factors such as poor posture, trauma, or repetitive movements.
In upper cervical chiropractic care, the focus is on the precise alignment of the uppermost vertebrae, particularly those related to the brainstem's function. By using gentle and specific adjustments, an upper cervical chiropractor can correct spinal subluxations in this area. These adjustments help release pressure on nerves and the spinal cord, facilitating improved nervous system function. As a result, upper cervical chiropractors offer a specialized approach to resolving subluxations. They promote natural healing and potentially alleviate a range of discomforts and health issues associated with nervous system disruptions.
Chiropractic Adjustments
A spinal manipulation, also known as a chiropractic adjustment, is a specialized technique employed by chiropractors to address joint misalignments, improve mobility, and promote overall health. Chiropractors, including upper cervical chiropractors, utilize their hands or specialized tools to apply precise pressure to the affected joint.
In the context of upper cervical chiropractic care, adjustments are particularly tailored to the uppermost vertebrae in the spine – the cervical region. These adjustments are gentle and specific, designed to optimize nervous system function by addressing misalignments that may impact the brainstem's performance.
Spinal manipulation can offer a range of benefits, including reduced pain, enhanced range of motion, improved nerve function, and overall well-being. It's important to note, however, that not everyone is a candidate for spinal manipulation. Be sure to consult with a knowledgeable upper cervical chiropractor who can help you determine if adjustments are an appropriate and beneficial option for your unique needs.
What Conditions Can Upper Cervical Chiropractors Treat?
An upper cervical chiropractor works to treat various conditions that often stem from misalignments or imbalances in the upper cervical spine. From migraines and headaches to neck pain, sleep disorders, and even anxiety, an Upper Cervical Chiropractor can work to alleviate pain and improve nerve function. By focusing on this specific area, upper cervical chiropractors can restore harmony to your nervous system, fostering overall wellness.
If anyone has experienced chiropractic care, you may understand that most of your care is like clockwork. You show up, they realign you, and you leave. Most of your time is not spent on the actual care of your wellbeing. It is waiting to be seen by the doctor.
With Dr. Alexa, it is the opposite. She takes a comprehensive approach to your care. She has in-house massage therapists she communicates daily with about YOUR care and a team of entrusted acupuncturists and physical therapists...
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Upper Cervical Chiropractic Treatment Approach
While the exact treatment process can vary from one chiropractor to another, upper cervical chiropractors will generally begin with a one-on-one consultation to understand your specific condition and overall health goals. Next, they will use modern diagnostic imaging techniques like X-rays and infrared scans to pinpoint exactly what’s causing your pain and where the spinal misalignment is located. Once they have all the information, they will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that promotes natural healing.
Holistic Methods
Upper cervical chiropractors believe in a holistic approach that goes beyond addressing isolated symptoms. Their focus on the atlas and the axis is rooted in the understanding that these two vertebrae play a pivotal role in the body’s overall balance and well-being. Targeting this area not only brings relief from discomfort but also supports your body's innate ability to heal and function in the best way possible.
Your First Upper Cervical Chiropractic Visit
At LIV Chiropractic Center, your first visit is an evaluation and free consultation to review and discuss any health issues such as low back pain, chronic back pain, shoulder pain, or pain in specific areas of the body that you may be experiencing.
LIV Chiropractic Center (LIV) specializes in upper cervical chiropractic care. Whether you're seeking help with chronic pain, looking to improve your overall well-being, or simply curious about the benefits of our precision-focused approach, we're here to guide you on your path toward better health.