Upper Cervical Chiropractic

By Dr. Craig Hokanson, DC

In this article:

Upper cervical chiropractic at Hokanson Wellness is a specialized analysis and treatment where the chiropractor will focus the cervical adjustment on the upper neck region of your spine.

The Upper Cervical Chiropractic technique is a unique and often overlooked solution to chronic neck pain and related symptoms that may be affecting your ability to focus at work or at home. By removing this impediment, the body can repair itself without the use of potentially dangerous drugs or surgery. Our specialists concentrate on the Upper Cervical Spine, which contains the Brainstem, the master of all nerves and the brain.

Are you suffering from chronic neck pain or headaches? Have you tried everything and still haven’t found relief? Maybe it’s time to consider upper cervical chiropractic. This specialized analysis and treatment focuses on the top of your spine, specifically the upper neck region. In this blog post, we’ll explore what exactly upper cervical chiropractic is, the different types of techniques used, the benefits, how to find a good practitioner, and more. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of upper cervical chiropractic!

What is upper cervical chiropractic?

Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the top two vertebrae in the neck, known as the atlas and axis. These vertebrae are responsible for supporting your head, protecting your brain stem, and facilitating proper nerve function throughout your body.

The goal of upper cervical chiropractic is to detect and correct misalignments or subluxations in these critical areas. By identifying any misalignments through careful analysis and diagnostic imaging, the practitioner can use gentle techniques to realign the spine without cracking or popping.

One unique aspect of upper cervical chiropractic is that it emphasizes precision over force. Practitioners rely on specific measurements and calculations to determine exactly how much correction is needed, rather than simply applying generalized pressure or manipulation.

By focusing on this specific area of the spine, practitioners believe they can improve overall health by reducing stress on nerves and promoting better communication between different parts of the body. Many patients have reported improvements in everything from chronic pain to digestive issues after receiving regular upper cervical adjustments.

Upper Cervical Symptoms

Patients with upper cervical spine problems may experience a range of symptoms, including:

The upper cervical spine is the part of the spine that connects the skull to the rest of the spine. It is made up of seven bones called the cervical vertebrae. These vertebrae are responsible for supporting the weight of the head and neck, and they also allow the head to move in all directions.

When the upper cervical spine is not functioning properly, it can cause a variety of problems. Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of upper cervical spine problems. These headaches can be mild or severe, and they can be located in any part of the head. Vertigo is another common symptom of upper cervical spine problems. Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness. It can make people feel like they are spinning or that the room is spinning around them. Fainting is another symptom of upper cervical spine problems. Fainting is a sudden loss of consciousness. It can be caused by a number of factors, including low blood pressure, dehydration, or a heart problem. Memory loss and nausea are also possible symptoms of upper cervical spine problems.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Craig Hokanson can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best upper cervical technique treatment for neck pain. Treatment for upper cervical spine problems typically involves physiotherapy techniques such as focus acoustic wave therapy, stretching, and chiropractic adjustments.

The different types of upper cervical chiropractic

Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized form of chiropractic care that concentrates on the upper neck region of the spine. This type of treatment focuses on detecting and correcting misalignments in the upper cervical vertebrae, which can cause pain and discomfort throughout the body.

“The neck is part of a long flexible column, known as the spinal column or backbone, which extends through most of the body. The cervical spine (neck region) consists of seven bones (C1-C7 vertebrae), which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs. These discs allow the spine to move freely and act as shock absorbers during activity.”

Source: https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Cervical-Spine

There are several types of upper cervical chiropractic techniques used by practitioners around the world. One such technique is known as NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association), which uses gentle adjustments to correct spinal misalignments in a precise manner.

Another popular technique is Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic, which utilizes specific X-rays to determine where adjustments need to be made in order to correct spinal misalignments. This process involves very precise measurements and calculations, ensuring that every adjustment is tailored specifically for each patient’s unique needs.

Orthospinology is yet another type of upper cervical chiropractic care that focuses on adjusting the atlas bone at the top of the spine. By doing so, this technique aims to help restore normal function throughout the central nervous system and alleviate symptoms caused by spinal misalignment.

Regardless of which technique you choose or your practitioner recommends, it’s important to remember that every person’s body responds differently to treatment. Therefore, finding a skilled practitioner who can customize their approach based on your individual needs may be key in achieving optimal results with any type of upper cervical chiropractic care you receive!

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique

Upper cervical chiropractic can be an effective treatment approach for various health conditions that cause neck pain. Here are some of the benefits of this specialized technique:

– Targeted Treatment: Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on adjusting the upper neck region of your spine to correct subluxations or misalignments that could cause nerve interference. This targeted approach ensures that only specific areas receive treatment, which reduces the risk of complications.

– Non-invasive: Unlike surgical interventions, upper cervical chiropractic is a non-invasive procedure that does not require incisions or anesthesia. Therefore, there are no risks associated with surgery such as infections or blood loss.

– Holistic Approach: Upper cervical chiropractors consider a person’s overall health status rather than just treating symptoms. They offer personalized care plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

While upper cervical chiropractic has its advantages in terms of targeted treatment approaches without invasive procedures alongside personalized holistic approaches; yet there remains limited scientific evidence supporting it’s effectiveness. Additionally potential serious side effects from ill trained practitioners alongside lack of coverage from insurances make one think twice about trying this method before consulting a professional physician first..

How to find a good upper cervical chiropractor

When searching for a good upper cervical chiropractor, it’s important to do your research. Look for practitioners who are certified and have specialized training in this area. You can search online or ask for referrals from friends, family members or other healthcare professionals.

It’s also essential to read reviews and testimonials from previous patients. This will give you an idea of the quality of care provided by the chiropractor as well as their communication style.

During your initial consultation with a potential chiropractor, make sure to ask questions about their experience with upper cervical techniques and what type of adjustments they use. It’s important that you feel comfortable with them and trust their expertise before beginning any treatment.

Additionally, consider factors such as location, availability, insurance coverage and overall cost when choosing a chiropractor. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find someone who meets all of your needs.

Remember that finding the right upper cervical chiropractor is crucial in achieving optimal health outcomes so take your time and choose wisely!

Upper cervical chiropractic adjustment techniques

Upper cervical chiropractic adjustment techniques are unique and specific to the upper neck region of the spine. The goal is to restore proper alignment and function to this area.

One technique commonly used in upper cervical chiropractic is called NUCCA, which stands for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. This technique involves a gentle adjustment using a small hand-held instrument to realign the atlas vertebra, which is located at the top of the spine.

Another popular technique is Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic, which uses a precise analysis of x-rays to determine misalignments in the upper neck area. The adjustments are done by hand using minimal force.

The Orthospinology technique also focuses on analyzing x-rays to pinpoint misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Adjustments are done with a gentle tap on a specific bone called the occiput.

Upper cervical chiropractors may also use other specialized techniques like Atlas Orthogonal or Grostic Method based on their training and experience.

It’s important to find an experienced and qualified upper cervical chiropractor who can evaluate your individual needs and provide tailored treatment options that fit your lifestyle goals.

Conclusion

Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized form of chiropractic care that focuses on the adjustment and alignment of the upper neck region. While there are different types of upper cervical techniques, they all share the same goal of improving overall spinal health and reducing pain and discomfort.

Before seeking out an upper cervical chiropractor, it’s important to do your research to find a qualified practitioner who can provide effective treatment for your specific needs. By understanding the pros and cons of this type of therapy and knowing what to expect during an adjustment, you’ll be better prepared for your first visit.

At Hokanson Wellness, Dr. Craig Hokanson can help you discover the root-cause of your condition. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care is founded on the universal law of cause and effect: there must be a specific reason for every consequence or symptom (physical or mental). Upper Cervical specialists concentrate their efforts on detecting and removing nervous system disturbance that may be the source of your health problem. 

If you’re struggling with chronic pain or discomfort in your neck or spine, consider exploring the benefits of upper cervical chiropractic at Hokanson Wellness. With proper treatment from Dr. Craig Hokanson, you can improve mobility, reduce pain levels, and enhance overall well-being through this natural approach to healing.

---

Noteworthy Scientific Studies

Effect of Atlas Vertebrae Realignment in Subjects with Migraine: An Observational Pilot Study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4689902

Craniocervical chiropractic procedures – a précis of upper cervical chiropractic

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486989

Chiropractic spinal manipulative treatment of migraine headache of 40-year duration using Gonstead method: a case study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259914