FAQs

What is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the top two vertebrae of the neck (C1 – Atlas and C2 – Axis), where the skull meets the spine. This region plays a critical role in nervous system function, as it houses the brainstem, which controls vital functions like balance, posture, pain regulation, and overall neurological health.

When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can disrupt nerve communication, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, contributing to conditions such as neck pain, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, TMJ dysfunction, and postural imbalances.

Through precise, gentle adjustments, upper cervical chiropractors restore proper spinal alignment, allowing for optimal nerve function and natural healing. Unlike traditional chiropractic techniques, upper cervical care prioritizes long-term spinal stability, reducing the need for frequent adjustments while promoting whole-body health and improved nervous system performance.

How Does Upper Cervical Chiropractic Differ from Traditional Chiropractic Care?

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a specialized, precise approach focused on the top two vertebrae of the neck (Atlas and Axis). Unlike traditional chiropractic, which often involves manual spinal manipulation across multiple areas of the spine, upper cervical adjustments are gentle, highly specific, and tailored to each patient’s unique misalignment.

Key Differences of Upper Cervical Chiropractic:

Precision-Based Adjustments: Instead of forceful twisting or cracking, upper cervical chiropractors use advanced techniques to deliver targeted, low-force corrections that optimize nervous system function and promote long-term stability.

Advanced Imaging for Personalized Care: Every patient receives specialized imaging to precisely measure upper cervical misalignment patterns, allowing for customized, data-driven adjustments that support optimal healing.

Objective, Measurable Health Tracking:
We track your nervous system function and spinal health at every visit, ensuring adjustments are only given when objective data shows a need for correction.

Assessment Tools We Use:

Paraspinal Thermography – Measures temperature imbalances along the spine to assess nervous system function and autonomic regulation.
NeckCare System™ Testing:
- Range of Motion (ROM) Testing – Evaluates neck mobility and restrictions.
- Butterfly Test – Identifies compensatory movement patterns.
- Joint Position Sense (JPS) Testing – Assesses proprioception, balance, and neurological control.

By combining cutting-edge diagnostic tools with upper cervical chiropractic care, we ensure that your spinal alignment, nervous system function, and overall health are optimized for lasting relief, improved mobility, and whole-body wellness.

What Conditions Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help Treat?

Healing starts from within. When you cut your finger, it heals on its own—your body is designed to repair itself. But for healing to happen efficiently, your nervous system must function at its best.

Many chronic health conditions are linked to nervous system dysfunction, which can be caused by misalignments in the upper cervical spine (Atlas and Axis). When the top two vertebrae of the neck are out of alignment, they can interfere with brainstem function, blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and nerve signaling, leading to widespread health issues.

At The Path Chiropractic, we’ve helped patients experience relief from conditions such as:

Migraines & Headaches – Dysfunction in the C1-C3 nerves can contribute to migraines by impacting pain modulation pathways in the brainstem. Upper cervical chiropractic care may help by addressing misalignment and reducing neurological stress. Sources: NCBI, PubMed

Vertigo & Dizziness – Meniere’s disease and other vertigo-related conditions may be linked to cervical spine dysfunction. Upper cervical adjustments may help by improving joint position sense and reducing cervicogenic contributions to balance disorders.

Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) – Neck misalignment may contribute to tinnitus by affecting blood circulation and nerve pathways connected to the auditory system.

Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain – A compromised nervous system can exacerbate pain sensitivity and inflammation, often seen in patients with fibromyalgia, joint pain, and muscle stiffness.

Digestive Issues (IBS, Nausea, Acid Reflux) – The vagus nerve, responsible for digestion, runs through the upper cervical spine. Misalignment may lead to IBS, acid reflux, bloating, and nausea.

Anxiety, Depression & Brain Fog – A dysfunctional nervous system can contribute to hormonal imbalances, poor sleep, and mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive fog.

Insomnia & Sleep Disorders – The upper cervical spine plays a crucial role in melatonin regulation, nervous system balance, and circulation, impacting deep sleep and recovery.

These are just a few of the conditions we’ve seen improve with upper cervical chiropractic care. By restoring proper spinal alignment, we help the body heal naturally, reduce inflammation, and enhance nervous system function—leading to lasting relief and better overall health.

What Should I Expect During an Upper Cervical Chiropractic Appointment?

At The Path Chiropractic, your first visit is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your upper cervical spine and nervous system health. Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Consultation & Exam

A detailed health history review to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and past treatments.
A nervous system examination using advanced diagnostics to track measurable progress.
A highly specific upper cervical imaging series to accurately assess the alignment of your atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, essential for precise, effective care.

2. Education & Treatment Plan

We believe in patient education—before your first upper cervical chiropractic adjustment, we will review your findings in detail, ensuring you understand your condition and treatment plan.

Most patients begin care at two visits per week (2x/week) to establish stability and allow us to monitor progress closely.

3. Follow-Up Visits & Long-Term Care

Follow-up visits are generally quick and efficient.
We use objective measures to determine whether an adjustment is needed—we do not adjust on every visit unless necessary.
The goal is to restore nervous system function, allowing your body to heal and hold adjustments for longer periods.

By focusing on upper cervical chiropractic care, we aim to provide long-term relief from issues like migraines, vertigo, neck pain, and postural imbalances, helping you achieve optimal health naturally.

Looking for expert upper cervical care? Contact us today to schedule your first appointment at The Path Chiropractic!

Are Upper Cervical Adjustments Safe?

Yes! Our initial exam process is very thorough, including detailed X-rays of the treatment area. This allows us to rule out any potential reasons not to adjust you, well before we begin our treatment plan.

How Long Does It Take to See Results from Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?

Healing time varies from person to person. Several factors influence how quickly you may experience improvements, including:

Duration of Your Condition: Chronic issues often take longer to resolve than recent injuries.
Lifestyle Habits: Nutrition, exercise, stress levels, and sleep all play a role in recovery.
Spinal Health & Alignment: The degree of degeneration, misalignment, or spinal curvature can impact the speed of results.
Mindset & Consistency: A positive outlook and commitment to care can support the healing process.

Some patients notice improvements after just one adjustment, while others require more time for their bodies to adapt. We regularly reevaluate your progress, typically on a monthly basis, to adjust your care plan as needed and ensure the best outcomes.

At The Path Chiropractic, our goal is to restore proper nervous system function and help you achieve long-term relief, whether you’re dealing with migraines, vertigo, neck pain, or postural imbalances.

Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Benefit Everyone?

Absolutely! Chiropractic care isn’t just for pain relief—it’s also a powerful tool for preventative health and overall well-being. Some of our patients seek care not because they are in pain, but because they want to keep their nervous system functioning at its best.

Some benefits of wellness-based upper cervical chiropractic care include:

Better Posture & Spinal Alignment – Reducing stress on your spine can enhance mobility and balance.
Optimized Nervous System Function – When your spine is in alignment, your body can communicate more efficiently, leading to improvements in focus, energy, and overall performance.
Support for Active Lifestyles – Many athletes, busy professionals, and parents use chiropractic care to stay at their best, recover faster, and prevent future issues.
Benefits During Pregnancy & Early Childhood – Proper spinal alignment may support healthy development, reduced discomfort during pregnancy, and better movement patterns in children.

Just like eating well and exercising, chiropractic care is a proactive way to maintain health. You don’t need to wait for pain or dysfunction—your body functions best when it’s aligned and balanced.

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How Should I Prepare for an Upper Cervical Chiropractic Appointment?

Preparing for your first visit at The Path Chiropractic can help ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Complete Your Initial Paperwork

If possible, fill out your new patient forms before your visit to speed up the check-in process.

2. Bring Any Relevant Medical Imaging

If you have previous CBCT scans, X-rays, or MRIs, bring them along—we’re happy to review them to better understand your spinal health.

3. Wear Comfortable, Non-Restrictive Clothing

Since we will be gathering objective data on your spine and nervous system, we need clear access to your neck and upper spine.
Avoid scarves, turtlenecks, or tight-fitting clothing that may interfere with your assessment.

4. Avoid Stimulants Before Your Visit

Please refrain from consuming caffeine or other non-prescription stimulants before your appointment, as they may affect our diagnostic readings.
If you take prescription medications, simply inform us before or at your appointment.

By following these simple steps, you’ll help ensure the most accurate evaluation and a seamless start to your upper cervical chiropractic care journey.

Will My Insurance Cover Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?

At The Path Chiropractic, we are not in-network with any insurance providers at this time. However, we strive to make our care accessible and transparent.

If you have questions about costs, payment options, or potential reimbursement, feel free to contact our office—we’re happy to help you navigate your options and provide any necessary documentation for self-submission to your insurance provider.

How Do I Know If I Need Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?

If you’re experiencing chronic pain, neurological symptoms, or postural imbalances, your upper cervical spine may be a contributing factor. Many people don’t realize that misalignments in the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae can disrupt nervous system function, leading to a variety of symptoms.

Signs You May Benefit from Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Frequent Headaches or Migraines – Misalignment in the upper cervical spine can contribute to tension and reduced blood flow to the brain.
Neck Pain & Stiffness – Chronic discomfort in the neck may indicate structural imbalances affecting mobility and nerve function.
Vertigo & Dizziness – The upper cervical spine plays a crucial role in balance and equilibrium, making misalignments a common trigger for dizziness.
Tingling or Numbness in Arms & Hands – Compressed nerves in the cervical spine can cause radiating pain or sensory disturbances.
Postural Issues & Uneven Shoulders – A misaligned upper spine can throw off your entire posture, leading to muscle compensation and long-term strain.
Fatigue & Brain Fog – Nervous system dysfunction can interfere with energy levels, concentration, and overall well-being.

Why Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?

Unlike traditional chiropractic care, which focuses on general spinal adjustments, upper cervical chiropractic is highly specific. At The Path Chiropractic, we use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to get a comprehensive view of your upper spine, allowing for precise, gentle corrections that restore balance without forceful manipulation.

If you're unsure whether upper cervical care is right for you, we offer comprehensive consultations to assess your spine, nervous system, and symptoms.

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