How is upper cervical chiropractic different from general chiropractic?
First of all, upper cervical is a speciality within chiropractic. To be proficient it requires hundreds of extracurricular hours. The upper cervical region (upper neck) is much different then the rest of the spine, and therefore, should be treated differently. It requires a precise adjustment specific to each individual. The exact misalignment a person has can truly only be found through specific x-rays that are not taught in general chiropractic.
How long are the appointments?
Your first appointment will usually take about 45 minutes. At this time we determine if your problem is caused by a misalignment in your neck. If so, we proceed to do a full evaluation, including x-rays, to determine how to treat. During your next appointment I will report my findings from the exam/x-rays and will correct your specific misalignment. From there on out your appointment duration can vary, but typically is a brief visit to the office.
Can I get x-rays while I am pregnant?
In many cases, yes. The doctor will determine this with the patient. However, the Cone Beam CT imaging we use in our office is quite low radiation and is deemed safe for pregnancy.
Does the adjustment hurt?
The adjustment is very gentle. It requires no popping or twisting. Oftentimes, after the adjustment, a patient can feel soreness due to beneficial corrections the body makes once the neck is properly aligned.
When will I see results?
Many people see results in a very short time. It really varies per condition and the bodies ability to heal in that respect. Speak with the doctor per your condition.
Are there any age limits to receiving upper cervical care?
No.
Is chiropractic effective?
Chiropractic helps to remove postural imbalances and structural misalignments that can accumulate in our bodies over time. Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. For your body to remain healthy, your nervous system must function well. For your nervous system to function well it must be free of interference. By restoring spinal function with Chiropractic adjustments, nerve interference by misaligned vertebrae is removed, thus allowing optimal nervous system function and improved health.
Why should I see a Chiropractor?
For your health. Notice I didn’t say “for back pain”? Chiropractic is not only for back pain and neck pain. Chiropractic care is an excellent way to keep your body at its peak performance through nutrition, adjustment and overall wellness. In addition, chiropractic care has been known to help a wide range of conditions from fibromyalgia to diabetes.
What is Subluxation?
When the top vertebrae (the atlas) becomes misaligned or moves out of its normal position, this is referred to in the upper cervical world as a subluxation. Subluxations can be caused by a wide range of issues ranging from a minor slip or bump to a car accident or any sudden trauma. When the vertebrae is subluxated, it begins to put pressure on nerves, blood vessels and everything around it. This pressure comes with a price. The subluxation interrupts the natural pathways that the messages sent from the brain need to be clear in order to be completed properly.
How does chiropractic care work?
Chiropractic is an overall way of looking at the human body. It’s based on the idea that the body is self-sustaining and self-healing. The body is in essence completely controlled by the brain through its connection via the spinal cord and the vast networks of nerves that make up the body. When this system is not functioning at its peak, the overall performance of the human body is lacking.
In the chiropractic world, drugs and medicine are not utilized as a form of treating a patient. While supplementation and nutrition are almost always a part of the bigger picture, drugs and prescriptions can be viewed as band-aids to treat symptoms rather than going to the source and treating the real problem.
While it’s often perceived that the chiropractor is solely here to treat back and neck pain, this is simply a small piece of what the profession really is capable of handling. Chiropractors not only treat soft and hard tissue problems such as sciatica and joint pain, but are largely called on to deal with more significant issues. Some of these issues include fibromyalgia, allergies, insomnia, horrible migraines and headaches and many more.