Usually, people think about calling a chiropractor when they have neck pain or back pain. What they don't realize is that there are so many other conditions caused by misalignments of the upper cervical spine. This is a vulnerable area of the spine that protects nerves with essential functions. Unfortunately, the neck area is prone to injury, and when there is even a minute misalignment it can result in a domino effect, causing issues throughout the rest of the body.
You might be surprised to find some of the following health problems may have roots in the neck—or, more specifically, the upper cervical spine.
What Is the Upper Cervical Spine
The upper cervical spine consists of the seven top vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and run down the neck. The upper cervical spine protects the spinal cord where it connects to the brain. This area is close to many clusters of vital nerves and vessels. This part of the spine also is responsible for carrying the weight of the head and the movement of the head and neck.
When any of the vertebrae slip out of alignment in this part of the spine, it causes inflammation and swelling that can compress or pinch nerves. These nerves carry signals running between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling all of the body's functions. Compression can result in misfired or disrupted signals.
Another host of problems that come from a misalignment of the upper cervical spine involves posture. When vertebrae of the neck are misaligned, the body shifts to compensate so that you can keep your head up straight. This shift is not usually noticeable, but it puts undue stress on other vertebrae, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the rest of the body. In time causes more misalignments, muscles that are overly tight or over-stretched, and a great deal of wear and tear on the musculoskeletal system.
Common Health Issues Caused By Upper Cervical Misalignments
Headache Issues—chronic headache disorders such as tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.
Inner Ear Problems—chronic ear aches, infections, vertigo, or Meniere’s disease.
Musculoskeletal Disorders—rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, tendinitis, or fibromyalgia.
Pinched Nerve Conditions—sciatica, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, or trigeminal neuralgia.
Digestive Disorders—indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or malabsorption of nutrients.
How Our Treatment Works
Dr. Gordon Elder is an upper cervical specialist at the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Elder is an expert in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a modern technique in chiropractic care that utilizes cutting-edge technology for more precise calculations of the spine. This allows for special, gentle manipulations that are far more comfortable for patients because they are not sharp and jarring as with traditional chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, non-invasive, drug-free way to treat many issues that can stem from misalignments of the upper cervical spine. Dr. Elder's treatment begins with a consultation that includes a thorough health screening and advanced 3D diagnostic imaging tools.
Once Dr. Elder assesses the problems, the next step is the healing phase. The doctor uses specialized low-pressure manipulations to gently restore the proper alignment of the spine.
The third step in Dr. Elder's treatment plan includes preventative measures. Adding regular chiropractic care to your health routine is a great way to ensure your spine remains in good health.
If you have health issues, contact Dr. Elder to see how upper cervical care might help. Dr. Elder's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.