Gentle. Precise. Patient-Focused Care.​

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Upper cervical care is a specialized approach that focuses on the top two bones in the neck—C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis)—and how their alignment influences the brainstem, spinal cord, posture, and overall nervous system function.

Unlike traditional chiropractic approaches that may involve twisting or frequent full-spine adjustments, upper cervical care is designed to be specific, low-force, and individualized—with the goal of helping the body stabilize and heal more efficiently.

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What Is Upper Cervical Care?

Upper cervical care is a specialty within chiropractic that concentrates on the alignment and movement of the upper neck, where the head meets the spine. This area is unique because it:

• Protects the brainstem and upper spinal cord

• Plays a major role in balance and coordination

• Influences posture, muscle tone, and spinal compensation

• Impacts how the brain communicates with the body through the nervous system

When the upper cervical spine loses proper alignment—often due to falls, sports injuries, whiplash, repetitive strain, or chronic postural stress—the body may compensate in ways that create tension patterns and dysfunctional movement over time.

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How Upper Cervical Misalignment Can Affect the Body

Because the upper neck is so neurologically significant, even subtle dysfunction may contribute to a wide range of symptoms. Many patients seek upper cervical care for concerns such as:

• Headaches and migraines

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Neck pain and restricted range of motion

• Jaw tension / TMJ dysfunction

• Postural imbalance and uneven shoulders/hips

• Chronic tension, tight muscles, or “never fully relaxed” feeling

• Brain fog, fatigue, or poor recovery

• Nerve-related or neurological-based complaints

Important note: Every person is different. We don’t “treat symptoms” — we evaluate the upper cervical spine and nervous system to determine whether upper cervical dysfunction may be a contributing factor.

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What Makes Upper Cervical Care Different?

Upper cervical care is not about “cracking” the neck or adjusting everything. It’s about measuring, correcting, and supporting stability at a key neurological junction.

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1) Precision Imaging & Analysis

We use detailed evaluation methods to determine your unique upper cervical alignment and how your body is compensating.

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2) Specific, Gentle Corrections

Adjustments are designed to be low-force and precise—based on your measurements, not guesswork.

 

3) Focus on Stability (Not Constant Adjusting)

The goal is to help your body hold the correction so the nervous system can regulate, posture can rebalance, and tissues can calm down.

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4) Objective Progress Checks

We track changes over time using neurological indicators, postural findings, and functional improvement.

 

What Upper Cervical Techniques Do We Use?

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The doctor's at Upper Cervical Specialists have been trained in several different techniques, all of which utilize light forced adjustments and CBCT analysis. These techniques include the following:​

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• NUCCA

• Orthospinology

• Blair

• Atlas Orthogonal 

• Pierce Results System

 

Is Upper Cervical Care Safe?​

Upper cervical techniques are designed to be conservative and gentle, with an emphasis on precision and minimal force. Like any healthcare approach, safety and appropriateness depend on the individual. We take careful histories, perform exams, and only recommend imaging or corrections when clinically indicated.

If you have complex medical conditions, prior surgeries, or neurological concerns, we’ll discuss whether upper cervical care is appropriate and coordinate with your other providers as needed.