An upper cervical chiropractor specializes in the upper neck, focusing on this critical area because most health issues often start there before affecting the rest of the body. Upper neck alignment is vital for proper communication, as the brainstem, housed in this region, is the conduit for messages from the brain to vital organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys. When the upper cervical bones are properly aligned, everything functions smoothly. However, an injury, fall, car accident or even birth trauma can misalign these bones, disrupting this balance.

When a cervical bone shifts out of place, two significant issues arise. First, the misalignment compresses the brainstem, interfering with nerve signals between the brain and body.  This can affect any organ or system in the body causing many health problems. Secondly, the head, resting on the first cervical bone, tilts out of balance. The brain, striving to restore equilibrium, forces the body to compensate by shifting the spine and other structures. This compensation can twist the body, leading to issues such as scoliosis, which often stems from early misalignment.

Over time, these compensatory changes cause muscle imbalances, stretched and contracted muscles from the neck to the legs, and uneven shoulders or hips which contribute to pain in the neck, back, shoulders, arms, legs and even the feet. They can also accelerate wear and tear on the spine, leading to degeneration, bulging discs and nerve impingement.

Correcting misalignments using an upper cervical chiropractor can restore balance, relieve compensatory stresses and reopen the communication pathways between the brain and the body. This innate intelligence—the body’s self-healing ability—can then resume its proper function, potentially reversing sickness, restoring health and improving sleep, energy, digestion and immunity.

The upper cervical spine is vital to health and vitality. If a misalignment is identified and corrected, the body begins to heal and return to its natural state. Visiting an upper cervical chiropractor is worthwhile for anyone experiencing persistent health issues because usually a quick evaluation can determine if an upper cervical problem exists. If so, the chiropractor can explain the next steps to address it. If not, they will guide patients toward another specialist better suited to help. This specialized care can profoundly change lives by unlocking the body’s ability to heal itself.  

Ray Drury, DC, is owner of The Upper Cervical Spine Center, located at 2550 W. Arrowood Rd., Ste. 104, in Charlotte, with offices in Wilmington and Nashville. He is author of The Best-Kept Secret in Health Care. For a free consultation or more information and to schedule an appointment, call 704-588-5560 or visit UpperCervicalSpineCenter.com.

The Upper Cervical Spine Center - 2550 W Arrowood Rd, Charlotte, NC

The brain controls all messages to every cell in the body, including messages of health and healing. The upper cervical vertebrae—the atlas and the axis—directly affect the spinal cord an... Read More »