Our Chiropractic Technique
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique
As its name implies, the Upper Cervical Technique focuses primarily on the upper cervical section of the spine. In particular, Dr. Ryan will examine the resting alignment of the first two bones in the neck, called the atlas and the axis, as well as a comprehensive examination of the rest of the spine. Misalignment between these two bones near the base of the skull can cause interference in nervous system signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
Since the pathway from the brain stem to the spine is the main conduit for nerve impulses, we focus on these misalignments within the Upper Cervical area of the spine and apply precise, gentle corrections. This action can remove nervous signal distortions to allow your body to operate at maximum health and responsiveness.
Why Focus on the Upper Cervical Spine Area?
The Upper Cervical Spine is a critical region for the body’s normal functionality. Information travelling directly to or from the brain stem passes through here, often millions of times a minute. Many of the body’s most important functions are governed through this pathway, including heartbeats, breathing, digestion, subconscious muscle coordination, and dilation or constriction of veins and arteries.
Despite the region’s vital importance, our bodies have not adapted as many natural protections as the rest of the spine against shock, friction, stress or pressure. There are no intervertebral discs in this area, and there are also much fewer supporting ligaments compared to the rest of the spine. These bones are also lacking the natural locking mechanisms that can be seen in the rest of the vertebrae, called “facets,” making this area more unstable and prone to injury when compared to the rest of the spine. Complicating matters further, these two bones move on a horizontal plane contrary to the rest of the spine’s vertical movement. When this area experiences trauma, shock or pressure — even in small amounts — it can cause issues with our immune response, our vital functions and our general wellness. Correcting misalignment can greatly improve the body’s sense of well-being along with its ability to recover from sickness or injury.
ADIO Chiropractic’s Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
