“How do I know if Upper Cervical Chiropractic is for me?”

Neurologic examinations and subsequent spinal imaging (via x-ray or CBCT) performed by Upper Cervical Chiropractors are designed to assess your candidacy for Upper Cervical Care. These tests answer the above question directly and conclusively. Due to life’s uncertainties regarding falls, bumps and traumas (particularly during the earlier years), it may cause neurologic dysfunction due to the Atlas (C1) or Axis (C2) misalignment. Eventually it may create many signs and symptoms for most people as the body grows into a health condition. Those who eventually learn about Upper Cervical Chiropractic are people that have run the gamut of various treatment-oriented options. That said, no matter if you are seeking causative answers to short or long-term health issues, looking to maximize your potential, seeking to have “the edge,” desire clarity in your thinking, to be a better spouse or parent, or if you desire to be your best when it comes to being an athlete or student – then Upper Cervical Chiropractic is for you!

“Is the Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustment safe?”

One of the many unique adjusting attributes of an Upper Cervical Chiropractor is that they do not twist, pop, extend the head, or cause any type of muscle strain to the neck.There has been controversy over the topic about Chiropractors causing injury or stroke. A stroke is when a small piece of plaque breaks free from the inner wall of an artery and travels up to the brain. There is also another condition called cervical artery dissection (tearing of the artery), which is due to the neck being over-rotated; this can cause a clot to form and possibly lead to a stroke. Both conditions may be due to gross rotational (twisting) type manipulations of the head and neck.

The Upper Cervical adjustment eliminates the above concerns because of the precise calculations made, along with the minimal amount of force it takes to shift the Atlas (or Axis) vertebra out of its abnormal position. The vertebral arteries within the spine, as well as other structures, are never compromised because both your head and spine are placed in a neutral position when receiving an adjustment. Hence, the Upper Cervical adjustment is safe for the entire family, regardless of age.

“Does the Upper Cervical adjustment hurt?“

The adjustment itself should never hurt, although it may feel a little sensitive or slightly uncomfortable in the beginning of care because your spine has been stuck in an abnormal position for several years to decades and your muscles and ligaments have adapted to the abnormal positioning. Those who have never received an Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustment most likely have joints in their spines that have been remodeled, like a car tire having worn from improper wheel alignment. Unlocking that misaligned vertebra may cause tenderness due to muscle memory and significant changes in the tissues surrounding that vertebra. All of which is part of the restoration and healing process. Those that experience an upper cervical Chiropractic adjustment have surprised looks on their faces immediately afterwards, as most state, “That’s it?“ Sometimes in life, it is the simplest things that make the biggest difference.

“Will I hear or feel anything during the adjustment?”

The experience can vary on account of which type of Upper Cervical Doctor you are seeing. Some doctors use instrumentation to make the spinal adjustment, others lay you on your side and use their hands, while some others place you into a kneeling position with your torso laying on the adjustment table. Depending on what type of application or procedure is utilized for your adjustment, you may hear a clicking type of noise or hear the adjustment table drop or shift. When an Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustment is made, people often feel an instantaneous blood flow change with a warm and tingling feeling in their head or neck regions; some notice that their sinuses clear immediately and others feel very relaxed; there are occasions when people get emotional and shed a few tears; some may feel slightly lightheaded due to the shift in their blood pressure; some may also notice a difference in their respiratory volumes, which means the lungs are better able to take in more air and that deeper breaths can be taken. All of these sensations are completely normal.

“Is it possible to have adverse reactions after an adjustment?”

It is common for the body to have different types of soreness or stiffness during the restorative phase of care, but unlike an adverse reaction associated with a treatment-oriented approach (like pharmaceuticals), these responses are part of the healing process. There is a difference between feeling uncomfortable because your body is getting worse versus feeling uncomfortable because your body is trying to get better. Context is key. When an adjustment is made, the newly established position of the head and spine causes the neck muscles, ligaments, and joints to adapt to the structural changes; abnormal has likely become normal for you, after all. If you experience old or new discomforts throughout your body, these are typically signs or symptoms that your body is in a state of rebalancing and repairing from past falls, accidents and/or emotional type of traumas. The immediate rebalancing will usually last 2 to 3 weeks while chronic conditions may have a much longer healing time.

“What is the success rate of Upper Cervical Care?”

Everyone’s body is different. Just as people look different on the outside, people are different on the inside. The medical profession tends to treat people with the same diagnosis the same way, even though everyone is unique. Upper Cervical Chiropractors recognize that we are all different and therefore every person will have their own healing process or time frame. When it comes to attaining some sort of result, most people see an immediate change within the first few weeks after their initial Upper Cervical adjustment. Depending on how long you have been experiencing your health issue, most long-term healing responses are gradual and can take several months or years depending on the severity of the condition. Just as a mechanic tunes up a car that has had some “wear and tear,” the Upper Cervical Chiropractor seeks to do the same for your body. By keeping your spine neurologically “tuned up,” you give yourself the best chance at life. If you are just a few weeks old, a teenager, in your 40s, or ready to retire– regardless of age, health condition, or “wear and tear” you may have experienced – everyone benefits by having a properly functioning nerve system.

“Will massage, physical therapy, or exercise cause my spine to go out of adjustment?”

This question is quite difficult to answer because the different types of massage, physical therapy, or body work vary from one practitioner to another. A massage therapist is trained to locate muscle imbalances, spasms, or trigger points (“knots”) and then massage both muscles and other soft tissues with the intention of relieving pain, restoring structural/body balance, and aiding in recovery from soft tissue injuries. Keep in mind that the Atlas (C1) vertebra is supported and held in position by muscles rather than having a locking joint. So, if a massage therapist were to stretch, apply pressure to, or manipulate any of the muscles in the spine inappropriately, he/she could very well cause the spine to shift out of adjustment without either party being aware of it. Not every massage will “throw off” your adjustment; typically your doctor will recommend that if you were to get one, it should be shoulders-down and the neck musculature should be left alone so as not to inadvertently interfere with your recovery (especially during the initial phase of Upper Cervical Care). Once you can hold the adjustment consistently and your spine stabilizes, your Upper Cervical Chiropractor will let you know when it is safe to reduce the restrictions on your massages. Physical and Occupational therapists (PT’s and OT’s) are practitioners that help to rehabilitate injured people in order to recover their functional movement, manage their pain, and/or improve their activities of daily living. This is done with exercise, stretching, joint manipulation, or other modalities such as muscle stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, or laser therapy. As with massage, care should be taken not to disrupt the natural re-adaptation process facilitated by Upper Cervical Care. Regardless of which therapy, care, or workout regimen one is currently utilizing, an optimally functioning nerve system will only add benefit to that therapy and speed up your recovery while under their guidance. Your therapist or trainer should be informed about the care you are receiving, as they should want to help protect your spine from losing its adjustment as well.

“Do you accept my insurance for payment?”

Your insurance carrier and your primary doctor are unlikely to have been trained in Upper Cervical Chiropractic nor have they ever been educated about why you would need this type of care, especially if your Chiropractor is not treating any type of condition or disease. Upper Cervical Chiropractic is not about treating any type of medical condition, but rather geared towards restoring neurological function. Consider the following scenario: Your doctor performs a spinal scan, which reveals that your spine is holding the adjustment. This indicates that you would not require any type of care (adjustment) during that visit, similar to a dentist telling you that you do not have any cavities during a check-up. If your Upper Cervical Doctor were to bill the insurance company, a diagnosis code as well as a procedure code addressing the diagnosis must be provided. However, if your spine is found to be neurologically sound during that visit, there would be no way for your doctor to create a diagnosis. Therefore, if you do not need to be adjusted on that particular visit and your doctor chooses to bill the insurance anyway, that would be insurance fraud. Insurance companies dictate when, where, and how much care one should receive, but your care should be between you and your doctor rather than a third party.

The purpose and intention of Upper Cervical Chiropractic is to ensure that your nerve system is functioning properly. When your spine is holding the adjustment, obviously you would not require any type of care or adjustment on that particular visit (recalling the old adage, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”). Insurance companies do not recognize this type of protocol/care and they do not pay for the spinal scan or the analysis of the scan. According to most insurance providers, a Chiropractor is only able to bill for Chiropractic when an adjustment is performed. One day, insurance companies will recognize the importance of proper neurological functioning and the maintenance thereof. Until then, your Upper Cervical Doctor’s goal will be to provide you and your family with care that is safe and affordable, especially for those that are willing to invest in themselves.

“Do you offer any family programs?”

Absolutely! Just as the whole family typically does when going to their dentist because everyone’s teeth are important, you are encouraged to bring your whole family in to have their spines evaluated because optimal well-being depends on a healthy spine and nerve system. When the family is under care together, not only is it more affordable, but a special togetherness healing bond is formed.

“Does it matter what type of pillow or mattress I use, and what sleep position is the best for me?”

Can you believe that a third of your life is spent sleeping? As crazy as that sounds, it is true. That means if you were to live to 90 years old, you would have slept for 30 years of your life! All the more reason why the type of mattress and pillow you use is imperative to supporting your spine properly when you sleep. Your mattress should be on the relatively firmer side. A Sleep Number or Tempurpedic “memory foam” type of mattress (we endorse www.bioposture.com) are designed to support the spine properly, as well to keep your body from “dipping” into the mattress like a hammock. The most important aspect of sleeping, is to ensure that your neck is being correctly supported; the cervical “contour” pillows typically have two different sized “humps” (shaped like the curve that should be in your neck) to support your neck when laying on your back or your side. You should never sleep on your stomach. By doing so, the head is turned 90 degrees and the leg to the side of where the head is turned is elevated as well. The body then attempts to support the head by placing the arms underneath the pillow, causing both the spinal muscles and joints to be in a compromised position. To top it off, the vertebral arteries that travel up and through the vertebrae in your neck become kinked due to the 90 degree head angle, causing diminished blood and oxygen supply to the brain. Stomach sleepers often awake irritable and unrested with neck and back pain or stiffness. The ideal sleeping position is to be anatomically correct, which means sleeping on your back. If at all possible, start in that position for at least 10 minutes and then shift to your side. Resting your neck on the contour pillow will help relax the muscles and joints as your spine will be in a neutral (untwisted) position. Frankly, since the goal is to hold your adjustment for a prolonged period of time, proper sleeping environment and habits are imperative.

“What is the difference between an Upper Cervical Chiropractor and a general type of Chiropractor?”

This question is a slippery slope because, unfortunately, the Chiropractic profession is a like box of chocolates – one never really knows what they are going to get when seeking a Chiropractor. Many Chiropractors offer acupuncture or physical therapy, or promote vitamins, shoe lifts, diets and weight loss, massage, stretches, and/or exercise. Chiropractors, generally, are among the few professionals that tend to be “jacks of all trades” rather than “staying in their own lane.” On top of that, most Chiropractors believe that the more adjustments you receive, the better off you are. If you were to ask somebody what they do for living and they told you that they were an attorney, you would probably reply with, “What kind of law do you practice?” The same is actually true when speaking to a Chiropractor. There are hundreds of different types of Chiropractors and they all have their own spin and justification on why they do what they do.

Upper Cervical care is a strict discipline of Chiropractic that is not only safe and gentle for anyone at any age, but it also applies scientific principles for knowing exactly how and when/when not to adjust those receiving this unique type of care. In the event that your Upper Cervical Chiropractor locates where the spine is compromised (structurally and neurologically), that particular upper cervical vertebra causing that compromise would require an adjustment, which would restore proper neurological function to the body. No other profession can offer that to you.

“What will I feel after my adjustment while in the resting suite?”

During the resting period, you may experience a deeper, relaxed state as your body shifts into neurological balance or ease. Neurologically speaking, this called a Parasympathetic response. Many fall asleep (which is ideal), as the mind becomes completely relaxed. Some get cold, while others get warm. You may feel localized warm spots in joints, breathe much deeper, and feel a sense of mental calmness, as if the “fog has been lifted”; many people feel their bodies/spines shifting and sometimes hear a clicking or popping noise (pressure being released from joints that were stuck in compensation), while others feel twitches or muscles shifting; you may notice a very subtle tingling sensation throughout your body, especially in your arms and legs; sinus drainage and many other changes; abnormal has likely become normal for you, after all.

“What should I do over the next few days and weeks after my Upper Cervical adjustment?”

The goal is to have your spine hold the adjustment in place for a prolonged period of time. Everyone will hold their adjustment for a different time frame, as no two spines are neurologically or structurally alike. Some people will hold for several days, while others hold several weeks or months, eventually even years. The longer one is under care, the opportunity to hold the adjustment for an extended period of time is much greater due to having reestablished both normal function and a balanced spinal structure. This will not only stabilize the body physically, but the immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems will also be affected n a positive manner. To help positively influence how long you can hold, please be “head and neck conscious” and refrain from putting any stress or strain on the head or neck region for the few weeks following an Upper Cervical adjustment. Some of those stressors include texting, sleeping on your stomach or not using a contour pillow, strenuous weight lifting or exercise habits, watching TV in bed with the head/neck propped up, and poor ergonomic posture while at work, just to name a few.

“Are there things that can slow down my healing?”

The body and the mind are not big fans of stress, which can block or interfere with the body’s natural healing process. Lifestyle habits like a poor diet and being sedentary, the use of medications, and believe it or not, a negative mindset are some of the many variables that can inhibit healing. Medications (whether over-the-counter or prescribed) block the body’s ability to restore itself back to normal; they are synthetic substances that either stimulate or inhibit the body’s normal functioning, and they often slow down the body’s ability to heal. When you are experiencing healing symptoms and the body is attempting to either rid itself of toxins or the spine is making structural changes, it may not be comfortable. Unfortunately, most people resort to medications to alleviate any of the discomfort when these healing symptoms are actually normal signs of restoration. That does not mean that you will not receive the benefits of Upper Cervical Care if you have poor lifestyle habits or are on medications, just that these things will alter your ability to achieve the maximum benefits regarding your health and well-being. Remember that your Upper Cervical Doctor did not prescribe or recommend any type of medications and it is NOT the role or the intent of your Upper Cervical Doctor to remove any medications; that is between you and the prescribing doctor. Believe it or not, the number one inhibitor of healing, is a negative mindset. Thoughts always become things, hence the importance of having a positive attitude geared towards the life that you desire. When in agreement with your Upper Cervical Doctor’s intention and recommendations, only good things can come of it. In contrast, when you constantly doubt the care that your doctor is providing or you are unwilling to make any changes to your lifestyle, you will not only waste your time and money, but you will begin to blame others for your inability to heal. “What the mind believes, the body achieves.”

“When is a good age to start having my spine checked?”

Shortly after birth, ideally. The birthing process for both the mother and newborn can be very traumatic. Most pregnant women today are told by their doctor how, when, and where the birth is going to take place. Unfortunately, in today’s “go-go-go” world, the birth is scheduled to accommodate the doctor’s schedule. This often leads to the use of unnecessary chemicals for both managing pain and speeding up the birthing process by inducement. No other species interferes with this process. Once the mother is given medications, the nerve system responds by causing uterine contractions to expedite the delivery. All too often the mother is then given an epidural to prevent any possible discomfort, along with pitocin, the synthetic version of oxytocin, a natural hormone all females produce that helps the uterus contract during labor. The body then experiences medication-induced contractions that force the fetus’s head towards the not yet fully dilated cervix. This triggers a severe pain response, prompting the epidural; that is if the mother has not already been given an epidural for the discomfort, seeing as most women today have been made so afraid of giving birth that the epidural is often given before the birth process even begins! The epidural numbs the nerves within the spine, similar to novocain for a tooth, but when the mother is told to push, she cannot feel what she is pushing, thus putting undue pressure onto the head and neck of her newborn. To add “fuel to the fire,” the involuntary, forced contractions from pitocin add to the pain and possible head and neck trauma. Once the fetus is through the cervix and the head begins to “crown” (reveal itself), the mother continues to push while laying propped up on her back with her legs elevated, causing a narrower vaginal opening, and almost 100% of the time, the practitioner that is facilitating the birth then uses his/her fingers to get a hold of the head. Once the fingers are around the head, the delivery is then assisted by pulling the head to fully extract the fetus. This unnecessarily strenuous process causes muscle, ligament, head, and neck injury. The same scenario, if not worse, occurs when a caesarian (C) section is performed. Unfortunately, this has become the norm, thus creating a sub-par environment for the newborn to have its first experience of life; most babies are subluxated during birth. This is why your Upper Cervical Chiropractor would tell you that the best age to start care is the moment you are born. It is safe, gentle, and benefits the entire family regardless of age.

“How often should I be adjusted?”

Remember that the goal of Upper Cervical care is to only adjust your spine when necessary. This is what makes this type of care unique compared to other types of Chiropractic. Many Chiropractors initially adjust people 2 to 3 times per week for several weeks or months. Upper Cervical Chiropractic offices do not operate like that at all. Typically, your Upper Cervical Doctor will want to see you once a week (maybe twice a week depending on the severity of the case) for the first month or so. Then, they begin to taper your visits down depending on how well your spine is holding the adjustment. The longer your spine remains in a neurologically stable state, the quicker one has the potential to heal.

You WILL NOT have to be adjusted on every visit. Actually, most people, after about 4 to 6 months of care, will begin to hold their adjustment for a month or two at a time, hence the reason why you would only need to be seen once a month thereafter. Think of it like taking care of a plant. How often should you water a plant? Obviously, one should water the plant only when it needs it. With that same understanding, your spine should be adjusted only when it needs it as well.

“How long will I need to be under care?”

When people invest their time and money by joining a gym, eating organic foods, and choosing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care as part of their lifestyles, only good can come of it. Your body is the only place that YOU are going to live, so why not do your best to take care of it? Think of it like getting braces. Why invest the money to straighten your teeth if you are unwilling to later wear the retainer to keep them straight? Your body has been made to take care of itself; give your body what it needs and let it do what it was designed to do. The transformation that your body undergoes during the first 12 months of care is unlike anything you will ever experience. Once the body is in a stable neurological and structural position, then maintaining it is relatively simple, especially if one begins care at an early age.

"So, how long should one be under Upper Cervical Care?"

No two people would answer that question the same. However, if you were to ask Upper Cervical Doctors how long they plan on having their spines checked, they would tell you “for the rest of our lives.” If diet, exercise, and rest make sense, then why not incorporate proper nerve system functioning to your lifestyle as well? Being the best version of you emotionally and physically – having an “edge” in life – all starts with a properly functioning nerve system.

“What about the rest of my spine?”

22 of the 24 vertebrae within your spine possess an interlocking joint, thus restricting motion to protect the nerves. The infrared spinal scan that is utilized to identify if your spine has any neurological compromise can and should be applied to the entire spine after your initial Upper Cervical spinal adjustment to ensure that your neurologic dysfunction has been restored both at the base of your skull as well as the remainder of the spine. Just about every nerve in your spine originates within the Atlas vertebra, and when it misaligns, your entire spine structurally and neurologically begins to compensate as well. Therefore, once the neurological compromise is restored, the entire spine will adapt and adjust accordingly. Upper Cervical Chiropractors are full spine practitioners, they simply apply the full spine adjustment via the upper cervical spine.

“Does my TMJ have anything to do with my spine?”

TMJ function is dependent upon the teeth fitting together properly as well as proper upper cervical spinal mechanics. If either your teeth or your head and neck do not align with one another, your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) will be displaced. Many studies, websites, and books link dysfunction of the TMJ or cranial-cervical-mandibular disorders to multiple symptoms, including but not limited to Meniere’s disease, decreased hearing, fullness in the ears, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, difficulty balancing, difficulty swallowing, neck and shoulder soreness, clicking and grinding sounds in the jaw joints, limited mouth opening/movement, visual disturbances, and in some cases neurological conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. The muscles in the face, head, and neck all work together to help maintain your skull on top of the spine with the task of attaining the most optimal, properly balanced position. Your mandible (jaw) is what controls the bottom teeth; your top teeth, meanwhile, are attached to what is called the maxilla, which is also part of your skull. So the big question is, “What is controlling your skull’s position?” If you guessed your Atlas, then you would be right. Your skull rests on top of the Atlas, and when the Atlas misaligns (subluxates), then the head shifts to one side causing the spine, joints, and muscles to accommodate to the abnormal position. This is how the TMJ becomes misaligned as well. Many dentists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists attempt to lineup the jaw (mandible) while the head is out of balance, which makes their jobs very challenging. When your Atlas is adjusted, both the head and spine align, as well as the TMJ.

“Can you adjust someone that is pregnant?”

If a woman were to become pregnant, her own nerve supply becomes responsible for not one, but two different bodies, as she is the host for the fetus. Over the next 9 months, her body will completely transform structurally, physiologically, and emotionally. So, it is imperative that the mother’s body be neurologically and structurally sound. When pregnant, the pelvis and spine are in a new position due to the growth of the fetus, so when the spine is in alignment, the pelvis is then in an ideal position for delivery. Once the baby is born, having his/her spine checked will ensure that your child starts off on the right foot when it comes to sleeping habits, demeanor, a strong immune system, and overall health.

“Can I still be adjusted if I have had spinal surgery?”

Unfortunately, when most hear the word “Chiropractic,” they think about someone that twists and pops your back. Upper Cervical Chiropractors are adamant that there be no type of twisting or popping of the spine. Simply speaking, Upper Cervical Care aims to ensure that the head is sitting properly on top of the spine for optimal neurological communication from the brain to the body. Spinal surgery is rarely ever performed at the upper most portion of the spine, but even if it was performed to the neck or any portion below, it is usually due to either spinal degeneration, trauma, or diseased condition. Upper Cervical care is quite safe for those who have had spinal surgery. If you think about it, our nerve system was created to build, sustain and adapt. In the unfortunate circumstance that surgery is necessary, the spine is then forced to accommodate to the fused or removed structures. Just like the strength of a chain, it is only strong as its weakest link. Spinal surgery creates weak links within the spine. All the more reason to ensure that the wisdom within the neuro-logic system is functioning properly as it now must adapt the spines new surgical environment. Proper nerve function slows down the progression of any additional spinal decay.

“Do all Chiropractors adjust the Upper Cervical part of the spine?”

Just about every Chiropractor has the intention to adjust the upper cervical spine, but very few are trained to do it correctly. In order to adjust the Atlas or Axis from its abnormal position, a gentle and precise force is required without any twisting of the head or neck because of the relational shape of the joints that the skull and the Atlas possess; the Atlas has two cup-like joints that your skull rests upon, similar to holding a bowling ball with both hands supporting it from underneath. If you were to turn your head, it would rotate / spin on those two joints. It therefore takes a very specific gentle pressure to adjust the Atlas or Axis properly. Any twisting of the spine will cause the joints below the Atlas to “lock out,” and if the force is great enough, it will cause them to make a popping sound (called a cavitation) similar to cracking your knuckles. The popping is nitrogen gas leaving the joint capsule (a balloon like structure that holds the joint together), NOT an adjustment. Unfortunately, the majority of the Chiropractic profession has very little knowledge of how to apply an Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustment.

“My primary physician thinks you are not a real doctor.”

According to Webster’s dictionary, doctor means teacher or educator. A “real doctor” could be a psychologist, veterinarian, dentist, pastor, lawyer, surgeon, or musician; the list goes on and on. Each one has earned the highest scholastic ranking regarding their trade. A medical doctor is one that aims to treat a disease or condition with the use of medications and/or surgery. The Doctor of Chiropractic is one that focuses on spinal function to ensure that the body is both neurologically and structurally sound. They are both unique to their field and expertise and offer two completely different types of care, similar to the difference between a carpenter and a plumber. In a scholastic comparison, Chiropractors have roughly 300 more class hours compared to your primary medical doctor. Any time a doctor, practitioner, or professional seeks to sway a patient or client’s decision based on their own beliefs or opinions, it speaks volumes about their knowledge on the subject, and contradicts what should be the primary goal: to help you to become a better you within their own field of expertise.

“My D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) and PT (physical therapist) said they can adjust the spine too.”

Per Google…The D.O. and PT both perform manipulations to the spine and extremities to treat muscle pain and dysfunctions related to the entire skeletal system, but neither perform adjustments. The Chiropractic adjustment is intended to restore the body to good working order, to help it regulate itself, and to bring it to a proper state or position. A Chiropractor (D.C.) is trained to “adjust” both the spine and extremities. As much as it is a play on words, the definitions are quite vague, mostly to avoid conflict between the professions. It is a political thing and it does not explain how each of the practitioners can uniquely help the body to function properly. If a D.O. or PT states that they are “adjusting” the spine similarly to the Chiropractor, the same question should be asked to the D.O or PT.

The D.O., PT, and general D.C. have similar intentions to improve the body’s ability to function. They each have their own understanding and intention, but lack the scientific proof that their manipulation or adjustment occurred. Hearing a “popping” sound does not prove that a manipulation or adjustment occurred. Neither the D.O. or PT (or most Chiropractors) have a way of knowing if what they did was constructive to either the extremity or spine because no type of “before and after” objective gauge is typically ever utilized. Please understand that in no way is this a mockery of any sort, as this type of debate has been going on for over a century.

However, your Upper Cervical Doctor utilizes imaging (X-Rays, MRI, or CT) to reveal the structural state of the spine and infrared thermography to identify any neurological compromise(s). Moreover, the infrared thermography exam is performed both before and after the spinal adjustment to prove that nerve function was properly restored, unlike the D.O. or PT. Respectfully, until the D.O. or PT utilizes some sort of objective gauge to prove their work, they have no way of knowing if “they can adjust the spine too.”

“I don’t feel well and you are not going to adjust me? Why not?”

The nurse or medical doctor typically asks, “What brings you in today?” That is because most go to see the medical doctor when experiencing some sort of pain or symptom. Their protocol is to ask several questions regarding your symptoms and then perform several different exams in the attempt to identify what body part is malfunctioning. Then, the treatment is to give you a drug designed to speed up or slow down the nerve supply in hopes of restoring the body back to health. If you are having diarrhea, for instance, a drug is given to slow down the colon; conversely, if you have constipation, a drug is given to speed it up. Regardless of the type of medication, pharmaceuticals are NOT designed to allow your nerve supply to function the way it was intended: free of any compromise.

Although sympathetic to your discomfort, the job of the Upper Cervical Chiropractor is to gauge how well the nerve system is functioning. The Upper Cervical Doctor will certainly not disregard how you are feeling, but your symptoms do not dictate how, when, or where to provide care. Symptoms are not necessarily an indication that your body is not functioning properly, especially during the initial phase of care. The majority of the time, symptoms are part of the healing process. When a neurological spinal scan is performed, often your spine will be “clear” of any neurological compromise(s), although you may not be feeling well at that particular point in time. Remember, the premise behind this type of care is to ensure that your spine is free of any neurological compromise. The body does not need any assistance, just no interference to its functioning.

“When can I stop taking my medication?”

Medications are not part of Chiropractic; they never were and hopefully they never will be because they completely go against the philosophy and principles of Chiropractic. It’s no to say they have a time and place, but / they are not not Chiropractic. Medicine’s premise is that sickness can only be restored from an outside source (medications or surgery), while Chiropractors believe that if the problem comes from the inside, then the solution to that problem does too. When a Chiropractor aims to assist someone getting off of their medications, it is not Chiropractic, nor is it legal. “Do people get off of their prescriptions while under care?” Absolutely! When function is restored to the nerve system, malfunctioning parts of the body are given the ability to heal themselves; when the nerve system is monitored over an extended period of time, symptoms and lab data reveal that healing and restoration occurred. It is at this point that people seek to get off of their medications. If you are interested in getting off of your medications, that is between you and the prescribing doctor.

“If I had a problem with my brainstem or spinal cord, wouldn’t I know it?”

Believe it or not, the weight of a dime on a spinal nerve will alter the nerve function up to 60%, and yet you would never know it. The nerves that exit the spine possess what are called “proprioceptors”, “nociceptors” and “mechanoreceptors”. These sensory nerve receptors are responsible for position, movement, and pain. When your spine is subluxated (Atlas or Axis misalignment), it causes a neurological disturbance affecting the entire spinal column. Yet, it is impossible to feel it because the brain and spinal cord lack any pain or sensory nerve fibers; if they did, pain would be debilitating. Such is why having your spine checked at least once a month to ensure neurological integrity is so important.

“I feel fine, why would I still need care?”

If your dentist recommends that you have your teeth checked every 6 months or a mechanic recommends that you have your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, would you just wait until you had pain in your mouth from a degenerated tooth or wait until the check engine light comes on in your car? Your spine is far more dynamic than your teeth or your automobile.

Having your spine examined (once a month) to ensure that your nerve system is functioning properly just makes sense. When it comes to health, most have been taught that if you do not have any type of pain or symptom, then the body must be healthy, but health is not that black and white. Health should never be gauged on how well you are feeling, but rather on how well the body is functioning.