Specific Chiropractic emphasizes total body function rather than the treatment of symptoms. Your nervous system controls every function and action in your body. Therefore, maintaining a healthy nervous system allows your body to function at 100% of its optimum potential. When something interferes with your nervous system, problems within the body arise. The manifestations of these nerve interferences are numerous. It can result in digestive disorders, headaches, menstrual problems, fibromyalgia to name just a few. While many of these symptoms indicate underlying problems, there are some conditions in which symptoms do not exist. For example, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease may not show any signs at first but can be deadly if left untreated. The goal of specific chiropractic care is to remove these interferences within the nervous system, to correct the cause of your problem, and to improve the function of your whole body.

Upper cervical care is a specialty within chiropractic. Doctors choosing to practice the upper cervical procedure must undergo extensive training and certification. The protocol and procedure is very complex, therefore, requires a greater understanding of the upper cervical anatomy and neurology.

Upper cervical care is concerned with the position of the first two vertebrae in the cervical spine, known as the atlas and axis. These vertebrae are vitally important because they encase the spinal cord, which supplies nerve flow to the entire body. The result of an atlas and/or axis being out of position is the restriction or distortion of critical messages from the brain to all parts of the body. When the bones of the upper cervical region are misaligned, irritation ensues due to the increased pressure in the spinal cord. Every cell, organ or tissue that is not receiving adequate nerve energy and communication from the brain will suffer and degenerate.

The upper two vertebrae, unlike any other in the spine, are held in place mainly by ligaments and muscles rather than the bones themselves. As a result, they are more susceptible to misalignment from traumas such as falls, auto accidents, sports injuries, etc. The misalignment may produce irritation to the nervous system and compromise one's health.

Upper cervical care aims to eliminate this source of nerve irritation, and restore proper communication between the brain and the body. This is done by correcting the specific misalignment in the upper cervical region. Without pressure or irritation, the nervous system functions properly and keeps us healthy.

© 2007 The Cumberland Clinic of Chiropractic

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