When the upper cervical spine subluxates, it causes distortions in other parts of the spine for which the body will then compensate. Many times these distortions or adaption's create dysfunction and/or symptoms. If we then attempt to correct something that is not the cause of the problem, we are now, in fact, creating a problem.
When we correct the real cause, the body can undo the distortions and we no longer need to adapt. Since your body made the adaption, we let your body reverse that adaptation.
Most medical doctors have limited understanding of what chiropractors actually do and even less understanding of what an upper cervical chiropractor does. They think that we will be twisting and popping the spine and they are concerned that we will damaged already weakened tissue. Since upper cervical care places minimal stress on the spinal joints (adjustments are done with the neck in a neutral position) and in many cases not near the area of surgery, the care is extremely safe. A very through examination is done prior to any care to be sure the care will be both safe and effective.
By the way, do you know that chiropractors have the lowest malpractice insurance rates of any profession.
An upper cervical subluxation can create so much harm to the function of your nervous system and therefore your health. Just as a proper correction of that subluxation can do so much good, an improper force introduced can do as much harm. The anatomy of each individual is as unique as you are. To make the most effective correction, it is vital to know the shape of each of the joints being corrected.
When you walk into a room with the light on, do you turn on the light switch? Of course not. An Upper Cervical doctor determines that a subluxation exists on a visit prior to making a correction. If no subluxation is present, no correction is needed. It is not the adjustment that heals the body, it is the nervous system being free of interference that allows the body to heal.
What is your goal? Do you just want to be out of pain? (Drugs can many times do that.) Do you want to be off pain medication? Do you want to be able to do normal every day activities without pain? Or do you wish to have ALL of the signals traveling along the nerves to and from the brain to do so free of interference? Chiropractic is not about pain relief, but nervous system function. The decision to seek or continue care is always yours, but don't shortchange your health by having pain be your guide. In most cases slow gradual damage occurs long before the pain starts.
There are many reasons why children receive chiropractic care. Many spinal problems seen in adults begin as early as birth. Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth many parents have their newborns checked. Even 'natural' birthing methods can stress a developing spine. The resulting irritation to the nerve system caused by spinal and cranial misalignment can be the cause of many newborn health complaints. Colic, breathing problems, nursing difficulties, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions can often be traced to nerve system dysfunction.
An infant, learning to hold up the head, sit, crawl and walk are all activities that affect spinal alignment and are important times to have a child checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic. Because the body is still developing, uncorrected spine and nervous system dysfunction can lead to problems that stay with them for life.
