Upper Cervical Chiropractors

• Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in treatments for cervical subluxation. This specialist performs an exam and requests precision-aligned X-rays to diagnose your cervical subluxation. The physical examination and the close tolerance cervical spine X-rays help the upper cervical chiropractor measure the degree of the subluxation (misalignment) to determine the degree of treatment necessary for your condition.
  
  

Upper Cervical Subluxation Adjustment

• X-ray measurements allow the upper cervical chiropractor to perform the upper cervical subluxation adjustment. The instrument used makes up and down motions, similar to a sewing machine needle making a seam. The upper cervical chiropractor calibrates the device so it can accurately make the adjustments in the exact location required to fix your misalignment. It is not a procedure that requires "popping" or "cracking," as many chiropractic treatments have a reputation for. There is a low amount of force applied to the spine with this procedure, but it shouldn't cause pain in most patients.
  
  

Recovery

• After your upper cervical subluxation adjustment, regular visits to your upper cervical chiropractor will help confirm the alignment is in place. Your chiropractor may also recommend you perform certain exercises to help maintain your alignment. The time it takes to recover from your cervical subluxation depends on the severity of the misalignment. If it's a new injury, recovery can occur quickly. However, if the misalignment is a long-term problem, resulting in compromised musculature and ligaments, it will take a great deal of time to achieve stability and heal in the new aligned position. Expect recovery to take at least six weeks.
  
  

Maintain the Adjustment

• An upper cervical subluxation adjustment will remain in place until something requires it to change, causing you to lose your alignment. You can control whether you maintain or lose your alignment by paying attention to the three T's: toxins, traumas and thoughts. Toxins, both dietary and environmental, can stress out your body, causing you to lose your alignment because of the tension. Traumas include car accidents and falls, but also repetitive movements or any motion that doctors might consider an ongoing traumatic event. Thoughts can also contribute to your alignment maintenance because stressors and negativity in your life can cause tightness in your shoulders, thus having a negative affect on your alignment.