What is Upper Cervical Chiropractic?
Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a specialised form of chiropractic care that focuses on the top two vertebrae of the spine, the atlas, and axis. The technique involves precise adjustments to this area to restore proper alignment and function, aiming to positively influence the central nervous system.
You can learn more about the Upper Cervical Spine in our blog series.
How is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Different from Regular Chiropractic?
Upper Cervical Chiropractic differs from traditional chiropractic by concentrating on the upper neck, or as its officially called, the upper cervical spine. It employs detailed assessments and gentle adjustments, often without the characteristic cracking sounds associated with general chiropractic adjustments.
There are many unique elements which make Upper Cervical Chiropractic stand out - learn about them here in our blog “The Lowdown on Regular Chiropractic vs. Upper Cervical Chiropractic (and what sets it apart).”
Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Safe?
Yes, Upper Cervical Chiropractic is considered safe. The adjustments are gentle and specific, and practitioners undergo specialised training to ensure precision and minimise risks. It is a non-invasive approach with a focus on promoting the body's natural healing processes.
All Chiropractors undergo 4-7 years of degree level training (depending in which country they study), then to specialise in Upper Cervical Chiropractic they usually undertake months of Postgraduate study and practice in order to take care of clients.
Who can benefit from Upper Cervical care?
Its something that you can chose to do for yourself and your family at any stage of life. Its much easier to maintain normal, than to correct compensations and problems that have been developing for some time, therefore the younger you are when you first go to a Chiropractor the better.
Whether you are in pain or not, having yourself checked by a Chiropractor on a regular basis is akin to going to the dentist throughout your lifetime to care for your teeth.
That being said, the majority of people tend to come to us once they have been in pain or suffering for some time.
Chiropractic itself is not a fix for specific symptoms.
However, due to the global impact in your body from caring for your central nervous system, and allowing your body’s innate intelligence to function unhindered, many people experience a wide range of changes in their body’s expression of pain or symptoms.
In our office we see a high number of people suffering with headaches, migraines, neck pain, jaw pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and with an altered stress response (e.g. tired but wired, difficulty feeling grounded and connected to oneself) who have significant improvements from receiving Upper Cervical Chiropractic.
How Does Upper Cervical Chiropractic Work?
Upper Cervical Chiropractic works by identifying misalignments in the upper neck and providing precise adjustments to correct them. This influences the central nervous system, promoting improved communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
We liken this important area of your body, that is vital in your healing and everyday processes, to the fusebox of the house. Read more about it in our blog “Brainstem - The Fusebox in Your Body.”
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Whether you’ve come to us with or without external symptoms, it can take some time for your nervous system and body to return to its normal state of function.
This length of time varies depending on many factors such as how long you were compensated, adapted and operating in a state of dis-ease before you started your care, your history of traumas, your age, your intensity and mix of symptoms, your current lifestyle and stressors, and of course the results of your New Client physical examination, radiographs and nervous system scans.
Most people tend to see big shifts in the first three months of care, with some even noticing changes from the first adjustment.
Even if you don’t notice external changes straight away we are using technology at every visit to measure the function of your nervous system and all the changes. In addition we carry out regular Change Evaluation visits where we take further measurements to see the evolution of your progress.
Read more about the typical journey of care in our blog “What to Expect in Your Upper Cervical Care Program at KOEO.”
Are Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments Painful?
Adjustments in upper cervical chiropractic are typically gentle and not painful. Many patients report a sense of relief and increased mobility after adjustments. The focus is on precision and minimal force.
How Often Do I Need to Visit for Treatment?
The frequency of visits varies based on individual needs. Phase 1 - Restore is an intensive phase which involves more frequent visits to help the body and nervous system return to normal, and from a state of ‘dis-ease’ to ‘ease’. This is followed by a transition to Phase 2 - Advanced where ongoing, less frequent visits, allow the body to continue changing and healing.
The goal is to provide the necessary care while respecting the body's healing process. You can read more about the typical journey of care in our blog “What to Expect in Your Upper Cervical Care Program at KOEO.”
What Benefits Are There for Children Being Checked by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor?
Just like going to the dentist from a young age is hugely beneficial to keep your child’s teeth at their best, having your child checked by a Chiropractor is a fantastic way to care for their developing nervous system and body structure.
One of my favourite analogies regarding Chiropractic for children is the comparison of planting a seed in a jar vs. outside in the open air.
Inside the jar the plant will grow within the confines of the jar. It will adapt and compensate to the limitations that the jar creates.
In the open air the plant is free to grow and develop to its full potential.
Chiropractic care for young people is either:
1) Preventing the ‘jar’ ever being there that limits their potential, or
2) Smashing the jar if its already there so their future growth and development is unhindered
You can have your child checked as early as you like. The earliest I have checked one of my client’s babies was at 1 week old.
In this model of care its like having a regular check up at the dentist.
If nothing is wrong, which is usually the case we can monitor them at an appropriate rate - approx once a quarter.
If there are any compensations or adaptations in their system (which can occur from in-utero, their birth, knocks and falls) we will check them to correct the issue initially with some visits closer together before moving them onto a schedule to monitor them, again approx once a quarter.
Is it Necessary to Have Images (Radiographs) to Have Upper Cervical Care?
In order for Sophie to take the best care of you these images are required. Learn more about the images in Part 3 of our Upper Cervical Care blog series.
However if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or breastfeeding then we will not take radiographs at that time. With my pregnant or breastfeeding clients I do a series of extra checks to do my best to know exactly where they need to be adjusted without having the images taken, however it is always more accurate to have the images taken when possible.
Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Covered by Insurance?
It totally depends on your insurance policy, and where in which country its based. We have noticed that typically insurance policies offered by Spanish based companies do not cover any type of Chiropractic care.
However, we have many clients who have a more international or European based insurance policy and many of them are reimbursed part of the cost of their care. They pay up front for care, we provide them with an invoice at the end of the month and once submitted, their policy provider reimburses them.
We suggest checking with your policy provider to find out what could be covered for you.
How is it possible that only touching the neck creates changes in my whole body?
This is because your Upper Cervical region houses the structures that make the biggest percentage of neurological / global decisions in your body, than anywhere else in your body.
This one tiny area organises anywhere up to 90% of everything that happens automatically inside of you. This is why we liken it to the fusebox of your body. You can read more about this in our blog about your brainstem.
Is it safe for Pregnant Women to Receive Upper Cervical Care?
Not only is it safe but it is also hugely beneficial.
Anyone who has been pregnant knows how many changes your body goes through throughout a pregnancy and postpartum.
We have noticed a big difference in clients who were already under care before getting pregnant vs. those who come to us already pregnant and starting to suffer from their underlying imbalances.
There is a lot to share about the benefits of Chiropractic during Pregnancy and Postpartum. You can read more in our numerous Pregnancy blogs.