About Upper
Cervical Chiropractic

One of the most common questions we encounter is: “Is upper cervical chiropractic safe?” The answer is a resounding yes. This technique is not only safe but also non-invasive and often used as a pain-free alternative to more aggressive or invasive forms of treatment. Research and clinical experiences have shown its effectiveness in addressing various conditions, proving it to be an safe and effective health care choice.

Upper cervical chiropractic care has been associated with significant relief for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

• Meniere’s Disease
• Vertigo and Dizziness
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraine Headaches
• Tension Headaches
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Post-Concussion Symptoms
• Numbness, Tingling, or Pain in the Face or Upper Extremities
• Spinal pain (neck, mid back, low back)
• Suitable for all ages including infants and pediatrics

Yes! Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on precise adjustments of the upper neck region, particularly the atlas and axis vertebrae, which can influence nervous system function. In individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), this specialized care may help alleviate symptoms like dizziness and imbalance by improving neurological and vascular function. While not a cure for POTS, upper cervical chiropractic offers a non-invasive approach to potentially reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on precise adjustments to the upper neck region, particularly the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae. This area is crucial because it’s closely linked to the brainstem and central nervous system. Misalignments here can disrupt the normal function of the autonomic nervous system.

Upper cervical chiropractic care can provide supportive treatment for Chiari malformation by alleviating mechanical stress on the brainstem and spinal cord. This approach helps improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and reduce nerve compression through precise adjustments of the upper cervical spine. An Upper Cervical Chiropractor will review your MRI imaging and x-ray findings to determine if this care is right for you.

Our chiropractic care is tailored to individual needs. We start with a Blueprint Spinal Analysis which tells us exactly what your case needs and the timeline we can expect for recovery. Orthospinology is an extremely precise adjustment technique, resulting in customized treatment for each patient.

Choosing Orthospinology Upper Cervical care means opting for a treatment that focuses on the root cause of symptoms rather than just addressing the symptoms themselves. This approach not only provides relief but also works towards long-term health and wellness.

Orthospinology is gentle, involving no forceful twists or cracks. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and methods. The adjustment itself is less pressure than you would comfortably put onto your eyelid.

Yes! In fact, Dr. Flick practiced a different technique at the start of her career but retrained to become a certified Orthospinology doctor after witnessing firsthand the profound changes that Orthospinology can achieve for patients. Because an atlas misalignment can cause issues throughout the spine (not just at the neck!) if it’s found to be misaligned it is always the starting point.

An upper cervical chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in helping you get the most out of your nervous system.

The nervous system is one of the most important and complex systems in your body that controls everything from how you see to how you breathe, from how you fight off sicknesses and infections to how you walk and talk. To ensure its smooth functioning, your spine must be in its orthogonal alignment to avoid damage and disruption to the nerves and muscles that connect it to your whole body.

Lifestyle and daily activities, however, make it difficult to maintain this. That’s where a Waco upper cervical chiropractor comes in! They are trained to identify and address subluxations (misalignments) in your spine that cause pain and discomfort through manual and gentle spinal adjustments. Doing so helps your body heal from within, making you feel better overall.

When upper cervical chiropractors in Waco adjust your spine, they also adjust your entire body, so you may notice other parts of your body relaxing and not just the area of your initial concern. The body responds to the adjustment by mobilizing fluids into the joints and soft tissues, allowing them to swell and release toxins.

Most people feel better almost immediately, though sometimes, depending on the severity of their misalignment, patients may need to wait a few hours for their symptoms to improve. This process takes anywhere from 24-72 hours to complete. This is normal and to be expected as your body adjusts to the realignment done to your spine.

Chiropractic care is based on the concept of restoring proper function and alignment of the spine and pelvis through gentle spinal adjustments. Because every person’s spine is unique in its structure and condition, each patient will require a different frequency of adjustment for optimal results.

Some patients require more frequent adjustments than others due to their condition or the severity of symptoms they are experiencing. This will be clarified to you during your consultation day. Waco chiropractors specializing in Orthospinology can give you an approximation of how many sessions you will need based on the results of your tests and scans.

Upper cervical chiropractors in Waco usually recommend a series of visits because they aim to help you address and manage your pain to prevent it from persisting and further damaging your overall health. Our bodies are an incredibly complex system of systems, so it takes time to recalibrate, especially if neglected for too long.

The adjustments alone won’t take long, but only one can be done per visit to ensure effectiveness and give your body the time to adapt to the changes made – slowly but surely.

The main cause of migraines is still unknown, but a number of things can trigger them. These include blood vessel changes, hormonal changes, food, weather, and stress levels. All of which are mostly related to a chemical imbalance within your brain system. 

Another possible reason is a miscommunication between your brain and other parts of your body due to nerve damage from subluxations. Any form of pinching or compression on the nerves that send signals to your brain with regard to your spatial orientation and sensory functions may contribute to your attacks.

Migraine sufferers should always consult their most trusted Waco migraine chiropractor or doctor before starting any new approach to migraine relief. In general, however, there are some things you can do to help ease your symptoms:

• Drink lots of water!
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. 
• Try relaxation techniques. 
• Another option for managing your migraines is exercise.

These simple tips and tricks can be more effective with regular upper cervical care. That is because chiropractic care can ensure that all your systems are in good condition and no nerves are compromised due to a spinal misalignment.

It’s easy to ignore a headache, especially if it’s not a migraine. But migraines are more than just a headache—they can also cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. If you ignore your migraines and don’t treat them, they can get worse over time. Eventually, they may become so severe that they interfere with your daily life, making it impossible for you to work or enjoy yourself without pain and discomfort. Avoid this by being proactive about your health and finding the most appropriate migraine relief in Waco for you.

How can I tell if my headaches are actually migraines? 

Migraines differ from regular headaches in several key ways. Migraine symptoms often include:

• Pulsating or throbbing pain (typically on one side of the head)
• Pain that worsens with physical activity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Visual disturbances before or during the headache
• Headache lasting 4-72 hours without treatment

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consult with a Waco upper cervical specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Vertigo tends to resolve on its own within a few days after the initial onset of symptoms. But if your vertigo persists, there are steps that you can take to prevent it or lessen its effects. You should try to avoid activities that trigger your symptoms, like looking up at tall buildings or riding in a moving vehicle. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can make your symptoms worse. And if your symptoms persist, you should see your doctor or chiropractor for vertigo in Waco for possible care plan options.

Here are the most common causes of vertigo that you should watch out for, so you can start taking action as soon as possible:

#1 Vestibular Disorders

The most common inner ear problems are Meniere’s disease, Benign Paroxysmal Position Vertigo (BPPV), Vestibular Neuritis, and Labyrinthitis.

#2 Head Injury, Trauma, Accidents

It could be something called post-traumatic vertigo (PTV), which happens when nerve damage from the injury disrupts signals between the brain and the inner ear. PTV may come back later on, so it’s important to watch out for it and get the necessary maintenance care.

#3 Dehydration

It’s one of the most common reasons for vertigo. It can happen if your body isn’t getting enough fluid.

While people often use these terms interchangeably, they’re actually different sensations. Vertigo specifically refers to the false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. Dizziness, on the other hand, is a more general term that can include feelings of lightheadedness, faintness, or unsteadiness. A Waco upper cervical specialist can help determine which you’re experiencing and recommend appropriate treatment.

If the spinning sensation is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, dizziness that lasts longer than two days or more than three episodes in one week, loss of balance or difficulty walking, hearing loss or ringing in the ears, blurred vision or double vision, changes in taste or smell, a sudden onset of headaches that do not go away with medicine or rest – contact your nearest Waco chiropractor or doctor immediately. These are signs that something serious may be going on.