San Diego’s Only Orthospinology Upper Cervical Chiropractic Doctors
Why Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Upper cervical chiropractic care is extremely specialized and vitally important. The care is “specific” because of the unique structure and function of the upper cervical spine–the Atlas and the Axis. These two vertebrae, unlike any other in the spine, are primarily held in place by ligaments and muscles, instead of bone. While this allows for greater mobility, structural stability is susceptible to misalignments from traumas such as falls, auto accidents, sports injuries, and birth traumas. Misalignments at this level may produce irritation to the brain stem and nervous system, and compromise an individual’s health.
Due to the global effect of an upper cervical misalignment, a delicate and specified protocol is necessary when examining and caring for each patient. The manifestations of an upper cervical misalignment are far-reaching. Therefore, the objective of the Upper Cervical protocol is to accurately identify the position of the vertebrae.
It is is a rapidly growing form of healthcare that focuses on the intimate relationship between the first two bones in the neck (upper cervical spine) and a vital portion of the nervous system (the brain stem).
This relationship is essential to the body’s ability to preserve and restore health and general well-being. Many comparisons have been made of the brain stem as the control center that extends down an opening in the base of your skull. This area is vulnerable to injuries or irritation around the upper neck. The brain stem works like a telephone cable with thousands of individual wires (nerve fibers) sending signals back and forth between the brain and spinal cord to every system, organ, and cell in the body. Every nerve impulse between the brain and the body must pass through the brain stem.
The nervous system is responsible for all communication within the body. It controls the immune system, emotions, vision, hearing, balance, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, muscle tension, posture, hormones, and every other function. Irritation or pressure within the central nervous system can interrupt communication between the body and brain, creating a variety of health issues that can be helped with chiropractic care.
Why the Upper Cervical Spine Matters
The upper cervical region surrounds and protects the brainstem, the control center for:
• Posture and balance
• Pain and sensory processing
• Muscle activity and tone
• Sleep, energy, and focus
• Inflammation responses
• Eye and head movement coordination
• Nervous system regulation
Because of this, proper alignment here can positively impact many areas of the body — not just the neck.
The top two vertebrae, the Atlas and Axis are especially vulnerable to injury or misalignment because they are the most mobile segments of the spine. If neglected, an Upper Cervical misalignment can lead to irreversible spinal degeneration and chronic ill health.
Family First Chiropractic bases our care on the universal law of cause and effect. For every effect or symptom (physical or mental), there must be a cause. Upper Cervical doctors focus their efforts on locating and correcting interference to the nervous system that may be the cause of your health condition. Correcting this interference can allow the body to heal itself naturally without the use of potentially harmful drugs or surgery.
An Upper Cervical Correction is gentle and there is no forceful jerking, twisting, or pulling on the neck. The correction is applied using an exact and controlled technique that allows the head, neck, and spine to return to their proper positions. This restores balance to the body and removes the interference.
What Makes Orthospinology Different
Orthospinology uses:
• Gentle, non-twisting corrections
• Computer-calculated angles and vectors
• Digital imaging for accuracy
• Postural and neurological analysis
• Specific, measured adjustments
There are no forceful movements, twisting, or cracking.
Patients often say:
“It feels like the smallest adjustment with the biggest impact.”
What Conditions Can Improve With Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Upper cervical care may help with:
• Neck pain
• Headaches & migraines
• Vertigo & dizziness
• Post-concussion symptoms
• TMJ discomfort
• Numbness, tingling, or radiating pain
• Muscle tension or imbalance
• Upper back or mid-back tightness
• Poor posture
• Nervous system dysregulation
When combined with full-spine care or decompression (when appropriate), many patients experience deeper, longer-lasting improvements.
Because of this, proper alignment here can positively impact many areas of the body — not just the neck.
What to Expect at Your Upper Cervical Evaluation
Your first visit includes:
• Consultation and history review
• Neurological and postural analysis
• Thermography
• Digital X-rays (if needed, $20 per image)
• A detailed analysis of your upper cervical alignment
At your Report of Findings, we walk you through what we discovered, how it affects your health, and what type of care is recommended for your specific condition.
Patients often say:
“It feels like the smallest adjustment with the biggest impact.”
What an Orthospinology Adjustment Feels Like
• Gentle
• Specific
• No popping
• No twisting
• Comfortable for patients ages 5 and up
Most patients notice immediate or gradual improvements in:
• Posture
• Ease of movement
• Muscle relaxation
• Breathing
• Balance
• Pain levels
• Overall comfort and clarity
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon. 8am-6pm
Tues. 8am-1:30pm
Wed. 7:30am-3pm
Thurs. 8am-6pm
Fri. 7:30am-3pm
