The delicate balance of our body’s structure hinges significantly on the correct alignment of the spine, particularly the neck or the cervical spine. Improper neck alignment can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just our physical wellbeing, but also our neurological health. This article delves into the health problems that can arise from poor neck alignment and explores how upper cervical chiropractic care can help rectify these issues.
1. Health Issues Stemming from Improper Neck Alignment
Headaches and Migraines
One of the most common symptoms of poor neck alignment is headaches, particularly tension headaches and migraines. Misalignment in the cervical spine can place strain on the muscles and nerves in the neck, leading to chronic pain that often radiates to the head.
Muscle Pain and Tension
When the neck is improperly aligned, surrounding muscles work harder to compensate for the imbalance, leading to chronic muscle tension and pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Over time, this can also lead to the development of musculoskeletal conditions like fibromyalgia.
Restricted Range of Motion
Poor neck alignment can limit the range of motion in the neck, causing stiffness and making it difficult to turn your head in certain directions. This limitation can affect your ability to perform daily activities and decrease your overall quality of life.
Impaired Nervous System Function
The cervical spine houses the spinal cord and acts as a conduit for nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Misalignment can impede these signals, affecting the body’s ability to function properly. This can lead to a range of symptoms including vertigo, insomnia, fatigue, impaired concentration, and even mood disorders.
2. How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Help
Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the proper alignment of the top two vertebrae in the neck, the atlas (C1), and the axis (C2). These vertebrae have the most mobility and are therefore most prone to misalignment.
Precision Diagnosis
Upper cervical chiropractors use advanced diagnostic imaging techniques, like digital X-rays or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), to identify subtle misalignments in the upper cervical spine. This allows for a precise and individualized treatment approach.
Gentle Adjustments
Once a misalignment is detected, the chiropractor will use a series of gentle, precise adjustment techniques to realign the vertebrae. Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments, upper cervical methods do not involve forceful twisting or popping. The goal is to restore natural alignment and allow the body to heal itself.
Holistic Improvement
By addressing the root cause of various symptoms, upper cervical chiropractic care can help relieve pain, restore range of motion, and improve overall nervous system function. Patients often report improvements in associated symptoms such as headaches, vertigo, and fatigue, as well as enhanced overall wellbeing.
Improper neck alignment can have profound impacts on your health, causing a range of symptoms from headaches to impaired nervous system function. Thankfully, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a targeted, gentle, and effective approach to rectifying these issues. If you’re experiencing symptoms that could be related to poor neck alignment, seeking consultation with a qualified upper cervical chiropractor could be the first step on your path to improved health.
How We Treat Improper Neck Alignment
Dr. Bello of Los Angeles Upper Cervical aims to address the fundamental cause of your improper neck alignment by realigning the upper cervical spine and reducing abnormal pressures that lead to neck tension and inflammation.
The preliminary phase of Dr. Bello’s treatment process entails identifying any misalignments in the upper cervical spine. For this purpose, our upper cervical specialist uses a variety of advanced diagnostic instruments, such as non-invasive X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans.
Following the initial assessment and examination, Dr. Bello performs highly targeted adjustments on the upper cervical spine. The aim of our treatments is to alleviate musculoskeletal stress and reinstate normal joint function, thereby aiming to eliminate inflammation and reduce the frequency and severity of your neck misalignment.
If you’re in search of a natural and effective solution to your improper neck alignment, Los Angeles Upper Cervical is at your service. Dr. Bello caters to patients in West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Westwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and surrounding areas.