Objective

Upper cervical injuries may influence overall health. This study will look at a 34 year old with constant neck pain, headaches, occasional dizziness and how upper cervical care may improve the quality of life in this individual.

Although upper cervical care does not claim to be a cure for any single health problem or concern, it’s effects are seen generally and many people have overcome their health struggles with the help of upper cervical care. Upper Cervical Care is a unique form of chiropractic that helps people with common and uncommon health concerns be able to return to their normal life without the use of drugs or surgery.  Because upper cervical care revolves around the proper alignment of the head and neck and eliminating interference on the nervous system, the improvements are seen in the whole body.

Clinical Findings

A 34 year old male presents with constant neck pain for an evaluation. The patient states that the pain started following a motor vehicle accident 3 years previous. The pain varies with different activities but is constant. Dizziness has developed over the past year and is more frequent when there is an increase in neck pain. The patient says he can manage the pain but the dizziness is preventing him from doing things he wants to. The patient also states that he has suffered with headaches for much longer and attributes that to being active in physical sports.

An upper cervical evaluation was completed which included an upper cervical specific exam and advanced diagnostic imaging using the Cone-Beam CT. Following the exam and extensive analysis of the diagnostic imaging, the patient was found to have a pattern of signs indicating that there was an injury to the upper cervical spine. A plan of action was presented and the patient initiated upper cervical care.

Method of Care

Upper cervical corrections were advised and given. The purpose of care was to correct the biomechanical and neurological fault or subluxation found at the atlanto-axial joint. The recommended care included an initial correction of the first vertebra and regular visits to evaluate and deliver corrections to the upper cervical spine as needed. The case was managed following the Blair Upper Cervical Specific protocol and included PRILL leg length inequality observations, thermographic pattern studies, posture analysis and neurological tests.

Outcome

The patient noted that the dizziness had dissipated following the first week of care. The neck pain diminished as well as the headaches. Interestingly, the patient developed a burning sensation in the heals of his feet after the first week of care and lasted several days. The patient responded very well despite having a large upper cervical misalignment.

Conclusion

The primary objective of upper cervical care is to remove true consistent nerve pressure thus allowing the nervous system to become healthy once again. The reduction in symptoms at the initiation of care suggest a link between the upper cervical subluxation and the health conditions. It may prove beneficial if further studies on upper cervical injuries and it’s association with health problems was pursed more fully.