Objective

To discover if a relationship exists with upper cervical injuries and neurological problems such as dizziness, neck pain and frequent headaches in the case of an active 21 year old female. Also to determine if an upper cervical correction may be a viable means of caring for such neurological issues.

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 conditions 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 effects are seen in the whole body.

Clinical Findings

A 21 year old female experiencing daily headaches accompanied with dizziness and neck pain following a fall one year prior, presented for an evaluation. At time of the initial exam, the patient was engaged in active athletic activities and was not able to fully participate due to health problems. Additionally, she had sensations of pins and needles in bilateral arms and hands at night. She stated that her head often felt heavy. The patient used over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the headaches.

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 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

The purpose of care was to correct the 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

Two weeks after care was initiated, the patient reported no complaints and was able to participate more fully in the athletic activities. Three months following the initiation of care, the patient had a fall from a height with the return of symptoms. The subluxation pattern was evident and an additional correction was delivered to favorable results. The patient again reported no complaints following the correction.

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 correlating with the initiation of care in this case, and the complete absence of symptoms within six weeks of care, suggest a link between the upper cervical subluxation, and the neurological conditions. It may prove beneficial if further studies on upper cervical injuries and it’s association with neurological health problems were pursed more fully.