Objective

Sport injuries at the upper cervical region may impair body coordination. This study will examine a 14 year old female with a sudden onset of vertigo with occasional headache. This study will also give a rational as to how an upper cervical specific intervention 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 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 improvements are seen in the whole body.

Clinical Findings

A 14 year old female presented with a history of sudden and severe dizziness, including occasional associated headache. There was mention that she was a young athlete and the symptoms first appeared during an athletic activity. The first episode lasted 3 days. The second episode occurred again while involved in athletic activities. The patient was treated with medication that was effective but left undesirable side effects. Because of this, the patient was unable to participate in her activities.

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

Within three weeks, the patient stated great improvement and was able to begin her normal athletic activities. At this time the patient was able to function successfully without meds. The patient continued to improve until she felt a large “pop” in her neck and the dizziness returned. Another correction was delivered and the patient returned to an improved status.

An additional injury was sustained during another athletic event 6 weeks into care and the pattern of symptom and functional interference was noted and corrected. In all, the patient underwent 9 Blair Upper Cervical corrections in a 10 month period. The patient has returned to all previous actives with no restrictions and remains stable without symptoms or medication. 

Conclusion

The primary objective of upper cervical care is to remove true consistent nerve pressure and interference, thus allowing the nervous system to become healthy once again. The reduction in symptoms after starting care, and the elimination of symptoms within a month 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.