Objective

Upper cervical injuries may influence overall health. This study will look at a 37 year old male with irregular eye movements, ringing in ears, mid back pain 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 37 year old male with irregular eye movement presents for an evaluation. The patient describes the movement as very quick circular movements that cause blurriness and at times dizziness. The movement started two year previous when the patient fainted and struck the back of his head. The patient notes that it gets worst with strain or stress on the eyes such as reading from a computer screen or small print. Accompanying the eye discomfort, the patient also started to get symptoms of tinnitus or ringing in the ears.

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 initially noted an absent of the irregular eye movements for two weeks. A subsequent injury in the gym brought back the symptoms and additional corrections were delivered. The patient has remained stable with only occasional disturbances during long hours on a computer. Mid back pain was also cared for and eliminated. The ringing in the ears diminished but had not completely resolve 8 months after initiating care.

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.