Objective

Upper cervical injuries may influence overall health. This study will examine a 53 year old male suffering with neck pain, hernia of the cervical spine, frequent headache, low back pain, occasional dizziness, and carpal tunnel like symptoms 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 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 53 year old male presents with a host of health conditions. The patient has three cervical herniated discs, and a lumbar disc injury confirmed on MRI. The patient also has frequent headaches, dizziness and carpal tunnel like concerns. The patient is a construction worker and said that the symptoms appeared progressively over 30 years of heavy labor with several repetitive injuries. He is unable to continue working as he would like due to the limitations of the health conditions. His average pain is reported 8-9 on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst pain.

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 great improvements in the head, neck and shoulder region within three weeks of care. The numbness in the hands persisted after 2 months of care. This may be in part due to the herniated discs in the cervical spine. While some discomfort still exists, it is much less then before and the patient reports an average of 2-3 out of 10 pain intensity. The patient has stated improved stamina with daily tasks.

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 three weeks 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.