Reprinted with permission from Daniel O. Clark, D.C. Copyright 2022 www.uppercervicalillustrations.com
Why The Neck?
The top part of our head plays an important role in the central nervous system. Sometimes, an injury to the head and (or) neck can cause damage to the upper neck. The atlas (C1) misalignment between the base of the skull and upper neck affects our posture and the central nervous system, and this can translate into chronic pain.
The upper neck houses many important structures near the brain which are responsible for vital functions to survive such as the brainstem, spinal cord, blood and CSF flow system. When there’s a malformation or misalignment in the upper neck (craniocervical junction), this will interfere with the nervous system functions. As a result, a persistent, disordered, twisted body posture remains and stay locked causing further weakness and deterioration. The atlas (C1) misalignment can be one of the root cause of the complex health issues.
The Common Signs
The atlas vertebrae misalignment in the upper neck can causes structural and neurological symptoms in our body. It appears that those symptoms experienced followed by a concussion, a whiplash, and the craniocervical syndrome appear strikingly similar to each other. The signs and symptoms includes: chronic headache, migraine, dizziness, loss of balance, pressure in the eyes, numbness and tinging, neck pain, neck stiffness, sensitivity to lights and noises, jaw pain, but not limited to.
Accidents, Injuries, and Traumas
A car accident or a sports injury can be one of the many things that cause the atlas (c-1) spine to misalign. As the head moves off the center, the entire spinal structure twists including the pelvis.
The craniocervical junction (CCJ), which is the base of the skull and the top part of our neck meet, influences how our brain communicates. This region is not just unique in anatomical structure, but this area coordinates with eyes, ears, both feet and ankle to understand where our body is in space.
Many studies have been pointing the fingers at this specific region that this area can be the chokepoint for the CSF circulation (supplying and draining) between the brain and the rest of the spine.
NUCCA Care Offers Hope!
Dr. Hwang provides unique solution to complex health problems. NUCCA is designed to restore body balance and functions by precisely correcting the head and neck misalignment.
The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) has developed a system of precise analysis to transfer exact corrective force needed to realign the head, neck, and the atlas (C-1). This advanced procedure allows us to adjust this complex area of the spine using minimal force, without twisting or manipulative force. By making adjustments to the upper neck, we can restore our better muscle tone balance close to the center (the vertical axis of our body).