15 Exceptional Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Upper cervical chiropractic care has emerged as a specialized approach within the broader field of chiropractic treatments. By focusing on the uppermost vertebrae of the spine, this practice aims to restore optimal alignment and function. The specific focus on this region is due to its crucial role in overall neurological function and spinal health. Here's an exploration of the unparalleled advantages that upper cervical chiropractic care offers.

1. Precision and Specialization

• Targeted Care: The upper cervical region consists of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae. Misalignments here can impact the entire spinal column and nervous system. Upper cervical chiropractors have specialized training to adjust these two critical vertebrae.

2. Natural Pain Relief

• Holistic Approach: Instead of resorting to medication, which often only treats symptoms, upper cervical chiropractic addresses the root causes of pain, offering a more sustainable and holistic solution.

• Range of Conditions: From migraines and headaches to neck and back pain, the treatment can alleviate a variety of conditions stemming from misaligned vertebrae.

3. Improved Nervous System Function

• Brain-to-Body Communication: The upper cervical region plays a pivotal role in transmitting neurological signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Adjustments can improve this communication, leading to better overall body function.

4. Enhanced Mobility

• Restored Alignment: By ensuring the atlas and axis are correctly aligned, patients often experience increased range of motion and reduced stiffness in the neck.

5. Reduction in Vertigo and Ear Infections

• Fluid Drainage: Proper alignment can facilitate better drainage of the eustachian tube, potentially reducing the occurrence of ear infections and symptoms of vertigo.

6. Better Posture

• Spinal Integrity: Correcting upper cervical misalignments can influence the alignment of the entire spine, leading to improved posture and reduced strain on the musculoskeletal system.

7. Increased Energy and Vitality

• Optimal Flow: With enhanced nerve flow and reduced pain, many patients report feeling more energetic and vibrant after adjustments.

8. Non-Invasive and Safe

• Gentle Techniques: Unlike some medical procedures, upper cervical chiropractic adjustments are non-invasive, relying on gentle techniques that avoid the cracking and popping sounds many associate with chiropractic care.

9. Preventive Health

• Regular Adjustments: By maintaining proper alignment, regular visits can act as a preventive measure, warding off potential issues before they manifest as significant problems.

10. Improved Sleep Patterns

• Relief from Discomfort: A well-aligned cervical region can alleviate the discomfort and tension that often disrupt sleep. Many patients report improved sleep quality after undergoing upper cervical adjustments.

11. Enhanced Respiratory Function

• Open Airways: Misalignments in the upper cervical region can potentially impede neural signals that regulate respiratory function. By addressing these misalignments, there can be an improvement in breathing patterns, especially beneficial for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

12. Reduced Dependency on Medications

• Natural Healing: As upper cervical chiropractic care targets the root cause of many ailments, patients often find a reduced need for painkillers and other medications, leading to fewer side effects and a more natural approach to healing.

13. Boosted Immune System Function

• Neurological Connection: The spine plays a role in transmitting signals vital to immune system function. Ensuring that the upper cervical region is free from misalignments can facilitate the optimal functioning of the immune system, potentially leading to a reduced risk of illness.

14. Enhanced Balance and Coordination

• Central Role of the Cervical Region: The upper cervical spine plays a significant role in our sense of balance and coordination. Proper alignment and function can lead to improved physical stability, reducing the risk of falls, especially in older adults.

15. Emotional and Psychological Benefits

• Holistic Wellness: Beyond just physical relief, many patients experience an uplift in their mood and overall emotional well-being. The reduction in chronic pain and the restored sense of balance can contribute significantly to an individual's overall mental health.

The multifaceted benefits of upper cervical chiropractic extend far beyond just pain relief. Embracing this holistic approach to wellness can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health. As awareness grows and more individuals experience its transformative effects, upper cervical chiropractic care is poised to become a central pillar in holistic health and preventive care strategies.

We Are Here To Help

Dr. Gordon Elder, based at the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, is a distinguished practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This specialized approach emphasizes upper cervical health, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and non-invasive treatments.

At the outset of your treatment with Dr. Elder, a comprehensive screening is conducted. Leveraging cutting-edge 3D imaging, he meticulously measures and identifies any misalignments, ensuring that subsequent chiropractic interventions are both precise and tailored to your needs.

The actual correction phase under Dr. Elder is marked by its gentle nature. Rather than unsettling twists, the Blair method is characterized by swift, subtle adjustments.

Post-adjustment, while immediate relief is often experienced, it's crucial to understand that the body's rejuvenation journey is just starting. A correctly aligned spine paves the way for the body's innate healing mechanisms to kick into gear, revitalizing your overall health. To ensure sustained alignment and health benefits, Dr. Elder advises a series of follow-up visits followed by routine chiropractic maintenance.

Should your condition be hampering your daily activities and well-being, reach out to Dr. Elder's clinic. Proudly serving the communities of Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, and extending services to Hobbs in New Mexico, the Blair Chiropractic Clinic is committed to your spinal health and overall wellness.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

How Often Should You See An Upper Cervical Chiropractor?

Upper cervical chiropractic care, a specialized approach focusing on the uppermost vertebrae of the spine (primarily the atlas or C1 and axis or C2), has gained prominence due to its potential benefits for a range of health issues. However, as with any form of therapeutic intervention, frequency is crucial for optimal results. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how often one should see an upper cervical chiropractor.

Understanding Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Before diving into the frequency of visits, it's essential to grasp what upper cervical chiropractic care entails. Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments, which may address larger regions of the spine or other joints, upper cervical care concentrates on the precise alignment of the top two vertebrae. Misalignments here can potentially affect the brainstem, blood flow, and the entire nervous system, leading to a host of health issues.

Initial Phase: Correction and Stabilization

• Intensive Correction Phase: Upon your first visit, the chiropractor will perform a comprehensive assessment, often using advanced imaging techniques. If misalignments are detected, you may need frequent visits during this initial phase – perhaps 2-3 times a week for several weeks. This frequency aids in re-establishing the correct position of the vertebrae.

• Stabilization Phase: Once the initial corrections are made, the next goal is to stabilize the spine. The frequency of visits during this phase generally decreases, and you might visit the chiropractor weekly or bi-weekly for a few months.

Maintenance Phase

After stabilization, the objective shifts to maintaining the optimal alignment of the upper cervical spine. Depending on individual needs, this can range from bi-weekly to monthly visits.

Wellness Phase

Once your spine maintains its proper alignment consistently, the wellness phase begins. Here, the objective is prevention and ensuring optimal spinal health. Visits can be spaced further apart, often ranging from once a month to once every couple of months or even longer.

Individual Factors Impacting Frequency

• Severity of Misalignment: Patients with severe misalignments may require more frequent adjustments initially.

• Age: Older patients might need more time for tissues to adapt and heal, affecting visit frequency.

• Overall Health and Lifestyle: A person who is active and healthy might stabilize faster than someone with chronic health issues or a sedentary lifestyle.

• Posture and Daily Activities: Jobs or activities that strain the neck or spine can impact how often adjustments are needed.

Always Consult with Your Chiropractor

It's essential to note that the above guidelines are general. Individual needs can vary widely, and your chiropractor will create a tailored treatment plan for you. Regular consultations will help adjust this plan as required.

Visiting an upper cervical chiropractor offers potential benefits, but the key is consistent and tailored care. As with many health regimens, it's a journey. Regular check-ups, even when you feel fine, can help in early detection of misalignments, ensuring proactive care and long-term wellness.

We Are Here To Help

Dr. Gordon Elder, of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, is a renowned expert in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This method emphasizes the use of advanced 3D diagnostic imaging, ensuring an unparalleled examination of the spine for precise assessment.

Upon identifying spinal issues, specialists like Dr. Elder employ the Blair technique's hallmark approach: precise, gentle, and low-pressure adjustments. This contrasts with some traditional chiropractic methods, offering an experience where patients often feel no discomfort during adjustments.

Dr. Elder's treatment is outlined in a systematic three-step plan, catering to a myriad of health conditions. The journey commences with a comprehensive health evaluation. The subsequent stage revolves around the therapeutic process, anchored by adjustments aiming to realign the body's intrinsic structure. The final step emphasizes prevention, advocating for routine chiropractic evaluations to stave off future complications.

Upper cervical care stands as a non-intrusive, medication-free remedy, demonstrating efficacy across a diverse array of symptoms and ailments. If you're contemplating this therapeutic avenue, don't hesitate to reach out to Dr. Elder for inquiries. His practice caters to residents in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as those in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

At What Point Should You See A Chiropractor?

Many people think a chiropractor is a doctor you go to after a car accident or serious back injury at work. And while it is true, these are good times to call for an appointment, there are also many other times you may benefit from chiropractic care. 

It may surprise you to know that chiropractors can help with a wide range of health conditions, diseases, and symptoms for people of all ages. The health of the spine is vitally connected to the function of all of the body's systems. 

Here are just some of the problems a chiropractor may be able to help with:

After Accidents and Injuries

Any accidents or injuries—even seemingly small ones—can cause misalignments of the spine. This is particularly true of the upper cervical area (the neck), the most vulnerable part of the spine. You may not realize you have a misalignment and can go for years before nagging little aches and pains become debilitating problems. 

For Allergies, Sinus Issues, and Earaches

The upper cervical spine begins at the base of the skull, close to clusters of nerves and tubes that go throughout the head and face. A misalignment that causes inflammation and swelling may compress these passages, leading to blockages and the build-up of fluids.

When You Suffer from Headaches or Headache Disorders

Ordinary headaches can be a result of stress and tension in the neck, back, and face. This is often due to misalignments of the spine. Even worse, headache disorders, such as migraines or cluster headaches, are often due to nerves being pinched or compressed. 

When You Are Sedentary

There are many reasons why people don't get enough exercise—having to work at a desk, mobility issues, or health problems, to name a few. Either way, sitting for long periods puts three times more pressure on your spine than standing or walking. When we sit and use electronic devices, we tend to look down, extend the neck, and hunch the shoulders, which can result in maladaptive postures, disc degeneration, digestive issues, breathing issues, or nerve problems. A chiropractor can help restore proper posture and alignment and alleviate some of the stress caused by sitting. 

As a Preventative Measure

When it comes to your health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Chiropractors can be part of your regular healthcare routine, along with medical check-ups, dentists, and gynecologists. Since the spine plays such a major role in the body’s overall health and wellness, adding chiropractic care to your healthcare routine can save you a lot of pain and trouble in the long run. 

Call Us For An Appointment

Dr. Gordon Elder of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas is an upper cervical specialist who is a trained practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique. Blair practitioners embrace advanced technology such as 3D diagnostic imaging tools to get a better understanding of their patient's spines. They also specialized in hands-on manipulations that are gentler and longer-lasting than the jarring snaps and twists associated with traditional chiropractic care. 

Dr. Elder treats patients using three simple steps. The first step involves a thorough assessment with advanced diagnostic tools so he can pinpoint problems. The second involves low-pressure adjustments to restore proper alignment of the spine and facilitate healing. The third is by continuing preventative care to avoid future problems by nipping any issues in the bud. 

Contact Dr. Elder to see how upper cervical care can help you. You might be surprised at how much of your health is connected to this vital area. Dr. Elder's area of coverage includes Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Seeing A Chiropractor When You Feel Good Is A Great Idea

A lot of people call the chiropractor for an appointment after an accident or injury, or when that old nagging back and neck pain has started flaring up again. Of course, this is a good time to make that appointment, but it's not the best time. 

What is the best time to make an appointment with your chiropractor? Actually, the best time to see a chiropractor is when you feel great. Here's why.

Preventative Chiropractic Care

Few people realize the importance of the musculoskeletal system in one's overall health. Any misalignment of the spine sets off a cascade of problems through the rest of the musculoskeletal system. Your body shifts to adjust for the misalignment and it causes undue stress on other muscles, joints, and ligaments. 

In addition to aches and pains, the spine is also responsible for protecting the spinal cord. The spinal cord and the brain work together to send signals throughout the body and regulate all of our essential systems. When the spine is misaligned, it may pinch or compress nerves and disrupt the signals. In time, this can cause a wide variety of health problems.

Benefits of Proactive Chiropractic Care

Boost your immune system—one of those important systems that rely on nerve signals is the immune system. If misfiring nerves cause your immune system to malfunction, it can make it more difficult for your body to fight against disease and various health conditions. Keeping your spine healthy helps keep the immune system functioning at optimal levels so it is at its best when fighting off infections, colds, and flu. 

Avoid aches and pains— when you spend too many hours hunched over a desk, bending to clean, picking up heavy objects, or sleeping on a lumpy mattress, you'll eventually have some pain. Why wait for it, though? Going to a chiropractor for regular wellness check-ups can help keep your musculoskeletal system in proper alignment so that you avoid those aches and pains altogether. 

Better Night's Sleep—pain in the daytime when you're trying to go about your work and chores is bad enough; pain at night causes problems. Sleep deprivation can lead to some serious health problems. Chiropractic care helps prevent the problems that may get in the way of you getting sound rest throughout the night. A good night's sleep helps you feel better, improves your mood, and gives you more energy. 

Saves money—preventative care helps you stay in good health, which means fewer trips to the doctor, physical therapist, or other specialists. It means you won't need as many prescription or over-the-counter drugs, or medical assistive devices such as heating pads, ice packs, braces, bandages, etc. This also means fewer medical bills, co-payments, and expenses. You can also avoid taking off more time from work than necessary.

Let Us Help Keep You Healthy

Dr. Gordon Elder of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas is a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. Blair practitioners use cutting-edge technology to examine your anatomy for better, longer-lasting adjustments.

Dr. Elder follows a three-step plan for patients. The first step involves a thorough health assessment involving a consultation and 3D diagnostic imaging tools. 

The second step involves gentle corrections to help restore the spine's proper alignment. Thanks to the advanced technology during the assessment, the doctor can apply precise corrections using a light touch. 

The third step involves adding chiropractic care to your regular health and wellness routine to ensure corrections remain intact and to nip further problems in the bud. 

If you want to give preventative chiropractic care a try so that you can avoid common health problems, contact Dr. Elder. His areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico. 

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Is There A Difference Between Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care?

Living with pain after an illness or an injury can be difficult. At best, it can be a nagging problem that frustrates you when you try to go about your daily routine. At worst, pain can be debilitating, interfere with your ability to work or carry on with your responsibilities, and make you miserable. 

Most people don't have to live with chronic pain, or can at least find some relief and reduction of symptoms by seeking treatment with a chiropractor or a physical therapist. Which would be best for you? That depends—here are some things to consider. 

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists help to rehabilitate people after they suffer from an injury or illness that causes pain and/or debilitation. In some cases, if you have a degenerative disorder or other diseases, physical therapy may be recommended as an intervention for pain or to slow down the condition. 

After an initial assessment of the problem, the physical therapist will design a treatment plan that may include strength training, mobility training, stretching, massage, or joint mobilization. 

Physical therapy is usually a short-term treatment plan lasting from a few weeks to a few months. Periodically during this treatment period, the therapist will reassess your progress and report to your doctor. 

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors also treat patients who have suffered from an illness or injury, and they may treat patients with chronic disorders. They also treat healthy people as a part of a comprehensive preventative care effort. 

Chiropractors examine the spine for misalignments in the vertebrae, which can lead to a variety of problems. Misalignments of the spine can affect the musculoskeletal system, causing pain and inflammation. Misalignments can also affect the nervous system,  impeding the flow of nerve signals between the brain and the body. This can interrupt a wide range of bodily functions.

After an initial assessment, chiropractors make adjustments or apply a variety of methods to help correct the spine to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, and allow the Central Nervous System (CNS) to function optimally. 

Which Is Right for You?

There is some overlap between physical therapists and chiropractors. Both offer natural, non-invasive, drug-free treatment options for various conditions and pains. 

If you have an injury or illness that impairs your mobility, you may wish to consult a physical therapist. 

If you have general pain related to the musculoskeletal system or conditions related to the nervous system, a chiropractor might be best for you. Likewise, if preventative healthcare is your aim, chiropractors are your best alternative.

Of course, you don't have to choose—many people work through injuries and illnesses with both physical therapy and chiropractic care. 

How Our Chiropractic Treatment Works

Dr. Gordon Elder of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas uses the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique to treat patients. The Blair technique is a specialty utilizing advanced 3D diagnostic imaging tools to apply more precise corrections with low-pressure methods. 

Dr. Elder generally treats patients using a three-step model. The first step involves a thorough health screening, which includes 3D imaging scans so that the doctor can get a sense of your unique anatomy and pinpoint any problem areas. The second step involves corrections. State-of-the-art technology allows for a more exact application of adjustments, allowing the doctor to do so with a gentler touch. 

The third and final step involves ongoing preventative care. Dr. Elder recommends regular chiropractic check-ups to patients so that problems can be nipped in the bud. 

If you're interested in what chiropractic care can do for you, contact Dr. Elder for an appointment. The doctor's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.