Upper cervical chiropractic techniques address the parts of the spine located in the neck. There are seven vertebrae in the upper spinal column, which chiropractors define as C1 through C7, from the top down. The first bone, C1, is called the atlas because it supports the skull and head. (The name refers to the Greek titan Atlas, who supported the whole world on his shoulders.) C2 is referred to as the axis because it's where the head pivots as it turns from right to left.

These bones and the other five in the upper cervical region are among the most critical in chiropractic care. Because they are the closest to the brain, they play a key role in ensuring that messages are sent through the nervous system to other parts of the body. When they are misaligned, it can prevent those signals from reaching their intended destination or garble them to the point at which they cause problems. Upper cervical chiropractic treatments can also restore blood flow and oxygen that may be getting pinched by a misaligned vertebra.

Find a Chiropractor in Orlando With Experience in Upper Cervical Care

Upper cervical chiropractic requires a delicate touch because of the bones' proximity to the brain.

"...Upper cervical chiropractic requires a delicate touch because of the bones' proximity to the brain.."

Chiropractors endeavor to do their work with as little pain or body intrusion as possible. When a chiropractor can find the problem and properly realign the bones, signals from the brain can once more be processed correctly. Racine Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Winter Park, Florida has experience in upper cervical care.