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April 4, 2023 • Dr. Joey Kramer

What you need to know about upper cervical chiropractic

What you need to know about upper cervical chiropractic
The Patient (You Are the Hero of Your Recovery)

Persistent neck stiffness, postural strain, or radiating nerve discomfort shouldn’t be the price you pay for an active career and full life—yet stretching and quick fixes never seem to hold.

As your guide at Hope Southlake, Dr. Joey Kramer looks beyond surface muscle tightness to correct the exact craniocervical misalignment driving full-spine compensation.

Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized form of chiropractic care that focuses on the alignment and function of the uppermost vertebrae of the spine, known as the atlas and axis. These two vertebrae play a crucial role in the proper function of the nervous system and can impact overall health and wellbeing if misaligned.

The goal of upper cervical chiropractic is to correct misalignments in the upper cervical spine, which can occur due to trauma, poor posture, or other factors. When the atlas and axis are out of alignment, they can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to a variety of health issues.

During an upper cervical chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor uses a precise and gentle technique to realign the atlas and axis vertebrae. This involves the use of specialized instruments or manual adjustments to make very specific corrections to the spine.

One of the key benefits of upper cervical chiropractic is that it is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to healthcare. Rather than relying on medications or surgery, upper cervical chiropractic seeks to restore the body's natural healing abilities by removing interference to the nervous system.

Some of the common health conditions that upper cervical chiropractic can address include:

      • Headaches and migraines

      • Neck and back pain

      • Vertigo and dizziness

      • Chronic fatigue

      • Fibromyalgia

      • TMJ disorders

      • Digestive issues

      • Sleep disorders

    While upper cervical chiropractic can help with a wide range of health issues, it is not a cure-all. It is important to work with a qualified upper cervical chiropractor who can evaluate your specific needs and recommend an appropriate course of care.

    At our practice, we take a holistic approach to upper cervical chiropractic care. This means that we focus not just on correcting misalignments in the spine, but also on addressing underlying lifestyle factors that may be contributing to health issues.

    For example, we may recommend dietary changes, stress management techniques, or exercises to help support the body's natural healing processes. We also work closely with other healthcare providers, such as massage therapists and acupuncturists, to provide comprehensive care.

    If you are considering upper cervical chiropractic care, it is important to find a chiropractor who is experienced and knowledgeable in this specialized technique. Look for a chiropractor who has received advanced training in upper cervical chiropractic and who takes a holistic approach to care.

    In conclusion, upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized form of chiropractic care that focuses on correcting misalignments in the uppermost vertebrae of the spine. This non-invasive and drug-free approach to healthcare can help address a wide range of health issues by restoring proper nervous system function. If you are considering upper cervical chiropractic care, be sure to work with a qualified and experienced chiropractor who takes a holistic approach to care.

    Your Guide & Recovery Plan

    Restore Your Structural Alignment Without Twisting or Cracking

    Guided by Dr. Joey Kramer, D.C. at Hope Upper Cervical Spine Center in Southlake, TX—combining computerized infrared thermography, 3D craniocervical imaging, and gentle Blair Upper Cervical corrections with zero twisting or cracking.

    Step 1

    Schedule Your Consultation

    Meet one-on-one with Dr. Joey Kramer in Southlake to share your story, health history, and goals.

    Step 2

    Precision 3D & Neurological Evaluation

    We perform paraspinal infrared thermography, postural analysis, and 3D imaging to pinpoint your exact upper cervical alignment.

    Step 3

    Gentle Correction & Lasting Stability

    Receive a custom, non-twisting upper cervical correction designed to hold so your nervous system can heal naturally.

    The Outcome You Deserve

    Move freely without stiffness, sit and sleep comfortably, and enjoy a spine that holds its natural alignment.

    Common Patient Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why does forward head posture or "tech neck" put so much strain on the upper cervical spine?

    For every inch your head shifts forward in front of your shoulders while looking at screens, the effective weight load on your cervical muscles and ligaments increases by roughly 10 pounds. Over time, this pulls the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) out of alignment and creates chronic neck tension.

    Why hasn’t stretching, massage, or ergonomic furniture permanently fixed my neck stiffness?

    Muscles only pull where bones and neurological signals tell them to go. If the top two vertebrae are structurally misaligned, your nervous system will continuously guard and tighten the surrounding muscles until the underlying skeletal misalignment is precisely corrected.

    How does Blair Upper Cervical Care restore natural posture without forceful spine cracking?

    By using 3D imaging to measure the exact joint angles of your Atlas and Axis, Dr. Kramer delivers a gentle correction that restores head-on-neck balance. Once the head is centered over the neck, the rest of the spine naturally unwinds its postural compensations.

    What can I do between visits to help my neck hold its upper cervical alignment longer?

    Raising monitors to eye level, avoiding stomach sleeping, using a supportive contour pillow, taking micro-breaks every 45 minutes, and staying hydrated all help your cervical ligaments hold your adjustment longer.

    Verified Patient Outcomes

    Patient Testimonials

    ★★★★★

    “I had chronic neck tension and radiating nerve pain down my arm for over three years. General chiropractors twisted my neck and made it worse. Dr. Kramer’s gentle upper cervical correction solved the actual problem permanently.”

    ★★★★★

    “Traditional medicine only offered heavy medications that masked the pain. Hope Southlake gave me true, lasting relief by correcting the upper cervical misalignment and taking mechanical pressure off the nerve root.”

    Dr. Joey Kramer, DC

    Written by Dr. Joey Kramer, DC

    Upper Cervical Specialist at Hope Southlake Spine Center. Dedicated to helping individuals find clarity and lasting relief from chronic neurological and spinal symptoms through upper cervical care.

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    Ready to Find Lasting Relief?

    Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Joey Kramer and discover if Upper Cervical Care can help you heal.

    Schedule Your Free ConsultationCall (972) 638-0994
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