Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care focuses on removing nerve irritation to restore communication between the brain and the body. Restoring function at the level of the brainstem and upper cervical spine (the control center of the body) is essential so that the body may heal itself and have optimal vitality. With the nervous system functioning at 100% the body has the potential to heal itself from even the most complex of ailments.
The words “Upper Cervical” refer to the first two bones in the neck. They are very unique vertebrae, vastly different than the other 23 bones comprising the spinal column. In fact, they have special names. While most people understand the common letter and number system for the vertebrae of the spinal column, the first bone has a particular name, The Atlas. “Atlas, the Greek god, was condemned to spend eternity supporting the earth on his shoulders; hence the Atlas bone, the first vertebra of the neck which supports our head and through which ALL nerves pass, was named.” The second bone is referred to as The Axis. These two vertebrae are the only two vertebrae between which there is NO DISC. The absence of the intervertebral disc allows for a greater range of motion. Because of this increased range of motion, these segments are much more likely to misalign, causing nervous system interference at the level of the brain stem. The misaligned segments are identified through the use of Laser-aligned Radiography. Because the misalignment is very slight (measured in millimeters) it is very important that precise x-ray equipment is used.
Dr. Strunk uses Digital Infrared Thermographic Scans as one indication that nervous
system interference is present. He also uses a palpation scan of the neck and leg checks to determine whether or not the patient needs an upper cervical adjustment. Thermography has been used for thousands of years to diagnose the sick. In modern times new medical breakthroughs have allowed us to further understand the link between thermal imbalances and nervous system dysfunction. For this reason, we utilize thermographic scans both pre- and post-adjustment, in addition to the palpation scan and leg check. It is of absolute importance that the patient understands that results do not come from the adjustments themselves, but rather from the patient achieving a healthy and fully functioning nervous system.
The Upper Cervical adjustment is delivered using an instrument with just enough force to gently correct the misalignment. It is safe for patients of all ages. We have experience applying the adjustment to patients of all ages.