If you live in North Texas and struggle with headaches, neck pain, or other ongoing health concerns, you may feel like you have tried everything, including chiropractic care. But have you tried upper cervical chiropractic? Upper cervical chiropractic offers a gentle and focused way to help your body work the way it was designed. At HealthWorks Family Chiropractic in Plano, we use precise measurements and light touch to realign the top of your spine and support whole-body wellness.
In this guide, you will learn what upper cervical chiropractic is, how it is different from traditional chiropractic care, and what you can expect when you visit HealthWorks. Our goal is to help you understand your options so you can make a confident choice for yourself and your family.
What Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?
Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the top two bones in your neck. These are called the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). They sit just below your skull and protect your brainstem. Even a small shift in this area can affect how your nervous system works.
Instead of adjusting the entire spine at every visit, we focus first on correcting the exact position of the atlas. When the atlas is gently brought back into balance, the rest of the spine can often follow. This can reduce stress on nerves, muscles, and joints throughout the body.
The Atlas and Your Nervous System
Your brainstem is like the main switchboard for your body. Messages for pain, balance, digestion, sleep, and more pass through this area. When the atlas shifts out of place, this can create tension and change how messages move from the brain to the body and back again.
This problem can be displayed as headaches, migraines, neck pain, dizziness, fatigue, or changes in posture. By gently correcting the atlas, upper cervical chiropractic helps restore clear communication in your nervous system so your body can start to heal and function better.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Differs from Traditional Chiropractic
Many people think of chiropractic as twisting, cracking, or popping the spine. Upper cervical care is very different. At HealthWorks, we use very light pressure, often no more than about six pounds. There is no twisting of the neck and no forceful movements.
Each adjustment is based on detailed measurements of your spine and posture. We focus on helping the correction “hold” so your body has time to adapt and stabilize.
Understanding the Orthospinology Technique
At HealthWorks Family Chiropractic, we use the Orthospinology technique. Orthospinology is a gentle upper cervical chiropractic method that grew out of research by Dr. John F. Grostic in the 1930s. It combines physics, anatomy, and advanced imaging to create a very precise adjustment plan for each person.
With Orthospinology, we do not guess. We measure. This supports care that is both gentle and highly specific to your unique spine.
Conditions That Respond to Upper Cervical Care
People come to HealthWorks Family Chiropractic with many different concerns. While every person is unique, we often see improvement in the following areas after careful atlas correction:
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Vertigo and balance problems
- Jaw pain and TMJ issues
- Upper back and shoulder tension
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
Upper cervical chiropractic does not treat specific diseases. Instead, it removes stress from the nervous system so your body can function at a higher level. Once the nervous system stress is removed, this often results in improvement of the troubling concern.
Neurological and Postural Benefits
When the atlas is out of place, your body often compensates. One hip may rise. One leg may appear shorter. Muscles may tighten on one side. Over time, this can strain joints and create pain.
By correcting the atlas, we help your body return to a more balanced posture. Many patients notice that their head feels more level, their shoulders relax, and they stand or walk more evenly. Neurological symptoms, such as vertigo, ringing in the ears, or facial pain, may also calm as pressure on the nervous system decreases.
Long-Term Wellness Outcomes
As your nervous system functions better, many areas of life can improve. Patients often report better sleep, fewer headaches, and more stable moods. Some notice better focus, more energy, and easier digestion.
Upper cervical care can be an important part of a long-term wellness plan for you and your family. Our goal is not only to help you feel better now but also to support your health for years to come.
Your Journey at HealthWorks Family Chiropractic
From the moment you walk into our Plano office, we want you to feel seen, heard, and cared for. HealthWorks is a family-friendly space, and many of our patients bring their children, spouses, and loved ones in for an evaluation. Dr. Jennifer Taylor DC, Dr. Lisa Bennett, Dr. Lindsey Stewart, DCCJP, and our team take time to listen to your story and explain each step.
The Comprehensive New Patient Examination
Your first visit includes a detailed consultation and examination. This careful process helps us understand not just where you hurt, but why.
We review your health history, current concerns, and goals. We then perform a full postural assessment to see how your body is holding itself in space.
When needed, we take specialized digital X-rays of your neck and upper spine. We then use computer analysis to calculate the exact angles of misalignment in your atlas and related structures.
These images guide every adjustment we make. Dr. Taylor, Dr. Bennet, and Dr. Lindsey design a custom correction to restore a neutral, balanced position for your head and neck. This reduces pressure on the brainstem and nerves.
After your new patient exam is complete, our doctors reviews your findings with you. They will explain what the scans and X-rays discovered, what it means for your health, and how the Orthospinology technique can help. Together, we build a care plan that fits your needs and your life.
What to Expect During Your Adjustment
During an Orthospinology adjustment, you lie comfortably on your side. We use a specialized adjusting instrument to deliver a gentle, controlled tap behind your ear. This tap is a percussion sound wave that helps guide the atlas back toward its proper position.
There is no twisting, cracking, or popping. Many patients are surprised by how light the adjustment feels. Some notice an immediate sense of ease or relief. Others feel a gradual change over several visits as their body adapts. This approach is safe and gentle for children, adults, and seniors.
We celebrate each step of your progress and adjust your plan as your body changes. Our goal is to help your correction hold as long as possible so you can enjoy lasting results.
Take the Next Step to Wellness
If you are ready to see how upper cervical chiropractic may help you or your loved one, we invite you to take the next step. Schedule your consultation at HealthWorks today and begin your path toward better balance and better health.