Headaches and neck tension can disrupt our daily lives and affect our overall well-being. And while there are many approaches to managing these issues, more people are turning to upper cervical chiropractic care.
This specialised form of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the top two bones in your neck—the atlas and axis— and their impact on your health.
But what exactly are these bones, and how can adjusting them help manage headaches?
A Closer Look into the Atlas and Axis
At the very top of your spine sit two unique vertebrae: the atlas and the axis. These bones play an important role in supporting your head and enabling its wide range of motion.
The atlas, also known as C1, is the first cervical vertebra, and it has a distinctive ring-like structure unlike any other vertebra in your spine. This unique shape allows it to cradle the base of your skull, providing support and enabling you to nod your head.
Just below the atlas is the axis, or C2. It has a bony protrusion called the odontoid process, which fits snugly into the ring of the atlas. This forms a pivot joint that allows your head to rotate from side to side.
When the atlas and axis are properly aligned, they work together to support your head and facilitate movement. However, misalignments in these vertebrae can have far-reaching effects. For instance, they can irritate surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to headaches, neck tension, and even restricted blood flow to the head.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps with Headaches
While regular chiropractic care focuses on the entire spine, upper cervical chiropractic concentrates on the atlas and the axis.
Additionally, upper cervical adjustments are known for their precision and gentleness. Often, they are performed with specialised instruments or gentle techniques. As such, they are a safe and comfortable option for people of all ages, including those with existing neck pain or concerns about traditional adjustments.
Here’s how upper cervical chiropractic adjustments address headaches:
1. Nervous System Influence
Your nervous system is the master control centre for your entire body, and the upper cervical spine plays a vital role in its function. Misalignments in the atlas and the axis can put pressure on the brainstem and surrounding nerves, disrupting communication between your brain and body. At the same time, this disruption can manifest in different ways, including headaches.
Upper cervical adjustments aim to restore proper alignment, reduce nerve interference, and promote optimal nervous system function. As a result, there will be a decrease in headache frequency and intensity.
2. Muscle Tension
Headaches often go hand-in-hand with muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. As mentioned, a misaligned atlas and axis can create imbalances in the surrounding muscles, leading to tightness, stiffness, and pain.
Upper cervical adjustments can help release this muscle tension by restoring proper alignment and reducing stress on the surrounding tissues. Consequently, they can address tension headaches and contribute to a greater sense of relaxation.
3. Blood Flow
For some individuals, migraine and headaches can stem from misalignments that restrict blood flow. But by gently adjusting the atlas and axis, upper cervical chiropractic can help improve blood circulation to the brain.
This increased circulation can bring oxygen and nutrients to the brain, potentially addressing headaches and promoting overall brain health.
4. Individualised Care
It’s important to remember that every individual is unique, and so are their headache patterns. In general, qualified upper cervical chiropractors recognise this individuality and emphasise personalised care.
For instance, when you visit Vitality Chiropractic Centres, you will work with a chiropractor who will conduct a thorough assessment to identify your specific needs and develop a tailored treatment plan. Plus, they may recommend lifestyle changes, precise adjustments, and gentle exercises to support your upper cervical health and potentially reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches.
Consider Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Headaches
When you prefer a natural and gentle approach to managing headaches, consider upper cervical chiropractic. However, remember to choose a qualified chiropractor to ensure that the adjustments are safe and personalised according to your specific concerns.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
