Upper Cervical Subluxation – Impacts beyond the neck

​Knocks and bumps are part of life. It may be accidental or perhaps as part of certain physical activities or sports. Besides concussion, knocks and bumps to the head or neck region can certainly impact the upper cervical spine. The birthing process alone can create upper cervical subluxation on little humans; and the impact of it may not be detected immediately or emphasized by conventional health providers and their interventions. Various dysfunctions and different presentations developed through the lifetime may well be linked to upper cervical dysfunction.
 
So, it’s not just neck pain. This is why it is important to look after your upper cervical spine:

1. Spinal Cord Tension – Dentate ligament tension can distort spinal cord structure, leading to system wide dysfunction
2. Cerebral hypoperfusion – Tension in arterial and venous system can lead to oxygen and nutrient deprivation to the brain
3. Cerebrospinal fluid pooling – CSF pooling can result in inadequate drainage, increasing pressure and neuroinflammation
4. Maladaptive neuroplasticity – Maladaptive brain can lead to Neuro, Endocrine, and Immune system dysfunction and widespread autonomic deficit
5. Sensorimotor integration errors – Poor sensorimotor integration disrupting motor planning, balance and coordination
6. Increased stress – Chronic overactive sympathetic nervous system reduces the capacity to prepare for, adapt and recover from stress
7. Chronic pain – Inflammation and muscle tension resulting in stimulation of nociceptive (pain) fibres resulting in increased intensity and sensitivity to pain

 
Chiropractic care observes the interconnectedness of the upper cervical function with overall body function. Chiropractic adjustments can correct the upper cervical subluxation, restore proper function and help the body to heal better. If you desire optimal function, get your upper cervical checked by a Chiropractor, book in a consult with us!
 
References:
Ogura T, Tashiro M, Masud M, Watanuki S, Shibuya K, Yamaguchi K, Itoh M, Fukuda H, Yanai K. Cerebral metabolic changes in men after chiropractic spinal manipulation for neck pain. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine. 2011 Nov 1;17(6).
 
Lelic D, Niazi IK, Holt K, Jochumsen M, Dremstrup K, Yielder P, Murphy B, Drewes AM, Haavik H. Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the prefrontal cortex: a brain source localization study. Neural plasticity. 2016;2016(1):3704964.
 
Tracey I, Mantyh PW. The cerebral signature for pain perception and its modulation. Neuron. 2007 Aug 2;55(3):377-91.
 
Surgical Neurology Vol51 (5,) May 1999, Pp 500-505
 
www.chiropracticneuroscience.com – Dr Monique Andrews