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A Simple Concept

Upper cervical care is a specialized form of chiropractic treatment focusing on the upper part of the spine, including the cervical vertebrae near the base of the skull. The philosophy behind this approach is rooted in the belief that many health issues, both physical and mental, originate from misalignments or subluxations in this area, affecting the nervous system's function.

The upper cervical spine is crucial because it houses the brainstem, a vital part of the nervous system that controls many of the body's automatic functions. Upper cervical practitioners argue that even slight misalignments in this area can disrupt the normal flow of nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body, potentially leading to various health problems.

The treatment in upper cervical care is notably gentle compared to traditional chiropractic manipulations. It does not involve forceful twisting or jerking motions. Instead, practitioners use precise, controlled touches to correct misalignments, which they argue can help restore the body's natural balance and enable self-healing processes. This non-invasive approach aims to remove interference in the nervous system, which can lead to improved health outcomes.

Contrary to common misconceptions, upper cervical care is not solely for treating neck and back pain. While it can certainly benefit individuals experiencing these issues, the scope of upper cervical care extends to a broader range of health conditions. This is because the underlying principle of this approach is not just to alleviate symptoms but to address the root causes of health problems by restoring normal nervous system function.

The belief that the body is a self-healing organism, when free from nervous system interference, is central to upper cervical care. Therefore, practitioners focus on removing the sources of interference rather than treating specific symptoms or using pharmaceutical interventions. This holistic approach reflects the view that optimal health depends on the proper alignment and functioning of the spine and nervous system.

What Is Upper Cervical Care?

Upper cervical care is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that zeroes in on the critical relationship between the upper cervical spine—the top two bones in the neck, known as the Atlas and Axis—and the brain stem, which is a pivotal part of the central nervous system. This area is crucial because the brain stem acts as a major control center for the body, facilitating communication between the brain and the spinal cord, and thereby influencing every cell, organ, and system within the body. The brain stem's function is akin to a massive telephone cable with thousands of nerve fibers, transmitting signals back and forth, thus controlling vital functions like immune response, emotions, sensory functions, autonomic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, and more.

The Atlas and Axis vertebrae are particularly susceptible to misalignments due to their high degree of mobility compared to other spinal segments. These misalignments can be triggered by various factors including falls, car accidents, sports injuries, work-related injuries, concussions, stress, poor posture, or even trauma during birth. When these two bones are not properly aligned, it can exert pressure or cause irritation in the central nervous system, particularly around the brain stem area. This can disrupt the normal flow of nerve impulses between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a plethora of health issues as the disrupted signals affect the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate itself.

In upper cervical care, the goal is to precisely identify and correct these misalignments, thereby removing the interference with the body's natural communication pathways. By restoring proper alignment to the upper cervical spine, this form of chiropractic care aims to alleviate pressure on the brain stem and the nervous system, enabling the body to resume its natural functions and healing processes. This approach underscores the importance of maintaining the health of the upper cervical spine to ensure the optimal functioning of the entire body, preventing irreversible spinal degeneration and chronic health problems that can arise from untreated upper cervical misalignments.

How Is Upper Cervical Care Different?

The narrative around upper cervical care highlights a significant shift from traditional health care practices, particularly in the context of chronic conditions and the side effects associated with conventional medication. While modern medicine excels in managing acute trauma and critical conditions, it often falls short in addressing chronic health problems, which form a large portion of current health issues. Many patients experience prolonged suffering due to treatments that focus solely on symptom relief rather than tackling the root cause of their ailments. This issue is compounded by the growing concern over the adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs, as evidenced by the controversies surrounding medications like Celebrex, Vioxx, and OxyContin. The concern is not unfounded, as reports suggest that a significant number of deaths in the United States annually can be attributed to medical errors and negative drug reactions.

Upper cervical care presents an alternative approach by concentrating on the underlying causes of health problems rather than just treating the symptoms. This form of care specifically targets the upper cervical spine and brain stem, areas believed to be pivotal in maintaining overall health and bodily functions. Upper cervical practitioners, such as Dr. Ri, undergo extensive post-doctorate education and training focused on these critical areas of the body. Their approach is grounded in the belief that many chronic conditions stem from misalignments or dysfunctions within the upper cervical spine, which can impact the central nervous system's performance.

By correcting these misalignments, upper cervical care aims to restore proper nervous system function, thereby allowing the body to heal naturally and efficiently without the need for drugs or surgical interventions. This holistic approach has led numerous patients to find relief and improved health outcomes after years of conventional treatments that failed to address the root causes of their conditions. The growing interest in upper cervical care reflects a broader trend towards seeking alternative and complementary health solutions that prioritize long-term wellness and the body's intrinsic healing abilities.

Who Can Benefit?

Upper cervical care is presented as a universal approach to maintaining and enhancing health, applicable to a wide range of individuals, from infants to seniors, expecting mothers, athletes, and those recovering from accidents. The philosophy underpinning this approach is that a healthy spine and nervous system are foundational to overall well-being. Rather than merely addressing the symptoms of health issues as they arise, Dr. Ri and practitioners of upper cervical care aim to identify and rectify the underlying causes of these problems, ensuring that the body can function optimally.

This form of care is not only beneficial for those who are currently experiencing health problems but is also recommended for individuals without noticeable symptoms. For those who are symptom-free, upper cervical care is considered an excellent preventive measure to maintain health and prevent future issues. It underscores the importance of regular care for the spine and nervous system as a proactive approach to health and wellness.

For individuals interested in exploring how upper cervical care might benefit them, whether they are dealing with existing health issues or simply interested in maintaining their health, consultations are available. Interested parties are encouraged to learn more about what upper cervical care involves and how it might improve their quality of life. Appointments can be requested through the provided form or by directly contacting the office, indicating a user-friendly approach to accessing care and learning more about this holistic health approach.

Common Conditions/ Symptoms That Have Responded To Upper Cervical Care:

Acid reflux, Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Attention Deficit Disorders, Auditory (ear) dysfunction, Bell’s Palsy, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Chronic fatigue, Colic, Digestive disorders, Disc Herniations, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Gastrointestinal dysfunction, Headaches, High blood pressure, Hyperactivity (ADHD), Immune function, Irritable bowel syndrome, Knee pain, Learning disorders, Low back pain, Menstrual disorders, Meniere’s syndrome, Migraine headaches, Multiple Sclerosis, Neck pain, Neurological disorders, Otitis media (ear infections), Scoliosis, Shoulder and arm pain, Seizure disorders, Skin disorders, Sports injuries, TMJ dysfunction, Torticollis, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Ulcers, Vertigo (dizziness), Visual (eye) disturbance, Whiplash.

We service all these cities in Orange County: Alisa Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda.