The Cranial Nerves and the Upper Cervical Spine: Why Alignment Matters

Many of the functions we rely on every day, such as seeing, hearing, swallowing, balancing, tasting, and even regulating stress, depend on a group of nerves most people have never heard of: the cranial nerves.

These nerves form the most direct communication pathways between your brain and much of your body. And nearly all of them originate in one highly sensitive area: the brainstem, located just millimeters above the top two bones of your spine, known as the atlas (C1) and axis (C2).

Understanding this relationship helps explain why problems in the upper neck may be connected to a wide range of symptoms throughout the body.

The Brainstem and the 12 Cranial Nerves

The cranial nerves are twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain rather than the spinal cord. They control functions related to vision, eye movement, facial sensation, hearing, balance, swallowing, tongue movement, and autonomic regulation.

Most of these nerves originate in the brainstem, which transitions into the spinal cord at the level of C1. The atlas and axis form a protective, supportive ring around this area, helping maintain a stable environment for neurological signaling.

When alignment in the upper cervical spine is compromised, it may introduce mechanical tension, altered sensory input, or changes in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics around the brainstem, potentially influencing how these nerves function.

Why the Upper Cervical Spine Matters for Cranial Nerve Function

Upper cervical chiropractors are not diagnosing or treating cranial nerve disorders. Instead, the focus is on addressing structural imbalances that may affect the neurological environment surrounding the brainstem. When the craniocervical junction is misaligned, it may:

• Alter neural input into the brainstem

• Change proprioceptive (position-sensing) signaling

• Affect autonomic balance

• Contribute to irritation along specific cranial nerve pathways

This helps explain why symptoms can appear in areas far removed from the neck itself.

The Cranial Nerves Explained

Below is a simplified, patient-friendly overview of the twelve cranial nerves, what they do, and how upper cervical mechanics may relate to their pathways.

Olfactory – Smell

Origin: Forebrain (exception, this nerve does not originate in the brainstem)

Function: Smell and flavor perception

Common patterns when irritated:

• Reduced sense of smell

• Changes in taste

• Head pressure

Upper cervical relevance:

While not directly influenced by the brainstem, head or neck trauma that affects upper cervical alignment may also impact olfactory pathways.

Optic – Vision

Origin: Diencephalon (also not in the brainstem)

Function: Vision and visual processing

Common symptoms when affected:

• Blurred or strained vision

• Light sensitivity

• Visual fatigue

Upper cervical relevance:

Changes in intracranial pressure or cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, sometimes influenced by upper cervical mechanics, may affect optic nerve signaling.

Optic  – Eye Movement Nerves

(Oculomotor, Trochlear, Abducens)

Origin: Oculomotor & Trochlear - Midbrain, Abducens - Pons

Function: Eye movement and coordination

Common patterns when irritated:

• Double vision

• Difficulty tracking

• Dizziness or eye strain

Upper cervical relevance:

Altered brainstem tension or proprioceptive input from atlas misalignment may contribute to eye-tracking and balance challenges.

Trigeminal – Facial Sensation & Jaw Function

Origin: Pons

Function: Facial sensation, chewing muscles

Common patterns indicating irritation in this region:

• Facial tension or discomfort

• Jaw tightness

• Sinus pressure

• Headaches

Upper cervical relevance:

This nerve has a close anatomical relationship with upper cervical muscles and brainstem pathways involved in facial sensation.

Facial – Facial Expression & Taste

Origin: Pons

Function: Facial movement, taste (anterior tongue)

Common symptoms when affected:

• Facial tightness

• Altered taste

• Ear-related sensations

Upper cervical relevance:

Brainstem irritation combined with upper cervical imbalance may influence facial muscle coordination.

Vestibulocochlear – Hearing & Balance

Origin: Pons / Medulla

Function: Hearing and balance

Common patterns indicating a potential issue:

• Vertigo

• Tinnitus

• Imbalance

• Motion sensitivity

Upper cervical relevance:

This is one of the most commonly discussed pathways when atlas misalignment influences vestibular input and balance regulation.

Glossopharyngeal – Throat Sensation & Swallowing

Origin: Medulla

Function: Swallow reflex, throat sensation

Common patterns potentially indicating irritation:

• Throat discomfort

• Swallowing fatigue

• Altered gag reflex

Upper cervical relevance:

Upper cervical tension and autonomic involvement may influence throat and tongue coordination.

Vagus – Parasympathetic Regulation

Origin: Medulla

Function: Heart rate, digestion, stress regulation

Common potential symptoms when irritated:

• Digestive discomfort

• Changes in heart-rate variability

• Nausea

• Anxiety or stress sensitivity

Upper cervical relevance:

The vagus nerve plays a central role in autonomic balance, and its pathways can be influenced by mechanical stress near the atlas.

Accessory – Neck & Shoulder Muscles

Origin: Medulla and upper cervical spinal cord

Function: Neck and shoulder movement

Common patterns indicating a potential issue:

• Shoulder tension

• Neck tightness

• Limited range of motion

Upper cervical relevance:

This nerve is directly associated with C1–C2 mechanics, as its roots exit in the upper cervical region.

Hypoglossal – Tongue Movement

Origin: Medulla

Function: Tongue movement and speech

Common patterns when irritated:

• Tongue fatigue

• Swallowing difficulty

• Speech coordination challenges

Upper cervical relevance:

Tension at the craniocervical junction may influence tongue coordination and swallowing reflexes.

The Big Picture: A Sensitive System, Millimeters Apart

The brainstem houses nearly every cranial nerve nucleus in the body. The atlas (C-1) and axis (C-2) protect this neurologically dense region.

When alignment is compromised, mechanical stress or altered neurological signaling may affect one or several cranial nerve pathways at once. This does not mean upper cervical chiropractors treat cranial nerve disorders. Instead, the goal is to optimize the structural and neurological environment that supports normal function.

Common Symptom Patterns Seen in Upper Cervical Patients

Many patients seek upper cervical care while experiencing patterns such as:

• Balance or vestibular challenges

• Facial or jaw tension

• Eye strain or tracking issues

• Ear fullness or ringing

• Swallowing or throat discomfort

• Neck and shoulder muscle imbalance

• Autonomic symptoms involving digestion, stress, or sleep

These experiences often prompt a closer look at the upper cervical spine.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Supports the Brainstem Environment

Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on precision and stability. At Atlas Specific, care is based on:

• Detailed imaging and measurements

• Individualized structural analysis

• Gentle atlas corrections

• Ongoing monitoring for stability

By improving alignment, proprioceptive input, and neural communication, upper cervical care supports a healthier environment for the brainstem and cranial nerve system—without twisting.

Protecting the Brainstem Protects the Cranial Nerves

The cranial nerves are essential to everyday function. Most originate in the brainstem, which sits within the uppermost portion of the spine.

When alignment in this area is compromised, neurological irritation may contribute to symptoms throughout the body. Restoring balance at the upper cervical spine helps support clarity, coordination, and regulation across the entire cranial nerve system.

If you’re experiencing persistent or unexplained neurological symptoms, an upper cervical evaluation may be able to offer valuable insight.

As your Durango chiropractor, our mission at Atlas Specific  is to find the root cause of your symptoms and offer a path to lasting relief. Contact us today by clicking the link below, calling us at 970.259.6803, or stopping by our Durango office.  

Notice of Disclaimer:

We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are not necessarily your doctors. All content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific health needs.