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A recent study has shown that chiropractic care in the United States is on the rise. This is largely due to shifts in healthcare consumers having access to the data they need to make more informed healthcare decisions and seeking more holistic approaches to health. Chances are that if you’ve been struggling with chronic pain or chronic illness you’ve likely considered chiropractic care for relief, but maybe you’re unsure where to go. After all, there are different aspects of chiropractic care. Perhaps in your search for relief, you’ve come across the terms upper cervical chiropractic and general chiropractic. Both types of chiropractic have their similarities, but each offers a different form of treatment. Learning more about the two types of chiropractic and the benefits of each can help you find the right care. At Atlas Specific, our goal is to help on your journey towards healthy living, and that’s why we’ve compiled some information on upper cervical chiropractic vs. general chiropractic treatment below. Upper Cervical Chiropractic vs. General Chiropractic Care The goal of both of these chiropractic care options is to provide patients with relief, but they each work in a slightly different manner. Before we get started, it’s important to note that all upper cervical chiropractic doctors are first trained as general chiropractors. The difference is that once they have completed this initial training they receive additional training and education in working with the delicate C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) vertebrae in the neck. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Upper cervical chiropractic is a form of chiropractic care that focuses on the vital connection between your neck, brainstem, and central nervous system. That’s why upper cervical care can improve a variety of surprising conditions, including but not limited to: Minor to chronic pain throughout the body Digestion problems Headaches or migraines TMJ Inner ear disorders Chronic diseases (fibromyalgia, diabetes, hypertension, and others) Difficulty sleeping Healthy pregnancy Advanced Imaging Technology Another major difference between upper cervical care and general chiropractic is the use of advanced medical imaging technology called Digital Infrared Paraspinal Thermography. This technology allows for extremely precise and measurable thermal readings of the cervical spine. Once scanned the doctor will perform an in-depth analysis of your spine before making any adjustments. After an upper cervical alignment, the same Digital Infrared Paraspinal Thermography will be used to measure the success of the procedure and guide your doctor throughout your treatment process. Gentle and Precise Corrections Once your upper cervical chiropractor identifies the precise location and degree of misalignment in your cervical spine, they can perform gently highly accurate corrections with very little force to bring your C1 and C2 vertebrae back into an exact alignment, ensuring that this critical communication hub between your brain and the rest of your body is functioning at optimal levels. General Chiropractic Care General chiropractic is a form of chiropractic care that focuses on the relief of pain within different body parts. There is no specialized focus on one specific part like in the case of upper cervical chiropractic care. General chiropractic care can improve a variety of conditions, including but not limited to: Lower back and Sacroiliac pain Neck pain Headaches and migraine Whiplash Shoulder pain Knee pain Localized Adjustments, Localized Relief General chiropractic relies on palpation and other techniques to identify spinal misalignments in specific areas of the body. After your initial consultation, the chiropractor will create a treatment plan to manage pain by adjusting the affected area. Depending on the patient’s needs, this may be the only treatment that they need to feel healthy and happy. However, each case is different and some patients may require a series of treatments. Upper Cervical Chiropractic vs. Regular Chiropractic Care: Who to See? The appropriate type of care will of course differ from person to person. However, since an upper cervical chiropractor is trained in general chiropractic care, you can seek guidance from an upper cervical chiropractor first. Not only that, even the slightest misalignment or subluxation of the C1 or C2 vertebrae can have a ripple effect throughout the entire body. And, the negative consequences are not limited to back or neck pain. In fact, your entire hormone, digestive, circulatory, and immune systems rely on the proper functioning of this vital junction. At your initial consultation, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination, complete with x-rays and physical examination to determine if upper cervical care is indeed right for you. A Focus on Compassionate Care and Holistic Health Whether you choose to opt for general chiropractic treatment or more specialized upper cervical treatment, what you can expect is that your doctor will treat you like a whole person and review your case history with care. A chiropractor’s focus is on the body as a whole system and their goal is overall wellbeing and wellness. A chiropractor’s approach to health won’t start with pharmaceuticals to mask symptoms or invasive and costly surgeries and you won’t walk out of the office with a handful of prescriptions or a surgery date. But, you can rest assured that their goal is to help your body heal itself. Do you Need Upper Cervical Care? Upper cervical chiropractic care is one of the most effective paths to pain relief for Durango, Colorado, area residents. At Atlas Specific, we offer effective, non-invasive relief through both types of chiropractic care for a variety of conditions. If you’re interested in learning more about upper cervical or general chiropractic care, Dr. Tim will be happy to answer your questions at his office located at 1800 E 3rd Ave #108, in Durango. You can also call them at 970 – 259 – 6803 or click the link below to schedule a free consultation. Notice of Disclaimer: We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of the patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.

Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong and if you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s not something you want to ignore. Neck pain is one of the most common medical complaints in the US, and it’s no surprise when you consider how much time the average person spends hunched over a computer screen and/or mobile phone. However, there are a lot of other factors that can contribute to neck pain besides spending hours hunched over electronics. Sometimes, neck pain is a minor nuisance that can be remedied with simple lifestyle changes. But chronic neck pain can also be a sign of more serious issues. What is Neck Pain? Neck pain is an all-encompassing term for stiffness, aches, or inflammation in the muscles, bones, or ligaments of the neck. The human neck is made up of seven cervical vertebrae (referred to as C1 to C7) that extend from the skull to the thoracic spine, or upper torso. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury can cause neck pain. What Causes Neck Pain? Some patients can pinpoint the cause of their neck pain, while others report that their pain came out of nowhere. The truth is neck pain can be caused by any number of problems: Childhood falls or injuries Auto accidents Poor posture Sports injuries Head injuries Repetitive motions Sleeping on your stomach Cervical strain/whiplash Herniation of a cervical disc Degenerative changes related to aging or injury Musculoskeletal abnormalities The Cervical Spine Your neck, also known as the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and houses the spinal cord as well as regulates blood flow to the brain. It’s the most delicate part of your spine, and yet it supports the full weight of your head. Unlike the joints in the rest of your spine, the joints of the cervical spine don’t interlock. Because of this, you have tremendous flexibility and mobility in your head and neck, the trade-off to increased flexibility however is increased vulnerability. Even micro-injuries can misalign the bones of the neck and lock them into a stressed position. When this happens, small pain-sensitive nerves in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can become inflamed, irritated, or pinched. How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Addresses Neck Pain Because the neck is the most delicate part of the spine, it only takes a ¼ of a millimeter misalignment to wreak havoc on a person’s entire body. It’s the junction where the brainstem meets with the spinal cord, and misalignment with these bones can put undue pressure on the brainstem. When this happens it results in miscommunications between the brain and body. Additionally, when the neck is out of alignment, the body has to compensate by twisting the spine in order to keep the head level. As you can see, this sets up a perfect environment for neck pain to occur. When you come to Atlas Specific, during your first session, we will use special scans and x-rays to determine if there is a misalignment as well as where it is located. Our analysis takes 100% of the guesswork out of the equation. Once a misalignment is located, using measurements specific to your anatomy and a precise mathematical approach we realign the spine to a neutral, balanced position gently and effectively. With upper cervical chiropractic, no two adjustments are the same, and there is no twisting of the spine. Find the Relief You Need Every patient is unique in their anatomy, flexibility, and needs. That is why at Atlas Specific each treatment plan is designed to be patient-specific. Rather than simply treating the symptoms of your chronic neck pain, Dr. Tim provides a long-term drug-free strategy that offers pain relief as well as the prevention of future spinal decay. Contact Atlas Specific Upper Cervical Care at 970 – 259 – 6803, drop by our 1800 E 3rd Ave #108, office in Durango, or click below to schedule a free consultation. Notice of Disclaimer: We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of the patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.

From time to time, nearly everyone will suffer the pain of a headache. Headaches plague millions of people every year. According to findings from data company, Statista, over 15% of American adults report the pain of severe headaches each year. From those caused by stress or injury to those caused by the arid climate or too much time spent at the local breweries here in Durango, the headache is a common ailment. But few discomforts rival those felt by people dealing with the constant and incessant pain of a migraine. If you suffer from migraines, there are medications that can mask your symptoms, but they won’t offer a cure and many of them have disabling side effects. But, at Atlas Specific, we offer a drug free treatment for migraines. Below, we’ll cover symptoms, contributing factors, and how upper cervical care can help. What is a Migraine? A migraine is not just a bad headache, it is a disabling neurological disorder that comes with a host of different symptoms. Migraines are referred to as a primary headache disorder, meaning they are not caused by any other illness or condition. Approximately 39 million Americans live with the debilitating effects of migraine headaches. It is the second most disabling disease globally, with disability increasing with the number of monthly migraine days (MMDs). What Happens During a Migraine? The frequency and severity of migraine symptoms will usually differ on a case-by-case basis. Migraine sufferers will usually experience multiple stages of pain and discomfort, which can begin with a sudden change in mood or onset of tiredness. From there they may manifest a severe, painful headache that can last for hours or days, but this is not always the case. Head pain is simply one of the symptoms of the condition. Other symptoms can include: Nausea with or without vomiting Musculoskeletal complaints including neck pain Tingling in the arms and legs Problems with jaw function Sensitivity to light, sound, and particular odors Dizziness or vertigo (a sensation of spinning), Visual disturbances Aura – a group of sensory, motor, and speech symptoms that can act as a warning that a migraine is about to begin. Migraine episodes leave over 90% of sufferers unable to work or function normally. What Triggers a Migraine? There are many possible triggers that can contribute to the cause of a migraine headache but at the core of all of these factors is the central nervous system. For each migraine sufferer, the triggers will be individualized, but it may help to keep a diary to see if you can identify a consistent trigger. Hormonal Changes Women are two to three times more likely than men to have migraines, part of the reason for this may be hormonal. Female migraine sufferers often experience migraines around the time of their period, possibly due to the changes in the levels of hormones such as estrogen around this time. Some women may find that their migraines improve after menopause, however, on the flip side, menopause can also trigger migraines or make them worse. Stress and Emotional Triggers Stress is the most commonly recognized trigger of headaches, both migraines, and other types. Unfortunately, physical or emotional, good or bad, it’s an unavoidable part of life. In times of stress, certain chemicals are released that provoke vascular changes that can lead to migraines and migraines can become more frequent during periods of increased stress. Factors related to stress include: Stress Anxiety Worry Tension Shock Depression Excitement Mental fatigue Repressed emotions The muscle tension often brought on by stressful situations can add to the severity of a migraine. Physical Triggers Physical exertion can be another cause of migraine due largely in part to the fact that when you exercise or exert yourself physically, the muscles of the head, neck, and scalp require higher volumes of blood to circulate. This, in turn, causes the blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to migraines. Other physical triggers include: Tiredness or poor-quality sleep Poor posture Jet lag Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Dietary Triggers Some dietary factors can cause the blood vessels to dilate (expand) particularly foods that contain a significant amount of tyramine—an amino acid that can provoke the early blood vessel changes typically seen in migraine attacks. Other triggers include: Missed, delayed, or irregular meals Dehydration Alcoholic beverages Artificial Sweeteners Caffeinated products, such as tea and coffee Chocolate and citrus fruits Foods high in tyramine, including fermented foods, cured meats, yeast extracts, and certain cheeses Additionally, foods that have been stored at room temperature, as opposed to refrigerated or frozen, can have rising levels of tyramine. Environmental Triggers Any changes to your environment that trigger biological changes in the body’s chemical balance can increase the likelihood of migraine onset. These include: Bright lights Flickering television or computer screens Smoking, smoky rooms, or proximity to fire Loud noises Changes in climate, such as humidity or very cold temperatures Strong smells A stuffy atmosphere Medications The simple truth is that all medications have side effects, some are mild and some are severe, and sometimes a headache or migraine is one of them. A wide variety of both over-the-counter and prescription medicines can cause headaches. Some examples include: Some types of sleeping tablets Some heart and blood pressure medicines Any medications that contain hormones such as birth control or Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs Aspirin Acetaminophen Sleeping pills Ibuprofen Naproxen Codeine and prescription pain relievers Medicines that contain caffeine Medicines that are Vasodilators, meaning that they open (dilate) blood vessels This is by no means an exhaustive list, and the unfortunate thing here is that even drugs prescribed for migraines that are listed as Triptans can cause migraines instead of treating them. Why Medication Isn’t Always Effective for Chronic Migraines The most common recommendation from the medical community comes in the form of powerful pharmaceutical drugs. However, these medications may temporarily mask the pain, but there is no miracle pill that will stop the next migraine from occurring. Furthermore, each of these medications comes with the risk of severe side effects that can potentially present additional long-term health issues. Plus, as was mentioned above, many medications can actually cause the headaches they were meant to treat. Other treatments involve Botox injections that come with their own list of dangers and side effects. All of these treatments begin an often hopeless cycle where medication is taken to deal with migraine pain until it begins causing migraines. Then the medication is switched, and the process starts again. All traditional migraine treatments operate by covering up the cause of symptoms without ever addressing the source of the issue or truly providing healing. Are you tired of the run-around, the trial and error, and the side effects? Upper cervical care can offer an innovative drug free treatment for migraines that provides lasting effects without unwanted side effects. How Upper Cervical Can Relieve Migraines When misalignments in the upper cervical spine occur it can result in reduced blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow to the brain. These misalignments can also affect communication in the body by placing pressure on the brainstem, as well as creating muscle tension, joint dysfunction and you guessed it, migraines. Upper Cervical Chiropractors like Doctors Tim and Danielle at Atlas Specific assess and address specific areas of function in the nervous system through appropriate care of the upper cervical spine. Every upper cervical chiropractic adjustment helps to remedy potential misalignments in the upper cervical spine, improve communication between the brain and the body, and reduce stress from the central nervous system. Once these issues are relieved through regular adjustments, healing can begin. Migraine sufferers deserve a future filled with the prospect of true healing and relief. If you or someone you know suffers from headaches or migraines, upper cervical chiropractic care may be a helpful tool to regain quality of life and function. Call our office today at 970.259.6803, stop by and see us at our 1800 E 3rd Ave #108, Durango, CO office or click below to schedule a free initial consultation. Notice of Disclaimer: We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.

Upper cervical care is a form of chiropractic that involves targeted adjustments of the upper two spinal vertebrae, the axis, and the atlas. A subluxation in this area can have a cascade effect on your overall health, so while you may come to us for a specific ailment, there are many hidden benefits to upper cervical care. Here at Atlas Specific Upper Cervical Care, we are the only chiropractors in the Four Corners region to specialize in this form of treatment. Plenty of people know that in general, chiropractic care is good for your body. But most people are unaware of just how many hidden benefits there are to upper cervical chiropractic care. So today, we thought we would share a few: Increased Balance Balance is a funny thing. Did you know that your inner ear is actually responsible for maintaining your balance? When your spine is out of alignment, especially at the top of your vertebrae, your head is no longer properly positioned. Even a slight misalignment in the cervical area can alter the position where your head sits on your spine. As a result of your head position, your inner ear’s interpretation of your surroundings can become altered, causing imbalance. A correction to your upper spine can help to relieve this issue, realign your head and reduce any dizziness or vertigo you may be feeling as a result. Increased Immune Function Studies show that when your body’s nervous system is properly functioning, your immune system is better equipped to fight viruses and bacteria. In fact, one study found that long-term chiropractic care increased an individual’s immune system strength by as much as 200%. With regular adjustments, Atlas Specific can help your body learn to heal naturally. Upper Cervical Chiropractic treatments can reduce the occurrence of common colds, ear infections, and other common illnesses. And, if you do get sick, your body will be able to fight off illness more effectively. Improved Moods It may seem far-fetched to consider chiropractic for the treatment of depression, but research shows the proper alignment of the atlas and axis can help control hormone levels. Proper chiropractic care can result in fewer negative hormones, like cortisol, and increased levels of positive hormones, like dopamine. Stabilizing these hormones can make a big difference in how the brain and body interact. That’s why people suffering from anxiety and depression can have dramatic results with upper cervical chiropractic care. Improved Sleep Chiropractic care is most often thought of as a treatment for spinal problems. Not many people associate chiropractic care with improving sleep issues. However, upper cervical care has been shown to help improve not only the quality but also the quantity of sleep. Sleeplessness is one of the most common problems people face today, with nearly 60 percent of adults reporting sleep issues multiple nights a week. Consequently, facing fatigue, lack of concentration, and a high risk of illnesses. With all that in mind, improving your sleep could have a huge impact on your overall livelihood. When the upper cervical area is properly aligned, the nervous system communicates with the body properly. This results in better quality and quantity of sleep for many patients. Decreased Pain A subluxation is an altered position of the vertebra resulting in subsequent functional loss. Simply put, it is when either the first or second bone (atlas or axis) in the neck has moved out of place causing pressure and torsion on the brainstem and nervous system. One of the ways that your body shows a subluxation is through pain and inflammation. When the body’s nervous system isn’t communicating well, a pain response is triggered. Upper cervical chiropractic care can help to eliminate this pain by properly aligning the top of the nervous system. This allows free communication between the body and the brain letting the system as a whole to function optimally. We’re Here for You We want you to feel your best, be well-rested, ward off colds, and live a healthier life. If you’ve never been to an upper cervical chiropractor before, why not take the first step to a healthier you? At Atlas Specific Upper Cervical Care we invite you to visit our Durango, Colorado office to experience relief from these conditions and more for yourself. To schedule your evaluation today, click here. Notice of Disclaimer: We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.