Focusing on the Atlas and Axis

The first big difference when it comes to upper cervical chiropractic care is that the focus is placed on adjusting just the top two bones in the neck. These bones are called the C1 and C2 vertebrae or the atlas and axis. They play a very specialized role and are unique from all of the other vertebrae.

Because they balance the head, even a slight misalignment in these two bones can result in changes throughout the spine. Also, because they are part of the cervical spine (7 neck bones), they help to facilitate blood flow to the brain via the vertebral foramen (tiny bone loops that offer safe passage to vertebral arteries).

The atlas plays an even more important role. It surrounds and protects the brainstem right at the vital juncture where it meets the spinal cord. Therefore, even the tiniest misalignment can affect the function of the central nervous system by putting pressure on the brainstem and reducing blood flow.