What is upper cervical chiropractic therapy (UCC)?

Chiropractic for facial pain offers a natural supportive strategy that helps reduce the pressure on the nerve system at different key locations. The upper part of the spine is known as the upper cervical spine or the craniocervical junction. The upper neck is the most neurologically sensitive area of the spine, and when injured can cause a host of neurological side effects. The Upper Cervical Chiropractic technique is a specific chiropractic procedure that corrects the position of the top vertebrae of the spine, called the atlas. By correcting the tilt, shift or rotation of these vertebrae, the effects of many conditions can be minimized or eliminated completely.

The structural balance of the human body is maintained by the precise interaction of the muscles which, under control of the nervous system, permit the skeletal framework to move and flex in a relatively unrestricted manner. Much of that complicated system of nerves is housed and protected by the spinal vertebrae. Misalignment of these vertebrae results in distortions and stress of the spine. This condition is referred to as subluxation and may put pressure on the delicate nerves which pass through it causing pain and lowering of the body’s natural resistance to illness. This can be the underlying cause of pain and loss of sensation.

Locating the problem

The first step is a careful examination to locate the exact position of the subluxation. The doctor will use his hands to feel the area of the cervical spine, in order to detect the slightest external indication of spinal misalignment. X-raying the affected areas is a vital second step. This permits the doctor to verify his findings and make precision measurements, which will help determine exactly where to make the adjustment and how much adjustment will be needed to return the affected vertebrae toward their normal position. These X-rays are compared with subsequent X-rays in order to verify the progress of the treatments.

Making the adjustment

After an evaluation of the patient’s examination and test results an adjustment is made. A chiropractor utilizes the skills and techniques necessary to realign the vertebrae with gentle, precise, manual or mechanical adjustment or the cervical spine. The adjustment has been described as” a light tap, a brisk thrust, or a soft massage at the side of the neck, and there is no twisting of the neck.” Patients have often been surprised how anticlimactic it is until, over a period of time, they feel their bodies healing. Sometimes it takes only one adjustment to align the atlas. More often the patient gets two or three adjustments over two to four weeks to move the spine back into place. Once patients are “stabilized,” it is suggested the patient come back once every six months for a checkup.

Chiropractic’s role in face pain

Chiropractic’s main appeal to face-pain patients is that it offers a possible way to get out of pain without the sedating side effects of medicine and the potential complications of surgery. It is unknown how helpful spinal adjustment is over the long term.