The upper cervical vertebral subluxation complex
 
The problems associated with whiplash-associated disorders may be further compromised by the presence of upper cervical subluxation complex. Subluxation comes from luxation the Greek word loxos, slanting or to put out of joint. Sub means under, below or less than a dislocation. The subluxation in the upper cervical spine can cause buckling or tension in the upper cervical spinal cord.  Because many cranial nerves are in close proximity to the brain stem, the upper cervical subluxation can cause pressure and irritate these structures. Left uncorrected the body will adapt to the subluxation causing postural distortions which chronically stresses the neuromusculoskeletal system which causes many health problems. The longer the body adapts to the subluxation complex the longer and more difficult the problem is to correct. For example, think of correcting the slouching teenager vs the Dowager hump on grandma. The amount of treatment required for spinal correction varies depending on the individual. Generally speaking, the longer you have had the problem, the longer it takes to correct. Other complicating factors which may delay or impair recovery include: spinal degeneration (osteoarthritis), older age, multiple spinal trauma, poor overall health, obesity, unhealthy habits and psychological problems.
 
Health implications of vertebral subluxation complex
 
Long standing subluxation complex can lead to many painful health problems. Unless the upper cervical specific chiropractor can diagnose and correct this problem every cell, organ or tissue that is not receiving adequate nerve energy and communication from the brain will suffer and degenerate. Like tying a string tightly around your finger, initially it may hurt much, but soon it will turn blue and become quite painful. Inject your finger with Novocain and the pain will go away, but the problem will get of course get worse! You have not corrected the problem.
 
Symptoms
 
The symptoms of the whiplash-associated disorders and cervical subluxation complex can be quite variable and diverse. The buckling or stretching of the upper cervical spine can irritate or choke the cervical spinal cord, spinal nerves and even the origins of some cranial nerves which can reflexively influence structures in the head which may include; tension or migraine headaches, reduced cranial circulation, altered sense of balance, facial pain, numbness or tingling, difficulty focusing, dizziness, insomnia, irritability.
 
The upper cervical specific chiropractor pays careful attention to the correction of the subluxation/misalignment and therefore it is important to understand that the chiropractic spinal adjustment does not treat individual symptoms. Once normal alignment is achieved, the nervous system can function optimally thus restoring health naturally without drugs or surgery.
 
The upper cervical chiropractic method
 
The upper cervical specific chiropractor performs an examination which includes a physical examination and close tolerance cervical spine x-rays by a proprietary precision aligned x-ray system in order to make a specific diagnosis. Careful measurements of misalignments or subluxations of the upper cervical spine may reveal a shifting or buckling of the upper neck as viewed from the front to back. A loss or reversal of the cervical curve is a common problem as viewed from the side. As previously discussed, this buckling or stretching of the spine can irritate the cervical spinal cord and spinal nerves which can reflexively cause many symptoms.
 
The upper cervical specific chiropractic instrument adjustment
 
The upper cervical chiropractor will never adjust you unless he has the information measured from specific x-rays. The upper cervical specific adjustment is performed using a low impact percussive type of instrument (up and down motions similar to a sewing machine), which is calibrated for the optimum vector using a small pencil eraser sized rubber tipped stylus. This allows accurate placement on the Atlas or Axis spinal contact points. Because of this degree of precision, the chiropractor can make a spinal adjustment with a safe, well tolerated low force without any “popping or cracking”. Additional care may include specific spinal traction, exercises among other self-care procedures.