“A subluxation is the condition of a vertebra that has lost its proper juxtaposition with the one above or the one below or both; to an extent less than a luxation (dislocation).”

Due to its unique anatomy, the upper cervical spine is particularly prone to misalignment as it compromises its stability, for mobility. Unlike everywhere else in the spine, the upper cervical spine is only held into position by muscles and ligaments whereas everywhere else in the spine has an intervertebral disc which provides it with stability. 

Sitting underneath the upper cervical spine is the brain stem, which connects the brain with the spinal cord. The brain stem is responsible for controlling the vital functions in out body, such as consciousness, breathing/heart rate and sleep just to name a few. It is junction between all brain and body communication.

If our body encounters too much stress, whether that be physically, chemically or emotionally, our body can’t adapt to it and can result in a misalignment of the upper cervical spine. This can happen at any stage of life. This causes a narrowing of the space where the brain stem sits, the spinal canal, and causes pressure and interference within the nervous system. The ability for the brain to communicate vital messages to the body and vis versa is reduced and over time this can result in a myriad of symptoms, some more debilitating than others.

Our job as chiropractors in to locate, analyse and correct vertebral subluxation as specifically as possible. We use multiple methods of analysis to achieve this, and every clinical decision made is evidence informed to the highest degree. If a subluxation is present, it will be corrected when and where necessary. If it is not, we will leave the body alone. Nature needs no help, just no interference.