Your Doctor’s Thoughts

When people feel pain in their hips, legs, or lower back, the natural assumption is that something is wrong in that specific area. Maybe a tight muscle, a slipped disc, or a worn-out joint is to blame. But the human body is one interconnected system—and pain doesn’t always originate where you feel it. In fact, some lower body pain issues may actually begin much higher up—at the very top of the spine. The upper cervical spine, located at the base of the skull, plays a major role in posture, balance, and nervous system communication. When this area is misaligned, it can trigger a chain reaction that impacts the hips, pelvis, and even the way you walk. It’s not something most people think about—but it might explain why so many struggle with recurring lower body discomfort, even after trying traditional treatments. How Misalignment at the Top Affects the Bottom The upper cervical spine consists of the first two vertebrae in your neck—called the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These bones support...

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can bring a whirlwind of challenges into a child’s life. Parents often describe it as living with a motor that never shuts off—constant movement, difficulty concentrating, and impulsive behaviors that can strain home life, school performance, and emotional well-being. While there are a range of strategies available—from behavior therapy to medication—many parents are also seeking natural, complementary approaches to help their children thrive. One such option that’s gaining interest is upper cervical chiropractic care, which focuses on the alignment of the upper neck and its relationship with the nervous system. This approach doesn’t “treat” ADHD, but it aims to support neurological balance—something that can be especially valuable in children whose brains are working overtime. Understanding the ADHD Puzzle ADHD is complex. It's not just about attention; it involves how the brain processes information, manages energy, and responds to ...

You can eat clean, exercise daily, and drink plenty of water—but if you're not sleeping well, it’s tough to feel truly healthy. Poor sleep doesn’t just leave you groggy the next day—it affects mood, memory, immune function, digestion, and even pain sensitivity. If you’ve tried new pillows, blackout curtains, sound machines, and melatonin supplements with little success, it might be time to consider a part of your body that rarely gets the spotlight in sleep conversations: the top of your spine. More specifically, the upper cervical spine—home to the atlas and axis vertebrae—can significantly influence how well you sleep. It’s not just about comfort or posture. This area plays a critical role in how the brain communicates with the body, including the systems that regulate your internal clock. Where Sleep and Structure Intersect At the base of the skull, the top two bones of the spine (C1 and C2) surround and protect the lower portion of the brainstem. This region is vital for mainta...

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” because it typically shows no symptoms until it causes serious health issues—like heart disease, stroke, or kidney damage. It's a condition that millions manage every day with medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both. But despite all that effort, many people still find themselves in a cycle of fluctuating numbers and ongoing concern. What if there’s more to the story? What if blood pressure regulation is also influenced by the nervous system—and specifically, by what’s happening at the very top of the spine? Upper cervical chiropractic care offers a unique, non-pharmaceutical perspective on hypertension. It doesn’t aim to treat high blood pressure directly, but rather to support the body’s ability to regulate itself more effectively through proper alignment and nervous system balance. How Blood Pressure Is Regulated Your blood pressure isn’t controlled by one single organ. It’s the result of a...