I Don't Think Upper Cervical Care Is For Kids

Children and Upper Cervical Care

by uppercervicalcare.com

Some adults may wonder why more and more children are starting to see Upper Cervical Doctors. That’s a good question and the answer is simple: whether we have a large spine or a small spine, if that spine is creating nerve distress then our bodies will not be able to operate properly.

The Nervous System is the Master Control of the Body

The nervous system is the master control system of our body and the messages exchanged between the brain and body (through billions of nerves) guide the transformation of a newborn child into an adult. Each message provides instructions to the child's growing body to provide for growth and repair of tissues, coordination of muscle activity, immune function, respiration and digestion among others.

As with adults, an upper cervical (neck) misalignment can have significant effects upon the nervous system’s ability to transmit information to and from a child’s body. If communication channels become fuzzy, distorted or damaged then we experience all sorts of communication errors. For babies and children, this ineffective communication may play out as colic or irritability, an inability to suckle and breastfeed, poor sleep and immunity, frequent ear infections, developmental delays, digestion issues, asthma, behavioral problems, low energy, inability to concentrate, headaches, etc – the list is endless. In fact, regardless of what the end result or symptom may be, all roads lead back to the body’s ability to self-regulate and function at a peak level.
While upper cervical care may be able to help with a number of health issues, our focus is not treating conditions; rather, our focus is on ensuring the nervous system has every opportunity to work efficiently and effectively.

How Do Children get Nerve Irritation?

Nerve irritations (or vertebral subluxations) occur as a part of normal daily life. They result from physical, chemical and emotional stressors or ‘insults’ to our health, such as knocks and falls, bad posture, prolonged postures, stomach sleeping, poor food choices, dehydration, exposure to chemicals and toxins, and stress and anxiety.

Even before these lifestyle stressors have an impact, nerve irritation can occur in the uterus from awkward positioning, restriction of movement, and exposure to toxins, and from birth complications such as long labors, very fast labors, forceps or cesarean delivery. Even during the gentlest of births, presentation of the baby’s head through the birth canal requires physical pressure exerted by the mother. This can force the baby’s neck to twist or bend causing misalignment of the upper cervical vertebrae.

A study published in the Journal of Manual Medicine revealed that nearly 80% of all children are born with blocked or reduced nerve impulses due to a misalignment of the top bone in the spine called the Atlas. Dr. Gutmann, the medical doctor who performed the research, concluded that the blocked nerve impulses can cause motor and developmental impairments, as well as lowered resistance to infections, especially ear, nose and throat infections.

If the newborn makes it through the birthing process unaffected, the inevitable tumbles and falls of childhood increase the risk of injury to the upper cervical spine potentially compromising brain-body communication.

When we appreciate how important the nervous system is and how easily it can be hindered and impaired it makes sense that more parents are having their child’s spine and nervous system assessed.

10 Reasons Parents Take Their Children to See Upper Cervical Doctors

1.   To maximize the child’s brain and nerve development (neural plasticity).

2.   To enhance their child’s overall health and well being.

3.   To strengthen immunity and reduce the incidence of colds, ear infections and general illness.

4.   To help with colic and irritability.

5.   To help with asthma, breathing difficulties and allergies.

6.   To improve spinal posture.

7.   To improve their child’s ability to concentrate.

8.   To assist with behavioral disorders and enhance emotional well being.

9.   To help alleviate digestive problems.

10. To assist with bed-wetting and sleep issues.

Because the upper cervical spine is the most mobile area of the entire spine, it is particularly vulnerable to injury, making it the most common location for spinal problems to occur. Get your children checked for head/neck misalignment today!

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain/body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

Upper Cervical Care: Helping Kids With Scoliosis

Can you Protect your Children from Scoliosis?

By Dr. Bill Davis

The Problem

“Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. The spine has normal curves when looking from the side, but it should appear straight when looking from the front.” (see picture) www.emedicine.net According to WebMD “In about 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is not known.” 80%! Wow that is a lot! In 8/10 of the people who have been diagnosed with scoliosis or curvature in the spine the medical profession have no clue what causes it.

Generally, the scoliosis is found when a child is examined for scoliosis in middle school. But frequently scoliosis is undetected until adulthood. Regardless, the earlier the curvature can be found the better. If it is identified at 13 years of age and it is already 15 degrees…it would have been much better to find it at 7 years of age when it was 8 degrees don’t you think? Especially if the underlying cause can be corrected and the progression of the scoliosis can be stopped. Also the earlier the scoliosis is identified the more likely the condition can be reversed.

Scoliosis has psychological consequences as well as physical consequences. Self image can be negatively impacted, especially in the formative adolescent years. Scoliosis can be so mild that an untrained eye cannot see the curve, or it can be severe enough to cause deformity. Children are often made fun of as a result of these deformities.

The physical consequences are much worse though. People with scoliosis are a greater risk of developing heart problems, breathing problems, osteoporosis, accelerated disc degeneration and spinal pain, reproductive function and pregnancy problems can be just some of the consequences associated with untreated scoliosis.

The medical approach has 3 main strategies. Wait until it gets worse! Put a brace on the entire trunk for up to 23 hours a day! Or dangerous surgery! Doesn’t sound like fun to me! Which of these approaches gets to the underlying cause?…none of them? The medical approach is focused on the effects and not the cause obviously.

The Upper Neck Connection

Two medical doctors from Europe have done extensive research into upper neck problems in newborns and how that relates to the health of children. Dr. Gutmann was researching the connection all the way back to the 1960′s… in 1987 Dr. Gutmann published his research linking the upper neck to problems ranging from scoliosis to ear infections, torticollis, colic and many other common childhood conditions.
Dr. Biedermann also has published extensively on this subject and published his findings in 1992. Between the 2 medical researchers they have studied over 1000 newborns and have observed a very high incidence of upper cervical misalignments on x-ray. Gutmann found over 80% in his study had problems in the upper neck that needed to be addressed! Birth trauma was the most common cause. Forceps delivery, vacuum extraction and even just normal birthing methods with a woman flat on her back rather than in the standing position where gravity can work, can be an extremely traumatic experience for the head and neck of a newborn.

It is reported that within the general population the incidence of Scoliosis is about 2.5% or about 25 per 1000 people. However, that is only the people who are identified as having scoliosis and it only includes those that have a 10 degree curvature or more. A 7,8, or 9 degree scoliosis can still have dramatic affects on the health of a person’s spine and body. Also many individuals have no idea that they have a curvature in their spine until adulthood. I have seen patients in my office who are in their 60′s who were unaware of a 10-15 degree scoliosis!

If the weight of the head is not balanced over the spinal column due to accidents and injuries to the upper neck this can result in postural changes including head tilt, shoulder tilt, hips uneven, and leg imbalance. The earlier the child develops this upper neck misalignment the more likely it is for them to develop a scoliosis when they hit their growth spurt.

A Solution

Early detection is the key to stopping the progression and possibly correct the scoliosis completely. All children should be evaluated after birth and regularly thoroughout the childhood years for the presence of an upper neck misalignment that could start this process in their spine. If a curvature is detected than the misalignment should be corrected as soon as possible. If the scoliosis is already very advanced due to lack of evaluation, than the misalignment should still be corrected and maintained and postural exercises should be given in order to prevent future progression. The longer the curvature has been there the more likely it will be to not correct completely.

(Editor's note: Certainly some people, especially young people, who have head/neck misalignment and have it corrected will experience drastic improvements in scoliosis. However, please remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for scoliosis or any other condition, disease or symptom.)

Back To School With Upper Cervical Care

Adapted from BACK TO SCHOOL by Hal S. Crowe, Sr., DC / Voice For Health

Children have recently finished a summer break from school that was filled with changes in routine, extra play time, sunshine and fresh air. Activities of summer are typically invigorating and healthy for kids. At the same time, as you have watched your children play with youthful energy while they run, fall, dive, suddenly change directions, jump, twist and interact with others with playful contact, wouldn't you say that their primary shock absorber has been put to the test?

The primary shock absorber for the body is the spinal column, with its fiber-cartilage discs between the bony vertebrae and the forward and backward curvatures that afford the body's framework with both elasticity and rigidity. Sure, children are far more resilient than adults when it comes to tumbles and impacts, but they too are subject to spinal misalignments that can result in interference to the nervous system.

With youngsters, if a structural impediment is present it may be so slight that it is not readily discernable to parents. The evidence that all function is not up to par may not be noted. The child may not complain about pain in the back or neck.

Now children are back in school, back to a daily routine and less physical activity. The restrictions and confinement of the classroom are restraints to which youthful nervous systems are challenged to adapt. The attentiveness and effort to complete lessons are, to many children, a further strain upon their nervous system. These stresses, coupled with slight structural impediments to nerve action, can result in digestive disorders, throat or breathing complications, ear problems, urinary and elimination upsets, and much more.

Many parents have witnessed a dramatic improvement in their school children's performance and enthusiasm following upper cervical care. The upper cervical doctor checks the child's spine for signs of interference and methodically analyzes and reduces the interference to the nervous system due to head neck misalignment. When the congestion and pressure are cleared from the circuitry that keeps all the bodily systems working in harmony and at their optimum, the possibilities are so great that no child should be deprived of the advantages of upper cervical care.

Reinforce the health of your children and their progress in school with periodic upper cervical care.

Babies, Birth and Upper Cervical Care

Was Your Baby Injured During the Birth

by Dr. Bill Davis


Many new Moms and Dads will ask if it is possible for an infant to be misaligned during the birth process. Good question!

Modern birthing methods of having the Mom push the baby out without gravity working to your advantage, laying flat on your back is a prescription for increased force into the head and neck of the baby in and of itself. But then you introduce all the drugs used during the birth process, which includes an epidural which numbs the area that a woman typically would feel when pushing. And the introduction of drugs like pitocin to induce delivery often before the baby is ready for delivery, can lead to prolonged labors and an increase likelihood of birth trauma. Also practice of a doctor pulling during delivery with 50-70 pounds of force into the infant’s head from the birth canal and instruments like forceps and vacuum extraction can lead to a variety of different birth injuries. C-sections can also be very traumatic as the baby is pulled out of a small incision. (Check out this blog for helpful info and resources on nonintervention birthing)

So much so that women are told things like “yes your baby fractured their clavicle during the birth process, but that is normal.”

What?! What is normal about a fracture during birth? It may be common…but that doesn’t make it normal.

Now an important consideration is that not all infants are misaligned. In fact, in my experience even with the severity of forces that are used in the majority of American births, most babies are not misaligned. On average, of the babies that I have checked over the years only about 10-20% are misaligned at birth.

But if a child is misaligned at birth it is critical to get that misalignment corrected as soon as possible.

A misalignment of the Atlas, the top bone in the neck (the most likely bone to misalign during the birth process) has been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, colic, ear infections, acid reflux and many other neurological conditions related to brain stem dysfunction and accompanying symptoms.

So what are some ways that a parent may assess their own child to determine if their baby should be evaluated for an upper neck misalignment?

The easiest situation would be if your child begins to develop symptoms of any kind. Such as ear infections. If a child is having ear infections a frequent cause is a misalignment in the upper neck that leads to poor drainage of the ears because the nerves that control the ears begin in the upper neck.

Or if your baby has colic. Colic is frequently related to a vagus nerve irritation from an upper neck misalignment during birth. Once the misalignment is corrected. The colic often will go away immediately.

Or a variety of other symptoms that most pediatricians and parents will think that the child needs medications to cover up rather than seeking an underlying cause.

But if you have a seemingly healthy child who has not developed any symptoms yet then you can look at a few different things. Such as when the baby lays flat on their back do they have a tendency to always have their head turned in one direction? Or can you feel if the musculature in the lower back area near the pelvis is symmetrical from side to side? Or can you feel that one side is much tighter than the other?

If you are unsure about any of these things find a local upper cervical doctor in your area to check your baby as soon as possible. It can make all the difference in the world for the growth, development and the health of your son or daughter.

The other wonderful aspect of finding problems early in the life of your child is that the frequency needed of an correction. A infant corrected at birth of within the first year of life may be able to hold that one correction for months if not years. So get your kids checked…there really is no downside to having a properly aligned spinal column and properly functioning brain and nerve system.

And a skilled upper cervical doctor will be able to correct this misalignment without any popping, cracking or twisting of the spine. A gentle and precise force to realign the atlas is the key.

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

More Questions About Upper Cervical Care?

Adapted from: Upper Cervical FAQ’s

by Dr. William R. Davis Jr.


Why is the upper cervical area (upper neck) so important to health and well-being?

This is essentially the epicenter of your body. The most important area for communication from your brain to your body. Complete loss of that communication can be devastating . Do you remember Christopher Reeve? Superman had a severe injury to his upper cervical spine which resulted in a 100% loss of function from that area. When you have a upper cervical misalignment you are not losing 100% of the function but you may be losing 30%, 50% or more of the function of your body.


What is Upper Cervical Care?

A unique health care solution that focuses on correcting an underlying source of interference to proper body function. Accidents and injuries can tear loose the connective tissue that holds the spine in place. This can create a weakness and allow the spine to breakdown and lock into a stressed position. This most frequently starts in the upper neck since it is the most vulnerable to injury and this leads to, in the standing position, one of the hips often can be higher than the other, laying down one of the legs often can be shorter than the other. The head could tilt to one side. And it can be progressive …so that the longer the spine is locked in this position, the more wear and tear can happen.


What makes Upper Cervical Care unique compared to other care?

There are many forms of spinal health care today. Many focus on addressing local joint motion by administering a short, quick thrust to a localized area. Upper Cervical Doctors influence the entire spinal columns postural balance by returning the heavy head to a more balanced position on top of the narrow neck. Without any popping, cracking or twisting of the spine. It is a gentle, accurate and precise procedure for correcting the spine. With upper cervical care it is not about adjusting someone thousands of times…it is about holding the correction. Staying in alignment is how a person expresses the potential for health.


Who can benefit from Upper Cervical Care?

Any adult or child who wants their body to function at a higher level. Especially those who have experienced head or neck trauma. Not all individuals are misaligned however. Many children and some adults have been assessed in our office who were found to be in alignment and no care was necessary.


How can such a light pressure make such dramatic changes?

For the same reason why one is able to move a pile of heavy bricks with a light push of a wheelbarrow: leverage. Using the first vertebra and the weight of the head to gain a biomechanical advantage, the doctor places their own body on a calculated angle to ensure the correction is specific to the patient’s individual misalignment. The force generated by the doctor is transferred to the patient in such a gentle and precise fashion that many patients are surprised by the light feel. Although the procedure is subtle in it’s application the results often are not! Our patients typically experience fast changes and long lasting results!

Children's Behavior And Upper Cervical Care

(Editor's note: This is a recent post on Dr. Schalow's blog. It is amazing what upper cervical care can do for people, especially a child. The upper cervical approach used here was the NUCCA protocol.)

“You gave me a new child!” Those were a mother’s joyful words after she brought her eighteen month old son Rogan for his first NUCCA adjustment with Dr. Barbara Read.

“My son has always been rather angry-spirited in his temperament,” Kim explained. “He would wake up in the morning and instantly—if he didn't get his way, he would lie down and bang his head against the floor, and give other outbursts like that constantly...all day-everyday.”

There were also other signs that Rogan was having problems. “He wasn't babbling or making speaking sounds. I always thought, through my mother's intuition, that something was not right with my son.”

But Kim and her doctors were not quite sure what was wrong. She sought answers to Rogan's problem development in the family's nutrition, her son's vaccine history, and environmental factors.

“I have friends who had talked about their great experiences at the chiropractor and I had heard that they adjusted babies, but I never considered taking him to the chiropractor,” Kim said. “But my mother sees Dr. Read, and she was telling about her practice and how much it has made a difference for her. My husband was completely opposed to the idea, but I thought it was worth a try.”

After one upper cervical adjustment with the NUCCA protocol, Kim reports that Rogan began babbling. And in the month after the adjustment, she identified 10 words that he had learned. “He still has temper tantrums,” Kim reports. “He still has a strong personality, but he is a totally different kid. You can actually get through to him and reason with him.” Those episodes of screaming and slamming his head against the floor have completely been eliminated.

What does Rogan's father think about the trip to the chiropractor now? Kim reports that after the first adjustment, she and the kids spent a week with her parents. When they returned, her husband spent 20 minutes with Rogan and realized he had a new son—a change he attributes to NUCCA care.

Kids And The Upper Cervical Check-up

Upper Cervical doctors hear from parents that they appreciate the importance of regular check-ups for their child’s teeth, eyes and ears, but they draw a blank when it comes to a spinal check-up. Yet that could be one of the most important check-ups your child will ever have.

You might be surprised to learn that a number of adult problems upper cervical doctors deal with can have a start in childhood. For example, the “growing pains” of a 12-year-old boy can become crippling low back and leg pains in adulthood: the “jolly jumpers” used by a toddler can contribute to spinal curvatures (scoliosis) in the adolescent. Your child’s spine is his or her lifeline. Running through it is the spinal cord containing billions of nerves that send messages and information from the brain to every part of the body and back again.

Yes, we all have our very own Internet! As long as none of these messages is interrupted, your child will have a greater potential for optimal health. If, however, there is any interference with this “information highway,” the message sent by the brain will not reach the part of the body it intended to reach. As a result, the body starts to work improperly. This interference can affect the immune system, lower body resistance and leave your child more vulnerable to various bugs and infections.

THE FUNCTION OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

It is generally agreed that the immune system is very closely linked to the nervous system. As a matter of fact, Dr. Stephen Marini, with the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, feels that the immune system is like a “circulating nervous system.” He also feels most diseases that children get are really the result of the improper functioning of that system. This interference in your child’s nervous system is what upper cervical doctors refer to as head/neck misalignment- small misalignments of the top bones of the spine which can put tension on the delicate nervous system.

HOW DOES YOUR BABY’S SPINE LOSE ITS NATURAL ALIGNMENT?

Head/neck misalignment has many causes. One potential cause is actually the process of being brought into the world - birth. For an infant, it can be very stressful. Head/neck misalignment associated with birth trauma can cause/contribute to hyperactivity, lowered resistance, ear infections, asthma and bed wetting, as well as signs of “central motor impairment.” According to Dr Gutman, a German specialist, “a spinal check up after birth should be obligatory.”

As babies get older, they are often subjected to some uncomfortable traditions: wearing tight diapers that do not allow proper hip development; “jolly jumpers” which place an infant in an upright position long before the spine can deal with gravity; poorly designed school desks and poor mattresses, just to name a few. Then of course there is the usual process of crawling, walking and running. As your child matures, other incidents and activities can also create head/neck misalignment. For instance, falling off a bike or down stairs, hockey, football, skateboards and roller blades.

If allowed to remain, head/neck misalignment can be the starting point of nerve system and body malfunction. When a head/neck misalignment has existed for some time, it will often produce symptoms (pain is the most common) as a warning to let you know that something is simply not okay.

Upper cervical care is for everyone, but is especially important for children. It can make a huge difference in their lives. Correcting head/neck misalignment and maintaining that correction at an early age is often neglected and can be carried by a child as a burden throughout a lifetime.

I am of the thought that all parents should be made aware of upper cervical care for themselves and their children and the benefits that come from a normally functioning nervous system and a healthy body.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Cervical Care: Part II

“Does it have to be corrected often?”

That depends on your own body. After the initial period of correction some people can hold their correction for several months at a time. Others have to be corrected every other week. Everyone is different. The Upper Cervical doctor’s objective is to make as precise an Upper Cervical correction as possible. Then he/she must help you maintain the correction with as few corrections as possible so that you can enjoy a better quality of life. Periodic Upper Cervical checkups, just like dental checkups and physicals, should be part of your personal preventive health care program. If you are maintaining your correction and body balance then your Upper Cervical chiropractor will not adjust you.

How soon should I get my children under this care?

As soon after birth as possible, and then have them checked regularly as they grow up. You could not possibly give your child a better gift than to make certain that the one organ of the body that controls all the other organs and body functions, the brainstem, is doing its job without interference from the tiny bone just below it.

How much does it cost?

A fraction of what you have probably already spent in your quest to get well. There will be some expense at the beginning because of the x-rays that are so necessary. But our organization has asked that each doctor provide some type of payment plan that enables you and your family to get under care as soon as possible. Because insurance does not pay for corrective care they may only cover a portion of what is needed. In addition, some HMO’s and PPO’s only have certain chiropractors on their list of providers and you have to go to them. Most of these, though equally well trained in other chiropractic procedures, may not be trained in precision Upper Cervical chiropractic. On a personal note, Richard and I had no insurance when we started Upper Cervical care, but the concept made enough sense to risk it. Plus, it cost no more than other forms of chiropractic care. It turned out to be the best investment of our lives.

If the Upper Cervical procedure is so good, why haven’t I heard about it before?

There are specific reasons why you have never heard about this before, and unfortunately, they are political. First, most people are aware of the tension between the medical profession and the chiropractic profession over the last 100 years. Whenever there is a problem, there is always a black out of information to the public at large. For example, several years ago when we tried to discuss Upper Cervical care with any medical doctor or nurse, the moment we mentioned the word “chiropractor”, a thick wall went up. We never were given the chance to describe how advanced chiropractic at large has become and there are phenomenal procedures like this one available to people today. The medical prejudice we encountered prevented us from being able to share this information with doctors and nurses who work with people who desperately needed this information, the very information that would have helped their patients avoid surgery in many cases and avoid the consumption of drugs with dangerous side effects. Because the doctors and nurses themselves did not know about this type of healthcare, and in some cases, they chose not to know, their patients have paid the price.

Fortunately, now, more and more medical doctors are discovering how beneficial Upper Cervical health care is and are referring more and more of their patients to Upper Cervical doctors. These medical doctors acknowledge that constantly prescribing medication is, at times, ineffective and can actually create additional problems. They realize they have found a safe, scientific type of care that is of extreme benefit to their patients. Some of these progressive medical doctors are now becoming some of our greatest allies. One day we sincerely hope that the medical and chiropractic professions will work side-by-side for the benefit of public health. We need them both.

Keeping Upper Cervical Care Easy To Understand

By Dr. Daniel Clark

We make a practice of keeping our explanation simple, logical and easy to understand.

Most health problems will respond to the Upper Cervical Corrective Procedure when there is restricted flow of brain healing messages to the body.

Brain messages leave the brain by way of the brain stem, pass through the neck, down the spinal cord and out over the entire nervous system to all parts of the body.

We are not consciously aware that these messages exist but the heart keeps pumping blood, the lungs keep breathing air, the stomach keeps digesting food and the thousands of other chemical changes going on in the body continuously are all a result of messages sent by the brain.

We take precision x-rays to determine if there is interference at the top of the neck that could restrict the flow of brain healing messages to the body, allowing health problems to develop.

If the x-rays indicate misalignment interference, we analyze the x-rays to develop a corrective formula.

Our First Objective:

We use your x-ray formula to correct the misalignment and restore the brain’s ability to send its healing messages to the body, so it can begin its natural self-healing process.

The Corrective Procedure is painless and requires no pulling, twisting or jerking motion of the head and neck.

Our Second Objective:

On follow-up visits during the body’s stabilization and healing period, we monitor your ability to maintain the alignment correction to prevent any interruption in the healing process until it is complete.

Very Important:

After your healing is complete, we recommend periodic check ups to monitor your ability to maintain the alignment correction, so the brain can continue sending unrestricted health and healing messages to the body and provide optimal health and a better quality of life.

Upper Cervical Corrective Health Care is both a Crisis and a Preventive health care service for children and adults of all ages ….. Because

When the brain can send its health and healing messages to the body without any interference, we improve our odds of enjoying good health.

When the brain cannot send its health and healing messages to some part of the body because of interference at the top of the neck, we can expect health problems will begin to develop.

Upper Cervical Care and The Larger Picture

Adapted from the article, "Chiropractic: Health care concerned with the well-being of human kind, Mind, Body, and Spirit"

Upper Cervical Care is based on the absolute science that every function in the human body is directed and coordinated by the nervous system. It is through this science that we know without a doubt that the body is a self healing and self regulating organism that knows how to heal itself from inside the same way it knew how to grow you from 2 cells into over two trillion cells in 9 months! The Power that made the body heals the body! The body heals itself through the communication of the nervous system. It will do this as long as there is no interference.

The upper cervical doctors primary goal is to help the body tap into this amazing, internal healing wisdom by removing interferences to the nervous system called "Subluxations", which result from head neck misalignment. The result of Subluxations is diminished function and communication. For some this may result in Headaches, in others it is Back Pain, others Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Asthma. In children Subluxations may reduce your resistence to Ear infections. If a Subluxation is left uncorrected it can affect the structure and function of the joints of the spine, and thus contribute to Scoliosis, or the cycle of Spinal Arthritis.

Subluxations like Viruses, can happen at anytime. They can be caused by Repetitive Strain injury, Sports Injuries, Prolonged Sitting at a desk or computer or Long Drives and more. Stress and the physical tension it creates can Subluxate the spine. Many Subluxations however are caused in childhood and show up as problems later in life. Learning to walk and falling, bumping the spine can cause Subluxations, and many times the Birth Trauma, of the delivery pulling on the neck or forceps can cause lifetime spinal problems.

Only Upper Cervical Doctors are trained to detect and correct head neck misalignment with a specific upper cervical correction, thus removing the nerve interference and restoring proper function of the spine. Upper Cervical Care is for all ages and a healthy spine and nervous system is a priority today, for healthier tomorrows.

Upper Cervical Care and Kids

Upper Cervical Care and the Pediatric Patient
by Dr. Claudia Anrig
from: Dynamic Chiropractic - April 10, 2006, Volume 24, Issue 08

Upper cervical technique is not new to the chiropractic profession. It started with the toggle (HIO) technique, developed by Dr. B.J. Palmer, followed by other upper cervical techniques, such as Grostic, NUCCA, orthospinology and atlas orthongal. In preparing this article, I interviewed Dr. Julie Mayer Hunt, a second-generation upper cervical chiropractor who is board certified in orthospinology and has earned diplomate status in chiropractic pediatrics. She is currently a board member of the Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology and the Academy of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Organizations (AUCCO).

According to Dr. Mayer Hunt, "The upper cervical spine is one of the most vulnerable areas of the spine and is a critical area to keep free from nerve interference." She cites a study published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics that identified approximately 58 articles regarding chiropractic care of the pediatric patient.1 All of the literature reviewed involved upper cervical adjustments (UCA) and reported the overall level of improvement as a result of rendering specific chiropractic care. Many of the studies involved cases in which any of a myriad of conditions frequently affecting children was resolved completely. Moreover, the response time of a UCA often was seen within one to three treatments. The conditions cited included infantile colic, glaucoma, irritability, head trauma, hemiparesis, projectile vomiting, tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, nocturnal enuresis, allergies, sleep disorders curvature of the spine, fever, otitis media, asthma, ADHD, headaches, torticollis and seizures. The JCCP study summarized studies involving more than 1,000 children under chiropractic care; the findings suggested the focal area of care involved the upper cervical spine.

Dr. Kirk Eriksen best describes the upper cervical biomechanics as not moving in only one plane of motion. During normal cervical movement, coupled motion occurs. Coupling is defined as motion in which rotation or translation of a rigid body about or along one axis is consistently associated with simultaneous rotation or translation about or along another axis. During normal range of movement, coupled motion helps reduce tension on the nervous system. This is accomplished by offsetting pure lateral flexion or rotation, with small amounts of movements in the X, Y or Z axes.2

One feature of an upper cervical subluxation is that the occipito-atlanto-axial articulations have misaligned in an uncoupled fashion. This condition is measured radiographically in a neutral posture, with the spine at rest. The body must continually adapt, from a biomechanical and neurological standpoint, to this type of subluxation.2

The birth process alone can contribute to upper cervical trauma and instability. Abraham Towbin, MD, reported the results of a study on newborn spinal cord/brainstem injuries that he conducted at the Harvard Department of Neuropathology.3 He performed autopsies on more than 2,000 newborns that died shortly after birth. In his report, Latent Spinal Cord and Brain Stem Injuries in Newborn Infants, Dr. Towbin stated: "Spinal cord and brain stem injuries often occur during the process of birth, but frequently escape diagnosis. Respiratory distress is a cardinal sign of such injury."3

A study by H. Biedermann, published in the Journal of Manual Medicine, high lights the importance of checking the newborn following delivery. In his evaluation of 1,000 newborns, he discovered that 119 cases revealed kinematic imbalances of the suboccipital spine. The finding of suboccipital strain equated to approximately 12 percent of the population group.4

Upper cervical techniques traditionally use the supine leg-length evaluation to determine necessity for adjusting the atlas. When evaluating the pediatric patient with the supine leg check, a leg-length difference is often readily apparent, usually half an inch or greater. Dr. K. Eriksen notes the following hypothesis regarding the short leg findings:

"The spinocerebellar tracts are located along the lateral edge of the spinal cord and are located at the most probable site of maximal mechanical irritation via the dentate ligaments. These proprioceptive tracts are primary pathways for regulating muscle tone and joint position sense. The spinocerebellar tracts are arranged in a laminar fashion (although somewhat angulated) with the most lateral fibers innervating the most caudal structures (i.e., legssacrallumbarthoracic cervical [very limited]). Irritation of these tracts could lead to muscle tone imbalance of the pelvic girdle resulting in a functional short leg."5

Upper cervical chiropractors also note postural corrections as a byproduct of specific upper cervical adjustments. These doctors advocate that one of the benefits of chiropractic care for the pediatric population is eliminating spinal stress (weight of the head centered and structurally/neurologically balanced) on the child's developing spine.

A resource regarding upper cervical techniques for both pediatric and general practice is Dr. Erikson's book, Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex: A Review of the Chiropractic and Medical Literature. The book reviews the anatomy and kinematics of the upper cervical spine, and explains how impaired biomechanics causes neurological dysfunction and physiological concomitants.5 This textbook is not intended to be about chiropractic technique; rather, the text provides the "why" as opposed to the "how" of upper cervical chiropractic care. A follow-up book providing specifics on upper cervical techniques including pediatric care is scheduled to be released in spring 2007.

Claudia Anrig, DC, practices in Fresno, Calif. She is on the board of directors of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. For more information, including a brief biography, a printable version of this article and a link to previous articles, please visit Dr. Anrig's columnist page online: www.chiroweb.com/columnist/anrig.

To learn more regarding specific upper cervical techniques for pediatrics, access the following resources:

orthospinology: www.orthospinology.org
atlas orthogonal: www.atlasorthogonality.com
NUCCA: www.nucca.org
It should be noted that Dr. Mayer Hunt has published several pediatric case studies on irregular bowel function, cystic hygroma and asthma,6-8 which illustrate functional improvement of these nonmuscular disorders when the subluxation was corrected by specific upper cervical adjustments.

References

1. Prax C. Upper cervical care of the pediatric patient: a review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 1999;4(1):257-263.
2. Eriksen K. The upper cervical subluxation complex. Today's Chiropractic, March/April 2004.
3. Towbin A. Latent spinal cord and brain stem injuries in newborn infants. Develop Med Child Neurol 1969;(11):54-68.
4. Biedermann H. Sub-occipital strain in newborn infants. Journal of Manual Medicine 1992;(6):151-156.
5. Eriksen K. Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex: A Review of the Chiropractic and Medical Literature. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003.
6. Hunt JM. Upper cervical chiropractic care of an infant with irregular bowel function: a case report. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, Spring/Summer 2000:221-312.
7. Upper cervical chiropractic care and resolution of cystic hygroma in a twelve-year-old female: a case study. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, Spring/Summer 2000:221-312.
8. Upper cervical care of a pediatric patient with asthma: a case study. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, Spring/Summer 2000:221-312.

Reduction in Asthma with Upper Cervical Care

(Upper Cervical) Chiropractic Management of 47 Asthma Cases

from Today's Chiropractic, November 2000
By William Amalu, DC.

Study Report

Over a seven-year period, 47 cases of asthma were managed in an outpatient setting. Every case was followed for a minimum of two years to observe effectiveness of care. The study group comprised 28 males and 19 females, ranging from 7 to 42 years of age. Of the 47 cases, 32 patients ranged in age from 7 to 19 years.

All of the cases presented with an incoming medical diagnosis of asthma and corresponding classification level. Medical specialists monitored these patients for objective respiratory improvement and medication changes. A thorough initial history and physical examination was performed to corroborate the diagnosis. The chronicity of this condition ranged from 2 to 23 years. Patients with intermittent or exercise-induced asthma were excluded from this study due to the ease of care response in most cases. Of the 47 cases, 11 were classified as mild persistent, 28 as moderate persistent and 8 as severe persistent. Each patient's progress was assessed on every office visit by rating the intensity of the symptoms along with the frequency of their acute medication usage.

Upon stabilizing the upper cervical spine, determined by consistently presenting normal paraspinal infrared images, objective improvement in all 47 asthmatic cases was 87-100 percent. The total time of care to reach this point ranged from 3 to 9 months, with a mean time of 16 weeks. The most common initial care frequency used was 3 times per week with tapering frequency after 4-8 weeks. Total care visits ranged from 14 to 44, with a mean of 26 office visits to stabilization. All 47 patients reported maintaining their improvements at two years or more of follow-up care. The sole care method rendered consisted of corrections of aberrant arthrokinematic function of the occipito-atlanto axial complex (upper neck), via adjusting with Applied Upper Cervical Biomechanics procedures.

Flu, Vitamin D and Upper Cervical Care

I believe the article below was written by Dr Mercola. Vitamin D and a properly functioning nerve system via Upper Cervical Care is a great way to be ready for the flu, of any type.

Avoid Flu Shots With the One Vitamin that Will Stop Flu in Its Tracks

Another influenza season is beginning, and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will strongly urge Americans to get a flu shot. In fact, the CDC mounts a well-orchestrated campaign each season to generate interest and demand for flu shots.

But a recent study published in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine found that vaccinating young children against the flu appeared to have no impact on flu-related hospitalizations or doctor visits during two recent flu seasons.

At first glance, the data did suggest that children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years derived some protection from vaccination in these years. But after adjusting for potentially relevant variables, the researchers concluded that "significant influenza vaccine effectiveness could not be demonstrated for any season, age, or setting" examined.

Additionally, a Group Health study found that flu shots do not protect elderly people against developing pneumonia -- the primary cause of death resulting as a complication of the flu. Others have questioned whether there is any mortality benefit with influenza vaccination. Vaccination coverage among the elderly increased from 15 percent in 1980 to 65 percent now, but there has been no decrease in deaths from influenza or pneumonia.

There is some evidence that flu shots cause Alzheimer’s disease, most likely as a result of combining mercury with aluminum and formaldehyde. Mercury in vaccines has also been implicated as a cause of autism.

Three other serious adverse reactions to the flu vaccine are joint inflammation and arthritis, anaphylactic shock (and other life-threatening allergic reactions), and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralytic autoimmune disease.

One credible hypothesis that explains the seasonal nature of flu is that influenza is a vitamin D deficiency disease.

Vitamin D levels in your blood fall to their lowest point during flu seasons. Unable to be protected by the body’s own antibiotics (antimicrobial peptides) that are released by vitamin D, a person with a low vitamin D blood level is more vulnerable to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections.

Studies show that children with rickets, a vitamin D-deficient skeletal disorder, suffer from frequent respiratory infections, and children exposed to sunlight are less likely to get a cold. The increased number of deaths that occur in winter, largely from pneumonia and cardiovascular diseases, are most likely due to vitamin D deficiency.

Unfortunately, now, for the first time, flu vaccination is also being pushed for virtually all children -- not just those under 5.

This is a huge change. Previously, flu vaccine was recommended only for youngsters under 5, who can become dangerously ill from influenza. This year, the government is recommending that children from age 6 months to 18 years be vaccinated, expanding inoculations to 30 million more school-age children.

The government argues that while older children seldom get as sick as the younger ones, it's a bigger population that catches flu at higher rates, so the change should cut missed school, and parents' missed work when they catch the illness from their children.

Of course, this policy ignores the fact that a systematic review of 51 studies involving 260,000 children age 6 to 23 months found no evidence that the flu vaccine is any more effective than a placebo.

Sources:
LewRockwell.com October 3, 2008
EMS Responder September 9, 2008
WebMD October 6, 2008
Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine October 2008; 162(10):943-51

The Highlight of Practicing Upper Cervical Care

Earlier today I had the pleasure of checking a cute little bundle, a baby not quite two weeks old. The parents are firm supporters of upper cervical care and several weeks before the birth had asked me if I would be willing to check their baby once she was born. "Of course!", I said "It would be an honor."

Background -

The upper cervical spine is crucial because as Dr Gott. MD notes, "The head weighs between eight and 14 pounds. It must remain in perfect alignment in order to prevent interference in every brain-to-body function. Misalignment can result from automobile accidents, poor posture, falls and countless other causes. When the head becomes misaligned, it reacts adversely with pain and poor health. This is where upper-cervical chiropractic intervention comes into play. There is no forceful twisting or pulling of the neck. Muscles relax, blood circulation increases, and healing begins." The only thing I would add as a potential cause would be trauma during the birth process. It is also understood that the 8 to 14 pounds refers to adults and newborns/children have much lighter heads. However a newborn's/infant's ratio of head weight to body weight is much greater (heavier heads relative to body weight) and when you take that into consideration along with the diminished control of the head and neck in a newborn/infant it makes this area even more clinically significant.

History -

The mother had some minor issues near the end of pregnancy but birth went smoothly. The baby's presentation was normal and the baby was born vaginally. They opted for a hospital birth and there was no induction of labor or forceful pulling or twisting of the baby's head and neck during the birth. The baby came out fairly quickly with the last push bringing the head and the rest of baby with it. Some normal cone shape to the skull was present at birth which quickly molded to normal over the next 24 hours. Slight bruising to the back left portion of the skull from perhaps pushing against the pubic bone prior to birth. From the mother and father's perspective there was no indication of any trauma during or immediately following the birth. The baby is breastfed and the parents noted that she moves her head with a fair amount of control for her age. Other than a bit of issue from time to time staying latched on when feeding she appears to have no problems.

Analysis -

Upon checking the baby, head was very symetrical and bruising on back of head had healed. Baby was alert and content with no obvious signs of discomfort. Muscle tone in neck was good bilaterally and no sensitivity or irritation from analyzing the area was noted. Bilateral measurements of temperature in the atlas fossa (divet just behind ear lobe) were within an acceptable range and general muscle tone throughout the remainder of the spine was good and symetrical even when the upper cervical spine was stressed. Reversed Fencer's was performed and no abonormality was detected.

Outcome -

Based on the history and the analysis, x-rays were not indicated and no upper cervical correction was needed at this time.

Conclusion -

This provides additional evidence that the nature and progression of the birth process appears to play a significant role in the initial stability of the upper cervical spine. It has been observed that when there is abnormal baby presentation (breech, brow breech, footling) and/or more invasive methods (c-section, forceps, vacuum extraction, or forceful pulling or twisting of the head by hand) are utilized to birth the baby there is a significantly greater possibility of trauma to the upper cervical spine. More research in this area is warranted because not only do we, as upper cervical doctors, make corrections to this region but also those things that prevent them from occuring, especially during the birth process, could drastically reduce the need for care over the course of one's life time.

Remember it is holding/not needing a correction that gets and keeps people well, not correcting them.

Autism: Upper Cervical Care vs. General Chiropractic

Clinical Efficacy of Upper Cervical Versus Full Spine Adjustment on Children with Autism WFC'S 7th Biennial Congress Conference Proceedings MAY 1-3, 2003, 7th Ed: 328-9 Children with autism are presented with multiple categories of clinical pictures that affect their social, sensory, speech, and physical development. In addition to chiropractic care, parents of autistic children seek all possible therapies available. In this study, the clinical outcome of chiropractic care showed higher efficacy of upper cervical adjustment when compared to full spine adjustment in autistic children.