St Louis Chiropractor – Dr. Adam Tanase

Subluxation of the upper cervical spine (C1-C2) can affect people in a variety of ways. From my experience, common themes can be seen in patients suffering from misalignment in this area. Warning signs indicating Nervous System malfunction pepper their way through a person’s health history. These indicators do not occur all at once, so it’s easy for people to write them off as “no big deal” since they may seem fleeting. Each warning sign, however, is like a falling domino. They leave a trail that helps show which parts of the body have been affected.

One of the first things a person can notice is headaches. These can occur at the back of the head, and move upwards, or simply throb in the forehead area. The pain can be on just one side, or both.

The next thing that people may become aware of is occasional dizziness, blurred vision, or random floaters across their field of view. From here, they can experience a high/low pitched ringing of the ears. They may also have increased sensitivity in any part of their face, or develop a peculiar metallic taste in the mouth. Sinus congestion can be experienced as well.

There can be a persistent need to clear your throat, and even minor difficulties swallowing. They might also notice a change in voice tone, or begin sighing frequently. Women might begin to notice very painful periods.

After a while, you may feel stiffness and tension in the lower part of your neck and across your shoulders. This is a sign that the effects of the misalignment have progressed down the spine. The arms/hands may begin having numbness or tingling sensations, finger swelling, or sweaty palms. They can also notice a weakness in their arms in overhead positions, or when opening jars.

That’s just the beginning! The effects of subluxation can be felt all over the body.

In Part 2, I will discuss additional signs and symptoms of subluxation. Until then, check out 14 Signs of an Unhealthy Spine for more clues that you might be in need of chiropractic care.

Did you know that your body is equipped with its very own gas & brake pedals?

A large portion of your nervous system has what’s called Sympathetic function. It controls the stuff that you never have to think about… things like sweating, heart rate, pupil diameter, and even urinary flow. It helps you handle stressful situations. Much of its duties involve increasing function, so it’s considered the “gas pedal,” or accelerator.

Your “brake pedal” is the responsibility of another part of your nervous system with Parasympathetic function. It controls the “Rest-and-Digest” functions of the body… things like maintaining and restoring energy, lowering blood pressure/heart rate, and actively monitoring digestion. Its duties primarily soften or reduce function.

Both of these nerve systems supply the same groups of organs and tissues, but cause opposite effects. Together they’re referred to as the Autonomic Nervous System.

Interestingly enough, spinal misalignments can cause your “gas & brake pedals” to function disproportionately. That’s why it’s so important to have your nervous system checked periodically to insure things are balanced.

Chiropractic adjustments can have a profound effect on nervous system function. So much, in fact, that within minutes of receiving the procedure, lung capacity increases, blood pressure improves, and peristaltic bowel sounds can be heard.

A very common “health effect” of the adjustment is improved sleep quality. Patients suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia report noticeable changes in their ability to fall asleep, and stay that way throughout the night. It’s quite remarkable!

Many people are completely unaware that their conditions can be helped through Upper Cervical Care. A primary assessment tool to determine if someone has an imbalance in their nervous system is computerized thermal imaging. This technology is available in my St Louis office.

If you’re suffering from health conditions like insomnia or high blood pressure, and you’re looking for natural solutions that don’t involve any more medication, Upper Cervical Care is a viable option to consider.