When Should You See A Chiropractor?

When your back begins to ache, or your neck gets stiff, you probably reach for the phone to make an appointment with a chiropractor. It’s a shame most people don’t think of calling a chiropractor when they suffer from other conditions.

It may surprise you to learn that chiropractic care can help treat or prevent a wide variety of health issues, but it shouldn’t if you really think about it. After all, the brain and spinal cord make up the Central Nervous System (CNS), which plays a vital role in all of the body’s vital functions. 

After Any Accidents

The uppermost seven vertebrae, known as the upper cervical spine, are most prone to injury. It doesn’t take a major jolt to cause a misalignment of the upper cervical spine—a fender-bender, fall, or wrong move during physical activities. 

If you think you were injured in even a minor accident, it can cause an injury that may trigger a variety of health problems. Call the chiropractor to nip problems in the bud.

When Musculoskeletal Issues Arise

The entire musculoskeletal system can be thrown out of whack from a single misaligned vertebra. To keep the head up straight, we unconsciously shift to accommodate even minute misalignments of the spine. This sets off a domino effect, putting undue stress and strain on the rest of the body, causing more injuries. 

Any chronic joint pains, sore muscles, pulled ligaments, range of motion reduction or numbness in the extremities should be a red flag signaling it is time to call the chiropractor.

To Treat Headaches

There are many different types of headaches with different causes—stress and tension, nerve damage, impeded blood flow to the brain, etc. The root cause of many of these issues may be a misalignment of the upper cervical spine. 

When the vertebrae are misaligned in the neck area it can cause inflammation, swelling, pinched nerves, compressed vessels, tight muscles, and other problems that result in headaches. Whether you suffer from stress headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, etc., a chiropractor might help bring some relief. 

For Earaches and Sinus Problems

There are delicate tubes that facilitate the drainage of fluids from the ear and sinus cavities. When fluids don’t drain properly, they build up and become uncomfortable. These fluids present a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses that can fester and eventually cause infections. 

Consider once again the proximity of the upper cervical spine to the ear and nasal passages. Inflammation around the base of the skull and neck can cause the kind of swelling that compresses the drainage passageways. Chiropractic care can help alleviate the inflammation and unblock the paths to promote proper drainage. 

When You Live A Sedentary Life

When you work at a desk job, spend hours per week commuting in the car, and are too exhausted to hit the gym at the end of the night, it can wreak havoc on your posture. Maladapted posture causes problems such as spinal misalignments, pinched nerves, nerve damage, and disc degeneration. 

Even if you’re not having any noticeable pains or health problems, people who don’t get enough exercise should consult a chiropractor for preventative care. 

How Our Treatment Works

Here at Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, we try to take a holistic approach to health. Since misalignments of the upper cervical spine can be the catalyst to so many health issues, our goal is to make the necessary corrections so that your body’s natural healing processes and systems will function optimally. 

Dr. Noah Kaplan, owner of Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic and board-certified member of the Blair Chiropractic Society, is a specialist in the upper cervical spine. The doctor uses the Blair Chiropractic Technique to help prevent and treat many health issues rooted in misalignments of the upper cervical spine. 

The Blair technique is a modern technique that utilizes state-of-the-art technology, such as Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT), to help the doctor visualize and calculate your unique anatomy. Dr. Kaplan is the only doctor in the East Bay Area to utilize revolutionary 3D imaging diagnostic tools for this purpose. 

Superior technology removes all the guesswork so that Dr. Kaplan can apply gentler pressure in precise locations to restore the spine’s proper alignment. Upper cervical care offers a drug-free, non-invasive, natural treatment option for a variety of illnesses and injuries. 

Call Dr. Kaplan today for a consultation to see if upper cervical care may be beneficial to your healthcare routine. Located in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.