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Upper Cervical Orthospinology in Jacksonville, FL

Dr. Thuraia Owais (Dr. O) at San Jose Chiropractic specializes in Upper Cervical Orthospinology, which is a very specific and unique chiropractic technique. Unlike traditional chiropractic, which examines and adjusts misaligned segments anywhere in the spine, upper cervical care exclusively addresses the first two vertebrae in your neck.

Only approximately 1% of all chiropractors in the United States are certified in upper cervical work. Dr. O is the only chiropractor in Mandarin who offers this technique.

Focusing on the Atlas and Axis

 

These two bones, called the Atlas (C1) and the Axis (C2), are situated directly below your brain stem. They are different from all other vertebrae in your spine. Because messages from your brain to your entire body must pass through this area first, misalignments here can cause dysfunction or illness anywhere in your body.

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Therefore, when we correct the alignment of the Atlas and the Axis, the realignment of the rest of the spine generally occurs on its own. This allows the entire body to function as it should. In this way, we can help patients heal naturally from a wide range of conditions, including:​

  • Digestive issues

  • Ear infections

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Headaches

  • Low back pain

  • Migraines

  • Neck pain

  • Neuropathies

  • Sinus issues

  • TMJ

  • Vertigo

How is Upper Cervical Different?

 

If the first bone of your neck is out of alignment, your skull will not sit correctly on your spine. This situation can lead to your body overcompensating, which in turn leads to misalignments elsewhere in your spine.

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Traditional chiropractic care looks at and corrects these other spinal misalignments. But since they don’t address the C1 vertebra (Atlas), the body will continue to overcompensate. That means misalignments and other dysfunction will continue to reappear.

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On the other hand, upper cervical care offers a more top-down approach. By looking at the Atlas first and correcting any issues here, the body’s need to overcompensate is removed, so the rest of the spine can then realign itself. With the entire spine in proper alignment, messages from the brain can be delivered effectively to the body, and your body can heal itself.

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The Upper Cervical Adjustment Process

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Before we begin with upper cervical care, we will do complete neurological, orthopedic and postural examinations. Then we’ll take X-rays of your neck. This will give us the information we need to deliver precisely targeted adjustments. After your adjustment, we will do post-X-rays to ensure the correction was made.

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The adjustment itself is very gentle, using about the same pressure that you would use to check a tomato for ripeness. In fact, it’s so gentle that many patients don’t even feel it. Your X-rays show us where the adjustment needs to be made, and the angle required for correction. We use the KH-2 Laney adjusting instrument to deliver these precisely targeted adjustments.

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Because patients often don’t feel anything, they sometimes wonder if the adjustment moved the segment. We can confirm that the adjustment corrected the position of the bone by taking post-adjustment X-rays.

 

Post Adjustment Soreness​

 

Some patients experience soreness after their adjustment, and this is a perfectly normal effect of the retracing process. When your body has been held in the same position for a long time, and something occurs to alter that position, muscles and joints become sore from being used in a different way.

 

It’s the same principle as getting sore after working out at the gym. The soreness is temporary and can usually be relieved with ice packs.

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Experiencing the Effects of Upper Cervical Care

 

Dr. O was planning to become a pharmacist when she began suffering chronic ear infections and migraines. Her blood pressure had also increased dramatically. She went to an upper cervical chiropractor and, after one adjustment, her ear infections, migraines, and blood pressure all resolved on their own.

 

She was inspired to change career paths and become an upper cervical chiropractor, so she could help others in the same way.

FAQs About Upper Cervical in Jacksonville

What is upper cervical Orthospinology and how does it work?

Upper cervical Orthospinology is a highly specific form of chiropractic care that focuses exclusively on the top two vertebrae in the neck, known as the Atlas and the Axis. These bones sit directly beneath the brainstem, which controls communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When these vertebrae are misaligned, it can disrupt normal nerve signaling and lead to problems throughout the body. By gently correcting alignment at this level, the nervous system can function more efficiently and the body can begin to heal naturally.

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How is upper cervical chiropractic different from traditional chiropractic care?

Traditional chiropractic often focuses on adjusting multiple areas of the spine where misalignments are found. Upper cervical care takes a top down approach by identifying whether the Atlas or Axis is misaligned first. When these bones are corrected, the rest of the spine often realigns on its own without repeated full spine adjustments. This approach reduces the need for frequent or forceful adjustments and helps address the root cause rather than chasing symptoms.

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Why does the Atlas and Axis have such a big impact on the body?

The Atlas and Axis protect the brainstem, which controls balance, muscle tone, digestion, immune function, blood pressure, and many automatic processes in the body. Because every nerve signal from the brain must pass through this area, even a small misalignment can have wide ranging effects. Correcting alignment here removes stress on the nervous system and allows the body to regulate itself more effectively.

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Is upper cervical chiropractic safe and gentle?

Yes. Upper cervical adjustments are extremely gentle and precise. Dr. O uses about the same pressure you would use to check a tomato for ripeness. There is no twisting or cracking of the neck. Many patients are surprised by how light the adjustment feels. This makes upper cervical care a great option for seniors, people with osteoporosis, post surgical patients, and anyone who is nervous about traditional chiropractic adjustments.

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What conditions respond well to upper cervical care?

Upper cervical misalignments can contribute to a wide range of symptoms. Many patients seek care for headaches, migraines, vertigo, neck pain, TMJ problems, sinus issues, ear infections, neuropathies, digestive concerns, fibromyalgia, and chronic tension. Because the nervous system influences the entire body, improvements are often noticed in multiple areas once proper alignment is restored.

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How do you know if I have an upper cervical misalignment?

Dr. O performs a detailed evaluation that includes neurological testing, posture analysis, and specialized upper cervical X-rays when indicated. These images allow her to see the exact position of the Atlas and Axis and determine whether a misalignment is present. This precise analysis ensures that any correction is tailored specifically to your anatomy.

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Will I feel the adjustment when it is performed?

Many patients do not feel the adjustment at all because it is so gentle. Others notice a light pressure or tap. Even if you do not feel much during the adjustment, post adjustment X-rays allow Dr. O to confirm that the correction was successful. Changes often show up in how you feel over time rather than immediately during the adjustment.

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How often will I need to be adjusted?

One of the goals of upper cervical chiropractic is to help your spine hold its alignment for longer periods of time. Unlike traditional chiropractic, adjustments are not performed at every visit. Dr. O checks your alignment at each appointment and only adjusts when necessary. Many patients require fewer adjustments overall as their body stabilizes.

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Is it normal to feel sore after an upper cervical adjustment?

Some patients experience mild soreness after an adjustment, especially if their body has been misaligned for a long time. This is part of the retracing process as muscles and joints adapt to a healthier position. The soreness is usually temporary and can be managed with ice. Many patients compare it to the soreness felt after exercising muscles that have not been used properly before.

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Can upper cervical chiropractic help if I have tried other chiropractors without results?

Yes. Many patients come to San Jose Chiropractic after trying traditional chiropractic, physical therapy, or other treatments without lasting improvement. If the Atlas or Axis has never been properly evaluated or corrected, symptoms may continue to return. Upper cervical care addresses this often overlooked area, which is why some patients finally experience meaningful change.

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Is Dr. O the only upper cervical chiropractor in Mandarin?

Yes. Dr. O is the only chiropractor in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville certified in upper cervical Orthospinology. Only a small percentage of chiropractors nationwide have advanced training in this technique, making it a unique option for patients looking for specialized, gentle care close to home.

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How did Dr. O become an upper cervical chiropractor?

Dr. O originally planned to become a pharmacist but suffered from chronic ear infections, migraines, and high blood pressure. After receiving one upper cervical adjustment, these issues resolved. That experience inspired her to change career paths so she could help others in the same way. Her personal journey gives her a deep understanding of what patients are experiencing and why upper cervical care can be so powerful.

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