14 Tips to Stand the Best Chance of Holding Your Upper Cervical Adjustment
Once you have had your first upper cervical adjustment you will understand that the key to care is not simple getting adjusted regularly but holding your adjustment between visits and getting checked to ensure you are holding and healing. How often you visit the office is your choice and some people like to get checked regularly for peace of mind. However, following our recommendations will ensure the best results.
Tip to help with holding your upper cervical adjustment
- Follow the schedule of appointments that we have set up for you. There is no substitute for carefully timed upper cervical adjustments.
- Avoid physical and mental stress before and after each adjustment. The more relaxed you are, the better your upper cervical adjustment will hold.
- Avoid excessive physical exertion, especially in the early stages of your care. Many people are in a rush to get back to normal, but this can be detrimental to holding their adjustments.
- Resting (similar to what we do before and after your adjustments in the office) in between visits allows your body to stabilise .
- Sleep on your back or on your side. Ideally, you should have your neck supported while you sleep so your head is in a neutral position. To lessen the stress on your lower back, place a pillow under your knees (whilst on your back) or between your knees (whilst on your side).
- Sit straight while in a chair, making sure that the lower back is supported. Do not sit with anything in your back pocket.
- Lift properly. Bend at the knees whilst keeping the back straight.
- Avoid movements which cause discomfort.
- Please don’t try to be your own doctor! Self-administered remedies may do more harm than good.
- Be patient. Ligaments and muscles must have time to re-train themselves to
support the re-aligned vertebrae. This is a natural process that can’t be rushed. - Be mindful of how long your problem has been present. This will often be discussed at your report of findings and some changes will take time to come about.
- Please feel free to ask any questions that you have about your health or wellness. We are here to help you understand the best way to take care of your spinal condition.
- If there is a change in your condition, for better or worse, tell us.
- The use of caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol should be avoided just prior to an office visit. These substances can alter nerve and muscle activation and change your thermography readings, giving us false positives or negatives.
Ultimately, the less stress and strain you put your body under, the more we have a chance of getting your adjustment to hold. As your holding time increases your body will be able to withstand more strain. But striking the correct balance can be difficult in the beginning, so err on the side of caution and if you are unsure of anything please ask and we will advise you.
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Hello,
I am 71 and have been pretty healthy up until 8 months ago. I injured my neck by attempting to lift and carry a very heavy basket in Nepal.
I have been aware of my neck looking out of balance but have had very little trouble with my neck.
8 months ago all of a sudden I developed some pain down my arms, brain fog and extreme anxiety.
This included having panic attacks which I have never had before. I have been treated with antidepressants which have helped somewhat but still have brain fog, blurred vision and vertigo which has happened a few times since my original accident. I am seeing a neurosurgeon and get the result of my MRI scan next week.I would not be keen on surgery. Do you feel you co7ld help me .I have been reading a lot about upper cervical spine adjustment. I spoke to your colleague on the phone a few weeks ago. Regards, Mary Taylor
Hi Mary,
From the sounds of it you could have an issue with your upper cervical spine. The mode of onset and the progression makes sense and we do see a lot of people with similar symptoms in the clinic. We would be able to tell you with more certainty once we have examined your case in the office, but it sounds like it from what you are saying.
Kind regards,
Christian