What is upper cervical chiropractic?
Upper cervical chiropractic, also called upper cervical care, is a chiropractic specialty that focuses on the first two vertebrae at the top of the neck: the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). Instead of adjusting many areas of the spine at each visit, upper cervical chiropractors measure the position of these two vertebrae precisely and make small, targeted corrections.
At Natural Healing of Tampa Bay, upper cervical care is led by Dr. Heath Lambert, whose professional focus is the upper cervical spine and its relationship to neurological, vascular and orthopedic health. Corrections are delivered with the Advanced Orthogonal instrument.
The atlas (C1) and axis (C2)
The atlas (C1) is the ring-shaped top vertebra that supports the skull. Unlike the bones below it, it has no vertebral body, which gives the head a wide range of motion, especially for nodding.
The axis (C2) sits directly below. A peg of bone called the dens projects upward from it, and the atlas pivots around that peg. Roughly half of the neck’s side-to-side rotation happens at this joint.
This region is very mobile and sits next to the brainstem and the vessels and nerves that pass between the head and neck. For that reason, upper cervical chiropractors give it a dedicated evaluation.
Why upper cervical alignment is evaluated
Upper cervical care is based on the idea that when the atlas shifts out of its normal position, the body compensates. Patients may notice changes in head posture, uneven shoulders or hips, muscle tension, or symptoms such as headaches and neck pain. The goal of the evaluation is to find out whether a measurable misalignment is present and whether correcting it is appropriate for you.
Common contributors to upper neck misalignment include:
- Whiplash from a car accident
- Slips, falls and sports impacts
- Other trauma to the head or neck
- Long-term poor sitting or standing posture
How we evaluate the upper neck
Evaluation starts with your history and a physical exam. When upper cervical care is being considered, three-dimensional digital X-rays of the neck are taken at an imaging center about a mile from our Brandon office. The images are analyzed with specialized software that measures atlas position to within one-hundredth of a degree in all three planes of motion. The practice reports that the software was developed with the Georgia Tech engineering department.
Those measurements guide the direction and angle of the correction.
How the correction is delivered
At the Brandon office, Dr. Lambert uses the Advanced Orthogonal technique. You lie on your side with your head supported, and a precision instrument positioned behind the ear delivers a light percussive impulse. There is no twisting, cracking or popping, and most patients feel very little during the adjustment itself.
Upper cervical vs. traditional chiropractic
| Upper cervical (Advanced Orthogonal) | Traditional chiropractic | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Atlas (C1) and axis (C2) | Whole spine and joints |
| Measurement | Precise X-ray analysis guides each correction | Varies by technique; often palpation and motion testing |
| Adjustment | Light instrument impulse behind the ear | Often manual thrust, sometimes with a popping sound |
| Twisting or cracking | None | Common with manual techniques |
| Frequency | Correction is made when measurements call for it | Often adjusted at most visits |
Natural Healing of Tampa Bay also offers traditional chiropractic techniques when they suit the patient.
Who commonly seeks upper cervical care?
Patients commonly seek an upper cervical evaluation for:
- Migraines and chronic headaches
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Vertigo and dizziness
- TMJ dysfunction
- Whiplash and auto injuries
Whether upper cervical care is a good fit depends on your exam findings. Treatment recommendations vary by patient.
What happens at your appointment
- History and exam. We discuss your symptoms, past injuries and goals.
- Imaging. Neck X-rays are taken when appropriate, at an imaging center about a mile from our Brandon office ($35 at the first visit).
- Analysis. The measurements determine whether a correction is needed and how to make it.
- Correction. The Advanced Orthogonal adjustment takes only a moment.
- Afterward. Drink extra water, rest, and follow any at-home instructions you are given, including any supplements recommended.
Where upper cervical care is offered
Advanced Orthogonal instrument adjustments are done by Dr. Lambert at our Brandon office (911 S Parsons Ave, Suite A), Tuesday through Thursday. At the Tampa office on Mondays, Dr. Lambert provides upper cervical care using Torque Release Technique and NUCCA.
Frequently asked questions
Is upper cervical care painful?
No. The Advanced Orthogonal adjustment is gentle, and most patients feel very little during the correction itself.
Does an upper cervical adjustment crack my neck?
No. There is no twisting, cracking or popping. The correction is delivered by an instrument, not a manual thrust.
How many visits will I need?
It varies with your condition, the extent of the misalignment and how well the correction holds. An estimate is provided at your new patient evaluation, and the goal is to get you well in as few visits as possible.
Do I need X-rays?
X-rays are typically part of an upper cervical evaluation because they guide the precise angle of correction. They are taken at an imaging center about a mile from our Brandon office. Neck X-rays at the first appointment are $35.
Can I see Dr. Lambert in Tampa and Brandon?
Yes. Dr. Lambert sees patients in Tampa on Mondays and in Brandon Tuesday through Thursday. Advanced Orthogonal instrument adjustments are done in Brandon. In Tampa he uses Torque Release Technique and NUCCA. You can alternate appointments between the two offices.
Do you take insurance?
No. The practice is self-pay only. See fees on the New Patients page.