Upper Cervical Center

How does the Upper Cervical process work?

Upper cervical chiropractors analyze and align the upper cervical spine using low-force yet powerful individualized corrections. More often than not, a displacement of the atlas vertebra (the top segment in the spine) is found in relation to the skull. A millimeter shift at this level can impact brainstem function, and consequently, the form and function of the entire body. When the head is offset from the spine, neurological and structural compensations occur in attempt to protect the nervous system and keep us upright. This process can negatively impact the spine, pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, etc.

It is therefore critical that precision x-rays are taken, from which a formula is derived for the delivery of a personalized correction.

No two misalignments are exactly the same, and in treating the upper cervical region, attention to detail may mean the difference between negligible body changes and the resolution of a chronic neurological condition. For this reason, we do not give general manipulations to the neck using high velocity, rotational force. At the Upper Cervical Center, the patient remains in a side-lying anatomical position for all corrections, and typically receives only one adjustment to one vertebra in one specific direction, setting in motion a full-body healing response.

Progress is monitored by way of thermal scans, which are taken during every office visit to determine if an adjustment is necessary. If the scan shows no pressure, no adjustment is given, and we estimate the time it may take for the misalignment to return (early in a patient’s care, there is a threshold of time that the bone will stay in place before misaligning again due to old muscle patterns. This is the case until new muscle patterns form in response to properly aligned vertebrae).

“Holding is healing” means that our goal is to re-establish a new normal position for the atlas or axis vertebra. Adjusting the problematic segment as soon as it becomes misaligned allows for the joint to “hold” in place longer and longer until it is self-sustaining and requires little attention.

Most patients see results after the first few corrections, and significant improvements in the first 4-6 weeks of stabilization. Our goal is to check this region occasionally to ensure old patterns have not returned, adjusting only as necessary based on thermography findings.

Does it hurt?

Occasionally, patients will feel pressure at the site of their misalignments during the correction, due to concentrated nerve endings in this region. Otherwise, no pain is felt. Often, patients report feeling nothing at all, and express concern about this (later, they feel the effects). These patients have typically experienced aggressive chiropractic treatments in the past.

While adjustments are low-force, their effects can be quite dramatic. It is common for patients to experience symptom changes, indicative of the necessary musculoskeletal shifts (affecting all associated nerve roots) that have to take place in order to restore spinal balance.

Muscles will tend to go through “work and rest” phases, gearing up occasionally and then becoming loose without obvious cause. They are attached to the vertebral column and act as levers to pull misaligned vertebrae into alignment. This will cause temporary and even asymmetrical tension patterns before completely relaxing. In the short-term, patients may experience negative symptoms as the body tries to purge itself of toxins and acclimate to neurological and structural change. Common symptoms include:

Feeling relaxed to the point of fatigue
Mild headaches or lightheadedness as blood pressure lowers
Sinus drainage and nose-dripping
Changes in digestive activity and timing
Muscle stiffness and ribcage tightness
Tender points that migrate as the spine shifts
Tingling or heat sensations as circulation attempts to normalize
Old injury pain sensations (lasting no longer than one week)

Am I under any obligation with the free consultation?

There is no obligation to continue with care after the first two visits. Dr. Devlin does recommend a third visit to assess thermal and symptom changes, and to recommend a custom action plan based on factors like age, health history, thermal images, x-ray findings, etc.

The plan is designed to stabilize the upper cervical region so that it “holds” in place for a month or longer. At that point, the atlas/axis should continue to become more and more stable, requiring fewer and fewer adjustments until a new normal has been established.

During the third visit, one can choose to move forward with the plan or decline. Our new patient program is altruistic in nature. It is designed to provide education, resources, and empowerment to individuals during their healing process.

Do you take insurance?

We do not take insurance. The reason for this is simple: we are a small family practice and we focus all our attention and time on one thing - patient care. Our office visits fees reflect the co-pay for most specialist visits and we pass the savings onto our patients by being able to provide a deeper, more intimate level of care.

If you have chiropractic coverage and your insurance company reimburses for “out of network” services, the Upper Cervical Center will provide you with a “superbill.” You simply need to submit this form to your insurance company, who will reimburse you directly. We do not communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. That is your responsibility.

Can I schedule online or do I need to call?

New Patients: It is not possible to schedule the consultation online but standard patient visits can be done this way. If you would like to speak with Dr. Devlin about your condition, you can follow the links on our website and book your 15-minute “discovery call.” She will call you at the designated time and discuss your eligibility for care. If you are already comfortable setting up a consultation, simply call our office during business hours and Sabrina will find our first available appointment for you.

Current Patients Only: Please schedule using our patient portal located under the resources tab at www.UpperCervicalCenter.com. Simply log-in to select from available appointment times up to a month in advance. For your convenience, office visits can be scheduled as late as one hour before available appointment times.

Due to Dr. Devlin’s high patient volume scheduling your appointments online is the fastest way to book an office visit.

What are your appointment cancellation policies?

All cancellations require 4 hours’ notice. All late cancellations are subject to cancellation fees and no-shows will result in a missed appointment fee of $55.

Diagnosis simply labels the symptom.

The symptom indicates deeper dysfunction. Dysfunction has become irrelevant.

Why aren’t we identifying and reversing dysfunction, so that the symptom and diagnosis become irrelevant?

How do I download the scheduling app?

You can download the app for Android here

You can download the app for iPhone here

How do I recover my patient login details?