Upper Cervical Chiropractic Explained: Atlas and Axis Alignment for Neck Pain, Headache, and Balance

Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh

Your spine begins with two incredibly important bones, the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2), the top vertebrae in your neck that cradle and balance your head.

Together, they form the upper cervical spine, a small but powerful region that affects nervous system function, posture, balance, and even blood flow to the brain.




Why Atlas and Axis Alignment Matter
The Atlas supports your head like a globe on a stand, while the Axis allows it to rotate.
When these bones shift even slightly out of alignment, it can:

• Irritate nerves that run through the brainstem area
• Affect muscle tone and posture throughout the body
• Contribute to headaches, dizziness, neck pain, jaw tension, and even back pain

That’s why restoring proper balance to this delicate area is central to Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care.

What Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic?
Upper cervical chiropractic focuses specifically on realigning the Atlas and Axis using gentle, precise, and scientifically analyzed techniques rather than general neck twisting.

Some of the best-known methods include:

• HIO (Hole-In-One / Toggle Recoil): A light, quick adjustment developed by B.J. Palmer that restores balance through a controlled recoil motion.
• NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association): A soft, non-force approach guided by precise X-ray measurements.
• Atlas Orthogonal & Orthospinology: Instrument-based, highly calibrated corrections designed to realign the Atlas without twisting or cracking.
• Blair Technique: Focused on imaging and specific contacts unique to each person’s anatomy.

What the Research Says
Recent and classic studies have examined upper cervical corrections for pain relief, blood flow, and neurological function:

• A 2015 review by Dr. Woodfield found that upper cervical procedures like Grostic and HIO aim to reduce neurological irritation and improve spinal symmetry.
• A registered clinical trial (NCT01980927) investigated Atlas correction and its effect on intracranial compliance in migraine patients — suggesting possible neurological benefits.
• Some case studies and small clinical trials have shown improvement in neck pain, headaches, postural balance, and dizziness after upper cervical adjustments.
• Safety studies (Turner 2018; Ernst 2007) emphasize that while serious complications are rare, careful screening and gentle, precise techniques make these procedures very safe when performed by trained chiropractors.

The Nervous System Connection
The brainstem passes through the opening between the Atlas and Axis. This area is rich with nerves controlling muscle tone, blood pressure, and balance. Even subtle misalignments can affect how signals travel between your brain and body. Restoring proper alignment may help normalize nervous system communication, allowing your body to function more efficiently and heal naturally.

At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we use precise, safe, and gentle upper cervical adjustments to help:

• Relieve chronic neck and headache pain
• Improve posture and balance
• Support nervous system health

Take the Next Step 
​If you’ve been struggling with neck pain, headaches, or balance problems, it could be linked to your Atlas and Axis alignment.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh at Soft Touch Chiropractic in Porter Ranch, CA, and discover how gentle upper cervical care can help restore your body’s natural balance.

Call today to schedule your appointment!
 https://www.porterranchchiropractic.net

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