While chiropractic is not involved with the chasing of symptoms per se, it is important to understand the neurological basis for many health complaints. Towards that end, we have compiled reference materials to assist in your understanding of how the nervous system controls and coordinates all function in the human body.
The third spinal vertebra under the skull is simply referred to as the third cervical. There are 7 cervical vertebrae all together.
3C is involved with providing the primary nerve supply from the control centers in the brain to the Diaphragm, face, teeth, and lungs. It is commonly found to be an area that is subluxated (when the vertebra is misaligned producing abnormal nerve system transmission of information- like a kink in a hose) leading to such common health complaints as chronic fatigue, vertigo, anxiety, and shortness of breath. This is a result of the interference produced by this subluxation on the phrenic nerve which is the primary nerve supply to the diaphragm.
3C subluxation can be caused by physical, chemical, emotional (in particular) and/or environmental stressors, as well as a combination of these stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope. Common stressors affecting this part of the spine and nervous system include: depression, thyroid problems, alcohol abuse, unmanaged stress, exhaustion and loss of endurance.
Perhaps of greater importance than these local affects of the subluxation of 3C, are the global affects of subluxation of this area because this is the one area where the entire spinal cord and brain stem may be affected by spinal misalignment. This can cause effects throughout the body. The importance of the diaphragm and the relationship it has to the health of the individual is still not sufficiently appreciated. A measurable reduction in respiratory volume can contribute to many different health problems.
At Dody Chiropractic Center for Wholeness, we’re committed to using the best technology to understand and improve your health. One of our favorite tools is the Insight Subluxation Station—a state-of-the-art scanner that gives us a close look at your nervous system and spine. But here’s the cool part: when we review your scan results, they’re color-coded! Each color tells us something important about what’s happening in your body.
Think of it like a traffic light system for your health:
Red means a significant disturbance in that area.
Blue shows a moderate issue.
Green indicates a mild problem.
These colors give us a quick and clear view of which areas need the most attention to keep you on the path to wellness.
How Do We Get These Colors?
Our scans involve three different tests that each look at your body’s nervous system from a unique angle:
Thermal Scan – This measures the temperature along your spine to reveal patterns of stress. When your autonomic nerves (which control things like heartbeat and digestion) show temperature imbalances, it can signal underlying stress or dysfunction.
Surface Electromyography (sEMG) – This test measures the electrical activity in your spinal muscles. If the muscles on either side of your spine are working too hard, we can see where tension or imbalances might be lurking.
Pulse Wave Profiler (PWP) – This test assesses Heart Rate Variability (HRV), an important indicator of how well your body adapts to stress. It shows us if your nervous system is balanced and able to “go with the flow” of everyday life.
Each of these tests adds a layer to the scan, like pieces of a puzzle. Here’s where the color-coding comes in:
Red areas mean all three tests show an issue in that part of your spine, signaling a long-term disturbance.
Blue areas show two tests reporting a problem, indicating a moderate level of stress.
Green areas reflect a mild concern, with only one test picking up on stress in that area.
Why Colors Change Over Time
It’s common for areas to shift from green to blue to red if left unchecked. Health issues don’t just pop up overnight—they often progress gradually. Today’s green zone may become tomorrow’s blue, and then a red down the line. This gradual progression can happen without any noticeable symptoms, which is why the scan results are so valuable. They let us “see” these changes early on.
Initial Scan vs. Follow-Up Scans: Keeping an Eye on Progress
Your first scan gives us a snapshot—a baseline view of your spine and nervous system. As we continue care, we do follow-up scans to track your body’s response to treatment. By comparing new scans to that baseline, we can see clear progress, allowing us to make adjustments as needed to keep your wellness plan as effective as possible.
The CoreScore™: A Simple Way to Track Your Health
All these results are summarized into a single, easy-to-understand number called the CoreScore™. Think of it as your wellness “grade,” ranging from 0 to 100. A high CoreScore suggests your nervous system is in top shape, while a lower CoreScore tells us there may be room for improvement. This score makes it simple to understand where you are on your wellness journey, giving you and us a reliable measure to track over time.
Your Path to Wellness
At Dody Chiropractic Center for Wholeness, we’re here to support you in staying on the path to improved health. Whether your scan shows green, blue, or red, these insights help us focus on areas that need attention, keeping you proactive about your wellness journey. It’s all about helping you feel empowered and informed about your health.
Ready to see what your nerve scan can reveal? Book an appointment with us today, and let’s put this incredible technology to work on your journey to vibrant health and well-being!
While chiropractic is not involved in the chasing of symptoms per se, it is important to understand the neurological basis for many health complaints. Towards that end, we have compiled reference materials to assist in your understanding of how the nervous system controls and coordinates all function in the human body.
The second spinal vertebra under the skull is called the Axis. There are 7 cervical vertebrae all together and we will consider them one at a time.
2C, according to our Neuro-Anatomy chart, is involved with providing the primary nerve supply from the control centers in the brain to the Sinus, tongue, heart, forehead, optic and auditory nerves. It is commonly found to be an area that is subluxated (misaligned producing abnormal nerve system transmission of information) leading to such common health complaints as allergies, sinus problems, palpitations, visual and auditory disturbances.
2C subluxation can be caused by physical, chemical, emotional and/or environmental stress or a combination of these stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope. Common stressors affecting this part of the spine and nervous system include reflex subluxation resulting from chronic allergies (exposure to allergens), chronic sinus problems (long-term ingestion of dairy products), sadness and despair.
Perhaps of greater importance than these local affects of subluxation of 2C, are the global affects of subluxation of this area because this is an area where a portion of this bone may put direct pressure on the spinal cord itself. This can cause effects throughout the body just like 1C. Additionally, some consider that there is a relationship between digestive disorders and 2C. As such, this may be a combination subluxation and the left side of the 5T ‘ 9T area may also be affected or contributing to the 2C problem.
As you can see, the nervous system isn’t simply a this for that approach to health. Everything is inter-related and your chiropractor’s expertise is in determining the causes of BOTH health problems and health itself.
Unlocking the Neurological Key to Better Health: How Chiropractic Care Impacts the Nervous System
In chiropractic, we don’t simply chase symptoms; instead, we focus on the root causes—often found within the nervous system. This system is like the body’s central command center, controlling and coordinating every function. When something goes awry, it can lead to a variety of health issues that may seem unrelated but share a common source: nerve interference. Let’s dive into how spinal alignment, specifically in the upper cervical region, plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being.
The Importance of the Atlas (C1) Vertebra
The first vertebra, just under the skull, is known as the Atlas or C1. This small but powerful bone is responsible for protecting the spinal cord at its connection to the brainstem. Think of it as the gateway between the brain’s commands and the body’s responses. According to our Neuro-Anatomy Chart, the C1 vertebra provides nerve supply to essential areas like the head, face, pituitary gland, eyes, and ears. When aligned properly, C1 supports smooth nerve flow, but when misaligned (or subluxated), it can disrupt communication between the brain and body, leading to various health complaints, including:
Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “hazy.”
Headaches and migraines: Chronic headaches are often linked to nerve irritation in the upper cervical area.
Earaches: The nerves running through C1 connect to areas around the ear canal, so misalignment can create pressure and discomfort.
Recurring colds or flu: Disrupted nerve flow can hinder the immune response, leading to a weakened defense system.
Sore throats: Irritation in the upper cervical area can affect nerves linked to the throat, potentially causing soreness or discomfort.
How Do C1 Misalignments Occur?
Misalignment in the Atlas region often results from stress—whether physical, chemical, emotional, or environmental. Each of these stressors, when beyond the body’s capacity to cope, can disrupt spinal alignment:
Physical stress: Repetitive motions, poor posture, and prolonged screen time are major contributors. For example, many people experience misalignment due to “tech neck,” caused by leaning over phones or laptops.
Chemical stress: Certain substances, like caffeine or alcohol, can affect the nervous system’s responsiveness and may lead to tension in the cervical area, especially during withdrawal.
Emotional stress: Strong emotions like anger, despair, or exhaustion place strain on the nervous system, contributing to spinal tension and potential subluxation.
Environmental stress: Lifestyle factors like poor ergonomic setup or lack of movement also impact spinal health. Imagine sitting in one position all day without moving—this inactivity can place strain on specific areas, especially the upper cervical spine.
Understanding these stressors is key because addressing them can help prevent and manage subluxations, making chiropractic care a powerful tool for stress management as well as structural health.
Local and Global Effects of C1 Misalignment
The effects of C1 misalignment can extend well beyond the head and neck region. Since the Atlas sits at the top of the spinal column, it affects the entire spinal cord and brainstem, influencing functions throughout the body:
Muscle and joint pain: Misalignment in the Atlas region can result in compensatory tension and stress along the spine, leading to remote discomfort like lower back pain.
Digestive issues: The vagus nerve, which passes near the Atlas, plays a significant role in digestive function. If this nerve is irritated by misalignment, it can impact digestive processes.
Hormonal imbalance: The pituitary gland, known as the “master gland,” regulates hormones and is connected to the upper cervical region. A misaligned Atlas could affect this gland’s performance, potentially influencing hormonal balance.
One fascinating example of the Atlas’s influence comes from research with HIV-positive patients, where adjustments in this area led to a 48% improvement in immune function. This is a striking reminder that proper spinal alignment does more than reduce pain—it can enhance bodily functions like immunity, giving the body a natural boost in defending itself.
Chiropractic Care: A Pathway to Holistic Health
In summary, chiropractic care, especially targeted at the upper cervical region, is about much more than immediate symptom relief. By addressing the body’s core—the nervous system—we aim to promote a healthier, more resilient body capable of handling daily stresses.
This holistic approach is designed not just to “fix” issues but to empower you with long-term vitality and wellbeing. Through regular adjustments and stress management, chiropractic care can support your nervous system in performing optimally, helping you feel your best from head to toe.
While chiropractic is not involved with the chasing of symptoms per se, it is important to understand the neurological basis for many health complaints. Towards that end, we have compiled reference materials to assist in your understanding of how the nervous system controls and coordinates all function in the human body.
At Dody Chiropractic Center for Wholeness, we’re committed to using the best technology to understand and improve your health. One of our favorite tools is the 
