Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care in Phoenix

Pain, stiffness, and lost flexibility can significantly impact your active lifestyle and quality of life. An upper cervical chiropractor understands that your work and leisure are too important to be limited by less-than-optimal health. Upper cervical chiropractic care is designed to harness and increase the body’s healing potential so it can repair, heal, and maintain healthy function.

Upper cervical chiropractic techniques deliver precise, science-based care that aims to remove interference from your body’s natural healing abilities. An upper cervical chiropractor recognizes that symptoms, syndromes, and many conditions develop when the body is not functioning properly. Upper cervical care works to correct structural alignment issues that impair proper function in the upper cervical spine. Upper cervical spinal correction strives to achieve the following:

• Improved spinal flexibility
• Relaxation of tight, tense, and painful neck and back muscles
• Reduction of headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears
• Better balance
• Reduced joint inflammation
• Relief of stress and pressure on the nervous system at the upper cervical spine
• Enhanced overall body health

Upper cervical chiropractors use gentle spinal adjustments to align the body’s musculoskeletal structure. This helps the body heal naturally without invasive surgery or potentially harmful or addictive medications.

Phoenix Chiropractor Upper Cervical FAQs

What is the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique?

The Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique is a specialized approach that targets the upper cervical spine at the top of the neck, directly below the skull. Even a mild bump to the head can disrupt alignment, leading to pain, stiffness, and lost range of motion. Problems in this area can create a barrier to optimal health and healing.

Rather than adjusting random spinal segments, the Blair Technique focuses on two unique bones:

1. Atlas — the first cervical vertebra directly beneath the skull.
2. Axis — the second cervical vertebra, located directly below the atlas.

When these bones misalign, they can irritate the brain stem and spinal cord. The Blair Technique aims to correct the alignment, motion, and function of these vertebrae. Once the atlas and axis are properly aligned, the rest of the spine often follows, promoting whole-body healing and restoration of function.

How do Blair upper cervical adjustments differ?

Blair adjustments are very gentle and guided by physics- and measurement-based analysis for precision. They are lighter than the twisting, cracking, or popping often associated with traditional care—the neck is not twisted or forced.

What is the sound during an adjustment?

Traditional full-spine adjustments can produce cracking or popping sounds as gas shifts within joints. Upper cervical adjustments in the Blair method are so light and specific that these sounds are typically absent.

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. Upper cervical care uses imaging and precise measurements to identify the specific misalignment. After analysis, a gentle correction is delivered based on the safest and most effective angle and vector for your unique anatomy.

Does upper cervical chiropractic care hurt?

No. Upper cervical adjustments are quick and gentle—often delivered in a fraction of a second. The neck is never twisted, forced, or manipulated.

Will I be sore after an adjustment?

Some temporary muscle tightness or mild soreness can occur as your body stabilizes. You may also feel slightly more tired as healing responses activate. These effects are typically short-lived.

How long will my visits take?

Your initial consultation at our Phoenix chiropractor office takes longer than routine visits. We review your history, perform exams and imaging (as needed), explain findings, and, if appropriate, provide a gentle upper cervical adjustment. Follow-ups are shorter—testing determines whether you “held” your correction. If you held, no adjustment is performed; if not, a quick correction is made.

How often will I need to return?

Patients under the Blair Upper Cervical Technique often hold their adjustments longer and require fewer corrections. Frequency varies by individual factors such as degree and duration of misalignment. The goal is for your correction to hold as long as possible so you see rapid, lasting results.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Expert Help

Dr. Anthony Montoya partners with you in your healing process—devoting time, energy, and expertise to help you reach your goals. Upper cervical chiropractic care has helped many patients who didn’t get the results they needed from other treatments. If you’re dealing with a painful or limiting condition, consider upper cervical care. Rather than chasing symptoms with medications or surgery, address the root cause in the upper cervical spine. Contact Dr. Montoya to schedule a consultation and discuss your unique concerns.