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How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Can Help with Hormonal Balance and Endocrine Health

4/28/2025

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How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Can Help with Hormonal Balance and Endocrine Health
When most people think of hormones, they think of puberty, mood swings, or menopause. But hormones are far more complex and essential to our everyday health—affecting everything from sleep, metabolism, energy, and digestion to fertility, immunity, and mental well-being.

The
endocrine system, which produces and regulates these hormones, relies heavily on clear communication with the central nervous system. If there’s interference in that communication, hormonal balance can be disrupted.

That’s where upper cervical chiropractic care comes in. By focusing on the top of the spine—specifically the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae—upper cervical care supports the nervous system and its connection to the endocrine system, helping the body maintain hormonal harmony.

Dr. Joey Miles at Healthy Living Spinal Care in Hickory, NC, explains how gentle, targeted chiropractic adjustments can restore balance where it begins: at the brainstem and upper spinal cord.
​

The Nervous System–Endocrine System Connection


The
endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones—including the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands, pancreas, and reproductive organs. These glands don’t work in isolation; they’re closely monitored and regulated by the central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which are located in the brain and communicate via the brainstem.

Key relationships include:

  • The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to control hormone levels.
  • The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which includes the vagus nerve and brainstem, modulates responses like adrenal (stress) hormones.
  • Nerve interference caused by spinal misalignment can alter feedback loops and hormone output.

When the top of the spine is misaligned, it can
impede these delicate communication pathways, leading to imbalances in the body’s hormonal rhythms.
​

Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance


Hormonal dysfunction doesn’t always show up as an obvious issue. Many people experience a combination of symptoms that seem unrelated—but are actually signs that the endocrine system is struggling.

These can include:

  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Insomnia or disrupted sleep
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or fertility challenges
  • Brain fog and lack of focus
  • Cold hands and feet (linked to thyroid issues)

Rather than simply masking these symptoms,
upper cervical chiropractic care aims to optimize the communication network between the brain and glands, helping the body rebalance naturally.
​

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Supports Hormonal Balance

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Supports Hormonal Balance

1. Restoring Brainstem and Hypothalamus Function


The brainstem acts as a conduit for hormonal regulation. When the atlas or axis vertebrae are misaligned, pressure or tension around the brainstem can interfere with signals going to and from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland—the “master controllers” of hormone function.

Upper cervical adjustments relieve that interference, supporting:
​
  • Better communication between the brain and endocrine glands
  • More consistent hormone production and feedback loops
  • Improved overall hormonal regulation
​

2. Reducing Stress and Adrenal Fatigue


Chronic stress triggers a flood of cortisol and adrenaline from the adrenal glands. Over time, this leads to adrenal fatigue, which disrupts other hormonal systems, including thyroid and sex hormones.

​Upper cervical care helps regulate the
autonomic nervous system, allowing the body to:
​
  • Shift from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) to a parasympathetic (rest-and-repair) state
  • Normalize cortisol production
  • Improve resilience to everyday stressors
​

3. Supporting Thyroid Health


The thyroid gland, responsible for metabolism and energy, is extremely sensitive to neurological and inflammatory stress. Misalignment in the cervical spine may impact nerve flow and blood supply to the thyroid region.

By addressing spinal tension and improving circulation, upper cervical adjustments may support:
​
  • Healthier thyroid function
  • Better temperature regulation and metabolism
  • Reduced fatigue and brain fog
​

4. Promoting Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Balance


Sleep and hormone balance go hand-in-hand. Melatonin, cortisol, and other sleep-related hormones are regulated by the pineal gland and the autonomic nervous system. When the upper cervical spine is aligned, the brainstem can better regulate the body’s circadian rhythm.

This leads to:
​
  • More restful sleep
  • Improved hormonal recovery overnight
  • Balanced appetite hormones (like ghrelin and leptin) that support weight management
​

Conditions That May Improve with Better Hormonal Regulation


Upper cervical chiropractic care may offer support for those dealing with:
​
  • Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease
  • Adrenal fatigue
  • PMS, PCOS, or irregular cycles
  • Infertility
  • Menopause or perimenopause symptoms
  • Insulin resistance or blood sugar swings
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Mood disorders influenced by hormonal imbalance

While chiropractic is not a cure-all, restoring spinal and nervous system integrity can help the body return to a state of balance, supporting its ability to self-regulate more efficiently.
​

Whole-Body Habits to Complement Upper Cervical Care


Pairing chiropractic care with healthy lifestyle changes can magnify its impact. Consider integrating:
​
  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition rich in leafy greens, healthy fats, and lean protein
  • Stress-reducing practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling
  • Regular, gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, or yoga
  • Proper hydration to support endocrine gland function
  • Adequate sleep, especially between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. when hormone repair is highest

These habits, alongside regular chiropractic care, create a strong foundation for lasting hormonal and overall health.
​

Serving the Carolinas with Purposeful Care


Dr. Joey Miles at Healthy Living Spinal Care
proudly serves residents of Hickory, Lenoir, Conover, Lincolnton, and Statesville, NC. His practice is dedicated to helping patients of all ages restore balance, reduce discomfort, and unlock their full potential through precise upper cervical chiropractic care—especially when it comes to complex, systemic concerns like hormonal imbalance.
​

Balance Begins at the Top


Hormones govern everything from how we feel to how we function—and their regulation begins with clear, uninterrupted signals from the brain. When the
upper cervical spine is out of alignment, those signals become distorted, creating confusion in the body’s most delicate systems.

Upper cervical chiropractic care offers a natural, gentle way to reconnect your brain to your body—helping your hormones get back in sync, and you back to feeling like yourself again.
​

Medical Disclaimer


​This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment or therapy. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care or treatment for serious conditions.
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How To Manage A Pinched Nerve With A Chiropractor for Migraines In Hickory

Neck pain in Hickory, or soreness in other parts of your body, can come from a variety of different sources. These range from arthritis to tendonitis to torn cartilages in your joints. This also doesn’t include the variety of other conditions that have back pain in Hickory as a common symptom. One common such example is getting a pinched nerve in the upper part of the spine, also known as cervical radiculopathy. This generally occurs when bone spurs start to appear around the discs in the spine. When everything is working well, the discs should absorb the shocks between each individual vertebra. A bone spur is a small bit of bone that is formed as we age and discs get weaker. When things go properly, bone spurs support the vertebrae as they get weaker, However, in some cases, those spurs press on nerve roots, leading to other symptoms.
 
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
How do you tell that the soreness you are dealing with stems from a pinched nerve? No matter what area it’s in, you’re going to need to have an in-depth exam of the affected area to be absolutely certain. As an example, a pinched nerve is generally localized in one area. Another thing to note is that these are normally very sharp soreness. By comparison, if you simply overexerted a muscle, the sensation would likely be a duller strain. In some cases, a pinch may never have any other symptoms. Some people feel a sensation of pins and needles in a certain area. Others may feel numbness or weakness when trying to lift something.
 
Depending on where you feel your symptoms and the exact nature of them, your medical professional may be able to determine if it is a pinched nerve or not quite quickly. Generally, though, an exam will still be administered. These start by testing sensitivity, strength, and reflexes. You may be told to do different stretches and movements to determine what leads to symptoms and what relieves them. You’ll also likely need to provide details about your pain. For example, be sure to have a record of when the pain started, and any activities that you do that cause soreness to flare up. If it is soothed by certain activities, be sure to mention those as well. Your doctor might also ask if you have had other health changes or recently increased your physical activities. If the spinal nerves are impacted, they can manifest in surprising ways, like bladder and bowel issues.
 
Say that your standard exam isn’t enough to get to the root of these issues. Your doctor may instead decide to do imaging tests to figure out what’s causing the pinched nerve and where it is. This is mostly administered through X-rays or MRI scans. An X-ray can showcase details going on with your bones, but won’t show your discs and nerves. With this said, they can be useful for determining if you have narrow vertebrae or bone spurs. An MRI is able to do more, showing how healthy your nerves and discs are in detail. In some cases, an X-ray may be done to a certain area to check for bone injury. Lastly, if the issue is due to injured ligaments or tendons, an ultrasound may be needed.
 
Working With Your Fibromyalgia Chiropractor In Hickory
So, if you suspect that a pinched nerve is behind your soreness, or know it for a fact, what can you do? One asset that you have is doing a posture adjustment. To start, try and find a position that helps you feel comfortable with your soreness. After this, you can adapt your lifestyle and living spaces to help you stay in that posture as much as possible. For a lot of people, doing this in the workplace is a major source of problems. One way to get around this is by using a standing workplace. These help prevent pinched nerves, treat existing ones, and just lower overall soreness. You can either ask the HR department to modify your existing space or buy your own.
 
Another thing to note is that whenever you are dealing with a pinched nerve, you want to make sure that you are as rested as possible, along with lowering any activity that leads to soreness. Try and keep the cycle of rest going until your symptoms subside. After this, you can begin to start testing things together. For certain types of issues, like carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be able to use a splint to protect your wrist.
 
You have a lot of options that you can do at home to help lower soreness from pinched nerves. For example, a gentle stretch can help provide relief, but you don’t want to overextend yourself. Focus on smaller movements, and if you find yourself getting sore again, try and do something less intensive. Think about applying heat to your muscles in the affected area to help them loosen. Heat also supports healing by promoting blood flow. Generally, you want to apply it for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can also do ice instead if you prefer. Simply get some ice, wrap it in a washcloth, and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes as well.
 
If you want additional help, consider looking into NSAIDs. These can help quite a bit with mild soreness and can be brought over the counter. With that said, just make sure that you read and stick to the recommended dosage. These aren’t going to be able to provide total coverage as well. If you find that you’re dealing with consistent, extreme, or repeated soreness, reach out to a medical professional. On top of performing the exams before, they may be able to provide a prescription for more powerful medication. They may also recommend a specialist like a chiropractor in Hickory. This will help you get the treatment you need.

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