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Improving Range of Motion with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Techniques

2/3/2025

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Improving Range of Motion with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Techniques
Range of motion (ROM) is an essential component of physical health, determining how well you can move your joints and perform everyday activities. Whether you’re reaching for an item on a high shelf, turning your head to check traffic, or bending to tie your shoes, your range of motion plays a critical role in mobility and quality of life. Unfortunately, injuries, poor posture, muscle tension, and even spinal misalignments can restrict ROM, leading to discomfort and reduced function.

Upper cervical chiropractic care offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to improving range of motion by addressing the root causes of stiffness and restricted movement. Dr. Joey Miles at Healthy Living Spinal Care in Hickory, NC, explains how upper cervical chiropractic techniques can restore mobility and support overall well-being.
​

The Importance of Range of Motion

Range of motion refers to the degree of movement a joint can achieve, whether it’s flexing, extending, or rotating.

Healthy ROM depends on the proper functioning of several components, including:


  • Joints: Flexible, well-lubricated joints allow smooth and pain-free movement.
  • Muscles and Ligaments: These structures support the joints, enabling them to move efficiently without strain.
  • Nervous System: Nerve signals control muscle contraction and relaxation, coordinating movement and ensuring balance.

​When one or more of these components is compromised, it can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and limited mobility. Factors such as injuries, inflammation, poor posture, or misalignments in the spine, particularly in the upper cervical region, can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to coordinate movement, resulting in restricted ROM.
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The Role of the Upper Cervical Spine in Mobility


The upper cervical spine, consisting of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, plays a critical role in overall spinal alignment and nervous system function. These vertebrae are located at the base of the skull and are responsible for supporting the head and facilitating its range of motion.

Misalignments in this region can have far-reaching effects on the body, contributing to:

  • Muscle Tension: Misalignments can create uneven stress on the muscles surrounding the neck and shoulders, leading to stiffness and restricted motion.
  • Joint Dysfunction: Misalignment of the atlas and axis can cause compensatory shifts in the lower spine, hips, and shoulders, further limiting ROM.
  • Nerve Interference: The upper cervical spine houses nerves that control movement and balance. Misalignments can disrupt nerve signals, reducing the coordination and fluidity of motion.

Upper cervical chiropractic care addresses these issues by realigning the atlas and axis vertebrae, creating a solid foundation for improved mobility throughout the body.
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How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Techniques Enhance Range of Motion


Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on precise adjustments to the atlas and axis vertebrae, restoring alignment and supporting the body’s natural ability to move efficiently.

Here’s how these techniques improve range of motion:


  1. Reducing Muscle Tension: Misaligned vertebrae can lead to tight, overworked muscles. Chiropractic adjustments relieve this tension, promoting relaxation and greater flexibility.
  2. Restoring Joint Mobility: By addressing the root causes of stiffness, upper cervical chiropractic care enhances the movement of not only the neck but also other joints affected by compensatory imbalances.
  3. Improving Nervous System Function: Proper alignment ensures clear communication between the brain and body, enabling better coordination and control of movement.
  4. Enhancing Posture: Postural imbalances caused by upper cervical misalignments can limit ROM. Chiropractic care corrects these imbalances, allowing for freer, more natural movement.
​

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Range of Motion

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Range of Motion

Patients who incorporate upper cervical chiropractic care into their health routines often experience a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Increased Flexibility: Restored spinal alignment reduces stiffness, allowing joints and muscles to move more freely.
  • Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Chiropractic adjustments alleviate tension and inflammation, making movement more comfortable.
  • Improved Balance and Coordination: By optimizing nervous system function, chiropractic care supports smoother, more controlled movements.
  • ​Enhanced Physical Performance: Whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to improve daily function, increased ROM can lead to better performance and reduced risk of injury.
​

Scientific Support for Chiropractic Care and Range of Motion


Research supports the effectiveness of chiropractic care in improving range of motion. A study published in the
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients with restricted ROM in the neck experienced significant improvements after receiving chiropractic adjustments. Another study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine demonstrated that chiropractic care reduced stiffness and enhanced flexibility in individuals with musculoskeletal imbalances.

These findings highlight the potential of upper cervical chiropractic techniques to address the root causes of restricted movement and promote overall mobility.
​

Integrating Chiropractic Care with Other Strategies for Mobility


While upper cervical chiropractic care provides a solid foundation for improving range of motion, combining it with other practices can enhance results.

Consider incorporating these strategies into your routine:

  1. Engage in Gentle Stretching: Stretching exercises, such as yoga or Pilates, can complement chiropractic care by keeping muscles and joints limber.
  2. Stay Active: Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, promotes circulation and supports joint health.
  3. Practice Proper Posture: Be mindful of your posture throughout the day to reduce strain on the spine and joints.
  4. Hydrate and Nourish: Proper hydration and a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients can reduce stiffness and support mobility.
​

Practical Tips for Supporting Range of Motion


In addition to chiropractic care, here are some tips to maintain and improve your range of motion:

  • Take Breaks from Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for extended periods can lead to stiffness. Stand up, stretch, and move around periodically.
  • Use Ergonomic Supports: Invest in ergonomic furniture to promote proper spinal alignment and reduce tension.
  • ​Warm Up Before Physical Activity: Prepare your muscles and joints with light exercises or stretches to prevent stiffness and injury.
​

Community Impact


Healthy Living Spinal Care serves residents of Hickory and surrounding communities, including Lenoir, Conover, Lincolnton, and Statesville. Dr. Joey Miles’s expertise in upper cervical chiropractic care makes him a trusted partner for individuals seeking to enhance their range of motion and overall mobility through natural, non-invasive methods.
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A Path Forward to Greater Mobility


For individuals struggling with stiffness, restricted movement, or poor flexibility, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a natural and effective solution. By addressing misalignments in the upper spine and optimizing nervous system function, chiropractic adjustments can unlock greater range of motion and help you move through life with ease and confidence.

Whether you’re managing a specific condition or simply looking to maintain your physical health, upper cervical chiropractic care can support your journey to improved mobility and well-being.
​

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, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care or treatment for serious conditions. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
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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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