Dizziness, Vertigo & Anxiety - C1-C2: The Key to the Mystery  | Upper Cervical Chiropractor Spokane
Channel: Dr Jeffrey Hannah
Date: 03/05/2023

Dr Jeffrey Hannah 
Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractor @ Clear Chiropractic
Spokane, Washington

p | 509-315-8166
w | ClearChiroSpokane.com 

***

The C1 vertebra, also known as the atlas vertebra, is the topmost vertebra in the cervical spine and plays a crucial role in supporting the skull and allowing for its movement. However, misalignment of the C1 vertebra can have significant consequences, including dizziness and anxiety.

The C1 vertebra is unique in its structure and function compared to the other vertebrae in the cervical spine. It does not have a vertebral body or a spinous process, which are present in other vertebrae. Instead, the C1 vertebra is a ring-shaped structure that supports the weight of the skull and allows for its rotation. The atlas vertebra is connected to the occipital bone of the skull by the atlanto-occipital joint, which enables the skull to move up and down.

Misalignment of the C1 vertebra, also known as atlas subluxation, occurs when the atlas vertebra shifts out of its proper position. This can happen due to trauma, poor posture, repetitive stress, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine. When the atlas subluxation occurs, it can compress or irritate the nerves that exit the spinal cord, leading to a variety of symptoms.

One of the most common symptoms of atlas subluxation is dizziness or vertigo. This occurs because the atlas vertebra is located near the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. When the atlas subluxation occurs, it can disrupt the signals sent to the brain from the vestibular system, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and a sense of imbalance.

Another common symptom of atlas subluxation is anxiety. This occurs because the atlas vertebra is located near the brainstem, which regulates the autonomic nervous system. When the atlas subluxation occurs, it can disrupt the signals sent to the brainstem, leading to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response. This can result in feelings of anxiety, panic, and an increased heart rate.

Rotation of the C1-C2 vertebrae can cause irritation of the vertebral arteries, which are located near these vertebrae and supply blood to the brainstem and cerebellum. The brainstem and cerebellum are important areas of the brain that control balance, coordination, and the regulation of vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Irritation of the vertebral arteries can cause a reduction in blood flow to the brainstem and cerebellum, leading to dizziness, vertigo, and a sense of imbalance. These symptoms can be worsened by head movements, such as turning or bending the head, which can further compress the vertebral arteries.

In addition, the C1 and C2 vertebrae are connected to the upper cervical spinal nerves, which innervate the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Misalignment or rotation of these vertebrae can cause tension and tightness in these muscles, leading to neck pain and stiffness. The pain and discomfort from the neck muscles can trigger an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to anxiety and an increased heart rate.

In addition to dizziness and anxiety, atlas subluxation can also cause a variety of other symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, tinnitus, and numbness or tingling in the arms or hands. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, leading to difficulty with daily activities, work, and social interactions.

***

The Blair technique is a special division of general chiropractic that focuses on the alignment, motion and stability of the atlas vertebra because of its unique relationship with your nervous system, which controls every function in your body. Unlike general spinal manipulation, there is no twisting, cracking or stretching.

The Blair technique is a gentle and precise approach that utilizes a series of physical, neurological and diagnostic tests in order to provide the highest level of personalized healthcare.

When your atlas is aligned, your body has the potential to be healthy. However, when it is misalignment, your brain and body (simply put) are not able to work as efficiently as they otherwise would, and the inevitable consequence is where problems start to occur.

The big idea of the Blair technique is that by restoring the normal alignment, motion and stability at the junction between your head and neck, your own nervous system and its innate mechanisms are free and able to do what your body is designed to do: heal itself. And when that force is able to flow freely through your body from above-down, inside-out, anything it possible.

Schedule an appointment at 509-315-8166.