Precision Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Welcome to Orthospinology of Rhode Island
Upper Cervical Care Explained
Orthospinology is a sub-specialty of the chiropractic profession, focusing on aligning the upper cervical spine. It is one of several upper cervical procedures utilizing CBCT images of the top two bones of the neck and the base of the skull (the upper cervical spine) to determine a misalignment or subluxation that may create interference to the functioning the nervous system.
Why We Start at the Top
Lasting relief begins where your head meets your neck—the upper cervical junction. This “keystone” area is built for movement, not brute strength, which makes it the spine’s weak link.
What Happens When It Shifts
A three-dimensional shift in this region sets off a chain reaction:
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Head & Neck: Tip or rotate out of their ideal position.
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Shoulders & Hips: Twist to compensate.
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Entire Spine: Adapts and loses alignment.
The Ripple Effects
These Structural Shifts can:
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Trigger muscle spasms
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Stretch or deform ligaments
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Disrupt the nerves running through your spinal cord
In short, misalignment scrambles the communication between your brain and body—often the hidden culprit behind many nerve related, vascular and even cerebral spinal fluid related conditions.
Our Focus: Atlas Displacement Complex
We specialize in correcting Atlas Displacement Complex (also called atlas subluxation), a precise misalignment of the top vertebra that underlies many stubborn spine and nerve problems.
Below are a wide range of videos designed to help you learn more about Orthospinology. If you have any answered questions, these videos could be of help to you. You may also view information regarding specific symptoms and conditions here.
The Atlas Displacement Complex
Why Body Balance Matters: A Fresh Look at Healing from the Inside Out
When we think about health, we often focus on symptoms—headaches, fatigue, back pain—but what if the real issue lies beneath the surface? At our office, we believe true healing starts with restoring your body’s natural balance, and that begins with your spine.
Your Brain’s #1 Priority: Balance
In 1981, Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Roger Sperry made a groundbreaking discovery: 90% of the brain’s energy is used to keep the body balanced within the gravitational field of Earth. Just 10% is left for everything else—breathing, thinking, digestion, and healing.
That means when your body is out of alignment, your brain shifts its energy away from essential functions and into keeping you upright. Over time, this imbalance can contribute to a range of chronic health issues—from pain and fatigue to poor digestion and weakened immunity.
Structural Shifts: The Hidden Root of Dysfunction
At the core of many health problems is something called a Structural Shift—a three-dimensional misalignment of the spine. These shifts often begin at the upper cervical spine, where the head and neck meet. This area is built for movement, not stability. And while that’s necessary for things like turning your head, it also makes the region vulnerable.
When the head and neck shift out of place, it doesn’t just stop there. The shoulders twist. The hips compensate. The entire spine follows. These distortions can cause:
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Muscle spasms
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Stretched ligaments
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Pinched or irritated nerves
Worst of all, these shifts interfere with your nervous system—the master communication network between your brain and body.
The Atlas Displacement Complex: The Core Condition We Address
The most common structural issue we see is called the Atlas Displacement Complex (also referred to as atlas subluxation). The “atlas” is the topmost vertebra in your spine, and when it becomes misaligned, it can affect the entire body’s posture and neurological function.
This misalignment often goes undetected in traditional healthcare settings because symptoms may not appear until months—or even years—after the shift begins.
Why Upper Cervical Care Works
Rather than masking symptoms with medication or chasing every ache and pain, our approach is different. We focus on correcting the structure at its root, using precise, gentle adjustments that unlock the body's ability to heal itself.
Our Upper Cervical Correction is a custom-calculated adjustment to realign the head and neck. It’s incredibly light—some patients barely feel it—but the effects are powerful. By removing pressure from the brainstem, we help restore the body’s communication pathways and overall function.
How We Detect and Correct Imbalances
To properly evaluate structural health, we perform a thorough assessment that includes:
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Weight distribution and postural testing
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Leg length analysis
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Range of motion testing
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Computerized Infrared Thermography to detect nervous system interference
The cornerstone of our analysis is a CBCT scan (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), which gives us a 3D view of your spine and helps us calculate your personalized correction with absolute precision.
What Happens After the Correction?
Once balance is restored, the body can enter a natural healing cycle. You may begin to notice improvements such as:
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Better energy and sleep
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Improved digestion
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Stronger immunity
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Reduced pain and tension
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A clearer sense of wellbeing
This is because your nervous system is finally able to do what it was designed to do—regulate, repair, and restore.
Final Thoughts: Your Body Is Built to Heal
At the end of the day, healing isn’t about chasing symptoms—it’s about restoring order. By addressing the structure of your spine and nervous system, we help your body work the way it was meant to.
Ready to find the root cause of your pain—and fix it for good?
Schedule your first visit and let’s start your healing journey together.
Our Monthly Newsletter
Welcome to our monthly chiropractic newsletter! Here, you'll find valuable insights, tips for better health, and updates from our practice. To read the full newsletter, simply click the link attached to the previews. We hope you enjoy this month's edition!
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