The impact to our body from just a little pressure on our brain stem (caused by neck misalignment) can have devastating impacts to our health. Relieving the pressure from the upper cervical spine by upper cervical chiropractic adjustments has proven to have positive benefits on the entire body. A prime example of how import this upper cervical spine link is to the rest of the body is the story of Christopher Reeves (Superman). He had damaged to just a very small portion of his upper cervical spine (1 millimeter or fraction of an inch) which not only paralyzed him but impacted his breathing, heart, and immune system. He ultimately died at 52 from a weak/damaged immune system.
How do Upper Cervical Chiropractors Help You?
Studying under Dr. Tom Forest (“best Upper Cervical Chiropractor in California”) I’ve see so many patients get better and even cured by the power of upper cervical spinal adjustments. Diseases from chronic pain in practically every part of the body to internal body issues have gotten substantially better or gone away completely. I truly believe that God has given me a special gift to help people align their spine so that he can do the healing!!! Please read some of our patients’ words after they get care from one of Honolulu’s best Upper Cervical Chiropractors.
What Conditions Upper Cervical Care Can Relieve?
Migraine Headaches Growing as a Medical Problem
Migraine headaches are moving up on the list of health problems that debilitate people around the world each year. In fact, according to the Migraine Foundation, Migraine ranks in the top 20 of the world’s most disabling medical illnesses. Gender seems to be a major influencing factor in determining who is most likely to suffer from this ailment. Statistics show a breakdown of 15% prevalence for women compared to only 6% for men. Migraines occur in random episodes, bringing on a pounding headache that is often times preceded by blurry eyesight, sensitivity to light or loud sounds, and sometimes vomiting. Migraines may be brought on by stress, a change in hormones, sudden changes in routine, and consumption of certain foods like chocolate, cheese, and wine. Current medical treatment for migraines is largely pharmaceutically based. The current thinking is that the cause of migraine is unknown, and as a result, drugs are prescribed to migraine patients instead of looking for causes. One promising natural form of migraine care is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. 
Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo are fairly common symptoms after an auto injury. There are a few different causes for these symptoms: The most common cause of dizziness is injury to the tissues of the neck. When the ligaments and discs of the neck are injured, inflammation and scar tissue can affect the nerves of the spine that help us regulate balance. In fact, recent studies show that most patients suffer from balance problems after an auto accident, even if they don’t have symptoms of dizziness. In some cases, vertigo can be caused by direct or indirect brain injury. 
Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Disease
Eighty-One Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care to Correct Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysis. In the conclusions, there was shown “A causal link between trauma-induced upper cervical injury and disease onset for both Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease appears to exist. Correcting the injury to the upper cervical spine may arrest and reverse the progression of both Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease.”
Myoclonic seizures
A case study was demonstrated as showing improvement in a young woman with a seizure disorder after she received upper cervical chiropractic manipulation. The study was documented by the National Institutes of Health. She was “diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)…originally at the age of 14 years…Her seizure episodes began shortly after trauma to her cervical spine and the onset of menarche.” The study detailed “After case history and physical examination, the patient received high-velocity, low-amplitude chiropractic spinal subluxation to her upper cervical spine using the Blair upper cervical chiropractic technique protocol. There was improvement in her seizure episodes and menstrual cycles following 12 weeks of chiropractic care.”
Additional Upper Cervical Relief
- Carpal Tunnel
- Digestive Disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Lower Back Pain
- Migraine Headaches
- TMJ Disorder
- Sciatica
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Vertigo
Why Is Dr. Timothy Luke Your Best Option For Upper Cervical Chiropractic?
Dr. Timothy Luke was specially trained in California by one of the leading Upper Cervical specialists in the United States. He came home immediately after to treat his fellow Hawaiians because he not only understands that the need is high in Honolulu for this treatment, but he has a significant amount of pride in wanting to help his community. He is excited and passionate about helping his local community which he was born and raised. There is a distinct reason why every review and all the feedback has been 5 stars or perfect. He really is the best chiropractic doctor in Honolulu who can help with your Upper Cervical needs. 
Frequently Asked Questions
What is upper cervical chiropractic care?
Upper cervical chiropractic care is a focused, gentle form of chiropractic care that works specifically with the top two vertebrae of the neck, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). Because this area sits where the spine meets the brainstem, even small misalignments can affect how the nervous system communicates with the rest of the body. The goal of care is to restore proper alignment in this region using precise, low-force adjustments.
How is upper cervical care different from a traditional chiropractic adjustment?
Traditional chiropractic often involves manual adjustments across many areas of the spine, sometimes with the familiar “popping” motion. Upper cervical care is more targeted: it concentrates on the C1-C2 region and typically uses gentle, low-force, precise corrections rather than broad twisting or cracking. The approach relies on careful analysis of how the upper neck is positioned before any adjustment is made.
What conditions do people seek upper cervical care for?
People most commonly seek upper cervical care for neck pain, headaches and migraines, vertigo or dizziness, and TMJ discomfort. Some patients also pursue it as a complementary approach for issues such as lower back pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia, or nerve-related discomfort. Whether it’s appropriate for your situation depends on your individual history, so the best starting point is a consultation and examination.
Is upper cervical chiropractic safe, and does the adjustment hurt?
Upper cervical adjustments are designed to be gentle and low-force, so most patients find them comfortable and report little to no discomfort. As with any healthcare service, care begins with a thorough history and examination to confirm it’s appropriate for you. If you have a specific medical condition or concern, discuss it with the doctor during your consultation.
How many visits will I need before I notice results?
This varies person to person. The number and frequency of visits depend on your specific condition, how long it has been present, and how your body responds to care. After your initial examination, the doctor can give you a clearer sense of a recommended care plan and a realistic timeframe for your situation.
Who provides upper cervical care at Ho’ola Chiropractic, and where are you located?
Upper cervical care at Ho’ola Chiropractic is provided by Dr. Timothy Luke, DC, who was trained in California by a leading upper cervical specialist before returning home to serve the Honolulu community. The practice is located at 1357 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1007, Honolulu, HI 96814. Visits are by appointment only; call (808) 772-8284 to schedule a consultation.
REFERENCES
1. Todd A. Hubbard, Casey A. Crisp, and Brett Vowles. “Upper cervical chiropractic care for a 25-year-old woman with myoclonic seizures.” US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. J Chiropr Med. 2010 Jun; 9(2): 90–94. 2. National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. 3. Upper Cervical Research Foundation
