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Why We Focus on the Upper Cervical Spine at Peak Chiropractic

At Peak Chiropractic, we specialize in upper cervical chiropractic care because this region plays a critical role in your spinal alignment, nervous system function, and overall health. The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae can misalign in 274 different ways, making precision crucial in restoring proper function. Here’s why we focus on this key area of the spine.

The Complexity of the Upper Cervical Spine

The upper cervical region of the spine is one of the most important yet delicate areas of your body. The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae are capable of misaligning in 274 different ways. Because of this, we never rely on guesswork when adjusting our patients.

Using advanced technology, we measure spinal alignment down to a hundredth of a millimeter to ensure the most accurate and effective adjustment possible. This precision is essential because even the slightest misalignment can cause major disruptions in your body’s function.

The Upper Cervical Spine: The Foundation of Health

The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae are unlike any other bones in the spine. They protect the brainstem, which controls nearly every function in the body.

When these vertebrae shift out of place, they can:
❌ Disrupt nerve communication
❌ Cause imbalances throughout the body
❌ Lead to chronic pain, dizziness, and neurological symptoms

Upper Cervical Chiropractic focuses on correcting these misalignments to restore proper function.

Anatomical diagram of the atlas and axis vertebrae protecting the brainstem.
A Peak Chiropractic doctor analyzing a patient’s 3D Upper Cervical X-rays.

Why the Upper Cervical Region Is Critical to Your Health

The upper cervical spine is the most neurologically dense area of the entire spine. It contains 85% of the body’s mechanoreceptors, which send crucial signals to your brain about your body’s position in space.

Additionally, this region protects the brainstem, which controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. When misalignments occur in the upper cervical area, they can cause your head to shift off-center, triggering a chain reaction of compensations throughout your body, including:

✅ One shoulder or hip rising higher than the other
✅ Uneven weight distribution, leading to joint pain
✅ Tension, stiffness, and discomfort throughout the spine

These compensations are your body’s attempt to keep your eyes level with the horizon—a reflex known as the writing reflex. However, these shifts can lead to chronic pain, dysfunction, and reduced mobility over time.

Restoring Alignment for Optimal Nervous System Function

At Peak Chiropractic, our goal is not just to crack and adjust every vertebra—it’s to address the root cause of spinal misalignment. Your spine serves two primary functions:

  1. Keeping your body upright and structurally sound
  2. Protecting your nervous system, which controls every function in your body

When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it’s like putting a dimmer switch on your nervous system, reducing communication between your brain and body. By removing this interference, we restore your body’s ability to heal and function at its highest capacity.

If you’re struggling with spinal issues, headaches, or chronic discomfort, upper cervical chiropractic care may be the missing piece to achieving optimal health. Let’s get to the root of the problem and help your body function as it was designed to.

A patient at Peak Chiropractic receiving a precise Upper Cervical adjustment for nervous system function.
Reviews

Patient Ratings & Stories

Hear what our patients have to say about their experience at Boise Peak Chiropractic in their online reviews.

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140+ Reviews

Rated

5.0

3 Reviews

Jun 8, 2024
I’ve been able to golf without pain and my overall quality of life has gone up.
Dr. Jon and Dr. Kyara are amazing! I started seeing them last fall. I had chronic lower back pain and spasms for half my life, about 18 years. After about 2 months of treatment my pain and spasms disappeared and they haven't come back! I've been able to golf without pain and my overall quality of life has gone up. I was so used to the pain that I was unaware of how my much it was hurting every area of my life. I HIGHLY recommend them! Thank you guys!
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Brandon S.

Boise, ID

May 16, 2024
I was quite impressed with the technology used to assess my neck and spine.
I started my care with Peak back in mid February. I had never heard of a cervical chiropractor, until my daughter convinced me to try it. I had been dealing with shoulder/neck pain periodically, off and on, never quite getting rid of it. My last experience with a chiropractor left me injured and not feeling very confident about ever using chiropractic care again. Upon beginning my care with Peak, I began to see that this was different then anything i had ever heard of before. I was quite impressed with the technology used to assess my neck and spine. I began my adjustments, and was informed I would go through a detox with my body. Some weeks I was feeling great, and some weeks i definitely was feeling more pain. After about four weeks of regular adjustments, I probably had my worst week of pain! The following week was my best week, in fact, I didn’t even need to be adjusted. I am excited to continue my care with Dr. John and Dr. Kyara! As time moves forward, I am seeing more and more improvement. My body is beginning to recover on its own when i have been through excess stress or exertion. Before, my body was “stuck” in pain, and now it’s beginning to bounce back on its own. Dr John and Dr Kyara are both very kind, compassionate professionals. If you are on the fence about jumping in to cervical chiropractic care, take the plunge! The only thing you have to lose is your pain and discomfort!
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Kim N.

Garden City, ID

Apr 16, 2024
I would strongly recommend to anyone suffering from neck and back pain and needing a solution.
Dr. Jon and staff are extremely knowledgeable and masters of their craft. I cannot thank them enough with helping me on my road to neck issues recovery. They truly care about the well-being of their clients. Extremely welcoming and upbeat. I look forward to working with them every week. I would strongly recommend to anyone suffering from neck and back pain and needing a solution.
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Andrew O.

Boise, ID

Boise Peak Chiropractic

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Experience specialized upper cervical chiropractic care at Boise Peak Chiropractic. Our Boise clinic is dedicated to providing top-quality treatments to help you achieve optimal health.

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Peak Chiropractic

4483 N Dresden Pl #103
Garden City, ID 83714

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