Blog | PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic

Degenerative Changes in the Upper Cervical Spine

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Date: Jan 31, 2026

Degenerative Changes in the Upper Cervical Spine

The upper cervical spine refers to the top part of the neck, made up primarily of the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae. This region supports the head, allows rotation and nodding, and protects the lower brainstem and spinal cord. Because of its mobility and load, it is sensitive to long-term ...

Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief: Hope Beyond the Pain

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Date: Jan 16, 2026

Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief: Hope Beyond the Pain

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition causing sudden, severe, electric shock-like pain in the face, affecting approximately 150,000 Americans annually. While often called "the suicide disease" due to its intensity, effective relief is available. Upper cervical chiropractic care addresses a frequently overlooked contributor, misalignment of the atlas (C1) and ...

From Neck Tension to Head Pressure: The Upper Cervical Connection

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Date: Dec 30, 2025

From Neck Tension to Head Pressure: The Upper Cervical Connection

Neck tension and head pressure are intimately connected through the trigeminocervical nucleus—a region where upper cervical nerves (C1-C3) converge with the trigeminal nerve that supplies sensation to the face and head. When the upper cervical spine, particularly the atlas (C1) and axis (C2), becomes misaligned or irritated, it creates nerve signals that the brain interprets ...

Migraines: Separating Fact from Fiction for Real Relief

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Date: Dec 19, 2025

Migraines: Separating Fact from Fiction for Real Relief

Migraines are complex neurological disorders characterized by intense, throbbing head pain—typically on one side, often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Affecting approximately 39 million Americans, migraines are far more than "just bad headaches." According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2024), while there's no cure, effective treatments exist, and many migraine ...

Whiplash: Recognizing Symptoms and Finding Effective Relief

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Date: Nov 29, 2025

Whiplash: Recognizing Symptoms and Finding Effective Relief

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, most commonly from rear-end car accidents. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder discomfort, and reduced range of motion, often appearing 24-72 hours after injury. According to the Mayo Clinic (2024), approximately 3 million Americans experience whiplash annually, with most recovering ...

Headache Relief Through Upper Cervical Spine Adjustment

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Date: Nov 13, 2025

Headache Relief Through Upper Cervical Spine Adjustment

Many people searching for “headache chiropractor near me” discover that upper cervical care provides results where medication fails. Here’s why: 1. Restores Blood Flow to the Brain Misalignment at the base of the skull can compress the vertebral arteries, limiting oxygen and nutrient supply. Correcting that alignment improves circulation and reduces vascular pressure that contributes to migraines. 2. ...