Neck pain can be horribly debilitating. What might start as a small aggravation can have a domino effect on our physical and mental health. Without appropriate treatment, it can also get a lot worse before it gets better. This is a concern for anyone dealing with Atlas Subluxation. If you've never heard of this condition, that's fine. You can learn a little more about its causes and effects here. If you feel like what you read applies to how you're feeling, contact your doctor for an examination and further assessment.
What Is Atlas Subluxation?
Before we go deeper into the different causes of Atlas Subluxation and how to spot potential signs, we need to take a moment to go over what Atlas Subluxation means. Chiropractors may refer to this as an Atlas Subluxation Complex due to the range of upper cervical bones affected. The highest Atlas C1 vertebrae gets the name due to the story of Atlas having the pressure of the world on his shoulder. The complex also involves the C2 Axis vertebrae, with the two becoming displaced, immobile, and generally causing problems for patients.
Trauma is the main cause of this displacement of the upper body. Medical professionals can help you pinpoint the exact form of trauma and the factors exacerbating a condition. You can then work with a qualified Atlas Subluxation chiropractor and use therapy to realign the area. This treatment can help patients improve their range of motion, reduce pain in the area, and limit any of the other symptoms that come with the ASC disorder. These can include fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Trauma comes in three forms. So, let's look at each of these in turn.
Physical Trauma And Atlas Subluxation Complex
This is the more common form of trauma-related Atlas Subluxation and can be responsible for some of the additional problems experienced by patients. It is important to appreciate the various symptoms of Atlas Displacement as one or more of these over long periods could be an indicator of ASC or something else more serious. The most obvious of these is a pain in the upper spine around the vertebrae of the neck. You may also experience a loss of range of motion here. Headaches can occur from this increased pressure. Also, you could suffer from ongoing sleep issues, fatigue, and vertigo.
Physical trauma in this region comes in two forms. One is the gradual onset of alignment problems in the spine, which leads to the pain and immobility of ASC. This can occur when patients are relatively inactive and don't take good care of their bodies. Neck problems are becoming worryingly common for those working at desks all day. The posture of constantly looking down at screens and sitting in chairs without ergonomics gradually affects the upper spine. Those who don't do anything to correct the issue or exercise their neck could see more severe cases of pain, loss of range of motion, and misalignment.
The other contributing factor to physical trauma is a sudden accident or injury. This trauma can severely damage and misalign a healthy upper spine, leaving the patient in need of significant ongoing therapeutic support. Patients could experience any form of accident where there's a blunt force or severe pressure on the neck. Car accidents are one common example due to the serious whiplash and head injuries that occur in collisions. You will also see neck trauma in sporting injuries where players end up taking a nasty fall or in head-on-head contact.
Emotional Trauma And Atlas Subluxation Complex
While these situations are some of the more common reasons for ASC cases, there is also the impact of emotional trauma. Many of us don't realize the way that chronic stress and anxiety affect us on a physical level. It's why body scan meditations are so popular. It isn't until you actively work to relax the tension in your shoulders, neck, and even your jaw that you realize how tight everything is. This tightness can lead to headaches and further neurological distress. It can also increase the stress and pain around an already weakened Atlas vertebrae. This impact is why the right forms of physical therapy with added relaxation techniques are so helpful.
Chemical Trauma And Atlas Subluxation Complex
Finally, there's the issue of chemical trauma and ASC conditions. What we mean by chemical trauma is the negative impact of chemicals and foreign agents within the body. This could be through the use of legitimate substances we use through prescribed medication and our diets. Or it could be through other illegal drugs and the overuse of stimulants. With Atlas Subluxation, there are concerns about the overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol. Nicotine use can also play its part. Reducing the use of any of these could help in the treatment of ASC disorders and slow progress, but you will need hands-on help, too.
Getting Treatment For Atlas Subluxation Cases
If you ever suspect that you're dealing with Atlas Subluxation or any other serious neck complaint, talk to a medical professional. They can get the ball rolling with examinations and a conversation about your risk factors. Doctors who suspect an Atlas Displacement will refer you to a specialist. Chiropractic care is highly effective for spinal misalignments and mobility issues across the spinal region. So, they are well equipped to handle these cases and help patients to live more comfortably. It will take several sessions to see the results patients hope for and a lot of commitment to therapy plans and lifestyle changes. Still, it's worth the effort to improve your range of motion, stop those headaches, and feel more like your old self again.
Don't Let Atlas Subluxation Control Your Life
When left untreated, these cases of Atlas Displacement can have a serious effect on your well-being. The ongoing misalignment and pressure could leave you with worse pain, greater stress, and more severe mobility issues. Don't let yourself get into this downward spiral when help is available. Talk to medical professionals to get assessed and work with the best ASC chiropractors around for noticeable results.