What Symptoms Might You Experience With An Upper Cervical Issue?

If you have an issue with your upper cervical spine, such as spinal stenosis, bulging discs, or degenerative disc disease, you may experience a number of symptoms. Some symptoms are mild, while others are severe. Regardless of the severity, it can be difficult to determine whether your symptoms stem from the upper cervical spine without visiting a chiropractor first. Read on to learn some symptoms you may encounter if you have issues with your upper cervical spine.

1) Dizziness 

When the bones in your upper cervical spine are not aligned properly, it can cause communication issues between your brain and your body. This can result in dizziness or lightheadedness because your brain is not getting the correct signals from your body. Chiropractors are trained to carefully realign the bones in your upper cervical spine, which can alleviate these symptoms.

2) Neck pain and headaches

If you have problems with your upper cervical spine, you may experience neck pain and headaches. This is because the nerves in your neck are compressed or irritated, which can lead to pain and inflammation. A chiropractor will work to reduce the irritation of these nerves by realigning the bones in your upper cervical spine, helping everything function correctly.

3) Fatigue

Fatigue is another common symptom of an upper cervical spine issue. This is because the misalignment of your upper cervical spine can put stress on your nervous system. Because of this, you may experience fatigue because your body is not able to function optimally when it is under stress. That's why it's important to get your spine aligned as soon as possible. 

4) Numbness and tingling

When your cervical spine is out of whack, you may experience numbness and tingling in your arms and hands. This is because the nerves that travel from your cervical spine down to your extremities can become compressed or irritated. Fortunately, a chiropractor can help relieve these common symptoms with some manual adjustments tailored toward your condition. 

5) Difficulty swallowing

If you have difficulty swallowing, it could be a sign of an upper cervical spine issue. When the bones in your cervical spine are not aligned properly, it can cause the muscles in your throat to constrict. This can make it difficult to swallow food or liquids, which can lead to choking or other issues, if left untreated.

6) Visual disturbances

The nerves that control your eyesight run through your upper cervical spine. If these nerves are compressed or irritated, it can cause visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or double vision. If you're experiencing vision problems and your optometrist can't help, a chiropractic visit may be just what you need.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms above, it is important to see a chiropractor and get your upper cervical spine checked. Chiropractors are specially trained to detect and correct problems in the upper cervical spine, whether you have a minor subluxation or severe stenosis. Schedule an appointment with a chiropractor today.