No popping. No cracking. No twisting. Upper cervical chiropractic targets the root cause of your pain through precise, gentle adjustments to the top two vertebrae of your spine.
Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the atlas and axis vertebrae at the top of your spine. When these are misaligned, they affect your entire nervous system.
We use advanced imaging and analysis to identify exactly where and how your atlas or axis has shifted. Every adjustment is calculated, never guessed.
No popping, cracking, or twisting. Upper cervical adjustments use precise, controlled force measured in ounces. Most patients barely feel it.
By correcting the root misalignment, your body heals itself. Most patients need fewer visits over time as the spine stabilizes.
A misalignment at the atlas or axis can disrupt nerve signals between your brain and body, causing a wide range of symptoms that share a common source.
Chronic migraines often trace back to upper cervical misalignment affecting blood flow and nerve function.
The atlas vertebra directly affects the vestibular system. Correcting it often resolves vertigo nothing else could fix.
When the atlas shifts, your entire spine compensates, creating pain throughout the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Impaired cerebrospinal fluid drainage from atlas misalignment creates persistent brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
Research shows upper cervical corrections can significantly reduce tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo episodes.
The atlas sits millimeters from the TMJ. Misalignment directly affects jaw mechanics, causing pain and clicking.
Atlas misalignment can impair Eustachian tube drainage, leading to chronic ear infections, especially in children.
The vagus nerve passes through the upper cervical region. Misalignment disrupts digestive function and contributes to reflux.
Not all chiropractic care is the same. Here's how our approach compares.
| Upper Cervical (Dr. Lawlor) | Traditional Chiropractic | PT / Medication | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustment Style | Gentle, precise, no cracking | Manual manipulation with popping | Exercise-based / pharmaceutical |
| Targets Root Cause | ✓ Atlas/axis misalignment | Varies | ✗ Symptom management |
| Precision Imaging | ✓ Calculated corrections | Sometimes | ✗ Not applicable |
| Frequency Over Time | Decreases as spine stabilizes | Often ongoing maintenance | Ongoing sessions or prescriptions |
| Neurological Focus | ✓ Brainstem & nervous system | Limited | ✗ Not addressed |
| Safe for All Ages | ✓ Infants to elderly | ✓ Most ages | Varies |
Dr. Lawlor is an upper cervical chiropractic specialist serving San Francisco's Union Square. With years of advanced training in upper cervical techniques, he focuses exclusively on the precise relationship between the atlas, axis, and brainstem.
His approach is simple: find the misalignment, correct it with precision, and let the body do what it was designed to do. No unnecessary visits. No cookie-cutter adjustments. Every patient receives a care plan built around their specific imaging and examination findings.
"My mobility and range of motion have changed dramatically. I felt immediate relief after my first visit. Dr. Lawlor is incredibly talented and his staff, especially Heather, make every visit a great experience."
"Dr. Lawlor helped me when no other medical professional or healer could. I had 12 months of vertigo and dizziness that no one could figure out. He identified the root cause and I feel great after treatments."
"Life changing results almost instantly. After 5 months of treatment, my jaw and shoulder alignment have improved dramatically. I'm a singer and the difference in my vocal performance has been remarkable."
"We brought our infant in for torticollis and saw noticeable improvement in our baby's range of motion and comfort. Dr. Lawlor's approach is so gentle, it was perfect for our little one."
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lawlor to find out if upper cervical care is right for you.
Call 415-362-3500 →