Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care vs. Traditional Chiropractic Care

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses exclusively on the precise alignment of the uppermost vertebrae in the spine, particularly the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). Unlike traditional chiropractic methods that often involve broad spinal adjustments, upper cervical care employs advanced diagnostic tools such as x-ray analysis and thermographic imaging to identify subtle misalignments. These targeted, gentle adjustments are designed to correct the root cause of nervous system interference, promoting long-term health and healing without the need for frequent, full-spine manipulations.

• Precision-Focused Adjustments: Upper cervical care targets only the critical upper vertebrae, reducing strain on the rest of the spine.
• Low-Force Techniques: Gentle, calculated corrections avoid the popping and cracking often associated with traditional chiropractic care.
• Advanced Diagnostics: Cutting-edge tools like thermography and x-rays ensure personalized and accurate treatment plans.
• Long-Lasting Results: Correcting upper cervical misalignments often requires fewer adjustments, as the spine tends to maintain its alignment longer.
• Whole-Body Impact: Addressing the upper cervical spine improves overall nervous system function, benefiting multiple areas of health, from pain relief to enhanced energy and immune response.
• Patient Comfort: The gentle, targeted approach is ideal for patients who prefer a less forceful adjustment experience.

Your First Upper Cervical Chiropractic Visit: Step by Step

1. Prepare for Your First Chiropractic Appointment

• How long will my first chiropractic visit take?

Your first chiropractic visit at Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls typically takes 45–60 minutes. This allows time to discuss your health history and symptoms, complete a thorough examination and determine whether additional imaging or evaluation is appropriate. Completing your new patient paperwork before arriving can save approximately 15–20 minutes.

• What should I wear to my first chiropractic appointment?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move easily during your chiropractic examination. Athletic or everyday casual clothing generally works well. Your visit may include posture, range-of-motion, orthopedic and neurological assessments, so clothing that does not restrict movement is helpful.

• What should I bring to my first chiropractic appointment?

Bring any information that may help Dr. Casey Weerheim understand your health history, symptoms and previous treatment. This may include a list of medications, relevant medical information and previous imaging or test results. If you have questions about your symptoms or upper cervical chiropractic care, writing them down beforehand can also help you make the most of your appointment.

• Should I bring previous X-rays or MRI results to the chiropractor?

Yes, if you have previous X-rays, MRI scans or other relevant imaging, bring them or let our team know they are available. Previous imaging can provide useful background about injuries or conditions affecting your neck and spine. However, the specialized imaging used for Blair Upper Cervical care may require different views and measurements than conventional X-rays.

• Will I receive a chiropractic adjustment on my first visit?

Whether you receive an adjustment during your first visit depends on what Dr. Weerheim finds during your consultation, examination and imaging. Because Blair Upper Cervical Technique adjustments are based on careful analysis of each patient’s individual anatomy and upper cervical alignment, we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to care.

• Are X-rays always required for upper cervical chiropractic care?

The need for X-rays is determined based on your individual evaluation and whether imaging is appropriate for your care. When indicated, specialized digital X-rays allow Dr. Weerheim to analyze the unique anatomy and alignment of your upper cervical spine and determine the precise direction of a Blair adjustment.

• How soon will I receive my chiropractic examination results?

After completing the necessary examination and imaging, Dr. Weerheim carefully reviews the findings before discussing them with you during your Report of Findings. He will explain what was identified, answer your questions and discuss whether upper cervical chiropractic care is appropriate for your individual needs.

• Can I ask questions about my chiropractic care plan?

Absolutely. We want patients to understand both why upper cervical care is being recommended and what they can expect from treatment. Dr. Weerheim and the Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls team welcome questions about your examination findings, Blair adjustments, recommended visit schedule, progress and long-term care goals before you decide how to proceed.

2. Complete Your New Patient Forms:

If you can, we encourage you to complete our New Patient Forms before visiting our upper cervical chiropractor in Sioux Falls. This will save approximately 15-20 minutes in the office, but you are always welcome to fill them out when you arrive as well.

3. Meet With Dr. Weerheim:

During the initial Health Consultation, we will be here to listen and support you and all of your needs. You will have the opportunity to share what you want from your life and what you believe is preventing you from making this a reality. We have had people of all ages and all activity levels truly benefit from the initial consultation because it allowed them to assess their current well-being and then communicate their definition of a life without limitations.

4. Complete Your Chiropractic & Neurological Examination:

At the conclusion of the initial health consultation, we will perform a complete and comprehensive chiropractic wellness examination that will test your reflexes, range of motion, as well as many standard neurological, orthopedic, postural, and physical examinations. This examination will allow us to objectively determine what you need in order to dramatically improve the quality of your life.

One of the unique benefits of the Blair technique that we use is its gentle, precise approach. Most adjustments are performed without forceful twisting or cracking. Patients often report a sense of release, warmth, or subtle shift rather than discomfort. Our corrections are safely held in place, and we monitor your progress over time to ensure lasting results. We take extra care when working with infants, seniors, or patients with special health considerations.

5. Take Digital X-Rays & Thermographic Imaging, If Needed:

Depending on your history and presenting symptoms, we may request a low-radiation digital x-ray analysis. These x-rays help us safely assess the position of the atlas and axis (C1/C2), determine the health of spinal structures, and evaluate how long a subluxation may have been present. If we decide to order a series of x-rays, this will allow us to clearly determine the next steps. X-rays provide us with an objective diagnostic tool that will show us the position of the spinal bones, as well as the quality of the spine and safety of adjusting it. We also use x-rays to determine how long the subluxation has been in the making.

6. Review Your Results & Personalized Care Plan:

You will be scheduled for your Report of Findings within a few days of your initial visit, which is where we will share the results that we found with you. During your Report of Findings, Dr. Weerheim will go over your x-ray and thermographic imaging results in detail, explain how upper cervical misalignments can impact your nervous system, and recommend a personalized care plan tailored to your goals—whether that’s pain relief, improved sleep, better posture, or enhanced performance. We are extremely unique in practice because we do not simply look for an answer to the problem that may have brought you into our office, but we also consider your current lifestyle choices, goals for the future, and challenges that are standing in your way. This is why our recommendations are extremely comprehensive and have the chance to be the solution that you have been seeking to find.

7. Begin Blair Upper Cervical Care, If Recommended:

If your examination and imaging indicate that an upper cervical correction may benefit you, Dr. Casey Weerheim will begin care using the precise, gentle Blair Upper Cervical Technique. Rather than forceful twisting, cracking or full-spine manipulation, each adjustment is tailored to your individual anatomy and the specific misalignment identified during your evaluation. The goal is to restore proper upper cervical alignment, support healthy nervous system function and give your body the best opportunity to maintain the correction between visits.

8. Monitor Your Alignment & Progress:

After your initial series of corrections, we’ll move into maintenance care, which may include periodic check-ups to ensure the upper cervical alignment holds, adjustments when necessary, and guidance on posture, nutrition, and lifestyle habits. Our goal is to help you maintain optimal nervous system function for the long term.

Our entire staff strives to keep waiting times to a minimum, so we ask that all patients be prompt for their appointments so we can stay on track. Your doctor will want to know what’s new or different with your health since your last visit. Your adjustments will be given by the chiropractor, then anything else done during that visit will depend on the chiropractor’s recommendations. Questions are not only welcomed, they are encouraged. Knowledge is power.

We recognize that everybody is extremely unique and different, which is why we consistently update and customize your wellness programs. The foundation for our overall health is based on proper spinal alignment, nutritious foods, regular exercise, high quality supplementation, and a variety of stress relief techniques.

Ready to experience precise, upper cervical chiropractic care in Sioux Falls? Schedule your first appointment today or call us at 605-275-6900. Let us help you take the first step toward better health, less pain, and improved well-being.

We look forward to working with you to Analyze, Align, Hold and Heal.