Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Understanding Upper Cervical Care at Atlas Specific Chiropractic

At Atlas Specific Chiropractic in Hiawatha, Iowa, we focus exclusively on upper cervical chiropractic care—a gentle, precise, and highly specialized approach that restores the connection between the brain and body. The upper cervical spine includes the top two vertebrae of the neck (the atlas and axis), which protect the brainstem and play a critical role in how your body communicates, balances, and heals itself. When these vertebrae shift even slightly out of alignment, it can disrupt normal nerve function and lead to symptoms like headaches, migraines, vertigo, neck pain, brain fog, and chronic fatigue.

Our care begins with a comprehensive evaluation designed to uncover the root cause of your symptoms. During your initial visit, we take time to understand your health history, perform a detailed postural and neurological exam, and utilize specific upper cervical imaging to measure the exact position and angle of misalignment. Unlike general chiropractic adjustments, our process is entirely customized—every step is tailored to your individual anatomy and how your body responds to correction.

Once we identify the precise misalignment, we use the AHKC Technique, an advanced form of the historic HIO (Hole-In-One) method pioneered by Dr. B.J. Palmer. The Advanced HIO Knee-Chest (AHKC) technique allows us to deliver a correction with remarkable accuracy and minimal force. The adjustment is performed on a specially designed knee-chest table, allowing your head and neck to be positioned for maximum precision and comfort. There’s no twisting, cracking, or popping—just a focused, gentle force applied exactly where it’s needed to restore proper alignment and nerve communication.

After your correction, we always reassess to ensure the adjustment held properly and that your body is responding as expected. Many patients notice improvements in posture, balance, energy levels, and mental clarity even after their first few visits. Over time, consistent upper cervical care helps the nervous system regulate itself more efficiently—supporting long-term healing, better mobility, and improved overall health without relying on medication or invasive procedures.

At Atlas Specific Chiropractic, our mission is to help your body heal from the inside out. Through the AHKC upper cervical approach, we don’t chase symptoms—we correct the underlying cause, allowing your body to function as it was designed. Whether you’ve struggled with chronic neck pain, dizziness, headaches, or unresolved health issues, our gentle and scientific process is designed to help you get lasting results and regain the quality of life you deserve.