Last week, we explored why upper cervical chiropractic is so effective—how focusing on the atlas and axis can create whole-body improvements by removing nervous system interference. We discussed the science behind the remarkable results patients experience.
But knowing why something works is only part of the story. If you’re considering upper cervical care at Desoto Upper Cervical in Southaven, you probably have some practical questions: What actually happens during your visits? How long does the process take? What will you feel? How do you know if it’s working?
Let me walk you through the entire upper cervical care journey—from your first phone call to Dr. David Hall or Dr. Troy Reistroffer’s office through achieving stable, lasting results. Understanding what to expect can help you feel confident about taking this important step for your health.
Table of Contents
Before Your First Visit: The Decision to Seek Upper Cervical Care
Most people don’t wake up one day randomly deciding to see an upper cervical chiropractor. Usually, something brings you to this point—maybe you’ve been dealing with chronic headaches that won’t go away, neck pain that’s affecting your quality of life, dizziness that no one can seem to figure out, or health issues that haven’t responded to other treatments.
You might have found Desoto Upper Cervical through a Google search, a recommendation from a friend, or your own research into upper cervical care. Perhaps you read about the effectiveness of this approach and thought, “This makes sense for what I’m experiencing.”
When you’re ready to take the next step, you call (662) 393-4848. Our friendly staff will ask some basic questions about your health concerns and schedule your initial consultation. This first appointment is typically the longest, as it involves comprehensive evaluation and analysis.
Many patients tell us they feel a mix of hope and nervousness before their first visit. Hope because they’re finally addressing their health concerns in a new way. Nervousness because upper cervical care might be unfamiliar territory. Both feelings are completely normal.
Your First Visit: Comprehensive Evaluation and Analysis
When you arrive at our Church Rd W location in Southaven, you’ll complete some initial paperwork about your health history. Be thorough here—information about past injuries, car accidents, falls, or health conditions helps Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer understand your complete health picture.
The consultation. Your doctor will sit down with you for a detailed conversation. They’ll want to know about your current symptoms—when they started, what makes them better or worse, how they impact your daily life. But they’ll also ask about your overall health, past injuries, and even symptoms you might not think are related to why you came in.
This isn’t just idle curiosity. Upper cervical misalignments can affect multiple body systems, so understanding your complete health picture helps your doctor identify patterns and connections you might not have noticed.
This is also your opportunity to ask questions. Don’t hold back—Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer want you to understand the process and feel comfortable moving forward.
The physical examination. Next comes a thorough upper cervical examination. Your doctor will:
• Assess your posture from multiple angles
• Observe how you walk and carry yourself
• Check your range of motion in your neck and spine
• Perform orthopedic and neurological tests
• Examine your upper cervical spine specifically
• Evaluate muscle tension and tenderness
• Look for indicators of upper cervical misalignment
Many patients are surprised by how detailed this examination is. That’s because Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer are gathering specific information to determine not just if you have an upper cervical misalignment, but exactly where it is and how it’s affecting your body.
Specialized imaging. If the examination indicates that you’re a candidate for upper cervical care, the next step is specialized upper cervical imaging. This isn’t your standard medical X-ray—it’s specifically designed to measure the precise position of your atlas and axis.
The imaging is painless and quick. You’ll be positioned carefully to ensure accurate measurements. These images allow Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer to see exactly where your atlas or axis is misaligned, measured in millimeters and degrees.
The analysis and explanation. After your imaging, your doctor will analyze the results using the Atlas Orthogonal or Orthospinology protocols. This involves precise measurements and mathematical calculations to determine your exact misalignment pattern.
Then comes one of the most important parts of your first visit: your doctor will sit down with you and explain, in plain English, what they found. You’ll see your own images and understand exactly where your upper cervical spine is misaligned and how this misalignment might be contributing to your symptoms.
This explanation is crucial because it helps you understand what’s happening in your body and why the specific correction your doctor recommends will help. There’s no mystery, no vague explanations—just clear information about your spine and nervous system.
Your personalized care plan. Based on the findings, Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will recommend a care plan. This includes:
• Whether you’re a good candidate for upper cervical care
• What your initial adjustment frequency should be
• What you can realistically expect in terms of timeline and results
• Any lifestyle modifications that might support your recovery
• Approximate length of the corrective phase of care
Every care plan is individualized because every patient’s spine and health situation is unique. Your plan is designed specifically for your misalignment pattern, health goals, and body’s healing capacity.
Your First Adjustment: A Gentle, Precise Correction
If everything looks good and you’re comfortable proceeding, you’ll often receive your first upper cervical adjustment during this initial visit.
Here’s what happens:
Positioning. You’ll be positioned on a special table designed for upper cervical adjustments. The exact positioning depends on whether Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer is using Atlas Orthogonal or Orthospinology technique, but in both cases, positioning is crucial for the precision of the correction.
The adjustment. This is where upper cervical care differs dramatically from traditional chiropractic. There’s no forceful twisting of your neck, no sudden movements, no cracking or popping sounds.
With Atlas Orthogonal, a specialized instrument delivers a very precise, controlled impulse at exactly the right angle to move your atlas back into alignment. The force is so gentle that many patients wonder if anything even happened.
With Orthospinology, the correction is similarly gentle and precise, using specific hand contacts and controlled force.
The entire adjustment takes just seconds. That’s it. No prolonged manipulation, no aggressive movements—just a precise correction calculated specifically for your misalignment.
Post-adjustment rest. After your adjustment, you’ll rest quietly for a few minutes. This gives your body time to begin integrating the correction. Your nervous system is processing this new alignment, and muscles are beginning to adapt.
Some patients feel immediate changes—a sense of relaxation, reduced pain, or greater ease of movement. Others don’t notice much immediately. Both responses are normal. Remember, the adjustment is correcting misalignment that may have been present for months or years. Your body needs time to adapt and heal.
Post-adjustment instructions. Before you leave, Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will give you specific instructions for the next 24-48 hours. These typically include:
• Avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting
• Not sleeping on your stomach
• Staying well hydrated
• Avoiding sudden jarring movements
• Any other guidance specific to your situation
These instructions help your adjustment hold. Your body is adapting to a new position, and you want to support that process, not disrupt it.
The First Few Days: What You Might Experience
The hours and days after your first upper cervical adjustment can vary significantly from person to person. Here’s what patients commonly experience:
Immediate relief. Some patients notice improvements right away—reduced pain, better range of motion, clearer thinking, improved balance. If you experience this, that’s wonderful, but don’t be concerned if you don’t. Immediate dramatic relief isn’t the norm for everyone.
Delayed improvement. Many patients notice gradual improvements over the first few days as their body adapts to proper alignment and healing begins to occur.
Mild soreness. It’s not uncommon to experience some mild muscle soreness in the first day or two after your adjustment, similar to post-workout soreness. This happens because muscles that have been compensating for misalignment are now adapting to a new, proper position. This soreness is usually minor and temporary.
Detox symptoms. Occasionally, patients experience mild detox-like symptoms—slight headache, fatigue, or increased urination—as their body begins to release toxins and heal. These symptoms are temporary and indicate your body is responding to the correction.
No immediate changes. Some patients don’t notice much in the first few days. This doesn’t mean the adjustment didn’t work—it means your body is processing the changes internally. Observable improvements often come with consistent care over time.
Whatever you experience, it’s helpful to track your symptoms. Note any changes—improvements, new sensations, or shifts in your symptoms. This information helps Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer understand how your body is responding to care.
The Initial Phase: Stabilizing Your Upper Cervical Spine
After your first adjustment, you’ll return to Desoto Upper Cervical for follow-up visits. The frequency depends on your specific case, but initial care often involves visiting once or twice per week for a few weeks.
Why frequent visits initially? Your upper cervical spine has been misaligned for a while—possibly months or years. The bones, muscles, and ligaments have adapted to the misaligned position. When Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer corrects your alignment, your body needs time to accept and stabilize in this new position.
Think of it like braces for teeth. One adjustment doesn’t permanently correct years of misalignment. The initial phase involves checking how well your adjustment is holding and making corrections as needed until your spine stabilizes in the proper position.
What happens at follow-up visits? Each follow-up begins with an assessment. Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will evaluate whether your atlas and axis are still in the corrected position or if they’ve shifted back.
If your adjustment is holding well, you might not receive another adjustment that visit. This is actually good news—it means your body is accepting and maintaining the correction. Your doctor will monitor your progress and schedule your next visit.
If your upper cervical spine has shifted back out of alignment, you’ll receive another precise correction to restore proper position.
Over the initial weeks, you’ll typically notice your adjustments holding for longer periods. What started as needing adjustment at every visit might progress to holding for several days, then a week, then longer. This progressive stability is the goal.
Tracking your progress. During this phase, pay attention to:
• How long you feel good after each adjustment
• Whether your primary symptoms are improving
• Changes in secondary symptoms you might not have expected
• Overall quality of life improvements
• Any patterns in when symptoms return
This information helps your doctor fine-tune your care plan and gives you both a clear picture of your progress.
The Corrective Phase: Building on Progress
As your upper cervical spine begins to stabilize, you enter the corrective phase. Your adjustments are holding for longer periods, and you’re noticing more consistent improvements in your symptoms and overall health.
During this phase, your visit frequency typically decreases. You might progress from twice weekly to weekly, then to every other week as your body demonstrates it can maintain proper alignment for longer periods.
What you might notice:
• Your primary symptoms continue to improve
• You have more “good days” than “bad days”
• Your body feels more balanced and natural
• You have better awareness of your posture
• Unexpected health improvements in other areas
• Increased energy and better sleep
• Greater resilience to stress
This is when many patients really understand the power of upper cervical care. You’re not just masking symptoms—you’re experiencing genuine healing and improved function.
Lifestyle integration. During the corrective phase, Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer might provide guidance on lifestyle factors that support your upper cervical health:
• Proper sleeping positions and pillow support
• Ergonomic workspace setup
• Exercises or stretches that support alignment
• Activities to avoid or modify
• Stress management techniques
These recommendations aren’t about restriction—they’re about empowering you to maintain the progress you’re making.
The Maintenance Phase: Protecting Your Investment
Eventually, your upper cervical spine reaches a point of stability. You’re holding your adjustments for weeks at a time, your symptoms are well-managed or resolved, and your body has adapted to maintaining proper alignment.
This is when you transition to maintenance care at Desoto Upper Cervical—periodic check-ups to ensure your upper cervical spine remains aligned and to catch any new misalignments before they create problems.
Maintenance visit frequency varies. Some patients come monthly, others every six to eight weeks, some quarterly. It depends on your lifestyle, stress levels, physical demands, and how well your body maintains alignment.
Why maintenance matters. You wouldn’t buy a new car and never change the oil or get tune-ups. Your upper cervical spine deserves the same preventive care. Regular check-ups:
• Catch small misalignments before they create symptoms
• Maintain optimal nervous system function
• Prevent the return of old symptoms
• Support overall health and wellness
• Address new stresses before they accumulate
Many patients at our Southaven clinic find that maintenance care is one of the best investments they make in their long-term health. It’s far easier to maintain good health than to regain it after problems develop.
Timeline Expectations: How Long Does the Process Take?
One of the most common questions patients ask is: “How long will this take?” The honest answer is: it varies significantly based on individual factors.
Factors that influence timeline:
• How long you’ve had your upper cervical misalignment
• Severity of the misalignment
• Age and overall health
• Lifestyle factors (stress, physical demands, sleep quality)
• Compliance with post-adjustment instructions
• Previous injuries or trauma
• Your body’s individual healing capacity
General timeline patterns:
For acute issues (recent injury or onset): Many patients achieve stability within 4-8 weeks of consistent care.
For chronic conditions (present for months or years): The corrective phase typically takes 2-4 months, sometimes longer for complex cases.
For maintenance: Ongoing periodic visits (monthly to quarterly) to maintain alignment.
Remember, these are general patterns. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer will provide a more specific timeline estimate based on your unique situation during your initial consultation.
Signs Your Upper Cervical Care Is Working
How do you know if upper cervical care is working for you? Look for these indicators:
Your adjustments hold longer. This is one of the most objective measures. If you needed adjustment at every visit initially, but now you’re holding for a week, then two weeks, then longer, your spine is stabilizing.
Symptom improvement. Your primary complaints—whether headaches, neck pain, dizziness, or other issues—should gradually improve in frequency, intensity, or duration.
Functional improvements. Beyond just feeling better, you can do more—walk farther, sleep better, concentrate longer, exercise with less difficulty.
Quality of life changes. You’re missing less work, participating more in activities you enjoy, feeling more present with family and friends.
Unexpected benefits. Many patients notice improvements in areas they didn’t even mention as concerns—better digestion, improved sleep, more energy, reduced anxiety.
Greater body awareness. You notice when things feel “off” and can often identify what might have shifted your alignment (poor sleep position, stressful day, unusual activity).
If you’re experiencing these signs, your upper cervical care is working as intended.
What If Progress Stalls?
Occasionally, patients experience a plateau—progress seems to stall, or symptoms that were improving stop getting better. This can be frustrating, but it’s not uncommon.
If this happens, Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will investigate potential reasons:
• Are there lifestyle factors interfering with healing?
• Is there an underlying issue that needs to be addressed?
• Do you need additional support (better pillow, ergonomic changes)?
• Is stress overwhelming your body’s healing capacity?
• Are there other health conditions affecting recovery?
Sometimes small adjustments to your care plan or lifestyle can get things moving again. Sometimes you just need patience—healing isn’t always linear.
The key is open communication with your doctor about your progress and concerns.
Your Role in the Journey
Upper cervical care is a partnership between you and Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer. While they provide expert diagnosis and precise corrections, your active participation significantly influences your results.
What you can do:
• Follow post-adjustment instructions carefully
• Attend your scheduled appointments consistently
• Communicate honestly about your symptoms and progress
• Implement recommended lifestyle modifications
• Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress appropriately
• Be patient with your body’s healing process
The patients who get the best results are those who view upper cervical care as an investment in their health and actively participate in the process.
Beyond Symptom Relief: The Bigger Picture
As you progress through your upper cervical care journey at Desoto Upper Cervical, you might start to realize this is about more than just fixing whatever brought you in initially.
Upper cervical care is about optimizing your nervous system function so your entire body can work at its best. It’s about prevention, not just treatment. It’s about living life fully, not just managing symptoms.
Many patients find that upper cervical care changes their entire approach to health. Instead of waiting until something’s broken to fix it, they embrace proactive wellness. They understand their body better. They make healthier choices naturally because they feel the difference.
This shift in perspective is perhaps the most valuable outcome of all.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Now you know what to expect on your upper cervical care journey—from that first phone call through achieving stable, lasting results. You understand the process, the timeline, and what success looks like.
The only thing left is to take the first step.
If you’re dealing with health issues that haven’t responded to other approaches, if you’re tired of just managing symptoms without addressing root causes, or if you simply want to optimize your health and nervous system function, upper cervical care at Desoto Upper Cervical might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Ready to start your upper cervical care journey? Call Desoto Upper Cervical today at (662) 393-4848 to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. David Hall or Dr. Troy Reistroffer. We’re located at 1134 Church Rd W, Southaven, MS 38671. Our team will guide you through every step of your journey, from your first visit through achieving stable, lasting results. Don’t wait another day living with symptoms that could be addressed—take control of your health and discover the effectiveness of upper cervical care for yourself. Visit www.desotouppercervical.com to learn more and start your journey to better health today.
Common Questions About the Upper Cervical Care Journey
How long is the first appointment at Desoto Upper Cervical?
Your initial consultation and examination typically takes 45-60 minutes. This includes the health history discussion, comprehensive examination, specialized imaging (if appropriate), analysis, explanation of findings, and often your first adjustment. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer don’t rush this appointment because it’s crucial to understand your complete health picture and create an accurate, personalized care plan. Follow-up visits are much shorter, usually 15-30 minutes.
Will I get adjusted at my first visit?
In most cases, yes. If your examination and imaging indicate you’re a good candidate for upper cervical care, you’ll typically receive your first gentle Atlas Orthogonal or Orthospinology adjustment during your initial visit. However, in some cases, Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer might recommend waiting (for example, if there’s acute inflammation that needs to settle first) or may determine that upper cervical care isn’t the appropriate approach for your specific situation.
How often will I need to come to the Southaven clinic initially?
Initial visit frequency varies based on your specific condition and how well your body holds adjustments. Many patients start with 1-2 visits per week for the first few weeks as their upper cervical spine stabilizes. As your adjustments hold longer, visit frequency decreases. Some patients with acute issues might need more frequent visits initially, while others with less severe misalignments might need less. Your personalized care plan will outline the recommended frequency for your situation.
What if my adjustment doesn’t hold between visits?
In the beginning, it’s common for adjustments not to hold as long. Your body has been adapted to the misaligned position, and it takes time for muscles, ligaments, and the nervous system to accept and maintain the corrected position. This is why initial visits are more frequent—to make corrections as needed until your spine stabilizes. As care progresses, your adjustments should hold for increasingly longer periods. If adjustments consistently aren’t holding, Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will investigate potential reasons and may adjust your care plan.
How will I know if my upper cervical spine is out of alignment between visits?
Many patients develop awareness of when their alignment shifts. You might notice a return of symptoms, changes in how your head feels balanced on your neck, or that certain movements don’t feel as smooth. However, Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will assess your alignment at each visit—you don’t have to guess. Some misalignments create symptoms, but others are detected before symptoms develop, which is why regular check-ups are valuable.
What happens if I miss appointments during my initial corrective phase?
Consistency is important during the corrective phase because your upper cervical spine is learning to maintain proper alignment. Missing appointments can slow your progress because if your spine shifts back out of alignment and stays that way for an extended period, muscles and ligaments adapt back to the misaligned position. That said, life happens. If you need to miss or reschedule an appointment, just call (662) 393-4848 as soon as possible to get back on track. The key is not letting too much time pass between visits during the corrective phase.
Can I stop coming once I feel better?
You can stop upper cervical care at any point—it’s always your choice. However, many patients who stop care once they feel better find that symptoms eventually return because the underlying tendency toward misalignment hasn’t been fully corrected. The goal is to achieve stability where your spine maintains alignment on its own, then transition to periodic maintenance care to prevent problems from redeveloping. Think of it like getting your teeth straightened with braces—you wear retainers afterward to maintain the results. Maintenance upper cervical care serves a similar purpose.
Will my insurance cover upper cervical care at Desoto Upper Cervical?
Many insurance plans do cover chiropractic care, though coverage specifics vary by plan. Our Southaven office can verify your insurance benefits and help you understand your coverage before you begin care. We also offer flexible payment options for patients without insurance or for services not covered by insurance. Don’t let insurance questions prevent you from calling—we’re happy to discuss your options when you contact us at (662) 393-4848.
What if I’m nervous about starting upper cervical care?
Feeling nervous is completely normal, especially if you’ve never experienced upper cervical care before or if you’ve had negative experiences with traditional chiropractic. Here’s what helps: First, remember that Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology adjustments are incredibly gentle—nothing like the forceful manipulation you might be imagining. Second, Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer will explain everything before they do anything, so you’ll never be surprised. Third, you’re always in control—if you’re uncomfortable at any point, just speak up. Many of our most satisfied patients at Desoto Upper Cervical were initially nervous but found the experience much gentler and more comfortable than expected. The best way to ease your concerns is to come in for a consultation where you can ask all your questions and see the process for yourself before committing to care.
