Have you ever wondered why some people seem to get incredible results from chiropractic care while others don’t see much change? Or why your friend’s chronic migraines disappeared after just a few visits to a chiropractor, but you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work?
The answer might lie in a specialized approach called upper cervical chiropractic—and it’s fundamentally different from what most people think of when they hear the word “chiropractor.”
At Desoto Upper Cervical in Southaven, Mississippi, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer focus exclusively on the upper cervical spine—specifically, the top two bones in your neck called the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). While this might sound like a small area to focus on, these two tiny vertebrae have an enormous impact on your entire body’s health and function.
Let me explain why.
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What Makes the Upper Cervical Spine So Powerful?
Think about your body for a moment. Your brain is the master control center, sending signals to every organ, muscle, and tissue through your spinal cord. But here’s the critical part: your brainstem—the area where your brain and spinal cord meet—sits right at the level of your atlas and axis.
Your brainstem controls automatic functions you never think about: breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, sleep cycles, balance, and coordination. It’s essentially running the show behind the scenes, keeping you alive and functioning every single second.
Now imagine what happens when the bones protecting this critical area become misaligned, even by just a millimeter or two. Suddenly, there’s interference in the communication between your brain and your body. It’s like having a kink in a garden hose—the water (or in this case, nerve signals) can’t flow properly.
This is what we call a subluxation, and when it happens in the upper cervical spine, it can affect your entire body in ways you might never expect. Headaches, neck pain, back pain, dizziness, fatigue, digestive issues, sleep problems—these can all trace back to upper cervical misalignment.
How Upper Cervical Care Is Different
If you’ve been to a traditional chiropractor before, you probably experienced adjustments throughout your spine—lots of twisting, popping, and cracking. And while that approach can be helpful for some people, upper cervical chiropractic is a completely different experience.
At Desoto Upper Cervical, Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer use two highly specialized techniques: Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology. These aren’t your typical chiropractic adjustments. Here’s what makes them unique:
Precision over force. Instead of using forceful manipulation, these techniques use incredibly precise, gentle corrections. We’re talking about adjustments measured in millimeters and degrees. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer use specialized diagnostic equipment and imaging to identify exactly where your misalignment is and exactly how to correct it.
No twisting, popping, or cracking. Many people are nervous about traditional chiropractic adjustments because of the sound and feeling of bones popping. With Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology, there’s none of that. The adjustments are so gentle that some patients aren’t even sure anything happened—until they notice how much better they feel afterward.
Focused on the root cause. Rather than chasing symptoms throughout your entire spine, upper cervical care addresses the source of the problem. When your atlas and axis are properly aligned, your body can function the way it’s supposed to. Often, issues throughout the rest of your spine and body resolve on their own once the upper cervical misalignment is corrected.
Fewer adjustments needed. Because the corrections are so precise and address the root cause, many patients at our Southaven clinic need fewer adjustments overall. Once your upper cervical spine is stable and holding its alignment, you might only need periodic maintenance visits rather than constant treatment.
The Ripple Effect: How One Small Change Creates Big Results
This is where upper cervical chiropractic becomes truly powerful. When Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer corrects a misalignment in your atlas or axis, it doesn’t just help your neck—it creates a ripple effect throughout your entire body.
Here’s what patients at Desoto Upper Cervical commonly experience:
Headaches and migraines often improve dramatically. Many chronic headache sufferers have upper cervical misalignments putting pressure on nerves and blood vessels. When the misalignment is corrected, the headaches often reduce in frequency and intensity, or disappear entirely.
Neck and back pain can resolve naturally. When your atlas and axis are misaligned, your entire spine compensates. Your shoulders might lift unevenly, your pelvis might tilt, and your lower back might curve abnormally—all to keep your head level. Correct the upper cervical misalignment, and the rest of your spine often realigns naturally.
Balance and coordination improve. Your upper cervical spine plays a crucial role in your body’s sense of balance. People dealing with vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues often find relief through upper cervical care.
Sleep quality gets better. The nervous system controls your sleep-wake cycles, and when it’s functioning optimally, many patients report falling asleep easier, sleeping more deeply, and waking up feeling more refreshed.
Energy levels increase. When your nervous system isn’t fighting against misalignment and interference, your body simply functions more efficiently. Patients often report having more energy throughout the day.
Mental clarity improves. Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues can all be related to upper cervical misalignment affecting blood flow and nerve function. Many patients notice they think more clearly after their adjustments.
Overall health gets better. This is the most remarkable part—because the upper cervical spine affects the brainstem and nervous system, patients often report improvements in areas they never expected. Better digestion, stronger immune function, lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety—the list goes on.
Real Stories from Real People in Southaven
The power of upper cervical care isn’t just theoretical—it’s something patients at our Church Rd W location experience every day.
People come to Desoto Upper Cervical with all kinds of complaints. Some have suffered from migraines for decades. Others have been in car accidents and never felt quite right afterward. Some have tried everything else and are looking for a different approach. And some are simply tired of living with chronic pain that limits their quality of life.
What they discover is that their body has an incredible ability to heal itself when given the right conditions. Upper cervical care doesn’t “cure” anything—instead, it removes the interference that’s preventing your body from functioning optimally. Your body does the healing; we just help remove the roadblocks.
The Science Behind the Power
You might be wondering: if this approach is so effective, why isn’t everyone doing it? The truth is, upper cervical chiropractic requires specialized training and equipment that goes beyond standard chiropractic education.
Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer have invested significant time and resources into mastering Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology techniques. These approaches are based on decades of research into biomechanics, neurology, and spinal anatomy. They require precise measurement, careful analysis, and exact corrections.
The Atlas Orthogonal technique, for instance, uses a specially designed instrument that delivers a precise, controlled adjustment based on detailed measurements and imaging. The Orthospinology technique similarly relies on mathematical calculations and specific protocols to ensure each adjustment is exactly what your body needs.
This level of precision is what makes upper cervical care so powerful. It’s not guesswork or generic treatment—it’s personalized, exact care based on your unique anatomy and misalignment pattern.
What to Expect at Desoto Upper Cervical
If you’re curious about whether upper cervical care might help you, here’s what typically happens when you visit our Southaven clinic:
Comprehensive consultation. Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will sit down with you to understand your health history, current symptoms, and goals. They’ll listen to your concerns and answer your questions. This isn’t a rushed appointment—they take the time to really understand your situation.
Thorough examination. You’ll receive a comprehensive upper cervical examination, including specialized imaging if needed. This allows the doctor to see exactly where your misalignment is located and how severe it is.
Clear explanation. Before any treatment begins, you’ll understand exactly what’s going on with your upper cervical spine, what the correction will involve, and what you can expect. There are no surprises.
Precise adjustment. Using either Atlas Orthogonal or Orthospinology techniques, your doctor will make a specific correction to your atlas or axis. Remember—no twisting, popping, or cracking. Just a precise, gentle adjustment.
Post-adjustment rest. After your adjustment, you’ll rest briefly to allow your body to begin integrating the correction.
Personalized care plan. Based on how your body responds and how well your adjustment holds, Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will create a care plan tailored to your needs. This might involve a few visits close together initially, then spacing out appointments as your spine stabilizes.
Who Can Benefit from Upper Cervical Care?
One of the most common questions we get at Desoto Upper Cervical is: “Will this work for me?”
The honest answer is that upper cervical care can benefit almost anyone, because everyone needs a properly functioning nervous system. That said, people typically seek out our care for specific reasons:
• Chronic headaches or migraines that haven’t responded to other treatments
• Neck pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion
• Back pain, especially when multiple approaches haven’t helped
• Post-accident or post-injury problems that linger
• Vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues
• TMJ pain or jaw problems
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
• Fatigue or sleep problems
• Sports performance optimization
• Maintaining overall health and wellness
Even if your specific issue isn’t listed here, it’s worth calling our Southaven office at (662) 393-4848 to discuss whether upper cervical care might help. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer can usually tell you during a consultation whether you’re a good candidate for this approach.
Why Choose Desoto Upper Cervical?
If you’re looking for upper cervical care in the Southaven area, you have a choice to make. Here’s why patients choose Desoto Upper Cervical:
Specialized expertise. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer focus exclusively on upper cervical care. This isn’t just one technique among many they offer—it’s their entire practice. This level of specialization means you’re getting care from doctors who are truly experts in this approach.
Two proven techniques. By offering both Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology, our doctors can choose the approach that’s best suited to your specific needs and body type.
Comprehensive care. You’re not just getting an adjustment—you’re getting education, guidance, and support for your entire wellness journey.
Convenient Southaven location. Located at 1134 Church Rd W, we’re easily accessible for people throughout the Southaven and greater Memphis area.
Focus on results. The goal isn’t to keep you coming back forever—it’s to get your upper cervical spine stable and functioning properly so you can maintain your health with minimal intervention.
Taking the First Step
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably dealing with something that’s affecting your quality of life. Maybe it’s pain that’s been bothering you for years. Maybe it’s a health issue that no one seems to be able to figure out. Maybe you’re just tired of not feeling like yourself.
Here’s what I want you to know: your body is designed to heal and function optimally. Sometimes it just needs the right support to do what it’s supposed to do. Upper cervical care provides that support by removing interference from the most critical area of your nervous system.
Is it guaranteed to solve every problem? No—nothing in healthcare is guaranteed. But the power of upper cervical chiropractic lies in its ability to address the root cause rather than just managing symptoms. And for many people, that makes all the difference.
Ready to experience the power of upper cervical care for yourself? Call Desoto Upper Cervical today at (662) 393-4848 to schedule your consultation with Dr. David Hall or Dr. Troy Reistroffer. We’re located at 1134 Church Rd W, Southaven, MS 38671. During your consultation, we’ll determine if upper cervical care is right for you, answer all your questions, and help you understand what this approach could mean for your health. Your body has been trying to tell you something—maybe it’s time to listen.
Common Questions About Upper Cervical Chiropractic Power
How can adjusting just two bones affect my whole body?
It’s all about location. The atlas and axis protect your brainstem, which controls virtually every automatic function in your body. When these bones are misaligned, they can interfere with nerve signals traveling between your brain and body. Think of it like a master switch—when it’s working properly, everything downstream works better too. This is why people often experience improvements in areas far from their neck when their upper cervical spine is corrected.
Why haven’t I heard about upper cervical chiropractic before?
Upper cervical chiropractic requires specialized training beyond standard chiropractic education, and relatively few chiropractors practice it exclusively. It’s also more technical and harder to explain than traditional chiropractic, so it doesn’t get as much attention. However, those who experience it often become believers because the results speak for themselves. It’s one of those things where you have to experience it to truly understand its power.
How is this different from what my regular chiropractor does?
Traditional chiropractic typically involves adjustments throughout your entire spine, often using manual manipulation that causes popping or cracking sounds. Upper cervical chiropractic at Desoto Upper Cervical focuses specifically on your atlas and axis using incredibly precise, gentle techniques like Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology. There’s no forceful manipulation, and the corrections are based on detailed measurements and imaging rather than general adjustments. Many patients find it more comfortable and get better long-term results because it addresses the root cause.
Will I feel the adjustment happening?
Most patients are surprised by how gentle upper cervical adjustments are. With Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology, you typically won’t feel much during the actual adjustment—maybe a slight pressure or a light touch. Some patients wonder if anything even happened until they notice how much better they feel afterward. This is very different from traditional chiropractic where you hear and feel the popping and cracking.
How long does it take to see results?
This varies by individual and condition. Some patients notice changes immediately after their first adjustment—reduced pain, better range of motion, clearer thinking, or improved energy. Others experience gradual improvement over several visits as their body adapts to proper alignment. The power of upper cervical care is that it addresses the root cause, so once your atlas and axis are properly aligned and stable, the results tend to be long-lasting. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.
Is upper cervical chiropractic safe?
Yes, upper cervical chiropractic is extremely safe. In fact, because the adjustments are so precise and gentle, many people consider it safer than traditional chiropractic manipulation. The Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology techniques use controlled, measured corrections rather than forceful twisting. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer take detailed measurements and images before making any adjustment, ensuring each correction is exactly what your body needs. Serious complications are exceptionally rare with upper cervical care.
What if I’m nervous about getting my neck adjusted?
This is completely understandable, especially if you’ve heard stories about neck adjustments. Here’s what makes Desoto Upper Cervical different: the adjustments are so gentle that many people who are nervous about traditional chiropractic feel completely comfortable with upper cervical care. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer will explain exactly what they’re doing and why, and you’re in complete control—if you’re uncomfortable at any point, just let them know. Most nervous patients are pleasantly surprised by how gentle and comfortable the process is. Call (662) 393-4848 to discuss your concerns during a consultation before committing to treatment.
Can upper cervical care help with conditions that don’t seem related to my neck?
Absolutely, and this is where the true power of upper cervical care shows up. Because the brainstem controls so many body functions, correcting upper cervical misalignment can improve issues throughout your entire body. Patients at our Southaven clinic have experienced improvements in digestion, sleep, blood pressure, immune function, anxiety, energy levels, and more—all from upper cervical adjustments. Your nervous system affects everything, so when it functions better, everything can improve.
