Upper Cervical Neck Pain & Headache Care
Chronic Neck Pain or Headaches That Don’t Fully Make Sense?
Gentle, Precise Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Focused on the neurological influence of the upper neck.
At The Steward Clinic, we specialize in upper cervical chiropractic care—a targeted approach that addresses how subtle misalignment at the top of the neck can contribute to pain, headaches, and nerve-related symptoms.
- River Falls, WI
- Neurologically focused care
- Imaging-guided precision
WHO THIS CARE IS FOR
This approach may be appropriate if you:
Have chronic or recurring neck pain or stiffness
Experience headaches that seem to originate from the neck
Have cervicogenic headaches or head pressure
Notice symptoms worsen with posture, desk work, or stress
Have a history of whiplash or neck injury
Prefer a gentle, precise approach to chiropractic care
If your symptoms feel “mechanical,” positional, or stubbornly persistent, the upper neck may be involved.
WHY THE UPPER NECK MATTERS
The Upper Cervical Spine Plays a Disproportionate Role
The top two vertebrae of the neck:
Surround and protect the brainstem
Influence head and neck biomechanics
Contain dense neurological pathways related to pain and posture
Even small structural imbalances in this area can place abnormal strain on muscles, joints, and nerves—contributing to ongoing neck pain or headache patterns.
Upper cervical care focuses on identifying and correcting these specific issues.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT FROM GENERAL CHIROPRACTIC
Precision Over Force
Traditional chiropractic often involves:
Full-spine adjustments
Repetitive cracking
Routine techniques
Upper cervical chiropractic care is different:
No twisting or forceful manipulation
No routine full-spine adjustments
No “one-size-fits-all” care
Every recommendation is based on your individual anatomy and findings.
ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS
Imaging-Guided, Not Guesswork
The Steward Clinic uses Cone Beam CT (CBCT) imaging when appropriate to:
Analyze upper cervical alignment in three dimensions
Identify structural asymmetries
Guide precise, measured corrections
This allows care to be:
More specific
More gentle
More consistent
Especially important for patients with chronic or sensitive conditions.
CONDITIONS COMMONLY EVALUATED
Patients commonly seek upper cervical care for:
Chronic neck pain or stiffness
Dizziness
Cervicogenic headaches
Headaches associated with posture or neck tension
Whiplash-related symptoms
Brachioradial pruritus (chronic itching linked to cervical nerve irritation)
Neurological symptoms with a suspected neck component
Not every condition is appropriate for upper cervical care—but evaluation helps determine fit.
WHAT CARE FEELS LIKE
Designed for Patients Who Prefer a Gentle Approach
Upper cervical adjustments are typically:
Light and controlled
Highly specific
Neurologically informed
Many patients choose this approach because they want care that respects sensitivity, complexity, and precision.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST VISIT
A Calm, Thorough Evaluation
Your initial evaluation includes:
Detailed history focused on neck, headache, and dizzy patterns
Postural, orthopedic, neurological, and autonomic assessment
CBCT imaging (when indicated)
Vestibular testing (when indicated)
Clear explanation of findings
Honest discussion of whether care is appropriate
There is no pressure to begin care unless it makes sense for your situation.
Dr. Tyler Steward
Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
Fellowship training in vestibular rehab
Postdoctoral training in multiple Upper Cervical techniques
Published 5 research papers, a paperback book, and a continuing education course
Owner and clinic director of The Steward Clinic
7+ years of experience
Very passionate about his work!
Ready to See If Your Neck Is Contributing?
A focused upper cervical evaluation can help determine whether this approach is appropriate for your neck pain or headaches.
River Falls, WI