Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Jacksonville & Neptune Beach

A focused evaluation of the upper neck, with clear explanations and an individualized next step.

Understanding the upper neck

The craniocervical junction (CCJ) is the meeting point of the skull, atlas (C1), and axis (C2). Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on this region while considering your symptoms, health history, and the rest of your clinical examination. An alignment observation alone does not tell us why you hurt or whether treatment is needed.

What an evaluation involves

Bring your questions, previous imaging reports, and a list of medications. Discuss when symptoms started, any injury, what makes them better or worse, and what you want to be able to do more comfortably. Relevant movement, orthopedic, and neurological findings help guide recommendations.

Our aim is to explain what the findings suggest, what remains uncertain, and whether care at Apex, additional investigation, or another clinician is the appropriate next step. A consultation is not a commitment to a treatment plan.

CBCT and MRI: selected for a clinical question

CBCT can provide three-dimensional information about bony anatomy and uses ionizing radiation. MRI provides information about soft tissues without ionizing radiation but requires screening for implants and other safety considerations. These tests have different purposes; neither is a routine requirement for every patient. We discuss referral when clinically indicated and review existing studies where useful.

Care options and informed decisions

Dr. William Soriano and Dr. Vicki Zifteh have training that includes upper cervical biomechanics and the Knee-Chest approach. The choice of care should depend on your findings, preferences, and safety considerations. Discuss anticipated goals, alternatives, risks, costs, and how progress will be reassessed before deciding.

Temporary soreness can follow manual treatment. Suspected fracture, significant instability, or concerning neurological findings require appropriate investigation before manual care.

Explore related concerns

See our pages on Concussion-Related Cervical Assessment, Dizziness and Vertigo, Headache and Migraine, Pediatric Upper Cervical Care, and Knee-Chest Upper Cervical Approach. These explain the scope of cervical assessment without assuming every symptom comes from the neck.

Learn more

Read our alar ligament and CCJ guide, meet the doctors,

Explore our care and assessment pages

Visit Apex Chiropractic

808 3rd St C, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
(904) 310-4176 · Contact and directions · Request an appointment