Are you experiencing persistent headaches, neck pain, dizziness, or other chronic symptoms that haven’t responded to conventional treatments? Upper cervical chiropractic care in Missoula might be the solution you’ve been searching for. This specialized form of chiropractic focuses on the critical relationship between your head and neck, addressing a wide range of health concerns through precise, gentle adjustments.
At Krieg Chiropractic Center in Missoula, MT, our team offers expert upper cervical care designed to restore proper alignment, improve nervous system function, and help your body heal naturally. Discover how this unique approach has helped thousands of Montana residents find relief from both common and complex health challenges.

Upper cervical care is a specialized branch of chiropractic that focuses specifically on the alignment of the top two vertebrae in your spine—the atlas (C1) and axis (C2)—and their relationship to your skull. This critical junction:
When misalignment occurs in this vital area—even by just a few millimeters—it can disrupt normal nerve transmission, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid circulation, potentially causing a cascade of symptoms throughout your body.
The upper cervical region is unique within your spine for several critical reasons:
Your brainstem, which passes through the atlas and axis vertebrae, controls essential bodily functions including:
The position of your atlas and axis vertebrae influences the alignment of your entire spine. When the top of your spine is misaligned, it can create compensatory changes throughout your neck, mid-back, and lower back.
Major arteries pass through the upper cervical vertebrae on their way to your brain. Misalignments in this area can potentially affect proper blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid circulation to and from your brain.
The upper cervical region contains an abundance of specialized receptors that help your brain understand where your head is in space, affecting your overall posture, balance, and coordination.
At Krieg Chiropractic Center in Missoula, we offer specialized upper cervical techniques designed to provide precise, gentle care:
The Blair technique is a specific system that:
The NUCCA protocol involves:
This approach emphasizes:
Each of these techniques shares a commitment to precision, gentleness, and effectiveness in restoring proper upper cervical alignment.
Our Missoula patients seek upper cervical care for a wide range of health concerns, including:
Many patients are surprised to discover that issues seemingly unrelated to their neck may respond positively to upper cervical care. This is because proper nervous system function affects every aspect of your health.
When you visit Krieg Chiropractic Center for upper cervical care, your experience will differ from traditional chiropractic in several important ways:
We begin with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, health history, and previous treatments, paying special attention to past injuries that might have affected your neck (even injuries from many years ago).
Our examination focuses on detecting signs of upper cervical misalignment through:
If your examination indicates upper cervical misalignment, we may recommend specialized imaging:
Upper cervical adjustments are notably different from general chiropractic:
After your adjustment, we verify improvement through objective measures:
Your care plan is designed to help your correction stabilize and hold:
Our goal in Missoula is to help you achieve lasting correction that requires minimal ongoing intervention, empowering your body to maintain proper alignment naturally.
Upper cervical chiropractic is based on solid neuroanatomical principles and growing research evidence:
Research has demonstrated the intimate relationship between upper cervical alignment and brainstem function. Studies have shown that misalignment in this area can affect:
The principle that your head position affects your entire spine is supported by research showing:
Emerging research supports the effectiveness of upper cervical care for various conditions, including:
While research continues to evolve, many patients in Missoula have experienced significant relief through this specialized approach.
Patients throughout western Montana seek upper cervical care at Krieg Chiropractic Center for several compelling reasons:
Upper cervical care is among the most precise forms of spinal care available, using detailed analysis to deliver corrections specific to your unique anatomy and condition.
The light-touch methods used in upper cervical care make it appropriate for virtually everyone, including:
Rather than just addressing symptoms, upper cervical care focuses on optimizing nervous system function, potentially benefiting your overall health and wellbeing.
Many patients report that once their upper cervical alignment stabilizes, they require fewer adjustments over time, making this approach both effective and cost-efficient in the long run.
Upper cervical care works well alongside other health approaches and treatments, enhancing your overall wellness strategy.
At Krieg Chiropractic Center, our doctors have completed extensive postgraduate training in upper cervical techniques, beyond their comprehensive chiropractic education.
Dr. Kevin Krieg and his team bring over 23 years of experience in specialized upper cervical care to the Missoula community. Their gentle approach and attention to detail have helped patients with even the most complex conditions find relief and improved function.
The true measure of any health approach is in the lives it transforms. Here are just a few examples of how upper cervical care has helped Missoula residents:
“I suffered with migraines for over 15 years, trying countless medications and treatments. After starting upper cervical care, my migraines reduced dramatically within weeks. Six months later, I rarely have headaches at all. It’s given me my life back.” — Jennifer R., Missoula
“As an avid hiker dealing with chronic vertigo, I couldn’t enjoy Montana’s beautiful trails anymore. After upper cervical treatment, my dizziness subsided and I’m back to hiking the M Trail regularly. I wish I’d found this approach years ago.” — Mark T., Lolo
“My son had struggled with focus issues and poor sleep since a sports concussion. Traditional approaches weren’t helping. Upper cervical care made a noticeable difference in his concentration, sleep quality, and overall mood within just a few weeks.” — Stephanie L., Frenchtown
Upper cervical chiropractic may be particularly beneficial if:
The only way to know with certainty if upper cervical care could help your specific condition is through a proper consultation and examination with a trained specialist.
Ready to discover if upper cervical care might be the solution you’ve been searching for? Here’s what to expect when you contact Krieg Chiropractic Center in Missoula:
Your first visit includes:
If appropriate for your case, we’ll conduct:
Based on your assessment, we’ll develop a customized plan that includes:
Throughout your care, you’ll receive:
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, neurological symptoms, or other health challenges that haven’t responded adequately to conventional approaches, upper cervical care in Missoula might be the missing piece in your health puzzle.
Contact Krieg Chiropractic Center today to schedule your initial consultation and discover if this specialized approach is right for you:
Phone: (406) 541-8888 Address: 1070 N Russell St, Missoula, MT 59808 Hours:
New patients are welcome, and most insurance plans are accepted. Online intake forms are available on our website for your convenience.
Upper cervical chiropractic care represents a specialized, gentle approach to natural healing that addresses the critical connection between your brain and body. By focusing on the alignment of your head and neck, this precise technique may help resolve various health challenges, from chronic pain to complex neurological issues.
At Krieg Chiropractic Center in Missoula, we’re committed to providing exceptional upper cervical care that respects your unique anatomy and health needs. Our team combines advanced training with compassionate service to help you achieve optimal wellness naturally.
Don’t let chronic symptoms limit your enjoyment of all that western Montana has to offer. Experience the difference that precise, gentle upper cervical care can make in your health and quality of life.