What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. People with insomnia may be awake for many hours during the night and may fall asleep during the day. Insomnia is often associated with high rates of depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Insomnia can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleeping habits, and vertebral misalignments.
Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia
The signs and symptoms of insomnia vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of insomnia are difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, and waking up too early in the morning. Left untreated, insomnia can lead to serious health problems, such as depression, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Insomnia
The upper cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, including the atlas, axis, and the first three cervical vertebrae. These vertebrae are often overlooked when treating people with insomnia. However, the upper cervical spine is directly connected to the brain and has a major role in the regulation of sleep patterns.
A misalignment in the upper cervical spine produces inflammation and irritation around the musculature enclosing the central nervous system and brainstem. This inflammation can trick the brain into producing more wake-inducing hormones, such as cortisol, which makes it more difficult for the body to fall asleep.
How Our Insomnia Treatment Works
Upper cervical chiropractic care can help people with insomnia by correcting the misalignment of the upper cervical spine and restoring the body’s natural sleep/wake cycles.
Our treatment for insomnia begins with a thorough medical history assessment and physical exam. During this exam, we evaluate which vertebrae are misaligned using a combination of cone-beam computed tomography scans and gentle X-rays. Based on the results of this exam, we will then determine the best treatment plan for you.
Once we have established a tailored treatment plan, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will perform a series of chiropractic corrections to reduce inflammation around the affected vertebra and restore natural alignment to the upper cervical spine. Chiropractic corrections are safe, non-invasive, and highly effective for treating insomnia.
To prevent the recurrence of insomnia, we may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and other stimulants, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
If you’re tired of living with insomnia, we can help! Dr. Bello offers treatment for insomnia to patients in the Greater Los Angeles Area.