A phrase we sometimes hear, especially from people who are new to chiropractic is, “I think I’m out of whack.” Of course no one would want to be “out of whack,” but just what does that mean?
Taken literally, the concern about being, out of whack suggests that a person’s goal is to be, in whack. Yes, I know this is beginning to sound silly, but words are such an important communication tool that we really should think about what our words really mean. So let’s take another look at the word, whack.
Here’s how the dictionary defines whack: “to strike with a smart, resounding blow.” However that’s not the only possible meaning. The British might use the word, whack to indicate taking a try at something as in, I took a whack at it. In organized crime the word gets an altogether different usage since to them, whack means murder. The Dictionary of Computing distinguishes between “hacker” and “whacker” in that a hacker explores the details of programmable systems in order to stretch their capabilities, while a whacker just goes in and messes up everything.
The Etymology Dictionary sheds light on the origin of the phrase, out of whack as a 19th century slang meaning for, “a share or just portion.” Perhaps this usage being related to measurement gets us closer to what people have in mind when they think of being out of whack.
All of this is interesting, but we know that when people tell their chiropractor that they are out of whack they know that something is wrong and they are interested in getting it right. We also know that they don’t wish to get whacked! Instead they want a precise spinal adjustment. Why do we say precise? Simple, the spinal column is very important because it protects our central nerve system, the main cable in the communication network of the body. It’s what the brain uses to control and coordinate the function of the body.
The brain stem protected by the 1st neck vertebra
Precision
To a football player, throwing a ball a quarter inch off target can change the outcome of a whole season’s work, or a player’s entire career. To an engineer designing a bridge, optical lens, an electrical circuit, a dam, or most any other structure, precision is a way of life. Think of how a lapidarist (a person who works on shaping, cutting and finishing diamonds) applies their art and science. Would precise placement be important? 
Couldn’t the lapidarist just whack at it with a hammer? Perhaps some do, but to get a predictable, worthwhile outcome many factors must be considered. Size, shape, symmetry, color, weight, proportion, cleavage technique and how it will be polished; these and many other variable factors are all taken into account in the planning of the work. Does all of this precision really matter? Well, in the case of the diamond the difference can mean many thousands of dollars in just one single stone.
The spinal column is intricately designed to protect our central nerve system with each vertebra exactly sized and shaped to surround and shield the spinal cord and the nerves that branch off from it. However, if a vertebra gets into a wrong position that protective shield can become an insult to the nerve system, distorting essential communications within the body. It’s called subluxation and even small amounts of pressure on nerves can have far-reaching effects on function. Correcting these subluxations is so important to a person’s well-being that it shouldn’t be taken casually. That’s why a careful analysis is required to determine when interference is present and when an adjustment is needed a precise technique will take numerous variables into account. When a diamond is cut, faceted, shaped and finally polished to perfection they call it “brillianteering” to bring out the shimmering life of the stone. A parallel thought is what happens when interference is eliminated from a person’s nerve system. It also allows for the life within the body to spring forth and express itself.
The brillianteering of a diamond is carefully planned and the outcome is predictable. Similarly a chiropractic adjustment calls for precision and predictable outcomes. No, the lapidarist can’t just whack at the stone and expect perfection, nor can a chiropractor just whack at a vertebra.
Upper Cervical
Many of our practice members have been referred to us seeking specific upper cervical care. Exacting upper cervical care has become well-known because so many extraordinary
things have happened to improve the lives of people receiving this type of chiropractic care.
The reason for this is that the top of the neck (referred to as upper cervical) is both important and unique. A person’s head sits right on top of the first neck vertebra. That spinal bone not only holds up the weight of the head but more importantly it protects the brain stem at the beginning of the spinal cord. A subluxation at that level of the spine can be the most insulting to the central nerve system because of the presence of the brain stem and all of the functional centers affected there. Since the entire communication network of the body must pass through the upper cervical area; and because the shape and movement of the upper neck is different than other parts of the spinal column, dealing with that area is complex. This is why a doctor of chiropractic would seek special training and skills focused on precise upper cervical analysis and adjusting. There are even some doctors who focus exclusively on the upper cervical region. When we do a spinal analysis we always look carefully at that crucial upper part of the neck.
Precise spinal analysis and adjusting skills is the pinnacle of achievement for a chiropractor and no area of our professional care demands more of these competencies than does the upper cervical spine. It is difficult to think of anything done in health care that compares in value to a proper spinal analysis; and when that analysis reveals subluxation the ability to perform a precise adjustment is vital. Come to think of it, chiropractic done at a high level is just about the opposite in meaning to the whacky expression that began this discussion.