You may have tried medication, physical therapy, general chiropractic, specialist visits, or simply living with it. But when the problem keeps coming back, it may be time to look at what your body has been trying to tell you.
You deserve more than temporary relief.
You deserve to know what is really going on.
At Upper Cervical Spine Center, we focus on the top of the neck, where the head and spine meet. A small misalignment in this area can affect posture, nerve communication, balance, muscle tension, and how your body functions as a whole. Our care is gentle, precise, and based on objective imaging and scans, so your plan is built around what your body actually needs.
You may have tried medication, physical therapy, general chiropractic, specialist visits, or simply living with it. But when the problem keeps coming back, it may be time to look at what your body has been trying to tell you.
Getting started is simple, and your first step costs nothing.
1. Book your free consultation
2. Get a precise exam and scan.
3. Find lasting relief.
Feel like yourself again, and stay that way.
Upper cervical care is often considered by people dealing with chronic pain, neurological symptoms, balance issues, and symptoms that have not responded well to other approaches.
Head, Neck & Face
Spine & Nerve Pain
Brain & Nervous System
Whole-Body Concerns
1. We identify the misalignment.
2. We make a gentle correction.
3. Your body begins to rebalance.
Watch a short overview of how gentle upper cervical care helps your body heal.
If you have tried everything and still do not feel right, you are not alone. If you are reading this, you have probably been dealing with something for a while. You may have seen specialists, tried medication or therapy, and still found that the relief did not last. This short guide explains what the upper cervical spine is, why it matters, and how to tell whether it may be worth a closer look. There is no pressure here, and nothing to buy.
| Upper Cervical Care | General Chiropractic | Traditional Medicine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Root cause | Joint mobility and symptom relief | Symptom management |
| Technique | Gentle, precise correction | Manual adjusting | Medication, injections, or surgery |
| Neck movement | No twisting or popping | Often includes manual movement | Not applicable |
| Measurement | Imaging and nervous system scans | Varies by provider | Tests depend on symptoms |
| Goal | Better alignment and nervous system function | Relief and mobility | Pain or symptom control |
Deciding to have treatment for my back and neck has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health. I’ve suffered for years with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, and digestive issues. This is the first time in years that I have energy to work a 12 hour day and work out. I’ve picked up running again. I am practically pain free. I have improved to 90% from about 50%. I’m recommending Dr. Shaw to whoever will listen. He is caring and really listens to what is bothering me. The ladies at the front desk are so friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend them.
Lisa P.
Tobi T.
The only expert Upper Cervical adjustment in the Wilmington, NC area, providing expert caring gentle help for cervical spinal adjustment & care.
Robert B.
Great place, great care. Had a severe neck pain that radiated down into my neck into my shoulder. I met Dr. Shaw at the Wilmington Home Show and he asked me how I was feeling and I told him I was pain. He told him to come in the next day. He X-rayed me and started treatment that day. After a few days and treatments the pained disappeared. A few more treatments and I was great! Great folks and would recommend it to anyone.
Herman B.
Has been a GOD send for my back and rheumatoid arthritis. Dr Shaw is the best. Explaining everything along the way. You’re part of your treatment plan. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Jen G.
Upper cervical and Dr. Shaw changed my life! I have suffered from headaches every single day for the past 16 years and since my first week at upper cervical I did not wake up with a headache anymore. It has added Life back to my every day! Not only that, but Dr. Shaw and his staff are the nicest and most welcoming people Who remember my name every time I walk in and make me feel comfortable. I have seen a regular chiropractor for my entire life and never got any true relief until I visited upper cervical.
Kenna-Faith H.
After years of back pain and trying to solution with PT, “traditional” chiropractic treatment, and pain meds, a friend recommended Dr Shaw and his belief in treating the upper cervical (2 bones in the top of the neck) alignment. I’m amazed and extremely grateful for Dr. Shaw. If you’re someone who says, “Nothing works to help my back pain,” this is your next step in your healing journey. Give it a try. And the staff is amazing as well!! ❤️
Kimberley B.
Awesome staff!! Dr. Shaw is so personable and really makes you feel cared for. Life changing!
Ashley P.
I get migraines that are absolutely debilitating to my everyday life. I’ve tried it all, prescriptions and over the counter pain relief medications. Nothing helped, until I saw Dr. Shaw. In just a few visits I started noticing a difference. Less and less migraines throughout my day and week! Not only is he wonderful to work with, but he truly cares about his patients. He gives you all the information you’d need to know without even having to ask questions first. And when you do ask questions, he gives a very detailed answer, and even dumbed it down for me when I didn’t quite understand. To add, the women who works the front desk, Kara, is an absolute pleasure! When I call to make appointments she’s always so personable and gets me in ASAP, especially around my work schedule. I highly recommend The Upper Cervical Spine Center and won’t ever go back to the medications I took. Thank you Dr. Shaw!
Rachel T.
Been going to Dr Shaw for about 3 months and am now pain free from lower back issues. My spine has realigned so my aches and pains are history. Dr Shaw and staff are truly amazing. Give them a visit. You won’t be sorry!
Charlene R.
Dr. Shaw and his staff are awesome to work with! I was dealing with migraine headaches about once a month and I am no longer taking medication for these severe headaches. I would refer anyone to his practice!
Anna C.
Dr. Shaw is great! My treatments have helped me with my migraine symptoms. I also suffered from constant lower back pain that is much better with the treatments I have received from Dr. Shaw.
Karen S.
Amazing staff, accommodating, caring, and friendly. The results and benefits of being under Dr. Shaw’s care have been evident. I am very happy with my experience!
Travis C.
Dr. Zach Shaw found relief through upper cervical care himself. Today, he helps patients in Wilmington find answers when other approaches have not worked.
Dr. Julie Ludovici Ward is a Wilmington native with a focus on family wellness, pregnancy, pediatric care, and gentle upper cervical chiropractic.
Upper cervical care may support the work you are already doing with patients by helping improve nervous system function and whole-body communication. If you are a functional medicine, holistic, wellness, or healthcare provider in the Wilmington area, we would be glad to connect.
How is upper cervical care different from general chiropractic care?
Upper cervical care focuses specifically on the top of the neck, where the head and spine meet. The correction is precise, gentle, and based on imaging.
Does it hurt?
No. There is no twisting, turning, or jerking of the neck. Most patients describe the correction as gentle and surprisingly light.
Do you treat more than neck pain?
Yes. Many people come to us for headaches, migraines, vertigo, dizziness, back pain, whiplash, and other symptoms that may be connected to upper neck alignment and nervous system function.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can schedule a free consultation directly with our office.
Where are you located?
Upper Cervical Spine Center is located at 7122 Market St, Suite A140, Wilmington, NC 28411.