"Shizen" 自然
Japanese origin translating to "nature" or "natural". It represents the idea of living in harmony with the natural world and one's own true nature.
Shizen reflects a philosophy of natural healing, inner balance, and a return to wholeness without force—all core values at Shizen Chiropractic.
Find relief and restore your well-being
Nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, we serve our vibrant community with dedication and care.
When discomfort begins to interfere with your daily life, finding relief becomes a priority. At Shizen Chiropractic, we understand the importance of personalized care tailored to your unique needs. We are dedicated to helping you rediscover comfort and wellness through our chiropractic offerings and private yoga instruction.
Discover the holistic benefits for your well-being
Enhanced Mobility
Pain Relief
Stress Reduction
Find relief from discomfort today.
Experience gentle and personalized care with us.
At Shizen Chiropractic we practice Blair Upper Cervical Care, a gentle, highly specialized approach that focuses on correcting misalignments in the upper neck to support optimal nervous system function. Using advanced imaging, adjustments are customized and delivered without twisting or cracking the neck. This technique helps the body restore balance and can improve posture, reduce pain, and support overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 1. What is Upper Cervical Chiropractic?
Upper Cervical Chiropractic focuses on the precise alignment of the top two bones in the neck (C1 and C2), which protect the brainstem and play a key role in nervous system function. Misalignments here can affect the entire body.
🔹 2. How is it different from regular chiropractic care?
Upper Cervical adjustments are extremely gentle and specific—no twisting, popping, or cracking. The focus is on correcting the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) to restore full-body balance.
🔹 3. Does it hurt?
Not at all. Most patients are surprised at how gentle the adjustments are. It’s more like a precise shift than a forceful movement.
🔹 4. What conditions can it help with?
Upper Cervical care supports the body’s ability to heal itself. People often seek care for:
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Headaches & migraines
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Neck & back pain
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Dizziness/vertigo
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TMJ dysfunction
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Posture issues
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Fatigue, stress, and more
🔹 5.What happens during the first visit?
We’ll start with a detailed consultation, posture and nervous system testing, and specialized imaging. This helps us understand how your spine is affecting your health and how we can help. Care is always customized to you.
🔹 6. How often will I need to come in?
It depends on your individual case. In the beginning, visits may be more frequent. As your alignment stabilizes, visits become less often, moving into wellness or maintenance care.
🔹 7. Will I feel results right away?
Some people feel better immediately, while others may take days or weeks. Healing is a process and often involves retracing—where old symptoms temporarily return as the body heals.
🔹 8. How long does it take to heal?
Muscles may take 3–4 months to heal, nerves 9–12 months, and joints/discs 12+ months. Consistency is key to lasting results.
🔹 9. Do I have to come forever?
No—but many patients choose to continue with occasional wellness visits because they feel and function better. Think of it like dental cleanings or routine car maintenance.
🔹 10. Is it safe for kids or seniors?
Yes! Upper Cervical care is gentle and safe for all ages—from newborns to seniors. It's especially helpful during growth, pregnancy, and aging.
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