Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Lithia, FL
Looking for an upper cervical chiropractor in Lithia or FishHawk? At Last Chiropractic provides Orthospinology upper cervical care at our office on Skytop Drive in Lithia, near FishHawk West.
Upper cervical care focuses on the top of the neck, especially the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). Our approach is low-force and instrument-assisted, delivered without traditional manual neck twisting.
At our office, the technique follows the evaluation, not the other way around. We consider your concerns, health history, examination findings, comfort and goals before recommending care.
You do not need to know whether upper cervical care is right for you before reaching out. Helping you understand the next step is part of why we are here.
Upper cervical care at At Last Chiropractic, at a glance
- Approach: Orthospinology, a measurement-based upper cervical technique focused on the atlas (C1) and axis (C2)
- Doctors: Dr. Anthony Taylor, DC and Dr. Paul Polarczyk, DC
- What to expect: an individualized evaluation first, X-rays to determine misalignment specifics, and a low-force, instrument-assisted adjustment when appropriate
- Location: 5611 Skytop Drive, Lithia, FL 33547, near FishHawk West
- Phone: 813-461-6500
On this page: What it is | Orthospinology evaluation | Our doctors | What a visit feels like | Research | FAQs | Location and hours
What Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?
Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the joints, muscles and movement at the top of the neck, especially the atlas (C1) and axis (C2), the first two vertebrae of the neck. These joints help support the head and allow much of its movement, and this region contributes to neck motion and head position.
An upper cervical chiropractor evaluates this region and, when appropriate, plans a specific, low-force adjustment for it. At Last Chiropractic uses measurement-based upper cervical approaches, including Orthospinology.
Patients may seek an upper cervical evaluation for neck discomfort, restricted motion or headaches that may be associated with neck dysfunction. Upper cervical care may be considered for certain musculoskeletal or neck-related concerns, but it is not a treatment for every neurological or systemic condition. Recommendations and responses vary by patient.
Your symptoms do not automatically mean that something is out of alignment, and an alignment finding alone does not identify the source of a symptom. That is why we begin with an individualized assessment.
Related reading: headache and migraine evaluations, neck and back pain care, Torque Release Technique and all of our chiropractic techniques.
Orthospinology Upper Cervical Care: How an Evaluation Works
Orthospinology is a measurement-based upper cervical chiropractic approach. It focuses on evaluating the atlas and axis region and planning a specific upper cervical adjustment when appropriate. At Last Chiropractic offers Orthospinology upper cervical care when the examination supports its use.
Your First Visit
Our evaluation begins with your history and examination. Your initial visit includes a health history, consultation, postural and biomechanical assessment, and relevant examination and neurologic testing. When appropriate, we may also use NeckCare to measure neck range of motion, head-position awareness and movement control.
X-Rays When Clinically Indicated
X-rays are not automatically necessary for every patient. Certain measurement-based upper cervical protocols may require specific images before an adjustment is planned. When clinically indicated, specialized radiographs help assess upper cervical alignment and guide the proposed adjustment.
When imaging is recommended, your doctor explains why and reviews the findings with you. Pregnancy, age, health history and previous imaging are considered before any X-ray is taken, and we review suitable recent images or reports you already have when possible.
Example: Before and After Upper Cervical X-Rays
Below are two examples of upper cervical X-rays from patients at our office, with Orthospinology alignment measurements marked. In each image, the film on the left was taken before an adjustment and the film on the right was taken after.
These images are examples, not a prediction. Measurements and responses vary by patient, and a change on X-ray does not by itself predict how someone will feel.
Your Report of Findings
At a separate Report of Findings visit, we explain the examination results, review any relevant imaging and discuss your options. If care is recommended, we explain the proposed approach, potential benefits, risks and alternatives. Treatment can begin at that visit if appropriate and agreed upon.
Meet Our Upper Cervical Chiropractors
Two of our chiropractors provide upper cervical care in Lithia: Dr. Anthony Taylor and Dr. Paul Polarczyk.
Anthony Taylor, DC
Co-owner. Dr. Anthony has completed the prescribed Level I and Level II programs of study through the Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology. He has also completed modules 1–3 through the Grostic Procedure Society, Inc., covering the Grostic Procedure of specific upper-cervical hand adjusting.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Health Education, University of Florida; Doctor of Chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida campus. Florida chiropractic physician license: CH12419.
Paul Polarczyk, DC
Chiropractic Physician. Dr. Paul’s professional interests include upper-cervical chiropractic and precise, gentle approaches to care. He has completed Grostic Procedure training and has trained in Orthospinology with Dr. Anthony Taylor in our office.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, University of South Florida; Doctor of Chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida campus. Florida chiropractic physician license: CH13972.
Explore our doctors’ education, credentials and advanced training or meet our chiropractic team.
What an Upper Cervical Visit Feels Like
Upper cervical care at our office is gentle, low-force and instrument-assisted. It uses a carefully selected contact and direction, without traditional manual neck twisting or cracking.
Orthospinology adjustments at our office are delivered with the KH-2, a handheld instrument designed for adjusting the upper cervical spine. This tool delivers a very light/gentle force in a specific direction, tailored to your misalignment.
Before care begins, your doctor explains the proposed technique, expected sensations, reasonable alternatives and relevant risks, and answers your questions. You are welcome to share previous experiences and any concerns you have about chiropractic care.
After an Adjustment
Responses vary. Some people notice no immediate change. Others experience temporary soreness, stiffness, or discomfort, often resolving within a day or two. Most patients find relief in their issue, at times temporary, others longer. A specific result cannot be predicted or guaranteed. Contact the office if a reaction is severe, persists or worsens.
If you begin care, we monitor your response and revisit recommendations as your needs change. Tell us what is improving and what still needs attention.
What the Research Says About Upper Cervical Care
Researchers have investigated outcomes during upper-cervical care, including approaches related to those used in our office. The studies we reference here looked at headaches.
A Multicenter Study Including Orthospinology
A 2011 observational study followed 1,090 patients across 83 chiropractic offices. Participating approaches included Orthospinology, NUCCA, Grostic and Atlas Orthogonal, among others.
Among patients whose headache pain started at 3 or higher on a 0–10 scale, 62.7% reported headache pain below 3 at follow-up, averaging approximately 17 days. This describes improvement in pain ratings, rather than the elimination of a headache disorder.
Read the multicenter upper-cervical study.
A NUCCA Pilot Study in People With Migraine
A 2015 pilot study followed 11 people with neurologist-diagnosed migraine during eight weeks of NUCCA care. Average headache days decreased from 14.5 to 8.7 per 28-day period, alongside improvements in headache-related disability and quality-of-life measures.
Read the NUCCA migraine pilot study.
These observational studies reported encouraging changes during care, but neither included an untreated or sham-treatment comparison group. They cannot establish that adjustments caused the improvement or predict an individual result; the NUCCA findings are not specific evidence for Orthospinology.
Broader research on spinal adjustment suggests modest benefits for some back and neck pain; those results are not specific to Orthospinology. Read the NIH overview of spinal adjustment.
Reviewed by Anthony Taylor, DC. Updated October 2026
Upper Cervical Chiropractic FAQs
What does an upper cervical chiropractor do?
An upper cervical chiropractor focuses on evaluating and caring for the top of the neck, especially the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). At At Last Chiropractic in Lithia, Dr. Anthony Taylor and Dr. Paul Polarczyk provide upper cervical care using Orthospinology.
What is Orthospinology?
Orthospinology is a measurement-based upper cervical approach that focuses on evaluating the atlas and axis region and planning a specific, low-force adjustment when appropriate. Dr. Anthony Taylor has completed Orthospinology Level I and Level II training through the Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology.
Does an upper cervical adjustment involve twisting or cracking my neck?
Our upper cervical approach is instrument-assisted. It uses a carefully selected contact and direction, without traditional manual neck twisting. Your doctor explains the proposed technique and expected sensations before care.
Will I need X-rays for upper cervical care?
Not automatically. X-rays are recommended only when clinically indicated. Certain measurement-based upper cervical protocols may require specific images before an adjustment is planned. When imaging is recommended, your doctor explains why and reviews the findings with you.
Is upper cervical chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic care is generally well tolerated after appropriate screening, but no health-care procedure is risk-free. Temporary soreness, stiffness, discomfort, tiredness or headache can occur after spinal adjustment. Serious spinal, neurological or vascular complications have been reported and are considered rare, although their precise frequency is uncertain. We discuss potential benefits, risks and alternatives before care, and we recommend another level of care when chiropractic is not appropriate.
Can upper cervical care help with headaches or migraines?
Some headaches may be associated with neck dysfunction, and observational studies have reported improvement in headache pain ratings during upper-cervical care. Those studies cannot establish that adjustments caused the improvement or predict an individual result. Chiropractic care does not replace medical evaluation for new, severe, sudden or changing headaches. Learn about our headache and migraine evaluations.
Is Orthospinology the same as NUCCA or Atlas Orthogonal?
They are different upper cervical approaches. At Last Chiropractic offers Orthospinology, and Dr. Anthony Taylor has also completed Grostic Procedure training. If you are looking for a specific technique, call us at 813-461-6500 and we can discuss whether our approach fits what you are looking for.
Do you see upper cervical patients from FishHawk, Riverview, Brandon and Valrico?
Yes. All appointments take place at our Lithia office at 5611 Skytop Drive, near FishHawk West. We welcome patients from Lithia, FishHawk, Riverview, Brandon, Valrico and surrounding Hillsborough County communities.
How do I schedule an upper cervical evaluation?
Call 813-461-6500 or request our new patient evaluation online. The new patient offer includes your initial evaluation and a separate Report of Findings visit, with no obligation to begin treatment. See the new patient offer for current pricing and eligibility.
More questions? Read our full chiropractic FAQ.
Upper Cervical Chiropractor Serving Lithia, FishHawk, Riverview, Brandon and Valrico
At Last Chiropractic is located at 5611 Skytop Drive, Lithia, FL 33547, near FishHawk West. All appointments take place at our Lithia office, and we welcome patients from Lithia, FishHawk, Riverview, Brandon and Valrico and surrounding Hillsborough County communities.
Parking is available directly at the office, and the ground-floor entrance is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Office hours: Monday 9am–5pm | Tuesday 9am–6pm | Wednesday 9am–5pm | Thursday 9am–6pm | Friday 8am–12pm | Saturday and Sunday closed. Hours can change; please call before visiting.
Get contact details and directions to our Lithia office.
Request an Upper Cervical Evaluation in Lithia
You do not have to figure out on your own whether upper cervical care is right for you. Come with your questions, your concerns and your goals. We will assess the relevant findings and help you understand your next step, including referral when another healthcare professional’s evaluation is needed.
Call 813-461-6500 or explore our new patient offer.
For sudden or unusual symptoms: Call 911 for a sudden, severe headache or headache with new weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion or sudden vision loss. Seek urgent medical assessment for headache with fever and a stiff neck, or a new or worsening headache after a head injury.