When most people hear “chiropractic,” they picture spine cracking, back pain relief, and better posture. But did you know there’s another powerful area of focus—one that taps directly into the central nervous system, your brain, and even how you feel?
We’re talking about cranial chiropractic care—a gentle yet transformative technique that influences how your body regulates, recovers, and thrives. And it all starts at the top: your cranium.
What Are Cranial Adjustments in Chiropractic?
Cranial chiropractic care involves specific, low-force corrections to the bones of the skull (aka the cranium). Unlike high-velocity spinal adjustments, cranial work is often subtle and gentle, making it ideal for everyone from newborns to adults under stress.
Your skull isn’t one solid bone—it’s made of 22 bones that form joints called sutures. While these joints don’t move like elbows or knees, they can still experience subtle shifts, tightness, and pressure, especially from trauma (birth, falls, whiplash), stress, or long-standing posture issues.
Chiropractors trained in cranial techniques assess how these bones interact and how any tension might be affecting the underlying dural system, cerebrospinal fluid flow, and cranial nerve function.
Why Would Someone Need Cranial Corrections?
Your brain and nervous system rely on an open, well-regulated environment to function. When the cranial system becomes restricted, compressed, or strained, it may disrupt the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and irritate nearby nerves. That can manifest in several ways, such as:
- Headaches or migraines
- Jaw tension (TMJ)
- Facial pain or asymmetry
- Ear infections or fluid retention (especially in kids)
- Concussion recovery
- Sinus congestion
- Vertigo
- Eye tracking or balance issues
- Stress-related disorders or fatigue
Cranial care is also increasingly used with babies and children—helping with latching issues, colic, asymmetrical head shape, and developmental concerns due to birth strain.
What Kind of Changes Do People Notice?
While outcomes vary based on the individual, many people report:
- Improved sleep quality
- Relief from chronic or tension-based headaches
- Clearer thinking and reduced brain fog
- Less jaw or facial tension
- Greater calm and regulation (especially in neurodivergent children)
- Post-concussion improvements
- Better sinuses and drainage
In essence, chiropractic cranials help support the system that runs your entire body. And when that system is under less stress? Everything works better.
Let’s Talk Anatomy: What’s Going On Up There?
Your cranium is more than a helmet for your brain. It includes:
- Frontal bone (forehead)
- Parietal bones (top sides of your head)
- Temporal bones (around your ears)
- Occipital bone (back of the skull)
- Sphenoid and ethmoid bones (internal and crucial for nerve passageways)
Within this bony structure lives the brain, surrounded by dura mater and bathing in cerebrospinal fluid—your body’s own nervous system cleanser. The cranial nerves, twelve pairs in total, exit the brainstem and pass through tiny openings in these bones, controlling everything from eye movement to digestion.
Any distortion or tension in this anatomy can reduce the flow of nerve signals or create pressure that causes symptoms—often ones people never think are connected to their skull!
Cranial Chiropractic at Our Wellington Clinic
At Limitless Chiropractic in Wellington, we use a tailored approach combining cranial and spinal care. Whether you’re recovering from a head injury, noticing stress-related symptoms, or seeking support for your child’s development, cranial corrections are part of our toolbox to help your nervous system thrive.
We’re not just here to crack backs—we’re here to restore flow, function, and freedom.
A Simple Self-Check
Wondering if cranial care might help you? Try this:
☐ Do you clench your jaw often?
☐ Do your headaches start around your temples or eyes?
☐ Have you had a head injury—even years ago?
☐ Do you feel foggy or easily overwhelmed?
If you ticked one or more, it’s time to get your head (literally) checked.
References
- Viola Frymann, DO. “The cranial rhythmic impulse.” The Cranial Letter. 1998.
- Green, C., et al. (1999). “Manual therapy for cervicogenic headache: a systematic review.” Cephalalgia.
- Upledger, J.E. & Vredevoogd, J.D. (1983). Craniosacral Therapy.
- Koberda, P. (2014). “Effect of Neurofeedback and Craniosacral Therapy on TBI Patients.” J Neurol Neurophysiol.
- American Chiropractic Association (2023). “The cranial approach in chiropractic care.”
Experience Limitless Movement Chiropractic Care in Wellington
If you’re in Wellington and looking for expert chiropractic care, we’re here to help. At Limitless Chiropractic, we focus on helping you move better, feel stronger, and live without limits. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more mobile you!
Ready to begin or continue your healing journey? Let’s work together to unlock your body’s natural potential for wellness.
Book Your Limitless Journey Today
or call us at (04) 891 0911