How Mobility Impacts Your Nervous System and Overall Health

Celebrating National Wellness Month with Dr. Larry Burks, The Upper Cervical Clinic – Portland, OR

Wellness Starts with Movement

You can eat clean, hydrate like it's your job, and sleep on a mattress made of clouds—but if your body isn't moving well, your wellness picture is missing a major piece. August is National Wellness Month, and while the word "wellness" often gets tossed around in marketing slogans and gym ads, it's worth taking a closer look at what it really means. True wellness is about how your body feels, functions, and supports the life you want to live. And at the foundation of all that? Mobility.

Now, we're not just talking about stretching or hitting the gym. Mobility is about how your joints move, how your muscles respond, and how your spine—especially the delicate upper cervical area—allows the rest of your body to function smoothly. If movement feels like a struggle, or you're pushing through stiffness or pain, your nervous system may be raising a hand for help.

At The Upper Cervical Clinic in the Portland Metro area, Dr. Larry Burks helps patients reconnect with their natural movement, not by chasing symptoms, but by addressing the structural and neurological issues that disrupt mobility in the first place. Through precise, gentle adjustments and a whole-person approach to care, he helps people move better, allowing them to feel better—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Let's explore how your ability to move directly impacts your nervous system, your energy, your mood, and the quality of your everyday life.

What Is Mobility—and Why It Matters

Mobility isn't just about being flexible or fit. It's about how your body moves as a unit—how your joints glide, how your muscles coordinate, and how your nervous system supports it all. It's the difference between walking up a flight of stairs with ease or with hesitation. It's what allows you to bend over without bracing for pain or turn your head while backing out of the driveway without wincing.

At its core, mobility is freedom. And when it's compromised, everything else begins to follow.

A lack of mobility isn't just inconvenient—it can set off a cascade of health issues. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), poor joint function and spinal misalignments often contribute to a range of musculoskeletal complaints, especially in the neck and lower back. Over time, these issues can impact your balance, reaction time, and even your breathing mechanics—all of which are essential for healthy aging and an active lifestyle.

And here's where it gets more interesting: mobility and your nervous system are closely linked. Your brain controls every movement you make through a complex communication network that runs down your spinal cord. If your joints—especially those in your spine—aren't moving properly, that feedback loop gets disrupted. What starts as a little stiffness can evolve into muscle tension, fatigue, or even neurological symptoms like tingling or numbness.

When mobility suffers, your body often adapts by shifting weight, shortening strides, or overcompensating with other muscles. That's a survival mechanism, sure, but it's not sustainable. Over time, these compensations wear down the body and pull the nervous system into a constant state of stress. And stress, as you already know, is a fast track to inflammation and burnout.

Mobility is also essential for how we engage with life. It's hard to feel present at a backyard barbecue or peaceful on a hike through Forest Park if your back is aching or your neck feels locked in place. Good mobility allows you to be more than just pain-free—it lets you feel strong, capable, and grounded in your body.

So if you're feeling stiff, stuck, or slower than you'd like, don't write it off as just "getting older." It may be your nervous system asking for support—and it's an invitation worth accepting.

The Nervous System's Role in Movement

Your nervous system is essentially your body's operating system. It runs the show behind the scenes—controlling every step, twist, lift, and turn—without needing much conscious input from you. Every time you move, whether it's adjusting your posture at your desk or navigating a tricky hiking trail in the Columbia River Gorge, your brain and spinal cord are coordinating dozens of muscle groups in real time.

But here's the kicker: when communication between your brain and body gets disrupted, your movement starts to change. It may become less fluid. More guarded. Slower. You might not even notice it at first. Maybe your right foot drags just a little. Maybe your neck doesn't turn quite as far as it used to. Maybe you're suddenly more "clumsy" on the stairs. These micro-changes are often early clues that your nervous system isn't firing on all cylinders.

According to the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA), the upper cervical spine plays a crucial role in this neural communication highway. The top two vertebrae in your neck—C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis)—are located at the base of your skull and surround the brainstem. This is a high-stakes area. The brainstem controls many automatic functions like balance, breathing, muscle tone, and even reflexes. Misalignments here, even if subtle, can distort nerve signals and compromise how your body moves and adapts to its environment.

It's a bit like a kink in a garden hose. The water's still on, but the flow is restricted. That means less effective communication between your brain and your body. The result? Muscles may tighten unnecessarily. Joints might not receive the right cues to stabilize. And pain can surface—not as a random symptom, but as a message that something upstream isn't right.

What makes this even more challenging is that the nervous system is highly protective. When it senses instability or misalignment, it may dial down certain functions (like mobility) to protect against injury. That's why some people feel like their body is resisting movement or locking up without an obvious reason. In many cases, the nervous system is doing exactly what it's supposed to do: minimize risk. But over time, that "protective" state becomes the new normal, and true mobility suffers.

This is one of the reasons Dr. Burks focuses so much on the upper cervical spine. When this critical area is properly aligned, the nervous system can shift out of defense mode and into performance mode. Muscles begin to relax. Movement becomes easier. The whole system breathes a little easier—literally and figuratively.

Movement, after all, isn't just about muscles and joints. It's about connection—between brain and body, posture and perception, effort and ease. And when the nervous system is optimized, that connection feels seamless.

The Upper Cervical Spine: A Hidden Key to Whole-Body Mobility

If you've never thought much about the top of your spine, you're not alone. Most people don't give much attention to the area just beneath their skull—until it becomes a problem. But for those of us in the chiropractic field, especially those trained in upper cervical care, the C1 and C2 vertebrae are kind of a big deal.

The upper cervical spine is where structure meets function in one of the most delicate and powerful intersections of the body. This area houses and protects the brainstem, which is the master switchboard for your central nervous system. It's also where nerve signals exit the skull and begin their journey to the rest of your body—your arms, legs, organs, and even the systems that regulate your balance and digestion.

So, what happens when the upper cervical spine is even slightly misaligned? A lot more than you'd expect.

According to the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), upper cervical misalignments can lead to compensations throughout the entire spine and nervous system. When C1 or C2 is out of alignment, your head may tilt slightly to one side. That small shift forces your body to adapt—your shoulders may level out unevenly, your hips might rotate, and your gait can become altered without you realizing it. Over time, these compensations can cause pain, limit mobility, and decrease coordination.

It's like trying to drive with your tires out of alignment. Sure, the car still moves, but the ride is rougher, and you're wearing everything down faster.

Dr. Burks understands how impactful this one area of the spine can be. His advanced training in the Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific (KCUCS) and Revolution Upper Cervical techniques allows him to assess and gently correct these critical misalignments with high precision and minimal force. The goal isn't just to help you feel better—it's to restore clear communication between your brain and your body, so your system can self-regulate, heal, and move freely again.

Patients are often surprised by how far-reaching the results can be. After correcting upper cervical alignment, some report better balance. Others notice less tension in their lower back, more energy during the day, or improved sleep. These aren't side effects—they're signs that the nervous system is finally free to function the way it was meant to.

And because this area is so neurologically rich, a well-performed adjustment here isn't about cracking or twisting. It's about finesse. It's about working with the body's design, not against it. That's why upper cervical chiropractic is so different—and why it's so powerful.

Mobility doesn't just depend on strong muscles or flexible joints. It begins with alignment. And alignment begins at the top.

The Mobility-Wellness Connection

Mobility and wellness go hand in hand. You can't have one without influencing the other. When your body moves with ease, everything feels more accessible—getting out of bed, playing with your kids, hiking the local trails, or even just sitting comfortably at your desk for a few hours. But beyond convenience, mobility shapes the entire experience of your health.

Let's start with the physical. When your joints move properly and your muscles activate the way they're designed to, you distribute load efficiently. That means fewer injuries, less inflammation, and better long-term resilience. Even subtle improvements in mobility can lead to reduced stiffness, better balance, and more confidence in your movements.

But there's more to it than just muscles and joints.

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), maintaining spinal alignment and joint mobility is essential not just for musculoskeletal health but for neurological health as well. In other words, when your spine moves the way it's supposed to, your brain and body are in better communication. That translates into faster reaction times, improved coordination, and even better immune function.

On a mental and emotional level, mobility affects how you feel about yourself. When you're stiff, sore, or restricted, it's easy to feel limited or disconnected from your own body. That can affect mood, energy levels, and even your willingness to stay active. But when movement becomes effortless, your sense of agency returns. You're more likely to take walks, engage in community activities, or do something as simple as run errands without hesitation.

That's why mobility is such a cornerstone of true wellness. It's not about athletic performance—it's about access. Access to joy. To energy. To everyday experiences that don't involve bracing for pain or holding back because something doesn't feel quite right.

At The Upper Cervical Clinic, Dr. Burks doesn't view mobility as a goal in itself. It's a byproduct of something deeper—when the spine is aligned, the nervous system is clear, and the body is working in harmony with itself, mobility shows up as a natural outcome. It's a sign that your system is working for you, not against you.

This isn't just theoretical. Dr. Burks lives by this philosophy. Whether he's out snowboarding, hiking one of Portland's scenic trails, or simply enjoying time with his family, movement is a constant part of his lifestyle. And it's no accident. A body that moves well supports a life that feels good.

If you've ever said, "I just don't move the way I used to," that might not be a function of age—it could be a sign your body's out of sync. And the great news is that this is something that can change.

Signs Your Body May Be Stuck

Your body is incredibly intelligent. Long before pain becomes chronic or movement feels restricted, it usually whispers subtle clues that something is off. The challenge is that most of us are so used to pushing through discomfort that we stop recognizing those signs for what they are: early alerts that the nervous system and musculoskeletal system aren't working in sync.

So, how do you know if your mobility—or your nervous system—is being compromised?

Here are a few red flags to pay attention to:

1. Persistent stiffness that doesn't improve with stretching or rest.

If your neck, lower back, or hips feel stiff every morning or after sitting for extended periods, that's not just "normal aging." It may indicate spinal joint restriction or compensatory muscle tension caused by misalignment.

2. Tingling or numbness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

This often points to nerve irritation. When the vertebrae—especially in the upper cervical spine—aren't aligned properly, they can put pressure on nearby nerves, affecting sensation and movement.

3. One-sided tension or imbalance.

Does one shoulder sit higher than the other in the mirror? Does one leg feel shorter or heavier during a walk? These asymmetries can be caused by shifts in posture due to spinal misalignment, often beginning in the neck, even if the symptoms show up farther down the chain.

4. A noticeable decrease in your range of motion.

Whether you can't turn your head fully while driving or feel tight trying to reach down and tie your shoes, a shrinking range of motion often points to joint dysfunction. Left unchecked, this can escalate into pain or injury.

5. Your body feels out of sync.

This one's harder to explain—but many patients say they just feel "off" before realizing something deeper is at play. You may be compensating without realizing it, using the wrong muscles for basic movements or constantly readjusting how you sit, walk, or sleep to avoid discomfort.

Dr. Burks often reminds patients that pain is not the only signal worth listening to. In fact, by the time pain shows up, the issue has likely been building for some time. What you want to catch are the smaller signs—tightness, imbalance, hesitation to move—as these are often your body's early warning system.

A simple postural self-check can be surprisingly revealing. Stand in front of a mirror and take a moment to really look: Is your head tilted slightly? Are your shoulders even? Does your torso lean to one side? These little visual cues often indicate where your body is compensating, and where your mobility may be stuck.

Here's the takeaway: if movement feels harder than it used to, there's likely a reason—and it's worth investigating. With the right approach, you can restore alignment, unlock natural movement, and give your nervous system the support it needs to perform at its best.

How Chiropractic Care Restores Mobility and Nervous System Health

When mobility breaks down, the nervous system doesn't just suffer—it compensates. And while your body is brilliant at adapting, those adaptations come at a cost. Over time, poor movement patterns lead to tight muscles, uneven wear on joints, and less efficient communication between the brain and body. That's where chiropractic care comes in—not just to relieve symptoms, but to restore the foundation those symptoms came from.

At The Upper Cervical Clinic, Dr. Larry Burks doesn't approach chiropractic like a "crack-and-go" solution. His work focuses on precision, stability, and long-term change, starting with one of the most influential areas of the spine: the upper cervical region.

This area—the top two vertebrae known as the atlas (C1) and axis (C2)—plays a critical role in postural control, balance, and nervous system function. According to the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA), misalignments in this region can distort the brainstem's communication with the rest of the body, leading to everything from pain and fatigue to restricted mobility and even impaired immune response.

Through gentle, highly specific adjustments, Dr. Burks works to correct these misalignments and restore neurological flow. And because the body is so interconnected, the effects often ripple outward. Patients may notice improved range of motion not only in the neck but also in the shoulders, hips, and legs. Muscles that were constantly "on" to compensate for imbalance finally start to relax. Movements become smoother, more natural—less effort, more function.

This is especially powerful for those who've tried other routes—stretching, massage, pain relievers—without lasting relief. While those tools can provide temporary support, they don't address the structural and neurological root cause. Chiropractic care, when applied correctly, does.

In fact, research highlighted by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) shows that chiropractic adjustments can lead to measurable improvements in flexibility, coordination, and spinal alignment, particularly in patients dealing with chronic mobility issues. These aren't just short-term gains—they create new patterns the body can build on.

But it's not just about the adjustment itself—it's the strategy behind it. Dr. Burks uses a whole-person lens. That means assessing not just where it hurts, but how the body is compensating, how posture is affecting movement, and how nervous system health is influencing the bigger picture. Care plans are personalized, not protocol-driven. However, each personalized plan has the gola of supporting the body's natural ability to move, heal, and adapt—not override it.

Chiropractic care isn't just reactive. It's proactive. It helps keep the nervous system sharp and movement efficient before bigger issues arise. And for many patients, that shift—from chasing pain to building function—is where real wellness begins.

Supporting Your Mobility Between Visits

Chiropractic care lays the foundation—but what you do between visits can either reinforce that alignment or undo it. Think of your spine like a well-tuned instrument: you don't just tune it once and call it good. You maintain it. You keep it in the right environment. And you avoid things that knock it out of tune.

That's why supporting your mobility at home (or at work) is just as important as what happens on the bench. The good news? It doesn't require a complicated routine or fancy equipment—just consistency and a bit of awareness.

1. Move Often, Not Just Hard.

You don't need to run marathons to improve mobility. What matters more is frequency. Set a timer or use an app like Stretchly or Stand Up! to remind you to move every 30 to 60 minutes. Even a short walk down the hallway or a few neck rolls at your desk can disrupt the "static posture" that often leads to spinal tension.

2. Add in Simple Mobility Exercises.

Think of mobility work as brushing your teeth, but for your joints. A few minutes a day can prevent a buildup of dysfunction. Try these beginner-friendly options:

  • Cat-Cow Stretch: Helps improve spinal flexibility and fluid motion. Inhale to arch, exhale to round—repeat gently for 10–15 reps.

  • Seated Spinal Twist: While sitting tall in a chair, twist your upper body to one side, hold briefly, then switch sides. Great for desk workers who feel tight in the mid-back.

  • Sphinx Pose: A gentle yoga backbend that encourages spinal extension and relieves lumbar compression. Breathe deeply and avoid forcing the stretch.

These movements are especially helpful first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting. They help "wake up" the spine and remind your body how it's meant to move.

3. Mind Your Posture Without Becoming Rigid.

Perfect posture isn't about standing like a statue—it's about awareness. Keep your ears in line with your shoulders, feet flat on the floor, and avoid prolonged slouching. But remember: the best posture is your next posture. Keep moving and adjusting rather than locking yourself into one position all day.

4. Hydrate and Feed Your Joints.

Your spinal discs are like tiny sponges, and they need hydration to stay springy and supportive. Drink water throughout the day—not just when you're thirsty. Eating anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, and turmeric can also support joint health and reduce stiffness.

5. Choose Movement-Friendly Footwear.

Wearing unsupportive shoes—especially around the house—can throw off your entire kinetic chain. If you spend a lot of time standing or walking, opt for shoes with proper arch support and cushioning.

These strategies don't replace chiropractic care—they amplify it. When your nervous system is clear and your joints are aligned, your body is ready to move. Your job is to keep that momentum going in daily life.

Dr. Burks often reminds patients that health isn't built in big moments—it's in the small, consistent choices. A quick stretch here. A walk outside there. Adjusting your monitor height and choosing supportive shoes. Over time, those habits build a body that moves with ease and stays aligned longer between visits.

The Portland Lifestyle: Mobility Meets Nature

There's something special about living in the Pacific Northwest. Maybe it's the scent of fir trees after a fresh rain. Maybe it's the way the light filters through Forest Park's canopy. Or maybe it's just that Portlanders are wired for movement—even if that movement comes with a layer of mist.

The Portland Metro area is rich in natural opportunities. With over 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and green spaces, it's one of the few cities where wellness isn't confined to a gym or studio—it's part of the culture. From weekend hikes up Powell Butte to evening strolls along the Willamette, movement here doesn't feel like a chore. It feels like home.

For Dr. Burks, this environment isn't just a backdrop—it's a reflection of his philosophy. Mobility isn't something to be reserved for workouts or rehab appointments. It's something you live. It's in your decision to walk to the Saturday market. It's in your bike ride to the café. It's in the way you stand taller and breathe deeper when your spine is in alignment and your nervous system isn't under pressure.

That's what makes Portland such an ideal setting for chiropractic care that emphasizes mobility and nervous system health. The community values movement. Nature encourages it. And Dr. Burks helps make it possible—even for those who've been limited by pain, tension, or years of misalignment.

Upper cervical care may begin in the clinic, but its impact extends far beyond the four walls. When your spine is aligned and your body feels balanced, it opens the door to a more active, engaged lifestyle. That might mean snowboarding on Mount Hood, taking a paddleboard out at Hagg Lake, or just walking the dog without pain.

And the best part? You don't have to wait until you're in crisis to benefit. Many of Dr. Burks's patients seek care not because they're injured, but because they want to stay well. They want to keep enjoying the trails, the rivers, the movement-rich life that Portland offers.

Wellness isn't something you have to chase—it's something you can align with. And in a city like this, where the outdoors are always calling, your body deserves to be ready to answer.

Absolutely—here's the next section of the blog:

When to See an Upper Cervical Specialist

It's easy to normalize discomfort. A little stiffness in the morning. A recurring headache. That shoulder that "just does that sometimes." But while your body is good at adapting, that doesn't mean it's thriving. Often, those everyday aches and restrictions are signs that something deeper is going on—something that upper cervical chiropractic care is uniquely equipped to address.

So, how do you know it's time to see an upper cervical specialist like Dr. Burks?

Here are a few signs your nervous system and spinal alignment may need professional support:

You're dealing with recurring mobility issues.

If you've noticed that your range of motion is decreasing or certain movements consistently trigger discomfort, it may not be a muscle problem—it might be neurological. Misalignments at the top of the spine can affect your balance, posture, and coordination.

You've experienced trauma, even minor trauma.

Falls, car accidents, or even past sports injuries (no matter how long ago) can create subtle shifts in the upper cervical spine that go undetected but cause long-term dysfunction. If you've ever hit your head or whiplashed your neck, it's worth getting checked.

You've "tried everything" and nothing sticks.

If you've been stretching, foam rolling, icing, or using massage tools without lasting relief, there's a good chance your body is compensating for an underlying alignment issue. Until that's addressed, the symptoms will keep coming back.

You feel off—even if it's hard to explain.

This is one Dr. Burks hears often: "I just don't feel like myself." That might mean brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, or even emotional stress. When the nervous system is under pressure, the symptoms aren't always obvious, but they are real.

You're interested in prevention, not just pain relief.

Upper cervical chiropractic care isn't just for fixing problems—it's for optimizing performance. Many patients come in feeling "fine," but leave realizing they hadn't been functioning at 100% for a while. Regular adjustments can help your nervous system stay adaptable and resilient.

If any of these sound familiar, the next step isn't invasive testing or endless guesswork. It's a conversation. A consultation with Dr. Burks includes a detailed health history, posture analysis, and neurological assessment to determine if upper cervical care is the right fit for your needs.

And because Dr. Burks takes a personalized, patient-first approach, you won't be rushed or sold a one-size-fits-all plan. You'll get a clear explanation of what's happening in your body—and what it will take to support healing and restore mobility.

Mobility isn't just about moving your body. It's about moving through life without resistance. And sometimes, the most powerful changes start at the top.

Wellness Starts with One Aligned Step

Wellness isn't just about what you eat or how often you stretch. It's not defined by the supplements on your shelf or how many steps you log in a day. True wellness is about how your body feels and functions in real time—how easily you move, how clearly you think, and how fully you can participate in the life you want.

Mobility is at the heart of that experience. When your body moves freely, your nervous system communicates efficiently. When your spine is aligned, your muscles work together instead of fighting each other. And when your movement becomes more natural, everything else—your energy, your focus, your quality of life—improves along with it.

August is National Wellness Month, but this isn't a temporary campaign or a summer checklist. It's a reminder. A reminder that your body is capable of incredible things, especially when it's supported in the right way. And often, that support starts with something small—an adjustment, a movement, a decision to pay attention to what your body's been trying to tell you.

Dr. Larry Burks understands that wellness is not one-size-fits-all. It's personal. It's dynamic. And it's deeply connected to how your spine and nervous system function every day. Whether you're looking to regain mobility you've lost, stay active without pain, or simply feel more in tune with your body, upper cervical care can be a powerful step toward that goal.

Your spine doesn't just hold you up—it connects everything. And when it's aligned, life tends to flow a little easier.

Ready to take the first aligned step?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Burks at The Upper Cervical Clinic and discover what's possible when your body moves the way it was designed to.








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