Stress and the Nervous System

Written By Dr. Riley Block

Stress doesn’t just live in your head — it lives in your nervous system. When your brain perceives stress, your body reacts by tightening muscles, changing breathing patterns, and shifting into survival mode. Over time, those reactions can affect spinal alignment — especially in the upper neck.

The atlas (C1) acts as the gateway between your brain and body. When it’s misaligned, nerve communication is disrupted, and your body struggles to regulate itself. That can make you feel tense, irritable, or constantly “on edge.”

A NUCCA correction removes that interference by realigning the atlas with incredible precision — no twisting, popping, or cracking. Once the connection between brain and body is restored, the nervous system can better regulate stress responses, heart rate, and muscle tone.

You can’t remove stress from your life, but you can help your body handle it better. When your nervous system is balanced, you adapt instead of react.

Dr. Riley Block

Dr. Riley Block is passionate about helping families live life in alignment—naturally. She focuses on gentle, specific chiropractic care that supports the body’s ability to heal and function as God designed it to.

With a background in upper cervical chiropractic and pediatric care, Dr. Riley has a heart for serving moms, kids, and families. Her approach combines precision with compassion—taking time to truly listen, educate, and empower every patient who walks through the door.

When she’s not in the office, you’ll find Dr. Riley outdoors exploring the Black Hills, spending time with her family, or experimenting with new healthy recipes in the kitchen. Her mission is simple: to restore hope, health, and connection—one spine at a time.

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Posture, Balance, and the Atlas
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The Atlas–Headache Connection