Why Do Side Sleepers with Temporal Headache and Dizziness Improve with Upper Cervical Chiropractic and IMS Treatment?

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Have you ever been awakened in the early morning by a throbbing pain in your temples or a sensation of dizziness? If these symptoms worsen when you sleep on your side, the underlying cause might not be simple fatigue or stress—it could be related to dysfunction in the upper cervical spine, specifically at C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis).

■ How Side Sleeping Affects the Upper Cervical Spine

When sleeping on your side, the alignment between the head and neck is often compromised. This subtle misalignment—particularly involving the atlas and axis—can affect:

  • Vertebral artery blood flow, potentially leading to temporary changes in circulation

  • Autonomic nervous system imbalance, due to irritation of sympathetic pathways

  • Increased tension and sensitivity in cranial and occipital nerves

As a result, patients may experience temporal headaches, morning dizziness, and disrupted sleep quality.

■ How Upper Cervical Chiropractic and IMS Help

  1. Upper Cervical Chiropractic (C1 & C2-focused adjustment)

    • Precise correction of atlas or axis alignment can help restore neurological and vascular function.

    • Reduces compression or irritation of the greater occipital nerve, often associated with referred headache patterns.

  2. IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation Therapy)

    • Targets chronic tension in key muscles such as the suboccipital muscles, trapezius, and temporalis.

    • Relieves myofascial trigger points that contribute to headache and dizziness symptoms.

  3. Integrated Neuromuscular Approach

    • The combination of upper cervical chiropractic care and IMS offers a synergistic effect:

      • Structural correction,

      • Neurological decompression,

      • and Improved blood circulation—all contributing to lasting relief and improved sleep quality.

■ Personalized Evaluation Before Treatment

At our clinic, we prioritize precise diagnosis to ensure targeted care. Evaluation includes:

  • Postural and alignment analysis

  • Prone leg check assessment

  • CBCT or X-ray imaging, if indicated

This comprehensive approach helps identify whether C1 or C2 is the primary issue and guides the selection of the appropriate treatment strategy.

🌿 Final Thoughts

If you frequently wake up with headaches or dizziness, especially after side sleeping, it may be a sign of upper cervical dysfunction. Rather than relying solely on painkillers or sleep aids, addressing the structural and neuromuscular causes may offer longer-lasting relief.

At Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic, we combine upper cervical chiropractic care and IMS therapy in a safe, patient-centered approach to help restore alignment, ease tension, and promote better sleep and overall well-being.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

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