CBCT-guided upper cervical care — gentle, specific corrections with no twisting, cracking, or popping.
Start Here
We focus on the top of the neck (C1–C2), where alignment can influence balance and nervous system function. Your first visit is designed to measure what’s going on and map a clear plan.
Objective testing to measure neck function and balance
CBCT imaging (when recommended) for individualized analysis
Gentle corrections tailored to your anatomy
Who We Help
At Upper Cervical Chiropractic Encinitas, we care for people who are struggling with a wide range of health challenges. Our gentle and precise approach is especially effective for those experiencing:
Neck Pain & Stiffness – relief for chronic tension, whiplash, or injuries.
Headaches & Migraines – addressing underlying issues in the upper neck that often trigger pain.
Vertigo & Balance Problems – improving stability and reducing dizziness.
Post-Concussion & Head Trauma – supporting recovery and nervous system healing.
Poor Posture & Tech Neck – restoring alignment in today’s screen-heavy world.
Chronic Fatigue & Brain Fog – helping improve nervous system function and energy levels.
Whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or someone who has “tried everything else,” our goal is to help you feel and function at your best — naturally.
Where We’re Located
Conveniently located at the corner of Encinitas Blvd & Rancho Santa Fe Rd, our building is easy to find and has plenty of parking
We serve patients from Encinitas, Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, Leucadia, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, San Marcos, Vista, Escondido & the entire North County San Diego area.
Dr. Samuel Dungan DC
About
Dr. Sam studied Kinesiology at San Diego State University before earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Life West Chiropractic College. After experiencing his own neck pain and a few accidents along the way, he finally found lasting relief through Upper Cervical Chiropractic care — and knew he had to share it with others. Today, he’s on a mission to help people in Encinitas and beyond feel and function at their best, starting with the neck.
FAQs
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Upper Cervical care focuses only on the top two bones in the neck, using gentle and precise adjustments instead of forceful twisting or popping.
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Not at all. They are gentle, comfortable, and most patients are surprised at how light they feel.
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Yes — we use advanced CBCT imaging to get a 3D view of your neck, so every adjustment is customized to your unique anatomy.
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Every patient is different. Some feel improvement quickly, while others need more time. Our goal is lasting results, not endless visits.
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We can provide documentation for you to submit to your insurance if you have out-of-network chiropractic coverage. We also accept HSA/FSA.
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Not every visit requires an adjustment — and that’s a good thing! On days when an adjustment isn’t needed, we focus on supporting your progress in other ways. This may include:
Strengthening exercises with tools like NecksLevel or NeckCare to stabilize the neck.
Postural retraining and balance testing to track your improvements.
Lifestyle and condition-specific guidance — simple strategies you can use at home to support healing.
Every visit is tailored to what your body needs that day, so you’re always moving closer to long-term stability and health.
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Yes. At Upper Cervical Chiropractic Encinitas, our approach is gentle and precise, with no cracking, twisting, or popping. This makes it especially well-suited for patients with hypermobility or connective tissue disorders like EDS. By focusing on the upper cervical spine and using advanced imaging and testing, we can provide care that supports stability, reduces pain, and helps improve overall function — while respecting the unique needs of hypermobile bodies.
Questions? Contact Us!
Have a question about upper cervical care, your first visit, or whether this approach could help you?
We’re here to help. Reach out anytime — or skip the back-and-forth and book directly online.