Why Elliot Hulse loves Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Introduction

Did you know that upper cervical chiropractic care helped renowned strength coach Elliot Hulse increase his deadlift by 15%—an incredible 60 pounds—immediately after just one adjustment?

Not only that, but following his adjustment, he went on to easily win a strongman competition the very next week.

This remarkable improvement highlights the often-overlooked connection between spinal alignment and physical performance.

In this blog post, we’ll explore Elliot Hulse’s experience with upper cervical chiropractic, the science behind how it enhances strength, and why you should consider an assessment if you’re looking to optimize your athletic performance.

Who is Elliot Hulse?

Elliot Hulse is an internationally renowned strength and conditioning coach, strongman, author, social media celebrity, mentor, holistic life coach, and an inspiration to millions.

Personally, I’ve always admired Elliot, long before realizing how upper cervical chiropractic played a role in his success as an elite athlete. By the time I discovered upper cervical care for myself, Elliot had already experienced its benefits firsthand.

How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Increase Strength?

In his FREE eBook, 4 Layers of Strength, Elliot discusses one of the most foundational aspects of strength—neuromuscular strength. This concept is key to understanding how spinal alignment impacts performance.

On page 10, Elliot writes:

“Neuromuscular Strength refers to our bodies’ ability to generate force as efficiently as possible. Because of the many luxuries afforded to us by modern living—sitting, driving, and laziness, to name a few—many of us develop what I call ‘muscle viruses.’ Our bodies become overdeveloped and tight in some areas, and in other areas we become weak and underdeveloped. Put simply, modern living wreaks havoc on our bodies, and this results in neuromuscular imbalances that inhibit our ability to grow stronger. They can also be the result of compensatory efforts brought on by past or present injury. In the case of a muscle virus—when one side of a joint becomes too tight and the other becomes looser and gets overstretched—the imbalanced tension can pull the bones out of their instantaneous axis of rotation. This impairs mobility and causes wear and tear on the soft tissues of the joint, ultimately leading to pain and injury.”

This explanation makes it clear that neuromuscular imbalances caused by modern habits or injuries can seriously hinder strength development.

The Root Cause of Muscle Viruses: Atlas Misalignment

A natural next question is: What causes a muscle virus?

Elliot provides a powerful answer on pages 20-21 of his eBook:

“If the top bone in your neck, the atlas, happens to misalign, then you may develop compensatory movements throughout the rest of your body, called muscle viruses.”

In Elliot’s case, his hip imbalance was actually the result of an atlas misalignment.

Once he received an upper cervical chiropractic adjustment to realign his atlas, his neuromuscular imbalances corrected themselves, leading to immediate strength gains and better overall performance.

Why Athletes Should Consider Upper Cervical Care

If you’re an athlete, weightlifter, or anyone looking to maximize physical performance, addressing potential misalignments in the upper cervical spine should be a top priority.

A misaligned atlas can lead to:

• Decreased force production

• Muscle imbalances and compensatory movement patterns

• Chronic tightness and injury risk

• Impaired nervous system communication

Correcting these issues can enhance neuromuscular efficiency, allowing you to generate more strength with less effort—just like Elliot experienced with his deadlift and competition performance.

What You Can Do Next

If you suspect an atlas misalignment could be holding you back, the best place to start is with a NUCCA assessment. NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) Chiropractic care is a specialized, gentle approach to detecting and correcting atlas misalignments, restoring balance to the body.

The NUCCA Process

1. Assessment: A detailed evaluation, including imaging, identifies the exact nature of the misalignment.

2. Gentle Adjustments: NUCCA practitioners use precise, gentle techniques to realign the atlas (the top cervical vertebra) without forceful twisting or cracking.

3. Posture Restoration: Correcting the neck’s alignment allows the body to naturally restore proper posture and relieve muscle tension.

If you’ve been living with muscle imbalances, don’t wait for it to worsen. Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications like disc degeneration, osteoarthritis, and reduced mobility.

The first step is scheduling a NUCCA assessment, where Dr. Burt will evaluate your posture, alignment, and overall spinal health to determine whether your muscle imbalances stem from a head and neck misalignment.

Conclusion

Elliot Hulse’s story serves as powerful evidence of the impact upper cervical chiropractic can have on strength and athletic performance.

If you’re dealing with muscle imbalances, persistent tightness, or unexplained performance plateaus, consider scheduling a NUCCA assessment.

By addressing the  root cause—rather than just treating symptoms—you may unlock a whole new level of strength and movement efficiency.

Would you like to experience similar gains? Book a NUCCA assessment today and take the first step toward optimizing your body’s alignment and strength potential!