Healthy Spine Austin
Gentle upper cervical care · Austin, Texas

Address the root. Visit less. Feel well.

Gentle, non-invasive upper cervical care with no cracking, popping or twisting, no drugs and no surgery, so you can leave feeling lighter, calmer and more like yourself, and support a healthy, active life for years to come. We start with the gentlest, most natural approach, to address the root cause.

Move freely.Feel calmer.Live fully.
Reserve your appointment Call 512-562-0664
Dr. Laura's hands resting gently on a patient's head by a sunny window
5.0 ★
60+ Google reviews
Since 2013
caring for Austin families
Gentle
no cracking or twisting
Español
bilingual care
There is hope

You don't have to live in pain

Many people tell themselves “It's just a headache” or “I'm just getting older” until the pain feels normal. Pain doesn't have to be your normal, and many people find relief. Find what you're feeling, and hear from someone who felt it too.

Headaches, migraines & vertigo “From multiple per month to less than a handful per decade.” Google review Read the full review Neck, jaw & shoulders “I had constant neck and jaw tension, radiating headaches, and relied on NSAIDs to get me through the day.” Google review Read the full review Back, hips & sciatica “Now I am back to walking as many miles as I want to a day. I have no pain anymore.” Paola Watch Paola's story Stress & sleep “It’s not once you see it, it’s once you feel it.” Justin · Inner Alignment Watch Justin's story Moms, babies & kids “They now feel when they are out of alignment and ask to go see her.” Peyton C. · Parent Read Peyton's story Tried other chiropractors? “After 2 visits with Dr. Ferrao, I experienced what a pain free life was like.” Dr. Ameet T. · Dentist Read Dr. Ameet's story

We help with many other symptoms. Call or text us at 512-562-0664.

Why the root cause matters

How one small bone affects your whole body

Your Atlas, also called C1, is the very top bone of your spine, just below your skull. It holds up your head, surrounds your brainstem where your brain connects to the rest of your body, and helps protect the blood and fluid flow to your brain. When it shifts, your whole body can feel it.

Learn how upper cervical care works →

Not your typical chiropractor

We address the cause, then give your body room to heal

We look for exactly how your Atlas is misaligned and where your body is out of balance, gently guide it back into place, and give your body the chance to heal naturally, so many patients come in less often over time.

Nerve and tissue repair
Post-adjustment healing cycle
Post-adjustment healing cycle A line chart of healing improvement over 28 days. Healing climbs in steps at days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Dotted lines show healing reversing if the misalignment returns. 37142128Days in healing cycleHealing improvement
Dotted lines show healing reversing when misalignment returns
Healing happens between visits, so we give your body time.
Typical chiropracticHealthy Spine Austin
Treats where it hurts
Addresses the root cause at your AtlasYour Atlas, the top bone of your spine, can affect your whole nervous system.
Cracking, popping and twisting
A gentle, precise touch, never forcefulA light touch behind the ear, so gentle it feels like someone taking your pulse.
The same adjustment every visit
Measured first, so we adjust only what your body needsChecked with the Anatometer, the tool Dr. Laura relies on to check alignment, with no X-rays.
Frequent visits, often with relief that fades
Corrections meant to hold, so many patients visit lessCare starts weekly, then visits space out as your body holds its alignment.
Measured, not guessed

Measurements you can see, changes you can feel

Before every adjustment, we measure, so you can see exactly where your body is out of balance and how it changes over time.

A smiling patient standing on the posture analyzer while Dr. Laura checks her shoulders Dr. Laura checking a patient's shoulder height on the posture analyzer
01
Weight on each side
The Anatometer shows if you carry more weight on one side, a sign your body is compensating.
02
Hip height
Uneven hips show how a shifted Atlas tilts your whole frame.
03
Leg length
Dr. Laura checks your legs while you lie face down. An Atlas shift can pull one leg shorter.
04
Center of gravity
Shows if you lean forward, back or to one side, which strains your neck and back.
“The goal is to get you stable, not keep you coming back every week forever.”
Google review
How we help

Care for body, mind and spirit

When your nervous system is working well, many people find they move with more ease, have more energy, and feel clearer in mind. A well-aligned body supports a well-aligned mind, and each of our services cares for the whole you.

See the difference

Real patient stories

Patients share their own experiences. Individual results vary.

Before and after: forward head posture
Same day, after one gentle Atlas adjustment
Before and after: just under 4 weeks of care
Before and after just under 4 weeks of care
Before and after one Atlas adjustment
Sciatica · 0:26
Alan's story

An orthopedic surgeon told Alan his only option was to operate. He tried gentle upper cervical care first, and he says he has been pain free for 8 years.

Alan L.
Her experience
One patient's experience after two visits
“Dr. Laura has great hands, she will help you heal with her great techniques and tender care. Feeling 95% better after two adjustments.”
Maria R.
Her experience
Her experience over four years
“She was able to align my Atlas on the very first visit, which stayed in alignment 4 years and counting.”
Bianca G.
Cared for
Heard and supported at every visit
“She takes her time, listens thoughtfully, and gently guides you through the entire experience. I feel supported and cared for at every visit.”
Megan L.
Fewer visits
A patient for 8 years, rarely needs adjusting
“She’s an amazing chiropractor, so much so that I don’t need to get adjustments that often.”
Anita L.
Read more patient stories →
Dr. Laura smiling with a patient on the adjusting table
Meet Dr. Laura

Doctor of Chiropractic, holistic spine practitioner and mom

Dr. Laura Ferrao has been helping families feel better since 2013, from newborns to grandparents. Her approach is rooted in NUCCA principles, and she is NUCCA Level 1 certified.

Originally from Puerto Rico and trained at Palmer College of Chiropractic, she welcomes Spanish-speaking patients.

Meet Dr. Laura →
Follow along

Daily inspiration from Dr. Laura

Healing tips, real patient moments and a peek inside the office.

A recent post from Dr. Laura's Instagram A recent post from Dr. Laura's Instagram A recent post from Dr. Laura's Instagram A recent post from Dr. Laura's Instagram
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Ready to feel like yourself again?

Your first visit includes a full health history, precise posture and alignment measurements and, if your Atlas needs it, your first gentle alignment. As your body learns to hold its correction, your visits typically space out over time.

Reserve your appointment

Prefer to book by phone? Call or text us at 512-562-0664. Se habla español.

Reserve your appointment