The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, education, and patient care based on a safe, gentle, and painless system of spinal correction that is unique-even among those in the chiropractic profession.  For more information on NUCCA and to view their video please click on http://www.nucca.org.

As opposed to traditional chiropractors, who make forceful adjustments to the entire spinal column, NUCCA chiropractors focus on very specifically and gently adjusting the Atlas vertebrae bringing it back to its proper position.  The Atlas, or the topmost bone in the spine is located directly below the brain stem.  It is the first of the 7 vertebrae that make up the cervical spine.  The Atlas is also known as C-1.  The adjustment performed by a trained NUCCA chiropractor will make a positive change to the entire spine.  This is why a chiropractor using the NUCCA system of spinal correction can help someone even if their pain is located in the lower back.  An important point to remember is the NUCCA adjustment removes interference to the normal function of the nervous system.  Normal performance of the patient's nervous system is vital to the body's ability to self-heal.  Self-healing is occurring all the time in a healthy human body which is free from nerve interference.  If this function is compromised as would be the case with an Atlas misalignment then the body will begin to manifest pain and ill health.

Paraspinal digital infrared imaging (DII) is a diagnostic technique that uses a small, hand-held device to measure and compare skin temperature-near the spine-for any signs of nervous system dysfunction.  The device, which is safe, painless, and noninvasive, measures the infrared heat emitted from the surface of the skin much like a thermometer measures body temperature.  In a normal person, the skin temperature should be about the same on both sides of the spine.  A subluxation or misalignment of the spine will be indicated by unequal temperature on one or the other side of the spine.  Color gives a visual indication of the condition's severity, with red being most severe.

As the NUCCA chiropractor moves this highly specialized imaging device along the upper cervical spine, skin temperatures on both sides of the spine are recorded. These readings are programmed into a special computer for analysis, the result being a graphic image of the spinal region examined.  The doctor then compares the image against normal values-ideally a straight line-to determine whether the nervous system irritation exists, and, therefore, vertebral subluxation (misalignment) is present.

During a patient's initial examination, it is important to determine the exact position of the upper cervical spine.  Standard x-ray technology is inadequate for this purpose because it is less accurate.  The image may be distorted if, for example, the equipment is not aligned properly or if the patient is not positioned correctly.  In evaluating many conditions, this distortion is not significant.  In a spinal evaluation, however, accuracy is of the utmost importance.  Even a slight distortion of the image can lead to inaccurate diagnosis and faulty treatment.

Unlike standard x-rays, precision aligned x-ray equipment is carefully adjusted for accuracy using precise measurement techniques and is held in place by a special frame to maintain that adjustment.

The x-ray images are analyzed according to strict NUCCA guidelines to determine whether any subluxations (displacements) of the upper spine are present.  Every effort is made to keep x-ray exposure to a minimum.

The NUCCA chiropractor will focus his attention on the relationship of the head to the neck.  The top bone of the neck, known as the atlas, must be in line with the head, as well as the vertebrae below.  Spinal injury or damage can misalign these structures resulting in postural imbalance, pelvic distortion, and leg length disparity.  The NUCCA chiropractor will be looking for this during the examination.  After reviewing your history, exam findings, and x-rays the NUCCA chiropractor will be ready to administer your first NUCCA adjustment.

Each adjustment is determined from x-ray measurement.  Patients lay on their right or left side on the adjustment table.  By gently contacting the side of your neck, the doctor will direct your head and neck back torward a balanced, healthy position.  Each adjustment experience and healing response is unique to the individual.  One thing is universal, the light touch of the adjustment will set your body in the direction for achieving optimum health.

Because each adjustment experience and healing response is unique to the individual, you will be monitored closely for any changes that you might experience which are linked to the healing process.  We have stressed the importance of receiving the best possible correction during the first visit. The doctor will take x-rays after your first adjustment to confirm results.  This is typically done only after the initial adjustment.  What we know is "The better the correction, the better the chance of recovery".