A gentle touch and controlled contact on the first vertebrae
in the neck is designed to restore balance to the spine. Even though the
primary focus is the neck, the effects of the correction influences the whole
spine and all body systems. This is because the NUCCA procedure influences one
of the highest control centers over body balance, the brain stem and central
nervous system. The C-1 vertebrae, also known as the Atlas, is a small
donut-like bone located at the top of the spine and the base of the skull that
surrounds the brain stem. When the spine is subjected to stress it can become
misaligned. This head/neck misalignment is also known as the Atlas Subluxation Complex or ASC .
The Balancing Act
The nerves in our spinal column are very sensitive to
pressure and stress. When the spine becomes misaligned sufficiently it stresses
the nerves, compromises their normal impulses, and changes function throughout
the body. Nerves are responsible for four primary functions:
Control and
regulate all vital functions including circulation, breathing and digestion.
Activate muscles
allowing us to move.
Allow us to sense,
perceive and feel.
Relate us to the world
outside ourselves including learning, experiencing and behavior.
Evaluation, Evaluation, Evaluation
Once you have decided to be examined for a spinal
misalignment, an extensive evaluation process begins. The process begins by
looking at your detailed health history including any past traumas, motor
vehicle accidents, surgeries, other treatment programs and other diagnostic
tests including other x-rays. Your chief complaints, including location, onset,
and duration must all be evaluated and assessed. After concluding this initial
process, the doctor will begin the steps necessary to determine if you are a
candidate for NUCCA care.
Finding the Problem
The NUCCA Doctor will focus 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:
Leg length disparity also known as the "short leg" phenomenon.
As you lay on your back, measurement of the leg length
equality will be made. Additional evaluation of posture may include shoulder
height, hip height and deviation of the head to either side. Ranges of motion
may also be measured. Specific instrumentation may also be used to evaluate
body weight distribution, pelvic rotation and normal nerve function. If a
spinal misalignment is indicated by history and examination, a series of x-rays
are taken. It is important to know you would only be accepted as a patient if
the consultation and exam results indicate that you could benefit from NUCCA care. The X-rays are only taken if care is to be initiated.
Table Time
Each correction is determined from x-ray measurement. Patients lay on their right or
left side on the upper cervical table. By gently contacting the side of your neck,
the doctor will direct your head and neck back toward a balanced, healthy
position.
Precise, Accurate and Small Corrections
The upper cervical correction depends upon precise
mathematical calculations, physics, and biomechanics. X-rays are a critical
part of ensuring the spinal correction is accurate and successful. The doctor
will take pre-correction x-rays from different angles focusing on the atlas.
These x-rays determine the direction and degree of spinal misalignment and how
to properly restore the spine to normal.
Continuous Monitoring
Because each correction 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 correction to confirm results.
This is typically done only after the initial correction. What we know is
"The better the correction, the better the chance of recovery."
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