The NUCCA Procedure
“There are many things that add stress to our spinal column.” Motor vehicle accidents, a fall, lifting, sitting for too long – even just the various stresses of day to day living can alter our body balance and produce pain and discomfort.
After a significant stress or strain to the spinal column, the associated muscles will respond and tighten. The body and spinal column become distorted and less stable. With the spine now locked into a stressed position, every movement becomes an imbalanced movement that puts added stress and strain on the muscles, ligaments and the nerves that are associated with the spinal column. This added stress often produces a variety of symptoms that can significantly interfere with the enjoyment of our life.
The NUCCA Organization has developed a very precise procedure to correct this problem that is based upon mathematics, physics, and biomechanics.
The first neck vertebra, also known as the atlas or C-1, is a small donut-like ring located at the top of the spine. It is in close proximity to the brain stem, which is the part of the central nervous system responsible for controlling a number of vital body functions. One of these very important functions is the muscle balance of the spinal column.
When the atlas is subjected to a stress or injury, it can become partly misaligned in relation to the skull and the other vertebrae in the neck.
We call this the Atlas Subluxation Complex Syndrome or the ASC Syndrome. Even a slight structural misalignment of the upper neck will result in a muscular response that shifts the body balance from normal and adds stress to the spinal column.
By making these subtle adjustments to the neck, it is possible to reduce this misalignment and improve body balance. When you visit a NUCCA doctor, an extensive evaluation process begins. Since the severity and type of each spinal misalignment is completely unique to the individual; the process begins by taking a detailed health history. This includes the chief complaints, the location of these symptoms in the body, how they began and how long they’ve been present.
Any other health problems, injuries, motor vehicle accidents, surgeries, along with other treatment programs, which include diagnostic tests and x-rays, are also evaluated and assessed.
After this initial process, the doctor will begin the steps necessary in determining if your spinal column is significantly misaligned or out of balance.
You will be asked lie on the adjusting table and the doctor will check for a leg length imbalance, which is also known as the “short leg phenomenon”. This is where the leg is not really shorter, but appears shorter because the hips are imbalanced.
Precise measurements of your spinal balance are taken. These measurements are used to determine if you have a significant imbalance that would require a correction. They are also used to determine the progress of your spinal stability on follow up visits and help in determining when another spinal correction is needed.
If it is initially determined that you have significant body imbalance, a specific series of x-rays is performed and mathematically analyzed before your first spinal correction.
To obtain an optimal correction, these precise mathematical calculations, are used to determine the proper direction for the spinal column to return towards normal. This correction is unique for each patient and the x-ray series is a critical part of ensuring accuracy and also that a successful correction is achieved.
The NUCCA x-ray series involves safety procedures that use low technique settings along with specially designed filters to further reduce x-ray exposure to the patient.
When it’s time for your spinal adjustment, the doctor will have you lie on the adjusting table on your side and position your head in a very specific fashion. This is based on the information obtained from the x-rays.
The doctor will then be positioned in a specific stance, which is again determined from the x-ray analysis, and place their hand near your ear. This is where the side of the atlas or 1st neck vertebra is located. The doctor will apply a number of very light and subtle corrections that move the spinal bones of the neck very carefully. It takes very little shifting of the bones to relieve nerve pressure.
The precision of the procedure means, the spinal correction is subtle in its application, but, the positive effects on the nervous system and improved body balance are NOT!
Because it’s important to receive the best possible correction on your first visit, the doctor will take two post x-rays following the initial correction.
These post x-ray films will show the doctor how the spine responded to the adjustment. This is typically done only after your first adjustment. If the x-ray measurements indicate that the correction was not optimal, the doctor will continue to re-adjust you until a favorable balance is achieved.
We know that the better the spinal correction, the better the chance of recovery.
Because each spinal correction and healing response is unique to the individual, you will be monitored closely with follow-up visits. These visits help ensure the spinal correction is maintained for as long as possible and the healing process continues.
Correcting and stabilizing the spine may require a number of adjustments over a period of time.
The objective measurements used in the NUCCA procedure, such as the initial pre and post x-rays, leg length checks and spinal balance measurements help to monitor the recovery process over time.
It’s helpful to remember: Healing is a process, not an event.
Recovery continues as long as the adjustment or correction holds and optimal spinal balance is maintained. Adjustments are only given when the body demonstrates a sufficient misalignment.
After your spinal correction, you will want to be mindful of looking after yourself during the initial phase of the healing process. Your doctor will help you to understand what you can do to help maintain your spinal correction. Being adjusted as few times as possible is ideal and it is our goal to help you achieve this.
Hopefully you now know the importance of good body balance, it’s influence on improved nerve function and how NUCCA plays an important role in restoring and maintaining good health.
When it comes to offering help for spinal related problems, we know that no one procedure offers a 100% solution.
What a NUCCA doctor can offer is, a way to:
1. Correct body imbalance to relieve stress on the spinal column and nervous system.
2. Help you stay corrected.
3. Enhance your understanding of spinal care. Both, the correction and prevention of problems.
And what is possible for you to gain from this care is:
2. Recovery over time.
3. Regained stability and function.
NUCCA has helped thousands of people of all ages regain and maintain their health throughout their lifetime.
NUCCA offers a conservative approach to healing that is specific to that person and works to enhance the body’s own ability to be well.
If you would like your spinal column checked for imbalance and to see if “your head is on straight”, we would be pleased to consult with you. A referral from another health care practitioner is not needed. You simply need to contact us through the information on this website.
The NUCCA procedure is taught through accredited Chiropractic colleges and the education and research traditions carry on today with the NUCCA organization offering educational conferences attended by both chiropractic students and experienced doctors from all over the world.
Seminars include research updates and a certification program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of practicing NUCCA doctors.
Dr. Hasick has been a Board Certified Instructor since 1989, participates in clinical research and teaches at the NUCCA conferences. He co-authored a chapter on Neurology with Dr. Michael Thomas in NUCCA Textbook.
Please contact us with any questions you may have or if you would like to book an appointment to be examined and determine if you would be a candidate for this care.
