In general, chiropractic care practitioners approach the care of the spine in two vastly different ways. One is traditional chiropractic care where the chiropractor attempts to influence the patient’s spine through segmental or local fixations, often noted as cracks and pops (i.e., “cracking your back”), in order to increase mobility with the hope for improved structural stability. NUCCA along with other similar techniques, on the other hand, approaches the spine delicately, with the ability to improve structural and sustained postural balance, which then leads to long-term, improved spinal stability along with balanced mobility.
While we all can agree that spinal care is crucial to improved overall health and wellbeing, the differences between “cracking your back” and making small, precise adjustments in your neck via NUCCA are night and day and ultimately affect the longevity and results of your treatment.
At Cripe Chiropractic, we believe in treating a patient’s mind and body through a more effective and less invasive style of chiropractic care, NUCCA. This approach specializes in upper cervical chiropractic care and originates from the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. NUCCA largely involves making small adjustments that help alleviate pressure on the nerves in the upper cervical spine, which can greatly improve your health and improve the entire central nervous system. The upper cervical spine or neck plays a critical role in the functionality of the central nervous system as well as the health of the brain stem.
What makes NUCCA so unique?
Since the central nervous system is responsible for the body’s movement, hormone functions, and even your primary senses (smell, taste, touch, etc.), having a healthy and properly aligned spine affects much more than your neck and back. Everyone, including adults and children of all ages, can greatly benefit from having a properly balanced body, which all begins with the upper cervical spine. Ultimately, the purpose of NUCCA is to better the relationship between the cervical spine and the rest of the central nervous system, which is why the treatment is so delicate, begins at the top of the spine (mainly in the neck), and customized to the needs of each patient.
Benefits of NUCCA
Making slow, precise adjustments along your upper cervical spine will allow us to treat underlying, sensitive nerve problems, such as a nerve being pinched or the vertebrae being misaligned, which will then help restore proper function to your entire central nervous system. By specifically treating the upper cervical spine, we also work to alleviate the symptoms and side effects of pinched nerves and improper nervous system functions directly at the source, helping to relieve abnormal blood pressure, hormone imbalances and improve your sensitivity to your senses.
How Do I Know If I Need NUCCA?
NUCCA treatment at Cripe Chiropractic is determined on a case-by-case basis and is only recommended for patients who will benefit from treatment to ensure measurable changes and proper care are possible. We are different from competitors because we believe that the most impactful changes are only possible with a proactive, trackable treatment plan.
If you believe you are in need of chiropractic care, we recommend that patients take note of lifestyle or general health changes before their appointment. Things like paying attention to their reflection in the mirror and looking for a head tilt or a low shoulder. Other cues may include a feeling of uneven weight distribution on your feet, a change in gait, or subtle lifestyle changes such as having to adjust your car rearview and side mirrors. Whether you notice subtle changes or not, we still recommend that patients receive periodic chiropractic assessments by our staff to verify the proper spinal balance and ensure overall health.
For more information on NUCCA or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (949) 631-5171.