What is NUCCA chiropractic technique?
Most people associate chiropractic with a basic set of twisting and popping. While that is one of the methods used, there is a lot more to chiropractic care than this. In fact, there are over 200 techniques involved in chiropractic healthcare.
One method we use at Lotus Chiropractic Care is the light-touch technique of NUCCA. It is a fairly common technique among chiropractors–and is often a great alternative to the traditional “twist & pop” approach.
What is the NUCCA technique? What conditions is it used for? And is it right for you? Have a read below. Staying aware of your options in healthcare can help you take the right step when it is time.
NUCCA- The basic idea
NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) is a gentle technique to realign the entire spine using precise upper cervical adjustment (the neck region). This technique primarily seeks to identify and fix the root of a condition. And since the cervical spine influences the alignment of the entire spine–making corrections in this region proves effective in healing a variety of symptoms.
This technique primarily involves gentle and subtle pressure to adjust the cervical spine–carefully. There is no pulling, twisting, or abrupt motions–and the correction is usually completed in a few minutes.
The basic idea is to help the body heal itself. If the head and neck are properly aligned, the rest of the spine may correct itself gradually, naturally.
The cervical spine and NUCCA
The upper cervical spine is not just in control of the “neck”. It plays a crucial role in the functioning of your entire body. It primarily protects the brain stem that connects your brain to the CNS. And because the cervical spine is so closely tied to the brain stem, misalignments in this region can cause a wide range of minor and serious issues-
Numbness and tingling
Pain and stiffness
Headaches and migraines
Anxiety or depression
Weakness in and around the neck
Fibromyalgia
Seizures
Chronic illness
Scoliosis
Arthritis
The NUCCA technique is not aimed directly at any of these conditions. But if the patient has a misaligned upper cervical spine–this technique can help fix the root of the problem by making corrections. And that is often key in minimizing or even eliminating any symptoms he/she may be facing.
If you are dealing with some of the symptoms above, visiting a chiropractor may be worthwhile.
The NUCCA Process
Getting to know you: The first step of treatment will be to know you and your condition. I will try and get a proper understanding of your symptoms, medical history, and your general lifestyle. Even the smallest of details may matter when it comes to your health.
Initial diagnosis: I will then take X-rays of your head and neck to understand the alignment of the cervical vertebrae. Specific mathematical X-rays can help determine the nature of your misalignment and whether NUCCA care is required for its correction.
Performing adjustments: I have my patients lie on an adjusting table–and start with gentle, non-invasive adjustments to the neck. The goal will be to realign the spinal bones based on your X-rays, using light finger pressure and subtle movements. You will not feel any rapid or jerking motions in this process.
Evaluation: It is then time to understand how your body has responded. I will take another round of X-rays of the head and neck–to analyze the precision of the adjustment and calculate the degree by which your misalignment has reduced. I will also take certain postural and leg length assessments to read the changes.
Results: I will advise you on future appointments based on the readings. The better the initial alignment, the faster you may notice a reduction in your symptoms. Either way, I will schedule you for a follow-up appointment to check if your vertebrae are shifting back to misalignment. Any future adjustments will likely be more minor than the initial ones. And the “NUCCA goal” will be to get your spine to optimal health–for it to stay in alignment with no adjustments at all.
The NUCCA method involves light, gentle adjustments–and is generally suitable for everyone. If your condition requires a more “global” approach of treating an underlying concern–NUCCA care can be the perfect alternative to the traditional techniques of chiropractic.
Unsure whether NUCCA care is for you? I can help out. At Lotus Chiropractic Care, Dr. Tanvi Desai will analyze your condition and walk you through the right treatment plan.
Ultimately, it will come down to helping the body heal in its own unique and natural way.