What is Nucca?
Nucca is definately not a common known word. It actually stands for the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. Nucca chiropractors look at correcting the devastating effects of the atlas subluxation complex. It's inception began in Monroe, Michigan in 1964 by the late Dr. Ralph R. Gregory, a chiropractor that wanted to perfect what is known as the upper cervical adjustment. Since that time Nucca has spread across the globe but still only contains a handful of chiropractors that dedicate themselves specifically to this work. In fact, there are only 200 or so chiropractors that are Nucca doctors, which is one reason why it is common for patients to drive long distances to receive care.
What is occuring?
Nucca is a specific correction to the upper part of the neck. Due to trauma or repetitive stress, a small misalignment can occur between your skull and the top two bones of your neck which is referred to as the atlas subluxation complex. When this occurs your head becomes misaligned from the vertical axis or center of gravity causing certain reflexes in your nervous system to start working overtime. When this problem occurs the body has to compensate for the misaligned head position, causing postural distortion in the rest of the body framework. Have you ever tried to balance a soccer ball on your head? if the ball starts to move off center then the rest of your body has to shift its position in order to keep the ball properly on your head, now just pretend that the soccer ball is an extension of 
your head and you can see how hard your muscles need to work just to keep it on straight! The problems that occur with the atlas subluxation complex (misaligned head and neck) can be numerous, in fact every single aspect of your health could potentially be affected from this problem. The reason: your nervous system!!! your nerves go to every single cell in your body, and your brain coordinates every message to these cells. A good question to ask yourself would be: What would happen if the message between the brain and the cells becomes interrupted or irritated due to a misalignment at the connecting point between the skull and neck? Think of Christopher Reeve and the horrible problems he faced because of his accident and trauma to his neck. Now this is the most severe problem; however, the atlas subluxation complex works the same way, but just on a smaller scale.
Finding the problem
If it is initially determined that you have significant body imbalance, a specific series of x-rays are performed and 
mathematically analyzed before the first spinal correction. To obtain an optimum 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 insuring 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.
The Adjustment
When it’s time for your spinal adjustment, the doctor will have the patient lie on the adjusting table on the side, and position the head in a very specific fashion. This is based on the information obtained from the x-rays. The doctor will be positioned at a specific stance, again determined from the x-ray analysis, and will place his hand near the ear. This is where the side of the atlas, or first 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 that 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 the first adjustment, the doctor will take 2 post x-rays following the initial correction. These post x-rays will show the doctor how the spine responded to the initial correction and if any further work needs to be done. This is typically only done after the first adjustment. The better the spinal correction, the better the chance of recovery. Because each spinal correction and healing response is unique to the individual, close monitoring on follow-up visits will be done. These visits help to ensure the spinal correction is maintained for as long as possible and the healing process continues.
Results
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, spinal posture measurements, help to monitor the recovery process over time. Healing is a process, not an event. Recovery continues as long as the adjustment or correction holds and optimum spinal balance is maintained. Adjustments are given only when the body demonstrates a sufficient misalignment. After the spinal correction, you will want to be mindful of looking after yourself during the initial phase of the healing process. Being adjusted as few times as possible is ideal and it’s our goal to help you achieve this.
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