NUCCA
Encyclopedia
NUCCA is a style of Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic
developed by Dr. Ralph Gregory and based primarily upon the work he and Dr. John Grostic performed known as the Grostic Technique. In 1966, Dr. Gregory founded The NUCCA organization, which is an acronym for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association, where the NUCCA technique was first taught at the first NUCCA seminar located at the Howard Johnson Motel in Monroe, Michigan.
subluxation
complex (ASC) is present, taking precise x-ray films of the upper cervical spine in 3-D, x-rays analysis, the adjustment and post-x-rays.
NUCCA practitioners believe that scientific investigation has demonstrated that a misalignment (subluxation) of the C1 area results in over-excitation of an area of the brainstem that controls tone of postural musculature. They believe that this stressor on the nervous system results in postural imbalances and unequal leg length
s. Posture can be analyzed utilizing different postural measurement tools although NUCCA protocol officially recognizes only the Anatometer. Leg length checks are performed in the supine position differing from other chiropractic techniques.
The 3 x-ray views take by a NUCCA chiropractor are the lateral cervical view, the nasium view and vertex view. These 3 x-ray views, a precise analysis utilizing instruments engineered to investigate the position of the atlas vertebra (C1) in relation to the center of the skull, the axis vertebra (C2) and the lower neck is used to determine a vector with which to adjust the atlas vertebra.
The adjustment itself utilizes the hands and requires that the patient lie on their side (whichever side is determined by the x-ray findings). The NUCCA doctor follows a protocol of 8 phases to re-align the spine and contacts the atlas transverse with their pisiform. The adjustment itself is known to NUCCA doctors as the triceps pull.
Tests are used to determine if any change has occurred. After the first adjustment, a second set of x-rays is performed and re-analyzed to determine the efficacy of the adjustment. Posture is also re-analyzed after each adjustment.
A pilot studyconcludes that alignment of the atlas vertebra results in notable and sustained reduction in blood pressure.
NUCCA textbook
Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic
Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic is a branch of chiropractic developed and promoted by B. J. Palmer beginning in the 1930s until his death. According to Upper cervical chiropractic, a vertebral subluxation can only occur in upper cervical vertebrae...
developed by Dr. Ralph Gregory and based primarily upon the work he and Dr. John Grostic performed known as the Grostic Technique. In 1966, Dr. Gregory founded The NUCCA organization, which is an acronym for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association, where the NUCCA technique was first taught at the first NUCCA seminar located at the Howard Johnson Motel in Monroe, Michigan.
Protocol
The NUCCA protocol consists of several steps: determining whether or not atlasAtlas (anatomy)
In anatomy, the atlas is the most superior cervical vertebra of the spine.It is named for the Atlas of Greek mythology, because it supports the globe of the head....
subluxation
Vertebral subluxation
Vertebral subluxation is a term that is commonly used by some chiropractors to describe signs and symptoms of the spinal column. Those chiropractors who assert this concept also add a visceral component to the definition...
complex (ASC) is present, taking precise x-ray films of the upper cervical spine in 3-D, x-rays analysis, the adjustment and post-x-rays.
NUCCA practitioners believe that scientific investigation has demonstrated that a misalignment (subluxation) of the C1 area results in over-excitation of an area of the brainstem that controls tone of postural musculature. They believe that this stressor on the nervous system results in postural imbalances and unequal leg length
Unequal leg length
Unequal leg length or leg length inequality refers to a medical condition where the legs are of different lengths.One form is "leg length alignment asymmetry" which is a condition in physiology where one leg is unequal in length while in a supine or prone position .LLAA can be either anatomical...
s. Posture can be analyzed utilizing different postural measurement tools although NUCCA protocol officially recognizes only the Anatometer. Leg length checks are performed in the supine position differing from other chiropractic techniques.
The 3 x-ray views take by a NUCCA chiropractor are the lateral cervical view, the nasium view and vertex view. These 3 x-ray views, a precise analysis utilizing instruments engineered to investigate the position of the atlas vertebra (C1) in relation to the center of the skull, the axis vertebra (C2) and the lower neck is used to determine a vector with which to adjust the atlas vertebra.
The adjustment itself utilizes the hands and requires that the patient lie on their side (whichever side is determined by the x-ray findings). The NUCCA doctor follows a protocol of 8 phases to re-align the spine and contacts the atlas transverse with their pisiform. The adjustment itself is known to NUCCA doctors as the triceps pull.
Tests are used to determine if any change has occurred. After the first adjustment, a second set of x-rays is performed and re-analyzed to determine the efficacy of the adjustment. Posture is also re-analyzed after each adjustment.
Literature
Textbooks such as Eriksen's "Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex" argue for the technique on the basis of empirical evidence in private practice and a review of associated concepts in published literature.A pilot studyconcludes that alignment of the atlas vertebra results in notable and sustained reduction in blood pressure.
NUCCA textbook