The NUCCA Procedure/What To Expect
1. First Visit – Consultation/Exam
Prior to your visit, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which the doctor will go over with you on your first visit to better understand your case.
A comprehensive chiropractic examination will be done using postural and weight distribution analysis, thermographic and sEMG scans and leg length measurement to determine if an upper cervical misalignment could be the cause of the problem.
In order to be able to correct the upper cervical spine gently and with precision, a 3 view NUCCA x-ray series will be done. The doctor will then do a detailed biomechanical analysis of these x-rays before your next appointment, to assess your misalignment and calculate the angles and contact for your NUCCA correction. Like a fingerprint, no two misalignments are alike.
2. Second visit – Report of findings
On the second visit, the doctor will go over the findings of the x-rays, correlate that with the exam findings and explain the plan of treatment to get the spine aligned and you feeling optimal results. On this visit, you will receive your first adjustment and the doctor will go over at home instructions to help with healing and stability. Post adjustment NUCCA x-rays will also be done and analyzed to see whether correction of the upper cervical misalignment has been achieved or a new adjustment vector is needed.
3. Regular visits
In order for optimal healing and recovery to occur, regular NUCCA corrections are needed initially to restore nerve communication and retrain the old muscle patterns. Usually this process can take approximately 12 weeks depending on your injury and how long it has been there. Each visit, the doctor will do a postural analysis and leg length measurement to determine if the upper cervical spine is in or out of alignment. Depending on the results, give a correction or exercises and adjuctive therapies to help you hold your alignment. The road to recovery is not always linear and can require redirection and persistence.
