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Introduction to NUCCA
Upper cervical care is a lesser-known approach in healthcare, yet it plays a vital role in how the body functions and stays balanced.
NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) is a specialized form of chiropractic care that focuses on the precise alignment of the head and upper neck—especially the atlas (C-1 vertebra). This area is unique because it supports the weight of the head and protects the brainstem, which is responsible for regulating many essential body functions.
When the head and upper neck are even slightly out of alignment, the body often has to compensate. Over time, that strain can show up as things like:
- Ongoing neck pain or headaches
- Feeling off-balance or dizzy
- Posture that keeps shifting or leaning
- Muscle tension that never fully relaxes
For many people, these symptoms don’t come from one big injury — they build up slowly.
Copyright: all rights reserved by NUCCA and C-1 Film Productions Corp. 2024
Reprinted with permission from Daniel O. Clark, D.C. Copyright 2022 www.uppercervicalillustrations.com
Why People Choose NUCCA Care
NUCCA care focuses on the very top of the neck because this area has a major influence on balance, posture, and how your body responds to stress.
Instead of chasing pain from one area to another, this approach looks at how your head, neck, and body are working together. When alignment improves and the nervous system isn’t under constant strain, the body often starts to calm down and function more smoothly.
Patients often choose NUCCA because it is:
Gentle — no twisting, cracking, or force
Specific — focused on one key area instead of adjusting everything
Stable — fewer, more intentional corrections rather than constant adjustments
Sustainable — aimed at long-term balance, not short-term relief