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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.
Copyright: all rights reserved by NUCCA and C-1 Film Productions Corp. 2024
What is NUCCA chiropractic?
NUCCA is a very gentle and precise type of chiropractic care that focuses on the top of the neck — where your head and spine meet.
This area is small, but it matters more than most people realize. It plays a big role in balance, posture, and how your nervous system communicates with the rest of your body.
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.
What NUCCA care is really trying to do
The goal of NUCCA care isn’t to “force” your body into place.
It’s to gently correct the alignment at the top of the neck so your nervous system isn’t under constant stress. When that stress is reduced, your body can start regulating itself more normally.
As things improve, people often notice subtle but meaningful changes — standing more evenly, feeling more centered, or simply moving with less effort.
How this is different from typical chiropractic care
NUCCA adjustments are extremely gentle. There’s no twisting, cracking, or sudden movements.
The correction is done with a light, specific adjustment that’s tailored to your body — not a one-size-fits-all adjustment.
Instead of chasing symptoms, we look at how your body is compensating as a whole. That may include checking things like balance, posture, and how your weight is distributed.
The focus isn’t on frequent visits or constant adjustments.
It’s on helping your body hold the correction and build stability over time.
Many patients appreciate this approach because it works with their body, not against it.
ABC: Good Morning America
NUCCA: Good Morning America Blood Pressure
Robin Roberts of Good Morning America recently featured the NUCCA procedure and its ability to decrease blood pressure as demonstrated by a recent study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension.
*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