| Upper Cervical Upper Cervical Technique focuses on the precise adjusting of the atlas and axis, the two vertabra just below the head. It is the basic premise of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Association (NUCCRA) that an atlas or C1 subluxation is the most damaging subluxation in the spinal column. It is the first vertebral opening through which the nervous impulses pass to and from the brain. As it is located at the lower end of the brain stem, the subluxation's misalignment factors are capable of unsetting the central nervous system's inhibitory control over the extensor muscles of the spinal column, causing spinal imbalance, bodily distortions and stress. The NUCCA theory states that less than 1 mm of atlas laterality is enough to trigger a spastic contracture. Therefore, precision is essential in both X-ray taking and analysis. Each aspect is of equal importance: X-ray placement, X-ray analysis and the adjustment. Contraindications of this NUCCA adjustment are few, but osteoporosis and vertebral fracture are two conditions that could be problematic. The advantages of this procedure include safety, little pain, measurability, predictability, reliability and stability so that the body can heal itself. Skin temperature analysis, static and motion palpataion and spinal balance (leg check) are examination procedures which accompany x-ray analysis and preceed the initial adjustment. Complete physical, orthopedic, neurological examinations and laboratory, when indicated, are part of the work. The upper cervical X-ray series are used for the listing of the misalignments. Palmer Upper Cervical technique is a coordinated concussion of forces, applied by the hands, arms and shoulders, to reduce or correct multi-directional structural disrelationships of the first and second neck vertebrae in the human spine. The patient is placed on their side with their head on a drop head-piece falling approximately 1/2 inch as the adjustive thrust is initiated. A simultaneous and extremely rapid contaction of the doctor's arm muscles provides the adjustive thrust delivered through the doctor's hands. Only the hands are used to deliver the toggle (adjustive thrust). The hands and arms are allowed to 'recoil' quickly, thereby assuring minimal discomfort to the patient. Post adjustment instructions are given on an individual basis. Patients are usually advised to rest for a short period following adjustments and a 'common sense' exercise and balanced diet program are suggested. The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Assn. (NUC www.nucca.com | ||
