NUCCA Technique

This manual method of adjusting the atlas subluxation complex is based on 3D x-ray studies that determine the correct line of drive or vector of force.

HISTORY

Ralph Gregory, DC of Monroe, Michigan founded the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association in 1966. He and John Grostic Sr., DC of Ann Arbor, Michigan, began working together to perfect B.J. Palmer's H.I.O. technique in 1941, and started Grostic technique classes in 1945. By the time John Grostic died in 1964, there were over 500 Grostic practitioners. Dr. Gregory continued w teach the technique until his death in 1990, at which time Dr. A.A. Berti of Vancouver became the President of NUCCA. In 1998, Dr. Bobby Goodman of Nevada was elected President. Dr. Goodman continues to expand N.U.C.C.A. into colleges worldwide. In October, 1998, we introduced the technique to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College for the first time.

In The Atlas Specific, Dr. A.A. Wernsing states that "C1 moves laterally as if on the rim of a circle". This understanding led to the condular circle diameter measurement, enabling Drs Grostic and Gregory to measure the amplitude of CI excursion for the first time. The axis superior articulations were added, and the condylar-axial concept became the starting point for what was to become the Grostic technique. From there they used pre and post x-rays to determine the reduction of the atlas subluxation complex. The toggle became the triceps pull as the vector direction became more important than force. Instruments were developed to measure the misalignment factors and to eliminate as many variables as possible.

POSTURAL DISTORTION

Verifiable elements such as spastic contracture, pelvic distortions, contractured leg, center of gravity displacement, and deviations of the spinal vertebrae from the vertical axis are objective signs that can be measured, tested and reciprocally related to the A.S.C. A misaligned atlas causes unilateral shortening of the leg length and causes compensatory postures often affecting the spine. As the head shifts off center, the pelvis must also shift. When the head and neck misalign, the muscles of the back will also tighten.

ANATOMETER

To quantify body distortion, patients are measured pre and post on the Anatometer [1]. The Anatometer [2] measures the degree of vertical pelvic tilt, pelvic rotation in the horizontal plane, the lean of the spinal column at the shoulder level, and the amount of weight the patient carries on each foot. On February 11, 1977, the United States Patent allowed all of the claims that NUCCRA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Association) made and granted NUCCRA a process patent on the Anatometer [3]. Consequently, the process for determining the relative location of vertebrae in the human spine, and the several steps that comprise the process are now patented in NUCCRA's name.

PRECISION X-RAY ANALYSIS

X-rays are taken and analyzed before any adjustment is made. X-rays determine in three planes (Sagittal, A-P, and Vertex) a resultant force vector to adjust the vertebrae back to the vertical axis. Precisely aligned X-ray equipment and optimum patient positioning is critical. Less than 1 mm of C1 laterality can trigger imbalance between inhibitory and facilitory mechanisms. The average three-millimeter atlas subluxation would be a forty-two percent distortion of the cord's necessary static and dynamic physiological space. This space-taking lesion is the cause of many upper motor neuron lesions, as well as

patchy neurological deficits. X-ray analysis will determine which category of upper cervical subluxation the patient has. NUCCA categorizes the biomechanics of upper cervical subluxations into four basic types.

ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE

The patient lies in the side posture with a stable head support. The placement of the patient's skull on the headpiece is determined from the type of misalignment measured. The chiropractor determines where, how, and at what angle to stand in order to make the adjustment along the resultant force vector or correct line of drive. The hand adjustment is made with a pisiform contact. It is a slight and controlled pressure on the side of C1 laterally. The force comes from the shoulders by contracting the head of the triceps muscle. A triceps "pull" applied directly along the determined vector will return the atlas to its normal position.

POSTURAL CORRECTION

After the correction has taken place, both the doctor and the patient should see significant results in postural changes. When the A.S.C. is eliminated, the vertical axis is restored to the body, resulting in balance and homeostasis. The change is often dramatic, even when the patient has a "disc syndrome". The mechanism is thought to be caused by the tensile stress in the cord due to the traction on the Dentate ligaments as a result of the A.S.C. The functional leg length discrepancy evens our, the muscle spasm is better immediately following the adjustment, and the straight leg raising and Anatometer [4] readings improve accordingly.

REFERENCES:
1. Gregory, R.; Dickholtz, M. DC. NUCCRA Monograph Research.
Palmer College of Chiropractic (1977-1995)
2. Zinn,L. A different approach to leg length discrepancies. Velo News (1996) 3. Curl, D. Chiropractic Approach to head Pain (1996)
4. Hoeller, J. Precision Spinal Care Literature (1998)
5. Benesh Corp. Anatometer Brochure, Munroe, Michigan.

Dr. Patrick Foran graduated from CMCC in 1959, and has been an upper cervical chiropractor for forty years. He has been a guest lecturer at CMCC and appeared on the Lifetime Television Network Series "The Alternative Medicine Show".