Dr. Burbidge and Dr. Ala utilize a unique form of chiropractic care called NUCCA, an acronym for the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association.

NUCCA is a unique form of chiropractic care. It is an extremely gentle and precise adjustment of the spine that involves no popping, cracking, or twisting of the joints.

The NUCCA chiropractor uses spinal measurements and exact spinal x-ray measurements to design an adjustment that is unique to you, the patient. No two NUCCA spinal adjustments are the same, as everyone’s spinal shape, size, and misalignment is completely individual. Because so much time and precision goes in to designing each patient’s adjustment, the adjustment itself is very gentle. Patients most often notice the greatest amount of change following the first adjustment. Along with a notable reduction of pain and other symptoms, patients often report a profound sense of relaxation and calmness following the first adjustment that lasts for several days.

What Does NUCCA Stand for?

NUCCA is an acronym for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. The technique itself was developed in the 1940s, and in 1966 became a nationally recognized form of chiropractic. The organization is actively involved in keeping the technique both as precise and as effective as possible. Certification standards of NUCCA are extremely high. Dr. Burbidge has been an active member of NUCCA since 2003, and has held the position of Chair of Publications for NUCCA since 2005. Further information on NUCCA, including ongoing research and conditions treated, can be found at the website, nucca.org.

What Is the NUCCA Adjustment?

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"I felt a deep relaxation in my jaw just after receiving the adjustment. Your work has kept my TMJ pain away, and made me able to sleep soundly through the night. Thank you, Dr. Burbidge.” - D. H.

The key point of the NUCCA spinal adjustment is to “get the head on straight.” The weak link of the spine is most often found at the atlas bone. The atlas bone is the small, flat, round bone that supports the weight of the head. Because of its shape and size in relationship to the skull, the atlas tends to go out of place easily due to injury or repetitive stress. When the atlas bone is out of place, there exists a constant irritation to the brain stem. This constant irritation creates interference in the communication between the brain and the body. The brain is unable to balance the body effectively in gravity, and muscles begin to chronically tighten to compensate for the imbalance, causing tension and pain. Other systems in the body are also compromised as signals to and from the brain are impaired. Following a precise NUCCA adjustment, the atlas is returned to its natural place and the interference between the brain and the body is removed. Muscles relax as the body is returned to its natural state of balance. Chronic pain and tension is removed. Other systems of the body including the digestive system, the reproductive system, the immune system, mental function, and others begin to work more efficiently.

What Conditions Does the NUCCA Adjustment Treat?

NUCCA has been shown to effectively treat such conditions as low back pain, head-aches, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, upper back pain, thoracic outlet syndrome, fibromyalgia, ADHD, chronic fatigue, chronic ear aches, TMJ, sleep disturbances, hypertension, sacroiliac dysfunction, migraines, and other conditions. See the testimonial section in this website for descriptions by some of Dr. Burbidge’s patients of the relief they have had from some of these conditions by receiving her care. Call the office if you have questions about your specific condition. Dr. Burbidge and Dr. Ala will let you know if NUCCA care is appropriate for you, and, if not, will help to refer you appropriately.

What Is Involved in NUCCA Care?

NUCCA care is also unique in that it typically requires much fewer treatments for the patient to become stable than more common forms of chiropractic. Treatment varies according to each patient’s condition. A young child most often needs one to two ad-justments before their spine becomes stable. An adult new patient most often averages four to eight adjustments before their spine becomes stable. It is Dr. Burbidge’s and Dr. Ala's goal to return the patient to individual optimal health and balance in as few treatments as possible. Because the NUCCA spinal adjustment returns the body to its natural state of balance, connecting the head to the body without interference at the brain stem, the nervous sys-tem is able to function efficiently. This allows for natural calmness in both the mind and in the body, so that healing may begin. Pain and other symptoms are reduced, and, with comparatively minimal treatment, the achieved spinal health allows for the individual return to his or her optimal state of independent health and wellness.

"My perspective of Chiropractors was at best skeptical and very well illustrated by the joke: How many chiropractors does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but it takes 47 visits. "I was in quite a bit of discomfort and a very trusted friend strongly recommended Dr. Margaret A. Burbidge to me. With great hesitation, I made my appointment. She did an extensive evaluation; a couple of visits to adjust me and the adjustment held and has held for months. "I was extremely pleased with Dr. Burbidge's expertise, personable manner and most importantly the results I've experienced. I highly recommend Dr. Burbidge and Precision Spinal Care." - Jim Sorensen Business Consultant

"Dr. Margaret Burbidge's work with NUCCA is life changing. After just one session with her, I had more shifting and changing in one adjustment than I have in YEARS of traditional chiropractic. The frequency and intention behind the work is very powerful and I highly suggest it, especially to those people who have chronic pain or a history of trauma. "I can honestly say that her work is synergistic with Bowenwork and we find that clients who utilize NUCCA and Bowenwork heal at a deep cellular level. I am very thankful for my connection and relationship with Margaret and encourage those who are looking to live life at its optimum, to give NUCCA a try...it will be life changing." - Jessica Sheaffer, LMT Bowenwork Therapist

Videos on NUCCA

Chicago Tonight
Dr. Dickholtz, Sr. on the Chicago Tonight Show

What is NUCCA?
A short video on the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA).

Tony Shumacher Story
Discovery Health Channel Tony Schumacher dramatic dragster crash; amazing recovery with NUCCA care.