FAQs

Technique: Utilizes low-force adjustments, often using specialized instruments or gentle manual techniques. Benefits: Aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being without the cracking or popping sounds typical of traditional adjustments.

No, there is absolutely no popping or twisting of the neck. While general chiropractic adjustments offered by other chiropractors are safe when practiced by fully trained doctors of chiropractic, we do not adjust in this manner in this office.

The NUCCA approach to spinal care is based on gently moving joints into alignment, emphasizing the use of precision over force. That makes the NUCCA adjustment effective while being extremely gentle. Anyone who is fearful of traditional chiropractic adjustments (which are also safe and effective) may appreciate our unique approach.

Pain Relief: Can alleviate headaches, neck pain, and even migraines. Improved Function: Enhances nervous system function, which can lead to improvements in overall health and wellness. Stability: Aims to stabilize the upper cervical region, which can have positive effects throughout the body.  Click here for more information.

Specific adjustments focus on the alignment of the atlas and axis using gentle, targeted adjustments. Postural analysis often involves assessing posture and body mechanics to identify misalignments.

Proper alignment of the atlas and axis is essential for efficient communication between the brain and the body. Misalignments can lead to nerve interference, affecting various bodily functions. Issues in these vertebrae can result in headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and other neurological symptoms.

The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae are essential components of the cervical spine, playing key roles in both spinal health and overall well-being. The atlas acts as a base for the skull, supporting its weight and allowing for a wide range of head movements. It enables nodding motions (flexion and extension) of the head, surrounds and safeguards the brainstem, and maintains proper alignment of the spine. The axis provides the pivot point for the atlas, allowing for rotational movements of the head and enhancing the stability of the cervical spine while protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots.

The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae play crucial roles in the nervous system and overall spinal health. The atlas supports the weight of the head and allows for its range of motion (nodding), surrounding and protecting the brainstem, where the spinal cord meets the brain. Misalignments in the atlas can affect nerve pathways, potentially leading to various health issues. The axis allows for the rotation of the head (shaking your head "no"), providing pivotal movement, and it provides stability to the skull while ensuring a secure connection between the head and spine.

The alignment of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae plays a critical role in nerve communication throughout the body. Proper alignment ensures that the spinal cord and upper spinal cord are free from pressure or compression, facilitating efficient transmission of nerve signals. Misalignments can lead to nerve irritation or compression, disrupting the signals transmitted through the nervous system, which can manifest in various symptoms, including pain, numbness, or dysfunction in the organs and tissues innervated by affected nerves.

Misalignment of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae can lead to various consequences affecting bodily functions. Pain and discomfort can arise from nerve interference, leading to headaches, neck pain, and numbness in the arms and hands. Musculoskeletal issues may result from reduced mobility and muscle tension. The autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions, can be disrupted, leading to issues like irregular heartbeats or digestive problems. Chronic misalignments can contribute to long-term conditions, diminished quality of life, and compensatory patterns that lead to further musculoskeletal issues.

Misalignment can disrupt the balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems, potentially leading to chronic stress responses or an inability to relax. Altered communication can affect heart rate control and contribute to elevated blood pressure. Digestive processes may be hindered due to impaired nerve signals, potentially leading to issues like bloating or constipation. Chronic stress from misalignment can keep the sympathetic nervous system heightened, leading to symptoms like anxiety and fatigue.

Misalignment can impair nerve pathways that regulate digestion, leading to slowed peristalsis and irregular bowel movements. Chronic stress responses can inhibit digestive processes, resulting in discomfort and decreased digestive efficiency. Visceral nerve interference can lead to dysfunction in organs like the stomach and intestines, while poor blood flow to digestive organs can affect nutrient delivery and waste removal.  

Impaired blood flow can lead to reduced nutrient absorption and long-term deficiencies, which may result in weakened immunity and fatigue. Digestive dysfunction, such as slowed digestion and bloating, can arise. Inflammation in the digestive tract may occur, leading to conditions like gastritis. Poor organ function can affect the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, while elevated stress levels may hinder digestive processes.

Chiropractic adjustments can restore proper alignment, enhance nerve communication, and improve blood flow to digestive organs. Regular care can reduce stress and tension, promoting better digestive health. Chiropractors often take a holistic approach, integrating lifestyle advice and preventive care to maintain overall health.

From the patient’s experience, NUCCA is very different for several reasons. There is no popping, twisting, or thrusting into the spine. When performed by trained chiropractors, these procedures are very safe and can be very effective. However, they are not used in NUCCA. The adjustment is based on measurements taken from x-rays, so each individual patient receives an adjustment tailor-made for their body. The focus is on restoring total body balance. In many cases this means that fewer chiropractic adjustments may be necessary in order to reach the desired changes, which means fewer chiropractic visits.  NUCCA specifically targets the upper cervical region, utilizing gentle, low-force adjustments and thorough assessments through radiographic imaging. It emphasizes the relationship between upper cervical alignment and the nervous system, integrating lifestyle counseling for holistic health. Click here for more details.

NUCCA care focuses on gentle, precise adjustments and detailed analysis of upper cervical alignment. It emphasizes the relationship between upper cervical alignment and nervous system function, aiming to restore optimal communication throughout the body. NUCCA is supported by research and involves individualized treatment plans for long-term wellness.

Yes, various levels of expertise exist, ranging from foundational training to advanced certification and specialization. Practitioners often pursue ongoing education and mentorship roles, contributing to the field's development.

Board Certified NUCCA Chiropractors have completed specific training and examinations, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in the field. They adhere to high standards of practice and are involved in research and professional development.

As of the latest information, there are approximately 21 Board Certified NUCCA Chiropractors in the United States, indicating a commitment to advanced training within the NUCCA community.  There are several chiropractors, in fact hundreds who are NUCCA members.  But this does not mean they have been credentialed by the NUCCA Board.

Yes, Dr. Michelle M. Nowakowski is currently the only Board Certified NUCCA chiropractor in Colorado, practicing at Life Enhancing Chiropractic.

For specific research projects go to this page. 

Because so few chiropractors in the US do specialty work like atlas/axis realignment, many people have never heard of the technique.  There are over 70,000 chiropractos and under 300 of them have studied this specific type of adjustment.  Even fewer have become fully board certified in the work.  

The NUCCA procedure is purposefully gentle because of the way the body responds to sudden motion at the top of the spine. It is extremely rare for a patient to say that the adjustment hurts.

However, like any other health care procedure, sometimes changes within the body after the adjustment can cause some temporary and minor discomfort as the body responds to its new alignment. Dr. Nowakowski will prepare you for all of these possibilities when you visit.

The NUCCA procedure is meant to restore proper body balance and allow the body a greater ability for self-healing. For most people that does not come from a one-time adjustment, so a proper care plan is necessary to make sure that you’re progressing under Dr. Nowakowski’s care.

While everyone’s response is different, generally speaking, those who choose upper cervical care make fewer repeat visits than with other forms of chiropractic care. The emphasis in NUCCA is not on getting repeated adjustments, but making sure that your adjustment is holding. After an initial period of care, many patients are able to make seasonal return visits to Dr. Nowakowski to get their alignment checked.

The goal of a traditional chiropractic adjustment is to restore motion in the spine, anywhere where there might be problems in the joints of the spine. In this system, multiple adjustments over multiple visits is expected and helpful.

The goal of the NUCCA adjustment is to restore balance across the entire spine, expecting problems of joint motion to change and improve the longer the spine stays in balance.

Over time this new balance gives your body an opportunity to heal, relax, and find a new equilibrium. Some days feel really good. And other days don’t feel so great. Dr. Nowakowski will always check if you are maintaining your new alignment based on objective measurements of your posture. She will only adjust the upper cervical spine when there is a clinical indicator to do so.

Generally, the fewer adjustments one receives, the faster the patient tends to progress through their upper cervical chiropractic care plan. Holding means healing in the NUCCA system.

While Dr. Nowakowski does receive referrals from primary care providers and other body work professionals, a referral is not necessary to seek a consultation. 

At Life Enhancing Chiropractic, we accept most major forms of payment including cash, major credit cards, and checks. If you want to know whether or not we take a specific payment form, please contact us, and we’ll be more than happy to go over it with you! 

After you have an appointment for a free consultation, please print the appropriate Intake Forms and complete them. Bring them to your appointment. It is preferred that you do not send your personal health information to Life Enhancing Chiropractic via email.