Services/Signature Care
NUCCA Upper Cervical Chiropractic
A precise, low-force correction to the top of the spine.
What it is
The how matters as much as the what.
NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) is a specialized chiropractic technique that focuses on the top two bones of the spine — the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). When these vertebrae are misaligned by even a fraction of a millimeter, the entire body compensates, creating tension, pain, and nervous-system dysregulation.
Dr. Sweeney has been a NUCCA member since 2001. Each correction is guided by precision imaging and measured post-adjustment to verify the change. It's gentle enough for infants and elderly patients — no twisting, no cracking, no popping — but powerful enough to resolve issues conventional adjustments simply can't reach.
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- 01Comprehensive intake and orthopedic/neurological exam
- 02Precision imaging to calculate your unique correction vector
- 03A specific, gentle contact behind the ear — no twisting or popping
- 04Post-adjustment measurements to verify the correction held
- 05A care plan built around stabilizing the correction over time
Commonly treated
Who this helps most.
- TMJ dysfunction
- Chronic headaches & migraines
- Vertigo & dizziness
- Post-concussion symptoms
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Cervical instability
- POTS & dysautonomia
Related condition pages
FAQ
Common questions.
- Does it hurt?
- No. NUCCA is one of the gentlest chiropractic techniques in existence. There is no twisting or popping — most patients describe the contact as light pressure behind the ear.
- How is this different from a regular adjustment?
- Traditional chiropractic focuses on symptomatic segments throughout the spine. NUCCA focuses exclusively on the upper cervical spine because a correction there re-balances the entire structure below it.
- How many visits will I need?
- It depends on how long the misalignment has been present and how well your body holds the correction. Most patients see meaningful change within the first 6–12 visits and then transition to maintenance care.