What Happens During a Visit?

Evaluation

The evaluation process begins with a detailed case history of your health condition, including any past traumas, motor vehicle accidents, or surgeries. We will also discuss any other treatment programs and any other diagnostic tests or previous x-rays that you have had. Your chief complaints, including onset and duration, must all be evaluated and assessed.

Finding the Problem

Dr. Ciano will focus attention on the entire spine, but especially the relationship of the head to the neck. The top bone of the spine, known as the atlas or first cervical, must be in line with the head, as well as the vertebrae below. Structural imbalance can misalign the spine resulting in:

1. Postural changes
2. Pelvic distortion
3. Leg length disparity, also known as the “short leg” phenomenon

As you lay on your back, measurement of the leg length equality will be made. Pelvic distortion will be measured. Additional evaluation of posture may include shoulder height deviation. Ranges of motion may also be measured. After concluding this initial process, Dr. Ciano will determine if you are a candidate for NUCCA care.

If a spinal misalignment is indicated by history and examination, a series of x-rays are taken. It is important to know you would only be accepted as a patient if the consultation and exam results indicate that you could benefit from NUCCA care. The x-rays are only taken if care is to be initiated.

The X-Rays

The correction of spinal distortion begins with 3 cervical x-rays taken at exact right angles (90 degrees) to each other with specially designed x-ray equipment. Additional x-rays of the spine may be taken, depending on your history and condition. Precise measurement of the distortion on the x-rays must be made. This provides Dr. Ciano with the exact angle of correction, or trajectory needed for the adjustment.

These x-rays determine the direction and degree of spinal misalignment and provide information on how to properly restore the spine to normal. The upper cervical adjustment depends upon precise mathematical calculations, physics, and biomechanics. X-rays are a critical part of ensuring the spinal correction is accurate and successful.

Typically, corrective adjustments are not given on the first office visit (except in extreme cases). This first day is for information gathering and evaluation. You may schedule your second visit for the next day or as soon as schedules allow. We are anxious to help you begin to experience the benefits of chiropractic care. Both your first and second office visit will last approximately 1 hour.

The Day of the Adjustment

On your second office visit, Dr. Ciano will report on your exam and x-ray findings. You will then be adjusted.

The adjustment is done by a gentle contact on the first vertebra in the neck. Even though the primary focus is the neck, the atlas correction influence the whole spine and all body systems. This is because the NUCCA procedure affects the highest control centers over body balance, the brain stem and Central Nervous System.

The atlas, also known as the C-1 vertebra, is a small doughnut-shaped bone located at the top of the spine and at the base of the skull. The atlas surrounds the brain stem (the lower end of the brain) which exists from the opening at the base of the skull. When the spine is subjected to stress, the atlas can become misaligned and spinal distortion results. This spinal distortion produces pelvic imbalance and a functional contractured short leg. This is caused by spasticity of the back(errector spinae) muscles. This phenomenon is known as the Atlas Subluxation Complex Syndrome or the ASC Syndrome. (To clarify: when your atlas is out of alignment, your brain stem is pinched, your pelvis shifts from the horizontal position and a short leg is created. This causes your spine to twist and pinch your spinal nerves.)

The adjustment is manually done while you are laying on either your right or left side, depending on the distortion findings calculated from the analysis of the x-rays. The adjustment itself is very gentle and non-forceful. You will not have your head or neck twisted, and your neck will not be pushed. Many people find this low force adjustment procedure relaxing.

Immediately after the adjustment, your spine will be reevaluated. Your pelvis, legs and shoulders will be remeasured. To determine that the adjustive force is applied along the most accurate line of correction, 2 post x-rays will be taken.

You will be instructed on how to maintain your correction by making some ergonomic changes in your lifestyle, if necessary .

A follow-up office visit is generally scheduled for 3 to 5 days after your first treatment. It is necessary to be evaluated to determine if you are maintaining your correction. If you are not, another treatment will be given. The goal of the NUCCA technique is not to give you as many treatments as possible, but to give you a treatment that will stabilize your spine so that you can get maximum health benefits.