Upper Cervical Chiropractic Therapy (UCC)

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The Upper Cervical Chiropractic technique is a specific chiropractic procedure that corrects the position of the top vertebrae of the spine, called the atlas.  UCC is a specialized sub-field of chiropractic that is administered by only 1000 of the estimated 60,000 chiropractors in the U.S.

Why UCC May Help TN and Facial Pain

The structural balance of the human body is maintained by the precise interaction of muscles which, under control of the nervous system, permit the skeletal framework to move and flex in a relatively unrestricted manner. Much of the complicated system of nerves is housed and protected by the spinal vertebrae.  It is theorized that misalignment of these vertebrae can put pressure on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brain stem between the No. 1 and No. 2 cervical vertebrae. This could be an underlying cause of TN, facial pain and loss of sensation.  Once the vertebrae have been returned to their normal position, the pressure on the nerve is eliminated and the body generally returns to normal health.

Locating the Problem

Step 1:  A careful chiropractic examination to locate the exact position of the vertebrae.  The doctor will use his hands (Scanning Palpation) to feel the area of the cervical spine.  He or she will observe posture, length of legs, head tilt, and other physical conditions.

Step 2:  X-raying the affected area.  This permits the doctor to verify his/her observations and to make precise measurements which will determine exactly where to make the adjustment and how much adjustment will be needed to return the affected vertebrae to their normal position.

Making the Adjustment

After determining the precise amount of adjustment using the physical examination and x-rays, the chiropractor utilizes either his hands or a force-controlled device to gently move the atlas into alignment.  Unlike general chiropractic adjustments, there is no twisting or forced alignment of the neck.   Sometimes it takes only one adjustment to align the atlas, but more often the patients gets two to six adjustments to move the atlas into its proper place.    Then it is necessary to check the spine weekly or bi-weekly for a period of two to three months to determine if the position has been held.  Once the Atlas has stayed in the correct position for several months, then most patients go on a “maintenance” schedule whereby they get a checkup every three to six months. 

General Chiropractic vs UCC

UCC is significantly different than general chiropractic in that it uses a very precise, force-controlled method to gently and specifically align the atlas rather than using the quick, jerking movements of standard chiropractic.  According to Dr. Roger Hinson, an Atlanta upper cervical chiropractor, “standard chiropractic treatments are really hit or miss when it comes to TN. With upper cervical adjustment, it feels more like someone pushing you with a finger. It’s a little tap.” 

Resources and Additional Information

Books

Striking Back! The Trigeminal Neuralgia and Face Pain Handbook, published by the TNA in 2004. To order, visit www.endthepain.org.

Associations:

TNA (Trigeminal Neuralgia Association) offers Information Sheets on CAM topics and listings of facial pain and TN patients who are willing to discuss with others their experiences with CAM.  Visit www.endthepain.org, or call 1-800-923-3608.

National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association, www.nucca.org 1-918-748-1900.

Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology, www.orthospinology.org 1-770-517-9921.