What is NUCCA?

NUCCA stands for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. NUCCA is an advanced specialized technique in Chiropractic that your Northbrook Chiropractor uses.

At Nucare in Northbrook, Dr. Nathalie Bloom is trained in this precise, gentle method, which involves no cracking, popping, or forceful manipulation.

NUCCA focuses on realigning the entire body by correcting a subtle misalignment in the upper neck, specifically at the atlas vertebra (C1). When this top bone shifts out of position, the head moves with it, causing the rest of the body to compensate in order to remain upright.

Why Alignment Matters

The spinal column remains straight and balanced when:

  • The head is centered over the neck

  • The pelvis is aligned beneath it.

When the atlas misaligns:

  • The head shifts off-center, which leads to a tilting of the pelvis.

  • The spine begins to twist and buckle to adapt to this shift.

  • Back muscles tighten to bring the body back into balance—creating tension, discomfort, and functional imbalance.

Misalignment often shows up as:

  • One leg appears shorter

  • Uneven hips or shoulders

  • Twisting of the torso

  • Muscular imbalance

  • Abnormal movement patterns

  • Progressive wear and tear over time

With NUCCA, your Northbrook Chiropractor uses precise diagnostic imaging (including specialized x-rays) to calculate how the spine has tilted, shifted, or rotated from its optimal position. The goal is to correct that misalignment with a gentle, targeted adjustment at the atlas. This approach is incredibly specific - requiring no forceful movements. Instead, your Nucca Chiropractor applies a light, pre-calculated pressure just below the ear to guide the atlas back into place.

The atlas vertebra surrounds and protects the brainstem, the control center for nearly all communication between the brain and body. Misalignment at this level can place stress on the brainstem, disrupting vital nerve signals that regulate the body’s function.

When left uncorrected, this distortion can contribute to chronic dysfunction and degeneration in the body. By restoring proper alignment, NUCCA helps to remove this interference and allow your body to heal naturally.

Why the Brainstem Matters

How Does Atlas Misalignment Occur?

Injuries throughout life can lead to atlas misalignment, including:

  • Car accidents

  • Sports injuries

  • Falls or slips (including on ice)

  • Whiplash or repetitive strain

  • Even sleeping in an awkward position

Such events can damage soft tissues and create instability, scar tissue, muscle spasms, and pain. Over time, even small, repetitive injuries can accumulate and have lasting effects.

Your Nucca Experience in Northbrook

No two people have the same spine—and no two NUCCA adjustments are the same.

Each patient at Nucare receives a customized treatment plan based on their unique anatomy and x-ray findings.

Once your misalignment is identified, Dr. Bloom uses the NUCCA technique to gently reposition your atlas. This restores proper head-neck balance, reduces nervous system interference, and helps the spine naturally unwind and realign over time.

As the body relaxes and tension releases, many patients notice immediate improvements—including reduced pain, increased energy, and improved posture.

If you’re ready to restore balance to your body and improve your health from the top down, contact our office in Northbrook today to learn how NUCCA care with Dr. Bloom can help you.

What our patients are saying about us…

  • "Dr. Bloom is exceptional! After a NUCCA adjustment, the pain in my lower back disappears, and I feel straighter and more balanced. It’s still amazing to me how the atlas adjustment helps my entire body!"

    —Cathy S., Evanston, IL

  • “Before seeing Dr. Bloom, it seems like I was always in pain. I’ve been seeing Dr. Bloom for about 2 months now and am extremely grateful for how much she has helped my neck and low back. I’m able to do the things I want to do and get away with it! I feel well again!"

    —Janet N., Long Grove, IL

  • "I had tennis elbow that would not go away. After only 3 ARPwave treatments the pain is gone and it hasn’t come back again. Remarkable! I recommend the ARPwave and Dr. Bloom to anyone!"

    —Daniel W., Chicago, IL

  • “Dr. Bloom was my last stop before surgery. I tried everything for 2 years to get rid of my low back pain. In a just 3 weeks NUCCA and Dr. Bloom have changed my life, I no longer have back pain! I wish I found her sooner. I tell everybody about NUCCA and Dr. Bloom!”

    —Judy P., Highland Park, IL

  • “I was referred to Dr. Bloom by my internist to help with sciatic pain. It was my first time seeing a NUCCA Chiropractor. In just a couple of weeks my pain, which I suffered from for 8 years, was completely gone. I can walk long distances and wake up without any pain now. Just amazing! Dr. Bloom’s amazing!”

    —Carol P., Wilmette, IL

  • “I suffered from headaches for 7 years. I had pain in my neck and shoulders that prevented me from sitting at my desk without being in pain. I still can’t believe such a gentle adjustment works so well. I feel great, I don’t suffer from headaches anymore and I am thankful for all that Dr. Bloom has done for me, I feel like myself again!!”

    —Amy D., Northbrook, IL

  • “Before experiencing NUCCA, I always had back and neck pain, which often spread throughout my shoulders. I have pretty bad scoliosis which makes one of my shoulders sit higher than the other. After my very first visit with Dr. Bloom, I felt completely different. It was incredible! All of my back and neck pain was gone and I feel great! My posture has improved as well. I’ve also noticed a boost in my energy levels and a lot fewer headaches since beginning treatment with Dr. Bloom. The results I’ve experienced are truly amazing and I would recommend NUCCA to anyone wanting to improve their overall health and get rid of their pain! This type of chiropractic is really wonderful!”

    —Julie S., Glenview, IL

  • “I came to Dr. Bloom with neck pain and tingling down my arm. I even had to stop playing tennis because the pain was unbearable. After seeing Dr. Bloom and after a few NUCCA treatments, I am now pain free and playing tennis again. I highly recommend Dr. Bloom!!!”

    —John K., Winnetka, IL

  • “I was in 2 Car accidents when I was younger and felt fine. It was only 6 months ago that I suffered excruciating low back pain and was diagnosed with a herniated disc. It was so painful that I didn’t think it would ever go away. My sister swore by the NUCCA treatments and insisted I see Dr. Bloom. After only several treatments my pain was gone! I continue to see Dr. Bloom when I feel a twinge. I am so thankful to have discovered NUCCA and Dr. Bloom!! I highly recommend her!!”

    —Lauren M., Kenosha WI

  • “I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and was suffering and struggling from chronic pain for the past 2 years before discovering Dr. Bloom. I tried so many therapies that I was skeptical when first trying NUCCA. Dr. Bloom was very warm and caring and made me feel like I was in the right place. I couldn’t believe how gentle and effective the Nucca adjustment can be. It’s changed my life and now I know where to go when I’m out of alignment! Dr. Bloom is great at what she does!!”

    —Stephanie G., Arlington Heights, IL

  • “NUCCA has changed my life! When I first came into see Dr. Bloom, my whole body was leaning to the left, I just wasn’t straight. I had suffered from a herniated disc in the past and it would take months to recover. I new my disc was herniating again. A friend at work referred me to Dr. Bloom. I wish I went to see her sooner. I felt better and looked straighter in just days! Unbelievable!!"

    —Robert R., Libertyville, IL

  • “I had injured my right meniscus skiing 2 years ago. I ‘ve been having knee pain ever since and it’s caused me to stop working out. After only a few ARPwave treatments, the pain was gone. I couldn’t believe it! Now I work out regularly and I tell everyone at the gym about the amazing ARPwave!”

    —Carrie B., Waconda, IL

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