Covering the symptom? or getting to the cause?
fix the cause to fix the symptoms. There’s a time and place for bandaids. When the upper neck is off balance, the posture will compensate that leads to pain and symptoms.
With a cut; the first things I would do is to clean the area, put antiseptic on, and then bandage. Its an order of things that we follow. Just like putting socks first before the shoes. Those examples are no brainers. But what if there’s an object lodged within the cut. I would then have to remove the source to prevent an infection.
Now, let’s get more complicated than that. What happens when we have a headache, neck pain, or back ache? If there are no obvious causes, then we do we usually do? Exercise? Massage? And/Or take pain killers? Abuse of opioids has been a hot topic in the recent decade and for good reason. Its an epidemic that has destroyed many lives. Please don’t get me wrong. I believe there’s a time and place for everything. A firefighter would be the first to call if there’s a fire and a plumber would be the one to fix a broken water pipe. Don’t send a plumber in to do a firefighter’s job. When there is a misalignment of the upper neck, the body bio-mechanically compensates by distorting the spine. This can lead to pain and symptoms. Would repeated dosage of pain killers fix the underlying cause? or is it treating merely the symptoms? Until the bio-mechanical distortion is addressed, the symptoms naturally will continue.
Dr. Yu's story of how she found passion in NUCCA
Dr. Yu’s inspiration and passion for NUCCA chiropractic. Autism child nervous system thrives after NUCCA correction. Upper Cervical spine stability.
When someone first meets me; whether it is genuine interest or to simply make small talks…a question that usually float about is WHY? Why Chiropractic? Why NUCCA (of all things)?
As the saying goes…it found me. Here’s a story of a patient who has had a profound impact on my respect for NUCCA and the human body.
~~ Not too long ago, a child misbehaving badly, unable to play well with others, uncontrollable by normal standards were labeled as a child with poor upbringing, bad parenting, or even a future blemish to society. Now a days, those same characteristics lead to a diagnosis of autism. Autistic spectrum is wide that emcompass those with qualities of social, communication, and behavorial challenges. The cause is still unknown to the medical society. This article is not to debate the cause, but to highlight the miraculous change in little Michael's autistic life.
Michael, as he likes to be called Mikey, was diagnosed at the age of 5. His family's daily agenda transitioned to that very similar and common in any autistic household: the parents doing anything and everything in their power to find a cure for their child while maintaining a normal life. It included special education, artistic therapies, speech therapies, animal therapies, etc.
When mikey was 7, his mom found NUCCA care through another parent experiencing positive changes for their autistic child. After a two and a half hour one way car ride, they have finally found someone with the power and knowledge to help mikey. Mikey presented as a 7 year old trapped in a 5 year old's body. He was only able to express himself with screams and uncontrolled body language. His short attention span was easily captivated by mirrors, mom's familiar arms, and trucks passing by on the main road.
After a detailed examination and necessary xrays to mathematically calculate his atlas misalignment, little mikey was treated with NUCCA procedure. NUCCA is a gentle chiropractic approach without cracking, popping, or twisting to balance the spine. When the atlas is misaligned, the communication between the brain and the spinal cord are not able to communicate properly; causing neurological issues. After a week after mikey's first treatment, he started using words. Another week passed by and those word usage progressed to sentences. It may seem like a miracle story of a child learning to speak in 2 weeks. However, all these knowledge was within him and had been suppressed because of his atlas misalignment. There is no telling of what great things the body can do and heal when the brain can communicate well with the rest of the body. NUCCA is not just for autistic patients, but it is for anyone looking for vitality and pure health that is manifested from within.
Dr. Yu was interviewed for NUCCA news (fall 2018). There, you’ll be able to read a little more on her personal journey.
http://www.nucca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/NUCCA_Fall18.pdf
Dr. Yu is a NUCCA chiropractor who is practicing again in Dallas after practicing in Sydney, Australia for 5 years. She graduated from University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a major in Biology and minor in Chemistry before becoming a Chiropractor. She then continued her education at Parker University in Dallas, TX. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree . She is a Reiki Master who does energy work on animals as well.
Biggest Stressor on the Human Body?
What’s the biggest stressor to the human body? How is this stressor a culprit of our aches and pains?
There probably has not been a need for you to think about the question: What is the biggest stressor on the body? But knowing the answer can be a HUGE “ah-HA!” moment for your health & wellness. In this day and age of fast paced society + technology, the typical answer to said question would be…Fast food/diet? Work? Financial stress? However, this answer rise above all the other correct answers. *drum roll* Its GRAVITY! You’re probably thinking…what on earth? How does Newton’s falling apple have any association with biggest stressor on the human body? Well, if you can imagine the downward pressure of gravity on an object, then you can imagine a force pulling your head straight down towards the earth. Think about you (representing gravity) and a soda can as the human body. If you’re trying to crush it with a vertical - straight down force…it is actually a bit more difficult than if there’s already a twist in the soda can. So if your atlas is misaligned, then it cannot support the weight of the head with its centre of gravity. The head “kinking” off at an angle would then create a twist in the spine much like that of a twisted soda can. This becomes a physical stress onto the body. Until the head is positioned again in its true centre of gravity, the stress on the body will remain.
Our spine compensates to the abnormal pressure resulting in a high shoulder and pelvis; maybe a twist to the hips also. This often then presents with symptoms of neck, back pain, headaches, knee pain, etc. We become the human version of Leaning Tower of Pisa.
What’s the remedy? Careful mathematical calculation of how the atlas is misaligned in relationship to the skull and also its relationship to the rest of the spine. It is only when we know where the problem is the only way to know how to fix it. To see if you may be out of alignment, contact your local NUCCA chiropractor.
Part 1: What's "holding" the correction?
Any time body work is done, how much of that work are you retaining? What does it mean to be holding the correction? What should you be looking for?
If you’re reading this; you’ve probably been under some form of chiropractic care or maybe you’re super interested in why NUCCA is so different. As a chiropractor, I’ve heard patients say any of these combinations
1. “I know I NEVER hold the adjustment.”
2. “I can only hold the correction several days.”
3. “I pop right out the moment I get off the table.”
& this one is my favorite….
4. “My atlas is holding, but I have problems with A, B, & C.
The common denominator to these issues is that there is still an interference with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Regardless of what the symptom may be. Regardless of where said symptom is. I question what’s going on with the Atlas. Think of the alignment as a work in progress. “We are just not quite there yet.” and the solution is to keep working on the alignment until all checks indicate the brainstem is free of ANY and ALL interference…not in a week’s time or a month’s time…but NOW.
HOW? & WHAT do we look for?
Posture is not just about keeping your back straight, shoulders down, and holding the head upright. Its about Atlas alignment that allows for the nerves to fire properly that allows for proper posture to occur. Its not your consciousness of your posture, but the nerves working optimally, automatically the moment you’re upright.
Leg length check: when a patient is laying down on their back and the body is resting( the weight of the head + force of gravity is no longer resting on the spine); the leg length SHOULD be even. Nerves should be calm (there’s no signal for the extensor muscles to contract) therefore the muscles of the back should also be completely relaxed, giving us the visual of even leg length. HOWEVER, when there is a misalignment of the atlas, the nervous system simply cannot be calm leading to nerves firing off. So extensor muscles will contract even though the brain is not telling it to fire…and a short leg will be apparent. That’s an indicator of the spine not being in alignment. Atlas is still off and there will be symptoms within the body.
Anatometer: The anatometer is a machine that looks at the posture of a patient. We’re looking at hip level, hip rotation, and the body’s centre of gravity. Every part should be on 0 (zero) degrees. Think of the body in its simplest anatomical position. If the body is cut in half legthwise…our shell (not speaking of organs) should be even: Left Vs. Right. Any deviation from 0 degrees indicate there’s something off with the ways nerves are firing, which signal to their corresponding muscles to react accordingly. This simply means, the alignment is off.
Pinch Nerves: This is more or less a generic term. Some patients already come into the office knowing they have pinch nerves. Whether it is someone else telling them or they feel a “bump” in their neck. Perhaps, they have done enough research and have tried many remedies for their nerve pain to know what they have is in fact a pinched nerve. Pinch nerves come directly from the misalignment of the spine. If the head is off kilter and the Atlas is not in its perfect relationship between the head and the spine, then there will be pinch nerves. & its not going to be just one or 2…but throughout the whole spine. Just because you do not have the numbness & tingling or pain running down does not mean the pinch nerves are not there. It takes an elongated time of nerve irritation for many people to seek help. Typically, by the time someone is done giving anti inflammatory, over the counter pain meds, exercises, at home therapies to the likes of professional therapies and remedies…months if not years have already passed.
Want to know HOW to hold the alignment? Read on Do’s and Don’ts
Whats a Headache?
Headaches can be debilitating and disruptive. Have you tried different remedies for your headaches? What about checking to see if your upper neck be out of balance?
Headaches. If you’ve ever experienced one, you’ll know its a headache. Its painful, its irritating, it may throb, it may be unrelenting, & its certainly disrupting. However, not all headaches are created equally. There are a handful of subtypes such as (HA = short for headaches; not all re listed, but here are a few common ones)…
Cluster HA - extremely painful, described as knife stabbing behind eye. Can be due to allergies
Migraine HA- can be with or without aura prior to onset. Commonly with light and/or sound sensitivity. Can be associated with nausea and vomiting. Hormonal changes for women can lead to migraines before menstruation.
Tension HA - typically stemming from the neck musculature. Patients often describe this feeling as pressure from wearing a tiny hat.
Caffeine like, rebound HA - too much caffeine can lead to migraine like HAs. Withdrawal can also lead to a headache
Exertional HA - physically induced exertional headache. Feels more like pounding sensation into the head.
Sinus HA - infections or allergies can cause irritation to the sinus, thus building up pressure within.
Rhyme and reason
Different causes will create different effects. Caffeine like headache are caused by caffeine. Sinus headaches are caused by allergens or infection. Migraines can be a hormonal issue. Or it can also be a biomechanics issue of the upper neck. According to migraine headache study, 82% of all migraine sufferers had mild traumatic brain injury. There are no head injury without neck injury and vice versa. The upper neck has a very vital role in balancing the heavy bowling ball size head. When there is a trauma that disrupts that balance, the body will then struggle to hold the head upright. This leads to strain of the neck muscles causing tension in the neck, shoulders, even down to the mid back, and even up into the head creating tension headaches for some; migraines for others.
Solution
For many, self medication with an over the counter pain killer can do the trick in alleviating headaches. Other at home remedies include heat packs, massage chairs/hand device, muscle relief gel creams, etc. However, for many sufferers, headaches recur often times in a very predictable schedule and in very unrelenting ways that at home remedies fail to work. The next course of action for many are massage therapy and physiotherapy. Both can work wonders. There are also those who turn to chiropractic care. Upper cervical techniques in particular look at the specific dynamic between the head and neck. The very first bone that cradles the head is called the Atlas, aka C1 vertebra. Did you know, 77 TRILLION nerves flow through from that very first bone? Often times, a precise calculation of the atlas misalignment is just what’s needed to allow the proper nerve and blood flow for painfree and optimal health.
Are you suffering from headaches? Want to see if NUCCA can help?
My Bite AND My Spine?
Posture can be directly linked to the dental bite. Bite and TMJ from upper neck instability can cause headaches and migraines. When the posture is fixed by aligning the Atlas, then bite and TMJ can function in its most optimal state.
After years of working closely with a handful of dentists and TMJ specialists from the United States and Sydney, Australia; there’s one absolute trend that I see all too often. It is how the bite influence posture. This can then manifest problems such as headaches (including that of debilitating migraines), neck pain, hip pain, joint discomforts and even nerve pain. When a bite is “off”; it can stem from the temporal mandibular joint or it can be from the teeth. Whenever we bite down, there should be an even pressure throughout. If not, it is like having a pebble in your shoe making neutral walking practically impossible. Just as a pebble can shift the entire spine and posture; so can an abnormal bite. **see picture below. The lab rat on the right has a normal bite. As the bite shifts, so does the spine (picture left).
One of the biggest components to consider, however, is how the craniocervical junction plays into the bite. Which comes first? The upper neck misalignment that causes the cranial nerve (specifically CN 5 - trigeminal nerve that controls the muscles of mastication) or the TMJ displacement (or bite) that influence a misfire of the nerves that results in a distorted spine? It can actually be 50/50. Until we get one fixed, we will not be able to know its influence on the other. However, because the TMJ’s delicacy and changes to the bite is often permanent; the upper neck misalignment should be addressed first.
If you’re unsure if your health problems are an influence of the upper neck, contact us for a no obligation consultation.
These are no ordinary lab rats. What you can profoundly see is their shift in spinal posture as the bite is manipulated. How does this translate to our spine if we have dental malocclusion?