NUCCA Upper Cervical Care for Chronic Pain, Migraines, and Vertigo in Redmond, WA

No. We don't pop, twist, or thrust the spine. NUCCA is fundamentally different from traditional chiropractic manipulation. Upper cervical x-rays measure the position of the atlas (C1) before any correction, and the correction itself is light, controlled pressure behind the ear. Because it's gentle, NUCCA may suit people who prefer to avoid quick neck movements, including some people with past injuries or a general preference for gentle care.

NUCCA upper cervical care may be a good fit when upper neck (atlas/C1) alignment is one contributor to your symptoms. People commonly come to us for neck pain, headaches, migraines, vertigo and dizziness, TMJ and jaw pain, and symptoms after whiplash or other injuries. Some also come for chronic pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica, or disc-related problems, where NUCCA is used alongside their other care. Results vary, and we're open about what NUCCA can and can't do. See our individual condition pages for details.

NUCCA does not treat allergies, asthma, seizures, hormonal conditions, mental health conditions, immune system disorders, or infections. It doesn't modify progressive neurological diseases like MS, Parkinson's, or ALS, though it may help address secondary musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with those diagnoses. NUCCA is not a substitute for medical care, prescription medications, or evidence-based treatments from your primary care physician or specialists. We work alongside your medical care team, never in place of them, and we'll direct you to appropriate medical evaluation if your presentation warrants it.

NUCCA is a specialized upper cervical technique focused on the craniocervical junction, where the skull meets the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, using upper cervical x-rays to measure alignment before any correction. Traditional chiropractic often uses high-velocity manipulation ("cracking" or "twisting") across multiple spinal levels. NUCCA uses a single, gentle contact behind the ear based on the measurements from your x-rays. Dr. Schallmann is NUCCA Part 2 Certified and one of fewer than 300 active NUCCA doctors listed by NUCCA.org. The training it requires is one reason NUCCA is a smaller subspecialty within chiropractic.

We evaluate children on a case-by-case basis, primarily for specific presentations where cervical involvement is likely, such as after sports injuries, concussions, or falls. We do not offer chiropractic care for general childhood conditions (colic, ear infections, developmental concerns), as we don't believe the evidence supports those uses. For pediatric health concerns, we recommend working with your pediatrician first, and we're happy to discuss whether NUCCA might complement specific care needs.

Not necessarily. The "upper cervical" region refers to the top two vertebrae of the neck (C1 and C2), part of the craniocervical junction where the skull meets the spine, and problems there can produce symptoms people feel elsewhere, such as headaches, jaw pain, dizziness, postural strain, or radiating pain. That said, we don't recommend NUCCA for everyone. During your free consultation, we evaluate whether an upper cervical component is likely to be contributing to your specific symptoms. If it isn't, we'll tell you directly rather than recommending care that isn't a good fit. The examination and x-rays are not part of the free consultation; they are separate services with their own fees.

It varies by person and condition, and long-standing problems usually take longer to change. We track your posture measurements and symptoms and discuss progress openly at reassessment. If we're not seeing meaningful improvement, we'll tell you directly rather than continuing care indefinitely.

Yes. We accept most major insurance plans including Kaiser Permanente PPO, Anthem BCBS, Aetna, Premera, Regence, United Healthcare, Medicare, First Choice, Lifewise, Uniform Medical, Labor and Industries (L&I), and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for auto accident cases. Coverage specifics vary; deductibles, visit limits, and copays differ by plan. We can verify your specific benefits before starting care so you know what to expect.