Gentle Chiropractic in Redmond, WA: No Twisting or Cracking
NUCCA upper cervical care uses light, precise corrections guided by x-ray measurements, with no twisting, cracking or popping.
Some people love the "pop" of a traditional chiropractic adjustment. Many others don't, and some have been told by a doctor or physical therapist to avoid neck manipulation altogether.
If that's you, there is another option. At Back In Balance, Dr. Justin Schallmann, DC, practices NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic, a gentle, low-force approach that focuses on the alignment of the head and upper neck. There is no twisting of the neck, no cracking and no popping. Each correction is planned from precise x-ray measurements and delivered with light, controlled hand pressure.
What "Gentle Chiropractic" Means Here
The "crack" you hear during a traditional adjustment is called cavitation: a small release of gas from a joint when it is moved quickly past its normal range. It isn't bones breaking or "going back in," and it isn't required for chiropractic care to work.
NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) care doesn't use quick thrusts or rotation, so there is nothing to make that sound. Instead, Dr. Schallmann uses measurements from specialized upper cervical x-rays to calculate the exact direction and amount of correction your atlas (the top bone of the neck) needs, then applies a light, precise contact behind the ear.
No Twisting
Your neck is never rotated or pushed to end range. You lie comfortably on your side.
No Cracking
No high-velocity thrust and no popping sound. Just light, controlled hand contact.
Precision Imaging
Upper cervical x-rays measure your misalignment so each correction is planned, not guessed.
Gentle Contact
The force is light enough that many patients are surprised when the correction is finished.
How NUCCA Differs from a Traditional Adjustment
Many chiropractors use a technique called high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation, and it helps many people. NUCCA is simply a different approach. Here's how they compare:
| Traditional (HVLA) Adjustment | NUCCA Correction | |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Quick thrust, often with rotation | Light, steady pressure with no rotation |
| Sound | Often a "pop" or "crack" | None |
| Area treated | Often several areas of the spine | The head and upper neck (atlas) |
| How it's planned | Usually by hands-on assessment | By precise upper cervical x-ray measurements |
| Your position | Varies by technique | Lying comfortably on your side |
Who Often Chooses Gentle Chiropractic Care
Our patients come from all walks of life. People who look for a gentle approach often include those who:
- Feel nervous about neck cracking or dislike the popping sound
- Have joint hypermobility, including hypermobile EDS or HSD
- Have had a chiropractic experience that didn't feel right for them
- Are recovering from a car accident, fall or concussion and want a light approach
- Have been advised by another provider to avoid neck manipulation
- Simply prefer precise, measured care over general adjustments
Not sure if you're a good fit? That's exactly what the free consultation is for.
What a NUCCA Correction Feels Like
1. A quick check: Before each visit's correction, Dr. Schallmann checks your posture and leg balance to see whether a correction is needed. If your alignment is holding, you aren't adjusted.
2. Lying on your side: You lie on a specialized table with your head supported on a padded headpiece.
3. A light, precise contact: Dr. Schallmann places his hand behind your ear and applies gentle, controlled pressure in the direction calculated from your x-rays. Most patients describe it as a light touch.
4. Rest and recheck: You rest briefly, then your posture is rechecked to confirm the correction.
Conditions We Commonly See
NUCCA care focuses on the upper neck, so it is often a fit for symptoms connected to the head and neck. Learn more about how we approach:
- Neck Pain
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Vertigo / Dizziness
- TMJ and Jaw Pain
- Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Craniocervical Instability (CCI)
- Hypermobility / EDS
- Auto Injuries / Whiplash
- Back Pain
- Occipital Neuralgia
- Cervicogenic Dizziness
Your First Visit
Free consultation: Every new patient starts with a free consultation with Dr. Schallmann to talk through your history, your concerns and whether NUCCA care is a good fit. There's no obligation to continue.
Exam and x-rays: If you choose to move forward, your first visit continues with an examination and precision upper cervical x-rays. These are separate services with their own fees, often billable to insurance, and we'll explain all costs before anything is done.
Second visit: Dr. Schallmann reviews your x-ray findings with you and, if appropriate, gives your first gentle NUCCA correction.
Learn more on our NUCCA Chiropractic page.
Is Gentle Chiropractic Right for Everyone?
Not always, and we'll tell you honestly. NUCCA care focuses on the upper neck, so it isn't designed for every musculoskeletal problem. If your symptoms point to something that needs a different provider, such as a physical therapist, your physician or a specialist, we'll say so and help you find the right next step.
Please seek emergency care instead of chiropractic care for a sudden, severe headache, new weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision loss or loss of bladder or bowel control.
About Dr. Justin Schallmann, DC
Dr. Schallmann has served patients on the Eastside for more than 18 years. He is NUCCA Part 2 Certified and one of about 300 doctors trained in NUCCA worldwide. His practice focuses entirely on gentle, precise upper cervical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NUCCA chiropractic crack your neck?
No. NUCCA corrections use light, controlled hand pressure with no thrust or twisting, so there is no cracking or popping sound.
Is NUCCA real chiropractic?
Yes. NUCCA is a recognized chiropractic technique practiced by licensed doctors of chiropractic. It has been taught and refined since the 1960s and focuses specifically on the alignment of the head and upper neck.
Does a NUCCA correction hurt?
Most patients feel only light pressure behind the ear. Some feel mild soreness or tiredness afterward as their body adapts, which usually passes within a day or two.
What causes the "crack" in a traditional adjustment?
The sound is called cavitation: a release of gas bubbles from the fluid inside a joint when it is moved quickly. It isn't bones moving into place, and it isn't needed for an effective correction.
Why do you take x-rays?
NUCCA corrections are calculated from precise measurements of your upper neck. Specialized x-rays show the exact direction and amount of misalignment, so each correction can be as gentle and specific as possible.
How long are visits?
Your first two visits are about an hour each. After that, regular visits take about 15 minutes.
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. Every new patient starts with a free consultation with Dr. Schallmann. The examination and x-rays are not part of the consultation. They are separate services with their own fees, and we'll explain all costs before anything is done.
Do you take insurance?
We're in network with most major Washington insurance plans, participate in Medicare, and bill auto insurance (PIP) and Labor & Industries (L&I) directly. See our Insurance page for details.
Can I keep seeing my physical therapist or massage therapist?
Absolutely. NUCCA care works well alongside physical therapy, massage and medical care. We're happy to coordinate with your other providers.
Try a Gentler Approach to Chiropractic
Start with a free consultation and see whether NUCCA upper cervical care is right for you.