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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions we hear from patients about NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic, what to expect at our office, and how NUCCA differs from traditional chiropractic. If you don’t see your question answered here, we’re happy to discuss it during your free consultation — call us at (425) 437-9974.

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About NUCCA

What is NUCCA?

NUCCA stands for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. It’s a specialized chiropractic technique that focuses exclusively on the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) — the top two vertebrae of the cervical spine. NUCCA uses precise 3D imaging to measure atlas position before any correction, and the correction itself is a gentle, calibrated contact behind the ear. See our What Is NUCCA Chiropractic? page for more detail.

NUCCA differs in several important ways: (1) focus is exclusively on the upper cervical spine, not the entire spine; (2) 3D digital imaging measures atlas position before any correction; (3) the correction is a gentle, calibrated contact behind the ear — no twisting, popping, or high-velocity thrust; (4) objective measurements are tracked at every visit so progress is documented, not just felt. The precision requirement makes NUCCA a smaller subspecialty within chiropractic.

NUCCA requires specialized training beyond standard chiropractic education, specialized 3D imaging equipment, and ongoing certification. Only approximately 300 doctors worldwide are trained and actively practicing NUCCA. Dr. Schallmann is NUCCA Part 2 Certified — one of these ~300 doctors globally.

No. The NUCCA correction is gentle — most patients describe it as light finger pressure behind the ear. There’s no twisting, popping, or high-velocity thrust. In over 18 years of practicing NUCCA, Dr. Schallmann has consistently found the correction to be well-tolerated even by patients with high sensitivity or those recovering from injury.

NUCCA has an excellent safety profile — one of the safest approaches in chiropractic. The gentle, calibrated nature of the correction (no twisting, no high-velocity thrust) means minimal risk of the adverse events sometimes associated with traditional cervical manipulation. That said, we screen every patient for contraindications and refer to other providers when NUCCA isn’t the right fit.

Your initial visit typically takes 60-90 minutes and includes: (1) thorough consultation reviewing your symptoms, history, current healthcare providers, and any prior imaging or diagnoses; (2) physical examination including neurological screening and postural assessment; (3) 3D upper cervical imaging if warranted; (4) honest discussion of whether NUCCA is likely to help your specific situation. If NUCCA is a good fit.

Please bring: your insurance card (if applicable), photo ID, a list of current medications, any prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-rays — physical films, CDs, or digital reports), records from any specialists related to your condition, and comfortable clothing that allows movement of your neck and shoulders. If you completed the new patient paperwork online in advance, bring the confirmation.

Three ways: (1) book online at your convenience via our Appointlet scheduling page; (2) call the office at (425) 437-9974; (3) email scheduling@backinbalanceredmond.com. Initial consultations are complimentary.

We’re located at 2761 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052 — near the main Microsoft campus, just off the 520 freeway. The Overlake Business Center has ample free parking directly outside the building.

 

The best way is a free consultation. We’ll take a thorough history, complete appropriate assessments, and give you a direct read on whether NUCCA is likely to help. If it isn’t, we’ll tell you directly and help point you toward the appropriate provider rather than proceed with care that isn’t a good fit.

 
This varies by condition. Acute conditions often respond within a few visits. Chronic conditions typically involve more frequent care during the initial correction phase (usually 2-3 weeks), then reduced frequency as alignment stabilizes. Many patients transition to periodic maintenance visits — monthly initially, then less frequent. We’re transparent about visit frequency and don’t recommend care that isn’t producing meaningful benefit.
Unlike traditional chiropractic where the goal is repeated joint motion, NUCCA aims to restore atlas alignment and hold it. Once alignment is corrected, we measure at each follow-up visit to check whether it’s held. If it has, no correction is needed — the goal has been achieved. If alignment has shifted, we correct it again. “Holding” the correction is a positive sign, not a reason for more adjustments.

Yes. NUCCA requires precise 3D imaging to measure atlas position before any correction is made — clinical decisions are guided by data, not guesswork. We use modern digital X-ray equipment with safety protocols that minimize radiation exposure. Post-correction imaging confirms alignment change objectively.

This depends significantly on your condition, how long you’ve had it, and individual factors. Acute mechanical issues can respond within a few visits. Chronic conditions typically take 8-12 weeks to assess whether NUCCA is producing meaningful improvement. Complex cases may take longer. We track objective measurements at every visit so we can see progress objectively, not just wait to see if symptoms improve.
If we’re not seeing meaningful improvement in the expected window for your condition, we’ll be direct about it rather than continuing indefinitely. Honest evaluation matters more than a full schedule — if NUCCA isn’t helping you, we’ll say so and help you consider other approaches.
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.
Not necessarily. The upper cervical region (top two vertebrae) can produce symptoms that patients experience elsewhere — headaches, jaw pain, dizziness, postural strain. That said, we don’t recommend NUCCA for everyone. Your consultation will help determine whether an upper cervical component is likely contributing to your specific symptoms.
Yes — and we encourage it. NUCCA works alongside your medical care team, never in place of it. We frequently coordinate with neurologists, primary care physicians, physical therapists, dentists, and other specialists. Your medications should be managed by your prescribing physicians, not adjusted based on chiropractic care.
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) for work injuries, and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for auto accident cases. See our insurance page for details.
Costs vary significantly based on your specific plan, deductible status, and treatment plan. Your initial consultation is complimentary. Before starting care, we verify your specific insurance benefits and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost. For patients paying out of pocket, we offer payment options tailored to your situation.
We work with patients who pay out of pocket regularly and offer payment options that work for various budgets. Under the federal No Surprises Act, we provide a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before you start care — you’ll know what to expect financially before committing.
Yes. NUCCA is generally well-tolerated during pregnancy because the correction is gentle and doesn’t involve rotation or high-velocity thrust. Many pregnant patients find NUCCA helpful for postural adaptation, headaches, and pelvic alignment. We coordinate with your obstetrician when appropriate.
We evaluate children on a case-by-case basis, primarily for specific presentations where cervical involvement is likely — such as post-traumatic patterns following sports injuries, concussions, or falls. We do not market chiropractic care for general childhood conditions (colic, ear infections, developmental concerns) as we don’t believe the evidence supports those applications. For pediatric health concerns, we recommend working with your pediatrician first.
Yes, whiplash and post-concussion patterns are common presentations where NUCCA can be particularly helpful. See our Auto Injuries page for details. We handle Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims for auto accident cases directly.
Yes. We’re contracted with Washington State Labor and Industries (L&I) and handle L&I paperwork directly. For work-related injuries covered by L&I, there’s typically no out-of-pocket cost to you.
NUCCA is often the RIGHT approach for patients with cervical sensitivity — that’s one of its primary advantages. Because there’s no twisting, popping, or high-velocity thrust, NUCCA is generally well-tolerated by patients who can’t handle traditional chiropractic manipulation, including those with post-traumatic sensitivity, craniocervical instability, or general neck sensitivity.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to answer any questions during a free consultation. Dr. Schallmann personally reviews your history and gives you an honest evaluation of whether NUCCA is likely to help your specific situation.

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Call 425-437-9974

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