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NUCCA Vs. Traditional Chiropractic Care

NUCCA Vs. Traditional Chiropractic Care

All chiropractic care is the same, right? You have a practitioner to realign the vertebrae all the way down your back, and you’ll hear those magical snap, crackle, and pop noises. You may receive other complementary treatments as well, such as massage therapy.

What if we told you this isn’t how all chiropractors perform alignments? The field of chiropractic care is much more entailed. In fact, our Chelsea, MI, chiropractor offers a specialized NUCCA alignment. And while you have researched NUCCA on our website already or have searched throughout the web or even on the official NUCCA page, you may still wonder how this particular chiropractic care treatment differs from traditional chiropractic care. 

Seeing as how our chiropractor specializes in this type of care, we’d like to take some time to compare it to traditional chiropractic care. 

Treatment Area

If you’re asking, “ What is the difference between NUCCA and general traditional chiropractic care?” you should know the treatment region is one of the main differences.  

Traditional chiropractic care can be used on the entire spine, with a chiropractor possibly performing an alignment on the lower, middle, upper back, or all of them. 

On the other hand, NUCCA, short for the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association, alignments are more specialized. They focus on the top vertebrae in the back that make up the cervical spine, which is in your neck.

Specifically, our chiropractor will center the adjustment on the Atlas bone — the topmost vertebrae in the spine. This is the uppermost bone in the spine in proximity to the brain and bears a majority of the weight of this organ. Additionally, since this bone allows the head to rotate, it’s easy to be knocked out of alignment. 

We should note that when we correct a misalignment of the Atlas bone, we can sometimes help with pain in other locations in the back as well as headaches and improve central nervous system function in general, among other benefits. 

Amount of Force

The amount of force our Chelsea chiropractor uses for a NUCCA alignment is minimal. Not much is necessary to correct the problem using this technique. 

A standard chiropractic alignment, though has its purposes and doesn’t usually cause pain, requires more force, but you still won’t feel much pain from the process. 

Cracking, Popping, or Twisting

If you’ve had chiropractic alignments in the past, you may be surprised when you receive a NUCCA alignment. You won’t hear the normal cracks of an alignment. Those cracks come from the release of gas bubbles, which won’t happen with this type of treatment. You’ll ultimately receive a non-popping, non-cracking alignment. 

The alignments with NUCCA are gentler because with this type of alignment, it’s believed that forcing the bones into a position is counterproductive and can cause the spine to lock up. 

Examination 

When you first visit a chiropractor, whether they specialize in NUCCA or not, you’ll receive an evaluation to ensure the treatment is safe for you and determine if the practitioner may need to alter it. 

With either type of alignment, you may receive an X-ray first, which allows the chiropractor to get a glimpse of the internal structure of the spine and determine if any subluxations (misalignments) are present. 

For a NUCCA alignment, any imaging focuses on the upper region of your spine, not the entire structure. 

The evaluation, in general, is highly intricate to ensure this treatment could benefit you and it’s safe. 

At Precision Spinal Care, a.k.a A Spine at a Time, our Chelsea chiropractor stresses the benefits of NUCCA alignments and their safety. 

If you’re wondering if this alignment could be right for your issue, contact us today at 734-433-9564 or send a message or book online

Prioritizing Wellness: The Significance of Routine Upper Cervical Checkups

Prioritizing Wellness: The Significance of Routine Upper Cervical Checkups

In a world where preventative health is increasingly valued, it’s essential to consider the benefits of routine upper cervical checkups. These checkups play a crucial role in maintaining optimal health and addressing potential issues before they escalate.

At Precision Spinal Care in Chelsea, MI, Dr. Lisa Olszewski is committed to helping her patients stay ahead of health problems by providing regular upper cervical chiropractic care.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of these checkups and how they can contribute to your overall well-being.

The Value of Regular Upper Cervical Checkups

The Value of Regular Upper Cervical Checkups

Early Detection of Misalignments:

The upper cervical spine, consisting of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, is integral to the body’s overall balance and functionality.

Regular checkups allow Dr. Olszewski to identify and correct any misalignments early, preventing more significant health issues down the line.

Maintaining Proper Spinal Alignment:

Maintaining Proper Spinal Alignment

Routine upper cervical chiropractic care helps ensure that your spine remains in proper alignment, promoting optimal nervous system function and reducing the risk of pain and discomfort.

Preventing Chronic Pain:

By addressing spinal misalignments early, regular upper cervical checkups can help prevent the development of chronic pain, which often results from unaddressed issues in the spine.

Optimizing Nervous System Function:

nervous system

The upper cervical spine is closely connected to the nervous system, and proper alignment is crucial for maintaining optimal function. Regular checkups can help ensure that your nervous system is functioning at its best, promoting overall health and well-being.

Supporting Immune Health:

A well-functioning nervous system is essential for a robust immune response. Routine upper cervical care can help support a healthy immune system, keeping you better equipped to fight off illnesses and infections.

Integrating Upper Cervical Checkups into Your Wellness Routine

Integrating Upper Cervical Checkups into Your Wellness Routine

To truly experience the benefits of routine upper cervical chiropractic care, it’s essential to make these checkups a regular part of your wellness routine. Dr. Lisa Olszewski can work with you to determine the best frequency for your checkups based on your individual needs and health goals.

Your Partner in Health: Dr. Lisa Olszewski

At Precision Spinal Care in Chelsea, MI, Dr. Lisa Olszewski is dedicated to helping her patients prioritize their health and well-being through regular upper cervical chiropractic care.

With her expertise and gentle, targeted approach, she can help you stay ahead of potential health issues and maintain optimal spinal alignment.

To learn more about the importance of regular upper cervical checkups and how they can contribute to your overall health, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisa Olszewski at Precision Spinal Care in Chelsea, MI.

We proudly serve residents of Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Ann Arbor, Gregory, Pinckney, Manchester, Munith, Bridgewater, Whitmore Lake, Lakeland, Norvell, Hamburg, Stockbridge, and other neighboring communities.

Make upper cervical chiropractic care a cornerstone of your wellness routine and experience the benefits of staying ahead of health issues.

Empowering Better Health With Chiropractic Care: The Importance of Lowering Your Blood Pressure

Empowering Better Health With Chiropractic Care: The Importance of Lowering Your Blood Pressure

Statistics about high blood pressure are quite shocking. In 2021 alone, high blood pressure contributed to or caused 691,095 deaths in America. Moreover, close to half of all individuals 18 or older had hypertension in that same year, as noted by statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, making these individuals at risk for a number of possible complications if left unmanaged. 

Fortunately, you can take steps naturally to lower your blood pressure. But, we’d like to encourage you to always consult with your primary care physician (PCP) before seeking any alternative methods. This guide is merely to help you understand the dangers of hypertension and see that chiropractic care from Precision Spinal Care, serving Chelsea, MI, and the surrounding region, may help. 

High Blood Pressure Defined

Hypertension is a word that describes a blood pressure reading that’s higher than healthy. Consistent readings over 130/80 mean you’re prehypertensive and are at risk for becoming hypertensive, which is when you have consistent readings with a top number over 140 and/or a bottom number over 90. 

Your physician may refer to the severity of your case in stages. Stage I is prehypertensive, and stage II is hypertensive. 

Hypertension Dangers

The reason high blood pressure is dangerous has to do with the fact that abnormally high pressure against the arterial walls is damaging to the vessels and overworks the heart. 

Moreover, high blood pressure puts you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Additionally, as the blood weakens the arterial walls, it increases your likelihood of developing an aneurysm. Other issues it may contribute to include the following:

  • Heart failure
  • Kidney problems
  • Vision issues
  • Dementia 

Managing Your High Blood Pressure

Luckily, with good habits, such as regulating your weight, exercising, quitting smoking, and getting enough rest, you can better manage your blood pressure. 

Our Chelsea chiropractor or your PCP can educate you about ways to lower your blood pressure based on your specific needs, such as how much exercise is ideal and what types of physical activities you can perform safely. 

You may have already known this and have been doing it for quite some time to manage your hypertension or prevent prehypertension from progressing to stage II. No matter the case, chiropractic care may be able to help. 

Yes, we said it… chiropractic care is useful for more than just backaches and neck pain. We’re sure you want proof of this. One example is a Chicago study conducted on 50 individuals. Each one of these people had a misaligned Atlas vertebra, which is one that’s high in the neck. 

With the specialized NUCCA chiropractic adjustment, these individuals saw a significant reduction in blood pressure, which was the same as taking two different blood pressure drugs simultaneously.

Another study about Atlas alignment showed similar results. This particular one focused on 50 people, all of whom were prehypertensive. Of those, 25 were given cervical manipulation and 25 received a placebo treatment. The results of this 2007 study conducted showed a significant reduction in blood pressure in the people who received chiropractic care. 

You can read more about chiropractic care and hypertension on our page. We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions. We’d also like to let you know we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history, physical health, etc. to ensure this treatment is safe for you before trying this alignment to help with your high blood pressure. 
So, if you’re ready to schedule a visit to discuss if this treatment is right for you, contact us today at 734-433-9564. You may also use our online contact form.

Nurturing Healthy Growth: The Impact of Upper Cervical Care on Children’s Well-being

Nurturing Healthy Growth: The Impact of Upper Cervical Care on Children’s Well-being

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes ensuring they grow up healthy and strong. One often overlooked aspect of children’s health is the role of upper cervical chiropractic care.

At Precision Spinal Care in Chelsea, MI, Dr. Lisa Olszewski is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential by addressing spinal health from an early age.

In this blog post, we’ll examine the importance of upper cervical care for children and the various ways it can contribute to their well-being.

Why Upper Cervical Care Matters for Children

Why Upper Cervical Care Matters for Children

The upper cervical spine, which consists of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s overall balance and functionality.

Misalignments in this area can disrupt nervous system function and have far-reaching effects on a child’s health. By addressing these issues early on, upper cervical chiropractic care can help prevent future health problems and set the foundation for lifelong well-being.

How Upper Cervical Care Can Benefit Your Child

How Upper Cervical Care Can Benefit Your Child

Immune System Support:

The nervous system plays a key role in regulating the immune system. By maintaining proper alignment of the upper cervical spine, chiropractic care can help support your child’s immune function, making them less susceptible to illness.

Improved Posture and Spinal Health:

Poor posture and spinal misalignments are common issues that can develop in childhood and persist into adulthood. Upper cervical care can help correct these problems, promoting proper posture and spinal health.

Reduced Growing Pains:

Many children experience growing pains as their bodies develop. Upper cervical chiropractic care can help alleviate these discomforts by addressing misalignments and promoting proper growth.

Enhanced Sleep Quality:

Enhanced Sleep Quality

Sleep is essential for a child’s growth and development. Upper cervical care can help improve sleep quality by addressing issues that may be causing sleep disturbances, such as spinal misalignments or nerve interference.

Improved Concentration and Focus:

Proper nervous system function is vital for cognitive development. Upper cervical chiropractic care can help enhance your child’s focus and concentration by promoting optimal nervous system function.

Support for Developmental Milestones:

Upper cervical care can help support your child’s growth and development by addressing any spinal misalignments that may be hindering their progress.

Partnering with Dr. Lisa Olszewski for Your Child’s Health

At Precision Spinal Care in Chelsea, MI, Dr. Lisa Olszewski is committed to helping children thrive through upper cervical chiropractic care.

She understands the unique needs of her young patients and uses gentle, non-invasive techniques to address spinal health and support overall well-being.

If you’re ready to explore the benefits of upper cervical care for your child, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisa Olszewski at Precision Spinal Care in Chelsea, MI.

We proudly serve residents of Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Ann Arbor, Gregory, Pinckney, Manchester, Munith, Bridgewater, Whitmore Lake, Lakeland, Norvell, Hamburg, Stockbridge, and other neighboring communities.

Give your child the gift of lifelong health by incorporating upper cervical chiropractic care into their wellness journey.

Tips for Fall Athletes to Improve Your Health Over the Summer

Tips for Fall Athletes to Improve Your Health Over the Summer

Summer is here, well, in a few days from now. If you’re a fall athlete, you may find it as a little break when you can go on vacation and enjoy the time with the chaos of running hard and the intricate feat of balancing work and play, though no feeling may compare to when you’re on the field, court, or rink. 

However, even if you’re taking a break from sports in the summer doesn’t mean you have to take a break from good health and prepping for the fall. At Precision Spinal Care, serving Chelsea, MI, and the nearby region, we treat athletes through our chiropractic care program and see them on a regular basis. Our Chelsea chiropractor has training in this area and uses this knowledge and her experience to help athletes prevent an injury and improve their game, even on the off season. 

So let’s take a few moments to discuss how fall athletes can start preparing for the fall season! 

General Information 

Though we’re not known for having lengthy heat waves, temperatures are usually in the 80s or higher in July and August. This can make it too hot at times to exercise outdoors if you’re not taking the necessary precautions. 

It’s also an excellent time to get your body into better working order, seeing as how you may be less scheduled. 

Hydration 

One of the main factors to consider when exercising over the summer when it’s hot outside is to get adequate hydration. While you’ve probably heard the “eight glasses of water per day” recommendation more than a time or two, this is a general rule. 

Some people may need more water, and some are fine with less. As you’re determining how much water you need, factor in your gender, weight, and activity level. All of these can alter how much water you need. 

Since it’s not static across the board, we recommend you take a few sips before you exercise, sip sporadically throughout your exercise, and have a few more once you’re done. The worst way to stay hydrated is to chug a large quality of water before or after your workout. Not only will 

it cause you to not feel well, but it can throw off your electrolyte balance and cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as hyponatremia — a sodium-to-water imbalance that causes your cells to swell. 

Choose You Time Carefully 

You also want to choose the time you exercise carefully. Opt for early in the morning or later in the evening. These are times when the sun isn’t high in the sky, and as a result, isn’t as hot. 

Listen to Your Body

Getting physical activity in the summer also entails listening to your body. If you feel thirsty, break for a drink. If you’re very out of breath because of the humidity, take a rest or slow down. You may even need to make some time to sit in the air conditioning for a few.

Though this isn’t necessarily just for summer, make sure you’re listening to your body when you’re feeling pain. That’s your body’s warning sign. A little bit may be helpful in muscle building, but that isn’t the case when you’re in more than just a little pain. 

Seek Out Chiropractic Care

As a sports chiropractor in Chelsea, we strongly recommend this one. A body that’s not properly in line and flexible is more susceptible to injury. We can use chiropractic adjustments to ensure your spine and nervous system are in tip-top shape for when it’s time to return to sports. 

Part of our chiropractic care also includes stretches that help with function and flexion — two vital components to an athlete. 

Our care will also include tips on how to keep active over the summer and work on improving your game, as well as hints you can use on the court, field, or rink. 

Just because your season is over doesn’t mean you should just let your body go. Over the summer, you can take vital steps to improve your game and keep in shape, such as seeing a Chelsea sports chiropractor and exercising in the healthiest way for your body.
If you’re ready to start your summer training, give us a call at 734-433-9564, or use our online form. We’re helping athletes one spine at a time, one knee at a time, or whatever body part you need help with over the summer at a time!