An Interview with Dr. Jason Nitzsche

Atlas Subluxation Complex (misalignment of the C-1 Vertebrae/Atlas) is one of the most searched topics on Heal With Hope.  I asked  Dr. Jason Nitzsche, a chiropractor who specializes in treatment of ASC, to help shed some light on this condition.  I have personally been treated by Dr. Nitzsche and can attest to the health benefits of proper alignment of the C-1 and spine. Dr. Nitzsche is offering a free consulation to Heal With Hope visitors, see below for details. To learn more about ASC read our article:  Atlas Subluxation Complex.

Q. Are all chiropractors trained to treat and adjust Atlas Subluxation Complex?

Dr. Nitzsche:  Most, if not all chiropractors will consider the atlas as a possible point of subluxation/misalignment and manipulate it based on their findings.  However, that is where it typically ends.  NUCCA doctors approach the atlas subluxation as something much more “complex” requiring a much more detailed analysis therefore leading to a much more complete correction.  This means that additional adjustments throughout the spine are not typically necessary.

Q: Can you give a little background/history about ASC: how this misalignment condition was discovered, how long ago, etc.

Dr. Nitzsche:  As with most discoveries, the ASC is not the result of an overnight discovery but instead the result of years of evolving research.  This history of chiropractic goes back a century and the history of the ASC is a culmination of all those years as a result of the research of many doctors, but ASC was actually named by Dr. Gregory under the NUCCA technique. NUCCA stands for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association.  Chiropractic’s origins were segmental at first – approaching different segments in the spine.  With time and research the importance of the top of the spine, the upper cervical region, became apparent.  In essence, the segmental areas were not the root cause.  It is the upper cervical region – the atlas bone that is the cause and all else are the effects - thus the Atlas Subluxation Complex.

Q: What are the most common symptoms associated with ASC?

Dr. Nitzsche:  Since the misalignment of the spinal column puts pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves, the effects of misalignments can be seen throughout the entire body.

Misalignment of adult spines can lead to:

Neck Pain,  Back Pain, Leg & Arm Pain/Numbness/Tingling, Rib Pain, Tension Headaches, Nervousness/Anxiety, Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Collitis, Sinus Congestion, Colds & Flu, Constipation/Irregularity, Asthma, Allergies, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Seizures, TMJ Pain/Popping, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia Pain, Dizziness, Energy Swings, Mood Swings, Indigestion, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bell's Palsy, Sleep Disturbance, Morning Stiffness, Stress Headaches, Migraines, Acid Reflux, Hemorrhoids, Decreased Mental Clarity

Misalignment of children's spines can lead to:
"Growing" Pains,  Earaches/Ear infections, Motion Sickness , Headaches, Circulatory Problems, Asthma, Projectile Vomiting, Bed-wetting , Seizures, ADD/ADHD, Stomach Pain, Difficulty eating, Colic,  Learning Disorders, Constipation, Allergies, Food sensitivities, Difficulty Walking, Difficulty Crawling, Mood Swings, Irritability, Difficulty holding head up, Lack of Coordination, Depression

Q: Can you describe how you go about diagnosing the condition, and how you treat it.

Dr. Nitzsche:  The first thing that needs to be done with all patients is to establish if we can help them – if they do have Atlas Subluxation  Complex.  The first step is a detailed history on the patient followed by an extensive examination that includes a hands-on evaluation of the spine, top to bottom, active range of motion testing, postural evaluation, thermal gradient variations, and surface EMG scans.  If the doctor finds these tests point towards Atlas Subluxation Complex then specific X-rays of the spine will be taken followed by a detailed analysis.  Based on the measurements taken on these films the doctor will be able to see the position of the atlas and make a final determination whether or not the patient has Atlas Subluxation Complex.

Q: How many treatments are generally required before someone can expect results?

Dr. Nitzsche:  The number of treatments necessary will vary from patient to patient.  Factors that may affect the amount of treatments could include how long the atlas subluxation complex has been present, how much spinal degeneration has occurred as a result, the patient’s activities/lifestyle, and the patient’s compliance with the recommended care. 

One big advantage to the NUCCA procedure is that it does take fewer visits than the average chiropractic experience.  The goal is to correct the patient’s spine in as few corrections as possible in order to achieve stability.  With stability comes healing, and healing brings long term relief, but more importantly, it brings balance to the spine by removing the Atlas Subluxation Complex and restoring health.

Q: How important is an aligned spine to one's overall health?

Dr. Nitzsche:  Very important!  You’re body needs to have free communication from your brain to your body.  That connection is made via the spinal cord.  If your spine is not aligned and out of balance it creates pressure on the nervous system – the central nervous system.  Everything is controlled and coordinated by this system. 

Our bodies have the ability to heal. This is evident by a cut on your hand that eventually goes away.  What happened there?  The brain saw a problem, reacted, and healed.  What controlled that?  The central nervous system.  What protects the central nervous system?  The spine.  Also, you’ve probably heard someone refer to something as “the backbone of _______,” for example, “he’s the backbone of the company.”, “the backbone of America”, or the sun might be referred to as being “the backbone of our solar system.”   Why did the use of the word come about?  It’s because the backbone, aka the spine, is absolutely essential to the overall condition of our bodies.

Studies have shown that have your spine adjusted into alignment increases your body’s immune response as much as 400%.  How’s that for being important to health!  I have a great example with a patient I see.  T-cells are a type of cell in your body designed to fight infection.  They are an immune response cell.  One of my patients is HIV+ and as a result is constantly having her T-cells monitored by her doctors.  She came into our office.  After evaluation it was determined that she did have Atlas Subluxation Complex, and thus has been under my care.  Since she came to our office her T-cell count has been consistently higher.   Again, that means her immune system is working BETTER!

Q: How would one go about finding a doctor that is trained to treat this condition?

Dr. Nitzsche: Unfortunately, it is a small percentage of chiropractors that do this technique and it can be hard to find someone.  We actually see people travel a long way to come to our office since there isn’t anyone in their area.  Many of us are strictly referral based, such as myself.  However, there are websites where doctors that are trained in this specialized technique this will list themselves.  Here’s a list of some sites:
www.nucca.org
www.uppercervical.org
www.upcspine.com

Q: Do you have any general tips or suggestions for keeping the spine in proper alignment, particularly those who are undergoing chiropractic treatment?

Dr. Nitzsche:  First and foremost it’s imperative that you are first checked by a doctor trained in this specialty.  ASC is not something that will “self-correct”.  Also, the doctor will check you based on your specific response – keep to his recommended care plan for you. 

In addition to being managed by the doctor there are proactive things that can be done by the patient to maintain the correction. 
• Try to stand as erect as possible, with your shoulders, back and head centered directly over the spine. 
• Try to sit in the same manner. 
• Don’t sit with legs crossed except at the ankles.
• Lift objects close to body using knees. 
• Use a good firm mattress.  Never sleep on your stomach. 
• Use a properly fitting cervical pillow.
 

Dr. Jason Nitzsche is a chiropractor specializing in the NUCCA technique, and treatment of Altas Subluxation Complex.  Dr. Nitzsche's office is located in College Park, Florida.  He can be reached at 407-292-8100.  If you are interested in learning more about Atlas Subluxation Complex,  Dr. Nitzsche is offering a FREE CONSULTATION* to anyone who mentions this Heal With Hope article.