Long-term back issues

July 28, 2026

Resolution of Long-Term Back Problems Following NUCCA Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Retrospective Case Series

Background: Long-term back problems are a common and debilitating condition. Upper cervical chiropractic care, specifically the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) technique, focuses on correcting misalignment of the craniocervical junction as a potential approach to improving global spinal function. This article presents outcomes for patients with long-term back issues undergoing NUCCA care. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted by reviewing patient files at a single private practice in Austin, TX. Two cases were selected based on a chief complaint of long-term back problems and a documented course of care with Dr. Scott Sweeney using the NUCCA technique. Patient-reported outcomes, including pain reduction and resolution of symptoms, were extracted from clinical records. Results: The two cases showed significant improvement. The mean patient-reported pain reduction was 88% (median 88%). One patient reported complete elimination of long-term back issues with ongoing maintenance care. A second case reported immediate relief and long-term elimination of issues over an 8-week period, with the patient attributing this success to addressing the root cause of the problem. Conclusions: The findings in this small case series suggest that NUCCA upper cervical care may be a beneficial approach for some individuals with chronic or long-term back problems. The results warrant further investigation through more rigorous, prospective research designs.