Wobble to Stable: 48 Hours apart. Only difference? NUCCA alignment
When it comes to restoring balance, small wins can lead to big transformations — and in just two days, a patient showed us what’s possible with a seemingly simple atlas NUCCA alignment.
A patient came in before his start of care with an initial test from Clinical Tests of Sensory Integration of Balance using the Biodex BioSway to evaluate his postural control under four different conditions. These conditions simulate real-world challenges by altering visual input (eyes open vs. closed) and surface stability (firm vs. foam). It’s a true test of how the body integrates sensory input to maintain balance.
Sway Index Results – Before & After
Composite score on initial eval was at 2.37 which was 100% impairment. 2 Days later, the composite score changed to 0.94, at 19% impairment. Overall sway and balance improved markedly. In the above chart; each condition showed significant reduction in sway (better balance control), especially the most challenging one (eyes closed, foam surface).
Initial exam - sway patterns were more dispersed across the targets.
Identical Exam 2 days after 1 NUCCA correction. Sway was much more centered within zone A; indicating greater postural control and stability.
Why This Matters
Balance is more than just standing still — it’s critical for:
Preventing falls
Improving athletic performance
Enhancing coordination
Boosting confidence in movement
The Missing Link: Upper Cervical Alignment & Balance
You might be wondering — what does the top of the spine have to do with how well you balance?
The answer: Everything.
The upper cervical spine — especially the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae — plays a critical role in balance, posture, and spatial orientation.
Here’s how:
1. Proprioception Starts at the Top
The muscles and joints around the upper neck are packed with proprioceptors — sensors that tell your brain where your head and body are in space. When these vertebrae are misaligned, the signals can get distorted, leading to:
Dizziness
Unsteadiness
Delayed or inaccurate balance responses
2. The Brainstem Connection
The brainstem sits right where the skull meets the spine — and it’s a hub for balance control, integrating input from your inner ear (vestibular system), vision, and proprioception.
When upper cervical alignment is off, it can create tension or irritation around the brainstem, disrupting this balance coordination center.
3. Head Position Drives Body Posture
When the head tilts even slightly due to misalignment, the entire body compensates — often shifting weight unevenly, tightening one side of the body, and increasing sway.
Correcting upper cervical alignment helps recenter the head over the spine, allowing the body to distribute weight more evenly.
This particular Case: Real-World Evidence
In this patient’s balance tests, we saw a 60% improvement in his sway index in just 48 hours — and a big part of that change followed upper cervical correction. With the atlas and axis realigned under the NUCCA procedure.
Proprioceptive input normalized
Postural muscles engaged more symmetrically
Balance drastically improved across all test surfaces
Bottom Line
Upper cervical chiropractic care isn’t just about pain relief — it’s about restoring communication between the brain and body. When that connection is clear, balance improves, stability returns, and movement feels natural again.
Contact us schedule your evaluation. Your balance is your foundation. Let’s make it stronger.
