Testimonials

GENTLE ADJUSTMENT AND OUT OF PAIN

I suffered an injury to my back and neck from a horseback-riding incident in 1970 when I was 16 years old. At the time I could barely walk and was in a lot of pain. The examining doctor recommended surgery with the caveat that I could actually end up worse off! I passed on that and chose chiropractic treatment instead. I was able to get adequate relief for a number of years from the method used which involved forceful manipulation of all the vertebrae in the spine and neck.

Over time I came to dread the treatment as much as the pain I was in without
treatment! I tensed up with each adjustment causing the muscles to resist
resulting in a different, additional pain with each treatment becoming less
and less effective. I got to the point where every day I would have to roll
out of bed onto my hands and knees and remain that way for the first 30
minutes after waking. Very gradually, assisting myself with my arms, I was
able to pull myself up to walk upright. I even bought a hospital bed! And
I still couldn't sleep through the night without being awakened by pain. I
suffered this way for a long, long time because the treatment was on some level just as debilitating and painful as the injury.

Then in 1992 I learned of NUCCA and have been treated by Dr Abramson ever since. It took a lot of back-to-back treatments to get where I am now. I can enjoy normal activities like bike riding, hiking, water skiing and even sleeping without being laid-up with back and neck pain! I'm on what we call maintenance, meaning I get a gentle adjustment every 3-4 months to keep me on track and out of pain.

I would never consider another option because in my mind there is no other option. I'm constantly amazed that something so gentle can be so effective! Thank you, Dr Abramson!
-KV of Kenmore, WA


MARTIAL ARTS AND WEIGHT LIFTING

I have been coming to see Dr. Abramson since 1998. I had seen over 9 chiropractors over a time span of 6 years from 1992 to 1998 regarding some issues I was having with back pain and dizziness. At the time I was very much into martial arts and weight lifting and thought I might have to give it up because of my issues. Dr. Abramson took the time to investigate the problem and designed a treatment plan around my goals and life style. The other guys just "adjusted" me and scheduled the next 12 months of weekly appointments without concern for my progress. Dr. Abramson was able to correct the situation in less than 6 months and 6 appointments while educating me on how to better protect my body and back. I am forever grateful and happy to report continued martial arts and weight lifting. Thank you Dr. Abramson!!!
-ST of Woodinville, WA


NO CRUNCH AND MUNCH

I have been to numerous chiropractors over the years--most of whom practiced
"crunch and munch" techniques. The relief they afforded was marginal, with
them frequently suggesting that more frequent visits would offer more
results. As a result, I had become completely skeptical about the
legitimacy of chiropractic care altogether.

After suffering from reoccurring migraine headaches, Dr. Abramson educated
me on the benefits of NUCCA therapy in comparison to standard chiropractic
treatments. I was totally amazed at how quickly my body responded to NUCCA.
Since then, I have on occasion suffered a number of back injuries from my
active lifestyle. In every instance, Dr. Abramson's treatment has been
effective in relatively few visits.

I can honestly say Dr. Abramson is sincerely concerned with his patient's health
and well-being.

In the end, each person must make a decision in whom they will trust in
their time of need. When doing so, one should consider the testimony of a
former skeptic who has come to understand that while "pain is inevitable,
suffering truly is optional" in the hands of Dr. Abramson.

-DC of Everett, WA

 


Case Studies

NUCCA Technique & Hypertension Pilot Study: A brief history Excerpts by Marshall Dickholtz Sr., DC

THE STUDY

The original 50 subjects, in the study, were randomly divided into two groups of 25 each. The control group received a placebo "adjustment." This was possible for two basic reasons: 1) because the "adjustment" is so light and 2) because the head could be braced and the adjusted vector controlled so well that no measurable change would take place in the misalignment.

The treatment or experimental group received an equally light adjustment but the vector used and the head placement were specific for each subject based on NUCCA's "understanding" of the presenting biomechanics as interpreted from X-rays for that particular patient. Patients were blinded as to whether or not they had received the sham "adjustment" or had received the real adjustment. The nurse taking the blood pressure readings was not aware of which subjects had been given the real adjustment. Hence, in this sense only, the pilot study was a double-blind study. With regard to posture measurements, X-rays, and adjustments the chiropractor was, of course, not blinded.

Posture measurements in this study included both supine leg check (non-load bearing) and standing (load-bearing) pelvic inclination (frontal plane) as measured on the anatometer as well as bilateral weight distribution, pelvic distortion in the transverse plane ("rotation") and lateral displacement of C-7 off a vertical axis. A laser light system was used to make measurements more readable. All patients were blindfolded for anatometer measurements and a digital camera recorded the posture of all 50 participants.
A standard cervical X-ray series was used and this consisted of lateral, nasium, and vertex views. Lead filters helped to minimized exposure to individuals. Atlas laterality and atlas rotation were measured and used in the calculus for determining the adjustic vector.

Three time events were of critical importance in measurement. Just before actual adjustment, just after adjustment, and eight weeks after adjustment; this sequence was identical for the placebo group. All patients had been off their medications two weeks prior to adjustments and randomization. All patients had all measurements taken at each of these three time events. In addition, all patients had blood pressure measurements taken weekly for eight weeks.

THE RESULTS
Of the 25 subjects in the treatment group, 15 had an average systolic blood pressure drop of 28 mm of Hg relative to the placebo group while the other 10 did not basically change. The treatment group (n=25) therefore had an average of 17 mm of Hg drop. Twenty-one patients had only one adjustment during the study. Future research will take a close look at why one portion of the treatment group (n=15) responded and the other portion of the treatment group (n=10) did not respond in a lowering of systolic blood pressure.

References:
1) Bakris, G., Dickholtz M. Sr, et al. Atlas vertebrae realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study. J. of Human Hypertension, May 2007, 21(5): 347-52.

Cervicogenic Temporal Mandibular Disorder (CTMD)
Research Goals

This project is designed to provide an understanding of the interconnections between TMD and malposition of the atlas. In addition to providing an understanding between TMD and atlas malposition, this project is expected to determine the optimal way in which dentists and upper cervical chiropractors can work together for the benefit of the patient. The question to be answered is, "Does a malposition of the upper cervical spine change the dental occlusion or bite?" For example, if the atlas is corrected and not malpositioned, does that decrease the number of adjustments needed on dental occlusion and appliances? Clinical observations to date support the view that increased spinal stability and dental function are seen with patients using an integrated approach to dental care. The cervical spine-jaw-head modeling at the University of Toledo will be used to interpret what is seen dentally and chiropractically and will provide a biomechanical model relating TMD and misaligned cervical vertebrae.