Intouch Chiropractic: Helping San Diego, CA Patients with Chronic Migraines

TL;DR

• Verified outcomes from three patients with chronic migraines show significant improvement after starting care at Intouch Chiropractic.
• The primary treatment method used in these successful cases was NUCCA, a gentle and precise form of upper cervical chiropractic.
• Two patients reported a complete resolution of their migraines within just two weeks of beginning NUCCA adjustments.
• One patient with a history of lifelong migraines reported being nearly a full year migraine-free after starting care.

What the outcomes show

For those who suffer from the debilitating pain of chronic migraines, finding lasting relief can feel like an impossible task. At Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego, a specialized approach focusing on the upper cervical spine is providing hope and tangible results for patients. Based on verified patient outcomes, the clinic has documented several cases of significant improvement for individuals with chronic migraines.

While every patient's journey is unique, the outcomes for three specific cases of chronic migraines treated at the clinic highlight a common thread of success. In all three instances, patients experienced substantial relief after receiving NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) care. Two of these individuals reported a complete cessation of their migraines within two weeks of their first adjustment. A third patient, who had dealt with frequent migraines for their entire life, achieved a remarkable milestone: nearly one full year without a single migraine episode after committing to the treatment plan. It is important to note that these are individual results from a small set of verified cases and do not represent a guaranteed outcome. The clinic does not track average pain reduction or mobility gain percentages for this data set.

How Intouch Chiropractic approaches Chronic Migraines

Intouch Chiropractic is a boutique-style practice dedicated to providing personalized and precise care. Led by Dr. Jeanett Tapia and Dr. Devin Young, the clinic specializes in a highly specific chiropractic technique known as NUCCA. Unlike general spinal manipulation, NUCCA is a gentle, non-invasive method that focuses exclusively on the alignment of the top two vertebrae in the neck, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2).

The guiding principle behind this approach is the critical relationship between the upper cervical spine and the central nervous system. The brainstem, which extends from the brain down through the atlas vertebra, is a vital communication hub that controls countless bodily functions, including blood flow to the brain and pain signaling. A misalignment in this sensitive area, even a minor one, can put pressure on the brainstem and surrounding nerves, potentially disrupting normal function and contributing to conditions like chronic migraines.

The doctors at Intouch Chiropractic, Dr. Young and Dr. Tapia, are both highly trained in the NUCCA protocol. Their process begins with advanced diagnostics. Using precision radiographic and, when necessary, MRI analysis, they can measure the exact degree and direction of any spinal misalignment. This data allows them to create a mathematical formula for a correction that is unique to each patient's anatomy.

The NUCCA adjustment itself is gentle and controlled. There is no popping, twisting, or cracking of the neck. Instead, the doctor applies a light, directed pressure to the side of the neck to encourage the head, neck, and spine to return to their proper alignment. By restoring this balance, the goal is to relieve neurological stress, improve blood flow, and allow the body's natural healing processes to take over, which may lead to a reduction in the frequency and severity of migraines.

In addition to NUCCA, the clinic offers complementary therapies that can support recovery. Modalities like MLS Laser Therapy, Class 4 Laser Therapy, and Shockwave Therapy can help reduce inflammation and address related soft tissue components that may be contributing to a patient's overall condition.

Patient cases (verified outcomes)

The following summaries are based on real, verified patient outcomes at Intouch Chiropractic.

Case 1: Resolution after a Decade of Pain One patient came to the clinic seeking help for chronic migraines they had endured for approximately 10 years. They had tried other forms of chiropractic care in the past without finding a lasting solution. After an evaluation and beginning NUCCA care with the team at Intouch Chiropractic, the patient reported a complete resolution of their migraines within just two weeks. They remained migraine-free in the time following their initial treatment period.

Case 2: Quick Relief from Migraines In another case, a patient began NUCCA treatment for migraines and experienced remarkable results in a short timeframe. Within two weeks of starting care, they reported that their migraines had completely stopped. This rapid response highlights how restoring alignment in the upper neck can sometimes have a swift and powerful effect on neurological symptoms.

Case 3: Freedom from Lifelong Migraines A third individual had suffered from frequent migraines for most of their life. For them, migraines were not a recent development but a persistent, lifelong burden. After beginning a consistent NUCCA care plan at Intouch Chiropractic, this patient achieved a life-changing result: they were able to go nearly one full year without experiencing a single migraine.

What to expect at your first visit

Your first visit to Intouch Chiropractic is a comprehensive and data-driven process designed to determine the precise cause of your health concerns.

1. Detailed Consultation: You will have an in-depth conversation with Dr. Tapia or Dr. Young. This is an opportunity to discuss your history with migraines, including their frequency, intensity, triggers, and any previous treatments you have tried.
2. Comprehensive Examination: The doctor will perform a thorough physical and neurological examination to assess your posture, balance, nerve function, and spinal health.
3. Advanced Imaging: A key part of the NUCCA protocol is a series of precise, low-dose X-rays of your head and neck. These images are taken from multiple angles and allow the doctor to perform a detailed analysis of your upper cervical alignment down to the millimeter. This is a crucial step that differentiates NUCCA from many other approaches.
4. Report of Findings: Once your images and exam results have been analyzed, you will have a follow-up appointment where the doctor explains everything in detail. They will show you your imaging, point out any misalignments, and explain whether you are a candidate for NUCCA care.
5. Your First Adjustment: If you and the doctor decide to proceed, your first adjustment will be performed. You will lie on your side on a specially designed table, and the doctor will apply a gentle, controlled pressure to the side of your neck. The adjustment is precise and does not involve any twisting or sudden movements. Afterward, a post-adjustment image is often taken to verify that a successful correction was made.

FAQ

1. What is NUCCA and how is it different from other chiropractic care? NUCCA is a specialized chiropractic technique that focuses solely on correcting misalignment in the upper cervical spine (the top of the neck). Unlike general chiropractic that may involve manipulation along the entire spine, NUCCA uses precise measurements from X-rays to deliver a gentle, calculated adjustment without any "popping" or "cracking." The goal is to restore the entire spine's balance by correcting the position of the head on the neck.

2. Why does the upper neck affect migraines? The top vertebra, the Atlas (C1), sits directly underneath the skull and surrounds the brainstem. A misalignment here can interfere with nerve signals and blood flow between the brain and the body. Researchers believe this interference can be a contributing factor to various types of headaches, including migraines, by sensitizing nerve pathways or altering vascular function in the head. By correcting the misalignment, NUCCA aims to reduce this irritation and restore normal function.

3. Is the NUCCA adjustment painful? No, the NUCCA adjustment is known for being extremely gentle. Patients feel a light, sustained pressure behind their ear, but there is no forceful movement, twisting, or cracking involved. Many patients are surprised by how gentle the process is.

4. How long will it take to see results for my migraines? Every patient's response to care is different and depends on factors like the severity of the misalignment, how long it has been present, and overall health. As the verified cases show, some patients have reported complete relief within two weeks, while for others, improvement is a more gradual process. Your doctor will discuss a realistic timeframe and expectations with you based on your specific findings.

5. Do I need a referral to visit Intouch Chiropractic? No, you do not need a referral from a medical doctor to schedule a consultation at Intouch Chiropractic. You can contact the clinic directly to book your initial appointment. Dr. Jeanett Tapia is also bilingual in Spanish, ensuring clear communication for Spanish-speaking patients.

Ready to see if we can help?

If you are struggling with chronic migraines in the San Diego area and are looking for a precise, gentle, and data-driven approach, the team at Intouch Chiropractic may be able to help. To learn more about their unique NUCCA method and to determine if you are a candidate for care, we invite you to schedule a consultation.

View Intouch Chiropractic's profile to contact the clinic directly.