Dr. George Gertner, founder of Upper Cervical Chiropractic, in White Plains, New York, can truly empathize with those in chronic pain. While attending Life University, in Atlanta, Georgia, to attain his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Gertner injured his back. To remedy the situation, naturally he turned to chiropractic care. “I was adjusted using every traditional chiropractic procedure, but more than a year later, I was still in a great deal of pain,” recalls this passionate practitioner, who almost gave up on the profession he’d spent years devoting his life to. “Then a friend suggested I visit a NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) chiropractor. At first, I was skeptical. But I decided to try it out because I felt the gentle touch certainly couldn’t hurt anything.” 

That decision turned out to be monumental. Not only did Gertner’s condition significantly improve, but his whole career swiftly pivoted in a new direction. “I left that first appointment feeling 50 percent better, and by the second appointment, all my pain was gone,” he shares. “Those two treatments completely changed my life.” In fact, Gertner was so inspired by the remarkable effects on his health, he spent the next two years under mentorship with the doctor that treated him. In 2002, he returned home to White Plains, opened his doors for business and hasn’t looked back.

According to Gertner—one of only 300 doctors worldwide who performs this technique and lauded as one of the Top 10 NUCCA practitioners in the world—NUCCA chiropractic care is a specialized approach within the field of chiropractic care that focuses on the upper cervical spine, particularly the atlas vertebra (the top bone in the spine) and its impact on the central nervous system. “What makes NUCCA so effective is its ability to take pressure off the nervous system by relieving pressure on the nerves, allowing the body to return to its natural state,” he explains.

Through a series of thorough assessments, including detailed imaging and analysis, Gertner determines the specific misalignment of the atlas vertebra for each patient. This individualized approach contributes to more effective and personalized care for patients. Additionally, NUCCA adjustments are gentle and don’t involve forceful manipulation.

NUCCA chiropractic is effective in addressing musculoskeletal issues causing conditions such as migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, trigeminal neuralgia, scoliosis and neck, shoulder and back pain. It can also alleviate other health issues including chronic ear and sinus infections, tinnitus, vertigo/dizziness, fibromyalgia, allergies, and a host of other conditions resulting from a subluxated—or dislocated—spine.

“So many of my patients come to me after years of regular chiropractic, massage, alternative therapies—even surgery. And they’ve lost hope,” says Gertner, author of the book The Gift of Hope, who loves nothing more than restoring that hope. It’s what fuels his passion and keeps him enthusiastic about coming to the office.

Gertner says he couldn’t do it without the dedicated team at Upper Cervical Chiropractic, who go to great lengths to ensure a pleasant experience for all patients. “Everyone who works here is fantastic. We have a beautiful office with a very warm, healing environment. I have two amazing associates, Dr. Nishma and Dr. Mike,” he explains. Additionally, his office features the latest technology, including 3D digital X-rays and SoftWave Therapy, which features high-velocity sound waves that push through inflammation to facilitate tissue regeneration.  “Half of my patients have chronic pain; the other half have neurological conditions. More than 90 percent of my patients get better,” he says. “We ensure that by offering world-class technological procedures.”

Educating his patients on holistic lifestyle practices is also a critical component to Gertner’s customized healthcare plans. “I have patients who come from all over the globe. Half of them feel better after their first appointment,” he attests. “However, it’s not a one visit experience. Getting healthy doesn’t work that way. It’s a lifestyle. The culture of America is a sick care model. I follow a healthcare model. And it works. My patients’ lives dramatically improve.” 

Gertner reflects on his journey over all the years he’s been in business with fondness. “Twenty-one years in and I still get so excited,” says this practitioner who feels gratitude for discovering a vocation that aligns with his spirit. “If you have chronic pain and nothing works and you’re still suffering every day, I’d love nothing more than to show you the light and offer you hope,” he affirms.