The following questions are those most frequently asked, but if you’re wondering about something that’s not addressed here, please send us an email at info@ucrf.org and we’ll get back to you promptly.
1. How does the Upper Cervical Research Foundation (UCRF) decide what research to conduct?
The Upper Cervical Research Foundation has established priorities based on a process that began with answering a series of questions regarding the current needs of our health care system and efforts to bridge the gap between upper cervical care and practitioners of all health care paradigms.
NUCCA upper cervical doctors also bring to this process a set of observations from many decades of clinical care that ask questions to further the investigation of the Atlas Subluxation Complex Syndrome. Preference in ranking projects is given to the most fundamental research that promotes the understanding of the far-reaching effects of precisely correcting a malposition of the upper cervical spine.
The hypertension study (Journal of Human Hypertension; May 2007) is a prime example of the “partnership with experts” that UCRF ranks so highly. Another current “partnership with experts” research example is our biomechanical, finite element model project with the University of Toledo under the direction of Dr. Vijay K. Goel, internationally renowned for his research on spinal discs. This fundamental research project provides an opportunity to look at a series of questions unanswered by other health care practitioners and researchers, specifically in the area of biomechanical research.
2. How does the UCRF ensure that information about patients who have volunteered for participation in research meets the highest level of confidentiality and safety?
All research projects funded by UCRF involving patients or potential patients must be approved by a federally recognized (USA/Canada) Institutional Review Board that strictly adheres to all federal and state (province) regulations. This approval is also required for any research that is to be published in reputable journals.
3. Who funds The Upper Cervical Research Foundation?
As a non-profit organization, the Upper Cervical Research Foundation depends entirely on contributions from a broad and varied community of donors. We receive tax-deductible gifts from individuals, businesses, and foundations so that projects which are important to health care, and in some cases even potentially critical to health care, can be funded. UCRF is also seeking funding for some research projects through state and federal (USA/Canada) funding sources where appropriate.
4. What are some of the benefits of UCRF research?
Our research and published findings provide a benefit to society by increasing the body of scientific knowledge and clarifying the important structural-neurological-health relationship as evidenced in daily practice. The greatest benefit is improvement in correcting the cervical spine, restoring normal function and decreasing or eliminating the inital reasons patients came to see their NUCCA doctor.
In addition, UCRF research provides the validation to understand the wide variety of negative effects that a misaligned upper cervical spine has on human well-being, and provides answers on how to best correct the misaligned spine, to determine the practice limits of the upper cervical specialist, to determine the extent that a misaligned upper cervical spine affects the entire human organism, and to establish the necessity for insurance coverage and other support by involved agencies.