The care described on Dr. Elster’s web site and published in Dr. Elster’s research papers has been performed in accordance with the guidelines of the International Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (IUCCA). Currently, very few IUCCA-trained upper cervical specialists exist in the USA or worldwide. Therefore, many patients (from other states and/or countries) choose to travel to the closest IUCCA-trained practitioner.

Dr. Elster sympathizes with each individual’s struggle to attain the care described on this web site since it is not routinely available. However, please be advised that because the IUCCA training is extensive, it is impossible for Dr. Elster to advise an individual’s local chiropractor on how to perform the procedure and/or any of the diagnostics involved.

To receive information on other practitioners trained by the IUCCA, please contact the IUCCA at (650) 361-8908 or www.pacificchiro.com.

Average care regimen for adults: On average a patient is seen two times per week for two to four weeks; one time per week during the second month; once every other week for the third month; and once per month until complete stabilization of the spine occurs. However, each individual's care plan is specifically designed for his or her case and is determined at the initial evaluation appointment. Pediatric cases typically require less care than adults.

The above care schedule is preferred for the best results but can be difficult for those traveling. On average, an individual should plan to travel to Colorado initially for approximately 45-60 days, depending upon his/her case, and should plan to return to Colorado multiple times during the following 3 to 6 months if necessary. For patients traveling from other countries, a longer stay (60-90 days) is recommended to ensure the proper stabilization of a patient’s case prior to his/her return home. Again, the care plan and response time vary per person depending upon several factors: the severity of his/her condition, the length of time the condition has been present, and the age of the patient.

Please be advised that traveling for care can be very difficult due to time away from family, work, school, etc. It can also be expensive due to substantial travel and housing costs. Therefore, an individual should not attempt to travel to Colorado for care unless he/she is in a position to make the necessary time and financial commitments.

If you are able to comply with the time and financial issues discussed above and are interested in traveling to Colorado for care, please contact Dr. Elster to discuss arrangements for your specific case. In your email, please include a detailed description of your health history (any history of trauma to the head/neck, your symptoms, diagnosis dates, etc.) and possible travel dates.

Dr. Elster has also included local information for housing and directions on her website.

Please click on the following links to read about one patient's experience in traveling from the Netherlands and another who traveled from Norway.