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Dr. Kerry Johnson smiling as he kneels beside a little girl in a new dress in Uganda

Celebrating 40 years of

Dr. Johnson Legacy Project

40 Years of Healing & Hope

For 40 years, Johnson Spinal Care has helped bring healing to our community. This fall, we're honoring Dr. Kerry Johnson, who founded this company with his wife, Lisa, and whose heart for serving others reached far beyond the walls of the clinic.

This fall, we're honoring Dr. Kerry Johnson's heart for generosity and serving others.

Learn More about the Dr. Johnson Legacy Project

The Dr. Johnson Legacy Project

NUCCA Upper Cervical Chiropractic

What would a life without pain mean for you?

Discover gentle, precise NUCCA care built around your upper cervical spine — no twisting, no cracking, no guesswork. Just measurement, and time.

NUCCA-Trained Doctors
3 Twin Cities Locations
Gentle, Measured Correction
Chiropractic therapy at Johnson Spinal Care
Five out of five stars

“They revealed to me what was causing my full body pain and my 24/7 headache for a year and a half... They gave me back my life!!!!!”

— Ron
What Is NUCCA?

A precise approach to upper cervical care

NUCCA is a specialized technique focused on correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine — specifically the atlas vertebra at the top of your neck. Using detailed measurement and a light, controlled correction, it offers a gentle option for patients of all ages who want relief without force.

Learn how the correction works →
The Johnson Spinal Care Method

Our process is simple

Diagnose — Johnson Spinal Care NUCCA process
01

Diagnose

Utilizing our 7-step comprehensive examination, including consultation and advanced imaging technology, we will create an intuitive report of findings and help you finally and clearly discover the root cause of your issues.

Correct — Johnson Spinal Care NUCCA process
02

Correct

Leveraging a sophisticated and physics-based analysis, we will create an individualized correction plan for your upper cervical spine, deliver a gentle adjustment without any twisting of your head, and confirm its effectiveness for you.

Heal — Johnson Spinal Care NUCCA process
03

Heal

Through a proven process of healing, you will experience relief from your primary issues and eventually restoration of your spine and central nervous system, allowing you to take back the reigns of your life from the pain that is holding them now!

Experience relief and feel your best with NUCCA chiropractic services.

Get Started
Visit Us

Three Twin Cities locations

Apple Valley

Apple Valley Clinic

14859 Energy Way, Apple Valley, MN 55124

About us →
Savage

Savage Clinic

8678 Eagle Creek Circle, Savage, MN 55378

About us →
Vadnais Heights

White Bear Lake Clinic

3485 Willow Lake Blvd, Suite #100, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110

About us →
Patient Story

“For the first time in years, I woke up without a headache. This care is gentle, precise, and it actually works.”

— Long-time patient, Apple Valley Clinic

Five out of five stars
Real Stories, Real Relief

Voices From Our Community

Rated 4.9 from 402 Google reviews across our three clinics

S

Shelly Collier

a month ago · Apple Valley

Hi! I'm Shelly! I have been going to johnson spinal care for 30 plus years!! I have been treated like family since day one. They are very professional, but very kind and caring! If you need relief and haven't found it in any other place, doctor or therapy then this is your place!!! I hope you find healing and health like if have in them. Sincerely, shelly

L

Linda Diaz

a month ago · Apple Valley

Johnson Spinal Care and Dr. Wurgler have been a huge part of my son's physical health for 10 years. Dr. Wurgler has been an amazing support through three very physical sports seasons all of that time. He never fails to give great health advice which has changed my son's life!

A

Angelica Sabogal

a month ago · Savage

I didn’t know what was like to have a life migraine free, thank you Doc. Whitney and all your amazing staff for making this possible for me! I had them all my life. Some times they would make me blind and often time they would heal only after throwing up. I came to Nucca after having an 18 day migraine. After 5 alignments I was migraine free!

K

Katie Tinderholm

a month ago · Apple Valley

I’ve been coming here for at least 4–5 years, and Dr. Wurgler is amazing! Anytime I have a migraine or my lower back is acting up, I always feel so much better after an adjustment. I also really appreciate how gentle his adjustments are, there’s no twisting or cracking of the neck, which was always something that made me nervous about chiropractic care. I highly recommend Dr. Wurgler! ☺️

N

Nicole Rodvold

a month ago · Savage

From the front office to the ‘back’ docs, everyone is always caring and pleasant. You’re listened to and you know your genuinely cared about. Always a pleasure to be adjusted and walk out feeling put back together. Gentle, compassionate, supportive, restorative, and balanced. Thank you JSC, Savage!

M

Megan Driedger

a month ago · Apple Valley

Johnson Spinal Care is truly the best! Everyone there is so kind, welcoming, and caring. I’ve been seeing Tad for several years for lower back and neck issues, and he has helped me tremendously. I’ve seen such a positive improvement in my overall health and well-being. Tad genuinely cares about his patients and always shows so much compassion. You can truly feel how invested he is in helping people feel their best. I honestly believe the care I’ve received at Johnson Spinal Care has given me a better quality of life. I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done for me!

S

Sarah Floren

a month ago · Apple Valley

We specifically chose NUCCA to help keep our daughter aligned before attempting surgery for her scoliosis. Dr. Norris has been exceptional in his professionalism, care, and treatment options. We have been very pleased that she has remained comfortable, pain free, and her curve has stabilized. Keep Johnson Spinal Care in mind if you are looking for chiropractic staff who will really listen to your concerns and will truly help you feel better.

L

Lois Dlouhy- Arling

a month ago · Savage

Chris at Johnson spinal care has kept me pain-free for over a year. I’ve taken no pain meds not even a Tylenol with him. Thank you, Kris living with lupus for 30 years. You’ve made my life better.

A

Aaron Amin

2 months ago · Savage

Thank you Dr. Thelemann for getting me back on track! Saw improvements within a month of coming in and am able to keep up with all the sports I still participate in. I really valued all the time Connor spent with me looking into what was giving me issues, and laying out a diligent plan to get it all addressed. Front desk staff is also amazing!! I highly recommend coming in, been to multiple other chiros but this was by far my best experience. Thank you guys!

A

Amy Blume

2 months ago · Savage

This has been my miracle. I have had chronic neck pain for over 20 yrs. I have seen multiple chiropractors, physical therapy, acupuncture and massage, I could never get relief that lasted. I wont forget the first visit with Dr. Connor Thelemann. I sat in his office in tears because I had no hope and I was in so much pain. Here I am a 5 months later and rarely needing pain medication and actually being able to start working out and lifting weights(that was my goal)! I pray that this review finds someone like me who needs relief from neck pain. It’s been truly amazing for me.

M

Meg Gunvalson

3 months ago · White Bear Lake

After seeing a neurologist, ENT (3x), and having a brain MRA and brain MVA, and a 3 hour vestibular workup at U of M East Bank, all pointed to a central processing disorder; no amount of vestibular therapy, PT, OT, cranial sacral massages, low stim environments made any changes. I am an emergency room nurse, and I was having to call in sick many days, I am also in grad school for NP, and somedays I couldn’t focus to study because I was SO dizzy. Many days I felt like my head my floating and a hot air balloon for my head. Laying in bed was typically the worst, felt like my bed and pillows were at a decline and was falling backwards, Eply Manuever made everything waaaaay worse. I would be standing with shoes on and not looking up or anything at all and would feel like a trap door is at my heels and incredibly unsteady. After working with a D.C. neuro specialist (who is amazing btw, and I did get better with my eye issues) he suggested a NUCCA chiropractor. None of the providers that I went to did imaging on my NECK. As part of the intake at JSC they do a full panorama image of your neck. Guess what the root cause of my dizziness, brain fog, chronic migraines, memory issues ended up being? My cervical spine was WAY out of alignment. I saw images of my OWN neck and spine showing how out of alignment I was, scientific evidence, not some gimmick. I was very out of alignment, and like Dr. Bush said, it would take awhile to notice changes. The first few adjustments I was very tired, almost lethargic (all normal post adjustment). I can now tell when I am slightly out of alignment, and I have only been 1/10 or 1/8 out of alignment since about the 3rd months of adjustments. Some may say it’s pricy, but, you have nothing to lose when you are seeing a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine who CHOSE to focus on just ONE bone/region of the body. That takes a very special provider to do that, and Dr. Bush is the best. I was really worried the first adjustment, thinking it would be painful, and trust me, I don’t want ANYONE near my brainstem region. You cannot feel ANYTHING, promise. Check the clinic out, you will not be disappointed. I was in 2 weeks ago and for the first time, I HELD alignment (crazy distance runner who runs trails, and a nurse, so have horrid posture usually) and Dr. Busy checked me and said no need for adjustment, whereas some Chiro’s would have seen $ and adjustment me anyways. So thankful to have found this clinic and grateful beyond believe for Dr. Bush!

a

alberto gurrieri

5 months ago · White Bear Lake

Great place and great people. The staff is very knowledgeable and cooperative. Both my wife and I are treated here. My wife greatly improved since being under the care of Dr. Bush. Dr Bush always asks if I have further clarifying questions and answers promptly and satisfactorily. The clinic as a whole is very caring. They place the health of the patient above everything else. Highly recommended.

C

Carole Anderson

5 months ago · White Bear Lake

Dr. Bush is Amazing!! I feel blessed to have her help me manage my problems with dizziness and all other chiropractic needs. I feel better because of her Nucca adjustments. She is compassionate, knowledgeable and genuinely cares about her patients.

A

Annette

6 months ago · White Bear Lake

I would highly recommend Dr. Danielle at Johnson Spinal Care in Vadnais Heights. I was referred to her after experiencing vertigo for 18 months. I had been to ENT, to the National Balance & Dizziness Center and no one could figure out how to help me. I was told it was my ear crystals and to do the Epley maneuver which made me very sick. After just One adjustment my vertigo was gone! It has come back a couple times over the past 9 months but never to the severity it once was and after an adjustment I feel better again. I am off all of my migraine and vertigo medication. Give NUCCA chiropractic a chance. You have nothing to lose. It was life changing for me.

M

Morgan Holtzlider

6 months ago · White Bear Lake

I started my chiropractic journey with Dr. Tad Norris in Apple Valley and had an amazing experience, but the hour drive eventually became difficult to maintain. Finding Dr. Bush at Johnson Spinal Care in White Bear Lake has truly been the best of both worlds— I cut my drive time in half and still receive incredible care! Dr. Bush met me exactly where I was about 8 weeks ago, and I can genuinely feel the difference now that my body is back in alignment. The entire office is welcoming, professional, and focused on patient-centered care.If you’re looking for a chiropractor who goes above and beyond— without any cracking, popping, or snapping— I highly recommend checking out Johnson Spinal Care. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience!

S

Shelly Collier

a month ago · Apple Valley

Hi! I'm Shelly! I have been going to johnson spinal care for 30 plus years!! I have been treated like family since day one. They are very professional, but very kind and caring! If you need relief and haven't found it in any other place, doctor or therapy then this is your place!!! I hope you find healing and health like if have in them. Sincerely, shelly

L

Linda Diaz

a month ago · Apple Valley

Johnson Spinal Care and Dr. Wurgler have been a huge part of my son's physical health for 10 years. Dr. Wurgler has been an amazing support through three very physical sports seasons all of that time. He never fails to give great health advice which has changed my son's life!

A

Angelica Sabogal

a month ago · Savage

I didn’t know what was like to have a life migraine free, thank you Doc. Whitney and all your amazing staff for making this possible for me! I had them all my life. Some times they would make me blind and often time they would heal only after throwing up. I came to Nucca after having an 18 day migraine. After 5 alignments I was migraine free!

K

Katie Tinderholm

a month ago · Apple Valley

I’ve been coming here for at least 4–5 years, and Dr. Wurgler is amazing! Anytime I have a migraine or my lower back is acting up, I always feel so much better after an adjustment. I also really appreciate how gentle his adjustments are, there’s no twisting or cracking of the neck, which was always something that made me nervous about chiropractic care. I highly recommend Dr. Wurgler! ☺️

N

Nicole Rodvold

a month ago · Savage

From the front office to the ‘back’ docs, everyone is always caring and pleasant. You’re listened to and you know your genuinely cared about. Always a pleasure to be adjusted and walk out feeling put back together. Gentle, compassionate, supportive, restorative, and balanced. Thank you JSC, Savage!

M

Megan Driedger

a month ago · Apple Valley

Johnson Spinal Care is truly the best! Everyone there is so kind, welcoming, and caring. I’ve been seeing Tad for several years for lower back and neck issues, and he has helped me tremendously. I’ve seen such a positive improvement in my overall health and well-being. Tad genuinely cares about his patients and always shows so much compassion. You can truly feel how invested he is in helping people feel their best. I honestly believe the care I’ve received at Johnson Spinal Care has given me a better quality of life. I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done for me!

S

Sarah Floren

a month ago · Apple Valley

We specifically chose NUCCA to help keep our daughter aligned before attempting surgery for her scoliosis. Dr. Norris has been exceptional in his professionalism, care, and treatment options. We have been very pleased that she has remained comfortable, pain free, and her curve has stabilized. Keep Johnson Spinal Care in mind if you are looking for chiropractic staff who will really listen to your concerns and will truly help you feel better.

L

Lois Dlouhy- Arling

a month ago · Savage

Chris at Johnson spinal care has kept me pain-free for over a year. I’ve taken no pain meds not even a Tylenol with him. Thank you, Kris living with lupus for 30 years. You’ve made my life better.

A

Aaron Amin

2 months ago · Savage

Thank you Dr. Thelemann for getting me back on track! Saw improvements within a month of coming in and am able to keep up with all the sports I still participate in. I really valued all the time Connor spent with me looking into what was giving me issues, and laying out a diligent plan to get it all addressed. Front desk staff is also amazing!! I highly recommend coming in, been to multiple other chiros but this was by far my best experience. Thank you guys!

A

Amy Blume

2 months ago · Savage

This has been my miracle. I have had chronic neck pain for over 20 yrs. I have seen multiple chiropractors, physical therapy, acupuncture and massage, I could never get relief that lasted. I wont forget the first visit with Dr. Connor Thelemann. I sat in his office in tears because I had no hope and I was in so much pain. Here I am a 5 months later and rarely needing pain medication and actually being able to start working out and lifting weights(that was my goal)! I pray that this review finds someone like me who needs relief from neck pain. It’s been truly amazing for me.

M

Meg Gunvalson

3 months ago · White Bear Lake

After seeing a neurologist, ENT (3x), and having a brain MRA and brain MVA, and a 3 hour vestibular workup at U of M East Bank, all pointed to a central processing disorder; no amount of vestibular therapy, PT, OT, cranial sacral massages, low stim environments made any changes. I am an emergency room nurse, and I was having to call in sick many days, I am also in grad school for NP, and somedays I couldn’t focus to study because I was SO dizzy. Many days I felt like my head my floating and a hot air balloon for my head. Laying in bed was typically the worst, felt like my bed and pillows were at a decline and was falling backwards, Eply Manuever made everything waaaaay worse. I would be standing with shoes on and not looking up or anything at all and would feel like a trap door is at my heels and incredibly unsteady. After working with a D.C. neuro specialist (who is amazing btw, and I did get better with my eye issues) he suggested a NUCCA chiropractor. None of the providers that I went to did imaging on my NECK. As part of the intake at JSC they do a full panorama image of your neck. Guess what the root cause of my dizziness, brain fog, chronic migraines, memory issues ended up being? My cervical spine was WAY out of alignment. I saw images of my OWN neck and spine showing how out of alignment I was, scientific evidence, not some gimmick. I was very out of alignment, and like Dr. Bush said, it would take awhile to notice changes. The first few adjustments I was very tired, almost lethargic (all normal post adjustment). I can now tell when I am slightly out of alignment, and I have only been 1/10 or 1/8 out of alignment since about the 3rd months of adjustments. Some may say it’s pricy, but, you have nothing to lose when you are seeing a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine who CHOSE to focus on just ONE bone/region of the body. That takes a very special provider to do that, and Dr. Bush is the best. I was really worried the first adjustment, thinking it would be painful, and trust me, I don’t want ANYONE near my brainstem region. You cannot feel ANYTHING, promise. Check the clinic out, you will not be disappointed. I was in 2 weeks ago and for the first time, I HELD alignment (crazy distance runner who runs trails, and a nurse, so have horrid posture usually) and Dr. Busy checked me and said no need for adjustment, whereas some Chiro’s would have seen $ and adjustment me anyways. So thankful to have found this clinic and grateful beyond believe for Dr. Bush!

a

alberto gurrieri

5 months ago · White Bear Lake

Great place and great people. The staff is very knowledgeable and cooperative. Both my wife and I are treated here. My wife greatly improved since being under the care of Dr. Bush. Dr Bush always asks if I have further clarifying questions and answers promptly and satisfactorily. The clinic as a whole is very caring. They place the health of the patient above everything else. Highly recommended.

C

Carole Anderson

5 months ago · White Bear Lake

Dr. Bush is Amazing!! I feel blessed to have her help me manage my problems with dizziness and all other chiropractic needs. I feel better because of her Nucca adjustments. She is compassionate, knowledgeable and genuinely cares about her patients.

A

Annette

6 months ago · White Bear Lake

I would highly recommend Dr. Danielle at Johnson Spinal Care in Vadnais Heights. I was referred to her after experiencing vertigo for 18 months. I had been to ENT, to the National Balance & Dizziness Center and no one could figure out how to help me. I was told it was my ear crystals and to do the Epley maneuver which made me very sick. After just One adjustment my vertigo was gone! It has come back a couple times over the past 9 months but never to the severity it once was and after an adjustment I feel better again. I am off all of my migraine and vertigo medication. Give NUCCA chiropractic a chance. You have nothing to lose. It was life changing for me.

M

Morgan Holtzlider

6 months ago · White Bear Lake

I started my chiropractic journey with Dr. Tad Norris in Apple Valley and had an amazing experience, but the hour drive eventually became difficult to maintain. Finding Dr. Bush at Johnson Spinal Care in White Bear Lake has truly been the best of both worlds— I cut my drive time in half and still receive incredible care! Dr. Bush met me exactly where I was about 8 weeks ago, and I can genuinely feel the difference now that my body is back in alignment. The entire office is welcoming, professional, and focused on patient-centered care.If you’re looking for a chiropractor who goes above and beyond— without any cracking, popping, or snapping— I highly recommend checking out Johnson Spinal Care. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience!

A child on a swing
Our Promise To You

Better | Faster | Longer

An appointment every week for the rest of my life? No thanks! By accurately addressing the root cause of your issue, we expect to get you better quicker and stay better longer. We’ll sure miss you, but our goal is to hardly see you the longer you’re a patient!

Gentle

We understand the hesitations with visiting a chiropractor, especially with neck issues. That’s why we practice an upper cervical technique called NUCCA. This allows us to not only be accurate, but also deliver a gentle, safe adjustment, requiring only the amount of force it takes to flip on a light switch!

Get Started

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Schedule a consultation at one of our three locations and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Book an Appointment