I was honestly nervous to see a chiropractor for the first time, but she immediately put me at ease with her kindness, knowledge, and compassion. I was at a point in my treatment where I truly didn't know if my pain could be significantly improved, but she helped reduce my TMJ pain so much. She also referred me to an amazing massage therapist, which really complemented the treatment. I'm so grateful for her care and I highly recommend her. read more

I went in twice and came away feeling like the whole NUCCA approach is highly questionable. Dr. Marie is extremely kind and seems to want to help, and I do want to acknowledge that. However, I paid for x-rays and never received a copy or saw any results, and I was asked to prepay for months of appointments (which I declined). Emails I sent were also never answered. The adjustment itself was minimal--she had me lie on my side and tapped the side of my neck a couple of times. I felt no improvement afterward; in fact, I felt worse, likely because the x-rays required me to hold my chin in an extended position for several minutes, which is especially problematic for a cervical disc herniation. I'm in a lot of pain from my injury and was open to trying different treatments, but this experience left me doubtful. Unfortunately, I would not return. read more

I came to Marie after being completely frustrated by the traditionally trained doctors, including an orthopedic doctor who said he couldn't see anything structurally wrong with me knee, and yet I couldn't walk on it because of the pain. She did a full assessment, listening for the kinds of symptoms that could all be caused by misalignment of a key part of my body - the neck. She was thorough - taking x-rays both before and after my first treatment - as well as knowledgeable and intuitive, applying the NUCCA technique in such a gentle way that i was not stunned or in pain. I've been to traditional chiropractors, and I walk out feeling like I've been beaten up, and it takes days to feel better. With the NUCCA technique that Marie uses, I actually look forward to laying on her table and getting adjusted. After about 4 sessions, the pain in my knee was about 90% gone, I could walk on it comfortably again, and even walk up stairs without pain. The bonus outcomes are that my hip pain and lower back pain were almost completely gone after 10 sessions. In terms of the office experience, it is clean, easy to find, with free parking nearby. It can be a little hard to reach her directly and live (in cases where I'm running late), but she checks messages/emails regularly. If you've not gotten results with traditional health care for anything that has to do with body alignment, I highly recommend checking Marie and her chiropractic services out. read more

I was suffering from TMJ / TMD - clenching my jaw and grinding my teeth with constant tension and pain. My dentist was unable to provide me relief. I realized my spine had to be out of alignment as well as my jaw. An online search and my intuition led me to NUCCA chiropractic. It's all measurements and alignment. It makes sense. I'd not been to a chiropractor previously. Dr. Marie Biek (pron. beak) aligned my spine, eliminated my pain, and has brought me so much relief! I feel so much better. Adjustments are gentle and you barely feel anything. It seems like a miracle but the lack of pain is real. I'm so glad I found this drug-free solution. I will continue with Dr. Biek as needed to stay aligned. Dr. Biek cared about my pain and worked with me to address it with compassion. She will do the same for you. Well worth my time and money. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Thank you, Dr. Biek! read more

So as a 59 year old, who has played hard in life and continue to, my lower back had become a nagging issue for me. Dr. Marie has a very different way of working on your body. She starts with x rays, she then explains what she is seeing. For me it was about neck and hip alignment. Depending on how much I'm out, she presses down lightly on the side of my neck a few times. I'm a results kind of person, if it works, it works. The ultimate test for me was spending 2 long days at Disneyland, I drive down and back. No pain. read more

In short, Dr. Marie changed my life. I have had chronic pain and tension as long as I can remember (started with migraines in middle school, I'm now in my late 30's). My neck has always felt like the problem child, but in the last 10 years also my back, shoulders, hips, wrists, jaw/TMJ, etc have all gotten involved. I've seen dozens of many different kinds of bodyworkers, massage therapists, physical therapists, doctors, and chiropractors over the years--even other "upper cervical" specialists--and many have helped me manage my pain and tension. I was quite depressed about it all, and my life was good but feeling like a constant struggle to feel okay. It's hard not to feel broken when you're "doing all the right things" and nothing seems to be changing. But Dr. Marie seems to have finally gotten to the root! When I first came to see her about 1.5 months ago, I was already in a pretty good place compared to usual (I was "just" having limited range of motion and pain/tension in my neck, TMJ/clenching, some issues with my shoulders and back tightening up with exercise and daily activity, and chronic inflammation of my occiput/base of my neck, with on-and-off tension headaches, often uncomfortable in bed trying to sleep). It took a few adjustments for us to get it just right, but then it was nearly instant relief and a newfound sense of ease. After about a month of things settling in and visits to check in and get little minor adjustments, I can turn my head freely now without any pain or tension, my regular massage therapist says he's never seen my spine so straight or the muscle tone in my back so balanced (I had been diagnosed years earlier with minor scoliosis). I've been able to get back to some exercises that were previously causing muscle spasms and tightness and am feeling stronger, I can breathe easier and more deeply, and I also feel calmer and more centered mentally/emotionally. Talk about releasing something in the central nervous system! I feel like I have a new lease on life. I really appreciate Dr. Marie's gentle and detailed approach (crack/popping chiropractic has always freaked me out) and I am super sensitive! The x-rays before and after were affirming and I really appreciate bodywork done with this kind of attention to what "actually is" happening. The feel of her adjustments reminds me of craniosacral therapy - gentle, energetic, precise - and it has had a deeply profound effect. AND she has also helped immensely with my TMJ/jaw clenching: I have stopped wearing my night guard (no more clenching at night!). I realize that I have been doing lots of other self-care things in conjunction that I think probably made this epic and quick shift possible: regular bodywork, pilates, yoga, gentle physical activity, learning about chronic pain, anxiety/stress, and getting support mentally/emotionally around that. But Dr. Marie was for sure the lynch-pin that has freed me out of this chronic loop of pain and tension. WOW - THANK YOU, DR MARIE! read more

Did not work for me. Very expensive, $90 per 15 m visit. Dr Marie suggests way too many visits per week and even asks you to pay up front for several weeks/ months of treatment before you even decide if its the right treatment for you. Never felt a difference and I struggled and forced myself to observe any improvement. I suspect much of the miracle stories here are placebo effect. If you have thousands of dollars to gamble, go for it. read more

Update: In addition to the initial health concerns that Dr. Marie helped address, she also completely resolved a bout of plantar fasciitis that came out of left field last spring. I initially went down a rabbit hole of expensive inserts and stretches that weren't really helping, not realizing that NUCCA could get at the root cause. After one session with Marie, my plantar fasciitis completely disappeared within a few days and hasn't been back. I now know to reach out first whenever something isn't aligned. Marie is able to quickly pinpoint what might be happening and get your body back in alignment, so that you can get back to doing the things you love. She knows how to how to work with your body to restore and reset its natural balance. Highly recommend working with her! read more

Just wanted to give an update. I have been going to Dr. Marie since 2020 and plan to see her when I need her skills unless she moves away. She is patient , kind and thoughtful. I am in my early 30s and the general chiropractors that are usually recommended did nothing but leave me in pain and inflamed. My health is 1st and foremost and when I first went to Dr.Marie I was hesitant. However, I'm glad that I took a chance. I will admit that I was expecting a miracle overnight and even a week after my first 2 adjustments but it takes time and patience which I had to relearn. I'm grateful because along with her care she asks questions that are heard to hear but necessary. Her technique and care aided in bettering my overall health. read more

Still seeing Dr Marie many years later! I've also sent friends who she's helped clear chronic pain, migraines and disc issues. Dr Marie is gentle, knowledgeable, and amazing at her craft, but best of all, she's helps people get out of pain and into alignment read more

A lot has changed since I first saw Dr Marie 6 years ago so I thought I would update my review in case anyone is wondering about NUCCA's lasting effects. My pain-free neck allowed me to get strong and I got accepted into a Firefighter's Academy and got the job. There were plenty of reasons my neck should have acted up during the academy but within the 5 grueling months it only acted up once. I had some foot pain pop up and Dr Marie was able to help me maintain it's proper function through to the end of my training where I then was able to stop wearing combat boots to run in. That was in 2018. Since then I have seen Dr Marie from time to time when I feel out of alignment. "Feeling out" for me is usually associated with anywhere from a small to large pain somewhere like my neck, back, shoulders or hips. Now it usually only happens when I've done something physically stupid (too many to tell) or have gone through something emotionally stressful. This past year I went back to seeing her more frequently after I got pregnant. She helped me with my 1st trimester nausea and with the round ligament pain (pain in the groin from the uterus stretching) that I contracted. I love having Dr Marie on my "Health Team". She always tries to fit me in asap and still delivers with those magic hands. read more

I started going to Dr. Biek when I was having severe neck pain while working on my computer. I work from home everyday and about a year into the pandemic, I realized my neck was starting to ache when I was working for more than 2-3 hours. Of course, some rest would help but the pain would come back quickly if I tried to work after a break and unfortunately, it was starting to affect my work. I was recommended a few months of visits, the first few are life changing, you'll feel a bit of an adjustment when you leave the doctor's office but later on in the day, your whole body will feel the adjustment. I started sleeping better, feeling a lot better, and my neck pain was gone. Dr. Biek assessed my neck's position and alignment by looking at my x-rays (which she took during the first visit). Overtime, the x-rays and the current position were compared and used to figure out what needed to be done. I would highly recommend going here if you're having neck pain or headaches due to neck pain. read more

Dr. Marie is super thorough, knowledgeable, and does adjustments that leave me feeling like all the tension in my neck and back has melted away! Her style is gentle yet impactful-- I could feel how much more aligned I was even after the first adjustment. Thank you so much Dr. Marie! read more

I have tried to avoid doing a review for this practitioner but Yelp keeps harassing me so, here... It's very expensive to go here and I received no improvement after spending over $1000. You will pay $100 for a 10-15" appointment where she will lightly tap your neck. The expectation is that you will contract for many appointments and she offered for me to pay up-front for all of them. (Before I knew if the "treatments" would even help). Apparently, this works for some people. Additionally, she will start by assessing your legs by holding your shoes. But she never washed her hands between clients.... so, street dirt on your neck. For me, it was a case of the emperor has no clothes. I honestly and, disappointingly, felt duped. read more

I've had tons of injuries throughout my life, including several concussions, and Dr. Marie has been instrumental in getting me pain free and reducing the tinnitus I experience as a result of the concussions. Plus, I absolutely love the scientific approach of the therapy being led by x-rays so we can go over what is mechanically wrong with my body. I highly recommend! read more

Okay, same review applies and THEN SOME. Got dinged up while riding as a passenger in an Uber and it totally screwed me up. I brought my crumpled self into Dr. Marie's office and she is putting my body back into tip-top shape. Currently working through some tough back and neck pain and I SWEAR TO YOU READER, she works some serious medical magic. Do yourself a favor, call her today. See her ASAP, she will be the biggest blessing in your life. You'll thank me later. A double plus: her office is in between a mac and cheese spot and a hip taco joint. read more

Dr. Marie Biek and the NUCCA technique she uses are fantastic! I'm in my 50s and have suffered chronic back and neck pain since I was in my teens. I've tried traditional chiropractic, acupuncture (which helped temporarily), several flavors of physical therapy, pilates, pain meds, Kaiser back classes, etc. I'm a naturally active person but my chronic back issues have prevented me from pursuing many activities and I have suffered. I recently started working with Dr. Marie and she has changed my life! Literally. I can lay flat on my back - and even sleep on my back - without bending my knees, I can do house projects without suffering for days after, and I can go hiking without walking sticks! Dr. Marie's technique is very gentle - no cracking or scary movements. She explains everything with clarity and transparency and has a great sense of humor. If you have given up on getting relief from chronic pain, I encourage you to give Equilibrium Spinal Care a try! She will help you get your head on straight! read more

I expressed my concern at the first visit that the procedure requires immediate X-rays and then a second set of. rays on the second visit. I don't feel like I got an adequate explanation as to why this was necessary. The evening after my first visit my neck was very uncomfortable from being on an awkward X-ray position for too long. I opted not to return to this provider but I did reach out to her requesting a copy of the X-rays. they were not inexpensive. She did not reply to my call. Not happy. read more

Dr. Marie is a highly skilled NUCCA chiropractor. I started seeing Dr. Marie because of hip and back pain. Traditional chiropractic can be a bit scary, especially as someone with a history of back spasms and pain. Dr. Marie is very gentle, the NUCCA technique consists of just slight pressure. My back pain resolved very quickly, within a few sessions. But when my hip pain did not, and because she is excellent at what she does and a true professional, she knew that something else was likely going on. She took an x-ray and based on what she saw recommended I get seen by an orthopedist, who confirmed severe arthritis. I highly recommend Dr. Marie and Equilibrium Spinal Care! read more

I strongly recommend Dr. Marie for chiropractic care.She is a skilled and compassionate practitioner who upholds the highest professional ethics. I appreciate that she took the time to review my X-rays with me and explain everything before performing the adjustment, something that has never happened with any other chiropractor I have visited. I had been experiencing neck pain and hip imbalance, but after a few gentle Upper Cervical adjustments, my neck pain disappeared and my hip is now even. Additionally, I've noticed that the strength in my right hip has returned. read more

Dr. Marie Biek is amazing. She is not only an exceptional and talented chiropractor, but also super warm and caring. For each and every visit, she takes time to thoroughly listen and attend to what is going on with my body that day. And fixes it as well! It's amazing what appears to be a subtle adjustment of the atlas can do- she's completely changed the curvature of my cervical spine, helping to realign my whole skeletal structure and strengthen the pathways of my nervous system. Everyone should be able to feel at home in their bodies and this is the type of treatment that will help get you there. She's moved to Oakland and I would cross the bridge to see her, that's how much I look forward to my visits! read more

If you have hesitation, don't! Unlike traditional Chiro, Nucca is gentle and Dr. Biek extra gentle. It's hard to believe it can have any impact, but it does. Visits have near eliminated my regular headaches and TMJ jaw pain where other treatments have failed and so happy to not be taking pain meds on a regular basis any longer! read more

I can't believe how quickly (and gently) I have felt the results of working with Dr. Marie Biek over the last two months. I am a desk worker and have TMJ, and nothing outside of Nucca has worked before. Others have noticed the dramatic effect her work has had on my posture even on week 2. Dr Marie Biek is also very knowledgeable, kind, and patient in answering any questions. read more

I came to Dr. Marie with debilitating lower back pain from herniated discs. I believe her gentle but effective adjustments have been crucial for my healing. After a few months of seeing her I am finally pain-free. I really believe in the NUCCA method, so I will never go to another kind of chiropractor ever again, especially one that involves intense cracking and twisting. She also most recently relieved jaw pain I was experiencing from TMJ! Dr Marie is also very kind, professional and great at what she does. My insurance was able to cover about half of her treatment, by the way. Thanks Dr Marie! read more

I was recommended by one of my friends in the pain field to find a NUCCA certified chiropractor after having seen several in the past. My lower back and shoulder have been a trouble area for over 20 years. Seen MDs and a highly recommended Stanford physiatrist. All to no avail. However, with an amazing workup and diagnosis and the gentlest of pressure. In 2 visits I felt 80 percent better. Now after 7 visits, my aches and pains are almost all gone!!!! And they're staying gone. My balance is back. I'm playing basketball like I when I was a 30 year old. I'm 53 now. Thank you Dr. Marie!!! I've already referred several people here and other NUCCA chiropractors. read more

I have seen Dr. Marie for many different reasons over the years and my body loves her super gentle technique. I always feel "brighter" when I leave her office-it's like a full body tuneup from getting my spine taken care of. I highly recommend her! read more

I have been doing Nucca for years and I have found it so helpful with my scoliosis. I used to get traditional chiropractic adjustments but I just didn't feel they were helping my neck pain and I didn't like the aggressive cracking. Nucca is very gentle but highly effective. I recently moved to the East Bay and I was worried my alignment would suffer without Nucca but then I found Dr. Marie. Her adjustments have helped a ton with my neck and back discomforts/pain. Dr. Marie has a gift for knowing what your body needs. She is so professional, warm, and friendly. I feel I am in very good hands when I see her and I'm SO glad I can continue with my Nucca care since I find it so helpful. I highly recommend Dr. Marie. read more

Before finding Dr. Marie and NUCCA, I had no idea how much I was living with chronic pain and imbalances stemming from scoliosis. Since starting treatment with her a couple months ago, my relationship with my body and life have shifted significantly and there's no going back. Along with being able to experience life with less back and hip pain, I've also learned a lot about the rest of my body and ways to address pain/muscle imbalances outside of NUCCA. I'm forever grateful for Dr. Marie's genuine care and concern while holding gracious, calm, yet professional space for fun chit-chat during every visit. Please do yourself a favor and book an appointment ASAP. read more

I had been seeing a traditional chiro for over a year, to help resolve neck pain that has been an issue for me on and off since 2007. She recommended that I try NUCCA, since we had been seeing limited results. I was initially skeptical - the adjustment is SO slight, and so gentle compared to traditional chiropractic. You barely feel it. But as soon as I stand up from the table, my body feels different. Best of all, my neck is the most consistently pain-free it has been since 2007. I am regaining range of motion I thought I might never get back, I am sleeping better than ever, and I'm able to re-integrate movements back into my workout routines that were off limits for a really long time. As a personal trainer, my body is my life, and it means the world to me to be able to move freely and explore new movement techniques. I am so grateful to have found Dr Marie! She is a grounded, compassionate, health-advocate with magic up her sleeves! read more

I originally scheduled an appointment with Dr. Marie for discomfort and limited range of motion in my neck. In the past I have relied upon chiropractors to provide those nice loud and satisfying adjustments. However, she doesn't care for the spine in that way. Her touch is precise, gentle and very effective. I can immediately feel the effect of her adjustment but it's different those of the past. My overall body movements feel more fluid. After seeing her for several months I have not had my condition return with the severity I've experienced in the past. read more

Absolutely mind-blowing how quickly my pain was alleviated. Been struggling with back pain for nearly 20 years, Dr. Biek was able to find the issue and correct it with a very gentle adjustment. I'm able to walk and otherwise go about my day without debilitating pain. Forever grateful! read more

Hi everyone! My name is Christine. I'm 67 and I've had many a day with spinal unhappiness. I have sussed out many things that have helped me gain homeostasis during my lifetime. I am happy to report that I am experiencing some wonderful results with Dr. Marie Biek who I had the good fortune to meet at the Island Jam Festival in a booth. I had such chronic conditions that I thought I would have to live with forever and her work is proving to help me in ways that surprise and delight me. It was a little challenging at the start and over time I am managing very well and I must encourage you to try her care. I am pleased with the results and her amazingly gentle yet powerful adjustments to my neck. Thank you, Dr. Marie, for going the extra mile in your education so we can benefit from your inspiration and help. read more

I came to Dr Marie after a car accident in Aug 2022 and chose her based on reviews online. After being in her care since that time, I am happy to add to these great reviews! Dr. Marie has significantly improved my functioning. I had daily migraines and excruciating pain in my neck, shoulders, and lower back. Dr Marie was able to get me into an appointment quickly, did a thorough assessment based on data and science, explained what was going on in my body and how NUCCA could help, and personalized care (additional referrals/recommendations) based on my unique needs. There were times I said I didn't think I'd ever be relieved of the pain but she didn't allow me to think that way. Instead she adjusted what was needed and made recommendations that immediately led to results. I have gone months without a migraine and am no longer experiencing physical pain in my body. It has significantly improved my quality of life! I was skeptical at first given the NUCCA technique is so gentle and subtle, but it really works! I strongly recommend Dr Marie! read more

This is a long-overdue review. By the time I found Dr. Marie, I had been suffering for about three years with lots of shoulder and arm pain. No one seemed to be able to help, or even explain why it was happening. A diagnosis of "frozen shoulder" wasn't enough to help, and my Kaiser physical therapy and exercises were basically useless. With Dr. Marie, I finally found someone who did the right kind of analysis, could identify the root cause, and who had a precise program of treatment to help me. Turns out that due to an old ankle injury that my body had adjusted to, I was severely out of alignment, carrying 15 more pounds on my right leg, and shorter on one side. And all this was pulling my shoulder out of place. After just a few sessions, I was basically pain-free. What an incredible relief! It had been daily suffering, and was really negatively impacting my life. It's taken a while to get me into alignment and in a place where I hold it, but we're pretty much there. And my life is significantly better. Treatments are gentle, precise, and pain-free. I'd never heard of NUCCA before, but it turns out to be exactly what I needed. Highly recommend! read more

5 years of chronic low back pain (I couldn't sit for more than 10 minutes without being in a lot for pain, and MANY fruitless visits with my primary doctors, xrays, and physical therapy that lead me to some research about alternative solutions. I came across Nucca, this particular method of Chiropractic and I am so so happy to have found Dr. Marie Biek. The pain has resolved in a few months! She is awesome and extremely knowledgeable, treatments are quick and super gentle. I am so thankful for the care and success of the treatments. If you have any back pain, this is the way to go, for sure! read more

I have an arthritic neck, from violin playing and from years doing desk work. I've seen many kinds of practitioners during the 30 years I've been looking for pain relief, and had nearly given up. One of my excellent Pilates trainers recommended Dr. Biek; she'd seen major changes Dr. Biek had made for another client. Dr. Marie Biek includes NUCCA work (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) among her specialties, and her work has given me relief from pain. I still have some mild discomfort and stiffness, but no pain. The before and after x-rays show increased space between some of my cervical vertibrae. Every day, I'm amazed at how much better I feel, including during and after I've played the violin--much less when I turn my head, to back out of my driveway or a parking spot. The initial workup, including neurological tests and a number of x-rays, is rather costly. The workup does allow her to clearly identify how to correct the problems, and to compare as the patient progresses. And for me, it's been worth everything. read more

Dr. Marie is an extremely skilled, caring and knowledgable NUCCA practitioner, and I am so thankful to have found her! For the last 20 years, I have experienced persistent pain in several areas and haven't been able to exert myself physically without experiencing sharp nerve pain and/or muscle spasming afterwards. I tried many different methods for relieving this pain, all with no positive or lasting effect. I eventually came to learn though NUCCA that I had quite a bit of spinal curvature and postural misalignment that was at the root of this. I was fascinated to learn about NUCCA, and that such subtle and gentle adjustments of the atlas bone, relieving pressure on the spinal cord, could over time support the body's self-healing capacities and allow the body to realign. Dr. Marie really took the time to understand my unique skeletal pattern and all the factors contributing to my misalignment, as well as all the factors that could contribute to my healing. After only a few adjustments with Dr. Marie, I experienced relief from persistent long-term pain. After several months of seeing Dr. Marie, I was able to exert myself physically without having pain afterwards - and in ways that I never thought would be possible. I am very grateful to have found Dr. Marie and highly recommend that anyone experiencing chronic pain or other persistent health issues make an appointment to see Dr. Marie! read more

I have had back and neck pain forever and nothing ever helped me until I found Dr. Marie. I have been mostly pain-free and am feeling so much better. I would recommend to see Dr. Marie to anyone and even referred my own hubby to her. read more

I have had chiropractic care in the past, but the NUCCA method is incredible. I know I am in the best hands with Dr Marie Biek, she takes extra care in taking and reading X-rays of my head and neck before making adjustments. I feel an incredible difference in just 3 visits. On my 4th adjustment I shared that I was experiencing jaw pain so she paid extra attention to my jaw -- I walked away with my jaw pain significantly reduced! Highly recommended! Go visit Dr Biek! read more

I can't express how grateful I am for finding Dr. Marie. I wasn't sure what exactly I was looking for. Neck pain, left shoulder pain, weird eye thing going on. I was shocked when she told me I was carrying a certain amount of weight on my right leg. I honestly did not believe that I would get better but I was SO desperate. Over time I started to feel better. I was especially thrilled when she helped me with my jaw(I stress grind). While I understand our bodies are different I can't help but encourage everyone to give her a try. Im currently working on getting my partner to come in and see her. She is very caring, so thorough, patient and such a good listener ( I talk WAY too much). 2020 was a blessing for me because I found Dr. Marie and she is what I was praying for, the last 2 years. Thank you so so much!! read more