The Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique is a healthcare system utilized to help adjust misalignments, or subluxations, along the cervical spine, most commonly in the uppermost vertebra or the atlas. The Atlas Orthogonal treatment program was first developed to help treat spinal complications along the upper back or neck region, particularly among the vertebrae that connect to the skull.

The use of special radiographic views and/or X-rays is essential to determine the extent and direction of a patient’s spinal misalignment. Furthermore, information from X-rays or other radiographic views can help determine how a healthcare professional will adjust the spine segment.

The actual adjustment is performed with an Atlas Orthogonal Percussion Adjusting Instrument. The instrument functions by percussion, or a sound wave, for the spinal column bones and joints to be gently restored to their original position and alignment.

Another well-known example of percussion is Newton’s Cradle. The device conservation of momentum and energy using a series of swinging spheres, where when one ball on the end of it is pulled and released, the balls in the middle stay put while the ball on the end bounces away.

The Atlas Orthogonal Percussion Adjusting Instrument functions similarly to this principle. In the adjusting head of the instrument, a solenoid that strikes a stylus can be found. The stylus doesn’t move but allows momentum and energy to be transmitted through the tip. The tip is placed within the side of the vertebra, and the percussive force moves the vertebrae in the desired direction based on the coordination set by the healthcare professional, such as an Atlas Orthogonist, a specialist in the Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique.

What is an Atlas Orthogonist?

An Atlas Orthogonist is a healthcare professional in the chiropractic field who is qualified and experienced with training in the upper cervical spine’s structure, function, and biomechanics. The human body can maintain structural balance through the proper and precise interaction of the muscles under the control of the nervous system, allowing the bones and other structures of the body to move and flex relatively unrestrictedly. The spinal vertebrae protect a majority of the complex network of nerves. Unfortunately, however, spinal misalignment, subluxation, and other spinal complications can often be the underlying source of pain, loss of sensation, and mobility. The spine must be able to support its shifting weight as the body runs, walks, lifts, and bends, mainly because the human body functions more effectively in an upright position.

The spine’s normal curvature is designed to comfortably maintain the body’s center of gravity aligned over its supporting lower extremities. Spinal complications caused by spinal misalignments, or subluxations, resulting when the vertebra slip from proper alignment, even by the smallest degree, can affect the overall health and wellness of the entire body if left untreated. This can be true when misalignments occur in the cervical spine or neck.

Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system, helping to provide optimal and improved body function through spinal health. For many patients, correcting spinal misalignments or subluxations results in the individual’s overall health and wellness.  Regardless of the cause, when the critical alignment of the spinal column is disturbed, nature tries immediately to repair and heal the damage. Still, chiropractic care can help enhance this process.

Atlas Orthogonist Diagnosis and Treatment

 

Cervicogenic Headache and Chiropractic

Neck pain associated with whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident is reportedly the most prevalent cause of discomfort along the cervical spine. The sheer force of an impact from a rear-end car crash or other traffic incidents can cause injuries or aggravate a previously existing condition. While neck pain is commonly the result of damage to the complex structures of the neck, cervicogenic headaches may also result due to neck issues. Chiropractic care can help carefully restore the alignment of the cervical spine to relieve headaches and neck pain.