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The human body is designed with an incredible ability to heal itself through what is known as innate intelligence. This process is directed by the nervous system, which controls every organ, cell, and tissue in the body and is protected by the spine. When there is misalignment in the spine, this can create interference in the communication between the brain and body. Because the atlas plays a key role in head alignment and brainstem function, even small shifts can impact how the nervous system performs as a whole. Over time, this can contribute to imbalance and compensatory patterns in the body. Through gentle, precise adjustments focused specifically on the atlas, we work to remove this interference, allowing the nervous system to function more clearly so the body can return to balance and express its natural ability to heal.
ATLAS: the topmost vertebra of the spine
MEET THE DOCTORS
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Dr. Ali Volpe Prater, owner and primary provider at Atlas Centre Chiropractic of Durham, NC, is a Board-Certified Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor. She is highly experienced and is also Proficiency Rated in the Activator Method. Dr. Prater relocated from Hood Canal, WA to attend the esteemed Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC, where she obtained her doctoral degree.
She has a personal connection to chiropractic in which her mother's life was saved by the Atlas Orthogonal Technique. Her mom was involved in a minor car accident, which caused a whiplash injury, and she began to develop debilitating symptoms that ultimately resulted in losing her vision. After just one atlas adjustment she could see again, and through treatment was able to get her life back. This powerful experience is what helped Dr. Prater decide to devote her career to helping others through this technique.
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Dr. Prater has built a strong reputation in the Triangle for being the source of compassionate and precise chiropractic care. Outside the office, she loves spending time with her husband and daughter, practicing pilates, traveling to new places, and enjoying live music whenever she gets the chance.
Dr. Emma Mitchell, is a chiropractor at Atlas Centre Chiropractic in Durham, NC. She completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and went on to earn both her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and Master’s in Exercise Science from Parker University.
Dr. Mitchell is Activator certified and has completed a series of specialized Atlas Orthogonal trainings, building a strong foundation in upper cervical chiropractic care as she continues to advance her clinical expertise.
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Her path to chiropractic began following a career-ending injury during her time as a Division I volleyball player. That experience introduced her to the profound impact chiropractic care can have, ultimately shaping her passion for helping others experience healing, resilience, and improved quality of life through focused chiropractic care.
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Outside of the office, Dr. Mitchell enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and spending time with her dog Roo, her chiweenie and favorite companion.
What Our Clients Say
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"After a bad car accident in my teens years, I had come to accept that back issues were a permanent part of my life... and then I met Dr. Ali. She has changed my life in ways that I could not have anticipated. Her treatment has resulted in long lasting positive change and healing - so much so that she is now treating my teen and soon she will treat my spouse as well. We are so deeply grateful for Dr. Ali! "
Amy S.
Chiropractic Can Help With...
NECK & LOW BACK PAIN
Imbalance of the spine can create pressure points in certain areas of the back. Most commonly at the base of the skull, between the shoulders, and into the low back. If a misalignment is left uncorrected, it can lead to early onset degeneration of the spine. Pain is a defense of our body that alerts us to a problem. Pay attention to it.
HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
The Vertebral Artery is one of the major blood supplies to the brain, and it runs directly through our cervical spine before entering the skull. When there is rotation of the cervical vertebra, that blood supply can be constricted. This often causes headaches and migraines, due to a lack of blood and oxygen to the brain.
ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
The brainstem is like the circuit breaker in the human body, and it is surrounded by the atlas bone once it exits the skull. Misalignment of the atlas can put pressure on the brainstem causing tension, and constrict the flow of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF). CSF is the cleansing and nutritional system of the brain, and it circulates throughout the brain and spinal cord with every beat of the heart. By getting the upper neck in the proper alignment, the CSF can flow smoothly, and the brain will function much better. This can help improve anxiety, depression, and different mood issues.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION (TMJ)
Misalignment of the Atlas can cause the head to sit incorrectly on top of the spine, resulting in a tilting of the skull to one side. When this occurs, the Temporomandibular Joint does not track properly on one or both sides. This constant irritation causes inflammation in the joint and subsequently pain in the face and jaw.
POST-CONCUSSION
Why do some concussions heal on their own while others cause ongoing symptoms? The difference may be in whether the initial injury causes an upper cervical misalignment. Some symptoms of Post-Concussive Syndrome are cognitive problems, mood changes, balance issues, headaches, and sleep disruption.
WHIPLASH
This injury caused by a sudden acceleration & deceleration force results in an unrestrained, rapid forward and backward movement of the head and neck. This causes severe harm to the muscles and ligaments that hold our spine to our head. The damage caused by this injury can lead to chronic pain, headaches, neck pain, anxiety, fatigue, and dizziness.
VERTIGO
A misalignment of the upper cervical spine negatively affects brainstem function. If the brain is receiving distorted signals about how the body is positioned in space and its sense of balance, then Vertigo can be the product of those conditions.
KNEE & SHOULDER PAIN
When the atlas misaligns, it causes the shoulders and hips to compensate. This can cause shoulder pain & injuries as well as knee pain & instability due to unequal joint loading. If extremity pain persists following correction of spinal misalignment, Dr. Volpe is trained to adjust both the knee and shoulder complexes.
ATHLETIC INJURIES
After an injury you want the area to heal properly so that it does not create a future limitation. Adjustments to certain injuries can help athletes heal faster and in the correct position, reducing the chance of a chronic issue.
TECHNIQUES
At Atlas Centre Chiropractic, we focus on working with the spine in its natural range of motion. What sets our approach apart is the precision with which we measure spinal misalignments and the gentle way we correct them without any popping or cracking. Using specialized percussive instruments that deliver a controlled, low-force adjustment, we are able to restore alignment with accuracy and care. These gentle approaches are designed to reduce interference in the nervous system and support the body’s natural ability to heal and function at its best.
ATLAS ORTHOGONAL
ACTIVATOR
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CONTACT
Monday - Thursday:
9am-12:30pm & 2:00 - 5:30pm
Friday - Sunday:
Closed
984.439.1946
3604 Shannon Rd. Suite 100, Durham, NC 27707
