What is Atlas Orthogonal & How is it Different?

The Atlas Orthogonal Procedure is an instrument-based upper cervical chiropractic technique that utilizes mathematics and physics to put numbers to an adjustment. There is no guess work! This technique differs from traditional chiropractic in that it does not involve any "pop" or "crack" of the spine. We precisely measure spinal misalignments through specific radiographs, and correct them using percussive instruments that emit a controlled low force. There has never been one reported case of injury with The Atlas Orthogonal Procedure since its creation in 1972. This focused approach to chiropractic care requires years of additional training and there are only approximately 300 certified providers in the entire world.

Atlas misalignment and correction

The human head weighs approximately 12 pounds, while the Atlas bone that supports the weight of the head only weighs 2 ounces. That is similar to a bowling ball sitting on top of a donut. When the atlas misaligns, the head will tilt to one side.

Orthogonal means "90 degrees to." We want your head sitting correctly on top of your spine creating a 90 degree angle with your shoulder.

Tilting of the head will cause our eyes to become unleveled, but because our brain demands that we see straight ahead, our spine begins to shift.

How the body responds to an Atlas correction

The body tries to compensate to maintain its center of gravity. It does this by keeping the head directly over the center of the feet. However to maintain the level position of the head the rest of the spine adapts and is thrown out of alignment.

This shifting of the spine can cause a variety of symptoms like neck pain, headaches, low back pain, muscular imbalance, knee pain, vertigo, and shoulder pain. Unequal loading of our joints can even lead to early onset degeneration of our spine and extremities.

When the Atlas is realigned to its neutral state, the rest of the body can unwind and begin to heal itself.

Atlas Ortho: Video Player