How does the Atlas Orthogonal method differ from general chiropractic care?

One of the most obvious differences is the gentle, painless way in which An Atlas Orthogonist works. No manipulation (twisting or cracking) is ever employed or needed. The Atlas Orthogonist's methods require such light touches to the affected area, that patients who may expect a forceful manipulation as part of their treatment, find it hard to believe that anything effective has been accomplished. But, their doubts and fears vanish as quickly as their pain and discomfort.

​

What can I expect after my first correction?

After the first Atlas Orthogonal spinal correction, you may experience a variety of changes within your body. These are due to the nervous system responding to the structural correction. Symptoms are a positive sign that healing is taking place. In order to heal, the body must go through different cycles of repair which very often express themselves in some of the following ways:

• Alleviation of symptoms
• Tiredness or sleepiness
• Muscle stiffness/Soreness

You should not be concerned if the pain changes or moves to another area of the body. Symptoms may decrease immediately. However, the amount of misalignment and severity of the condition will determine the recovery time. Please make the doctor aware of any and all changes. Remember, pain is a sign that the body is working, any changes can be part of the healing process.

​

Is it ever too late to get an upper cervical adjustment? If someone is already progressive, using assistance to walk or in a wheelchair, is there still benefit?

Since the atlas is located at the bottom of the skull and has joint play or movement, i.e., not a fixed tunnel that the brain stem and spinal cord transits through, if it is not properly aligned or the opening is not fully patent (unobstructed) then whatever passes through that opening is impinged. The impingement can be of several types, pressure or mechanical. The pressure impingement is best illustrated by what happened to Jim McMann as portrayed in a ESPN program that aired Feb 4th, 2016. This showed via a functional MRI how the CSF flow improved following the atlas orthogonal adjustment. The mechanical impingement takes the form of structural pressure on the neurologic flow caused by stress on the nervous system as it transits the occipital atlas axis junctions. If the atlas is not aligned or fully patent there is a kink or torque subtle enough to put a little drag on the dura or tissue that surrounds the spinal column creating the impingement. The goal of the upper cervical adjustment is to create a clear unencumbered pathway for the nerve impulses to flow within the nervous system. So, to answer the question, yes this adjustment is a benefit at any stage as you need your nervous system to communicate with every function and organ within your entire body.

​

​