Atlas Orthogonal Technique

The Atlas Orthogonal technique is a unique method to analyze and treat the upper neck.  Atlas Orthogonal chiropractors attend post graduate schooling. There they learn how to adjust the top vertebrae in the neck (C1 or atlas). Chiropractors treat many patients who suffer from neck and back pain.  Atlas Orthogonal focuses on precision adjusting of the atlas to alleviate symptoms and pain.

What is Atlas Orthogonal Technique?

The atlas vertebrae is named after the Greek God who holds the world on his shoulders. Like the Greek God, your atlas holds your world (the head) on its “shoulders”. This is an important location for the spine, neck, nervous system, and your health. When the atlas is misaligned it can commonly cause pain, headaches, and dizziness. These or some of the symptoms listed below can be hard to manage with other techniques. Atlas Orthogonal adjustment correct the misalignment.

X-ray Analysis

Specific x-rays are taken to analyze the position of the atlas vertebra.  Your chiropractic doctor will measure alignment of the atlas in comparison to the skull and lower neck.  The doctor then makes calculations to determine angles and vectors used for adjustment. Atlas doctors use a special tool to deliver the adjustment at the exact calculation. The adjustment happens without any popping or cracking. This allows for a precise adjustment to align the atlas.

Symptoms

When the atlas is misaligned it can cause symptoms such as:

• Headaches or Migraines
• Dizziness or Vertigo
• Loss of balance
• Head fullness
• Neck stiffness
• Fatigue
• Jaw pain
• Ear ache or feelings of ear fullness
• Sleep disruption
• Pressure behind the eyes

Treatment

Atlas Orthogonal treatment is painless and fast.  The precision adjustment uses a tool to deliver a small percussive force in a specific angle to the atlas vertebra.  Many patients describe feeling as a rush that relieves many of the symptoms immediately.  Lastly, we use other therapies to help the atlas maintain alignment after the adjustment.  These can include soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercise, and cold laser therapy.

Dr. Cooper and Dr. Johnson are the only two chiropractors in Portland, Oregon trained in the atlas orthogonal technique. They are skilled in examination, treatment, and management of atlas misalignment cases. Please, call the office 503-257-1324 with questions or visit our website to learn more.