About Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Treatment
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Once the atlas is moved out of its orthogonal position 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.
The resulting misalignment may cause nerve pressure and inflammation causing
a disruption of the normal functioning of the nervous system. This one
dysfunction may play a role in a multitude of symptoms and pain in different
areas of the body.
Besides directly impacting the neck, we can see other effects such as
decreased curves in the neck, scoliosis, and changes in the alignment in the
shoulders and pelvis. These changes in the alignment affect the structural
integrity of the skeletal system. This in turn can result in a host of other
symptoms and problems, especially headaches, neck pain, facial pain, and back
pain.
An atlas orthogonist treats this condition through a system of examination and
diagnosis that utilizes a detailed scientific and biomechanical protocol. Precise
measurements of the atlas misalignment are the basis of the treatments.
An evaluation of the patient’s condition is rendered by the doctor on the first visit.
A complete and thorough history is critical in aiding the doctor in the proper
diagnosis. This history includes asking a variety of questions pertaining to every
aspect of the patients symptoms and injuries. The exam also includes
orthopedic/neurologic, and postural assessment of imbalances in the spine that
would lead to problems with the health of the spine and its related symptoms
and pain. The first step of the diagnosis is to determine the degree in which the
atlas is misaligned. Very precise x-rays are taken which show the doctor exactly
how the atlas is displaced. The x-rays taken are invaluable in making the most
precise atlas correction which is as unique to the patient as their own fingerprint.
Following the diagnosis a specific treatment protocol is developed to align the
atlas into the correct neutral/orthogonal position.
In order to treat this condition, Dr. Roy Sweat, the founder of the atlas orthogonal
procedure, devised a method using a percussion wave, which is a vibration to
re-position the atlas vertebra. Dr. Sweat is considered by many to be one of the
foremost authorities in the world on the cervical spine. The history of treating the
atlas goes back to the early 1900’s when Dr. B.J. Palmer, the developer of
chiropractic, spent many years of clinical research in discovering that it was the
atlas that controlled the position of the head and the resulting position of the rest
of the spine
Dr. Palmer taught to correct the atlas position using the hands with about 40
pounds of force. Dr. Sweat and Dr. John F. Grostic were taught by Dr. Palmer. In
his extensive clinical research, Dr. Grostic found that much less force was
actually necessary to correct the atlas into position. Dr. Sweat in his further
research discovered that even less force was actually needed. Dr. Sweat
invented and engineered a highly advanced instrument that without pain or
pressure is able to accurately re-position the atlas vertebra. The procedure is
non-invasive and gentle.
The results are often immediate and dramatic. However, the atlas may have been
out of alignment for some time before symptoms actually appear. Without proper
treatment the symptoms only get worse, and the problem becomes more difficult
to correct. The longer the existing condition is without treatment, the more time
and treatment it may take to heal.
Upper Cervical Specific
Atlas Orthogonal Technique
is an upper cervical chiropractic treatment technique created by Roy Sweat, DC
Dr. Mark Vandoren, D.C.
(760)730-9999
Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic is a
branch of chiropractic developed and
promoted by B. J. Palmer beginning in the
1930s until his death. According to Upper
cervical chiropractic, a vertebral subluxation
can only occur in upper cervical vertebrae.
Therefore this technique places great
importance on the anatomical structures of
the atlanto-occipital joint, pointing out that it
floats on two toed-in spoon like surfaces and
is a potential source of instability. This
potential instability of the atlanto-occipital
joint is theorized to predispose people to an
“adaptational imbalance” in the head/neck
region.
According to Upper cervical chiropractic, a
vertebral subluxation can only occur in upper
cervical vertebrae.
A subluxation must have the following
components:
(1) A vertebra out of alignment with its
co-respondents above and below.
(2) Occlusion of a foramen or foramina
(3) Pressure upon nerves
(4) Interference with transmission of the
normal quality flow of mental impulse supply
between brain and body
(5) No vertebrae is subluxated unless it is off
normal position in three directions and
remains such.
Terminology
Vertebral Sublaxation
In chiropractic, vertebral subluxation is a set of signs
and symptoms of the spinal column. Those
chiropractors who assert this concept (specifically,
"straight chiropractors") also add a visceral
component to the definition.
Atlas Vertebra
In anatomy, the atlas (C1) is the most superior (first)
cervical vertebra of the spine. It is named for the Atlas
of Greek mythology, because it supports the globe of
the head.
Cervical Spine
In vertebrates, cervical vertebrae (singular: vertebra)
are those vertebrae immediately inferior to the skull.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is the relief of pressure on one
or many pinched nerves (neural impingement) of the
spinal column.
Spinal decompression can be achieved both surgically
and non-surgically and is used to treat conditions that
result in chronic back pain such as disc bulge, disc
herniation, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and isthmic and
degenerative spondylolisthesis.
B.J. Palmer
Learn more about Bartlett Joshua (B.J.) Palmer
(September 10, 1882 – May 21, 1961), born in What
Cheer, Iowa, was the son of Daniel David Palmer
(D.D.), the founder of chiropractic, and became known
as the "Developer" of chiropractic
Dr. Mark Vandoren D.C.
Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor
2808 Roosevelt St.
Carlsbad, CA. 92008
Phone: (760)730-9999
Fax: (760)730-9911
Email: DrMarkC1aodc@gmail.com
ATLAS Orthogonal Chiropratic Treatment in North San Diego County, CA.
It is a technique which uses a percussion
instrument to adjust a subluxation of the atlas
vertebra, the top vertebra in the cervical spine.
It is based on the teachings of
B. J. Palmer, who advocated the Hole-In-One
version of spinal adjustment.