How Does Atlas Orthogonal Treatment Work (2024)

Frequent headaches, nagging neck pain, debilitating back pain, and insomnia are just a few of the symptoms that spinal misalignment can cause. It can be excruciatingly painful to perform daily activities.

Fortunately, if you're here, you're probably looking for solutions that can provide instant pain relief to your condition and have stumbled on Atlas Orthogonal Treatment. Perhaps, someone you know has received the treatment, or an online article mentioned it. Whatever the case, you may be asking yourself, "does Atlas Orthogonal really work?"

In short, yes, it works, and it's highly effective. In fact, it's more safe and reliable than even traditional chiropractic care methods. It requires a specialized chiropractor who has been trained and certified to use specific percussive equipment. The procedure works by applying gentle force to a specific area, usually under the ear, to help realign the Atlas (upper cervical bone), which helps to correct spinal misalignment. We'll dive deeper into what Atlas orthogonal is and how the treatment works.

What is Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic?

Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic is the specific treatment that corrects the subluxations of the Atlas. This technique is unlike standard chiropractic care, where manual manipulation is performed. Instead of using abrupt force that causes popping or cracking, the Atlas Orthogonal treatment is a gentle correction. This procedure is highly safe and effective in realigning the cervical spine, particularly the Atlas (the ring-like bone at the top of the neck).

The Atlas bone sits level on the neck and is responsible for holding the head's weight. A misaligned cervical spine causes tension, irritation, compression, and damage to the nervous system. Even the slightest degree of misalignment can significantly impact other areas of the body.

How Atlas Orthogonal Treatment Works

The Atlas Orthogonal treatment is performed using a unique percussion instrument to deliver a precise adjustment based on the x-ray findings. The chiropractor performs an x-ray to pinpoint the exact location of the misalignment and uses 3D imaging to guide them during the procedure.

What separates this treatment from others is incredibly precise and requires very gentle force. Most patients won't feel any pain during this process and will barely know what happened. The Atlas Orthogonal percussion instrument delivers a sound wave through a thin metal stylus with a force of about 3.5 pounds of pressure.

The stylus lightly touches the patient under their ear so that the sound wave directly reaches the Atlas bone, thereby making the appropriate adjustment. This instrument uses Newton's Cradle law, which allows minimal physical pressure applies. Think of how the billiards (pool) game works. Players use a cue stick to hit one ball directly. However, it's the balls on the opposite end that are affected the most. That's because the energy transfers through each ball until it reaches the ball on the opposite end. In this case, the stylus is the cue stick, and the Atlas is the bone located on the opposite end.

About the Atlas Orthogonal Adjusting Instrument

The Atlas Orthogonal adjusting instrument is a highly advanced tool that requires specialized training from a skilled chiropractor. Inside the instrument, the chamber is a mechanical and magnetic device called a solenoid. The spring-loaded cylinder is the stylus, the metal attached to the instrument used to apply gentle force.

The vibration transfers to the end in contact with the skin surface, and the force generated is about three pounds. This mechanical energy transfer from the solenoid makes the Atlas adjust back to its original position. Your chiropractor will conduct x-rays, which give the orthogonal instrument the exact degrees to set the stylus and directly target the Atlas. The x-rays also help the chiropractor see the areas that need correction. As a result, it enables a pinpoint Atlas adjustment custom-made for each person. The instrument lets the doctor adjust the atlas misalignment by applying minimal physical pressure with a very high degree of precision.

Does Atlas Orthogonal Really Work?

Many patients might be hesitant when learning about Atlas orthogonal treatment. Perhaps, they're unsure whether such a small stylus can make a difference. Or, they may assume realignment of the upper cervical might be painful.

However, the Atlas Orthogonal is both painless and safe; It's extremely gentle due to the use of x-rays and diagnostic scanners to accurately measure the specific angle of the misalignment. As mentioned before, think of a billiards player who adjusts their angle to precisely hit the ball into the hole. The adjustments are customized based on the patient's particular needs.

Many patients report that they don't feel any pain or discomfort during the process. They even feel immediately better after the procedure. However, the immediate results will vary from patient to patient. Some experience their symptoms completely disappearing after just one adjustment. Others with severe conditions may go through a sequence of healing phases. For example, it may cause patients to experience some stiffness or soreness in certain muscle groups. They may also feel the need to sleep more. However, these are simply part of the healing process that your body goes through.

Atlas Orthogonal Myths and Facts

Here are some myths and facts about chiropractic care and Atlas Orthogonal treatment.

Myth: Chiropractors are mistrusted by doctors

In 1987, a group of physicians from the American Medical Association (AMA) opposed chiropractic. These doctors have dedicated themselves to publicly portraying chiropractors as ignorant and unscientific charlatans. However, as time passed, people began to understand chiropractors' role in their health.

From minor spinal corrections to procedures like Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic, chiropractic has provided pain relief and correction to many. The American Medical Association itself, which had previously tried to vilify chiropractic, accepted it. In one of its leading medical journals in 2017, the AMA recognized chiropractic as an effective method. The American College of Physicians also updated its guidelines in 2017 to offer chiropractic care to people with low back pain.

Myth: Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous

Chiropractic care might seem intimidating or extreme. However, spinal manipulation has been well documented to be a safe and effective practice, especially when performed by a properly trained practitioner. 1 in 3.7 million patients ends up experiencing adverse effects due to spinal manipulation. In fact, patients can be at more risk when taking common medications for their lower back pain, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Minor temporary adverse effects like muscle soreness may occur shortly after the chiropractic or atlas orthogonal treatment. However, that's a normal response as your body takes time for its recovery process.

However, it's important to note that chiropractors will always evaluate your medical history and any pre-existing conditions before providing treatment. Certain patients with a medical condition may contradict applying high-velocity manipulation to the lumbar spine. Chiropractors may turn down patients with unstable joints and certain diseases. In these scenarios, spinal manipulation could do more harm than good. These conditions typically are:

However, in most cases, spinal manipulation and other chiropractic care like atlas orthogonal treatment are very safe and effective in providing pain relief.

Myth: Chiropractic can only treat back pain

It's a common misconception that chiropractic adjustments and atlas orthogonal treatment only treat neck and back pain. Many chiropractors specialize in back pain; however, they can help relieve pain in almost every part of the body. Relieving soft tissue pain and realigning the spine can fix other problems such as reflux and poor sleep. Many patients experience a noticeable difference in their entire body and energy levels after receiving chiropractic treatment.

Myth: You must be referred by a doctor

Chiropractors, just like doctors, must complete a full-time four-year doctoral graduate program from a nationally accredited organization. The curriculum that is demanded is quite intensive and involves at least 4,200 hours of clinical internship, lab work, and classroom studies. In fact, the program in hours is equivalent to other medical programs like osteopathic and allopathic degrees. Many chiropractors even receive training on accurately diagnosing patients to identify the root cause of their pain and ailments.

Furthermore, chiropractic is a comprehensive treatment that many leading medical organizations and countries have accepted. It's perceived as an effective treatment against many ailments. Receiving care from a chiropractor doesn't require a referral from a physician. Many practices allow for walk-in visits and visits by appointment.

Myth: Chiropractic adjustments are expensive

Fact: Chiropractic care decreases the reliance on opioid pain relievers

One 2020 study compared the number of adults who recently visited a doctor versus those who visited a chiropractor. They found that people who received chiropractic care were less reliant on opioid pain relievers. Chiropractic care and atlas orthogonal treatment also remove the need for invasive procedures like surgeries which can have long-term risks.

Fact: Eases headache symptoms

A study found that six to eight upper thoracic and cervical spine manipulation sessions were more effective in relieving headaches than traditional methods.

Fact: Patients report high levels of satisfaction with chiropractic care

Chiropractic care and atlas orthogonal treatment aim to address the root cause of the condition rather than cover up the symptoms. Therefore, it has long-term financial benefits and can save patients money in the long run. This means fewer doctor visits, less need for medications, and no need for expensive surgeries. One study found that people with chiropractic treatment for chronic back pain spent less on their treatment compared to conventional medical treatment.

How Do I Know If I Need It (Treatment)?

A patient can't simply decide that they need an Atlas Orthogonal treatment. This procedure requires a specialized chiropractor trained in the treatment of Atlas realignment to diagnose your condition properly. A thorough examination and review of medical history are conducted. The chiropractor will perform various procedures like a leg length check and scanning palpation.

A leg length check is frequently correlated with spinal pain syndromes. The patient will lie on their backs and measure any inequality in leg lengths. Scanning palpation is a process that is used to identify the location and potentiation severity of the condition. Medication practitioners typically determine the location, firmness, size, and shape of an abnormality. For example, the skin's texture can be evidence of inflammation or swelling. Then a specific set of Atlas Orthogonal x-rays are taken.

Once the chiropractor has received all the information, they can present the patient with the facts and provide their recommendation. The patient will be informed about the benefits and risks of the procedure. Then they choose whether they want to proceed with the treatment or not.

Benefits of Atlas Orthogonal Treatment

Atlas Orthogonal treatment has many benefits. Realigning the upper cervical can have reverberating healing effects throughout the body. That's because addressing the root cause fixes the overcompensation from other muscles, nerves, and spinal regions.

This treatment is highly safe and effective in treating and providing pain relief to the following health conditions:

Neck and low back pain:

It's very common for people to experience neck and lower back pain. Generally, spinal misalignment is the root cause of the pain. Atlas misalignment causes the spine to assume an unnatural curvy position. This causes your hips to become uneven and stiff back muscles. Fortunately, the Atlas Orthogonal can correct this condition by realigning your spine and allowing the muscles to return back to the optimal position.

Sciatica:

Sciatica is a health condition that impacts the sciatic nerve, which runs down the legs and lowers the back. It's a highly effective and safe treatment because it prevents the sciatic nerve from being pinched or damaged.

Disk herniation:

Disks are cushions placed between the spine and bones, allowing you to bend and twist easily. Unfortunately, a disk herniation can pinch the nerve, which leads to pain and other health concerns. The Atlas Orthogonal treatment helps correct the spinal curve, which helps to reduce disc compression and the pain associated with it.

Dizziness and balance issues:

When spinal misalignment occurs, the nerve is pinched. As a result, the blood supply that travels in and out of the brain, head, and inner ear are negatively impacted, leading to dizziness and balance issues. Atlas Orthogonal eliminates this problem and can restore proper blood flow.

In addition, this unique procedure can be beneficial in treating other health conditions such as:

Spinal misalignment is a serious problem and often goes undiagnosed. Most people often only see the symptom of the misalignment, such as back pain, headaches, indigestion, and insomnia. However, they fail to realize that even a minor spinal misalignment can cause these issues. If you suspect spinal misalignment or are simply unsure how to treat these issues, we recommend seeing a chiropractor immediately.

Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Care uses a holistic view of health to relieve pain, support injury recovery, and improve all aspects of our patient's wellbeing. It recognizes that maintaining a healthy upper cervical spine is essential for optimal bodily function.

At Natural Care Chiropractic, our gentle and painless technique sets us apart from other chiropractic treatments and procedures, which often involve intense twists or movements of the back and neck. These treatments help adults overcome pain and suffering and promote healthy and balanced development in children.

Atlas Orthogonal also optimizes your body's performance, allowing it to better cope with any health conditions or diseases you may be facing. At Natural Care Chiropractic, we offer non-invasive pain relief and full body wellness treatments delivered by our experienced Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Specialists. Using a combination of Atlas orthogonal chiropractic and other spinal corrections, we identify the source of the disorder and offer specific treatments for your condition to help address the root cause of your problems, not just the symptoms. Set an appointment today to see whether you would benefit from Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic.