What to Expect as a New Patient for Atlas Orthogonal

After an initial inspection for misalignment of the atlas bone, a thorough medical history is taken and chiropractic examination is performed. Following the evaluation, it is required to take very precise x-rays of the neck which are then fully analyzed. The highly specialized analysis of the x- rays is where we find the exact position the atlas is misaligned so that we know the specific angles and measurements needed to correct the position of the atlas. Like a fingerprint, the coordinates extracted from the x-rays are unique to each patient and are used to put the atlas back in its best orthogonal position.

After the proper amount of time is spent analyzing the x-rays to get your specific measurements, you will then have your leg lengths measured. Due to misalignment of the atlas, one leg could appear shorter because of the rest of the body compensating. Once the leg length discrepancy is identified, the doctor will then correct the atlas bone’s position using the Atlas Orthogonal Percussion Adjusting Instrument which was developed by Dr. Roy Sweat.

As the patient lays on one side, the doctor places the tip of the instrument behind the patient’s earlobe, gently touching the skin. The tip of the instrument does not move when the adjustment is delivered, but instead transmits a vibrational force that is released through the head of the instrument. This vibrational force effectively and quickly places the atlas in a more neutral position, with the patient feeling no pain or discomfort.

Immediately after your adjustment, your neck and leg length will be inspected again to ensure that the atlas was put back in its best physiologic position. With the proper correction, the pain and tenderness a patient was feeling in their neck before the adjustment is greatly reduced or even completely gone in some circumstances, resulting in rapid relief. You will then rest for a few minutes to let the body balance while the atlas sits in its best position and works itself out of the compensations it made when the spine shifted.

After resting for a few minutes, post x-rays are taken the same visit after adjusting the atlas for the first time to verify that the atlas is in the best position possible. There is no guess work when adjusting the atlas, we can see the exact changes that have taken place from before and after the initial adjustment.

The Atlas Orthogonal treatment is a 6 to 8 week protocol. During each follow up visit, the atlas is always checked, without further x-rays, to make sure that remains in the proper position or a correction will be made as needed. As the atlas will be in proper alignment, ancillary treatment will also be provided to continue the healing process.