Atlas Correction
The connection between the brain and the body are inseparable. In form and in function, in sickness or wellness. The Brain-Body Connection occurs at the head and neck in a region known as the Cranio-Cervical Junction (CCJ). Our overall health depends on the quality of this connection.
Why We Focus on The Upper Cervical Spine
The upper cervical spine is one of the most important and neurologically sensitive regions of the body. Below are a couple of unique features that distinguish the area from the rest of the spine:
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It houses and protects the merging of significant neuroanatomy: the brain, brainstem, and the spinal cord.
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There is no intervertebral disc with interlocking joints, making it the most mobile area of the spine.
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More research is beginning to confirm that this area is vulnerable to misalignment and injury from traumatic forces such as slips, falls, and auto-mobile accidents. These injuries to the spine can especially occur during childhood from something as common as a traumatic birthing process to a high impact trampoline incident. We believe that these disruptions in the upper neck can disrupt its sensitive nature and alter the body’s central nervous system.
Some frequent causes of upper cervical misalignment include:
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Excessive computer work
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Chronic texting with the head flexed down
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Consistently cradling of a cell phone to one ear
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Sports injuries
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Traumatic trampoline landings
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Head injuries and concussions
How Does it Work?
Combining 3D x-rays and trigonometry, we are able to accurately determine the exact vector to correct the atlas misalignment. Due to the specificity, patients hold their adjustments much longer which enables them to achieve optimum function quicker.
The upper cervical misalignment is the most complex and difficult region of the spine to align, but when correction is achieved, the results can be simply amazing.
When the head shifts off the top of the neck due to injury, the body’s “righting reflex” moves the body into a distorted posture to bring the head back to level. This shift causes stress and miscommunication affecting posture control centers in the lower brainstem where it passes through the top vertebra. Posture muscles that run along one side of the spine pull harder than muscles on the other side resulting in the body becoming imbalanced. An atlas correction is viewed as a full spine adjustment leveraged through the top vertebra (C1 or the atlas).
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What is an Atlas Correction?
Dr. Loy is trained in specialized upper cervical chiropractic techniques such as the Atlas Orthogonal Procedure, Blair, Grostic, EPIC. These are research-based techniques that analyze the upper cervical spine and its unique influence over postural responses in other areas of the spine.
We utilize the latest advancements in imaging and computer software to visualize the upper cervical spine. These images are then carefully analyzed in order to determine the specific nature of your problem. Once the misalignment is measured, a vector force is mathematically calculated and delivered via instrument assistance. The instrument assisted correction allows us to be gentle, precise, and repeatable without unnecessary twisting, popping or cracking.