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What is the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is an upper-cervical, spinal-corrective procedure that is intended to restore a person’s balance and stimulate the natural-healing capabilities normally present in the body. It is said to be both gentle and painless. Unlike other chiropractic procedures, there’s no twisting or cracking involved. Besides correcting spinal issues, this technique is said to help with a full range of other conditions, including, but not limited to, arthritis, migraine headaches, asthma, and fibromyalgia. In fact, the procedure is even said to benefit the healthy growth and development of children.

The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is a chiropractic specialty performed by a licensed doctor of chiropractic medicine. To be eligible to perform this procedure, an individual must obtain at least six years of education. Besides regular chiropractic training and education, an Atlas Orthogonist receives the training necessary to correct misaligned spines. An Atlas Orthogonal percussion instrument is used to perform the procedure.

The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.

X-rays are a necessary part of this tchnique. As with other types of medical procedures, x-rays help the practitioner see the areas that need correction clearly. Atlas Orthogonists are typically well trained in the use of x-ray studies. As such, they don't request x-ray studies that aren't crucial for diagnosing and treating their patients. With the x-rays as guides, the Orthogonist uses the Atlas Orthogonal percussion instrument to apply light pressure to the affected areas and restore balance to the body.

Atlas Orthogonists are well-trained in the use of X-ray studies, and only use them when they are crucial for diagnosing and treating patients.
Atlas Orthogonists are well-trained in the use of X-ray studies, and only use them when they are crucial for diagnosing and treating patients.

The idea behind the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique centers on the atlas bone. The spinal cord passes through this bone before any other. If it is off its natural alignment, it is said to alter nerve impulses and affect blood flow toward the brain. According to Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique practitioners, the problems don't stop there, however. The misalignment is also said to cause a variety of changes in the spine, impacting the neck, back, shoulders and pelvis and leading to a number of symptoms, including pain that extends into the legs.

The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is said to help with asthma.
The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is said to help with asthma.

Following an Atlas Orthogonal spinal correction, patients typically experience a range of recovery-related symptoms as their bodies respond to the correction. Generally, patients cycle through feeling better, feeling tired, and having stiff or sore muscles. These symptoms are said to be positive signs that the procedure is working. Recovery times vary, depending on the severity of the patient’s misalignment and the particulars of his or her health conditions.

Misalignment of the spine may result in neck pain.
Misalignment of the spine may result in neck pain.

Sometimes, pain felt before the procedure changes or relocates to another position in the body. Practitioners of this treatment method urge patients to see any pain as part of the recovery process. They assert that pain is a sign that the body is working to heal itself. However, in some cases, painful symptoms decrease right away, without any residual discomfort as part of the recovery process.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon995461

Does anyone know of any practitioners in Washington State who use the Atlas Orthogonal technique?

anon332644

I am looking for an orthogonal chiropractor located in Canada in the western part of the country.

anon327103

I did not have that kind of experience with Middleton. Quite the opposite.

anon146526

I have found Dr. Jeffrey Middleton to be absolutely wonderful for my needs with AO. He is kind and knowledgeable. He is in Fort Lauderdale and a godsend. I felt better at the first visit. I am so thankful, because I have a syrinx that has been giving me hell for years and the MD just want to push drugs. LM

anon113064

I am looking for a training seminar of Atlas Orthogonal technique.

anon110285

i am looking for this procedure in the Ft. Lauderdale Florida area.

anon102975

I am looking for a Chiropractor who uses the AOP instrument in the Phoenix area.

anon88483

I am looking for an atlas orthogonal chiropractor located in the St. Louis area. Does anyone know of one?

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    • The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
      By: MediablitzImages
      The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
    • Atlas Orthogonists are well-trained in the use of X-ray studies, and only use them when they are crucial for diagnosing and treating patients.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Atlas Orthogonists are well-trained in the use of X-ray studies, and only use them when they are crucial for diagnosing and treating patients.
    • The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is said to help with asthma.
      By: dragon_fang
      The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique is said to help with asthma.
    • Misalignment of the spine may result in neck pain.
      By: aceshot
      Misalignment of the spine may result in neck pain.
    • The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique may be performed to correct spinal issues.
      By: pankajstock123
      The Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique may be performed to correct spinal issues.
    • Practitioners of the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique urge patients to view any pain as part of the recovery process.
      By: jovanmandic
      Practitioners of the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique urge patients to view any pain as part of the recovery process.
    • The Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique may be performed by a licensed doctor of chiropractic medicine.
      By: Rob
      The Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique may be performed by a licensed doctor of chiropractic medicine.
    • Chiropractors believe that if the atlas bone is off its natural alignment, nerve impulses and blood flow toward the brain is affected.
      By: Monkey Business
      Chiropractors believe that if the atlas bone is off its natural alignment, nerve impulses and blood flow toward the brain is affected.