The Atlas Subluxation Complex

The Atlas is the first bone in your spine. It receives the weight of your head and transfers it evenly into your neck and shoulders. Good balance in the head and neck result in good pelvic balance. Good pelvic balance is essential for lower back function and comfort.

The size, shape, and function of the atlas are far different than the other 23 bones in the spine. It is donut-shaped to fit around the round opening in the bottom of your skull. Through this opening, called the foramen magnum, passes the lower portion of your brainstem, which becomes the spinal cord.

The head moves in many directions, much like a ball turning in a shallow cup. This movement is possible due to the shallow joint-bed relationship between the skull and the atlas.

Nature has sacrificed stability of the

head and neck for mobility of the head and neck

When misalignment of the atlas occurs relative to the skull, the weight of the head no longer transfers evenly into the neck and shoulders. This will cause headaches and varying amounts of pain and stiffness in the neck and upper back. More severe misalignments will result in shoulder and arm pain often accompanied with numbness and tingling.

A shift of the head away from the midline of the body will cause a shift in your pelvis. Lower back pain and stiffness is caused by tilt and/or rotation in the pelvis. Left uncorrected, symptoms of leg pain and weakness can develop.

In addition to aches and pains of muscular origin caused by postural distortion, an atlas subluxation can produce neurological disorders. Equilibrium, respiration, heart and digestive function are all directly related to the position of your skull and atlas.

Correction of an atlas subluxation begins with 3 x-rays taken at exact right angles to each other on specially designed equipment. Head clamps are essential for proper patient positioning.

After analysis the corrective adjustment

is delivered by the Precision Cervical Adjusting Machine.

The machine adjustment is a very accurate, carefully directed adjustment that is done without popping or cracking of the neck. Patients often ask, “ How can such a light amount of force move the atlas?” The answer is accuracy. The correction vector is calculated in all three planes of atlas movement, by measuring the necessary joint surfaces of the skull and atlas for slope and resistance. The head is carefully positioned relative to the neck and shoulders to “pre-stress” the atlas before the adjustment. Finally, only a “light tap” is all that is needed for correction. 

Support Care

Patient follow-up to the atlas correction usually entails teaching a series of home-care exercises specific to each patient’s condition and postural weakness.  Massage therapy is often prescribed for patients with chronic muscular rigidity to promote healing through increased circulation.

Recovery

Once the atlas has been repositioned in relation to your skull and neck, it takes approximately 28 days for the repair cycle of nerve and muscle tissue to complete itself. As your spine and pelvis begin to shift under the head, many patients experience new symptoms of muscular stiffness, a different pattern of walking, tingling sensations associated with an increase of circulation, change in bowel function, runny nose or mild headache. On a positive note, look for an increased in energy and better sleep.