Atlas Orthogonal Adjustments

Spinal misalignment – and pain – is often caused by the improper position of the Atlas vertebra, the upper cervical vertebra that supports the head. If this upper cervical vertebra is even slightly out of position, it can cause the rest of the spine to misalign as well as lead to migraines, headaches, and sciatica. The Atlas Orthogonal Adjusting Instrument restores the Atlas vertebra to its neutral or orthogonal position through a gentle and very specific adjustment.

Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic care comes from many years of clinical research pointing to the fact that much of the problem associated with spinal misalignment and its consequences can be associated with the atlas vertebra, the top cervical bone in the neck.  This one bone can affect the alignment of the entire spine. The spine is like a chain—when the first link is twisted and turned, each link down to the last turns—thereby disrupting the rest of the chain. Consider the Atlas the first, and therefore the most important link in that chain.

The human body is balanced when the head is positioned in the center of the feet. When the atlas is misaligned it causes the head to tilt. The spine then shifts to support the weight of the head, thereby creating biomechanical and postural stresses and strains. When the atlas bone is properly aligned, that is in the orthogonal—or neutral—position, the rest of the spinal vertebra come into better alignment allowing the body to heal itself. The delicate and complex connections of the nervous system allow communication between the systems of the body.

For more information on the Atlas Orthogonal Adjustments, please visit our tab The Atlas Difference.

Activator Method

The activator method is another mode of treatment our Fort Worth chiropractor uses.  A special instrument called the activator applies a gentle force to the affected area and adjust the spine. Even the slightest misalignments can eventually lead to the appearance of differing leg lengths, face pain, headache, migraine, and abnormal blood pressure.

Palmer Package, Includes Gonstead, Thompson Drop, and Derefield Leg Check, Webster’s, Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT)

An entire system of chiropractic care called the Palmer Package is also part of our chiropractor’s services. Originating from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Palmer Package techniques include use of the Thompson Drop, a special table with sections that drop down to minimize the energy required for a spinal adjustment and decompression. Treatments  include the Derefield Leg Check Analysis, which involves raising the legs to gauge the alignment of the vertebrae.

Cox Flexion-Distraction Method

Another effective treatment in our Fort Worth center is the Cox Flexion Distraction method, which is a combination of decompression and adjustments that opens the space between the discs and therefore alleviates pressure on the nerves. Sciatica, auto injury, and fibromyalgia are often treated with this method.


For more information about our treatment methods for relieving headaches, neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain, sciatica and more, please contact us at 817.810.9111 today.