After a thorough history and examination, the doctor inspects the spine for subluxations. This is done by looking for the key components of subluxations, which are tenderness, tightness in the muscles, signs of inflammation, and diminished range of motion. The doctor also carefully measures the patient’s leg length. In most cases one leg is not actually shorter than the other, but is drawn short due to the body’s compensation for a displaced atlas. Subluxation of the atlas causes the body to alter its structure in such a way that the muscles of the spine contract, which causes the pelvis to distort to one side or another.

The human body is balanced when the head is positioned between the center of the feet. When the atlas is out of alignment, it causes the head to tilt. When the head tilts, the spine shifts under the head to support it. This causes misalignment in the other areas of the spine. The doctor also inspects the atlas by feeling the back of the neck. When the atlas is misaligned, those nerves and soft tissues of the neck become inflamed and tender to the touch. The muscles in this region also become tense and can also spasm. The sensitive fingers of the doctor can feel the problem, and the patient can usually feel the pain or tenderness.

fter evaluation of a misaligned atlas, it is necessary for very precise x-rays to be taken. These x-rays produce a three dimensional picture of the Atlas and shows the doctor exactly how it is displaced.

Following careful analysis and study, the specific angles used to correct the atlas toward orthogonal/neutral are determined. The x-rays taken are crucial in making the most precise atlas correction which is as unique to the patient as their own fingerprint.

ADDITIONAL X-RAY ANALYSIS
Post x-rays will also be taken to ensure that the best possible correction was rendered. However, proper healing time is to be expected for any condition. With this in mind, the doctor will develop a relief care protocol designed to restore proper function to the spine and nervous system, including exercise, nutritional guidelines, re-evaluation, and follow up care.

The adjustment of the atlas by the Atlas Orthogonal Percussion Instrument is gentle and specific. The stylus of the instrument is placed between the ear and jaw, contacting directly over the atlas vertebra. Only six pounds of force is delivered to the patient in order to achieve a correction. This amount of force is sufficient because the adjustment is very fast and very precise.

There is no guesswork regarding whether the relief care was successful or not. A proper correction will instantly affect the balance of the spine, which is evaluated with the relative leg length measurement. The doctor should feel a significant relaxation of the tissues of the upper neck on palpation. In addition, the patient should notice that the tenderness and spasm in the upper neck should be diminished. Many patients notice instant changes in range of motion and pain levels, as well.