Atlas Adjustment?
The first procedures of “adjusting” the Atlas vertebra were developed and clinically researched by Dr. B.J. Palmer (1881-1961).
Often, chiropractors apply force to parts of the spine with the intent of returning vertebrae to their normal positions. This force is based on the Chiropractor’s judgment. Cracking sounds usually accompany the manipulation.
In 1970, Dr. Sweat brought the procedures into the realm of “high tech” science by inventing the Atlas Percussion “sound wave” adjusting instrument. Calculations from a computer X-ray analysis reveals how much the atlas has shifted, tilted or rotated away from its normal balanced position.
Once the exact misalignment is determined, a vector direction in 3 dimensions is determined, precisely opposing the misalignment. Thus the analysis yields the precise force to be applied to make a pinpoint atlas correction.
It applies a precisely directed, split-second sound vibration on a tiny spot on the side of the neck, which moves the misaligned atlas bones and re-positions the head over the center of the neck. This Atlas Orthogonal (AO) procedure reactivates normal transmission of nerve messages sent from the brain to affected parts of the body.
The Atlas is re-positioned without spinal manipulation, such as “cracking the neck,” and thus within the body’s normal range of motion. It feels like “turning on a light switch” to the entire body.
As Atlas misalignment is the root cause of body imbalance, this AO-technique is only performed on the Atlas vertebra. After the usually soundless spinal adjustment has been made, a post X-ray analysis verifies the correction. Further X-rays are unnecessary.
