Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic

Dr. Bart Wetherington is the only Savannah and Pooler area Chiropractor who has chosen to specialize in a cutting-edge chiropractic technique, called Atlas Orthogonal (A.O.) Chiropractic.

At Wetherington Chiropractic Clinic we have effectively used this technique on our patients since 2002. It delivers amazing results when it comes to pain relief!

So just what is an Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor? 

The answer to that question could be what’s standing between you and pain relief!

The atlas vertebra, the top cervical bone in the neck (C-1) is the one bone that can really affect the alignment of the entire spine. When the atlas is misaligned, it causes the head to tilt and the spine then shifts to support the weight of the head. When that happens, aches and pains in our head, neck, back, arms, legs and joints occur.

Atlas Orthogonal is an upper cervical adjustment technique that seeks to adjust the atlas back into its proper position, the orthogonal or neutral position. When the atlas is in its proper position the rest of the spine will naturally align back into place.

The foremost sign that your atlas could very well be misaligned is that you are experiencing pain. While there are a number of similar terms and methods to Atlas Orthogonal, such as NUCCA, Blair, KCUCS, HIO Toggle/Palmer Specific, etc., the goal of these upper cervical techniques are basically one in the same and that is to adjust the atlas (C-1) into proper alignment.

 

Why Atlas Orthogonal as the technique of choice?

Dr. Roy Sweat, considered by many to be one of the foremost authorities in the world on the cervical spine and the founder of the Atlas Orthogonal procedure, devised a method using a percussion wave, which is a vibration to re-position the atlas vertebra. This highly advanced instrument, without pain or pressure, is able to accurately re-position the atlas vertebra.

The Atlas Orthogonal procedure is non-invasive and gentle and the results are often immediate and dramatic. It is used to treat a variety of conditions.

What is Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic?
Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic is a specialty within the chiropractic field. The Atlas Orthogonal system is a painless and safe spinal correction which restores body balance and reactivates the body’s natural healing abilities.
What Exactly is an Atlas Orthogonist?

The Atlas Orthogonist is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic who, in addition to six or more years of education, utilizes a light force method of specifically adjusting the spine. The Atlas Orthogonist has undergone extensive training specializing in correcting spinal misalignment by using the atlas orthogonal percussion instrument. This method is gentle and effective and requires post graduate training.

The Atlas Orthogonal system is a painless and safe spinal correction which restores body balance and increases the body’s natural healing ability. Our clinic uses the Atlas Orthogonal system to care for our patients. This precision form of upper cervical spinal correction painlessly restores body balance without forceful movements or twisting of the neck or back.

How is Atlas Orthogonal Different?

One of the most obvious differences is the gentle, painless way in which an Atlas Orthogonist works. No manipulation (twisting or cracking) is ever employed or needed. The Atlas Orthogonist’s methods require such light touches to the affected area, that patients who may expect a forceful manipulation as part of their treatment, find it hard to believe that anything effective has been accomplished. But, their doubts and fears vanish as quickly as their pain and discomfort.

Does the Atlas Orthogonal Adjustment Hurt?
The Atlas Orthogonal spinal correction is painless and barely felt by the patient. Because of the precise X-ray analysis, a correction can be made without any forceful jerking or twisting movements.
What Can I Expect After my First Correction?
After the first Atlas Orthogonal spinal correction, you may experience a variety of changes within your body. These are due to the nervous system responding to the structural correction. Symptoms are a positive sign that healing is taking place. In order to heal, the body must go through different cycles of repair which very often express themselves in some of the following ways:

  • Alleviation of symptoms
  • Tiredness or sleepiness
  • Muscle stiffness/soreness

You should not be concerned if the pain changes or moves to another area of the body. Symptoms may decrease immediately; however, the amount of misalignment and severity of the condition will determine the recovery time. Please make the doctor aware of any and all changes. Remember, pain is a sign that the body is working, any changes can be part of the healing process.

How Long Does an Adjustment Last?

The accuracy of the procedure affords the patient longer lasting effects. Thus, one or two adjustments in many cases is usually all that is needed to get proven results. While the atlas can again lose its proper adjustment, for most patients the procedure results in far fewer visits than most other procedures. The end result is that Atlas Orthogonal provides simple, gentle and dramatic results. And that translates into greater relief, better health, fewer office visits and less money spent.

How Do I Maintain My A.O. Spinal Correction?
Patients often ask what holds the spine in place once it has been corrected. When the head and neck have been replaced to their natural position, the body will regain its normal balance and relationship to gravity. This will release tension held by the body due to its compensated stressed position. A relaxed body structure is now more stable and functions more freely. This, along with some specific instructions about body position, movement and a simple routine of therapeutic stretching exercises will allow the correction to hold for weeks, months and sometimes even years.
How is the Treatment Determined?
The treatment is decided upon after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and prior health history. Combining that information with the results of any orthopedic, neurological chiropractic examination, leg measurements, temperature differential studies, and X-ray studies, Dr. Wetherington is able to pinpoint accurately the source of the problem and decide upon the best plan of health care.
Are X-Rays Necessary?
Yes. It is important that certain X-rays be made. To see is to know, to not see is to guess. Dr. Wetherington will never guess about your health. He has had extensive X-ray training and will never require X-ray studies which are not vital to the diagnosis and treatment of your condition.
What Else can A.O. Chiropractic Care Do?
Atlas Orthogonal spinal corrections can help you and your family resolve pain and suffering and can aid in the healthy growth and development of your children. Precision spinal care can eliminate the need for medication and surgery in many cases. After you have experienced the results of Atlas Orthogonal spinal corrections for yourself, tell someone else about your experience, and help us overcome the ignorance, prejudice and superstition about spinal care.
The A.O. Spinal Correction … Who Needs It?
When most people think of chiropractic corrections, they think of neck pain, back pain, or muscle aches. The Atlas Orthogonal Spinal Correction can help your body work better no matter what type of health problem you may have. Wetherington Chiropractic Clinic is dedicated to correcting the Atlas Subluxation Complex which is a misalignment of the bone structure of the head and neck. This misalignment can block the communication between your brain and body causing pain, stress, and tension. This stress and tension can affect all physical and even mental activity of the body. Many symptoms can be relieved by correction of the Atlas Subluxation Complex. We have had positive results with such conditions as:

  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Migraines and other headaches
  • Asthma
  • Chronic pain or stress
  • Athletic injuries
  • Auto accident injuries
  • Neck and back pain
  • Herniated discs
  • Scoliosis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Seizures, including Epileptic
  • Leg and arm numbness
  • Sinus problems
  • Allergies
  • Dizziness
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Horner’s Syndrome
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Sciatica