A question that frequently comes up when I speak with people about NeuroStructural chiropractic is how the adjustment itself differed from a traditional chiropractic manipulation. Simply put, there are different types of chiropractic interventions to meet different goals and each type of intervention will appeal to different categories of people.
Traditional Manipulation
What most people have come to associate with traditional spinal manipulation in professional and academic settings is the “high velocity, low amplitude” (HVLA) spinal manipulation. It is also what most people associate with the “twisting, popping, and cracking” form of chiropractic. Spinal manipulation of this nature can be performed on any spinal joint from the skull down to the sacrum. It has been used as a form of healing for thousands of years and traditional spinal manipulation is now performed by a variety of practitioners, including chiropractors, physical therapists, and osteopaths.
The goal of these traditional manipulations are to increase range of motion, decrease muscular spasm, and provide a temporary relief of pain. There are a wide range of benefits to the neuromusculoskeletal system, and despite some negative press, spinal manipulation is extremely safe and effective at meeting those goals.
Atlas Corrections
Atlas corrections are utilized by chiropractors that specifically focus on the alignment of the head and neck, as we do with our focus on NeuroStructural Correction. What makes this approach unique is how precise in nature it is. Our complete NeuroStructural Chiropractic examination is designed to determine the exact nature of your Atlas misalignment, which also tells us how it needs to be corrected. The adjustment itself is very specific and gentle, with none of the twisting or popping associated with a traditional manipulation.
The purpose of an Atlas Correction is to restore Normal Structure of the head and neck. By addressing this underlying Structural Shift, restoration of many normal functions is allowed to occur, such as blood flow to into the head and neck, improved flow of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and a reduction in pressure on the brain stem and spinal cord.
Because of the specific nature of NeuroStructural care, chiropractors who utilize Atlas Corrections usually see a variety of complex neurological cases in their offices, in addition to some of the more common chiropractic cases such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, etc. Some of the more neurologically-based secondary conditions include:
• Migraines
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Seizure Disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Vertigo
It is understandable that many people are hesitant to having their head and neck examined. Because of the precise and gentle nature of Atlas Corrections and NeuroStructural chiropractic care, there have been little to no adverse effects reported. More importantly, a Structural Shift of the Atlas (called Atlas Displacement Complex), is frequently the underlying cause of many secondary health conditions and once corrected, the body is allowed to heal from these conditions naturally.
