A lateralized atlas imbalances the head on the two superior facets of C1.  It is evident that this affects the necessity of having balance at the TMJs also. This along with head tilt, translation, and forward head carriage contribute significantly to the associated dysfunction and pain most often to one side.
 
Most spinal and even extremity complaints are one sided because they are initially caused by balance issues.  The unknown vulnerable side is more likely to express itself negatively.  This is considered a peripheral complaint because at the nerve root begins the peripheral body in balance to its opposing side.   Some negative forces are so great that a perfectly balanced body has no chance.  Chiropractic issues generally are peripheral and can be influenced by delivering a positive force to restore balance.  Central nervous disorders can also be helped but most often chiropractic techniques should never be used to restore central nervous system disorders.  The AO technique can help with some of these disorders. We and other AO doctors have helped many people not thought to be able to be helped by anyone let alone a chiropractor.
The Atlas Orthogonal technique has been sought after for special conditions that the medical community has been unable to help.  Many of these are characterized by balance, headaches, uncontrolled shaking and trembling, and similar brain stem and upper cervical issues.  Montel Williams attests on his program to being helped.  A New York AO doctor presented the technique on "The Doctors." Recently the retired championship Chicago Bears quarterback was treated by another AO doctor for severe problems from various concussions and cervical injuries.

Dr. Katherine can share many successes in her practice.
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Atlas Orthogonal

The Atlas Orthogonal technique was created by Dr. Roy Sweat of Atlanta, GA.  Dr. Sweat trained in Grostic Upper Cervical performing a very specialized hand adjustment to the upper cervical complex.  Dr. Sweat invented the equipment  to duplicate and improve upon this adjustment. The technique uses many physics principles and could be fairly said to be the adjustment that delivers with the greatest speed and least amount of force.  Given the unique anatomy of the upper cervical complex, it is a technique designed only for one adjustment that corrects the entire complex, C0-C2.  Dr. Sweat still practices in his 90's as he conducts seminars and performs research.  Drs. Katherine and Scott Crafton both completed the coursework and training related to this technique working closely with Dr. Sweat and his son, Dr. Matthew Sweat.  Dr. Katherine maintains her certification with the Sweat Foundation by currently received in-service.  Their diplomas are proudly displayed on their walls because of their association with these few chiropractors (2 of only 300 worldwide) and the additional training and investment they made into  this artful chiropractic delivery.

WE NO LONGER PROVIDE EACH PATIENT WITH AN AO ADJUSTMENT UNLESS THIS TECHNIQUE IS REQUIRED AND THE PATIENT AGREES TO THE EXTRA COSTS INVOLVED IN THE PROTOCOLS (TIME, PRE-XRAYS, POST XRAYS, ANALYSIS, AND EQUIPMENT).  PEOPLE LIKE TO USE THEIR INSURANCE, BUT THERE IS NO DISTINCTION THAT COMPENSATES FOR THESE ADDITIONAL COSTS.

The technique is charactierized by a very rigorous radiographic study of the upper cervical complex and a carefully prescribed patient placement and vector controlled adjustment.  It is very different from what most chiropractic patients experience. 


Most patients who have a displaced atlas have some common presentations.  The patients often have a high shoulder with an opposing high ilium.  In a supine posture they have what appears to be a short leg syndrome.  Upon palpitation of the cervical nerve root areas, the patient notices sensitivity.  Similarly, an observation of the cervical posture shows a head tilt, cervical column tilt and often a head lateral translation.  There are any combination of variations in their atlas (C1) displacement regarding the head and cervical column   All of these define the individuality and specificity of the necessary correction.


As with all radiographs or attempts to study the body, the physician tries to determine where the patient has an abnormal presentation that can contribute to poorer health.  The atlas in a normal posture should present as horizontal without rotation in relationship to the skull.  Spacing between the occiput of the skull and the corresponding C1 posterior and the C2/C3 spinouses should allow for full motion and stability. 


If the atlas is displaced it will twist the entire skeletal structure since the whole spine is interlocked.  Without correcting the atlas, the spine can never be stabilized since the head is the governing factor in any human experience, most especially posture and balance. 


Simply put, we put your head on Straight.


The atlas, skull, and cervical spine in an orthgonal relationship (perpendicular) perform best in their critical protection of sensitive neural tissues and their role at delivering responsive functionality.  Mind and body meet at this critical point in a complex system of communications that even today we still  have little true understanding.  As with any unhealthy condition, you cannot have health if you have restriction, compression, or resistance that interfers with the flow of fluids, energy, or solids.

With a high shoulder the lower body must compensate with an equal opposing force which, in turn, negatively over time effects all weight bearing joints making them more vulnerable.  Rotation in a normal posture will effect the body's ability to maintain strength in more vulnerable activities. This starts at the atlas, but is easier to observe in how one carries themselves to maintain balance, the erect posture. 

We were designed to move and distribute weight in gravity in 3 dimensions.  We are right and left sided beings with erect postures.  From birth, we are God's only design to extend to meet our needs and to move on two legs looking forward with health and confidence.


In the Garden we moved about erect in gathering our needs.  When we left the Garden we understood poorer more protective postures, flexion.  We also understood pain and want.  God created a perfect body and in our fall placed us in a hostile environment.  Our battle is to maintain erect postures extending to meet our needs but, however, in a hostile environment where with dignity and courage, we try to keep from falling WITH OUR HEADS UP.


'uid' is an unexpected token. Expecting white space. Line 1, position 110.