The Upper cervical spine consists of the base of the skull known as the occiput. The brainstem exists the occiput through a hole called the Foramen Magnum. The occipital condyles are located on either side of the foramen magnum. The Occiput sits on top of the Atlas vertebra (1st cervical vertebrae) connected via the occipital condyles. The Axis vertebrae (2nd cervical vertebrae) sits below the Atlas. It is these 3 distinct bones in the skeleton that make up the upper cervical spine.
The Atlas Orthogonal Method is a precision based speciality within the chiropractic field. It is a painless and safe method to correct misalignments in the upper cervical spine which can have far reaching benefits.
No twisting, cracking or popping of the spine is required in the Atlas Orthogonal method. The corrections are gentle and painless as an Atlas Orthogonal percussion instrument is used. This is not an Activator instrument, it is a specialized instrument only used by Atlas Orthogonists. While traditional chiropractors may be concerned with treating pain and symptoms, the Atlas Orthogonal method focusses on correcting misalignments of the upper cervical spine and the many benefits this can bring our patients.
Results vary for each person depending on the amount of damage and degree of spinal misalignment, which can only be determined via X-ray analysis. Some people feel dramatic improvement within the first month, others may take a bit longer. Years of accidents, injuries and stress will take its toll and it generally takes one month of repair for each year that you’ve suffered a specific problem. Our standard programs are for a minimum of 3 months. We utilize the protocols and recommendations as outlined by Dr Sweat, the founder of Atlas Orthogonal. It’s crucial that you keep scheduled appointments, patients who continually miss appointments will be dismissed.
In the first visit we will review your medical history and perform an examination including X-rays. Generally there will not be an adjustment performed on this visit as it takes time to analyse the X-rays. On the second visit the X-ray findings will be discussed. It is during the second visit that the treatment is commenced.
The patient history and credit card forms are found on the website. They must be completed at least 24 hours prior to your Initial consultation. Other reports from previous scans, MRIs or X-rays should also be submitted via email 24 hours before the consultation. The credit card form should be completed to secure your booking, your credit card will not be charged unless there is a missed appointment without you notifying the clinic.
Yes you will need to have upper cervical specific X-rays taken in our clinic. Due to specialized filters and equipment these can only be done by an upper cervical chiropractor.
If you require a copy of your X-rays send an email to adrian@opushealth.com.au
For atlas orthogonal X-rays you will require 3 different views. To add full spine X-rays to assess for abnormal curvature and degenerative change together with any congenital anomalies we require an additional 4 views to be performed.
Ionizing radiation from X-rays are measured in the millisievert (mSv). A series of atlas orthogonal X-rays consist of approximately 0.3 mSv whilst the exposure from a set of full spinal X-rays is around 1.2 mSv. This is close to the amount of atmospheric radiation received on a return flight from Sydney to London and a fraction of the recommended maximum yearly dosage of 50 mSv. We do not X-ray young children and of course pregnant women are never X-rayed. CT scans are generally quite high in radiation whereas MRI scans do not emit any ionizing radiation.
For atlas orthogonal X-rays you will require 3 different views. To add full spine X-rays to assess for abnormal curvature and degenerative change together with any congenital anomalies we require an additional 4 views to be performed.
Yes please bring all scans and X-rays to your initial consultation.
No you will not require a referral from your medical doctor.
The initial consultation will take around 30 – 45 minutes. The second visit which consists of the report of findings will take approximately 30 minutes and regular visits last around 15 minutes.
There is no twisting, cracking or popping performed in the Atlas Orthogonal protocol. The correction is performed with the Atlas Orthogonal percussion instrument.
No you will not require a referral froNo the adjustment does not hurt, there is a gentle pressure that is felt from the instrument.m your medical doctor.
Many medical doctors are aware of chiropractic and spinal manipulative therapy as performed by chiropractors, osteopaths as well as some physiotherapists. Medical doctors specialize in drugs and surgery as a treatment regime. The majority of medical doctors are simply not aware of upper cervical specific chiropractic techniques such as Atlas Orthogonal.
Often releasing tight muscles and correcting muscle imbalances can complement the corrections that we make to your upper cervical spine. In most cases it is appropriate to combine the Atlas Orthogonal procedure with massage or physiotherapy if so desired.
The initial consultation including the X-rays is $285. The second visit including the report of findings, X-ray analysis and first adjustment if required is $125. Regular visits are $75 and a discount is available for more than 10 visits. We also offer refunds for people that for any reason cannot complete the program of care. The discounts are applied at the casual $75 rate.
Medicare does not cover chiropractic care. However, under the EPC scheme you may be eligible for up to 5 visits a year covered under Medicare.
Chiropractic is covered under private health insurance. Please check with your relevant insurance provider regarding rebate amounts for chiropractic before your initial consultation.
We understand that life can be busy and we always strive to provide flexibility for our patients. We do however require 24 hours’ notice to cancel an appointment. You may also reschedule an appointment within 24 hours without penalty. People who continually miss or cancel appointments will be charged a $75 cancellation fee. After 3 missed appointments you will be asked to find an alternative clinic.
