misaligned Atlas and depression

Possible contraindications with Atlas adjustment treatments

1. Unstable tendons, especially when an accident or the like has caused tearing of the band structure of the Atlas and Axis. Hypermobile tendons are a relative contraindication, because due to this tendency a correction of the Atlas will most likely not be of a permanent nature.


2. Strong degenerative changes in the spine (especially uncovertebral arthrosis in the cervical spine, caking, or bridge formations between two vertebrae)


3. Strong deformation or malformation of the Atlas involving the posterior arch or absent/open transverse processes.


4. Exostotic deformity of the occipital epicondyli.


5. Chiari malformations. Chiari malformations are accompanied by developmental disorders with displacements of parts of the cerebellum by the foramen magnum in the vertebral canal.


6. Seizure disorders, hydrocephalus (with shunt supply). Hydrocephalus per se does not pose a contraindication given that the shunt is often inserted through the neck.


7. Severe osteoporosis.


8. Severe acute inflammatory diseases, or convalescence phases following inflammatory illnesses(reduced or weakened immune system).


9. Consuming diseases (tuberculosis and similar diseases), cancer, osteolytic or osteoblastic bone metastases.


10. Very poor general health with limited resources available during the regeneration phase.


11. Taking anti-clotting medication (anti-coagulation therapy): Marcumar, Phenprocoumon, Warfarin, Falithron, Phenprogamma or Coumadin. These are used during prolonged treatment for thrombosis, heart arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillations, etc.


12. During pregnancy adjustment of the Atlas should only be performed if the expectant mother suffers from severe pain caused by a displaced Atlas and therefore has to take medication on a regular basis.

Even in the case of relative contraindications, you should contact an Atlastechnician to find an individual solution as circumstances require.

Special cases and exceptions

In a small number of cases, correction of the Atlas is particularly difficult and it is necessary to adapt the treatment. For example:


The musculature of the person's neck is contracted in such a way that it feels more like reinforced concrete than muscles. Before carrying out the actual treatment, in this case it is necessary to undergo one or two sessions of intensive massage, using the specially developed AtlantoVib2010 devices. These devices produce a muscular relaxation of an intensity that the person has rarely been able to experience with other methods. This massage alone can have major benefits. When the muscles of the neck are sufficiently relaxed, it is possible to proceed with correction of the misaligned Atlas.

Excessive adipose tissue or neck muscles that are highly developed from extreme sports also make the treatment particularly difficult, especially with regard to determining the precise position of the Atlas.


In cases of severe depression combined with a long-term intake of psychotropic drugs, or in the case of an extremely negative state of mind, the treatment is not advisable. After the treatment, the body needs resources to regenerate and to eliminate the postural compensations developed in order to counterbalance the misalignment of the Atlas.


Depressed people often do not have sufficient physiological resources, and therefore negative reactions may persist for a much longer period than usual before improvements can take place. Where the depression arises from constant physical pain (e.g. whiplash trauma or frequent attacks of migraine), the ATLANTOtec® treatment may bring great benefits on both the mental and physical level.