Monday 30 May 2016

Bingo!I I believe Gail Porter had Candida

Gail Porter reveals her hair is finally growing back thanks to a strict raw cabbage diet

FORMER model Gail Porter is delighted that her hair is growing back for the first time in ten years and hopes her new healthy lifestyle will help turn her life around.

Gail Porter is overjoyed that her hair is finally growing back after 10 years SWNS
Gail Porter is overjoyed that her hair is finally growing back after 10 years
The star has suffered from alopecia since 2005, which eventually resulted in the total loss of her hair, eyelashes and eyebrows.
Now the 43-year-old is overjoyed that a her healthy lifestyle has lead to the return of her blonde hair.
She is putting the growth of the thick coating of "fuzz" down to a raw food detox diet, involving uncooked cabbage and vegetables.
Edinburgh-born Gail, who now lives in London, said: "For the first time in years I've got eyebrows and eyelashes again.
Gail puts the growth down to her new strict diet SWNS
Gail puts the growth down to her new strict diet
The growth hasn't been this thick in years SWNS
The growth hasn't been this thick in years
"I now always carry three different mascaras in my purse, just because I'm so excited about wearing it.
"My hair is growing back - it's not been this thick for years.
"It's because I've been detoxing for a few weeks now. I'm putting everything into getting healthy, and it's really working.
"Raw food seems to be helping my hair. When I come to the spa I get a big spurt of hair growth. I'm over the moon."
Gail has been staying at the East Sussex slimming retreat Slimmeria which has seen the star eating little more than apples and raw cabbage in a 400-calorie-a-day diet while doing rigorous exercise.
And she is hoping the new diet will turn her life around and help her find love again, but admits she's not getting her hopes up.
The star is hoping to get her life back on track SWNS
The star is hoping to get her life back on track
"I'm getting my body and mind sorted first, then I'll look for a man," she said.
"I've been single for too long, so this will be my last Christmas alone.
"I'm 43 now so I'm a bit worried I'm going to be on my own forever. I've got a cat.
"I never thought I'd be that woman with a cat watching box sets every night - but that's what I am.
"I'm not going to get too excited, since I've been struggling with my hair for ten years, but I reckon this time it's here to stay.
"Well, I'm going to try to not get too excited."
While Gail stays at the retreat, her daughter Honey, who is 12, is with her father - former Toploader guitarist Dan Hipgrave who she split from in 2004.
Gail hopes her new lifestyle will also help her find love SWNS
Gail hopes her new lifestyle will also help her find love
It was recently reported the TV presenter received treatment for a sex addiction, which Gail strenuously denies, claiming it was all a big misunderstanding after she attended a class during a stint in rehab.
"I was in rehab I went to all the classes and I spoke about it in my stand up it was a bit of a comedy thing. Then they said I'm a sex addict," she explained.
Adding: "And I got thousands of Twitter followers - male and female - after that."
"It's quite funny, I've never had so much attention in my life. Everyone just thinks I'm going to take them to bed."
Gail now hopes to kickstart a career in television production and is also hoping to do more stand up gigs.
She'd also consider reality TV.
She said: "I would definitely go on I'm a Celebrity. It would be funny – I'm a ninja I can cope, and it's not like I'm going to get bugs stuck in my hair," she joked.
Before her battle with alopecia SWNS
Before her battle with alopecia
"But I think I would die in Big Brother."
Despite her difficulties the star admits she'd do it all over again if she had the chance and says she's in a good place at the moment.
"It's been a rollercoaster, but I wouldn't change anything.
"I've had a riot - rollercoasters are fun."
"I just have everything in moderation now. I had to take a break, I went a bit mad but everyone knows that.
"I never have alcohol in the house now and I'm quite happy. If I feel really down I go for a run now."

Sunday 29 May 2016

When will that penny drop

because for decades it hasn't

Stop treating the symptom and get to the cause

Atlas Vertebra

the small bone with the big effects!

  • Have you tried out everything but your ailments are still unresolved?
  • Do you want to stay healthy without making constant use of drugs?
  • Do you want to conclusively free yourself of your ailments? You must then stop fighting only the symptoms, and you must get to know ATLANTOtec!
  • Activate your body’s self-regulation with just 1 TREATMENT.
  • Discover how the realignment of the Atlas vertebra might solve headaches, migraines, vertigos, ailments consequential on whiplash, neck pain, back pain and tens of other ailments.

If you keep on reading this site, you will come to know the reason why the first cervical vertebra might be responsible for a whole series of ailments, seemingly unrelated to one other, for which therapies have so far only aimed at suppressing the pain, without succeeding in removing the cause. The realignment of the Atlas might bring relief in many cases.

Atlas Vertebra: the hidden cause of several ailments

The first cervical vertebra, called Atlas or C1, plays a primary role in the spine.
A malfunction located in that area might have a “domino” effect on the entire musculoskeletal system, the circulatory and the nervous systems, by creating imbalances and dysfunctions in various parts of the body. These malfunctions might turn, over time, into serious health problems: the body is no longer able to function the way it could and should. Quality of life proves to be seriously compromised, even though no clear-cut organic cause might be identified and diagnosed.
In this video, you will discover all that you should know about correcting the first cervical vertebra, and you will come to know the reasons why it is so important to have an aligned Atlas.

7 Facts you should know

about misalignment of the Atlas vertebra

  • The trauma of childbirth creates in many infants a permanent misalignment of the Atlas (first cervical vertebra) and sometimes also of the Axis (second cervical vertebra).
  • Following traumas, such as: whiplashes, falls, intubation during surgery under total anaesthesia, can cause or worsen the misalignment of the Atlas and of the vertebrae below it.
  • It has been found that misalignment of the Atlas is responsible for a number of disorders and conditions at both the physical and mental level.
  • Conventional medicine does not consider misalignment of the Atlas vertebra a possible cause of disorders in the patient. As a result this problem generally goes undiagnosed.
  • Failure to diagnose the problem is due to the fact that misalignment of the Atlas does not show up in regular X-rays or magnetic-resonance imaging.
  • A multi-slice helical CT scan allows misalignment to be detected clearly and measured, but only if the radiologist specifically sets up the device.
  • Leaving aside severe dislocations of the vertebrae requiring surgery, conventional medicine offers no treatment to correct the misalignment of the first cervical vertebra.
iceberg ENG

Are your complaints

really just psychosomatic?

How many patients are told by their doctors that their problems are unknown and that they "obviously" have a psychosomatic origin? It is quite likely that your doctor doesn't know – and therefore doesn't tell you – that a misaligned Atlas might be the cause of your problems.
Chronic complaints after whiplash trauma and recurring migraine attacks or headaches find a simple, logical explanation in the Atlas misalignment. Correction of this problem offers a real, lasting solution without being forced to take drugs continuously with the ensuing side effects.
In addition, correction of the Atlas vertebra is the ideal method to improve posture, thus preventing postural defects such as functional short leg, pelvic obliquity, hyperlordosis /hollow back, kyphosis, functional scoliosis, loss of the cervical lordosis.

Some of the ailments

which have benefited from a correction of the Atlas

The negative effects of misalignment of the Atlas may manifest themselves throughout the entire body. Data collected and records of patients treated with ATLANTOtec, have enabled us to draw up a list of the most common complaints and symptoms which may be alleviated by repositioning the Atlas.
It is important to understand that not all disorders listed disappear in anyone who undergoes Atlas treatment, as they may have other causes or contributing factors.
It would be wrong to interpret correction of the Atlas as a miracle cure that can solve all problems. On the contrary, it is essential to understand that the purpose of ATLANTOtec absolutely does not consist in diagnosing or "curing" a variety of disorders, but simply in seeing whether it is necessary to treat the Atlas. What is miraculous is the to body’s self-regulation ability, once put in a position to do so!
Beschwerden Atlaskorrektur
  1. headache – tension headachemigraine
  2. chronic pain following whiplash
  3. vertigo – dizziness – unsteadiness
  4. Ménière´s disease
  5. trigeminal neuralgia
  6. jaw pain – jaw cracking
  7. chronic sinusitis
  8. asthma (may have other causes)
  9. limited or painful head rotation or bending
  10. cervical pain
  11. stiff neck – torticollis
  12. shoulder pain – one shoulder higher
  13. formication / numbness of the arms
  14. recurrent tendinitis
  15. tennis elbow / carpal tunnel syndrome
  16. muscle tensionmuscle pain
  17. back pain
  18. functional scoliosis
  19. lumbago
  20. herniated disc – disc disease – protrusion of discs
  21. compressed spinal nerves
  22. pelvic asymmetry
  23. arthritis – osteoarthritis (if arising from poor posture)
  24. sacroiliac joint pain
  25. sciatica – inflammation of the ischiadic nerve
  26. hip pain
  27. functional leg length difference
  28. pain in the legs, knees or feet
  29. chronically cold hands and feet
  30. vision disorders – recurrent eye inflammation
  31. buzzing or ringing in the earstinnitus
  32. recurrent middle ear inflammation
  33. tachycardiahypertensionlow blood pressure
  34. gastritis /gastric ulcer
  35. gastric hyperacidity
  36. gastric reflux
  37. chronic diarrheaconstipation – irritable bowel
  38. depression (if resulting from chronic pain)
  39. insomnia – falling asleep
  40. chronic fatigue
  41. chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
  42. allergies / hay fever (improvements for unknown reason)
  43. learning difficultiesdyslexia (difficulty reading or writing)
  44. epilepsy

How do I ascertain whether my Atlas is misaligned?

Based on your symptoms, it is not possible to state for sure whether your Atlas is misaligned or not. The simplest solution would consist in letting the position of the Atlas be directly ascertained by a qualified Atlastechnician, who, by employing the right technique and the necessary manual skill, can easily identify any misalignment of the Atlas through a scrupulous manual examination.
If the outcome of the manual test, which only takes a few minutes, is negative, no costs will be incurred.
Be understanding: by e-mail or over the phone we cannot assess at all the position of your Atlas, based only on your symptoms. In order to get a verdict, it is necessary to visit an ATLANTOtec centre.
Usually, X-rays are not necessary. In some rare specific instances, a computed tomography (CT) scan might be required. It will in any event be up to the Atlastechnician to assess the need for it in every single instance.
X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI’s) are utterly useless to the task of determining the position of the Atlas. Only a correctly performed computed tomography (CT) scan is useful in that regard.
Experience tells us that an assessment of the position of the Atlas carried out by a physiotherapist or by a doctor who is not specialized in the Atlas correction technique, often proves to be totally erroneous. The techniques taught in the relevant training courses are in fact created and learnt by persons who have never carried out a suitable radiological investigation on the Atlas so as to ascertain the reliability of their tests. You don’t believe so? Let your Atlas be tested by 5 chiropractors, osteopaths or assorted doctors. You will be surprised by the result!
definitive atlaskorrektur

How many sessions are necessary?

The Atlas correction ATLANTOtec, treatment is carried out in JUST ONE SESSION + a subsequent check-up. Rare exceptions are excluded.
WE must consider that, in the presence of a constantly profound stress or anxiety or a skull-mandibular dysfunction, even though it is unlikely that the Atlas will become misaligned again, the treatment does not grant immunity from muscular tension. When needed, a repeat session to lighten the muscular tension might prove useful.
manipolation no

Is the correction of the Atlas dangerous?

Many people deem it dangerous to intervene in the spine. You should know that any possible danger is limited to the performance of chiropractic manipulations, the so-called trust.
The ATLANTOtec exploits a totally new principle, one absolutely danger-free, which has nothing in common with chiropractic treatment or osteopathy, less still with other methods.
Neither sudden head movements nor any stretching or straining of the neck are carried out.

Atlas correction

is not the same as Atlas correction

There are different methods of Atlas correction which differ significantly from one another in terms of theory, methods of execution and achievable results: Atlasprofilax, Atlaslogia, Atlas-Orthogonal, Upper Cervical. Here you will find a comparative article: Atlas correction is not the same as Atlas correction

Is an osteopath or a chiropractor

capable of correcting my Atlas?

Some people believe they can get the same type of treatment even from their own trusted therapist.
ATLANTOtec has nothing in common with any chiropractic manipulations, whether in terms of methods of execution or in terms of results. The cervical manipulations must be regularly repeated, whereas ATLANTOtec unfolds itself in just one conclusive treatment. The cervical manipulations entail some degree of risk, unlike ATLANTOtec which is risk-free, since it does not consist in a cervical manipulation.
ATLANTOtec is a unique treatment of its kind; unless your therapist happens to be an Atlastechnician as well (i.e. a therapist who also practices ATLANTOtec), you stand no chance of receiving any treatment vaguely resembling ATLANTOtec: You will accordingly be unable to benefit from all the results achievable through the Atlas correction. The testimonies of the persons treated with it attest that fact. Atlastechnicians, who are also osteopaths or chiropractors, can confirm this reality as they are using this new technique.
There is no intent to denigrate other therapies, but rather to introduce a more effective and riskless technique compared to the old ones. To put it in an IT jargon: "an important update is available". The update is valid both for patients and therapists.
On the basis of our experience, an incorrect Atlas position cannot be corrected using chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, or manual medicine. The theory being taught today maintains that blocked articulation always results from the incorrect position of a vertebra. From here it is believed that once the articular block has been resolved, the incorrect position of the vertebra is also corrected. This, however, cannot be applied to the Atlas, because it behaves mechanically, more like a part of the cranium than a vertebra.
It is commonly believed that a chiropractor can solve Atlas misalignment, however the disturbances can reappear. As it is a very mobile vertebra, after a short time the misalignment returns. Using spiral CT images before and after chiropractic treatment, it could be seen how Atlas misalignment continued being present even after manipulation. This is often the reason why disturbances return after a short period of relief.
Those who do not believe us can take CT images before and after treatment. In the case of the ATLANTOtec technique for correcting the Atlas, usually only one treatment is required to return it solidly to the correct anatomical position. This can be seen in the same manner, namely by taking TC images before and after treatment.
prevenzione

Prevention

is the best cure

Correcting the position of the Atlas, in the event it is misaligned, is necessary regardless of the possible ailments which might be temporarily suffered, since it is an “investment” aimed at attaining a good future health. The realignment is advisable since childhood, and it enables the body to function and develop to its full potential.
REMEMBER: a slight ailment neglected today turns into a much costlier problem tomorrow!
Atlaskorrektur

An easy misdiagnosis to make



THE ANATOMY OF THE ATLAS SUBLUXATION

The atlas subluxation is so common yet so easily missed by mainstream medical practitioners. This problem is not very difficult to detect, in fact my daughter has become quite adept at picking out people walking down the street who exhibit the hallmarks of this upper cervical subluxation. There are maybe two reasons why most medical doctors do not detect this phenomenon. One could be that they doubt completely the existence of such subluxations and the other is maybe that their training is focussed on looking for major problems like dislocations, fractures, tumours and the like. The purpose of this section is to summarise what an atlas subluxation looks like and what actually happens to one's body when one does sustain such a misalignment of one's atlas. There is a wealth of information in medical texts, on websites and in scientific papers that provide more in-depth information. Hopefully, my summary will assist the layperson to understand the phenomenon, which is "the atlas subluxation".
The term 'subluxation' means 'minor misalignment' however the affects on the human body as a result of a subluxation of the first cervical vertebra (C1 or atlas) with respect to the skull can be far from 'minor'. To understand what the 'anatomy of an atlas subluxation' looks like it's first important to understand the anatomy of the atlas. The following graphic depicts the atlas (C1) vertebra articulating with the axis (C2) vertebra below it. The spinal cord with exiting spinal nerves can be seen tethered by dentate ligaments to the inner margins of the vertebral foramen. The human skull via the occipital condyles at the base of the skull sits on top of (or articulates with) the superior articular condylar surface of the atlas. According to Gray's Anatomy[1] "This articulation is a double condyloid joint. Its ligaments are the Anterior Occipito-atlantal, Posterior Occipito-atlantal, two Lateral Occipital-atlantal and two Capsular." There is a passage on each side in the Posterior Occipito-atlantal ligament to allow penetration of the vertebral arteries and 1st cervical nerves. The vertebral arteries exit the foramen in the atlas transverse processes; penetrate the ligament and then loop up into the brain. A number of strong ligaments support the skull and its contents and attach it to the cervical spine. Many other ligaments and muscles enable movement, bending, twisting and head rotation. There are other key structures within the vicinity of the atlas and supporting ligaments. These are 4 pairs of cranial nerves, namely the vagus, spinal accessory, glossopharyngeal and hypoglossal. The common carotid arteries, which run underneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle and jugular veins, are also present in the tissues of the neck. At the base of the neck near the junction of the shoulders there are some deep muscles known as the scalenes. These are the posterior, middle and anterior scalenes. The anterior scalenes are of particular interest as they are in very close proximity to the brachial plexus of nerves and the origin of the vertebral arteries where they leave the subclavian arteries. Even though the atlas is at the top of the cervical spine and the above-mentioned structures are near the base of the neck, a subluxation of the atlas and skull can result in these scalenes compressing the brachial plexus and/or the vertebral arteries. This is due to altered weight bearing from a shift in the centre of gravity of the skull, which in causes the muscles of the head and neck to strain in maintaining the head upright on the cervical spine. Also the phrenic nerve, which runs between anterior and middle scalenes on its path to the diaphragm, can be likewise affected by muscle and ligament compression and/or traction.
Atlas-C1 and Axis-C2 Superior viewsubluxation
 
Figure 1: Upper Cervical Spine - No subluxationFigure 1: Upper Cervical Spine – No subluxation
Figure1 opposite is a drawing of the upper cervical spine articulation between the occiput (C0), the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). The 'usual' anatomy is for the occipital condyles (cream) of the skull to sit on the atlas condylar surfaces and for the atlas lateral masses (white) (shown cut away) to articulate with the facet joints of the axis (brown) below it. The odontoid peg or dens of the axis should sit about central to the foramen magnum. This is the front (anterior) view, if you were looking directly at the face of this person. The double condyloid joints are represented in this drawing by the 'gaps' between the occiput and atlas lateral masses.
Figure 2: Upper Cervical Spine - Skull to atlas subluxation Figure 2: Upper Cervical Spine – Skull to atlas subluxation
Figure 2 opposite shows what can happen to the 'usual' anatomy in Figure 1, when a force is applied to the skull on one side. The blue arrow indicates the direction of trauma, which in this case is from the left side of the person's head. This trauma can take many forms. In my case it was my head striking the ground in a football tackle. For one little girl it was falling out of bed and hitting her head on the bedside table and for another lady playing basketball, it was a direct hit to the jaw. The force is enough to push the skull sideways as it slides along the atlas condylar surface. The occipital condyles of the skull can slide off (over or underlap) the atlas condylar surface, however the anatomy and the restraining ligaments limit this over and underlapping. The result in this example is a head tilted to the left, and an atlas that's high (elevated) on the right. The axis dens is no longer central to the foramen magnum. See then animation OCCIPUT TO ALTAS SUBLUXATION to view the mechanism of injury. The actual slope of the atlas condyles will determine whether or not the atlas will actually rotate a little with respect to the occiput (skull) and to the axis (C2). Flatter condyles will result in slight rotation of the atlas, whereas steep angled condyles will most likely not produce a great deal of rotation. The skull is quite heavy thus any change in the centre of gravity will most likely produce undesirable stresses on structures within the tissues of the cervical spine. This situation has important implications for the spinal cord, which leaves the foramen magnum and travels through the foramen (holes) in the atlas and other skeletal vertebrae to the base of the spine. This also has important implications for the vertebral arteries, which travel through the cervical spine from C6 to the atlas, for the carotid arteries, which travel beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscles, and for the cranial nerves leaving foramen in the skull base. All of these structures have the potential to be trapped, compressed, stretched or otherwise interfered with by the taught muscles and ligaments involved in maintaining the skull and its contents on top of the cervical spine. The resultant stresses on arteries could yield reduction in oxygenated blood flow to the brain, and on cranial nerves could result in attenuation of nervous system signals to and from the brain. The cranial nerves which are potentially involved are the vagus, spinal accessory, glossopharyngeal and hypoglossal. Of course these arteries and nerves are of major importance to proper functioning and maintenance of the human body.
Figure 3: Even Death does not hide the proof! Figure 3: Even Death does not hide the proof!
(Source: The Chiropractic Story silently told in a medical museum – William G. Blair D.C., Ph. C., F.I.C.A., ©1973)
Copyright permission granted by Mrs Blair and Dr. E. Addington, Blair Chiropractic Clinic, Lubbock, Texas, USA.
Website: http://www.blairchiropractic.com
Figure 3 opposite is the skeleton of a soldier from the Spanish American War (1898). He developed chronic rheumatoid arthritis, the disease progressing and fusing most of his joints from his skull to his sacrum. His teeth had to be removed in order to feed him since the rheumatoid arthritis had also fused his jaw. Following his death and in accordance with his will his body was given to the Army Medical Museum. His family honoured his request and the skeleton is today displayed in the museum. Dr. William G. Blair was given permission to examine and photograph the skeleton. Figure 3, shows the head inclination as a result of a subluxation in the upper cervical spine. Since rheumatoid arthritis does not progress in death it is demonstrably obvious that the "spinal joints are fixed in the same position they occupied at the time of fusion occurred" and "since fusion can take place only in a living person, the present position of these spinal vertebra in death are the same as they were during life". These images are powerful and help to prove the existence of such subluxations of the upper cervical spine, which are the focus of specific upper cervical chiropractors like Dr. Blair and of my website. I suggest that it would be interesting indeed to hypothesise that rheumatoid arthritis is one sequelae of subluxations like this of the upper cervical spine. Fusing of joints may well be the body's way of protecting the spinal cord, brainstem and surrounding neurological and vascular structures from damage, by allowing no additional movement, which would compromise them further. Certainly it would not be the only disease process, which would be initiated if someone sustained such a condition! This injury is so high up and so close to the human central processing unit and other structures, as mentioned earlier, that it's not hard to visualise such subluxations may well be a root cause of human illness.
Figure 4: A close look at the subluxation!Figure 4: A close look at the subluxation!
Page 9 of Dr. Blair’s document (The Chiropractic Story silently told in a medical museum – William G. Blair D.C., Ph. C., F.I.C.A., ©1973) shows the photograph in Figure 4 opposite. Let’s have a closer look at the anatomy of this subluxation. The numbered structures are: 1. Right mastoid process; 2. Right styloid process; 3. Right side occipital bone; 4. Right occipital condyle; 5. right lateral mass of the atlas (C1); 6. Right side posterior arch of atlas; 7. Right lamina of axis (C2).
According to Blair, "You will note the fusion of all three cervical vertebrae. These vertebra are fused not only at the usual joints but also at an unusual union of the posterior arch of first cervical (6) with the right lamina of the second cervical (7). Since the growing together process can take place only in the living body, every structure is fused in the exact position it occupied during life.
Continuing our examination of Figure 4, note the two arrows. The arrow on the left points to the outside (distal) margin of the right occipital condyle (4). The arrow on the right points to the outside (distal) margin of the right lateral mass of the first cervical vertebra (5). These are the margins of the adjoining joint surfaces. Without misalignment the two arrows would line up, instead there is displacement. The first cervical vertebra is decidedly misaligned with the skull. By actual measurement on the skeleton this displacement amounts to 3/8 of an inch (approx. 1cm). The second and third cervical vertebrae have followed the first cervical vertebra to the misaligned position."
Figure 5: An even closer look at the subluxation!Figure 5: An even closer look at the subluxation!
Page 10 of Dr. Blair's document shows these numbered structures: 1. Right mastoid process; 2. Right styloid process; 4. Right occipital condyle; 5. right lateral mass of the atlas (C1); 6. Right side posterior arch of atlas; 9. Right jaw (ramus of mandible). According to Dr. Blair, "Note the two arrows. The arrow on the left points to the front (anterior) margin of the right occipital condyle. The arrow on the right points to the front (anterior) margin of the right lateral mass of the first cervical vertebra. Again these margins are of adjoining joint surfaces. If there were no misalignment, the two arrows would line up. Again there is displacement. Again the first cervical vertebra is decidedly misaligned with the skull. The actual amount of misalignment on the skeleton is 5/8 inch (approx. 1.6cm). Also note the bony fusion of first cervical lateral mass, number 5, to the body of the second cervical vertebra below and to the occipital condyle above, number 4. These structures having grown together during life are found in exactly the same position after death as they were during life. The body of the second cervical vertebra has followed the atlas to the misaligned position and is aligned (juxtaposition) with the atlas."
 
Figure 6: The Effects of the Atlas SubluxationFigure 6: The Effects of the Atlas Subluxation
(Figure 6 - reprinted with permission from Daniel O. Clark D.C., Website: www.uppercervicalillustrations.com).
Figure 6 opposite provides information about the effect an atlas subluxation will have on the surrounding ligaments and muscles. In this case the head is tilted to the right, the chin will be rotated to the left and the neck will be in a left inflexion. The ligaments and muscles in the sub-occipital area and those holding the head on to the cervical spine will now be under stress and/or go into spasm. The spinal cord (brainstem just above C1) will be 'kinked' at the craniocervical junction (skull to atlas articulation). See the animation KINK SUBLUXATION to view the mechanism of injury. The average human skull and its contents weigh in at around 4.5 to 6 kg (approx. 10 to 14 pounds), and under normal circumstances one can bend and rotate their neck without compromising the critical neurological structures at this level. However, when this 4.5kg (10 pounds) 'bowling ball' is shifted the whole centre of gravity throughout the cervical spine changes and this altered weight bearing will have negative effects on neurological and vascular structures at the base of the skull and throughout the neck, especially those structures which are in close proximity to the muscles under stress. Remember that the vertebral arteries and 1st cervical nerves pierce the posterior occipito-atlantal ligament and it is highly possible that this and other ligaments will irritate both these structures. The sub-occipital and cervical ligaments and muscles implicated in this situation include but are not limited to the rectus capitus posterior minor and major, obliquus capitis superior, obliquus capitis inferior, sternocleidomastoid, leveator scapula, trapezius and scalenes (in particular the anterior scalenes). Go to a bowling alley and pick up a 10-pound bowling ball. Balance the ball on your fingers and then tilt your hand so that the centre of gravity is now altered. You will soon find out how hard it is to maintain this position for very long. I know that in my own circumstance, my trapezius muscles were so painful that I found it relieving to allow my head posture to go forward, although over time the only relief was through putting my head down on a surface or laying down in a bed. The stressed muscles and those in spasm will begin to waste and over time this is very noticeable in sick people. Their posture can be used as window into their health. There is so much atrophy in the neck and shoulder muscles of people with obvious atlas subluxations that part of the healing process or approach, after the correction of the atlas subluxation, must include rehabilitation of these muscles. This atrophy is very noticeable in people suffering from Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological diseases. For further information on a suggested rehabilitation process for sufferers of an atlas subluxation see my section "A NEW APPROACH TO WELLNESS"
Figure 7: The Effects of the Atlas SubluxationFigure 7: The Effects of the Atlas Subluxation
(Figure 7 reprinted with permission from Daniel O. Clark D.C., Website: www.uppercervicalillustrations.com).
Figure 7 opposite explains what happens to your body if you unfortunate enough to sustain a head injury which shifts your skull on your atlas and results in a skull to atlas subluxation. Make no mistake for this is exactly what happens. The ramifications of the subluxation can extend to all parts of your body. In the most benign of these subluxations you may only experience a little lower back pain and in the more serious your whole body can be racked with pain and dysfunction. The tight sub-occipital ligaments and cervical spine muscles can be responsible for headaches or migraines as well as neck pain.
Figure 8: Myodural Bridge
Some years back Gary Hack D.D.S. et al 1995. "Anatomic relation between the rectus capitus posterior minor and the dura mater" Spine 20 (23): 2484-2486 discovers a previously unknown ligament directly attaching the posterior arch of the atlas to the dura mater of the brainstem and cerebellum. This attachment has become known as the myodural bridge and it is shown following in Figure 8.
The structures numbered in this dissection are as follows; 1. Posterior arch of the atlas; 2. Posterior occipital bone; 3. Rectus capitus posterior minor (RCPMI); 4; Dura mater of brainstem and cerebellum. The arrows indicate the myodural bridge attaching the posterior arch of the atlas to the dura mater of the brainstem & cerebellum. It is not difficult to see that any misalignment of the atlas with respect to the skull could traction the dura mater of the brainstem and cerebellum area. What would be the effects of such traction? Certainly it is possible for headaches and migraines to be an effect, but also there may well be other consequences. Researchers at Michigan State University; "College of Osteopathic Medicine" suggest "that the function of the RCPMI muscle is to provide static and dynamic proprioceptive feedback to the CNS (central nervous system), monitoring movement of the head and influencing movement of the surrounding musculature." In fact amongst other joints, the joints of the upper cervical spine are rich in proprioceptors, which provide positional feedback to the brain, in order for the brain to understand where the joints and therefore the head are in space and to make appropriate adjustments during movement. Close your eyes and point your first fingers on both hands. Now try and touch the tips of these fingers without opening your eyes. Your ability to touch your fingertips is an indication of your proprio receptive abilities. Any problems in this area may well be responsible for over and under corrections made by your brain, which would manifest as dizziness or balance disorders. Atlas subluxations, especially because they go hand in hand with some atrophy of these sub-occipital cervical muscles, could manifest as dizziness and/or balance disorders. Meniere's Disease has been associated with cervical dysfunction in a number of medical papers, and I have personally witnessed and know of other people diagnosed with Meniere's Disease who have had dramatic reversal of the disease's symptoms following upper cervical correction to their atlas vertebra by specific upper cervical chiropractors. This deserves further investigation as Meniere's Disease and other balance disorders are highly distressing to sufferers.
Now looking at Figure 7 further you will note that because the skull is tilted the pelvis will pull up on one side to compensate for the body imbalance and pull that leg off the ground. This is known as a functional short leg as opposed to an anatomical short leg. Of course, the leg is not off the ground because the weight of the body keeps it on the ground during walking. With the pelvis pulling up on one side the spinal column will now twist into scoliosis. Now the back muscles are contracting on one side which creates trigger points mainly at the 's' bend points in the scoliosis, lower back pain is evident and now hip problems can be a result. Leave this for long enough and the result may be surgical replacement of a degenerated hip. Knee, ankle, groin and calf problems can be a direct result, which people normally pass off as an aging thing or an accident. For me this explains the back pain all the way down my back and my ankle and knee problems, which corrected following correction of my atlas subluxation. The brain is the key initiator of this lifting of the pelvis, in order to align the pelvis and skeleton underneath the skull. There are cases of scoliosis that have resolved completely or at least improved considerably following upper cervical specific chiropractic correction of an atlas subluxation. Re-position the skull on top of the atlas, and thus cervical spine and the pelvis will be realigned directly underneath the skull.
Figures 9 & 10: NUCCA Types
Figures 9 & 10 reprinted with permission of National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association - see Website www.nucca.org with special thanks to Robert Goodman, D.C. NUCCA

Figure 9

Figure 10
These graphics from the NUCCA site also show further the types of subluxations that can occur at the upper cervical spine level.
Which one actually occurs in each individual really depends upon their prevailing anatomy at that level and the direction and amplitude of the force imparted during the trauma they received. While it is not always the case, I have noticed that some people who have particularly large misalignments in their upper cervical spine sometimes can exhibit only minor symptoms, whilst others who have less of a misalignment can be in a very bad state in terms of the symptoms they are experiencing.
UPPER CERVICAL ANIMATIONS
The Sid E. William Research Center at Life University has some absolutely fantastic cervical spine animations showing different motions and subluxations within the cervical spine. I have chosen a couple of the animations to help explain further the anatomy of the atlas subluxation and what happens to the occipito-atlantal joint when there is a traumatic event. These animations follow herein.
ANIMATION 1: The Kink Subluxation
Animation 1: Copyright permission granted by Life University with special thanks to J. Roger Hinson, D.C.
This is known as the Grostic Kink Subluxation. This animation shows the movement of the skull and atlas with respect to the lower cervical spine. Play Movie
To play the animation RIGHT CLICK the PICTURE and click Linked Video Clip Object and click Play Link or click on the following Hyperlink Kink Subluxation.
Within the Media Player you can use the slider to move the animation slowly through the subluxation. When you do this and leave the slider in a position about halfway along you will now note the position that the skull will be left in following a traumatic force to the skull, which stretches the ligaments strapping the skull to the upper cervical spine.

ANIMATION 2: The Occipito-Atlantal
Animation 2: Copyright permission granted by Life University with special thanks to J. Roger Hinson, D.C.
This animation shows the movement of the skull with respect to the atlas in lateral flexion to opposite sides. The skull slides with respect to the lower cervical spine, and because of the skull weight and ligaments its movement will drive and jam the atlas.Play Movie
To play the animation RIGHT CLICK the PICTURE and click Linked Video Clip Object and click Play Link or click on the following Hyperlink Occiput to Atlas Subluxation.
Within the Media Player you can use the slider to move the animation slowly through the subluxation. When you do this and leave the slider in a position about halfway along you will now note the position that the skull will be left in following a traumatic force to the skull, which stretches the ligaments strapping the skull to the upper cervical spine.
1. Gray, Henry (1977) Gray’s Anatomy,

Saturday 28 May 2016

Atlas subluxation Complex

Atlas Subluxation Complex | Upper Cervical (C-1) Misalignment

 
 
How A Diagnosis of "Atlas Subluxation Complex Changed My Life
 
When my alternative practitioner suggested I consult with a chiropractor specialzing in upper cervical adjustments, I was extremely reluctant. I had a very negative chiropractic experience in the past, but after years of suffering with vertigo, dizziness, and fatigue, I was desperate, and decided to go for a consultation. What I was blessed to discover is that Atlas Subluxation (C-1 Misalignment) was a huge contributor to my debilitating symptoms. It is likely my C-1 had been out of alignment for many, many years, and therefore it took a while for the treatments to take hold. But without a doubt this treatment has greatly aided in my healing, as well as  my overall health and sense of well-being.
 
The initial visit consisted of a visual exam and x-rays.  Once it was confirmed that my C-1 was out of alignment I was pleasantly surprised to find the adjustment technique to be fast, easy...and painless!  
 
Treatment has provided dramatic relief from my symptoms. I know when my C-1 is out because my symptoms begin to flare-up: headaches, lower back pain, constipation and feeling off-balance. If I go without treatment for too long the results can be more severe - dizziness, constipation, depression and vertigo.  Even after all this time I am always amazed as to how I can find relief from my symptoms after such a simple adjustment.  Even the degenerative discs in my neck and back are no longer an issue for me, as long as I am in alignment. Keep in mind not everyone will find immediate relief of symptoms, but if you have patience, the results can be remarkable.
 
If you suffer with the symptoms described above and the root cause has eluded you, or you have an undiagnosed illness and have not found relief through any other means, I recommend you consider investigating Atals Subluxation (C-1 Misalignment) as the culprit! ~ Andrea
 
 
 
An Interview With Dr. Jason Nitzsche,
Chiropractor and ASC Specialist
August 2009
 
  
                                                 Q. Are all chiropractors trained to treat and adjust Atlas Subluxation Complex?
 
                                                 Dr. Nitzsche:  Most, if not all chiropractors will consider the atlas as a possible point of                                                                                        subluxation/misalignment and manipulate it based on their findings.  However, that is where it typically ends.                                                    NUCCA doctors approach the atlas subluxation as something much more “complex” requiring a much more       detailed analysis therefore leading to a much more complete correction.  This means that additional adjustments throughout the spine are not typically necessary.
 
Q: Can you give a little background/history about ASC: how this misalignment condition was discovered, how long ago, etc.
 
Dr. Nitzsche:  As with most discoveries, the ASC is not the result of an overnight discovery but instead the result of years of evolving research.  This history of chiropractic goes back a century and the history of the ASC is a culmination of all those years as a result of the research of many doctors, but ASC was actually named by Dr. Gregory under the NUCCA technique. NUCCA stands for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association.  Chiropractic’s origins were segmental at first – approaching different segments in the spine.  With time and research the importance of the top of the spine, the upper cervical region, became apparent.  In essence, the segmental areas were not the root cause.  It is the upper cervical region – the atlas bone that is the cause and all else are the effects - thus the Atlas Subluxation Complex.
 
Q: What are the most common symptoms associated with ASC?
 
Dr. Nitzsche:  Since the misalignment of the spinal column puts pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves, the effects of misalignments can be seen throughout the entire body.
 
Misalignment of adult spines can lead to:
Neck Pain,  Back Pain, Leg & Arm Pain/Numbness/Tingling, Rib Pain, Tension Headaches, Nervousness/Anxiety, Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Collitis, Sinus Congestion, Colds & Flu, Constipation/Irregularity, Asthma, Allergies, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Seizures, TMJ Pain/Popping, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia Pain, Dizziness, Energy Swings, Mood Swings, Indigestion, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bell's Palsy, Sleep Disturbance, Morning Stiffness, Stress Headaches, Migraines, Acid Reflux, Hemorrhoids, Decreased Mental Clarity
 
Misalignment of children's spines can lead to:
"Growing" Pains,  Earaches/Ear infections, Motion Sickness , Headaches, Circulatory Problems, Asthma, Projectile Vomiting, Bed-wetting , Seizures, ADD/ADHD, Stomach Pain, Difficulty eating, Colic,  Learning Disorders, Constipation, Allergies, Food sensitivities, Difficulty Walking, Difficulty Crawling, Mood Swings, Irritability, Difficulty holding head up, Lack of Coordination, Depression
 
Q: Can you describe how you go about diagnosing the condition, and how you treat it.
 
Dr. Nitzsche:  The first thing that needs to be done with all patients is to establish if we can help them – if they do have Atlas Subluxation  Complex.  The first step is a detailed history on the patient followed by an extensive examination that includes a hands-on evaluation of the spine, top to bottom, active range of motion testing, postural evaluation, thermal gradient variations, and surface EMG scans.  If the doctor finds these tests point towards Atlas Subluxation Complex then specific X-rays of the spine will be taken followed by a detailed analysis.  Based on the measurements taken on these films the doctor will be able to see the position of the atlas and make a final determination whether or not the patient has Atlas Subluxation Complex.
 
Q: How many treatments are generally required before someone can expect results?
 
Dr. Nitzsche:  The number of treatments necessary will vary from patient to patient.  Factors that may affect the amount of treatments could include how long the atlas subluxation complex has been present, how much spinal degeneration has occurred as a result, the patient’s activities/lifestyle, and the patient’s compliance with the recommended care. 
 
One big advantage to the NUCCA procedure is that it does take fewer visits than the average chiropractic experience.  The goal is to correct the patient’s spine in as few corrections as possible in order to achieve stability.  With stability comes healing, and healing brings long term relief, but more importantly, it brings balance to the spine by removing the Atlas Subluxation Complex and restoring health.
 
Q: How important is an aligned spine to one's overall health?
 
Dr. Nitzsche:  Very important!  You’re body needs to have free communication from your brain to your body.  That connection is made via the spinal cord.  If your spine is not aligned and out of balance it creates pressure on the nervous system – the central nervous system.  Everything is controlled and coordinated by this system. 
 
Our bodies have the ability to heal. This is evident by a cut on your hand that eventually goes away.  What happened there?  The brain saw a problem, reacted, and healed.  What controlled that?  The central nervous system.  What protects the central nervous system?  The spine.  Also, you’ve probably heard someone refer to something as “the backbone of _______,” for example, “he’s the backbone of the company.”, “the backbone of America”, or the sun might be referred to as being “the backbone of our solar system.”   Why did the use of the word come about?  It’s because the backbone, aka the spine, is absolutely essential to the overall condition of our bodies.
 
Studies have shown that have your spine adjusted into alignment increases your body’s immune response as much as 400%.  How’s that for being important to health!  I have a great example with a patient I see.  T-cells are a type of cell in your body designed to fight infection.  They are an immune response cell.  One of my patients is HIV+ and as a result is constantly having her T-cells monitored by her doctors.  She came into our office.  After evaluation it was determined that she did have Atlas Subluxation Complex, and thus has been under my care.  Since she came to our office her T-cell count has been consistently higher.   Again, that means her immune system is working BETTER!
 
Q: How would one go about finding a doctor that is trained to treat this condition?
 
Dr. Nitzsche: Unfortunately, it is a small percentage of chiropractors that do this technique and it can be hard to find someone.  We actually see people travel a long way to come to our office since there isn’t anyone in their area.  Many of us are strictly referral based, such as myself.  However, there are websites where doctors that are trained in this specialized technique this will list themselves.  Here’s a list of some sites: www.nucca.org www.uppercervical.org www.upcspine.com
 
Q: Do you have any general tips or suggestions for keeping the spine in proper alignment, particularly those who are undergoing chiropractic treatment?
 
Dr. Nitzsche:  First and foremost it’s imperative that you are first checked by a doctor trained in this specialty.  ASC is not something that will “self-correct." Also, the doctor will check you based on your specific response – keep to his recommended care plan for you. 
 
In addition to being managed by the doctor there are proactive things that can be done by the patient to maintain the correction.  
• Try to stand as erect as possible, with your shoulders, back and head centered directly over the spine.  
• Try to sit in the same manner.  
• Don’t sit with legs crossed except at the ankles. 
• Lift objects close to body using knees.  
• Use a good firm mattress.  Never sleep on your stomach.  
• Use a properly fitting cervical pillow.
 
Dr. Jason Nitzsche is a chiropractor specializing in the NUCCA technique, and treatment of Altas Subluxation Complex.Dr. Nitzsche's office is located in College Park, Florida.  His website: www.orlandospinecenter.com has great information about NUCCA and Atlas Subluxation.  He can also be reached at 407-578-2225. Dr. Nitzsche offers a FREE CONSULTATION* to anyone who mentions this Heal With Hope article.  
 
 
 
How The Spine Influences The Nervous System
by Dr. Christopher Dawson
 
 
About Atlas Subluxation Complex:
(C-1 Vertebrae Misalignment)
 
What do headaches, muscle pain, depression, fatigue. dizziness, ringing in the ear, allergies, neck pain, back pain, and high blood pressure have in common?  All can be symptoms of misalignment of the C-1, also known as the Atlas Vertebrae. The C-1 is the top vertebrae connecting the brain stem and spine, and is therefore rich in nerve endings that communicate and send messages to the entire body.  When the C-1 is not properly aligned, it is not only possible to experience a wide variety of physical and emotional symptoms, but other chiropractic adjustments may not hold unless the C-1 is also in alignment.   Spine
 
Why is alignment of the C-1 so vital to your health? The nervous system is the master control of all systems of the body, and communications must be unrestricted in order for the brain to be able to diagnose the body’s needs. Imbalance in this system can result in energy blockages which can then become an underlying cause of illness. The proper adjustment of C-1 can remove interference to normal nerve function and create an an environment of health and healing in the body.
 
The diagnosis and treatment is rather simple:
 
  • A chiropractor who is specially trained in either the NUCCA System (National Upper Cervical Association) or other similar Upper Cervial protocol, will do a visual exam as well as a series of neck x-rays to determine if treatment is required.
  • The treatment itself is fast, painless, and very gentle, consisting of very light pressure applied to the neck and or ear. People often comment they "didn't feel a thing."  But the results are generally very apparent, sometimes with immediate relief in symptoms.
  • The number of treatments you will need depends on many factors, including the type of condition you have, how long you have been subluxated, your general health, and how long the adjustment holds its restored position.
 
For more detailed information and to find a practitioner in your area: www.nucca.org or call the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Association at 1-800-541-5799. Two other sites that may be of interest: www.uppercervical.org and www.upcspine.com.
 
 
Thanks to Dr. Jason Nitzsche of Orlando Spince Center for
providing the photo at right, performing a C-1 adjustment.

"Can chiropractic help me? Isn't it just for neck pain or lower back pain?"
 
I hear these questions quite frequently, and will answer them and explain the basics about how the spine influences the nervous system.
 
To begin our understanding of the primary importance of the nervous system, we must look at the growing fetus.  The nervous system develops before any of the other systems or organs; before there is a heart that beats, before there are kidneys to filter the blood, before intestines exist to break down and absorb food, there already exists a nervous system to contol and coordinate the development of the other systems of the body.  That relationship is maintained throughout our entire lives.  Health depends on maintaining our bodies in a state of balance (homeostasis) with our interenal and external environments.  The nervous system is the communication pathway that allows the brain to be aware of our environment and respond appropriately to it.
 
What if the nerves are not functioning at their best?  For example, what if the nerves that control and coordinate the stomach are irritated?  Could there be overproduction of acid, indigestion, heartburn?  You bet.  The one thing that most strongly influences the health and function of the nervous sytem is the spine.  The spine consists of 24 moveable bones that surround and protect the delicate nervous system.  But because the spine is so flexible, it can also misalign and become fixed, which irritates the nerves that exit between each bone of the spine.  These nerves have target organs that they travel to in order to contol and coordinate their function.  If the nerve suffers, the target organ will be affected to the same extent.  Some more examples of this might be:  the fifth bone in the neck strongly affects the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and arms;  the second bone in the upper back influences the nerves to the heart, blood and lymph to the chest,shoulders, arms, and hands; the eighth bone in the back influences the stomach, food allergies, and the pancreas; the second bone in the lower back influences the bladder, colon, and small intestines.  Did you know that neck problems can be a source of ringing in the ears, upset stomach, high blood pressure, headaches, blurred vision, loss of balance or coordination, nausea, problems concentrating, short term memory loss, moodiness, irritability, depression?  To get you thinking about this, search on http://www.webmd.com/ for a hypertension study that proved a good upper cervical adjustment to the top of the neck lowered blood pressure. (Note: See reprint of article below)
 
If you are looking for a natural, drug-free option to help heal the body and return to a state of optimum health and human performance, you owe it to yourself to look into chiropractic care.  Remember that the body is a self-healing organism, but only if you get rid of the interference blocking that healing.
 
Christopher Dawson, D.C.
Dr. Dawson has been a chiropractor since 1993 and expanded his specialty in 2002 as a member of NUCCA
(National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association, www.nucca.org). You can reach Dr. Dawson at nuccachris@gmail.com.
 
 
 
WebMD Article: Chiropractic Cuts Blood Pressure
 
According to an article on WebMD (www.webmd.com) proper alignment of the C-1 (Atlas vertebra) can have a significant impact on lowering blood pressure. One of the doctors conducting the study mentioned in the article says that misaligment of C-1 can trigger release of signals that make the arteries contract, effecting blood flow to the arteries in the base of the skull, which in turn can have an impact on blood pressure.
 
Study Finds Special 'Atlas Adjustment' Lowers Blood Pressure
By Daniel J. DeNoon | WebMD Medical News
 
March 16, 2007 -- A special chiropractic adjustment can significantly lower high blood pressure, a placebo-controlled study suggests.
 
"This procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination," study leader George Bakris, MD, tells WebMD. "And it seems to be adverse-event free. We saw no side effects and no problems," adds Bakris, director of the University of Chicago hypertension center.
 
Eight weeks after undergoing the procedure, 25 patients with early-stage high blood pressure had significantly lower blood pressure than 25 similar patients who underwent a sham chiropractic adjustment. Because patients can't feel the technique, they were unable to tell which group they were in.
 
X-rays showed that the procedure realigned the Atlas vertebra -- the doughnut-like bone at the very top of the spine -- with the spine in the treated patients, but not in the sham-treated patients.
 
Compared to the sham-treated patients, those who got the real procedure saw an average 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number).
 
None of the patients took blood pressure medicine during the eight-week study.
 
"When the statistician brought me the data, I actually didn't believe it. It was way too good to be true," Bakris says. "The statistician said, 'I don't even believe it.' But we checked for everything, and there it was."
 
Bakris and colleagues report their findings in the advance online issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension.
 
Atlas Adjustment and Hypertension
 
The procedure calls for adjustment of the C-1 vertebra. It's called the Atlas vertebra because it holds up the head, just as the titan Atlas holds up the world in Greek mythology.
 
Marshall Dickholtz Sr., DC, of the Chiropractic Health Center, in Chicago, is the 84-year-old chiropractor who performed all the procedures in the study. He calls the Atlas vertebra "the fuse box to the body."
 
"At the base of the brain are two centers that control all the muscles of the body. If you pinch the base of the brain -- if the Atlas gets locked in a position as little as a half a millimeter out of line -- it doesn't cause any pain but it upsets these centers," Dickholtz tells WebMD.
 
The subtle adjustment is practiced by the very small subgroup of chiropractors certified in National Upper Cervical Chiropractic (NUCCA) techniques. The procedure employs precise measurements to determine a patient's Atlas vertebra alignment. If realignment is deemed necessary, the chiropractor uses his or her hands to gently manipulate the vertebra.
 
"We are not doctors. We are spinal engineers," Dickholtz says. "We use mathematics, geometry, and physics to learn how to slide everything back into place."
 
What does this have to do with high blood pressure?
 
Bakris notes that some researchers have suggested that injury to the Atlas vertebra can affect blood flow in the arteries at the base of the skull. Dickholtz thinks the misaligned Atlas triggers release of signals that make the arteries contract. Whether the procedure actually fixes such injuries is unknown, Bakris says.
 
Bakris began the study after a fellow doctor told him that something strange was happening in his family practice. The doctor had been sending some of his patients to a chiropractor. Some of these patients had high blood pressure.
 
Yet after seeing the chiropractor, the patients' blood pressure had normalized -- and a few of them were able to stop taking their blood pressure medications.
 
So Bakris, then at Rush University, designed the pilot study with 50 patients. He's now organizing a much bigger clinical trial.
 
"Is it going to be for everybody with high blood pressure? No," Bakris says. "We clearly need to identify those who can benefit. It is pretty clear that some kind of head or neck trauma early in life is related to this. This is really a work in progress. It is certainly in the early stages of research."
 
Dickholtz has been teaching, practicing, and studying the NUCCA technique for 50 years. He says high blood pressure is far from the only thing an Atlas misalignment causes.
 
"On the other hand, if people have high blood pressure, there is a tremendous possibility they need an Atlas adjustment," he says.
 
 
Advanced Atlas Orthoganal: Treatment of C-1 Misalignment
by Dr. Steve Racine
 
Advanced Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic is a very effective and modern form of chiropractic & upper cervical treatment, utilizing state-of-the-art technological advances. In fact, it is so advanced that many medical Neurologists in Europe are trying to emulate the method. However, they are still 30-40 years behind a trained Advanced Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic physician.
 
Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic is very safe, gentle, painless, and extremely effective for a wide variety of health problems. This type of Advanced Chiropractic is often sought out by people whom have been to many other doctors – whether medical doctors, or chiropractors.   The human body has an amazing natural ability to heal itself, so in most cases, there is no need for drugs or surgeries to get someone well. Of course, some modern medicines are great for life threatening emergencies.  But drugs & surgeries should be considered last, not first, resorts.
 
Many health problems are caused by “short circuits” within the nervous system. The Atlas Orthogonal chiropractor is highly trained at detecting and safely correcting nerve interference, also called "subluxations." Since the Atlas (C1) surrounds the brainstem (top portion of the spinal cord), and the brainstem controls all body functions, it makes sense that a “short circuit” and nerve interference at the Atlas level, can create all sorts of health problems and pain!  Advanced Atlas Orthogonal treatments are done with a state-of-the-art, safe mechanical sound-wave percussion instrument. The instrument is absolutely non-intrusive, non-threatening and low force. Depending on the specific misalignments and nerve interference (determined through proper examinations & Xrays), the instrument is placed specifically and accurately by the trained physician. Once the patient is properly positioned, a gentle percussive sound-wave ‘force’ is generated at the site of the misalignment.
 
Use this link to view an educational and informative video that demonstrates how the Atlas Orthogonal Instrument works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9wziwsu6QQ  Sometimes, patients are surprised that the adjustment is so gentle.You do not even “feel” the sound-wave!  Once the Atlas is properly aligned and nervous system starts working better, the body starts to heal, and the symptoms start to go away, which is when patients truly begin to appreciate the healing nature of Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic.
 
Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic is quite different from the typical “old fashioned” chiropractic. There are NEVER manipulations involved. There is NO “popping” or “cracking” of the neck or back. Typically, additional  years of Post Doctoral studies are necessary to learn these new and improved methods in modern chiropractic health care. Not every doctor is the same however.  Just like any other profession, some are better at their specialty than others.
 
An Atlas Orthogonal doctor is a specialist in the brain stem and upper cervical area, through which the whole body is affected. The brain controls the body’s functions through the brain stem. The Atlas Orthogonal doctor can positively affect the body’s function and health by properly aligning the Atlas, which is the first cervical bone also called C1.  Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic is the fastest and most efficient Upper Cervical Method at correcting nerve interference related problems, and much easier and faster at resolving health problems and pain than regular chiropractic.  It is also much safer than drugs, medicines, and surgery’s health threatening side effects.
 
Because this specialty demands more schooling beyond chiropractic school and because of the focus and accuracy needed from an Advanced Atlas Orthogonal doctor, not many chiropractors continue to seek accreditation in this higher echelon of health care. There are approximately 4,000 Upper Cervical doctors in the world. 
 
For more information on Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic or to find an Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor in your area, visit the following two sites:
 
The following list of symptoms and ailments have helped successfully with Atlas Orthogonal care. If you have any of these ailments, it is possible you are suffering from subluxations (brain and nerve interference):
 
  • Musculoskeletal Problems
  • Ankle Pain
  • Acid Reflux
  • Athletic Injuries
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Arm Pain & Numbness
  • Allergies
  • Auto Accident Pain
  • Arthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Pain
  • Bed Wetting
  • Disc Problems
  • Chronic Colds & Flus
  • Foot Pain
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Headache
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Hand Pain
  • Constipation
  • Hip Pain
  • Digestive Problems
  • Joint Pain & Stiffness
  • Diabetes
  • Knee Pain
  • Depression
  • Leg Pain & Numbness
  • Dizziness/Vertigo
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Dyslexia
  • Migraines
  • Numbness & Tingling
  • Immune Deficiencies
  • Osteo Arthritis
  • Infertility
  • Pelvis Pain
 
This list is not meant to be comprehensive or to list every health problem ever helped through a better functioning human frame, but rather a general list of common health problems facing our communities. It is important to remember that an Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor does not treat any particular disease or symptom. They correct nerve imbalance and restore the body’s proper function and health, and then the symptoms usually alleviate naturally. The nervous system controls all of the body’s functions. This is a natural method of health care and may be an alternative to prescription drugs and even surgery.
 
Dr. Racine graduated from Florida State University in 1997, and Life University in 2001.  He has been in practice in Orlando since June 2002 and was voted “Top 100 Chiropractors in America” in 2004 and 2009. He has helped thousands of people regain their health and live pain-free lives.  For more information visit Dr. Racine's website: www.DrRacine.com, or contact his office at 407-677-8881
 
 NOTE:  I have never personally used Advance Atlas Orthogonal treatments, but a friend had better results with this technique than with the manual upper cervical manipulation.
  • Insomnia
  • Plantar Fasciatis
  • Menstrual Problems
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Migraines
  • Rib Pain
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Sciatica
  • Neuropathy
  • Scoliosis
  • Parkinson's
  • Shoulder Pain
  • PMS
  • Stiffness
  • Seizures
  • Tendonitis
  • Sinus Infections
  • TMJ
  • Stress/Irritability
  • Torticolis
  • Tinnitus
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Whiplash
  • Vision Problems
  • Ear Infections
  • Mid-Back Pain
  • Epilepsy
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Neck Pain
  • Hearing Problems
  • Neuritis
  • Heart Conditions
  • Neuropathy
  • High Blood Pressure
  • What Is Atlas Subluxation Complex/C-1 Misalignment?
  • My Story: How Treatment Changed My Life
  • An Interview with Dr. Jason Nitzsche
  • How The Spine Influences The Nervous System
  • Chiropractic Cuts Blood Pressure
  • Advanced Atlas Orthoganal