Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic
Upper Cervical Care at WildBird Chiropractic & Wellness
Atlas Orthogonal is a specific form of upper cervical chiropractic that focuses on one small but powerful area of the spine: the atlas, also known as C1. This bone sits directly beneath the skull and plays a major role in how the nervous system functions, how the head balances on the body, and how the neck moves.
Most people never hear about the atlas until something goes wrong. When it loses its proper position, it can quietly contribute to symptoms that don’t always respond well to traditional care.
At WildBird Chiropractic & Wellness, we use Atlas Orthogonal adjusting as part of our approach to upper cervical care, emphasizing precision, safety, and individual response.
Why the Upper Cervical Spine Is Different
The upper cervical spine is not built like the rest of the spine. It is designed for mobility, balance, and neurological control. It sits next to the brainstem, vertebral arteries, cranial nerves, jaw, and vestibular system, all of which influence balance, coordination, muscle tone, circulation, and sensory processing.
Because this region moves so freely, it is more vulnerable to dysfunction. Even small shifts can matter.
Patients who come in with persistent or unexplained symptoms often have involvement at this level, including:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or balance problems
- Vertigo or spinning sensations
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Ear pressure, fullness, or popping
- Brain fog, poor concentration, or memory issues
- Migraines and chronic headaches
- Tension-type headaches
- Neck pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion
- Facial pain, jaw tension, or TMJ symptoms
- Visual disturbances, eye strain, or light sensitivity
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Postural strain and forward head posture
- Whiplash and concussion-related symptoms
- Autonomic nervous system imbalance (fatigue, poor stress tolerance, sleep disturbance)
- Head pressure or a “heavy head” sensation
Many of these are not isolated problems, but signs of mechanical and neurologic stress at the craniocervical junction where the brainstem and upper cervical nerves are most vulnerable.
A Thoughtful, Low-Force Approach
Atlas Orthogonal adjusting is not a cracking or twisting adjustment. There is no manual thrusting of the neck.
We use specialized upper cervical imaging to understand the position of the atlas. From there, a gentle correction is delivered using a percussion-based instrument. The force is small, specific, and chosen based on how your body presents, not on a preset formula.
The adjustment is brief and subtle. Many patients are surprised by how little force is involved, yet how significant the neurologic change can feel.
Atlas Orthogonal and Hypermobility
Atlas Orthogonal care is especially well-suited for patients with hypermobility, including those with connective tissue differences such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Down syndrome with ligamentous laxity.
In hypermobile bodies, joints already move too much. Traditional manual adjustments can sometimes feel overwhelming or short-lived. Our approach prioritizes stability, neurological calm, and reducing unnecessary compensation rather than forcing motion.
In these patients, we often see less muscle guarding, fewer flare-ups, improved postural control, and better tolerance to daily physical stress over time.
How We Decide If Atlas Orthogonal Is Right for You
Atlas Orthogonal care is not appropriate for everyone. We determine whether this approach is a good fit through a detailed history, physical exam, and specific upper cervical imaging.
These X-rays allow us to assess atlas position and determine whether this type of adjusting is likely to be helpful for your case. Not every patient requires an upper cervical correction, and not every visit involves an adjustment.
Common Conditions Helped with Atlas Orthogonal Care
Neurologic & Vestibular Symptoms
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Vertigo and balance disorders
- Tinnitus
- Ear fullness or pressure
- Brain fog and cognitive fatigue
- Post-concussion symptoms
- Autonomic dysfunction
Head & Facial Pain
- Migraines
- Chronic headaches
- Tension headaches
- Facial pain
- TMJ and jaw tension
- Head pressure sensations
Neck & Upper Body
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Whiplash injuries
- Forward head posture
- Shoulder and upper back tension
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
Complex & Systemic Presentations
- Hypermobility and connective tissue instability
- Chronic stress patterns and nervous system dysregulation
- Poor postural control and coordination
- Circulatory or drainage-related head and neck symptoms
Training, Experience, and Local Availability
Atlas Orthogonal is a post-doctoral specialty that requires extensive additional training.
WildBird Chiropractic & Wellness is the only clinic on O‘ahu offering Atlas Orthogonal adjusting using this specific adjusting instrument and imaging-guided process. Care is tailored to the individual and guided by clinical findings at each visit.
Is Atlas Orthogonal Right for You?
If you have tried chiropractic care before without lasting relief, if your body feels unstable, or if your symptoms seem neurologic, vestibular, or difficult to explain, Atlas Orthogonal care may be worth exploring.
Our doctors will talk through your history, explain the process clearly, and help you decide whether this type of upper cervical care makes sense for you.