Dr. John Ellwood will first determine if your problems are related to a spinal misalignment. He wants to know what has happened and why you are in pain. The treatment is accomplished in five stages.

STAGE ONE: DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING If you are a candidate for this procedure, then specialized x-rays are taken at precise angles in order to accurately measure the misalignment of the cervical spine. The x-ray equipment used is especially designed for the atlas orthogonal procedure.

STAGE TWO: COMPUTERIZED ANALYSIS After the x-rays, the patient will go to the waiting area. Meanwhile, the images taken by Dr. Ellwood are analyzed and ran through a computerized program to precisely measure the amount of atlas misalignment. The vectors needed to restore the atlas to its normal position are then calculated.

STAGE THREE: TREATMENT UTILIZING THE ATLAS ORTHOGONAL PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT The treatment is carried out by an atlas orthogonal percussion instrument. The arm of the instrument is positioned precisely over the atlas vertebra and a light percussive pulse of energy is delivered to the misaligned atlas, thereby realigning the atlas to its normal position. There is no manipulation involved. The procedure is painless, fast, and utilizes an extremely low force.

STAGE FOUR: POST DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING Immediately following the first treatment, specific x-rays are taken to determine the amount of correction made. These x-rays are like blue prints, which allow the doctor to see initially where the misalignment was and then view the corrections made and plan further treatments afterwards.

STAGE FIVE: FOLLOW UP CARE Once the initial treatment has been accomplished, you will be given a care plan in which your progress will be monitored. In these subsequent visits, you may need further treatment. These treatments can be given without additional x-rays because if a misalignment reoccurs it will follow the same pattern and can be easily re-aligned. If your atlas is holding its alignment, then an atlas orthogonal treatment will not be needed on that visit. However, secondary treatments such as therapy may be called for to help with pain or discomfort while you recover. Dr. Ellwood's goal in utilizing the atlas orthogonal procedure is to correct your spine and to keep it corrected for as long as possible with as few visits as possible. He is committed to helping you live your life to its fullest by providing a high level of skill and service through atlas orthogonal chiropractic.