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At Balanced Atlas & Migraine Center, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.
Please read below, and if your question has not been answered, feel free to contact us!
The Atlas Orthogonal Difference
Atlas Orthogonal is a gentle, effective, and state-of-the-art spinal correction procedure that uses percussive sound waves to correct the 1st bone of the spine – the atlas. It removes brainstem pressure, helps restore body balance, and reactivates the body’s natural healing ability. No manipulation (twisting or cracking) is ever employed or needed.
What You Can Expect On Your First Visit
Please allow 1 hour for your first visit. We ask that you have your New Patient Intake form filled out online prior to your appointment time. When you meet with Dr. Reed, a review of your symptoms, health history and exam will be performed.
X-rays will be taken and carefully analyzed by the doctor in order to obtain the specific angles needed for your treatment.
X-rays are essential – we do not guess with your health! In order to receive an atlas orthogonal adjustment, certain x-rays are needed to determine the position of the atlas bone.
If Dr. Reed determines you are not a candidate for this type of treatment after the evaluation is performed, you will be referred to another provider that may be able to help.
The Treatment
Before your adjustment, Dr. Reed will scan (touch) your neck at the base of the head to feel for tenderness. Discomfort in this area may indicate that there is a misalignment of the atlas (first bone in the spine).
Next, the length of your legs will be measured. When the atlas is misaligned, it will cause a tilt in your head. This causes other areas of your spine to compensate leading to a short leg.
Dr. Reed will prepare the instrument with your specific settings determined by your x-rays and will then instruct you to lay down on your side. You may feel a little pressure as the stylus of the instrument is carefully placed behind your ear, but the adjustment is gentle and painless.
After the adjustment, the leg lengths will be measured again in order to tell if the atlas misalignment has been corrected. Post-x-rays will be taken to verify these findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Balanced Atlas & Migraine Center takes insurance, however, we are an Out of Network Provider. We are happy to provide the service of billing your insurance, but please understand that due to high deductibles, your visit may not be covered. We will also provide all paperwork necessary for you to submit to your health insurance for reimbursement.
Patients are welcome to pre-pay for visits in advance, but it is not required. Every patient responds differently, and therefore, we don’t put a specific time frame or a number of visits on your treatment.
No. The Atlas Orthogonal technique is very gentle and safe. Over rotation (twisting) of the neck may cause injury or further misalignment of the atlas/axis.
It depends on your case. Some patients may notice improvements within the first couple weeks of treatment. Relief of symptoms may take longer for patients that have been experiencing their pain for long periods of time.
Yes, if you have previous/existing AO x-rays, or written x-ray consent from your doctor. Dr. Saggau can, however, provide other full spine, gentle adjusting techniques if the AO technique cannot be performed.
