Overview
Our Approach.
Precision upper cervical care — gentle, specific, and measurable atlas/axis correction without twisting, cracking, or forceful manipulation.
Atlas Orthogonal (AO) is a precision upper cervical chiropractic technique focused exclusively on the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) — the two top vertebrae of the spine, where the head meets the neck. Misalignment in this region can contribute to a wide range of head, neck, musculoskeletal, and pain symptoms. AO correction is performed using a gentle, percussion instrument — not hands-on twisting or cracking. The correction is precise, low-force, and specific to each patient’s individual X-ray analysis.
YOUR DIAGNOSIS
Common Diagnoses We Work With:
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Head or facial pressure
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Tinnitus or ear pressure
- TMJ symptoms
- Postural imbalance
- Nerve pain or upper extremity symptoms
- Whiplash-associated symptoms
- Patients who have been told their "neck" is fine but still have symptoms
- Patients seeking a precision, measurement-based upper cervical approach
About Atlas Orthogonal Upper Cervical Program
The atlas is the top bone in your spine. When it's out of alignment, it can affect your head, neck, nerves, posture, and how your entire spine sits. Atlas Orthogonal correction at One Neurospine Health is gentle, precise, and based on your individual X-ray measurements — not a one-size-fits-all adjustment.
Why Choose Our Team
25+ Years of Upper Cervical Experience
Dr. Scott Bender, DC, BCAO, has focused his entire career on upper cervical care. He is a Board-Certified Atlas Orthogonist trained through the Sweat Institute with certification through Sherman College, and holds advanced training in whiplash and brain injury traumatology from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. In 2015, he was named Atlas Orthogonal Humanitarian of the Year.
25+
Years focused on upper cervical care
8,000+
Patients treated for complex neurological, musculoskeletal, and trauma-related conditions
BCAO
Board-Certified Atlas Orthogonist
2015
Atlas Orthogonal Humanitarian of the Year
AO Evaluation Focus
The evaluation includes a detailed assessment of:
- Upper cervical postural analysis
- Paraspinal thermography (nerve function indicator)
- Leg length analysis
- Precise upper cervical X-rays (AP, Lateral, Atlas-Vertex views)
- X-ray analysis to determine the specific atlas misalignment vector
- Individualized correction angle calculation
AO Treatment Direction
Care is built around precise, measurable atlas correction and structural re-alignment:
- Individualized atlas correction using the Atlas Orthogonal percussion instrument
- Post-correction analysis and re-testing
- Postural re-assessment
- Home care guidance
- Stabilization and holding-pattern development
Advanced Diagnostics, When Indicated
In select cases, we may also draw on Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) or FONAR Upright MRI — available through our Melville research and diagnostics location — for a closer look at instability or symptoms that only appear in an upright, weight-bearing position. These are supplementary tools used when clinically appropriate, not a required part of standard AO care.
A Gentle, Precise Alternative
What Makes Atlas Orthogonal Different
AO care does not involve:
- Twisting the neck
- Popping or cracking
- Forceful rotation
- Deep stretching of the cervical spine
- This makes AO a gentle, precise option for patients with structural sensitivity, suspected instability, hypermobility, or anyone hesitant about forceful neck manipulation.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Is Atlas Orthogonal safe?
Will I hear any popping or cracking?
How is the atlas misalignment measured?
How many visits will I need?
Do I need a referral?
Is this different from a typical chiropractic adjustment?
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention.
If you experience sudden severe headache, slurred speech, loss of coordination, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, or vision changes, seek emergency care immediately. One Neurospine Health treats chronic and structural upper cervical symptoms and does not replace emergency evaluation.
HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS
"After eight months of being told my scans were normal, someone finally looked at my neck the way it moves — not just a single still picture. That's when things started to make sense."
Disclaimer.
People experiencing these symptoms and conditions travel from around the world to One Neurospine Health because our care is grounded in the most current clinical research. Our clinicians also train doctors internationally on evidence-based evaluation and treatment approaches.