The relationship between the way your skull sits on top of your spine and how your teeth mesh together when you bite is both well researched and documented. Your skull sits upon the very first vertebrae, called the ATLAS. The Atlas refers to the mythical strongman that held the earth up in the heavens. Like this mythical man, the first vertebrae cradles your head, connecting it to the body.
The butterfly effect
This gives the Atlas great MOBILITY allowing the head to move in many directions. However the Atlas does not have great STABILITY. It is basically supported in place by muscles of the head and neck and by the position of the lower jaw which is determined by how your teeth mesh together.
Re-setting you atlas can relieve your pain
Download our free e-book, “Do I have TMJ?”and look at the first postural test. Here is where we often see our first signs of a problem with the orientation of the Atlas and the Skull. This means that any successful treatment of your bite relationship by a dentist requires co-operation with a qualified chiropractor who can adjust the position of the Atlas in relationship to the skull.
Find the right chiro
We also use the skills of an Atlas Orthagonist chiropractor. The Atlas Orthogonal system is a painless and safe spinal correction which restores body balance and increases the body’s natural healing ability. This precision form of upper cervical spinal correction painlessly restores body balance without forceful movements or twisting of the neck or back.
Looking for a trusted chiropractor? Contact Dr. Westman today!