Chiropractors/Which treatment is best?

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Expert: - 1/24/2009


Question
"Hi I have vertigo and dizziness plus tintinnes ringing in the ears. I have been in
a couple of accidents both times rear ended.It was so bad one time I was hospitalzed. The
dr did a MRI and it was ok.I read about when the atlas is out it can cause these problems
but the closest Atlas orthology dr is 133 miles.I emailed him and explained my problems and he said it sounded like my atlas was out. Another regular chiropractor that is close to home  recommended Brain
Based Therapy. Do you know which is the better of the two? My dizzeness is getting worse and I want the best treatment that will help me. Thank you so much for any help.

Answer
Mae,

The Atlas Orthogonal concept has no scientific validity.  The atlas will not reposition itself with any clicking or thumping device any better than with a hands-on joint manipulation.  Sorry, but these folks have not really proven themselves, and the data seems to point in the direction of it not being any more effective than other methods.  The entire concept of a bone being out of place is outdated, as is that orthoginal method.  This doesn't mean that the problems in the upper cervical spine don't cause a host of symptoms, like dizziness.  It just means that there is no way your atlas can be x-ray'd and measured and its position correlated to your symptoms.  How your upper cervical joint system functions, i.e. the movement and mechanics, likely plays a greater role.  The tissue barriers, scar tissue lesions, tears or other disruptions, also likely play a greater role than does the static position presumed by looking at an x-ray.   Your "regular" chiropractor was diligent in recommending a brain-based therapy.  Look up "Neurofeedback" on the internet and find a practitioner.   Hopefully they will be less than 133 miles.  You can also go to a regular chiropractor and get good quality hands-on treatment to assist in upper cervical joint mechanics.  

Hope this helps!   It surely saved you on gas money!

Dr. G

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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP

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21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.

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