Chiropractors/Atlas Orthogonal

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 1/8/2007


Question
What is your personal opinion of the Atlas Orthogonal technique?

Answer
Dear Alice,

Atlas orthagonal is a system of analysis of the upper cervical spine in which the ATLAS, the top bone in the spine is deemed to be the most important an limiting factor of spinal correction.  Chiropractors trained in this technique believe that the only complete way to address the spine is with specific x-ray analysis of the upper cervical spine to determine the exact placement of the atlas in relation to the connecting structures, and then adjusting the atlas so that it conforms to a specific normal alignment.  Most of these chiropractors do not manipulate the spine with their hands, but rather prefer to use an instrument.

My opinion on this technique is that the basic theory of misalignment of the atlas causing problems has credence, but the atlas as a bone is supposed to compensate for movement patterns in the spine thereby allowing normal head righting to the horizon.  So there is really more to it. I have heard many success stories from Atlas Orthoganal trained doctors, and patients, but as a technique, I believe that more research is needed to validate it.

I am not trained or certified in this technique, therefore, I can not offer you much more information on it.  If you are considering treatment by a Chiropractic Physician who is trained in this technique, just make sure that he/she addresses the spine as a unit, not just the atlas.

Form more detailed information on the technique, I think you should read over the following websites to be informed.

www.atlasorthogonality.com
www.atlasorthogonal.com.au/atlas_orthogonal_care.html

Hope this helps Alice!
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Chiropractors

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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