What is Atlas Orthogonal?
Atlas Orthogonal is a gentle, precise form of upper cervical chiropractic care that corrects the position of the atlas, the top bone in your neck. There is no twisting, popping, or cracking.
The atlas weighs about two ounces, yet it balances your entire head and surrounds the brainstem, where the brain connects to the rest of the body. When it shifts out of alignment, the effects can reach far beyond neck pain, from headaches and migraines to dizziness, balance problems, and posture changes.
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How It Differs From Traditional Chiropractic
Traditional chiropractic adjusts many areas of the spine by hand, often with a quick twist and an audible "crack." Atlas Orthogonal focuses on one vertebra and corrects it with a precision instrument, guided by your own X-rays.
Advanced Training Few Chiropractors Complete
Only about 350 doctors in the world are certified in Atlas Orthogonal. Certification requires extensive postgraduate training beyond the standard chiropractic degree.
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Specialized study at the Sweat Institute, where Dr. Roy Sweat developed the technique
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Training in precise X-ray analysis of the upper neck
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Hands-on instruction with the Atlas Orthogonal instrument
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Certification exams to demonstrate mastery
Dr. Michael Muto, D.C., is the only Atlas Orthogonal chiropractor in Western and Central New York.
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Is Atlas Orthogonal Right for You?
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Many of our patients come to us after seeing specialist after specialist without answers. Atlas Orthogonal is often the missing piece for people with:
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Migraines and chronic headaches
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Dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems
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Neck and back pain
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Brain fog
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Whiplash and concussion after-effects
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Anyone who wants chiropractic care without twisting or cracking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Atlas Orthogonal adjustment hurt?
No. You lie on your side while the instrument sends a gentle pulse to the atlas. There is no twisting, popping, or cracking, and most patients feel only a light tap, or nothing at all.
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Is it safe for seniors, children, or people who've had neck surgery?
Atlas Orthogonal is one of the gentlest forms of chiropractic care, and patients of all ages receive it. Dr. Muto reviews your health history and X-rays before any adjustment. If you've had neck surgery, fusion, or hardware placed, bring your records so he can confirm the care is right for you.
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How quickly will I notice a difference?
It varies. Some patients notice changes right after their first adjustment, such as less pressure in the head, easier neck movement, or steadier balance. Others improve gradually over several weeks as the correction holds and the body adapts.
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Why do you take X-rays, and how much radiation is involved?
X-rays let Dr. Muto measure exactly how your atlas has shifted, so each adjustment is calculated for you rather than guessed. A neck X-ray uses a very small dose, roughly what you receive from a few weeks of natural background radiation.
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How is this different from other upper cervical techniques?
All upper cervical techniques focus on the top of the neck, but they correct it in different ways. Some use the doctor's hands, and others use different instruments or positions. Atlas Orthogonal uses a table-mounted percussive sound instrument and precise X-ray calculations, so the same gentle correction can be delivered consistently every visit.
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Do you take insurance?
We are a cash-based practice and do not bill insurance. This lets us focus on the care you need rather than what an insurance company will approve. Medicare patients are welcome; we'll walk you through a short Medicare form with your initial paperwork.
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What should I expect at my first visit?
Your first visit includes a thorough consultation about your health history and symptoms, a physical exam, and precise X-rays of your upper neck. On your second visit Dr. Muto will explain what he finds and whether Atlas Orthogonal can help, then map out a care plan with you.
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Is Atlas Orthogonal Right for You?
Many of our patients come to us after seeing specialist after specialist without answers. Atlas Orthogonal is often the missing piece for people with:
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Migraines and chronic headaches
-
Dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems
-
Neck pain
-
Brain fog
-
Whiplash and post-concussion after-effects
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POTS & Dysautonomia
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Anyone who wants chiropractic care without twisting or cracking
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Find out if your atlas is the root of the problem. Schedule your new patient appointment today.