Atlas – You Have One (and it’s not a map)

The very first vertebrae at the top of your spine is known as C1, as in Cervical 1. It is a ring shaped bone with a couple of joints and a ton of ligaments and tendons. It is also universally referred to as the Atlas, named after Atlas, of Greek mythology, who according to legend held the world on his shoulders. The Atlas holds your head upright and supports the weight of your cranium.

Chiropractors have paid particular attention to the atlas since the founding of our profession. As your chiropractor, I too, am always evaluating the relationships and alignment of C1 with the adjacent structures. True C1 misalignments can certainly lead to the classic presentation of  “a real pain in the neck”.

The upper neck region is full of nerves and capable of producing a huge array of symptoms coming from the joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and the nerves themselves sometimes. Among the most common issues related to C1 are:

  • Headaches
  • Poor Posture
  • Facial Pain
  • Arm Pain
  • Chronic Neck Pain
  • Acute Neck Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Numbness
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Nausea, and on and on.

Rest assured, I will check your Atlas during your next visit!

Make a commitment to your health today.

Stay well adjusted,

Dr. Dan Kammer