What is Advanced Orthogonal?
Advanced Orthogonal is an upper cervical chiropractic technique that corrects the position of the atlas (C1), the top vertebra in the neck. “Orthogonal” refers to right angles: the technique aims to restore the atlas to a balanced position relative to the skull and the spine beneath it.
Instead of a manual adjustment, the correction is delivered by a precision instrument. That’s why patients often hear it described as a sound-wave or percussion adjustment.
Dr. Lambert has been certified in Advanced Orthogonal (B.C.A.O.) since February 2016. The specialty recognition identified herein has been received from a private organization not affiliated with or recognized by the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine.
What is an atlas adjustment?
An atlas adjustment is any chiropractic correction aimed at the atlas (C1). Techniques vary: some use a hand contact, others use instruments. With Advanced Orthogonal, the angle and direction of the adjustment are calculated from X-ray measurements, so each correction is specific to the patient.
How the Advanced Orthogonal instrument works
- Measure. Neck X-rays, taken at an imaging center about a mile from our Brandon office, are analyzed to determine how the atlas is positioned in three dimensions.
- Position. You lie on your side on a specialized table with your head resting on a support.
- Adjust. The instrument’s stylus is placed lightly behind the ear, at the base of the skull. It delivers a brief percussive impulse along the calculated angle.
- Afterward. Drink extra water, rest, and follow any at-home instructions you are given, including any supplements recommended.
The instrument does the work, so there is no thrust from the practitioner’s hands and no rotation of the neck.
What does it feel like?
Most patients feel very little: a light tap or vibration behind the ear. There is no twisting, cracking or popping. Many people who are uncomfortable with traditional neck adjustments find this approach easier to relax into.
Advanced Orthogonal vs. traditional chiropractic
| Advanced Orthogonal | Traditional manual adjustment | |
|---|---|---|
| How force is applied | Instrument impulse | Practitioner’s hands |
| Neck rotation | None | Often involved |
| Audible “pop” | No | Common |
| Planning | X-ray measurements set the angle | Usually based on palpation and motion testing |
| Target | Atlas (C1) | Any spinal segment or joint |
Who commonly seeks Advanced Orthogonal care?
At Natural Healing of Tampa Bay, patients commonly seek an Advanced Orthogonal evaluation for migraines and chronic headaches, neck pain and stiffness, vertigo and dizziness, TMJ dysfunction, and whiplash and auto injuries. Whether it’s appropriate for you is decided after your evaluation.
Your provider
Dr. Heath Lambert, DC, earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2008, has been certified in Advanced Orthogonal since 2016, and has focused his practice on the upper cervical spine. His education, training and certifications are listed on his profile.
Where it’s offered
Advanced Orthogonal instrument adjustments are done by Dr. Lambert at our Brandon office (911 S Parsons Ave, Suite A), Tuesday through Thursday. The instrument is not available at the Tampa office.
Frequently asked questions
Does an Advanced Orthogonal adjustment hurt?
No. Most patients feel only a light tap or vibration behind the ear.
Is there any cracking or popping?
No. The adjustment is delivered by an instrument without twisting the neck, so there is no cracking or popping.
Is the Advanced Orthogonal “sound wave” the same as shockwave therapy?
No. The Advanced Orthogonal instrument delivers a light percussive impulse to correct the atlas. Shockwave therapy is a separate treatment used on soft tissue, and is not part of an Advanced Orthogonal adjustment.
How long does the adjustment take?
The impulse itself lasts only a moment. A new patient visit takes 30 to 60 minutes. Follow-up visits take about 15 minutes.
How often will I need to be adjusted?
The aim is to correct the atlas and have it hold. Visit frequency depends on your exam findings and how your body responds; an estimate is provided at your evaluation.
Do I need X-rays first?
X-ray measurements are used to calculate the angle of correction. Neck X-rays at the first visit are $35.