Question
Is there a permanent correction for misalignment of the atlas vertebrae? I have seen every specialist from chiropractors to neurologists to treat my migraines which have spiraled out of control the last 2-3 years. I am 25 and have had migraines since the age of 5. The last several years they have become dehabilitating and I have been hospitalized multiple times. Every doctor I see keeps giving me "quick fix" solutions from manual chiropractic adjustments to narcotic pain killers. I have been on a quest to self-diagnose as a doctor has yet to find a root or the CAUSE of the problem. I am almost positive that it is due to the constant misalignment of my atlas vertebrae. My chiropractor has dismissed this as a life-long problem and the neurologist said he wants to begin occipital nerve block injections to resolve this problem. So...is there a permanent, possibly surgical, solution to make sure my atlas vertebra remains in proper alignment? Thanks, Danielle"


Answer
Hello, Danielle,

Bones go where muscles pull them.

If your atlas keeps wandering from its centered position, it's highly likely that you have very contracted neck muscles.  That would account for your chiropractor's "life-long problem" opinion and explain what s/he cannot about why you have the problem.

Before you go the neurologist's route or the surgical route, see a clinical somatic educator.

Somatic education is a process for brain-muscle training to alleviate muscular contractions (usually caused by injuries that trigger protective muscular reflexes) and to restore freedom of movement.

See somatics.com/page4b.htm for more information (whiplash injuries) and for access to a practitioner.  See also somatics.com/page3.htm for the relationship of chiropractic to clinical somatic education.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold