Question
I feel like I am running out of options. About 4 years ago I was drinking and for some stupid reason I got down on all fours and rammed my head straight into the wall.  I waited about a year then started looking for help.  I went to a chiropractor that twisted me back and forth for about a year and had no luck.  Then I started going to an atlas chiropractor and have gotten a little better with him.  Then about a year ago I started NCR were they adjust your sphenoid bone and have had some luck with that.  Still though my atlas will not stay in and the part of my neck were it meets your shoulders will not stay and I feel twisted.  The NCR lady suggested prolotherpy for my spine.  At this point I am becoming broke and frustrated and severely depressed. I just want to find something that will work so I can at least regain hope. Do you have any ideas, this problem is holding me back from the life I need to live.

Answer
Austin,

First, consider that the problem may not be your atlas being in place or out of place.   What if there is no such thing as an atlas out of place?!   Before you go and do prolotherapy, try working with someone that can address soft tissues (not bones out of place).   Find a provider of Graston Technique (www.grastontechnique.com) and also someone that can assess the strength and control of your neck and scapular muscles, e.g. a skilled chiro or physical therapist.   I also don't know what your symptoms are, e.g. headaches, neck pain, radiating arm pain, etc.   Regardless, the "upper cervical specific" paradigm is outdated, unproven, dogmatic, and clearly out of step in the modern world of musculoskeletal healthcare or modern chiropractic.   "If your only tool is a hammer..."    

'Good luck,

Dr. G