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Atlasology
How the Atlas got its name
Atlas - bearer of the world
Our first cervical vertebra (C1) – the atlas – takes its name from Greek mythology and translates as ‘to bear, to endure’: the Greek titan Atlas had to carry the world as punishment from Zeus, which became a burden for him over time. Medicine uses this term to show its connection to its origins.
The first cervical vertebra supports our head. Supporting our head, like supporting a life situation, can be difficult in certain challenging situations and can affect the spine and ultimately the body – resulting in symptoms.
Atlaslogy can offer support here, so that the head can once again be carried through life with ease and the spine can achieve the best possible stability.
The Atlas and its influence on our body
Nerves flow through the Atlas
Our top cervical vertebrae C1 - the atlas - is located just below our head. Due to this special position, it has the following physiological functions, among others:
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bearer of our 5-7 kg heavy head (adult)
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passage of numerous nerves.
An infinite amount of information flows from the brain to the rest of the body via the nerves every second. The nerves pass through the atlas and continue through the spinal cord, which is located inside the spine and is therefore well protected from injuries. The nerves (the so-called spinal nerves) emerge from the spinal cord between the vertebral bodies and from there reach the corresponding organ or limbs. Arrived here, nerve impulses are transmitted from the brain, whereby the cells carry out a corresponding function.The brain is the hub of the system, the spinal cord is the main transmission line and the spinal nerves are the connections to the organism. This flow of information is vital for an organ to renew and regenerate. If the supply of this information or energy is reduced, the activity of the cells and thus of the organ is also reduced - it cannot optimally renew and regenerate itself, the self-renewal process is suppressed, which can lead to complaints.
Impact of a displaced atlas
Pelvic elevation
When the atlas is off-center, the rest of the spine is affected:
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The spine adjusts according to the displacement of the atlas. This leads to a change in statics and can lead to a so-called "shorter leg". This is not a real shorter leg, but an elevated pelvis. This bad posture can lead to various complaints, such as pain in the hips, knees, back, neck, head, etc.
Innervation of the body
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In the center of the spine is the spinal cord, in which the nerves are routed from the brain via the atlas to the body regions and from the body regions back to the brain. Due to the changed statics of the spine, however, the nerves between the vertebral bodies (spinal nerves) can be compressed. This means that the nerve information can no longer flow optimally: Depending on which spinal nerve is compressed, this body region receives insufficient controls and the cells cannot optimally implement their function. This can lead to various complaints, such as digestive disorders, blood pressure problems, inflammation of all kinds, sciatica problems, tiredness, nervousness, tingling sensation in the arms and legs, headaches, dizziness, etc. The list below shows which spinal nerve flows where and is therefore responsible for which task .
Depending on its duration and severity, an misalinged atlas can lead to psychological challenges in everayday life.
When can the atlas subluxate?
Due to its position, the atlas is very mobile, so that we can optimally turn and move our head every day. At the same time, this exposed position and great mobility makes the atlas sensitive to displacement (subluxation) - also because there is no intervertebral disc (spinal disc) as a shock absorber between the 1st (the Atlas) and 2nd cervical vertebrae (the axis). In the course of life we encounter a wide variety of influences that can lead to a misaligned atlas, such as:
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during birth if the baby's head has been twisted or pulled too much or if the mother is exerting excessive force
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after physical events of all kinds: sport or traffic accidents (especially whiplash injuries/cervical spine syndrome), stepping into the void, stumbling, falling, hitting the head, jerky/unsteady head movements
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after tummy sleep, since the cervical vertebra assumes an unfamiliar position for a long time
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after muscle tension in the jaw (teeth grinding at night) as well as in the neck / shoulder area due to one-sided or incorrect body postures and movements (computer work, studying, during pregnancy, etc.)
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after mental challenges due to a tense attitude (stress, pressure to achieve, exams, grief, bullying, fears, etc.)
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We have all encountered one
or other of these situations – they are part of life.
Atlaslogy can provide valuable support in such situations.
Impact of a
displaced atlas
First, we check whether the pelvis is elevated and how the atlas is positioned. Then, while sitting, we gently centre the body, which has an effect from the atlas to the coccyx – the pelvis realigns itself, as do the legs. No equipment is used.
Raised pelvic on the right.
A period of rest then follows on a couch, during which further self-regulation processes take place.
The treatment is carried out with the patient fully clothed and no equipment is used.
Number of treatments
How many treatments are necessary depends on the initial situation: Which symptoms have existed and for how long? What is the condition of the spine? How much is the atlas shifted? How big is the pelvic tilt? As soon as the spine has reached optimal statics, the atlas is centered from one treatment to the next and the pelvis has remained straight, the treatment can be completed. Regular checks are then recommended as a preventive measure.
In the event of falls or accidents (especially whiplash), an atlasology treatment should be carried out as soon as possible so that the atlas is centered again - otherwise there is a risk that the muscles will adapt and the subluxated atlas will be held in this new, shifted position by the muscles and ligaments .
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