If you’ve looked into upper cervical chiropractic care in Southaven, you’ve probably noticed that Desoto Upper Cervical offers two techniques: Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology. Patients often ask Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer the same question: aren’t these just two names for the same thing? Not quite. Both techniques share the same core goal — precisely correcting the position of the atlas, the top bone of the spine — but they use different tools, measurement systems, and correction methods to get there. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of how each one works.
Table of Contents
What Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology Have in Common
Before getting into the differences, it helps to understand what unites these two approaches, since they both fall firmly under the umbrella of upper cervical specific chiropractic:
- Both focus exclusively on the atlas (C1) and its relationship to the skull and axis (C2), rather than adjusting the entire spine
- Both rely on detailed structural imaging to measure misalignment in three dimensions before any correction is made
- Both use light, precise corrections rather than the twisting or high-velocity thrusts associated with general spinal manipulation
- Both aim to restore more normal alignment so the head, neck, and nervous system can function without unnecessary mechanical interference
- Neither technique involves “cracking” or popping the neck
Atlas Orthogonal: Instrument-Guided Precision
Atlas Orthogonal is built around extremely detailed imaging that maps the exact three-dimensional position of the atlas relative to the skull and the rest of the spine. Once that position is mapped, the correction itself is delivered using a specialized instrument that produces a fast, low-force, sound-wave-based tap — not a manual push or twist. Because the instrument does the work with such precision, there’s no need for the doctor to apply direct pressure with their hands.
Patients often describe the Atlas Orthogonal correction as barely noticeable in the moment, since the force involved is so light and so specific. The instrument-based delivery is one of the main things that sets it apart from most other chiropractic techniques, including Orthospinology.
What a Typical Atlas Orthogonal Visit Looks Like
- Detailed structural imaging to measure the exact misalignment pattern
- Calculation of a precise correction vector based on that imaging
- A brief, instrument-delivered correction with the patient resting on their side
- Post-correction imaging or analysis to confirm the change
Orthospinology: Hands-On, Measurement-Driven Correction
Orthospinology also begins with precise structural imaging and detailed measurement of the atlas and axis, but the correction itself is delivered by hand rather than by instrument. The doctor uses the measurements to calculate a very specific angle and direction, then applies a gentle, controlled correction with light pressure — again, without any twisting, popping, or high-velocity thrust.
Because Orthospinology is hands-on, some patients who prefer a more traditional “touch-based” adjustment feel more at ease with this approach, while others prefer the instrument-based feel of Atlas Orthogonal. Both are equally valid, evidence-informed methods within the upper cervical field.
What a Typical Orthospinology Visit Looks Like
- Structural imaging to identify the specific misalignment pattern
- Detailed measurement and calculation of the correction needed
- A light, hands-on correction with the patient positioned on their side
- Reassessment to confirm the change in alignment
So Which Technique Is Right for You?
This isn’t a case of one technique being universally “better” than the other — it’s about which approach fits your anatomy, your comfort level, and the specific pattern of misalignment found during your exam. Because Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer are trained in both Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology, they can recommend whichever technique — or combination of approaches over time — makes the most sense for your individual case, rather than fitting every patient into a single method.
A few things patients sometimes consider when thinking about the two techniques:
- Comfort with a hands-on correction versus an instrument-delivered one
- The specific direction and pattern of the atlas misalignment identified on imaging
- Whether a patient has certain sensitivities that make one delivery method more comfortable than the other
- How the body responds and holds correction over time, which may lead a doctor to adjust the approach
Why the Technique Matters Less Than the Precision
It’s worth stepping back to note what really distinguishes upper cervical care — whether delivered through Atlas Orthogonal or Orthospinology — from more general chiropractic chiropractic care. Both techniques are built on the same foundation: detailed imaging, precise measurement, and a light, specific correction aimed only at the atlas. That precision is the common thread, regardless of which delivery method is used to achieve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one technique more effective than the other?
Neither technique is universally superior. Both are precise, imaging-guided methods for correcting atlas misalignment, and effectiveness often comes down to which approach best fits an individual patient’s anatomy and how their body responds to correction.
Does Atlas Orthogonal hurt more or less than Orthospinology?
Both are known for being gentle. Atlas Orthogonal uses a light, instrument-delivered tap, while Orthospinology uses a light, hands-on correction. Most patients describe both as comfortable, with no twisting or popping involved in either approach.
Can I switch between techniques during my care?
Yes. Since Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer are trained in both methods, your care plan can incorporate either technique — or shift between them — based on what your imaging and progress indicate.
Do both techniques use X-rays or imaging?
Yes. Precise structural imaging is a core part of both Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology, since accurate correction depends on knowing the exact direction and degree of atlas misalignment beforehand.
Will I hear a popping sound during either adjustment?
No. Neither technique involves the twisting or high-velocity thrusts that produce the popping sound associated with general chiropractic adjustments.
How do I know which technique I’ll receive at my first visit?
That’s determined after your consultation and imaging, based on your specific misalignment pattern and what the doctor believes will provide the most precise, comfortable correction for your case.
Experience Precision Upper Cervical Care in Southaven
Whether Atlas Orthogonal, Orthospinology, or a combination of both makes the most sense for your case, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer will walk you through exactly what your imaging shows and why. Call Desoto Upper Cervical at (662) 393-4848 or visit desotouppercervical.com to schedule a consultation. Our office is located at 1134 Church Rd W, Southaven, MS 38671 — get directions on Google Maps.
