Relieving headaches with ‘Atlas Orthogonal' procedure

Warwick — Headaches, whether migraine or tension, are among the most frequent complaints in doctor’s offices today. Americans are spending billions of dollars yearly on costly drugs, which sometimes cause side effects and offer little or no relief. While avoiding caffeine and relieving stress with exercise are good general advice for headache sufferers, these preventative measures are of little value if there is an underlying condition contributing to the headaches. A cutting edge solution is now available for one of the most overlooked, underlying causes of headaches; structural misalignment. Dr. Marla Blauschild of Warwick uses the Atlas Orthogonal procedure to correct the structural misalignment of the skull on the first cervical vertebra. “Atlas” is the name for the first cervical vertebra, and “orthogonal” means 90 degrees. The instrument is designed to place the atlas back under the skull, so that the skull can rest on it normally. “This condition, of the head being displaced off center-line of the spine, can cause many types of chronic headaches,” Blauschild explained. “When the skull is resting out of alignment on the first cervical vertebra, the vascular, neurological and muscular systems can be altered in such a way that the body responds with pain, tension, or throbbing in the head.” The procedure is painless, and involves no cracking or twisting. The patients feel nothing, and frequently find that they are relieved of whatever back, neck, or head stress they were once experiencing. Blauschild warns that headaches may be indicative of any number of very serious conditions, and recommends patients consult with their medical doctor for initial examination. She adds that the procedure she uses is generally for those who have exhausted other options. Blauschild is the only approved Atlas Orthogonal practitioner in Orange County, and one of only five in the state. For more information, call 986-4747.