An exam containing the following steps is performed to determine the presence of an Atlas misalignment (subluxation):
1. Detect a difference in temperature at the base of the occiput using the NCM (neurocalometer-PCC version), a thermographic instrument; A difference in temperature detected by the thermographic instrument is indicative of some type of stress process.
2. Check for a difference of leg lengths when patient is placed in the supine position; When the brainstem is involved, spastic muscle contractors develops more on one side of the body, which is why a difference in leg lengths is important to determine. The spastic contractors also have an effect on the ilium in the frontal and transverse plane and more weight is generally distributed on one leg at than the other is. The Anatometer is used to measure this effect and determine if the spine is in the vertical axis.
3. A posture check for spinal balance is obtained, standing on a posture constant instrument, the Anatometer. It can detect an unequal illi level in the frontal plane and/or a twist in the transverse plane. It also determines if the base of the cervical spine is in the vertical axis and a percentage weight differential between the two legs. Spinal balance is controlled by the facilitory and inhibitory brain centers the central reticular formation. When there is stress to the central nervous system in the atlas area, usually due to misalignment, the facilitory center overcomes the inhibitory centers in the brainstem.
4. A radiographic examination of the upper cervical spine is conducted. The patient is instructed to stand in front of a wall chart that consists of a series of parallel horizontal lines. The level of the patient's ear lobes is noted and lead markers are placed on the tips. Lead markers are placed bilaterally on the mastoid processes. This allows for more exact mensuration of the radiograph and to aid in positioning of the patient's head during the exam. The patient is seated in the x-ray room for three, very precise, cervical x-rays (lateral, nasal and vertex views). The x-ray equipment was previously aligned to reduce radiation and unequal magnification to the greatest extent possible. A centering head clamp is also used. The lead markers on the ear lobes and mastoid appear on the nasal film to ascertain that the same angle of the head was maintained throughout the exam.
5. When all three views are carefully measured and analyzed, a proper force vector for the atlas correction is determined. This will align the atlas to the head and the head and neck to the vertical axis of the spine. The patient is placed on a side posture table that is nine inches in height. The head is precisely braced using a mastoid support system. The chiropractor takes contact of the atlas transverse using the platform of their wrist. The other hand helps to maintain the slight depth and controlled force in the adjustment. As the atlas is the only freely movable vertebra in the spine, it can be used as a lever system to correct the entire spinal column. By understanding spinal biomechanics, the chiropractor's body and hands are aligned for the proper force vector to be delivered. An experienced N.U.C.C.A. chiropractor can correct the misaligned vertebrae in one adjustment.
6. Post x-rays are taken immediately after the correction to verify that alignment has taken place. The supine leg check and Anatometer check are then repeated to measure the correction's effect on the abnormal spastic contractors of the patient's posture.
7. Follow up visits to the N.U.C.C.A. chiropractor consists of a thermographic scan, supine leg check, and Anatometer check. These checks occur at the discretion of the chiropractor beginning on a weekly schedule for the first month, to, eventually, as the correction holds, only checking the patient twice a year.
