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A Focus on the Atlas & Axis,

Special attention is given to the first two cervical (neck) vertebrae, the Atlas and Axis, as they are the most freely moveable vertebrae (bones) in the spine and the ones most commonly misaligned.

After many years of research and study of all the techniques being developed at the time, Dr. B.J. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, recognized that the only place a person could have nervous system interference was at the base of the skull, the Atlas and Axis vertebrae. The majority of head and neck movement occurs at this level.

The joint surfaces in this region shift more on a horizontal versus a vertical plane as in the rest of the spine. This area is held together by ligaments, tendons, and muscles; unlike the rest of the spine, which has intervertebral locking joints. Because of these cervical spine characteristics, it becomes the weakest link in the chain when exposed to traumatic forces, including the birth process, auto accidents, falls, stress, etc.

The Role of the Brain Stem

Dr. Palmer conducted studies in Germany on cadavers and found that the brain stem extended into the neural canal down to the level of the second cervical vertebrae (Axis), at which point it becomes the spinal cord extending downward. The brain stem has been referred to as the “fuse box.” This is the area that has the nerve cell centers that control many of the major functions of the body, such as

•  Heartbeat
•  Respiration
•  Digestion
•  Elimination
•  Our heating and cooling mechanism
•  Dilation and constriction of the arteries and veins
•  Muscle coordination

Most of the automatic functions of the body that we don’t have to consciously think about are controlled at the brain stem level. The brain stem consists of approximately ten billion nerve fibers that route messages to all parts of the body. These nerve fibers are organized in small bundles called nerve tracts. According to Gray’s Anatomy, “The nervous system is the master system of the body, controlling and coordinating all the functions of the body and relating the individual to his environment.”

The Atlas and Axis are the only vertebrae that surround the brain stem. When they misalign to the extent that they put pressure on the brain stem or spinal cord, they interfere with the vital messages sent to and from the brain to all parts of the body. If for example the Atlas presses against the part of the cord that sends messages to the left hand, that individual may experience a numbness, burning or tingling sensation in that hand.

If the nerve tracts at the brain stem level going to the heart are being pressed upon, the individual may experience high blood pressure, palpitations, or an irregular heartbeat. Any part of the body can be affected when there is pressure on the brain stem or spinal cord, because all nerves must pass through this area before reaching the area of the body they supply.