Atlas Orthogonal vs. Grostic Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care...What is the difference?

Here at The Chiropractic Clinic, Dr. Josh Shideler is board certified in both Atlas Orthogonal Procedures and Grostic Technique. What are the similarities and differences of these techniques?

Similarities of Atlas Orthogonal and Grostic Technique:

  • both are very specific orthogonal chiropractic techniques

  • both are extremely gentle adjustments, often described as a light tap

  • there is no popping, twisting, or cracking involved

  • you are laying on your side for the adjustment

  • both use precise vectors to correct your atlas misalignment

Differences of Atlas Orthogonal and Grostic Technique:

  • Grostic adjustment is done by hand with a precise, low force, controlled touch

  • Atlas Orthogonal uses an instrument to deliver a percussion wave to reposition the atlas

Essentially, the Atlas Orthogonal Technique is an instrument version of the Grostic Technique. Both are extremely effective at correcting upper cervical subluxation to free up your nervous system, leading to better function of your body.

Do you have other questions about upper cervical specific care? Call 850.830.5544 or contact us using the form on our website. We look forward to helping you discover the benefits of upper cervical chiropractic care!

Breathing Issues and Chiropractic Care

The latest study published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research shows that subluxation-based chiropractic care can have an effect on the respiration system.

In this study, a person presented for care with chronic respiratory disease. After being under subluxation-based chiropractic care, they experienced:

  • improved breathing

  • reduced inhaler use

  • normalized nervous system markers

  • enhanced quality of life.

This may seem like a miracle to some, especially those dealing with respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies, or chronic respiratory system issues such as COPD or sleep apnea, but by reducing nervous system interference in the body through subluxation-based chiropractic care, the body is able to function better, which can include breathing better.

Source: Seppo, A. Improved Health Outcomes Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care in a Patient Suffering from Aspirin - Exacerbated Respiratory Disease: A Case Study & Review of the Literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume, 2025. Pages 63-70.

Can chiropractic help people who are not in pain?

Chiropractors know from experience that you don’t need to be in pain to benefit from chiropractic care. A paper published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research gathered nearly forty studies that documented objective changes in people who were described as asymptomatic, healthy, normal, or pain free.

Chiropractic adjustments for the correction of vertebral subluxation were associated with:

  • Increased range of motion

  • Improved muscle tone

  • Changes in heart rate variability

  • Measurable effects on immune markers and endocrine activity

  • Improved lung function and volume

  • Faster reaction time and changes in neurocognitive performance

Patients do not need to be in pain to be a candidate for spinal adjustments and care. Improved function can be objectively measured in asymptomatic individuals following chiropractic care. Here at The Chiropractic Clinic in Santa Rosa Beach, we only detect and correct vertebral subluxation. We are extremely specific and get amazing results. Experience better health and function today!

Source: Sean M. Hannon, BA, DC. Objective Physiologic Changes and Associated Health Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments in Asymptomatic Subjects. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, April 26, 2004.

The largest chiropractic research study ever published

by Dr. Miriam Mosley, CACCP

The largest chiropractic research study ever published on vertebral subluxation involved:

  • 2,818 patients

  • 156 offices across 4 countries

  • Up to 3+ years of continuous care

  • A 67-71% response rate, which is unusually high for survey research

  • A validated wellness instrument developed specifically for chiropractic populations

    What did this study report?

    Across every domain measured (physical state, mental/emotional state, stress evaluation, life enjoyment, combined wellness, and overall quality of life,) patients reported statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements.

  • 76% of patients improved on the combined wellness scale

  • Up to 82% improved with longer duration under care

  • Improvements started within 1-3 months but continued beyond 36 months

  • Patients continued to improve for as long as they remained under care, with no sign of a plateau

At The Chiropractic Clinic in Santa Rosa Beach, we have a specific, scientific way to check you for vertebral subluxation. Adjustments are gentle and designed to get you both feeling and functioning better. Experience better health in all areas of your life. Let us help you!

Source: Robert H.I. Blanks, Ph.D., Tonya L. Schuster, Ph.D., Marnie Dobson, B.A. A Retrospective Assessment of Network Care Using a Survey of Self-Rated Health, Wellness and Quality of Life. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Vol. 1, No. 4, 1997