Upper Cervical Specific X-Rays

Precision Imaging for the Most Accurate Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) Corrections

Upper cervical chiropractic is built on accuracy, science, and the ability to measure the exact misalignment of the atlas and axis. That level of precision is only possible through Upper Cervical Specific X-rays — a system developed, refined, and advanced for over a century.

At Atlas Specific Chiropractic, these X-rays are a non-negotiable part of your initial examination.
We never guess with your spine, and we never adjust without fully understanding your unique anatomy.

BJ Palmer & the Origin of Upper Cervical X-Ray Analysis

Upper cervical X-ray analysis began with BJ Palmer, who introduced X-ray technology to the chiropractic profession. BJ recognized that chiropractic needed a scientific, reproducible way to analyze spinal structure.

Historical Highlights:

-BJ Palmer pioneered the use of X-ray in chiropractic beginning in 1910.
-He established the first chiropractic X-ray department west of the Mississippi River — a milestone that revolutionized the profession.
-His work created the foundation for specific, measurable upper cervical analysis still used today.
-Modern upper cervical systems (including AHKC, Blair, NUCCA, Orthospinology, and Atlas Orthogonal) evolved from Palmer’s original research.

BJ’s legacy continues in offices like ours:
objective imaging, precision analysis, and corrections based on real measurements — not estimates.

Why Upper Cervical X-Rays Are Different

Unlike general chiropractic X-rays, upper cervical films:

-Are taken at custom angles
-Require precise head positioning
-Minimize distortion
-Are analyzed with millimeter and angular accuracy
-Reveal misalignments otherwise invisible on standard films

The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) are unique — they move differently, sit differently, and misalign differently than any other vertebrae.
That’s why we need X-rays specifically designed for this region.

At Atlas Specific Chiropractic, your images are measured to the 1/100th of a degree and 1/100th of a millimeter to determine:

-The direction of misalignment
-The degree of rotation
-The amount of tilt or wedging
-How the head sits on the neck
-Exactly how your correction must be delivered

‍Your adjustment is calculated, not guessed.

Our Three Upper Cervical Views

To fully understand the upper cervical spine, we take three specific X-ray views:

1. Lateral Cervical (Side View)
‍Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between the skull, atlas, and cervical spine from the side.

This film shows:
‍
-Atlas plane line
-Atlas position relative to the skull and hard palate
-Head tilt and posture
-Cervical curve and alignment
-Thoracic inlet and mechanical loading
-Pre-existing degenerative or traumatic changes

The lateral view gives us the global picture of how the head sits on the spine.

2. APOM (Anterior-to-Posterior Open Mouth)
‍Purpose: To see the atlas, axis, and dens (odontoid) from the front.

Through the open mouth, we can see:

-Atlas laterality (left or right shift)
-Axis rotation
-Congenital anomalies
-Joint symmetry
-Spinal listing patterns
-Upper cervical stability after trauma

This view is key for understanding the horizontal plane of the misalignment.

3. Base Posterior
‍Purpose: To see atlas rotation directly from above.

This is one of the most important views in upper cervical care. It helps us determine:

-Exact atlas rotation
-Condylar asymmetry
-How the skull is sitting on the atlas
-The angle required for correction
-Whether your misalignment is anterior or posterior

The BP view is the blueprint for your adjustment.
Without it, upper cervical corrections would rely on guesswork — and we do not guess.

Why Three Views Are Better Than One

‍Each film reveals different details about your misalignment.
Together, they create a 3D blueprint of your atlas and axis.

It’s like having:

-A top view
-A side view
-A front view
…of the most important part of your spine.

When combined, these views allow us to create the exact correction vector for your adjustment — individualized down to your anatomy.

No two atlases are identical. That’s why no two adjustments are identical.

What Happens After X-Rays?

Your doctor analyzes every measurement before performing your correction.
This ensures:

-Accuracy
-Repeatability
-Safety
-Faster results
-Longer-lasting corrections

Following your adjustment, we may recheck your X-rays later in care (if clinically necessary) to confirm structural change.

Why We Require Upper Cervical X-Rays
‍Our office does not adjust the upper cervical spine without these images.
Why?

Because upper cervical care is built on:

-Precision
-Anatomy
-Physics
-Neurology
-Measurable outcomes

Without X-rays, the risk of error is higher and the ability to predict results is lower.
We take your health seriously — and that means basing your care on objective data, not assumptions.

Experience Upper Cervical Specific X-Ray Analysis in Hiawatha, Iowa

At Atlas Specific Chiropractic, these X-rays are part of your initial consultation and examination.
Patients often tell us this is the first time anyone has ever:

-Explained their neck structure
-Measured their atlas
-Showed them how their misalignment affects their whole body
-Used imaging to calculate their exact adjustment

If you're looking for answers — and not just another “general adjustment” — this is the level of care you deserve.

📞 Call (319) 343-8540 or schedule your first visit today!