Total Health Chiropractic - John Cannon, DC, BCAO
Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor in Portsmouth, NH
Atlas Orthogonal Technique
Atlas Orthogonal is a specialized chiropractic procedure focused on the alignment of the atlas, the first vertebra of the spine. Precise imaging and biomechanical analysis are used to determine the corrective vector for structural correction.
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Atlas Orthogonal evaluation is provided at our Portsmouth, New Hampshire office for patients throughout the Seacoast region and neighboring areas of Maine and Massachusetts.
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What is Atlas Orthogonal?
Atlas Orthogonal is a precise upper cervical procedure designed to restore structural balance to the atlas without twisting or forceful manipulation. The correction is based on detailed imaging analysis that determines the exact orientation of the atlas relative to the skull and cervical spine.
Because the spinal cord and brainstem pass through this region, structural alignment in the upper cervical spine plays an important role in how the head balances on the neck.
Why the Atlas Matters
The atlas (C1) supports the weight of the head while allowing a wide range of motion between the skull and cervical spine. Because of its unique position beneath the skull, small changes in atlas alignment can influence the mechanics of the cervical spine.
When the atlas shifts from its neutral position, compensatory changes may occur in surrounding muscles and spinal segments. Structural correction focuses on restoring balance so the spine can function with greater stability.
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How Atlas Orthogonal is Different
Atlas Orthogonal care is based on precise biomechanical measurements rather than generalized spinal manipulation. Digital imaging is used to determine the exact corrective vector required to restore atlas alignment.
Instead of twisting or high-velocity manipulation, a specialized instrument delivers a carefully calibrated mechanical impulse directed according to those measurements.
Because of this precision, only minimal force is required.
The Atlas Orthogonal Correction
The correction is performed with the patient lying comfortably on their side. A specialized instrument delivers a controlled mechanical impulse directed according to the measurements obtained from imaging analysis.
The force delivered is typically only a few pounds — comparable to firm fingertip pressure. Because the C1–C2 articulation moves with very low resistance, accurate vector placement allows structural change to occur without aggressive manipulation.
There is no twisting, cracking, or forceful rotation of the neck.
Imaging and Evaluation
Imaging is an essential part of the Atlas Orthogonal evaluation. Precise digital x-ray views allow the doctor to measure the position of the atlas relative to the skull and cervical spine.
These measurements determine the exact vector used for the correction. Imaging ensures that care is based on objective structural findings rather than estimation.
Founder – Dr. Roy W. Sweat
The Development of Atlas Orthogonal
​Dr. Roy W. Sweat (1927–2022) developed the Atlas Orthogonal method through decades of clinical work focused on the biomechanics of the upper cervical spine. After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1950, Dr. Sweat established his practice in the Atlanta, Georgia area where he practiced for more than seventy years.
In the 1970s Dr. Sweat worked with engineers and researchers to develop the Atlas Orthogonal instrument, designed to deliver a precise mechanical impulse to the atlas without twisting or high-velocity cervical manipulation. This work eventually led to the development of Chiropractic Atlas Orthogonality, a specialized upper cervical program that is taught as an elective at several chiropractic colleges and includes a board-certified credential.
Dr. Sweat authored several books and numerous articles on the biomechanics and clinical application of Atlas Orthogonal care. His work has also appeared in interdisciplinary publications, including Atlanta Medicine, the Journal of the Medical Association of Atlanta, in an issue addressing concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Cannon studied Atlas Orthogonal techniques influenced by Dr. Sweat’s work and continues to apply these principles of precise imaging, minimal force correction, and careful structural evaluation in clinical practice.
Founder – Dr. Roy W. Sweat
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Roy W. Sweat
Founder of Atlas Orthogonal
Dr. Sweat continued practicing in Atlanta into his nineties and remained actively involved in teaching Atlas Orthogonal methods until late in life.
Dr. Roy was a wise and brilliant man with a great sense of humor.
Dr. John Cannon with Dr. Roy Sweat
Goals of Atlas Orthogonal Care
The goal of Atlas Orthogonal care is structural stability, not frequent adjustments.
When the atlas maintains its corrected position, the spine often requires fewer visits than more generalized chiropractic approaches. The objective is to correct the structural problem and allow the body to maintain that correction over time.
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