The atlas orthogonist (or thog' ah nist) is a doctor in the field of Chiropractic, with training in the structure, function and bio-mechanics of the upper cervical spine. The treatment focuses on the first vertebrae in the neck, at the brainstem, through which most of the nerve impulses connecting the brain with the rest of the body travel.

The neck has always been a focus area of chiropractic because proper balance and alignment of this area affects so much of the body. The treatments are gentler for patients and are made with a percussion type instrument which releases an energy wave to align the spine. This energy wave places the atlas in an orthogonal position, (which is a Greek word for level), with the patient feeling no discomfort. This profoundly effective technique requires postgraduate training. The atlas orthogonist methods employ such light touches to the affected area , that patients sometimes find it hard to believe that anything effective has been accomplished. Their doubts and fears disappear as quickly as their pain and discomfort. The atlas orthogonist works in a way which speeds and encourages the body’s own healing process. The doctor aids that process by gently adjusting the cervical vertebrae back toward normal alignment, thus helping the entire body.