Glossary

Atlas: the first vertebra of the neck/cervical regions of the spine.

Atlas Orthogonal: the atlas is a perfect vertical and horizontal alignment with the head and neck.

BCAO: Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist

Cervical Vertebra: the seven vertebra that make up the neck region of your spine.

Disc: the cartilage that is the “cushion” between vertebra. It is 75% water and filled with nerves, but it has very little blood supply.

Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.): A doctor that specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders caused by spinal subluxation/misalignments.

Herniated Disc (also protruded, bulging, or slipped disc): a condition where the nucleus of the disc becomes inflamed and contacts a spinal nerve and/or the spinal cord. Although it rarely requires surgery, it is the number one reason low back surgery is performed.

Orthogonal: the word ortho means right angles; ogonias means joints.

Subluxation: a misaligned vertebra causing spinal nerve and/or spinal cord irritation.