A Look at the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique with Anodyne’s Dr. Mark Pierce, DC, BCAO

One of the human body’s superstars, the spine is astounding in its complexity and intricacy—comprising 33 vertebrae, 31 pairs of nerves, 120 muscles, 100 joints, and 220 ligaments. It’s little wonder that even the slightest misalignment in the spine translates to significant disruptions in musculoskeletal and nervous 

system health. 

Among the specialized chiropractic techniques designed to support spinal health is the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique. This technique focuses on alignment of the atlas bone—the vertebra located at the top of the spine responsible for holding up the head. When the atlas bone is misaligned, it not only compromises blood supply to the brain but it also impairs the brain’s ability to seamlessly send messages throughout the nervous system. These disruptions result in a variety of symptoms and pain 

experienced throughout the body.

Atlas bone adjustments are made using an instrument known as the Atlas Orthogonal Percussion Instrument, which is programmed with specific corrective vectors and angle measurements determined during a cervical x-ray. A percussion is directed through the instrument’s tip into the upper neck—adjusting the atlas bone back into a more aligned position.

Worldwide there are less than 300 doctors who are board-certified in the highly specialized Atlas Orthogonal Technique. Today, we sit down with one of these accomplished experts: Anodyne’s very own Dr. Mark A. Pierce, DC, BCAO, who serves as Executive Director and Chiropractic Physician at Anodyne of Jacksonville, Florida. A fourth-generation chiropractor with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Pierce has served as the team chiropractor for several professional sports teams including the Jacksonville Bullets, Jacksonville Lizard Kings, Jacksonville Barracudas, Jacksonville Suns, and Jacksonville Cyclones. Currently, Dr. Pierce is the official team chiropractor for the Jacksonville Armada.

What aspects of the Atlas Orthogonal Technique set it apart from other chiropractic treatments and techniques?

Unlike most chiropractic techniques, Atlas Orthogonal is non-manipulative—meaning that we have the ability to treat patients as young as newborns all the way to 90-year-olds. There are a handful of delicate conditions that aren’t suitable for traditional, chiropractic manual manipulations that we have the ability to treat with Atlas Orthogonal because it uses a painless sound wave to align the spine.  

When did you first learn about the Atlas Orthogonal Technique, and what inspired you to include the technique as part of your chiropractic services?

As a fourth-generation chiropractor, I’ve been a patient of this technique now for 61 years. After I graduated chiropractic college, I joined my father, Dr. Burton A. Pierce Jr., for 10 years to train and learn under his direction. Now, after 33 years of practice, the Atlas Orthogonal Technique continues to be the foundation of our chiropractic services at Anodyne of Jacksonville.

What conditions or injuries are best treated with the Atlas Orthogonal Technique?

I’ve personally seen this technique improve more conditions than I can even count, but the ones that come to mind that have the most incredible results are headaches and migraines, sciatica, fibromyalgia, symptoms associated with neuropathy, whiplash and other auto injuries, and bulging and herniated discs. Another lesser known fact about Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic is that it’s safe and highly effective for osteoarthritic and arthritic conditions due to the gentle nature of the technique since it does not involve manual manipulation. 

What sorts of results have you seen in your Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic patients?

While practicing this technique for 33 years I’ve seen nothing short of miraculous results. I have had two patients restore their hearing after being clinically diagnosed with deafness. I have seen one patient’s vision restored promptly after the Atlas Orthogonal treatment. I also have seen numerous cases respond to Atlas Orthogonal when other treatment methods—including medical and chiropractic treatments—have failed.

What steps can we take to keep our spines happy and healthy?

The true value of the Atlas Orthogonal Technique is in maintaining proper balance and alignment of the entire spine. Our patients who have received the most improved results, and the longest-term results, are the patients who maintain this proper balance by being treated as maintenance patients. Along with proper nutrition, remaining active, and avoiding avoidable injuries always maintains a better outcome.

To learn more about the Atlas Orthogonal Technique as well as other chiropractic treatments offered by Anodyne Pain and Wellness Solutions clinics, visit https://anodynepain.com/.

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