FAQ

What is upper cervical chiropractic care?

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a specialized branch of chiropractic that focuses specifically on the alignment of the top two vertebrae in the spine, the atlas and the axis, which sit directly around the brainstem. Unlike traditional chiropractic care, upper cervical care uses precise digital imaging to measure misalignment down to fractions of a degree, and thermographic scanning to evaluate nervous system function, before making any correction. There is no twisting, bending, or rotating of the neck. Every correction is gentle, specific, and tailored to the individual’s unique anatomy. At Atlas Specific in Durango, CO, upper cervical care is the foundation of everything we do because when the top of the spine is properly aligned, the nervous system can communicate freely and the entire body has the opportunity to heal.

What conditions can upper cervical chiropractors treat?

Upper cervical chiropractic care at Atlas Specific addresses a wide range of conditions rooted in nervous system interference and spinal misalignment. People commonly seek care for chronic headaches and migraines, neck pain, upper and lower back pain, vertigo and dizziness, sciatica, numbness and tingling in the arms or legs, jaw pain and TMJ disorders, post-concussion symptoms, and chronic fatigue. We also work with pregnant women, newborns, and children. Because upper cervical care restores proper communication between the brain and the body through the nervous system, many people experience improvements in conditions they did not initially connect to their spine. Visit our Conditions We Treat page to learn more.

What is a Subluxation?

A subluxation occurs when the atlas or axis, the top two vertebrae in the neck, shift out of their proper position three-dimensionally. Because these bones sit directly around the brainstem, even a slight misalignment can create pressure and torsion on the brainstem and nervous system, interfering with the communication between the brain and the body. When that communication is disrupted, the body cannot function optimally and a wide range of symptoms can result throughout the entire spine and nervous system. The word subluxation comes from the Latin roots sub, meaning lack of, and lux, meaning light, a fitting description for what happens when the nervous system’s full expression is diminished.

What should I expect during my first visit to a chiropractor?

Your first visit at Atlas Specific typically takes about 45 minutes. We begin with a thorough one-on-one consultation to review your health history, understand your current challenges, and discuss your goals. From there we move into your examination, which includes range of motion testing, muscle strength and manual muscle testing, static and motion palpation, orthopedic and neurological testing, postural analysis, and thermographic scanning to evaluate nervous system function. We also take specific upper cervical x-rays during this visit. Your second visit is when we present your full report of findings, review your x-rays together in detail, and if appropriate, perform your first upper cervical correction.

Will the doctor adjust me on my first visit?

Due to the specific nature of the upper cervical correction, our doctors must analyze and precisely measure your x-rays before any adjustment can take place. This analysis takes approximately 30 minutes and is completed before your second visit. The atlas and axis surround the brainstem, which is a very delicate and vital area. There cannot be any guessing about how to adjust you, and everyone’s anatomy is unique. In rare circumstances, depending on the severity of a condition, we may bring someone back the same day for their first correction. Pregnant women and newborns are almost always worked on during their first visit.

What can I expect after my first chiropractic adjustment?

Everyone tends to react differently to the first adjustment. Some people feel a mild soreness initially, which is different from the pain they came in with. This is normal and reflects the nervous system recalibrating and activating different muscle fibers to hold the new alignment. We recommend drinking plenty of water, applying ice rather than heat if needed, and resting on the day of your adjustment. We typically wait a few days before your next check-in visit so we can evaluate how well the correction is holding and allow your body time to begin the healing process.

Does your office require X-rays? Why?

With the exception of young children, yes. Upper cervical x-rays are essential because the correction we make is specific to your anatomy and there is no standard adjustment that works for everyone. Our doctors take three specialized views to measure exactly how your atlas and axis have shifted three-dimensionally. This measurement determines the precise correction your spine requires. Without x-rays there would be guessing, and guessing is not acceptable when working with the area surrounding the brainstem. All x-rays are taken digitally, eliminating the use of film and chemicals, and you will receive a copy upon request at no additional cost.

How much will my first visit cost? What about going forward?

Your new patient exam and upper cervical specific x-rays are $250, spread across your first two visits. After your first correction on your second visit, our doctors will evaluate how your body responded and determine if this is the right technique and office for you. If it is, they will create a personalized care plan based on your specific needs and goals. The cost of ongoing care varies depending on the recommended plan. We accept CareCredit for those who prefer a financing option.

Does upper cervical chiropractic
care hurt?

Upper cervical chiropractic care at Atlas Specific is gentle and non-invasive. There is no twisting, bending, or rotating of the neck. The correction itself is very precise and fast, and some people are initially surprised by how subtle it feels. Most people comment afterward that it was much easier than they expected. Some mild soreness may occur in the days following the first correction as the nervous system recalibrates and the muscles begin adjusting to the new alignment, but this is temporary and a normal part of the healing process.

Is upper cervical chiropractic care safe?

Yes. Upper cervical chiropractic care is one of the gentlest and most precise forms of chiropractic care available. Because there is no twisting, bending, or rotating of the neck, the risks associated with traditional cervical manipulation do not apply. Our doctors use objective measurements from digital x-rays and thermographic scanning before making any correction, which means nothing is done by guesswork or general protocol. At Atlas Specific, Dr. Timothy Dugas and Dr. Danielle Donarski have completed extensive postdoctoral training specifically in upper cervical techniques, ensuring that every correction is calculated, specific, and appropriate for each individual.

Does Atlas Specific accept insurance What about Medicare?

Atlas Specific does not accept insurance directly, but we are happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. We do accept MedPay for car accident cases. Our office does not bill Medicare at this time. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to contact us with any questions about payment options.

Will the doctor adjust more than my cervical spine?

While our doctors specialize in upper cervical specific chiropractic care, they are also trained and certified in traditional full spine chiropractic. We always begin with the atlas and axis, and in most cases the upper cervical correction positively influences the entire spine. When necessary our doctors will address other areas of the spine, though this is less common given how effectively upper cervical care tends to restore overall spinal balance. If full spine care is what you primarily need, we are fully equipped to address that as well.

How is Atlas Specific chiropractic different from other chiropractors I've seen?

There are several meaningful differences at Atlas Specific. First, we use objective measures including thermographic scanning and precise x-ray analysis to determine whether you actually need a correction on any given visit rather than adjusting you every time by default. Our goal is to get your body holding its own alignment so that you need us less over time, not more. Second, we base our care decisions on brainstem and nervous system function rather than solely on the symptoms people describe. This means we use objective findings to guide care, addressing the root cause of interference rather than simply reacting to how someone feels on any given day. Third, our corrections involve no twisting, bending, or rotating of the neck. Everything is gentle, precise, and specific to your anatomy. Fourth, after every correction you rest in our zero gravity recliner room for 15 to 20 minutes, which allows the adjustment to integrate and hold properly. And fifth, your care plan is built entirely around you. No two people receive the same correction because no two people have the same misalignment.

How long does it take to see results with upper cervical chiropractic care at Atlas Specific?

Results vary from person to person depending on the nature and duration of their condition, their overall health, and how well their body holds the correction. Many people notice meaningful changes within the first month of care. After your first correction our doctors will have a clearer picture of how your body is responding and what length of care is likely needed. Our primary goal is to get you holding your upper cervical correction on your own as quickly as possible, because that is when the real healing process begins.

We measure progress objectively through scheduled progress exams, follow up thermographic scans, and comparative x-rays rather than relying solely on how you feel from visit to visit. Beyond spinal correction, our care can also address the deeper layers that contribute to overall health, including nutritional support and supplementation, foundational medicine, and neuroemotional factors that can keep the nervous system stuck in a stress response. True healing is rarely just one thing, and our goal is to support you at every level.

I’m pregnant, is it okay to see a chiropractor?

Absolutely! Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy is not only safe but highly beneficial. As the body changes throughout pregnancy, the pelvis and spine undergo significant shifts that can cause discomfort, affect posture, and potentially influence the baby’s positioning. Upper cervical and full spine chiropractic care helps maintain proper spinal and pelvic alignment throughout pregnancy, supporting a more comfortable experience for the mother and optimal space for the baby to develop.

For pregnant women we do not take x-rays. Instead our doctors use thermographic scanning and other objective examination measures to evaluate nervous system function and determine the appropriate upper cervical correction without the need for imaging. Our doctors at Atlas Specific have extensive experience working with pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy and use gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques throughout.

How does upper cervical care help with whiplash and auto accident injuries?

Upper cervical chiropractic care addresses one of the most common but frequently overlooked consequences of auto accidents, misalignment of the atlas and axis caused by the forces of impact. Even low speed collisions can subject the spine to significant trauma. What many people don’t realize is that a 5 mph fender bender can subject the body to forces equivalent to a 30 mph impact in terms of how the spine absorbs the trauma. Whiplash and upper cervical injuries from car accidents often go undetected by standard medical imaging but can cause lasting dysfunction in the nervous system. Upper cervical specific chiropractic care is highly effective for addressing these injuries and helping people recover and return to normal life. We recommend coming in for an assessment as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel fine initially. We also accept MedPay for all car accident cases.

How old does my child need to be before I take them to a chiropractor?

There is no minimum age. Birth itself is the first significant physical trauma a person experiences, and upper cervical misalignments can occur during the birthing process. At Atlas Specific we are passionate about working with newborns and children of all ages. Our techniques for young children are extremely gentle and adapted specifically for their developing bodies. Removing nervous system interference early gives children the best possible foundation for healthy growth and development. It is a passion of our doctors, and is always an honor to have the opportunity to work with your children. For more information on chiropractic care for children, please visit www.icpa4kids.org

How many doctors are in the office?

Atlas Specific has two doctors. Dr. Timothy Dugas and Dr. Danielle Donarski took over Atlas Specific in Durango in 2018, a practice originally founded in 2013. Both doctors specialize in upper cervical specific chiropractic care and together bring additional techniques and modalities that complement upper cervical care when needed. They work collaboratively with each other’s people when indicated, offering depth and comprehensive care to everyone who walks through the door. Together they offer a comprehensive, patient centered approach to care that draws on the strengths of both doctors. You can learn more about their backgrounds on our Meet the Doctors page.

Is Atlas Specific one of the only upper cervical chiropractic offices in the Four Corners region?

Atlas Specific is one of the very few chiropractic offices in the Four Corners region that specializes exclusively in upper cervical specific chiropractic care. While there are general chiropractic practices throughout the region, upper cervical specific care requires advanced postdoctoral training beyond standard chiropractic education and is offered by a small number of providers nationally. People travel to Atlas Specific from Durango, Farmington, Aztec, Pagosa Springs, Cortez, Bayfield, and surrounding Southwest Colorado and Northwest New Mexico communities specifically because this level of specialized care is not widely available in the area. If you have been searching for an upper cervical chiropractor near Durango or the Four Corners region, Atlas Specific is here to help.

Can upper cervical chiropractic care help with chronic headaches and migraines?

Yes. Chronic headaches and migraines are among the most common conditions we see at Atlas Specific, and upper cervical chiropractic care has helped many people find lasting relief after years of searching for answers. The atlas and axis sit directly around the brainstem, which plays a central role in regulating pain signals, blood flow to the brain, and nervous system function. When these bones misalign, even slightly, they can create interference that contributes to chronic headache patterns, migraines, neck tension, pressure behind the eyes, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Many people who come to Atlas Specific have already tried traditional chiropractic care, sometimes for years, without lasting relief. One of the things we hear most often from people with years of chiropractic experience is that they have never been adjusted the way we adjust them at Atlas Specific. For many chronic headache and migraine sufferers, this is the piece that was missing all along.

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I've been seeing Dr. Tim for 5 months for issues related to a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. I feel better both physically and mentally.

I went in for the improvement in strength and balance which I have experienced. What I didn't expect was the improvement in energy and positivity. I truly feel I have a strong base to build further healing on.

I could have never reached this point without the expertise and kindness of Dr. Tim and Mellissa. I'm excited to see where we go from here.

Amy S.

Upper Cervical Patient

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