Dr. Scott Bender, DC, Director of  Stamford’s Connecticut Spine and Health Center, has found his calling – and has dedicated his practice to relieving pain for those who suffer from fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions. He works exclusively with a little-known procedure called Atlas Orthogonal and has helped hundreds of patients restore their health and their quality of life.

So what is the Atlas Orthogonal (AO) procedure?

The Atlas Orthogonal procedure provides relief from pain and dysfunction due to misalignment of the Atlas vertebrae. The Atlas vertebra is a 3-ounce bone that holds up the weight of the head, which is 10-14 pounds. When the Atlas vertebra misaligns, it induces irritation to the spinal cord and nerve roots near the base of the head. Irritation to the nervous system causes imbalance to the biomechanics of the spine, arising in pain locally or throughout the entire body. The Atlas is also the gateway from the brain to the rest of the body. Misalignments of the Atlas can cause disruption of blood flow and cerebro-spinal fluid flow which cause a variety of symptoms. The AO procedure restores the alignment of the Atlas vertebra with a gentle, precise percussion treatment to the upper neck. AO doctors utilize a precise X-ray analysis, followed by instrument adjustment to correct Atlas misalignments.

How does Atlas Orthogonal differ from conventional medical treatments or other chiropractic techniques?

Conventional medicine relies primarily on the use of drugs to relieve pain, which does not necessarily address the root cause of the problem and therefore the problem (and pain) is likely to recur. Another of the most obvious differences is the gentle, painless way in which an Atlas Orthogonist works. No manipulation (twisting or cracking) is ever employed or needed. The Atlas Orthogonist's methods require such light touches to the affected area, that patients who may expect a forceful manipulation as part of their treatment find it hard to believe that anything effective has been accomplished. But, the procedure works!

Why did you decide to specialize in dealing with chronic pain conditions?

When I was in Chiropractic College, I suffered from chronic headaches and dizziness due to a automobile accident. After trying many treatments without results, I was referred for AO. My first AO doctor was Dr. Roy Sweat, the original developer of the AO procedure. After just a few Atlas corrections, my headaches improved, and I started to heal. I was so impressed with AO, I decided to dedicate myself to mastering the procedure so I could help others in the same predicament. I specialize in AO because I know that AO doctors provide a much needed service to the millions of patients who have sustained an Atlas misalignment. I feel it is my calling to relieve the suffering of others with the knowledge and results I have obtained in my practice and in my own personal experience, and my work is very rewarding. When a person is living in pain it affects every area of life. The joy and gratitude that a patient experiences when he or she is freed of pain, is a beautiful thing.

What conditions have you had the greatest success with?

AO helps so many conditions. I have had the greatest success with headaches of all types, fibromyalgia, neck pain, and TMJ. It is important that patients be screened for Atlas misalignments, particularly in instances of trauma (i.e. auto accidents, sports injuries). New research is looking into the role of Altas misaligment in concussion, and neurodegenerative diseases such as MS, and Parkinson’s disease.

What would you like chronic pain sufferers to know?

Chronic pain conditions are widely misdiagnosed or undetected.  Some facts:

• The Center for Disease Control reports over 3 million new whiplash cases, and 1.4 million traumatic brain injuries per year.
• The reported risk of missed (undetected) injuries to the cervical spine from trauma varies from 4 - 30%.
• 29% of patients with missed injuries on initial diagnostic evaluation develop permanent neurologic symptoms. Up to 14% of patients risk permanent disability.

If you find yourself suffering from a Chronic pain problem, have your neck checked for an Altlas misaligment - it could be the key to your health problem, and if so, it can be effectively treated, painlessly, non-invasively, and without drugs or side effects.

In 1997 Dr. Bender opened the first AO office in CT and 15 years later, Connecticut Spine and Health Center  (111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford) has become the busiest AO office in the Northeast. If you are suffering from chronic pain, especially from an injury, call Dr. Bender at 203.967.8888 for a free consultation to see if AO is right for you. Visit  CtSpineHealth.com for more information, or attend one of his free informational seminars (the next one will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. at his office.