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Chad Billiris, DC & Daniel Becker, DC, MEd
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ August 21, 2026 ~ Pages 18-24
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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a single Orthospinology atlas adjustment on cervical proprioception using a commonly used head relocation assessment.
Methods: The study included 72 randomly selected patients that presented to a chiropractic office seeking care for neck pain. Fifty-one patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group and 21 to the management group. All participants received two Joint Position Error (JPE) tests consisting of three consecutive tests of flexion, extension, and right and left rotation. The treatment group performed the JPE assessment prior to and immediately after their atlas adjustment. The control group performed the JPE assessment on their initial visit and again on their second visit before their adjustment was given.
Results: The results of the study showed a significant improvement in head relocation accuracy for the treatment group. Relocation accuracy improved 49.1% during flexion (t(50) = 7.32, P < 0.001, CI [-3.31, -2.06], 52.4% during extension (t(50) = 6.48, P <.001, 95% CI [-4.52, -2.38]), 42.3% during left rotation (t(50) = 5.63, P < .001, 95% CI [-3.07, -1.45] and 52.5% during left rotation (t(50) = 6.23, P < .001, 95% CI [-4/05. -2.07]). No significant improvements were noted in the control group (P < .05).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the use of an Orthospinology high velocity low amplitude atlas adjustment can significantly improve cervical proprioception and may be considered as a management of patients presenting with deficits in sensorimotor control of the cervical spine.
Keywords: chiropractic, proprioception, Atlas, vertebral subluxation, chiropractic adjustment, spinal manipulation, Orthospinology
